A Soldier's Duty –Thirty-Six

Hephaistion learns some disturbing news from his Father.

Slowly with feet that seemed laced with lead and a sinking spirit Hephaistion strode toward the stables. As he walked, he studied the bright blueness of the sky, the leafy golden shade of the oaks and the green darkness of the vineyards. High upon the peak of Mt. Vermenos a cap of snow lay, already dusting the rough escarpments he had climbed in the past with such joyful challenge with Alexander. He felt he was going toward his death.

Hidden within the large wooden frame of the stable door, his father's shadow stood ready to greet him and he stopped with a start and flung his hand toward his mouth.

"Gods, Father Zeus, forgive me, I have killed him!" His heart, pounding with a fear he had never felt on the battlefield rose in his throat and he nearly vomited up his breakfast. With great control, at least he thought so he went toward a water trough and dunked his head until he felt his lungs would burst. Only when he heard the sound of his name did he take pity on his need for breath. Rising to his full height, he flung back his head sending a spray of water into the air. The gesture calmed him. Slowly he turned; pushing back the long wet tresses behind his shoulders and went forward to meet a man very much alive. His hands were not shaking any less, he noted.

"Hephaistion! Come, I haven't all day. A journey is before us, come!" The impatient, self-assured tenor of Amyantor, his father assured him he was much alive and by the hurried stamping of his large foot against the rough packed stable floor Hephaistion began to wish he were dead.

"Father? Demetrios said you would speak with me?" His father eyed him warily as though he were a young animal who might bite his trainer.

"Aye," His father stretched his long arms and yawned as he studied his tall son. So much of the boy was still waiting to be molded. Philip knew best, look what he had done for Demetrios. Following in much his own footsteps Demetrios was one of Philip's best agents. He was a man who stood in good stead for his family and their line would live on through his five sons. Why could the boy not be more appreciative? Perhaps he needed to take a different tack. Gods above Amyantor knew this son, standing so boldly before him was most like him, in looks and spirit. That was what had caught Philip's eye, and stirred his heart and aye, his loins, the boy was beautiful, kalos kagathos. He smiled to himself his pride steadying his emotions. Aye, he would tread easy on this, but he would not be disobeyed. Hephaistion must be made to see. He would have the best of it, Alexander would never allow himself to be long with his shadow, Philip had said as much, and acknowledged that Hephaistion's influence was, indeed, all to the good. However, they must be shown the way; they had their duties to fulfill to their families and to Macedon. What they did with themselves otherwise neither he nor Phillip much cared. Why could they not see this? If only they would heed wiser minds. He gave a long sigh and for a moment felt some pity for his son then squashed it. Well, for love of his Akhillies Patroklos would obey his betters.

Looking into the stables Hephaistion noted several horses were already saddled, and his second best stallion, Eros was among them. He sighed deeply and sniffed wiping his dripping brow.

"Father?"

"You are nineteen now, aye?" Hephaistion shook his head in answer wondering where such an inquiry might lead. "Well, tis time for you to wed. In fact, tis well past it. Were it not for Chaeronea I would have you already wed this past year. Your brothers were fathers already when they entered their eighteenth year."

Opening his mouth Hephaistion found he could not raise any sound, but the dismay was screaming aloud within. He rubbed his eyes violently, shook his head, and tried desperately to stop the moan of dismay that was that moment escaping from his lips.

Expecting chastisement, instead his father surprised him with a slight smile, sank down on a hay bale, and crossed his long legs hoping by this gesture to show he was not at war. "I know, I too felt that way at your age, but 'tis not the end of things, only a slight step to the side. She will live here under your Mother's tutelage, as do your brother's wives; I have already seen to it. She will not bother you when you are at Pella or elsewhere. You will not take her on campaign. 'Tis the best life leaving the women here, they know this and are content. Of course, it is expected you will do your duty. Hephaistion?"

"I,I…but how, when…I…?" He cut himself off panic making his heart spike, his mind dumb with shock. Marry? Now? So soon? He was not ready, yet he knew... Suddenly the ground shook about him and screams blistered his ears. He looked up his eyes wide with immediate understanding and met his father's gaze shaking his head vehemently as other thoughts came crashing in on him. Alexander, would he ever see him again? Had he been forced into a marriage as well? And Philip…what of...his father had said he would be returning to Pella. Did that mean he would be returning to Philip? No, no, by all the gods of Olympus this could not be! Anger rose swift and hot when he denounced his father's plans in a clear firm voice that was echoed in the thunder of Poseidon's trident. "He is angry it is against his wishes! I'll not, I must obey him."

Amyantor stared at his son, his open disobedience causing him to flare into anger. He stepped toward him, his hand clenched in a fist. "Hephaistion you will obey me! I give you this order you will obey it!"

"No! I must obey the gods! Can you not feel his anger?" He cast his hands about for balance and as he turned to steady himself the earth rose up and turned on them as the ground tore and shook down the oldest and tallest of oaks near the house.

Screams from the women's quarters drew them and they both began to run all thought of anything but what might have happened left behind.

Tbc