“You will return to this army, promise me.”
“I promise,” I answered as he released me to return to my quarters.
****
The next morning Mara, Talos, Davos and I assembled our horses and belongings for the long journey ahead. Mara and Vettias stood opposite each other for a brief moment before warmly embracing.
“Have I done right by you, my dear?” Vettias asked with some uncertainty. “Is the life you now travel to begin better than the one we stole you away from – despite all that has happened in between?”
“Yes, Vettias. Fear not, I am better for knowing you. In the end you kept your promise, though I suspect it was not always your top priority. That being said, the life I depart for and the son by my side are immeasurably better than the oppression I suffered since my enslavement. You are a good man, Vettias. Please take care of my Andrikos and return him to me in short order.”
“Another promise I intend to keep, my dear. Farewell.”
The four of us mounted our horses and departed the army encampment. It was the beginning of the end of a life of uncertainty for my family, but to me it only felt like the end of the beginning.
CHAPTER 34
We traveled north along the Syrian coast until we reached Tarsus, the city where Vettias and I first rescued Mara from her torment. We rented a room on the opposite end of the city from her former brothel and laid low for the evening. Davos, not being hindered by the threat of recognition, decided to have himself a proper meal, drink and romp in the many taverns and pleasure houses Tarsus had to offer. Despite his late night revelry, he was dutifully ready to leave at the proper hour the following morning and we continued on our journey west along the Cilician coast.
Mara and Davos had become fast friends and she spoke with him as a peer despite their age disparity. Mara’s confidence and character never ceased to impress me. Davos was a man I held in the highest esteem and would probably never think myself his equal; yet a former Scythian slave, not yet twenty, held court with him like she was Queen Adea herself. Davos respected her all the more for this and the two did enjoy each other’s company. In my line of work, Davos would be a formidable target to crack, but Mara had him speaking more words than I’ve heard him utter in my years of knowing him. Vettias chose his girl well back in Tarsus.
“Davos, when are you going to settle down with a nice woman who will smooth out all your rough edges?” Mara asked playfully.
“I try and settle down with a nice woman almost every night. In the morning my search begins anew. This life is not one meant for wives and children. When I amass enough of a fortune and swindle a royal appointment in a rich satrapy somewhere, than I will marry … again.”
Mara and I both looked at each other in surprise, then looked to Davos for an explanation.
“Yes, I was once married, with a small child – a daughter – before I left Philippi and joined the army. They were taken by the plague. I was young, but my heart was securely locked in my family’s embrace. When they died, it was never returned to me. A vacuous hole remains that can be temporarily filled by base pleasures – only to be drained once more the following morning. Although my current lot draws most to pity, I find it useful in this line of work.”
“Well, speaking as someone whose past provides no comfort, I can attest life does offer a second chance for happiness,” Mara assured with genuine empathy while kissing Talos on the head.
“Perhaps, but for now I am content for it to find me and so far it hasn’t. I’ve become accustomed to this lifestyle. Don’t waste a drop of sympathy on me – I am not a delicate snowflake.”
Mara seemed miffed that her overture was so coldly rebuffed and I suspected this would not be the last time she tried to force her way into Davos’ feelings.
True to Vettias’ assurances, our pace was not significantly affected by the addition of Mara and Talos, aside from the occasional temper tantrum or nature break. The Scythians were masters of riding with children and Mara handled Talos better than me while riding on horseback. After two more weeks along the southern Asia Minor Coast, we reached the Aegean Sea and turned north to pick up the Ionian Road near the ruins of Miletus. The pleasant smell of the Aegean mixed with the local flora to create the familiar smell of home. After a half-day’s ride north of Miletus, I saw the outline of Ilandran houses and edifices in the distance. My excitement could not be contained as I pointed out the significance of each building to my childhood while my party politely listened with decidedly less enthusiasm. Mara was heartened by my eagerness to introduce her and Talos to my family. Davos remained indifferent.
We dismounted when we arrived at the edge of town and Talos immediately began running like a caged animal recently set free. I chased after him and the four of us made our way down the old streets of my youth. I recognized a few faces and noticed a few glances of confused recognition from several Ilandrans but no one recognized the man I had become. As we reached my neighborhood and saw my home, I immediately noticed it was different. Masonry had been added to the wood façade, greatly adding to the structure’s appearance. An impressive extension jutted out from the rear which increased the size of the structure. I instructed the rest to wait while I knocked on the large, unfamiliar door. An unfamiliar face answered to ask my business.
“Is this the house of Argos?” I asked, a little confused.
“It is.”
“Is Argos home?”
“May I ask what business you have here, stranger?”
“Please inform him his nephew, Andrikos, is here presently.”
The attendant’s eyes opened wide, “Andrikos? Returned from the wars? Come in, come in. We all have eagerly awaited this day.”
“And who are you?” I asked.
“I am Chariton, Governor of this house and its affairs. Much has changed since your departure, as I’m sure you are realizing. Much fortune has come to your family. They will be thrilled to explain all that has happened.”
As Chariton departed to run and inform my family of my arrival, I noticed the entire interior of apartments had been repurposed into one large household. I was now standing in an impressive foyer which opened into a large sitting room that used to be Argos’ wine shop. I heard the raspy voice of my uncle and the uncontrolled yell of my mother in a back room before both barged into the foyer in disbelief.
“Andrikos!” my mother exclaimed. She looked healthy and was wearing very expensive clothes. She ran at me in a manner that, if she were holding a weapon, I would have instinctively defended myself. Instead, I allowed her to engulf me with a loving embrace. “We heard things, about wars in the east, but I knew you were still alive. I knew it!”
“I will always come back to you, mother. I love you. I have wonderful news. Something that will bring you happiness and joy for the rest of your life.”
She looked at me with glassy eyes as I brought her by the arm outside where Mara and Talos stood waiting.
“Mother, this is your grandson, Talos. And this will soon be your daughter, Mara.”
She stood motionless as all I divulged sank in on this unexpected afternoon. She kneeled down with her arms open, motioning for Talos to come to her. Talos was hesitant and hid behind Mara at first. Luckily, I had foreseen this potentiality and coached him on this encounter for several days, which eventually bore fruit as he slowly made his way to her and was promptly swept up and kissed repeatedly. He tolerated the abuse for a few moments before protesting and was put back down. Mother next focused her attention on Mara and took a minute to admire her beauty.
“Come to me child, allow me to hold you as a daughter,” she stated warmly with tears in her eyes. Mara moved toward her and the two embraced as if they were already family. “This is the happiest day of my life. Thank you, Andrikos. I love you so much. Is your service ended?” She asked hopefully.
I gave her another hug and held my face to her cheek, “Mara and Talos will stay here. I need you to take care of them while I am gone. I will be
back to raise my son, but for now I need the help of my family. Not to worry,” I continued after seeing Argos listening intently to our conversation, “I don’t come here to saddle you with two extra mouths to feed. I come bearing gifts for this family, although looking at our home I see you need it less than before I left.”
I reached back into a pouch strapped to my horse and produced my large purse of coin. I relished the sight of Argos’ reaction when I proudly handed him the fruits of my labor.
“This is the physical representation of all I have honorably labored for on behalf of this family. I happily bestow it upon those who cared for me in childhood.”
Argos smiled proudly and embraced me as a son. “Come in, come in, all of you. This is cause for celebration. Much has happened, we must catch you up. But first, your family must be tired and in need of refreshment. Chariton will show you to our bath, my lady,” Argos announced after kissing Mara’s hand in greeting. Mara bowed graciously and followed the attendant and my mother to a back room.
“And you two must be in desperate need of a drink,” Argos added, extending his hand to Davos.
“Absolutely, I thank you sir,” Davos replied after shaking Argos’ hand firmly.
“This is Davos, a trusted colleague and dear friend,” I explained. “We will continue on to Greece from here, and only plan to stay a few days. But while I am here I require your help, uncle. I wish to formally marry Mara while in Ilandra – nothing grand or expensive, but you know what mother is capable of. Can I ask you to assist me in this? It appears our home is more than capable of hosting such a small event now.”
“Davos, a close friend of Andrikos is a close friend of this family. Married in the next few days? Your mother will keel over with emotion. I understand your wishes. I will be happy to assist in this joyous event,” Argos assured as he poured us all a liberal amount of wine in large silver cups. “Allow me to show you what we’ve done with the place. We basically turned the whole tenement structure into our home,” Argos explained as he took us from room to room.
“Where is Helena? Is she happy?”
“She is well and a happy mother to a baby girl, Iakovina. I have merged my mercantile interests with her husband’s which has made us the most powerful merchant venture in Ilandra. I have sent Chariton to inform her of your arrival and expect her to join us for dinner this evening.
“And Nearchus’ family?” I asked.
“His family has been looked after and lives in an apartment down the street. We regularly provide his mother with money, food and still call her friend.”
“And his father?”
“Priskos perished in a fishing accident at sea.”
I gave him a knowing glance. “And Leandros?”
“Leandros is head of the Ilandran Council, the most powerful man in this town.”
“You’ll probably not believe me, uncle, but I may be able to assist in furthering his career. I have found myself at the epicenter of world power. I have been named to the battle staff of both Lord Antigonus and his son, Demetrius. I will be in a position to ask for a satrapal appointment for Leandros. After our departure from Greece, I will return to Demetrius’ army for his coming battle with Ptolemy.”
“Lord Antigonus?” Argos asked questionably. “I thought Alexander already defeated a Persian monarchy once. Antigonus and Ptolemy are to be at war? So soon after Eumenes’ defeat?”
I went on to explain to Argos all that had transpired since my last visit several years earlier. I omitted certain details about the King’s Hand and any recent information that may compromise our army’s current operations, knowing full well my uncle would be holding court with his Ilandran adherents to deliver his new precious information at the first opportunity in town’s markets. Davos sat quietly with the open jug and allowed Argos to catch up with his nephew. After listening to my report on foreign policy, I watched Argos’ expression turn to one of true pride.
“Then perhaps it is time we have your exploits recorded in the Ilandran records as well, Andrikos. Perhaps the Ilandran Council is also in your future. Will you be here long enough?”
“I am humbled by your suggestion, uncle. In fact, your new-found pride in me is the culmination of all I’ve ever wanted from our relationship. I fear the time is not right, however, since I am still in the employ of the Empire’s Asian army and currently conducting a mission on its behalf that necessitates discretion. When my commitments are up, I will return to raise my son and take my place within this family. I promise.”
Argos nodded his proud understanding.
“Uncle, there are two guests I’d like to have at the wedding – Alexandros and Patrochlus,” I stated, sensing this to be a good time to make a difficult request. “Are they still alive?”
“They are alive, and not surprisingly they took over Ganymedes’ criminal syndicate after his untimely demise. Things have changed now. We are a highly respected family in Ilandra and cannot be seen associating with common criminals.”
“Does Leandros and the Council deal with their gang in the same discreet manner they did with Ganymedes?” I asked, hoping to find an opening.
“That is never to be discussed in this house – or anywhere – understood?” Argos answered firmly.
“Well, then I’ll assume he has avenues for contacting them. Surely you built a side entrance to your new estate? The only other people present will be Nearchus’ family, so no worry of someone seeing them here. Uncle, do me this favor.”
“All right, I’ll send them word. Leandros should be arriving home soon, seeing you here will surely give him the surprise of his life.”
After two hours, Mara emerged from our baths looking more radiant than I’d ever seen her. She was wearing an immaculate silk robe dyed in a light blue, with her hair anointed in oil and put up in the latest Greek style. She wore gold earrings, an emerald necklace and filled the room with a hint of eastern perfume as she walked. All stood instinctively in deference to her beauty, with my mother following closely behind with a beaming smile at the masterpiece she helped create. I could already envision her shouting Mara’s arrival to our family from the rooftop and parading her around the Ilandran markets for all to see. Normally the thought of such overt boasts on my behalf would make me wince; but today I was heartened by her enthusiasm which reiterated all was forgiven.
Argos poured her and my mother a cup of wine and we all gave thanks to our good fortune. We spent the next half-hour watching Talos and taking turns hugging and playing with him on the floor. Chariton then entered to inform us Helena and her young daughter, Iakovina, had arrived. She had grown into a beautiful woman and ran into the room holding her toddler.
“Andrikos! I am so delighted you are home safe – and with a family!” she exclaimed while hugging and kissing me. “Forgive my husband’s absence; his work commitments frequently call him away from Ilandra for periods of time.” After our embrace I took hold of my niece as Helena introduced herself to Mara.
“Hello sister!” Helena greeted warmly. “This is a wonderful day! Welcome, welcome to our family. Will you be staying here?” Helena asked while looking back to me.
“Mara and Talos will be staying here. My commitments demand I remain away for a little longer.” A look of disappointment shot over Helena’s face but was quickly erased as she looked back to Mara and hugged her and Talos again. “Now that you are all here, there is another bit of news I want to share.” All side conversations ceased and looked to me to determine what more information would be unloaded on them today. I walked over to Mara and took her hands in mine while looking in her eyes. “Mara and I are to marry, here in this house, the day after tomorrow.”
Helena and my mother let out elated gasps and I could already see them deciding who to invite, what decorations to place, what food to prepare.
“Nothing big, mother. I can see what you are scheming. This is to be a small affair, consisting only of the wedding ceremony, attended by those assembled here plus Nearchus’ family. D
avos and I will be leaving the morning after for Greece. You had your large wedding to plan with Helena, mother; please allow this to be a simple, quiet matter. There are two others who will be attending, Patrochlus and Alexandros.”
My mothers’ expression quickly changed from elation to a familiar displeasure at hearing the name of two individuals she thought were purged from her life.
“But they cannot be seen as guests in our home,” she retorted. “Not by the Council, by our neighbors, not by anyone,” she pleaded while looking to Argos for assistance.
“It will all be done discreetly, my dear,” Argos assured. “Word will be sent through channels and they will enter through the servant entrance.”
“Hmph!” was her defeated reply.
Leandros then barged into the room, looking like a Macedonian aristocrat. “Where is that son-of-a-bitch? Where is our family’s war hero?”
I stood with a beaming smile, both in seeing the powerful man he had become while reveling in his pride in me.
“Where is my limp dick cousin? Do you need help walking over here? I noticed a little stutter in your step.”
“Get over here and let me show you how much help I need,” Leandros laughed out as we warmly embraced.
“All right everyone, come to the dining room and sit down. Dinner is ready,” my mother ordered as seven adults and two children made our way the dining room. That evening was filled with laughs, salutes, songs and several war stories. It was one of the greatest nights of my life.
CHAPTER 35
Father was sitting in a chair in my room that evening with a beaming look of satisfaction on his face. We stood and embraced, each understanding tomorrow would be the culmination of a mulit-year journey he had been a part of in his own small way.
“And now your vow is complete,” father stated proudly. “You not only rescued Mara from a life of misery, you gave my existence a meaning I never allowed it to have. You have put my soul at ease, son, and I can now go on in peace. I will be there tomorrow with you. I will be with you always.”
World on Fire Page 28
