“Hades, I’m afraid,” Hiro responded with a sinister smile while nodding to Davos. “Turns out the former satrap was fomenting treason against the Lord of Asia. Good thing someone managed to alert Antigonus in time. Our general graciously invited Peithon to visit his court in Ecbatana during the winter where he was confronted with the damning evidence and executed. Davos and I of course received a debt of gratitude by our commander and I ensured Antigonus knew that you also had a hand in smoking out the traitor. This, plus Antigonus’ warm welcome to Babylon, has solidified your position within Antigonus’ trusted advisors, Vettias. One more enemy of The Hand to meet their end.”
“Peucestas is next,” Vettias added coldly.
I returned to my mates to take part in their merriment which by now had reached a fever pitch. Songs of fallen heroes were now being enthusiastically sung and many more tributes were made in honor of this battle or that woman. Vettias’ side of the table joined in and all were singing, embracing and swearing oaths as the night wore on. It also became clear to that life had continued on for my mates without me in the army and I found myself on the outside of several jokes and stories they retold during my time away. It also was becoming clear that my manner and maturity had grown considerably and I discerned a slight schism in us now. I immediately chided myself for even contemplating that I was any different from these great young men but in my heart I knew things would never be as they were along our recruitment march.
My party’s attention slowly began to turn from each other to the young women sitting beside them. As this transition occurred I quietly made my leave while instructing Ilan to ensure my mates knew which rooms they had for the evening. I then gingerly made my way to my quarters where Mara and Talos were sleeping despite the occasional loud outburst from the dinner party. I climbed into the warm bed and put my arm around my family, closed my eyes and gave thanks to the gods for allowing me this moment of fulfillment in my life.
****
Talos ensured Mara and I were the first to wake the next morning and, although I felt a little nauseas, Vettias’ advice to me the night prior spared me the pain I would normally be feeling waking this early after an evening of revelry. I eventually made my way downstairs to see two of Malick’s staff cleaning up the impressive mess left by our party. I informed one of them that Mara and Talos had risen so they may prepare them breakfast to be brought to my quarters while I made my way to the galley to procure myself some water and juice.
After finishing breakfast and spending a leisurely morning with my family I heard rumblings from the other rooms and found my guests slowly making their way downstairs where Malick’s staff already had breakfast waiting for them on the dining table. Yasmina and her girls were already helping themselves to the prepared spread and we all sat down to enjoy the fleeting moments of our time together. After breakfast was completed, Zaduga, who returned to Malick’s in the morning, escorted the women home and I said my goodbyes to my mates. Vettias appeared in good spirits and approached me after the last of them had exited.
“This turned out to be a good idea, Andrikos. I’m glad I consented to it,” he admitted with a smile. “It also got me thinking that such an event shall be hosted at Yasmina’s tonight in honor of Antigonus and his immediate entourage. After he has experienced mine and Yasmina’s hospitality, we will hold formal audience with him as previously instructed to provide him an update. I want you there to foster the goodwill Demetrius apparently holds for you, understood?”
“A good idea. I’ll meet you here at dusk,” I responded.
“We also have to tread lightly regarding Aretes’ Gilad operation. Nothing is to be said to Davos about it unless I broach the subject.”
I nodded my consent and spent the rest of the day enjoying the company of my family. That evening I donned my best attire and met Vettias in the receiving hall. Malick was also there wearing an extravagant tunic.
“You think I was going to miss this party?” Malick asked, sensing my surprise to see him.
“This should solidify our standing with Antigonus and his inner circle – along with Yasmina’s and Malick’s as well. It will be known that Malick is the charitable sponsor of the evening’s festivities.”
We made our way to Yasmina’s pleasure house at dusk, before the official party’s arrival, to ensure all was perfect in advance of Antigonus’ grand entrance. There was a fury of activity as Yasmina, dressed in her finest clothes and jewelry, directed her subordinates to make final preparations.
“Ah, good evening, my love,” Yasmina greeted Vettias. “And hello boys. Pleasant evening last night I trust?”
Malick and I bowed respectfully and entered a side parlor to avoid getting in the way of the last-minute activity. Vettias, Yasmina and Zaduga followed us in where Vettias gave us all instructions on the reception protocol, where each of us would stand and who would say what. Yasmina summoned a round of wine that we all enjoyed while waiting for our guests. After finishing our libations, we took our places on the front portico while the entirety of Yasmina’s women were arrayed along either side of the grand entrance hall. The beautiful spectacle was enough to impress Zeus himself.
We waited a quarter hour and engaged in some nervous small talk before riders from Antigonus’ private guard could be seen approaching holding lit torches. They tied off their mounts and approached with caution as they surveyed their surroundings. Vettias approached and introduced himself as Antigonus’ Ambassador to Satrap Seleucus which appeared to put them at ease.
“We ride in advance of the Lord of Asia. Are there any men under arms in this place?”
“Just the head of security,” Vettias answered while gesturing to Yasmina’s bodyguard. “You and General Antigonus are among friends here. I organized this event myself.”
“Nonetheless, we will require a walk through prior to his arrival.”
“As you wish, but please understand what type of place this is. Use your better judgment when storming through the grounds scaring all the pretty ladies,” Vettias cautioned. “Your master certainly would not be pleased to arrive at a dinner party full of terrified maidens.”
“This is hardly the first such event we have secured,” the guardsman replied with annoyance. “All proper discretion will be used.”
“Much obliged, my good man. The doors are open to you.”
Two guards were posted on the portico with the receiving party while the remaining four conducted a tertiary search of the premises. Several minutes later a posse of horses rode confidently toward the front portico. Demetrius was in the lead, followed by several young men presumably in his entourage. Antigonus, Aretes, Hiro and several others unknown to me followed close behind with a contingent of protective cavalry and attendants bringing up the rear. The large group dismounted with all men falling instinctively behind Demetrius and Antigonus as they made their way up the portico steps. Vettias was first to great them, with Yasmina and Malick in tow.
“Good evening, my Lord. It is my distinct honor to host you and your entourage this night,” Vettias greeted while bowing deferentially.
“Good evening, Vettias. I was swayed to bring you into my service on the word of General Aretes, a man whose counsel I greatly respect. You have exceeded all expectations and I look forward to holding formal audience with you tomorrow evening in my quarters within the palace complex.”
“I thank you for the kind words, my lord, and look forward to tomorrow evening. Please, allow me to introduce Yasmina of Babylon, owner and proprietor of this fine establishment.”
“If what lies inside these walls is a fraction of the beauty I see before me, we are all truly indebted to you, my lady,” Antigonus greeted warmly while gently kissing her hand. Yasmina bowed politely.
“And please allow me to introduce the sponsor of tonight’s festivities, Malick of Babylon, formerly of Judea. I can personally vouch for this man’s devotion to continued Greek rule of Asia and you shall find none more useful and helpful to your purposes when
administering this satrapy – a lifelong Babylonian with no blood ties to the native aristocracy.”
“We appreciate your generosity,” Antigonus replied, to which Malick bowed. “If what Vettias claims on your behalf is true, there will be much use for you in the future Babylonian administration.”
Antigonus’ son Demetrius followed next and was introduced to the three in the same manner.
“And now, my lord, please allow me to show you to the entrance hall,” Vettias asked respectfully as he and Antigonus climbed the stairs. Demetrius shot a smile as he passed me and the rest of the entourage were introduced to Yasmina and Malick as they made their way up the stairs behind them.
Yasmina succeeded in making a first impression worthy of her guests. Her lavish decorations, coupled with thirty beautiful women dressed in the finest silks, standing on either side of the entrance hall, had its intended effect. Yasmina then addressed the party and informed them to follow her to the dining hall where dinner was waiting. The party followed their host and the procession of thirty women to the dining hall where several tables had been set with a head table positioned at the front for Antigonus, Demetrius, Vettias, Malick and Yasmina. As if on cue, the courtesans assembled began escorting the remaining party members to their seats where the first of many courses awaited them.
My instructions were to extend my friendship with Demetrius and since I did not have a place at the head table, I made a point to sit next to Hiro, first companion to the late Eumenes and fellow member of the King’s Hand.
“Young Andrikos, you and Vettias have been busy. The Hand owes you a debt of gratitude.”
“As does it you, Hiro. You have reached the pinnacle of influence within Antigonus’ court and are first among advisors to him.”
“The welcoming ceremony Vettias contrived was exactly as Antigonus wished. I imagine Seleucus was not thrilled to be an integral part of it. Is everything in place to enact our true mission?”
“All is in place to instigate the feud.”
“And Seleucus?”
“He will find his way out of Babylon to the loving embrace of Ptolemy,” I assured.
“Good, then all is ready. Do you need my assistance in any of this?”
“Demetrius took a liking to me after Eumenes’ defeat. Can you see to it his interest in me grows?”
“Consider it done.”
I sat and enjoyed the spectacle taking place before me. Yasmina’s guests did not betray the Macedonian reputation for revelry as songs were sang and drinking contests held. I did manage to speak with Demetrius briefly but the character of the night did not lend itself to a proper conversation. I returned home as the night turned toward debauchery, confident in the knowledge Vettias and I had done all we could to ensure our plan’s success. Tomorrow we would meet with Antigonus and set Babylon on fire.
CHAPTER 31
I waited until midday to enter Vettias’ chambers to find him undressed and moving slowly throughout the room.
“Ah, good, you’re here. Ready for tonight? Go fetch Ilan and tell him I’m ready for my breakfast to be brought up.”
“Meet in the main foyer at dusk?” I asked.
“Yes, see you then.”
****
Vettias and I donned our best clothes and made our way to the palace grounds and were greeted at the main gate by the member of Antigonus’ guard from the previous night.
“Ambassador Vettias, General Antigonus bids you good tidings. I am to escort you to his quarters within the palace grounds. Follow me please.”
Vettias and I nodded and followed our escort to a separate pavilion reserved for foreign dignitaries and other important visitors. It was guarded on all sides by a lochos of phalangites in addition to Antigonus’ Company of bodyguards. A bivouac had been set up outside the structure to house the armed contingent. We were led through the foyer to a back room of suites housing a formal dining room. Antigonus, Demetrius, Hiro and Aretes were seated enjoying the first course of dinner. We were greeted warmly and instructed to sit at the two empty place settings on the end where we were informed we would be joining them for dinner.
“Vettias, my new favorite operative,” Antigonus announced. “How are we feeling after last night’s festivities? I do want to commend you for expertly carrying out your charge. I was most pleased with the army’s reception into Babylon. Tell me, what was Seleucus’ disposition during your dealings with him prior to our arrival? What about that eastern bitch who stands so contemptuously by his side, as if she is better than the Lord of Asia?”
“To be honest, sir, they were not pleased with their subordination,” Vettias responded.
“I should think not, but they supined themselves nonetheless.”
“Seleucus is an old acquaintance from the eastern campaigns. I was able to reason with the man.”
“And what point of logic convinced him?” Antigonus asked curiously.
“It’s no secret those from Alexander’s inner circle who still remain see themselves as your superior, and Seleucus is no different. Of all the Successors, Seleucus has embraced the ways of the east more than any – even keeping his eastern wife, Apama. He sees Babylon as the capital of an Asian Empire led by the two of them: a Western King and Eastern Queen to some day bequeath their kingdom to their half-breed son, Antiochus. Seleucus will not be content as mere Babylonian Satrap. He envisions himself master of all Asia, from the Middle Sea to India. Your current position has no place in his end-game. I was able to convince him to subordinate himself to the largest Greek army in the world for now and bide his time for a later opportunity lest he see his precious city besieged.”
“I appreciate your candor, Vettias,” Antigonus responded as the main course was served and all began to eat. Half way through dinner Aretes spoke up and inquired about his lost operatives.
“Tell me, Vettias, were you aware my deputy, Galen, was here in Babylon?”
“I was made aware of his presence by my informants only after the fact,” Vettias answered with intentional vagueness.
“After what fact?” Aretes asked with some annoyance for being made to voice the obvious question.
“He was killed during an inter-gang fight. Henchmen from the gang lord Murdus, boss of the Bel-Uzur neighborhood, killed Galen as he was meeting with a rival neighborhood boss named Asardin. All present at that meeting were murdered. My source for this information was a prostitute who lost a friend in the attack – a girl that worked for Asardin. I didn’t inquire further into the matter because I assumed he was conducting an operation that I did not want to get in the middle of and possibly compromise.”
“Yes, he and his colleagues haven’t been heard from and I feared the worst. Strange how they all would allow themselves to be eliminated by a band of petty brigands,” Aretes stated while staring at Vettias in an accusatory manner.
“Dumb luck I guess,” Vettias responded disinterestedly while returning his attention to dinner. An awkward silence ensued before Antigonus continued his line of questioning on Seleucus.
“So, Vettias, is it your opinion I am harbouring an enemy within these very palace grounds?”
“No more so than if another of your rivals were occupying that palace. The question is, how can you uproot him without providing the propaganda your rivals seek – if that is in fact what you want.”
“I think we can assume that is the case – but that does not leave this room, understood?” Antigonus instructed.
“Then allow me to bring to your attention a maleficence I have uncovered within the satrapal treasury.”
This statement raised the brows of all seated, especially Aretes, who now scrutinized Vettias’ every movement.
“Go on,” Antigonus commanded.
“In the course of my duties researching the satrapal state of affairs to best determine how to broker a deal with Seleucus, I uncovered a scheme to siphon money away from Babylon’s satrapal obligations to the royal coffers.”
“And this can be proved?”
Antigonus asked.
“There is a second vault within the palace, located in the royal residence. You will find a large sum of coin there. A summary review of the satrapal account ledger will prove my accusation.”
“Insolent bastard!” Antigonus exclaimed while slamming his fist on the table. “I want this little sycophant in chains by morning!”
“And how exactly did you come across this information?” Aretes inquired with noticeable agitation.
“You of all people know a source must be protected at all cost my friend. I will be more than happy to discuss the particulars of the operation in the future.”
“Most coincidental. Galen was in the middle of conducting a similar line of investigation before he mysteriously went missing. And now here you are espousing comparable intelligence with news that my deputy was killed by common criminals. A most unlikely supposition.”
“If you’re accusing me of treason against this army and a fellow colleague, then come out and say it. What possible motive would I have to so?”
“Enough,” Antigonus interrupted. “Demetrius, order my bodyguard to arrest Seleucus and seize the satrapal account ledger at first light. Tell them to search the royal apartments and secure the vault within it.”
When dinner concluded Antigonus dismissed us. As we departed, Aretes grabbed Vettias’ arm.
“You’re right, Vettias. There is no motive … for now. But if I find one, you and I are going to have a serious issue, one you won’t survive. Until then, I am willing to put this matter aside.”
“Then I have no doubt the matter will not surface again. I thank you for your professionalism despite your apparent misgivings; losing an operative is always difficult.”
“Good evening, Vettias,” Aretes concluded while walking away testily.
Vettias and I were shown out of the guest pavilion and escorted to the gate of the compound where we quickly made our way to Yasmina’s.
“We need to get word to Seleucus and get him out of the city tonight. Yasmina can get someone into the palace to warn him and instruct him to come straight here. You and I will ensure they clear the city of any of Antigonus’ men they may encounter along the way.”
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