“No one has shown you how to fish before?” I asked.
“No, I am not allowed to go down to the docks,” he responded in a deflated tone.
“What do you do for fun?”
“I play with mommy. I play war with my toy soldiers. I spy on the dark men in the castle.”
“And what are they like?”
“They speak a funny language, but they usually don’t say anything. They don’t eat very much either. They are always praying. Every time I get close to one of them they move away from me. I don’t like it there. Are you a soldier?”
“Yes.”
“Did you fight in any wars?”
“I did.”
“Did you kill anyone?”
“I did.”
“Did you know my father?”
“I was too young to fight with your father, but I would have. I was a little older than you when I first saw him. He was marching his army near my home in Ionia. He was a great man and a fearless warrior. That same blood flows through your veins. You too will be a great man someday, but you have to be strong. Are you strong?” I joked while grabbing his bicep and shaking it.
“Yes, yes,” Alexander replied while laughing.
“I don’t know, this feels a little soft,” I continued while tickling his armpit.
“Yes, yes, stop tickling me!” Alexander pleaded while laughing hysterically.
“All right, all right. You’re going to wake up the whole town.”
We sat for another half-hour until Alexander’s line began to pull. “Oh, oh, I have one, I have one!”
“Pull the line up slowly. You got’em, you got’em,” I encouraged.
Alexander pulled up a bluefish onto the boat and frantically tried to grab it while it jumped furiously on the deck.
“Get him, get him!” Alexander yelled as I assisted in trying to get a hand on the panicked creature. I eventually grabbed the bluefish and presented Alexander with his prize. His eyes were beaming and his smile was from ear to ear. As he inspected his trophy he asked in a concerned tone: “Do you think the hook hurts the fish’s mouth?”
“I don’t think fish feel pain the same way we do. I don’t think it hurts him.”
“Are we going to eat him?” he asked.
“If you want to.”
Alexander took a look at the creature and decided against it.
“Shall we let him go back to his friends?” I asked.
“Yes, his mommy is probably scared for him,” Alexander answered.
I gently unhooked the bluefish and gave it to Alexander. He held it tight with both hands and awkwardly threw it back into the water. We sat together for another half-hour and he began resting his head on me. I wanted to swim to shore with him at that moment and be done with this sordid life. I wanted to take him away from his violent world and raise him myself in Ilandra. I wanted him to live a normal life with his mother. I put my arm around him and thought of Talos. He too was missing his father at this very moment and I vowed to return home at the first opportunity.
“I want to go to sleep with mommy now,” Alexander announced.
“All right, son. Let’s put these poles away.”
I walked him over to Rhoxane who was speaking with Davos in hushed tones, and she scooped him up and carried him off to sleep.
“That kid is leading an unhappy life,” I stated to Davos, genuinely saddened by his current lot. “What are his prospects – even if we get him into Antigonus’ custody? Antigonus will certainly use him for his own purposes. And when he comes of age? What then? Will he bypass Demetrius and hand over the throne to Alexander IV? I fear we are trading the boy one depressed existence for another.”
“Rhoxane is unhappy as well, but it’s not for us to decide,” Davos responded. “We are mere pawns of Alexander’s remaining generals and faithful servants of The King’s Hand. Since Polyperchon’s defeat in Macedonia, Vettias has become the effective leader of The Hand and he has instructed us to retrieve the Argeads. The operation was sanctioned by General Antigonus and that is all we need to know.”
“Are you content with this? We swore an oath, in the presence of diviners to the Cult of Alexander himself,” I responded, feeling more weary of our actions as I thought more about them.
Davos audibly exhaled and moved close to me. “There’s a reason Antigonus prohibited Vettias from coming on this assignment – more than Amphipolis being his childhood home. It is true, Antigonus cares not for the fate of the Argeads; he would use them just as Cassander is now and discard them when they no longer suit his purposes. Aretes informed me of the full extent of our mission, what is to come after we have rescued them from Amphipolis.” Davos paused for a long moment before continuing. “Rhoxane and Alexander are never to make it to Antigonus’ camp – we are to kill them.”
“What?” I gasped with a hushed outrage while seizing his arm forcefully. “That fiend!”
“He is no different than any of the others, Andrikos. None of the Successors vying for power can risk Alexander reaching maturity.”
“Then why go through this sick charade of rescuing them – risking our lives in the process?”
“Because no one can know Antigonus was behind the killing of Alexander; and the kidnapping of the Argeads puts his adversaries on the defensive since they will not be sure who has them and whether they are alive or not. It’s actually a shrewd move on his part. If Antigonus chooses to keep his custody of the Argeads a secret, the other Successors will be content to continue the charade that Cassander is keeping the Argeads safe in Amphipolis until Alexander reaches maturity. Now, Antigonus has no knowledge of our history and certainly is unaware of the existence of The King’s Hand, so we are very fortunate to be the one’s charged with this task.”
“You can’t be considering such a blasphemy, such a deicide?”
“Of course not,” Davos snapped. “Do you think me so willing to renege on a blood oath?”
“What are we going to do? If we disobey our orders, we will be hunted by all sides. My family won’t be safe.”
“Your family is what I have in mind. After Gull drops us in Byzantium, we are going to take them to your family’s compound. Your immediate family members will be told of their true identities and sworn to secrecy. They will tell everyone else that they are the widowed family of your deceased brother-in-arms serving in the wars of succession and you swore an oath to him to look after them in the event of his death.”
“Keep the Argeads at my house? With my family in Ilandra?” Such a scheme sounded so preposterous, I barely was able to get out the words. But as I thought about it, I began to see Davos’ angle.
“If Antigonus knows they were kidnapped but believes they are in fact dead, and the rest know they were kidnapped and believe Antigonus to be secretly harboring them, than no one will be looking for them. We will be the only ones who both know they were kidnapped and know they are still alive. This is the only way we can stay true to our oath.”
“And what about Vettias?”
“He and Hiro will be the only living souls that are told of this information outside of your family. The Hand will be disbanded and only we four remaining members will know the true secret of the Argeads – a secret that will die with us. Alexander will live a happy, normal life in Ilandra. And so will Rhoxane”
“Do you think they will agree to such a ruse – one they must live for the rest of their lives?”
“I think such an offer would be the greatest service one could do on behalf of Alexander IV, and would be welcomed as such by Rhoxane. A reprieve from the incessant scheming and controlling by men who care nothing for them. He will be free for the first time in his life. This is a grave decision and one that must be made by both of us without reservation. Are you willing to enter into it with me?”
“I am.” As Davos explained it to me, I now saw his plan as the best way to remain loyal to our oath while convincing Antigonus of Alexander’s death.
The two of us shook hands
and embraced as we retired for the evening.
****
The next morning we sailed out of port and left Macedon behind us. We were now in Thracian waters, under the control of Lysimachus who would become aware of our escape in the coming days. Tensions were high as each passing vessel brought a pit in my stomach for fear of being boarded. I grew closer to Alexander during this time while Rhoxane grew closer to Davos. One day while fishing, I was summoned by Davos who was standing with Rhoxane at the bow of the ship.
“Andrikos,” Davos began sternly, “Rhoxane and I have been speaking about her prospects within Antigonus’ army and I’ve decided it is time to discuss our plan for her.” Davos now turned to Rhoxane and took her hand in his, “My lady, there is no question Andrikos and I saved you from certain tragedy under the control of Cassander. However, you are right to be skeptical about the prospects Andrikos and I can offer you under the control of Antigonus.” Davos again let out a long exhale before continuing.
“My lady, I am going to tell you two absolute truths. First, and true to our word, Andrikos and I are part of a brotherhood dedicated to the protection of the Argead bloodline. Second, is that none of your husband’s surviving generals want you or your son alive. Our general, Antigonus, is no different in this desire. In fact, we were instructed to ensure you and Alexander never made it to Antigonus’ camp alive.”
Rhoxane took a step back and paid closer attention to her surroundings, almost expecting her end to come upon her at any moment.
“Fear not, my lady. I tell you these things because Andrikos and I have no intention of fulfilling this charge. Our oath, sworn to the protection of your family, will always ensure we defend you and we have devised a plan to secure your safety for the rest of your lives. It will require a lifelong commitment on your part, however, and I must be certain you are steadfast in seeing it through.”
Rhoxane looked more at ease as Davos assured her we were not the assassins she feared us to be and moved closer to us once again so as not to let the crew hear our conversation. “Tell me what you have in mind?”
“A new life. A simpler life. A life of security and obscurity. A life of love and family, far away from the scheming of your husband’s Successors. It will require abdication of all claims to your names, titles and inheritances in order to live out your years peacefully, with Alexander by your side. This is an exclusive opportunity that can be given only by us and only at this very moment in history. If you refuse, you and Alexander will remain hostage to men who wish to usurp the Macedonian throne and who view your son as the primary impediment to that ambition. The chances of him reaching maturity would be minimal. If you accept, you will no longer be royalty and can never divulge the secret of your past to anyone. This prohibition would extend to your family in Bactria as well, at least in the near-term. As the years pass, it may be possible to contact them clandestinely.”
Rhoxane remained quiet as Davos described our plan to bring her and Alexander to Ilandra with my family. When he was finished, there was a long silence before she responded.
“I convinced myself I wanted this life after my father and Alexander decided we should marry to consolidate the Persian Empire and end the war in the east. But, in reality, I never wanted to leave my family, or Bactria. Giving birth to my son allowed me to rationalize my position but I’ve come to the conclusion long ago that I’d rather have not given birth to him than raise him in the cruel existence we now find ourselves. What you describe provides a life we could only dream of during the past years and I accept your kind offer.”
“It will be difficult for young Alexander to comprehend what must be done and we mustn’t waste anytime sensitizing him to this new reality,” I added. “The boy has taken to me. After you explain it to him in your own way, I will work with him to ensure he is ready to live out his new persona.”
“I will speak with him tonight,” Rhoxane assured. “We will be ready when the time comes.”
CHAPTER 40
The days at sea wore on as we neared Byzantium and the number of vessels we encountered increased significantly as we neared the busy Ionian coast. Rhoxane had introduced the idea of a new life to Alexander which remained difficult for him to grasp. One afternoon while fishing off the stern of the ship, I decided to try and speak with him about it from a different perspective.
“Did your mother speak with you about what is going to happen when we arrive at port?” I asked.
“She said I am to be someone else. She said I am not to be the king anymore. Does it mean I am no longer my father’s son?”
“No. You mustn’t ever forget that in your heart. It is the very fact you are your father’s son that we must never tell anyone about who you really are. Sometimes we defeat our enemies in great battles between warriors. Other times, we must use our wits and trick our enemies to achieve our goals. Like every great man, your father had enemies. These men would try and hurt your father by hurting you and your mother. That is the last thing your father would ever want and therefore he wants you to trick his enemies by hiding far away, in a place they will never find you and your mother. You see, where we are going, you will not have any armed guards, no armies, no navies to protect you. You are the man of your family now and must protect your mother to ensure she is always safe, right?”
Alexander nodded his head determinedly.
“That is why you have to be strong and do as you’re told when we arrive at your new home. The way you will be the man of your family and protect your mother is to make sure no one ever knows who the two of you are. She will always be your mother but others will know her by a different name. They will only know you by a different name as well. What do you want your name to be?”
Alexander thought for a moment before answering. “I don’t know,” was his response.
“Well, we have some time before we decide, but I want you to think about it.”
“What will my new home be like?” he asked.
“I think you will like it. It is a town called Ilandra. It is where I grew up. You and your mother will be living with my family in a nice house where there are no guards and you can move about freely. Ilandra is on the coast so you can go to the docks whenever your mother allows it to fish or watch the ships coming and going.”
“Can I have my own fishing pole?”
“You most certainly can. You can also go to the gymnasium and have friends, other kids your age to play with when your mother allows it.”
“I think I will like Ilandra,” Alexander declared before leaning his head on me. “Will you be there too, Andrikos? Will you fish with me?”
“I will indeed. But when we first arrive I cannot stay. Davos and I must depart for a while, but I promise you I will return soon and will fish with you whenever you want. While I am away, I need you to promise me something. I too have a son. His name is Talos. He is younger than you and I need you to take care of him in my absence. Will you take care of him for me?”
Alexander nodded and the two of us sat with our feet dangling off the stern of the ship and our fishing lines in the water for the remainder of the day.
****
Two days later, Davos and I were napping in our berths while at sea off the Thracian coast when we were riled awake by the crew members yelling and running about.
“We are being hailed! We are being hailed!”
Davos and I ran on to the deck to see three naval triremes, sailing the flag of Lysimachus, approaching our ship, signaling their intention to board.
“Get down below!” Gull shouted to the four of us. Rhoxane picked up Alexander and raced below deck where Gull was waiting. He ushered us into the empty cargo bay where he opened a concealed hatch leading to a small, dank compartment. “Get in the smuggler’s hold!” Rhoxane lowered Alexander down and followed him into the pit.
“They cannot be discovered,” Davos implored. “Tell them you are returning to Byzantium from delivering a shipment to Athens. I will reimburse you whatever tax they demand.�
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Gull nodded while Davos and I descended into the smuggler’s hold and Gull closed the door behind us. The compartment was pitch black with a filmy layer of water on the floor. Rhoxane instructed Alexander to remain silent as the sounds of the boarding ships could heard on the other side of the wooden hull. Men were shouting and several pairs of footsteps walked onto our deck.
After several minutes, forceful steps were heard moving in the direction of the cargo hold. I looked up to see sandals stepping above us through the small gaps of light shining through the spaces in the wooden planks of the hold.
“As I told you, we delivered our cargo to Athens and are on our return voyage to Byzantium,” Gull explained convincingly. “All crew members are on deck. We are stowing no passengers.”
“You made a voyage from Byzantium to Athens without a return haul?” an angry voice inquired. “How can you afford such a long return journey without carrying a load back? What was your cargo?”
“Several items of value – purple dye from Phoenicia, salt, incense, silk fabric, glass, wine and other items.”
“Byzantium is held by Antigonus. Where does this ship swear allegiance?”
“To the Argead King, Alexander IV.”
“You are sailing through waters under the authority of General Lysimachus and must pay a passage tax,” the marine demanded. “Fifty drachmas.”
“Twenty drachmas.”
“You should be lucky I don’t fire your ship with your crew on it,” the marine shot back. “Thirty five.”
“Aye, allow me to retrieve it from my quarters upstairs.”
We heard the footsteps depart and several minutes later we heard what sounded like the naval ships unmoor themselves from our vessel and depart. Moments later, the hatch opened and Gull informed us the navy had moved on. He helped the four of us out of the smuggler’s hold with a look of suspicion toward Davos.
“What have you gotten me into, Davos? They could have just as easily burned my ship. It’s a good thing we weren’t hauling any cargo otherwise they surely would have helped themselves to it like common pirates. These two aren’t who I think they are, are they?” Gull demanded, looking at Rhoxane and Alexander.
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