by Jay Penner
I took the letter, and my hands shook.
“How recent?”
“Not too long ago, only a few weeks,” he said, and relief washed over me like a soothing waterfall. I opened it gently as if it might crumble and vanish into the air.
My dear husband. Poseidon keeps us alive, and his mercy wrenched us back from the filthy hands of a slave trader. We thank General Eumenes for his generosity. The messenger says you will be with us soon. Why do the gods punish us so? Alexa asks every day when her father will appear from behind the trees. I pray that you will not abandon us for these years have been terrible and my body can only survive so long. Send us a letter.
The words opened a grievous wound in my heart.
My wife was blameless.
My child was blameless.
It was I who put them there, and only I could set this right. Sorrow welled up my chest, and for the first time in many years, tears fell. The drops turned to a flood as I hung my head and my shoulders shook. The Governor said nothing as he waited for me to regain my composure. I wiped my eyes and face with my sleeve and looked up. Eumenes placed his hand on my shoulder and I did not push back.
“We live for our loved ones, Deon, there is nothing to be ashamed of,” he said.
I nodded.
“Your debtor had sold them to a slave caravan, but I paid part of your debts to secure them back. They will be safe, for now. I have no desire to hold your family as ransom, but we find ourselves in a wicked world.”
“Are they here with you in this camp?” I asked, hopeful but knowing the answer.
“No. They are back with your lender. I have enough to worry about than to have them with me at this juncture. They are safe, and they await you. As I said, your debt is not fully paid, but they will stay and continue their obligations to the lender until you return.”
Burning hate rose in my belly for Krokinos who, after all, had decided to sell them without waiting. But it also dawned upon me that Eumenes had left me with little choice. He had not freed them, but only secured a temporary relief. My wife was still with Krokinos. Eumenes had at the same time helped me and yet held us all hostage. I took several deep breaths and calmed myself. We paused our conversation as I penned a letter to my wife.
Apollonia, the star that shines so brightly in my life. Not a day passes without longing. I am well and with Governor Eumenes. I will return within a year with a handsome bounty that will settle our debts and let us lead a life of dignity. My heart is filled with shame for what I have wrought upon you, and the gods punish me daily. Be strong for us, for our daughter, and pray that Poseidon’s mercy remains with us. I ask Krokinos for kindness and patience.
I knew Krokinos would read the letter, and I had to make sure there were no recriminations. Once the letter was turned over to a messenger for the next dispatch, we returned to business. Eumenes ordered for some fresh lemon infused water which brought relief to my parched, angry throat. We sat down and continued. I knew Eumenes would now turn his attention to the affairs far south, where Perdiccas was getting ready to attack Ptolemy in Egypt—another worrying development we had to contend with.
“I want you to meet Perdiccas and relay our victory to him. Ask him to hold off the attack on Ptolemy if he can until we regroup.”
I did not look forward to meeting the Regent, but I nodded my assent. “When do I go on the search, sir?”
“After the message to Perdiccas. And when you are away on the search, I will move my army south to meet him in Egypt.”
“Why should I not go on this mission instead?” I asked. Going to meet Perdiccas in Egypt would only add to the time.
“I need a trusted messenger to reach Perdiccas and to ensure he does not do something stupid until I have mustered my strength. Without Perdiccas our quest may be fruitless if I cannot hold what we find.”
“Do you think you will win against Ptolemy?”
“Perdiccas may be foul-tempered, but he was Alexander’s best general. With Seleucus by his side, and me as well, Ptolemy will crumble.”
“Assuming Seleucus does not betray Perdiccas,” I said, knowing the ephemeral nature of the alliances.
“Of course. Which is why we need to forge our destiny. I will also provide you with a small number of experienced bodyguards for your journey to Egypt.”
“Can I trust them?”
“They are as trustworthy as I could gather. I will also be sending orders, in my authority as the governor of Asia-Minor, to grant you safe passage for your journey.”
I thanked him. We still had the outstanding questions—
How do we find the Second Atlantis?
How would we guard it?
What do we do with it?
It would be of no use if we found it, only to have it stolen.
“And one more thing, Deon, I have found the perfect person to help you in the search. She brings skills you will find invaluable.”
“She?!”
Eumenes then refused to answer any questions. With a sly grin, he said that he had administrative matters to attend to and that he would introduce me to ‘her’ next morning and help us prepare for the journey south. I was angry that he kept me in suspense, but also intrigued. Eumenes did not make such choices without reason, and more importantly, on matters of such great import.
As any man might attest, I did allow my mind to ponder upon who this woman might be. Would she be a goddess, with a perfect face, her hair lustrous, breasts firm and big, fecund hips, and a curvaceous behind? Or knowing the games the gods have played on me, she would breathe fire, and be big enough to eat me if she were hungry. I hoped not.
I was a man without companionship for a very long time. My encounters with women in Persia and Gandhara had not gone well. My one attempt to have a mistress had failed after a handsome soldier from my regiment seduced her. I then limited my involvement by availing services for payment, and after a terrible curse on my genitals after one such union I had finally given up on any womanly pleasures. The next morning, I had to control my curiosity and irritation as Eumenes introduced me to my bodyguards. Four from the Cappadocian cavalry, and four from the Argyraspides.
The split between the Macedonians and the Asians was how Eumenes would keep betrayal at a check. Once we met with Perdiccas near Egypt, my bodyguards would stay back until Eumenes arrived with his forces, and I would continue onward with my mission—with ‘her’ presumably.
Finally, late in the morning, Eumenes finally summoned me to his tent. He was alone, serious, and gestured me to sit by his side. “Deon, the time for you to travel is near. Do you feel comfortable with the bodyguards?”
“One of the silver shields is a bit boorish, but they appear committed.”
“Good. Tell Perdiccas it will take us two months or more to arrive there, but he should wait to join us.”
“Why can you not use the mountain top messengers to relay a quick message?”
“Because those relays are broken. Antigonus’ forces have infiltrated the countryside, and I cannot trust what is relayed back and forth.”
I nodded.
Finally, the time to meet my companion arrived.
“Are you curious to meet her?”
“My erection can only hold so long, Governor.”
He laughed, throwing his head back, and then shaking it in admonition. “You will treat her with respect,” he said and pointed his kopis at me.
“You do realize that having a woman by my side poses a significant risk. The world is hostile, Governor, and you may have noticed that.”
“I am aware, but I want you to meet her. You have the memory and muscles Deon, but that alone is not enough.”
“Are you expecting that she seduces everyone to giving up their secrets, throw their weapons down, and do our bidding?”
“I am not assigning a prostitute or a seductress to you.”
“I do not need a housemaid to clean behind us.”
He smirked. “I am appalled that you think so lowly of
women. Do you forget that Alexander’s mother is still a formidable force? Or that Adea, still sixteen years of age and wife of our mentally incapacitated king, is a thorn in the commanders’ sides?”
“They are not common-born, and not out in the wilderness with no army behind them, sir.”
“There is a good reason I have chosen her. She has traveled widely and has seen danger. Stop complaining now,” Eumenes said, in mock admonishment. He grinned and clapped for a guard. After what seemed like an eternity, a head peeked through the tent. She tentatively stepped in, head bowed, and greeted Eumenes. “Greetings, Governor Eumenes. Reporting as asked, sir.”
She did not look at me.
I had imagined a withered maid with parchment arms, or an emaciated slave looking like a dried orange. She was none of it. She radiated an aura that bellowed, “Not a slave.”
Eumenes acknowledged her and said, “Deon, this is Eurydice.” Eumenes must have registered a surprise on my face, so he clarified. “No, I have not secretively taken the Macedonian Viceroy’s daughter hostage, this is not her.”
Eurydice. I was sure it was not her real name.
She was petite, with long dark hair that fell to her narrow waist, mesmerizing green eyes, light olive skin, and a face that was more reminiscent of the beautiful Persian and Sogdian women. She had a delicate nose, not quite Greek or Persian. She had modestly covered herself with a fresh, unadorned cream gown that draped around her upper body, and until her knees. She wore little jewelry—two small hanging earpieces, and a modest necklace with little flower-beads.
“Greetings, Eurydice,” I said. Nervous. She raised her eyes to me. Clear and inquisitive. She was judging me just as I did her. I wondered what she saw.
“My greetings to you, commander.”
Soft, gentle voice. I imagined her to be a progeny of a Persian, Macedonian union. I began to worry. Not only did I have a difficult quest, I now had to manage this delicate flower. What was Eumenes getting me into? Was she Eumenes’ spy?
Eumenes intervened to fill the silence that encompassed the tent. “Eurydice, perhaps you should tell your commander your abilities.”
She nodded. “I speak eight tongues, commander, and I can wield a knife,” she said, as her eyes sparkled mischievously.
Eight tongues! Sorceress? Do I put this pretty little creature on my lap as I ride hostile territories?
“I can ride a horse just as any man can,” she said like she read my mind.
“Deon, I told her that she would act as your translator. She will be invaluable in learning enemy troop movements and decipher any gossip.” He winked, and I nodded. So, Eurydice knew nothing, and I had to figure out how to use her skills without exposing the truth. I understood Eumenes’ intention—often interesting stories of the past are buried in fables, tales, poems, and songs of the region—and someone with the knowledge of many languages would be a great asset. Eumenes had masterfully assessed a gap in my capabilities.
“Eurydice, do you realize that this is a challenging task? We will first meet the Regent Perdiccas in Egypt, and then head back again and regroup with Eumenes.” I asked, putting on my officer’s tone.
“Yes, sir. I am aware of the risks.”
“And that this will take several months…”
“I am aware of that as well, and I am at your service.”
Eumenes interjected. “Deon, she is not a slave, so treat her with respect as you would any honorable woman.”
I nodded with some irritation. What did he think I was? Just because I tried to open a brothel did not make me a whore monger!
The absurdity of it all.
“Do you know the dangers of this mission? Why did you agree to it?”
“Yes, sir, I do. I owe the Governor,” she said, cryptically.
I looked at Eumenes quizzically, but he offered nothing else. “You will have plenty of time on the road to learn about each other. For now, I suggest you prepare for your journey and leave at dawn,” he said and dismissed Eurydice.
She turned and walked out of the tent. We would meet at the first light of dawn and begin our long journey back to Egypt.
“Can she handle this, sir?” I asked, still unconvinced.
“I am sure she can convince you that she can. She is no delicate flower, Deon, of that I am certain. Take good care of her, take advantage of her skills, and do not pry into her past as there is pain that must not be surfaced,” he said, gravely.
I decided not to press further, but could not resist asking, “Is her name Eurydice?”
Eumenes laughed. “Her name is of no consequence, Deon, but know that she will be of great service to you and that I share a bond with her father. Treat her well and protect her.”
At dawn, the group assembled by Eumenes’ tent. We were all heavily armed and supplied—cuirass, kopis, javelins, shields, knives, protection orders, food, water.
Eurydice had changed; she wore a shorter pale blue tunic, and unlike most women’s open skirts, she had tied the garment around her knees on both sides making it easy to mount horses or run if needed. Her hair was an unusual bun. A long, serrated dagger, uncommon among the troops, hung from her waist clipped to a thick leather belt. She was a strange sight—a gorgeous warrior.
Eumenes came to greet us, but first, he pulled me aside. “The fate of the empire rests on you now, Deon. I trust you more than anyone else, and I hope the gods protect you. I will await news from you.”
“I will do everything in my ability to reach Perdiccas, and then proceed to solve this mystery for you, Governor. You may be our best hope to preserve Alexander’s empire.”
And my family.
There was pride in Eumenes’ eyes; he smiled, stepped forward and firmly embraced me.
“When all this is over, I hope to visit you in your magnificent villa by the seas,” he said, and I grinned.
Or in the afterlife.
He addressed the group.
“Your mission is to ensure Deon reaches the Regent with great speed. You are under his command, and I expect that you pledge your unquestioned loyalty to him. Remember that enemy forces are along the coast. May the gods grant you safe and uneventful passage.”
I led the group—Eurydice beside me, and the bodyguards in a split formation of four in the front, and four behind. As the horses galloped, I looked back one time, seeing the little Governor stand still and watch us as the dust obscured our path and sweat blurred my vision. Our long journey to Egypt had begun. And on the way, I aimed to collect clues and hints that might point to the start of my quest—only the gods knew if this would bear fruit or if we were pursuing an allure that never really existed except in the fertile mind of an ancient fraudster.
JOURNEY TO EGYPT
❖
The journey to Egypt from Hellespont takes us through varied landscapes. The greenish, grassy mounds and flat lands change to more rugged, mountainous regions as we come closer to the borders of Syria to turn south towards Egypt through Phoenicia. We stayed away from the coast for that was often the preferred path of other armies. The route had not yet become dangerous, and the hills offered cover and secrecy. Once in Syria we moved inland, and the lands here are fascinating. As we rode south, to our right were green mountains, not full of trees or thick with foliage but matted with dull, uninspiring shrubbery. To our left are the unending flat lands of Syria—a land with nomads, fierce tribes, and bandits. Here, between the flat lands and the mountains, a traveler finds that the ground is not so benign—it is rough, rocky, and the roads are far less travelled, making it difficult for the horses and men. Water is scarce, and the sun beats down on a traveler with a vengeance. The dust is fine with the smallest of grains, and with no water to keep it glued to the earth, it rises and pinches the eyes, nose, and coats our lips and parches the tongue. In such terrain we rode with speed—at this rate it would take us another forty to sixty days to reach Egypt, and with the gods favor, we would face no major obstacles. But even then, the mornings and evenings show the b
eauty of the world, as light reflects off the land bathing everything around us in a red-orange-yellow glow.
But of course, the travel was not without incidents.
This woman frustrated me. Her feminine appearance was a lie—a rebellious fire burned within her and she had again disobeyed my direct order not to interfere in a skirmish. I would have any other soldier whipped, or even executed by now for insubordination, but I had to deal with her on the Governor’s orders and for the skill she brought to the search.
“This is the third time—third! If this happens again, I will have no mercy on you for being a woman, I will have you beaten,” I shouted at her. She stood quietly with no expression in her face.
She still held a bleeding ear in her hand—the one she had sliced off an attacker.
A demon in a dainty form.
The others stood around, perplexed but admiring her courage and willingness to put herself in danger.
“Why? You realize your role in this journey is not that of a soldier, like the others,” I said, pointing to the other men.
She said nothing, and I was losing patience.
“Do you want me to send you back with word that your value is outweighed by the danger you pose?”
“No, sir,” she said, softly.
“Well then stay within the protective covers—”
“I can protect myself, sir—”
“What did I tell you? Your role is not to fight, but to aid me in decoding local speak to ensure our journey is without peril. That is all!” I shouted.
“Yes, sir.”
I dismissed her. She dropped the ear to the sandy ground and walked back to her small tent. It was difficult to believe that this woman was any kind of a fighter. But a fighter she was, and my few attempts to understand her history were unfruitful. I remembered my conversation the day after we departed Eumenes’ camp.
“Where are you from, Eurydice?”
“A village west of Persepolis, sir.”
“Where exactly? I am quite familiar with Persia.”
“I don’t really know, sir. I moved around.”