Golden Treasure, Sixth Entry
Hello all,
This is my Golden Treasure, Novel length version, kept here at my LJ account as a safety copy.
Justifiable Malingering
Alexander and his animal friends had a very good time at the Keep of Amyntor. They didn’t want to leave at all! Since they knew that Alexander would have to go home to the Palace as soon as his injured ankle had healed, they all helped out to make the injury seem far worse than it actually was. The Lord Amyntor and the Lady Theano looked with great worry at the young boy, who was pitifully limping around their Keep. His small puppies moaned in sympathy, little Hypnos slithered around and gently tickled the injured foot with his cloven tongue and Ladybird and Bumblebee flew all over the place, their tiny voices tinkling like little silver bells.
// Be careful, Alexander, be careful. You must NOT get well too soon, then we will have to return to the Palace, and there the Bad Man will harass us all once more! //
”It’s strange, ” the Lady Theano told her husband with great concern. ” Alexander’s foot doesn’t look that bad when I do the dressings in the morning. The swelling and bruising is almost gone now. He ought to be running and jumping by now. Such a young boy cannot be malingering! ”
”I am not so sure, my dear, ” the Lord Amyntor answered. ” Young Alexander is wise beyond his age. He doesn’t want to leave, and I understand him. The Palace at Pella is a strange and terrible place, and Master Leonidas is more cruel that you can imagine. We will do nothing for the time being. You don’t need to worry about Alexander’s injury. He sure is malingering, but it is justifiable! ”
”I am so glad that he came to us, and that we are able to give him some rest and peace, ” the Lady adamantly stated. ” It is a crying shame that the crown prince of Macedon is brought up in this outrageous manner. Our Hephaestion will never have a Spartan tutor!”
The faithful couple held their hands as they fondly watched the young boys sitting in the garden, intently listening to Master Lernias reading from their favorite stories. They wished that Alexander would enjoy their hospitality forever, but they knew that when Queen Olympias came the next time to see her young son, he would have to return to the Palace with her.
The Lady Theano shuddered at the mere thought.
Hephaestion also looked with worry and alarm at the sufferings of his new found friend. One of the servants had recently injured his foot. It had seemed to heal properly, but after some weeks it turned all blue and black, and the poor man died in the most abject pain and misery.
What if this dreadful thing would happen to Alexander, too? Hephaestion felt cold, rippling chills down his spine. He wanted only the best for Alexander, and he hoped that they soon would be running and playing more actively together. It was so sad to see Alexander in pain, limping and groaning as he hobbled around the Keep with his animal friends groaning in sympathy.
Outdoor Lessons
Master Lernias did his very best to make his lessons interesting and edifying. His young pupils were both bright and engaged. All the same they often fell asleep together on the couch, especially when the kind old tutor was reading aloud to them. Since it was still summer and warm and comfortable, he moved all his lessons outdoors, to the garden. When they all sat on soft cushions on the stone benches, amongst the sweet and fragrant flowers and the verdant foliage, all their tutoring went more smoothly, and they had no difficulties to stay awake any more.
There were two favorite stories that especially caught the interest of their young minds. They were the Iliad and Xenophon’s Anabasis. They listened with deep reverence and interest while Master Lernias read to them. Afterwards they asked him a multitude of questions, too many for him to answer.
”Oh my, oh my, I cannot tell you all these things that you are so curious about. You must go all the way to Persia and see for yourselves one day! , ” he adamantly told them one sunny afternoon when they had been even more persistent than usual.
”Yes, kind Master, ” Alexander politely answered. ”We will sure do that, and when we come back we can tell YOU how it is over there. ”
The kind old tutor gave the young boy a curious look. There was this very strange and intense sheen in his beautiful gray eyes, this fervent purpose, this deep longing. Master Lernias knew that this was no boyish whim at all.
// Let the Persians beware of young Alexander, ” he silently thought for himself. ”There will be a time when they will learn more about HIM than they might want. ” //
The Wrestling Game
Time went on, and Master Lernias found that young Hephaestion had had a far too long break in his weaponry practice. One day they went to the courtyard. The Keep’s guard captain, the faithful Hecataeus, came to instruct him in the handling and throwing of spears, archery and wrestling. There was a wooden target board, and Hephaestion threw his small javelin time and again towards it, hitting the mark all the time. Alexander sat on a stone bench in the shade of two enormous turquoise green junipers. He watched with great interest, being more and more alerted. Then he came rushing to his friend, barely limping at all.
”You are very good, indeed, Hephaestion, but you can make your throws even more forceful if you use the Spartan way, like this!, ” he adamantly told his new found friend.
Then he grasped the javelin, took aim and with some forceful leaps he threw it at the target. It struck right in the middle, with a powerful thud that made the target board reverberate and shudder for a long time. Hephaestion, Hecataeus and Master Lernias watched with great astonishment. They were silent for a long time. Then the kind old tutor gave Alexander a curious look.
”My young friend, it seems that your foot is getting well, at long last. You may partake in the archery and wrestling lessons, too. ”
Hephaestion was not so calm and forgiving. He pointed at Alexander, his hand trembling as his young and alert mind filled with a sudden rage.
”You! YOU!!! You have been malingering all the time. That foot of yours is not that bad at all. I was worried sick for your sake, seeing you in all that pain and misery. Master Lernias is right. Now I will give you the wrestling lesson of your life!”
There were hidden tears in his eyes as he threw himself over Alexander, grasping his midriff with his small but strong hands. The young boy was hurled to the ground, biting the dust on the courtyard. He soon found his footing and grasped his furious opponent, throwing him into the junipers in the corner. Hephaestion felt a multitude of sharp needles stinging him, but he didn’t let it hamper him. He instantly retorted, catching Alexander as he used his strong legs as pincers, holding him in an inescapable grip.
Alexander had seen very much of Olympias’ snakes and their behaviour, so he managed to slither away from Hephaestion’s strong pincer grip, leaving his new friend rather perturbed. Hephaestion was big and strong for his age, and none of the servants’ children had ever managed to eacape this parade trick of his. No, since he started learning the art of wrestling, no one had ever managed to defeat him. Now Alexander threw him into the junipers once more. The needles stung even worse this time.
Hephaestion knew that he had found a worthy opponent,at long last.
Their wrestling game went on as if forever. Hephaestion was stronger, with a more developed technique, and he had the advantage of proper nutrition. Alexander was more persistent, defeat simply didn’t exist in his bright and focused mind, and his Spartan upbringing had taught him to never give in to pain and hardship.
Master Lernias and Hecataeus watched with worried curiosity. They knew that they ought to take the young boys apart, but at the same time they felt as if they witnessed something of the utmost importance. They let the boys tumble and have at each other, all until they lay in a heap, panting from utter exhaustion. Master Lernias came and put his hands on their aching shoulders.
”My young friends, let us call it a draw. You two are equally excellent wrestlers. Alexander, your Spartan upbringing has taught you something good, I see. Hephaestion is very strong and skilled for his young age. I never thought that you would prevail against him at all.....”
”No, me neither, ” Alexander answered. ” He is much stronger and more skilled than the boys in the Palace School. ” He turned to Hephaestion. ”I am sorry if I upset you so badly. I like it so much here. When my ankle is well again I will have to go home again. I want to stay here with you forever !!! ”
He gave Hephaestion a fond hug. It was instantly returned, and Alexander saw tears in his friend’s beautiful blue eyes.
”I am so glad that you are well again, Alexander. I thought that your foot would NEVER heal again, that you perhaps suffered from some dangerous disease. ” Then he gave Alexander a stern look. ”Why didn’t you confide in me? I could have helped you. I want you to stay here forever, too !!! ”
Master Lernias and Hecataeus watched the tender reconciliation, looking at each other. This was no ordinary friendship between two young boys spending time together.
No, this was the beginning of a life long bond of the most amazing Friendship.
The Lord Amyntor witnessed the fierce wrestling game from a vaulted window on the second floor. He was alarmed when he saw his young son manhandling the Crown Prince on his own courtyard. And Alexander was still suffering from his sprained ankle. What if he became permanently crippled from his injury?
The Lord Amyntor ran down the stairs and towards the young boys. He grasped Hephaestion in the arm and lifted him forcefully from the ground.
”Hephaestion! You may not treat Alexander like this! He is no ordinary boy !!!”
”I know that already, Father. He is my very dearest friend.”
Alexander listened with a smile. At long last he had found someone who cared for him not because of his rank and high station.
No, Hephaestion cared for him and wanted to be his friend for HIS sake alone. Alexander felt himself overwhelmed by warmth and tenderness as he gave Hephaestion another fond hug.
”You must not scold him, Lord Amyntor. He is the best wrestling opponent that I have ever met, and my very best friend, too.
The Lord Amyntor looked at his son and the Crown Prince, seeing them with a new understanding.
”Yes, Alexander, I have seen this, and I will not punish him. Now you must go and wash and dress in clean chitons. Supper will be waiting in the garden. ”
Nighttime Conversation
Hephaestion woke up in the middle of the night, feeling cold and lonely.
Alexander was not there, at his side !
They had been sleeping together ever since Alexander arrived at the Keep, since the young golden haired boy occasionally was tormented by the most hideous nightmares. Hephaestion was frightened by them, too, but he wanted to be of help and comfort, and he was usually successful. His friendly embrace and kind and reassuring words worked like a charm, and always put Alexander back to a calm and deep sleep. Hephaestion often stayed awake, though, contemplating the strange upbringing of his new, and very dear friend. On these occasions he looked at the golden haired boy, in the soft light from the night lamp, or the from silvery moon outside the window.
// You are so brave and strong. I wonder, what is so terrible, that it haunts you each and every night? It must be more than Master Leonidas and his Spartan misdemeanours. ”
Hephaestion desperately felt around him. The bed was empty, except for Achilles and Antigona, who purred friendly in their sleep, as he stroked them. Now he sat up, looking all around.
Alexander was sitting at the window, with his puppies Sirius and Procyon at his side on the stony windowsill. He gently patted their tiny furry head as they moaned and howled most pitifully in hushed voices. Ladybird and Bumblebee were awake, too.
”Alexander. We don’t want to go away from this fine and friendly place!, ” they beckoned imploringly with their small voices tinkling like little silver bells. ” The Bad Man will beat us and stave us again as soon as we return. ”
”Yes, I know, my small friends. But my foot has healed completely now, and we cannot stay here any longer. Mother and little Cleopatra needs us. They miss us dearly, they told us so at their latest visit here. ”
Little Hypnos slithered anxiously around his arm.
”Alexander. We cannot return to the Palace. Glaucosss cannot hold Massster Leonidasss prisssoner forever - and when he is at large again he will be even worssse, ” the little house snake hissed in fearful misery.
”He IS already worse, my little one. I have suffered his Spartan ways for a year now. There can be no worse adversities and miseries than those that he has already inflicted upon us. ”
Alexander tried to comfort his small animal friends, but it was very difficult. His voice was faltering, and soon he embraced the puppies and rested his head on the cold stone of the windowsill.
”What shall I do? Whatever shall I do? I need this Spartan upbringing, they all tell me this. I will never become a mighty warrior without it. It is just so hard to endure, especially now when I know that there is a better way of tutoring. Hephaestion has never been beaten at all, and he is the strongest and bravest boy that I have ever known. I want to stay here forever , but I cannot! ”
He remained slumped at the windowsill, crying bitter and forlorn tears as he shivered from cold ans misery. Hephaestion didn’t know what to make of it all. He didn’t want to embarrass his friend. Alexander was so very strong and brave with his hard Spartan upbringing. It was not seemly for him to be seen crying in abjected misery.
When Alexander had calmed down, Hephaestion slowly rose from his bed, bringing his soft, warming blue blanket. Achilles and Antigona woke up, and accompanied him. He came up to his friend and put his arm around his trembling shoulders. At the same time he wrapped them all into the warming blanket. Alexander settled and leaned towards him, feeling calm and secure.
”Ah, that feels good. So cold, so very cold......”
”Alexander. Why are you not in bed, sleeping? Nights are cold up here on the Hill, even in summer. ”
” I am worried about going back home to the Pella Palace, even if I know that I must! My Mother and little Sister miss me, and I miss them - but I like it much better here with you and your family! ”
He embraced Hephaestion, tears still on his cheeks. His embrace was returned.
”Now you are confiding in me, ”Hephaestion answered reassuringly. ”I will always be there for you, and - we need not be separated for very long. Father often goes to Pella for all kinds of business, even with the King. He has promised to bring me whenever he goes there. ”
Alexander gave his friend a warming smile.
”That sure gives me something to look forward to. The Palace is the biggest house in Pella. You cannot miss it. ”
They sat in silence for a very long time in the stone vaulted window. The red warlike planet of Ares, the silvery sickle moon and the bright and friendly star of Aphrodite shone on the velvet dark blue sky outside, giving their Blessing to the burgeoning Friendship of the young boys.
At long last they went back to bed and fell asleep, huddled together in a warm and friendly embrace. Their dreams were filled with beautiful images of a bright and glorious future together.
Farewell To The Keep
At long last the day had come for Alexander to leave the Keep. The Lady Theano dressed him in a fine linen chiton and wrapped a red woolen cloak around his shoulders.
”Take good care of yourself now, little dear one, ” she told him as she gave him a fond embrace and gently caressed his golden curls. There were tears in her eyes.
Hephaestion managed to give him some of his own finest chitons and another, blue woollen cloak, carefully wrapped into a fine bundle.
”Here, Alexander. I want to give you something that you will truly need, ” he adamantly told Alexander, as he tried to hide the tears gathering in his eyes.
Alexander gave him a warm smile.
”Many thanks, my friend. Yes, you always know what I need the best - but I need YOU much more than fine clothes and delicious food !”
They embraced, both desperately trying to hide the tears gathering in their eyes. At their feet the small kittens and puppies also took an emotional farewell, sorrowfully yelping and meowing as they nudged their tiny noses. Their first reluctance had turned into a warm friendship, most unusual for cats and dogs, and they would miss one another sorely. Little Hypnos slithered around Alexander’s feet, sullenly hissing to himself.
”We don’t want to leave thisss fine place !!! ”
Ladybird and Bumblebee flew around them all, tinkling like little silver bells.
”No, we want to stay here! Everyone is nice to us here, and Master Lernias is sooooo much kinder than Master Leonidas!”
Little Bumblebee brandished his tiny stinger.
”I will have to use this on him if he doesn’t behave himself!”
They all went to the nursery. Little Baby Helen was crawling on a warm rose colored blanket on the floor, playing with a sweet doll dressed in rose colored clothes. She sometimes shook a rattle, making melodious sounds. Alexander knelt and took her up. She smiled and gurgled with delight.
”Goodby, my little Dear One. Now I will have to go home to my place for some time, ” he told her. ”I sure hope that we’ll meet again soon. ”
He held her for a long time, gently cradling her in his lap. As she realized the meaning of his behaviour she started to cry inconsolably. Hephaestion immediately took his little sister in his arms, trying to calm her down.
”Oh no. You shouldn’t have told her THAT! Now you have upset her so badly that she will cry for hours. ”
”I didn’t mean to upset her - but I didn’t want to go away without saying good bye to her. She is such a sweet little child, just like my own little sister when she was this small. ”
They had to bring little Baby Helen with them. The Lord Amyntor and the Lady Theano waited for them down on the courtyard. They gave Alexander fond and warming hugs.
”Good bye, Alexander. We will sure miss you here. You know that you are always welcome at our Keep, whenever you need a friendly place.
”Yes, I know that. I sure wish that I could have staid longer...”
The Lady Theano took little Baby Helen from Hephaestion, gently cradling the little girl in her arms. The little one smiled happily towards her Mother, but then she saw Alexander in his travel cloak and started crying once more.
Hephaestion gave Alexander another fond hug.
”We’ll meet again soon. Father has promised to let me come with him next time he has some business with the King. ”
”Yes, I live in the Palace so it’ll be easy for you to find me. ”
Now eight stout and determined soldiers rode throught the gates of the Keep. They were dressed in read cloaks and shining armour. Their leader was a very big and strong looking man, having long black hair and a big black beard. Alexander ran towards him.
”Cleitus! Cleitus! So good to see you again. How are things at the Palace?”
”Much as usual, Alexander. You will have some really nice surprises, though!”, the black haired man answered.
”Surprises? What can they be, Cleitus?”
”I will not tell you, then it is no surprise. ” He turned to the Lord and Lady, and Hephaestion. ”Many thanks for all that you have done for Alexander. His Mother and Father are most thankful for all your help. ”
Alexander embraced Hephaestion once more, then he was hoisted up before Cleitus on the horse, together with Hypnos and the puppies. Ladybird and Bumblebee flew around them, but soon the little ones settled on Alexander’s shoulder. The eight soldiers rode away, leaving the Amyntor family standing in the gate. Alexander waved eagerly at them, all until he couldn’t see them anymore. Hephaestion watched them disappear down the slope, his eyes filled with a mist of tears.
// Alexander, I sure will miss you a lot. How very strange, thought. You who had no warm and decent clothes, you have a guard of honour coming to take you back to your home. //
Return To The Palace
Alexander looked back at the Keep until it disappeared from his sight. They rode through the forest and he felt calm and secure when sitting on horseback with Cleitus. The big black haired man was the brother of his dear nurse Hellanike, and he had been a frequent visitor at the nursery, playing all kinds of games and telling all kinds of wild tales from the King’s campaigns.
They soon came to the Palace and entered through the gate. When they had dismounted the horses and seen them taken away by the stable hands, Cleitus immediately took Alexander to the Hall.
”My little one, you will have the first surprise at once!”, he told him.
King Philip sat on his throne, entertaining his Generals and Companions. When he saw his son he held out his arms. Alexander ran towards him and jumped up in his lap, crumpling and upsetting the King’s fine purple chiton and mantle.
”Father! You are home again! I didn’t know that. Are you well?”
”Yes, Alexander, of course I am well. I have heard about all your adventures while I have been away. It seems that my good friend Amyntor has a fine and resourceful son. I am happy to hear that you two have become dear friends, too.”
Alexander talked with his father the King for some time, eagerly listening to what King Philip could tell him about his travels and Campaigns. Then he went to the Queen’s chambers and had a fond reunion with his Mother and little sister.
In the afternoon there was a splendid dinner at the Palace, to celebrate the King’s homecoming, and Alexander’s, too. The young Prince sat at the Seat of Honour together with his father, and he enjoyed the finest foods with fresh mountain water to accompany it. There were steaks, soft boiled vegetables, newly baked, soft bread and also some raspberry juice served in a golden jug.
Towars the end of the evening the young Prince fell asleep and the King carried him to his bed. There Queen Olympias joined him. He embraced his Queen, finding that he had longd for her more than he could have thought.
”My Dear Olympias, ”he told her, ”I have listened to you and I know what Alexander needs. Our son will have quite a surprise when he awakens tomorrow!”
Olympias smiled. It was not very often that her illustrious husband listened to her and followed her advise.
This time she was most satisfied. Alexander’s wellfare was the most important thing in the world for Olympias.
Absent Friends
Alexander woke up in the morning. All his animal friends were with him and they merrily talked to him. Ladybird and Bumblebee tinkled like little silver bells, Hypnos hissed and Sirius and Procyon yelped.
”Where is Phai? Where is Phai?, ” they all yelled in unison. ”And where are Achilles and Antigona and all his squirrels and rabbits?”
”Yes, my little Dear Ones, I wonder that, too, Alexander said. ”I sure miss them all, especially Phai!”
He sat down at the window and looked out with great longing. A tear fell from his right eye. It made a shining trail down his cheek and then it fell on little Hypnos’ scaly head. The house snake looked up and hissed in astonishment.
”Alexander, you are crying. Boyssss are not sssupposed to cry, ”Hypnos adamantly stated.
Alexander gently patted his little hose snake on his head.
”Yes, I know, but I miss Phai so very much, ”he answered.
”We too, we too, ”all the animals said in unison.
A New Tutor
Alexander waited a the window. He was very surprised that Master Leonidas had not come yet to purr him and force him to swim in the ice cold moat. Then the door opened. Alexander jumped up to a rigid, standing pose. The little boy was suddenly filled with dread and dismay.
It changed into total confusion.
A kind looking old man came into the room. He had white hair and a long beard and the kindest light blue eyes.
”Who ever are you, ”Alexander asked with great curiosity.
”I am Master Lysimachos, your new tutor, ”the new arrival answered. ”Master Leonidas has been taken ill and I am his replacement.”
”Well, at least you cannot be worse than HIM, ”the young Prince stated.
”Alexander!,” Ladybird and Bumblebee chimed. ”Now you are naughty! Can’t you see that Master Lysimachos is a good person!”
”Yes, I see that now. I suppose this school day will be a better one than most! Well, let us go and take a swim in the moat and then run seven leaps around the Palace. ”
”I know that you use to do this every morning, Alexander, but today we will do it differently, ”Master Lysimachos said. ”Take all your animal friends and go out in the garden. I am sure that you will like what you find there. ”
The school day became a fine and strange experience. Master Lysimachos let Alexander and all his animal friends have breakfast in the garden. The bread was soft, it was served with soft goat cheese and sweet raspberry and strawberry jamand goat milk in an ample supply. They all became satisfied, they had not had such full stomacs ever, Alexander and his animal friends mused. Then they had lessons in reading, mathematics and writing. When the intended chores were accomplished Lysimachos told Alexander stories from the Iliad and the Odyssey. The young Prince could clearly see Achilles and Patroclos before his Inner Eye.
For some strange reason Patroclos had glossy, auburn hair and he was surrounded by kittens, rabbits and squirrels.
There was a good luncheon in the garden, cabbage stew, pork chops and softly boilded carrots, with clear mountain waters to drink. Afterwards they had an afternoon nap. Then Black Cleitus came and there were lessons in spear throwing and fencing. Lysimachos sat and gave him kind comments and applause all the time. Alexander found that something was missing from the practical lessons. It took him sometime to realize what it was.
Master Lysimachos had no cruel wooden cudgel that rained constant beatings over his back! The young Prince did not miss that one at all.
Alexander missed Phai and Master Lernias a lot, but he liked his new tutor all the same.
// I sure hope that it takes a long time before Master Leonidas recovers, ”he mused to himself.” //
A Surprise Visit
It took Master Leonidas a very long time to recover from his ordeals in the Palace dungeons. Alexander did not miss him a bit. Then one day he was back with a vengeance. The things returned to their usual Spartan way. Alexander and his animal friends were now constantly starving and hardworking. They missed Master Lysimachos a lot. He sometimes came to offer comfort and support to Alexander, but it was not nearly enough.
The good times at the Keep of Amyntor became a distant and happy wishful dream. Every evening before bedtime Alexander sat together with his little animal friends, looking out at their window. There was a friendly light shining in another window, at the Keep at the Second Hill. Alexander imagined that there sat another little boy, auburn haired and with blue eyes, watching him from afar, surrounded by kittens, squirrels and rabbits.
He was right. At the Keep of Amyntor Hephaestion sat, equally longing for his golden haired friend. He knew that Alexander lived in Pella and he asked his Father and Mother every day if they could not go there.
At long last the day had come. The Lord Amyntor had errands at Pella and he brought Hephaestion with him. The little boy said good bye to all his animal friends and eagerly mounted his auburn maned pony. He hummed a merry tune to himself all the way to Pella.
When they arrived there his father rode to a very big house. It was surrounded by high walls and it had many stores.
Hephaestion had always thought that the Keep of Amyntor was the biggest house in all the world. Now he knew that this was not true.
THIS house must be the biggest in all the world.
Hephaestion shyly entered this spatious mansion together with his father. There was a very big courtyard inside, all covered with cobbled stones.
”Stay here and be good, Hephaestion. I will be back soon, ”the Lord Amyntor said to his son before he disappeared into the mansion.
Hephaestion sat on a stone, watching all the strange and intersting proceedings going on aht the courtyard. Some men taking horses out from an enormous stable. He liked the horses. They were very fine looking animals, well groomed, with manes and tails pleated and with finely adorned gear. Then came the Riders. They were in full armour and mounted, taking the horses out through the gate for a long ride.
Then there were some other men, dressed in red and yellow cloaks and finely polished armour. They did all kinds of complicated manoevers with swords and lances, yelling and shouting and stomping in a most frightening manner.
The little boy did not like all this. He looked for a refuge. Then a door appeared in the stone wall, as a safe and secure haven. Wonderful fragrances wafted toward him. They were enticing and he leaped through the door knowing that something quite wonderful must wait for him. At the other side was an enchanted garden. A young golden haired boy sat there playing with two wild and merry puppets. A Ladybird and a Bumblebee were merrily buzzing around his ears. Hephaestion instantly recognized them all.
It was Alexander and his animal friends!
The little boys embraced and started to play and frolick on the emerald green grass. It was as if they had never been apart. Hephaestion noticed that Alexander had a thin, threadbare woolen chiton once more.
”Oh, now you have this thin and threadbare chiton again. Where is the warm and good one that I gave to you?, ”he asked with kind concern.
”I saved it together with my other good clothes. I have those when I attend our parties here at home, ”Alexander answered. ”
They continued playing. Then the Lord Amyntor came together with King Philip and Master Leonidas. They stood watching the young boys for a very long time. Then the Lord Amyntor called out for Hephaestion.
”Hephaestion, my son! It is time that we went back to the Keep. I am finished with my business with King Philip here at the Palace.”
”Yes, Father - but can I just stay for some more time here with Alexander?”
”Yes, Father. Let him stay here with me some more. We are having such a good time together!”, Alexander pleaded to King Philip.
Hephaestion looked with great astonishment and then he politely bowed his head to the old, one eyed man before looking with even greater astonishment to Alexander.
”You are the King!”, he stated, ”and you, you are the Crown Prince! I never could have guessed. You, Sire, you ought to give your son some warm and decent clothes and some more food!”
The Lord Amyntor blushed together with King Philip. Then Master Leonidas came forward.
”It is part of the Spartan upbringing, ”he told them all. ”Our Crown Prince must experience all the hardships of common men to learn how to be a good King and General!”
”And you must be Master Leonidas, ”Hephaestion said. He was a brave young boy, but still his voice trembled a bit when he saw the stern old tutor. ”Alexander has told me so much about you. Now I want to share a school day with him, seeing how your Spartan ways truly are.”
Master Leonidas turned to the King and the Lord Amyntor. They nodded with consent.
”This could be a good idea. Alexander likes your son, my good Amyntor, ”the King said. ”Could your son stay here at the Palace for the evening and next day? We are giving a party this evening that you could attend.”
”Yes, of course, Sire. I will just send a message to my wife so that she will not expect us back this evening, ”the Lord Amyntor answered. ”But, you be good to my son, ”he said with stern determination to Master Leonidas. He is very dear to me and the Lady Theano.”
The little boys went to the Palace school room together with Master Leonidas. They knew that the time to come would be most interesting.
This is my Golden Treasure, Novel length version, kept here at my LJ account as a safety copy.
Justifiable Malingering
Alexander and his animal friends had a very good time at the Keep of Amyntor. They didn’t want to leave at all! Since they knew that Alexander would have to go home to the Palace as soon as his injured ankle had healed, they all helped out to make the injury seem far worse than it actually was. The Lord Amyntor and the Lady Theano looked with great worry at the young boy, who was pitifully limping around their Keep. His small puppies moaned in sympathy, little Hypnos slithered around and gently tickled the injured foot with his cloven tongue and Ladybird and Bumblebee flew all over the place, their tiny voices tinkling like little silver bells.
// Be careful, Alexander, be careful. You must NOT get well too soon, then we will have to return to the Palace, and there the Bad Man will harass us all once more! //
”It’s strange, ” the Lady Theano told her husband with great concern. ” Alexander’s foot doesn’t look that bad when I do the dressings in the morning. The swelling and bruising is almost gone now. He ought to be running and jumping by now. Such a young boy cannot be malingering! ”
”I am not so sure, my dear, ” the Lord Amyntor answered. ” Young Alexander is wise beyond his age. He doesn’t want to leave, and I understand him. The Palace at Pella is a strange and terrible place, and Master Leonidas is more cruel that you can imagine. We will do nothing for the time being. You don’t need to worry about Alexander’s injury. He sure is malingering, but it is justifiable! ”
”I am so glad that he came to us, and that we are able to give him some rest and peace, ” the Lady adamantly stated. ” It is a crying shame that the crown prince of Macedon is brought up in this outrageous manner. Our Hephaestion will never have a Spartan tutor!”
The faithful couple held their hands as they fondly watched the young boys sitting in the garden, intently listening to Master Lernias reading from their favorite stories. They wished that Alexander would enjoy their hospitality forever, but they knew that when Queen Olympias came the next time to see her young son, he would have to return to the Palace with her.
The Lady Theano shuddered at the mere thought.
Hephaestion also looked with worry and alarm at the sufferings of his new found friend. One of the servants had recently injured his foot. It had seemed to heal properly, but after some weeks it turned all blue and black, and the poor man died in the most abject pain and misery.
What if this dreadful thing would happen to Alexander, too? Hephaestion felt cold, rippling chills down his spine. He wanted only the best for Alexander, and he hoped that they soon would be running and playing more actively together. It was so sad to see Alexander in pain, limping and groaning as he hobbled around the Keep with his animal friends groaning in sympathy.
Outdoor Lessons
Master Lernias did his very best to make his lessons interesting and edifying. His young pupils were both bright and engaged. All the same they often fell asleep together on the couch, especially when the kind old tutor was reading aloud to them. Since it was still summer and warm and comfortable, he moved all his lessons outdoors, to the garden. When they all sat on soft cushions on the stone benches, amongst the sweet and fragrant flowers and the verdant foliage, all their tutoring went more smoothly, and they had no difficulties to stay awake any more.
There were two favorite stories that especially caught the interest of their young minds. They were the Iliad and Xenophon’s Anabasis. They listened with deep reverence and interest while Master Lernias read to them. Afterwards they asked him a multitude of questions, too many for him to answer.
”Oh my, oh my, I cannot tell you all these things that you are so curious about. You must go all the way to Persia and see for yourselves one day! , ” he adamantly told them one sunny afternoon when they had been even more persistent than usual.
”Yes, kind Master, ” Alexander politely answered. ”We will sure do that, and when we come back we can tell YOU how it is over there. ”
The kind old tutor gave the young boy a curious look. There was this very strange and intense sheen in his beautiful gray eyes, this fervent purpose, this deep longing. Master Lernias knew that this was no boyish whim at all.
// Let the Persians beware of young Alexander, ” he silently thought for himself. ”There will be a time when they will learn more about HIM than they might want. ” //
The Wrestling Game
Time went on, and Master Lernias found that young Hephaestion had had a far too long break in his weaponry practice. One day they went to the courtyard. The Keep’s guard captain, the faithful Hecataeus, came to instruct him in the handling and throwing of spears, archery and wrestling. There was a wooden target board, and Hephaestion threw his small javelin time and again towards it, hitting the mark all the time. Alexander sat on a stone bench in the shade of two enormous turquoise green junipers. He watched with great interest, being more and more alerted. Then he came rushing to his friend, barely limping at all.
”You are very good, indeed, Hephaestion, but you can make your throws even more forceful if you use the Spartan way, like this!, ” he adamantly told his new found friend.
Then he grasped the javelin, took aim and with some forceful leaps he threw it at the target. It struck right in the middle, with a powerful thud that made the target board reverberate and shudder for a long time. Hephaestion, Hecataeus and Master Lernias watched with great astonishment. They were silent for a long time. Then the kind old tutor gave Alexander a curious look.
”My young friend, it seems that your foot is getting well, at long last. You may partake in the archery and wrestling lessons, too. ”
Hephaestion was not so calm and forgiving. He pointed at Alexander, his hand trembling as his young and alert mind filled with a sudden rage.
”You! YOU!!! You have been malingering all the time. That foot of yours is not that bad at all. I was worried sick for your sake, seeing you in all that pain and misery. Master Lernias is right. Now I will give you the wrestling lesson of your life!”
There were hidden tears in his eyes as he threw himself over Alexander, grasping his midriff with his small but strong hands. The young boy was hurled to the ground, biting the dust on the courtyard. He soon found his footing and grasped his furious opponent, throwing him into the junipers in the corner. Hephaestion felt a multitude of sharp needles stinging him, but he didn’t let it hamper him. He instantly retorted, catching Alexander as he used his strong legs as pincers, holding him in an inescapable grip.
Alexander had seen very much of Olympias’ snakes and their behaviour, so he managed to slither away from Hephaestion’s strong pincer grip, leaving his new friend rather perturbed. Hephaestion was big and strong for his age, and none of the servants’ children had ever managed to eacape this parade trick of his. No, since he started learning the art of wrestling, no one had ever managed to defeat him. Now Alexander threw him into the junipers once more. The needles stung even worse this time.
Hephaestion knew that he had found a worthy opponent,at long last.
Their wrestling game went on as if forever. Hephaestion was stronger, with a more developed technique, and he had the advantage of proper nutrition. Alexander was more persistent, defeat simply didn’t exist in his bright and focused mind, and his Spartan upbringing had taught him to never give in to pain and hardship.
Master Lernias and Hecataeus watched with worried curiosity. They knew that they ought to take the young boys apart, but at the same time they felt as if they witnessed something of the utmost importance. They let the boys tumble and have at each other, all until they lay in a heap, panting from utter exhaustion. Master Lernias came and put his hands on their aching shoulders.
”My young friends, let us call it a draw. You two are equally excellent wrestlers. Alexander, your Spartan upbringing has taught you something good, I see. Hephaestion is very strong and skilled for his young age. I never thought that you would prevail against him at all.....”
”No, me neither, ” Alexander answered. ” He is much stronger and more skilled than the boys in the Palace School. ” He turned to Hephaestion. ”I am sorry if I upset you so badly. I like it so much here. When my ankle is well again I will have to go home again. I want to stay here with you forever !!! ”
He gave Hephaestion a fond hug. It was instantly returned, and Alexander saw tears in his friend’s beautiful blue eyes.
”I am so glad that you are well again, Alexander. I thought that your foot would NEVER heal again, that you perhaps suffered from some dangerous disease. ” Then he gave Alexander a stern look. ”Why didn’t you confide in me? I could have helped you. I want you to stay here forever, too !!! ”
Master Lernias and Hecataeus watched the tender reconciliation, looking at each other. This was no ordinary friendship between two young boys spending time together.
No, this was the beginning of a life long bond of the most amazing Friendship.
The Lord Amyntor witnessed the fierce wrestling game from a vaulted window on the second floor. He was alarmed when he saw his young son manhandling the Crown Prince on his own courtyard. And Alexander was still suffering from his sprained ankle. What if he became permanently crippled from his injury?
The Lord Amyntor ran down the stairs and towards the young boys. He grasped Hephaestion in the arm and lifted him forcefully from the ground.
”Hephaestion! You may not treat Alexander like this! He is no ordinary boy !!!”
”I know that already, Father. He is my very dearest friend.”
Alexander listened with a smile. At long last he had found someone who cared for him not because of his rank and high station.
No, Hephaestion cared for him and wanted to be his friend for HIS sake alone. Alexander felt himself overwhelmed by warmth and tenderness as he gave Hephaestion another fond hug.
”You must not scold him, Lord Amyntor. He is the best wrestling opponent that I have ever met, and my very best friend, too.
The Lord Amyntor looked at his son and the Crown Prince, seeing them with a new understanding.
”Yes, Alexander, I have seen this, and I will not punish him. Now you must go and wash and dress in clean chitons. Supper will be waiting in the garden. ”
Nighttime Conversation
Hephaestion woke up in the middle of the night, feeling cold and lonely.
Alexander was not there, at his side !
They had been sleeping together ever since Alexander arrived at the Keep, since the young golden haired boy occasionally was tormented by the most hideous nightmares. Hephaestion was frightened by them, too, but he wanted to be of help and comfort, and he was usually successful. His friendly embrace and kind and reassuring words worked like a charm, and always put Alexander back to a calm and deep sleep. Hephaestion often stayed awake, though, contemplating the strange upbringing of his new, and very dear friend. On these occasions he looked at the golden haired boy, in the soft light from the night lamp, or the from silvery moon outside the window.
// You are so brave and strong. I wonder, what is so terrible, that it haunts you each and every night? It must be more than Master Leonidas and his Spartan misdemeanours. ”
Hephaestion desperately felt around him. The bed was empty, except for Achilles and Antigona, who purred friendly in their sleep, as he stroked them. Now he sat up, looking all around.
Alexander was sitting at the window, with his puppies Sirius and Procyon at his side on the stony windowsill. He gently patted their tiny furry head as they moaned and howled most pitifully in hushed voices. Ladybird and Bumblebee were awake, too.
”Alexander. We don’t want to go away from this fine and friendly place!, ” they beckoned imploringly with their small voices tinkling like little silver bells. ” The Bad Man will beat us and stave us again as soon as we return. ”
”Yes, I know, my small friends. But my foot has healed completely now, and we cannot stay here any longer. Mother and little Cleopatra needs us. They miss us dearly, they told us so at their latest visit here. ”
Little Hypnos slithered anxiously around his arm.
”Alexander. We cannot return to the Palace. Glaucosss cannot hold Massster Leonidasss prisssoner forever - and when he is at large again he will be even worssse, ” the little house snake hissed in fearful misery.
”He IS already worse, my little one. I have suffered his Spartan ways for a year now. There can be no worse adversities and miseries than those that he has already inflicted upon us. ”
Alexander tried to comfort his small animal friends, but it was very difficult. His voice was faltering, and soon he embraced the puppies and rested his head on the cold stone of the windowsill.
”What shall I do? Whatever shall I do? I need this Spartan upbringing, they all tell me this. I will never become a mighty warrior without it. It is just so hard to endure, especially now when I know that there is a better way of tutoring. Hephaestion has never been beaten at all, and he is the strongest and bravest boy that I have ever known. I want to stay here forever , but I cannot! ”
He remained slumped at the windowsill, crying bitter and forlorn tears as he shivered from cold ans misery. Hephaestion didn’t know what to make of it all. He didn’t want to embarrass his friend. Alexander was so very strong and brave with his hard Spartan upbringing. It was not seemly for him to be seen crying in abjected misery.
When Alexander had calmed down, Hephaestion slowly rose from his bed, bringing his soft, warming blue blanket. Achilles and Antigona woke up, and accompanied him. He came up to his friend and put his arm around his trembling shoulders. At the same time he wrapped them all into the warming blanket. Alexander settled and leaned towards him, feeling calm and secure.
”Ah, that feels good. So cold, so very cold......”
”Alexander. Why are you not in bed, sleeping? Nights are cold up here on the Hill, even in summer. ”
” I am worried about going back home to the Pella Palace, even if I know that I must! My Mother and little Sister miss me, and I miss them - but I like it much better here with you and your family! ”
He embraced Hephaestion, tears still on his cheeks. His embrace was returned.
”Now you are confiding in me, ”Hephaestion answered reassuringly. ”I will always be there for you, and - we need not be separated for very long. Father often goes to Pella for all kinds of business, even with the King. He has promised to bring me whenever he goes there. ”
Alexander gave his friend a warming smile.
”That sure gives me something to look forward to. The Palace is the biggest house in Pella. You cannot miss it. ”
They sat in silence for a very long time in the stone vaulted window. The red warlike planet of Ares, the silvery sickle moon and the bright and friendly star of Aphrodite shone on the velvet dark blue sky outside, giving their Blessing to the burgeoning Friendship of the young boys.
At long last they went back to bed and fell asleep, huddled together in a warm and friendly embrace. Their dreams were filled with beautiful images of a bright and glorious future together.
Farewell To The Keep
At long last the day had come for Alexander to leave the Keep. The Lady Theano dressed him in a fine linen chiton and wrapped a red woolen cloak around his shoulders.
”Take good care of yourself now, little dear one, ” she told him as she gave him a fond embrace and gently caressed his golden curls. There were tears in her eyes.
Hephaestion managed to give him some of his own finest chitons and another, blue woollen cloak, carefully wrapped into a fine bundle.
”Here, Alexander. I want to give you something that you will truly need, ” he adamantly told Alexander, as he tried to hide the tears gathering in his eyes.
Alexander gave him a warm smile.
”Many thanks, my friend. Yes, you always know what I need the best - but I need YOU much more than fine clothes and delicious food !”
They embraced, both desperately trying to hide the tears gathering in their eyes. At their feet the small kittens and puppies also took an emotional farewell, sorrowfully yelping and meowing as they nudged their tiny noses. Their first reluctance had turned into a warm friendship, most unusual for cats and dogs, and they would miss one another sorely. Little Hypnos slithered around Alexander’s feet, sullenly hissing to himself.
”We don’t want to leave thisss fine place !!! ”
Ladybird and Bumblebee flew around them all, tinkling like little silver bells.
”No, we want to stay here! Everyone is nice to us here, and Master Lernias is sooooo much kinder than Master Leonidas!”
Little Bumblebee brandished his tiny stinger.
”I will have to use this on him if he doesn’t behave himself!”
They all went to the nursery. Little Baby Helen was crawling on a warm rose colored blanket on the floor, playing with a sweet doll dressed in rose colored clothes. She sometimes shook a rattle, making melodious sounds. Alexander knelt and took her up. She smiled and gurgled with delight.
”Goodby, my little Dear One. Now I will have to go home to my place for some time, ” he told her. ”I sure hope that we’ll meet again soon. ”
He held her for a long time, gently cradling her in his lap. As she realized the meaning of his behaviour she started to cry inconsolably. Hephaestion immediately took his little sister in his arms, trying to calm her down.
”Oh no. You shouldn’t have told her THAT! Now you have upset her so badly that she will cry for hours. ”
”I didn’t mean to upset her - but I didn’t want to go away without saying good bye to her. She is such a sweet little child, just like my own little sister when she was this small. ”
They had to bring little Baby Helen with them. The Lord Amyntor and the Lady Theano waited for them down on the courtyard. They gave Alexander fond and warming hugs.
”Good bye, Alexander. We will sure miss you here. You know that you are always welcome at our Keep, whenever you need a friendly place.
”Yes, I know that. I sure wish that I could have staid longer...”
The Lady Theano took little Baby Helen from Hephaestion, gently cradling the little girl in her arms. The little one smiled happily towards her Mother, but then she saw Alexander in his travel cloak and started crying once more.
Hephaestion gave Alexander another fond hug.
”We’ll meet again soon. Father has promised to let me come with him next time he has some business with the King. ”
”Yes, I live in the Palace so it’ll be easy for you to find me. ”
Now eight stout and determined soldiers rode throught the gates of the Keep. They were dressed in read cloaks and shining armour. Their leader was a very big and strong looking man, having long black hair and a big black beard. Alexander ran towards him.
”Cleitus! Cleitus! So good to see you again. How are things at the Palace?”
”Much as usual, Alexander. You will have some really nice surprises, though!”, the black haired man answered.
”Surprises? What can they be, Cleitus?”
”I will not tell you, then it is no surprise. ” He turned to the Lord and Lady, and Hephaestion. ”Many thanks for all that you have done for Alexander. His Mother and Father are most thankful for all your help. ”
Alexander embraced Hephaestion once more, then he was hoisted up before Cleitus on the horse, together with Hypnos and the puppies. Ladybird and Bumblebee flew around them, but soon the little ones settled on Alexander’s shoulder. The eight soldiers rode away, leaving the Amyntor family standing in the gate. Alexander waved eagerly at them, all until he couldn’t see them anymore. Hephaestion watched them disappear down the slope, his eyes filled with a mist of tears.
// Alexander, I sure will miss you a lot. How very strange, thought. You who had no warm and decent clothes, you have a guard of honour coming to take you back to your home. //
Return To The Palace
Alexander looked back at the Keep until it disappeared from his sight. They rode through the forest and he felt calm and secure when sitting on horseback with Cleitus. The big black haired man was the brother of his dear nurse Hellanike, and he had been a frequent visitor at the nursery, playing all kinds of games and telling all kinds of wild tales from the King’s campaigns.
They soon came to the Palace and entered through the gate. When they had dismounted the horses and seen them taken away by the stable hands, Cleitus immediately took Alexander to the Hall.
”My little one, you will have the first surprise at once!”, he told him.
King Philip sat on his throne, entertaining his Generals and Companions. When he saw his son he held out his arms. Alexander ran towards him and jumped up in his lap, crumpling and upsetting the King’s fine purple chiton and mantle.
”Father! You are home again! I didn’t know that. Are you well?”
”Yes, Alexander, of course I am well. I have heard about all your adventures while I have been away. It seems that my good friend Amyntor has a fine and resourceful son. I am happy to hear that you two have become dear friends, too.”
Alexander talked with his father the King for some time, eagerly listening to what King Philip could tell him about his travels and Campaigns. Then he went to the Queen’s chambers and had a fond reunion with his Mother and little sister.
In the afternoon there was a splendid dinner at the Palace, to celebrate the King’s homecoming, and Alexander’s, too. The young Prince sat at the Seat of Honour together with his father, and he enjoyed the finest foods with fresh mountain water to accompany it. There were steaks, soft boiled vegetables, newly baked, soft bread and also some raspberry juice served in a golden jug.
Towars the end of the evening the young Prince fell asleep and the King carried him to his bed. There Queen Olympias joined him. He embraced his Queen, finding that he had longd for her more than he could have thought.
”My Dear Olympias, ”he told her, ”I have listened to you and I know what Alexander needs. Our son will have quite a surprise when he awakens tomorrow!”
Olympias smiled. It was not very often that her illustrious husband listened to her and followed her advise.
This time she was most satisfied. Alexander’s wellfare was the most important thing in the world for Olympias.
Absent Friends
Alexander woke up in the morning. All his animal friends were with him and they merrily talked to him. Ladybird and Bumblebee tinkled like little silver bells, Hypnos hissed and Sirius and Procyon yelped.
”Where is Phai? Where is Phai?, ” they all yelled in unison. ”And where are Achilles and Antigona and all his squirrels and rabbits?”
”Yes, my little Dear Ones, I wonder that, too, Alexander said. ”I sure miss them all, especially Phai!”
He sat down at the window and looked out with great longing. A tear fell from his right eye. It made a shining trail down his cheek and then it fell on little Hypnos’ scaly head. The house snake looked up and hissed in astonishment.
”Alexander, you are crying. Boyssss are not sssupposed to cry, ”Hypnos adamantly stated.
Alexander gently patted his little hose snake on his head.
”Yes, I know, but I miss Phai so very much, ”he answered.
”We too, we too, ”all the animals said in unison.
A New Tutor
Alexander waited a the window. He was very surprised that Master Leonidas had not come yet to purr him and force him to swim in the ice cold moat. Then the door opened. Alexander jumped up to a rigid, standing pose. The little boy was suddenly filled with dread and dismay.
It changed into total confusion.
A kind looking old man came into the room. He had white hair and a long beard and the kindest light blue eyes.
”Who ever are you, ”Alexander asked with great curiosity.
”I am Master Lysimachos, your new tutor, ”the new arrival answered. ”Master Leonidas has been taken ill and I am his replacement.”
”Well, at least you cannot be worse than HIM, ”the young Prince stated.
”Alexander!,” Ladybird and Bumblebee chimed. ”Now you are naughty! Can’t you see that Master Lysimachos is a good person!”
”Yes, I see that now. I suppose this school day will be a better one than most! Well, let us go and take a swim in the moat and then run seven leaps around the Palace. ”
”I know that you use to do this every morning, Alexander, but today we will do it differently, ”Master Lysimachos said. ”Take all your animal friends and go out in the garden. I am sure that you will like what you find there. ”
The school day became a fine and strange experience. Master Lysimachos let Alexander and all his animal friends have breakfast in the garden. The bread was soft, it was served with soft goat cheese and sweet raspberry and strawberry jamand goat milk in an ample supply. They all became satisfied, they had not had such full stomacs ever, Alexander and his animal friends mused. Then they had lessons in reading, mathematics and writing. When the intended chores were accomplished Lysimachos told Alexander stories from the Iliad and the Odyssey. The young Prince could clearly see Achilles and Patroclos before his Inner Eye.
For some strange reason Patroclos had glossy, auburn hair and he was surrounded by kittens, rabbits and squirrels.
There was a good luncheon in the garden, cabbage stew, pork chops and softly boilded carrots, with clear mountain waters to drink. Afterwards they had an afternoon nap. Then Black Cleitus came and there were lessons in spear throwing and fencing. Lysimachos sat and gave him kind comments and applause all the time. Alexander found that something was missing from the practical lessons. It took him sometime to realize what it was.
Master Lysimachos had no cruel wooden cudgel that rained constant beatings over his back! The young Prince did not miss that one at all.
Alexander missed Phai and Master Lernias a lot, but he liked his new tutor all the same.
// I sure hope that it takes a long time before Master Leonidas recovers, ”he mused to himself.” //
A Surprise Visit
It took Master Leonidas a very long time to recover from his ordeals in the Palace dungeons. Alexander did not miss him a bit. Then one day he was back with a vengeance. The things returned to their usual Spartan way. Alexander and his animal friends were now constantly starving and hardworking. They missed Master Lysimachos a lot. He sometimes came to offer comfort and support to Alexander, but it was not nearly enough.
The good times at the Keep of Amyntor became a distant and happy wishful dream. Every evening before bedtime Alexander sat together with his little animal friends, looking out at their window. There was a friendly light shining in another window, at the Keep at the Second Hill. Alexander imagined that there sat another little boy, auburn haired and with blue eyes, watching him from afar, surrounded by kittens, squirrels and rabbits.
He was right. At the Keep of Amyntor Hephaestion sat, equally longing for his golden haired friend. He knew that Alexander lived in Pella and he asked his Father and Mother every day if they could not go there.
At long last the day had come. The Lord Amyntor had errands at Pella and he brought Hephaestion with him. The little boy said good bye to all his animal friends and eagerly mounted his auburn maned pony. He hummed a merry tune to himself all the way to Pella.
When they arrived there his father rode to a very big house. It was surrounded by high walls and it had many stores.
Hephaestion had always thought that the Keep of Amyntor was the biggest house in all the world. Now he knew that this was not true.
THIS house must be the biggest in all the world.
Hephaestion shyly entered this spatious mansion together with his father. There was a very big courtyard inside, all covered with cobbled stones.
”Stay here and be good, Hephaestion. I will be back soon, ”the Lord Amyntor said to his son before he disappeared into the mansion.
Hephaestion sat on a stone, watching all the strange and intersting proceedings going on aht the courtyard. Some men taking horses out from an enormous stable. He liked the horses. They were very fine looking animals, well groomed, with manes and tails pleated and with finely adorned gear. Then came the Riders. They were in full armour and mounted, taking the horses out through the gate for a long ride.
Then there were some other men, dressed in red and yellow cloaks and finely polished armour. They did all kinds of complicated manoevers with swords and lances, yelling and shouting and stomping in a most frightening manner.
The little boy did not like all this. He looked for a refuge. Then a door appeared in the stone wall, as a safe and secure haven. Wonderful fragrances wafted toward him. They were enticing and he leaped through the door knowing that something quite wonderful must wait for him. At the other side was an enchanted garden. A young golden haired boy sat there playing with two wild and merry puppets. A Ladybird and a Bumblebee were merrily buzzing around his ears. Hephaestion instantly recognized them all.
It was Alexander and his animal friends!
The little boys embraced and started to play and frolick on the emerald green grass. It was as if they had never been apart. Hephaestion noticed that Alexander had a thin, threadbare woolen chiton once more.
”Oh, now you have this thin and threadbare chiton again. Where is the warm and good one that I gave to you?, ”he asked with kind concern.
”I saved it together with my other good clothes. I have those when I attend our parties here at home, ”Alexander answered. ”
They continued playing. Then the Lord Amyntor came together with King Philip and Master Leonidas. They stood watching the young boys for a very long time. Then the Lord Amyntor called out for Hephaestion.
”Hephaestion, my son! It is time that we went back to the Keep. I am finished with my business with King Philip here at the Palace.”
”Yes, Father - but can I just stay for some more time here with Alexander?”
”Yes, Father. Let him stay here with me some more. We are having such a good time together!”, Alexander pleaded to King Philip.
Hephaestion looked with great astonishment and then he politely bowed his head to the old, one eyed man before looking with even greater astonishment to Alexander.
”You are the King!”, he stated, ”and you, you are the Crown Prince! I never could have guessed. You, Sire, you ought to give your son some warm and decent clothes and some more food!”
The Lord Amyntor blushed together with King Philip. Then Master Leonidas came forward.
”It is part of the Spartan upbringing, ”he told them all. ”Our Crown Prince must experience all the hardships of common men to learn how to be a good King and General!”
”And you must be Master Leonidas, ”Hephaestion said. He was a brave young boy, but still his voice trembled a bit when he saw the stern old tutor. ”Alexander has told me so much about you. Now I want to share a school day with him, seeing how your Spartan ways truly are.”
Master Leonidas turned to the King and the Lord Amyntor. They nodded with consent.
”This could be a good idea. Alexander likes your son, my good Amyntor, ”the King said. ”Could your son stay here at the Palace for the evening and next day? We are giving a party this evening that you could attend.”
”Yes, of course, Sire. I will just send a message to my wife so that she will not expect us back this evening, ”the Lord Amyntor answered. ”But, you be good to my son, ”he said with stern determination to Master Leonidas. He is very dear to me and the Lady Theano.”
The little boys went to the Palace school room together with Master Leonidas. They knew that the time to come would be most interesting.