By the Sword Page 3

  We encountered an old colleague of Argos named Euneas, formerly of Miletus. He was decidedly my least-favourite merchant and we had been meeting with him since I was a boy. This animosity stemmed from his general disrespect of me for an unknown reason. Being of fighting age, he never wasted an opportunity to remind me that I was not doing my part for the Greek cause. He frequently utilized the discussion of current politics to convey his negative view of me to Argos.

  Once wares were obtained and information gleaned, Argos and I began our trek back to the store, with each of us taking an arm of the cart since it was heavily weighted with full jugs. Taking a more direct route home allowed us to circumvent the agora that surely would have impeded our progress. Walking down a narrow street, we came upon Theon and some of his vile entourage. They aggressively stared me down until we came within a few feet and he uttered my name, “Andrikos,” in greeting and I uttered his back. I of course lost the staring contest approaching this group, but my uncle Argos held his own with the small gang, even succeeding in diverting a number of their eyes. Growing up, Theon, his older brother, and the others he kept company with, certainly took advantage of some of my insecurities to bully and denigrate me on many occasions. I was too afraid to stand up for myself physically at the time, for many of them were older and bigger than I. When I attempted to make verbal counterattacks, words did not form in a confident and coherent manner, which further encouraged their feelings of disrespect for me. Now that I was older, I began to find the right words and my physical stature had surpassed many within their group and served as a check on the others who still retained an inch or some weight over me. This situation had contributed to my feelings of inferiority and I would always go over in my head what should have been said or done while walking home after an episode of humiliation or emasculation. The correct answer usually came to me during these introspective moments while walking down the narrow paths back to my home, but I could never summon my ‘wit of the alley’ at the time it was needed.

  Nearchus did not fare better with this group, although he did not seek their approval and rarely was in their presence. They viewed Alexandros as a sort of bumbling mascot for their group and thus tolerated him in their presence as long as he did whatever act of humiliation they found comical. Patrochlus always thrived in company such as this and was often able to produce his ‘wit of the alley’ at proper opportunity. They saw him as a younger version of themselves and thus treated him the nearest to their equal out of our band. Despite my uncle’s feelings towards my close associates, he understood we had not graduated to the level of Theon’s ilk. He also understood my feelings towards Theon, since I frequently came home in varying states of anger due to his torments over the years. He knew my little band looked up to his brother and frequently warned me that once it was generally accepted that we were associates of his group, people of Ilandra would forever think me beneath them.

  We arrived back on our street and pulled the cart in front of the store where I began off-loading our items and Argos began logging them in his account book. Helena greeted us and returned to the apartment to assist my mother with the evening’s dinner. Argos had purchased a few items along the Ionian road to add to the night’s meal, which I handed to Helena as I gave her a hug. After dinner, I remained in the apartment to build upon the good will I felt I had engendered with Argos and called Nearchus down to spend some time with us. We drank some wine and shot dice for a while. Once my mother retired for the evening, Argos spoke of all the news we had heard today and provided an impressive number of strategic military scenarios it all could mean. Nearchus and I listened intently despite Argos’ penchant for the dramatic from time to time.

  Argos also imparted cherished new intelligence to Nearchus and I: Leandros would be home from the eastern campaigns any day.

  Chapter 4

  I fell to sleep with ease that night, where my father was awaiting me. I saw him as I was walking down a dark alley. He was holding a torch and signalling me to come to him. We embraced and sat on a portico where we shared a jug of wine. His demeanour was jovial and he was genuinely happy to see me.

  “Argos has got you feeling ashamed of me again. And he’s got your esteem down, doesn’t he?” my father asked warmly. It felt good to have an older male concerned about my well-being and providing words of encouragement, even if they were from a spectre.

  “Is he right about us?” I asked, hoping his answer would elevate my spirits.

  “He’s mostly right about me, your story has yet to be written, however. You don’t need to join an army so that your uncle will be proud of you. It’s not necessarily what you do, it’s the way you do it. Your uncle is no war hero, but he conducts himself with honour by dutifully caring for his family members. Many people will give you respect just for joining the Greek armies but joining does not equate greatness. Many soldiers will die nowhere near a battlefield for a number of disreputable reasons. Others will die with a spear in their back while retreating. Some will not conduct themselves honourably, while only a few will become courageous leaders of men. So while joining the Hellenic cause is a good start for one’s name, you have years of hard times and hard decisions to prove to yourself you’re worthy of respect. Sure, you’ll always be able to inflate your prowess with the other retired veterans over jugs of wine- that is a soldier’s privilege, but you will always know the truth deep down. Remember, an honourable man such as Argos didn’t have to fight in great battles to gain respect from those around him.”

  I woke early the next day and tended the store for several hours. No wares needed to be acquired, so my time was spent day dreaming in between the few transactions that occurred. My thoughts frequently turned to my father’s words from last night and I made several vows that if I ever were to join the Greek armies that I would acquit myself with honour.

  One of Theon’s minions, Hipolytus, lived near me and his family frequented our store. He was one of our few patrons of the day to purchase olive oil. He was older than I and had committed several boyhood tortures against me over the years. I had grown larger than him by now yet, he still retained an air of superiority in my presence. He would certainly be a candidate to physically confront one day should he attempt to belittle me again. Since his acceptance of my physical stature, however, he mostly ignored me.

  “Two olive oils. We will be at Pasicrates’ tonight. You going to be there? I think Ganymedes wanted to speak with you.” His question resembled more of a command than an inquiry.

  “I probably will. Tell him I’ll be around,” I responded as casually as possible.

  Hipolytus paid for the items and exited. It was rare for Theon and his band to request my presence anywhere, let alone his older brother Ganymedes. I would see Patrochlus and Alexandros tonight and would discuss the matter with them beforehand. Shortly after Hipolytus’ departure Nearchus came downstairs and propped himself up on the countertop. I informed him of Theon’s request, to which he responded, “Why do you listen to those swine herds? They don’t even like us and associating with them is going to get us in trouble one of these days.” He had a valid point and I always did envy Nearchus’ apparent level of comfort with himself. He never seemed to care what others thought of him. That was a confidence my insecurities had never allowed me to manifest.

  “Well, I’ll be out anyway and it won’t hurt to see what they want. Are you going to raise a cup with us tonight?”

  “Not tonight. My father leaves today for a fishing trek up the coast, he won’t be back for three days. He’ll sail up to Ephesus and fish off the coast for a few days to bring their haul to the larger Ephesian market.”

  “Some good places to drink and some good company to find in Ephesus I hear.”

  “I’m sure that’s why he chose to go, vice fishing waters off Ilandra for the next three days. Anyway, he’ll be gone and my mother will expect me to stick around for the majority of his absence. Why don’t you remain home with us tonight? My father forgot to bring a good jug o
f wine.” His response was yet another glaring example that his level of responsibility and selflessness far exceeded my own.

  “Say hello to Argos for me then, I’m sure he’ll take note of your presence and my absence this evening.”

  “For the best then, Leanna has chosen another over me…I would not make good company tonight. She is to be wed to some Ilandran merchant,” Nearchus announced with a nervous smirk and unsteady voice.

  “I am truly sorry to hear it, but now that she is no longer a possibility for you, I feel compelled to give my blunt opinion that she did not deserve your favour. Had you two been married, you would never receive the affections you so desired. In fact, I think this a perfect night to forget such thoughts and drink heavily with your loyal companions.”

  “Let’s just make a clean break from that whole gang of criminals. Patrochlus probably won’t come but maybe we can convince Alexandros, and, if not, it will just be the two of us and the rest be damned. I know you don’t want to stay here forever and now that my younger brother is coming of age, you and I can make our own way in this world. What do you think?” Nearchus made good points and I knew I could always trust him.

  “Let’s revisit this tomorrow, after I speak with Ganymedes. You know I would choose you over them any day, but I am looking forward to some drinking and debauchery tonight anyway.”

  “Suit yourself; I’m off to the market. One day you need to put this behaviour behind you.” With that, Nearchus departed and I was left to my empty thoughts once more. I nodded off on several instances, each time waking in a panic for fear of Argos catching me asleep. After several more hours, dusk approached and Argos walked in the store.

  “Any news?” he asked while looking through the inventory.

  “Nothing,” I answered.

  “Book.” This was his command to see the summary of sales for the day. I handed him the small, battered ream of papyrus leaves that contained an account of our sales.

  “Alright, I’ll close up. Tomorrow I’ll open and we’ll take the cart to the harbour around noon.” I took my leave after being dismissed and walked towards Patrochlus’ neighbourhood. Patrochlus lived in a busier part of town, which suited his personality and probably influenced it as well. He seemed to know everyone and the street where his small apartment was located was one of the busiest in Ilandra. He was an easy individual to find since, if he wasn’t out drinking and whoring, he was sitting on the portico with Alexandros talking to this person or that.

  I began thinking about the unsolicited advice I had been given over the past few days from my uncle, my father, and Nearchus. I believed Leandros would come home some day and take on the wine store with Argos, which would leave me without a means to provide for myself and my family. I agreed with Nearchus that we did not need to associate with the likes of Theon, his brother, and their gang of criminals; but I did have a relationship with them and they could provide a way to earn money- albeit an immoral one. It was pretty clear Patrochlus and Alexandros were heading in that direction anyway, so I decided to develop my ties with them in the short term until I could find more honourable means. Lastly, my father’s words about the Greek armies lingered. Just because someone decides to join does not immediately win them respect and honour. One had to work at it every day for many years to consider one’s self a worthy soldier. Joining was an important first step however and I concluded that I should continue to keep it as a serious option.

  I ended my daydreaming when I came upon Patrochlus and Alexandros talking with a few of the younger boys in his neighbourhood who looked up to these two older criminals in training. I greeted the two of them and told the two boys to get lost.

  “So Hipolytus came by the store today and said Theon’s brother wanted to speak with me tonight. What do you think it is about?” Patrochlus kept his usual stoic façade when matters of treachery were being discussed, so nothing could be gleaned from his demeanour. Alexandros foiled Patrochlus’ best efforts of discreetness however by first looking surprised then shooting him a grinning stare. Patrochlus returned his gaze with a disgusted sneer.

  “Hipolytus?” Patrochlus asked, regaining his composure.

  “Yes, what do they want?” I reiterated, perceiving they both knew something.

  “Ganymedes has made inquiry about us helping him in a scheme involving trade caravans along the Ionian road. I wanted to bring you in as well and told him you are familiar with this environment and may be of use. I hope you don’t mind me speaking on your behalf, but you were not present and this could be our chance,” Patrochlus explained. “You’re not going to blow this for us right?” Alexandros now stared at me with his dumb grin while it seemed Patrochlus was not sure how I would receive this news. We had always wanted to be contributing members of Ganymedes’ brood, but the nature of the plot was unsettling and Patrochlus’ demeanour continued to be guarded.

  “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

  “Ganymedes took us in his confidence so act surprised when he speaks with you,” Patrochlus’ answered. He was quick to change the subject and suggested, since we had time before the appointed hour, we spend it drinking a jug of wine one of the two younger boys had just presented to Patrochlus in hopes of winning his approval. As a reward, Patrochlus called them back over and allowed them to sit in our presence while we loudly enjoyed their tribute.

  As the evening wore on, I continued thinking about my meeting with Ganymedes. Surely he knew people that were also familiar with the Ionian road; why take Patrochlus’ suggestion and choose me? I realized Patrochlus must think he had done me the largest consideration possible by including me and doubtless felt I owed him an insurmountable debt. Despite not feeling totally sure of this sudden thrust into prominence, I appreciated it as a gesture of friendship from an individual who always put friends over morals and appreciated friends without morals best of all.

  As Patrochlus and Alexandros continued drinking and hazing the two boys who delighted in their attention, a sudden thought came to me that immediately caused concern. Could Ganymedes be planning a scheme that would affect Argos? I couldn’t live knowing I had contributed to the ill fortune of someone my uncle and I had done business with for years. This notion continued to fester and as we began our walk to Pasicrates’ it came to me that Patrochlus had offered my name because the intended target must be someone I am familiar with. This also explained his hesitance to tell me of the plot himself. My deliberations now turned to how I could extricate myself from this predicament without raising suspicions or otherwise being ostracized.

  Additionally, I began attempting to deduce a rationale for not immediately informing my uncle of any intelligence I would become aware of tonight that may hurt him or someone we know. There was the cold disposition he held towards me, there was the condescension, there was the fact that he would choose Leandros over me- but I determined none of this was cause to spite the man that looked after my family upon my father’s death. My thoughts now turned to surviving the night and taking Nearchus up on his offer of ridding ourselves from these dregs.

  We arrived at our destination to find it filled with its usual cast of crude revellers. Pasicrates’ was a spacious, two story structure that spanned the area of several apartments. The first floor was dedicated to drinking wine and gambling. There were a number of chairs scattered around sturdy tables and several wooden beams along the outer wall that served as a place to set cups of wine. The condition of the wood was old and warped; the smell was stale, musky, and rank. After a few drinks, however, the senses numbed and these foul odours were forgotten. The floor was compacted dirt, which served as a capable sponge for spilled wine, blood, and vomit. A sectioned-off area in the rear separated by a wooden half wall served as a storage area for wine jugs and casks that were dispensed out by a toothless, depraved, yet jovial looking imp who had been there as long as I had been a patron. This creature was protected by a local colossus in Pasicrates’ employ because the imp dealt with rather large sums of money. Behin
d the imp’s station was a back room where Ganymedes, Pasicrates and a select few villains spent much of their time. As the door to this room opened and closed, one could catch a slight glimpse of its inhabitants. Growing up, this was a more important sanctum to our misguided band than the Oracle of Delphi. In another corner lay three gambling tables run by the establishment. These were guarded by a large Syrian brute and were usually the origin of the altercations that occurred somewhat regularly. Better-off patrons regularly gambled at their own tables but Pasicrates’ tables offered Ilandra’s destitute a chance to make wager with any small amount of coin that they begged, borrowed, or stole.

  The second floor of this hole was for the women and consisted of multiple closet-sized rooms. The women that occupied these quarters fit right in to the overall atmosphere of the establishment. Their appearance was hoarse and weathered through years of mistreatment. Their manner was crass and devoid of warmth through years of abuse. Being familiar with the women Ilandra had to offer, our band rarely showed these unfortunate souls any attention despite a few drunken episodes that Alexandros woke up regretting in the morning. They would be down amongst the revellers, flirting with this drunk and that one until they found an interested party. New faces were always their prime target and since Alexander’s conquest of the world, new faces were streaming through Ilandra and Pasicrates’ on a regular basis. The stairs leading to these fetid dens were guarded by a third fiend from Pontus who clearly held no aptitude for any other line of work. His job was to ensure the customers paid and did not mishandle the merchandise in a way that would bring down their value.