Chapter 8
Prompt: Trust

Dear Master Aristotle,

How is your Lyceum? Do you have any interesting students in class like last year? I heard that you are currently working very hard on your book. Could you please send me what you have written so far? I would love to read them. One thing that I miss the most during the campaign is good material to read, as it is rather difficult to find it in the battlefields.

Talking about the battle, after Alexander defeated Darius at Issus, the cities of Phoenicia surrendered to Alexander one by one without putting up a fight. We Macedonians were gaining power over Asia faster than the tide comes in. I was stunned when I learned those city-states submitted to us, and paid tribute rather than fighting. Speaking of which, I do not understand or agree.

The wise man does not expose himself needlessly to danger, since there are few things for which he cares sufficiently; but he is willing, in great crises, to give even his life - knowing that under certain conditions it is not worthwhile to live.

That is exactly how I feel. I understand that it is not wise to fight a needless battle, but should we not fight to protect what we believe in or for the person whom we believe in?

Although the king of Sidon, Strato surrendered, Alexander did not trust him. He knew that it was not the king's will, but the people of Sidon who forced him to submit. I thought Alexander would choose the king from the members of the council of elders, but I was wrong. He gathered his officers in his tent, and announced that I would be responsible for selecting the new king of Sidon.

You would not believe how shocked I was. I was more surprised than any of the other officers who obviously were not happy with Alexander's decision to give me such an important task. However, when I saw Alexander's twinkling eyes shining with mischief, I understood his intention. He was giving me the opportunity to prove that I was completely capable of living up to the reputation that he has given me; I too was Alexander.

While Alexander continued the march to Tyre, I stayed behind in Sidon with only two bodyguards. First of all, I did not see any threats against Macedonians in this old port city, and secondly, I did not wish to draw too much attention. Besides, as my accommodation was arranged through the council of elders, they were to supply Sidonian bodyguards for me. I did not wish to overwhelm nor insult them by bringing many Macedonians myself.

When we arrived at Sidon, the council of elders introduced me to two young brothers whose house became my accommodation during my stay. The elder brother's name was Ahumm, and the younger one was Bennoam. They both seemed to be well educated, and spoke perfect Hellenic, which meant that they would act as my translators, as well. They had a beautiful house on the hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. I could not have asked for any better arrangement than this.

Although they were true biological brothers, they seemed to be the opposite. While Ahumm had a stoutly built body like a warrior with gentle dark eyes, Bennoam was more slender and slightly taller than his elder brother, whose sharp eyes were lighter brown that shone almost in golden in the sun light.

Their differences were not only physical but also in their characters. Ahumm sounded simple and straight forward, while his younger brother was diplomatic and polite. When they told me about the meanings of their names, I thought their parents did a great job for giving them such suitable names. Ahumm meant 'brother of the sea' and Bennoam meant 'son of charm'. They complemented each other, and together, they held such power.

By the time dinner was over, and we sank into a comfortable couch for more wine and relaxed conversation, my mind was already made up. Either one of them was the perfect candidate for the new king of Sidon. They were intelligent, diplomatic, and they hated the Persians. Most importantly, whichever one I chose, the other would support him. I could not believe my luck in finding the king so soon and easily.

However, I was made to realize that the task would not be so simple. After making a conversation about mesmerizingly beautiful glass cups and a jug that was one of the famous commodities of Sidon, I offered the throne to the brothers. As soon as I brought it up, they told me that they were grateful and honored, but they were not qualified. It was Sidon's tradition that the king had to be chosen from the royal blood, which unfortunately they were not. The search resumed the next day.

I had interviewed more than ten candidates, but none of them were fit to be the king. They were either too ambitious or too cowardly; both the characteristics of possible traitors. The time passed fruitlessly, and Alexander's patience was running out. You know how restless he grows when he cannot get the result right away. I was eager as well. As this was one mission I could not fail. I had to prove to whomever had a doubt that I too was Alexander, for me and for Alexander.

When I was having a dinner with the brothers after another unsuccessful day, a servant brought apples, and announced that a farmer had brought them for the guest. I was surprised to see this rare treat in the middle of the winter. It made me very curious about this farmer, and questioned the brothers about him. Their faces lit up right away.

Ahumm hit his knees and exclaimed that he had totally forgotten about this farmer named Abdalonymos who was the distant descendant of the Sidonian Royals. I was excited seeing the possibilities. If he bothered enough to bring a gift to a Macedonian, it meant that he was in favor of us, did it not? And being a farmer he should have already known how to be ruled by nature. Did you not used to say, "he who is to be a good ruler must have first been ruled"? That was the first night that I did sleep through without waking up in the middle of the night since I had stayed at the brothers' house.

Next morning, I hardly took time for breakfast, and hurried the brothers impatiently to go see this farmer. His house was at the foot of the hill not so far away from the beach. It was hard to believe to see the royal descendent being reduced to the status of a mere farmer, but it was the face of the fate. I observed him for a while from a distance before approaching.

Although he was beaten by the cruel life, his mind was not base. I could still see the decency in him.

The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.

He was tall and muscular, but was neither a warrior nor a soldier. His tanned face looked older than his age with deep creases, due to constant exposures to the sun and to hardship. His big hands were rough with rugged knuckles. When I met with Ahumm and Bennoam's worried eyes, I knew exactly what they were thinking. No, the man did not look like a king at all.

However, his appearance was the least of my worries at that moment, as you can easily cover it up with luxurious outfits and ornaments to create an illusion. The most important thing was how I could make sure that he would stay loyal to Alexander.

When we finally approached the farmer, he was pruning a tree, which seemed to be a strange looking apple tree. From looking at the size of the trunk, it was at least ten years old, although its height was only half of a normal tree. I made a mental note not to forget to mention it to Alexander, as you know that Alexander is always interested in new species.

The man looked surprised when he saw us, or even scared. As he realized that we had no intention of harming him, he relaxed and invited us into his house. Not like the lavish house of the brothers, Abdalonymos' house was small and poor. There was not a single piece of luxurious furniture, but all was simple and functional. He did not seem to have a family either. He must have been too poor to get married.

When I thanked him for the apples, his gaze met with mine for the first time. I knew that expression that appeared on the man's face far too well. It was a mixture of shock, admiration, longing, and desire. After talking with him for a short period, I was confident that I had found the right person. He was simple and honest just like the house he lived in.

I did not need a strong ruler right away, but an honest man who was obedient, as I had a plan of appointing Ahumm and Bennoam as the king's advisers. And I already had their agreement. Actually, the two brothers were to run the kingdom until Abdalonymos had leaned to be a king, and built his confidence. I was certain that he had the quality. If he could train the apple trees like that he sure could train his people as he wished.

It is simplicity that makes the uneducated more effective than the educated when addressing popular audiences.

I also thought his simplicity would be a great asset to rule the changing society.

Although he hesitated at first, he gratefully accepted my proposal after I told him that he was to simply follow his two advisers' decisions until he became comfortable with making his own decisions as the king. I told him that I would send the two brothers again on the next day with the royal robe and a crown for him to wear to meet Alexander.

When I hugged him to congratulate him, I whispered into his ear if Alexander asked how he bore his poverty, answer him that he might as well bear his prosperity, his hands had ministered to all his necessities, and as he possessed nothing, he wanted nothing. I also advised him not to wear the crown until Alexander recognized him as a king. Alexander would appreciate such a gesture.

On the next day, Abdalonymos met with eager Alexander. As I had suspected, the former farmer looked important enough in royal robes with the two brothers close behind. Alexander asked him what I thought he would. Abdalonymos looked at me astonished for a moment, but when I nodded, he answered to Alexander with the words that I taught him. I knew then, Alexander had approved him. I watched Abdalonymos passionately talk about his dwarf apple trees in delight when Alexander changed the subject. Now, Sidon had a new king.

Alexander stayed in Sidon for five days, and conducted a lion hunt on the last couple of days as a part of celebration. Abdalonymos did very well for his first hunt, and I was very much proud of him. After the hunt, I suggested Alexander visit the hot springs near the hunting camp. There were two small beautiful pools that the locals called the springs of Eros and Anteros.

I noticed that Abdalonymos was secretly following us, so I decided to take this opportunity to make sure that he would not betray Alexander. It was a mild day for winter, and the sun was just about to set at the ridge. As soon as we arrived at the pools, Alexander stripped his clothes and jumped into the hot spring, while I took time to peel off the coverings of my body one by one.

Alexander yelled at me to hurry, but I slowly walked to the pool next to him, and gradually submerged myself under the warm water. As I emerged to the surface again, I flipped my hair in the air so that Abdalonymos would see my throat. After finishing the bathe, I also took a moment longer to stand still in the middle of the pool before getting out of the spring, feeling the new king's burning gaze on my body.

Wicked men obey out of fear; good men, out of love. I was sure at that moment that I had trapped him in my love. I knew that he would never betray me, or Alexander in turn. Would you say that I am cruel for playing with his heart? Probably I am, but you should already know that I would do anything to keep Alexander safe.

Your Humble Student,

Hephaistion

After rereading this letter, I am not sure if I would send this to you. This could be another letter that stays at the bottom of my chest like a few other letters I have written to you, but never sent.

A/N: Italics are Aristotle's quotes.