Warning: Our last —M— Chapter.

 

CHAPTER 223

 

— Phai, it’s been a month and you still don’t let me go out of the house –Alexander complained, lying at Hephaistion’s side on the bed. He had his own room decorated at his beloved’s liking because, since the blond couldn’t go out of the house, he couldn’t pick up his own furniture. But he didn’t care, what he really wanted was to explore the new world and, month confined here was ending with his patience.

 

That night, they had been talking for hours, their hands intertwined, both resting on their sides, just as they used to do so many years ago, since they were just boys of 13 years old. Nothing had changed.

 

— Eric promised to take me around the city and I truly want to see by myself all the things you have described me –his beloved laughed without noise. The Viking was like a kid with a new toy and, since he was the one who understood better this new world with all its technology, Alexander spent a lot of time with him, especially when Hephaistion was unable to answer his questions.

 

— You are like a child –the Tzimsce caressed the back of the blond’s hand with his thumb, talking in sleepy whispers— Let me think about it, and we’ll see if you are ready to go out.

 

— You can’t deny that I am adapting fast to this era, I even got use to these…wretch cloths –Alexander complained— And I know enough to pass unnoticed on a street. I have even been watching that thing…that…how is it call?

 

— What thing?

 

— The one you have in the living room, black, square, with images that move…

 

— You mean the T.V.?

 

— That one! –exclaimed the blond proudly— Can we go out tomorrow night?

 

Hephaistion sighed. Vampires didn’t sigh, they didn’t breath, but, since Alexander found this unnerving, his beloved was using all the abilities he had learned to fool mortals in the past 2,000 years and pretend he was alive. It was tiresome but, if this helped his lover to get use to the new Hephaistion, he would do it as long as it was necessary. 

 

— Fine. You win –Alexander smiled, pleased.  

 

They fell silent and, for a long moment, the only thing they did was stare at each other, enjoying something they both thought it was lost forever— I did just like Alex used to do, I defied the impossible and win –thought Hephaistion, still amazed that his lover was once again at his side. And the blond, for his part, watched him completely spellbound, admiring the ungodly beauty in front of him, his uneven eyes caressing him in silence. Yes, his beloved had always been gorgeous but now…now he was truly perfect. 

 

— Gods! You are even more beautiful –said Alexander absolutely lost in his dark gray eyes— You truly are a god, Phai.

 

— A demon, you mean –the Tzimisce half smiled.

 

— Why do you insist in that? –the blond scolded him— You are what I say you are, now shut up –Hephaistion smiled and this time, the smile also reached his eyes.

 

— You can’t imagine how I missed you –the Tzimisce whispered with an adoration and love that had done nothing but increase in all those years.

 

— I can –Alexander moved closer and kissed him, he kissed again and again those wonderful lips he thought death, those lips he thought would never feel again against his own— Those 8 months without you were like hell and I…I tried to move on but I couldn’t, how could I when my soul mate had died? –he caressed his beloved’s cheek, sliding his fingers over his lips.

 

— I am sorry –he whispered. 

 

— For what?

 

— I was with Bendis while you thought I was dead, maybe if I had escaped from her you…

 

— Shush –the blond caressed him, brushing his hair back— It was not your fault and what happened had to happened –he kissed him again, he couldn’t stop kissing him— What matters is… we are together again –he whispered against his lips— And this time forever.

 

— Forever –vowed Hephaistion, surrounding his waist, feeling once again his strong body against him.

 

— I will take care of you during the day and we can be together during the night –said Alexander and his words moved his beloved. Lucius had been right, far from being scared of him, far from condemning the creature he had became, here was his lover taking care of him. They truly were soul mates, they had defied time and death and were still together. Forever— Nothing would ever happen to you, I swear. 

 

— And I believed you, my King –Hephaistion kissed him slowly while his hands moved up and down his back. He had waited so long that this, each kiss, truly tasted like heaven and each moment was more important than all the riches in the world. He had everything, beauty, immortality, wealth, friends…but none of those were as precious to him as having Alexander once again in his arms. 

 

He let Alexander invade his mouth, surrendering himself to his lover and, when the blond caressed his fangs by mistake with his tongue, Hephaistion shuddered and moaned with force, with such sensuality that made the blond’s body tremble with unsatisfied desire.

 

— Mm…so…you like that? –asked the blond and the Tzimisce gave him an arrogant lazy smile.

 

— You have no idea –he kissed Alexander’s cheek, sliding his lips down. His whole body ached wanting to touch the blond more intimately, to feel him again inside, his skin against his own…but Hephaistion was afraid. He had shared his body with countless persons, men and women, Children of Kain, werewolves, ghouls and other beings that would have made Lucius raise his eyebrows in disbelief.  

 

Hephaistion knew not only how to inflict terrible pain, he also had learned to drive a person mad from overwhelming pleasure, to make someone addict to him, to his caresses, as if his body were a drug. But the Tzimisce didn’t want this for Alexander, he wanted to truly make love to him, as they used 2 millennia ago when he wasn’t such a skilful lover, when all that mattered was to share a piece of his soul with his only true love.

 

— What’s wrong? –whispered Alexander. His cheeks burned by the 2 cute red spots and his body aroused from head to toe. He was dying to feel that wonderful creature under him, to admire his naked perfection but…something wasn’t right, he could feel his beloved’s hesitation in every kiss— What are you afraid of? 

 

Hephaistion left another kiss in his cheek before lifting his head and face those uneven eyes, looking at him with infinite love but also full with concerned— How can I explain him? How can I make him understand that I don’t want to hurt him? –he slid his fingers over his lover’s lips.

 

— I don’t want to scare you –he pronounced those words from the bottom of his heart but the blond laughed as if he hadn’t heard any funnier in his life.

 

— Scared me? You’ll never be able to do such a thing –Alexander moved to rest on all four over Hephaistion, his impossible silky hair, like a fan of pure softness, over the pillows— You are me, Phai –he whispered— Nothing you do could be wrong…

 

Hephaistion smiled. Maybe Lucius was right and he was indeed a fool— A fool for doubting Alex’s love, for questioning if he would still love me after seeing what have I become…—Alexander was right. They were soul mates and they belong to each other no mattered what.

 

The Tzimisce lazily surrounded his lover’s neck with his arms and kissed him slowly, savoring his lips and spreading his legs, bending his knees up, pressing Alexander’s sides. The blond thought he would melt. He had dreamed so many times with this moment, with feeling Hephaistion’s body again— It’s a miracle –he tried to undo his cloths, eager to feel his skin and Hephaistion laughed against his lips when he saw the blond was losing the fight against the buttons and zippers. 

 

— Here, why don’t you let me…to help you with this? –he purred, making Alexander felt fire running through his body.

 

— I would have never thought it possible but…you are even hotter than you were –said the blond like a fool and his beloved rewarded him with a half arrogant smile that killed half of his neurons.

 

— You still haven’t seen anything, my love –Alexander was sure smoke must have been coming out of his ears.

 

Hephaistion let his lover to touch him, to explore his immortal body free of marks, scars, sunburns or moles, to slid his hands up and down his torso, his fingers running over his strong muscles; he let Alexander to do whatever he wanted, to cover him with kisses, to drag his lips over his chest and lick his nipples, moaning softly, almost musically. He could feel his fangs extended against his will, as it always happened to him when he was aroused.

 

Hephaistion didn’t close his eyes, he wanted to watch Alexander, to see his arousal, to admire his figure while covering him in caresses and kisses— He is mine, this time, without his army, without his kingdom, he is truly mine. 

 

— Dear Gods…Phai…—the blond whispered between kisses, leaving a wet path down, looking for his beloved’s manhood— Mm…Phai, you are…so beautiful and…your skin…—it was a sinful pleasure to touch him, his skin was impossibly soft and absolutely delicious.

 

Hephaistion moaned loudly when Alexander’ brushed his manhood but he didn’t let the blond to take him inside his mouth, he didn’t want this, not now. He took his lover by the arm and pulled him to kiss him again.

 

— No…please…Mmm —he panted against his lips— I want to feel you…Mmm…inside…please…

 

— But…I don’t want to…hurt you…—the Tzimisce would have laughed if he hadn’t been so aroused. Hurt him? To hurt him, to inflict him physical pain, it would require hours, lots of tools and a guy with a great deal of imagination.

 

— It’s all right…—Hephaistion surrounded his waist with his long legs and Alexander forgot what was he saying— I need this…please…to have you…inside….—and when he rocked his hips the blond was lost.

 

Alexander took him by the thighs, those wonderful thighs he loved so much, and thrust inside him. It was so easy that was scary, he slid inside his beloved fitting him perfectly, and feeling himself complete, once again, as it should have always be. Hephaistion arched completely, moaning with all his forces, rocking his hips to match his lover’s thrusts, not wanting that feeling to end.

 

It was a pleasure to see Alexander coming in and out of him, to feel him rubbing all his hot spots at every lunge. Hephaistion’s body burned and his soul felt at peace, not knowing where his body finished and his lover’s began.

 

— Alex…—each thrust sent the Tzimisce’s body’s back and forth, and Alexander’s panting and hard breathing became the most wonderful sound he had ever heard— Mmm…my love…

 

— Phai…

 

It took them a while to be fully satisfy, neither wanting to be apart for the other but, when the blond finally found his released, he fell over Hephaistion and his beloved embraced him with force, kissing his forehead— Mine, only mine –they rest at each other’s side in complete silence, enjoying the wonderful moment where the 2 of them were together in each other’s arms.

 

— Phai…maybe…this is not the time but –the blond spoke slowly— But I want to ask you something.

 

— Anything –answered Hephaistion, leaving a sweet kiss on his cheek.

 

— I want to know what happened with everyone after I died –those words left the Tzimisce speechless for a moment. He knew that sooner or later he would have to talk about this, but he was hoping it would be later than sooner.

 

— Alex, what you are asking is not easy to explain and…

 

— You don’t have to protect me –said the blond, holding his gaze— I know you are worried about me and I agree that everything is new and overwhelming but…—he made a pause— This is something I need to know. I can’t go on, start a new life with you in this era if I don’t know about my own past. Not knowing is driving me crazy.  

 

Alexander held Hephaistion’s gaze and his beloved nodded. He understood.

 

— Fine, but I have to warn you, it’s not a happy story…

 

XXX

 

— You died in June more than 2, 000 years ago –said Hephaistion, once again lying on his side, holding Alexander’s hand— I don’t know if you remember but all your friends and high officers were with you, surrounding your bed. Aki was there too, sobbing and crying and didn’t left your side for hours, spending the night with your body. Chrysaor told me about this and, I think, Aki did this to let himself to be a boy of 15 years old, vulnerable and scared, for one last time. He cried with all his forces but, when he came out from your room next morning, he was a completely different person. He was a King.

 

— I am sorry –said Alexander, his voice full with sadness and remorse— I should have never left Aki alone, you left him at my care and I ran away –his beloved kissed the back of his hand. 

 

— You did what you have to and Aki also had a destiny to fulfill –Hephaistion smiled, caressing the blond’s cheek— Are you sure you want to hear this? We can leave it for another time, perhaps…

 

— No. I am ready –Alexander’s insisted in that tone of voice that told his beloved it was impossible to make him change his mind.

 

— As you wish –Hephaistion took a moment to arrange his thoughts— Everybody thought Aki would be very easy to manipulate, having lost both his fathers, still very young, always sick, vulnerable…but they all were wrong. All this suffering made Achilles stronger and, the day after your death, he started to act before someone could question his claimed to the throne –he smiled, caressing Alexander’s hand with his thumb— I have to admit you did a great job assuring our boy had no problems to be crowned; the army was reunited, Aki called an Assembly before the rest of your officers could react, and, without problems, was named King.

 

— What about Roxanne? Don’t tell me she did nothing while our son was crowned? –Alexander wanted to know, fearing about what could that woman had done.

 

— Aki outsmarted her –said Hephaistion with a big smile full with pride— Roxanne’s child, which I am sure wasn’t yours but Perdikkas’ boy…

 

— Why Perdikkas? –the blond interrupted him, frowning. He didn’t like where was this going. 

 

— They began as friends and ended as lovers –his beloved explained— For what I heard, I am sure Roxanne’s boy was the son of Perdikkas, she truly fell in love with him, even if she always thought love was a weakness, and died precisely because of this.

 

— How did she die? –asked Alexander eagerly.

 

— Patience, Alex. We’ll get to that –said Hephaistion— Where was I? Ah! Yes. Aki was crowned King and the first thing he did, to avoid future conflicts or struggles for the throne, was to marry Sophia and your 3 wives –the blond opened his eyes in absolute astonishment.  

 

— I don’t believe you! But Aki was 15 years old –said Alexander.

 

— Oh, yes. Younger than all your wives –Hephaistion laughed— It was quite a scandal.

 

— And they all agree?

 

— No. Of course Roxanne refused and made quite a tantrum screaming he was the mother of your son and therefore your legitimate heir –his beloved continued— But her father forced her to accept. No mattered what she said, the Assembly had named Aki King and there was nothing she could do to change that. Roxanne was used to Persian protocol, to the Achaemenid dynasty, and was incapable of understanding why a mob of soldiers had more power decided who would be King than a blood bond. When her son was born Aki didn’t lose time adopting him, thinking it was yours, but didn’t name him his heir.

 

— In case Roxanne thought about killing him to put her son on the throne –Alexander guessed.

 

— Exactly!

 

— Clever –the blond agreed, smiling. He had always been proud of his son but now, now he was dying to embrace him and tell him he was also very wise— What then?

 

— I already told you how was that I stole your body so, Aki embalmed what he thought was your body and gave you all the honors of a god –Hephaistion explained— Custom dictated that he should burn you but Aki refused and ordered the construction of a temple in your name.

 

— What about my plans for a tomb for you? –the blond wanted to know.

 

— Aki made sure the tomb was built according to your wishes, no matter the cost –said Hephaistion and once again Alexander smiled.

 

— He is…was a good son –the blond’s voice trembled, remembering that, even if for him it had been like the blink of an eye, his son had more than 2 millennia dead. 

 

— The best –the Tzimisce agreed, clearing his throat. He didn’t want to cry again— As soon as word spread around about your death many revolts started, including in Greece, and Aki spent a lot of time pacifying what you have conquered. Aki let to lose several territories in India that were impossible to defend and…

 

— Why?! –exclaimed Alexander outraged. Time, blood and suffering had ensured him the conquest of India, he had almost died there, and Achilles let those territories to be lost? 

 

— Because Aki wasn’t thinking like a conqueror, my love –Hephaistion explained, guessing why was his lover so upset— He wanted to establish safe boundaries for such a big empire and, in order to do so, he forged alliances with satraps, governors and foreign Kings. India was too far away and was not easy to defend.

 

— But I did it! I conquered India and it was not impossible…

 

— Alex, I understand you but think –Hephaistion interrupted him— You were the only one keeping that empire together, only you struck such fear and respect among people and among your officers to control everything you have conquered. Aki was 15 when he was crowned King, he was alone, and he had to do what he could do keep what you have achieved with so much troubles. You never cared to put your affairs in order and, when Aki tried to do it, he was forced to renounce to many territories. 

 

Alexander wasn’t convinced.

 

— So, now is my fault that my son had to renounce to India.

 

— In a way, yes –his beloved answered— Alex, you were like a force of nature, you only conquered and never took the time to administrate what you have acquired –the blond grumbled.

 

— Fine. It was my fault –the blond sighed— What happened then?

 

— Aki governed for 4 years and it looked like he was going to be a Great King but…

 

— Wait. He governed for 4 years? Why? –but the look in his beloved’s eyes told him everything— He was assassinated.

 

— Yes…

 

XXX

 

The Macedonian army had the town surrounded but to try to take it by force wouldn’t be as easy as it may appear thanks to the great number of mercenaries inside. Every since Alexander commanded his satraps to disband his mercenary troops the soldiers of fortune had become a problem that did nothing but increased since Achilles became King. Many opposed the Macedonian invasion and thought that, with the Conqueror dead, it would be easy to revolt, after all the new King was just a boy.

 

A great number of mercenaries were employed and caused serious problems throughout the Empire. More than one thought Achilles would lose everything in less than a year, maybe 2, and, more than once Perdikkas tried to convince, or force, the new King to name him his regent…

 

— It will only be until you are older –said the hipparch to the 15 years old boy, shortly after his weddings— Understand this Aki, the men don’t respect you, your enemies don’t fear you but, if they knew I am in charge, then they would think it twice before revolting.

 

— You presume too much, hipparch –answered an Achilles Perdikkas didn’t know, an Achilles born from suffering and tears, no longer that boy who had wore his adopted father’s armor to scare the Mali— You are not my father. Only my father was able to scare his enemies with the sole mention of his name –he held Perdikkas’ gaze— I agree, I am young and I’ll need the help of each one of my father’s officers, but I am the King and I will govern my Empire as I think it best.

 

And he did just that. Little by little the now King of 19 years old had dealt with the revolts, the assassination plots and even the mercenaries, but this town was of the very few still offering resistance. Achilles had never liked the life of a soldier, contrary to Alexander, he preferred to administrate but he had demonstrated that he could command an army and never complain about hardships, cold, heat or hunger, and with that, he had earned the respect of his adopted father’s soldiers. 

 

— Are you sure you want to meet with them? –asked Seleucus. Achilles had left him in charge of the argyraspides and had named Perdikkas new hipparch of the hetairoi cavalry. Why? Because Perdikkas was one of the most respected men in the army, he had been a good friend of both his fathers, was a good officer and Achilles didn’t think he would be a threat as long as he was treated with all respect. He was wrong— We both know the mercs’ word is worth nothing, what can you possible accomplish in this meeting? 

 

Achilles didn’t answer. He stayed seated on Alexander’ chair, his eyes fixed at some point at the distance while his fingers played with Hephaistion’s seal ring, hanging from his neck. As King he used Alexander’s seal ring in his finger but always wore his father’s in a way to pay respect to his memory. He was waiting for Demetrius who had gone to the town to inform the mercenaries about the King’s wishes to hear them.

 

At 19 years old Achilles was as tall as his father had been but still very slender and fragile, he always had that epicene, almost feminine, beauty in him; but his men no longer thought he was weak, he had demonstrated them he was a worthy son of both his fathers. The King may not be the conqueror as his adopted father was nor the warrior his father had been but, he was intelligent and, in his own way, he was a good King.

 

— You don’t trust my judgment? –the King wasn’t angry he was just asking, it was very difficult to make Achilles angry but when he did it was truly a terrifying event.

 

— You know I do –answered Seleucus approaching him but Achilles didn’t let him to touch him.

 

They were still lovers and the King cared for his argyraspides as he was sure Alexander had cared for Hephaistion but, he was now the King and couldn’t let one of his officers be too familiar with him in public. Achilles was not a manly man like Alexander and, if the men knew how much the argyraspides meant to him, they would think him as weak as a woman.

 

— Then, let me deal with this in my own way –said Achilles. His cousin Amyntas arrived to inform him the commander of the mercenaries was coming and the King stood up, he had noticed people were intimidated by his height and he wanted to impress the commander.

 

Of all his family only Amyntas and Leonnatos remained with him. Nikandros, his family, cousin Demetrius, Lysanias and Berenike and her children had gone back home to Macedonia. Nikandros didn’t want to leave his nephew alone but Achilles knew how much he wanted to go with his mother and how tired were his family of wars and campaigns. Berenike was reluctant to leave Sophia behind, especially when she became pregnant but she too need to rest, threatening to come back as soon as she were sure their mother was fine.

 

There was just one thing Achilles refused to grant his family, he had followed Alexander’s wishes and didn’t let them take Hephaistion’s ashes to Antigone…Antigone, he had a 3 years old daughter with that name, his little Ann— And when I have a son, I will name him Hephaistion –he missed his family and longed to see Nanny again, it had been so long…maybe next year when he visited Pella. He needed to go back to Macedonia and spoke in person with Antipater and Krateros, the regents— Besides, the Macedonians don’t know me, and they had to know their King.

 

Demetrius and Chrysaor entered the royal tent with a tall man with thick black hair at their side. The King forced himself to not smile watching his friend. Antigonus’ son kept his word and was becoming one of his most trusted hetairoi, always helping him, ready to carry his orders no matter what they were. He was the first to get up and the last to sleep, always at his side and taking care of him…something that always pissed Seleucus off. 

 

Seleucus and Demetrius hated each other more and more, each day was worst, and the only thing that kept them from coming to blows was their love for Achilles— But soon I would have to do something about them or this could end really bad. 

 

— Aster son of Danaos, commander of the mercenaries –announced Demetrius with strong voice. At his 19 years old he was a handsome young man, strong and masculine as Achilles would never be, and attracting several eyes not only because of his good looks but also because he was a good commanding men.

 

— Commander, I believe you have something to tell me –said the King with all calm and detachment.

 

— That depends –answered Aster with all arrogance, crossing his strong arms over his chest— I came to talk to the King not to his catamite –Demetrius took his hand to the hilt of his sword but it was Seleucus who spoke first.

 

— If I were you, I would be more careful in how I address the King –the archihypaspistes warned him.   

 

Aster laughed.

 

— I fought against your father at Issus –said the commander, his eyes always on Achilles, challenging, mocking him— Alexander was a King but you, you are a boy…or a girl. I wouldn’t mind having you in my bed.

 

— That’s enough! –Demetrius drew his sword.

 

— Stop! –Achilles didn’t even have to raise his voice and his friend obeyed— Commander, I am informed you asked for a truce –he was so calm that it was almost unnerving and it was this calm what took Aster aback, successfully ending with his arrogant demeanor. 

 

— Yes. I want one to discuss about your terms of surrender with my men –the King nodded as if he were truly considering this.

 

— Very well –granted Achilles— You have until noon to talk to your men and then you can give me an answer.

 

XXX

 

— Are you out of your mind?! –exclaimed Perdikkas in front of the entire military staff— The mercs are surrounded and lost, they are just buying time until their reinforcements arrive, or I have to remind you that not far from here there is another town on arms? –the hipparch scolded Achilles as if he were a small boy instead of his King and that was successfully irritating Achilles, but he made an effort to stay calm.

 

— I know perfectly well what I am doing, hipparch –answered the King, holding his gaze— I don’t intent to lose time here, on the contrary –he turned to face the rest of his staff— We’ll set the town on fire while they are busy deliberating inside –he successfully impressed his officers— This will serve as a warning and I assure you the other town will surrender as soon as they heard what happened here.  

 

And it was done just as Achilles ordered. The army set the town on fire, taking advantage of its wooden walls, and didn’t let anyone escape. Just as he predicted the other town surrendered immediately and the revolt came to an end. But his problems with Perdikkas were far from over.

 

— You were right –said Seleucus, lying on bed at Achilles side, resting on his elbow while 2 of his fingers slid up and down his King’s naked back— Your little game with the mercs ended all opposition here. A little cruel but it worked.

 

Achilles didn’t answer, he kept staring at the wall, face down, his arms crossed under his head serving as a pillow. His pages had left a jar of wine near the bed and Seleucus was pouring himself another cup, completely ignorant of what was his lover thinking. Now that Achilles took a moment to look at his room he noticed that, between his servants and pages, they had decorated the place, everything was of their liking because he had no time to lose doing something as simple as to pick up his furniture.

 

It’s in moments like this that I miss Yarsa –he thought. The old eunuch had decided to stay in Babylon and Kyros had parted ways with Glycon when the latter got married, and decided to stay with Xsayarsa. The Theban was thinking to start a business, wine trade, just like his father had done and the King had no heart to force either of them to stay with him— Every one of us has to follow our own path.

 

— Selecus…do you think I am a good King? –the question, so out of place, took the archihypaspistes by surprise and needed a moment before answering.

 

— Why do you ask me that? –Seleucus left the cup at his side and moved closer, kissing Achilles naked shoulder— You know what I think, you are the best King I have ever seen. 

 

— You say that because you love me.

 

— Then, why do you ask me? –said the archihypaspistes amused, sliding his lips through his back before kissing his shoulder again, savoring his skin— You want a more impartial opinion, you should ask Eumenes.

 

— Eumenes…—Achilles sighed— He is no longer a problem, 4 years later I think he finally understood I am not going anywhere and, like it or not, I am his King. Of all of dad’s officers none has given me problems, Krateros has been truly loyal, fighting along Antipater to end the revolt in Greece…

 

— That’s because Krateros likes you –Seleucus pointed out. 

 

— Whatever the reason he is a good commander –the King continued— Ptolemy was a little difficult at first but…

 

— You are worried about Perdikkas –Seleucus guessed.

 

— Yes. Dad left Perdikkas in a very strong position –said Achilles— Since daddy’s death he became dad’s closest friend; he is by far the most influential of the high officers, and he is one of the somatophylakes. Since he expressed his desire to be my regent everybody agreed, there was no better man than him to be my regent and it was only after many pains, and thanks to your support, that I managed to govern by myself…but he is always scolding me, treating me like a child.

 

The King was a very calm young man but now the archihypaspistes could feel a very real anger burning inside him, anger and desperation not knowing what to do with Pedikkas— He needs me –Seleucus realized.  

 

— You shouldn’t have given him the hipparchy of your father –said Seleucus, talking about the hetairoi cavalry.

 

— As much as I dislike him, I need him…at least for now, until I am older and stronger –Achilles turned to look at Seleucus—I want to make of this Empire the most powerful force the world has ever seen. Both my fathers gave their lives for this, it was dad’s dream to conquer the Persian Empire, to achieve the impossible, and it is my dream to see that everything he built doesn’t disappear. If dad was like Cyrus the Great, then I will be like Darius the builder, and our names will live forever.

 

XXX

 

A/N: I based this story of Achilles burning the town in a story of Lucius Cornelius Sulla. According to Appian, Sulla did exactly this during the wars between Rome and its Italian allies.