by Alan, Mark
I willingly submit to your final decision, but humbly present my perspective should it add to your adept understanding of this pending advent of the King of Macedon.
Your Servant,
Antipater
The parch would be carried to Rome tomorrow morning. Sending this indeterminate response to Calvinus would create time for him to receive word from Allatore, bringing to light any ulterior motives being bantered in spite or jest toward the Roman Republic. In any case, Antipater sensed fate had a fresh path for him and his love.
Legio landed in Macedon. The revelry of Alexander's recent marriage filled the city with merriment and carousing. He easily made his way to the palace courtyards, but the sheer number of the guards was intimidating no matter their cognitive state. Circling the grounds, the lower balconies seemed the most defenseless. Once inside, he could inquire of Allatore's where-abouts, but outside the inner sanctum, it seemed too suspicious to attempt. Scaling the wall, he had entry. Using a wall tapestry, Legio fashioned a makeshift tunic bearing Alexander's sun crest to further legitimize his subsequent inquisition of fellow guards regarding Allatore's station.
Not wanting to illicit too much attention, Legio downplayed the urgency or threat in his question to the approaching soldiers, "Allatore requested new wine casks be delivered to the royal banquet room, can you lend a hand?"
"We are all enjoying the festivities soldier, but I would suggest you to bathe and find a proper garb. Allatore does not accept any lack of discipline”.
Legio, queued into the comments, assuming the role of a drunk, "Just help me move the casks". Nearly stumbling into his audience, "I'll take a lick for my behavior, but not for disobeying a direct request!"
"Follow me. None of us wants to be the next victim of a drunken King Alexander, disappointed with a minion". The taller of the two steadied Legio and they proceeded to the storeroom to gather Amphoras of wine.
Legio knelt down to unsettle an Amphora from its partial burial, when the other soldier scoffed, "Not posca rations you fool, Allatore will expect pure grape for the King and his bride”. The soldier sampled a few casks on the far wall, "Sweet as honey, flavored with Aleppo pine resin, and rose in color. This is wine fit for our King!" The three of them hoisted the Amphora from the storeroom. As they entered the banquet chamber, Legio faned an exhausted fall towards Allatore, who skillfully side stepped the assault and drew his sword extended towards Legio's crumpled mass on the floor.
Legio immediately spoke, "May the tip of your spear stay sharp".
Allatore froze, "What is the nature of this disruption?"
"Fresh wine as you requested, Sir. My fellow soldiers assisted me in the task. I have GREATLY enjoyed these celebrations to our King" Legio recited, still in character.
"You two are dismissed. You come with me". Allatore gestured, with his sword towards Legio. "This behavior is not acceptable in the presence of our King". Escorting Legio, into an empty corridor.
"I have a word". Legio stated handing Allatore the parch from Antipater.
"Yes, I knew from your phrase. Antipater must have great trust in you. Now we must get you to Aristotle".
"The Consulship trusts you can advise on Alexander's intentions". Legio offered.
The response surprised Allatore, yet he did not disclose this in his expression, but did instantly decide to hold details more close to the chest. "We can help, but now we need to find you a safe place before your departure back to Rome".
Aristotle was pleased to have word from Antipater. Reading the parch, he looked to Allatore.
"The Consulship of Rome is concerned about Alexander's intentions on his visit to the Roman Republic. Their Champion, Antipater, is seeking our counsel on this matter". Allatore clarified.
"The stories of this Antipater have reached my ears. Are his exploits true or exaggerated?" Aristotle asked Legio.
"Antipater is unique. There is none more skilled. Yet it is his mind that separates him from the rest. He is willing to listen to foe and friend alike to discover the truth. I believe that is why I am here. The ability to approach a problem with unassuming confidence grants him the upper hand. His prowess is only tempered by his love for his family and our Republic".
"Sounds like a man worth following". Aristotle stated, in the tone of a proud father.
"I would follow him into the depths of hell, if he requested my company". Legio spoke unequivocally.
"This reminds me of the legends of our own Regent Antipater. Will he be present at the arrival of Alexander to Rome?" Aristotle continued to query.
Repressing no detail, Legio answered, "His presence has been requested by the Consulship, but Antipater is the key agent to peace in the southern territories. He has negotiated a temporary cease to fighting with the Samnite tribes, but the situation is tenuous and his absence could prove deadly for Naples. I could sense a fear for his home that is rare in his countenance".
"Antipater makes his home in the Neopolis?"
"Yes, he and Kavani left Rome to defend our position. They are loved by artisans and soldiers alike. I am part of the elite guard and reside in protection of their compound in the cliffs. But I digress, what do you know of Alexander's intentions that I may report back to your allies to the West?" Legio had been forthright as instructed, but began to deduce that the nature of his mission was being side stepped.
"I will be accompanying Alexander on the excursion cruise to Rome". Allatore interjected. "Our King has his mind firmly set to the east. Only a sizable threat would divert his attention. On occasion in Persia, Alexander has challenged the local champion to an exhibition duel. A mere, sport to encounter and study those of great ability. As you are aware, I am sure, Alexander is unequalled in skill. He wields the title Master of the Universe. Antipater should anticipate this challenge. Aristotle will prepare a written statement for the Consulship. You should prepare to depart for the Neopolis immediately. I will make the arrangements".
Before morning light, Allatore snuck Legio on board a quick vessel to the west. Aristotle had composed a message and pressed it with a royal seal. Legio's trip had been swift and successful in his personal assessment. Allatore returned to Aristotle's manor.
"I fear Antipater is in a precarious position". Allatore confessed to the teacher. "His natural abilities are difficult to conceal".
"His leadership has drawn attention from those he hides amidst as well as from the one from which he hides." Aristotle stated eloquently.
"The advance notice of Alexander's arrival must be enough to give him the advantage." Allatore speculated, with enough hesitation in his voice, Aristotle felt the need to confirm the statement.
"There is no better strategist than Antipater".
Legio's stowaway spot proved secure and he was promptly, back on Italian soil. Antipater was actually pleasantly surprised at his approach onto the terrace. Legio crossed in front and secretly passed the letter to Antipater, who immediately recognized the seal.
"Impeccable service as always Legio, but we are safe here." Antipater complemented him with a smile and a solid embrace of arm. "I will get this to the Consulship with haste. Recline, tell me of your encounters in Macedon."
Ironically, Legio reached for the wine Antipater had poured for him, as he retold his drunken performance to gain an audience before Allatore. "He was just as you described... Quick with a sword and feared as well as respected by both his King and his men. We quickly retreated to Aristotle once he recognized my intentions. He knew of you. And Aristotle had many questions regarding your reputation. They appeared to have a respect for you out of your namesake... their Regent... Antipater".
Sensing some presumption in Legio's voice, Antipater quickly countered, "I was counting on my name playing in my favor. Calvinus suggested I make the correspondence personal, to further add to those the Macedonians would view as friends upon Alexander's arrival".
"Allatore disclosed that he would be part of Alexander's entourage. That is good news, yes? He also described
a common challenge their King makes to local champions. Although, he described it as 'a battle for show,' his expression delivered a more dangerous encounter indeed".
Antipater nodded in non-verbal queues as Legio relayed the entire mission. At his conclusion, Antipater dismissed him warmly and requested his presence, in full armor tomorrow morning.
In private on the terrace, Antipater broke the seal to read Aristotle's epistle.
To My Friend, My Very Son, Antipater
I am consumed with happiness to learn of your safety to the west. Your strength of mind and immense skills have been well received by the Italian city states. Your messenger views you through the same eyes as the legions of Macedon. I trust Kavani is well and her love still ignites the fire in your spirit. Her life-force is strong and unique. Your courage to leave everything speaks to the mettle of the bond that ties you two together. The favor of the Gods is your blessing. An act of kindness to esteem you, amongst all peoples.
Some may view Alexander's visit a twist of fate, even Allatore fears it will be the unraveling of your identity. The champion Antipater will likely be called upon by our King, just as Darius of Persia and Batis of Gaza. Refusal will be a sign of weakness and almost assuredly public death should our ruler decide to attack Rome. Your ability to navigate through any situation is unparalleled. I trust you have a strategy in place to appease all parties. Allatore will be present in Rome to assist in these endeavors. The abdication of your position of Regent is still clouded with mystery. Alexander has cast your departure as 'a hidden emissary ready to strike for Macedon if necessary’, but encountering you in Rome would most certainly thump his pride. The cooled embers of your betrayal would be ignited once more. It would seem, word of your exploits has not reached Alexander's ear, but in preparation for the trip to Rome, stories of your valor will perk his attention.
Stay strong and courageous,
Aristotle
Antipater's mind was set. Kavani approached him on the terrace.
"Good news from Allatore?" She had a way of assuming the positive.
"It would seem Alexander is unaware of our presence in Rome. However, that is likely to change as his trip preparations are underway. His detailed education of any new destination, will undoubtedly be comprehensive enough to include my name".
"Will he immediately assume it is you?"
"I would. The facts will be too convincing to not draw the obvious conclusion". Antipater stated as he recalled the thought patterns of his fellow student.
"He's not as brilliant as you are, you know!" Kavani assured, squeezing his hand from her position tucked under his chin as they both looked out at the sea below. "Perhaps this is the opportunity to free ourselves from Alexander's threat forever".
"Kill him?" Antipater asked a bit stunned.
"I have some ideas". She turned to face Antipater, flashing her beaming smile.
"Of course you do". He smiled back and kissed his love.
The next morning Legio arrived in full battle regalia.
Antipater tossed him a dull blade, "Defend my attacks."
Legio skillfully responded to Antipater's assault, even offsetting a few swipes to counter strike. The exchange of blows was impressive. Legio could certainly fight. Antipater feigned an aggressive hit and Legio bit hard, finding himself flat on the ground with Antipater's sword at the back of his neck.
"Walk through the outcome of every move in your mind, before you commit". Antipater instructed. "Your instincts serve you well, but in a short time can be predicted. You must be able to adapt to the manners of your opponents. Mimicking their approach, can both confuse or give a sense of over confidence".
"Is this how you fight, Sir?" Legio asked, wanting more than just a yes or no answer.
"Yes, your discerning spirit will continue to serve you well".
"You are training me to stand in your stead for The Great Alexander's challenge in Rome". Legio offered confidently, upon Antipater's compliment to his intuition.
"Potential challenge... We have much training ahead of us". Antipater corrected.
"It would be an honor". And the training commenced.
Legio's progress was remarkable and Antipater came to greatly enjoy their daily training sessions. The bond between the two men grew notable.
"Legio's desire for knowledge and understanding is unquenchable. He is rare amongst men". Antipater acknowledged to Kavani.
"Careful your sensitive side is showing through. That can be dangerous for everyone". Kavani prudently advised. She loved Antipater's sensitive spirit. It gave him insight and receptive capabilities, to see what almost no one else could catch sight of, but it also made him susceptible.
"Thank you, love. I am reminded, trust must be earned. His choice to face potential death for me commands my attention".
"One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother". Kavani quoted.
"Your ability to see strength of character with such resolve is a force that will yield us a plentiful harvest". Antipater offered in tribute.
"Let's not mince words, someday it will save your life".
“The investigation of the truth is in one way hard, in another easy. An indication of this is found in the fact that no one is able to attain the truth adequately, while, on the other hand, no one fails entirely, but everyone says something true about the nature of all things, and while individually they contribute little or nothing to the truth, by the union of all a considerable amount is amassed”.
~ Aristotle ~
"How did he escape?" Aven roared.
Hoyt immediately doubled back his course into the lockers, relatively quickly spilling out into the main concourses now teeming with fans at the match's finish.
"Perhaps Sihamuni used a cloaking spell to cover his escape". Aven thought. If he had fled the stadium, their best bet now was to see if Kava could "track" him again. Not completely sure how the connection worked, he and Kavani had agreed to stop all communications throughout the stadium sting. Assuming failure now in apprehending Sihamuni, reconnecting was Aven's utmost priority.
Sihamuni was out of sight on the Argentinean team bus. He could sense his connection with Kavani had been broken, but was unsure how. Her strength was a threat to what he deemed was an inevitable outcome. All the more, he believed his role was to end this potential risk or at least obstruct her vision of the pending calamity. Even without his spiritual link, Sihamuni was a man with ample resources. He had not sensed Kavani's movements since the Trevi Fountain. The team was staying nearby in Piazza Navona. Unaware of Kavani's earlier link, he assumed he had been tracked to the stadium via city cameras. He would use them now to his advantage, luring his prey out to play, by making his presence obvious at the fountain of the Four Rivers.
Outside the Galleria Kava turned on her phone. She had a missed call from Aven. Kava recounted her vision to Aven.
"Are you getting any sense of his new location?" Aven asked.
"Nothing definitive, the images are too generic. I broke his bond with me, but it has weakened my link to him as well".
"I'll see what we have on Zavodovski Island. I'll see you back at the hotel". Aven wrapped up the call and started after Hoyt.
The concourses were filled with people, but Hoyt stood head and shoulders over the crowd. Aven flagged him down as they both maneuvered to the edge.
"No Luck?" Aven asked.
"I think he is long gone. What did Kava say?" Hoyt asked, knowing Aven would have already reached out to her after losing the monk.
"Their bond is growing weaker. She appears to have slipped his connection entirely, which has made her images a bit less vivid. Sihamuni seemed to have a level of access with the Argentinean team that seems curious to me... Let's look into that as well as Zavodovski Island”.
"What?" came the response at the far-reaching, random location.
"Kava saw the name in a vision”. Aven replied completely dead pan.
"Ti
me to rendezvous with the team back at the hotel. The jacket from Langley should be available. Plus, we can scan the city camera reports”. Hoyt offered up, in response to Aven's obviously edgy countenance at the monk slipping them once again.
"Sure. We can learn all we can about Zavodovski Island as well”. Aven said under his breath as they exited the stadium.
Within a short period of time, the entire team was back at the hotel, reviewing city cam footage and speaking with other municipalities also tracking the monk via likeness recognition software. Hoyt sought the FBI jacket as Aven headed directly to see Kava.
Opening the suite door, Aven was surprised to find Citlalli and Malin. He knew each had a role in this pending calamity, but he simply needed time with Kavani alone. His love greeted him with a kiss and for a brief moment it was just the two of them. Scanning the room further, Aven notice the laptop displaying longitude and latitude coordinates in one window and a picture of a smoldering volcano in another.
"Started looking into the island”. Kava explained, sighting his eyes. "Zavodovski is the northern most land mass of the Sandwich Islands in the Atlantic. Serious volcanic activity is reported on this island, which is also home to the chinstrap penguins”. She smiled with the last tid-bit of information as she brought up a separate image of the waddling birds. "Another interesting fact, Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the island and is rumored to have military presence since the Falklands Conflict”.
"Surprising”. Aven interjected. "The name sounds Russian?"
"Very astute my love. The island was named by the Russian Antarctic nbsp; Gottlieb von Bellingshausen on the Christmas Eve in 1819. Bellingshausen named it after Lieutenant Ivan Zavodovski, who was captain of his ship, the Vostok”. Kavani recited. "I think the Russian/Argentinean connection is more than a coincidence. I'll continue to pour over the details”.