Alexander smiled as he heard a knock on his door, it opened, and he was surprised to see Ptolemy there, he had thought it might be Hephaistion.
"Are you ready?" Ptolemy asked. "We're all famished and Meda says she will not serve supper until you are with us." He looked around the room. "Where is Hephaistion?"
Alexander laughed. "Obviously not here. He is in his own room….Aristotle's room."
He walked over to Ptolemy, who turned and led the way to the dining room.
Seleucus and Perdiccas were there, already seated. Thespis had just brought bread and wine to the table, he berated Perdiccas for helping himself to some bread, then left to fetch the stew.
Ptolemy sat down by them, reaching for the bowls, starting to distribute them.
Alexander sat at the head of the table. It had always been his place; his friends had always insisted on it, sometimes pretending that he was king, when he was just a thirteen year old prince with an uncertain future.
He looked up to see Cassander and Hephaistion at the door. Cassander had his hand on Hephaistion's chest, and was saying something to him. Cassander entered the room, looking at Alexander, knowing he had been seen. A look of concern crossed his face before he was able to mask it, then he sat next to Seleucus.
Hephaistion hesitated. Ptolemy pushed a bowl over by Cassander, and Hephaistion took his place, just as Thespis arrived with the stew.
They were all hungry. Not much was said while they ate, except to reminisce on the times Meda had excelled in her cooking, then to consider whether it was better to have a wife who could cook, or a wife who was desirable in bed.
Alexander looked over at Hephaistion, who ate in silence. He had braided his hair, and was freshly shaved. As he looked, Hephaistion looked at him. Alexander smiled, hoping to give Hephaistion strength, he knew how difficult his friends were being.
Hephaistion looked away, but Alexander could not take his eyes off him. He was wearing a chiton that his mother had embroidered for him. It never looked right on him, but on Hephaistion it was perfection. No. Hephaistion was perfection. In every way.
A thought suddenly came to Alexander. Hephaistion was totally reliant on him. A man who wanted to earn things on merit, was now having to take what he offered. Wearing Alexander's things, because the clothes he had brought from Methone were too well worn. Hephaistion had no money. He would have to rectify it, in a way that would not show favour.
"Why don't you have Thespis and Meda brought to Pella," Ptolemy suggested. "Then we could eat well every night."
"Because this is their home," replied Alexander. "Thespis once told me that he had always dreamt of having a place to call home. He spent years in the army and was tired of moving around, fighting battles. No. The peace at Mieza suits him. Let's leave him be."
Ptolemy smiled. "Then we should just take Meda, leave Thespis here."
"So you would rather have a cook than a beauty in the bedroom," laughed Seleucus, reaching to pour himself a cup of wine.
"Hey! What about the rest of us?" complained Perdiccas.
Seleucus got up from the table, grabbing the jug of wine, he went to everyone and poured out wine. "Happy now?" he asked, nudging Perdiccas in the back, before sitting down.
"I will be, when I've drunk the jug," smiled Perdiccas.
Ptolemy looked over at Cassander. "You're quiet."
Cassander glanced at Hephaistion. "Perhaps it is because I must watch what I would say. I do not wish to cause offence."
"Are you missing Philotas already?" asked Perdiccas. "You two are close."
"Not as close as some, and Philotas and I come from the same background, we have nothing to gain from knowing each other."
"Perhaps you are better company when you say nothing," said Alexander.
"That's what I was trying to do." He pointed at Ptolemy. "If he would have left me be.
Ptolemy laughed and pulled a face. He reached for the jug of wine and filled Cassander's cup. "Here, maybe this will make you sweeter."
The others laughed, but Hephaistion stood up and stepped away from the table. Alexander could see him looking for an excuse, a reason to leave.
"You have not forgotten I asked you to check the guard then, Hephaistion?" he said. "Thank you, I am sorry to disturb your supper."
Hephaistion looked stunned for a moment, then relief washed over his face. He mumbled an answer, then left the room, closing the door behind him.
OOXXOO
"Well, that went well," Hephaistion whispered to himself, as he walked down the hallway, intending to head outside for some fresh air.
He disturbed Thespis and Meda, eating some of the stew, enjoying their own supper. Meda smiled at him, Thespis patted the seat beside him. "Come sit here," he said. "Are they giving you a hard time?"
"Is it so obvious?" Hephaistion asked, sitting beside the man. Meda scooped some more stew in to a bowl and passed it to him, as well as some bread. He was grateful for it, thanking her. He could eat now that the knot in his stomach was unravelling. Cassander had stopped him at the dining room door, reminding him of his manners, that he was his superior and should be allowed to enter first. Ptolemy's looks, everything…..all of them, he just wanted to beg Alexander to go with him. Anywhere. Just somewhere they could be together in peace.
"Cassander has always been the same. He was a spoilt child, he is a spoilt man," Thespis said, with Meda nodding in agreement. "The rest. Give them time. Alexander needed them when he was a child, things have not been easy for him, they learnt from Aristotle, but they also learnt to love and protect Alexander. You have a good heart, Hephaistion, and if they are a little slow to see it, they will in the end."
"So, does Alexander have your heart?" Meda asked, tentatively, batting away Thespis' hand as he went to nudge her in to silence.
Hephaistion smiled. How could he hide anything from two people so loyal and caring. "He does."
Meda squealed in glee, lifting herself from her seat and clapped her hands in joy. "Did you hear that, Thespis?" she cried.
"I am here in the room," laughed Thespis, pulling her back to her seat.
Hephaistion laughed, Thespis leaned over and pulled his hair affectionately.
"Treat it like a battle," he said. "Keep bashing away at their defences, until they have to give in. Then be fair. If they offer friendship, then take it, and let the past be the past. They'll see what we see soon enough."
"Thank you, Thespis," Hephaistion replied, looking back down the hallway, suddenly wanting to be by Alexander's side. Missing him though he was only paces away. He thought to go back, but just then he heard footsteps outside.
He stood up, his hand going to his dagger, then he saw Hippodamus at the door.
"A messenger has come for the King," he said.
Thespis stood up. He strode down the hallway, quickly returning with Alexander, who went to Hippodamus and followed him outside.
Hephaistion stood in the doorway, watching the scene unfold, he watched Hippodamus, sure that he was in the right place to defend Alexander should any trouble occur.
A man stepped forward, his body posture spoke of fatigue, but he passed on the message. Alexander held out his hand, no doubt thanking him. He turned to Hippodamus then, he must have excused him, because Hippodamus gave a low bow and left Alexander alone.
He watched as Alexander walked away, to stand on the ledge, looking out towards the place where the rest of the court was camped. The lights from camp fires, the only thing visible.
Hephaistion went to him. Telling himself he was concerned for Alexander's safety, knowing he just wanted to be with him.
Alexander turned to see who approached. "Hephaistion," he said, then reached to embrace him. "They are dead," he whispered. "My cousins are dead. He said they died well. They were brave. That their bodies were given full honours."
Hephaistion held Alexander tighter to him. "It had to be done, Alexander," he reassured him. "I would not lose you for the world. They could have turned against you."
"They might not." Alexander sighed. "But then there was a chance they were involved in my father's death."
"It is done now. You honoured them," Hephaistion replied.
Alexander pulled back to stand by Hephaistion's side. Once again looking over the camp. He was silent for a time. "There are too many shades here, Hephaistion. At Pella too, it will be the same. I would welcome the chance to go, anywhere, somewhere to leave the past behind." He looked at Hephaistion. "To be with you."
He pointed down to where the river flowed by. "I can see my father, arriving with his guard on his first visit to Mieza after I came here. I was so glad to see him. He lifted me in to his arms, carried me on his horse. My cousins too, he brought them with him once. We swam there, talked of our future."
Hephaistion looked at the river, seeing Lysias, his ready smile.
"Shades," Alexander said, reaching for Hephaistion, putting his arm around his waist and pulling him close.
OOXXOO
"What are they doing now?" Meda asked, trying to push by Thespis who was peering round the door.
"They are still talking. Alexander is looking at Hephaistion. Wait, they are facing each other, Alexander's hand has come up to Hephaistion's face." He paused a moment. "Ah, there it is, they are kissing."
"Let me see," Meda said urgently, managing to push by. "How can you see anything? It is just black out there."
"Let your eyes get accustomed to the dark, woman," Thespis replied.
"Oh, I see them. I see them," Meda laughed, almost jumping for joy.
"Keep your voice down," Thespis hissed.
Meda reached back, clutching at Thespis' chiton, twisting it, pinching Thespis' flesh. Just as Thespis was about to complain, Meda jumped back, releasing him.
"They are coming in!" Moving quickly, Meda ran to the table, snatching up two empty bowls and hurrying across the kitchen to throw them in a larger bowl, full of water.
Thespis rushed back to the table, putting his hands on his lap, then on the table, then reached for a cup of wine, before settling them on his lap, just as Alexander and Hephaistion appeared.
"Health to you!" Meda yelped, concentrating on the bowls, only glancing up at the two men, before turning her attentions back to the clean bowl, scrubbing at it with a cloth.
Alexander looked at Hephaistion and smiled, shrugging his shoulders, not knowing what was wrong. "We will see you in the morning. Thespis, will you tell the others I have retired?"
"Yes," said Thespis, but made no effort to move."
"Health to you," smiled Hephaistion, following Alexander along the hallway.
Meda dropped the bowl and scuttled down to the hallway, Thespis shot up from his seat and pulled her out of sight. They held their breath, hearing one door open and one door close, far enough for it to be Alexander's room. Nothing else, no other door.
Meda grinned up at Thespis, who smiled back at her. Without saying a word, Thespis took hold of the wet cloth Meda still held in her hand and the two of them did a komos around the kitchen. Their boy had found love.
OOXXOO
"Well, Ptolemy is like a bear with a sore head this morning," grinned Seleucus, as he came in to the dining room, making the announcement to Alexander and Hephaistion, who had all but finished their breakfast. "And how long have you been up?"
"Long enough," replied Alexander, smiling at Hephaistion. "I see that Cleitus is breaking camp. He should be here soon, you and the others better hurry if you intend eating something."
"Oh, who mentioned food?" groaned Perdiccas, stepping into the room. "I couldn't bear it. I feel as if I haven't even slept. Seleucus you'll have to ride by me. If I start to fall off my horse, then push me back on it."
Alexander laughed, and looked to Hephaistion. "And these are the men who are supposed to guard me."
Ptolemy appeared at the door, stretching and yawning. "Cassander says to leave him. He will catch us up when he has slept some more. Is there any wine?"
Alexander pushed a jug towards him. "There is milk," he smiled.
Ptolemy sighed. "You're far too happy this morning. Why couldn't you stay and drink the wine like the rest of us?" Ptolemy squinted up, looking on Hephaistion beside Alexander, as if for the first time. "Oh," he sighed, seeing the answer to his question. "Is the sun shining?"
"Bright as ever," Alexander replied.
"Great," Ptolemy muttered, moving from the door towards the kitchen. "I need some wine."
Seleucus sat down, and reached for some bread and meat. Perdiccas slumped by him, pulling a face as he saw Seleucus eating heartily.
"What?" complained Seleucus. "Wine makes me hungry. Do not blame me if your stomach is not so strong as mine."
Alexander stood up, Hephaistion followed his lead. "We'll be with the horses. Come down when you are done…..and bring Ptolemy with you."
OOXXOO
When Ptolemy did make it out into the morning sunlight, cursing as he did so, he found that Hephaistion had already tacked his horse for him. He scratched at his head, uncomfortable that he should be obliged to Hephaistion for anything.
"Your mare was with mine this morning. I thought it would save time if I tacked her," Hephaistion explained.
"There was no need to bother, Hephaistion," Ptolemy replied, brusquely.
"Oh, but there was," smiled Hephaistion. "If only to hear you say my name. It is the first time you have said it to me."
Ptolemy thought back. He had meant no insult, but then he had meant no acceptance either. He took the reins, of his mare, from Hephaistion, gave a grunt in reply and walked away.
Hephaistion watched him go, then saw Thespis and Meda saying farewell to Alexander. Meda was crying, while Thespis embraced Alexander. He walked over to them, leading his horse, they would have to go soon, Cleitus had arrived with more soldiers, and was waiting somewhat impatiently.
Seleucus and Perdiccas had also come over to say farewell, even Ptolemy found a smile for them, saying he wished they could have stayed longer. There were embraces all round as Meda clung to 'her boys' saying she wished they could all be children again, that she wished to re-live the happy times they had known.
She looked on Hephaistion. "And you should have been here. You should have been here with them. Things would have been different for you then, they would have all been your friends by now." She stepped over to him and threw her arms around his waist. "Never mind. You are here with them now. You are here for Alexander," she said, soothing herself. She patted Hephaistion's side, then stepped back to Thespis.
Thespis smiled. "I will not go short of company," he sighed, looking down at Meda, who laughed through the tears and nudged him with her elbow.
Alexander jumped up on to Bucephalus' back, the other's got on to their horses, taking a final look and saying a final farewell they rode away.
OOXXOO
Cleitus brought his horse alongside Ptolemy's and smiled to see that the wine had left him in a bad humour.
"So?" he asked, nodding ahead where Alexander and Hephaistion rode, side by side, deep in conversation. "What do you think of Alexander's new found love?"
Ptolemy screwed his eyes up against the sun, to see Hephaistion, looking intently as Alexander spoke. "I didn't think I would ever see Alexander so enamoured," he replied.
Cleitus laughed. "I don't know how the two of them met. Not with Hephaistion being a guard. I would have tried for him myself if I had not realised that Philip wanted him. But even after the boy's refusal it would have irked Philip too much to see him with someone else."
Ptolemy turned to look at Cleitus. The man never seemed to have trouble finding boys, he was handsome enough, he supposed, and a general's rank was always attractive….but then a king would be even better for someone wanting to gain favour. He looked at Hephaistion, smiling on Alexander. He had refused Philip and befriended Alexander when he was out of favour, when he had no-one. "But Alexander stepped forward," he murmured turning to Cleitus again.
Cleitus laughed. "When have you ever known Alexander take the easy path? I don't know how this friendship….this love began," he nodded towards Alexander and Hephaistion. "But there it is, and this Hephaistion is either clever and cunning or a lucky fool, because he is the king's favourite now when he was nothing just a few days ago."
"Methone is a backwater," Ptolemy stated.
"And there's another one he refused. Onatas."
"And this Lysias I've heard about…"
Cleitus grinned. "Ah, now you're asking me things that I don't have the answer to. Go ask Hephaistion …..or Alexander about him, I can't tell you. Philip bedded him, that's as much as I know." Cleitus shook his head, suddenly morose. "Pella won't be the same without Philip."
Ptolemy was about to reply, to express his remorse when he had hopes now for his future, when Cassander cantered up to the front of the line. "I said I would catch you up," he grinned. "Wouldn't want to miss the parade."
OOXXOO
The people of Pella lined the streets to watch the new king's arrival, in the late afternoon. Some shouted his name, shouted their support, but cheers and fanfares would have been an insult to Philip, so most watched in silence as they made their way, through the streets of the agora, to the palace.
They rode up to the stables, dismounting and handing their horses to the grooms who waited. Then went up the steps to the palace. Some of the older servants were crying, mourning Philip, not unhappy to see Alexander, but Philip was all they had ever known.
Alexander spent a few moments talking to them, calling them by name, then he stepped in to the palace where he was now king. Hephaistion was with him, Ptolemy, Seleucus and Perdiccas followed closely, Cleitus and Antipater stayed back. Alexander looked to them. They missed his father. "I miss him too," he said to them.
Antipater stepped forward. "We have to meet with Empedocles, Alexander - to discuss the games, to discuss your succession.
Alexander nodded, then looked to his friends. "Choose whichever guest rooms you would like as your own, then send servants to bring what you had to leave at the barracks." He turned to Hephaistion. "You will be in the room next to my own, have a servant show you the way." Before Hephaistion could reply he turned to leave with Antipater and Cleitus, then remembered something. "Oh, and you all get two hundred drachm, as advance payment, go find Theopompus, he will pay you." With that he was gone.
Ptolemy grinned and patted Seleucus and Perdiccas on the back. "So, we say farewell to the barracks. I know which room I'm after, come on, let the three of us go and choose our new quarters, then go find Theopompus so we can go drinking.
Perdiccas looked at Hephaistion. "So your rooms have already been chosen," he stated. "You will be finding a servant?" he asked.
Hephaistion nodded, then stood and watched them leave. He knew that Alexander had not intended to embarrass him, but he had inwardly cringed as Alexander had announced where he would be living. He wanted to be close to Alexander, but not in rooms neighbouring his own. He sighed. Confused with his thoughts, not knowing where the anger was coming from. Alexander was unwittingly making it harder for him. Putting him above the rest, when just a few days ago he had been nothing but a guard.
He heard laughter echoing down the hallway. He stood immobile, not knowing what to do, then realising the last thing he wanted was to find the room, he headed out into the sunlight, to the entrance of the palace.
Eurydice was there, with her children and maids. Her daughter, Europa, came running towards him, he crouched down, before lifting her in to his arms and spinning her around.
Eurydice looked concerned, her hands came up to take her daughter, then she hesitated. "You were my guard for a time….Hephaistion….that is your name? And you are with Alexander now." She sounded puzzled, as if she didn't understand how a man who guarded her could now be with the king, as his friend….as his lover.
Europa twisted her hand in Hephaistion's hair, servants hurried from the palace, past Hephaistion to help with the widowed queen's baggage. "I am with Alexander," Hephaistion stated. He crouched down intending to let Europa return to her mother, but the little girl squealed and held him closer, not wanting to be parted from him.
"She misses her father," Eurydice stated. "We have no man now to care for us, to protect us."
Hephaistion straightened up, still holding Europa, who settled her head on his shoulder and kept still. "Alexander has given you his word."
"You do not know his mother," Eurydice hissed, tears springing to her eyes. "When she returns, and return she will, as soon as she can, then she will make Alexander go back on his word. She controls him, she will rule through him, you do not know her, you do not know Alexander when she is near him." She turned and took her baby from his nurse, holding him to her. "Where should I go, Hephaistion? Where can I run to? I have nowhere, just the word of Alexander, but when Olympias returns, when that bitch turns his mind…" She shook her head, tears running down her face, the maids hurried to comfort her, encouraging her inside.
Hephaistion followed, still carrying Europa. He followed them through the palace, up stairs and along a cool hallway, to Eurydice's quarters. As he stood in the doorway, a maid saw him, as if she had not realised he was following, or had forgotten about Europa in their efforts to calm Eurydice. She hurried forward and took Europa, who gave a small cry at being parted from him. Then the maid pushed him from the room, and closed the door.
"Alexander will not see you harmed," he whispered. Pella had always been a dangerous place, perhaps he had not fully realised how dangerous it could be.
Not for the first time, he wondered how Alexander had survived it all. He had been worried what people thought of him , now he could see that people formed opinions of Alexander just as easily.
He headed back out of the palace, only having just reached the bottom of the stairs when Cassander found him.
"What's this?" Cassander asked. "Are you not satisfied with a king, Hephaistion? Are you now attempting to warm the bed of Philip's grieving queen?"
Hephaistion glared at Cassander but decided his comments did not deserve an answer. He went to walk by him but Cassander grabbed his arm. Hephaistion pulled himself free and carried on walking with Cassander in pursuit.
"Who was the man you loved at Methone? Lysias? That was his name wasn't it? Did you both plot this together? Did you plan to come to Pella and seduce who you could? To offer your bodies where you could? Is that it Hephaistion?
Hephaistion had reached the entrance to the palace, his hands formed into fists, but he still held his temper, despite the fact that Cassander was attracting the attention of the court. As if realising this Cassander raised his voice.
"You did well didn't you? Better than you thought? Not bad for a nobody from Methone…" Cassander sneered as Hephaistion stopped walking. He didn't turn but his words were hitting the mark. "You're a nobody, Hephaistion…a nobody who hopes to be somebody, by any means they can."
Hephaistion turned, Cassander laughed in his face, hoping to goad him in to action. "You have an evil tongue, Cassander," he said, as calmly as he could. "You can say a lot on subjects you know nothing about. But I won't allow your words to hurt me, when I know the truth, I know what is in my heart, so leave me alone, go find your sport with someone else."
Someone in the crowd, watching, must have suffered the same from Cassander at some time. Somebody laughed and encouraged, praised Hephaistion for his words.
Cassander's face grew red and he struck out at Hephaistion, but Hephaistion stopped his hand, twisted it behind his back and brought Cassander to his knees, holding him securely.
"Let me up!" Cassander snarled, struggling but unable to move. He glanced around the crowd, embarrassed, there was laughter now from more than one person, someone was applauding, several women were attempting to hide their smiles. "Let me up!" he snapped.
"Then apologise," Hephaistion said, putting more pressure on Cassander's arm.
Cassander yelped, tears unwillingly coming to his eyes. "Let me up," he cried, aware that he sounded like he was begging. He realised he had to beg. "I apologise! Let me up, you bastard, let me up!"
"You can say it nicer than that. I want an apology for your unfair accusations, Cassander." Again, Hephaistion applied pressure on the arm.
"I apologise….I apologise, Hephaistion. I was goading you…I apologise….now let me up."
Hephaistion released him. Stepping back, saying nothing, but making his way through the crowd, heading for the agora.
He walked quickly, regretting that the days were so difficult, knowing the moment he saw Alexander again he would know it was all worth it. If Alexander seemed to find strength from him, then it was an equal thing, because he drew strength from Alexander. He had to think things through, for his own sake. He wondered if Eurydice spoke the truth, if Olympias really could turn Alexander's mind. Shaking off those thoughts because Olympias was still far away, he put his mind to work on what he had done to turn Alexander's companions against him.
He came to the agora, coming down some steps to a row of shops, but he was not looking at the merchandise, he was wondering how loving Alexander could be wrong. Couldn't they see that was all he wanted? But Alexander had just given him rooms next to his own, so as far as they were concerned he was using Alexander for gain. He came to another street and walked along it. Olympias. When she did return, surely she could not be as bad as people painted her. Perhaps people judged her unfairly. But Eurydice would have spoken to Philip, what if her opinions were his opinions?
He looked up to see a statue of Aphrodite before him. He shook his head, angry with the goddess, but went to sit at the bench beneath her feet, as if she might notice him and make things right. Make Alexander appear, wrap him in his arms, give him the strength to cope with this new world he was in.
Two girls walked by, carrying baskets, one with bread and one with fruit. One nudged the other, they both smiled over at Hephaistion.
"Are you a gift from the goddess?" one of them asked, causing her friend to laugh and nudge her. As if amazed by her own question, the girl who had spoken blushed, and looked over her shoulder at Hephaistion, as they hurried on along the street.
Hephaistion stood, looking up at the statue, before walking on, at a slower pace than before, this time looking at the stalls. One was selling weapons. There was a fine sword, well balanced and beautifully decorated. The merchant stepped forward, but Hephaistion walked on before he got caught up in any discussion on price. There was nothing wrong with the sword he had at Methone.
He looked back towards the palace, standing on the hill over the city, the capital of Macedon. His eyes looked left, to the mountains beyond, pale against the blue sky and the heat of the late afternoon.
"Well, you look deep in thought."
Hephaistion turned to see Hippodamus walking towards him, smiling, he returned the smile, happy to see the man. "I suppose I was," he replied, not wishing to share where his mind was taking him. "Are you off duty?"
Hippodamus nodded. "I'm on my way to my parents house."
Hephaistion looked down the street as if he might see where Hippodamus was headed.
"You're welcome to come. My mother makes a fine supper."
Hephaistion looked back to the palace. "I ought to head back," he replied.
Hippodamus nudged him. "Nonsense. Come for supper. Come and tease my sisters with your good looks, Hephaistion." Hippodamus saw that Hephaistion was about to refuse him again. "There will be chicken and lamb, all cooked to perfection," he smiled. "Pheidias and Leochares are coming too," he added.
"Thank you for the invitation, Hippodamus, but I really ought to be heading back," Hephaistion replied.
Hippodamus put his hand on Hephaistion's shoulder. "If you're sure then. I have no duty tomorrow, Pheidias and Leochares have the honour of guarding Alexander, among others, but I get to spend time with my family at the games. You are welcome to join us then, if you would like."
Hephaistion smiled. "I might just do that."
"Good," Hippodamus grinned. "Well, if you're sure about the supper, I better be on my way. Health to you, Hephaistion."
"Health to you, Hippodamus," Hephaistion replied, surprised by the act of friendship. He looked up at the statue of Aphrodite, wondering if she had played a hand in it. Looking back at Hippodamus he was tempted to change his mind, but he let him go. He had no wish to return to the palace yet, he carried on through the agora, taking a look at what he couldn't afford to buy.
He smiled as he remembered the advance payment Alexander had offered, then looked down at his borrowed chiton. He would still be owed some money from his duties as Royal Bodyguard. He could use that to buy a couple of suitable chitons, and if he could, a new chalmys would be good. He looked down at his cavalry boots. He doubted he could replace them, but the ones he wore were still serviceable. He did not want to take money from Alexander when he felt he had not yet earned it.
He had never been one for material possessions. Lysias used to tease him about it. But he could see that he would have to dress the part, as best he could, if he were to lead a troop. He sighed. Perhaps it would be best to ask Alexander to free him from that obligation. He had not asked for it, but even as he thought of giving it up, he knew he craved the opportunity to prove himself. He had led men at Methone, and if he did not take the chance now, then he would only have to ask, or hope, for the opportunity in the future
He walked along the street, until he could see the palace before him. Taking a deep breath, he headed back.