CHAPTER 213

 

March

 

The royal palace at Susa was full of guests. Virtually everyone who mattered had come to witness what promise being the event of the era, with the sole exception of the Macedonian nobility, including Queen Olympias, Queen Cleopatra or the family of the grooms, everybody else was there. Berenike had insisted they should call their mother but Alexander was in such a hurry to end with this that it was impossible.

 

— Eni, understand that it will take months for mom to reach us and Alex is eager to finish with the weddings as soon as possible –Hephaistion tried to reason with her.

 

— But I don’t get it! Why the hurry? He no longer has to chase Darius and all the rebels are dead –Berenike insisted— You can always get married on June or July and mom would have time to come with Cadie, uncle Althaimenes, aunt Thailea and our cousins from Athens. Phai, it’s your wedding! Don’t you think the family should be together in an event like this?

 

— Nobody was here when Nick married Vashti.

 

— Yes, but he was marrying his kidnapped Persian concubine after he raped her and left her pregnant –his sister answered— You are marrying a Princess.

 

Glycon chose that moment to come with several papers and letters, leaving them on his desk, and left as quietly as he could.

 

— Eni, I understand you, and trust me, if it were my decision I would wait until summer. I miss mom too and I would love to have the whole family together again –Hephaistion took her hand and smiled— But it’s not my decision, I am not the King and Alex would not wait until summer just because his Chiliarch misses his mother.

 

— But that’s so unfair! –Berenike exclaimed, stamping her foot— He chose your bride and also chose when you are getting married. What’s next? Is he going to tell you also when to bed Drypetis?

 

— I’m going to tell you the same thing I told Lys –said her brother with all calm— You can’t treat Kings as you treat any other man. Alex has his reasons for doing this and I really don’t mind –Hephaistion kissed her cheek— There will be time to visit mom and for her to meet Drypetis.

 

XXX

 

— You gave Nick a horse! –exclaimed Hephaistion when Alexander came to his room. The Chiliarch had been answering letters and finishing his paper work when his brother came to boast about his birthday present. He was thinking to go and ask the King but the blond appeared before.

 

Alexander blinked, taken aback by such welcome. He was expecting something completely different.

 

— Yes, I did. It was his birthday –he explained, sitting on his beloved’s bed.

 

—  A horse with bridle and saddle inlaid in precious stones and gold thread –his beloved continued— Why? You have never give him a birthday present before.

 

— Phai, I am always giving presents to my friends and you know it –Alexander tried to defend himself.

 

— Let me ask this again, why are you giving presents to my brother NOW?

 

— Why are you so interested in knowing? Are you jealous?

 

— Why would I be jealous of…? –then, an idea struck him and Hephaistion suddenly understood everything, almost as if the sky had opened a ray of light were falling over him— Oh. 

 

— Oh, what?

 

— Oh, oh, oh –and the Chiliarch laughed for the King utterly confusion.

 

— Phai, you are scaring me.

 

— Ow! Alex, you are so cute –Hephaistion said almost sweetly, taking a seat at his side on the waterbed— You are giving my brother presents because he slept with us –and for the Chiliarch’s amusement Alexander blushed— So, tell me, what’s next? Are you going to start checking with whom he sleeps? That will be a challenge worth of a hero because he sleeps with a different woman every week if he can.

 

— Very funny –the King complained making his beloved laugh.

 

— Now, tell me I’m wrong and you didn’t give him a present because of that –Alexander said nothing, widening Hephaistion’s smile— Just be careful, if Nick discovers this he will use it in his advantage until you name him satrap or something.

 

— You really don’t mind? –asked the King with curiosity.

 

— What?

 

— You don’t feel jealous or something after I…we…I mean. You know! –Alexander was truly uncomfortable talking about that night when they three of them…He cleared his throat— You were pretty angry when I slept with Lys.

 

— Alex, I was angry at Lys and, besides, it’s not like you are bedding Nick –now it was Hephaistion’s turn to blush remembering that night— Lets talk about something else –he smiled and pushed Alexander playfully— Alex, give a massage.  

 

That made the King laugh.

 

— Don’t you have a slave for that?

 

— But I want one of your massages, please –the Chiliarch made a pout and that disarmed Alexander.

 

— All right. Take your cloths off.

 

— All of them? I don’t need to be naked for a massage –Hephaistion teased him.

 

— Oh, yes you need if it’s going to be one of my specials –answered the King making him laugh truly amused. And 5 minutes later the Chiliarch was naked, face down, with Alexander knelt astride over him, rubbing his back.

 

— Mmmm…you know? You should work giving massages —purred a very happy Hephaistion, resting his head on his crossed arms. It had been literally years since the last time he enjoyed one of his lover’s massages and now he was wondering why on earth hadn’t he asked before.

 

— Sure, you have no idea! The Great King giving massages to everybody –said Alexander with sarcasm, his hands moving up and down through his beloved’s muscular back, sliding with easiness thanks to the aromatic oil.

 

The Chiliarch laughed without noise.

 

— I never said to everybody, but you can always work for me. 

 

— And how are you going to pay me, master? –Alexander teased him.

 

— Gold?

 

— I have all the gold I would ever need –the King rubbed his back with his thumbs, making circles over the strong muscles.

 

— Mm…—an idea struck Hephaistion, making him smile with mischief— I can pay you with kisses –he said remembering Chrysaor.

 

— In that case, you have a deal –answered Alexander, bending to the front to kiss his head.

 

XXX

 

Berenike, as the wife of one of the King’s friends and the sister of his beloved Chiliarch, was treated in the palace like a true princess, something that, even if she did not want to admit aloud, had her fascinated and immensely happy. When she was a girl she had dreamed with marrying a prince, living in a palace, her wardrobe full with beautiful dresses and expensive jewels, servants ready to pamper her and a personal cook. And even if she did not marry a prince she was now living the life she always dreamed, now she had everything she could possible want, or dream.

 

Leonnatos was an important man and, even if he weren’t, her brother Hephaistion was the second most important man in the Empire and was just as eager to pamper her as her husband. Yes, Berenike was a truly a lucky woman but she couldn’t be completely happy…  

 

— You worry too much –said Thais, sitting at her friend’s side in the garden. Berenike could be a princess in all but name but she still like to embroider her family cloths and she like to do this in the garden, surrounded by flowers and hearing the relaxing singing of birds.

 

Lanike, Kleitos’ daughter, was now a beautiful girl of 5 years old, the living image of her father but with the same dark hair and gray eyes of her mother. She was playing near them with her cousins, Ayasha and Antigone. They were older than her but still enjoyed to have little Lanike around.

 

— Eni, your daughter will be Queen, do you have any idea of how many women would kill for that honor? –Thais insisted— I know what you think of Aki, Roxanne and royal families, and trust me, I understand you but, you have to trust your daughter. You can’t protect her always and you have to believe Sophi is capable of great things. I am her teacher and I know she is very smart.  

 

Berenike sighed.

 

— I guess you are right –she answered, keeping her eyes on her embroidery— I am exaggerating…Gods! You are right. I should be preparing my girl instead of crying and complaining.

 

— That’s a great idea –Thais nodded— For one she needs to learn the Persian protocol and it wouldn’t be a bad thing to teach her Persian.

 

— You have a point.

 

They fell silent for a moment, listening the girls laughing and screaming as only little girls could do.

 

— Eni, I have something to tell you –said the hetaira, suddenly serious. Berenike stopped embroidering and lifted her head to look at her.

 

— What is it? –she asked and her friend bit her lower lip, trying to find a way to say it.

 

— I am pregnant.

 

— What?! Thais! That’s wonderful! –Berenike embraced her with force, smiling and almost jumping when she remembered a tiny little detail— Oh dear Zeus! But Ptolemy is getting married in a matter of days.

 

The hetaira shrugged.

 

— I always knew this will happen one day –she said, a little sad but in peace with her situation— I never hoped he would marry me.

 

Berenike felt about to cry.

 

— What are you planning to do? If you want to stay with me…

 

— Thank you, Eni –Thais took her hand— I am fine, really. I have enough money saved and I am still planning to stay with my father for a while in Babylon.

 

— If you need anything, just ask.

 

— I know, thank you.

 

XXX

 

Hephaistion had been working until late, having to take care not only of his responsibilities as the sole commander of the hetairoi cavalry, which was now known as Hephaistion’s unit, but also, Alexander had left him in charge of finding suitable accommodations for all his guests. He yawned for the eleventh time in 5 minutes and was falling a sleep when Xsayarsa appeared.

 

— Peris! Oh, Peris we have to talk –said the eunuch, arriving without knocking and as if he were the master and Hephaistion his personal servant. The Chiliarch thought to reprehend him but, at end, he closed his mouth and shook his head. It would as pointless and to try to teach Nikandros to knock.

 

— What happened now?

 

— Peris you are marrying a Princess –said Xsayarsa excited, applauding and jumping— Finally! Maybe now you will learn some manners –the Chiliarch raised an eyebrow but said nothing— You need to learn the Persian protocol. I heard for a friend of mine that the King is planning a wedding in Persian style and we can’t have my patron looking bad, can we? So, we are beginning the lessons tomorrow. 

 

The eunuch was informing him not asking for his permission and Hephaistion sighed. Even if he did not like this he admitted Xsayarsa had a point, and the eunuch knew everything you needed to know about the Persian protocol.

 

— Fine. Tomorrow at noon then.

 

— Excelent! –Xsayarsa looked pleased— And now go to sleep, you need your beauty sleep or you will look horrendous.

 

And without another word he left, leaving Hephaistion alone with his thoughts and the mountain of work— What have I done? –he thought smiling and shaking his head. He returned his attention to the list in front of him and his dark gray eyes stopped on Eumenes’ name.

 

Oh, how he hated the royal secretary! Since his appointment as Chiliarch Eumenes had been giving him a hard time, more than before if that was possible, not to mention that he was also specially nasty around Achilles— He has been like this with me since I was a boy, would he ever change? –he knew the answer all too well. Hephaistion was going to write down the orders for Eumenes’s quarters and then, he stopped. What he was thinking was childish, to say the least, but, the sudden urge for revenge was stronger and, for the first time in his life, he let himself being irresponsible. He took a reed pen and, with a big malicious smile, put another name on the parchment.

 

XXX

 

— He did it on purpose! –Eumenes accused the Chiliarch, like a child making a tantrum in front of his parents, so angry that his face appeared to be turning purple— Hephaistion gave my quarters to Evius. A flute player! That’s no way to treat your royal secretary, I who have shared with you hardships, who have fought at your side for so many years! Or maybe Hephaistion wants us to change our arms and become flute players and tragedians in orders to be treated with more respect.   

 

— I am sure it was a mistake –said the King, trying with all his might to remain calm but having a hard time accomplishing it.

 

— It was not! –Eumenes raised his voice and Alexander saw him through narrowed eyes.

 

— I will talk to Hephaistion and see that you are properly…accommodated. Now, if you excuse me, I have other things to do –the tone of the King’s voice chilled the secretary’s blood. He remembered his burning tent and, after nodding, excused himself and retired.

 

XXX

 

— Phai, did you give Eumenes’ quarters to a flute player? –asked Alexander, arriving at his beloved’s study. He was sure it was all a mistake and was so sure that his beloved would apologize, absolutely embarrassed by this, that, he was stunned when he heard…

 

— Yes, I did –said Hephaistion so boldly that the King needed a moment to actually understand what had he said.

 

— What?! Why?

 

— Because I am tired of Eumenes, his insults, witty remarks, his glances and sneers. The guy is a douchebag and someone has to put him in his proper place –that was certainly the last thing Alexander was waiting to hear.

 

— Who are you and what have you done with my Phai?

 

— Your Phai got tired of Eumenes –said Hephaistion, lifting his head proudly— I can live knowing he hates me but he is going to far and I’m sick of hearing him complain about my son.

 

The King blinked, successfully taken aback.

 

— All right. I get that, and I understand –he said slowly— But what you did was childish.

 

— I know, but he deserves it –said the Chiliarch stubbornly— And excuse me but this was not nearly as childish as setting his tent on fire. 

 

That made Alexander laugh. His beloved got him there.

 

— You win, my love. Just see that Eumenes is properly accommodate and…let’s forget about this.

 

XXX

 

What can I tell you about my wedding? It was truly spectacular. 100 high Macedonian officers got married that day to women from the most important families of the Persian Empire. Everything was made according to the ancient Persian ceremony: “chairs were set for the bridegrooms in order of precedence, and when healths had been drunk the brides entered and sat down by their bridegrooms, who took them by the hand and kissed them. The King who was married just like the others were, and in the same place, was the first to perform the ceremony.”(1)

 

Krateros was married to Amastrine, daugther of Oxyathres (Darius’ brother) The poor woman…. Ptolemy to Artacama, daughter of Atabazus and Eumenes to Artonis also daughter of Artabazus. Nearchus to a daughter of Barsine and Mentor. I already mentioned Seleucus and Perdikkas also got married, along with many others whose names would mean nothing to you.

 

— I like you wife, Phai –said Berenike, looking astonishing during the wedding banquet. She could not attend to men’s celebration but, since this was a wedding, she was allowed to come with her beaming daughter who followed Achilles everywhere. Despite her initial rejection to the marriage between the 2 cousins Berenike had to admit Achilles treated her girl with all gallantry and respect and that her daughter looked so happy that appeared to shadow the sun— Drypetis is really sweet.

 

— I am glad you think that because I have a favor to ask for you –said Hephaistion, taking this opportunity to talk to his sister about something that had been bothering him for some time now.

 

— Yes, whatever you want.

 

— Eni you know I would never love Drypetis as she deserves –said the Chiliarch, erasing the smile on his sister’s face— But I want her to be happy and I will be most of the time away from her side. I want you to be her friend, please, take care of Drypetis.

 

Berenike’s lip trembled and she had to blink several times not to cry. Since she was very young she had know this would happen if her brother got married, she knew how strong was the love between Alexander and Hephaistion and knew that no one would be able to stand between them. Berenike had always pitied the women who marry them but now, at her 30 years old, she understood better and could not avoid feeling pity for that sweet Persian Princess.

 

— I will, don’t worry –Berenike took his hand, forcing herself to smile— Thais, Vashti and I will adopt her, she won’t be alone.

 

XXX

 

— Perdikkas, I still can’t believe it! You married! –exclaimed Leonnatos, laughing and patting his friend’s back.

 

— Yes, yes, I am married, big deal –answered the hipparch without emotion.

 

— What? You don’t like you wife? –asked Leonnatos.

 

— Not much –admitted Perdikkas, lowering his voice so nobody else could hear him— She is…not what I expected. 

 

Leonnatos turned, looking for the daughter of Atropates and now the official wife of his friend. It was nice girl of 16 years old, long dark hair and big honeyed eyes.

 

— She is not ugly, and is very young.

 

— Yes, but she is not my style –Perdikkas complained.

 

— What’s her name? –asked Leonnatos and the hipparch looked at him as if he had been asked to solve an mathematical equation.

 

— I…em--…er--…she is er--…it’s em--…

 

— You don’t know your wife’s name? –Leonnatos laughed.

 

— It’s a Persian name! You know how bad I am for them, they all sound the same –complained the hipparch making his friend laugh even more.

 

But Perdikkas wasn’t the only one unhappy with his wife and this did not pass unnoticed for Hephaistion who put especial attention to his companions. They all behaved impeccably, even Krateros for the Chiliarch’s complete astonishment (he was sure the commander did not even know how to eat with his mouth close let alone learn the Persian protocol). The fathers of the brides were all pleased, the brides not much, and the grooms…— They have written across their faces ‘I am doing this because the King ordered it.’ I just hope the poor girls won’t have to pay for this. 

 

But when he shared his thoughts and concerns with Nikandros…

 

— Phai, I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to break your innocent heart but, people usually don’t get married because they are in love –said his older brother in a feign sweet tone, as if talking to a small child or a retarded. The Chiliarch narrowed his eyes— Not all marriages are like mom and dad.

 

— I know, but still, I can’t avoid feeling something is not quite right here –Hephaistion insisted.

 

— You think that because of the troops’ ill mood –those words caught the Chiliarch’s attention.

 

— What do you know about that? –his brother shrugged.

 

— Not much. The same as everyone, I guess –said Nikandros, failing to grasp the importance or seriousness of the situation— The men are not happy but everybody is aware of it. And, I think, you are jumping at shadows here because of that. Maybe your friend Perdikkas or admiral Nearchos are not jumping happily with their new wives but only time would tell if this was or not a good idea, there is no point to be worrying now –his big brother slapped the back of his head— You think too much. 

 

That made Hephaistion smile.

 

— Maybe…which reminds me, where are Demetrios and Lys?

 

— Your cousin, the same as you, is in a gloomy mood, so he must be in some corner drinking himself to oblivion and Lys was with his friend Iolaos.

 

— What happened to Demetrios? Why is he in a gloomy mood? –Hephaistion frowned.

 

— The weddings and everything reminded him of his wife and he wants to go home –Nikandros explained and that made Hephaistion remember something else.

 

— And you? Are you still thinking to ask Alexander to let you go back? –the Chiliarch wasn’t sure he would like the answer but he had to ask.

 

Nikandros sighed and took a moment before answering.

 

— Yes, Phai. I wanted to tell you until this was over but since you ask –he left the cup on the nearest table— Demetrios and I want to go home and both of us think it will be wise to talk to Alexander once we reach Babylon –Hephaistion felt a knot in his throat. His big brother and his cousin were leaving him— Phai, I don’t want you to think I am abandoning you but…your place is here, your son is the Crown Prince, the King is your lover and now your wife is a Persian Princess –Nikandros took him by the shoulder and smiled— But I miss Pella and my family would be better there. Besides, someone has to take care of mom. 

 

Hephaistion forced himself to nod. This news was a blow to him but he admitted his brother and cousin were right.

 

— When we reach Babylon…I’ll talk to Alexander too, you won’t have problems to get to Pella –said the Chiliarch.

 

— Thank you.

 

XXX

 

During the 5 days of ceremonies Alexander gave money awards for several men for distinguish conduct on the field, or in recognition of a man’s reputation and good service. “A special decoration consisting of a gold crown was granted to certain officers for conspicuous bravery [to] Leonnatos, for saving the King’s life, for hard service in India, for his victory in Oria, for facing and defeating in battle, with the forces left under his command, the rebellious Oreitae and their neighbors, and his satisfactory settlement of affairs in general in Oria.”(2) Nearchos, Hephaistion and other officers were also awarded this gold crown and Hephaistion could see his sister beaming in pride looking at her husband treated like a hero.

 

XXX

 

Where am I? –Hephaistion asked himself. Again, he was again in the same dark room but, this time, he noticed something different. It was cold, very cold, the air was stale and the unmistakable smell of death filled his nostrils— What is this place?

 

For long I have been hiding,

And all the pain I hold within sends shivers down my spine.

For long I have been waiting,

For a reason to arise,

Was it all a waste of time?

(Stream of Passion, Deceiver)

 

The fickle light of several candles illuminated the place and Hephaistion could see he was no it in a room. It was a very ancient crypt—Why am I here? –he looked at the front and there was a man, sitting on a chair but his face…

 

Hephaistion woke up before being able to see the man’s face. He had no idea what did this dream mean but every passing night it was more and more recurrent— It’s not just a dream, I can feel it deep inside me, it’s…a warning but not like the ones from my other dreams –he took a hand to his forehead, watching the ceiling. He hated that dream, always the same, leaving him with a dreadful feeling, as if something terrible were about to happen. 

 

I am afraid of my own dreams –Hephaistion mused. He was afraid of falling asleep, of dreaming about that crypt, he wanted to see the man’s face but, at the same time, he feared what he would find— I am exaggerating. It’s just a dream –that was what he wanted to believed but, he knew he was wrong.

 

He turned and found Drypetis sleeping at his side. He smiled. She looked so peaceful, almost like a child who had no worries in the world— My wife –how strange that sound. He knew this would be no happy marriage for him as the one his parents had enjoyed but he would honor his word and make Drypetis as happy as he could— What does she dream? –and for a moment he felt envious of that serene face, breathing steadily.   

 

Sharing his bed with her had been very different than making love to Alexander. Of course it was different! But not entirely unpleasant, he was fond of her and had tried to be as gentle and sweet as he could— Drypetis was virgin unlike Cleopatra when I bedded her before her wedding –the day she conceived Achilles. Hephaistion was unsure if he wanted more children, he had his hands full with so many things and loved his son so much that he found himself wondering if he would be able to love another son or a daughter like that.

 

Now I am thinking too much –he reprehended himself, taking a seat and yawing— If I have more children I will love them all, I know.

 

XXX

 

Unfortunately there was no time for honeymoons or to even for me to start knowing my new wife. We still have many problems and urgent matters requiring our attention and day, after day, even if I tried always to at least have one meal with Drypetis, it was almost impossible. The whole affair of the possible mutiny had my complete attention and every day things complicated even more.  

 

— Heph, the situation is worst than you imagined –said Chrysaor one afternoon. Both hidden in Achilles’ bedroom while the Prince was out with Demetrius— It took me a while to gain the trust of the conspirators and still they don’t tell me much. They know I am the Prince’s guard and think I may open my mouth at the wrong moment and screw everything up. But, I have learned a few things. Do you know about the King’s decree?

 

Hephaistion nodded.

 

— About the debts? Yes –he answered.

 

What about the debts? Let me explain: Alexander knew the problems with the Macedonian veterans had reached an alarming point, and in an attempt to win their favor again, knowing that many of his men were deep in debt to traders, merchants, horse copers and brother keepers, asked for a list with the names of these men so he could pay their debts.

 

— Yes, the problem, Heph, is they no longer trust the King –answered Chrysaor— Many men are unhappy but thanks to dekadarcha Aster and Eetion and dekasteros Mydon, things are getting out of control. They were the ones who began to circulate the rumor that the King is looking to punish them and that’s why he wants a list with names.

 

Oh this is really bad –thought the Chiliarch.

 

— I will talk to Alexander, you keep an eye on these men –he said and was going to leave when Chrysaor took him by the arm.

 

— Heph…I was thinking, I have discovered a lot, I even know the names of some of the conspirators so, maybe you can give me part of my reward –those words made Hephaistion smiled with mischief.

 

— Not until the job is done and, if I were you, I will get hurry.

 

XXX

 

— The men are out of their minds! –exclaimed Alexander while he and Hephaistion were checking the list of debtors— I can’t believe it! The men actually think this is a trick so I can find who has overspent his pay –he was furious and the poor desk paid for it when he hit it hard with his fist— I had to go in person and remind that ungrateful bunch of bastards that a King always spoke the true and they have no right to think otherwise.

 

Hephaistion saw the list where very few names could be found and left it aside— It’s just as Chrys said.

 

— How much it will cost you to pay your men’s debts?

 

— I don’t know but Aki helped me with an estimation, around 20, 000 talents –answered Alexander. 

 

— That’s a lot of money.

 

— Yes but now with Harpalos gone I have again access to the treasury –the King explained— Money is not the problem any more. 

 

For now –thought Hephaistion but said nothing. He had come with the idea of telling Alexander about the conspiracy and the mutiny but, again, he decided to keep silent. The King was too angry and the rumors would only serve to anger him even more and the last thing the Chiliarch wanted were more problems. He decided to change the subject.

 

— Alex, what are you going to do with the mercs? –asked Hephaistion.

 

The mercenaries had become a very serious problem, another one, since Alexander ordered his satraps to disband them. They had a great number of men underarms and unemployed wandering around the empire with no other means to subsist than steal. The most complicated part was that almost all of the mercenaries were Greeks but Greek cities had a policy that, any man who swore alliance to the Persians became instantly a traitor to Greece so, the mercenaries could not just pack their things and go back home.

 

Alexander sighed and, suddenly, Hephaistion thought he looked old, older than he was, and tired. He never thought to live to see this. 

 

— I tried to recruit as many mercs as I could but I can’t take them all –said the King, overwhelmed by the problems— I think the only solution is to force the Greeks to receive them back. If they refused I will give Antipater instruction to persuade them –the way in which he pronounced “persuade” spoke volumes of what he was thinking.  

 

— That can be dangerous too, you will send to Greece men highly train and well armed –his beloved warned him— What if they raise in arms against you?

 

— I know but –Alexander rubbed his eyes— I can’t find any other way out.

 

The Chiliarch nodded.

 

— All the mercs would be going back home?

 

— No, not all –said Alexander— The ones charged with sacrilege, murder or the Thebans would have to stay. We’ll see what to do with them.

 

XXX

(1) Arrian. The Campaigns of Alexander, p 354

(2) Arrian. The Campaigns of Alexander, p 355

A/N: I want to take this opportunity to explain something about Seleucus. At Susa he was married to a Persian noble named Apama. Now, before they got married, this Apama had been Seleucus’ mistress for years, he took her with him to India and there she gave birth to his son and heir Antiochus (who later became King). For obvious reasons I did not write that but, I thought you should know.