I was snapped out of my scrutiny by the guard, who returned and brought me before the battle staff. I stood at attention while the other men made themselves comfortable to hear the day’s latest news. Sitting amongst them in a commanding oak chair was General Eumenes. He was slight in stature, with handsome facial features that were beginning to wane through high levels of stress and hard campaigning. His hair was beginning to thin and was prematurely grey. He wore armour similar to that of the Macedonian Companion Cavalry and was flanked on one side by Apollonides, Commander of his Cappadocian Cavalry, and his confidant and fellow countryman Hieronymus on the other.
Apollonides provided a powerful military weapon and Hieronymus was the only man Eumenes could trust in a crowd of Macedonian rivals. Eumenes’ appearance was meticulous, without one strap out of place or one area of brass unpolished. His eyes were very alert and his manner was of someone who took a keen interest in every minor detail around them. His mind was totally engaged in the matter at hand and struck me as someone who cut no corners. These traits aligned with what was needed of a Royal Secretary- as well as a competent leader who had already defeated General Craterus.
I stood at attention in front of these impressive men and recalled the time I stood awkwardly in front of Ganymedes. So much had changed since then and I ensured to quickly take command of the situation. “Pardon the interruption sir, I am Andrikos, Phalangite serving under Lochagos Croesus, as part of the Pydna Syntagma led by Commander Lykos, subordinate to Strategos Androkles. I was selected by Vettias, officer within your battle staff, to accompany him to the summit at Triparadeisus. I bring urgent news of this event.”
“Phalangite Andrikos,” Eumenes began. “Where is Vettias?”
“He was severely injured during our mission and is being transported here by those who have supported us along the way. I rode ahead to ensure you received the information we uncovered at the earliest opportunity. Sir, if you will allow me, I am prepared to divulge the entirety of our mission so you may understand all that has transpired.”
Eumenes took a deep breath and ordered everyone to depart the headquarters tent with the exception of Hieronymus. Once we were alone he looked at me with a smile, “None of them are aware of our little organization. If you travelled with Vettias you must have some story to tell. How is he? What happened? Speak, boy.”
“He was stabbed with a throwing knife sir- an operative of Orontes, who is now in the employ of Cassander. They have arrived at common cause in eradicating the Argead lineage.”
“Orontes? Alive? Working with the son of Antipater against the blood? You do have a story to tell. Spare me no detail and start from the beginning.”
I began with our journey to Triparadeisus, explaining Vettias’ tutelage and ensuring I communicated the importance of Mara. Eumenes was heartened to hear Ox had survived Egypt and saddened by news of his supposed demise in Triparadeisus. The revelation of Orontes and Cassander gave him pause in the same manner it did Vettias. My disclosure of Nikandros operating within his ranks prior to our departure angered him. He took the news of his assigned executioner, Antigonus, travelling north with the Kings, as well as could be expected and I could see the strategic machinations already turning in his mind even before I had finished retelling my account.
At my conclusion, Eumenes congratulated me on my service and instructed me to keep the remaining operational funds for myself while approving an additional bonus to be paid from the army’s treasury. When asked if I had any requests to make, two immediately jumped to mind. First, I ensured to impart to him the importance of Davos’ role in Triparadeisus and requested he be allowed to take the oath of The Hand and continue his work as a member of our army. Second, I requested the approval to seek out Mara should our army come into contact with the Silver Shields. Lastly, I asked the general for permission to serve with my lochos again, at least during the coming battle with Antigonus’ army. Eumenes was quick to grant my first two requests but was hesitant to grant me leave back into the phalanx for he wanted to continue utilizing me as one of his operatives. My respectful reply was that he would be gaining an operative of even greater skill with the arrival of Davos and once we defeated Antigonus I would take the oath with a healthy Vettias in attendance. Eumenes begrudgingly agreed to my last demand on a temporary basis and dismissed me back to my lochos.
“You are not to discuss any of this with anyone other than myself, is that understood? It goes without saying the existence of The King’s Hand will remain a secret; however, I am also ordering you to remain silent about Antigonus’ approach. The army will be informed of our coming struggle when I deem it necessary.
After delivering my mount to the quartermaster, I made haste to return triumphantly to my lochos after a long absence. All weight had been removed from my legs and I approached as if I were walking on air. Rather than rushing in to seek out Stephanos, however, I controlled myself enough to report to Lochagos Croesus before finding my friend. I began preparing in my mind how I would approach Croesus and announce my return. Having settled on the right words and posture to assume, I entered our syntagma bivouac and eagerly approached our lochos’ file of tents. Fears lingered about my mates resenting my absence but were allayed by the fact there were no major battles fought since my departure. If pushed on this issue, I could make the case that it was I who had put himself in harm’s way while the rest of the army sat and waited for news from the south. I had no intentions of making such an antagonistic claim without being thoroughly provoked, however.
Croesus was speaking with Second Officer Gelon when I approached and stood at attention, waiting to be recognized. Gelon spotted me first and pointed Croesus in my direction with an amused smile.
“Look who decides we are worthy enough to be graced with his presence,” Croesus announced irritably.
“Sir, phalangite Andrikos reporting as ordered upon completion of my task assigned by the battle staff.”
“Yes, yes, your special task. And did you anger those on the battle staff? Why have they seen it fit to release you back into the phalanx with us lowly peasants as opposed to the headquarters tents of our fearless leaders?”
“I chose to return to my lochos as opposed to accepting the offer to continue working for the battle staff at this time. I cannot explain all that led me to this decision but, suffice it to say, the coming weeks and months will be difficult and I wish to confront them with my lochos mates. It was neither my wish nor my order to be separated from this lochos and I intend to take my place back within it if you’ll allow me.”
Croesus was noticeably impressed with my reply and a mild look of respect passed across his face. He looked at Gelon, who shared the lochagos’ look of surprised satisfaction and gave a slight nod. “Alright Phalangite Andrikos, report to the quartermaster and draw your basic issuance of weapons and equipment. Erect your tent at the end of our file. Welcome back.”
I could not hide the smile that forced its way through my best efforts to maintain a stoic façade- ruining my near-perfect interaction with Croesus- a man I held in high regard. I raced through the tent city towards the quartermaster issuance pavilion and traversed the familiar stations, picking up all required weapons and equipment, before making my way back to my file. As I turned to leave, I ran into an old friend. I spotted Rhexenor speaking with a colleague off to my right. I approached my old friend and startled him in mid-sentence.
“Andrikos!” Rhexenor exclaimed. “Where have you been?”
“If you are finished with your business here, I wish to speak to you in private. I will tell you of all that has transpired.”
“Of course, of course,” Rhexenor replied, motioning his colleague to depart. “Come to my tent, it is nearby.”
I followed Rhexenor through the winding maze of storage pavilions, holding areas, prisons, and personal tents of the quartermaster bivouac until we arrived at his quarters. His tent was measurably larger than the average phalangite and it was clear he had benefited from his time
in the quartermaster corps. He had a quality Persian rug on the ground, two intricately carved wooden chairs with plush cushions, and an impressive couch. He had a bigger baggage train than those who fought to secure it without lifting a weapon.
“You clearly have been doing well my friend. What army did you vanquish to acquire such impressive booty?” I asked sarcastically.
“You should see the women I have access to,” he responded with a smile. “Just let me know and I’ll be sure to procure one for you.”
“Yes, I may call on you for such a service in the future. In fact, it is precisely your abilities in these matters that I wish to speak with you. I have been granted a sum of money from the army’s treasury and wish to have someone I trust ensure it is transferred to my account and begin the process for setting up a baggage train.
“Of course!” Rhexenor exclaimed, jumping at the chance to help a fellow recruit who had actually seen combat. “Don’t worry, I will make all arrangements. This is what I do. Processing a sum of money is much easier than actual items of value. I once had someone try and requisition a twenty foot long banquet table. You remember your promise to me, however; you’ll get me into the contingent that eliminates barbarian prisoners in the future, right?”
“Yes my friend, I will do all I can.”
Having taken my leave from Rhexenor after a warm embrace, I hurried in the direction of my lochos file to reunite with Stephanos. Entering my unit’s area, I saw him speaking to a small group of lochos mates- leading the conversation as if holding court. I came up behind him and tapped him on the head.
“You still finding people willing to listen to your lies?” I stated loud enough to elicit laughter from those seated around him. Recognizing my voice, he stood up, turned around and knocked me over, forcing me to drop all of my issued equipment and fall to the ground. He stood over me, smiling broadly, while pulling me up to my feet and embracing me.
“Look who returns to tell tales of Persian palaces and eastern women!” Stephanos exclaimed to the cheering of those assembled. “After you get set up, I expect you to speak to your lochos mates about your travels and adventures,” Stephanos proclaimed while accompanying me to the end of our tent file to assist me setting up my gear.
Chapter 37
I happily reintegrated into the familiar routines of phalanx life over the next few days. General Eumenes did not address the army regarding our outlaw status, so I refrained from speaking to my lochos mates about my adventures- pleading my inability to do so under direct order from Eumenes himself. This only whetted their appetite and Stephanos begrudgingly accepted my silence but commanded me to reveal all there was once I was allowed to do so.
After three weeks, I was summoned to the command tent by a squire and once again escorted into the presence of our army’s leadership. Only two men stood before me, however: Eumenes and, to my amazement, Vettias- looking to be in good health and spirits. He smiled broadly at my arrival and motioned me to come forth and be embraced.
“How have you arrived here so soon? Your wounds…are they…? I wanted to wait with you but…”
“You did just as you should have and I have told General Eumenes as much,” Vettias assured. “Our leader tells me you have chosen to renounce the life I’ve provided for you and return to your lowly position as a phalangite? You never cease to spurn my lessons,” he joked. “To answer your question, the first two weeks of our journey were a huge pain in the ass. Davos earned his weight in gold pulling my broke dick around Syria in some beggar’s cart. Luckily my wound healed to the point where I was able to once again ride. We pushed our mounts to their breaking points for the next two weeks and made it here last evening.”
“I jest about your noble decision to remain with your mates but I am serious about The Hand needing young, capable operatives such as yourself. You and Davos have proven yourselves and have been afforded the opportunity to take the oath of The Hand to become an official guardian of the house of the Argeads”.
“And the coming battle?”
“You will be allowed to take your place within your file once battle is joined. Our army is marching west tomorrow to the city of Sardis. There we will request an audience with Cleopatra, sister of Alexander. If Antipater and Antigonus have usurped the Kings, we will bring Alexander’s mother and sister on our side. The army will be informed about our outlaw status and coming fight with Antigonus this evening. You will be allowed to remain with your mates during our march. Return to the command tent after General Eumenes addresses the army; you will take the oath then.”
“Yes sir,” I replied and departed to my lochos. During my walk, I was overjoyed that Vettias was back and healthy. I was also heartened that two men whom I held in the highest regard were actively recruiting me to join an organization, founded by Alexander himself, whose goal was no less than the protection of Alexander’s rightful heirs. My thoughts turned to whether I still wanted to join such a group. If the last three months were anything like what my life was to become, I doubted whether my constitution could withstand such pressure. Would I be the one flaying enemies of the Argeads or sawing off fingers? Would I find myself one day tied to a chair enduring unspeakable tortures? A violent death was more than a possibility for me in the lochos to be sure, but at least I enjoyed the universal bonds of my brothers-in-arms. In the end, my Achilles’ heel, the need for older male guidance and empathy, won my inner dialogue and I decided I would be the man Vettias and Eumenes wanted me to be. My life would have a cause greater than battlefield glory or the pursuit of wealth. I would serve the men I looked up to and whose affections I sought. Tonight, my life would have a greater meaning.
Upon returning to my bivouac, Stephanos grabbed me and brought me into his small tent. “Alright you little shit,” he accosted me with a smile. “I want to know what is going on.”
I looked at my most trusted friend, returning his grin and took a seat on his flimsy bedroll. Knowing General Eumenes would be addressing the army tonight, I ordered Stephanos to take a vow of silence and motioned him to move in closer so I could speak at a low decibel. I avoided discussing anything regarding The Hand and ensured my narrative conveyed my actions were done on behalf of our army. I omitted details involving Mara, Orontes, and our dirty business with Pirus and Shifty. I did speak about my audience with Queen Adea, our experience with the Silver Shields, Antipater’s arrival, our escape, and Antigonus’ march north. I also included my time at The Fair Peach, which almost caused my dear friend to faint with envy. Our time in Stephanos’ tent reminded me of my family rapt on every word of Leandros except I could not tell my friend all that had transpired- which made me wonder what sordid details my older cousin omitted during his recitation. I concluded my tale with my triumphant return to Eumenes’ command tent and reciting all that had occurred to our general.
Despite having to leave out large segments of my story, Stephanos was still exuberant for me and my good fortune for experiencing such adventures and returning unscathed. “But I still don’t understand why you were chosen for such an important task. Surely others are more qualified to do such actions,” Stephanos asked without malice.
“It is because I knew nothing that I was chosen. The Fates saw to it that I met my mentor in the surgeon’s tent on two occasions, one of which was during your brief infirmity. It could have easily been you had you broken your arm back when Drakon was drilling us mercilessly. In fact, there were many times during my absence that I thought you would have been a better choice.”
“Don’t belittle yourself. A lot of good I would have been with a rolled ankle.”
“I thank you friend, and again, I implore you to honour your vow of silence. General Eumenes will address the army tonight and inform us Antigonus One Eye has been made General of Asia and given custody of the Kings. He marches as we speak towards Cappadocia to face this army for supreme control of Asia.”
Stephanos appeared pleased we would face our enemies in the field again. The unbelievable defeat of
Craterus by our army had created a strong sense of invincibility among the phalangites. If we could defeat an army led by the most respected and capable general to survive Alexander, surely we could defeat a force led by a man in his late sixties who remained in Anatolia throughout the great conquest of Asia. Stephanos embraced me and we departed his tent to perform our menial tasks before being called to formation.
After two more hours, the horns could be heard calling the army to formation. The Strategos’ motioned to their syntagma commanders, who in turn barked at their ouragos’, who then yelled at their lochagos’, who screamed at us to take their proper places in formation. I had missed the sense of security induced by the crush of my mates standing shoulder to shoulder in formation. Before we had all settled, I called to Bacchylides and Spear, whom I caught glimpses of several files down from ours. They responded with elated smiles and mouthed words informing me we would catch up later tonight. A hush now came over the assembled army as General Eumenes approached. My absence from the lochos pushed my position within it towards the back, precluding me from seeing Eumenes and having to rely on heralders repeating his words to hear his address.
“Men,” Eumenes began with a loud and confident voice. “Who among you doubts that we fight for the true Kings of Macedon?” The army remained silent at the rhetorical question. “Who among you would accept our cause unjust because a usurper deems it so? Who among you can claim I do not ensure my men prosper under my leadership? Who among you believes me illegitimate to lead you because I am not of Macedon? Does that fact not make me the most trustworthy to protect the Kings’ interests? I have no illusions about where my future lies. I do not seek to be King. I do not seek a dynasty. My sole purpose is to serve the Argead line and ensure their rightful place as Macedon’s monarchs sitting on the throne of the Empire Alexander conquered. We find ourselves in the unpleasant situation of fighting those we called brother just one year ago. Make no mistake; upon the defeat of their leaders, we will call them brother again.”
By the Sword Page 35
