World on Fire

by Christian Kachel

  The next day was hectic, with mother cherishing her new role as wedding organizer – assigning everyone tasks to be completed for the coming day’s ceremony. Davos was even enlisted in the effort, to which he begrudgingly complied. To her credit, mother summoned all of her resolve not to shout her good news from the highest point in Ilandra, and dutifully ensured her orders were carried out discreetly. With everyone executing her instructions, she occupied most of her day pampering Mara in Greek marriage rites while Helena procured wedding attire, jewelry and decorations for the house.

  Due to my bride not being Greek, the small window of time in which to hold the ceremony, and Mara not having a male to give her away, much of the traditional Greek marriage customs were disregarded. Despite this, it became clear my marriage was the greatest gift I could give my mother and I was happy to do it. Mara, perceiving how important all this was to her new family, put her natural discomfort with such attention aside and allowed herself to be primped and trimmed by the woman who would soon call her daughter.

  Leandros did not have Council business after dusk and sat with myself, Argos and Davos to make me recount all I had told my uncle regarding events in the east. He was especially impressed with my new role within the army and agreed that I would be well positioned to procure a satrapal appointment for him in the near future. Dinner that evening was a quiet affair, with all assembled thoroughly exhausted after busy preparation. Everyone retired early that evening in order to wake up the following morning to ensure all was ready.

  At dawn, my nervous energy propelled me first out of bed and I immediately went about the house performing miniscule alterations to the decorations and furniture which made little, if any difference. Mother rose next and informed me she had procured the High Priest of the Temple of Artemis to perform the marriage in our home. The small party of guests would be arriving one hour before the ceremony, which was to commence at noon.

  After a small breakfast, all returned to their quarters to bathe and dress for the ceremony. I was first back down in the sitting room and was there to receive Nearchus’ family. His mother, Tyro, hugged me with tears in her eyes as a sign that she had forgiven whatever blame she assigned to me in Nearchus’ suicide. His siblings, all much older now, each hugged me respectfully.

  “And where is Argeaus?” I asked Tyro, not seeing Nearchus’ younger brother.

  “He’ll be arriving with your two friends, Patrochlus and Alexandros,” she answered with some disappointment. I nodded in recognition that, despite Argos and Leandros’ attempts to keep him from such a life, Argeaus was now a full-fledged member of Ilandra’s criminal underbelly. The rest of my family soon emerged and embraced Nearchus’ relatives warmly.

  After a half-hour of catching up, Chariton rushed to alert me that my invited guests had arrived. I followed him to the rear entrance to allow myself a moment to greet my mates away from prying eyes. I found them waiting in the rear galley, along with Argeaus, standing somewhat awkwardly, with the knowledge they were less than welcome in my home. When they spotted me smiling with open arms, all insecurities disappeared and Alexandros ran over and lifted me off the ground with a strong bear hug.

  “Andrikos! You swine! I’ve missed your ugly mug. Are you back for good?”

  “No, brother, not yet. But my new family will remain here in my absence. I can count on you to look after them, correct?”

  “Not that anyone living in Leandros’ house needs protection, but rest assured, they can safely walk any street from here to Ephesus at any hour. Every home will be open to them and every manner of respect paid to them by friend and stranger alike. Don’t think we have forgotten all you did that night. We owe our current lot in life to you, brother. We’ll always be indebted to you for that.”

  Despite forcing me to again remember that terrible night which set in motion all that had happened to me since leaving Ilandra, seeing my loyal, jovial friend after so many years filled my heart and brought an uncontrollable smile to my face. He was wider, stouter and hairier since my departure, but he still retained his distinctive good nature. Argeaus then deferentially shook my hand and made his way to the sitting room to allow his superiors to reunite in private. Alexandros stepped back to allow me to greet Patrochlus.

  “Don’t think you’re getting some slobbering love affair from me,” he jeered with a warm smile. “Our esteemed colleague is correct, however. Your actions allowed us to usurp Ganymedes’ network and we’ve since expanded north to Ephesus. We haven’t forgotten that brother,” Patrochlus stated sincerely as he moved forward and embraced me.

  “I understand your sentiment. But if you are truly in my debt then do me the courtesy of never bringing up that night again. Let us only focus on the happier days of our past and the promise of a renewed relationship upon my return.”

  “Agreed,” Patrochlus nodded, while releasing his grip.

  Patrochlus looked older, more mature, but weathered and worse off – as if the years of criminal undertakings weighed heavily on his features. His hair was thinner, his skin was tough. He had gained some weight yet looked weaker to me. The positive changes in my appearance and confidence stood in stark contrast to my mates, which hung over our reunion and was felt by all. They emanated a feeling of smallness to me which slightly dampened the mood.

  Alexandros broke the tension by feeling my arms and chest. “Look at our little Andrikos, all grown up and ready to take on the world. What are they feeding you in the army? We could use some of this muscle in our outfit. You know you have an equal seat at our table when you return.”

  “Thank you, brother. I won’t forget it. Now, shall we make our grand entrance?” I asked, to which my mates smiled nervously. “Don’t worry brothers, you are welcome here on this day.”

  They nodded their consent and the three of us entered the sitting room to join the rest of the wedding guests. The High Priest from the Cult of Artemis had arrived through the front entrance during our brief reunion and all was now ready for the ceremony to begin. Mother arranged everyone before retiring to her chamber to fetch the bride. The priest called me to his side at the front of the room while Mara emerged and took the hand of Argos who had agreed to stand in her father’s stead to give her away. She wore a pure white silk dress with small pieces of gold woven into the fabric that caused her to shimmer when she passed through beams of sunlight from the open windows. A thin veil hung over her head and face that boasted small pearls at equidistant intervals. Her hair was fashioned in an intricate Greek style and flowed gracefully from the back of the veil.

  All turned to view this personification of beauty making her way to the head of the gathering where I stood beside the priest. I shook Argos’ hand and raised the veil back from her beautiful face as she took her place beside me. Leandros then brought a sacrificial lamb to the priest who ritually slaughtered the animal with a ceremonial dagger. When the lamb had succumbed, the priest proclaimed that the gods favored the union and proceeded to recite the marriage rites. I took Mara’s hand in mine as the priest recited various oaths and vows. I looked to mother and Helena who were holding each other with teary eyes and proud smiles. When the priest finished the ritual, Mara and I asserted our undying loyalty to one another. We sealed our vow with a kiss and the ceremony was complete. A loud cheer rang out from the guests as Chariton opened several excellent jugs of wine and placed food at different stations throughout the house.

  The merriment lasted late into the evening before the last remaining guests, Alexandros and Patrochlus, took their leave and stumbled home. They had asked Davos to join them for further revelry but he was decidedly unimpressed with their drunken disposition and curtly declined, choosing instead to end the evening with Leandros and Argos. Mara had even partaken in the festivities and allowed herself to enjoy the evening. It was a perfect night that ended with Mara and I retiring to a guest chamber within the house to consummate our marriage. Everyone slept in the next morning and when I made my way down I saw Davos eating a breakfast p
repared by my mother, with his belongings neatly packed beside him ready for our coming departure.

  I sat next to him and my mother came around to hug me and give me a plate of food left over from the wedding. One by one, everyone made their way downstairs to eat whatever their lingering hangover would allow. When Mara and I finished, we retired back to our chamber with Talos to say our goodbyes in private.

  “I leave content in the knowledge you and Talos will always be loved and provided for. I swear to you that I will return at the earliest moment I can and will raise Talos into manhood – I promise you. Last night was the greatest night of my life and it was all due to you and Talos. I will return to you.” Tears welled up in my eyes as I picked up Talos and hugged Mara. I felt a new understanding for my mother’s frequent outbursts of emotions over Helena and myself as the thought of leaving my family again made me feel physically sick. It took all my constitution to return downstairs and once again say farewell to my family.

  Everyone stood in succession, with my mother and Helena at the end with tears running down their cheeks. I shook Chariton’s hand, embraced Leandros, then Argos, before reaching Helena. She wrapped her arms around me and professed her love and pride in her brother. She also vowed to take care of Mara and Talos and implored me to return home soon. My mother was now all that remained between my journey, and she stood with an expression of sadness and intense pride. We hugged for several moments and I could feel her tears on my cheek.

  “Promise you’ll come back to us soon. Please promise,” were her departing words as I nodded my consent and followed Davos out the front entrance, mounted my horse and departed for Macedon.

  CHAPTER 36

  We traveled north for several days before arriving at Byzantium. Davos commanded me to join him for a night of women and drink that evening on the Asian side of the city where we found a suitable establishment for debauchery. I agreed to his demand with the caveat that I would be content to drink double the latter and recuse myself the former. He agreed, on the condition he would not carry me home in a blackout state. The next morning, we crossed the Hellespont into Thrace on our way to Amphipolis.

  Thrace was now considered enemy territory, ruled by former Alexandrian General, Lysimachus. He had recently thrown his lot behind the Ptolemy-Cassander alliance against Antigonus, which Vettias suspected Orontes’ hand in. Despite Macedon’s new-found wealth, Thrace remained relatively poor and rural. We passed through several Thracian coastal cities, including Bisanthe, Cypsela and Maroneia, the fabled home of the Cicones in Homer’s Odyssey. In addition to being a stop on the hero’s voyage to Ithaca, Maroneia had a more recent and useful reputation – its remarkable wine.

  Davos and I spent two uninhibited nights in the coastal city enjoying its infamous libations. The locals claimed the poor soil and rugged terrain obliged each vine to fight a solitary struggle for its existence which added to its fruit’s character. Its potency was so concentrated, one could cut it with ten parts water and the saltiest marine would still find it satisfying. We spent almost a full day in one tavern that served a particularly bold red while talking over a number of courses of action for our mission. At noon on the third day, our strength had finally returned enough to mount our horses and continue our journey. Maroneia was the last settlement in Thrace. Our next stop was Philippi – the easternmost city of Macedon proper.

  Upon entering Philippi we were now in territory owned by Cassander. Philippi was the furtherest point along the newly constructed Macedonian Royal Road, which meant we were only four days’ ride from our destination. Philippi was the place of Davos’ birth so we remained inconspicuous during our brief stay. He did, however, visit the graves of his wife and daughter late that evening to mitigate the chance of someone recognizing him. I accompanied him from afar and watched as he stoically paid his respects to his loved ones. We departed at first light the next morning for the last leg of our journey.

  Along the Royal Road from Philippi to Amphipolis we began to plot our first moves and decided to seek out Vettias’ contact, Spyro, after procuring lodging. On the fourth day, we saw the outline of Amphipolis’ substantial outer walls. The city was the site of extensive warfare in its relatively short history since the Athenians established it as a colony over a century ago. Relative peace and prosperity had come after it was conquered and brought into Macedon proper by Alexander’s father, Philip II, and now housed the heir to Alexander’s Empire.

  The main gate saw a steady barrage of travelers and merchants streaming in and out while the docks teamed with trade and fishing activity. We found an inconspicuous inn to place our belongings and tie off our horses while we walked around for hours to get acquainted with our new surroundings. The docks and main thoroughfares were comparable to other larger Macedonian cities but Amphipolis also boasted an impressive fortified acropolis with temples, government buildings and a fortress which held the Queen and child King.

  Once we were content with our familiarity of the city, we made our way to meet Spyro, using the directions Vettias provided. Spyro owned a tavern near the outer city wall in a quiet neighborhood. It was evening now and a cool breeze gusted down the vacant street. Davos gave a nod and we entered the drab venue to find two solitary drunks and a grisly proprietor fitting Vettias’ description. We sidled up to the three oak timbers nailed together that formed a serving table and gave a nod to Spyro. The two patrons did not pay us any attention but our man examined his new patrons quizzically as it was apparent newcomers did not frequent this establishment often.

  “You two lost?” he snickered while handing us two dirty cups of wine.

  “We were sent here by an old friend of yours – someone who hasn’t been here in some time,” Davos answered cryptically.

  Spyro raised his brow slightly with a modicum of interest.

  “We are colleagues of Vettias. He told us to look you up,” Davos explained while handing him a small scroll. Spyro read Vettias’ short note and smirked.

  “Vettias. You mind if I keep this?” he asked, to which Davos nodded. “So what’s your story?”

  “We seek some information about the fortress on the acropolis. I hear there are some important guests residing there these days.”

  “The Argeads. And their eastern friends.”

  Davos and I looked at each other and back at Spyro, demanding an answer.

  “No one I know has actually seen them but there are rumors that savages from India now guard the fortress. No visitors are granted entry. The dark men never leave the fortress grounds. That is about all I know of it. Well, I guess you know my name and I know yours from Vettias’ little note here, but we will introduce properly. I am Spyro of Amphipolis, proprietor of this fine establishment. Vettias trying to storm that bastion?”

  “I am Davos, this is my companion, Andrikos. We have worked for Vettias for some time and continue to do so. If you know Vettias well then you know his work requires discretion. Can we call on you again should we require assistance during our stay?” Davos asked respectfully, passing him a few coins. “This is from our mutual friend. He sends his good tidings.”

  Spyro nodded and moved on to his other patrons. We finished our drinks and exited the establishment toward our lodging.

  “Orontes is no doubt behind the Indian guard, given what he told me back in Pella,” I surmised with confidence. “He went native during the eastern campaign and has some sick infatuation with the culture and some savage leader named Chandragupta Maurya. Antigonus spoke of him at a recent staff meeting. He thinks this barbarian is Alexander incarnate and waits for his conquest of the empire while harboring a seething hatred of the Argeads. He’s clearly assembled a group of easterners that hold no allegiance to the Argeads to ensure no escape can be attempted. He may even be in that fortress as we speak.”

  “Let’s not call it impossible just yet. Everything run by man has a vulnerability. This fortress is not under siege and is safely within Cassander’s control, therefore they most likely do not have la
rge stocks of supplies on hand. Everyone needs to eat and tomorrow we’ll begin staking out the fortress to determine patterns and procedures for the delivery of provisions. If Orontes is here, we’re not leaving until we kill him. I’ll meet you in the lodging galley tomorrow for breakfast and then we’ll begin our reconnaissance.”

  ****

  I met Davos at our galley and ate our lodging’s meager fare in silence. The Amphipolis acropolis was an imposing structure, sitting atop a hill looking over the city below. It had its own impressive inner-wall whose entrance was manned by two city guardsmen. Their presence was on behalf of the special guests residing in the fortress, but since regular business was conducted throughout the acropolis grounds, they were not impeding anyone’s progress in or out. Despite our unfamiliar faces receiving extra scrutiny, we were allowed to enter the complex.

  We walked unnoticed by the Amphipolis elite as they conducted business in the courts, government buildings and Temple of Poseidon. Alexander had commissioned the construction of an impressive temple complex and several wealthy Amphipolis residents had built their homes within the safety of the acropolis wall. None seemed to even look in the direction of the fortress gate that was guarded by two Macedonian sentries. Several enterprising merchants managed to obtain permission to set up food stands near the government buildings which spawned impromptu eating areas that were becoming permanent fixtures and provided a perfect vantage point for observing the fortress gate.

  We entered the Temple of Poseidon to sell our presence on the acropolis and found ourselves in an ornate ante-room. A thick incense wafted throughout the building as temple officiants, priests, beggars, merchants, sailors and citizens conducted their business with the god of the sea. We followed the crowd and passed through the threshold into the main hall which housed the deity.