‘Would you come to my employment?’
‘Of course, sire. But I have given my word to Philip that I will stay one year and train his Guard. After that? I will be seeking a new post. However, I do not think you need me. I am usually employed by men who have lost; very few victors have need of a mercenary general.’
‘That is true,’ Bardylis agreed. ‘Tell me, do you like Philip?’
‘Very much. He is a kind man, in some ways a gentle man. Where I have travelled, such men are few.’
‘Is that why he did not kill the son of Perdiccas?’
‘I imagine so, your majesty. But it is difficult to know all that is in the King’s mind.’
‘One last question, Parmenion: if Philip did raise an army, would you march against me?’
‘Naturally, your majesty. I would be a curious general if I did not.’
The King chuckled. ‘I could have you killed, you know.’
‘All things are possible,’ admitted Parmenion, looking closely at the old King. ‘But I don’t think you will.’
‘Why?’
‘Because you’re bored, sire, and, small a threat as he is, Philip intrigues you.’
‘You are an observant man. I think I should watch you. But go now – and enjoy your stay in Illyria.’
*
For three days Philip was feted as Bardylis arranged banquets, athletic displays, dances and the staging of a Corinthian comedy at a theatre on the outskirts of the city. The Macedonian King seemed to be enjoying the pageants, though for Parmenion the days grew increasingly irksome. The warrior Theoparlis seemed tense and upset, and twice Parmenion had seen him in conversation with the sneering Grigery.
The Spartan approached Theo as the crowds left the theatre.
‘Is everything all right?’ he asked.
‘I am well,’ responded Theo, striding on ahead.
Parmenion put the problem from his mind as Philip came alongside, linking arms. ‘A good play, did you not think?’ Philip asked.
‘I am not a lover of comedies, sire.’
Philip leaned in close. ‘To marry someone like Audata, a man must need to love comedy,’ he whispered.
Parmenion chuckled. ‘There is more to love than beauty, I am told.’
‘Yes, but looks must count for something. I sat with her for two hours yesterday, and throughout that time I sought one physical feature that I could compliment her on.’
‘What did you find?’
‘I thought of telling her she had very nice elbows.’
Parmenion laughed aloud, the tension easing from him. ‘What happened then?’
‘We made love.’
‘What? In her father’s palace? Before the wedding? And how did you manage it – if you found nothing attractive in her?’
Philip looked suddenly serious. ‘I had a dream, Parmenion. I pictured the woman I saw in it – the woman I will meet next year on Samothrace.’ As they walked back to the palace, Philip told the Spartan of the mystic encounter.
‘And you are sure it was an omen?’
‘I would stake my life on it – and I would give my life to make it true. She was wonderful, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She is a gift from the gods, Parmenion, I know it. She promised to bear me a son, a child born of greatness.’
As they approached the palace Philip took Parmenion’s arm and stopped. ‘This afternoon,’ said the King, ‘Bardylis wants me to see his army. It should be enlightening.’
‘Indeed it should,’ agreed Parmenion. ‘So what concerns you?’
‘Theoparlis. He has grown sullen, and I think the man Grigery has been baiting him. He must not be drawn into a fight. Antipater has been asking questions about Grigery; it seems he is the King’s champion, and a demon with a sword.
‘I shall prevent any duel between Macedonian and Illyrian,’ promised Parmenion.
‘Good. Have you seen Bardylis again?’
‘No. I think I convinced him there was no intention of a war with Illyria.’
‘Do not be too sure,’ warned Philip. ‘I think the man is a sorcerer, a reader of minds.’
In the afternoon Philip and his companions watched the
Illyrian cavalry charging across a wide field, their lances bright in the sunlight. Then the infantry marched forward in phalanx formation. Each man was armed with a spear and a short sword and carried a square shield of bronze-reinforced wood; they wore crested helms, breastplates and greaves, though their thighs were bare. At an order from their general the phalanx smoothly changed formation, moving out in a long line three men deep, spears levelled. Philip and his Macedonians were standing at the edge of the field when the King noticed the Illyrians on either side edging back.