Dear friends: Thank you for the wonderful responses to the previous chapter; to the new follower Renaisty – thank you and welcome and to the mysterious but faithful commenter Guest – thank you again.
In this chapter Hephaistion continues to familiarize himself with his new surroundings and meet new challenges.
A note about Aristotle: in the year 343 BC when this and the next chapters take place he is forty one years old not the old geezer portrayed by Christopher Plummer in the movie. So his interest in Hephaistion is rather normal by the standards of those days.
Warning: teenagers didn't grew up since the last chapter, so, you know, the usual vulgarities….
I hope you will continue to enjoy it. Your comments are always eagerly anticipated and appreciated.
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343 (end of summer)
Hephaistion hoped that by the end of the day he would be allowed to stay with other boys in dormitory, after all, there was one unoccupied bed as if waiting for him. However Aristotle insisted he should return to his assigned quarters and Hephaistion didn't feel like arguing in order to avoid any question from the boys in the morning. Unlike in previous night, he didn't go to the study to explore books, he laid in the bed, his arms under the head, one leg bended at the knee and another over it and, staring at the ceiling and mentally journeying over the events of his first full day in Mieza.
There was no denial of the truth, he liked it here, and he liked the company of the boys, liked the perspective of studying and learning new things, of spending time improving his fighting skills and the price that he had to pay for it was not the only problem. He realized that any moment his happy life can be broken by somebody who would recognize who he was or, more correctly, whose son he was, and then…. what would happen then? Surely, he wouldn't be allowed to stay but would he simply be expelled or King Philip would want to take a revenge on him as a substitute for his father?
Just to imagine the contempt and hatred other boys would show to him, maybe they even want to take part in the punishment. Even Tyrtamos and Aristotle, how indignant they will be when his true identity will be revealed? How much time he really had here before such thing was to happen? True, he learnt the king left with the army to fight Thracians, but how long he was going to be absent? A few months? A year? What if somebody else who knew how his father looked would visit Mieza? He may not even know the person but the person would knew and remembered how his father looked. But…. did he even looked like his father? Maybe they were so different that nobody would make a connection and all his worries were baseless.
And what other choices did he have? Run away or simply say to Aristotle that he is not going to accept his offer? Where would he go and what would he do? True, he was fourteen now, old enough to… to do what…. without any means of sustaining himself? Maybe Tyrtamos would be kind enough to give him money and provide with references or arrange for his passage back to Assos? But who would want him there? Or should he visit one port after another in a vague hope that he meets Daron who would take him again under his wing? But it was five years ago, and even if by some incredible stroke of good luck he managed to find Daron, would he even remember him or want to help him in any way? Or should he make all the way to Tarsus and search for Mazaeus? Was satrap even still there and if he was, why would he want to help him again? He made it sound and clear, he didn't want to do anything with a foreign boy, he already did more than enough and Hephaistion himself, did he want to spend the rest of his life as Persian supplicant?
Hephaistion lost all track of time, his thoughts completely enveloped him and disconnected from reality and this was why he didn't notice at all that there was an intruder in his room. Only when his bed took an additional weight of the person sitting on it, Hephaistion snapped back to reality and his body jumped into the sitting position.
"Wow, did I scare you so?" Hephaistion heard Perdiccas' voice and sighed with relief.
"How did you get here?" he asked.
"The same way as yesterday."
"Is here a secret passage or something?"
Perdiccas softly laughed, "Yes, it's called a door."
"You entered through the main door?"
"Yes, why not? There are no guards outside."
"What if Aristotle has been inside?"
"Aristotle coddling his wife tonight, so – you shouldn't worry."
"How do you know that?"
"It pays to sleep with her maidservant… who is by the way waits outside together with her friend. Are you coming?"
"Coming? Where?"
"To the woods, to have some fun."
"Not here?" Hephaistion mocked.
"Don't be a smart ass. One time was enough. I prefer starry sky and familiar grounds."
"Don't tell me you prefer the same spot as Harpalos."
"That trap is not Harpalos' personal playing ground. And no, we're going somewhere else. Are you coming or not?"
"What? Can't you handle two girls at the same time? I've heard your virility rivals that of King Philip!" Hephaistion actually enjoyed teasing Perdiccas.
"Of course I can handle two girls!" his friend pretended to sound offended, "but I am in a sharing mood tonight. So?"
"All right, why not?" said Hephaistion pushing Perdiccas aside so that he could leave the bed and put some clothes on. "Should I bring anything along?"
"Don't worry, it's all has been arranged. You just have to tag along and enjoy the moment. I hope it won't deter you that Zoila doesn't speak any Greek, only Macedonian."
"Who is Zoila?"
"Your girl for tonight. You may even learn some Macedonian, like "faster, faster" or "more" and "again"," scowled Perdiccas.
"Thank you, you're a true friend," joked Hephaistion but he was happy for the distraction. Spending a night with a willing girl would take his mind from the impending intimacy with Aristotle. In the end, Hephaistion decided he'd take his chances in Mieza and see how it goes.
True, the girl was willing enough – upon seeing Hephaistion she immediately went to his side and weaved her hand around Hephaistion's waist pressing her body against that of Hephaistion and then lifting her head in expectation of a kiss. Hephaistion didn't want to appear reluctant and captured the offered lips in an eager kiss.
"Hey, you two," Perdiccas loudly whispered first in Macedonian then in Greek, "are you going with us or about to devour each other right here and now?"
Zoila let Hephaistion's lips go and giggled. "You're the most beautiful boy I ever saw," she said in throaty voice and planting a quick on Hephaistion's lips run to Adrissa's side to bubble in excitement of their forthcoming adventure.
"What did she say?" Hephaistion asked pretending he didn't understand.
"That you're very beautiful," translated Perdiccas, "let's go, I don't want us to be caught here."
Hephaistion nodded and followed his friend. He realized his body was tingling in anticipation of making love to this girl and decided to concentrate on this feeling instead of going back to his uneasy musings about his future. This was why, when they at last arrived at the place where Perdiccas called for a stop and started to spread blanket on the ground, Hephaistion impatiently asked his friend if he was clever enough to bring two blankets. Perdiccas only laughed and tossed another bundle into Hephaistion's hands.
"Here, take this, and leave us your bag with food and wine, we'll leave something for you when you come back to replenish your strength for another round or two."
Hephaistion broadly smiled and gave Perdiccas the bag that he was carrying and that his friend gave him after they met the girls. Hephaistion beckoned Zoila and the girl eagerly run to his side. They didn't go far, Hephaistion wasn't familiar with the area and he didn't want to get lost in the woods. So what if Perdiccas and Adrissa would hear the sounds of their coupling? They would probably be engaged in the same activity and won't care.
Hephaistion realized he was too much agitated and stirred up and too eager for release. The first round of lovemaking was fast and ended quickly because Hephaistion was too impatient. Feeling guilty and not wanting to give an impression of unexperienced or not caring lover, he took it really slowly second time savoring both giving and taking pleasure at lower speed. Feeling somewhat exhausted afterwards, he decided to rest and closed his eyes, slowly continuing to caress Zoila's body with his fingers. But sleep didn't come, somewhere nearby he could hear Perdiccas' and Adrissa laughter and after only moments of quietness Zoila urged him to dress up and join the company of their friends. Reluctantly, Hephaistion accommodated his girl's wish and stumbled in the direction of the voices.
Hephaistion had to give Perdiccas his due, his friend didn't greet him with bawdy comments or unsavory jokes. He simply invited him to sit and eat some bread with cheese and olives and handled half empty wineskin to drink from. After watching in silence how his friend drank and ate, Perdiccas asked in almost compassionate tone, "Feels good, doesn't it?"
"Uhm," mumbled Hephaistion taking another sip and returning the wineskin to Perdiccas. "You?"
"Quite satisfied," confirmed Perdiccas. "Want to stay a little longer?"
"Maybe," said Hephaistion in a yes tone, "but don't girls have to return before being discovered missing from their places?"
"Adrissa won't be needed till the later in the morning, Zoila works in the kitchen though and needs to be back before the sun is up but she said she slept through the previous day and prefers to be up all the night. Do you think you can accommodate that wish?"
"I'd like to," almost gravely said Hephaistion as if they spoke about some serious matter. "It's been a while since I spent a night with a girl and who knows when the next opportunity arrives. I am not sure how much freedom I will have after I give Aristotle my consent."
"So, you decided to stay?" asked Perdiccas as if it was the only decision that Hephaistion had to make.
"Yes. Would you think less of me when I…. well, become his eromenos?"
"Why would I? Everybody goes through this part of his life, it's like… I don't know…. killing your first man. Aristotle is far better than…. I don't know…. there are many unpleasant characters at King Philip's court."
"But not Philip himself?"
"Philip is a king, it is his right to pick up any girl or boy he wants. The only thing is what happens to this person afterwards, can he or she benefit from the encounter and keep its head proudly on the shoulders or spiral down into demeaning and prostituting himself for profit. Especially for somebody like you, who is a complete stranger in Macedonian Court and has nobody to rely upon… believe me, you're far safer with Aristotle than anybody else."
"I'd prefer not to be forced to make that choice at all."
"Life is not about what we prefer," Perdiccas commented philosophically, "I'd make the same choice in your place. We are to stay here for at least two years, afterwards, we'll go back to Pella and serve as pages to Philip and his most high ranking officers. I am sure that Aristotle will say a word for you to King Philip and if you show yourself capable not only in classroom but with weapons too, your rise in Macedonian court will be quite possible. Alexander too, if you make a good impression on him, may chose you as one of his future companions. You will be fine, somehow I know it."
"Thanks, Perdiccas. I honestly didn't expect such a warm welcome in Macedon."
"What? Did you listen too much to Demosthenes' hateful speeches about barbarians to the north?"
"I never heard any of Demosthenes' speeches. It's just…. Why would anybody care what happens to me?"
"I don't know," Perdiccas shrugged his shoulders. "I like your company, I honestly don't care about the exact reason. You seem like a person who would have my back in the battle."
"Isn't it a little early to dream about the battles?"
"Not at all, especially when spending as much time around Alexander as I do. He dreams about surpassing not only his father's achievements but those of Achilles too. He claims to be his direct descendant from his mother's side."
"Well, Achilles lived too many years ago and he is not exactly my favorite character especially when one remembers that he fathered that butcher Neoptolemos."
"Oh-ho, I suggest you leave such sentiments behind if you want to make friends with Alexander and you want to make friends with him."
"Because he is a prince?"
"This is one of the reasons and not a bad one. I think he has a bright future, one that I want to take part in. And his life is not easy either; I've been on his side for quite a few years, he could have been a spoilt brat but he is not; he cares about those who around him, I think he has a very lofty and noble ideas how prince and future king must behave, he is not the one who looks for preferential treatment or seeks the way to shrink from his responsibilities. As a matter of fact, I think he takes too much on himself."
"Yes, Amphoteros mentioned that you try to make him to forget about his princely responsibilities from time to time."
"Yes, I try but Alexander, he has this internal fire inside, he can't just sit back and relax, he needs constant action, though sometimes he broods too; especially recently, he suddenly started to have these moments when he shuts everyone off and wants to be left alone. As if something bad happen to him but he doesn't dare to share. But I might be wrong, maybe it is just another violent quarrel between his mother and father. They are always at each other throats and Alexander is in the middle. The rumor is she was pregnant again but lost the child because Philip violently forced himself on her or even beat her. But enough of that, you are staying so you'll have time to learn all that by yourself. Want to stay here with Zoila and I go with Adrissa for a short moonlit walk?"
"I didn't realize you were such a romantic," Hephaistion teased his friend, he was all too happy to take Perdiccas on his offer. He felt like another round of lovemaking wound make him completely sated and happy with his existence.
Xxxxxx
"Theseus, wake up! Wake up! It's dawn already, we fell asleep and will get into trouble if we're not back on time, Theseus!"
"Go away, Perdiccas," Hephaistion turned his back to his friend trying in vain to carve a few more moments of sleep.
"Theseus, wake up, you fool! Theseus!" Perdiccas shook Hephaistion with real force this time.
Realizing there was no escape, Hephaistion sat up and stared at his friend with bleared eyes, "What's the urgency?"
"It's late! I mean, it's early morning already. We have to go back."
"Darn!" Hephaistion started to rub his face trying to wake up but felt completely exhausted. "Do you have any water?"
"No, we have to go back. The girls left already and I gave them all our things so we're not caught up bringing them back. Let's go."
Hephaistion looked around and realized he was sitting on bare ground. He didn't even wake up when Perdiccas yanked the blanket from under him. He awkwardly stood up, stretching and yawning.
"We had a good fun this night but now we have to pay the price, let's hope Aristotle chooses some lovely topic for today's lecture so we won't fell asleep. Let's start moving," urged Perdiccas.
Hephaistion obediently followed trying the shake the remaining sleep. After a short while, Perdiccas quicken the pace and then started to run.
"Are we that late?" asked Hephaistion trying to keep the speed.
"Not sure but we'll be punished if it is discovered we spent night in the woods, so we're going to take a different route, it will lead us to the pass where Alexander runs every morning and I sometimes join him."
"Why?" asked Hephaistion, his mind still somewhat clouded by the sleep, "Alexander is not here."
"True but I will say I wanted some practice since Alexander is back soon and I felt out of form because everybody knows running is not one of my strength. You, on the other hand, couldn't sleep and went outside with the first rays of sun and we met by chance. I suggested you join me for a run and you agreed. It would seem plausible but we have to be seen coming from the right direction and it should be evident we run for some time."
"All right, sounds like a plan," agreed Hephaistion and pick up the speed just as Perdiccas did. They run for some time through the forest and Hephaistion noticed how Perdiccas tried to avoid areas too thick with low bushes in order not to get scratched. Hephaistion realized his friend must have known the area quite well because it was evident he tried to keep a certain direction. Suddenly, Perdiccas stopped and put the finger to his mouth indicating they have to be quiet. A moments later, he could discern somebody calling Perdiccas' name.
"It is Leonnatos," whispered Perdiccas, "we are almost there but I don't like the fact that he is searching for us."
"He is searching for you," pointed out Hephaistion, also in whisper.
"All the same; look, we have to move quickly, over there," Perdiccas started to run again.
"It is further from where Leonnatos is."
"I know. There is a bend in the road, if we're fast enough, we'll be there before he is and it would look like we came from the right direction. Hurry up."
It all happened as Perdiccas predicted. They exited the forest and took pebbled strewn road that turned sharply right just ahead. When they cleared the bend, they almost collided with Leonnatos who let out a happy cry when he saw them.
"Praised be Zeus, I thought the girl lied to us."
"What girl? What are you doing here, Leonnatos?" asked Perdiccas with well-played surprise.
"I don't know her name, I think she works in the kitchens. She said she saw you both running this way."
Hephaistion silently admired Perdiccas' resourcefulness. He was sure the girl in question was Zoila and that Perdiccas told her what to say just in case somebody asks.
"Yes, we were running," Perdiccas fed Leonnatos the story he shared with Hephaistion when they started to run. "Why were you looking for me so early? Still trying to devise a plan to lure Adrissa first to your bed and can't sleep?"
Leonnatos shot Perdiccas an angry look and said, "Nothing of the kind. Aristotle sent me looking for you. There has been a change in plans."
"What change?" Perdiccas asked and moved along the road. He decided there was no need to run now so he assumed a rather leisured pace.
"There are no lectures today, it was all to lull our suspicions. We're going camping for two days."
"Shit!" cursed Perdiccas.
"You're not the only one not happy," consoled him Leonnatos. "We were forced out of our beds in the ungodly hour and were told to take a minimum gear and supplies. It's going to be a rough two days and Aristotle warned us about the night hike today."
"Aristotle is also coming?"
"Yes, and that dirt bag Harpalos too. They are going to join us at the campsite later travelling in comfort and style on horseback. Nonetheless, I already can hear Harpalos moaning and complaining all the evening and night. Can the two of you move a little faster? How long have you been running?"
"Long enough," Perdiccas muttered. The prospect of hiking all day long after the night they both barely slept didn't appear to either of the boys but they had little choice in the matter.
They covered the remaining way to Mieza in silence; Leonnatos showing the way to the exact location of their meet just on the outskirts of the school. There the three boys were greeted by the cheerful Aristotle, frustrated teens and some man in his fifties whom Hephaistion didn't see before.
"Glad to see you well and unharmed," chuckled Aristotle sardonically casting a scrutinizing glance in Perdiccas' and Hephaistion's direction. "Whatever the reason for your unusually early sortie outside of the school premises, you'll have almost the whole day to come up with some plausible excuse till we meet again in the evening. Now, grab your portion of the gear and start moving. Class dismissed."
"Can't we go and change at least?" asked Perdiccas without much hope in his voice.
"We already wasted precious time looking and waiting for you. Till the rest of the day, you'll have to do with what you have on your shoulders. Be grateful to your comrades that they collected your provisions. Off you go."
Hephaistion and Perdiccas viewed with pile of equipment left for them in disgust. It didn't take them long to realize that their portion significantly exceeded those of other boys.
"Don't let us wait for you even longer," mumbled Hegelochus, "I am not having my break shortened because of you two."
"Piss off," scowled Perdiccas hauling the rolled blankets on his back. "It's going to be a long day," he muttered under his breath and then asked Hephaistion, "Do you need any help?"
"I am good for now," assured him Amyntor's son, "it was worse when I run away with some of my pals in Assos in search of Troy. One of the boys fell from a tree and broke his leg, we had to carry him for a long time."
"You've been to Troy?" with excitement asked Leonnatos who decided to join the two outcasts who started to march following in the footsteps of the boys now ahead of them, "Alexander would love to hear all about your adventure!"
"We didn't make it that far," said Hephaistion. "Still, it was quite a journey. Too bad Tyrtamos didn't allow me to organize a proper trip after that. We'd go better prepared."
"You're wasting your energy and slowing everybody down," the unknown man whom Hephaistion saw earlier with Aristotle peeled off the vanguard to admonish the strugglers.
"We just started, Tyrimmas, give us some break," rather cheerfully responded Perdiccas.
"Exactly, just started. First, you delayed everybody running away and now instead of marching on with everybody else, you fell behind to swap the gossips."
"We're are full of energy," insisted Perdiccas and smiled broadly. "Look at Theseus, he was telling me about the time when he run away to Mt. Ida."
"I see, another Paris," scowled Tyrimmas.
"Mt. Ida is in different direction," corrected Hephaistion, "it is to east of Assos and we went north to Troy. Mt. Ida is even father. It would take us days to reach it on foot and stupidly, we didn't take any weapons and very little to eat. It was some two years ago and I learnt a lot since then."
"Well, you'll have a chance to show us your knowledge later today," commented Tyrimmas without malice, "but now – hurry up. It's not fair that the others have to wait for you all the time," he said and speeded up to catch up with those who were far ahead.
"Maybe we should indeed hurry up or we'll fall behind and get lost," suggested Leonnatos.
"Nothing of the kind," contradicted Perdiccas, "it is they who're wasting their energy not wisely, look, they are almost running. How long do you think they will be able to maintain this speed? They'll get tired before us."
There was a certain logic in what Perdiccas was saying, Hephaistion judged the other boys won't be able to maintain their present speed for long. The three of them weren't exactly strolling though and Hephaistion wondered how soon they were going to feel the effect of pleasant but mostly sleepless night. Deciding not to dwell too much on future challenges, he asked instead, "who is this Tyrimmas? He doesn't look like one of the teachers."
"He is not," confirmed Leonnatos who looked eager to become an equal participant in their small group, "he teachers us about everyday lives of the soldiers, how to take care of our weapons, our kits and horses, how to survive in wilderness, to hunt, staff like that. But he is good with weapons too and sometimes acts as our adversary when we train with swords. Are you any good with swords?"
"Not much yet," admitted Hephaistion. "I wouldn't mind a serious training."
"You definitely should stay in Mieza," advised Leonnatos, "can be boring sometimes, but it worth it. Then you can come back to Pella with us. Or you have to follow Theophrastos?"
"No, I don't have to follow him but I am very grateful for everything he did for me. I was nothing to him, just a boy who needed some medical treatment but he took me in. I hope to repay him one day."
It wasn't long till the trio caught up with the rest of the group and they continued all together, the recent resentment about the waiting dissipated and they merrily chattered as they moved along. They had a short break in the afternoon, just to replenish their strength with some simple food and rearrange the weight of their loads.
When they resumed their hike, the sun was highest in the horizon and the boys started to feel the first signs of tiredness. Hephaistion noticed how Amphoteros cleverly inserted himself between Leonnatos and himself and was shifting their path so that he and Hephaistion became somewhat separated from the rest.
"So, you are now friends with Perdiccas?" Krateros' brother asked as if in passing.
Hephaistion pretended he didn't take the question seriously, "what do you mean?"
"You went with him for a run in the wee hours of the morning and stayed with him for the whole hike."
"It was a pure chance that I met him in the morning," Hephaistion continued with agreed upon version of events, "and then everybody left us to catch up because you were angry, that's it."
"Perdiccas will bring you a lot of problems, you better stay away from him," seriously explained Amphoteros.
"Why is that?"
"It is his nature – trouble. He always… I don't know…seek thrills, break rules, and he doesn't care about others. I mean… I don't think he does it on purpose. Alexander likes him, though."
Hephaistion could discern the tones of regret in Amphoteros' voice. He wasn't sure it was envy, just disapproval. "May be Alexander likes him because he is more adventurous than the others?" suggested Hephaistion.
"I am not sure. Perdiccas is very carefree and sometimes does crazy things. I think Alexander can't afford this sort of behaviour, he is a prince after all, but he envies Perdiccas him freedom. Besides, he is really clever, and Alexander respects that."
"Really clever, how?" asked Hephaistion with interest.
"I don't know. Sometimes I watch him during the lectures, he seems never paying attention to what Aristotle teaches us, he never studies and yet, he is the best student second only to Alexander. How is that possible?"
"Feeling a little envious?" Hephaistion asked with a smile.
"May be," frowned Amphoteros, "but I like to study, so I don't mind. Do you like to study?"
"Yes."
"If Perdiccas befriends you, you'll never have time, mark my words. Besides, he is reckless and foolhardy, that thing he pulled off with Philip, I would never dare. If rumour is true, of course….."
"You mean King Philip? What rumour?"
Amphoteros didn't respond immediately. They were now in rearguard, not too far behind the main group to become concerned but at the safe enough distance so that others couldn't overhear their conversation.
"I've heard it from Harpalos. May be it is just a rumor, but it sounds like something Perdiccas would do, something really crazy and dangerous. There is a reason why King Philip wanted to take all of Alexander's friends to his bed, to show who the master was, to make sure we never betray the prince and at the same time inform on him if something is afoot. Anyway, nobody can escape Philip's appetite."
Hephaistion remembered how two nights ago Perdiccas admitted being Philip's eromenos for a short time but dodged the question about details.
"Did Philip take you too?"
"Not yet, but I might be next or Hegelochus may be," Amphoteros licked his lips. "I don't mind though, it will be a sign that I am admitted into a close circle of Alexander's friends, at least as far as Philip thinks so."
"Does Alexander know?"
"Probably not," responded Amphoteros after some consideration. "As I said he is not interested yet in this part of the life though I am sure he knows his father beds anything that moves on two legs, so why not his friends?"
"You sound so callous… anyway, what did Harpalos tell you about Perdiccas and the King?" Hephaistion couldn't suppress his curiosity.
"Well," Amphoteros started, as if considering, "if I tell you, are you going to tell Perdiccas? I mean, tell him that I told you?"
"No, of course not," Hephaistion told Amphoteros what the boy wanted to hear. Not that he planned to run to Perdiccas and tell him that his escapade, or whatever it was, was more or less a public knowledge but maybe he would hint it wasn't a secret and he didn't need to know from where Hephaistion learnt it. Harpalos would be anyway a prime suspect and it wouldn't weight heavily on Hephaistion's conscience especially considering that Amphoteros himself told him he learnt it from Harpalos.
"Well, I trust you. Besides, I doubt I was the only one Harpalos told it. After all, I am not the only one with older brother of whom Harpalos could boast as being his eromenos. Nicanor, Philotas' younger brother, probably knows too. Anyway, Perdiccas was the first of Alexander's friends being marked by Philip for his bed, it made sense too, he is the closest to Alexander. So, one day he was told by Philip to come to his chambers as if to discuss something about the future of his younger brother but it was obvious what Philip wanted and Perdiccas didn't. Anyway, when the time came, Perdiccas didn't show up and the King was really angry, he was not used for waiting especially for somebody young and unimportant. Not that Philip couldn't find another agreeable fuck but he couldn't stand being defied by some youngster. So, he sent one of his guards to fetch Perdiccas, in meantime probably picturing in his mind how he's going to punish Perdiccas for his subordination.
Perdiccas, as close friend of Alexander and also page-in-training from the important family, had his own small room in the palace, near Prince's quarters. Philip's guard went there and when he burst into his room he found Perdiccas fucking some girl. He dragged him away while trying scare Perdiccas into what King would do to him when he learns that instead of satisfying King's appetite he was satisfying his own. So, he brought him into Kings' chambers not failing to report to Philip at what activity he caught the impudent boy.
While King was deciding whether to be amused or angry, Perdiccas started to apologize profusely about being late twaddling some nonsense about incredible bed skills of the girl whom he was doing when the King's guard interrupted him. Apparently, Perdiccas was so eloquent in his description that King decided that he can wait bedding Perdiccas and try this girl with incredible skills though he mocked his son's friend saying that he was too young to be a serious judge on the matter. Anyway, he ordered the girl to be brought to his room. Mind you, according to what Harpalos told me, it wasn't just any girl and Perdiccas didn't forget about his meeting with the king, he just really didn't want to offer his ass to the King and thought of the way to direct Philip's attention to somebody else. The girl was recently acquired slave and though I don't know how her and Perdiccas' ways cross, she was originally from Phoenicia or something and served in some goddess' temple, probably like our Aphrodite, offering her body to the rich patrons. She knew very well how to give pleasure to men.
First, Philip wanted Perdiccas to watch, maybe to showcase his abilities or he planned to whet Perdiccas appetite so to speak but apparently, at some point, he changed his mind and sent Perdiccas away. And didn't ask for him for some days, or even weeks. And when he did send for him next time, Perdiccas was ready with the next girl. And then the next. Probably Philip bedding Leonnatos was also Perdiccas' idea, maybe he knew the king was in the mood for a boy."
"Oh, come on!" exclaimed Hephaistion who couldn't decide yet whether to believe this story or not. "You said it yourself that the King planned to bed all of Alexander's friends. And you know what, I doubt your King needs services of somebody Perdiccas' age to find his next bedmate. How old he was at the time? Twelve?"
"No, already thirteen or even maybe fourteen."
"Big difference! Think for yourself, Amphoteros. This story smacks of boloney. Harpalos probably invented it in hopes of having his ass attended by your brother."
"I wouldn't be so sure. Why do you think Perdiccas befriended you?"
"Why?"
"To serve you on a platter to Philip when the King visits! Did you think about it? You are a very delectable morsel of flesh, Theseus. I can't believe you don't know it."
"This is disgusting! You're as perverted as Harpalos. I have no desire to listen to you anymore," Hephaistion said with antipathy and speeded up to catch with others.
"Wait," shouted Amphoteros and also quicken his pace, "I didn't mean to offend you but you are a novice here, not familiar with Macedonian customs. All I wanted is to warn you."
"Thank you, you already did so, now stay away from me," Hephaistion contemplated running to put more distance between himself and Amphoteros but he didn't have much strength left, his last night escapade started to take its toll.
"Trouble in paradise?" mocked Hegelochus whom Hephaistion reached when he drew away from Amphoteros.
Hephaistion muttered something unintelligible under his breath and made an extra effort to move forward. The boys now stretched in the long line and abandoned merry chit chatting in favor of some solitude and strength conservation. Hephaistion found a place in the line between Attalos and Proteas hoping to be left alone and to think. Was there any truth in what Amphoteros said? Was it possible that Perdiccas befriended him only in order to groom him for Philip's bed? Did he really do that with Leonnatos? Perdiccas sounded like somebody who would risk King's anger for the sake of good prank and founding an excuse of not sharing Philip's bed but would he really put forward one of his friends to take his place? Hephaistion hoped it wasn't true but then again, did he really know Perdiccas that well? He was friendly, true, but was there some other ultimate goal in his actions besides acquiring a new like-minded pal?
Of course, neither Amphoteros nor Perdiccas knew that being taken by Philip was last of Hephaistion's worries about possible encounter with the king. The treatment that son of a traitor would suffer at Philip's hands will be far more unpleasant than simply sharing King's bed against his own will. "Maybe I will get lucky and Philip will be away for a long time fighting Thracians. Or he will be killed and Alexander becomes the King with some of the generals as his regent for a few years. A civil war may erupt and nobody would care much about who my father was."
Hephaistion rebuked himself for entertaining such thoughts but was it wrong to crave one's own safety at the expense of other person life? Who knows why his father really betrayed Philip? Maybe it was some atrocity that his father couldn't stand? He knew that his mother died giving birth to a baby girl, was it possible that she also was subjected to the King's lust and admitted the dark secret before Thanatos came to claim her?
Some uneven stone on the road made Hephaistion stumble and he almost fell weighted down by his heavy load. It became harder and harder to move forward. His vision started to be blurry and he wasn't sure whether it was from fatigue or from the drops of sweat that found their way to Hephaistion's eyes. His steps became more unsteady and he while he still was able to see his feet being put forward one in front of the other, he felt like it was somebody else responsible for the action.
"Three more hours?!" Hephaistion heard Proteas' resentful exclamation somewhere in front of him. "I don't have strength for three more hours."
"If you have strength to shout," calmly pointed out Tyrimmas whom Hephaistion just now noticed marching alongside Proteas, "you have strength to walk. I didn't realize you all were such weaklings, you need more physical training not useless lessons in philosophy where all you do is just idly sit and exercise your tongue."
"We are not weaklings," Proteas' voice carried away a long distance, "we carry your equipment as well. Why is that?"
"So that you get used to carrying things of your wounded comrades or even help them along. Imagine you just survive a skirmish; whether victorious or not, you have to find your way quickly to the main regiment. You are tired and though you personally emerged unscathed, some of your comrades were not so lucky. Are you going to abandon them to the certain death at the enemy's hands or you're going to do your best to help them along?"
"It will be different. We'll be older, more experienced and stronger."
"More experienced? And how are you going to gain that experience? Or you hope it miraculously be granted to you the moment you join King's army? When Alexander is back, I am going to insist all of you need more training. You like to swish your swords and play in the palestra but wars are not just about winning glorious battles."
"Yeah? What are wars then about?"
"Mostly getting from point A to point B," smirked Tyrimmas. "So, suck it up and move along." He remained on the spot letting Proteas pass.
"And how are you?" he addressed Hephaistion.
"Tired," mumbled the boy.
"I see but at least you have enough brain not to waste your energy on the useless arguments. Attalos, are you still alive or it's your shadow that drags along your sorry ass?" Hephaistion could hear their cheerful and full of energy task master move along the line to further encourage the straggles.
In front of Proteas Hephaistion could see Perdiccas, obviously very tired too by now, and ahead of the column Leonnatos who probably was at the last of his strength reserves too. "No way I can walk for another three hours," grimly thought Amyntor's boy, "the only consolation is that the others are not in better shape. At least Perdiccas and I have an excuse, but what the others were doing during the night?"
He continued wearily forward hoping he can reach the destination without embarrassing himself or at least not embarrassing more than others. He thought the day was coming to its end, it wasn't dark yet but the sun seemed to be less merciless than before.
"That son of a bitch!" suddenly exclaimed Proteas and stopped. Hephaistion, too tired to realize the need to stop or step aside, bumped into his friend ahead but Proteas didn't seem to mind. Instead, he pointed out somewhere on the horizon, "Look, it's Harpalos, over there, see?"
"Where?" Hephaistion couldn't see where Proteas was pointing.
"Over there! Look! We must be close. I bet Tyrimmas lied to us on purpose to dampen our spirits, no way we're walking for three hours."
Hephaistion turned in the direction of where Proteas was pointing and indeed could see Harpalos waiving them with his hands above his head. A moment later Aristotle appeared from the line of the trees and started to waive as well.
"Zeus Almighty, we made it," Proteas' spirits were definitely up so much so that he seemed to gain a second breath and boost of energy, "we can cover to distance in no time. Do you need any help?" he asked to Hephaistion surprise.
"Do I look that desperate?"
"Honestly – yes. So?"
"I'll try to make it on my own but if I collapse, I appreciate you coming to my help."
"Proud, aren't we?" smiled Proteas but there was no malice or at least Hephaistion was too under the weather to detect one.
Hephaistion continued in the direction of where he could see Aristotle and Harpalos, giving thanks to many gods that he made it. When he reached the destination, he could see the other boys were already shedding their loads and sliding to the ground to have so much needed rest.
"What is this?" exclaimed Tyrimmas as if in surprise. "I don't remember dismissing you from the duties. And who is going to set up shelters, lit the fire and cook our evening meal?"
"Harpalos," suggested Attalos heavily dropping to the grass. "We are all too wasted to be of any use, at least till we have some rest."
"Are you future soldiers in King Philip Army or effeminate eunuchs from Great King harem? What is this talk of being tired? Only when you're done with all the assigned duties, you can think of having the break. Now, all of you, tear your asses from the ground and start being useful."
"Master Aristotle," started Amphoteros but their teacher wasn't understanding either.
"I am here to enjoy the nature, to guide you on the night hike and hear your thoughts in the morning on the process of dew formation. Otherwise, you report to Tyrimmas as I said this morning. Next time I hope you pay more attention."
"Night hike?" few of the boys exclaimed in desperation. They all forgot about the plan that was laid before them when they were leaving Mieza.
"Now," Tyrimmas took over not even trying to hide his enjoyment at bossing the exhausted boys around, "who wants to be a leader for a night?"
At this question his charges visibly came alive. "What do you mean?" asked Hegelochus and even stood up to show his interest.
"One of you going to be a leader for the rest of today and possibly tomorrow if you show yourself worthy of the task. However, before you enthusiastically and publicly express your desire of being put in charge, please remember - if you're chosen it means that you have to do even more than the rest. Any takers?"
"Yes, of course, I want to be a leader," Hegelochus took a step closer to Tyrimmas.
"Well, we have one candidate," said the man, "anyone wishes to challenge the worthy son of Hippostratos?"
"Nah," Perdiccas declined the unspoken offer as if everybody would assume automatically that he would vie for the position, "the pleasure is all yours," he nodded in Hegelochus' direction.
"Very well," agreed Tyrimmas. "Hegelochus, for now you're the leader of this group. What would be your first orders?"
Hegelochus was smart enough to take advantage of the fact that Tyrimmas lay out their main tasks for the evening a few moments ago. "First we have to start the fire and cook some food. Attalos and Leonnatos, see those logs around the clearing over there? Somebody definitely used that spot for the fire earlier. Bring our cooking supplies there and start the fire. However, there is not enough kindling to maintain the flames for a long time so, Perdiccas and Amphoteros, go and bring more dry branches. Proteas and Theseus, check what food we have left and come up with some recipe. Oh, wait, no, that can be done by Harpalos, you two should find where the closest source of water is and bring us some, we need it for tomorrow and drinking. And I will make sure that everything done in proper manner and help the most struggling team."
The boys started getting on their feet reluctantly. There was no resentment over Hegelochus taking the charge, just the general tiredness and frustration that their challenging day wasn't done yet. Hephaistion stood up with the rest and started idly to watch how other boys went around their tasks. Attalos and Leonnatos were already building a small pyramid from the branches to safeguard the fire. Hephaistion frowned, despite the obvious clearing and even some burnt remnants of the previous fire, the chosen place didn't make sense, it was too close to the tree line and the moment the fire will be at full strength, the overhanging and rather massing branches of the trees will be engulfed in flames. It would be far more logical to set up a fire in the middle where…. hmm… some thorny bushes grew close together. Still, why not to uproot them, surely, with the help of small ax those bushes could be chopped down and then even used for the fire.
He got closer to the shrubs and realized that they were growing in the middle of hefty stones … or the stones were used to keep the brunches in place?
Hephaistion's musings were interrupted by Hegelochus who clearly wasn't happy that his orders weren't being followed. "Why are you still here? Didn't I give you a specific instructions what to do?"
"Yes, you did," Hephaistion agreed, "but look here, does it look suspicious to you?"
"What exactly?"
"These bushes. They seem out of place."
"What are you now, a gardener?"
"No, look, this is the centre of a clearing, the fire is supposed to be lit here but instead these bushes occupy the place. Somebody clearly camped here before us, maybe some villagers or shepherds, no way they lit the fire over there, so close to the trees."
"Hmm," Hegelochus looked pensively at the scene. Hephaistion half expected him to deride his idea, after all Hegelochus was the most hostile of the boys towards him, but it looked like the youth saw the wisdom of what Hephaistion was saying. "Wait here," he said and went away but promptly returned with a short strong branch with sharp end that could have been used as a stake.
"What are you up to?" Proteas, not too eager on doing any kind of job sauntered in.
"Help us to dig those shrubs out. Or, better yet, bring something to wrap around our hands so we can handle the spikes."
"Ah, sure," said Proteas but didn't move.
His help wasn't needed much in the end. When Hegelochus and Hephaistion moved away the stones that weighted down on the shrubs and Hegelochus used the branch to loosen the earth around, the shrubs fell out reveling the lack of any roots that hold them in the ground.
"Ha! Somebody wanted to fool us!" Hegelochus looked around with triumph and his glance fell on Harpalos. "You pitiful squirt, was it you?"
"Why are you always blaming me?" Harpalos pouted sullenly.
"He doesn't have the brain," Proteas scoffed.
"Son of Andronicus!" thundered Aristotle, "you are going to apologise to Harpalos and as a punishment, you're going to help him around till we come back to Mieza.
"I am not apologizing to this…"
"Proteas," icily stated Aristotle, "do you really want to test my patience? You either do what I say or upon return to Mieza you're going to be given ten lashes, publicly, by Harpalos. So, what it's going to be?"
Proteas flushed in indignation but realized that it was wiser to comply.
"Fine," he growled, "sorry, Harpalos, I was out of the line. What do you want me to do? Comb your hair?"
"Proteas….." menacingly started Aristotle.
"I accept your apology and my hair is fine, thank you," Harpalos happily smiled but then his face assumed a worried look. "As you know I am really afraid of the dark and never camped outside. Will you sleep close to me during the night?"
There was a momentous silence but then Hegelochus and Hephaistion burst out laughing.
"Well, Proteas, I suspect Harpalos will keep you busy during the night," Hegelochus hooted, "you can set your blanket farthest from the fire, our dear horny Harpalos will keep you warm in a different way."
"Shut up, you moron," Proteas yelled not too happy at the perspective.
"It's not the way to talk to your leader," Hegelochus reprimanded the unhappy boy.
"Whatever. Theseus, are you coming in search of the water or what?"
"Of course, go fetch the water skins."
"Why do you think you can command me?" Proteas continued to be unhappy. He was already upset by being punished by Aristotle and the prospect of spending the whole night in the close proximity to Harpalos was disgusting. He knew the lame would paw him all over trying to get some sexual release and he wouldn't be able to do anything about it, better to endure in silence than to create a scene, attract the attention of the whole camp in the middle of the night and become the laughing stock of his comrades. Why Aristotle had to punish him like that? Didn't he knew what Harpalos would want from him? Did he even do it on purpose? Aristotle always accused the boys being more interested in having fun than in studying, was it his own cruel way to turn fun into something less desirable?
Nevertheless, Proteas decided to comply with other boy instructions. "Well," it wasn't even an order," Proteas tried to feel less subservient, "besides, I will make him to carry the full water skins back and he can't refuse because….. oh, what is this, Theseus?" Proteas stared at the other boy at surprise.
"It is called mule," Hephaistion smiled.
"I know what it's called, where did you get it?"
"Aristotle and Harpalos arrived on horses but brought one packed animal to carry things. I convinced Tyrimmas to lend it to us. It's a long way to the water source and we're too tired after the whole day's hike. I explained it to him, he either does that or will have to organized a search party with boys as tired as us when we collapse on the way back under the heavy way of the full water skins."
"Hmm, not bad," Proteas said reconciliatory, "how do you know where the water source is?"
"Well, I convinced Tyrimmas and Aristotle to explain where to find the water."
"I see, you good at convincing."
"Well, it's a matter of finding a good excuse," explained Hephaistion, "if we have to start looking for nearby stream ourselves, what are the chances we find it? By the way, you're right about Harpalos, it wasn't his idea to conceal the fire pit and create a fake one in a place too dangerous for starting the fire."
"Who then, Aristotle?"
"Nah, it was Tyrimmas, he was here a few days ago to organize the set up. When Aristotle and Harpalos arrived here earlier, they just put the final touches."
"How do you know that?" Proteas asked with interest.
"I said so to Tyrimmas and he didn't deny. I am afraid, thought, he is going to punish me for revealing his plans and I can smell it, he has more surprises for us."
"I have no doubt, but I am too tired to think about it now. How far is the water source?"
"Far," sighed Hephaistion.
X
In the end, the mule was used not only to carry the heavy water skins but also to be used as a support for walking. When Hephaistion and Proteas returned to the camp, it was already dark and they were dead tired. The skins of water were used with half felt enthusiasm by the other boys, who looked equally exhausted. They ate some beans stew with mushrooms instead of meat and herbs and watered it down with heavily diluted wine. Aristotle was wise enough to realize that the hike wasn't going to happen that night, all the boys were too tired from the day's challenge. He consulted with Tyrimmas and because the soldier was of the same opinion, all the boys were allowed to retire early, without any additional challenges.
Hephaistion fell asleep moments after he settled on the ground wrapped in cloak, head resting comfortably on his bended arm. And then, he woke up when somebody shook his shoulder; he wanted to push the offender away but suddenly realized it was a daylight. "Wow, how long I was asleep?" he rubbed his eyes, sitting.
"The whole night," smiled Perdiccas.
Hephaistion yawned and looked around, the rest of the boys were still asleep, all huddled together for more warmth.
"Why did you have to wake me up?" he stared accusatory at his friend.
"To appraise you of the situation."
"What situation?"
"Aristotle, Harpalos and Tyrimmas are gone. I woke up because I needed to pee and they were not here."
"Wh..at are you saying?" Hephaistion jumped to his feet and looked around. Indeed, the only tent, the one occupied by Aristotle, was gone, and he couldn't see him or Tyrimmas anywhere. The scanned the group of still sleeping boys, Harpalos was not among them. The two horses and the mule were gone as well.
"What the fuck?" Hephaistion swore.
"Exactly," agreed Perdiccas. "I already looked around, they are nowhere. Probably quietly left with the first rays of sun. We have nothing to eat, only the water skins you and Proteas brought yesterday. The fire is still burning though, maybe we can find more mushrooms to roast. Was there any fish in the water stream?"
"I didn't pay attention," Hephaistion answered sourly. "I suspect they wanted us to find out way back to Mieza on our own. There is no time for fishing, we have to wake up the rest of the boys and start moving."
"I think so too," agreed Perdiccas.
X
"No, it's not about being afraid or lazy, it's about teaching them a lesson," insisted Attalos.
"What lesson?" exasperated Perdiccas shouted.
"That we're are not feeble minded and feeble bodied sissies who need to be toughened and molded to their liking."
"I don't think it was point," Leonnatos protested.
"And how do you know what was the point?" countered Attalos, "did Tyrimmas and Aristotle confided in you?"
"No, they did not but…."
"See! They want us to panic at the thought of being left behind in the unknown territory and then stumble back to Mieza, defeated, asking to be taken care of. It's not happening! I say we stay here, fend for ourselves and have fun while they are going to spend their time all nervous about what happen to us, why we're not coming back. What happened? Where are the boys? Did they get kidnapped? Eaten by the wolves? Killed each other over some stupid remark? We are their responsibility, if something happen to us, it's their heads that will be served on the platter to the King. I say, we should stay here and enjoy some freedom!"
"So far they succeeded at keeping us on each other's throats," noted Amphoteros.
"And we shouldn't give them that satisfaction," chipped in Hegelochus. "Remember, you all accepted me as your leader yesterday. The soldiers should do as their leader tells them, and I am telling you we should stay."
"We only agreed at accepting you as our leader because we were too tired yesterday," reminded him Leonnatos.
"Then you should remember this valuable lesson, never to make decisions when you're too tired hoping that the problems would go away. Theseus, you seem agreeable to the idea to stay. Would you convince those two," Hegelochus nodded in Leonnatos' and Perdiccas' direction, "to see the wisdom of this decision and stay?"
Hephaistion frowned. He could see the advantages of staying put and waiting for Tyrimmas and Aristotle to have no choice but to come back, besides, the idea of defying Aristotle appealed to him. Yet, he preferred to support Perdiccas because he felt he bonded with him better, despite all the doubts Amphoteros put in his mind yesterday.
"It is not fair to Theseus," Perdiccas was the one to give support to his friend, "You're forgetting that he is not a student at Mieza yet. Aristotle might want to punish him for his disobedience and deny the opportunity of joining the school."
"I thought it was Theseus' decision," Amphoteros started.
"Don't worry about me," Hephaistion at last made his decision. "After all, they didn't leave us instruction that we have to come back to Mieza. We can always say we assumed they wanted to test us being able to survive on our own."
"Of course, how I didn't think about it!" exclaimed Attalos. "Then it is decided, we're staying. Perdiccas?"
"Fine," agreed son of Orontes. "Leonnatos?"
The other boy shrugged his shoulders, "If everybody in, I will stay. But I am hungry, any suggestions what we're going to eat? We don't have any weapons to hunt."
"Pity it's not spring, we could have gorge ourselves on birds' eggs," wistfully said Amphoteros.
"There is far more to eat at the end of summer," corrected Hephaistion. "How about we all go to the stream from where we brought water yesterday and try some fishing. Surely we can carve decent short spears with our knives and we saw a lot of bushes with berries on them; there are nuts on the trees and we may find some chestnuts to roast. Do you know any edible roots here? I am not familiar with local flora."
Instead of dividing into the groups, they all agreed to go together. Free of any adult supervision and pretty sure of themselves, all the boys utterly enjoyed their adventure. Even Leonnatos and Perdiccas, the initial proponents of speedy returning to Mieza, all but forgot about their earlier plans. When they reached the river stream, Hephaistion and Proteas found it far bigger than they remembered yesterday, probably because they were less tired and in no hurry. The boys discovered there was actually a lot of fish and even with their crudely cut sticks they managed spear more than enough for a very heartily meal. They ate, swam, and sauntered around. The day was a total bliss and only when they knew it was going to get dark soon, they prepared to return to the original site of their camping. On the way back they lay wages pro and against the idea that they were going to find Tyrimmas and Aristotle back. Those who said their teacher and his accomplice would be back lost but nobody was too upset.
The darkness fell and the boys congregated around the fire, swapping stories, funny and scary at turns and laughed at each other's misadventures from the childhood. Then Amphoteros suggested to have their own night hike, just to flout Aristotle's idea but it wasn't met with much enthusiasm, the full day of fun turned out to be almost as tiresome as the day of hike. They all went to sleep when they were tired, not when they were told to and the simple fact filled their hearts with unspeakable joy.
The morning came and there still was no sign of anybody returning to rescue them. "What if they didn't really left but hid somewhere and now are watching how long we can last on our own?" suggested Leonnatos munching of the berries that luckily grew in abundance around.
"We would hear Harpalos' whining," smirked Hegelochus.
"Not necessarily," contradicted Perdiccas, "they might have returned to Mieza, dropped Harpalos there and then come back; maybe Aristotle also stayed behind, and Tyrimmas came back alone. He would have enough patience and stealth to remain unnoticed. So, Aristotle won't worry about us, all he has to do is to wait till we despair and come back asking for forgiveness."
"Are you going to despair?" mocked Attalos.
"No way!"
"Then are you suggesting one of us will?"
"Don't try to corner me, it was a figure of speech. So, what are we doing today, going back to that stream? There is still a lot of fish left to be caught."
"Why not?" Proteas shrugged his shoulders. "I am getting hungry again. By the way, what do you think of completely reallocating our campsite there? There is a lot of open space near that water stream. Besides, if they decide to come back today and discover we're gone, let them sweat at the idea of losing us."
"I like that," Hegelochus agreed, "unless, of course, Perdiccas is right and Tyrimmas follows us without being discovered."
"Only one way to find out," remarked Hephaistion, "let's collect our few belonging and get ourselves some proper breakfast."
The spirits were still high when they moved out and were on their way. They spent the day by more fishing, more swimming and fooling around. They also explored the surroundings of their new location and when it was time to catch more fish, they all enthusiastically started on that task.
"I can get used to this lifestyle," cheerfully mumbled Leonnatos, his mouth full of tasty fish baked in savory herbs. The other boys agreed, nodding and smiling, oblivious to the world around them.
"Too bad, Leonnatos, because it is time to return to Mieza."
They all stopped eating and turned in the direction of the voice. Hephaistion, among others, stared with suspicion at the group of newcomers, of whom he could recognize none. At the front was a blond boy, few years his younger but seemingly a leader.
Perdiccas was the first to jump on his feet and rush towards the newcomers with a happy greeting:
"Alexander!"