A Soldier's Duty, Chapter Twenty-six
Medius searches for Black Kleitos and worries about Alexander and his father.
Medius tried not to let his fear show as he raced through the large bustling barracks searching for black haired Kleitos. Was the man nowhere to be found? He wondered as he nearly overturned a gigantic urn full of olive oil, in one of the many storerooms, and just stopped himself from running into a brick wall lined with sharp, glittering spears when he exited the armory.
"Gods below!" He swore in frustration as rubbed his hands together. A long time mannerism that Hephaistion often teased him about was a sign of his concern. "Get hold of yourself, Medius. They'll not kill one another, not there, not out in the open so all can see. No, Alexander is ruled by Athene's wisdom, he'll not allow his anger to disconcert him so. He will see the wisdom in it. And, the King, aye, he, well… Please, Father Zeus, I beg you for aid." He paused a moment to catch his breath and think on where he might find Kleitos. The sound of a voice he knew well caught his attention.
"Antigonos, wait! - have you seen Black Kleitos? Is he with you?" Turning quickly on he ran back toward the older officer who had just come out of one of the guardhouses, and grabbed him by the arm.
"Gods Antigonos what have you been doing?" Medius backed up slightly at the strong scent of musty earth and smoke filled his nostrils.
The one-eyed hoplite commander, known as "Cyclops" among his companions, grinned slightly as he brushed particles of black loam and straw from his graying black hair and neatly trimmed beard and clothes. "Oh, just testing something new."
"What? You look as though you've been digging in the stables or digging into something…" Antigonos' wide grin was his answer and Medius knew enough not to push him.
"I'm looking for Kleitos, have you seen him this day? I heard you two were at the Cypriot's Kiss last eve."
"That old bastard? Aye, and we drank ourselves silly. Now, a pretty boy like you what do you want with him? He isn't your type from what I've heard. Are you tiring of Nearkhos? It is Nearkhos. I can't keep track of these things half the time. Or is he with you? Last time I spoke with Marsayas it was Nearkhos, or have you switched to women? Now, if that's the case, I know a pretty girl and she comes cheap, but maybe I…"
"Tell your brother to keep his mouth shut, or I'll..." Medius frowned, but Antigonos cut him off with a leering grin and a good slap on his buttocks. "Come now, no need to be so sensitive. What about Marsayas? He is Alexander's good friend."
"I'm already Alexander and Hephaistion's friend, why would I need your brother's cache?" Medius countered.
"Ah, aye, Hephaistion, where is he? I've heard certain rumors…" Medius swore softly, but kept his thoughts to himself. Antigonos was a good friend of the King's the last thing he needed was to anger him.
"Now if you need more experience. I can teach you things I'll bet Nearkhos couldn't even dream of."
Medius rolled his blue eyes as he pushed Antigonos' hand away. "Come on Antigonos, I've no time for that now. I really need to find Kleitos. Now have you seen him or not?"
"Your loss," Antigonos said as he winked his one black eye. "Try the mess, you know how he is at midday when not on duty, if he's not at some taverna sucking down the wine, he's usually to be found in the mess sucking down the wine."
"The mess, good, good…" Medius assured himself as he followed the tempting smell of rabbit stew and thought about Antigonos flirting. Like most of the King's personal companions, he had to be careful not to insult the older man. Fortunately, he was well known for his sense of humor, so Medius wasn't too concerned, although for good measure he decided it might not hurt to get to know the man better. He was a powerful and well-placed companion to the king, and his half-brother Marsayas, while a bit of a sycophant with Alexander, wasn't so bad – in small doses. Such friendships were always useful. Just now, all he could be concerned about was the situation between Alexander and his Father. Already, he felt he had been gone too long.
Unfortunately, Black Kleitos was not at one of the long wooden tables with the others eating their noon meal. This irked him unaccountably. Why now of all days and times was he nowhere to be seen? By the dog, why now? Why now was all this happening? Please Zeus, Medius continued to pray, let neither Alexander nor his father strike blows at one another. Let reason be their guide. Gracious Athene, lend them both your wisdom, let them not… Oh, Haides, the possibility that either man would stay calm was unlikely. Alexander had been nearly ready to spit and the King, well, just recalling the look on his face caused Medius to shudder with concern.
"By the gods, why does everything need to be so difficult?" He skidded to an abrupt stop as Krateros and Ptolemy came out of a nearby room. Krateros was popping large green olives into his mouth and singing, something he did rather well and often, especially when in his cups.
"Kleitos, Black Kleitos, have you seen him?" Medius sputtered in a rush of emotion. In his mind, he saw Alexander and his father as bitter opponents in the palestra intent on spilling the other's blood. Would Philip order the execution of his son if Alexander angered him enough? Could Alexander be upset enough to do something he might regret?
"Oh, he's off seeing to some family business." Ptolemy offered as he diverted one of Krateros olives and popped it into his mouth with a wide grin.
"I… it's Alexander, I – Philip…"
"Spit it out, man!" Krateros smacked Medius on the back with a laugh.
"It's Alexander and Philip, they…" Ptolemy's expression changed as he picked up on Medius' meaning and he cut in abruptly.
"I'm with you." He nodded in understanding as he pushed Medius before him toward the door and gripped Krateros' arm pulling him along. "Krateros we can use your help, too. Now, hurry before one of them does something they will both regret. We know them both well enough, and cooler heads are needed while theirs are hot and untempered."
To be continued….