Chapter 4: Delphi
"Do you think I am stupid?"
"What do you mean Alexander?" Hephaistion was puzzled with this sudden question.
They were riding a short distance from the camp to Delphi, a sanctuary of priestesses, and sacred land of followers of Apollo. A narrow path snaked around the side of Mount Parnassos. Cypress and olive trees dotted the slopes and serenity draped over the atmosphere. It was already late in November, but the air was still warm with breezes from the Gulf of Corinth.
"Do you think it is stupid to seek an assurance from an oracle?"
Hephaistion looked at Alexander and grinned, "You are not doing this for yourself, are you?"
"Oh?" Alexander raised his eyebrow, curious to hear what Hephaistion had to say.
"You are getting this prophetic guidance from the oracle to ease the anxiety of the Army, aren't you? You know that the soldiers will be more comfortable if they know the gods' blessing is with our king."
"That is true, at least that was how it started. But, as we come near this place, I cannot help feeling anxious myself, as if this will actually reveal the fate."
"Truly, this place is somewhat mystical. The beauty of the site is almost overwhelming, so that it makes me feel so small and insignificant. No wonder the gods called this place the navel of the world. But you are Alexander, and I am certain that you will find a way to make the oracle to give the sign you seek." Hephaistion chuckled.
Alexander rolled his eyes, and smiled at Hephaistion, thinking that he did not really need any assurances from anybody; all he needed was Hephaistion, who could give him the best advice with full understanding. Hephaistion returned a warm smile.
Soon they arrived at an open area. A beautiful circular theater appeared in front of them. This was not the usual way to enter the sanctuary, but they took a back road just to be cautious. Alexander and Hephaistion dismounted, and gave the reins to one of the guards who accompanied them. They sat down on a stone seat and looked down at the majestic Temple of Apollo where the giant python slain by the god lay underneath. A golden statue of Apollo shone in the sun, and an eternal flame was burning on the hearth. As Hephaistion described, the view was breath taking.
However, the place was rather deserted, where it was usually crowded with all kinds of people, both peasants and royal who wanted to know when to plant crops, when to begin a journey, whether to go into a battle, or whom to marry. But, today was not the day when the oracle gave any prophecies.
Alexander stood up, and slowly walked down the slope. Hephaistion followed him in silence. They strolled, while taking in the beauty of the site, to the Castalian springs, which were located on the opposite side of the Temple. Seven jets from lion heads poured crystal clear streams into a marble base. They knelt on the edge of the base to wet their hair, and washed themselves thoroughly. Shivers ran through their spines as ice-cold water trickled down their napes.
Feeling refreshed and energized, Alexander and Hephaistion walked toward the Temple to meet with a nervous priest. As they closed the gap, the priest protested in a small voice.
"King Alexander, I am afraid that the Pythia won't be available to talk to the god. It is not the seventh of the month."
"Maybe not for anybody else, but I am Alexander. I am sure the god will find a way to talk to her." Hephaistion tried very hard to keep a straight face.
Alexander looked at the priest with piercing cold eyes. Nobody could escape his gaze or deny him. The old priest's face became very white, and he bowed to Alexander.
"Please give us some time, as she needs to go through the ritual to prepare."
Alexander nodded in agreement.
They waited in front of the Temple for a while, but it seemed to be taking forever. Hephaistion broke away, and started to walk to the edge of the cliff. He was curious to see the spectacle of the view. As he came to the edge, he flinched, smelling a mixture of fish like odor and blood. It made him dizzy.
"Hephaistion! Don't fall!"
Alexander rushed to Hephaistion, and grabbed him by the waist. Alexander turned him around, and looked at Hephaistion worriedly. Hephaistion looked back at him with still partly unfocused eyes. His normally bright blue eyes were clouded with uncertainty.
"Are you well?"
"Yes, I think so. The smell made me dizzy." Hephaistion shook his head.
"What smell? I do not smell anything." Alexander sniffed the air, still holding Hephaistion tight.
Hephaistion imitated Alexander, and sniffed the air sharply for a couple of times.
"It's gone now, but I am certain that there was this foul smell…."
"King Alexander! The Pythia is ready for you." The priest called out and interrupted their conversation.
Alexander took Hephaistion's arm, and guided him back to the Temple. They stepped down to the lower chamber. A small woman was sitting on a gilded tripod next to the chasm. Her dark hair now mostly grey was loosely tied at her back mismatching with a shiny wrinkled face. She had to be old to become a Pythia, but it was hard to tell her age. She sat there with her eyes closed, and chewing laurel leaves.
They waited unwearyingly, but there was no sign of her speaking. Hephaistion sensed Alexander's patience running out very quickly. Alexander coughed to draw attention to himself, but the Pythia did not even stir. He was ready to step into the adyton. Hephaistion held him back. It was then the Pythia opened her eyes. Her dark pupils were so fully dilated that they took over the whole orbs. They did not look like human eyes at all. Both Alexander and Hephaistion gasped at this eerie sight.
She spat out the leaves, and spoke looking Alexander straight in the eye.
"You are unbeatable." It was so clear that the priest did not have to interpret.
Alexander's face lightened up. "That's the prophecy I expected to hear. Thank you mighty god Apollo."
The Pythia now shifted the gaze to Hephaistion with an uncanny smile on her face. Hephaistion froze. She repeated in a very low voice without taking an eye from him.
"King Alexander, he is invincible as long as you are by his side. But remember, he is not the only one who desires you."
She spoke in very soft voice, Hephaistion did not know if he had heard her correctly. Alexander was so excited by her words that he did not notice her second foretelling. He pushed Hephaistion to the exit.
"Let's go back and celebrate. Our mission is complete."
In the evening back at the camp, Alexander announced the prophecy in front of the whole Army. The soldiers went crazy with joy. Now the gods were on their side. The spirit and morale of the camp rose high. Everybody was now ready for the expedition to the East. Alexander treated them with a feast and good wine.
Uneasiness lingered in Hephaistion's mind, but he pushed it away. It was a memorable night for Alexander after all. He forced himself to forget all about it, and joined the rest of the army in a celebrating mood. They ate, drank, sang, and danced. It had been a while since the soldiers had had this much fun. The feast went on for a long time.
When it finally started to wind down, and most of the soldiers left to retire to their own tents, Alexander signaled Hephaistion to follow. He opened the flap of his tent for Hephaistion to enter first. As soon as they were both in, Alexander gave Hephaistion a passionate kiss.
"You know Hephaistion, I do not need an oracle to give me a prophecy to go on. All I need is you. As long as you are by my side, I can face anything."
Hephaistion returned a hungry kiss as if he could erase the sinister memory from his mind by kissing Alexander. They made a slow yet fervent love, and Hephaistion gladly drowned himself in the pool of indulgence.
That night, Hephaistion had a dream. He was standing at the edge of the cliff, just like when he was at Delphi earlier in the day. The place was dark. He could feel the warm air blowing up on his face, but could hardly make out the shape surrounding him. Then, he smelled that odor; the foul smell which made him dizzy. He looked around to find the source of the smell. All of sudden, a big head of a python appeared in front of him. It was lazily swinging its head from side to side. It stared at him with the same eyes as the Pythia in a trance.
He tried to run, but his feet were frozen as if they had grown roots. The python moved so close to him that its slithering tongue was almost touching his nose. The foul smell hit his senses; the nausea and dizziness were overwhelming. He felt the soil beneath him crumbling, and his body started to fall down into the dark of nothingness. He tried to call Alexander's name, but he could not find his voice.
A strong hand grabbed his arm, and stopped the fall. He looked up, and saw a figure with golden hair above him. Apollo was the first thought that came to his mind, but he realized it was actually his Alexander. As he was pulled up to safety, he woke up. Alexander was looking at him, still with his hand locked tight on Hephaistion's arm. They looked into each other's eyes, and understood. They did not need a word. They knew that they had shared the same dream. Alexander pulled Hephaistion in a tight embrace, and whispered into his damp hair.
"I did smell it, Hephaistion. I will not allow anybody or anything to take you away from me. You belong to me, as I belong to you."
They held onto each other for a long time. At least, they had won the battle tonight. As long as they had each other, there was nothing to be afraid of. They were invincible together as the oracle of Delphi had predicted.
End
