A/N – sorry for not updating for quite some time and this is a rather short chapter. I have been really busy with RL challenges and October being a month when I have to write a number of one-offs, I decided to post what I wrote so far. The update will follow in November, hopefully.
Please enjoy this instalment and let me know what you think. Your comments are greatly appreciated.
O
348 BC, early spring
Amyntor regretted the lack of time for proper preparation for his mission but there was nothing he could do. Still, considering the circumstances, everything went rather smoothly – his quarrel with Philip, swift journey to Pella to retrieve Hephaistion and then his passage to the camp of Mazaeus. The Persian satrap was surprised to hear what Amyntor had to say and offer but it didn't impede him from welcoming general and entertaining him lavishly, despite the camp conditions.
Amyntor and his son were treated as honored guests and Mazaeus promised the general to pass his sentiments to the Great King. The satrap didn't hide the fact that he expected the most favorable response from Artaxerxes. Meantime, Amyntor took an opportunity to participate in military actions. As expected, Mentor was coming from Egypt with some four thousands highly trained Greek mercenaries to join forces with Sidonian king Tennes. In Amyntor's opinion, which was shared by Belysis, the satrap of Syria, the best course of action was to oppose the merge of the two forces and try to beat them separately. Mazaeus, however, ignored this prudent advice, and spent his time entertaining different guests, hunting and only occasionally surveying the troops under his command.
When the battle at last was given, combined forces of Mentor and Tennes soundly defeated Mazaeus. Belysis fumed because his advice was ignored and threatened to write to the Great King accusing Mazaeus of incompetence. Amyntor was more cautious, he could ill afford to alienate Mazaeus, who was considered a far more powerful satrap than Belysis and had an overall command.
Mazaeus' troops regrouped; despite the defeat, commander's mood seemed to be high and he showed little concern that the Great King might be disappointed in his actions. Some skirmishes still persisted, more so from the Persian side and Amyntor noted that the main purpose seemed to gain information and little was done to contain the damage. Even more disturbingly, Mazaeus hardly paid any attention to the news that Mentor and Tennes attracted more and more followers to their side.
One evening, when Mazaeus' top military commanders and other guests started to leave their leader's tent one by one to retire for the night, the satrap motioned to Amyntor to approach and said with a smile, "I have good news to share with you. Wait till I say goodbye to everyone else and we'll talk."
Amyntor nodded in agreement and accepted another cup of wine from a servant. He watched Mazaeus to play a perfect host and not for the first time admired satrap's diplomatic skills. If only they had been matched by the equally sharp military acumen! The man had a unique ability to impose his iron will in the most charming manner. From his first days in the Mazaeus' camp Amyntor was impressed how his new temporary benefactor managed to hold grasp over the multitude of commanders, courtiers and other officials who were, in some cases, his equal in the complex hierarchy of the Persian court. There was no doubt that king Artaxerxes hold Mazaeus in the highest regard and if rumours were true, he was also a darling of the most powerful person at the Great King's court – the famous and much feared vizier Bagoas.
Amyntor judged Mazaeus to be of the same age as himself, maybe a little younger. He had typical Persian looks - dark curly hair, always immaculately trimmed and cared for, fashionable beard and dark brown, almost black eyes. He was nicely built and it was evident from his physic that he took pains to maintain what the gods given him at birth. He was avid and skilful rider, handled different weapons well and despite being bettered by Memnon in battle, displayed sufficient personal courage to be regarded by his peers and subordinates with respect. Always in a good mood, even under the duress, he possessed admirable leadership skills preferring reasoning to ordering. Yet, it was obvious that he expected to be obeyed and when anybody tried to challenge his authority or question his decisions, he displayed firmness of character and the metal notes in his voice showed that he wouldn't tolerate any subordination. Amyntor never saw anybody daring to object to satrap's final decisions and he could only guess that it was based on the knowledge, either indirect or witnessed, of how badly such insubordination ended up in the past.
"You would be pleased to hear you are going to meet the Great King himself in a very near future," started Mazaeus with a smile when the two men were left alone. "I received a word that Artaxerxes wishes to honor you with granting a personal audience." The satrap watched his guest intently while delivering the news. He was pleased with reaction when he saw the eyes of the Macedonian general lit with appreciation and excitement.
"Am I to travel to Susa to meet the Great King Artaxerxes?" asked Amyntor eagerly.
"No. The occasion requires no travel on your part," evenly said Mazaeus continuing to watch his guest.
"No travel on my part….," echoed the Macedonian general. "It means King Artaxerxes….but of course, how could I be so blind!"
"Indeed," smiled the satrap and took a small sip from his cup.
Amyntor groaned and looked apologetically at Mazaeus. "Some politician!" he reproached himself silently. Mazaeus wasn't stupid or careless at all in allowing Mentor and Tennes to join forces and then to be defeated. It was all prearranged and preapproved beforehand, to let all the discontent and rebellious vassals to reveal themselves and concentrate in one spot. Mazaeus troops were bait that allowed the main body of the huge Persian army to be collected and then arrive in full force under the command of the king himself. Instead of chasing each malcontent individually all over the huge empire, Mazaeus and Artaxerxes skillfully manoeuvred them into one meeting place.
"At least I am in a rather respectful company," Amyntor tried to save face, "I am not the only one who couldn't see through your clever plan."
"And it was the whole point," chuckled Mazaeus. "I am happy that my little ruse played out so well. But you have nothing to worry; your reputation didn't suffer as a result. "
"I hope so," said Amyntor with evident relief. "Will you be the one who introduces me to the Great King?"
"I don't know. This is something for the King of Kings to decide. But don't worry, even if I won't be there, I will teach you how to behave in order to give the best impression. I am as interested in your successful acceptance as you are, because by suggesting your services to the Great King, I put my reputation at stake too. If you ever to betray your new sovereign, it will be remembered that I was the one who vouched for you."
"Why did you vouch for me?" with sincere interest asked Amyntor.
"I believe that you can be a good asset to the Great King and provide invaluable information as to what expect from your king Philip."
"He is no longer my king," reminded Amyntor.
"Correct. But if the rumours are true, there are few people who know Philip as well as you do."
"I doubt you rely on rumors much."
"I took pains to verify those rumors," Mazaeus looked with confidence at his guest. "Not everybody at Great King's court consider Philip a serious threat. I do and it is my most sacred duty as a subject to make the king aware of this potential danger. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Of course. And I truly believe I can be of great service in this matter," Amyntor hurried to assure his host.
"I choose to believe the sincerity of your intentions but I wonder – did you consider all the risks?"
Amyntor knew that Mazaeus was testing him; it wasn't for the first time and Macedonian general had no doubt that the satrap took a certain degree of risk by recommending him to Artaxerxes. There were advantages too but suddenly Amyntor became apprehensive of Mazaeus' true intentions. Was it simply to gain more favor from Artaxerxes or the clever satrap saw through his, Amyntor's, disguise and suspected from the very beginning that Macedonian general never betrayed his king? There was no way of truly knowing what was going in the Mazaeus' head, and Amyntor had no choice but try to convince the courtier in sincerity of his intentions.
"Such as that I am not only betraying my king but also my country and my compatriots?"
"Yes."
"It didn't deter many other people before me."
"True. But you didn't seem the type," Mazaeus pressed on.
"Then, am I the type to swallow disrespect from my king? As for my fellow generals, they are only too happy to have one less rival for the king's attention, and all the others, who really cares? They will have other commanders to bark orders to them."
"So, what would you do if Artaxerxes doesn't award you all your heart desires?"
"First, I have to prove my worth to the Great King, only then can I expect anything in return. When that day comes, I feel confident that King of Kings' benevolence will be sufficient. Given the chance, both I and my son will serve truthfully and never look back."
"I hope so. Since your wife died, you never remarried," Mazaeus showed how well informed he was, "You asked King Philip to allow you to marry his sister-in-law. Are you looking into making as ambitious marriage at the Persian court?"
"It wasn't my ambition that made me to ask for Cynane's hand, I wanted to know how much Philip trusted me. Besides, Cynane is very nice to be looked upon."
"I see. Trust me, there is no lack of beautiful women at the Persian court. Besides, it will tie you more firmly to your new country and will give you an opportunity to produce devoted warriors to serve in the king's army."
"I will gladly do that but rest assured my son Hephaistion will be raised in similar manner."
"Ah, Hephaistion. Very clever lad, indeed. I recently overheard him conversing in a very good Persian, given his short time here. He may be more suited to serve at the Great King court not in his army. I can put forward a word for him with Bagoas."
"I prefer my eldest son to be raised as a warrior."
"I must warn you, Amyntor, don't repeat the same mistake here as you did in Macedon. It may cost you even more dearly."
"What mistake?"
"It is not about what you want. It's about what your king wants."
"I am sure King Artaxerxes would have nothing against Hephaistion joining his army when he is old enough."
"Or he would prefer a very good looking eunuch to serve him in different capacities."
"What do you mean?" paled Amyntor.
"You can't be blind not to notice that Ahuramazda gave your son exceptional looks. Our Great Kings like to surround themselves with beauty. Your son good looks will be wasted in the army."
"I won't allow my son to be mutilated."
"It is not a mutilation," calmly stated Mazaeus. "Besides, many noble families feel honoured if their child chosen by the King himself. Many even send their sons to court at the very young age hoping for such an opportunity."
"Did you send your children to such a fate?" asked Amyntor but instantly regretted the question.
"I did not," said Mazaeus, "however, I don't need to prove my allegiance to the King, you do."
"I am sure there are many other ways…"
"True. But this is one of the surest."
"He is my only son."
"But by marrying a Persian noblewoman, you can have many more. It will immensely please the Great King if you leave it up to him to decide your son's future. I suggest you take your son with you when you're summoned to attend the Great King."
"And if I don't?"
Mazaeus shrugged his shoulders, "It's up to you to follow my advice or disregard it. But if you're so avert to the idea, I suggest you send your son away. I am not the only one who has eyes and noticed your son's good looks."
"I have nowhere to send him," admitted Amyntor, "this is why I brought him with me. You mentioned that your sons almost the same age as my Hephaistion. Can he be send to your estate to be brought up together with them?"
"And you will trust me not to send him to Artaxerxes' harem?"
Amyntor shivered at the thought. "I will trust you if you promise not to."
"I can't give you my word, so I suggest you keep your son close and take your chances. I also suggest you think about it. It may be not the future you, Macedonians, contemplate for your children, but you should stop thinking about Macedonian ways and embrace our way of living. That is, of course, if you want to succeed here and not end up being trumped over."
"I am sure there are many ways to succeed."
"May be. I don't want to end this conversation on a sour note. Take this as a friendly advice and should you change your mind….."
"I won't but I am grateful for your honesty. And your hospitality, which I don't want to overstay. If you give me your permission to retire."
"Of course. It has been a long day and I am sure I gave you enough to think about. I wish you a peaceful night," friendly enough said Mazaeus and stood up.
Amyntor hurriedly followed his example and thanking profusely his host, worriedly retired to his tent.