by Hilary Green
I answered bitterly, ‘Indeed, no, Count. I owe you so much already, you must allow me to pay you the service my father has decreed.’
The procession of chariots had begun to move off. I gave the horses a quite unnecessary cut with the whip and they plunged forward into the crowd. Chariots on all sides were hastily reined in and I could see the angry words quickly checked as the drivers saw who the inept charioteer was. Fighting to control the animals I cursed the unlucky fate that seemed to have sealed that day. Although our violent start had almost jerked him off his feet Alectryon said nothing, but when he had regained his balance I could feel his eyes upon me and saw myself momentarily as he must see me, as a proud and petulant boy.
I had the horses under control by now but they still needed all my attention. After the rude start I had given them and feeling an unfamiliar hand upon the reins, they were disposed to show their mettle by overtaking every other chariot in the party. I was grateful to Alectryon, in spite of myself, for saying nothing until I had them quieted.
At length he said, ‘I think you are angry with me.’
I had my tongue under better control now, as well as the horses, and answered, ‘Why should I be angry?’
‘I don’t know,’ he said. ‘Tell me.’
I made no answer. Such a confusion of emotions boiled within me that I could not explain them to myself, let alone to him. And it was a turbulence that was only compounded by my acute physical sense of his presence close beside me. I was well accustomed to the attentions of the men about my father’s court. It had been a fact of life since before my twelfth birthday. But from the beginning I had been aware that the flattery, the gifts, the meaningful glances had more to do with gaining the King’s ear than with my personal charms. Besides, I had seen too many sudden love affairs flare up only to die down as quickly when the boy grew up, leaving one party or the other to nurse a broken heart. Alectryon had always treated me with perfect courtesy, but there had been times when I had caught his eyes and read in them an invitation to a more intimate relationship. It was an invitation I had studiously ignored. And yet, no one at court had the power to disturb me as he did.
At length he said, ‘I am afraid perhaps you took my laughter yesterday for mockery. Believe me, it wasn’t. It was laughter born of relief … and something else … excitement – admiration. What you did was foolish but nevertheless … magnificent.’
‘My father didn’t think so,’ I remarked grimly.
‘That is understandable. You are his only son and he fears to lose you.’
‘He need not fear for heirs to the throne. The sons of Paion would gladly take my place.’
‘The Lord Poseidon preserve us from that!’ he commented piously and I shot him a glance to see if he was mocking me again. It was hard to tell. He added, ‘I promise you, if I had known before I turned the horses that the Lawagetas was on the road I would have driven you back to the palace by another route.’
This time I caught his eye and suddenly we both laughed. I said, ‘You didn’t know he was there?’
‘Not until it was too late to go the other way!’
We drove in silence for a little. The horses had settled into a steady canter and I felt my hair streaming back in the cool wind of our speed.
Alectryon said, ‘Why did you attempt that leap? Was it just because Antilochos taunted you?’
‘Partly,’ I answered, and then, softly so the words were almost lost in the noise of the wheels, ‘and because I thought you didn’t believe I would.’
Ahead of us my father’s chariot halted at a fork in the road, while he consulted his huntsmen as to where the best hope of game lay. As the movement around us ceased a sudden quiet fell which hushed men’s voices as well. The sun beat down hot on my shoulders now that we were still and I could smell dust and the sweat of the horses. I took a deep breath and turned to Alectryon,
‘Count, I’m sorry. You probably saved my life and I’ve been behaving like a spoilt child.’
He smiled. ‘It’s over – and I have my reward. Let’s forget it.’
The column of chariots moved on and I urged the horses forward. The day had suddenly regained its promise.
The road climbed along a deep valley, the sides of which rose steep and rocky on either side. The horses slowed and in the shadow it was suddenly chill. I looked about me and shivered a little. It was one of those wild and secret places that belong only to the Mistress. The rest of the party felt it too, for the talk and laughter died around us.
As we climbed the trees grew thicker and at length we came out of the narrow defile into a broader valley with a level, grassy bottom and thickly wooded flanks. Towards the head of it the huntsmen had pegged out their nets so that they cut off a wide half-circle of open grass, backed by the forest. The chariots arrayed themselves in an arc, my father in the centre and one of my uncles on each wing. I took up a position half way between them and we waited tensely for the huntsmen to drive whatever game lay hidden among the trees into our nets. There had been talk for months of a large boar in this section of the hills.
I ran the reins through my fingers, testing my grip, and wiped damp palms on the linen of my kilt. Alectryon shifted his feet, balancing himself for a sudden start, and took a firmer hold on the smooth ash shaft of his spear. There was a long silence. Then we began to hear the shouts of the beaters and the baying of the hounds. A crashing and scuffling came from the thick undergrowth. I poised myself. It would be some honour still to position the chariot swiftly and precisely for Alectryon to make a kill.
A few small animals hurled themselves across the open space and tangled themselves in the nets. We left them for the dogs or the huntsmen to finish off later. Then came a heavy crashing from amongst the trees and I felt my stomach contract. A heartbeat later a huge boar burst into the open. He charged the nets and broke through as though he scarcely felt them, heading straight for the line of chariots. My father’s horses leapt forward but the boar veered away and came towards us. I gave a cry and whipped the horses forward, sending them full speed towards the beast. Then, when it seemed his tusks must rip their sweat-streaked chests, I swung them to the left so that the boar’s speed carried him along the right side of the chariot. Alectryon needed no better opportunity and the bronze point of his spear went in deep in front of the animal’s shoulder. Our combined speeds and the force of the heavy body snatched the spear from his hands, but when I wheeled the horses we saw that it had done its work and the boar had sunk to the ground a few yards in front of the remaining chariots.
I could not have wished for a greater triumph. Though most of the credit was due to Alectryon, since he had made the kill, he generously turned it all to me, saying with a laugh, ‘How could anyone fail, when his charioteer gives him such a perfect opportunity?’
As the sun began to curve towards the sea we turned our horses heads towards the city. Tired now, they kept a steady pace, the yoke rocking smoothly up and down on their necks.
Alectryon said, ‘Prince, are you at liberty tomorrow?’
I glanced at him, hesitating. ‘So far as I know.’
‘I ask because I know that you love horses and take an interest in their breeding. Last night I had a message from my brother Nequeus, who manages the estate. Do you recall that my father, before he died, brought from Thessaly a fine white stallion to improve his herd? He never saw the results, sadly, but yesterday they brought in the first yearlings to be broken. Nequeus tells me that some of them show great promise. I plan to go out to the farm tomorrow to see them. Would you do me the honour of accompanying me?’
He could have offered me no more tempting bait. Almost before I had time to think I heard myself saying, ‘I should enjoy that very much. Thank you.’
He nodded, not attempting conceal his satisfaction. ‘I shall wait on you in the morning, then.’
The chariot clattered onto the stones of the paved road that led through the town and up the hill to the palace. At the gates the slaves ran fo
rward to unyoke our horses and manhandle the chariots into the sheds. I said goodbye to Alectryon, saluted my father and headed towards my own rooms in search of a much-needed bath.
There was great feasting in the Hall that night and when everyone had stuffed himself with as much roast boar as he could eat, and the bard Sirios’s voice had begun to grow hoarse, the lyre was passed from hand to hand. It was no surprise when the first name to be called on was Alectryon’s, for he was as well known for his skill as a musician as he was for his prowess as an athlete. What did surprise me was the sudden surge of pride I felt when he stepped forward and bowed to my father before taking the lyre.
I had only just risen the next morning when an attendant came to tell me that Alectryon was waiting for me in the courtyard. I dressed hastily and fidgeted under Mukala’s hands until she said with a sniff, ‘If he were the prince instead of you, you might have some reason to hasten and harass me so!’
After that I kept myself quiet and even decided I had time to eat the honey cakes she brought me, but when I came into the courtyard and saw him kicking his heels like a servant I was ashamed of myself and apologised for keeping him waiting. He replied courteously that it was of no importance but as we walked to his chariot he glanced sideways at me and said, ‘I cannot help wondering what – or who – it is that keeps the Prince awake so late that he lies so long in the morning.’
I felt myself blush and could think of no quick reply. We mounted the chariot and Alectryon laughed as he took the reins.
‘It seems I have spoken truer than I guessed. Will you tell me the girl’s name?’
I managed to get out, ‘You are mistaken, Count. There was no girl.’
‘What? Such a blush, and no girl?’
‘No! I swear it!’
There was a moment’s silence and then he said in a different tone, ‘Forgive me. I apologise for my curiosity.’
I burst out, ‘There was no-one! Please believe me. I lay alone last night.’
He looked at me, his blue-green eyes, which were as changeable as the sea, glinting with amusement. ‘So it was for your solitude that you blushed?’
‘I had things on my mind last night – and no desire for company.’ I spoke stiffly, but I was determined that he should not know that I had never yet had company in my bed.
‘I see.’ He gave me another sideways look and I found my irritation dissolving into laughter.
Alectryon’s estate lay some half hour’s drive from the palace. We were met by his younger brother, Nequeus, and after we had taken wine and water in the shady colonnade which surrounded the house he led us to the paddock where the young horses were corralled. There were six of them and Alectryon’s report had been correct. They were superb.
‘What do you think of them?’ he asked.
‘Magnificent!’ I exclaimed. ‘Especially that one. He’s almost pure white – and what a head!’
Alectryon called to some of his men, ‘Catch the grey colt and bring him here.’
The men expertly cornered the colt and slipped a rope around his neck. He reared up and then, feeling the rope tighten, stood still, rolling his eyes and snorting. Nequeus walked slowly up to him, speaking softly, and the colt lowered his head and flicked his ears towards him. Nequeus scratched him behind the ears and blew into his nostrils and after a moment the horse allowed himself to be led towards us.
‘Nequeus must have some horse magic!’ I exclaimed and Alectryon chuckled.
‘It’s true, I think Poseidon the horse tamer has given him some special powers.’
We approached carefully and the colt snorted and eyed us warily. Close to he was even more impressive than I had thought, with strong legs, a deep chest and a beautiful, intelligent head.
‘He’s going to be too big for chariot work,’ I commented. ‘He will be big enough to ride.’
‘Give him a name,’ Alectryon said unexpectedly.
I thought quickly. ‘How about Pedasos, after Achilles’ horse who was good enough to keep up with the immortal pair that drew his chariot?’
‘Pedasos it shall be,’ Alectryon agreed. He took the halter rope from Nequeus and put it into my hand. ‘He’s yours.’
I felt my jaw drop. A gift of any horse was a magnificent gesture, but such an animal as this … Beside me I could sense that Nequeus was as amazed as I was. Abruptly I realised that my response must be as magnanimous as the gift.
‘It is a truly noble gift, Count, as befits the giver. It would be churlish of me to refuse.’
He smiled and nodded. ‘Good. But may I make a suggestion? Leave the colt here until he is old enough to ride. When he is ready Nequeus will break him in for you. You have already seen his talent with horses.’
I turned to Nequeus. ‘I think that is an excellent arrangement. I shall be grateful to you, Nequeus. But there is one condition. You must let me come and visit him often.’
Alectryon laughed and said easily, ‘As often as you like. I shall keep him as a hostage to ensure your company.’
We set the colt free and Alectryon showed me the rest of the farm. We ate our midday meal on the shady terrace and when we had finished Nequeus pleaded pressure of work and excused himself. Alone with Alectryon I was suddenly uncomfortably aware of his eyes on me. I got up and moved to the edge of the terrace, where I could look out over the meadow where the colts were grazing.
‘You shouldn’t have given Pedasos to me. Nequeus wanted you to keep him for yourself.’
He rose and joined me. ‘He’ll get used to the idea. I wanted to find a special gift for you. It’s almost your naming day, isn’t it?’
I glanced at him in surprise. ‘It must be. I’d forgotten. How did you know?’
He lifted his eyebrows. ‘Oh, I knew. You will be sixteen, yes? It’s an important time. Think of the horse as a birthday present.’
Again I felt the colour rising in my face. ‘Thank you.’
He put up his hand and touched my cheek with his fingertips. Taken by surprise I instinctively flinched and turned my head away and felt, rather than saw, his hand drop to his side. Immediately I was suffused with embarrassment at my own ineptitude. He turned away and when he spoke again it was as lightly and casually as if nothing of importance had passed between us, but I knew intuitively that he would never reach out to me again unless I first signalled my acceptance. And that was something I could find no way of doing.
His behaviour as we drove back to the palace was unchanged but I was burdened with the sense of my ingratitude. The reason was not clear to me, but I felt that I had missed a chance that might not come again.
As soon as I reached my own rooms I sent Mukala for the chest that contained my jewellery and other treasures and tried her patience by refusing to get into my bath until I had selected a bronze dagger. It was an antique piece, of a craftsmanship unequalled before or since, the blade inlaid with running leopards in gold and niello and the pommel covered with gold leaf embossed with rosettes. It had belonged to my grandfather Thrasymedes, who had in return received it as a gift from the great Achilles when they fought together against Troy. It was one of my most treasured possessions and I hoped Alectryon would understand that it meant more than just a ritual exchange of gifts. I called an officer of the royal guard and sent him to deliver it.
Next morning after exercise I felt restless and uneasy. Alectryon was occupied elsewhere, and I did not feel confident enough to seek him out. To distract my thoughts I concentrated on the long beach that followed the curve of the bay. I could just make out the hulls of ships ready to be launched, and I felt a sudden stab of envy. How often had I dreamed of setting off on such a voyage? I turned away to meet Melanthos coming out of the palace.
‘Where are you going?’ he asked.
‘Nowhere,’ I replied, and then, ‘Actually, I thought I might drive down to the beach to watch the ships being launched. Will you come?’
‘Why not?’ he agreed.
I called a slave to yoke up a pair of horses and we r
attled off towards the sea. Melanthos was four or five years my senior but I had always preferred him to the rest of my cousins and I was glad of his company.
As we drove he said, ‘I owe you an apology.’
‘What for?’
‘That business with the bull. I should have seen what Antilochos was up to and put a stop to it.’
I shrugged. ‘It wasn’t your responsibility. I shouldn’t let him get under my skin, I suppose – but it’s difficult sometimes.’
‘I know,’ he laughed briefly, and then added in a different tone, ‘Don’t under-estimate Antilochos. He could be very dangerous.’
‘What do you mean, dangerous?’
‘He is jealous of you, and he has a wicked tongue.’
‘Because I am heir to the throne?’
‘That – and because Alectryon prefers you to him.’
I felt myself blush and, to cover my embarrassment, I muttered, ‘Sometimes I think he would be welcome to take my place. Being heir to the throne has its drawbacks, you know.’
‘The gods forbid!’ Melanthos exclaimed. ‘He’s bad enough now. I can’t bear to think what he would be like in your position. But I understand what you mean. I’m thankful that the succession passed out of my branch of the family generations ago.’
I glanced at him. ‘You would make a good ruler.’
He laughed. ‘No thanks. No kingdoms for me!’ But I had meant what I said.
We spent some time watching the sailors prepare their ships and as we drove home we both suddenly realised that it was past midday and we were hungry. I drew rein outside the door of a peasant’s cottage and at my request the woman of the house brought us bread and goat’s milk and a little cheese. She offered them with nervous respect but as we ate I was aware of her dark eyes, hooded like a bird’s, watching us, and the expression in them disturbed me.
As we drove away Melanthos said, ‘These people still hate us.’
‘Why should they? The land is peaceful and taxes are not too heavy.’
‘Because we are Achaeans and they are Leleges, who were here before we came.’