Bagoas Meets The Greeks – Part 2

Author’s Notes – this is purely fiction.  I am aware that it is not historically correct.  Just a flight of fantasy…  It was inspired by the scenes in the movie “Alexander”, though, of course, Mary Renault’s “The Persian Boy” is always in my heart, and the story refers to some of her characters.  (Oremedon and Neshi)

Begin-------

 Alexander woke before Hephaistion, as usual, and stretched luxuriously in the comfort of the huge bed. He nuzzled Hephaistion on the neck until he made sure his lover was awake as well.

They stroked each other before Alexander sat upright and said, “We need to start planning a pursuit of Darius. Call the..”

Hephaistion cut him off quickly. “It can wait, Alexander. Even if you never need to rest, others do. Let us take some time before the next campaign must begin.”

Alexander’s face showed frustration, but when Hephaistion kissed him, he relented and smiled.

Alexander asked “Did you like that boy last night?  Bagoas?”

Hephaistion answered ruefully. “I really don’t remember.  I enjoyed YOU, but all I remember about him is pulling him under me.  And that he had a tight ass.”

Alexander laughed.  “Doesn’t sound all that bad.”

“No - not bad. Where is he? Last time I saw him, he was putting out the lamps.”

They both looked around - and spotted him in a corner.

The boy’s eyes were open and he was watching them, though he didn’t move. He thought these men were indeed conquerors, men who took what they wanted without a thought for the hurt they inflicted.

“Bagoas,” Hephaistion called.  “Come here.”  He intended to tell the boy to fetch their breakfast.

Bagoas got up and walked toward the bed.  Hephaistion noticed he lacked his grace of the prior night and his movements were slower.  “Are you hurt?” he asked.

Bagoas shook his head.  “No, Master.”  Then pointed to his trousers, unsure of the words to ask for them.  Alexander pulled the clothes from beneath his leg and handed them to him, although he held the boy’s arm so he could not move away or begin dressing.  He stared at the scars of his cutting and ran his fingers gently along them. “And they call us barbarians,” he said, as he released Bagoas’ arm.

When Bagoas turned, they saw a small blood stain that ran down the inside of his upper thighs.  Alexander spoke to him again.  “Come here, boy. No, do not dress - let us look at you.”  Alexander indicated he should lie across the bottom of the bed.  Hephaistion got up and walked around the bed to where he could pry apart the boy’s buttocks, and saw the small tear.

“It doesn’t look serious,” Hephaistion said. “Damn - it’s not like he was a virgin last night.  I swear I didn’t use him that roughly, Alexander.”  He sighed.  “But he probably needs to be treated for the cut. I’ll take him back to the harem keeper - and get someone to fetch our breakfast.”

Alexander looked somewhat concerned, but he smiled at Hephaistion. “Bad way to start out with Darius’ treasures. Breaking them.”

“Very funny, Alexander”, Hephaistion said, hoping he sounded stern. But then he smiled back. When he started to dress, Bagoas, out of training and habit, moved to help him. “NO!” Hephaistion barked.  “Dress yourself.”

Bagoas feared they were angry that he was hurt.  He hurried to obey and did not look at them directly again.  He followed Hephaistion from the room when called.

When they were in the hall, Bagoas softly touched Hephaistion’s arm.   “I sorry, Master.”

Hephaistion stopped and looked at him.  He tried to speak in Persian, “It’s not your fault.”  When he could tell Bagoas did not understand, he reached out and raised his chin.  “I’m sorry.”  Bagoas nodded.  They started walking again.

Tmarras found himself enjoying the sight of Bagoas returning to the harem behind Hephaistion.  He assumed the boy had not been pleasing and barely kept his glee at Bagoas’ distress from being apparent.  Hephaistion stared at him, taking in the smile he was seeing on Tmarras’ face - then told him the boy was hurt and needed care.  Tmarras’ smile faded.  “I will care for him, sir,” he said.  “You may trust him to me”.

Hephaistion eyed him closely, not trusting him at all. “Alexander requires his service when he is fit. Take care that he receives proper treatment.”  He hesitated a moment and added, “We will not be happy if the boy cannot serve us.” After seeing that his tone had registered with Tmarras, he added, “Have someone start instructing the boy in Greek.  He knows almost nothing.”  Then he turned to Bagoas and spoke softly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”  He touched the boy’s face gently before he left.  Bagoas was startled.  He had been sure he misunderstood when Hephaistion had said those words before.

Tmarras turned his anger on Bagoas.  “What in the world happened?  I know you haven’t been used in some time - but you were supposed to keep yourself flexible. Did you not use the tools I gave you?  And the lubricant?”  Bagoas said nothing, remembering the wooden phallus in his room. He had not used it.  Tmarras frowned even more.  “I can’t believe this - that you would let yourself be injured.  You disappoint me, Bagoas.”

“I always do,” Bagoas answered, not thinking clearly enough to stop himself.  The Greek had been nice to him.

“Bold talk for a boy who has also disappointed his new king.  Come here and let me see.”

Bagoas removed his trousers, and obeyed. He pulled his wits together to apologize to Tmarras.  He spoke softly, as Tmarras began his examination, “The vial of oil fell to the floor before I could use it.  I’m sorry.”

Tmarras did not like this favored boy, but he could understand the fear he had of these newcomers - and realizing his own status could be affected if he hurt him further - he examined the cut without undue harshness.  He sighed.  “This is hardly serious - but you cannot be used for a some days - at least not as you were last night.  I’m sure you have many other methods.”  He ordered a slave to bring supplies for cleaning the wound, and a healing ointment.  Tmarras left the tending to the slave.

When the slave was finished, Bagoas stood and thanked him. The ointment relieved much of the pain and he could move more easily.  He slipped his trousers back on and went to the common area where the boys usually had their meals.  He first took a large drink of water, then looked for food.  He took slices of fruit, bread and cheese; and returned to his old rooms.  Neshi was nowhere to be seen and his bed had not been made.  He knew things had changed; still it surprised him that his quarters had been left in such disarray.

He finished eating, then lay on his bed and fell asleep.  Tmarras woke him some hours later and instructed him to bathe.  He gave him a small potion of ointment as he left his room.  “Apply it to the cut when you have finished your bath.”  Bagoas nodded.  “Find me when you are done”.

When Bagoas found Tmarras again, he was accompanied by a young, fat eunuch Bagoas did not know. He winced when he saw him, always distressed at such sights.  He feared greatly that he might become one of these who disgusted him - and he vowed not to eat again this day.  “This is Osine,” Tmarras was saying.  “He will help you with your Greek.  You can work in the common room.”

Bagoas introduced himself and Osine seemed almost embarrassed.  “Everyone knows who you are.  And now you serve the new king and his friend.”

Bagoas sighed.  “That is the intention, but I understand little of what they say”.

The boys sat down together and Osine began to find out what Bagoas knew.  Then they went through some more phrases that Osine thought Bagoas might need.  Bagoas found he liked Osine after all.  In a short time Bagoas was repeating phrases back, and both boys laughed at his mistakes.  As the afternoon wore on, Tmarras stopped by to see how the lesson was proceeding.  Osine said Bagoas was doing well, but needed much more instruction.  He finished their session by helping Bagoas with phrases he thought he might need to speak.  As the sun was beginning to set, he let Bagoas ask what words he might want to know specifically.  Bagoas hesitated but finally asked what the Greeks might say about eunuchs and castration. Osine first pronounced the Greek words for him and then explained that the Greeks were both fascinated and repulsed by the custom.  They liked that the boys remained beardless and never developed into men, but were appalled at the idea of castration and held eunuchs in low esteem. “Except for ones like you, Bagoas,” he added quickly. “Your beauty will probably insure you are treated well.  Our king, I mean - King Darius - never treated his boy concubines as slaves, but the Greeks will. Be sure you learn to serve the new king outside the bed as well as in.”  Bagoas nodded, hoping he could be satisfactory in household duties.

Tmarras interrupted again, and said it was time for Bagoas to go back to the king’s rooms.  There would be more lessons as the king permitted.  “Of course,” he said, “the king may tire of you quickly and send you back to be a household slave.  Tell the king I will advise you when you can safely be bedded again.  And come here to be examined each day.” Bagoas murmured assent - then asked if he might have a few more minutes with Osine, to be sure he could say these things.  Tmarras agreed, and handed him another small vial of ointment, telling him to hurry because King Alexander was on his way back to his rooms. Bagoas blushed as Osine instructed in these things, but he paid great attention and Osine was pleased.

Bagoas rushed to dress and reapply his make-up before heading to the king’s chambers. Alexander was there already when he arrived and addressed him directly as he entered the rooms.  “Is there wine here?” he asked.

“Yes, Master,” Bagoas replied and went to the King’s wine cabinet. To his great relief, the cabinet had been refreshed during the day.  He poured a goblet and took it to Alexander, who took it from his hand and sat in one of the guest chairs he had used last night.  Alexander handled the goblet, not drinking from it, but seeming to admire its artistry.  Bagoas was surprised the Greeks could appreciate Persian tastes.

When the king remained silent, Bagoas moved to open the heavy curtains covering the windows.  “Why do you do that?” the new king asked.  

Bagoas was confused, but asked, “Open curtain?”  Alexander said yes and - as best he could - Bagoas explained it was to let in the night breezes.  

Alexander said he understood now why these chambers were cooler than the other rooms. Then he asked about Bagoas’ wound.  “Are you well?  You seem to be moving better.” Bagoas returned to him and nodded.  Alexander said nothing else, and Bagoas went to straighten the wine cabinet.  He glanced occasionally at Alexander, who seemed to be frowning.

Hephaistion joined them shortly, and Bagoas went quickly to fill a goblet for him.  Hephaistion thanked him, and then sat next to Alexander.  Bagoas withdrew from them and went about small duties. Alexander and Hephaistion talked together quietly for some time, seeming to argue about the dinner tonight.  Bagoas could not understand them, but tried to remember words he would want to Osine to explain.  He became aware that he was being watched, and wondered if these were the duties of Greek slaves.  He glanced at the two men shyly and saw Hephaistion motion for him to come.

He stood before them, lowering his gaze and waiting for instruction.  None was forthcoming, but rather the men examined and discussed him.  Hephaistion was quite taken with him and remarked how much better he looked without all the heavy make-up. Alexander seemed less impressed, but said he was glad the boy pleased his friend last night.  Hephaistion expressed surprise.  Alexander was usually more attracted to the strange and exotic things they had encountered in their travels.  Alexander was angry.  ”I don’t feel well, Hephaistion.  This boy is of no consequence to me.”  Hephaistion started to argue and Alexander blurted out that eunuchs were not natural creatures. Bagoas wished he did not understand these words. Emotion overwhelmed him. He started to tremble and tears came to his eyes, though he blinked them back.  Hephaistion hesitated only a moment, then rose from his chair, went to the boy and embraced him gently. Alexander’s face softened.  “I’m sorry, Hephaistion, I didn’t mean to upset you.”  Hephaistion kissed Bagoas on the forehead, and pointed for him to leave the room.

Bagoas went to the small library.  Alone, he sank to the floor and gave in to his need to cry.  He pulled himself together quickly, however, used to hiding his feelings.  It would not do for his new masters to see him cry. He could hear Alexander and Hephaistion talking in the great room.  He didn’t understand what they were saying, but knew there was anger between them.

When the voices became quiet again, Alexander came into the library.  “I’m sorry, Bagoas. That was very unkind of me.”  He looked at the boy more carefully, seeing the smeared make-up and the red eyes. “Go wash your face. Hephaistion and I are going to dinner.”  Bagoas understood little.  As Alexander turned to leave, he spoke quietly.  “Do you want I stay in harem, Master?”  He was thinking that Tmarras’ prediction had come true.

“No, boy, you stay HERE.”  He looked at Bagoas to be sure he understood.  When the boy nodded, he continued, “I have been in the sun too much today - and drinking too much wine.”  He added with a smile, “Greek wine - it is stronger than the Persian.  Fix yourself some place to stay in these rooms.  Have some dinner.  I will see you later tonight.”

Bagoas understood at least that he was not being rejected and he was to stay with the king.  And Hephaistion had been kind, regretting he had been hurt.  In spite of what had happened last night, he rose from the floor with a great sense of relief.  When he heard the doors close from the other room, he left the library, and went to wash his face.  Then he moved to straighten the great room, removing the used goblets and wiping up the table, carefully removing any signs of its prior use.  He had never done these things before, but had seen them done by Darius’ chamber slaves.  Greeks, apparently, did not like to be surrounded by slaves.  Later, he thought, he would return to the harem and fetch some blankets to make himself a pallet.  For now, he lit a few lamps and glanced around the familiar room.  This room was where he had danced for Darius, bringing him pleasure.  He decided he would exercise his limbs and practice while he had this time alone.  Little steps at first until he started breathing harder and sweating.  Then he stripped off his shirt; later his trousers.  He hummed to himself as he spun and took little jumps.  He let his thoughts drift back to good times he had shared with Darius. The Great King had particularly liked his acrobatic movements, asking for them sometimes, even if there was no dancing.  Bagoas struck a difficult pose, balancing himself on one foot.

As he struggled to hold the pose, he heard a noise and almost fell.  He had not noticed the doors open.  Peering into the shadows, he saw the wild blond hair of the King.  He reached quickly for his trousers and started to pull them on.  “Master, I sorry.” He should not have been using the king’s chambers this way.  He didn’t know what else to say.  The king was back very early.

Alexander stepped toward him and spoke softly.  “Hephaistion is right. You are beautiful.”

Bagoas was stunned again. “Thank you, Master.” He tried to find the words to ask why the King had returned so early from his dinner - but when Alexander moved toward the bed chamber, pulling at the covers on the bed, Bagoas hastened to perform these duties for him.  Before he could help the King undress, Alexander had dropped on the bed, holding his head.  Bagoas did not have the Greek words for this, but he asked in Persian if the king were ill.  There was no answer.  Alexander only twisted onto his side and groaned as he pulled at his hair.

Bagoas could smell the alcohol on his breath and surmised the problem.  He moved to take cloths from a closet and hurried to wet them with cold water.  When he returned, he sat by Alexander on the bed, without asking permission first, and began to wipe his face with the cool cloths.  Alexander opened his eyes murmuring, “Good, this is good.” Bagoas continued to stroke his master’s face and neck. When Alexander seemed to be resting quietly, he left the bed and went to refresh the water.

When Bagoas got back to the bed chamber, Hephaistion was there.  Bagoas glanced at him quickly, but went immediately to the King and began to cradle his head again with the cool cloths.  Hephaistion backed off, seeing that Bagoas was caring for Alexander well.  He sat at the foot of the bed and watched Bagoas’ ministrations.  When he was sure Alexander was sleeping, he stretched out by his side and fell asleep himself.  Bagoas continued to stroke the king’s face and neck until the cloths were warm again.  When he finally felt sure he had done all he could and that Alexander was comfortable, he slipped from the bed and went to the privy to reapply the ointment to his tear.  When Bagoas returned to the bed chamber, he put out all but one of the lamps.  But rather than seeking a far corner, he curled up to sleep on the floor by Alexander’s side, lest he should be needed during the night.

When the King woke the next day, he first noticed Hephaistion asleep by his side.  Then he looked for Bagoas and found him on the floor.  He smiled to himself, surprised by his thoughts.  A eunuch might not be natural, but he could be useful.  Hephaistion had never dealt with him so kindly when he made himself sick drinking.  It was not unpleasant to be held gently by a beautiful boy when his head was throbbing.

He reached down with his hand, stroking the boy’s body.  Muscular, but graceful. Not quite feminine, not quite masculine.  But lovely to look at.  Bagoas awoke, finding himself staring directly into the King’s eyes.  Before he could look away, his own thoughts surprised him as well.  He had truly hated this new King earlier for his cruel treatment and words, but then Alexander been sorry - and then had needed him.  Bagoas had been desired many times, but so seldom needed.  He was astounded by the changes in one day.  When he had waken yesterday, he had thought he belonged to monsters.  As he lay by his new King this morning, he still wasn’t sure what they were, but he felt far more comfortable being with them.  His future might not be assured, but he was no longer terrified.  When he dared look up again, Alexander was smiling at him.  Just as Bagoas began to return the smile, Hephaistion spoke and Alexander looked away.

Bagoas rose quickly and asked if he should fetch their breakfast. Hephaistion nodded, though Alexander remained silent.  As he walked toward the kitchen, Bagoas pondered - hopefully - what his future with this new King and his companion might bring...

To be continued....

End-------