CHAPTER 193

 

I don’t like to boast but I was right. The King of Paurava felt insulted by Ambhi’s presence and gave the rajah of Taxila a rather colorful piece of his mind, calling him a traitor, a turncoat, and other things I don’t think you need to hear. Despite of his wound he even tried to kill our Ambhi throwing his lance at him and absolutely refusing to dismount his elephant. It was thanks to another man, an old friend of Porus called Meroes, that the Indian King agreed to meet Alexander.

 

By the time we arrived the commotion was over and our enemy was feeling slightly better after drinking fresh water but looked mortally pale.

 

I had to admit that Porus was indeed an impressive man, as tall as I was, strong and not bad looking; but the truly impressive thing about him was the hard expression on his face and his piercing dark eyes. Alexander was greatly pleased when he met him, after years dealing with Darius and his officers, Porus was a truly worth enemy for the descendant of Achilles and Herakles.

 

Alexander and Hephaistion did not arrive alone, soon a small group of the King’s hetairoi caught them up; among them Perdikkas was the first but soon Seleucus joined them, on an Indian horse, and looking like a corpse, paled and covered in dry blood from head to toe. Nikandros and cousin Demetrios arrived next. All of them exhausted but anxious for news of the Crown Prince.

 

If Aki is not with Porus I don’t know what I am going to do –thought Hephaistion, feeling the adrenaline running through his veins like fire, burning him inside. Just one look at his companions told the commander that Seleucus was as worried as he was while Perdikkas looked more curious than anything. His brother and cousin were ready to attack the enemy’s camp if Porus refused to release Achilles and Alexander, despite his concerned, knew he had other things to treat before asking for his son and heir.

 

Interesting… —Perdikkas could be his friend but, in those moments, Hephaistion had a really good idea of what the hipparch truly felt for his son.

 

The King of Paurava was defeated, injured and surrounded by enemies but you would have never guessed it by the way he looked– He is not scared, he is a proud man meeting another proud man, nothing more and nothing less –thought Hephaistion and, for the first time since he heard the terrible news of his son’ kidnapping, he had hope— If Aki is with Porus he should be fine, this man doesn’t look like the sort who would hurt a boy.    

 

Alexander approached him, leaving a trail over the mud and advancing with some difficulty. His cloak was missing, laying somewhere among the corpses and destruction of the battle; his armor was covered in blood and his face dirty, but now even that diminish his powerful aura.

 

— “What do you wish that I should do with you?” –the Macedonian King was the first one to speak and King Porus straightened himself, despite of his wound; one hand clutching a bloody cloth against his shoulder, when the interpreter translated Alexander’s words. 

 

— “Treat me as a King ought” –answered the defeated enemy with no trace of arrogance but full of pride. He could not have given a better answer.

 

— “For my part, your request shall be granted. But is there not something you would wish for yourself? Ask it.” –said Alexander. So far he liked King Porus, he had not only proven to be a brave and honorable man, he was also wise and this gave him the confidence that his son was fine.

 

— “Everything is contained in this one request.” (1) –King Porus was beginning to see double, the blood lost finally taken its toll on him, and the ground appeared to move under his feet, the sounds far, far away.

 

— So it is –Alexander smiled, truly pleased— You shall retain your lands and other territories to further enlarge your realm.

 

— You are a just King –Porus nodded, he felt extremely weak and his eyes felt heavy. He feared he would pass out at any moment and one of his servants run to hold him; other approached calling for the doctor.

 

— King Porus, you fought bravely today and I know about your wounds but, before you are taken to the surgeon, I need to know if my son is in your power –at last Alexander made the key question.

 

— Yes…—Hephaistion felt his heart beating faster— My…he is at my camp, my men will take you to him.

 

I imagined many things. I imagined my son in chains or inside a cage, half dead on a dirty bed, covered in bruises…everything but what I found. Achilles was not only fine, was really fine, resting inside a tent with all the luxury and comforts befit to a Crown Prince, and servants at his disposal. Technically the only thing Achilles could not do was leave; he was like at his own tent and not only that, his health was much better.  

 

— Daddy! –Achilles could be 12 years old but in those moments he looked like a child, running to Hephaistion, jumping over his bed, as soon as his father appeared at the threshold.

 

The commander could scarcely believe this was truly happening, after all he had been through that day, after waiting the worst, after imagining his son drown or beheaded, now he was once again in his arms. And the commander embraced him with force, almost fearing Achilles would disappear if he let him go. Hephaistion was no longer dressed in armor but still wore his military chiton, damped, smelly, dirty, covered in everything from mud to blood to other things that would be better not to mention. But that did not matter for the Prince. 

 

— How are you? –Hephaistion moved slightly away to see him, looking for bruises or something, but finding none for his complete relief.

 

His cloths are even finer than the ones he had back at our camp –he noticed.

 

— I’m fine. They have treated me good, very good actually. King Porus even sent his personal doctor to look after me and I feel better, I can breath now, see? –he took a couple of deep breaths and then sneezed. But it was an improvement.

 

Hephaistion laughed and caressed his head. After weeks hearing his son fighting for every breath he left like kissing King Porus and his doctor.

 

— I was really worried for you –the commander admitted, looking those uneven eyes he thought would never see again— But that doesn’t matter anymore –he patted the Prince’s cheek fondly. 

 

— Daddy, what happened? I heard about the battle but, did dad won?

 

— Do you have to ask? –his father’s smile told him everything and Achilles smiled back.

 

— You have to tell me everything –asked the boy excited— The disposition of troops, the ground, dad’s strategy…—his father took him by the shoulder. 

 

— I will but not now. We still have many things to do. Your dad ordered to move the camp to this side of the river and we have to take care of our dead.

 

Achilles nodded.

 

Alexander arrived shortly after, immensely happy to see his son fine, but he did not have time to stay there, even if he wanted to. Somebody had to take care of the Prince while everything was done; yes, King Porus had treated Achilles as if he were his own son but still, neither the King or Hephaistion wanted to challenge their good luck and Alexander sent for Chrysaor, who had crossed the Hydaspes with Krateros’ troops.

 

— I can stay with the Prince, Hephaistion –said Seleucus but the commander shook his head.

 

— Nobody should ask you more than you already did on the battlefield –Hephaistion held his unnerving eyes.

 

— You are not asking, I am offering to stay.

 

— Go to the doctor, eat and rest. Achilles will be fine with Chrysaor and you look about to drop death at any second –even if the commander was right Seleucus did not look happy and only reluctantly agreed to leave.

 

I truly misjudged him –thought Hephaistion, watching Seleucus walking away— He truly cares about my son, but Perdikkas…—he shook his head— I just hope this will not end badly. Perdikkas is still obsessed with Aki but now I know its only that, an obsession.

 

XXX

 

Alexander let us all rest for 30 days, a well-deserved rest but also a dangerous one because it gave the troops time to think. This battle proved to be too much for the men and, this plus years of hardships, battle after battle, mortal perils at every corner, the monsoon season…all of it was finally ending with the troop’s morale. To complicate everything the rains were not only charging us with rusted equipment and mould in all our tents and cloths, it also brought sickness: malaria and dysentery; and of course after the elephants everyone wanted to go back home more than never.

 

My King founded 2 cities here, Boukephalas and Perita. Yes, you got it right, after Boukephalos and Peritas. In the battle at the riverbank Boukephalos was badly hurt and died shortly after; needless is to say that Alexander was devastated and, the same as he did when Peritas died, he gave his old friend a state funeral…and of course Chrysaor complained again.

 

30 days to rest…why am I laughing? Because I did everything but rest during that time. Many things happened…

 

It took time for Roxanne to assimilate that her perfect plan had failed. It was impossible, after all she had planned everything with care– Everything but one simple tiny detail, I had no idea of what kind of man was Porus –and now the brat was back, no longer sick and still the heir of Alexander— I am running out of time –she was 6 months pregnant and her goal was to disappear the brat before giving birth. But the Queen was starting to think this would no be possible— If I keep trying to kill him, someone will begin to suspect. It was just luck that Porus executed Peisandros before he talked and also luck the brat was too weak to remember what happened…but I cannot rely always on luck. 

 

Roxanne had no idea of what to do. The sensible thing would be to wait, let time pass and then attempt something else— But what if Alexander dies? He is always risking his life at the front line of battle, he has been wounded many times and, if he dies before the brat it will be the end –the brat was older and well known in the army, if he became King would be more difficult to remove him.

 

— I don’t know what to do –she sighed. Sitting on a chair, eyes closed when she heard the familiar footsteps of her servant Parmys. The girl stopped at a prudent distance and waited— What? –the Queen opened her eyes. 

 

— I am very sorry to disturb you, your Radiance –said Parmys with her head bowed— But I have news. Commander Hephaistion’s sister has been asking questions among hipparch Peisandros’ slaves.

 

That intrigued Roxanne.

 

— What kind of questions?

 

— About their late master and your majesty.

 

And why would she do that? –but she got the answer immediately— She suspects something.

 

— Do you know what kind of information the slaves gave her?

 

— Peisandros’ body slave talked to Berenike the most –her servant answered— The little I know is that he gave her information about how often his late master came to visit your Grace.

 

This is no good –Roxanne thought, frowning when one of her slaves arrived.

 

— Yes?

 

— Your majesty, hipparch Perdikkas is here –the slave answered, kneeling in front of her.

 

Such timing –just when the Queen has so many things on her mind the hipparch had to come— But…this can be a good thing. After all he thinks he is my friend and if things turn out badly I can always use him –and with that in mind Roxanne received Perdikkas with her sweetest smile.  

 

XXX

 

— Phai, I need to talk to you –Berenike arrived a week later at his tent. It was late at night and, for the commander’s utterly surprise, she came covered in a black cloak with her head hidden under a hood. 

 

It was now July and almost Alexander’s 30 birthday. It had been 20 days since the battle at the Hydaspes River, such a long and short time, but the commander still felt on his body the remainders of that day. At 30 years old his wounds did not heal as they used when he was 20, not to mention that after so many years fighting his health wasn’t as good as he would have wanted. 

 

But this was not only Hephaistion’s problem, many of Alexander’s men had grown old, the hard men on the prime of life who had crossed the Hellespont at their 30 years old were now reaching 40, the veterans were now 50, and all of them were tired.

 

I never talked about my health to anyone. I did not want to bother them with, what I thought, was nothing serious. Of course I was wrong and 2 years later I was dead…But I had no way to know this and I did nothing to take special care of myself.

 

— Of course. Something happened? –his sister twisted her hands and bit his lower lip, looking around nervously, as if someone had been following her.

 

Oh, please, don’t tell me you are in trouble again –he pleaded. Sadly but Hephaistion had learned to expect everything from his sister.

 

— Is it safe to talk here? –she asked in whispers. He could barely see her face thanks to the hood and the darkness that reign in the tent, but judging by her voice something serious had happened.

 

— Yes, it is –he sighed. Now Hephaistion was sure his sister was in trouble again— But, if it makes you feel better, we can go to my room.

 

And Berenike did not lose time going straight to his room, closing the door and only resumed talking when she was absolutely sure nobody was listening— What the hell? –thought the commander.

 

— Phai, I need to talk to you about Roxanne –she said with urgency but never raising her voice more than it was strictly necessary. 

 

— What about her? –truth to be told Hephaistion was waiting to hear they had had a fight, that his sister had a misunderstanding with the Queen or something, but certainly he wasn’t prepare to what came next.

 

— I think…—Berenike shook her head— I am sure Roxanne was behind Aki’s kidnapping –she said slowly, wanting her brother to grasp the gravity of the situation.

 

— What?! Where do you get that idea?

 

— Shush! Don’t shout; we don’t know who can be listening behind these walls of leather –said his sister in a mysterious tone and Hephaisntion ran his hands down his face.

 

— Eni –the commander made an effort to sound calm— What you are saying is very serious –he wanted his sister to understand this was no game. Hephaistion truly had no idea how was that Berenike came with such a crazy idea and he seriously hope it was not gossip or hearsay.

 

Even if I don’t like her, Roxanne is the Queen and everything is said of her affects Alexander’s reputation –he thought.

 

— I know, but its true. Listen –she sat down at his side on the same couch— You know what happened at the camp the night Aki was kidnapped?

 

— Chrysaor told me. Roxanne and her servants were attacked, Yarsa was severely wounded and Peisandros escaped with Aki. Krateros looked for them around the camp and, when he couldn’t find them, he sent word to Alex. I was there when his rider arrived –Hephaistion explained. It had shaken him the news of his eunuch’s condition but it had also moved him to know he had risked his life to protect his son.

 

And 20 days later Yarsa is still fighting for his life –he thought— The doctors say he is in the hands of the Gods, in other words, they had no idea what else to do.

 

— Yes. That’s true, but only part of it. That night I went running to Roxanne’s tent when I heard the screams and found Kyros there –Berenike said, remembering everything as if she were living that moment again— At first I thought Peisandros was the villain, the same as the rest, and that indeed he had attacked Roxanne, but then, I began to think more carefully and found many weird things.

 

— Weird things? –now he was curious. Berenike could be many things but she was not stupid, just very impulsive and sometimes immature, but, if she said there was something fishy he believed her.

 

— Roxanne says Peisandros and the mercs attacked her and her servants and then ran away with Aki but, if that is true, how was that the mercs reached the crossing point before you did? I mean, Roxanne screamed for help like 2 hours after you left –she had a point and only now Hephaistion saw it. Everybody had been so busy thinking in the upcoming battle that no one stopped to truly analyze the situation.

 

— I haven’t thought about that –he admitted.

 

— And there is more. Aki was completely alone, except for Yarsa, when the mercs arrived. His guards weren’t there because Roxanne sent them out to investigate a noise she heard, his Cheetah was chained because Roxanne says she is afraid of Bastet and Chrysaor was off duty. Very conveniently the only ones inside were the Queen and her most trusted servants, including her creature Parmys who, by the way, was the only one who backed up Roxanne’s story.   

 

— Eni, you are right in many things but I still don’t see how was Roxanne involve –said Hephaistion and his sister made a pout.

 

— Let me finish –she scolded him and cleared her throat— All this seemed very weird to me so, Thais and I, did a little investigation of our own –Berenike continued— Peisandros’ body slave says his master went very often to the Queen’s tent, late at night and always disguised, and, when he was drunk, he liked to boasted about how was he bedding the Queen –and up went Hephaistion eyebrows.

 

— If that is true, this situation can turn really ugly –said the commander. 

 

— Phai, it is true. Think! Peisandros was really good-looking and Roxanne was conveniently pregnant after they met. Remember that Peisandros was under your command and they did not become acquaintances until Alex met you at the Indus.

 

That is true –he thought.

 

— Where is this slave?

 

— Conveniently dead –answered Berenike. That day’s word was “conveniently” for what Hephaistion could see— The official version is that he died from a sickness caused by the rains but we think he was poisoned because he died shortly after we talked to him.  

 

Complicated –he thought. The situation was going from bad to worst and, if Roxanne had indeed taken Peisandros as her lover that could very well mean the child she was waiting it was not Alexander’s— She did exactly what I feared, she took a lover.

 

— What else did you find out?

 

— A thing you will not like –said his sister visibly nervous.

 

So far I don’t like anything –he thought.

 

— Don’t worry about me, just tell me –Berenike bit her lip again.

 

— Roxanne was asking questions about you –she continued— Well, not Roxanne in person but her creature Parmys. Nick told me he was bedding the servant girl and that she tried to get information from him. Nick did not suspect anything because he thought Parmys had a crushed on you, or something, but I don’t think so.

 

— When was this? When was Nick bedding Parmys? –Hephaistion suddenly had a hunch a thought that just came at him and one he did not like one bit. 

 

— Before we reached Taxila.

 

Could it be? Could it be that Roxanne started the rumor about Nick and I? There are too many coincidences here, she tried to seduce me and her servant bedded my brother… –before this night he would have never suspected the Queen but...

 

— Eni, everything you say has perfect sense but there is just one thing I don’t get. Why would Roxanne want to kidnap Aki or get information about me? –that made Berenike laughed so loud that tears shown at the corner of her eyes.

 

— Phai, it’s obvious. You and Aki are a threat to her –said his sister, taking the tears away with the back of her hand— Even Thais was able to grasp this much. Think: Roxanne’s son, even if Alex is the father and even if she gives birth to a boy, will never be King because of your son. Phai –she took his hand— A woman is only important if her husband or her sons are important but, Alex doesn’t pay her any attention because he is in love with you and her son will always come after your son.

 

Berenike made a pause, struggling to find the right words.

 

—I never said this to you because you are always very busy and these are women things but…I had the change to know Roxanne while keeping her company and…she is not what she looks like. She is a great actress, likes to make people think she is sweet and lovely but she is ruthless and, I dare say, capable of anything.     

 

Hephaistion had never liked the Queen and had wanted to have this conversation with his sister because, as Berenike said, she knew Roxanne better even than Alexander— I understand so many things but, what am I going to do with all this information? –that was something he would have to think carefully.

 

— I believe you –he said with all honesty, holding her gaze— In fact, many of the things you said had been haunting me for some time, like Roxanne’s behavior. I also thought there was something strange about her, especially after she tried to seduce me.

 

— She tried to seduced you?! That bitch! –Berenike exclaimed with all indignation— I told you she is a great actress. The hypocrite snake!

 

— But we need proofs if we want to confront her –said Hephaistion— I cannot go to Alex and accuse his wife of kidnapping my son and bedding Peisandros without proof. These are serious charges and Roxanne could be put to death.

 

— Oh, trust me I would love to see that.

 

— Eni! –he scolded her— I am serious —Berenike sighed.

 

— But I have nothing! –she exclaimed in absolute dismay— Does Aki remember something of his kidnapping?

 

— Not much. He was very sick and only remembers Peisandros and crossing the river –answered the commander— At some point he passed out and, when he woke up, he was in King Porus’ camp.

 

— Yarsa! – his sister exclaimed suddenly in triumph— I bet you Yarsa can tell us more.

 

That was an excellent idea but…

 

— He has to survive first.

 

After his sister left Hephaistion went to sleep, sure that he would be unable to do it after everything he had heard. He thought over and over again about Roxanne, Achilles, Berenike’s suspicious, Xsayarsa fighting for his life and, before he noticed, he fell a sleep, prey of a curious dream…

 

XXX

 

— Julius I need to talk to you –when Alexander burst in his house, unannounced, in the middle of the night, with the same cloths he had been wearing since yesterday; his manager thought many things, from he confession of a murder to a harmless announcement of some sudden revelation, but the first to pop up in his mind was…

 

— If you came for the lyrics I’m still working on them –the hothead blond had had the wonderful idea to write a song with verses in Latin, emulating some bands of Symphonic Metal, and of course the one in charge of the Latin part was the Roman.

 

— What?!…No! I have a problem. 

 

“I-have-a-problem.” Why do I have the feeling that I won’t like this? –thought Julius, preparing for the worst and waiting for the other to continue.

 

— I married a woman.

 

Yes, I don’t like this –this was worst than the worst he had been waiting. The Roman was one step of killing Alexander, but, instead of dragging his butt all over the country while giving him a very colorful list of why he was an idiot, he breathed.

 

— How that happened? —years of experience had told him to wait for the whole story before killing...sorry, before judging others. 

 

It took Alexander half and hour to explain everything, pacing around his manager’s study room under the marble noses of his ancestors while Julius sat, listening with attention and asking questions every now and then to have a clear picture of the situation. 

 

— Let me see if I understand –said the Roman when the other had finished, ankle resting on his knee, elbows of the arms of the chair and fingers interlaced— You went to Las Vegas, got drunk, and marry this woman Roxanne…

 

In a chapel decorated like a Greek temple and your buddy Perdikkas as your best man –without details it was a very short story— Someone should put a warning on alcohol bottles: “if you are Alexander don’t drink more than 3 cups” –last drinking party had ended with the burning of a famous bar called Persepolis. 

 

— When you say it like that it sounds stupid –the Macedonian complained but, immediately stopped, turned to look at him and added— Ok, it was stupid. But… What am I going to do now? What am I going to tell Phai? 

 

And you are asking me? Never before I’ve so glad of not being you –he thought but, of course, his face gave nothing away.

 

— Alexander you are not the first one to get married like that, and surely won’t be the last. I’ll see everything to annul the marriage and by tomorrow night this will be over –said Julius, already thinking what he was going to do.

 

The Roman stood up and Alexander embraced him.

 

XXX

 

It was cowardice, Alexander was perfectly aware of it and the saddest thing was he did not care. After long hours of meditation he had decided that, what Hephaistion did not know couldn’t enrage him and, since Julius had promised to fix everything in one day— And what that man says he does. I don’t have to tell him about my marriage –so, the blond came back home as if nothing had happened.

 

It’s the book’s fault –thought Alexander making a tantrum that would have made proud six years old boys around the world— If Phai hadn’t stayed to write his next book he would have come with me and I wouldn’t have ended married to Roxanne –it was a pretty lame excuse but it was all he got.

 

When he arrived a very sick Hephaistion welcomed him, suffering from a flu that looked as bad as the black plague. 

 

— I thought you were coming back to-to…*sneeze* tomorrow –his beloved was resting on his favorite couch, a blanket over his legs and a book in his hands. He looked horrible, which in Hephaistion’s case was as incredible as the notion of a brilliant Krateros.

 

— What happened to you? –Alexander forgot everything about his marriage and ran to Hephaistion, kneeling at his side— You were perfectly fine when I left.

 

— My editor was sick –answered his beloved with a nasal voice that was rapidly taking sexy points from him— We spent all night working and next day I had the flu. 

 

— All night? Just working? –even if Hephaistion was sick that did not prevent him from giving Alexander one of his deadly glances that could make babies cry and wells get dry.

 

— If you are implying that I got sick because my editor sucked my mouth…

 

— I never said that! –exclaimed a very offended blond, but he added— You didn’t, right?

 

— OUT!

 

— I’m sorry, I’m sorry –Alexander felt like the biggest moron in those moments. There he was accusing his beloved when he had gotten married.

 

They fell silent and his beloved sneezed again. Alexander ran to fetch him more tissues and caressed his head fondly, checking if he had fever.

 

— Do you need something? –he asked really worried.

 

— An exorcist –Hephaistion blew his nose— I went to see doctor Philip and he said I will be fine in a couple of days —he lifted his head to see his lover— How was everything at Las Vegas?. 

 

— Fine –the lack of enthusiasm in that answered caught his beloved’s attention.

 

— Just fine? What happened? Did Perdikkas climbed to dance with the strippers again? –that had been so funny, especially the part where Ptolemy posted it on youtube. 

 

— No, it was…—God decided he had suffered enough and his cell phone rang in that moment.

 

Safe by the bell –he excused himself and went to the garden to answer.

 

— Julius, is everything right? Is the problem solved?

 

XXX

 

— Far from it –said the Roman when Alexander arrived at his house. The situation was delicate and he had insisted they should talk in person— Do you know who is Roxanne’s father?

 

The truth? He didn’t even know her last name, but judging by Julius’ tone he was an important man— Or a serial killer.

 

— No, I don’t.

 

— Well –the Roman walked until he rested his weight against his desk— Her father is a politician, not an important one and we wouldn’t have to worry about him if it weren’t for the fact that he knows men than matter –Alexander did not like that— But the problem doesn’t end here. Roxanne Bactria argues that you bedded her so we can’t annul the marriage –now that he mentioned it Alexander started to remember a little of what had happened that night.  

 

— Fine, don’t annul it; can’t we just get divorce?

 

— She doesn’t want to divorce.

 

Bloody woman! –thought the Macedonian.

 

— But I am already married! I can’t marry twice.

 

— Yes, but here we have other problem –said Julius— You and Hephaistion got married in another country and, before we can legalize your marriage here, it will take time. Time enough for Roxanne to talk to the press and make all this public destroying the image of perfect couple that you and Hephaistion have and, if you enrage your fan-girl we lose a pretty important sector of our consumers…I mean fans. And I don’t have to remind you that you already have lots of problems with the band since Kleitos died.

 

That was true. Since Kleitos’ death things had became really complicated with the band. Ptolemy was always insisting that they should take a break and even Julius thought it was a good idea but…— I will not stop. Not now that I have come this far.

 

— I know this is a stupid question and I’m sure of your answer but I am bound by social conventions to ask, have you talked to Hephaistion?

 

— No.

 

— You should, before he hears of this on the media.

 

It was a good advice but, as always, it was easier said than done. Hephaistion had been furious when he learned about the kiss between him and Julius, and if he know he had married and bedded a woman— He will ask the divorce, that if he doesn’t kill me first, of course.

 

XXX

 

(1) Arrian. The Campaigns of Alexander, p 281.