Tridas

by Alan, Mark

  Title

  The Rushing

  Her Mesmerizing Aura

  His Gains And Happenings

  Pleasure And Lust

  Getting Closer To The Past

  Love Continues

  Cracking The Code

  Power Temptation

  Genius Makes The Difference

  Enjoying Safety

  Craving For More

  Events In Rhodes

  Cautious Approach

  Unraveling The Secret

  The Belief

  Impatience

  Amazing Beauty

  Strengthening Their Bond

  Touching Hearts, Solving The Puzzle

  Rumours And Restlessness

  Ready To Deliver

  Establishing The Links

  The Escape

  Building Immunity

  Pain Is Not A Disappointment

  Preparing For The Kill

  Unearthing The Real

  The Twist Of Summer 326 B.C.

  Coming To Terms

  The Art Of Reliving

  Out Of The Myst

  The Magical Necklace

  Courage Does Pay

  © Copyright 2015 Mark Alan

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form without written permission of the author.

  Any errors, omissions or copyright infringement are unintentional.

  Cover Art by Konstantin Kiselyov

  Kindle mobi/ePub Formatting by Access Ideas, access.ideas@yahoo.com

  Dedication

  To Rose Marie,

  For teaching me to never give up

  Amidst brokenness,

  The Creative brings healing

  Hope is a waking dream

  ~ Aristotle ~

  Lapses were getting worse, muscles had grown stiff, but he managed to open the top on his roadster Healey Mark III. Aven, then took a deep breath, and the sweat from a near death experience, combined with the cool evening wind, was reviving his senses. Stepping out of the car to gather his bearings, he came to a sliding halt on a canyon road just outside Toppenish. He recognized the area which was just a few miles from his vineyard. The experience was surreal. Everything seemed so common, but couldn't figure out what made him come here. Dropping onto the driver's seat, he switched on the radio... Matchbox Twenty's Unwell came on... "Fitting" he thought audibly, "I'm going crazy".

  He shot through the desert curves, top-down, music on a high, trying to recall the evening's events prior to the spin out. Just minutes away from his 'residence at the winery', that's how he thought of it anyway, (Rhodes would always be home) the music from the chateau began to drain out the radio from the vintage speakers.

  "Awe the after party, for the new label release" Aven thought again audibly. A spin out, down the canyon road made a little more sense now, but Aven Antipater was the consummate host and a stickler for not drinking and driving. The more he remembered, more contemplative his thoughts became.

  He entered the gated drive of the vineyard and proceeded up the hill leading to the winery, the drive was lit with luminaries cut with a Catalonian "C" the trade mark of his new red blend - Cavani. The chateau was truly a castle in every sense of the term, but the courtyard that served as host to the party, proved to create an intimate affair. It was a perfect blend of enthusiasm and style with homage to old world chivalry... A true reflection of Aven himself.

  The limelight was always a way of highlighting Aven. His velvet tux and characteristic black and white loafers, were red carpet worthy, but could never compete with the blue in his eyes, accentuated by a textured linen bow tie and matching lapel blossom. Charming... And upon entering the courtyard he was met with applause and crystal clinks. Every eye was on Aven, but his eyes were column focused on the 'belle of the ball'. She was a striking brunette with all the right curves and radiant amber eyes. Her perfect curls lay on an open back vintage Dior red on red, off the shoulder dress, caressing her body in all the right places, paired with a Harry Winston V shaped diamond choker and matching drop earrings. Looking over her shoulder, their eyes met and her smile made time stop momentarily.

  Cutting a path through the crowd towards the beauty in red, Aven reached his arm around her waist and pulled her close. "The release is a success, naming the label after you, is just another of my brilliant ideas." Aven whispered with a smirk into Kavani's ear.

  "Yes, my name blended with your favorite soccer club, was a brilliant idea I had, for your latest red blend". Her playful banter, made her even more sexy.

  "I'm sorry I was late. It's all a bit hazy... Was I away from the soiree for minutes or hours?"

  "Baby," with weight in her tone, "You have been gone for days." Her serious look was broken by her laughter, "You are so funny, you walked in just moments behind me... Come dance".

  "I'm not sure, may be time does stand still when I am with you”.

  Love is composed of a single

  soul inhabiting two bodies

  ~ Aristotle ~

  No panties, left Aven awestruck, unzipping Kavani's gown. The vintage masterpiece was no comparison, dropping to the floor revealing perfect tan skin. Her back shoulder tattooed with a dove and inscription of an Aristotle quote. The winery still had guests mingling about, but Aven needed her now. It seemed too long since they had been close. From every angle Kavani's curves made Aven growl in anticipation and his hands grabbing her with just the right force unleashing goose bumps, making her somehow even more sensual. Now he had her, intimately close, and they were lost in each other's passion.

  The next morning came sooner than either wanted, yet the early sun was welcome. Aven was traveling to DC again to help decipher another code that had Pentagon analysts stumped. Kavani would be headed back into her Seattle Law Office, meeting with one of her many pro-bono clients to grant legal expertise. Most people see attorneys in a negative light, but not Kavani. It was innate to her being to fight the system for the underdog, making sure justice prevailed once all sides were heard with equal footing, presenting the facts unbiased. The not for profit, Water is Life, was the client on her calendar this afternoon. She reveled in the thought of being a part of saving so many lives around the world. She had experienced so much death, it’s not that she actually remembered it, but deep inside she feared death for sure.

  Both were thankful for the 2 hour drive to SeaTac airport, not yet ready to be apart. The change in scenery from the canyon desert hills to the evergreens of Snoqualmie Pass, reminded them both of the beauty of Washington State. Reaching the summit, Kavani was tempted to veer off and grab a few runs down the slopes. She loved snowboarding and she was good, not surprising most of everything came easy to her. That was part of her magic, but what didn't flow easy, she worked hard at, pretty much leaving the world and all its activities as her footstool. Aven was athletic, but had yet to try boarding.

  "Sometime Soon Star," was the consensus from their mutual looks, up the mountain and then back to each other.

  So the Mazda stayed the course. Kavani could have had any car she wanted, but she liked "the lines" of her car. For all her style and grace, she was also practical, besides if she wanted a few "less practical" options to drive on any given day, Aven's garage was full of them. Down the west side of the mountain, the sunshine gave way to rain.

  "It's what makes Seattle so lush and green" Aven proffered as they entered the corkscrew, drop off area of the airport.

  "Easy to say while clutching on to a boarding pass Love”. Her eyes had such a sexy sparkle when she snapped back in sarcasm. Little did she know, that the rainfall in DC during March is off the precipitation charts. Aven could care less, he caught a hint of her accent from a previous life... A sound that would always drive him wild. The goo
d bye kiss began. They were an hour early. Good timing, they were definitely going to need it.

  The roots of education are bitter,

  but the fruit is sweet

  ~ Aristotle ~

  Stepping off the plane in DC, a driver was waiting with the traditional sign reading AVEN ANTIPATER.

  We should arrive at the Pentagon building within 7 minutes, Sir.

  "No rush, merge onto the George Washington Parkway and take the memorial bridge to Lincoln Circle” Aven instructed.

  The town car was relaxing in a luxurious way, but the monuments were the true source of comfort for Aven. The scale and design of the national treasures struck a chord, they always had. The symbols, inscriptions and very materials spoke to his soul. He felt in harmony with this city and its position of power.

  After literally absorbing energy the National Mall offered him, Aven requested a comfort stop prior to proceeding on to the Pentagon. Aven was staying at the 5 star Hay-Adams Hotel, only #2 on Washington's premier list, but it was more attuned to Aven's taste than the Jefferson.

  The Pentagon had intercepted encrypted communication between protestors against the seizure of the Thailand government. It is the 38th coup, since Thailand ended absolute monarchy in 1932. The military, forcefully removed the elected government after declaring martial law.

  The news footage showed armed soldiers patrolling the streets and inspection points in the Northeast near the Cambodian border, where suspected supporters for the ousted, populist government remained strongest. In a speech, The U.S. Secretary of State, focused on the value of the long term friendship with the country, but this recent action would have negative implications for investors and tourists who have fueled recent economic growth. The Pentagon was reviewing its military relationship with Thailand, but no decision had been made. The truth was they needed Mr. Antipater's assistance. This coup signaled a new level of dysfunction, but did not make sense for a country that has long been one of the world's fastest growing economies; nor did the level of sophistication of the codes being passed among protestors. Something felt different about this coup, maybe it was simply missing facts, that would reveal themselves within a couple of days, but the situation felt like it was a part of a bigger plan. If answers were not shifted to action, a violent backlash could result.

  336 B.C.

  Alexander the Great became the ruling emperor of Macedon the fabled land of King Midas. His father Philip came to dominate the entire Greek world, but with the conquest of Alexander it became the most powerful state in the ancient world, not only leading Greece, but seizing the Persian Empire, Egypt and extending territorial control into India. The leading general for this monarchy was Antipater, a noble son of the Argead dynasty.

  While Philip was redesigning the army of Macedon, Antipater was the strategist executing the offensives. Philip's innovation of the traditional forces into his legendary Hetairoi - a well armored heavy Cavalry and expanded light infantry carrying long spears and shrunken shields, rapidly expanded the borders of his kingdom. The treaties, from these defeated peoples and compensatory tributes, were then administered by Antipater who was appointed Regent of Alexander's empire. The wealth of the empire was under Antipater's reign. He oversaw the mines and with them the minting of coins. The forests of the world providing timber for ships of war and commerce were under his administration, as well as the land properties and port duties and taxes. The territory flourished under his leadership. He had been a family friend to the monarchy... close advisor, strategist, warrior, general, and regent, but at the death of Philip, Alexander's mother Olympias wanted more.

  Antipater not only embodied power and wisdom, but his structure was of perfect dimension and his understanding of the sciences including ancient secrets, peaked Olympias' interests.

  Known for her foray into the cultic and mythical dimensions, Antipater's past excursions to the greatest libraries in the world intrigued her. He had also used his influences to bring Aristotle, from his hiatus on Mytilene, to be Alexander's (as well as his own) tutor. Young and tested in body, yet sound in both soul and mind, Olympias could not avert her eye.

  Olympias claimed descent of Achilles. In tribute to his fall, she had instituted a memorialization convoluting elements of the cult to Dionysus with a celebration of "the free one". An organic spree, only for women, focusing on the magic within, when the constellations of the bull and serpent were in alignment... happening every 5 years. This season hosted in Rhodes, coincidentally where Antipater would be meeting with Memnon and Pharnabazus the leaders of the Persian fleet.

  Pleasure in the job puts

  perfection in the work

  ~ Aristotle ~

  All night at the DoD had left Aven wiped. Recognizing Aven as he entered the lobby, the concierge motioned for him to approach.

  "Your guest is waiting for you in your suite Mr. Antipater..." he said in a softer voice accompanied with a knowing nod.

  "And you made my usual arrangements, I assume". Aven returned with his characteristic smirk, knowing that at most times all men wanted his life.

  "Of course Sir, he said with an added twist”.

  Aven didn't always like "twists," but he trusted the staff at the Hay-Adams and in his years of patronage, he had never been disappointed.

  Approaching his suite, and this definitely was his suite... the 1100 sq. ft. Lafayette Park luxury suite #1820. Numbers, as symbols were important to Aven and views of the park in front of the White House and St. Johns Church through the expansive low floor windows provided the old world architecture that soothed his soul.

  Entering the room, it was not the amenities that caught his attention, but the tease of a familiar perfume. He loved these rendezvous in DC. His trips here always required exhausting hours connecting the dots between the latest conflict and then strategizing the most effective U.S. response. His problem solving skills were second to none. Aven seemed to have untapped knowledge and almost a "magic" way of presenting a solution, but right now he needed to let his mind rest and engage other parts of his body.

  He could hear the water running in the bath off the master bedroom. A shower sounded refreshing, but the anticipated company made it tantalizing. Aven rounded the corner into the dining room and took note of the silver cart displaying a layout of various cheeses & fruits as well as a decantering bottle of 2007 snake river reserve, a competitive label to his vineyard, but with a meaning of all its own – his usual. This time it was accompanied by cheesecake.

  "Nice Twist." Aven was often hungry after ravishing sex.

  He stripped off his jacket and loosened the knot of his tie. Dropping his shirt on the bed, he made a direct line for the steamy shower. His tailored pants looked even tighter as the water sucked the fabric to the muscles in his legs. She loved it, but wanted what was underneath. Unbuttoning his pants, she slid them down as he caressed her skin. He liked her in the lower position, but in one motion lifted her up onto him. Pressing her to the wall, the colder tile delivered shivers up her back as Aven's lips covered every inch of her body. She was now on tip toes with one leg straddling Aven's shoulder. In this entanglement Aven was nearly drowning from inhaling water while sucking her body, but other sensations as well as the sounds of her pleasure, blocked out all other realities.

  Never missing an opportunity, Aven looked up breathlessly, "How was the meeting with Water is Life?"

  Kavani replied, "Don't stop"

  ***

  Finally making their way from the bedroom... to the wine and cheesecake...

  "You are a pleasant surprise".

  "I knew you would be late at the Pentagon, leaving me easily 5 hours and 17 minutes to provide you some much needed relaxation." She smiled and time stopped.

  Morning came quickly, as it always did on their DC rendezvous, but this time Aven had forgotten to mention a surprising work related detail... the initiative in Thailand requires actions that need to happen outside the country – in Cancun to be exact. The op would be off book, a
s always, so Kava would be free to join him. She could also see firsthand Water is Life's work on the Yucatan Peninsula, including adding water filtration systems in remote areas outside the Hotel Zone.

  Arriving mid evening, the 8 story Palapa, a thatched hut, that shades the stunning lobby of the Fiesta Americana Condesa resort provides an ambient lit welcome to home for the next few weeks. And Carlos, the Lobby Bar mixologist, provides another welcome – Grand Marnier margaritas.

  "I'm going to grab another mojito from the swim up bar, can I grab you something?"

  "Sangria...extra wine." Kava chimed, "Be quick, I want to play (which meant win) the next round of cornhole". Funny name, great game, especially at the poolside in Mexico.

  Volleyball was the original plan, but a pack of "Olympic wanna-be" man-boys, overtaking the hotel for a 3 day sales conference, were monopolizing the court. It was fortuitous, more cornhole practice.

  Kava looked amazing in her barely there scrunch butt bikini. Aven never wanted to leave the pool when she wore that black swimsuit, yet he knew there were other activities that required his special gifts on this trip as well. Rain kept them indoors for a couple of days, but the return of the sun meant it was time to get back to work,,, if you could call it work,,, an excursion to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

  The trip to Chichen Itza, the capital of the Maya Empire, was about 2 hours from the hotel. They couldn't join a tour. It would be better to explore the Temple of Thousand Columns and the Pyramid of Kukulkan, during a less populated time. The Morning tours left at 8am, but didn't arrive at the ancient city until close to noon.

  "We are ahead of the crowds Baby; Take a swim at the cenote?"

  "Frolicking in the woods, sounds amazing!"

  Entering the sinkhole down a long staircase below the earth's surface, the cavern half filled with water from rainfall over millions of year, was a natural phenomenon - A completely closed swim hole with just a small opening at the top.