Grigery bowed. ‘Good morning, sire. I trust you are well?’
‘Yes, I am, but the definition of well has a different meaning for the old. Is the Macedonian here?’
‘He is, sire. But he brought with him only four men.’
‘Four? What, could he not find twenty Macedonians with the courage to enter Illyria?’
Grigery chuckled. ‘I would imagine not.’
‘Who are the four?’
‘One is a common soldier named Theoparlis, another is the King’s lover, Nicanor; the third is a soldier called Antipater – he it was who led the charge against the Paiones. The last is a mercenary named Parmenion.’
‘I know that name,’ said Bardylis. ‘I offered him employment.’
‘He served the Great King in Persia, I understand. He was also a friend to the Theban Epaminondas.’
‘More than that,’ said Bardylis. ‘Leuctra. The Spartan defeat. What other news is there?’
‘Little of import, sire. Neoptelemus has agreed to increase his tribute. But then, you expected that.’
‘Of course. Now that his army is destroyed he has little choice.’
‘He also offered one of his daughters in marriage, sire.’
‘The man’s a fool. Much as I would wish it otherwise, my interest in women perished a decade ago. Still, let us turn to matters of greater importance; I want Philip well treated while he is here – but also he must be made to realize who is the master now.’
‘How should I engineer this, lord?’
‘Be polite to the King but – out of his sight – goad his followers. It would be interesting to force one of them to challenge you. I would then of course have no option but to allow a duel to go ahead. You would then kill the man.’
‘Which one, sire?’
‘Not Nicanor. I want the King mildly humbled, not aroused to fury. Fury leads to stupidity. Let it be the soldier, Theoparlis. And have Parmenion brought to my chambers tonight – but do not allow Philip to know of the invitation.’
‘You will employ him?’
‘Why not? That would be a secondary blow to the Macedonian. Tell me, what do you make of Philip?’
‘He seems anxious to please. However, it is difficult to judge the man. He has a great deal of charm and uses it well. He has cool eyes, and I would be wary of him in combat. But as to his nature … I have no idea.’
‘His brother was headstrong, but a dynamic man,’ said Bardylis. ‘It interests me why Perdiccas let Philip live. Either he was considered no threat, or Perdiccas was a fool. Similarly, why has Philip not slain the son of Perdiccas? They are an intriguing family.’
‘He was not slow to kill his own stepbrother,’ Grigery pointed out.
‘I know.’ Bardylis sighed and returned to his throne. ‘Ah, if I was sure he would be a threat he would not leave here alive. But a husband for Audata is not a prize I had thought to find. Invite him here for a private meeting. Bring him in an hour.’
After Grigery had left Bardylis summoned Audata to
him. She was a tall, bony woman with a prominent nose, but though Bardylis knew many considered her ugly, he himself could see only the child he had loved since birth. She entered the room and hugged him.
‘Have you seen him?’ asked Bardylis, holding his daughter’s hands.
‘Yes. He is handsome, though I fear he is shorter than I.’
‘I want you to be happy,’ he told her. ‘And I still do not know if this is wise.’
‘I am twenty-seven years old, Father. Do not concern yourself over me.’
‘You speak as if twenty-seven were ancient. You still have time to bear healthy sons and watch them grow. I want that for you. I want you to know the joy I had while you were growing.’
‘Whatever pleases you,’ she said. They sat and talked until Grigery returned and announced Philip. Audata left swiftly but waited outside the throne-room, watching the scene through the partly closed door.
Bardylis stood before the throne as Philip entered. The Macedonian walked forward and then knelt at Bardylis’ feet, taking his hand and kissing it.
‘A King should not kneel to another King,’ chided Bardylis.