Chapter 3: The Feast

It was the first time Waver had been inside a palace. The palace of Pella seemed to him like a whole city within a city.

"Buckingham palace looks like a doll house compared to this", he thought.

Soldiers marched through the pebble mosaic corridors in between the tall Doric column. Young men trained in the courtyard, and a couple of girls giggled as the young prince and his mage companion passed by on their way into the throne room, where the council took place.

As soon as they entered the room, one of the soldiers came to their welcoming, followed by a dozen of servants. By his pace, Waver could tell the man was agile for his age – late sixties was his guess-. Golden armor, greaves and pouldrons, silver hair falling onto his shoulders. A leather belt incrusted with jewels and golden details indicated his high rank in the army.

"Young prince! You are finally back! I thought we would never see you again!" The old man opened his arms dramatically to hug him.

Alexander rolled his eyes.

"There is no need to be so dramatic, Attalus. I was just away for a couple days"

The old man's smile was instantly wiped away when he looked at the hole in Alexander's armor.

"Is that blood?" he asked, horrified

Alexander looked away

"My Lord, this is the third time this month! And need I remind you that we are still at war?"

"I know, that's exactly why I need to be out there. I was… on spy duty"

"Please send your men, my lord! It is too dangerous for you, if something happened to you…", he paused to take a deep breath, "your men need you. Your father is getting too old for battle, and the new recruits have been waiting for you to start their training. They need someone to lead them".

"Yes, I understand. But how could I ask my men to risk their lives if I am not willing to do the same? How can they believe in me?"

"Please my lord, be careful. Just promise me you will let me know next time"

Alexander sighed

"Fine. But I will cut your head off if you tell my father"

Waver chuckled, sarcastically.

"First you run away from your duties and then you threatening someone who is worried about you... And then you have the courage to complain when people call you a spoiled brat…" Waver pointed out.

Attalus gave him a deadly glare.

"How dare you speak to the prince in such way. Apologize or I'll have you killed!"

"It's ok Attalus, I trust this man. Besides, he was just joking, right?", he winked at Waver, who looked at him a bit hesitant, but agreed.

"Yes, my lord", he slightly bowed with his head

Only Alexander could read the sarcasm in his voice, but he didn't mind. In fact, he found it even somewhat amusing.

"Make sure he gets decent clothes for dinner, and find him a room".

"He is staying in the palace?" Attalus asked, concerned about the sudden interest of his prince in a foreign stranger they knew little about.

"Surely you don't expect my guest to stay in the city where he doesn't know anybody. Do you?"

"No, of course not…"

"Alright", Alexander said as he stretched, "I'll get ready for the feast. All that fighting made me sweaty, I'll need a good bath. I'll See you in a bit"

Waver watched him walk away, followed by ten servants, men and women.

Attalus scanned Waver from his feet to the head with a suspicious look, and then turned to the closest servant.

"You heard the prince, boy"

The servant nodded and turned to Waver

"Please sir, follow me"

Waver obeyed

They walked through the mosaic corridor and across the garden. They passed several rooms, none of them had doors, but only the missing part of the walls that served as them. Waver peeked in every now and then. He could see huge baths where numerous women bathed, and men on the other side. Sometimes they did more than just bathe each other. In one occasion, Waver exchanged looks with a girl. She smiled at him, but he looked away and kept walking until he finally reached his room.

They entered, and the boy stood at the entrance in silence staring at Waver.

Waver coughed "Thank you, that would be all" he said, hoping he would leave

"Sorry my lord, but my job is to take care of you, and help you get ready for the feast"

"Oh…no, no, no," he chuckled, "I'm not a lord or anything like that. There is no need for that."

"It doesn't matter, all it matters is that you are the young master's guest"

"I appreciate it, but I'm not worthy of such treatment. I can do it myself, thank you...uhhh", he tried to recall the boy's name, "I'm sorry, I've been extremely rude. We haven't even introduced ourselves. My name is Waver Velvet"

The boy opened his eyes wide, then looked down

"No one has ever asked my name before"

"Well then, no one has manners". He joked. The boy smiled

"Menes" The boy offered his hand

"Menes…?"

"Just Menes. Or Menes of Pella if you like. I am orphan, orphans take the name of their birthplace. I was born here in the palace."

"Alright then, Menes of Pella, you are released from your duties with me"

"Forgive me sir," he now stood up straight, chin high, and spoke firmly, "but I cannot do that. I follow only his highness the prince Alexandros' orders"

Waver sighed

"You are very loyal, Menes, Alexander is very lucky to have people like you"

"Thank you, sir. Prince Alexandros has always been very kind to me… the few times I've had the honor to serve him directly"

Realizing that the boy wasn't going anywhere, Waver decided it was best to get on with it the sooner the better. He tried to ignore the fact that there was no door and a spectator. He unbuttoned his shirt and undid his pants. The boy stood by his side -Waver couldn't help feeling a little awkward- and handed him a white tunic and a red cape. Then he watched his master trying to put them on, without success.

"Excuse me, but you are a foreigner, correct? You wouldn't know how to do it properly. Here, if I may…"

After a last failed attempt, Waver gave in. He took a deep breath and let the boy do his job. He wrapped the robe around Waver's naked body, while he closed his eyes trying not to think too much about it. Just a moment after the boy stopped and Waver opened his eyes.

"All done, sir. Now the sandals, and you are ready for dinner"

That was a lot faster and easier than Waver expected. He managed to put on his sandals and they both exited the room towards the hall.

The great feast had already begun. Endless tables set with all kinds of meat and fruit, numerous cups made of gold already half filled with wine. People standing all around the room, men and women, lively chatting, drinking and singing. Waver wondered how all these people were related to Alexander, or if they were related at all. He searched for him in the crowd but couldn't see him. All he could see was the old man Attalus frowning at him, sitting at the only table that was placed higher than the rest, the table for royalty members and the king's council. Waver tried to get out of the old man's sight by sitting on the other corner of the room. He felt awkward being the only one who was sitting, and the least he wanted was any more undesired attention.

Lucky for him, turn their attention toward the royal table, suddenly cheering loudly at the triumphal entrance of the prince in the hall.

Waver got up and clapped along with the crowd, hoping Alexander would see him. But only Attalus looked at him.

"Don't mind Attalus" a man appeared beside him. Tall, dark-skinned, middle-aged man, dressed in a soldier armor, "he is just overprotective with Alexandros. He is almost like a son to him"

Waver stared at the stranger in silence, wondering if everyone in Macedon was this talkative to strangers.

"Oh, I'm Parmenion" He offered his hand to greet him

"Waver Velvet"

"I know, Alexandros has told me everything about you"

"Everything? But we just met this morning, he knows nothing about me"

"Yet he trusts you" The tall man gave Waver an intense glare. His face nothing like the warm person from a moment ago, but a another, intimidating man.

"Why? Why does he trust you?" Parmenion went on

Waver did not know what to reply. A drop of sweat ran down his back.

"I wonder if you used your magic on him…". He paused a moment to observe the young mage's reaction "Why are you here, Waver Velvet? What are your true intentions?"

They exchanged looks for a long while in silence, Parmenion's hand resting on his sword's handle. As intimidating as the man was, Waver refused to look away

"ha!" Parmenion finally laughed, then gave Waver a pat on the shoulder, "I was just testing you, boy. You have a strong will. I can see why he likes you"

Waver faked a laugh to hide his anxiety

"Come boy, let's get you a drink"

"I'm ok thanks, I don't really drink"

"Oh…" he pouted, slightly confused

"But I could have some food", Waver said right away. He didn't want to look impolite. After all, Alexandros did say he was having the feast for him… didn't he?

"Are we celebrating something?", Waver said as he served himself some lamb

"Nothing in particular", Parmenion imitated him. "The prince just wanted to welcome his guests"

He pointed to the royal table with his chin, since his hands were busy.

Waver looked in that direction. Alexander lively chatting with noblemen and women – or so Waver assumed by their luxurious looking clothes and jewels- as they came with presents for him, one after another. A woman with long blonde hair sat solemnly by Alexander's side. To Waver, she looked bored and upset, even disgusted perhaps.

A second later another woman, younger -almost as young as Alexander- sat at the other end of the table. The golden-haired woman abruptly got up from her seat, yelling something at her. Something Waver was not able to hear all the way across the room. Nobody noticed, except the people at the royal table, who all turned to her. Them and Parmenion.

"That blonde beauty is Olympias. Alexander's mother", he clarified.

Waver observed her long, thin, figure, and imagined how beautiful she must have been in a younger age.

"And that young lady over there, the one who just came in, that's Eurydice. King Phillip's seventh wife"

Alexander had now gotten up, trying to calm his mother down, while the young woman left the room in tears.

"As you can see, Olympias is not very fond of her"

"But why?"

"Well, I don't blame her. Eurydice is half her age, and double in beauty. King Philippe is very fond of her daughter and son. The young prince is second in line of succession, although still younger in age by several years than Alexander, the first prince. But Eurydice is Attalus daughter, captain of King Phillipe's army and close friend. I think Olympias feels threaten by them. It's only natural that she fears for her son's future"

"I see. So, the King has several wives and potential heirs"

"It's only logical. In case one of his wives can't produce a male heir, he needs to make sure he has options. Isn't that what your King does there in…uhh… where is it you come from again?"

"England"

"Right…"

"Not quite", he smiled.

Parmenion shrugged and stuffed some lamb chops in his mouth.

Waver looked at Alexander again and wondered what the king was like. Was Alexander anything like his father? He certainly had his mother's wide, penetrating eyes and delicate features. Yet he was nothing like her at the same time. His eyes were full of life and his smile full of passion. His whole being didn't have that negative aura like Olympias'. Did he get his temper from his father? Perhaps his mentors? Or maybe he built up his own character? His thoughts were interrupted by a third person joining the conversation.

"I see you have not given up your interest for young boys, Parmenion". A man stood behind them. Soldier, around the same age as Parmenion, slightly older.

"You should not attempt to make jokes, Orestys. It doesn't suit you"

"You are right. My bad. I am just in a good mood today"

"Why are you here anyway, I thought you were out with king Philipos. It's rare to see you leave his side, as his personal body guard"

"Very rare indeed. But you see, he left me in charge of something important. Something that fool of Attalus was not able to do. The King asked me to look for his son who was missing. And there he is, safe, by his side. I am celebrating he has been found"

"Not by you, 'though" muttered Waver into his cup, taking a sip of water

"What did you just say?" Orestys turned to him with a threatening look

"Nothing…I was just talking to myself"

"This is Waver Velvet, Alexandros' personal acquaintance", interrupted Parmenion

"Is he, now?" he looked at him, skeptical

"Anyway, I'm glad the prince is back now. He has tons of work to do in his father's absence. Lucky for him, he has us to help him", continued Parmenion

Orestys gave Waver another glare. "See you around", he said, and walked away. As soon as he left, Parmenion poked Waver on the chest with a finger.

"You need to learn your place, young mage, or you are going to get yourself killed. Be careful with your words"

"jeez, why can't anyone take a joke anymore?"

"Not this one, no"

"Not only him. That Attalus guy is the same. I wonder if they are related"

Parmenion let out a hysterical laugh "You are quite a comedian. Don't you ever let him hear you say that, or you will definitely get killed. They hate each others' guts"

"Why?"

"Long story. Not the time and place. Maybe some other time. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some wine to drink and a wife to bed. Enjoy the feast, young mage".

He gently patted Waver on the back and left the room.

Waver had a strange and unfamiliar feeling of anxiety now that he was left alone again. Although he never really cared about being alone, he had to admit it was nice to have someone to chat with in a social event. He also had discovered he liked getting to know the people who surrounded Alexander, and wanted to learn more.

He sat in a corner and observed the scene, fascinated by the idea of taking part of the history he had read in books many times. He looked at Alexander, at his mother, all the people in the royal table, and he suddenly felt so tiny. He had a strange feeling like he didn't belong.

Time to go to sleep, he thought.

A second later someone had put a cup of wine in front of his face.

"For you, master Waver". Menes, the servant boy, was standing in front to him

"Oh, thank you, but I'm ok, I don't really-"

"You better accept it, my lord, since your secret admirer is someone of great power. Almost as great as his pride", he joked, turning his sight to the person who had sent him the precious offering.

Alexander sat triumphantly on his father's throne at the royal table. His elbow resting on the arm of the chair, slightly leaning to the side. He was staring at Waver with a smirk on his lips. He raised his cup to cheer with him.

Waver's lips curved in a funny way, surprisingly amused. He took a sip of wine, without looking away from Alexander. The young prince grinned as he watched him do so, delighted, pleased to see that a valuable treasure like his finest wine was properly appreciated by his guest.

Waver raised his cup and nodded, in sign of gratitude. Alexander nodded back in acknowledgment. Their looks lingered a while longer, until Attalus blocked Alexander's view by standing in front of him to tell him something.

"Enjoying the wine master?" Menes asked

"Yes, it's…It's amazing, thank you. And please, just call me Waver"

The boy's eyes shone brighter than the golden cup

"I'm glad you like it, Waver", the boy smiled

Waver was glad he had someone to talk to again. The evening went on with chattering and drinking. The more Waver talked, the thirstier he got, and more wine was poured into his cup. They talked about the food, about the kingdom, about the gods. They talked and waver drank, the boy kept pouring. He poured until Waver begun to feel dizzy and sleepy.

He looked around. He had trouble trying to focus his eyes. The feast was almost coming to its end. Some people where already laughing loudly and picking up fights, while others just euphorically danced to the melody of the harps, honoring the god Dionysus. Waver tried focusing one more time, looking for Alexander at the table, but he lost his sight again. Instead, he saw a man in a black hooded cloak, who's figure did not seem to merge properly with the rest of the picture. He stood still and empty-looking, in the middle of a lively crowd. The image was so out of place that Waver had to rub his eyes to make sure it as not a secondary effect of the wine. When he opened his eyes, the man wasn't there anymore.

Now it really is time to go to bed, he told himself, getting up and taking a last sip of his wine.

He somehow found his way through the corridors of the palace, back to his room.

"I cannot stay here much longer, or I will disrupt Alexander's fate. I need to find a way to go back..."

He said thought, almost as if he was trying to persuade himself to leave. For every minute he spent in the Ancient Greece, the more curious he grew about Alexander's life before he became the great conqueror he once knew.

He entered his room with a final resolution.

"I can't see him again," he thought out loud, "...ever again. I need to leave tomorrow before he finds me. I can never see him again…"

"See who?", answered a voice from inside the room.

Alexander was lying on the furniture that served as a couch, his legs dangling on the arm rest and holding a cup of wine.

"What the-?"

"I hoped you enjoyed the feast"

"It was amazing yes…"

Waver pointed a finger at him, suddenly confused, "But what are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you, of course. I'm looking forward to our little chat"

"Chat?"

"Magic, Waver! I want to know everything about it"

He now got up enthusiastically and put his cup down.

Waver sighed. He had totally forgotten about that.

"Alexander..." he face-palmed, "go to your room, please, I want to sleep"

"Unacceptable! I don't know when will I have another chance to meet a real mage like you! Now, come join me", he said, patting the pillow next to him, inviting his guest to sit by his side

"Listen, I am tired. Could we-"

"Nonsense!" Alexander interrupted "the goddess Nyx made the night long to witness our endless conversations with allies and enemies. It is during nigh time that our brains work the best, and the stars enlighten your thoughts. Wine and conversation, what could possibly make this evening any better?"

"... I can think of a few things..." Waver muttered, "Going home would be one"

"You are funny, boy. Weird, but funny", Alexander laughed

"I am not a boy, I am 21", Waver said, slightly offended

"Huh?" Alexander opened his eyes wide "21? With that tiny body?" he asked, surprised. He grabbed Waver's wrist, gently lifting his arm to examine his muscles. Waver pushed him away and scowled at him.

"And those delicate features…". The young prince grabbed Waver by his chin, forcing him move his head from side to side to examine his face closely.

Waver slapped Alexander's hand away

"You may be bigger than me in size, but you act like a kid. And your face is also the face of a kid. I thought you were like 15 when I first saw you"

"Well, I'm 18". He said proudly, his hands on his hips

"18?! But that's three years younger than me." Waver thought. Then coughed to changed the subject

"Anyway, good night. I'm going to bed". He walked towards the bed, hoping the prince would leave.

He did not know that someone's desire to sleep was no obstacle for his ambitious young prince.

Waver lied facing down on the bed pretending to be asleep. A few seconds later he could feel the weight on the other side of the bed. He turned into that direction and his eyes met directly with Alexander's hungry eyes, so thirsty for knowledge, it was overwhelming. Waver jumped back a little.

"Hey, what are you-"

"Tell me, mage, are you an alchemist?"

"Get out of my bed!"

"Well, technically is my bed..."

"You can't invite someone to your place and then rub it on their faces"

"You can stay as long as you want if you reveal to me your secrets about magic"

"Who says I want to stay forever, you idiot! …You don't understand anything...ever", he sunk his face into a pillow in frustration

"Ever? You speak as if we have known each other for a long time", the ginger haired man looked at him, suspicious.

"I do feel like I know you from somewhere. Have we met before?"

" …ever…ever since we met this morning, I meant", Waver replied hasty, his face still hidden

"hmm", Alexander crossed his arms, hesitant.

"So, are you an alchemist or not?" Alexander asked, bending over to get closer to Waver. "Where you born with magic? How do you transmute matter? Is it achievable for anybody? How can I obtain magic? Do you have a philosopher stone?"

Waver had now sat on the bed.

"Wow, wow, slow down, that's too many questions and way too complex answers"

"That's perfect! We have all night"

"Ugh" protested Waver as he let himself drop on his back against the bed

Alexander leaned on Waver's stomach, smiling. "Is that a yes?"

Waver rolled turning his back at him. The prince leaned over him and poked his cheek. Waver's eyes focused on something else trying hard to ignore him. Alexander poked him again, this time harder. No answer. Twice. Still the same. The third time Waver muttered a curse and sat on the bed.

"You truly are a stubborn and ambitious little prince, aren't you?"

"That is the way a king should be raised to be", he answered proudly

"What is the point of that, if people are only doing what you tell them to do because you have authority over them?"

"You are wrong" Alexander's tone and face became suddenly darker, "I would never rely on my position as king to be accepted by my followers...unlike my father..."

Waver could tell he had offended him. He wasn't sure weather to apologize or just change subject. Lucky for him, it was Alexander who carried on with the conversation.

"Anyway, that is not the way my mentor has taught me. I have always won an argument fair and square. Not only intellectual quarrels, but also in a fight". His words did not denote arrogance, but only truth.

"Mentor?"

"Aristotle... I wonder what became that old man, he disappeared a few years ago. After I helped him rebuilt his town… never heard of him again", he said, lost in his thought for a moment.

Waver's jaw dropped, speechless.

"Why are you looking at me like an idiot?", wondered Alexander

"Th-THE Aristotle?!"

"You know him? I didn't know he was so well known in the far away kingdom of "London""

"You have no idea..." he sighed, suddenly disappointed by the thought of living in the same era as him and not being able to see him. "I guess it's impossible to meet him then"

Alexander looked at him, thoughtful, and an idea came to his mind. He got up and took a book from the shelf in the room, then handed it over to Waver.

"What is this?"

"Take it"

Waver examined it. It was Aristotle's original writing and thoughts on Alexander's education. His eyes begun to tear, moved by his host's noble gesture

"But this...this is…"

"For you", he smiled, "and I have more if you want to take a look at them. There's Plato and others too. And if you are into other things like Aristophanes, or Sophocles, they are all in here"

He pointed to a shelf full of books.

Waver could not hold his tears of excitement any longer

"Thank you", he said, kneeling and bowing to him

"W-What are you doing…? Don't be so formal, there is no need to thank me", he replied, slightly embarrassed. As a Greek prince, he was not used to people kneeling before him in his culture.

"I-It's not a big deal, I have plenty of books. It's fine, as long as this makes you change that stupid sad face you've had ever since you entered this palace", the prince scoffed, rising his eyebrows.

Waver felt suddenly stupid, and rude. The prince was treating him as a guest after all, and he was being extremely ungratefully to him.

"I'm sorry, your grace", he said as he smiled at him, nodding. "Alright. I'll tell you everything you need to know. Listen carefully-"

"It's late now. Go to sleep. We have a lot to talk about tomorrow"

"Huh?! But-but you… you just said-"

"Sleep well, mage Waver! I'll see you in the morning. May the god Morpheus be with you, and send you the most pleasant dreams"

Alexander left the room leaving Waver puzzled

"Damn it. Who understands him?"