Читать книгу Son of the Star, born of the Mountain Alexander the Great - Сергей Соловьев - Страница 8

Philipe convened all the sovereign princes of the conquered areas with their retinues, and successfully prepared regular troops with the help of Parmenion and Antipater. We managed to collect thirty thousand infantry, of which twelve thousand prepared phalangites and three thousand cavalry, of which about eight hundred cataphracts. Alexandrov gastrafeti were not ready, although the prince wanted to check them in, and the first detachment of three hundred soldiers trained with might and main. But the mechanism was very expensive, costing an inexpensive horse, and when Philip found out how much he was worth, he simply choked at dinner. Thebes collected eleven thousand infantry and one and a half thousand horsemen, the Athenians recruited fifteen thousand mercenaries in Arcadia and Messenia, and collected fifteen thousand infantry militia and a thousand horsemen, so the forces were almost equal, but the Macedonians had easy cavalry, Agrian and Thracian, and they took to ruin Boeotia. Parmenion and Philip constantly maneuvered to trap the mercenaries in one of the passes, and they succeeded, the Athens mercenaries surrendered, and the prisoners were sent north to Thrace to keep the border from the Mezians, since the mercenaries quickly figured out the situation and agreed to serve Argeadam, but did not want to fight Athens and Thebes. The clash was inevitable, and Lysicles hastily led the Athenian militia to help Thebes, and even Demosthenes also took the goplon in his hands. The intelligence of the Macedonians from light cavalry disturbed the Athenians and the Thebans, holding them like a hunting dog of a bear, and not allowing them to leave the flat field advantageous to the Macedonians. Philip hastily led the army in three columns, he entrusted the cavalry and hypaspites to Alexander, himself led the Phalangites and Peltasts and the Thracian infantry.

The enemies set up camps opposite each other at Heronei, where the battle was to break out. Philip summoned the peacers to the Council and a feast to encourage the commanders before the battle, and once again to discuss the battle plan. Towards noon, all the commanders, Parmenion with his son, Antipater with Cassander, Cleet, Ken, Attal, Meleagr, and Alexander with the inseparable friend Hephaestion and his bodyguard Ptolemy, approached. In the middle was a table with poured sand, and figures of soldiers denoting military units, white Macedonians, black opponents, the Athenians and the Thebans.

“Come, comrades-in-arms,” suggested Philip, everyone looked at the location of the Macedonians – infantry in the first row, Thracians and Pelttes in the first row; in the second row, in the distance of the arrow-phalanx, three hundred Thracian riders of the reserve were built, on the right flank all was built cavalry and hypaspists and runners, as well as eight hundred cataphracts under the command of Alexander.

“Dangers, said Parmenion,” are the Peltasts ahead? yes they will flee before the Athenians,

“That’s just the point, an old friend,” Philip smacked, blinking with one single eye, “Lysikel, Hares, and especially Demosthenes, people who are fond of, and rush to pursue our avant-garde and fall on spears of phalangites and Alexander will hit them on the flank, and the Athenians shall be broken, they shall bare the flank, and we shall surround the Thebans. -pages began to distribute wine to guests, handing out filled bowls to the generals.

“And you, son, restrain the Thebans, and remember – Feagen is clever, you can’t lure him into an ambush,” Philip said further, taking a sip of wine, “break their cavalry, and wait for our help and do not break it, and the goddess Nika will open his wings above us.

Everyone agreed, nodding that the best possible plan, the servants brought tables with food, as always the same sheep cheese, flatbread and olives. None of the guests lost their appetite in front of the Sich, everyone was experienced fighters and commanders. They drank three bowls, the last for all the gods, and went to bed.

The starry sky over Herney became brighter in the east, and wake-ups began to play in the camps, the warriors had a little snack, and rejoicing that the summer heat had not yet begun, put on armor and went out to build according to the schedule of the commanders and went away in perfect order to the field covered from the sudden the attacks of the enemy by preservation, Alexander, and Philip, the son and the father, went to different flanks of the army, and with them the warriors and ordinary fighters rose to their seats in the ranks. Far in the haze, it was clear how the Athenians were being built with the Thebans, and there, too, the detachment was connected with the detachment, making up an impregnable line of hoplites. The troops in the ranks approached each other at a distance of three flights of arrows, and Philip sent light infantry and peltasts on the wall of the Athenians to attack. Lysikel sent his Peltastes, but most of the Peltasts were mercenaries, and they now served the Macedonians in the north, and the Athenian peltas, being in the minority, fled, and Lysicles was forced to throw his infantry into the attack, throwing the Macedonians, but then his inspiration caused him, and the excessive vehemence of Demosthenes, who carried away the Athenians to persecution, played a role, and the fleeing Thracians and Peltasts went into the passages in the phalanx, and there Antipater didn’t doze, and the Macedonians, staring ahead sarissas, did not let the Athenians form under the deafening howls of flutes and beeps, under the sound of terrible pyrrhics attacked. This music completely deprived the warriors of fear, and did not let them feel tired. First, the phalanx struck with darts, because the ranks from the fourth to the fifteenth, they were lightly-armed throwers, so at first Lysicles’s militia began to be whipped by a storm of light spears, dozens and dozens of warriors were wounded and killed, and half a stage with quick steps hit phalangites who did not crush shields as it was customary in the battle of the hoplites between themselves, they beat with spears longer than usual three times. Each row of Macedonians beat either at once, three spears at once into one person, or separately, at the command of the first in a row, or two spears hit the shield to deflect him, and hit the opponent with the third, and most importantly, do not let the tip get stuck in the shield or the body of the enemy.So the phalangites wielded as oarsmen on the ship, rhythmically and consistently, destroying opponents, the ship’s tail cuts the foam of the waves, so that the Macedonians formed a blockage from the wounded and killed Athenians, laying in layers from two to five people on top of each other, and pouring blood on each other from the wounds, and finally they quivered, unable to resist this death machine of Philip. At first they gave a little bit, and then running, rapidly from the battlefield, the Athenian hoplites fled, pursued by the Thracians. Alexander had everything much harder, first the Macedonian cavalry knocked down the Theban cavalry from the field, and the Thessalians began to pursue them, and the prince for the time being sent detachments of Peltasts to the Thebans by tying them into battle without giving a strike, and the commander Feagen was afraid to bare the flank only when the Athenians began to pursue the Macedonians, the Thebans rushed to the attack, but Alexander quelled their impulse by striking the Agrians in the flank of the Theban infantry and maneuvered the cavalry, not attacking, and only when the Athenians retreated, and Feagen tried to retreat to the camp about organized, the prince threw first In the attack of the Dimahs, they began to throw the marines of Thebes with darts, and when they tried to attack, they cut them with swords, from the right flank they were hit by hypaspists, and in the battle Feagen died and the Thebans also fled, but the Sacred squad stood unmoved.

Alexander saw these heroes, and, accompanied by the Eters, rode up to them.

“Surrender, I swear, I will let you all go home,” he shouted to this detachment of braves, “We were enemies, it’s all over, I don’t want to kill you, and the least thing will still drive you out of the city, this is the best outcome for you.” Can you and your families suggest Alexandropol to exile. Your servants will bring your families there later.

The Thebans thought for a long time and agreed, and the prince ordered Nearh to send Teres with the wounded to Alexandropol, two days later the servants of the townsfolk came with carts in which the wounded were families, and they moved to Thrace. And the most interesting is that everyone whom young Argead was treating did not die.

Later, Alexander came to the wounded Macedonians, Nearh helped him. The young man worked as a simple doctor, not churayas blood, easing the suffering of people. Nearh saw that Alexander was terribly tired, his already very bright face, which had never sunburnt, was gray with the pain and fear of others. Nearh then heard for the first time how the prince began to speak, whispered as if with himself: “To drag, but not to overtighten… Tighten the skin on the inlay and glue together with a plaster and tighten…”

Kuret saw a seriously wounded man, wearing a tunic drenched in blood, with his eyes closed, and called Alexander.

“I’m not Elicia, she’s smoking, I’m not raising the dead and not battling Tanat,” he said in a different, hollow voice. “Humble yourself, Nearh, he’s already dead,” he said in his usual tone, and tapped the Cretan on the shoulder. – Let me see you, you never know, you are also wounded, I examined everyone, you alone remained.

Néarch did not argue, and took off his chiton, and Aristotle’s student quickly unwound the bandage, examined the canvas on the wound, quickly wiped it, suddenly grabbed the edges of the wound, pulled it slightly, overlapping the edges of the cut skin with each other and fixed it with glue and tightly bandaged.

“Then thank you, and your wife will like it,” he said, grinning, “And you fought bravely, becoming a real rider. Come on, you have to wash and eat.

Simple warriors happily greeted the Eters who came out of the tent.

– Thank you, Alexander, now for sure our friends will survive, they will not die! Alexander our king, Philip our commander – the warriors shouted, and Nearh was slightly frightened here, and Alexander smiled happily, accepting thanks to experienced warriors covered with scars, with simple weapons in their hands, who had gained Macedonia and this victory.

And in a separate pile laid down the weapons of the Sacred Squad, forbidding him to touch the name of the prince. Ten cataphracts, twenty runners and thirty-five hypaspists were killed in battle, and on the flank of Philip eight hundred and fifty lightly armed. The battle was over.

World after war, hegemony

Lightly armed began to walk around the field, collecting weapons and valuables, but Philip forbade removing clothes from dead enemies, although usually the dead were robbed by naked. The king was going to take a ransom for the dead Thebans, the Athenians immediately announced that he would not take a ransom for the return of the bodies and for the prisoners, too, the signing of a compulsory union would be the price. For the Thebans there were more stringent demands – the Macedonian garrison must be in the Cadmea, and it is maintained at the expense of the city, and Plateia and Orchomen must be restored.

Philip decided to drive around the battlefield with commanders, when the dead were still gathered from this mournful place. The king carefully examined the places where more warriors died, and there was no joy on his face. The warriors had already finished burying the Macedonians and their allies, and the captured Thebans buried their soldiers under the guard of the Macedonians, the Sacred Squad was buried separately from others.

Immediately, next to the field, he ordered a shed to be laid out, and armchairs were placed for the commanders of the troops, the pages brought tables with food and wine, and they were sent for Alexander. The guests began to move in to Philip, he personally met everyone and thanked and seated, and the pages immediately poured wine to the guest.

“For Philip, the winner!” Shouted the experienced fighters, the king’s companions, “For the victory over Athens and Thebes, the commanders of the troops immediately proclaimed,

“I’m not looking for the authorities, but the unity of Hellas,” their leader replied to his comrades-in-arms, and did not want to shed blood.

– What now, ashamed of victory, Attal said.

“I will make a sacrifice according to the old custom, I will redeem the spilled blood,” said the king, and ordered to bring himself a shepherd’s fur coat, a staff, and call for the flutists. When they brought the required, he undressed himself, put on a fur cloak, took the staff and went barefoot on the field, where there were no dead.

“Play Pirrich, warriors,” Philip ordered, and to the frantic rhythm of the instruments, he began to move to the beat of the music, offering a sacrifice to the gods with dance,

– We are already at home here, Alexander, – the Thebans shouted to him, – You’re the guest!

– Well, the prince shouted at them, – I will honor you!

– Ila line up, runners and hypaspists stand in the back of the head for equestrian, squires help the wounded! – he quickly commanded, and the warriors ran his orders running, running high-horse cataphracts, lined up in powerful armor, slinging up huge sarissas, and among them was Alexander and all his friends.

“Marsh, march, through one, with spears, forward,” in a youthful voice, commanded by a fair-haired leader, and on Bukefale, the first, holding a sarissa with two hands, directed her to one of the Thebans, they also took spears at the ready and covered themselves with shields. But can this shield protect against the impact of a long spear of a cataphract? There was an overwhelming crash, and the shield burst like a nut, and a fragment of a spear that broke at the moment of impact, broke through the chest of a brave foot soldier, and Alexander already sent his horse back to the ranks of the runners and hypaspists to change the spear, and other riders also attacked the best warriors of Thebes. Nearh saw Filota, Erigy, Ptolemy, repeating the same maneuver, in one of these races Ptolemy still touched with a spear in his hand, after a few seconds it was the turn of Notarch, and he, too, jumped on a horse and sarissa in two hands The Theban’s head, the tip of the spear pierced the copper helmet as an egg shell, and the enemy fell like a podkoshenny, but the warrior from the third row, in despair threw his spear at him, it hit the side of the wheel, when he turned around, he carried it out of the saddle, like extra eaglet from the nest. Nearh immediately immediately felt that he was already lying on the ground, and the wound in his side was bleeding a little, thanks to his father’s strong armor, and Teres was already racing on his horse, swinging his mace, he instantly dismounted, and on the other side Eleftherion ran up, and to them, breaking the ranks and hoping to kill at least him, the best guardsmen of Thebes fled. Kuret rose, threw a small shield from his back into the arm, pulled his sword out of its scabbard with a dry crack, and the fight boiled, for some reason, Neararu remembered that it was all in the manner of Homer’s Iliad the battle for Patroclus’s body (fortunately for him, he did not yet become Patroclus, for after all, while he was still alive). The Macedonian runners rushed to their aid, and the Thebans broke the line, and the battle turned into a bloody massacre. The Cretan man no longer saw the battle; he could only be cut down by a faithful mahaira. He fought together with Teres, and Eleftherion covered the rear, he was able to reach one of the opened Thebans with a chopping blow from the top, and another Teres hit his shoulder with his shestoper, and the enemy’s hand turned into a solid wound, so that his comrades dragged him to the rear. The fight continued, and soon Ptolemy rode up to him with his squires, and bent, clapping him on the shoulder in a friendly manner, from which Nearhs all twisted and hurt his whole body after falling, and a trickle of blood unpleasantly flowed down on his side, on his foot, and flowed into sandals.

– Well done, sorcerer! We broke their line, now we will press, retreat to the rear, where my servants of your horses were caught, armed, and come after us, “said the prince’s bodyguard, and his horse moved into the thick of the battle, covered by runners and hyperspasties. Nearh stumbled to the rear, limping on two legs at once, and saw the servants of Ptolemy holding their horses, Teres immediately ran to them with joyful leaps, but the shestoper did not give up, from which these people who did not know the Thracian close retreated quickly, and this newly appeared Hercules began to joyfully stroke horses and feed them crackers. Eleftherion, seeing the blood on the side and the leg of the owner, began to pull off his armor. What was fun for everyone to remember later was how Hephaestion especially laughed at him, about the fact that he remained in the helmet, but he was naked naked.And that the helmet, without a doubt, he is very beautiful, and looked all around it at his helmet and nothing more. The servant washed his wound, fortunately quite shallow, with wine, and planted from the bag, and put a tight bandage out of a clean canvas. Meanwhile, the battle, which turned into a massacre, ended, forty-six wounded and wounded Thebanian fighters were captured, and Alexander was tormented with them now, trying not to die, he loved everything rare, and two hundred and fifty-four killed fighters lay on the field, and the prince ordered the captive boeotians to dig their grave. Alexander sent for Nearhom, and dressed in a spare chiton, a Cretan man with servants stumbled under a shed, where Alexander was sacred. The fame of the art of the prince spread throughout the army, and the soldiers believed that if Alexander touched them, they would not die from their wounds. Having tied up the Thebans, the prince turned to them: removing the weight of the spilled blood from the soldiers and taking upon itself the weight of it, this dance was performed very rarely, this dance of the purification of filth.

Next to the Macedonian tent, at a distance of stages, the warriors fed the captured Athenians, and one of them noticed Philip’s sacred dance,

“The Macedonians have gone mad with blood,” one said scornfully.

“What to expect from the barbarians,” said another, thoughtfully eating up the Macedonian stew with the freshest flat cake.

Hearing this, the guard swung a spear shaft at them, but the lohag stopped the warrior.

“To the Athenians, any gratitude is alien,” said the Lochag with irony, passing by the captives.

Two thousand Athenians were captured, and the ambassadors from the City had already arrived, with a ransom offer. They met shortly after the Macedonian feast. The messengers reported to the king about the embassy, he met the heralds of the world on a beautiful armchair.

– Hello, Philip, you let the prisoners go home, but your Thracians took their cloaks from them and it will be cold for them to get home, many people may freeze at night, -the Athenian king turned to the king.

“Without any doubt, it will be fair,” Philip replied smiling broadly, he found it amusing. The Athenians left on foot, with donated raincoats and blankets, and the dead Athenians were put in carts, and a whole caravan gathered, and the carriers were the servants of the Athenians captured in battle. The king thought for a while who to send as a messenger of sorrow, and decided that the prince would be the best. Just once, everyone did not split up after the feast, and he addressed his son:

“Alexander, take the bodies to Athens, the mission is not pleasant, but you will be grateful, and you will visit this great city,” his father sighed.

“And you, tsar,” asked the prince, “you could come with me.”

“If I enter the city, they will think that I conquered them, and I want them to invite me,” said Philip with a tone and expression of an unlucky admirer rejected by a beautiful girl – the most beautiful city of Hellas! And some allies asked me to destroy it..

Philip sought not loyalty or fear of the Athenians, but their love. Each person wants more than anything else that he cannot receive, and here the king of Macedonia was no exception.

Alexander took with him supplies, friends from his retinue, silt of horsemen to protect the cargo. Ahead of the caravan, Philip sent a messenger to Demad, the archon of Athens, to his proxen, in order to warn about the embassy. It was necessary to move forward immediately, so the charges were short-lived, and Philip gave another letter for Demades, his acquaintance the king in Athens, that he would receive Alexander as he should, and the necessary money. Alexander took with him Hephaestion, Ptolemy, Nearh, Cassandra, Filotu, Leonnat, Eumenes and Garpal. The embassy moved as quickly as possible along the road from Thebes to the Plateaus, destroyed, but according to rumors, which the formerly expelled townspeople began to restore. Driving past the city, the Macedonians saw that it was true, and although there were only two churches in the city so far, people stubbornly rebuilt their dwellings, they continued their way despite the summer heat, to the Athenian Eleutheras, the border city between Attica and Beotia. But the travelers dropped in and worshiped Gera of Platea, visiting this beautiful temple decorated by Callimachus and Praxitele themselves, as well as the temples of Athena Areea and Demeter, and leaving the caravan for a while, Alexander and his retinue bowed to the monument to the lost Hellenes at the Battle of Plateo against Mardonius. The valley of Kiferon was full of wonders, and the prince did not regret that he had been sent for this sorrowful business, the return of the dead Athenians to their homes. Soon they approached the Eleutheras, where Alexander delivered the carts with the dead Athenians, but indicated that after nine days the carts themselves would be returned to Eleutheria, where the Macedonians would take them. Then the retinue rode in joy, there was no oppressive feeling of mourning, and the young people looked forward to the joy of meeting the beautiful city. The Athenian guides, near the city gates of Athens, demanded that the convoy stay in the field, and Alexander ordered ilyarkha to camp and wait for them here. The retinue, too, remained with a wait to wait for Demad, Philip’s proksen. It took about half a day, and the archon appeared with two servants. He was a man of about forty, with a small black beard and short hair, dressed in a long tunic and cloak, relatively modest, and he did not wear any jewelry, except the ring on his right hand.

– Hello Alexander, glad to welcome you in the City, and thank you for bringing the dead home. – the person who spoke was not very mobile, and he looked intently at the prince, – I would like to provide my house for you and the retinue. Share my modest meal with me. “It’s not according to our custom to come to the master of peace without a gift,” said Argead with his sonorous voice, “Take from your heart a gift horse from our herd, and Alexander’s squire brought the pedigree Thessalian stallion to Demad,

– Thank you, prince, a rich gift, Let’s go to the city, be guests at my hearth. But it is better to leave these horses with the warriors, I have a small house…

“We understand,” Alexander told the lingering archon with a smile, “our legs are worn as well,” and in response the friends laughed at the joke, so the Macedonians moved into the city on foot.

Inside, the city was not too different from other Hellenic cities – a narrow street between rows of manor fences made of uneven stone, alternating wickets for a turn, and a house with blank walls to the street, and looking out over the fences of fruit trees of home gardens. But over the city stood the Acropolis with the majestic statue of Athena. Finally, they entered the house of Demade, quite considerable in size, also built of stone and covered with plaster. The servants of the Eters and Alexander were taken to the Lads, and the host led all the guests to the garden for dinner, where a treat was already prepared, and the beds were arranged. The butler led the guests to their places, the servants brought tables with delicate dishes and fine wine, only Nearh had seen such feasts at his father’s house.

– I am glad to the guests, although I am not happy about your visit to our city, but I still consider you to be my and our friends, and war is a common misfortune. Let’s drink to the world! – Demad delivered a heartfelt speech, looking around at the makedonians, and they lifted the filled bowls, and pouring wine on the ground in honor of the gods on the ground, drank wine as a sign of agreement and blessing of the spoken words. Everyone considered war a misfortune.

The guests paid tribute to the archon’s dishes – extraordinary fish from Euksinos pontos, boneless and excellent taste, tuna, the best treat, seasoned cheese, and pickled fish, terrible in smell and unusual for the connoisseur. They had already drunk four cups each, and the wine hit my head slightly, the archon rang the bell, inviting flute girls and dancers.

The music was magnificent, but the eyes of the Eters were riveted to a naked girl, with curled black hair, she was thin, without too much heaviness, which attracted Praxitela. The lines of her body were commensurate, the movements were polished and charming, the matte roundness of the shoulders and hips was emphasized by long black hair, and the beauty of her face corresponded to the perfect shape of a small breast. When the dance was over, Alexander invited the sitter to sit on his bed, seeing this, Demad smiled rather, believing that he had pleased the prince.

– What is your name, dear, – asked the young man with interest.

“Tais, hetera,” the beauty replied without a shadow of constraint and attempts to hide behind or move away.

“Your art is beautiful, you look perfect,” looking at it with visible pleasure, he told her, but he did not try to touch her, which surprised Athenians, he was clearly puzzled, and looked with incomprehension.

Alexander felt the warm and floral scent of the body next to him, which pleased him, and felt the purse on his belt, and took out a handful of dariks and put it in the girl’s palm, covering her hand with his.

– This is for you, beauty similar to the Harits. I would like to come to you, said the young connoisseur of beauty.

“Come, you will find Thais’ house,” she answered fervently,

– Not only me, but friends will come.

– Then there will be a good society, I will invite artists, poets, philosophers. But I would like to see you alone, “said Thais, and slightly curving, smiled slyly and became even more beautiful,” to talk about medicine.

Everyone could not stand it and laughed, and Alexander, who looked at friends with incomprehension, laughed himself, and Tais, bending over, hugged him with his left hand and kissed him on the lips, the prince did not move away, and the dancer stood up and fluttered out of the garden.

“Neverh,” said Ptolemy in a whisper, “tomorrow I will need a brothel.” Yes, and others too.

The sun had already set, and the stars lit up, it became cooler and much nicer, the garden exuded evening aromas of flowers, and Alexander cheered up, in a strange city he didn’t feel very good, but now Athens no longer crushed him with his greatness and beauty.

They drank some more wine, and recovered to rest, the butler parted the guests’ rooms. I slept restlessly in a new place, and the eters woke up early, they brought water for washing, and quickly ate, was already the usual meal of tortillas, cheese and diluted wine.

– Are you escorting us, Demad? – asked the prince, – Inspect the Acropolis, and Alexander carefully looked at his friends, and they talked about something with the servants of Demad.

“Alexander,” as the senior Garpal turned, “you know, it turns out that the graves of the ancestors are located here, and we would like to examine them.” Niarc and will you come with us? “He looked at Cretnin, winking imperceptibly,

– Where are I from? – surprised kuret- I was from Crete, I dreamed about the Parthenon for a long time, and to explore the Acropolis with Alexander and Hephaestion is an honor for me.

However, Hephaestion, also went to look at the wonders of Athens, while the other Eters disappeared unnoticed. With the prince went two more servants with drinks, and the visitors of antiquities went through several stages and began to climb the Propylaea, looking upwards at the Acropolis rock, at the visible copper roofs of the temples. To the right of Propiley was the temple of Niki Apteros, but Alexander considered it inappropriate to visit this place. White marble marble rasps, and the roof is also made of Pentélicon marble, and decorated with statues of horsemen, and when they passed, the Propylaea saw at the entrance to the Sacred place as guardians the statue of Hermes and the statue of Harit. Here the site was met by a priest and a priestess from the Kekrop clan, Butatida.

– Hello Alexander, hello to you, Hephaestion, – the priest turned to him, – And you are Nearh, – having looked at his clothes, and having seen a ring on a finger, – hello to you, he smokes. None of you has been here since the days of Epiminides.

– Hello, Alexander, Hephaestion and Nearh, – in turn the priestess addressed them, -My name is Kallia, and the priest is Kallia. I am his daughter, and we are taking you around the Acropolis.

To the right of the entrance is the temple of Artemis Bravronia, a small but beautiful temple with a statue of Artemis by Praxitele and her especially Noarh studied it with all the attention, the face of the goddess was very interestingly executed by the artist, then Kallia led them into Pinakothek. Hephaestion walked incessantly with Alexander, and he, too, was very interested.

– This is a repository of rare and pictures of Athens, let’s go, you will see beautiful pictures of Polygnot., She convinced them. They came in and saw “The Boy Carrying the Jug with Water” and “The Wrestler.”, The picture of Thimenet, as well as other paintings depicting Achilles, Odysseus, and other ancient heroes, depicted with warmth in wax paint on primed wood.

Then they examined the giant statue of Athena Promakhos (Warriors), the work of Phidias, whose spearhead is seen by seafarers, and the golden shield and helmet shine brilliantly in the sun, the face of the goddess is beautiful and imperturbable. Callia and Callius led them to the majestic Parthenon, the frieze of which adorns the image of the birth of Athens, as a product of Zeus and eight columns greeted visitors with unshakable power and beauty. The servants were left outside, and four went into the temple, and Callia showed visitors a statue of the hero Iphicrat, whose image was installed in a temple lit by bronze lamps, the statue of the goddess herself, made of gold and ivory, is beautiful and amazing, the goddess is sculptured in a helmet, long chiton to toe, with a spear in his hand. Here Alexander brought a bloodless sacrifice to the goddess, and from the back side they examined the copper statue of Apollo, and the frieze of the temple, depicting the Attica dispute between Athena and Poseidon. Alexander began to behave strangely next to the altar of Athens and the stone of Dionysus, he stroked the stone for a long time, whispered something, and Notarh heard only: “The second time I was here, how everything changed …", the Cretan did not understand what the prince was talking about, because he had not visited the Acropolis before.

Callius led the Macedonians to the Erechtheion, the temple-palace, the temple-riddle, Nearh anticipated the sight of the rarity of Athens.

“Look,” the priestess caught the attention, “This is the altar of Zeus the Most High,” she pointed out with her hand, and the prince laid flowers on the altar,

“The Erechteion is like a palace in Pella,” Nearh said Neisarch in a whisper,

The entrance to the temple was decorated with sculpted images of the maidens, supporting the heads of the pediment of this beautiful building.

– So here are also hidden things in the basement, – the prince answered in a whisper,

– And this, she solemnly pointed out, pictures of the exploits of the priests, the Kings of the Butadids, descendants of Kekrop. All the main priests and priestesses of Athens of our kind. Next come the secret place of Athena, and the secret place of Poseidon. Only priests can see them, but you are both dedicated, you smoke Nearh, and you are Alexander of the royal family, as we are.

And she led them to the inside of the Erechteion sanctuary, where the mysterious mist covered the secret hall of Athena, where the procession began during scyrophorion, making the Athena Pallas’ fee, they went through the twilight, illuminated only by oil lamps, and finally reached the cloister of Athens-Pallas, illuminated by the uneasy Alexander and Nearh watched this miracle incessantly with the lamp of the greatest Kallimachus, made of gold, until Callia led them out, pointing to the closed salt water well in the temple that led to Persephone monastery and the place, the hatchway to the secret basement, where the crypt is hidden from everyone, where, according to legend, lives Erichtonius the Serpent, the father of the Athenians and a kind of priests Butadids. Nearby was the palace of Poseidon. Nearh looked and recalled, shown by Elicia, and everything came together – the sacred source leading to the habitations of Elishia, the Serpent-Kronos lair, and something else…

“Listen, madam, is there a sacred tree on the Acropolis?” Asked the priestess to smoke.

– You by chance, did not the great Epiminid teach, smoke? – asked Kallia in a half whisper and her eyes widened, and a fright shadow appeared on her face, – The consecrated olive of Athena grows next to the Athenian altar. And remember the oaths that you gave, but the Lady will not forgive.They also looked at the sanctuary of Zeus Polyei, and the priests led them from the Acropolis, going back to the Propylaea, they turned left, to visit Eleusinian, a sanctuary connected with the cult of Persephone and Eleusis, once a year, they bring a mysterious cargo to Eleussion. Kallia led them to the temple, and showed a statue of Artemis Levkofrina (white-browed), Nearh could not take his eyes off her, the image of this figure reminded him of something already seen.

– They went, Nearh, and then the goddess will steal you as a Phaeton, – Alexander laughed. “She would have liked you,” and Callia flashed her eyes at him.

“If you are marked, you are hers,” she said in a whisper, so she only heard her smoking, and he remembered the mark on her shoulder, and she wouldn’t take it anyway.

“Thank you, madam,” Nearh worshiped her, and his legs became wadded, and thought that perhaps he would be lucky.

“Thank you, Kallia, and you, Kall,” Alexander said confidently and proudly. “Receive a gift from me for a good memory,” and he took the fine silver bowls from the servants and handed them over to the Butadids.

“May the blessings of the gods be with you,” said mother and father to friends and said goodbye, the Macedonians went to the house of Demad, and the Butadids climbed the Acropolis. The three Macedonians, on their way to the house of Demad, discussed what they saw, and everyone agreed that the Athenian Acropolis is something extraordinary and unforgettable. It was already dusk, and the archon invited them to dinner, it was also an ordinary, but hearty meal, bread, fish, wine. Friends ate, and got ready for bed, and it was just that the Eters came with Ptolemy at the head.

– How did you find the Athenian Acropolis, Nearh? Interesting? – asked his bodyguard of the prince.

– Many terrific, especially the fire of Kallimachus, who is unbecoming, replied smoking,

– Like this? Whole year burns and does not go out? Interesting. Well, we can’t think about anything after Tais’s dances, went and found some girlfriends.

“Okay, I sleep, Ptolemy,” Nearhar said, yawning, and went to his room, but could not fall asleep at once, recalled the words of Callia, but fortunately, the fatigue took its toll.

The sun rose again above the beautiful Athens, and the rays fell on houses and streets, and the statue of Athia Promachos again shone from the light of Helios. All stood up and ate, and gathered in the gymnasium, as the servant came with a letter from Thais for Alexander.

The prince broke the wax on the papyrus scroll, and read the writing.

– What is it, Alexander? – Hephaestion asked impatiently.

– Fine Tais invites me to his place, – the young man replied with a constant smile, – I will go, of course, you can not refuse a beautiful girl,

“Take security with you,” asked Ptolemy,

“This is unworthy, not to trust such a lovely girl, no, my caring Ptolemy,” he said scornfully. – I’ll go alone.

And, putting on a spacious cloak on the chiton and Macedonian felt hat, fastening the dagger to the belt, went to visit, accompanied by servant Thais.

The eters were waiting impatiently for the prince day and night, and Alexander came only in the morning.

“Oh, finally, Alexander,” cried Hephaestion. – You are back!

“Yes, Thais is unique, beautiful, like a rose,” said the prince dreamily, “She invites you all to the evening, there will be philosophers and poets and artists. I gave her money for all this, do not worry. Friends washed and cleaned the whole morning, and Demad smiled all the time, looking at them.

“Young, young.. Of course, she is not Phryne or Aspasia, but society is going to be interesting,” the archon chuckled. “Go, it will be unforgettable.

All went out washed, combed, dressed in all the best accompanied by squires. Alexander himself led the retinue, and his page carried a bundle and a bag of gifts to hetero, the road did not take much time, the aged slave who had awaited them opened the gate for them, as elsewhere, just like vede servants were taken to a human, symposium was in the garden where everyone met beautiful mistress. Nine guests went to the garden, where twelve beautiful flutist girls, girlfriends and friends of the hostess were waiting for them, so that no one was overlooked, and sat and waited for the Macedonians Onesekrit and the famous Lysippus and poet Lincay, famous for following the ideals of Arstrathrat, famous for its “Sweet Life”. The maids began to bring food to the tables, and the charming hostess introduced the guests.

– This is sculptor Lysippus, – presented to Tais,

– It is a disciple of Diogenes Onesikrit, – that he nodded his head to the rest,

“And this is the passionate follower of Archestrata, the poet Linkay from Samosa, the great Homer of the fish, the Arktin wine and the Hesiod of other hors d’oeuvres.

“But unlike Arhestrata, I dedicate my elegies to tuna, not shark, and of course, the sturgeon laughed at the samoецc.

– And this is Alexander, the son of Philip, and with him his friends – Hephaestion, Ptolemy, Filota, Cassander, Garpal, Eumenes, Nearh, and Leonnat.

She led the guests to the boxes, put the high chair next to Alexander’s place, beautiful, in her best silk dress, opening her neck and hands, adorned with a gold necklace and beautiful earrings, suddenly clapped her hands,

“To make this place pleasant, it needs charming music,” she said with an expression, and in a garden full of guests, twelve beautiful nymphs walked in a charming walk, in knee-length dresses, with flutes, and went around the guests, choosing sit down, and each chose the interlocutor to his liking. Hephaestiona chose a miniature black-haired charm Nano, Ptolemy started serving Bittida wine, Agriopa sat down to Harpalo, Leonty put a treat to Filote, served Cassandra Feano’s little table, beat the pillow to Néarhu, light-haired Egoy, Leonnata fed the hut, and I went to the hut. Laida’s charms, and Clay became the source of inspiration and model for Lysippos, Filia became a model of virtue of Onisicritus, and the mistress of the house became the caretaker for Alexander.

“Let us drink for the beautiful hostess of the house,” the prince proclaimed, which was supported by the guests who cast a bit of wine for the gods, and Tais tode drank the wine from her cup, without taking his eyes off Alexander, who was completely happy in his circle people who love him. He put on a wreath of flowers, and lightly stroking the hair of the hetaera, lightly sank over the lips of her cheek,

– A wonderful holiday, beautiful people, Thais, – and again she kissed her, and she smiled happily.

“Alexander, I would like to create your statue, or at least a bust,” said Lysippos,

“Only maybe, not now, Lysippos,” said Linkey, with a laugh, a couple more bowls, and Alexander can make a beauty like Socrates (was ugly),

To which everyone laughed, the prince laughed in the same way, and Thais patted his blond curls. Eoya chirped to Noarch something about the weather, and he, in order not to be ignorant of ignorance, also put a piece of shark and bread in her plate, and poured wine from the jug, more and more penetrating the tenderness of this beautiful girl. The face of this hetera was also beautiful, with a snub nose, big lips, and a face covered with freckles. She was also very well formed, maybe her chiton was too transparent, not concealing anything, but the fragrant oils were pleasant, and the girl’s society pleased him, and as he looked around, his friends also got along with their girlfriends.

– The treat is great! – Linkey spoke loudly, thank you for calling on such an exquisite meal, gastronomy is great, and having treated us with fish from Meotida, you revealed to us the secret of Achilles, so he owed him his strength, Iphigenia for his kindness, and Gella for beauty.

“And why, Linkey,” everybody exclaimed.

“I will sing an ode to the sturgeon,” adhering from the bed and supported by Laida, who, because of her zeal to keep the co-worker, the chiton fell from the right shoulder revealing a pretty girl figure, but after several cups of excellent wine the poet still tried to read:

When the poet finished his cyclic work, the response was the stormy applause of the guests, and Laida kissed him gently, and Thais gave him a wreath, as the victorious narrator.

The evening was great, but Lysippus could not resist and begged papyrus from Thais, and with a lead pencil he made sketches for Alexander’s bust, and the prince asked him to make a bust and Thais, and she reddened with pleasure. Nearhs no longer paid attention to others, he was completely distracted by Eoya, only saw how pleased the giant Hephaestion Nano was. The sun had already begun to set, it had become much cooler, and the friends decided that it was better to leave Alexander and Thais, and they began to leave with their friends, who took shelter in their cloaks, hiding their true coolness. Kuret saw the charmer enthrall their admirers through the narrow streets of Athens under the roofs of their houses, and he was also taken to see the beauty of the city by a friend, given to him by the will of fate, or rather by the craft of Tais and Alexander.

Nearh woke up in a beautiful little garden in a small house, snuffled next to him, putting her hand under Eoya’s head, beautiful in her nakedness, and tried to cover herself with a fallen blanket in a dream, and also opened her eyes and immediately attracted him to her, so temporarily walked home, but soon Nearkh began to aspire, and having kissed the girl goodbye, he left the purse with the gifts. He left the house, accompanied by a new acquaintance, and at the gates Teres, who was waiting for him at midnight, was sad and cold.

– Hello, master, -promatmatal half-asleep squire,

“Not master, but Nearh, how much to tell you,” corrected him smoking, “We went to Demad.”

To the archon’s house, the Eters with servants slowly began to gather, and they began to gather, it was time to leave the hospitable Athens. By noon, the retinue assembled fully, and the horse began to be advanced to the city gates, led by Demad. At the gate, they warmly said goodbye, and quickly jumped into the camp of the cavalry mud to return home together, and then the news came that Philip Argeada was recognized as the hegemon of Greece in Corinth, all the cities of Istma and Peloponnese except Sparta, remembered that the dynasty of Argead originates from the kings of Argos and Mycenae, as well as the old hatred of Argos to Thebes since the campaign of the “Seven Against Thebes”. And about that, the joint union of the Greeks is going to go to war with Persia, which would liberate the Greeks of Asia Minor.In the same way, Alexander and his retinue moved to Pella, and remained in the capital, to wait for Philipe. Glory Alexander, as the future king, was indisputable among the warriors, and going out and at home of his ancestors, the prince heard the blessings of the warriors, the aphids of their wives, whom he healed from his wounds. One day, Alexander came out of his chambers, met his mother.

– Good morning son. I want to talk to you, “she said,” let’s go to your room,

And they went into his chambers, and Alexander tensed, anticipating again a difficult conversation.

“Listen,” said the mother sitting opposite him, “You have to marry,” she looked at him with a smile and love, like a little one, “To retain power, and the Macedonians saw that you are the real heir to the kingdom, marry a girl from good family, give birth to my grandson. And then, fight yourself as much as you want, otherwise your father decided to marry again, Attal’s daughter, Cleopatra. And if they have a son, you will be in danger. Or do you burn for the love of a girl from Athens? – she smiled wryly.

“And what does she have to do with it?” The young man immediately began to defend himself, “What did she bother you with, and immediately thought that her mother would not be so easily killed,” She’s just a hetera.

“Okay,” the mother immediately calmed down, “but we must get married, the bride, the Macedonian, I will pick you up, you want even from Linkestids.”

She looked and waited, and he knew that he could get out of this conversation, only showing how she loved her, and remembered what had to be done.

“Mom, I brought you a gift,” he said as he left, and recalling the silk bought in Athens, he climbed into the chest, took out a bundle, and showed it to his mother.

“This is for you,” he whispered holding out the present, and mother was very pleased, and kissed her son warmly, and the son, pretending that he was very busy, hurriedly left.

In Macedonia, preparations were under way for a large-scale war; weapons were harvested, especially arrows for Cretan shooters, stocks of swords and spears for ordinary soldiers, forged armor, sewed flaxtoraxes, forged helmets. It was necessary to have a lot of things needed for the war and they arranged warehouses, and for food in Amphipolis, including stored grain for three years.

And then Philip did not disappoint the expectations of the Olympics; he was going to conclude a marriage alliance with Cleopatra, the daughter of Attalus. The girl was beautiful, so it easily won the heart of a devoted lover of female beauty. Before the wedding, Alexander with friends tried not to go to the palace, finding a variety of things for himself, just to not listen to the lamentations of his beloved mother. Soon the wedding day came, and of course, the prince had to attend the wedding. He did not want to push at the temple, so he and his friends, who were invited, waited in the hall where they were served refreshments, the lodges were set apart, the ceiling and walls were decorated with garlands of flowers. So the newlyweds came, and Attal and his relatives, as well as all the generals of Philip, followed them. Alexander sadly recalled Thais’ symposium, where he felt happy, and here only suffering awaited him, and then he waited for the mother’s withering lamentations, which he could not soften.

“You see,” said Hephaestion, “not everything is so bad. Decent people gathered, they served excellent food, – and he put the prince’s meat of goat, stewed in milk. Alexander tried, and his mood began to gradually improve. Then they tasted a stuffed hare, lamb with spices, so the cook was proto great and would honor the Corinthians. The prince already looked at the celebration with different eyes, and of course he understood his father, but he loved his mother. They drank fine wines from Rhodes and Crete. Then the servants brought Persian sweets, and the young men became quite cheerful, and reprimanded themselves to think about the bad.

Nearby was his friend Hephaestion, which made his flour much easier. So the feast continued, the prince heard an exclamation for health, he himself said something immediately forgotten, and in oblivion sipped the wine from the cup, talking to Hephaestion about Athens. Suddenly, as in a dream, he heard Attal’s toast:

“I hope this marriage will bring Macedonia a true heir,” Attal said in an unsteady voice,

– Shut up, – he was immediately interrupted by Philip, who jumped up from the bed.

Alexander, having heard the words of the bride’s uncle, imprinted in the brain.

– What am I, what is illegal? with these words he jumped up and threw a silver cup into Attalus.Philip, who rushed to his son, either to separate the quarreling, or to take his son out of the hall, stumbled with a wounded leg and fell, Alexander rushed out of the hall, and Hephaestion ran after him.

“Hephaestion, prepare horses and a wagon for the mother, as well as summon my friends with the squires,” the prince immediately asked a friend, and he rushed to immediately do what he wanted.

Alexander ran headlong into his mother’s chambers, and saw that she, with her maids, was already collecting valuable things.

“Mom, we’re leaving,” he told his mother.

– Yes. I heard my son, let’s go to Epirus. (for some reason, the young man was not at all surprised) Everything will get better, I love you too, – she said with a smile, wrapping her shawl, presented by her son. They descended, and already the cart was harnessed, and the servant sat on the trestle, and the armed men waited for Hephaestion with a squire, and rode from different parts of the city to all his friends – Garpal, Nearh, Erygius and Ptolemy with their squires, a detachment of thirty mounted, and they hastily drove the Olympiad carriage to the gate, and there the guards, seeing Alexadra, easily released the fugitives, and they moved westward through the passes to Epir. Already it was evening, they moved all night for fear of pursuit. In a month they arrived in Epirus, home of the Olympics.

The king of Epirus himself, Alexander also, met the procession at the gates of the palace.

“Hello sister,” he said, opening fraternal embrace, kissing her and receiving a sister’s kiss in return. – I am glad to you, but not happy about the circumstances that brought you to me, but live here as you like. Olympiad, you received maintenance from three villages before the wedding, and you’ll get it now, – while the face of Alexander’s mother turned pink, the feeding was very impressive.

“But if they attack us, I want Alexander to lead the army of Epirus,” the Epirus king said.

– I agree with gratitude – the young man’s message with joy.

“Well, you will live in my palace,” Alexander Epirsky finished his speech.

The retinue and squires settled near the royal palace, in several houses that the prince bought. It was interesting in the new city, and they began to explore unfamiliar places.

In the city house of Archon Demarat, where the news of discord in the Argead dynasty came, passions raged, because the members of the Council of Corinth gathered here, and they came here so that other people’s ears would not hear too much.

In the garden of the house, a modest treat stood by the archons’ chairs, and the head of the archons listened to the complaints of other Council members.

“Listen, Demarat,” Archaea said, “Phillip promised us peace without war in Hellas, roads without robbers, seas without pirates, flourishing trade, and he sowed discord in the family, and now a feud broke out, and the Hellenic Union would collapse.” Zeus, the witness, we did a lot for him, agreed with the meal, we found money for him, so that he would pull out this whole rabble from the Peloponess in the Persian campaign, and without him the plan of the campaign would collapse like the Trojan walls.

DeMarat made a mournful face, and pretended to listen attentively. I already thought about the situation myself, but he had to squeeze out a letter to Philip from the cautious archons asking for a joining in order to kill a whole herd of hares – flatter the king of Macedonia, because de facto he was recognized as the ruler of the Peloponnese, Alexander is recognized as his successor Hellas is the same, and the fact that they share the need for war with Persia, and you need to get money from them, in order to influence Perdiccas, Parmenion and Antipater.

“Demarat, we are ready to donate money to set up this case,” said Nicostrat, one of the richest archontes of Corinth,

With these words, an indifference mask fell from the face of Prokpen Philip.

“Forgive me, my friends,” he finally spoke, as if in despair holding his head with his left hand, “But this will require at least ten talents of gold. We must convince worthy commanders of the importance of our business, and then our thoughts are pure and worthy.

“We agree, it’s cheaper than a chain of hellish wars that will plunge Corinth into the depths of Tartar.” Replied poor Nicostrat, the true patriot of Corinth.

“And we will write a letter on behalf of the Council of Corinth, as we all worry about the Argead family,” Archaea inserted with a smile.“And by the way, the Argead dynasty is from Argos, they are Danish, and they remember it. Remember, Aminta received poor Mykene people expelled by the Argoses,” added DeMarat, “and many people from noble families of Macedonia are descendants of Mycenaean refugees. But Philip was not cruel, and did not demand the restoration of Miken, as Platea and Orchomen restored, he did not take the land from the Argosts. “It was decided that the Pythian prophecy was fulfilled, a thousand years had passed, and the order of Apollo had happened, and Argos could return the lands of the Mykene to us.” Agreed with him Archaea,

“And we remember that the Macedonians are not strangers to us, but now Philip does a lot for peace in Hellas,” said Nicotrat, “And the Athenians interfere in the affairs of others all by right of kinship.” Everyone knows that the evpatrids of Athens are the descendants of the Messenians, all the Codds of the Messenians, including the famous Plato, therefore the Athenians always support the Messenans in all wars.

Demarat went for the parchment, and seized the writing accessories.

He opened the bureau, secured the sheet, and looked expectantly at Archean.

“Let’s discuss the text, I suppose,” he raised his hand with a reed for writing,

– Maybe we start with the appeal to “King Philip”,

The merchants and trapezes of Corinth, wise with life, who are the most worthy of the archon, finally wrote a letter to the king of Macedonia, and sealed it with their own seals.

“To the king of Macedonia, the brave and just Philip,

From the worthy members of the city council of Corinth, hello.

We are concerned about the discord in your family, and remembering

that now you are Hegemon of Hellas, and the leader of the troops in

the war against Persia, we offer our mediation

between you and your son, heir to the Macedonian Kingdom

Alexander in the application, and although, of course, wrong more

young and impatient Argead, but we strongly ask that you

reconciled with him, for otherwise will bury all our common intentions.

Signed by Nikostrata the Archon, Archean the Archon and Demrat

archon with seals attached.”

“Get together, my friend,” said Nikostrat and Archeus in chorus, from which

DeMarat almost jumped.

“Maybe we will find someone else?” Asked DeMarat hopefully,

“It’s better not to find you,” said Archea with a wicked grimace. “In an hour, you will have money, get ready, and we will send guards, as well as a wagon.

Demarat quickly assembled, called his two servants, and ordered them to gather on a long journey to Macedonia. Exactly an hour later, the Council’s envoys arrived with the amount agreed earlier, and Demarat set off. A month later, DeMarat arrived at Pella, and came to the palace and asked for a meeting with the king. Soon, he was invited as king’s proxen to a small hall. Demarata was led by the king’s bodyguards to the hall, where Philip thoughtfully studied a map of Greece.

– Hello, Phillip, – I came to visit you, – began the Corinthian from afar,

The king looked thoughtfully at a friend, saw that he was holding something in his hands, but did not show it, and began to smile, anticipating an interesting conversation,

“I am glad to see you Demarat,” Philip said, and called the servant, “Guilt to the guest,” he ordered, and with a gesture he gestured for Demarath to sit in the chair next to him.

“I heard that some stupid people have comprehended you, and in order not to beat friends with a friend, I give you a letter from the Council of Corinth,” DeMarat continued the conversation, holding out a tube with a letter.

Philip’s face changed from irritated to delighted for a few seconds when he read the letter from top to bottom, and then hid it, gently turning it into a tube.

“Great, my friend, gently, as far as Philip could be tender, spoke, the king almost sang to Demarat, – I could entrust the supply of troops to you, your help is priceless. Show that the Corinthians recognize me and the son of the rulers of the Hellenic Union, do not want wars in Hellas? You could not give me the best gift. I already try to reconcile with my son through Filota and Cassandra, but now maybe you can help me? You will go as my ambassador, and you will convey, but in words, all Peloponess’s interest in the war with Persia, and the importance of a first-aid. And I, of course, will write a letter for Alexander, ask for an apology, I am ready for that. He will surely show you a letter to his mother, do not hinder him.

Demarat only nodded in reply, anticipating also the road to Epirus, but the appointment of the main supplier of the army eased his flour a little.

Philip pulled out writing instruments from the bureau, quickly wrote an epistle, sealed it, handed it to the proxen, and he was about to leave immediately, however, the king did not detain the peace envoy.The road to Epirus was not at all comfortable, shone a lot of time, Demarat crumpled, and was not at all glad that he had started this game, but it was also impossible to retreat. And so, the small detachment arrived at the refuge of the young man and his mother, and the peace envoy, reeling on unsteady legs, moved to the palace of the descendants of Neoptolem, reporting on himself and was quickly missed by the guard, and the warrior led him into the small rooms of the herald. Demarat tried to give himself a clever and solid look, and crossed the threshold of the room, where Olimpiada and Alexander sat in the chairs opposite him, and there was a third, empty seat, where the young man was familiar to him.

– Be healthy, Alexander and Olympiad, my name is Demarat, I am Archon of Corinth and at Philip’s request I am his messenger and brought a letter from him, – and rising from his chair gave the message to the Tsar’s son, he quickly ran his eyes, and nodding his head, gave the letter to the queen. She read for a long time and thoughtfully, looking for a hidden meaning and there, he was not there.

“What do you think yourself, Corinthian, do not be afraid, not a single word will get out of here,” the young man said harshly, and his mother nodded in the affirmative.

“We in Corinth are afraid of the war between you,” the archon answered honestly and harshly, and people were tired of the war in Hellas, so I decided to help, he answered honestly.

Alexander thought, and nodded his head and the mother, who was also pleased.

– We agree to return, and thanks, the archon told the truth, I will not forget this. Now we will write a letter and send it to the messenger, and you will go with us to Pella, the prince decided everything.

The Olympics quickly wrote a letter, Alexander having read it, sealed his seal. and summoning the soldiers from the guard of Demarat, sent them with a message to Philip, while they themselves began to gather home, to Pella. The preparation of the journey did not take much time, and Alexander Epirsky was glad to see that everything worked out so well that he even singled out a squad of horsemen, then he would conduct his beloved sister and her son. Finally everything was ready, the warriors lined up, the retinue gathered, and the mother and son came out of the gates of the palace, accompanied by the king of Epirus, who were happy to watch the Olympiad get into the carriage, and Alexander jumps up on Boukephalus.

The return journey was a little faster, but it took some time. At a distance of a day’s journey, the Olympics sent a messenger to King Philip, who was coming with his son, and in the morning, they were waited by a whole procession led by the king. Guards silt with Phillip galloped towards them, not reaching a few cubits, the cavalcade stopped at once, and the king personally, on the best stallion, rode up to the cart where the Olympiad rode.

– Hello, wife, his cunning one-eyed face shone with joy, I am also glad to see you, as you are me. Did you spend a relative? I hope all is well with him? – He poured in words, not waiting for an answer to his questions.

“Hello, Alexander,” he said firmly, looking into his son’s eyes, trying to see his own, if not forgiveness, then understanding, “looked at the mountains of Epirus? Admit that hole is still. Understand, we are not strangers in Hellas, as envious Athenians want to expose us, you know yourself that our kind comes from Mycenae, and many Macedonian families come from there origin, and Linkestides, and Oreastids, and your friend Erygius, his family from there. I I would like to talk with you today, and do not be mad at me for my mother. Barbarous leaders around us have such customs – each has many wives, or rather, concubines, this is Herodotus was wrong, the Persian king has only one wife, and this… Well, girls, in general. So is my wife, Olympiada, and these are just girls, taken for peace, because the genus Attala is completely rebellious, so why should I kill them all? You noticed how the people of the world really want, but in our family there is contention, but the Corinthians have made peace with us. I will not hide, I was just happy, – he looked, if there was no Demarat near him, and continued. – They recognized our family as TSAR’S FOR ALL THE PELOPONESS! As in origin and in affairs, we are TsAR for them, but Ellinsky, remember, not Persian, that is, not autocratic, son. We can not create that head up. But, in general, the seeds have been sown, and you will collect them, because the Peloponessians YOU have been recognized as my heir, and behave accordingly, and do not be afraid of your brothers. Alexander listened to his father and nodded, and only now he began to understand the politician of the state that was born, and how people, other people tried to keep this new state, and this new community was important not for the kings, but for ordinary people, as a step to calm and peace. And now began to understand many of the actions of Philipe.

– And I liked how you behaved in Athens, made friends with Linkey and Lysippos, if you want, invite them here, this is good for our prestige, I will gladly pay for their orders, and Onesekrit, your new acquaintance, would also be interested in the court After all, Aristotle had left, and people should see that you are consulting with wise men, it means that you are also wise. Although, I will say in secret – their advice does not always have to be followed. But of course, it’s just necessary to listen to him – he turned around again, the horse underneath him went through his hoofs, – And it’s good that you love friends and feasts, don’t be greedy for your comrades, but don’t indulge them. And the story of Thais is only for your benefit, all aristocrats languish with envy, – again his face smiled conspiratorially at these words, and his father was clearly happy for his son. “Mother will try to marry you therefore, but I do not advise you as a prize in the Olympic Games, everyone wants to see you as a son-in-law, but it’s better to wait, we will defeat Darius, and your marriage will be by the way,” and he patted his son’s shoulder. – Let’s go home, we are waiting for a great meal!

Further, all the way to the house, they rode alongside, father and son, king and prince, commander and basileus, as the Macedonians called them. Out of the corner of his eye, Alexander saw the best commanders Perdikku, Parmenion and Antipater, who were watching the family idyll of father and son with pleasure, gazing with pleasure, and Hephaestion kept nearby, and his friends rode near the Olympics. Pella did not change at all during the months of their absence. Alexander, like his mother, occupied their old rooms, and tried not to notice Cleopatra, however, the prince did not dislike her. Philip had already knocked off the vanguard of the army, and Parmenion and Attal were to head it, and began to search for allies in Asia Minor, and began negotiations with Pixodar. The actor Thessalus became the messenger, and once, passing by the apartments of Philip, Erigy heard a fragment of the conversation:

“The princess of Hell will be a good wife to Arideas,” Philip said,

“Pixar will have enough of this to be sure that he will not lose his kingdom, only now he is satrap Darius, and he will bring you an oath like the Thracians,” answered Thessal.

“We will write a letter now, I will put a seal, take the money and drive the horses not sparing up to Byzantium, and there to Halicarnassus,” Philip pointed out to the courier.

Erigy rushed headlong to Alexander, he rested after the gymnasium, and read the favorite list of the Iliad, ruled by Aristotle, the book was hiking, and written on a thin linen fabric. The prince’s face was calm at that moment, he rested in body and soul, after a breakdown with his father. Hephaestion and Ptolemy sat next to him, and Nearh studied the cellars of the royal palace, and according to rumors, in one of the back streets he found marble marble for the Dionysian sacraments, and was now preparing to introduce friends to the mysteries. And then burst into the hall Erigy.

– Alexander, listen to me! Your father wants to marry Ariidea to Ada, the Carian princess! They want to get around you, surely these are Attalus’s machinations! “Erigy took my speech quickly.

– Right, Attal is plotting everything there. Alexander, Ada is said to be beautiful, and you better come up to her, “Ptolemy confirmed.

– Erigiy, and who is carrying the letter? – asked just entered Nearh,

– Just entered, and immediately to the point. Truly, I now with squires after him, and the ambassador was gone, – added Ptolemy,

– No, my loyal friend, we will prepare a letter about me, – Alexander added, – let’s give money, I have silver talent left, and the brave actor will be my ambassador, Hymen.

– Risky, can take the money, and betray, added Erigy.

Alexander put down the Iliad and began writing a letter to Pixodar with his own hand, then sealed it with his own seal.

– Skachi, Ptolemy, Alexander confirmed in a firm voice, giving the purse to the bodyguard. Ptolemy went out, and he could hear him calling for squires. Friends began to wait.

Three squires and Ptolemy himself rushed headlong out of the palace, and one of them, which did not attract attention, went to the stables and brought out four horses.First, before the palace disappeared from their eyes, they were not fast, then they went on trotting so as not to bore their horses, and asked on the way, did they see a stranger on a mule and with him servants on an ass? Ahead, there was a broken cart with beets and carrots, which the peasant was collecting, and the other was repairing the cart; the wheel of the cart leaped off the axle. Ptolemy dismounted himself, and with him one of the servants, and they approached the commoners.

“Good afternoon, reverend,” Ptolemy greeted. “Did you see strangers on a mule and a donkey?”

– Well, they were, so they drove along this road, saying among themselves that they were going to Byzantium.

“Thank you, you are a kind man,” and Eter ordered the two squires to stay and help me repair the cart.

Themselves began to drive the horses, and soon caught up with the envoy.

“Let me greet you, Thessalus,” Ptolemy greeted him politely. Are you rushing to play a new play? But then a new sponsor was found, and he wants to change words in some places, and wants to give you a talent of silver, if you wish to share his vision of the development of this play.

– Your friend seems to be a true connoisseur of theatrical art? -Posutil, clasping his teeth from fucking Thessal, because he understood what the young man was talking about, and it would be very easy to remain without a head in this production. But the actor’s ambition has taken its toll. – I understand that here, in the course of the play’s action, is the change of the groom?

“You are an experienced minister of Melpomena, you understand,” added Ptolemy, laughing. – Give the recipient my letter.

“I agree with your arguments and I cannot argue,” agreed Thessal.

“Then here is your money, and hurry to do your job, my wingless Eros,” Lagid joked, turning his horse to return to Pella.

Thessal, being an experienced pimp, but he had to deal with such questions several times, waited until Ptolemy was out of sight, changed his appearance, put on rags and glued his beard, and also went to Pella, but to Philip. Passing through a convoy of guards, he secretly notified the king and called Philip to the house of servants.

– Hello the king, I will not torment your impatience, and I will say that your dear son, too, set out to marry, but all the same Arriedeeva bride. Sorry for the insolence, but so Ada will become a real Spartan with two husbands, because her beauty eclipses the sun, and her wealth blinds her eyes, – but looking up at Philip, he saw that he first blushed with rage, but then the roar of his laughter struck even the experienced an actor.

“We’ll play the next comedy with you, Thessal, it will be called Thessal Chained.” What do you think? – and in awe, Philip raised his hands to the sky.

“I love Aeschylus, the king, but the beginning, I don’t quite like it, is too tragic.. – the actor made a mournful grimace.

– No, you do not understand, I’m talking about a comedy, I, of course, not Aristophanes, and not a new friend of the son Linkey, but such a plan, and he briefly outlined the contents of the main character, Thessal’s face changed before our eyes, and then broke into a wide smile. – Well, you understand?

– Completely. All sovereign do.

A week later, when Alexander was reading his beloved Homer after a horse dressage with friends, his father quickly entered his quarters,

– Hey, son. You I will overcame, not only read the Iliad, but you also want to become a storyteller, the king said with a tense expression on his face.

– What are you talking about, father? – the young man was surprised.

“Look, I have your letter here, passed by kind people, agents of Parmenion,” Philip replied with a grin.

Alexander immediately recognized his epistle for Pixodar, and realized that the plan was crowned with failure.