That next morning, Vettias and I donned our finest clothing and made our way to the palace grounds. There were several times as many guards to ensure safety and manage crowd control. Vettias and I were allowed to enter the compound where we spoke with several of the palace attendants who were coordinating the event and given our standing assignments. Vettias paid them each a small bribe to have our position moved closer to Seleucus and ensure we could personally greet Antigonus on his way through the royal receiving line.
We waited, and the attendants and servants toiled, for two hours as the final staging was set. When all preparations were complete, one could easily discern Babylon’s hierarchy of aristocratic elite. There were bureaucratic officials and diplomats farthest from the epicenter, followed by native Babylonian patricians and tribal sheikhs or their representatives. The old royal retinue now serving Seleucus came next, with Seleucus’ inner circle standing atop a platform erected in front of the palace entrance. Vettias and I stood just between the Royal retinue and the palace administrators. In keeping with his promises, Vettias arranged that Malick held a position among the Babylonian elite and Yasmina held the arm of Vettias himself as honored guest. All was set for the arrival of the most powerful man in the world on an early spring morning.
Antigonus’ procession could be heard several miles away as crowds cheered and horns blew to herald the arrival of the General of Asia. After another hour in the hot sun, the first participants of Antigonus’ entourage entered the palace grounds. Beautiful women, adorned in bright theater make-up and gold jewelry, played instruments, performed acrobatic feats and threw flower petals while enveloping the palatial courtyard which brought a tangible vitality to the stiff receiving party.
Behind the female performers, a troop of animal handlers shepherded a herd of exotic beasts – some in cages atop wagons, some with reigns and leashes – that included Bactrian camels, ibex, oryx, gazelles, peacocks, elephants and Persian species of leopards, cheetahs and lions. Select members from the archery, phalanx and cavalry battalions filled the courtyard after the herd, followed by Antigonus’ official retinue. The General of Asia rode atop a double-wide chariot pulled by four horses known as a tethrippon, accompanied by his son Demetrius. Father and son pulled up to the royal platform, dismounted the chariot and made their way through the eager receiving line.
Every hand was forcefully outstretched and vying for favorable position to greet the two patriarchs of the Antigonid House. Dignitaries from all over the world zealously introduced themselves and pledged their unwavering loyalty to General Antigonus. Our auspicious position mitigated the need for similar jostling and the two of us stood tall and proud as Antigonus advanced with a big smile and outstretched hand.
“Ambassador Vettias, you have served me well. This is a suitable welcoming. Request audience with me later. Good work.”
“Yes, sir. We have much to discuss, General.”
“Andrikos!” Demetrius greeted enthusiastically, as if surprised I was still alive and successful in my mission. “Good to see you. I wish to speak with you as well. Accompany Vettias.”
We turned to watch the pair ascend the platform and embrace their future adversary. Despite Seleucus’ imposing presence, he was overshadowed by the immense stature of father and son – a spectacle not lost on all in attendance. Behind Antigonus marched an attendant holding Alexander’s diadem and scepter high in the air – the same accoutrement held over the ceremony in which Davos and I pledged our allegiance to the King’s Hand; the same items that adorned Alexander’s Tent which held our fragile alliance against Antigonus together. The two Successors made brief speeches praising each other and paying homage to Alexander before entering the palace. Vettias gave me a nod to let me know I was allowed to depart and perform the one task I had waited five months to complete.
I walked out of the courtyard at a normal pace to not draw attention to myself as the hundreds of Babylonian luminaries socialized and made deals after the official receiving ceremony concluded. I began jogging once I cleared the palace grounds and fetched my horse at Malick’s compound. I rode as fast as the Babylonian streets allowed before reaching full gallop after clearing the city gates. There were a number of merchants and lesser bureaucrats moving in and out of the army encampment as the administration of having a forty thousand-man army camp outside a major city began to take shape.
Guards were casually inspecting the trickle of visitors at the main entrance and I was quickly allowed through after showing the official insignia of General Antigonus. I had been away from the army for several months but I instinctively knew my way around this encampment. It was comforting being in the confines of the army once more and I felt a strong sense of safety and belonging. I ran toward the quartermaster bivouac to find Rhexenor and ordered the first supply officer I encountered to bring me to him. My impressive outfit and insignia spurred the young man to action and I was promptly brought to a large supply tent where I spied Rhexenor giving orders to several Babylonian city administrators regarding food rations to be supplied to the army. I dismissed my escort and waited for my friend to finish his business.
“Don’t forget to replenish your women, Babylon has an endless stock,” I joked as my fellow recruit turned and gave me a bear hug.
“Andrikos! I knew you would seek me out. Your family is here and quite safe. How have you been?”
“I am well, friend. Your assistance with my family has indebted me to you, brother. I promise in the coming days I will assemble our mates together and all will be discussed over food, drink and women. But for now, I need you to take me to them.”
“Yes, of course, brother. I understand. Follow me, they are close. I’ve ensured Mara and Talos’ accommodations have been discreet yet comfortable – away from any interested relics of the Silver Shields, most of whom had been shed on our way here.”
Rhexenor and I trekked through the rows and rows of tents that made up the baggage train until we stopped at a nondescript bivouac area made up of larger tents of higher quality fabric
“She lies within that one,” Rhexenor informed me while pointing to the tent at the end of the bivouac. “Go to her, but send word soon. I will inform the gang of an impending reunion.”
Rhexenor departed, leaving me standing feet away from my family in the late morning sun. I took a deep breath, moved purposefully toward Mara’s quarters and gently rapped on the tent opening.
“Yes?” a familiar voice answered hesitantly.
“Mara, it is Andrikos,” I replied lovingly. A rustling could be heard before the entrance flap shot open and my love stood before me. We immediately embraced and I buried my face in the crook of her neck for several moments. When I emerged from that place of tranquility she called Talos, who stood several feet away curiously watching us.
“Talos, come here. This is your father.”
The boy cautiously walked to Mara and hid behind her leg.
“It’s all right, baby. Remember I told you we were going to see him soon.”
Talos inched further to me while holding on to his mother’s leg. He was noticeably shy in my presence and I picked him up to give him a hug. He deferentially allowed me to hug and kiss him before motioning to return to the safety of his mother once more.
“He’ll come around, don’t worry,” Mara assured. “Come in, sit down.”
The two of us sat on her comfortable bed while Talos stood in the corner where a collection of his possessions were kept. He had his mother’s blondish-brown hair and green eyes but his mouth and nose were unmistakably mine. Any lingering doubts Vettias put in my mind about Talos not being my child were immediately put to rest. His hair was shoulder length and he wore a white tunic of good quality. I laid down on her bed and brought her to my chest.
“Please tell me your stay in Ecbatana and journey to Babylon were agreeable. Please tell me I did not make a terrible decision by leaving the two of you in the hands of Rhexenor and Stephanos.”
“Be at ease, Andrikos
. You’re companions are good men and ensured we were looked after at all times. We are indebted to them.”
I breathed a sigh of relief and held her even closer to me.
“You have no idea how relieved that makes me feel. I’m going to tell Rhexenor to keep your possessions cataloged in the baggage train. You and Talos will stay with me in the city. Take only the essentials that can be carried on a horse with you. I’ve thought of this moment every day since I left you.”
Our loving banter was interrupted by Talos who tapped me on the shoulder to present a cherished toy to me. It was a carved wooden hoplite in battle pose.
“That is his favorite. I told him it’s a figurine of his father, a great Greek soldier.”
I took the boy’s prized possession and examined it with approval before returning it to him and struck the same pose, which brought a smile to his face. Mara began assembling an assortment of clothes, jewelry and other small items of value while I wrestled with my two year old son. When Mara had securely bundled her belongings I tied it to my horse and placed her and Talos on the riding pad while I led the horse out of the camp.
We walked quietly toward the city gates while Talos enjoyed the novelty of sitting atop a horse and I exchanged loving glances with Mara. My family was overawed by the bustling streets and grand structures of Babylon as we made our way to Malick’s compound where I ensured Ilan was waiting.
“Allow me to assist you, my lady,” Ilan greeted while quickly lending a hand to retrieve Talos from the horse. He handed Talos to me and motioned to aid Mara off the horse next.
“You can get my belongings,” she retorted teasingly while deftly dismounting the steed. The three of us followed our attendant inside where Malick was waiting for us, still wearing his finest attire from Antigonus’ reception.
“Welcome, my lady. Welcome to my city and welcome to my home,” Malick announced with a beaming smile. “I am Malick of Babylon. Andrikos is a valued guest and, by extension, so are you and your son. Please know that you are among friends here and if you require any comfort, please do not hesitate to ask.”
“I thank you for your gracious hospitality,” Mara responded while bowing respectfully, yet with some uneasiness as she was not used to such treatment.
“Indebted to you, my lady. Tonight you will be my honored guest for dinner, but for now, please rest and catch up with young Andrikos. But before you do, I think there is one more person who wishes to say hello.”
“You about finished running your mouth?” Vettias interjected after waiting patiently to the side of the foyer. “Hello, Mara.”
“Hello, Vettias.” The two hugged warmly.
“Keep your hands above the waistline,” Malick added after feeling compelled to defend Vettias’ recent slight.
“How are you my dear? How was your trip?” Vettias asked while ignoring Malick.
“We were well taken care of,” Mara reassured while smiling in my direction.
“And this is the little man?” Vettias asked while picking up Talos.
“Very good. Ilan, show Mara to her chamber,” Malick instructed.
Ilan brought Mara’s belongings while Mara picked up Talos and made the short trip upstairs to my quarters. I instructed Ilan to linger outside the door while I proudly showed my family their lavish chamber.
“Is it to your liking?” I asked eagerly.
“Yes, of course,” Mara replied quietly while Talos began surveying his new surroundings. “It’s a little overwhelming. You know I am not comfortable with such trappings.”
“Your history has been mired with such pain, are you incapable of allowing yourself to happy? You deserve such comfort and more – more so than any Queen that ever occupied the gilded halls of an eastern palace. Don’t you understand? Your old life is over. You’ll never live with want or fear again. Talos will never know the anguish you’ve suffered. Please, tell me this makes you happy.”
Mara smiled and embraced me while running her fingers through my hair. “You’ve lived up to your promise, Andrikos, and I am eternally grateful for it. My mind will always be at ease knowing I am yours. Just give me time. I’ve been living out of a tent since before Talos was born and in brothels before that. When I have stability, I will begin to heal. I promise.”
“And you will have that stability, surrounded by the warm embrace of my family in Ilandra, I swear it to you.”
“I believe you, and I love you for it,” she whispered before kissing me. I called Ilan into the room and instructed him to take Talos out to the courtyard to play while I made love to the most beautiful woman in the world. That evening, Malick treated us to a feast worthy of a king and I felt elation as my new reality settled in.
CHAPTER 30
The next two days were the happiest of my life. Mara, Talos and I enjoyed our accommodations, visited Babylon’s parks, gardens and animal sanctuaries and dined lavishly with Vettias, Malick and Aaliyah each night. On the third day I sent word to Rhexenor and made arrangements for the banquet with my mates that evening. I purchased various food items through Ilan the day prior and arranged with Yasmina for several women to be brought for the evening. Malick provided me a reduced rate on his remaining rooms that night and assigned his kitchen personnel to staff the event. Despite his initial hesitation, Vettias now looked forward to the coming revelry with some hard-drinking Macedonian veterans.
“And you want me to attend this event?” Mara asked after hearing of my plans.
“Of course. Are you feeling hesitant?”
“I’ve attended dozens of such dinners during my time in bondage. Pretending to enjoy the company of boorish men grabbing me, getting me drunk and having their way with me. Being on the other side of that transaction is not appealing.”
“Mara, please forgive me. I never think of you in such ways and sometimes I forget the scars of your past. My excitement to please my mates clouded my judgement and I will cancel the whole ordeal if you wish.”
“I’m not trying to change the world like you and Vettias. Have your dinner, enjoy yourself, remember your family and come home to me tonight. That is all.”
I gave her a loving nod and smile before making my way down to the kitchen to ensure all would be ready for my guests’ arrival. I hovered around the staff while they prepared the food and set the table which no doubt annoyed them since their knowledge on such matters were far superior to that of a former Greek peasant. When the hour approached, Vettias, Malick and I assembled in the main foyer and began our evening with a magnificent red from Syria. My excitement for the night could barely be contained, which was noticed by Vettias.
“I know how much this night means to you,” he stated while putting his hand on my shoulder. “A little advice – you’ll want to always remember it, so I would go easy on the wine for the first half of the evening.”
I nodded my compliance as Ilan ushered in Rhexenor, Stephanos, Spear, Bacchylides, Davos and, to my happy surprise, Hiro, who had been invited by Vettias. A raucous scene ensued with introductions being made and warm greetings given to all. I first hugged Bacchylides and Spear, who by now appeared best of friends. Next I received Rhexenor and thanked him again for all he had done to secure my family’s safety. I then reunited with Davos who was the most pleased of all to finally enjoy drink and women in surroundings he thought suitable after a long march. Finally, Stephanos and I embraced as brothers – and all the important people of my life after Ilandra were now under one roof. Ilan raced around the receiving room with cups of wine for all our guests which elevated the already elated mood.
We continued in our merriment for an hour before Ilan entered the foyer again to usher in Zaduga who was escorting Yasmina and several beautiful women. My mates all halted their conversations at once as a procession of beauty, unknown to any of them previously, walked through the threshold. Bacchylides, Spear and Stephanos were noticeably intimidated by the spectacle but the welcoming nature of Yasmina and her young women promptly eased the tension.
&nbs
p; “Is this what you’ve been up to all these months away from the army?” Bacchylides asked after regaining his composure.
“You are lucky he thinks so fondly of you, Bacchylides,” Vettias interjected. “You all are breathing rarified air tonight and will get to experience how the gods truly live.”
Bacchylides only half heard Vettias’ remark as the women began freely mingling among the party guests. After everyone got acquainted, Ilan rang a bell and announced it was time to enter the main dining room where a splendid feast awaited my guests. All took their seats at a table boasting a feast my mates had never experienced before. Vettias, Yasmina, Hiro, Malick and Davos sat at one end of the table with their new female companions and I sat with my recruitment brothers at the other. The wine flowed freely as everyone gorged their appetites on an assortment of fruits, vegetables, seafood and lamb – all flavored with spices from every corner of the world. Several tributes were made to Alexander, Greece, Macedon, various battles and our fallen recruitment brothers Labdacus and Dion. The night was progressing exactly as I’d hoped and I kept to Vettias’ advice of monitoring my wine consumption.
I began splitting my time between Vettias’ side of the table and my mates. Davos was elated to be back in civilization drinking good wine next to a beautiful woman. During a period where Malick had excused himself for a moment, Vettias interrogated him on his new placement and access within Antigonus’ battle staff and was pleased to learn Davos had not wasted his time with the army.
“I’ve been taken on by Aretes, Antigonus’ chief intelligence and reconnaissance officer,” Davos informed Vettias proudly. “We have several operations underway here in Babylon and points farther west in Syria, Cappadocia, Judea and Egypt.” Vettias shot me a knowing glance after hearing about Aretes’ operatives in Babylon.
“And how fares our good friend Peithon?” Vettias asked Hiro. “Will the assassin be spending his spring in Babylon?”
World on Fire Page 24
