Philip and Olympias: A Novel of Ancient Macedon by Peter Messmore

Author:Peter Messmore [Messmore, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: History
ISBN: 9780759649576
Publisher: Peter Messmore
Published: 2013-10-19T22:00:00+00:00

Philip dressed and returned to his quarters. After his physician put a new patch over his eye, the king sent for his royal treasurer. The two men discussed the flow of gold from Philippi. The king was satisfied that his coffers were sufficient to support his move into central Greece. He then summoned his diplomatic corps. He told them that their actions in the months ahead should focus on stalling any Athenian efforts to rally their allies in Thrace. Athens must not be allowed to thwart Macedon's eastward expansion. They were empowered to offer bribes to any leader who needed coaxing to remain either neutral or support King Philip.

The rest of the day he spent reading reports from his agents in Thebes and Thessaly. He felt his energy level rising as he anticipated another victory over inconsequential Phocis. That victory would make Thebes and Thessaly beholden to him. It would also give him a way to strike back at Athens and Sparta, Phocis's marginal allies. The king was ready to spread Macedon's power again to opponents who little understood his grand design.

The next day he went to his army's encampment and checked departure preparations. It was good to be back among his soldiers. He was buoyed by his men's wishes of good health and future success. That afternoon, he went to Queen Olympias's suite to see his son and tell his wife that he would be campaigning in the south. He refused to enter her bedchambers and directed her attendants to have her meet him in her outer reception room.

The queen had not seen her husband since his return from Methone, but she was aware of his eye loss. She approached him, offering her hand. "Does your injury still cause you pain, Philip?"

"The pain is gone. Soon, my energy will return."

"The Phocians have much to fear when that happens," she said with a droll smile.

Philip was startled but not surprised that his wife knew of a decision that he had made only two days ago. He suddenly realized that every palace priest must be her agent. Her spy network was better than he thought. No matter. Let her play her palace games; it would occupy her in his absence. "Bring my son. Where is he?"

"He's sleeping."

"Awaken him. We'll ride in the hills until sunset. The child came to me in a dream last night. He told me that he longs for the feel of horse flesh under his buttocks."

Olympias rose and motioned for one of her attendants to get Alexander. "I'm pleased that you want to be with him, Philip. He's a perfect baby. One day we'll both be proud of him."

"I'll make him into a fighting Macedonian. Your only reason for living now is to keep him healthy and intellectually curious. Start taking him to dramatic and musical productions. When he starts walking, I'll get him a small pony. Our son will lead Macedon's cavalry, and horsemanship training must begin early."

"What about his formal education? Have you thought of

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