Hello all,
Here is the update of Hazards, just a week after chapter 16!!! My Muses are making me into a faster writer, at long last. Also many thanks to my beta Denise for extra fast beta work this time. :)
Alexander returns to Pella after his victorious campaigns in Greece and Illyria. At home awaits Olympias, with an upsetting surprise. Alexander has to use both his medical skills and clever diplomacy to solve the domestic disasters. Then the Persian Conquest needs careful planning and preparations. Our friends will enjoy some moments of calm, rest and peace before they are in for another, even more upsetting surprise from Olympias.
All the best wishes! Read and enjoy!
// NorthernLight
TEMPLATE:
Title: FIC: Hazards Of Friendship ( 17 / WIP)
Author: NorthernLight
Category: Love / Friendship / Adventure story. Alternate History.
Pairing: Alexander&Hephaestion Date: August 2007.
Feedback: Yes, all kinds, on or off list, as you please. Archive: Yes, if you like, but please tell me.
Disclaimer: I don't own them. For entertainment only. Not for gain - my work is for my deep interest in Alexander and Hephaestion, their time and adventures.
Rating: R
Beta: Denise. Many thanks for interesting discussions and suggestions,and also for helping me to improve on language and formatting. You truly make my stories a far better read.
Summary: In the beginning of his reign Alexander made some hard campaigning towards warlike neighbors in the East, South and West. The city of Thebes grasps this opportunity to go into rebellion against the Macedonians. It has now fallen to its inevitable doom. Alexander returns home to Pella, where he finds that Queen Olympias has an upsetting surprise for him.
Warnings: This is AR, very close to but not "real" history. War and violence, hard fighting, angst and intrigues. I have used the AR concept to let Queen Olympias try to take over the Regency from Antipatros. This of course never happened in real history, ( even if Olympias sure would have liked it to! )
Dedication: To Juu. Written on behalf of your fic challenge about Hephaestion and his constant trouble with the envious generals.
Hazards Of Friendship, Part 17
Pella, 335 BC
Revival Of The Regent
Alexander was deeply upset by Queen Olympias' new and elevated position. He simply couldn't believe that the old Regent's illness had natural causes. His and Olympias' enmity had been going on for a very long time, long before the murder of King Philip. They had done everything to try to remove one another, and none of King Philip's and Alexander's innumerable trials to reconcile the bitter enemies had been of any effect. Whatsoever.
Old Antipatros had always been faithful, and one of King Philip's most trusted friends, Generals andAdvisers. He had been of great help all the times Alexander had been Regent during Philip's campaigns, and the young Crown Prince had learned much from him.Alexander saw the old man as a second father, and he wanted to do everything to help him recover from this sudden and untimely illness.
They all rushed through the palace corridors. Hephaestion and doctor Philip had great difficulties to put up with Alexander's forced and vigorous strides, but his faithful guards followed, forming a ring of iron around them. Queen Olympias managed to keep pace with them, and Stefanos and Alexios gave her some suspicious looks. Servants were talking in hushed voices, and near Antipatros' quarters no one shared the cheerful mode that prevailed in the rest of Pella and the Palace.
The Guards let them inside the bedchambers of the stricken Regent. They were looking sad, and their eyes were filled with unshed tears. Alexander understood their sorrowful mode when he set eyes upon the old man. The Regent Antipatros was a shadow of his former self. He was barely breathing, but his strained rattles and gasps for life giving air filled the whole bedchamber. His complexion was pale, almost translucent, his eyes were sunken and surrounded by ominous blue shadows, his cheeks were hollow and there was no substance to the old and frail body resting under the furs covering the bed. Despite the warming furs that covered him, he was shivering as if from unnatural cold and shock. It was strange, since the room was hot and stifling from the burning of several oil lamps. The sun shone in through the stone vaulted windows, giving additional light and warmth. Cassander sat at his Father's bedside, grasping the old man's blue and withering hand. He was crying openly, and when he saw Queen Olympias he pointed directly at her.
"Look and behold! The Witch Queen! You and your evil snakes have done this to my Father!"
Now he saw Alexander and Hephaestion, together with doctor Philip and the guards. His jaw dropped from surprise.
"Alexander! Are you really standing here? We all thought you perished at Pelium!"
"No, Cassander. I must disappoint you, my "friend", " Alexander sharply answered, "I made a swift recovery. Since then, I have been able to put down the Theban rebellion just to come home to - this!"
He pointed at the stricken old man in the bed.
"For how long has your Father been like this?"
"Almost a week. We found him in bed one morning, paralyzed, and almost out of breath. He mumbled something about a giant snake talking to him, and then he lapsed into unconsciousness. He has been like this ever since."
He pointed once more at Queen Olympias.
"It's her doing! She and her evil snakes have scared my Father out of his wits!"
Queen Olympias took a step towards her fervent detractor.
"No, my young man, " she adamantly stated. "The night all this is supposed to have occurred I and my lovely house snakes were in my quarters, with Hyrmina and my faithful guards. We have nothing at all to do with Antipatros' sudden and untimely illness."
Cassander shield away from her, once more crying and embracing his stricken father. Alexander came up to him and put a hand on his shoulder, trying to fill him with warmth and reassurance.
"Calm yourself down, Cassander. Perhaps it is not so bad as it seems, " he confidently told the trembling young man, "Now I and doctor Philip are here. Together we have some medical skills. We will use them all to help the Regent Antipatros."
The good doctor stepped forward and gave the regent a close examination. He then addressed them all.
"It's most curious, I cannot find anything wrong with the Regent. It's just that he has been badly frightened by something. I will go and prepare a calming concoction."
Alexander took his place at the Regent's bedside. He gently put his hand on the old mans cold and clammy brow, and then he took his hand.
"Antipatros, it is I, Alexander, the King. I'm back now and I will protect you from all Evil. I need you back, strong and reliable, to look after Macedon when I take my victorious army over The Straits to Persia."
Antipatros felt as if he was awakening from the most horrible of nightmares. The Evil Snake had frightened him so badly that almost all his wits had left him. He was completely shielded from ordinary reality. Not even his caring son could bring him back from the land of unknown horrors where his spirit had been wandering of late. Now a warming hand rested on his brow, and another took his trembling right hand. He managed to open his heavy eyelids. His eyesight was dim and unclear, but as it sharpened the most beautiful vision came before him.
Young King Alexander was back again!
He was sitting at the bedside, in armour dusty from hard riding and campaigning. His Royal red cloak rested on his broad shoulders and the radiant star of Macedon shone as it hung in a golden chain on his breast shield. Alexander was golden and beautiful as usual, but he looked tired and worn out, as if he had been through severe hardships and seen unmentionable horrors.
"Alexander! Have you really come back - or is this just some cruel figment of my imagination?, " the old Regent asked in a whisper.
"Yes, Antipatros, I am truly back. It has been a long and hard campaign, but now the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western borders are secure at long last. "
The old Regent managed to sit up in bed and embraced the young King. His hands and arms were trembling, but all could see that he had regained some strength already.
"Alexander, my King, I'm so glad you are back! Yes, of course I will look after Macedon when you cross The Straits for Persia. "
Doctor Philip came with a small clay jar in his hand, giving the patient some worried looks.
"Here is the calming concoction. I hope it will be helpful. "
"Many thanks, Philip, but I don't need any calming remedies, " Antipatros adamantly stated. "Now that Alexander is back I can rest easy. I will even be safe from HER and her evil snakes!"
Antipatros pointed straight at Queen Olympias. The Queen took a step towards him, forcibly stamping her foot. The stone floor actually trembled.
"My snakes are not evil. They are the kindest and wisest of animals. And you must not be afraid of me and my lovely house snakes. It is I who must fear you. You have always been stingy and unkind to me and mine!"
"My Queen, I have always treated you with the greatest respect. It is you who have threatened me and wanted to usurp my Regency! "
The old Regent had now regained much of his former strength and wit, and he pointed with a trembling hand towards Queen Olympias. They stared ferociously at each other, and the audience saw that they were on the verge of assaulting each other with brutal force. Alexander stepped in between them, stamping his foot even more forcibly.
"Stop all this at once! I'm sick and tired of your constant bickering! I have heard your arguing all of my life, even when I was napping in my cradle! I need the both of you to cooperate to govern Macedon when I am away on our Persian campaign. "
He beckoned to Queen Olympias.
"You, Dear Mother, will take care of the Court and the Royal Household here in Pella, and you will do so without interfering with the Regent Antipatros. He is faithful and reliable, and you may trust him in all matters of State. "
Then he beckoned to old Antipatros.
"And you, my faithful Antipatros, you will take care or the remaining army, the Government, the Treasury and our relations to our neighbouring countries. You will defend our homeland from eventual assaults - and you will treat my Dear Mother with graceful respect. She is a master of Court and Household matters, and you can safely leave it all to her. "
Queen Olympias and the Regent Antipatros gave each other dark looks of mutual resent and reluctant respect. At long last they bowed their heads.
"All will be as the King has ordered, " they answered, reluctantly.
The Feast Of Victory
All day was spent taking care of Court matters, and giving the returning soldiers a warm welcome. All Pella was feeling joy and happiness. It was felt to a certain extent even in the homes where someone had not returned from the campaigns.
In the evening there was a glorious banquet in the Palace Hall. Alexander was resting on the Royal couch, drinking wine and dining on the finest meats, fowls and vegetables. Hephaestion was sharing his couch, wine cup and golden plate. They were such a beautiful pair, the young King in his Royal red robes with a golden chain with the Star of Macedon around his neck, and his dearest friend in midnight blue robes and a chain of silver and a great, glowing amethyst glittering on his chest. They looked like the Sun and the Moon, complete together. All admired them, secretly complimenting the young King for choosing such a becoming First Companion. Strength, intelligence and good looks were unusual features, when gathered in such abundance, all in one person.
There was one who shared the looks of admiration, but, buried deep in his cruel and calculating mind, there were thoughts nurtured by the most vicious envy and resent.
// You think you are so strong and almighty together. Just wait and see, wait and see. My time will come, sooner than you think...//
Just when they all were eating and drinking at their Merriest, there was a commotion at the end of the Hall. Perdiccas came, badly limping but with a strong and determined gait. He was supported by two orderlies, and they helped him to rest on an empty couch, supporting him with soft cushions. All cheered, and King Alexander beckoned to one of his servants to bring a plate with choice meat, bird and succulent vegetables. Just when Perdiccas had settled down, there was another commotion. Now the Regent Antipatros came, gently supported by his son Cassander. He was invited to a couch nearby the King, and offered the best of all the food. Alexander now rose and addressed them all.
"I'm so glad to see you all together here in my Hall, enjoying my hospitality. We have returned victoriously from our hard campaigns. Our borders are now secured. All of Greece is in our power. "
He waited a while, giving them time to understand these satisfying facts.
"Now another, even greater assignment awaits us. At long last we are ready for our Persian Conquest. I have had the most promising news from the General Parmenion. Our beachhead in Asia has been reinforced, and our comrades over there are eagerly waiting for us. Early next Spring we will be joining them!"
All cheered, looking up to him. He was like a young God, radiating his unique golden strength and confidence.
"Alexander! Alexander! Alexander!"
All the Hall reverberated from the calls. It was like a warming wave of thunder, carrying the young King along, cheering him to even greater success.
Women were not allowed to the banquet, but the Ladies of the court held their own festivities in an airy and beautiful hall nearby. When all had eaten their fill of the fine foods, fruits and sweetmeats, the Queen Olympias thanked the guest and wished them a good night's sleep. Then she wandered off, closely followed by old Hyrmina and her guards. She watched the Royal Hall from a special checkpoint between two marble pillars. Perdiccas' appearance gladdened her. She had heard that he was seriously ill from his wound, so it was good to see him up and about again. He had always been a good and faithful friend to Alexander and Hephaestion, and he was well needed in their glorious but dangerous future.
The sight of the Regent Antipatros resting on a couch nearby her precious Son made her frown and almost stamp her foot in disappointment. He was not supposed to recover so fast from his illness - no, he was not supposed to recover at all!
Now the Queen's gaze fell upon Alexander and Hephaestion. It became fond, warm and loving. They were standing together, talking, sharing a Cup of Friendship and pouring a generous libation to the Gods of War, Love and Healing. They radiated an unique aura of strength and friendship, looking so very complete together. The Queen saw the silvery shadows around Hephaestion, and saw how the golden radiance around her beloved Son gained in brightness and power from it. Queen Olympias said a silent prayer all by herself.
// "Oh, all ye Gods of War, Love and Healing, hear my prayer. May my Son Alexander always be protected by his True Steadfast Friend, and always have him by his side. " //
Then she gave them another loving gaze. They were such a beautiful and handsome pair, deserving the very best of all good things in life. And, did she have a wonderful surprise for them, something they truly needed, but never would have realized all by themselves.
Hypnos' Tale
The Royal Banquet had been a formidable success. Alexander was most satisfied with his victorious return, especially when Perdiccas and Antipatros were sufficiently recovered from their ordeals to be able to participate. Best of all was to have Hephaestion at his side. They had shared the Royal couch, shared the same rich food and good red wine, and their very special friendship was a beacon for all, a true bond for the promising future. This evening, they were not to share the same bed, though. Alexander saw that his friend was very tired after their long journey back. He was filled with happiness, but there was an unnatural brightness in his beautiful blue eyes and his face was pale and translucent under the artificial flushing caused by the good red wine. Alexander had kept the drinking down, since they all had so much to do the day after, and in the time to come. Now he rose from the Royal couch and gave the sign for the festivities to finish. All the participants thanked him for a wonderful evening, and he saw with joy how many faithful Companions he had. Hephaestion waved and staggered slightly at his side, and he gave him some discreet support.
"Well, my friend, I think it is best we call it a night, " he told him. "We both need some good rest. There will be some hard work planning for our Persian Conquest. "
Hephaestion nodded and let himself be led to his quarters. Since he was so very tired he was compliant, and he let Alexander and the faithful guards put him to bed. They undressed him and saw to it that he rested comfortably. Alexander himself put a soft pillow under his injured arm, and then he tucked him in, covering him under the soft turquoise quilt and the warm sheep fleece. As he drifted into sleep he felt Alexander's warm hand resting on his brow.
"Sleep tight and well, my dearest friend. You will need it, before all the hard work that awaits us. "
Alexander left his friend safely guarded by the faithful Stefanos and Alexios. He went to his own quarters, followed by eight Royal Guards. The King's bedchamber awaited him, but he didn't seek out the soft cushions under the purple bedspread. There were more pressing matters before he could go to sleep. He sat down in a comfortable armchair. Peritas licked his knee, and the big dog's tail was wagging merrily before he lay down at his Master's feet. Alexander called out in a hissing and beckoning voice, but still sweet and kind.
"Hypnos! My own, sweet little house snake. I know you are there. Come to me at once! I have some questions for you"
The lid of the wicker basket in the corner moved slowly, falling aside. Then little Hypnos came, reluctantly slithering. He crept up Alexander's leg and when he saw that his Dear Master was in a good mood he soon coiled merrily around his arm.
"Dear Massster. I am so very glad that you are back. We all are!"
"Yes, I, too. There were some close calls out there, my Little One. Have you been well fed tonight? And, have my Dear Mother taken good care of you?"
"Yesss, of courssse, Alexander. Our Dear Missstresss is always kind to us - and Glaucosss is a very dear friend of mine. "
"I know. I like him a lot, too. He managed to tame old Leonidas for me, helping me to survive my Spartan upbringing. He told me how he slithered around the feet of the tough old man, telling him how to behave properly. Leonidas was frightened out of his wits. It took him weeks to recover! "
Alexander gave his little house snake a close and examining look, meeting the bright, yellow eyes. The intense gaze in his own beautiful gray eyes made Hypnos lull to and fro, looking mesmerized.
"It's very strange, the Regent Antipatros told us about being frightened by the Queen's snakes. Do you know something about this, my Little One?"
He gently patted the tiny head and gave the tiny neck a kind and friendly light squeeze. The house snake was completely overcome by these ministrations.
"Yesss, Dear Massster. You must not be angry with usss. Our Dear Missstresss was so very worried. We thought you were dead and gone. The Evil Man planned to send usss all to prissson, a horrid place with no windowsss, not even a bowl of milk for usss sssnakesss! We sssimply had to act. I slithered under the door, letting Glaucosss inssside - and then he told the Evil Man to let our Dear Missstress be. He lissstened all right, and then he wasss no menace any more!"
Alexander patted the tiny head once more and spoke with kind understanding.
"I'm not angry with you, Hypnos. Not with Glaucos either. You did the right thing, during the circumstances. I'm proud you acted so bravely to defend my Dear Mother - but you must understand that most people are not like me and Mother. They are very afraid of snakes. Doing what you and Glaucos did will frighten them something terribly. They may even die from it. You must think very carefully before you do this to someone else - and - I have seen to it that the Regent Antipatros will treat my Dear Mother with all the respect she truly deserves. You will not need to be afraid when I leave for Persia. "
Alexander undressed and went to bed. Hypnos coiled merrily around his arm, feeling calm and reassured now when his Dear Master was back home. Peritas came jumping up and rested at his side, soon snoring loudly. Alexander felt for the knife under his pillow before he, too, fell asleep.
His dreams were all about Persia, with Hephaestion at his side all the way.
Plans For Conquest
The day after was filled with important meetings and paper work. After the army meeting early in the morning Alexander and Hephaestion went to their separate offices and took care of the heaps of scrolls and dispatches that had amassed during their long campaign. There was a light meal at noon, and then the High Command held a meeting, setting up the final plans for the Persian Conquest. The meeting went on for hours and hours, it lasted all afternoon.
Hephaestion sat at the King's side, keeping meticulous order of all plans, scrolls and maps. He was feeling better now. A good night's rest in his comfortable bed at his Palace quarters had done miracles, and his shoulder didn't ache so badly now. He was doing what he liked the very best, helping Alexander in all his great endeavours. He was totally concentrated on his work and Alexander.
Mercifully, he didn't notice three pairs of envious eyes set directly on him.
The sun was shining through the big windows, lending a glorious golden light to their important meeting. It comforted him with its warming rays, like a cloak filled with healing security. Alexander was standing right in the midst of the sunlight. It shone on his beautiful golden hair, and it strengthened the aura of glowing golden power that always surrounded him. He was dressed in a simple white chiton, but the golden rims clearly showed his high rank, also the purple cloak, fastened with golden brooches, and the golden chain with the sixteen rayed Star of Macedon, that shone on his chest. Hephaestion looked at him with admiration and stern support as he addressed the High Command.
"My gentlemen, we will soon set out for the great endeavour we have planned for and thought about ever since our childhood. Persia will be ours - but it will not be an easy journey or campaign. It will require all our strength, force and cleverness. "
He made a pause, to let his words take hold in the minds of the Companions.
"Tomorrow we start assembling the troops, and we will also decide who will have to stay behind for the important assignment to defend our dear Homeland. All autumn and winter will be spent in preparations for our Persian Campaign. Early next year, we will go to Dium to hold festivities and ceremonies for the success of our campaign. After that, we will leave for Sestus, to embark for Persia as soon as it is possible to cross The Straits. Parmenion will welcome us at our beachhead, and then we will march to greater glory against the Persian Lords of Dardania, Paphlagonia and Bithynia. "
All cheered him, and then they sat down to continue the detailed planning of the greatest and most dangerous campaign in their whole lives. Afterwards, there was a light supper served in the great Hall. Alexander kept the drinking down, telling them all that from now on there would be no idling or carousing, just hard work to bring their Persian campaign along.
The King left early and withdrew to his quarters. There was a faithful shadow discretely following, wrapped in a midnight blue cloak. He gave it a fond and beckoning glance over his shoulder, and saw with pleasure that his friend and his faithful guards came after him.
The King's Bedchamber
Alexander was sitting at the desk in his bedchamber, going over the maps and plans again. All was carefully laid out. Nothing could go wrong, not now, not so close before setting out for Persia. He made a silent prayer to all the Olympian Gods, especially to Ares, Apollon and Herakles. Peritas jumped up, putting his great forepaws into his lap. The big dog watched him with confidence, as if he wanted to tell him
//Dear Master, all will be well. As long as we are Together, all will be well. //
The door opened discretely and Peritas merrily thumped his tail. A warm hand was put on his right shoulder and he felt as if surrounded by a warming and protecting aura of calm, strength and friendship. He looked up into a pair of beautiful blue eyes and a face surrounded by swirling, glossy auburn hair.
"Hephaestion, at long last you have regained your strength, " he happily exclaimed. "I can feel it in your grasp. "
"Yes, I am feeling better this evening. My shoulder doesn't ache so badly now. It was good of you to make me travel in the hospital wagon with Perdiccas. It might have saved us both..."
He gave a gentle tug at Alexander's shoulder. Now, in private, he didn't have to stick to Court and Army protocol or formalities, and he proceeded to tell Alexander a candid piece of his mind.
"Alexander, what are you doing with those plans and maps this late in the evening? Have you not seen enough of them all day long?, " he adamantly stated. "I know you are the King, and you hold the responsibilities for the well being of us all - but you, too, need to rest. Now come with me. It has been such a long time since..."
He was silenced by a sigh filled with longing and desire. Alexander felt the grasp around his shoulder tighten, and he rose to put his arms around his friend.
"Are you sure you are up to it, my friend? I don't want to hurt you..."
There were no words, the warm and welcoming embrace said it all. They went to the bed, clinging to each other as for dear life. Hephaestion felt his legs give way under him and Alexander gently lifted him on the Royal bed. He was suddenly filled with the most urgent desire, but he still found the time to arrange the pillows to make them comfortable. He undressed his friend with great care not to upset his injured shoulder, and then he removed his own clothing. They slowly sank down into the pillows, and Alexander placed Hephaestion firmly in his lap, seeing to it that he rested comfortably. Despite his own violent arousal he took his time to give his friend long, warming and comforting strokes, filled with burgeoning desire. He took some oil on his hands, and made the preparations. Hephaestion moaned, both in pain and longing, and Alexander held back for a while.
"No, no, you need not worry, my friend. It won't hurt me, it never does..."
They both succumbed to their compelling desires. It had been a very long time since they came together in this manner. War, injuries, intrigues and troubles had called upon their attention, and come between their longings for each other. Now they were all by themselves, engulfed in a warm sea of love and friendship, a well needed meeting with mutual giving and taking.
Hephaestion felt the well needed, wonderful warmth and strength pass over to him from his Beautiful Golden One. At the same time Alexander was given the calm and security he so well needed from his True Steadfast Friend. All too soon they were exhausted and slumped down in each others arms. Alexander reached out for the white furs and gold stitched warming red quilt and covered them, fondly looking at his friend. He stroke his auburn hair and his chin with fondness before giving him a very special revelation.
"There is one thing I didn't tell the other Companions, Phai. The Royal Flagship and our Escort won't sail straight to Abydos. No, we will go to Troy, to see the Sacred Places and make sacrifices for the success of our Persian Conquest. Together..."
His eyes shone so brightly, it was as if they already were on this fabled and distant shores, sharing the heroic achievements of Achilles and Patroclos. Hephaestion felt truly privileged to know of this, well before all others.
"Yes, together. We will meet the world together. Alexander, you know I will follow you wherever you want..."
He intended to say something more, but sleep claimed him, overwhelming him with shadows of warm and reassuring oblivion. Alexander held him in his arms, gently cradling him until he, too fell asleep, feeling the calm and reassurance only Hephaestion's company could give him.
Peritas and Pollux gave their Masters some understanding glances, and then they went to a watchful sleep on the enormous bear fur at the fireside.
Hephaestion woke early in the morning. The golden sun was shining through the stone vaults of the open window, giving some warmth as a cold breeze was blowing inside the King's chambers. Alexander was soundly asleep, his grasp firm around Hephaestion's waist and shoulders. A sun ray played with his golden hair, giving him an almost divine appearance. Now he was fully rested from his ordeals during their hard campaigning, and he had regained the youthful vigor he had before Chaironea and the Illyrian exile. Hephaestion was glad for his sake, and he felt reassured that their Pesian Conquest would be a complete success. It was with great reluctance he wriggled out of Alexander's firm embrace. He was slow and careful in his movements, enough to get away without waking his friend. He covered Alexander with the warm furs and quilts before he dressed in silence .
Pollux followed him out in the stony corridor. The King's guards let him out with understanding smiles, and Stefanos and Alexios followed him like two faithful shadows.
They were soon to be needed for much more than their usual watchful surveillance.
The Queen And The Regent
The Regent Antipatros had made an amazingly quick recovery from his strange illness. All Court said it was due to the young King's miraculous medical skills, and they were glad to have him back in office. He was regarded as stern and meticulous, but he was well liked by the Court and the Macedonians. Now he was sitting in his office, taking care of all the mundane business of the Court and countryside. There were heaps of scrolls, gathered during his illness. He sighed and groaned, but then he took care of them all with his usual efficiency. He was feeling a bit wobbly and dizzy, but it soon wore off as he engaged himself in the endless administrative chores.
Strangely, he just loved to stay behind, knowing about the important work he was taking care of. He had done his fair share of campaigning together with King Philip, and he knew that his days of glory and adventure were over. Now the young men were advancing and gathering glory for themselves. Old Antipatros was well aware of his importance. Their brave campaigning would never last for long without his strong and reliable support from their Homeland. Now there was marching in the corridor outside. His guards reluctantly opened the doors ajar, and he knew from their fearful moods that the visitor was up to no good.
"The Queen wants to see you, my Regent," they informed him.
"Yes, just let her in, " he replied with an exhausted sigh.
"Are you sure you are up to it, my Regent," his faithful guard kindly asked. "You have not been well of late, and your meetings with the Queen use to be a bit strenuous. "
"I know, but I will see her all the same, " he adamantly stated." She cannot do her worst now, not when King Alexander has told her not to interfere with my work. Let her in now!"
He made a silent prayer to himself, hoping he was telling the truth. Queen Olympias came into his office, walking with confidence, and a new, unfamiliar and friendly smile. She truly was a magnificent woman, dressed in fiery red robes, and looking young and energetic. Her own Royal guards followed her, dressed in their uncanny scaly armour. Python and Viper always made Antipatros shudder. He knew the Queens guards couldn't attack him openly, but they scared him all the same. Antipatros armed himself with determined wariness. The Queen's friendly approach was even more scary than her usual hostilities.
"Take a seat, my Queen, " he politely beckoned, pointing at the comfortable chair at the other side of his official desk. "You are most welcome to my office."
Queen Olympias sat down and gave him a benevolent smile. Her gray eyes were large and glittering, her lips so very full and red, and she gave him such kind looks that he became truly frightened and suspicious.
"I have a proposition that will be of mutual benefit to us both, my Regent. "
Queen Olympias spoke in a very low voice, with the utmost secrecy. The Regent Antipatros heard her out with rising interest and amazement. When she had finished, he, too, had a benevolent smile beaming all over his face.
"My dear Queen, I agree with you in all points. We will take this to the King immediately. Time is of the essence. "
They left the Regent's office together, the Queen gently supporting the old Regent. For once he didn't shudder at her touch, and they smiled benevolently at each other.
The guards looked with great surprise at the former adversaries. It was strange, almost ominous. They were known to never agree on anything at all, always arguing and bickering, even threatening each other with all kinds of menaces.
What was the meaning of the Queen's proposition?
No one knew, as of yet...
TBC