Dear friends: Thank you for the wonderful responses to the previous chapters of this story and sorry it took me so long to write the next chapter. In this chapter Hephaistion explores Mieza and meets some of his future companions. I decided to break with tradition and populated the school mostly with personages who are not the usual suspects.
Warning: some rather foul language from Macedonian teenagers….
I hope you will continue to enjoy it. Your comments are always eagerly anticipated and appreciated.
343 (end of summer)
Aristotle proved to be a very efficient guide, explaining in clear language the boundaries of the school, its structure and activities. Though it didn't take more than a quarter of an hour to get to the nice grove where most of the teachings took place, Hephaistion already could picture in his mind the outlay of the school premises and the paths to take when going from one place to another. He didn't realize yet that it was not only due to Aristotle's impeccable explanations but also how his own mind worked, easily converting words into schemes and ground plans.
Soon enough they approached a nice area with two beautiful grottos to which an unknown architect added a simple portico with pebbled floor extended towards the natural angular space defined by grottos. The sun was still not enough high on the horizon to parch everybody with its merciless rays; instead, it playfully frolicked on the silvery leaves of abundant trees and shrubs and illuminated the ripples of the small brook bubbling nearby.
Hephaistion liked the place instantly but the relaxing nature wasn't the only one welcoming the newcomers – seven boys, all more or less the same age were already on the premises obviously forewarned by Aristotle to be present for their arrival. The students greeted their teacher with an eager chorus of short acknowledgements; more reserved address was given to Tyrtamos whom neither of them met before while Hephaistion was given a mix of quite friendly nods and curious stares. Son of Amyntor immediately recognized Perdiccas who predictably shown no sign of being known to each other but other faces were completely unfamiliar to him. He only could hope that the feelings were mutual.
Aristotle didn't waste any time. He introduced Tyrtamos as Theophrastos and Hephaistion realized that the students already knew about his forthcoming arrival and the subjects that he was going to teach them.
"And this is Theseus, son of Agenor from Theodosia. He will stay with us for a few days to decide whether he is going to join this school as a student. I expect all of you to welcome him in your circle by displaying a true Macedonian hospitality."
"I am sure Proteas will have no problem getting him drunk, Harpalos pouring all the dirty gossips into his ears and Perdiccas getting him laid with all the girls in nearby village," cheerfully announced one of the boys and his short speech drew immediate approval from other students who hooted and clapped in agreement.
Aristotle seemed unperturbed by such lack of discipline though Tyrtamos knit his brows with evident displeasure. Hephaistion realized that, whoever the boy was, he better had a knack for botany because Tyrtamos was usually a very strict disciplinarian and didn't tolerate students who dared to digress from the matter at hand.
"Well, Attalos, and what would be your contribution?" Aristotle asked.
"I will console him and tend to his wounds after Leonnatos beats him in the palestra, Amphoteros drowns him at the nearest body of water and Hegelochus humiliates him for not being able to trace his lineage from pure Macedonian blood."
"I am afraid you just assigned Amphoteros a truly impossible task," chuckled Aristotle who was familiar with the Hephaistion's ordeal during the shipwreck.
"Why is that? Though his name is Theseus, I thought you introduced him as son of Agenor not of Poseidon," impertinently asked Attalos, hinting at the immortal origins of the famous Athenian hero. He was a good looking boy with a head full of blond curls, unusual violet eyes and well developed muscles. He sat close enough to Hephaistion for the latter being able to distinguish the expensive clothing which Attalos bore with natural familiarity, without any hint of boasting; evidently, he was used to luxury, whatever it meant in Macedon, from the birth.
"For all I know, he might be a son of Poseidon," chuckled Aristotle, "or at least looked upon very favorably by the almighty Earth shaker. He narrowly survived an awful shipwreck, only because of his swimming and diving abilities."
All the boys looked at Hephaistion with appreciative respect and one of them, a sturdy boy of angular body not much suitable for swimming, openly gaped at him in admiration.
"His swimming abilities won't prevent me of consoling him, I just have to make sure that nymphs won't kidnap him as they did Hylas," mischievously said Attalos and winked at Hephaistion; there was no malice in his tone, just a bit too much of playful flirtation.
The suggestion, however, didn't sit well with Aristotle, so he decided that it was time for him to take charge of the conversation.
"Well, Attalos, Theseus came here to study not to indulge in frivolities that sons of Macedonian noblemen copy from their fathers. How about each of you introduce yourselves to Theophrastos and Theseus? After you're done with your own life story, I will allow you to ask Theseus one question about himself. Attalos, you go first."
"I would like nothing better," the frivolous student politely nodded and assumed a serious expression. "As you already know," he turned in Tyrtamos' direction and only briefly nodded to Theseus, my name is Attalos, son of Andromenes. I have three brothers, Amyntas and Simmias are older than myself, and Polemon, the younger. My father is a distinguished officer in King Philip army and served for him from the very beginning. It was my father who years ago convinced King Philip to trust Parmenion who is our relative from my mother side."
"Who is Parmenion?" asked Hephaistion wanting to establish himself as being completely unfamiliar with Macedonian affairs.
"Parmenion is the right hand of King Philip, his top general," explained Attalos matter-of-factly, turning from Tyrtamos to Hephaistion. "His son, Nicanor, is also student here but both he and Prince Alexander are absent now because they have to go to Pella for the wedding of Larisa, the only daughter of Parmenion, and Attalos, another one of the King's generals." Attalos continued to talk about himself and his family but Hephaistion couldn't concentrate, the fact that Nicanor was coming here in a few days unnerved the youth though he tried to conceal the fact.
"I hope this introduction is enough and I shouldn't infringe on other's students time," Hephaistion heard Attalos' saying and unconsciously noted the high level of Greek, may be even a little too high for such an occasion but Hephaistion wasn't able to determine whether it was because Aristotle demanded such sophistication or because Attalos didn't realize that the language he used was more appropriate for scholarly discussions than for informal conversation. "Do you speak any Macedonian?" Attalos asked Hephaistion his allotted question.
"No, unfortunately I do not," replied son of Amyntor. "If I stay here maybe I can learn some of it," he thought it was an appropriate thing to say.
"I can teach you," volunteered one of the boys.
"I would welcome the occasion," politely responded Hephaistion though there was something unpleasant in the way the boy was ogling him.
"Then why wouldn't you start with introducing yourself, Harpalos," suggested Aristotle.
"Sure," responded the young man but, unlike Attalos before him who stood up for his introductory speech, he remained seated.
"It is customary to stand up when giving a speech in polite society," rebuked Tyrtamos and Aristotle had no choice but explain the situation to his colleague.
"Harpalos can be excused from such an observance, just as he is excused from most physical activities here," evenly commented the Stagirit, "he has a misfortune of being born with a physical defect that left him lame for the rest of his life."
The comment didn't sit well with the boy and Hephaistion who was watching him noted how the unfortunate youth pressed his lips and tightened his jaw trying not to react rudely to such an insensitive comment. Hephaistion was surprised that Aristotle didn't bother to find milder words to describe Harpalos' challenge.
In the ensuing silence, Harpalos started his introduction in a cold and rather haughty voice. "I am Harpalos, son of Machatas from the line of princes of Elimiotis. My aunt Phila is one of King Philip's wives. It is true that I have difficulty to walk, let alone run and I need help getting onto the horse but it doesn't mean I will brook being humiliated but my teachers or students alike. While my weakness is evident to everybody who can see, each of you full of your own shortcomings and don't think you can fool me by hiding them. I can read you all as an open book."
"As long as this book is not on the subject of math," smirked Perdiccas.
"I didn't ask for your advice," snapped Harpalos.
"You never ask for anybody's advice," shrugged Perdiccas.
"This is none of your business!"
"That's enough, boys!" intervened Aristotle. "Though the comment was not appropriate, Perdiccas is right, Harpalos, you can use some help with math. Luckily for you, Theseus is really good at this subject, so I suggest you get together and you can teach him some Macedonian and he can help you with math. As a matter of fact, you can start this afternoon."
Harpalos eyes suddenly shone with delight but Hephaistion wasn't too thrilled at the prospect, he would much prefer to spend his time with Perdiccas or some other boys.
"I can still ask my question, can I not?" asked Harpalos.
"Of course," Aristotle nodded.
Harpalos licked his lips in excitement and nervously rubbed the palms of his hands on his clothes. He shuffled his right foot on the ground and cleared his throat.
"Oh, come on, Harpalos, it's just a question, how difficult can it be?" snickered one of the boys whose name Hephaistion didn't learn yet.
Harpalos' body suddenly went limp and he shook his head in negative motion.
"Not now," he whispered, "I prefer to ask my question in private."
Hephaistion felt sorry for the boy who, he realized, must have been teased constantly because of his deformity but Aristotle was firm, "Harpalos," he said in a cold voice, "think of a question that you can ask in public so that everybody here can hear the answer."
"What is your favorite colour?" blurted out Harpalos in desperation.
Everybody laughed and some boys even booed but Hephaistion decided to answer in honest, "I don't have a favorite colour but sometimes in the morning, far on the horizon, I can see faint blue of the sky mixed with pinkish hues of dawn. I really like that."
"How romantic!" giggled one of the boys.
"Hegelochus, why won't you introduce yourself instead of wasting everybody's time with irrelevant comments," suggested Aristotle.
"Very well," the boy stood up and turned in Tyrtamos' and Aristotle's direction. "My name is Hegelochus, son of general Hippostratos and nephew of general Attalos who just took Larisa, general Parmenion's daughter, as his wife. My older brother, Philip, was killed a year ago on the border with Thracians. He and two other soldiers were sent by the commander of their garrison to collect the important information about the disposition of the enemy. They managed to get unnoticed to the enemy camp and see how many people they had, what weapons they possessed and even listen to their plans since one of the Macedonian soldiers spoke Thracian. But they were ambushed on the way back and my brother managed to distract the enemies who thought he was a lonely spy; he lured the Thracians away and died killing many of them; it gave the opportunity to his fellow soldiers to escape unnoticed and bring back the report to the fortress. With the use of this information, the fortress commander led a very successful attack and managed to destroy the enemy forces. If not for my brother, other two soldiers would die too and garrison commander would never achieve such a crashing victory. My brother was a true hero of Macedon. My father was given a special silver wreath by King Philip himself in recognition of my brother's bravery and sacrifice. When my time will come, I will serve Macedon as well as my brother." Hegelochus ended his introductory speech with a proud and maybe a bit too haughty stare in the direction of his teachers and his peers as if he was challenging them to come up with no less glorious story.
"Well done, Hegelochus," commented Aristotle, "would you like to ask Theseus a question?"
"Very well," conceded the student as if he was doing everybody a favor, "Why did you come here? Don't you have reputable teachers in your native Theodosia?"
"I am sure we do though I remember very little of my city," calmly responded Hephaistion. He couldn't quite explain it but he already didn't like this Hegelochus. There was too much superiority in his bearing and though there was nothing wrong with being proud of having a brother who heroically died while fulfilling his soldier's duty, Hephaistion could feel not so much enmity but disdain that this boy exhibited towards his fellow human beings.
"I was nine when my father perished in the shipwreck that I managed to survive," continued Hephaistion, "but before that I travelled with him a lot. My mother died when I was young and my father wanted to keep me close. I have but a very faint recollection of my native city. Theophrastos took care of me after the shipwreck and now, that he was invited to come here and teach, I came with him."
Hegelochus nodded in acknowledgment of the answer but said nothing and sat back to the bench that he shared with other boy, the one who gaped at Hephaistion when Aristotle told about his survival at sea.
"May I go next?" asked Hegelochus' neighbor.
"Yes, you may," agreed Aristotle.
The boy almost jumped from his seat and started, "My name is Amphoteros, son of general Autodikos from Orestis. I have an older brother, Krateros, who is already an officer in King Philip army. We have the most beautiful lakes back home and also awesome caves. All my friends here dream of becoming famous generals, but I am quite happy to leave this position to my older brother, I intend to become a famous admiral."
"You were born in a wrong country, Amphoteros, you should have been born an Athenian," called out blond lanky boy sitting near Perdiccas.
"Why so openly to proclaim your ignorance, Leonnatos?" Amphoteros questioned but without much malice. "Macedon has enough access to the sea and when King Philip beats Thracians, Athenians and Persians, I will have a lot of open water to command my ships."
"But the lakes in Orestis are too shallow for any war vessels, admit it," Leonnatos didn't want to let it go.
"That little swamp that you saw when you visited Perdiccas' estate doesn't even qualify to be called a proper lake," Amphoteros scowled showing that he could stand his own.
"I am just saying," Leonnatos smiled and waved his hand, "but by all means, please continue."
Amphoteros gave a short laugh at Leonnatos' friendly retreat from the argument and continued, "Unlike Harpalos, I don't need any help with math or geometry, but I can teach you Macedonian too and I would love to listen about your adventures at sea," Amphoteros' whole speech was directed more at Hephaistion that at Theophrastos, "Do you know anything about the ships or you're just good at swimming?"
"Unfortunately, I don't know much about the ships," admitted Hephaistion, "but I am quite good with constellations and you know, it's important if you have to find your way at sea at night."
"True," admitted Amphoteros, "but only if the sky is clear. The shipwreck where your father died, did it happen during the night or day?"
"It was during the night and…."Hephaistion wanted to elaborate but was interrupted by Aristotle.
"I said only one question," reminded the philosopher, "Leonnatos, your turn."
Perdiccas' neighbor stood up and, after broadly smiling at Hephaistion, turned more in Tyrtamos' direction.
"I am Leonnatos, son of Anteas from Lyncestis. My paternal grandmother was a daughter of Arribaeos, king of Lyncestis and I am a third cousin of Prince Alexander whose paternal grandmother Queen Eurydice was granddaughter of the same King Arribaeos. When you meet Prince Alexander, you'll see that we even look alike. If not for that monster Leonidas, Alexander's tutor who almost starved him to death, Alexander would be as tall and strong as I am."
"Alexander may not be tall but he definitely not a weakling either," noted the boy who wasn't introduced yet and whom Hephaistion took for being Proteas, the only boy, except Perdiccas, who didn't introduce himself yet.
"Even so," Leonnatos pressed his lips, "he could have benefited from being more presentable."
"You mean not looking like a girl?" chipped in Harpalos.
"I never said Alexander looked like a girl," angrily retorted Leonnatos, "don't repeat stupid gossips!"
"What gossips?" Harpalos put an innocent mien.
"Enough of that!" Aristotle stopped the bickering. "Leonnatos, do you have anything to add about yourself?"
"But of course," Leonnatos gave his audience another brilliant smile, "I can talk about myself unceasingly. If I wasn't been groomed by King Philip himself to become a warrior, I would become a famous athlete and win many times at Olympian Games."
Most of Leonnatos' peers chuckled and rolled their eyes, undoubtedly, they heard the same boasting many times before.
"Sneer all you wish," Leonnatos shrugged his broad shoulders, "you can blindside Theseus with your stories all you want, but I know your worth, or lack of thereof, in palestra."
Attalos whistled and then said, "My dear friend, beware, one day you end up as Bellerophon, brought by the Olympians down for your hubris."
"By Olympians, may be. But remember when I beat you last time in palestra? Was it yesterday? Or day before? Or two days before? Oh, wait, it was on all those occasions!"
"Theseus, please tell me you're good at wrestling or we have to suffer Leonnatos' boasts till our hairs become grey with age!" exclaimed Attalos.
"Are you?" Leonnatos' eyes sparkled with excitement, "my friends here have no more skills than suckling babies."
"And here goes Leonnatos' question," giggled Proteas.
"So what, it was as good question as any. Do you like wrestling?"
"I do," Hephaistion responded with a smile, "but I have to warn you, I learned the skills on the streets of Assos where the only rule is that there are no rules."
"I like it even better!" Leonnatos beat his fist into the palm of the opposite hand in an eager anticipation of the real challenge. "Come later to the palestra, we'll spar for pleasure."
"I am afraid palestra have to wait," warned Aristotle, "I have different plans for today and tomorrow. Now, Proteas, please introduce yourself."
"Of course," Proteas jumped from his seat, "I am Proteas, son of Andronicus and Lanike and milk brother of Prince Alexander because my mother was a wet nurse of the prince. So, I know the prince since the day he was born because I am the whole eleven days older than he." Proteas continued with his story and though Hephaistion was sure everybody listened to it on numerous occasions, everybody remained silent and almost in rapture. It was obvious that Proteas was a great storyteller and knew how to keep his audience entertained and amused.
"And now I have a question for you, Theseus, son of Agenor, who is going to pay for your stay here?"
"What?" Hephaistion was taken completely by surprise by this unexpected question.
"It's a simple question," Proteas smiled, almost innocently, "You see here the sons of the richest and most important noblemen in Macedon. How can you, an orphan from a distant and hardly important city, without any benefactor, afford to study at this most prestigious school?"
"Proteas, this is highly inappropriate question," frowned Aristotle.
"Why? If he is going to stay here and pretend to be our equal…"
"I don't need to pretend anything," calmly responded Hephaistion, "your fathers HAD to pay for your education, I was asked to join, if I of course wish so," Hephaistion gave a condescending smile to Proteas. "As for who pays for my education, I can assure you, it is not your father, and it is as much as you need to know."
"Well said," Aristotle nodded. "Now, Perdiccas, it is your turn, try to be polite."
"Oh, I can try," assured Perdiccas. He also stood and started with his story. Hephaistion paid only nominal attention hoping that his secret pal won't create any problems. Perdiccas' speech was levelled, almost dull but his question was in stark contrast to his narrative.
"So, tell me, Theseus, do you prefer blond girls or dark haired girls?"
"Oh, Perdiccas…." Hegelochus moaned.
Hephaistion, however, decided to trump Perdiccas' card, "Do you mean here?" son of Amyntor pointed to his head, "or down below?"
All the boys exploded with laughter and even Tyrtamos, who so far remained silent, managed a chuckle.
Aristotle laughed with rest and then said, "I am afraid, Perdiccas, you at last met your equal in bawdy jokes. However, this is not the type of behavior I wish to encourage. Please answer Perdiccas' question without imposing your own."
"Very well. I actually prefer ginger," said Hephaistion who, for some unexplained reason, suddenly remembered Mazaeus' mistress."
"That may create a real problem," Proteas pondered and Hephaistion could feel a trap in that quite innocent comment.
"And why is that?" he nevertheless asked.
"Not that many gingers in Macedon. As the matter of fact, the only one I can think of is Cleopatra, Alexander's only full sister, and of course her mother Olympias."
"That is not true," interrupted Harpalos, "Larisa, Parmenion's daughter is also ginger… somewhat."
"Good luck seducing Attalos' new wife," whistled Leonnatos, "I hope you have balls."
"If you only knew that I was betrothed to the same very Larisa," wryly mused Hephaistion but kept that thought to himself and said instead, "I am not that picky. After all, girls have other charms than the colour of their hair."
"In both of those regions," commented Hegelochus.
"So very true," agreed Hephaistion.
After the fun part of initial introductions was done, Aristotle declared that for the rest of the school day Theophrastos would give lectures on several subjects. Hephaistion was invited to find a free spot to sit, there were a few to choose and many fellow students invited him to sit alongside. Hephaistion picked a spot between Amphoteros and Attalos, just to be on the safe side. Theophrastos' lesson didn't draw much enthusiasm from his future students and even Hephaistion found it rather dull and he could see by the expressions on the other boys' faces, none were too happy to be there.
After what seemed like eternity, Aristotle, who remained present, dismissed the boys for the day.
"Amphoteros, please show Theseus around, you have about an hour till the next meal; after the meal, Harpalos and Theseus, you will have some two hours to spend on lessons together, please use it wisely; the rest of you, I suggest you use your time completing your outstanding lessons. At tomorrow class, I expect each of you to present the projects you were assigned to be completed by the time of Alexander's and Nicanor's return which I expect to happen in a day or two. And also, each of you have to present a brief summary of what you've learned today. Class dismissed."
Aristotle and Tyrtamos left but none of the boys were in a hurry to do so. They all surrounded Hephaistion asking different questions, all at the same time, none too eager to get to whatever homework they were assigned to do.
In the end, Amphoteros didn't have time to show Hephaistion around and he seemed quite upset by the fact. Furthermore, during the meal Aristotle joined them and Krateros' brother was reprimanded for lack of discipline, as if it was his only fault. Hephaistion tried to take some of the fault on himself and even suggested that he can be shown around by Amphoteros after the meal and his lessons with Harpalos can be postponed for later. Amphoteros was happy with this suggestion but Harpalos started to complain that he always was pushed around as if he was less important that any of the other students.
"You are such a wuss, Harpalos!" snickered Hegelochus, "always complaining, always playing your cripple card. Man up, for once! Then maybe we'll start respecting you."
"You arrogant prick, Hegelochus!" shouted Harpalos. "It is you who always tell lies about me, especially to Alexander."
"Any lie about you sounds better than truth, Harpalos. Piss off, I am tired of your whining and have no desire to see your face when I don't have to."
"Hegelochus, this is not a respectful way to talk to your peers," reprimanded Aristotle.
"He is not my peer," scoffed Hegelochus. "Anyway, I have a home work to do, I really don't care with whom Theseus spends his time," said the youth and left the room.
Amphoteros wanted to use this opportunity to reclaim Hephaistion's time but suddenly Perdiccas intervened, "Let Harpalos spend his time with Theseus, you can show him around in the evening, there is plenty of time. When Alexander is back, he is going to be upset that we teased Harpalos again."
"I don't understand why Alexander is so protective of Harpalos," complained Amphoteros in honest.
"Well, Harpalos is physically challenged and…."
"Don't speak about me as if I am not present," screamed Harpalos. "I can hear you, I am lame and not deaf. I hate you all, go away!" Harpalos turned around and hobbled towards the exit. He tried to move fast but it was quite difficult in his condition. After a few steps he almost fell because Proteas suddenly grabbed a free bench and drove it in Harpalos' direction. The teased youth tried to avoid a collision but tripped and was about to fall when Hephaistion steadied him and directed around the bench.
"Show me to your room," he said to Harpalos, "we'll be safer there."
"We don't have our own rooms," murmured Harpalos. "Thank you for being nice to me, but I am sure it won't last long. If you make friends with me, the other boys will ostracize you. Alexander is the only one who can afford to be friends with me. He is my only friend, I wish we can spend more time together."
"We shall see about that," Hephaistion slowed his step to match Harpalos'. "What do you mean that you don't have your own rooms?"
"We all sleep in one big room, there are ten beds, one is still empty, I guess it will be for you. We also have one big hall to study though often other boys go outside to do that. I am never invited, though. I wish we can spend some time together. Maybe we can ask Aristotle, we can use my need for improving math and yours for learning Macedonian as excuse?"
"What do you mean as excuse? I thought you really need to improve your math. And how are you with geometry? I can help you with it too."
"I don't need to study math. Such a waste of time. And geometry too. I hate most of the lessons here, and all the boys. I wish I could stay at home, there I could do whatever I wanted but my father insisted."
"It not a waste of time. Studying is fun. Don't you want to know more?"
"I know everything I need to know. My father didn't study anything and he is a general. Why I should study?"
"Is your father lame too?"
"He is not, but it is not my fault I am lame!"
"Of course it is not your fault, Harpalos," Hephaistion tried to calm Harpalos a little. He really didn't like a boy much, he was too confrontational, too antagonistic. Hephaistion doubted he ever did any effort to be liked.
"I know this place," said Harpalos, "it's around the other grove, not where our lessons were. There are some boulders where we can sit and talk."
"Don't you want to take some learning material? What are you studying now?"
"Please, Theseus, not today. I still can teach you some simple words in Macedonian. I just can't take any of the math today. And your Theophrastos' lectures were so boring. I almost fell asleep. I hope we don't have to study any of that!"
"I must admit, Theophrastos can be a little tedious… sometimes."
"All teachers here are so dull," Harpalos continued to complain. "At least other boys spent a lot of time in palestra and training with weapons. I have none of those distractions."
"It's not a distraction, Harpalos, it's also a hard work. Nothing is easy in this life."
"It should be easy. I wasn't born a slave! I am not supposed to work," Harpalos continued to complain. Hephaistion reconciled himself to the fact that the next few hours that he had to spend in Harpalos' company are not going to be easy or pleasant.
The place where Harpalos brought him was a nice shelter from the hot sun. There was a spot on the grassy ground to sit comfortable for two or even three people. Two high boulders and the wall of the grotto formed together something like a capital letter Π and were covered in soft moss and other vegetation.
"We should have brought some wine," almost dreamily said Harpalos, "we're going to be parched soon."
"I saw a lively brook on the way here, I can bring a water later," suggested Hephaistion though he sincerely hoped they were not going to stay there for a long time.
"May be," said Harpalos and turned a little so that he could face Hephaistion directly. "Do you know who Arrhidaeus is?"
"Another student here?" ventured Hephaistion; the name wasn't familiar to him.
"No, Arrhidaeus is prince Alexander's older brother."
"I didn't know that prince has a brother. So, Prince Alexander is not an heir to the throne?"
"Well, it is not like that in Macedonia. The oldest son of the king not necessarily becomes the next king, he has to prove himself and be chosen by Assembly of warriors and nobles. Arrhidaeus will never be a king, though."
"Why is that?"
"He is dim witted, imbecile."
"Oh…."
"He wasn't born like that, though."
"No? What happened?
"Well, the rumor is," Harpalos shifted even closer to Hephaistion and whispered, "that Olympias, Alexander's mother, suddenly became friends with Philinna, one of the others' King Philip's wives. Olympias was pregnant with Alexander at the time and she used an excuse that she wanted to gain some experience from Philinna, whose son, this very Arrhidaeus, was about two at the time. The poor unsuspecting Philinna welcomed new Philip's wife into her circle and taught her all she knew. Then, Alexander was born and women continued to be friends for some time until Philinna and others started to notice that Arrhidaeus didn't behave like the children of his age were supposed to. Though around three of four at the time, he was like a baby, couldn't talk but bubbled some nonsense, his glance was meaningless and absent and he drooled all the time but he was a very bright child before, talked with his nurses and incessantly asked questions and liked to play games. Philip was very proud of him."
"So, why to blame Olympias?"
"Don't you see it? Alexander's mother was afraid that Arrhidaeus will be her son's rival to the throne so she eliminated him without killing, by poisoning. Who would want to proclaim an idiot as a king?"
"You said it yourself, it is just a rumor," reminded Hephaistion cautiously. "And why tell me?"
"Do you think knowing Macedonian is the only requirement to succeed at King Philip court? Though, of course, with your looks, you won't need to utter a single word to attract King Philip'sdis attention."
"What do you mean?" Hephaistion played dumb.
"Oh, common, don't be an idiot! Even Arrhidaeus would know the answer! The moment our glorious king sees you, he'll make you a permanent fixture in his bedroom. You won't need to move a finger, well, maybe only your ass, to make Philip shower you with presents and titles! You are wasting your time here wanting to learn all this boring stuff, when the only thing you need to do is spread your legs for the king."
"I don't like this conversation," Hephaistion said with disgust.
"Don't be stupid! Besides, I've heard, Philip is a good fuck when he wants to please, and there is no doubt he'd want to please you! I know I would," Harpalos liked his lips and tried to run his hand up Hephaistion's thigh.
"You're disgusting, Harpalos!" Hephaistion scoffed with revulsion and slapped off Harpalos' hand. "If this is how you make a new friends, no wonder you have none. I am not going to sit here and listen to your nauseating ideas," Hephaistion started to stand up but Harpalos latched on him like a leach.
"Please, Theseus, don't go, please," Harpalos pleaded pitifully, "I was wrong, I thought you may want to know, you can become very powerful, Philip is known to throw fortunes to his eromenos. I wanted you to hear it from me, not from others, I know they have the same idea on their mind, everybody knows that King Philip has insatiable appetites and it is a sure way to rise. How do you think all the boys got here? Do you really believe it was because of their fathers?"
"I don't really care, but I have enough of your filthy gossips. Keep your mouth shut and stay away from me!" Hephaistion managed to untangle Harpalos' fingers from his clothes and stood up.
"Theseus, please, please, don't leave me," Harpalos begged trying to reclaim his grasp on Hephaistion. "We talk about it no more. I am a victim here too."
"Please don't tell me that King Philip was interested in your ass," said Hephaistion with disdain.
"I just promised you not to talk about it but if you need to know, Philip will fuck anything on two legs, and some say even on four, but no, I didn't have the pleasure. I wish though I had. It is all because of Olympias."
"Are you done with insulting prince's father and going to move on his mother?"
"No, no, Philip wouldn't sleep with me not because I am cripple but because I might be his son!"
"What?" Hephaistion, who started to move away from Harpalos, sharply turned around shocked by this announcement.
Harpalos, all too happy to reclaim Hephaistion's attention, quickly continued, "I even think this is why Alexander is the only one here who is on friendly terms with me. He loves his idiot brother Arrhidaeus and he knows I can be his brother too."
"And how is that possible?"
"You remember I told that my aunt Phila is one of the king's wives? Phila never got a child from the king but she and my mother Thetima are very close. My mother always visits her and Philip forced himself on her too, he said it was fun to have sex with two sisters… at the same time. My mother just got married so Philip knew he can always pass his son as that of my father. And then I was born and after some time my aunt got sick and my mother went to visit her and took me with her. I was a baby and of course don't remember such a thing but my nurse told me. Olympias visited them and brought Alexander to play with me. And then apparently I crawled away and knocked down some heavy statue that fell on my leg and injured it. The doctors tried to fix it but to no avail. That statue, it didn't fell by itself, Olympias arranged it and she also made my aunt sick so that my mother would come to visit her. Olympias is a monster, you'll see, she eliminates everybody who stands in Alexander's way to inherit the throne of Macedon."
"Did Olympias made you crawl in the direction of that statue too?" Scoffed Hephaistion.
Harpalos' stare went for a moment blank and then he said, "Why won't you believe me? Everybody knows it. You believed me when I told you Arrhidaeus story, didn't you?"
"I didn't say that."
"But this is the truth! Everybody knows it, and this is why Alexander is so nice to me and Arrhidaeus. He feels sorry for what his mother did to us and who knows to how many else."
"So, basically, you're saying every cripple and mentally challenged child in Macedon is Olympias' fault?"
"Well, not every but I am sure we are not the only ones, and who knows how many others died. Why do you think, with Philip fucking every female in his view, has just five children? He supposed to have hundreds!"
"It's really none of my business, Harpalos, but I feel like I have to take a bath after all the filth you sprouted to my ears. I am leaving and if you need help getting back, I will send somebody to pick you up."
"I don't need anybody's help!" shouted Harpalos in anger, "Remember my words when Philip fucks you senseless and then passes on around to his buddies!"
"What a sack of shit," muttered Hephaistion in aversion and hurried in the direction of the buildings where the boys were supposed to study.
He didn't go far when he heard somebody calling his name. He turned in the direction of the sound and saw Amphoteros who was coming fast in his direction.
"Hey," the boy said when he caught up with Hephaistion, "I see that your lesson with Harpalos didn't last long. But then, it could have been expected, he is not known to be an eager student."
"It's not his disinterest in learning that made me part company," Hephaistion noted. "Is it a good time for you to show me around or you have assignments to finish for tomorrow?"
"I am actually done with my assignments," Amphoteros smiled broadly, "there are many distractions here, especially now when Alexander is not around, and other boys used their time to escape the studies. Not that I am impervious to all the fun that can be found here but I love my studies."
"Good to know, and your Greek is really good."
"Thank you," Amphoteros visibly blushed, "my brother always rebukes me for being obsessed with Athens; they are considered weaklings in Macedon, good only for endless debates but their fleet is unconquerable. Do you know what happened at Salamis?"
"Of course I do, but it was more than hundred years ago and they were defeated on numerous occasions after that. I agree with you, though, they have a strong naval tradition but Athens is not all Greece and our language is spoken in many places."
"This is true but our Macedonian kings came here from Argos many years ago and we, Macedonians, are descendants of Heracles himself! Do you know that?"
"No, I never heard this."
"Don't worry, I can teach you our history and language too," Amphoteros suggested enthusiastically, "unless you prefer Harpalos?"
"Of course not, I just spent the most unpleasant time in his company, I don't know how you can stand him around."
"Well," Amphoteros started, "nobody likes him much but what can we do? His father is a power general and close friend of the king. Alexander says we can't exclude him from our company just because he is lame and Alexander is our future king!"
"It's not his lameness that bothers me. He has filthy mouth and only wants to gossip."
"Ha-ha…., I know what you mean. I think he does that because he thinks we all want to know what he knows. Back in Pella, he spends a lot of time with his aunt Phila, in women quarters, this is where all the gossips originate but he is harmless, just a bit annoying at the time. He asked my brother to fuck him, you know. Krateros said he's not in a habit of taking advantage of the crippled."
"I think "fuck" is a very popular word here. I never heard it used so often before. Can we talk about something else?"
"Of course but don't you like it? You will be a good company for Alexander then, he always reproaches us for constantly discussing the subject. Rumor has it he is still a virgin."
"I have my share of gossips for today. Can you show me the premises?"
"Sure; over here, let's go behind this building."
"It looks familiar. What's here?"
"It's a back of our sleeping quarters. Come, I show you the secret entrance, you want to know where it is if you decide that you like to sneak out at night after all."
Hephaistion sighed but followed Amphoteros, so far he proved to be a better company than Harpalos and if he decided to stay here he needed to make friends. Hephaistion suspected that not everybody was going to be as easy company as Perdiccas.
Amphoteros took Hephaistion along the bushy fence that stretched alongside the building and then, turning around to make sure that nobody sees them, dropped to his knees and encouraged Hephaistion to do the same. They crawled on their feet and knees through an opening in the fence and then Amphoteros pushed aside few loose boards that covered the bottom of the building. Then he squeezed inside the opening and Hephaistion had no choice but to follow. After a few moments of the crawl in completer darkness, Amphoteros stopped and whispered, "There is a storage room behind this wall, let me check that nobody is inside."
Hephaistion heard a creak of wood and realized that Amphoteros moved forward. Son of Amyntor followed trusting his instincts, there was almost absolute darkness and for a moment he didn't know what to do, then he felt Amphoteros' hand poking his head.
"Try to stand up slowly, give me your hand."
Hephaistion did as he was told and managed to get slowly up. "We must go along this wall and then there will sharp right turn and then more light.
It all happened as Amphoteros predicted and then Krateros' brother stopped again, "One last check," he said and leaned away from Hephaistion. "All is clear," he whispered after a moment and turned aside some sort of a curtain.
"Let's go fast so that nobody sees where we came from."
Hephaistion followed the advice and both boys speed along some poorly lit corridor, the only light was coming from the small windows cut high above near the roof. Then there was another corridor, this time with proper torches secured along the wall and few moments later the door was pushed and Hephaistion found himself in the long room that he realized was a communal bedroom. Ten simple beds, five along each of the long walls stood at equal distance from each other. Small chests, one near the headboard of each bed were the only furniture in the room. Rather big square windows with latticed shutters allowed enough light to be able to see during the day without any additional sources of light. There were two doors, one on the each narrow side of the room and the space between two rows of beds was just enough for two boys to pass each other without touching the shoulders.
"Soldiers' quarters," proudly announced Amphoteros, "many of the boys complain of tight space but they didn't see the innards of the ship. If you're a sailor, you have to satisfy yourself with even more narrow spaces and not all can sleep there at the same time. You have been of the ship, right?"
"Yes, several times, our quarters were small but comfortable; remember, I was a passenger not a sailor. Have you been on a ship?"
"Not on a big one," sighed Amphoteros. "How am I supposed to become a naval commander if I never go on a proper ship? I tried to convince my father and brother but they say Macedon doesn't need a strong navy. Still, they promised to talk to Philip after Aristotle done teaching us. It may take years. I like it here but…. there is not even a challenging river nearby to swim. Even Alexander who dreams about conquering many new lands doesn't understand my enthusiasm."
"Did you know the prince before you came here?" asked Hephaistion.
"Not well. I saw him a few times before Mieza but we hardly exchange any words. It is Perdiccas and Leonnatos who know him best. He is nice to everybody but very reserved and very demanding, too."
"What do you mean, demanding?"
"Well, he doesn't understand the meaning of fun or simply relaxing when you have some free time. Not his fault, I think. He was trained from the very young age by Leonidas, he is said to be very strict, he is his distant relative, I think. He trained him in Spartan manner, no luxuries, minimum food, minimum sleep, bare clothes, he wanted to teach him to endure any physical hardship but I think it was too much. He is a year our younger but he looks ten, very muscular though. And he can endure hardships, I can tell you….. He can run longer than any of us, despises any warm clothing, and goes by very few hours of sleep. When he is not training, he is studying or discussing things with Aristotle. But he is attentive to us too, wants to make sure everybody comfortable and accepted, and asks us all the time if we need anything, or need help with physical challenges or studies. As I said, he doesn't know how to relax. Perdiccas tries sometimes to… I don't know… distract him? Not an easy task."
"Hmmm," was all Hephaistion could say, "I guess it's not an easy task to be a prince."
"I think it is Alexander himself who takes on too many tasks. He wants to be the best at everything, but you can't excel at everything. Well, I think there is only one area he is completely not interested in."
"What is that? Sea craft?"
"No," Amphoteros chuckled, "he actually knows quite a lot on the subject. What I wanted to say is that he is not interested in girls, or boys for that matter."
Hephaistion immediately remembered recent Harpalos' accusation that prince was still a virgin but he didn't think it was appropriate subject for discussion and he only said, "Well, if Alexander is a year our younger, one can understand. Everybody develops differently, I think. I am sure he will be interested enough in a year or two. I've heard his father is a champion on the matter."
"That is right," Amphoteros smiled from ear to ear. "It is said that our king's dick is a big as that of Priapus and he has a constant erection."
"I doubt that, it will be very painful."
"But this is why he has sex all the time, to ease the erection, you know."
"I doubt it's possible so there is no point to discuss it," said Hephaistion who hoped that Amphoteros will drop the subject. "Better tell me how do you spent your free time."
"Well," Amphoteros happily smiled, "you mean at night?"
"No, I don't mean at night, I mean when you're done with your studies and exercises?"
"There is not much to do, actually," Amphoteros was visibly disappointed that Hephaistion tried to change the subject. "And there will be even less things to do during the winter, I think. We went camping, twice, it was fun, and one time King Philip came with our fathers and older brothers for a visit but otherwise, nothing much. We've been here from mid spring only. I study a lot, though. But other boys, I don't know, you have to ask Perdiccas, he know where to get the best girls and best wine. I've heard they do those pretend symposiums at night in the woods. I was invited once, but I didn't go."
"Why?"
"Well….Hegelochus and I…. we sort of…. You know…. hit on each other. Hegelochus is the oldest here, one year older than I and before coming here, Philotas, that is the older brother of Nicanor, another student here, he took Hegelochus as his eromenos. He wasn't supposed to do so and it wasn't official, but Parmenion, Philotas' father, is the most important man in Macedon after the King. Philotas wanted Hegelochus and he doesn't stay to be refused, he said if Hegelochus won't submit to him, he'd make sure Hegelochus won't be accepted to this school, which would be a disgrace, because all other important boys of our age were chosen. But Hegelochus said Philotas was good to him and when one of Philotas' friends wanted to bed Hegelochus too, Philotas said no.
Anyway, Hegelochus said that the sex with men is more enjoyable than with women. And we tried, well, not the full way, just touching and giving each other release. I liked it too, and no need to search for the girls, let alone give them presents. Do you want to try?"
"No," firmly said Hephaistion.
"Why not? We all do it to each other, some better than the others. Hegelochus is the best, actually. Well, Alexander is not interested though and we never do it in his presence, and Perdiccas too, he is too much into the girls but all the others… we do each other all the time, you're welcomed to join. Well, we like the girls too but if there are no girls….."
"Amphoteros, I appreciate the offer but no."
"Did you even try it with other boys? You simply don't know what you're missing."
"Maybe," Hephaistion shook his head, "but please, enough of this subject for today."
"What, Harpalos already tried to seduce you? I saw he took you to his favorite spot."
"I didn't realize it was his favorite spot for that, and yes, he made his proposition loud and clear."
"That scoundrel," laughed Amphoteros amiably, "and here we thought he really was interested in improving his counting skills. Did he touch you there?" Amphoteros looked at Hephaistion's crotch and tentatively put the palm of his right hand on Hephaistion's shoulder and made an attempt to caress Hephaistion forearm.
"Please don't do that," son of Amyntor frowned and moved away.
"Didn't you get excited?" Amphoteros followed him.
"No, I did not and I don't like where this conversation is going with you either. I am not interested."
"We are here alone, nobody will come," Amphoteros tried to force Hephaistion to the nearby bed.
Hephaistion had to push Amphoteros away, "I hoped you understand the meaning of the No." Said Hephaistion firmly, "but if not, I will seek other company."
Amphoteros looked offended but didn't try to deter Hephaistion. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I thought you just needed a little encouragement. I really like you, I hoped….you're not insulted, are you?"
"If you promise not to bring this subject again, I would love to keep your company; otherwise, seek somebody else to give you release."
"I don't need to seek, any of the boys here are only too happy to oblige, and even an occasional smart slave. But if you're not into it, no worries, I won't bother you again with it. We can discuss ships instead, how about it?"
"Sounds far better," said Hephaistion reconciliatory.