“Any of them look like your mother? I keep her on payroll you know. I’ll let her know her bastard walked in begging for charity. And who’s this?” Malick asked, looking at me for another avenue of insult to keep the banter going. “You finally swear off the ladies and settle down with a nice boy toy? I always thought that about you. You two looking for a nice bungalow for a few days?”
“Allow me to introduce Andrikos. He assists me with my work in the shadows.”
“Greetings young Andrikos. Forgive me for questioning your judgement since you have made common cause with a swineherd. But if you want a real job with a promising future, I could use someone skilled in the dark arts.”
“I am indebted to your hospitality,” I responded.
“I haven’t offered you any hospitality yet, Andrikos” he was quick to point out. I felt an instant congeniality with Malick. He struck me as the kind of man that would feel comfortable visiting a brothel in Ilandra or holding court with the Pharaoh of Egypt.
“I appeal to your charity then. It would be nice to speak with someone who can string two coherent sentences together. I fear my intelligence has suffered since following my mentor.”
“Ha,” Malick barked. “I think we’ll get along famously. You are welcome to stay as long as you like. Vettias will be your chambermaid—”
“All right, enough of this grab-assing,” Vettias interrupted, half annoyed. “Sounds like you’re looking for a new boy of your own, Malick. Now, I’ve been standing here for far too long without being offered a damned drink.”
“Ilan!” Malick yelled and clapped his hand. A young man rushed in and snapped to attention. “Tell Aaliyah we have unexpected guests and to bring our finest wine.” Ilan ran out of sight and our conversation turned more toward trading recent stories than chauvinistic banter.
“So you took up with General Eumenes after Alexander’s death? He was a good man. What news from the east? Has a decisive battle been fought?”
Malick’s question reminded me that Vettias and I were probably the first people emerging from the Persian desert with news of Eumenes’ defeat.
“Andrikos and I have just returned from the final battle. Eumenes won the better of two indecisive engagements, managing to smash Antigonus’ phalanx in the latter. But through treachery and the disloyalty of the Silver Shields, Antigonus had Eumenes abducted and murdered. He winters in Ecbatana and marches his now unstoppable army to Babylon at first thaw. Andrikos and I now call Antigonus master and have arrived in the city ahead of the army to perform a special errand, the success of which will seal my position within his inner circle and provide you a powerful ally within the Lord of Asia’s battle staff. It is this errand for which I have paid you a visit, friend.”
With that, a beautiful young woman about Mara’s age entered, bearing an ornate silver decanter of wine and silver cups atop an engraved tray.
“Allow me to introduce Aaliyah, my wife,” Malick announced with noticeable pride. “She is the most beautiful woman in Babylon and has succeeded where all others have failed in taming this old dog. I am a changed man Vettias, not the philanderer of year’s past.”
Aaliyah was a little embarrassed by his compliments in front of strangers and Vettias and I bowed in greeting.
“That seems to be going around these days,” Vettias replied while looking at me. “There’s no question she is the fairest maiden in all of Babylonia – surely a sister of Venus herself,” Vettias complimented while kissing her outstretched hand.
“You and your false pagan gods. Aaliyah my darling, allow me to introduce you to an old friend, Vettias of Macedon, and his young apprentice, Andrikos. They have arrived from the eastern battlefield and will be staying with us for a time. They travel on official business and do not wish their presence advertised, however, so please treat their stay with the utmost discretion. Now darling, please inform the galley I wish to have a special dinner made tonight in our private quarters to honor their valued presence and that no expense should be spared. Ilan, take them to their suites. Gentlemen, rest from your long journey and return to this vestibule in three hours’ time. We will dine like kings tonight.”
“You are too kind, friend,” Vettias replied. “We will see you then.”
Malick and Aaliyah returned to the back room and Ilan re-emerged to escort us to our quarters. My room was as ornate as the one in Ecbatana and I sank into the comfortable bed for several hours.
CHAPTER 22
Vettias and I sat down on the oversized couch within Malick’s foyer at the prescribed time to await our host.
“Malick is a trusted friend but we are not going to tell him everything – both for his safety and ours,” Vettias cautioned in a low voice. “You are to say nothing about our designs to separate Seleucus from Antigonus. For now we will focus solely on facilitating a smooth transition of authority once Antigonus arrives. The purpose of this first meeting is to utilize Malick’s contacts embedded in Seleucus’ regime to accomplish that purpose. As I said earlier, Seleucus would be wise to utilize Jews and other Babylonian minorities in his administration when a Macedonian is not available.”
Ilan entered soon after and ushered us through the building’s immaculate courtyard to a substantial adjoining villa that was Malick’s private residence. The structure may not have been extraordinary compared to some of the estates we passed in the Tigris River delta, but its proximity to the palace pointed to Malick’s considerable wealth. A Babylonian servant greeted us and brought us to the residence’s main receiving hall where a generous spread of fruit and local delicacies was prepared. Vettias and I helped ourselves to the bounty and poured liberal amounts of Malick’s excellent Phoenician wine.
“Gentlemen, welcome to my home,” Malick announced, emerging from a door opposite the buffet. “Please eat and drink all I have to offer, for it is yours. I’ve told Aaliyah to leave us to our own devices tonight so you won’t have to mind your tongues; although this is more for your peace of mind since I can attest to her discretion. She really has a mind for intrigue.”
“I defer to your judgement,” Vettias stated while slightly bowing. “You truly are a changed man – I would have expected an assortment of women to accompany this feast.”
“Believe me when I tell you she is even more than I can handle – and I’ve had the best Babylon has to offer. A fellow tribeswoman from Judea nonetheless. I now pity those who seek the embrace of disinterested harlots.”
Vettias and Malick continued recounting their exploits during their time apart, occasionally including me in the conversation when an insult availed itself. After an hour we moved on from the reception hall to his formal dining room where the first course of seafood was awaiting us on silver plates in front of lush, reclined couches. As was custom, the conversation remained light until the main course of lamb was completed.
“Everything to your liking, young Andrikos?” Malick asked, probably sensing this was the finest meal I had ever eaten.
“Do the gods even eat this well?” I replied.
“Maybe your gods,” Malick jested. “The one true God provides a feast to his chosen people superior to this meager ration every evening. Have you ever met a son of Israel before?”
“Perhaps by chance but none that I am aware of.”
“Then your lack of understanding is not surprising. You Greeks and Babylonians assign gods to forces man cannot understand. The one true God is the genesis of all these phenomenon. Our people and faith have survived for thousands of years – to the first man and woman, created by the one true God in his image. So you see the folly in equating such worldly things as dinner with a being so omnipresent and powerful.”
“Forgive me if my ignorance on such matters offended you in your own home,” I replied.
“Nonsense,” Vettias interrupted, apparently having heard this line of argument from Malick in the past. “We Greeks believe in what can be seen and felt. We also do not disparage those whom we’ve encountered that believe differently.
In many cases I have found our beliefs to be universal with all peoples who believe in the true Pantheon. You worship a deity that never reveals itself. The true gods reveal themselves to us every day. A lot of good following Yahweh did when your people were enslaved by the Egyptians and Babylonians.”
“I’ve missed these conversations, dear friend,” Malick answered condescendingly. “Understanding of the one true God, who revealed himself to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, requires spiritual contemplation on a level far more nuanced than a bolt of lightning or the sacrifice of a beast. But enough of religion for today. Please dear friend, tell me why you have come back to Babylon.” Vettias seemed relieved to discuss business and leaned forward on his couch toward our guest.
“Since before Alexander’s death and through the declaration of Perdiccas as Regent, I’ve assisted you in furthering your position within Babylon’s Macedonian ruling class. It appears you have continued your ascension after the transfer of Babylon to Seleucus at Triparadeisus. I have come as an official representative of General Antigonus, Lord of Asia, to peaceably transfer authority of Babylon from Seleucus.”
Malick appeared taken aback by this unexpected news. “But Seleucus is firmly entrenched here and rules by the same mandate of Triparadeisus that named Antigonus General of Asia. Surely he does not want to begin new hostilities so quickly after he has quelled all opposition to the Triparadeisus settlement.”
“I’m afraid his triumph has only emboldened him and he looks to render all Asian satrapies subservient to him. My charge is to ensure Seleucus complies with General Antigonus’ wishes without incident and the transfer of authority is carried out upon his arrival in five months’ time. I have sought you out before I officially announce my presence within Babylon to both assist me in my charge and to continue furthering your position with the incoming regime so we may continue supporting each other in the future.”
“I thank you for the courtesy but can’t help but feel this somehow benefits you more than me. As you rightly pointed out, I am well established within Seleucus’ regime. Some of that is due to your past efforts on my behalf, which I believe I have repaid in full over the years. But asking me now to throw that work away for the potentiality of change in the future sounds foolhardy and dangerous.”
“If I was not certain in all I have divulged I would not ask you to choose sides so soon. But believe me friend, as sure as I am sitting here now, Antigonus will arrive outside these gates with the largest Greek army ever assembled – greater than what defeated Darius I at Marathon, Xerxes at Plataea and Darius II at Gaugamela. I am to facilitate the transfer and avoid Antigonus wasting precious time and resources laying siege to the city. I am offering you an in with the new regime so you may further your family’s fortunes. All I ask is that you provide me with individuals who are well placed within Seleucus’ administration so I may speak with them to determine how best to proceed and avoid violence.”
Malick contemplated Vettias’ offer carefully. Despite his reticence to believe all the time spent building his position with Seleucus to be for naught, it appeared he accepted Vettias’ logic despite feeling the deal benefited Vettias more than himself.
“I have a nephew working as a scribe and book-keeper within the palace. His name is Gilad. I will make introduction only after your official presence has been announced and you have held an official audience with Seleucus. He will be introduced to you in that transparent capacity only, and not as some clandestine operative. That is my final offer.”
“Then I require you to personally broker the meeting away from the palace. Perhaps a family gathering – somewhere we can be introduced casually, away from the palace’s prying eyes.”
“The Jewish New Year falls late this season – I will be celebrating it with my family next week. You can be my guests to this event. Gilad will be there. I will make introductions but it is up to you to arrange for a second meeting. You are to deal with him in your official capacity as official envoy from General Antigonus. Gilad’s a good kid and I will not tolerate any harm coming to him because of my dealings with you, understood?”
“Agreed,” Vettias answered eagerly. “Now friend, what can you tell me of Seleucus? What will I need to know to convince him to take this deal?”
“Seleucus is a righteous and intelligent man. He was one of Alexander’s closest confidants and embraced his acceptance of the east more so than most of his entourage. He loves Babylon and, unlike most Macedonians, he has chosen to remain married to his eastern bride. Most of the others got rid of their wives after Alexander’s death, but Apama has remained by his side ever since. She is the daughter of Spitamenes, the infamous Sogdian enemy of Alexander, and presides over all official duties of the city. It is whispered she plays an important role within his council of advisers and keeps his focus rooted firmly in the east. His fondness for Babylon will make it difficult for you to persuade him to hand it over quietly, so perhaps emphasize the potential siege and destruction of Babylon as a way to achieve his long-term goals.”
“Thank you friend,” Vettias replied. “I appreciate your forthrightness and look forward to many more evenings with you while I remain in Babylon. I will continue to further your position with Antigonus when he arrives so your fortunes will continue to rise and we may again help each other’s purposes. We will take our leave of your generous hospitality and will return next week as guests to your religious observance.”
The three of us stood and embraced as Vettias and I returned to our quarters on the opposite side of the building’s courtyard. Vettias motioned for me to join him in his chamber before retiring for the evening.
“Looks like Malick will cooperate. However, he is forcing me to reveal myself faster than I wanted if we are to be introduced to Gilad by the coming Jewish New Year. This is going to be a delicate operation as we do not want to offend Malick’s generosity while at the same time convince Gilad to betray his master and familial patron.”
“Can it be done?” I asked. “Familial ties are even stronger in minority communities.”
“It can. We will use a combination of elicitation and vulnerability exploitation. In his case, we will most likely have to manufacture a vulnerability – one that exploits his close bond with his uncle so he will be too ashamed to inform him of the information he has provided. This, of course, assumes the kid even knows anything or has access to anything of use. We’ll find out in time. For now, Malick is prompting me to announce my arrival and I will do so tomorrow. From there we will be treated as official guests of the satrapy and many eyes will be on us. I want you to accompany me so Seleucus will have to devote more resources to shadow us both, which will yield more opportunities to operate clandestinely in the city.”
“Any angles with Apama?” I inquired. “Can we use his apparent infatuation with her to our advantage?”
“Good thinking, Andrikos. She is the daughter of that brigand, Spitamenes. He was a cunning adversary of Alexander’s and the killer of many good Greeks in our hellish campaigns in Bactria and Sogdiana. His head was eventually delivered to Alexander after a brilliant counter-insurgent operation that took many months of hard fighting.”
“My cousin Leandros was a veteran of the Far East campaigns and held similar feelings toward Spitamenes.”
“I still harbor deep hatred for the man and she no doubt resents Macedonian imperialism in the east. She will pull Seleucus to stay in Babylon to rule the east in a manner in line with their customs and traditions and will be loath to allow the city to fall into the hands of another Macedonian that does not hold eastern proclivities. Therefore we will urge patience and appeasement for now to avoid the destruction of the city and keep open the possibility of their eventual return to power later.”
CHAPTER 23
The next morning I made my way to Malick’s foyer where Vettias was waiting for me. He brought me up to his chamber and gave me an extravagant Macedonian tunic.
“Put this on. If you’re going to be presented as the Lor
d of Asia’s official envoy, you need to look the part. You will be introduced as my scribe and not speak unless spoken to. You are about to meet one of Alexander’s closest confidants – someone who was with him since he was a child in Macedon and was at his side for every step of his campaign of conquest. He was first among equals – only Ptolemy remains who matches the weight Seleucus held within Alexander’s inner circle. Although we plot to make him our enemy, he is a great man, a true hero of Macedon. Remember that always.”
I nodded my understanding and felt the weight of Vettias’ words sink in. I took several deep breathes to achieve the alteration of character needed to bring my outward appearance in line with the official I was to be in front of a man of Seleucus’ stature. Vettias returned the nod and we began our short walk down the royal processional to the outer gate of the royal palace.
Along the way, Babylonian aristocrats dressed in the finest eastern silks and gold jewelry walked to and from the palace, bringing their business before the Macedonian administration. When we arrived at the first checkpoint, manned by four Macedonian sentries, Vettias declared himself to the lead guard as an envoy of General Antigonus and presented the royal insignia. The sentry smartly executed a salute and ran back to the main gate after ordering his subordinates to ensure our safety. Although Antigonus was hundreds of miles east of Babylon, his whereabouts and activities were well known to all within the empire. He had become the most powerful man in the world, even before his victory over Eumenes, and our unexpected presence in front of the royal palace ensured all within would have a fire lit under them to usher us forward and extend every courtesy.
The sentry returned several minutes later in a huff and escorted us through the palace grounds to the immense entryway. As our escort brought us toward the main doors, a full lochos of phalangites snapped to attention on either side in formal parade formation. I was thankful Vettias provided me with my impeccable wardrobe as I would have felt unworthy of such a spectacle wearing my normal attire.
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