Tridas (16 page)

Ignoring
the jab, although in reality likely in agreement, Aven attacked the monk.
Lifting his bandaged hand palm up, Sihamuni stopped Aven, pinning him to the
wall.

"Your
feeble strength is no match for my power”, Sihamuni muttered in disgust.

Aven
understood the spiritual dimension more than his opponent anticipated. Calming
his center and denying defeat increased his inner strength immensely. Sihamuni
could feel the swell of energy from Aven and recited another incantation. It
halted Aven momentarily, but he slowly continued to approach the monk. Aven had
magic deep within him. If he could continue to counter Sihamuni, in even the
smallest way, the momentum would swing in his favor rendering the 'all powerful
one' significantly less powerful. Sihamuni could sense this shift in power as
well and fled before the match could be fought on equal footing. Aven was still
stilted in his movements, but he was confident Hoyt was in position by now to
block an escape.

Aven's
normal body control was returning as Hoyt burst into the room.

"Aven!??!"
a bit startled, "Did you come through the field tunnel? Did we clear the
Home locker..."

"What?"
Aven interrupted, "Sihamuni fled your way... How did you not see him? Were
there any alternate paths in your approach?"

"Negative".

December
327 B.C.

Antipater
began composing a response to Calvinus' announcement of Alexander's visit to
Rome. Although Proculus and Scapula now led the Consulship, his influence and
confidential information had proven critical to Antipater's good fortune. Mid
sentence, Antipater stopped. Another letter was more pressing.

Dearest
Allatore,

Your
companion from the other side seeks counsel. Consult the teacher. Your triumphs
at Alexander's side preserve our security at home. I feared for your safety in
the revolt at Sogdiana with the loss of 2,000 in our infantry, but this loss
appears to have inspired the victory and reconciliation of Oxyartes. The entire
world is elated at the announcement of Alexander's marriage to Oxyartes'
daughter. May all our opponents be either won over or crushed. I welcome your
arrival.

Peace
be upon you and may the tip of your spear stay sharp.

Antipater
called for one of the members of his elite battalion, who resided within their
compound, guarding against any surprise uprisings during the treaty with the Samnites.

"Legio,
word has come from Rome that we could be under threat from Macedon. Alexander
is planning a ceremonial visit to the Republic. A battle on two fronts could
prove too much even for Roman soldiers. The Samnites in the mountains and the
Greeks at sea is a disturbing vision. The Consulship has allies close to
Alexander. I commission you to deliver this message to Allatore. His reputation
as a warrior is unequalled. His location will not be difficult to ascertain,
but accessing will not be easy. Macedon is in celebration over the royal
nuptials, so security will be soft. Your skills are impressive, but do not
underestimate this man. Approach him with this statement, 'may the tip of your
spear stay sharp.' Follow his exact instructions. The future of Rome may be
resting on your shoulders. Carry this burden with honor. Depart
immediately". The two men never broke eye contact and departed company
with a clasp of the forearms.

Antipater
continued with his response to Calvinus.

Most
Excellent Calvinus,

The
honor you bestow on me is unwarranted. I am but a servant of our growing
Republic. If you will, indulge me with a question. Not out of vanity of
reputation, but out of concern for our stronghold.

Did
Alexander request my presence or is this invitation a symbol of your kindness?

Our
position here in the south, in regards to the Samnite tribes, is stable, but I
fear the impetus of this peace, lies in my presence here within the city walls.
The cease fighting treaty will end with the close of the Ver Sacrum. The
Samnites still control twice as much territory, though mostly mountainous
terrain, which leaves our favorable posture vulnerable. Rumors of Alexander's
arrival could spark rogue attacks, assuming our forces would be distracted.
Word of these disputes could also reach the ears of Alexander, presenting a
weak position, leaving us susceptible to his interpretations of the true
unification of Rome.

I
willingly submit to your final decision, but humbly present my perspective
should it add to your adept understanding of this pending advent of the King of
Macedon.

Your
Servant,

Antipater

The
parch would be carried to Rome tomorrow morning. Sending this indeterminate
response to Calvinus would create time for him to receive word from Allatore,
bringing to light any ulterior motives being bantered in spite or jest toward
the Roman Republic. In any case, Antipater sensed fate had a fresh path for him
and his love.

Legio
landed in Macedon. The revelry of Alexander's recent marriage filled the city
with merriment and carousing. He easily made his way to the palace courtyards,
but the sheer number of the guards was intimidating no matter their cognitive
state. Circling the grounds, the lower balconies seemed the most defenseless.
Once inside, he could inquire of Allatore's where-abouts, but outside the inner
sanctum, it seemed too suspicious to attempt. Scaling the wall, he had entry.
Using a wall tapestry, Legio fashioned a makeshift tunic bearing Alexander's
sun crest to further legitimize his subsequent inquisition of fellow guards
regarding Allatore's station.

Not
wanting to illicit too much attention, Legio downplayed the urgency or threat
in his question to the approaching soldiers, "Allatore requested new wine
casks be delivered to the royal banquet room, can you lend a hand?"

"We
are all enjoying the festivities soldier, but I would suggest you to bathe and
find a proper garb. Allatore does not accept any lack of discipline”.

Legio,
queued into the comments, assuming the role of a drunk, "Just help me move
the casks". Nearly stumbling into his audience, "I'll take a lick for
my behavior, but not for disobeying a direct request!"

"Follow
me. None of us wants to be the next victim of a drunken King Alexander,
disappointed with a minion". The taller of the two steadied Legio and they
proceeded to the storeroom to gather Amphoras of wine.

Legio
knelt down to unsettle an Amphora from its partial burial, when the other
soldier scoffed, "Not posca rations you fool, Allatore will expect pure
grape for the King and his bride”. The soldier sampled a few casks on the far
wall, "Sweet as honey, flavored with Aleppo pine resin, and rose in color.
This is wine fit for our King!" The three of them hoisted the Amphora from
the storeroom. As they entered the banquet chamber, Legio faned an exhausted
fall towards Allatore, who skillfully side stepped the assault and drew his
sword extended towards Legio's crumpled mass on the floor.

Legio
immediately spoke, "May the tip of your spear stay sharp".

Allatore
froze, "What is the nature of this disruption?"

"Fresh
wine as you requested, Sir. My fellow soldiers assisted me in the task. I have
GREATLY enjoyed these celebrations to our King" Legio recited, still in
character.

"You
two are dismissed. You come with me". Allatore gestured, with his sword
towards Legio. "This behavior is not acceptable in the presence of our
King". Escorting Legio, into an empty corridor.

"I
have a word". Legio stated handing Allatore the parch from Antipater.

"Yes,
I knew from your phrase. Antipater must have great trust in you. Now we must
get you to Aristotle".

"The
Consulship trusts you can advise on Alexander's intentions". Legio
offered.

The
response surprised Allatore, yet he did not disclose this in his expression,
but did instantly decide to hold details more close to the chest. "We can
help, but now we need to find you a safe place before your departure back to
Rome".

Aristotle
was pleased to have word from Antipater. Reading the parch, he looked to
Allatore.

"The
Consulship of Rome is concerned about Alexander's intentions on his visit to
the Roman Republic. Their Champion, Antipater, is seeking our counsel on this
matter". Allatore clarified.

"The
stories of this Antipater have reached my ears. Are his exploits true or
exaggerated?" Aristotle asked Legio.

"Antipater
is unique. There is none more skilled. Yet it is his mind that separates him
from the rest. He is willing to listen to foe and friend alike to discover the
truth. I believe that is why I am here. The ability to approach a problem with
unassuming confidence grants him the upper hand. His prowess is only tempered
by his love for his family and our Republic".

"Sounds
like a man worth following". Aristotle stated, in the tone of a proud
father.

"I
would follow him into the depths of hell, if he requested my company".
Legio spoke unequivocally.

"This
reminds me of the legends of our own Regent Antipater. Will he be present at
the arrival of Alexander to Rome?" Aristotle continued to query.

Repressing
no detail, Legio answered, "His presence has been requested by the
Consulship, but Antipater is the key agent to peace in the southern
territories. He has negotiated a temporary cease to fighting with the Samnite tribes,
but the situation is tenuous and his absence could prove deadly for Naples. I
could sense a fear for his home that is rare in his countenance".

"Antipater
makes his home in the Neopolis?"

"Yes,
he and Kavani left Rome to defend our position. They are loved by artisans and
soldiers alike. I am part of the elite guard and reside in protection of their
compound in the cliffs. But I digress, what do you know of Alexander's
intentions that I may report back to your allies to the West?" Legio had
been forthright as instructed, but began to deduce that the nature of his
mission was being side stepped.

"I
will be accompanying Alexander on the excursion cruise to Rome". Allatore
interjected. "Our King has his mind firmly set to the east. Only a sizable
threat would divert his attention. On occasion in Persia, Alexander has
challenged the local champion to an exhibition duel. A mere, sport to encounter
and study those of great ability. As you are aware, I am sure, Alexander is
unequalled in skill. He wields the title Master of the Universe. Antipater
should anticipate this challenge. Aristotle will prepare a written statement
for the Consulship. You should prepare to depart for the Neopolis immediately.
I will make the arrangements".

Before
morning light, Allatore snuck Legio on board a quick vessel to the west.
Aristotle had composed a message and pressed it with a royal seal. Legio's trip
had been swift and successful in his personal assessment. Allatore returned to
Aristotle's manor.

"I
fear Antipater is in a precarious position". Allatore confessed to the
teacher. "His natural abilities are difficult to conceal".

"His
leadership has drawn attention from those he hides amidst as well as from the one
from which he hides." Aristotle stated eloquently.

"The
advance notice of Alexander's arrival must be enough to give him the
advantage." Allatore speculated, with enough hesitation in his voice,
Aristotle felt the need to confirm the statement.

"There
is no better strategist than Antipater".

Legio's
stowaway spot proved secure and he was promptly, back on Italian soil.
Antipater was actually pleasantly surprised at his approach onto the terrace.
Legio crossed in front and secretly passed the letter to Antipater, who
immediately recognized the seal.

"Impeccable
service as always Legio, but we are safe here." Antipater complemented him
with a smile and a solid embrace of arm. "I will get this to the
Consulship with haste. Recline, tell me of your encounters in Macedon."

Ironically,
Legio reached for the wine Antipater had poured for him, as he retold his
drunken performance to gain an audience before Allatore. "He was just as
you described... Quick with a sword and feared as well as respected by both his
King and his men. We quickly retreated to Aristotle once he recognized my
intentions. He knew of you. And Aristotle had many questions regarding your
reputation. They appeared to have a respect for you out of your namesake...
their Regent... Antipater".

Sensing
some presumption in Legio's voice, Antipater quickly countered, "I was
counting on my name playing in my favor. Calvinus suggested I make the
correspondence personal, to further add to those the Macedonians would view as
friends upon Alexander's arrival".

"Allatore
disclosed that he would be part of Alexander's entourage. That is good news,
yes? He also described a common challenge their King makes to local champions.
Although, he described it as 'a battle for show,' his expression delivered a
more dangerous encounter indeed".