Ptolemy looked around the arena, now packed to capacity for the beginning of the funeral games.
Any solemnity that had been shown as they had returned to Pella yesterday,was now replaced with an air of excitement and anticipation from the crowd who had been gathering since early morning. He noticed a mother pointing out, to her child, the colourful banners, the soldiers taking up position. Two young, attractive girls were picking their way past those people already seated, waving at a group of friends they intended to join. An enterprising merchant was selling fruit, shouting out the prices, calling back to a young boy who ran off, disappearing from sight.
A cheer went up, faces turned to where Ptolemy stood. He turned himself to see Alexander enter with Seleucus and Perdiccas, his guard not far behind him. Alexander smiled and acknowledged the crowd before taking a seat. Ptolemy hesitated before sitting next to Alexander, looking back for Hephaistion, only to see Antipater, Cassander and Cleitus arrive. He watched them go to their own seats, seeing Eurydice with her maid servant and her two children. She was looking anxiously at Alexander, the baby crying as he sensed her anxiety. Ptolemy looked over his shoulder, seeking Hephaistion.
"Who are you looking for?" asked Seleucus, having found a place next to Ptolemy, with Perdiccas sitting next to him,
Alexander heard the comment. "Hephaistion will not be here," he said. "He is somewhere in the crowd with Hippodamus and his family."
"Do we make him so uncomfortable?" Ptolemy asked, now searching the crowd.
"No. You make me uncomfortable," replied Alexander.
OOXXOO
Hephaistion thought it would be easier to locate Hippodamus, but he was struggling to find him.
He climbed up onto a wall to gain a better view and spotted some men he knew were in the Vanguard. Pushing his way through to them he was pleased to hear that Hippodamus was seated close by.
When he had parted from Alexander that morning, he had tracked down the paymaster for the Royal Bodyguard, who had sent him on, with a note, to Theopompus, who had paid him what he was due. It seemed a silly thing when he had the drachmm from Alexander, but he knew that he had earned this money, it made a difference to him.
He was wearing a new white chiton, with a blue chlamys, fastened with a fine gold pin. He felt the equal of any man there, though he was still wearing his cavalry boots because he liked their fit.
He passed a man selling fruit and reached in to his new purse, attached to his new belt, and bought a small sack of apples, a small boy had just arrived with them, panting for breath. The man took Hephaistion's money and nodded at him, before scowling at the boy, who took off at a run, presumably for more.
Taking a better grip of the sack, Hephaistion looked around in the direction he had been shown and saw Hippodamus waving at him and moving along the stone seat to make room for him. A cheer went up and Hephaistion turned to see that Alexander had arived, he saw him wave to the crowd and Ptolemy go to him.
"I didn't think you were coming," smiled Hippodamus. "Sit down, Hephaistion, before Lydia gets shoved by the man next to her and you lose your place."
A young girl, with curled dark hair, smiled up at Hephaistion. He assumed she was Lydia and returned her smile, before taking his place, glancing up at Alexander, longing to share the moment with him.
Hippodamus nudged Hephaistion and pointed along the row. "This is my father Demades, my mother, Danae, that's my older sister Iphis, and my younger brother Antenor. Hephaistion greeted them and they greeted him in return. Iphis noted her disapproval at being referred to as old, but smiled sweetly on Hephaistion as she berated her brother. Some light banter followed, and Hephaistion felt embraced by this loving family. He offered the sack of apples to Danae, who made a fuss, saying they had enough and he needn't have bothered, but Hephaistion said that his mother had taught him to never visit empty-handed. Danae reminded him a little of his mother, an older version, but then he remembered he had not seen his mother in a long time.
Trumpets sounded, announcing the start of the games. Alexander stood and spoke briefly, but eloquently, about his father, about his succession, promising Macedon would only grow stronger. A cheer went up. The trumpets sounded again and the first athletes entered the arena.
Hippodamus reached out for a small basket, covered with a cloth. There was roast chicken in it, three or four birds. His father poured out wine and handed it along in cups, while his mother insisted Hephaistion take some bread and help himself to some chicken. Hephaistion still felt full from his breakfast at dawn, but took what was offered so as not to insult anybody. He noticed Lydia took only the wine, and when he turned to gaze on her she blushed and looked away.
"My sister is not usually so quiet," Hippodamus said loudly. "She always has plenty to say. I think she likes you, Hephaistion."
Lydia's eyes flashed, she went redder than before and opened her mouth to protest, but saw Hephaistion's eyes gazing on her, and stayed mute. Biting her lip and taking great interest in the wrestlers close to them.
"That man there, Hephaistion. The one getting massacred by the chap with no hair," said Hippodamus, once again nudging him to get his attention.
Hephaistion looked to see a tall man, with short black hair, a scar on one arm, struggling to stay upright against the bald man, who obviously knew his craft. As he looked the bald man won the contest, pushing the tall man off balance and pinning him before he knew what had happened. Cheers and laughter went up by those sitting closest to the match, but more laughter came from a group of men now standing, laughing and pointing as the tall man got up and brushed the dirt from his body, grinning back at them. "I see him," Hephaistion said.
"Well, that's Caletor, you better pray to the gods that you don't get him in your troop. He's trouble. Can't tell you the number of captains we've had that would love to hear he'd been a casualty of battle. He influences the men around him."
"When he can't win a wrestling match?" Hephaistion laughed.
"He will only be wrestling for the fun of it, but we will see him take victory later. He can run like the wind, nobody will beat him." Hippodamus nudged him again. "Mind you, thinking on it, Alexander could beat him. Have you ever seen him run? He leaps on and off chariots for a pastime....he could beat Caletor."
Hephaistion looked up to Alexander, proud of the man he loved. Enjoying learning new things about him.
OOXXOO
Ptolemy was watching Alexander while the games were on. Instead of watching the athletes he was focused on the seating area to the right. He followed his gaze, and sure enough there was Hephaistion. He felt guilty, for a moment, Alexander obviously wanted the man by his side, but Pausanias had just killed Philip and there had been a time when there appeared to have been love between them.
Anyway, Alexander had left it too late to find love with another man. He was twenty, time he should be looking for a wife, especially now he was king. Again he looked over at Alexander and he saw the love in Alexander's eyes. How many times had he and the other companions wished for Alexander to find the comfort of true love? He looked down in to the crowd and found Hephaistion once more. He was undoubtedly handsome and seemed easily accepted by others. Ptolemy felt himself weaken for a moment, almost pledging to himself to give Hephaistion a chance, but then he strengthened his resolve. He remembered late night drinking parties where he had misjudged Pausanias, he could easily make the same misjudgement again, and this time he would not only lose a king, he would lose a friend.
OOXXOO
The morning passed by in a variety of entertainments, the boxing followed the wrestling, and then there was spear throwing. Early afternoon, there was a break for people to stretch their legs, relieve themselves, freshen up and buy food.
As soon as the break was announced Alexander was up from his seat and moving quickly with his guard following. Ptolemy, Selecus and Perdiccas followed, the crowd clearing, cries of goodwill and affection were hardly acknowledged as he made his way through the crowd. It had been torture for him, sitting so far from Hephaistion, watching him but not being able to talk to him.
With the crowd clearing he quickly made his way to where Hephaistion was sitting with the mother of the family and one of the daughters. The rest of the family had apparently taken the opportunity to move. The mother saw Alexander approach and put her hand on Hephaistion's. Alexander was relieved to see Hephaistion so happy to see him, suddenly remembering his promise not to see him until the banquet that evening.
"Alexander," Hephaistion murmured, standing up and coming towards him.
Alexander could not stop himself embracing him, however briefly, then he did not want to let go of him, but forced himself to. He looked over at the two women, now standing, the daughter smoothing out her gown."Will you introduce me?" he turned and held out his hand to help the women down from the seating.
"Alexander, meet Hippodamus' mother Danae, and her daughter Iphis."
Alexander looked on Iphis with interest. "Iphis. She was gifted to Patroclus was she not?" He glanced at Hephaistion, seeing him biting his lip to hide a smile.
Iphis looked to her mother, then back to Alexander. "I do not know, it is just what I am called."
Alexander wanted to take Hephaistion aside and talk to him freely. He had thought that he had been suffering being so far away, but being so near and unable to touch was a sweet torture. He turned to see his companions who were keeping their distance, then turned back to Hephaistion. "Would you be with me this afternoon?" Pleased when Hephaistion accepted the offer he looked to Danae and Iphis, before looking back across the arena. "You do not have much of a view from here. Come and join me, where I am seated, I insist, the whole family."
Iphis was delighted, Danae a little worried about spending time in the presence of royalty. At that moment Demades, Hippodamus, Antenor and Lydia returned, a little surprised to see the king there, and even more surprised to learn of the offer he had made. Danae had brought enough food to feed an army, Hephaistion reached for a basket and Alexander called Ptolemy and Perdiccas forward to help carry the rest of the food, Seleucus having already picked up the wine. Hippodamus picked up the sack of apples and then Alexander led the way back to his seat, matching his steps with Hephaistion's he leaned over to him. "Iphis is a pretty girl," he said.
Hephaistion grinned back at him. "Should I tease you now, Alexander, or save it for tonight?"
"Stay by my side, Hephaistion," Alexander replied.
OOXXOO
Trumpets sounded to announce the games were to begin again, people hurried back to their seats before the first races would begin.
When they had come back to Alexander's place in the arena, Hephaistion had happily taken a place between Demades and Antenor. Iphis had tried to sit by him and was somewhat annoyed that her younger brother had ruined her chance to sit so close to a man so handsome. She whispered now to her mother, who smiled with the wisdom of age, taking Lydia's hand, as Lydia looked to Alexander.
Ptolemy, Perdiccas and Seleucus sat with Alexander, Hippodamus sat close to where the food had been placed.
Pheidias and Leochares stood guard, grinning up at them. Seeing this Alexander excused the two from their duties, saying he had enough companions to guard him, then he let the rest of the guard go. Hippodamus went with his friends, there were girls they wanted to chase, unlike the men in the arena, chasing honour.
Antipater and Cleitus threw him a look of concern, Cleitus putting his hand to his sword, then looking to Antipater, shaking his head. Alexander was not like Philip.
Danae offered the food to Alexander, who took some bread and an apple. The other companions had some chicken, then took wine from Demades who was telling them that it came from his brother's vineyard.
Hephaistion smiled over at Alexander, getting a look from Ptolemy, but not letting it bother him. He turned back to watch the races, seeing the man Hippodamus had pointed out to him, Caletor, easily winning his race. Far too easily. He was right to be proud of his ability. The same men who had laughed at him in his defeat in the wrestling, now cheered at him in his victory. Caletor did a little dance, commiserating with his fellow contestants but relishing his victory.
After the races, there was archery, after the archery more spear-throwing, then as the afternoon was almost gone the trumpets announced the end of the games for that day.
Alexander invited Hippodamus' family to join them the next day, looking at Hephaistion to judge his reaction. Then he stood and made his way from the arena, saying farewell to the family, sending servants with them to help carry the near empty baskets home.
Hephaistion did not go to Alexander's side, but walked along with the other companion's, only when they reached the palace did he go to him, as Ptolemy, Seleucus and Perdiccas went to their rooms.
"Come let's bathe," Alexander said, heading off to his rooms. He grinned over at Hephaistion. "I like your new clothes, but I am glad to see you wearing your cavalry boots. Every time I have looked at you today, I have seen you as you were last night."
He grasped Hephaistion's arm and pulled him in to a quiet alcove, making sure they could not be seen, he kissed Hephaistion with all the passion that had been building inside him during the day, glad to have it returned, to feel Hephaistion hold him tightly, to hear him groan with desire.
With urgency now, they hurried to Alexander's rooms and threw themselves down on to the bed, pulling at each other's clothing. No words were said, their lips too busy exploring each other's body. Hephaistion took Alexander in his mouth, for the first time, pinning Alexander's arms with his hands as he tried to protest, tried to pleasure his lover in return. It did not take long for Alexander to give himself totally to the sensations, arching his back as he felt release, felt Hephaistion swallow.
Hephaistion's eyes met his, Alexander spread his legs, offering himself, placing his legs on Hephaistion's broad shoulders, although his body was satisfied, he still felt the desire to have Hephaistion inside of him. He groaned and moved himself as Hephaistion entered him, wanting to serve him, wanting to satisfy him. Alexander's hands caressed Hephaistion's body, his hips moved with him, he found his voice, offering words of love, of desire, until Hephaistion thrust forward, his body shuddering above him.
They lay in silence then, their bodies melded together as one, sleep almost taking them, but they were both aware that they had a banquet to attend.
It was Hephaistion who moved first. Gently lifting himself from Alexander, kissing his face, his neck, as he did so, he looked about. "So these are your rooms," he said, and smiled.
OOXXOO
At the banquet that night a messenger arrived with a letter from Cleopatra. Alexander had been joking with Antipater. He took the letter, broke the seal and read it. After he had read it he crumpled it up, then stood up, quickly excusing himself and leaving the hall.
Hephaistion was surprised as everyone to see Alexander disappear, his head down, ignoring the guests. He looked to the other companions, to see them looking at him.
Perhaps they thought it best to leave Alexander, but that was not his way. He stood up and put down his cup of wine.
Perdiccas reached for his hand. "He is best left, Hephaistion," he advised. "Alexander can suffer dark moods."
"Then I would try to lighten them for him. But I thank you for your concern, Perdiccas," he replied.
Hephaistion left the hall, heading for Alexander's rooms. The guard had followed him, he found them stationed at the end of the hall, a sure sign that he was heading in the right direction.
He opened a door and silently entered the rooms, to see Alexander at the balcony, a cup of wine in his hand, staring at the crumpled letter, but not reading it.
"Alexander?" Hephaistion spoke softly. Alexander reminded him of an untamed animal, that might attack or bolt if pressed too hard.
Alexander glanced in his direction but did not speak. His eyes were full of tears. He held the letter out to Hephaistion.
Hephaistion came forward and took the letter, but before he could open it and read it, Alexander told him what it said.
"My mother arrived at Aegae this morning, she will only stop one night and then she will return here….return to Pella."
Hephaistion looked at Alexander. "That is not such a bad thing is it?" he asked.
Alexander laughed, a bitter laugh, and drank some wine, looking out in to the darkness as if he might find the answer, then he looked back at Hephaistion. "Cleopatra reports that she placed a gold wreath on the head of Pausanias….honouring him for killing my father."
Hephaistion was stunned by this news, instantly knowing why Alexander had been so affected. It had to be the truth, but it was a cruel act. The mother insulting the father's memory. He took the wine from Alexander, placing it on a table, then took Alexander's hand and led him to the bed. At his guidance, Alexander lay down on it and Hephaistion moved to lie down beside him and hold him in his arms. "You need to talk to her, Alexander. And you cannot do that until she arrives. So let it go for now. I am here. I love you, Alexander. I always will."
Alexander's hand came up to hold Hephaistion's, he turned to him, his face relaxing. "Why?" he asked. "Why would she do such a thing?"
OOXXOO
Alexander's spirits had improved by the following morning. As he arrived at the arena, with Hephaistion, he smiled in greeting to Hippodamus' family, then expressed an interest in the races, and the fact that poetry reading would be held in the theatre.
Seleucus nudged Perdiccas, then followed him as they took theirseats, he had expected Alexander to be sullen, lost in thought. "He can lift Alexander's mood," he, turning to Ptolemy but getting no reaction. He pulled Ptolemy's chiton to gain his attention.
"But Olympias is returning." Ptolemy replied, looking to a smiling Alexander. They had caught the messenger last night, before he headed back, and with a little coaxing he told them what was common knowledge in Aegae.
Things would be different with Olympias' return, but she had been in Epirus for so long, and Ptolemy had enjoyed the days when she was not there to influence her son. He was only sorry they had been exiled, for something which was not their fault. If they had been able to stay with Alexander, he may not have sought Hephaistion's company, they may have had time to free Alexander from Olympias' persuasion.
He looked at Hephaistion and could not help but feel concern, no matter his feelings for the man, Hephaistion would have no place, Olympias would press Alexander to marry. That was all Olympias had ever wanted, to see Alexander secure on the throne, to have him produce an heir. She would break the relationship and Hephaistion would be best to return to his duties at Methone, or disappear to some other obscure garrison.
Trumpets sounded announcing the games would begin again, cheering went up from the crowd as the athletes entered the arena. And so the morning passed.
OOXXOO
In the early afternoon, just after the mid-day break, a messenger arrived.
Alexander knew that he had come to announce Olympias' arrival and turned to Hephaistion, having kept him close all morning. He said nothing, but nodded at him, and Hephaistion stood and went to Hippodamus' family, explaining that they would need to go to another part of the arena. He watched as Hephaistion and the family left, then turned to his other companions.
"My mother is here," he announced, but saw that they already knew.
He came down the steps of the arena, acknowledging Antipater and Cleitus, who stood but made no attempt to follow. However, Cassander went with them, curious to see the meeting of mother and son. Alexander's feelings were confused. Part of him longed to see his mother,he loved her and was sure of her love for him. Another part, dreaded her return, since she had been in Epirus he had felt a freedom he had never known. Whenever he went with his father on campaign, he had felt a release, without her influence. Her words confused him, made him uncertain, unsure of his closest friends. He took a deep breath. She would know of his love for Hephaistion. He couldn't allow her to twist his mind against him. He was sure of his love,she would have to accept it........she would accept it.
OOXXOO
Seleucus caught up with Ptolemy, pulling him aside anxious for answers to the questions in his mind. "Hephaistion knew to go, didn't he?"
Ptolemy looked back as if he might see Hephaistion, then looked over at Seleucus. "You know Olympias as well as I. She will have plans for Alexander, which won't include him taking a lover…..especially a male lover."
"Hephaistion's more than that to Alexander," Perdiccas interrupted, having caught his two friends up. Alexander was several strides ahead of them. "He's been happy, when have you ever seen him so happy?"
"Then he's wise to keep Hephaistion from Olympias," Ptolemy noted, ignoring Perdiccas' question.
Olympias was before them now, standing, waiting for Alexander to come to her like a well-trained dog. She smiled at him, then embraced him before kissing him on the cheek. As she stepped back she frowned and reached up to clasp Alexander's chin in her hand. She turned his head to the side to study the bite mark on Alexander's neck.
"I heard about Hephaistion," she said, her voice showing disappointment at her son. "You are king now, you should be past this." She looked around. "I see your other friends are here."
Alexander's companions greeted Olympias, she smiled at them and then took Alexander's arm and walked back to the arena. "Where is Hephaistion?" she asked.
Alexander looked around, as if he might see the man he loved, knowing he was safe for now. "Leave him," he warned her.
Olympias laughed. "Is this any way to welcome your mother home?" she chided softly. "Is this how you think things will be between us now, Alexander?" She shook her head, and smiled at the crowd. "You need me, now more than ever."
Alexander led the way to their seats in the arena, no cheers went up as Olympias arrived, but people looked, and people talked. Everyone in Pella knew that Olympias despised Philip; everyone in Pella suspected who had been behind Philip's death.
"People have short memories," Olympias murmured, and turned to Alexander, caressing his arm. "I am your mother. They will come to love me for having a son such as you." She smiled contentedly to herself and turned to focus on the athletes.
Alexander glanced at his mother, knowing she had no interest in the games, she was lost in thought, scheming…plotting. He sought Hephaistion in the crowd, finding him lost in conversation with Demades. For a moment, he thought his mother would find him all too easily, that Hephaistion would stand out from the crowd. He forced himself to take a deep breath, calming himself.
"We need to talk," he said to his mother, frowning when she chose not to acknowledge him. He placed a hand on her arm, making her look on him.
"We can talk later, Alexander. After the games."
Alexander removed his hand from his mother's arm. She was enjoying her moment. She was the king's mother, and as such expected respect, and power. He watched her smile and nod her head. His father was no longer here to control her, it was down to him now, but he was not sure he had the strength.