Philip greeted him with a broad smile. ‘Welcome, Aischines, I trust you are in good health?’
‘I will not complain, sire,’ the man answered, his voice deep, his tones clipped and exact. ‘But I see that you are in the best of condition, like a young Heracles.’
Philip laughed. ‘Would that I had only twelve labours to perform! However, I must not burden you with my problems. I have sent messages to Athens – a city I have always admired – and I hope our friendship will be lasting.’
‘Sadly, an attitude not shared by your late brother,’ said Aischines. ‘He seemed to prefer the Thebans and even -dare I mention it – sent troops against us in the battle to recover Amphipolis.’
Philip nodded. ‘Sadly my brother did not share my view of Athens. He did not see the city as the father of democracy, nor understand the true nature of her greatness. I think he was dazzled by the exploits of Epaminondas and Pelopidas, and trusted our nation to prosper under the wisdom of Thebes. A great shame,’ said Philip, shaking his head. ‘But let us walk awhile and enjoy the cool of dusk as we talk.’
The King led the way to the outer corridors and the royal gardens, pointing out different blooms that Simiche had planted grown from seeds sent from Persia. As they walked Philip’s mind was whirling. He needed Athenian acceptance, if not their direct support. An army financed by Athens was marching to steal his kingdom and place Argaios on the throne. As yet the Macedonian forces were unready for another major conflict; but could he be so rash as to surrender Amphipolis, a city so vital to the sea trade in the Thermaic Gulf?
Tread warily, Philip! he cautioned himself.
They halted by a high wall and sat beneath a tree heavily laden with purple blooms. Philip sighed. ‘I will be frank with you, Aischines,’ he said. ‘After all, your spies already know of my contacts with Thebes.’ Aischines nodded gravely, which amused the King since no such contacts had been made. ‘They wish to send me an army in order – as we are both aware – not to protect Macedonia but to stop Athens from regaining Amphipolis. I need no more lengthy wars fought on Macedonian soil, and I desire no new masters. Rather, I wish for friendship with the premier city of Greece.’
‘The Thebans,’ said Aischines carefully, ‘seek only the power of tyranny. They have no culture. Where is their philosophy? In the power of the sword? In the last hundred years they have known only two great men, and those you have already mentioned. When Pelopidas was slain in Thessaly and Epaminondas fell at Mantinea they had no one to replace them. They are a failing power. Athens is once more in the ascendant.’
‘I agree,’ said Philip soothingly, ‘but what choices do I have? The Illyrians have invaded my upper kingdom. Paionians are pillaging to the north. The Thracians are massing on my borders, seeking to install Pausanias. I am threatened everywhere. If Thebes is the only answer, then Thebes it must be – 5,000 hoplites would secure my throne.’
‘Only for Thebes, sire. Not for you.’
Philip turned his gaze to meet Aischines’ eyes. ‘I have known you only a few moments, Aischines, but I see that you are a man I can trust. You are a fine spokesman for your city and an honest, noble man. If you tell me that Athens wishes friendship, I will believe you – and I will spurn the offer of Thebes.’
Aischines swallowed hard. Neither man had mentioned the Athenian force marching with Argaios. ‘There is, still,’ he said, ‘the question of Amphipolis. As you are aware she is an Athenian city, and we would much like to restore her to the League. You currently retain a garrison there, I understand?’
‘It will be withdrawn the moment we reach agreement,’
promised Philip. ‘Amphipolis is not considered by me to be Macedonian. In truth, the citizens requested our aid and my brother – wrongly, as I believe – agreed to help them. Now, tell me, Aischines, what message should I send the Thebans?’