Dear friends: Thank you for the wonderful responses to the previous chapters of this story. I hope you will continue to enjoy it. Your comments are always eagerly anticipated and appreciated.
Warning: This is M chapter
x
343 (end of summer)
"Father, how can you do that to Larisa?!" Philotas burst into his father's room all riled up in indignation.
When messengers first arrived to Mieza urging him to bring his younger brother Nicanor and Prince Alexander back to Pella for his sister's wedding, he was shocked and deeply upset by the news. He practically didn't sleep all night, tossing in his bed, calling names and cursing. Collecting in the early morning his charges and not attempting to hide his foul mood, he urged the party forward, denying them any stops on the way. He dropped off Alexander at the palace and rushed to his father's house in the vicinity.
"What's the matter, son?" Parmenion looked at Philotas with a well-played expression of mild interest. He could of course guess his son's reason for being unhappy but didn't want to lose the opportunity to teach his oldest offspring a lesson.
"You're marrying off my only sister to that lecherous goat! How can you do that to her?"
"Watch your language, son. Attalos belongs to one of the noblest and oldest Macedonian family; he is also a very close friend of King Philip, a very rich man whose only two sons died in battles. Any children that Larisa will bear him would inherit all his fortune. Did you consider that?"
"There are enough noble and rich people in Macedon, Attalos is not the only one. Did you even think about anybody else? She could have married Alexander!"
"You mean Prince Alexander?"
"Of course I mean Prince Alexander!" exploded Philotas. "Or you're not ambitious enough to want such a match?"
"I am ambitious enough," tersely answered Parmenion who indeed considered such a possibility, quite for a long time actually. He even approached Philip on the matter but his king's response was not what he hoped for and Parmenion wisely decided to look some place else. "Alexander is not old enough to marry and Larisa…well, in few years she will be past the most acceptable age for the first marriage and if not married everybody will assume that something is wrong with her. You don't want that for your sister, do you?"
"But why Attalos? Why it can't be somebody else?" insisted Philotas.
"Like who? Antipater's sons are too young, otherwise they would be a perfect match. Others are not high enough…."
"What about Alexander of Epiros, he is not married yet."
"I see you're determined to see your sister married to royalty. Be careful, Philotas, one day your ambitions can become your downfall."
"There is nothing wrong with ambition. Larisa would have made an excellent Queen of Epiros!"
"When you have your own daughters, you will have the right to choose their husbands. Larisa is marrying Attalos, end of discussion."
Philotas was not going to give up that easy – the thought of Larisa in Attalos' bed was almost unimaginable for him, he couldn't fight the repulsive images that crowded his head since the moment he heard the news.
"You can't not know that Attalos fills his bed with dirty women, perverted young boys and boasts of orgies that held in his house. I saw it once and it almost made me puke, you can't possibly wish it on Larisa to be in that house!"
"He had his issues… since his second wife died," Parmenion tried to offer explanation. "I am sure after he marries Larisa those orgies will stop, at least in his house. Besides, after his brother's recent death he assumed the guardianship of his niece, Cleopatra. She is around ten years old and I am sure Attalos doesn't want her to witness …. things. Larisa will become like a mother to her, think about it. And then one day, if Cleopatra marries Prince Alexander, your sister will be her closest friend and confidant, and when Alexander becomes a king…."
"This is your plan?" Philotas shouted, not able to control his indignation, "your daughter is not good enough to marry a Prince, let her become a subservient creature to the one who has a chance!"
"I never said that Larisa was not good enough!" Parmenion was starting to lose his patience with his eldest son, "she is just of the wrong age. I thought of you as an adult but you seem to be stuck in the age of petty grievances and unrealistic dreams, just like when you were twelve. I thought you'd be able to help me but it seems I've been mistaken."
"Help you with what?" Philotas had no intention of conceding defeat to his father, "it looks like you're the only one who knows what is best for your family and don't need anybody else's advice."
"It is true, I don't need your advice," Parmenion said coldly, "what I wanted from you is to talk to your sister, to help her to see the wisdom of my decision and come to terms with it. You always had that special relationship with Larisa and I hoped you can help her. You want your sister to be happy, don't you?"
"How can I persuade my sister to accept something that I myself don't agree with?"
"If you truly love you sister, you'll find a way. Both your mother and I spoke with her but all she does is crying and hiding in her bed. The wedding is in a few days, I don't want to force her or embarrass her. I don't want anybody to know that my daughter is incapable of fulfilling her family obligations. Would you like such a shame on your sister?"
Philotas fell silent. As much as he detested his father decision he knew that what Parmenion said was true. Young brides were supposed to show a certain fear and apprehension but then also they were supposed to show their submission to the will of their families.
Parmenion took advantage of his son's break in accusations, "Philotas, you know what I did was right. This wedding is very beneficial for our family, and King Philip is very much in favor of it. The strongest families of Macedon should be tied together to further strengthen our unity. I hoped you understand. Even if Larisa can't marry into royalty, maybe one day you can. One day Philip will be looking for a suitable husbands for his daughters…."
Philotas pursed his lips, "That day is yet to come. I will talk to Larisa though. I don't want to add to her misery."
"This is what I expected to hear," Parmenion smiled and looked his son over, "I see that you didn't have a chance to change yet. I ordered the servants to prepare a bath for you; I know that you must be tired from the day of riding…."
"I am fine, father."
"Well, then. Your mother and I are invited tonight to the feast in the palace. Since Prince Alexander will be there as well, we'll take Nicanor and even Hector with us. You'll have the house to yourself and can talk to Larisa privately, you know. She refuses to be comforted by anybody, even her nurse couldn't convince her to stop crying. I hope she listens to you. I trust you're not upset because you're going to miss one royal feast?"
Philotas looked haughtily at his father but didn't say anything. Instead, he turned around and exited the room without taking a formal leave from his father. When he arrived at this quarters, though, he didn't seem necessary to conceal his rage and his servants bore all the anger he wasn't able to unleash on his father.
Having brutally manhandled several of his servants and releasing his steam in a rough sex with one of the slave girls, Philotas appeared in his sister's quarters wearing his mildest of expression, his face radiating brotherly love and concern for his sister.
He found her huddled in the corner of her bed, her eyes red and lips swollen from crying.
"Oh, Larisa!" Philotas rushed to his sister, "what did they do to you?"
His sister quietly sobbed and tried to wipe new tears that started to water her eyes. She managed to smile sadly and whispered, "I am glad you could come, that you didn't forget your little sister. When I was a child, you used to love me, Philotas."
"I still love you, my little one," Philotas said tenderly and sat on his sister's bed. "Come, don't hide there. I want to see your beauty," he extended his hand and Larisa took it with her trembling fingers. Then she rushed into her brother's embrace, clinging to him with an unreserved desperation. Philotas hugged her and started softly to caress her back trying to calm her shaking form. Larisa's hands went around Philotas' neck and suddenly he felt rather unwelcomed urges in his body when Larisa's fingers brushed the back of his neck and then were softly buried in his hairs. He suddenly realized that Larisa must be wearing very little under the soft cloak which was wrapped around her body. He could feel the ups and downs of her breasts with each sob she took and despite having sex less than hour ago, he realized that he was becoming hard in such a close proximity to his sister. He gently disengage from the embrace but the move didn't sit well with his grief stricken sister.
"You don't love me?" she asked in a loud whisper.
"Larisa," Philotas kept a safe distance from his sister's body but felt confident enough to extend his right hand on pat her hair.
"Of course I love you, my little sis," he smiled encouragingly.
"Well, then…" Larisa whispered again and taking Philotas' hand from her locks, forced it to slide to her neck and then further to the shoulder making the cloak to fall away and expose her body. Philotas' jaw dropped down in surprise, his sister was naked under the covers. Taking advantage of her brother bewilderment, Larisa guided his hand further down making him cup her youthful breast and rub his palm against the hard nipple.
"What are you doing?" Philotas suddenly became scared and tried to disengage from his sister. In his bewildered and aroused state it wasn't that simple. Larisa abandoned her brother's hand and in one fluid move bringing her leg over Philotas knees bended in sitting position, straddled his lap and brought her lips crashing over his.
"Wait, wait," Philotas tried to reason, the heat rising all over his body and dizziness sweeping his head. "We can't do it, we are brother and sister."
"You always wanted me, didn't you?" Larisa didn't try to kiss her brother on the lips again, instead, she started to plant very sensuous kisses over his face and neck.
"Larisa, this is wrong, please…" pleaded Philotas.
"And throwing me into Attalos' bed is right?" Larisa started to untie the wrappings on the Philotas' clothing. "Don't worry, nobody will come here; remember, you suppose to console me in my grief over he impeding loss of my virginity to Attalos. Nobody will interrupt us."
Sudden realization dawned on Philotas, "You arranged it on purpose, didn't you? Your cries, your despair, it was all for the purpose of us being left alone?"
"You are not the only one clever in this family," beguilingly smiled Larisa continuing to undress her brother.
"This is wrong….."
"Hmmm," Larisa captured his lips again and suddenly Philotas felt his sister's fingers on his cock. To his horror he realized they were not just exploring, they seemed to know very well what they were doing.
"How did you learn to do it?" he heavily breathed unable to break from his sister's skillful manipulations.
"I can tell you afterwards," there was an unmistaken urgency in her tone and she tried to force Philotas down the bed.
"Are you still a virgin?" asked Philotas as he realized with horror that he was helping his sister to undress him.
"Of course, I am not stupid," panted Larisa now in full possession of his brother naked body. "Do you know what to do or I should teach you?"
"Larisa," Philotas tried to possess the remaining vestiges of his will power, "let's think about it, we're full brother and sister, it…..
"Think? What is there to think about? I know that you want me and I want you too. I wanted you from the moment I realized what it means. We have only till the morning. I want the memories of you to shield me from disgust when Attalos claims me."
"It is all your fault, father," desperately thought Philotas succumbing to the urges of his body.
When Philotas left his sister's bedroom in the morning, there were only two things he was sure of; first, that his sister remained virgin and second that he couldn't wait till the days of after the wedding. He learned from his sister that Attalos' wedding bliss was supposed to continue for a few nights only. On the fourth day Attalos had to leave Pella to catch up with Philip and Parmenion who were to leave earlier on their expedition against Thracians. Philotas was to take Larisa to Attalos' estate west of Pella and then join the army. His new brother-in-law was to be his commanding officer. Before that, however, he and Larisa will have a few days to enjoy each other's company and there would be no restrains to what they can do to each other.
Philotas refused to think whether what transpired the last night between him and his sister was right or wrong. The desire was so strong that it couldn't matter. At nineteen years old, he already had his fill of women and men, from unexperienced virgins to sophisticated courtesans. None could come even close to what he experienced with Larisa last night and more was to come. Her cunning and intelligence excited him no less than her body. She thought of it all, from making sure that her parents virtually delivered her brother to her bed to the fact that even if Attalos wouldn't be able to leave her with child, then Philotas would and should the child resemble his father too much, it wouldn't raise any suspicions, after all, it's only natural if uncle and nephew looked alike.
Larisa played her role perfectly. First blushing and nervous bride during the wedding feast, then young woman who looked with love and admiration at her husband. Philotas was in complete awe at his sister's ability to dissimulate and wondered if his own play of devoted brother was convincing enough. But it didn't look like anybody had any suspicions. And why would they? The feast continued for a couple of days, Attalos strutted as a peacock boasting to everybody of his virility, Philip wondered, loudly and lecherously, if he need to find himself another young bride, Parmenion displayed a proud picture of the worthy father and perfect drinking companion to the king, Antipater lamented the lack of more daughters in his pals' families because the majority of Macedonian upper society produces mostly sons.
At last the feasting ended, everybody sobered up and army moved out to subdue the wild parts of Thrace. As he already knew from Larisa, Philotas had first to take his sister to her husband estate, a few days from Pella and then join the army. Since the death of his previous wife Attalos didn't need any women servants, except the occasional wench he would bring to warm his bed, so Larisa brought a lot of her women, both free born and slaves, to make her and Cleopatra's lives comfortable. Attalos' niece was a shy ten years old who took immediate liking to Larisa and just in few days developed a worship-like attitude towards her adopted mother-in-law. Larisa seemed quite happy with a role and resolutely took her charge under her wing.
The first night of the travel to Attalos' estate they stopped in the house of some lesser Macedonian noble who was thrilled at the honour. Larisa was given the best room within the house, while the hosts and remaining guests had to satisfy themselves with simpler accommodations. Not surprisingly, when everybody was going to retire for the night, Larisa demanded the presence of her brother to discuss things. Arriving at the modest bedroom, Philotas tried to engage his sister in a small talk but Larisa would have none of it. She wasn't interested in her brother's view on different matters, all she wanted was his body. From the wild and rough sex to the slow and sensuous, Larisa dictated the rules of the game and it seemed she couldn't get enough. Completely exhausted, Philotas left the bedroom in the wee hours of the morning, mildly wondering if his sister demanded the same from Attalos' and if yes, what her husband thought on the matter.
After having the breakfast, the group continued on their journey in the leisure manner and Philotas suspected the trip was planned like that by Larisa herself on purpose, though how she managed to achieve this was a complete mystery to him. He watched his sister on the road, she seemed already quite comfortable in her new role of the mistress of the house, giving instructions to the servants and even accompanying guards with a self-assurance rarely seen in sixteen years old girl. The second night Philotas got reprieve from his sister's demands and though his mind found such behaviour prudent his body strongly disagreed.
When they arrived at Attalos estate on the evening of the third day, they found it full of activity but not completely ready yet to accommodate new mistress and additional servants. First night started late because Larisa worked everybody into exhaustion in the few hours since their arrival. Nobody seemed suspicious of Larisa wanting to spend some time with her brother. Philotas could hardly wait till the night fell and they were left alone. The wild lovemaking drove him crazy and wanting for more even when he had no strength left. He found a corner to sleep somewhere in the unknown house, his last thought before drifting away were on how he was going to say goodbye to his sister in a few days. He couldn't imagine parting with her.
Despite her passion during the night, Larisa hardly paid any attention to him during the day. She gave him a task of assuring the proper security of the huge estate after he was gone, surely not putting much trust in her husband's own arrangements. The few days flew in a heartbeat and at the last night Philotas engaged in a desperate lovemaking with Larisa dreading the future nights far away from her. Just a two weeks since falling in the carefully laid trap, Philotas already couldn't envision his life without being in a close proximity of his sister. He didn't know what the future hold for him but he quite seriously contemplated killing Attalos and running off with his sister some place where they couldn't be found and where nobody would know they were brother and sister.
However, looking at his sister giving orders around the house and playing a perfect wife of the absent husband, he doubted his sister's agreement to such a desperate proposal. Everybody seemed eager to please his sister, from the youngest slave to the old steward of the estate, they all obeyed her orders without hesitation or any kind of resentment. "She would make such a perfect Queen," grudgingly admitted Philotas. "Even Olympias would bow to her and maybe even Alexander would succumb to her charms." His thoughts wandered to the prince, now thirteen years old and rather dull and reserved young man who was obsessed with military training and excellence but didn't know how to enjoy life. Being some six years his senior, Philotas was never close to the prince and now, after spending half a year in Mieza as an instructor for younger boys, he disliked him even more.
"Praised be Zeus that it was a short lived assignment," exhaled Philotas making the last checks on the horses and equipment before saying last goodbyes, "I would go crazy if I had to stay any longer in that place. What Philip is thinking giving his son away to the philosophers and other good-for-nothing people, it is not a Macedonian way! True, Alexander is physically strong and eager to perfect himself in military craft but instead of spending his spare time with demagogues, he'd better accustomed himself to parties, drinking and women or he will never gain a respect from the army. If the rumor is true he is still a virgin, I at his age already knew quite a few women. He'll better start doing them or he will never catch up to his father!"
"Ah, Philotas!" a teary eyed Larisa approached her brother, young Cleopatra staying respectfully few steps behind.
Brother and sister hugged at the full view of the both remaining and departing parties. Their goodbye was a perfect picture of familial love and decorum. Larisa gave her brother some sort of amulet to keep him safe in the battles, Philotas planted a respectful kiss on her sister brow. He went to his horse and mounted, waving goodbye. Larisa waived back with her right hand, the jewels of heavy gold bracelet glittered mesmerizingly in the morning sun. Her left hand was around Cleopatra shoulder; it was supposed to be a motherly hug but Philotas somehow sensed that in a few years from now Cleopatra would be able to display the same unmistakably powerful sexual charms as his sister did. He wondered how it would feel to be in bed with both of them.
X
Too much in shock from such an unexpected turn events, Hephaistion allowed himself to be taken inside and, after passing a small antechamber he founded himself in a spacy and brightly lit room all ready for a small feast.
"Let me look at you, such a beautiful young man." Aristotle smiled fatherly and nodded his head in approval at what he saw. "You both must be very tired from the road, I hope the journey was uneventful?"
"Yes, thanks for all the arrangements," Tyrtamos assured him gratefully and lowered himself on the couch, "you have nice accommodations here."
"I can't complain," Aristotle smiled, "Philip is very generous. I have this dwelling for myself and Pythias, other teachers also have very nice lodgings and one is already prepared for you. I also have study rooms adjacent to the boys' dormitory. I will show you around tomorrow. Now, let's talk and eat. Theseus, don't look so sour."
"Why did you lie to me about where we were going?" Hephaistion asked Tyrtamos accusingly.
"Well, I really wanted you to come, I think it will be a great opportunity for you. You can study here with the boys your own age, including the crown prince himself, develop friendships and find your place in Macedonian society and then maybe in the army, just as you wanted. I can't provide much for you and it became dangerous in Troad, king Artaxerxes doesn't look favorably at the growing pockets of Greek influence in his territory. As for hiding our true destination, would you come if you knew where we're going?"
"Better ask on whose invitation," sourly thought Hephaistion. He didn't like this development a bit. Not only his being in Macedon put him in danger of being recognized, though, granted, Tyrtamos didn't know that, but also he was apprehensive of Tyrtamos' motives.
"Why did you think I wouldn't come?" asked Hephaistion knowing quite well that he put his benefactor at the awkward situation.
"Theophrastos did so at my advice," stepped in Aristotle who always insisted on calling his friend by this nickname he gave him back in Plato's school in Athens.
"And why did you give him such an advice?" Hephaistion locked his eyes with his host.
"Because I wanted to give you a chance to appreciate the opportunity you are given. Then, and only then, you should decide whether or not to accept my offer."
"What offer?"
"Of becoming my eromenos," Aristotle didn't beat around the bush.
Hephaistion didn't flinch, he was prepared for such an answer. "Just because I have no family, you think you can buy me this cheap?"
"Buy? Cheap? Theseus, I expected better of you. You're very clever, worldly young man, I think you have a bright future before you. I can teach you many things I know, you can acquire powerful friendships here, and many would kill to be given such a chance. It is true, you don't have a family, and there is nobody to protect you from an unsavory propositions. My offer is a noble one, it is not just your body that I seek but also your mind. I ask you to think about it. You will have some days, maybe a week before prince Alexander returns and the classes resume in honest. In the meantime, you can meet other boys, see what it's like around here and appreciate the chance you're given. Only the sons of the highest Macedonian nobility were invited in my school and not everybody can afford the payment. Philip said that I can invite one boy, of my own choice, to attend the school. One boy who is bright, intelligent and strong and who can benefit from such a chance. The King of Macedon will provide for your education and all the other necessary expenses. After finishing the school you will be given a place in Macedonian society, its Army if you wish, according to the abilities you display. You will never get another chance like that. This is an offer I have for you. Now, let's eat and talk about something else."
Tyrtamos smiled encouragingly at Hephaistion and, lifting the cup that the slave just filled with wine, proudly announced, "To your bright future, Theseus!"
Hephaistion had the urge to throw his own cup at Tyrtamos and get out of the house but where would he go? Rush decisions are easy to make but one have to live with the consequences. He was given a few days of respite and it was stupid not to take advantage of it. Besides, despite his genuine dislike of Aristotle as a man, Hephaistion knew about his high reputation and it would be indeed an honor to be educated by one of the brightest minds in the known world. Also, in itself, Aristotle's offer was fair and nobody would ever think to despise Hephaistion for accepting it. The son of Amyntor decided to wait and see. So, he curbed his anger and behaved as if Aristotle announcement was in tune with his own desires. They ate and talked, and when it was time to retire, Aristotle called one of the guards to take Hephaistion to the rooms that Aristotle occupied in the secluded wing of the dormitory.
"I sometimes spent nights there when I need to work on something," said Aristotle, "most of my work and teaching materials are there as well as all other daily necessities. I took the liberty of buying you some clothes and other staff that you might need. You will be safe there as nobody allowed on the premises without my special permission."
Hephaistion listened dispassionately to the instructions and bidding his host and Tyrtamos a polite good night, left in the company of the guard. With detached curiosity he wondered if Aristotle and Tyrtamos were going engage in sex after he had left. Was it such a casual thing for them that Tyrtamos didn't think much about Aristotle shifting his attention to Hephaistion and leaving his old eromenos in the dry. At Assos Hephaistion enjoyed having occasional sex with girls but it was nothing serious; nor he neither the girls had any feelings and only looked for release and good time. It was with mutual agreement and nobody owed anything to anybody. The situation with Aristotle was different. Hephaistion knew that the famous philosopher lusted after him and knowing that that lust wasn't mutual, he thought to buy Hephaistion's compliance. Little did he know that becoming a part of Macedon elite wasn't something Hephaistion aspired to. Once, it was his birthright but after his father's betrayal his home country became a very dangerous place. What King Philip will do if he discovers that Aristotle's newest eromenos was the son of the infamous traitor?
They arrived at the dormitory and after the short tour in Aristotle's quarters, the guard left Hephaistion alone. The son of Amyntor was tired but he knew he would have trouble to fall asleep. Besides, sleeping in that bed would give Hephaistion all sorts of unpleasant thoughts. "Maybe I should read for a while," pondered Hephaistion, "I may get lucky to fall asleep across the table." He went to Aristotle's study room, it was a treasure throve of scrolls, writing materials and scientific specimens. Hephaistion sighed, he would love to study here, no doubt about it, Aristotle laid his trap well. After rummaging through a number of scrolls, he discovered the copy of Hippodamus' work, the famous architect from Miletos who devised plans for the better built cities and even drew a plan of Piraeus for Pericles. The scrolls were filled with Hippodamus' thoughts on how to build new cities to make the best use of environment and make them easy to navigate. The texts were accompanied by plans and also bore Aristotle's remarks of agreement or disagreement on the matter.
Hephaistion wasn't sure how much time passed since he started the reading. Far from falling asleep he felt wide awake following with interest the masterfully drawn plans and clear explanations. Hippodamus encouraged the readers to draw plans of the familiar neighborhoods and see how they could be improved. Quite excited at the idea, he put the scroll aside and went to nearby shelves where he noticed earlier Aristotle kept empty scrolls. This was when he suddenly heard jiggles and loud whispering. He stopped in confusion, the sounds were really close but nobody was supposed to be on the premises. He first went to the window thinking that the sounds came from there but it was definitely not the case. He returned to the table and listened again. He heard the loud whispering and some movement and he could bet that the noises started to sound suspiciously like love moans. "What the heck?" thought Hephaistion and went in the direction of the sounds. He suddenly realized that the disturbance was coming from the bedroom. A fleeting thought came across Hephaistion's mind that Aristotle decided to seduce him with making it out with Tyrtamos in the close proximity of where he was but he quickly rejected the idea as completely stupid, besides, one of the voices was definitely female.
He took one of the lamps from the table and went in the direction of the sounds. True enough, the moment he stepped into the bedroom, he could see two bodies in the bed obviously engaging in some sexual escapade.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" He asked loudly holding the lamp high enough in his outstretched hand to shed the light on the surroundings. Immediately, he heard a loud female shriek and very elaborate curse of the male counterpart. An attractive girl with big black eyes and lavish black curls stared at him frightfully from under the muscular form of the blond boy who indignantly turned around and looked angrily at Hephaistion.
"How dare you come here and spy on us?" asked the vexed youth whom Hephaistion judged to be the same age as himself.
The son of Amyntor almost answered in no less indignant tone but shut his mouth in the last moment. The question was asked in Macedonian and Hephaistion had no intention of letting anybody know that he knew the language.
"I asked you the question first," insisted Hephaistion continuing in Greek. "And I don't speak your language."
"You don't speak Macedonian?" the intruder asked switching to quite passable Greek, "Then what are you doing here?"
"I am a guest of Aristotle. And you are?"
"I am his student," smirked the boy. "I didn't see you here before."
"I have arrived a few hours ago. You are not supposed to be here."
"And neither are you. This place is out of limits for everybody."
"It doesn't seem to deter you," pointed out Hephaistion.
"You are right," the boy confirmed with an air of superiority, "the things the women make us do…" he confessed with a fake fatalism.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, Adrissa here," he nodded in the direction of the girl who by now was comfortably sitting in the bed with blankets securely around her, "is also a new addition to our company. She is a maid to Pythias, Aristotle's wife. Both my friend Leonnatos and I showed interest in her company and she declared that the one who managed to prove his love with the most audacious act will win her heart. I suggested making love in Aristotle's bed."
"And what did Leonnatos suggest?" curiously asked Hephaistion.
"Well, Leonnatos is still thinking. I am Perdiccas, by the way. And you?"
"My name is Theseus."
"Athenian?"
Hephaistion rolled his eyes, "Theseus was from Troezen, remember? And not everybody in Athens called Theseus. Anyway, I am from Theodosia."
"Where is that?" asked Perdiccas with a yawn.
"In Tauris. But I have no intention of boring you with my family history."
"You are not boring me, I just had a rough day."
"Running after Adrissa?"
"I wish! How long are you staying here?"
"I don't know yet."
"Wait," Perdiccas suddenly perked up, "are you the new student Aristotle said would arrive soon? Did you come here with Theophrastos?"
"Yes, I came with Theophrastos but I didn't decide yet if I want to join."
"Didn't decide? It would be really stupid to reject such an opportunity. Do you know how many wanted to join? You are going to be educated together with the prince, King Philip personally picked up each student."
"So, I take it your family is really important in Macedon?"
"Well, my father was Orontes and our family ruled in Orestis which is in Upper Macedon for many generations. But then it all changed, the Macedonians of the Plains expanded their boundaries to the west and we were forced to join the new kingdom. It didn't sit well with our people and we often revolted. My father was taken prisoner by Philip and had to swear allegiance to him. But then Antiochus, my uncle, revolted and my father was sent to negotiate. He was killed in the skirmish, my uncle too."
"King Philip sent one brother to negotiate the surrender of the other. Doesn't seem wise."
"But it was; I, my brother and my sister were at Pella as hostages. I was five at the time; Alcetas, my brother, was barely two and my sister Atalante was a newborn."
"And yet King Philip sent you to this school?"
"Well, my father kept his word and died fulfilling it. Many people in Orestis still revere our family and I would have been very rich if Philip didn't use our treasures to fill his own coffers. But in a way Philip is an honorable man, he kept his word to my father, I was brought up with Prince Alexander and my mother got back some of our estates. How did I end up telling you my life story instead of listening to yours? Why you don't want to stay and how do you know Aristotle? Is he a friend of your father?"
"I can pay the price of staying here but I am not sure if I want to. My father is dead, drowned in the sea near Chios, I barely survived with a few people but was badly injured. I was left at Lesvos to convalesce and Tyrtamos took care of me. This is how I first Aristotle. He and Tyrtamos studied together in Athens at Plato's Academy. Now Tyrtamos brought me here."
"You said you came with Theophrastos?"
"Yes, sure, Theophrastos is a nickname that Aristotle gave Tyrtamos in Athens. They were lovers once and they still sometimes… well… remember their youth."
"Does Aristotle want you to become his eromenos?" suddenly asked Perdiccas.
"Why would you think that?" with a start asked Hephaistion. By now Adrissa fell asleep in the bed and both boys were sitting comfortably on the thick rug at base of the bed.
"You said you weren't sure you wanted to pay a price of staying here. And I remember how excitingly Aristotle spoke about the new student who was about to join the school. We all thought it strange but now I understand. I think Aristotle really wants you."
"I didn't say your guess was right."
"It is rather obvious. So?"
"Fine. You are right."
"Why you don't want to accept?"
"Did you ever have an erastes?"
"Sort of. It was King Philip."
"Oh."
They both fell silent for a brief moment and then Hephaistion asked, "How was it?"
Perdiccas didn't respond right away. "I said, sort of. One day I may tell you. If you really want to know how it is to be Philip's eromenos, ask Leonnatos. He had to serve the King in this capacity for a few months before we started in Mieza. King Philip generally has a very short attraction span. It never lasts long, too many new faces. Though Pausanias is a constant fixture and some others too. But you'd better stick to Aristotle. King Philip tends to pass his boys to other nobles to enjoy, so, unless you envision this path to your career advancement…"
"No, I don't," said Hephaistion hastily, "but the idea of submitting to Aristotle doesn't attract me either."
"Hmm, he actually can safeguard you against Philip's advancements. Philip visited Mieza shortly after we arrived and he promised to come back again. Well, it is a very short ride from Pella but he will be away with Army for at least a few months in Thrace. But if he sees you….well, I hope he respects Aristotle enough not to poach his eromenos. You're very attractive, you know…."
"I don't like it," admitted Hephaistion.
"What? Being attractive?"
"And that too. Brought me nothing but grief….."
"Were you ever….?"
"Assaulted? HmmTaken? No. But I had quite a few very narrow escapes. The idea of being with a man doesn't sit well with me. I like girls."
"Who doesn't?" smiled Perdiccas. "But I think you should accept Aristotle's offer, if you want to stay here, safely. Do you have any other places to go? Do you have any other family to go back to in your city?"
"No, I don't have anybody. My mother died many years ago giving birth to a daughter who didn't survive. I don't have any close relatives."
"Then you should stay here. It will be fun, believe me. Do you like Adrissa? I can share her with you."
"Perdiccas!" Hephaistion looked at his companion with reproach.
"What? I think she wouldn't mind. She will take your mind from Aristotle," Perdiccas beguilingly smiled and pushed Hephaistion on the shoulder. "But I better wake her up now, we have to go. You wouldn't say anything to Aristotle about our little adventure. Would you?"
"Of course not," assured him Hephaistion. He actually quite liked Perdiccas' company.
Next morning he was waked up by Tyrtamos who brought him breakfast. Hephaistion could clearly see guilt written all over his benefactor's face. He logically assumed it was due to the fact that he brought him to Mieza under the false pretense. To Hephaistion's utter surprise Tyrtamos mumbles something about not being able to withstand Aristotle's charm and wit and Hephaistion realized that Tyrtamos yet again succumbed to Aristotle's advances and they had sex. Tyrtamos actually felt guilty because he was taking Aristotle's attention from him. Hephaistion didn't know whether he should cry or laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Wasn't it so obvious that Hephaistion didn't have any desire to submit to Aristotle's advances? What then Tyrtamos thought was the reason behind Hephaistion's reluctance to go to Macedon?
He asked the question directly and was amazed at the answer. Apparently, erastes was supposed to court eromenos and it was considered improper for eromenos to be too eager to submit himself right away. A certain hesitance and display at considering several proposals, even if there weren't others, was customary at his societal game. If Tyrtamos said right away where they were going, it would give Hephaistion no opportunity to refuse or ponder the proposal. Tyrtamos told Hephaistion about his own complicated game when Aristotle first approached him in Athens. "I was a few years older than you and I was quite in love with Aristotle. It was difficult for me to pretend and play this waiting game but I had my honour to sustain.
"And did you like it? I mean, sleeping with Aristotle?"
"Yes," admitted Tyrtamos, "I am too old now to be his eromenos but he knows I like it and for the sake of our past relationship, he sometimes indulges me. I hope you don't mind but if it offends you, I can fight these urges though it will be quite difficult being around Aristotle and not sharing his affection."
Hephaistion wanted to suggest that Tyrtamos may continue to enjoy his relationship with Aristotle if it would take the older man's mind from his own person but somehow he knew Aristotle had other plans. He might be generous enough to spare some time and effort on Tyrtamos but it wouldn't distract him from the current object of his desire – Hephaistion.
"I don't know," Amyntor's son said honestly. "Can we not talk about it? I am done with my breakfast. Can we go outside? I want to see the premises and meet other boys."
"We should wait for Aristotle, he would be here any moment," advised Tyrtamos. He came to conclusion that Theseus didn't like the idea of sharing but was too shy to admit it. Back in Athens Tyrtamos didn't like to share Aristotle either. But he had to.