At the conclusion of his short remarks he looked to his executioner, nodded his head and the wooden platform was kicked out from under him. He struggled to keep his composure as the life was constricted from his body. After a minute, he lost the ability to control his expressions and eventually his face contorted into a grotesque lifeless façade.
None from General Eumenes’ camp spoke a word. None allied with General Antigonus took pleasure in the act. A morose silence fell upon the spectators as the warden cut the still corpse down. General Eumenes was the most righteous of Alexander’s Successors and the finest man Greek civilization had to offer. He loyally served the Argead House both during Alexander’s life and after his death. He was a skilled tactician and a cunning strategist who ripped victory from the jaws of defeat on many occasions. His only vice was that he was not of Macedon. Ironically, this made him the most suited and worthy to carry on Alexander’s legacy. I felt honored to serve under him.
****
The next morning our phalanx was called to formation and was addressed by General Aretes. I stood at attention behind Stephanos in our lochos while he read off the names of officers who were being replaced and those who would retain their positions. Drakon would remain the ouragos of our syntagma; Lykos would remain our syntagma commander; Androkles would remain the Strategos of our taxis. This exercise meant little to the average phalangite and after it was completed we returned to our bivouac with little change to our daily routine.
Later that day I was summoned by Vettias who had encouraging news. Hiro and Aretes had succeeded in elevating Vettias’ talents to the attention of Antigonus’ battle staff. An important task had arisen ahead of our impeding march west and Vettias was chosen to accomplish it as a way to prove his usefulness to our new leader.
“I have been summoned to General Antigonus’ headquarters this evening. I want you to accompany me. I am to act as envoy to Seleucus in Babylon ahead of our army’s arrival to ensure the gates are open to us. Antigonus did not accompany us for most of the eastern campaign so we are unfamiliar with each other, but my previous relationship with Seleucus aided in the decision. During the time our service did overlap in Greece with Philip and Alexander, I was too far down in the ranks for our paths to cross. We will have to calculate our every utterance to him even more so than with Captain Hyllos or Queen Adea. I will meet you at my quarters at dusk.”
CHAPTER 20
I arrived at Vettias’ tent that evening to find my mentor impeccably dressed yet looking nervous. We did not exchange words; rather he gave me a deliberate nod and we began our trek back across the desert battlefield toward our new commander’s headquarters. The sand had begun to swallow the broken remnants of the battle and soon all evidence of those who died here would be buried.
“This is the first step in a long journey for what remains of The Hand to guide events and wrest control of the Argeads from Cassander’s grip. Our new leader is in a tenuous state of alliance with him and that must be broken. To accomplish that, Seleucus must first be made an enemy of Antigonus.”
“But won’t that forfeit the mission Antigonus is sending us on?”
“There is a way to accomplish both goals. If we can convince Seleucus that Antigonus means to take Babylon and reconquer the whole of Alexander’s empire, he may flee the city and defect back to his patron Ptolemy in Egypt – where they will make common cause with Cassander against us. If such an axis aligns against Antigonus, he will ally with General Polyperchon in Greece out of necessity and we will be once again fighting for the righteous cause of the Argead House.”
“And do you think you can gain Antigonus’ trust to the point where he follows your advice and declares against Cassander and Ptolemy?”
“I plan on throwing him a sacrificial victim – someone worthy of such a fate. We’ve already seen how Antigonus deals with traitors. If I can produce one for him in his very own entourage, I will no doubt win his favor as a trusted agent. The prey I speak of is Peithon – the assassin of Lord Regent Perdiccas, the ally of Seleucus who denied General Eumenes’ overtures of alliance back in Babylon, and the Satrap of Medea who harbors grand designs of his own. Whispers are already falling on ears that he is enticing as may members of this army that will listen to remain here and join his satrapal army to make him King of the East. Antigonus has already made it known he cares little for the Far East and Peithon no doubt seeks to exploit the long leash that will be afforded to its satraps by seceding from the imperial yoke. How far along he is in this plot is unknown but we are going to assist in his efforts, only to present the overwhelming evidence to our new master who will be no doubt grateful. The stakes are even higher now since the defeat of Eumenes and we are minnows entering a sea of sharks.”
Vettias’ plan was grander and even more ambitious than Polyperchon’s scheme to make himself Regent. However, I found no fault in its logic; making Cassander an enemy of Antigonus was crucial to assist Polyperchon in his struggle against the false Regent in Greece, and if we were successful in Pella, who was to say we would not be successful now.
Vettias concluded his scheming as two lit torches could be seen guarding the main entrance to our former adversary’s camp. Vettias announced our intentions to the sentries and we were escorted to General Antigonus’ command tent. The encampment was more orderly than it had been the night I rescued Mara and tensions had clearly calmed. A majority of the makeshift surgeon tents were disassembled which most likely meant the majority of their patients had died. Their footprints were still logged with the thick slick of human remains and I estimated several thousand men from Antigonus’ army had died in the previous battle. If only those damned Silver Shields had held on one more day – we would have shattered this broken force in an hour. I quickly remembered that I, too, was one of those unwilling to wait for first light to hear of news of my family.
We approached the headquarters section and were announced to the General’s bodyguard detail who were out in force and displaying an aggressive posture.
“These men claim to have been summoned by General Antigonus,” our escort announced.
“What is your name and what concern do you have with General Antigonus?” the lead guard interrogated.
“I am Vettias of Amphipolis, officer serving on the former battle staff of General Eumenes. I have been summoned by General Antigonus. I am unsure of the nature of his order.”
“The General is presently receiving a delegation. Search him!” the guard barked to two subordinates. They snapped to purpose and thoroughly ensured neither of us were carrying weapons.
“Very well, sentry,” the lead guard proclaimed after being satisfied we posed no threat. “We will take custody of them. Dismissed.”
Our escort saluted and returned quickly to his post.
“Follow me,” the lead guard instructed as we were flanked by two armed subordinatess and ushered into an anteroom to the command tent that served as a holding area to the main chamber. The thick curtain separating the two rooms was drawn open, held by a thick gold rope, allowing us to glimpse inside our new seat of power.
His headquarters was decorated with many of the accoutrements of power with marble busts, carved wood, tapestries and incense. However, his tastes were decidedly Greek. General Antigonus’ long hiatus from the east, serving as Satrap of Asia Minor, hadn’t skewed his penchant for the trappings of Persia like many of his contemporaries who followed Alexander on his conquest of Asia. A foreign delegation from Parthia stood deferentially in front of the imposing man sitting on a large throne holding court. Despite his seated position, it was very apparent the man was a physical giant. He was dressed in the same manner as a Silver Shield officer with bronze cuirass, greaves and red cloak. He was by far the oldest man I had ever witnessed with such a large stature. He was in his late sixties with gnarled and tough skin, a thin grey beard, thin grey hair and his symbolic missing left eye whose socket had long been grown over by a layer of abnormal membrane.
We were inst
ructed to wait in the anteroom while the current audience departed out of a second thick curtain serving as the exit. As the delegation left they hailed the general as the Successor to Alexander and the Achaemenid Dynasty, removing any doubt about his overall intentions. Before the delegation had departed the main chamber, I was forcefully pushed aside while a young but large man in ornate hunting attire barged into the headquarters holding a spear. The delegation was alarmed by the brute entrance and froze in their place. Before I could comprehend how an armed man was able to make his way this far into the inner sanctum of power, the young man addressed General Antigonus, revealing his identity.
“Forgive my delay, father, I came from the hunt as soon as I received word of your summons.”
“Thank you for making such haste, Demetrius. Our Parthian delegation arrived early and I desired your presence,” Antigonus responded, taking pride in the intimidating impression Demetrius’ appearance was having on the startled Parthians. “Gentlemen, might I present to you my son and heir, Demetrius – General of the Left Flank during our army’s triumph here several days ago.”
The delegation bowed deferentially to the imposing young man holding a spear. The spectacle appeared staged but had its intended effect. It was unheard of in Macedonian society for grown children of a king to be armed in his presence as regicide was a common occurrence. Such a display of unity within the Antigonid House would also be unthinkable during the Achaemenid Dynasty and was meant to send a message to be carried with the delegation back to Parthia lest anyone there harbor ideas of revolt. General Antigonus rose and the two stood in solidarity as the delegation exited and we were briskly shepherded in.
Demetrius was the most impressive young man I had ever seen. In his stature and striking looks, he surpassed even Alexander. He had dark, full hair flowing over his ears and sitting just above his shoulders. His eyes were piercing dark and his skin looked to be anointed in oil. He exuded the confidence of someone who knew exactly the effect he had on all he met. As we took our place within Antigonus’ presence I heard the father whisper words of praise to his son before dismissing him.
Demetrius exited the tent following the Parthian delegation and General Antigonus’ attention now turned toward our lowly presence. “You must be the famous Vettias I keep hearing about,” Antigonus began. “Men whose council I value tell me I need to utilize your services. They tell me it is fortunate that you have come under my command. I do not remember summoning anyone else – who is this boy accompanying you?”
My heart raced as he singled me out in a seemingly disapproving manner. I diverted my eyes and looked to Vettias to respond.
“General Antigonus, Lord of Asia, I am honored by your summons and I am humbled by your kind words. Allow me to introduce, Andrikos, my apprentice who assists me in accomplishing the many tasks that have drawn praise from your advisors. Any compliment I have received has been in part because of him.”
“Be that as it may, I summoned you and only you. I will decide who accompanies you on the activities I order. Remove yourself, boy, and wait outside.” I darted out without even looking for Vettias’ approval and found myself standing alone next to a guard posted at the exit who looked at me quizzically.
“I am to wait outside while my superior speaks with General Antigonus,” I explained in a slightly deflated tone.
“Hmph. Wait over there.”
I walked to the designated spot to notice Demetrius was still in the premises talking with the Parthian delegation. They appeared to be heaping further praise on the young man and he appeared to be lapping it up. As their conversation was ending he unexpectedly looked in my direction and walked toward me with great vigor.
“You there,” he shouted before arriving at a conversational distance. “You’re audience is over so soon? Where is your superior?”
“He is still speaking with your father, uh … I mean General Antigonus.”
“Got thrown out did you?”
Now that he was in close proximity and facing me directly I could tell he was only in his late teens, probably about the same age of Mara. Although younger, he was still taller than me, with an impressive muscular physique. His dark eyes were full of life and engaged me directly when speaking.
“Let’s just say I wasn’t the one who was summoned.”
Despite his position within my new command structure, I found him easy to converse with due to his youth.
“Don’t take it personally. Why are you here?”
“I believe we are to ride ahead to Babylon in preparation of the army’s impending arrival in early spring.” This bit of information appeared to pique his curiosity as he took more interest in me.
“So you will be operating ahead of the army? Are you part of The Precursors?”
“No, my superior and I are from General Eumenes’ battle staff and carried out similar work for him. We are honored to now serve under General Antigonus.”
“How old are you?”
“Twenty-four.”
“So you didn’t fight under Alexander?”
“No, but I did see him once.” Demetrius briefly lost his composure at this bit of news and his eyes demanded I elaborated.
“I was nine. Alexander’s army had just defeated the Persians at the Granicus River. He led his army south down the Ionian Coast where my mates and I saw him marching toward Asia Minor.”
Demetrius then suddenly glanced over my shoulder which spurred me to also turn and see Vettias exiting the tent with General Antigonus.
“Well, another time, friend,” Demetrius abruptly concluded. “Good luck if I don’t see you. Seek me out when the army arrives at Babylon in the spring.”
“Assuming we are successful, I think we shall see each other again,” I replied as Demetrius moved quickly toward his father and I stood in place while Vettias caught up to me.
“You ready?” Vettias asked.
I nodded.
“Good, we’re leaving for Babylon tomorrow.”
We walked at a brisk pace through the outer perimeter of sentries and back across the barren battlefield.
“How did it go in there?” I asked.
“I can work with him. Don’t let his age fool you; he is as cunning and motivated as any of his rivals. If we facilitate a smooth transfer of authority in Babylon, as well as deliver him a traitor within his own battle staff, I think I can gain his confidence. We are to ensure Seleucus hands over the city to Antigonus without incident. He can’t afford to lay siege to Babylon since he must get back to the Middle Sea to solidify his hold on Asia and counter his rivals’ maneuverings. I am to act as his envoy and assure Seleucus their alliance is strong and there will be a place for him in the Antigonid regime. Additionally, you and I are going to uncover any dirt on that little sycophant, both real and contrived, to facilitate a split between them. After Antigonus’ arrival, I will stoke Seleucus’ fears that Antigonus looks to reconquer the whole of Alexander’s Empire under his rule and all who oppose him will be first defeated, then executed. That should scare him all the way back to Egypt into the concerned arms of Ptolemy. From there it is a matter of time before all the pretender kings ally against us.”
“What are our chances?”
“Better than Triparadeisus, worse than Pella.”
“I’ll take those odds.”
“Any issues while waiting outside?”
“Something did come up which you might be interested in. I was approached by the son, Demetrius.” This revelation took Vettias by surprise, which he quickly recovered from and immediately beset me with questions.
“What? Who started the conversation? You or him? What did you talk about? What is his manner? You didn’t say anything to screw up my hard-won affinity with Antigonus did you?”
“Do you have that little faith in your abilities as mentor? Do you think me incompetent enough to be bested by a teenager?”
“I can name one teenager, kid,” Vettias retorted with a shooting glance. The lightheartedness of his
jest led me to believe he was finally getting over all that transpired between us on account of Mara. “Go on, tell me everything.”
“He approached me, but not before I briefly observed him speaking alone with the Parthian envoy.”
“Alone?” Vettias asked. “Whatever the strong relationship he enjoys with his father, it is inconceivable he would be so bold as to converse with foreign dignitaries on official matters after his father had already concluded their audience?”
“Don’t assign such independence to the boy just yet. I doubt anything of substance was discussed. Demetrius was content to listen to the compliments paid him by the two foreigners who admired his stature, attractiveness and close relationship with his father. That, coupled with what we witnessed in the command tent, lead me to conclude the best way to his heart is through flattery.”
“Agreed. An astute point – one which we shall not forget during our time with this army. Now what did the two of you discuss?”
“Our upcoming mission. I did not say more than we were to be traveling to Babylon ahead of the army. But it was the topic of Alexander that was most illuminating. He clearly grew up idealizing the man, as most children coming of age during his time did, and he holds men who served with Alexander in high regard. If need be, a few of your war stories ought to ingratiate you to him. In time, if he does succeed his father, it may even make sense to divulge the existence of The Hand if he could be trusted to act as an earnest protector of Alexander IV.”
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