M chapter

CHAPTER 92

 

This time the spoils weren’t as magnificent as they were after the battle of Issus; Tyre was a rich city, but it had suffered greatly after 6 months of siege; still the celebration banquet that took place that night, was even more cheerful than the one after Issus, because after 6 months they had finally captured the city that had defeated Nebuchadnezzar after the Babylonian King had besieged it for 13 years.

 

The Great King’s cooks, who were now under Alexander’s orders, delighted his guests with a magnificent dinner, and all thanks to the reserves of food and spices they had captured at the city. This was a banquet where all the delicacies of the Persian cuisine could be found and the guests ate as if the world were ending that night.

 

As always, Hephaistion shared the King’s couch, and blushed when he sat down, feeling a little uncomfortable. Xsayarsa had told him that, some eunuchs who had intercourse with their patrons, used to prepare themselves when they knew their patrons were coming to see them, in order to save time. And the General had just done that with an oil he had bought time ago…now he kept asking himself, why on earth he had done that?

 

Or maybe I did something wrong –he thought.

 

- What took you so long? –asked the King.

 

- Sorry, I met Abdalonymus on my way here –said Hephaistion—He is still very grateful with me for choosing him as King of Sidon.

 

- Just grateful? –asked Alexander and his beloved shook his head.

 

- If you are trying to say that Abdalonymus has a crushed on me, you have serious problems –the General was amused. The King’s chronic jealousy never ceased to amaze him.

 

Alexander mumbled something that Hephaistion didn’t understand, and took a piece of meat from his plate

 

- How is Nick? –asked Alexander changing the subject.

 

- Better, he has a deep cut on his left thigh, he needs to rest but the doctor said he would be fine in a week –his beloved explained, lying on the couch…but that didn’t make him feel more comfortable and he blushed even more. 

 

The King frowned.

 

- Are you fine?

 

- Yes, why do you ask? –Hephaistion took the cup of wine that one servant offered to him.

 

- For nothing, you just look…never mind –said Alexander, he cleaned his fingers with a napkin—Tomorrow I’m planning to make my sacrifice at Herakles’ Temple in Tyre.

 

- The famous Temple that started all this –said Hephaistion taking a plate with ostrich meat. When they had arrived to Tyre, and the first Tyrian envoys came with golden crowns to receive Alexander, the King had asked for permission to make a sacrifice inside the city and the Tyrians had refused. After that Alexander had decided to besiege them. 

 

- No Phai, they started this –said Alexander—Besides, you know as well as I that we had to take Tyre to secure our rearguard.

 

- I know, sire –he mocked him, and the King saw him through narrowed eyes. Hephaistion took a piece of ostrich asking himself, how could he have lived so many years without this heavenly food?—Perdikkas told me you are planning to celebrate public games.

 

- The army needs to rest, and the games would cheer the men up –said the King, his beloved’s chiton rose slightly exposing the creamy skin of thighs, and before Alexander noticed, his eyes were following the length of his General’s legs, making him smile.

 

- And, what would cheer you up, my King? –Hephaistion purred the words and Alexander’s body reacted immediately, he could feel a soft warmth from the waist down.

 

- You know perfectly…

 

- Alexander –Ptolemy interrupted him—The Kings of Sidon, Byblus and Aradus want to talk to you.

 

The King cursed silently. Since the 3 Kings had aided him in his fight against Tyre, they had been invited as guests of honor to the celebration banquet, he had already greeted them but, even if the tried really hard to find an excuse to stay with his beloved, he knew he had no other choice but to do his duty first.

 

- I’m going to see Nick –said Hephaistion, making things easier for him—We’ll have time for us later.

 

The General stood up and the King nodded.

 

- Let’s go with the Kings –said Alexander to Ptolemy.

 

Hephaistion went to where his brother was drinking and laughing with his friends, telling the story of how he had climbed Tyre’s walls and suffered his terrible wound, making everything sound as if he were the greatest hero since Achilles and his sole action had assured the army’s victory.

 

- I see you are feeling better –said Hephaistion, taking a seat at his brother’s side.

 

- I told you this was nothing –said Nikandros extremely happy and also a little drunk. His thigh was bandaged, but now that he had bathed and changed he looked much better.

 

- What did Krateros say when he knew the twins were yours? –asked the General, he wanted to hear the details of the defeat of his enemy.

 

Nikandros smiled amused.

 

- Oh! He was furious. He said that he had lead a taxei inside Tyre and insisted that it was thanks to him that the mole construction was complete, because he had being left in charge while the King was in Carthage –he explained—He also said that the King favored me because I’m your brother.

 

- That doesn’t surprise me –Hephaistion rested his chin on his hand—And Alexander?

 

- He was angry, you know how he hates when people question his orders –said Nikandros.

 

The General took his brother’s cup and emptied it in one gulp, before asking for another. Nikandros turned and saw Alexander leaving the Kings to return to his own couch followed by a very excited Nearchos.

 

- Phai, are you in the mood to play a joke to the King? –asked his older brother; in those moments he felt he could conquered Persia alone.

 

Hephaistion smiled, an evil grin.

 

- What do you have in mind? –he asked, more than willing for a mischief.

 

- Is he really jealous? –asked his tipsy brother, moving his arm around the General’s shoulders.

 

- Is the sky really blue? –the General mocked him, making him laugh.

 

- Aaaaaall right…I get it –Nikandros moved closer and whispered something in his ear. Now, it was Hephaistion’s turned to laugh.

 

- Seriously? –he asked with malevolent interest.

 

- So? What do you say? –as an answered Hephaistion’s smile widened.

 

XXX

 

- I still think that you should keep the fleet in case… —but Nearchos’ words were interrupted by a great uproar followed by shouts and whistles.

 

The first thing Alexander thought was that a clever one had convinced 2 girls of kissing each other, judging by the shouts that made him feel as if he were in the middle of a wolves’ pack, but as soon as he turned, his eyes became twice their size watching Hephaistion lying on a coach with his brother on him…kissing his neck? His beloved pressed his knees at Nikandros’ sides with his head back to give his brother room, and he was moaning so loudly that, if somebody had not been so impressed, he or she would have noticed that it was exaggerated.

 

Nearchos started giggling like a teenage girl, Krateros stared at the brothers with his mouth opened, the giant cup of wine in his hand was watering; Philotas had dropped his food on his lap, Ptolemy had a laugh attack and Thais at his side had both hands on her blushed face; Leonnatos looked like an owl with his eyes completely round, Kleitos was whistling and howling louder than the rest and Perdikkas was shouting to Nikandros what he should do to Hephaistion. 

 

Alexander was immobile, it was as if a wizard had cast a Petrificus Totalus spell on him and he couldn’t do anything else than stay where he was staring at both brothers. He tried to swallow but found himself incapable of doing it. Nikandros and Hephaistion weren’t as similar as Hephaistion and Lysanias, but still they were alike, whoever looked at them, especially now that the General was 24, could tell immediately that they were brothers, and that made that scene in front of his uneven eyes even more sinfully attractive. 

 

At some point, Hephaistion turned his head and his eyes found Alexander’s, he smiled when he saw those 2 cute red spots burning his cheeks, and licked his lips. This was his small punishment after seeing the King with Hektor.

 

- Nick, kiss him! –someone shouted among the inebriated public, and soon more voices joined him to support the motion. 

 

- What do you say? –asked Nikandros in a whispered, near his brother’s ear.

 

Hephaistion turned to see him and they moved closer. Alexander held his breath seeing how his beloved’s lips were inches from his brother’s; a part of him, his jealous part, wanted to stand up and call his guards, dramatically shouting: “Off with Nick’s head” like the Queen of the Hearts; but his morbid part wanted to watch. 

 

Just when everybody thought they were going to kiss, the General and his brother started to laugh. That was too much for them, and not even Nikandros with all his perversities would kiss his own brother. 

 

XXX

 

- That wasn’t funny –the King complained, once they were again sitting on the same couch. Hephaistion couldn’t stop laughing.

 

- Maybe, but you was painfully aroused –Alexander tried to maintain his dignity but the red spots on his cheeks betrayed him.

 

- Tell me something –said the King—Were you truly willing to kiss your brother?

 

The General took a sip from his cup of wine before answering that.

 

- Why do you want to know? –he asked.

 

- Curiosity –Hephaistion watched him for a moment.

 

- You wanted me to kiss Nick, didn’t you? –when Alexander didn’t answer he laughed—You perverted bastard!

 

- What? I didn’t say yes –the King tried to defend himself.

 

- Yeah, sure –the General took another sip of wine, and licked his lips before speaking again—By the way I saw you with Hektor in your study.

 

Alexander kept silent for a moment.

 

- What did you saw?

 

- I saw him giving you a massage that was turning you on –Hephaistion explained with simplicity.

 

- I stopped him, I had a headache and…

 

The General put a finger over his lips.

 

- You don’t have to explain, I saw you stopping him and, honestly, I’m not jealous –he said smiling—I was…amused and surprise to see Hektor being so bold. 

 

Alexander sighed feeling much better.

 

- I was also surprise, I’ll be more careful with him from now on, I don’t want him to have the wrong idea that I want to sleep with him –he explained.

 

Hephaistion sighed and brushed his hair back.

 

- Do you have to stay here?

 

- No, why do you ask?

 

They went to the King’s bedroom kissing each other all the way, two times Alexander tripped over the carpet, which made Hephaistion laugh briefly before they continue kissing as if their lives depended on it. Alexander stroked Hephaistion’s cheeks and took his fingers through his bronze-gold hair, melting under the pleasant sensations that his beloved kisses caused him.

 

The General placed soft kisses on his swollen lips on his way to his cheek. He stroked his face gently with his fingers and nose, and soon found himself lost, outlining the features of the beautiful face of the King, exploring the curves and hollows, kissing his eyelids before returning to his lips.

 

Alexander moved his hands down through his beloved’s neck, he caressed his chest over the fabric of his chiton and stopped on his hips while Hephaistion sucked the skin of his jaw, inhaling the delicious smell of his body and whispered against his skin.

 

- You know, we should hurry and get to your room –the King smiled.

 

- I don’t think I can wait that long –Alexander pressed his hips against him and Hephaistion laughed; he moved away, confusing his King.

 

- Tell me something –purred the General holding his gaze while he unleashed his clothes at the shoulder—Do you like me? –the fabric slid slowly, like the silent caress of a lover leaving his shoulder exposed.

 

The King shuddered, he had never desired anyone like that, Hephaistion had the ability to get deep inside of him to awaken his deepest desires. Alexander took his hands to his General’s chest, rubbing the palms of his hands over his nipples, enjoying his terse skin before, teasing him with his fingers before taking his chest with both hands. Hephaistion kissed his cheek, slid his lips and grabbed the bulb of his ear between his teeth, moaning softly letting his King to do as he pleased with him. Alexander closed his eyes, feeling the bulb been licked and sucked slowly, his beloved's cheek against his own making every inch of his body to burn in desire.

 

- Sire…What do you want me to do? –the General’s question almost melted him, and he watched him as a teenage boy who found his favorite actress naked in his bedroom—What do you like my King? –Hephaistion insisted, leaning his body against Alexander. 

 

- I…don’t know; just do something, anything –the King was at his General’s mercy, watching him through narrowed eyes, rapt, eager, expectant.

 

Hephaistion caressed his lips with his own, and outlined them with his thumb feeling Alexander’s hands venturing under his chiton. The General moaned a little louder when he felt his King’s fingers inside him; he kissed Alexander’s neck, licking and nipping the tender skin hearing how the blond moaned.  

 

- Phai…–Alexander said with drowned voice, feeling an intense heat between his legs.

 

- Tell me.

 

- Touch me.

 

- Where? –asked Hephaistion, taking his hands under the King’s clothes—Here? –he slid his fingers over his thighs—Or here? –he took his hand between his legs hearing Alexander moaned loudly.

 

The King couldn’t take it anymore; he pulled the General to leave him with his back against the wall, and took his beloved by the hips to lift him. Hephaistion embraced Alexander while the King moved inside him, and he closed his eyes, tensing his muscles.

 

They were in the middle of the deserted hallway, but they didn’t care. Hephaistion panted heavily, and, at each thrust, he felt his legs trembling so much that he truly feared he would fall at any moment. He embraced his King with force, trying to find support, letting his body surrender entirely to his demands and his savage thrusts, feeling that he could die under the wave of those powerful sensations that ignited his senses. If he had had any doubt that his King was aroused that night, now all it was all clear…and maybe Xsayarsa’s advices weren’t that bad.  

 

By the time both of them were satiated, Hephaistion’s legs shook so badly that Alexander had to take him by the waist.

 

- You know…someone could have seen us here…—said the General without breath.

 

The King kissed his forehead, the locks of his beloved’s hair damp.

 

- In this moment…I truly don’t care… —Hephaistion smiled.

 

- You will have to help me here, because I don’t think….—he took a deep breath— I’ll be able to walk to your room.

 

- I can’t believe that my best warrior is tired after this –Alexander teased him, helping him to walk. 

 

- You are not a common “enemy” sire –the King laughed.

 

XXX

 

Next day Alexander led the funeral rites for his dead. This time, Achilles was at his side, as the Crown Prince the King wanted him there, to get used to the army and also to learn the price to pay for victory.

 

- Every soldier is a man with family and friends –said Alexander to his little Prince—As their commander it is my duty to assure not only victory, but their safety. Keep that in mind when the day comes for you to lead men into battle. If the men know that you care for them, they would fight for you like demons.

 

- Yes, dad –said Achilles soberly.

 

After the funerals, the King headed to the city in ruins to make his sacrifice in Herakles’ Temple. The whole army was present, every man dressed in his best armor, even the fleet was posted around the city in battle formation to make a spending naval review.

 

I bet this is the bloodiest and most expensive sacrifice that Herakles has ever received –thought Hephaistion, watching the debris around him and the pools of blood on the ground.

 

The General didn’t like the idea of having his son there, specially knowing that not far from there were 2 thousand men hanging on crosses. He could hear their moans and cries every now and then, carried by the wind and it chilled his blood.

 

No rain can wash away those bloody tears

as sweet sounds of destruction reach my ears

red lips like roses call my name

a ginger sunset is my caress

(Xandria, Ginger)

 

But Aki has to be at the King’s side –thought the General.

 

Two thousand crosses weren’t as impressive as the 5 thousand that Marcus Licinius Crasus ordered to put on the Appian Way when he crucified the survivors of Spartacus’ army, but believe, it was a sight of nightmare that made many Phoenician soldiers to vomit. 

 

Alexander took that opportunity to introduce Achilles to the Kings of Sidon, Byblus and Aradus as his son and heir, and the King of Byblus didn’t lose time to let him know that he had a daughter of Achilles’ age. Hephaistion and Nikandros were nearby, sitting on a fallen pillar watching the group without being able to hear their conversation.

 

- Your son needs a brother –said Nikandros, watching Achilles at Alexander’s side, the small version of the young King—He looks very lonely. Do you remember when you were that age?

 

- How can I forget? You put me in a box and left me alone at one side of the road leading to Pella –Hephaistion reminded him, making his brother laughed.

 

- I was playing with you, and that was your fault too –said Nikandros—You were very naïve, I told you to stay inside very still and that if you made a noise you would lose the game, and you believe me!

 

- I was 5, Nick…and I can’t see why is this so funny –said the General very serious, sitting at his side.

 

- If this is of any consolation, mom was furious –said his older brother—I have never again see her that furious. She can be very scary, you know.

 

Hephaistion fell silent; watching his son listening with all his attention to what was Alexander saying to the Kings.

 

- Aki doesn’t need a brother, Nick –he said after a while.

 

- Oh, come on! You don’t like having a big brother? –asked Nikandros with feigned sadness.

 

Hephaistion punched his shoulder playfully.

 

- Of course I like having a big brother…sometimes.

 

- You ungrateful bastard, after all I have done for you –the General looked at him surprised.

 

- All you have done for me? What have you done for me? You are always asking me for favors and money –said Hephaistion.

 

- I give you first class advices –said Nikandros in his defense, making his brother laugh—But seriously, why do you think Aki doesn’t need a brother?

 

- Because he is the Crown Prince –said the General, leaning his weight back on his hands—A brother would only make things difficult for him when he becomes a King.

 

- You are exaggerating, that would be true if Alexander had a son, but if you have a son with a woman who is not related to Alexander, your son wouldn’t have any right to fight for the throne –said Nikandros.

 

Hephaistion shook his head.

 

- Nick, now you are naïve –he said, his eyes still on Achilles and Alexander—Men are ambitious creatures, even if a son of mine wouldn’t have any right over the throne, just for the simple fact of being the half brother of the Crown Prince, or worst, of the King, he could make things pretty difficult for Aki –he sighed—What Aki needs is a sister, or better, several sisters, but daughters of Alexander not mine, this way Alexander can use them to forge alliances with his enemies, rivals and allies. 

 

- Phai, are you listening to yourself? –asked his brother suddenly serious and this time Hephaistion turned to see him—You are saying that you are not going to have an heir of your own just to make things easy for Aki. In other words you are not having more children because of Alexander.

 

- Who is exaggerating now? –Hephaistion smiled—I’m not saying I won’t have more children just that I hope not to have another son. And don’t worry about my heir, you are the older one in our family, and you are the one who has to give dad an heir, not I.

 

Nikandros puffed and grumbled. The General turned to see his son again and thought with sadness that Nikandros was right, he looked lonely, he knew Cyrus was his best friend and that he liked to play with his cousin Amyntas, but that wasn’t the same as to have a sibling.

 

How I wish his life could have been a normal one, but Aki is not a normal boy so I suppose it’s better this way –thought Hephaistion.  

 

XXX

 

Didobal was trembling, curled in a corner of her cell. She knew Magon was right, she knew the Macedonians were going to do something terrible to her, she knew she should have drink the poison when she had the change, but…Didobal was scared, she wasn’t as brave as she wanted to be and she found herself incapable of taking her own life.

 

Now, Magon was dead, Tyre was destroyed and she was alone inside a wooden cell. Her father-in-law had tried to conceal her identity but it was of no use, one soldier heard from a servant who she really was and then all was lost.  

 

Dear El, what is going to happen to me? –she cried when the door opened.

 

Didobal lifted her head and found Alexander, followed closely by his guards, standing in front of her, his silhouette framed by the light coming from outside.

 

- You are Didobal daughter of Melkar? –asked the King and she nodded—Do you know who am I? 

 

- N-no, sir, I don’t.

 

- I’m Alexander King of Macedonia –he said and Didobal felt she was going to faint, she was sure her life would end in that moment—Your father kidnapped me and my son, killed my guard, tortured my beloved and sold him as a slave.

 

Didobal paled.

 

- Y-your majesty –she said with trembling voice—I can understand your anger, and I’m not a fool to ask for your forgiveness…I…I only ask to have a quick death…

 

- You are not going to die today –said Alexander is cold voice—You will suffer exactly the same as my beloved, you will be flogged and sold as a slave.

 

This time Didobal passed out. 

 

- Exaduis –the King called one man—See that my orders are follow.

 

- Yes, sire.

 

XXX

 

The Great King was in Babylon. News of Tyre’s fall had just reached him, and he was in the middle of one of his famous tantrums. Darius felt as if a small rain cloud was pouring water over his head, with thunderbolts and lightings making his life miserable, it was one bad news after another: Alexander’s commanders on the Hellespont, Amphoterus and Hegelochus, had now a fleet and they had defeated Aristomenes, Darius’ commander, at Tenedos, which meant that Lesbos, Chios and other small cities were now in the Macedonian’s hands.

 

The Great King was still cursing and yelling after hearing this, when news of the Phoenician desertions reached him. The Kings of Byblus and Aradus had joined forces with the enemy weakening the Persian fleet, and now, Alexander had a more powerful fleet than him. 

 

Darius was pulling all his hair when a messenger came with a letter of the Persian strap of Hydarnes informing him that he had lost the satrapy, Miletus was once again under Alexander’s orders. And, if this wasn’t enough, his attempt to cut all the Macedonian’s lines of communication had proven to be a complete failure, because Antigonus the One Eye, after 3 battles, had defeated Nabarzanes’ cavalry. And of course he had heard this from Bessus because Nabarzanes was too scared of his wrath to show his face.

 

But the worst news where the ones regarding Hephaistion. The General was once again at the Macedonian King’s side. How? Darius would gladly give half of his empire to know.

 

- Where is Melkar? –asked Darius, pacing around in his chambers.

 

- Nobody had heard of him, your majesty –said the cupbearer at once.

 

Darius cursed.

 

All his plans had ended in terrible and costly failures and he was running out of options. He had his most trusted officers and satraps assembling the most impressive and powerful army the Persians had ever seen, but it needed training and it was in no conditions to fight against the Macedonian menace, at least not yet.

 

The Great King stood in front of the window. He didn’t want to admit it but he was scared, he knew that Alexander was furious after what had happened in the fortress, and he also knew that, what had started as a simple war of conquest, had became a personal revenge after Darius had tried to kill Alexander and Achilles.

 

I should have cut the Macedonian throat when I had the change –thought the Great King.

 

- Call my secretary –said Darius—I’m going to dictate a letter.

 

XXX