Eumenes 1, Chapter 6: Death March

“Nearkhos, what do you say about your fleet?”
“A perfect navy.”
“It's time you unite three navies, Persian, Indian, and your own. You take its supreme command as the Makedonian admiral.”
“Yes, my Lord. And we will soon connect all the seas of the world with our fleet.”
“Sounds great! It's my gift for you, but also a burden on you, isn't it?”
“No, my Lord. I do my best to meet your expectations, but there remains the last thing we haven't done yet.”
“Gedrosia?”
“Yes.”

Once upon a time there was a series of wars, which have continued for almost eighty years in Europe. The Persian king Khshayarsha marched himself toward Hellas bringing allies from all nations, killed the Lakedaimonian king Leonidas at Thermopylai. Also by water, the king dispatched admiral Artemisia, the queen of Halikarnassos. The Persian king deeply trusted her. Athenians elected dictator Themistokles to cope with Artemisia. He lured her to his home waters near the island of Salamis. The Hellenic allies initially appeared to back their ships away as if in fear. The narrow strait got very crowded with Persian ships and they become disorganized. When the tidal current changed the direction and the morning wind blew, the Hellenic allies were far from disintegrating but lined up and ready to attack. Hellenic allies pushed back and finally won the Persian war. But after the war, Athenians expelled Themistokles, the hero of the war, judged by the democratic voting, the Ostrakismos.
Hellenes used to be good sailors holding superiority over the Pontos. But afterwards almost Hellenic sailors left Athens to become Persian mercenaries, serving wealthy queen Artemisia. As a result, though Athens and its allies once repelled Persia, the Pontos was almost united by Artemisia, including Phoenician and Egyptian fleets. Consequently, the Delian League, which was under the leadership of Athens were crushed by the alliance of Halikarnassos and Lakedaimon in the Peloponnesian War.
Before King married Raokhshna, he loved a middle-aged Persian lady, who bore his first son Herakles. She was one of the students in Mieza, exiled from Halikarnassos to Makedonia. Before loved by King, she had some husbands and daughters. Her husbands as well as her father and brothers were all Persian admirals. She is the heiress of Halikarnassos royal family and succeeded Artemisia's heritages. She is Barsine.
As Alexandros defeated the Persian king Darayavaush III at Issos, one of Barsine's daughter was engaged to Nearkhos, it means that he was appointed to the next admiral of the navy.
A navy is a kind of dynasty succeeded by an admiral family, almost independent of nations, which organize armies. In general, an army is an autarkic or agricultural community which needs almost no money, whereas a navy is an economic system depending on world trades. Persia is wealthier than Athens, and Makedonia became much wealthier now. Almost automatically, the united Hellenic navy received the patronage of King Alexandros.
The Cretan boy Nearkhos was sent to Makedonia as a hostage. He became one of good friends of Makedonian prince Alexandros, as well as some students at Mieza, such as Ptolemaios, Perdikkas, Hephaistion, Barsine, and me.
King conquered Egypt and Babylonia, becoming the Egyptian pharaoh and the king of Babylon. Nearkhos began to recover the 'Canal of the Pharaohs', which was initiated by Nakhtnebef II, reinforced by Darayavaush the great, but almost abandoned for long years. This canal could link the Pontos and Red Sea by water.
Nearkhos already acquired both of Hellenic and Persian navies, and now the brand-new Indian navy is given to him. “To establish the Indo-Persian route, we need at least ten harbors along the Gedrosian coast. I'm afraid it will be as a difficult task as making a canal connecting the Pontos and Red Sea.
I sailed here from Egypt, examining the lands by myself. I saw many villages and villagers near the seas, but there dwelt almost only fish-eaters.”
“Fish-eaters? You mean fishermen?”
“Yeah, how to say, it's very difficult to explain. I mean, that those fish-eaters are very primitive fishermen. We Hellenes, of course, are also fishermen in general. Especially we Cretans primarily eat fish. But we don't live only on fish. But they really do. We also eat vegetables and animals. We cultivate and grow plants. We have harbors and boats and ships, meadows and farms and gardens, livestock and poultry, tackles and fishing gears, but they seldom have.”
“No harbors nor ships. No tackles nor gears. Then how they catch fishes?”
“By hand, or sometimes using nets made of the bark of date-palms, twisting the bark like twine. Yes, they are very poor fishermen. Only a few of them fish, for only a few have proper boats and have any skill in the art of catching fish; but for the most part it is the receding tide which provides their catch.”
“Explain in detail.”
“When the sea recedes and the earth is left, where the earth remains dry it has no fish, but there are hollows, some of the water remains, and in this a large number of fish, mostly small, but some large ones too. They throw their nets over these and so catch them. They eat them raw, just as they take them from the water, that is, the more tender kinds; the larger ones, which are tougher, they dry in the sun till they are quite sere and then pound them and make a flour and bread of them.”
“They make flour from fish powder to make bread?”
“Yes, precisely. Others even make cakes of this flour. Even their flocks are fed on the fish, dried; for the country has no meadows and produces no grass.”
“What kind of fish they catch?”
“Well, various kinds, but mainly, some kinds of tuna.”
“Oh, tuna. You tasted it?”
“Yes, I tried. Natives brought me in a friendly way, gifts from a tribe's village; tunny-fish baked in earthen pans. They collect also in many places crabs, oysters and shell-fish. There are natural salts in the country. They also make oil from date-palms, in addition, use various flavorings, pepper, garlic, mustard, or turmeric, in varying ratios, stimulating the appetite.”
“Did it taste good?”
“Yes, considerably. I'm the first Hellene who had seen cooking their food and been served such excellent cuisine.
Those of them who inhabit the desert parts of their country, treeless as it is and with no cultivated parts, find all their sustenance in the fishing but a few of them sow part of their district, using wheats as a relish to the fish, for the fish form their bread. The richest among them have gardens of date-palms. They build huts; they collect the bones of any large fish which the sea casts up, and use them in place of beams. Doors they make from any flat bones which they can pick up. But the greater part of them, and the poorer sort, have huts made from the fishes' backbones.”
“I cannot rely on such fish-eaters.” King laughed. “Then what should we do now, Nearkhos?”
“I know the only way, which you used to use in such situations.”
“A special division?”
“Yes, my Lord.”
King always divides or appends his troops according to strategic decisions. Some division is left for defence or dispatched in advance frequently. This time he divided his army into three brigades.
From here, Boukephalia, King dispatches Krateros taking charge of the major brigade, traveling west along a caravan route in mountains to Kerman as safely and straight as possible.
Another is the fleet of Nearkhos, goes down Sindhu, tries to reach Persian Gulf traversing the coastland of Gedrosia.
King himself leads the rest, which is rather small consisting of volunteered veterans including Perdikkas, Ptolemaios and Hephaistion. It goes along the coast, digging wells to supply water to vessels sailing off-shore, also settling dockyards and facilities to establish Indo-Persian sea lane.
King tells Vakhshuvarda, “Belong to Krateros team and take your family to the Gandharan route. We will meet in Kerman or Susa. Look after yourself and see you later.”
“Me too?” Raokhshna says. “My lord, please take me with you all the way.”
“Ridiculous,” King half laughed, half angered. “You can't. As you know, we are fearless soldiers. Disease, wound, fatigue, drowsiness, hunger or thirst. For any reason whatsoever, if a volunteer gets unable to walk, we forsake him with no mercy. Expecting a big reward and honor, he must save himself. A tough guy cannot survive, much less a woman like you.”
“I know it well.”
“You want to die?”
“Yes, I do. I don't understand why you are still alive, seem too much lucky to die easily. I've hoped to die after seeing your death, but now I'd rather die beforehand.”
“Why?”
“When my uncle Darayavaush ascended the Persian throne, I was only eight years old. To support my uncle king my father got very busy campaigning around Persian districts such as India and Kerman. As father was always absent from home, I was sent to general Spitameneh, who is Apama's father. She is now assigned by you to our care manager, but I respected her deeply as my elder sister.
My sister Apama used to be a jolly girl, cheerful and youthful like Amastri, had never been such a depressed and miserable woman.
“It'll be a long story, darling.”
“Can I tell you?”
“Go on, as much as you want.”
“Apama had a younger brother. His name was Mazdayasna.
He and I were just the same age. We lived in the same home, getting along very well like true family. We spent so happy days in youth. Unconsciously we got love each other. Any time he treated my so gently. I dedicated my life to him. We were so happy. Everybody blessed us. We could be a good wife and husband. Apama would become my true sister, and Spitameneh, my true father.
Suddenly everything changed. Barbarians invaded Bakhtrish. That's you, Makedonians. We were defeated. Spitameneh and his son Mazdayasna made up their mind to resist until the very last moment. But one night it happened, which I never hoped. Spitameneh's wife killed him. She cut off his head and came out of the bedroom. At the sight of her bringing his head in her hand, Mazdayasna got mad, killed her with a single stroke of the sword. Relatives and servants then attacked Mazdayasna all at once, chopped him into pieces. When he lost his life he was just sixteen years old. The heads of Spitameneh and the son were sent to you, my Lord, by his clan as a sign of surrender. You showed me and Apama those heads, intentionally, “I suppose these are of your family.” Instantly Apama saw the faces she lost her color and fainted, fell into a coma for three days. It also caused me severe shock, I vomited heavily, unable to eat almost everything, especially meats.
You are a so horrible man. Do you have human mind? Even now I frequently awaken from sleep at midnight dreaming the bloody head of Mazdayasna, spring up and scream. Oh, I truly curse you.
We couldn't share our future because you intruded our life and smashed apart.”
“Terribly sorry, but I didn't have any other choice. Your father Vakhshuvarda confined his wife and children in the fortress of Sogdia, and he took refuge into the deep Scythia, attempting to prolong the war. He was then the top of the successors to the Persian throne. He owed duty to recover the kingdom. He and Spitameneh estimated optimistically that the stronghold would never fall in a year or two because it was fortified heavily on the top of a steep rocky cliffs with enough stock of foods and water. But my soldiers climbed it up in one night, let it surrender and captured you princesses.
Hearing the fall of the stronghold, Sogdians got into panic, desperate to send Spitameneh's head. I didn't kill him, had no intention to kill him, either. If he surrendered, I courteously employed him like your father Vakhshuvarda.
Oh, Raokhshna, my darling, when I did your family and relatives bad conduct?”
“Everything is your fault. If you did not intrude our country Bakhtrish, nothing would happen. Why didn't you spend a peaceful life in your home country Makedonia, loving your people all your life, while loved by your people? My father and Spitameneh were both peace-loving lords, if you didn't start wars against Persia.”
“That's not true. Peace is an instant chance lain in tedious wartime. Someone wins, other one loses. In this world, like the movement of a pendulum, the sequence of troubles never ends. There are countless reasons why I had to come to Bakhtrish, but I didn't want to do so. At least it's not my fault. A king, whoever he is, I or somebody else, has no choice but to use his power to calm down the world. It's a crucial medicine the world requires. Every man knows such a thing well.”
“Do what you believe in, but you know, nobody hates you more than me. I would kill you anytime you sleep well in bed beside me. You should kill me before I kill you. You had better discard your stupid plan to marry Persian women to Makedonian men.
Oh, woe to the man who will marry Apama inheriting the blood of a husband-killer.”
How could she curse Apama? She is innocent and irrelevant.
Raokhshna mocks, “and I was also born under an evil star to be a husband-killer. But it is lucky that my husband is you, not Mazdayasna. If I was destined to kill him, I would rather kill myself.”
Her words frightened us. We are afraid King kills her in anger drawing the sword from his back, but he keeps quiet.
“Raokhshna, you are my brilliant star.”
Her eyes gleamed under her long hair. 'Raokhshna' means 'light' or 'shining' in Persian.
“The blood of husband-killer. It may also flow through my veins.” He gives hollow laugh, “My father most likely was killed by my mother.
I know very well. You won't kill me. Because you already loves me more than anybody else, much more than the son of Spitameneh. You must love me because I love you more than anybody else.
You must know well how much I love you. Since I met you I have a sound sleep every night hugging you. I'm not afraid you because you are the last woman in the world who makes me regret even if she kills me.”
“The most disgusting joke I've ever heard. You always sleep well only because you are so indifferent to your life that you feel nothing even if you are killed by me in bed as well as shot by enemy's arrow in battle. That's all.
You, Makedonian king, you intend to unite the cultures and civilizations of Hellas and Persia, by celebrating a mass wedding in Susa. You arrange marriages, not only of you and me, but also between tens of thousands of Persian noble wives and Hellenic officers. Insane!
I used to visit the old city, Susa, invited as one of Persian princesses. All peoples from all nations welcomed me in majestic Palaces. I was very proud of it. But now, I lost my nation. There is nowhere I return to. Our dynasty has ruined. Susa is yours, our homeland Bakhtrish is, too. Also Syria, Babylonia, Assyria, and Egypt. I don't have a tiny piece of ground where I live. Needless to say, I don't want to be your wife, nor live as a mother of your children.
I wanted to meet my dear Mazdayasna in heaven after I see your last moment by my own eyes. But I completely get sick of living with my inconsiderate husband, I can't stand it any longer, hence I'd rather leave this world in advance.” Raokhshna traces over the scar on the King's chest with her finger, touching her womb by the other hand. “My baby is as pitiful as me. Simply because I am your wife, and simply because my baby is your child, we spend uneasy days, dreaming nightmares every night, scared of enemies' silhouettes. Only death will liberate us forever. Thinking of my baby's destiny, I would like to be forsaken by you and die.”
Holding her tightly, King keeps frowned and silent, but shortly after, he opens his mouth, “You were born to be robbed by me. God gave me you. You are prohibited to die freely. The god who gave you to me won't permit it. Your children also succeed the destiny. You cannot escape from your star under which you were born. You can only accept your fate.”
King turns to the father of Raokhshna. “What do you think? I don't mind if you also come with us.”
“Either will do.” Vakhshuvarda says showing no emotions.
“So, Eumenes, you take Amastri and Apama, and wait us in Kerman.”
“No, I go with my sister and father, too.”
Oh, Amastri hits upon a crazy idea again.
“Stop it, you restless girl. My Lord, I supervise her with attention. Also I teach her on the way.”
“Master, you also come with me. I never let you go.”
“Why are you so persistent? You must learn obedience.”
“We are members of Persian royal family. I followed my father crossing Oxos and Iaxartes rivers, climbing the rocky mountains of Sogdia, drinking muddy water and chewing tree roots, fighting against enemies until the fortress fell with soldiers. Apama also did. We are not such tender girls. If my sister goes, I'll also do. If I go, then my house maid Apama, and my teacher you should go with us. That's your obligatory duty.”
“Oh, my goodness. How about you, Seleukos. If you come along with me, I will feel much safer.” Though still young, he is a capable man, several times I relied on him and his soldiers since he joined us.
“No. I have little military career yet. I don't think this is the time to take a risk for me and my colleagues. It is a very important period to foster my clan. I and my colleagues are all freshmen. I can't involve them. I also don't think it's a suitable job for me in this case.”
“I understand your situation.”
“Sorry for that.”
I'm caught up in a calamity due to the princess sisters.
Apama is the most pitiful victim. She was a member of an honorable family with origin coming from ancient times before Persian sovereignty reached Sogdia. But she was captured along with the Persian refugees. Since then she was bound to serve Persian princess sisters. As her lord was destroyed, her family was also scattered. Her father, brother and mother are all dead. Her life is nothing more than those of slaves.
“Amastri, what do you do with your loving Airanjana?”
“I have to leave her now, because she drinks a lot of water every day.” Her voice dropped. “General Seleukos, can you keep my pet elephant, Miss Aira? She is a big eater, but can help you carrying heavy luggage.”
“I'm willing to, Her Highness.” Seleukos grinned.
“I'll go with you, my friends.” Kalanos says.
“No, it's hardly possible that an old man like you survive in desert.” I interrupted in spite of myself. “Your favorite nuts and leaves are not there.”
“You know nothing about me, young man. I know much better than you about weeds and trees, forests and deserts. In my youth, I use to ate one hemp seed in three days. Then I ate it in five days, then ten days. In such a manner, I trained to get along with starvation. Do you try it in desert?”
“You can't my grandpa,” says Amastri. “Instead, would you please go with my elephant? She is a water goddess and can't live in desert. You know elephants very well because you are an Indian. Keep your eyes to her, giving her much water, please.”
Kalanos gazes at her a moment, then says, “you are a kind-heated girl, more than I expected. All right. I'll go with your elephant, and bring you back her in the future.”
“Thank you grandpa.”

“Discussed enough? September has come. Let us go.”
King took off the saddle from the back of Boukephalas II and instead put baggage on it, he himself pulling its harness, whereas a camel was assigned to princess sisters for riding together.
Nearkhos reported that the Gedrosian sea was fit for navigation after the beginning of winter, from the setting of the Pleiades until the winter solstice; At that season mild breezes usually blow from the land, and these winds are convenient on a coasting voyage both for oars and sails.
King must go in advance to prepare by digging wells and forming depots of provisions at convenient points, before the fleet, which is scheduled to start in late October, will catch up. We also need great effort to collect provisions from the land to supply vessels. King wanted to keep as close to the coast as possible to be able to serve his fleet, but the coastal areas are almost burning arid desert. Inland areas are more appealing where crops and water are abundant. King packed the products, marked the luggage by his own seals, sent them crossing the desert to ships, but the carriers and guards stole most of the foods and ate by themselves, because the hunger is so urgent that they preferred King's punishment to starving. Furthermore, soldiers killed many of baggage-animals of their own accord. When provisions were lacking, they came together, and slaughtered most of the horses and mules. They said that the animals perished from the great depth of the sand, and the heat which scorched like fire, while a great many died of thirst. What was being done had not escaped Alexander's notice, but he saw that the best cure for the present state of affairs would be to pretend to be ignorant of it, rather than to permit it as a thing known to himself.
It was no longer easy to convey the soldiers who were suffering from disease, or those who were left behind on the roads on account of the heat, partly from the lack of beasts of burden and partly because the men themselves were knocking the wagons to pieces, not being able to draw them on account of the depth of the sand.

Eumenes 1, Chapter 5: Gymnosophist

We stay Boukephalia until autumn since it's almost suicide to cross the Gedrosian desert in midsummer.
“Hey, Bous. I introduce you my pretty Aira. This is Miss Airanjana, the Water Elephant. Aira, this is Mr. Boukephalas, the Ox Head Jr., he is my King's favorite horse. Be friends with each other.”
Amastri visits the King's horse barn and let her elephant Airanjana meet the King's horse Boukephalas II. King is watching it pleasantly.
“My dear sister Amastri, it's the elephant Ardhanara gave you?”
“Yes, brother. Do you want to ride my pet?”
“Isn't it hot-tempered, a violent elephant?”
“No, not at all. She is a very graceful girl.”
“Is it?”
“I specially allow you to ride her, brother. But in return, I want to ride your horse.”
“No problem. Which one?”
“Bous!”
“I knew you said so.”
“Thank you, brother.”
I am staring at them, but they don't notice my feeling, riding side by side, stepping out to the meadow. She uses whips and starts galloping in good shape. Well, I see, I would be mistaken. She may be a better rider than me.

“Airanjana is the name of a water fairy.”
“It's a nice name for an elephant.”
“Is it? It calls up storms and makes it shower. A heavenly nymph swimming in the sea of clouds. 'Aira' is water, and 'Anjana59' is the mother of Hanuman60.”
“Who is Hanuman?”
“Don't you know him brother?”
“I'm sorry but I don't. Please teach me, sister.”
“He is a divine monkey.”
“A monkey? What's that?”
“You really don't know what a monkey is? It's an animal.”
“What kind of?”
“Very similar to humans, but has longer arms, climbing trees very well. They live in the trees.”
“I've never seen such an animal, but I'm also good at climbing trees. Because I was raised in mountains.”
“Me too.”
“We share a lot of common characteristics, don't we?”
“My pleasure, brother.”
“A good tree climber will be trained to be a good soldier. Because he is sharp and speedy. An army consisting of good climbers can move quickly and simultaneously like us and can conquer the world.”
“Is it true? I hear it for the first time.”
“It's true, absolutely. If not, you have never been captured by us. You would still live in the rocky mountains of Sogdia.”
“Oh, I see. You may be right. But even though I am a good climber like a monkey, I cannot be a soldier since I am a woman.”
“Then instead you bear Hanuman. You can be a great mother.”
Amastri laughed. “I heard that Hanuman travels from end to end of the world at once riding a cloud.”
“Wow, a marvelous vehicle. I really want that cloud to conquer the world.”
“I thought you would say so. Hanuman calls clouds by whistling, turning a somersault, riding a lump of cloud, driving it freely in the sky.”
“A great guy. But who taught you such stories?”
“Kalanos.”
“Oh, that living skelton. Don't you fear him? He seems so crude for girls like you.”
“Not at all. He always keeps polite, has good manner and good humor, and tells me a lot of mysterious things.”

King got boring spending monotonous summer days, happened to hear the names of Indian saints such as Buddha or Vardhamana, as well as their disciples, and other various sages. It seems that there live as many philosophers in India as in Hellas. He hit upon an idea to invite them to his court to have a public discussion. There are many naked Brahmins living in the forest nearby.
King says, “I want to compare Hellenic and Indian thinkers. Which can argue more skillfully in debate about both political and ethical themes? Which can undermine the other's confidence? I assemble sophists from all nations, make them debate and see what would happen.”
He waited for several days, however, only one very old man applied to King's calling. King was disappointed because he looks so old and weak that he cannot bear long journey. He lives in Punjab forest, only eats wild nuts, berries and tree leaves, wears only a skirt make of tree barks. He is more than seventy years old, with completely white hair and beard.

“Welcome Saint,” King instantly tries him, “Do deities exist?”
“King,” replied the old man with his eyes keeping closed. “we are incapable of proving it. We do not have sufficient rational ability to justify either the belief that gods exist or the belief that gods do not exist.”
“Interesting. You have no answer to my question. You don't justify yourself. You deny justification. Is everything not incomprehensible?”
“No, that's not my theory. Not everything. I say, a man who does not know something shall not say 'I know it'. Everyone wants to know what he doesn't know, but he is apt to fail to prove unknown and uncertain things. Hence, he simply names it a 'god'. It's very easy to name a 'god' or 'truth' or 'ultimate goal' or something, but these are indeed meaningless. You can say something 'infinite' but you can never reach 'infinity'. We can say true or false if it is a finite and real thing. When a man found a god, he never thinks of it any further. It makes infinity finite to recognize infinity, that is, everyone only knows finite matters, which are sometimes called 'god'.”
“A reasonable answer. On more question. Whether a man has previous or next lives. The common concept of Indians: rebirth and reincarnation. Those are also imperceptible?”
“Yes.”
“Then why you avoid killing? Why you only eat forest nuts and leaves, wearing only barks? Because you think killing is evil. How do you distinguish the evil from the good?
I think whether killing is evil or not is also inconceivable if existence of gods or good-will or something is unprovable. Without gods or religions, how do you distinguish good from evil? Why you have to limit your life by rules?”
“It depends on each individual. Almost all Brahmins believe in gods, but I don't. Religions don't originate from gods, but a product of human imagination. We can't prove, even don't need the hypothesis that some divine or supernatural existence defines the truth and falsity.
I don't know, nor want to know what Brahmins believe. I know only the fact that there are so many sects they are belonging to. It proves that they believe multiple contradicting truths.
I lived too long. I should die earlier. The best way to live is to die young having guiltless soul, before acquiring discretion.
I left human society to live alone in forests. Declines of my physical strength annoy me, but what suffers me most is my mental aging. I got to hate human families, agricultures, domestic animals, and friction. My wounded soul is never cured, only soothed by lonesome tranquility in woods. The only way to bear the pain of my soul is to forget myself who had ever belonged human society, not recalling the past.
Inspecting into my own mind, I found that everything comes from my likes and dislikes. I found no universal truth in my mind, but everything depends on my natural feelings. I reach this conclusion in the forest after long meditations.
People deceive themselves. Every man has ability of cheating his own thought, disguising theories. They don't aware fake things as long as they live together. They help each other to deceive themselves. It's the falsest characteristic of humankind. That is the reason a man should live alone. That is the truth I found at last. I left human society and live alone in the forest. I eat wild nuts and leaves simply because I hate to eat meals produced by humans. I wear only barks because I hate human-tailored clothes.”
“I understand your standing point. But I don't understand why you came here. You had better remain in woods alone. You are self-satisfied and need no help. I think your words and deeds do not match. Why you visited me today? You have something to talk to me?”
“The reason is simple. I came here to have my friend.”
“Why? You hate humans but love friends? I'm a king. A social being whom you avoid. A typical man you need least. I used to order my men to kill somebody. I myself take an ax and kill animals to offer sacrifices to gods. I cut woods and make your forests into colonies. Nevertheless, you want to be my friend? For what?”
“I came here because I really need you. Brahmins, Buddhists and Jains living in India refuse to serve earthly kings. But every one of them belongs to his society. Monks gather believers and collect money to make shrines and temples. They pursue wealth and fame. They have parents, sons and daughters, homes and schools, and teachers and students. There is no difference between kings and priests. Karmic connections prevent us from Nirvana, the liberation from eternal reincarnation. That's my agony.
I suppose there have been many friends who also reached the same conclusion as I did, but we never meet because we are so separated from each other. Now, somewhere in this world, a lot of my friends have the same concept as I have, living not noticing each other. We have no society, but I want to correspond them. I want to meet my friends before I die. That might be the only desire, or regret this old man still have.
I came here today because you said you take me to my far distant friends.
I don't obey someone who happens to be my teacher. I don't make friends with someone who just live together. I don't want to stay some place just because I was born there. King, do you understand me?”
“Saint, I think you are my kindred sharing the same spirit. We can understand each other since we have the same solitary feelings.”
“Are you lonesome, too?”
“Indeed, I have many companions. But there is only one soul mate. I call it my 'Daimonion61'. Only one friend talking directly to my soul.”
“You mean it is your god living in your mind?”
“In other words, he is my 'divine guardian'. It is said that everyone has his own guardian in mind from birth, but never notice the existence, or forget it when grew up. I thought I am the only one perceiving it and hear its voice. I used to think that is the reason why I can be the king of kings. But now, hearing your opinion, I convince that some people except me also could hear the advice of daimonions. You heard the voice in the forest, didn't you?”
“I'm not sure but maybe so.”
“You and me, also Socrates and Diogenes have daimonions.”
“I just want to meet and talk with my true friends, though they live somewhere in the far distance. If you accept me as your friend, I'm willing to go together.”
“In my homeland, some acorn-eaters inhabit forests, some drunkard sleeps in a liquor barrel. Please meet them. And be one of our friends.”
“I accept your invitation, Kallaanya mitta.”
His real name is Kaccayana Belatthiputta, which nobody can remember. Instead, since every time he greets 'Kallaanya mitta', which means 'dear friend', he got used to be called simply 'Kalanos' by Hellenes.

“My brother, you want to return to Makedonia as soon as possible flying on a cloud like Hanuman?” Amastri's voice calls him back from contemplation. He looks up the sky, which is apparently connected to the Makedonian sky.
“Not so much.”
“Where you want to go, then.”
“Nowhere. I just want to call a gale to wipe trifle things off, drive the storm to awaken the peoples, and be memorized among gods.”
“Everybody imagines. Only you can realize.”
“Sure.”

Eumenes 1, Chapter 4: Battle in Swamp

Ardhanara sent us one hundred war elephants to show an attitude of obedience toward the Makedonian King, who put them in front of his army, started to march to the east, crossing Punjab, towards the Ganga.
Punjab is a Persian word which means 'Pentapotamia', the five tributaries of Sindhu, Vitasta, Chandrabhaga, Parushni, Shutudri, and Vipasha.
We overran Punjab, crossing five rivers, and at last reached the most eastern river Shutudri. The dividing ridge between the Sindhu and Ganga Valleys are almost over there. But soldiers abruptly refuse to march further.

Eight years has passed since we departed from Pella, the capital city of Makedonia. This time, the soldiers, who have dedicated their life and time to his King, strived and survived for many years with almost no resistance, refuse openly as a dog grinning its defiance to go for a walk, growling and wriggling the body and planting the feet into the ground.
Until now, we have just traced along the royal roads paved by the Persian Kings. But from here, the lands are Indian domain, not Persian. The peoples have never been ruled by the Persian Empire.
King calls up the whole army and says, “Please pay attention to my words, oh! my companions.
We ever attained the eternal glory at Gaugamela. You can't forget the decisive and definitive moment of our victory: the Battle of Gaugamela.
Just after the battle, we briefly stopped in Nineveh, the ruin of ancient capital of Assyria. Half destructed, half covered in sand, but the Library of King Assurbanipal remained there. We excavated hundreds of thousands of forgotten clay tablets. I requested Akkadian scholars to research the old cuneiform writings. Almost of them are trivial records, such as salaries for employees, amounts of crop yields, or list of livestock and poultry production. Among them, I discovered a very interesting document. That was a piece of the record of the Assyrian wars. It describes the campaigns of Queen Shammuramat who lived 500 years ago. She conquered all the Mesopotamia, pushed through the Persian territory and tried to invade Punjab. But she was severely defeated in Sindhu valley. She lost two out of three soldiers and had to return west.
On another day at Persepolis, the tomb city of the Persian kings, I saw an inscription etched on a temple wall on the command of Darayavaush 46 the Great. A guide told me it states that the Kurush47 the Great, who defeated the Median Empire, made an expedition to the west side of Sindhu river where the power of Median Kings ever reached. But he also had to abandon the province defeated by Indians.
After reading the records, the desire to challenge a great achievement, which has never been done by any kings nor queens in this world, such as Shammuramat nor Kurush, has been getting more important in my mind.
My companions, starting from Europe, penetrating Asia, tracing the roads which were paved by Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian kings, we finally reach this land of frontier.
In ancient days, an Assyrian king called himself, 'Shah Sharrani', or Persian kings, 'Shah an Shahs.' An Indian king also claimed himself as 'Rajah dhi Rajah.' These titles have the same meaning, 'Basileus Basileon48.'
A king who conquered the neighbor kings merging the territory was simply called the 'King of Kings'. That's normal, not enough. I can't be satisfied with being such a king! I want to be the only king in the world. And probably you want to be citizens serving the only one sovereign in this world, aren't you? That means this world is unified into only a single nation, the Kosmopolis. Why don't you be a kosmopolitan?
The day, when the world is unified one nation, shall come. But when? Humans have to wait until a king who will be born in the far distant future? Or I, your king, a real king living before your eyes, accomplish now?
Why don't you see the Kosmopolis in this real world before you die?
You only live once. You never live twice. We realize Kosmopolis when we alive and die happily if you assist me, my companions.”
Hephaistion and some macho soldiers get excited with sparkling eyes inspired by the King's speech. But others still more seem depressed.
“Perdikkas49, Krateros50, I want to hear your thoughts.”
They both belong to the Makedonian royal family. If King Alexandros dies, Perdikkas will soon ascend the throne. If Perdikkas also dies, then Krateros will immediately take the supreme command of the Makedonian army.
Perdikkas and Krateros look at each other. Reluctantly, Perdikkas says, “Oh King, it has been a long journey and we arrived here without any critical failures so far. I cannot explain why it could happen. I'm not so simple as to thank deities nor admire you. As you have decided everything before, you also decide by yourself from now on. Go further or not, that is out of my thought.”
“If you were I, Perdikkas.”
“If I were you, I never came here.”
The answer irritated King. “Master Aristoteles taught us that, if we go down the Ganga from here, we reach the East Sea, the eastern end of the world.
From there, go up to north, then west along Scythian coast, we reach the Kaspian Sea.
Or if we take the route down the Sindhu river, we reach the Arabian Sea, which is linked to Persian, Erythraean, and Libyan Seas. If we go further, the Libyan Sea leads us to European Sea. There we enter our Pontos51 through the Pillars of Herakles. Finally we sail back to Hellenic waters.
Which do you prefer, Ganga or Sindhu? Both will be fascinating, since no one has ever carried out such a fantastic voyage.
For me, Ganga is preferable, because we almost get to the eastern end of the world, it is easier to conquer the rest of the eastern area first, than get far back and go around the western continents.
According to Herodotos52, Scythian countries are facing to the East and North Seas, adjacent to India to the south, and to Europe to the west. It is said that the shape of the Scythian continent is almost square, about 4000 stadia53 from east to west and also 4000 stadia from north to south. We walk about 200 stadia in a day. Hence, from the east end of India to the east boundary of Europe, we traverse 8000 stadia, it takes only 40 days. If we sail, we'll go much faster. Of course, we'll encounter lots of vicious barbaric tribes. We should tame them all. We also have to found colonies, construct cities and harbors. It will take two or three years I suppose, but I don't think it's an impossible campaign.
We've already acquired the Asia, the center of the world. If we get Scythia first, only Libya, India and Europe will remain. It is said that each of the three subcontinents has the same area as Scythia, about 4000 by 4000 square stadia, So it can be said that we will complete the entire world in almost 10 years.”
“Too optimistic,” Perdikkas complains. “but it's your usual way. You decide by yourself. And we follow you with no objection, as we always did. Or, is there a matter of some concern that you have to discuss with us this time? If so, tell me that.”
“Concern? I have none since I have left Makedonia.”
“Then we will do, as usual.”
“Krateros, what do you think?”
He summoned up courage to speak for the whole army, “My Lord, please listen to me. You see yourself, how many Makedonian and Hellenic soldiers started with you, and how few of us are left. Some have been settled in the cities founded by you. Some have lost in the fields of battle. Others have been disabled by wounds. Others have been left behind in different parts of Asia, but the majority have perished by disease.
Only a few out of many survived, and these few possessed no longer of the same bodily strength as before, while their spirits are still more depressed. Those, whose parents are still living, have a yearning to see them, a yearning to see their wives and children, and a yearning to see their native land itself. I beg your mercy, oh, my Lord. I want to go home where I belong.”
The army applauded Krateros' speech. King resented him.

“Ptolemaios, Eumenes,” King keeps calm. “where are you? Give me your advice.”
I know my King very well. He determines what he should do in advance, then he ask us to verify his thought, or to deepen his conviction, or to know how precisely his companions understand his plan. Sometimes a minor modifications or improvements are applied after he hears our propositions, but it's nothing more than a final brush up, the thought he roughly sketched first never changes. He is a man of self-help.
While I am thinking how to respond to him, Ptolemaios stands up among the soldiers and says, “I know very well that it is not suitable for this situation to show my personal opinions, which rather differ in some points of view from those of our Lord. I apologize if I cause any confusion among us.” Ptolemaios pauses a while until the audience become quiet. “My Lord, in early Egyptian or Mesopotamian mythology, the earth was portrayed as a flat disk, floating in the ocean. We Hellenes also share the kosmography for centuries. However, none of us has gone around and discovered the true shape of the world. We just hear it from foreigners. Foreigners also hear from some other foreign travelers. Nobody found the East or North Ocean, which are the extremes of the world. Nobody saw that the West Ocean outside of Libya is connected the Arabian See. Who knows how large is this world? Who knows how far the end of the Scythian or Indian land is. Nobody can calculate how deeply the Libyan Continent extends beyond the Nile.
As far as I observed, the Mount Ararat is higher than our Olympos, and Kaukasos mountains seem higher than Ararat. I see that the Indian mountains in the Himalayan Range are much higher and steeper than Asian ones. And I could say that the Euphrates and Tigris rivers are longer and wider than the Istros54 or Nile, and Sindhu and Ganga rivers flow much more water. The more we traveled east, the bigger mountains and rivers we encountered. We cannot estimate how far and how wide the world continues.
If we march onwards to east, we enter the heartland of India, the Ganga Valley, after passing deserts for twenty days. The Ganga is 32 stadia in width and 10 stadia in depth. The Valley is the most fertile and most populous land in this world, a paradise of uncountable elephants.”
King frowns. The Nile is only three stadia at the widest.
“Furthermore, my Lord, India is the oldest country flourishing from non-historical era. At the center of India locates Pataliputra55, the capital of the renowned Magadha people. Pataliputra is the biggest Indian city, perhaps the biggest one in the world. The king of the Pataliputra, the Rajah dhi Rajah of Indians, is called Dhana Nanda, who is the uncle of the king of Punjab, Rajah Paurava56, whom we captured recently at the Battle on Vitasta river. It is said that King Dhana Nanda has nine hundred ninety-nine millions of gold coins, as well as twenty thousand of horsemen, two hundred infantry men, two thousands of chariots drawn by four horses, and ten thousand of war elephants. Compared to the Dhana Nanda's military forces, our army is like a picnic of children. If we go down the Ganga river, we must fight against Pataliputra, but it is impossible to break through its defense. Even for an adventurous King like you, it's a reckless challenge.”
“Indian tales are always exaggerated. It's never believable. 999 million of gold coins? Hahaha, stop joking. If we collect all the coins from Hellas, Persia, and Egypt, the sum will be no more than one million, I presume.”
“Yeah, I hope so. I tell you another story. Some decades ago, the Persian King Khshayarsha57 led his army to invade Libya and captured a Phoenician admiral, whom King Khshayarsha examined by himself. Khshayarsha said,
'I hear that you Phoenicians occupy the Pontos from Egypt to the Pillar of Heracles. Is it true?'
The admiral replied, 'Yes, exactly. We sail further than Hellenes, from the northern extreme of European Sea, to the southern extreme of Libya.'
'Can you explain how is the southern extreme of Libya?'
'Almost three hundred years ago, the Egyptian Pharaoh Nakhtnebef II sent out an expedition of Phoenicians. They sailed from the Red Sea, went around Libyan coast, entered the Pillar of Heracles, and finally returned to Egypt. That means the West Ocean connects to the South Ocean at the most southern point of Libya.'
'How long did they sail? Would it take a month or two, or half a year?'
'No. Three years.'
'What an astonishing voyage your ancestors did! Now I became the king of Libya, thus I command you, Admiral, the same task as the Pharaoh did before. I will liberate you if you prove again that you can sail around Libya, but this time you sail in the reverse direction. Start from the Pontos, exit the Pillars of Heracles, go around the coast of Libya, then return to the Red Sea. If you succeed, I will reward you by appointing you the Satrap of the whole Libya. Otherwise, I will cut off your head. Do you try it?'
This admiral accepted the King's proposal, sailed out the Herakles Pillars. He eagerly inspected all the rivers, inlets, straits and channels along the coast, but spent three years in vain. There was no passage to the Red Sea. In the fourth year, he began to flee, but only got captured and executed.
Sailors, traders, and nomadic peoples have traveled every corner of the world for hundreds of years before we get started. We should trace along the secure routes that the pioneers already discovered. We are not adventurers, but conquerors, aren't we? It is too risky and fruitless for us to step outside of our well-known world.”
“Steady but tedious suggestion typical of wise men like you, Ptolemaios. Then what shall we do next?”
“Let me say, my Lord. If we go down Sindhu, we will reach Arabian Sea. We sail further and reach Persia.”
“Right, sailing from the outlet of Sindhu to the west, we must cross a barren coastland without harbors to reach Persian Gulf. But that's all.”
“So, we'd better interrupt our exploration for a while. It's time to go back home. We have tried hard enough. We all got tired, too. We restart conquest after refining the strategy carefully, discussing with various scholars from all over the world.”

“What do you think about their discussions?” I asked to Seleukos.
“I think it is time to retrieve Babylon.”
“Retrieve Babylon?”
“Retrieve Persia, if I say more accurately.”
“Why? King said that we should go further. Krateros said break exploration and go back home to rest. Is your plan different from them?”
“Maybe. I love King's idealism.”
“The kosmopolitanism, you mean.”
“Yes, and indeed, I dislike Krateros' sentimentalism. I almost agree with Perdikkas and Ptolemaios.
The Persian king Khshayarsha build the Gate of All Nations in Persepolis. It was a symbol of the harmonic unification of the humankind, a symbol of kosmopolitanism.”
“But our King sentenced to burn down the gate, because it converted into the symbol of the harsh domination and exploitation of the world.”
“You've got a point. If our King wants to be a true successor of Persian kings, he must avoid being hated by nations. Kosmopolitanism needs approval of all peoples. Our King has to take care of them.
As far as I observed this world along campaigns, I think if he wants to realize the Kosmopolis in this world, he must select the best city for his capital located at the center of the world, right?”
“In a sense.”
“Where is it? Needless to say, the capital city should be Babylon. The richest and most populous city. Susa is the second, the most convenient place for world traffic and trade. Both cities are located in lower Mesopotamia, the most important province of the world.
Our King fought against the Persian king and took his place. There were several good reasons to do so. We invaded his land simply because he invaded us first. It is natural right to revenge. But eastern India is not Persia. Indians have nothing to do with Makedonians. We have no right to claim the sovereignty there yet. We are not invaders, but retrievers of Persia. Our king must not be so greed as Khshayarsha, who made us fight back Persia.”
“I come to understand your idea. Our King tends to hasten too much to expand his reign as far as he can reach. But it is more important to stabilize the basis of his empire for the purpose of realizing the Kosmopolis. So he must return to Babylon, the most suitable place where the king reigns, where he must first establish a stable, sustainable political system and get approval of all peoples of all nations.”
“Yeah, yeah, that is what I mean.”
“You seem too young to have such a profound analysis of politics, Seleukos.”
“Probably because I lost my father, who was responsible for his clan.”
“You are in turn responsible for your people now?”
“Yes. They feed me and I feed them. When my father Antiokhos died, Ptolemaios became the regent. But he soon left Makedonia to take part in King's expedition. Since then, I have been the leader of all the members of all the families of my clan. I also volunteered for King's army and left Makedonia, to feed my clan. I have no intention to return to Makedonia anymore. Someday I will call all the members of my clan to Asia.”
“Where your clan immigrates to?”
“No idea. As our King wishes. He will found new colonies more and more. I want some of them, if possible. I will be far north Scythia, or southern end of Libya. I don't care much where I should live.
It's not only my desire, but also my duty. Anyway, I think the most important thing is to win the people's trust, to preserve the Persian heritages, and to pass them down from generation to generation.”
“You are one of the next generations.”
Seleukos grinned, “I'm not so proud of myself yet, but,”
“But what?”
“I have so many things to prepare. If I were appointed by our King a satrap of somewhere in Asia, what I should do.”
“Are you always dreaming such a thing?”
“It's not a dream! It will soon become real in ten or twenty years. I don't have enough time thinking about it. You, Eumenes, also you must start to prepare, right now.”
“I? Why? I don't have my clan. I don't even have my own family, either.”
“A man of no ambition, no hope you are.” Seleukos laughed. “I hear that King will soon command every one of his companions to marry a Persian woman.”
“I hear it, too.”
“Hurry up Eumenes, choose by yourself, otherwise, King or somebody else forces you to have some woman to be married. No matter whom you marry, once you have your own family, you come to realize what you have to do.”
“Don't worry about me. I will deal with it well when the time comes. How about you? I noticed that you were somehow attracted to Miss Apama when you first met her.”
“She is a very charming and graceful woman. So I saluted her courteously.”
“Is that all?”
“Yes, that's all, but I admit you that I feel special sympathy towards her.”
“Isn't it affection? Or love?”
“Not exactly. It's funny she and I were born and raised far separated, we never met before, but I feel we share similar mentality and morality. Probably because she was an heirless of Sogdian hereditary rulers, but she lost it.
I'm so sorry she is treated very badly by everyone, simply because King offered her to take care of the Persian princesses.”
Apama and I meet almost every day. I am so accustomed to working with her. For me, she is nothing more special than a caretaker for Amastri.

King withdrew into his tent and shut himself in for three days. The mood of the soldiers did not change. He finally proclaimed his decision to turn back, and the army received it with tears of joy and grateful shouts.
King starts every preparation to return. He backtracked to Vitasta river where he completed his fleet with 800 ships, which were all given to the Cretan admiral Nearkhos, who just arrived from the Pontos, going upstream the Sindhu, whereas Punjab was deposited to Paurava. The fleet went downward headed by Nearkhos, a division by Krateros marched on the right bank of river Vitasta, while Hephaistion with the elephants on the left.

Paurava, now the satrap of Punjab warned King, “The land you are going to face is the lower Sindhu, where the six rivers of Punjab are mingled together into a huge swamp. It swells up as broad as a sea when it gathers the snowmelt water running down from Kaukasos and Himalaya from spring until summer. It annually floods.”
“Yea, as the Nile does.”
“Because now is the season of flood, it's very difficult to invade there.”
“I can wait until the flood waters recede.”
“Moreover, the tribes you'll encounter there are quite different from us.
As you were already reported, my uncle Dhana Nanda's domain in the Ganga Valley is as civilized as mine. It is exceedingly fertile and wealthy, inhabited by brave agriculturists enjoying an excellent system of government under an aristocracy which exercised its power with justice and moderation; besides, the land was well stocked with elephants of superior size and courage. But, the peoples downwards are not. They live there together because they are like a school of fish swarming in the marsh.”
“A school of swarming fish in marsh?”
“Yes. The gift of the Sindhu. It's not a metaphor. They have no king, no aristocracy, no principality, therefore no justice and no judgement.”
“Uncivilized republicans?”
“Yes, that's right. The only way you govern them is drying up the water or scooping them out of water, but it's impossible because tremendous water is flowing in all the year and they are swarming again and again in water.
It's also like crashing an anthill. It will soon recover because you cannot kill them all. It will be an endless slaughter. How cruel. So my friend, Alexandros. Leave them. Sail through their swamps as quickly as possible, run away to the sea, so as not to by cursed by Indian gods staining the river with blood. You must regret for the rest of your life.”
“Thank you, my friend, Paurava, for your valuable advice. But I have to construct some harbors, dockyards with citadels, and maintain them along Sindhu, to communicate by water between Persia and inner India, otherwise I will soon lose my colonies in Gandhara and Punjab. I want to make my navy sail securely in India. It's truly inevitable.”
“Ho, good grief. You are an insatiable king. Do it if fate had decided you.”

King's army suddenly attacked the swamp. Unarmed men in the fields were simply butchered offering no resistance. As Perdikkas assaulted on villages, the people fled in a well-fortified island in Sindhu river. Its shores were surrounded by tall stone wall. King attempted siege by boat.
King orders to build a special device to besiege a stronghold on water. It's a relatively large twin boat on which a tall tower is erected with a scaling ladder. As the sun went down, impatiently King himself got on the boat, landed it to the shore, stretched the ladder to the wall and started scaling up, covering himself with a shield held by hand. Several companions also scaled to protect him.
He reached the top of the wall and exposed himself to the enemies. The helmet of the Makedonian king was shining, it attracted the enemies' attention. The defenders began shooting at their target with crossbows all at once. Companions were wounded by the rain of arrows.
King was also hit on his chest and kneeled down. He grasped the arrow and tried to pull it out by himself, but he coughed up blood, vomited from mouth. Hephaistion and some colleagues dashed up the ladder, picked King's body up, put him on the shield and carried back to our camp by boat.
His face got already pale and bloodless. I said, “Everyone, prepare for the worst. He might not be saved.”
Perdikkas pull his foot on King's stomach and pull the shaft of the arrow mercilessly. It come out but the arrowhead remained stuck in King's chest. King vomited blood every time he took a breath.
“We got in great trouble.” Perdikkas glanced around.
“How selfish you are! You bring us here and die first!”
Raokhshna kicked his bed and gave a punch in his face.
“No, stop,” Apama held Raokhshna's back.
This time has come at last. A brave king followed by loyal soldiers, that's the principle of this army. King always supervises battles by himself, even he ventures to attack at the head of his army to make a breakthrough. It drives his companions crazy to volunteer to rescue him. It's a very dangerous gambling at the risk of King's own life. We know very well that the luck never lasts forever.
“Eumenes,” Hephaistion shouted, hanging me by his muscular arms. “You save him, please. If he dies, we cannot survive. Persians, Indians, all the peoples and tribes rise to their feet and take revenge on us. We have no escape.
Take out the arrowhead from his chest, clean up and stitch the wound, and stop bleeding!”
“No, no. I can't. You know I'm not a surgeon. I've never performed a surgical operation yet. Never! I can take no responsibility for surgery.”
“What are you saying in this emergency, Eumenes,” Perdikkas spoke out, “Once you step into the battlefield, don't be anxious about what you shall do. Nobody but the Nike, the goddess of victory determines everything. Not you, nor I.
Nobody imposes responsibility on you. It's all my responsibility if he dies. Take it easy, and do it right now before it's too late.”
Perdikkas is the vice commander, and King is now unable to command, so the only thing I can do is to follow Perdikkas' direction.
“Yes, sir.”
We have no surgical tools. I burn swords and needles in fire to sanitize them.
King fainted from intense pain dug by a burning sword. Fortunately, it made him stop vomiting blood. The arrowhead penetrated the protector, got caught between ribs, which are probably fractured. The blood seems come out from inside of the lung. A fatal damage.
I figured that if the injury made a hole on his lung, he would be almost hopeless.
The operation is over. He sleeps well as though he were dead.
Next day, he eventually escaped death.
A Rumor that our King is already dead runs among enemies and also us. At the same time, his long-time loving horse Boukephalas58 were dead and buried on the bank of Sindhu. Everyone who saw the tomb believed that our King is already dead and buried there, too.
King had to stay the camp for a few days, recovering from the wound. Even when he had himself conveyed on a liter to the midst of his soldiers, they still doubted if he was really alive. To carry conviction to them, he got off the litter and walked some distance back to his tent. Then arose universal joy and relief in the camp.
“He is immortal! Blessed by Gods!”
“We return to Hellas with our King!”

King got on a ship and went down Parushni river to the confluences of Sindhu. He stood on the prow, grabbing a rope by one hand, and waving the other hand. Many people on the shore still believe that the dead body of the Makedonian King is carried to, or doubt that he is a look-alike pretending King Alexandros.
He landed in front of Ptolemaios. “How was the battle during my absence?”
“Nothing special, my Lord. Perdikkas took your place and operated businesses, enemies gave up resistance and submitted themselves to us.”
“How much damaged?”
“We?”
“Yes.”
“Little.”
“Good.”
“But,”
“What?”
“Boukephalas is dead.”
“Is my Bous dead? Really? What happened? Who killed him?”
“Nobody killed him. He simply got old, traveling from Pella, well endured successive campaigns. He was hit on the hip in the battle on Vitasta river, when we made King Paurava our hostage. Its wound got worse and it never recovered. But I don't think the wound caused this. It's almost a natural death.”
“Oh, my dear colleague saved me again, as we fought at Issos and Gaugamela together. At last he sacrificed his own life to save me!”
“I think it's a mere coincidence.”
“No, Athena knows. She already accepted his soul, but I can't help offering him to her by myself.” He ordered to erect altars dedicated to Athena and Nikaea, and celebrated his success in front of the tomb of Boukephalas.
“Build a temple of Athena here. It shall be the center of a newly constructed colony. I name it 'Boukephalia'.”
Boukephalas was a head-strong wild horse, which the exiled prince Alexandros tamed. Riding it, he returned to Makedonia to ascend the throne. He selected a son of Boukephalas, also named it Boukephalas, and keeps it only for his riding.

King's army somehow returned to normal condition. Only Raokhshna persists in condemning his recklessness publicly. “King must die. We also go to die.” Apama is still depressed all the time giving up everything. Amastri is on the contrary very cheerful probably because she gets in the mood of conquering the world as a companion of her King. She is very mannish and full of curiosity, may be caught by an unverifiable thought, which is very common in youth: 'no matter how hazardous our King's expeditions are, everything will go well eventually as far as I am concerned.'

Eumenes 1, Chapter 3: Pet Elephant

“It's time you enter your tent and go to bed, Princess.” Apama says.
“I bet they are elephants!”
“What?”
“There, it's roaring now! Swinging the long nose, you see?”
There are a lot of domestic animals, chickens, goats, cows, and elephants around our camp.
I say, “You are right. Have you ever seen elephants?”
“Never, I have only seen them in a relief.”
“A relief?”
“Yes, carved in the palace wall. It was also painted with colors. Elephants, as well as lions, hippos and crocs. Animals of all over the world.”
“Which palace?”
“I visited Parsa33 (Persepolis) where I saw it. Have you seen real elephants before?”
“Yes, many times. In Egypt, they were all wild elephants. Also in Assyria and Babylonia, they were domesticated war elephants.”
“War elephants?”
“They are trained to carry baggage as well as humans, and to fight in battles.”
“Like horses?”
“Exactly.”
“I would like to ride it. Apama, can you ask our King the permission for me?”
“Excuse me, permission for what? Riding that long nose big animal, Princess?”
“Sure.”
I say, “The King is too busy and too tired to hear your request.”
“Then, find someone else who can permit me to ride an elephant. And ask him, please.”
Apama says, “OK, I'll manage to get approval from authority. Today you've got tired, too, so now you have to return to your tent and have a good rest, sleep well, and wait until tomorrow morning, Princess. Right?”
“I rely on you, Apama.”
“Certainly.”
“Good night.”
“Good night, Princess.”

“Miss Apama, whom do you intend to ask?”
“Sorry, Mr. Eumenes, I have no idea. But if I didn't accept her request, Princess won't to sleep.”
“Don't worry Miss Apama. Let's go to Ptolemaios34.”
“Who is he?”
“A Makedonian aristocrat. Entrusted by King with everything about our army. Moreover, he and I were both King's classmates at Mieza.”
“You mean at Makedonian academy?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know where he is? I'm afraid he already goes to bed.”
“No, no. It's too early. Probably he is still drinking with his comrades around the campfire.”
A night banquet has started. Soldiers are drinking and eating, relaxed around fire. It'll last until tomorrow morning. Ptolemaios is also there. He must have been very busy today, got tired, constructing a floating bridge with boats across the Sindhu, gathering provisions and supplying to soldiers, and finally setting up a camp, building tents, and so on.
“Look, Miss Apama.”
“What?”
“All persons you need are present there. Ptolemaios, the captain of King's bodyguards. Vakhshuvarda, father of Princess Amastri. And Ardhanara, the governor of Suvastu city. That saves you time.”
“I hope so.”
As we approach the fire, Ptolemaios notices us. “You join us?”
“Yes, of course, but later. We have something to discuss.”
“Urgent?”
“No, but it's about Princess Amastri.”
“Younger one of Persian princesees?”
“Yes, I bring her care manager.”
Ptolemaios turns to Apama, “How can I help you?”
“Oh, sorry General, disturbing you late at night.”
“Not too late, only the beginning of night, but I'm already drunk, and my colleagues, too.”

“Mr. Eumenes, I found it.” Vakhshuvarda speaks to me, with rosy cheeks as a baby, holding his wine goblet in his hand.
“Found what?”
“You know this man, Ardhanara. His real name is much longer. Ardha-Nara-Ardha-Nari-Shvara. It means, literally, Half-Man-Half-Woman-Lord.”
“Yes,” Ardhanara says, “Ardhanarardhanarishvara is my guardian god. I was named after him. Usually, I am called shortly, Ardhanara.”
“I see.” Ardhanara is also drunk, looks very happy.

Then another man steps into us, says, “Could you please introduce me to the lady you are escorting, Eumenes?”
“Miss Apama, this is Hephaistion35. King always takes him around anytime and anywhere, and King is always mistaken as a servant of him, because he looks much more prominent and vigorous than the real King.
Be careful, he devotes his life to chasing any types of women. Moreover, he already got heavily drunk.”
“My honey, don't believe his insulting words. I am a faithful man, as faithful as a dog. Are you a Gandharan, or Punjabian?”
“No, Sogdian.”
“Sogdian, well, you holy maiden, or Artemis, the goddess of wilderness living in forest. Why don't you come over here and sitting beside me? Here is everything. Dishes and drinks, you see. From Persian herb pilaf to fatty lamb sausages and sweet plum juice. Have a good appetite.”
Apama laughed merrily. “Sorry, but I've done with my evening meal.”
“Then how about having lunch together?”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“I am willing to if I have time…”
“Are you busy? What's your occupation? A kitchen worker?”
“Not much difference. I am serving for Persian Princesses.”
“A housemaid of Persian royal family.”
“That's right.”
“I have to say for the sake of her honor,” I say, “This is Miss Apama, she is a daughter of a Sogdian soldier. Not a servant. She is just assigned by King to take care of Princesses.”
“I see, therefore, you have lots of chance to take her around with you, Eumenes.”
“No, I don't, Hephaistion.”
People are gathering one by one, wondering what is going on.

“How do you do, Miss Apama. Could you please give me an opportunity to introduce myself?” a young man says with politeness. “I am Seleukos36, a son of Antiokhos37, a newcomer from Makedonia, drafted into this army called by my cousin Ptolemaios.”
“A pleasure for me, Mr. Seleukos.”
I say to Apama, “He is the youngest general in this army.”
“Really, wow, you look so young to be a general. Are you so brave or clever?”
“No, because, ahem, I had no choice to get old enough to be a general. I lost my father and I have to succeed his position.”
“Oh, so sorry to hear that.”
“You are welcome.”

“I didn't know you are a lady-killer, Seleukos?”
“Are you falling love with her at first sight?”
“Do you prefer elder woman?”
Some laughter occurred in the crowd.
“If I remember correctly, Miss Apama, you are the daughter of Baron Spitameneh38, the most heroic Sogdian general. I respect him. I'm so glad to get acquainted with you today.”
Spitameneh. The name recalled the Battle of Sogdia fought three years ago. Hecklers became silent.

“Thank you, Seleukos, for your mentioning of my father. I'd like to talk with you more, but I have a task to do now. It's a little bit hurry. It's about Princess Amastri.”
“What is the matter with my daughter?” Vakhshuvarda says.
“Sir Vakhshuvarda. She hit upon an idea to ride an elephant when she saw a herd of elephants in pasture near the camp.”
“A girl wants to ride an elephant?” Ptolemaios is amused.
“Yes, so I came here, to have permission for her to do so.”
Ardhanara says, “I think the younger daughter of Sir Vakhshuvarda is also the sister in law of King Alexandros.”
“That's right, Governor Ardhanara.”
“What kind of elephant does she want? Male or female, young or adult?”
“Sorry, I don't know.”
“Then I select a suitable one for her by myself and give it to her.”
“Excuse me, Sir, but she just happened to have an idea to ride an elephant. I think you don't have to give her an elephant.”
“Never mind. This is a gift as a sign of my friendship to the Makedonian King and Sir Vakhshuvarda.”
“So I have to select a fine Sogdian horse by myself and give it to you as a return to your courtesy,” Vakhshuvarda laughs.
It's beyond our expectations. An elephant for Amastri's pet! It will cause a disaster! I signaled to Vakhshuvarda and Ardhanara with my eyes, but they don't aware.

Next morning, Princess Amastri is allowed to see around the city. The Dionysia is still going on.
Amastri stares the gift standing in front of her tent for a while, then touches it cautiously. It's a child female elephant as large as an adult horse.
“It's for me? Can I take her around everywhere?”
“You had better refrain from accepting it.”
“What's wrong?”
“If you ride it, you will be soon dropped down, then your head will be stomped by his foot.”
“A brave woman who is not afraid of a horse can ride it, whereas a timid man who is afraid of it cannot do it. Horses can smell human's fear and happiness, perform unexpected reactions when being ridden by a nervous person. Elephants must be the same.”
“I don't understand what you want to say.”
“You must know us Sogdians. When I was eight years old, I first rode a donkey. Sogdia is a mountainous land. Kids also ride donkeys. We can go nowhere without donkeys. My father permitted me to ride a horse when I was ten years old. Horses are much taller, much more powerful and dangerous than donkeys. But soon I accustomed myself to riding horses. I know their minds very well and am not afraid them. They also feel happy when ridden by me.”
“But cats are not dogs, as well as elephants are not horses.”
“It doesn't matter. She is very gentle. She must love me. She won't hurt me, I believe!”
I'm so embarrassed.
"I must ride it. I must." Amastri insisted. “Ardhanara gave me this as a symbol of peace. If I refuse his kindness, he will get angry and Punjabians start war again.”
“That's almost unlikely.” What an excuse!
“Anyway, it's my elephant! It's my duty as a Persian princess to ride this Punjabian gift in public to deepen the mutual friendship.”
“You will break your neck if you fall.” I warned.
“It's a child elephant! It's as short as a horse. I have ridden horses and donkeys. It means I must be able to ride a child elephant. If you mind, you also ride it with me. Hold me tight from my back, all right?”
“Apama, can you help me? I think you are more suitable for her persuasion.” I looked at her face. She goggled at me. “Nobody can persuade her, even her parents or sister.”
“Then you ride it together.”
“I apologize but I'm not good at riding any sort of animals.”
“Any sort of? Animals with four legs?”
“Pardon me, but I don't understand what you are saying, Mr. Eumenes?” She explicitly shows her anger.
“It's just a joke. With no meaning. No Intention. Forgive me if I made you feel bad.”
“Your princess wants you to ride together. I know she loves you.” Apama whispers to my ear.
“You are kidding.”
Reluctantly, I'm climbing up the elephant first, pulling up Amastri, and holding her in my arms.
“Don't tickle me, Master!”
“I didn't. Hey, be still please, be patient my Princess. Or I can't hold you.”
“It walks very slowly. How about galloping? Please teach me how to gallop an elephant, Master.”"
“I'm your teacher, but not a trainer of horses. Nor elephants.” Nor an idiot girl.

“Look, Master. What are they doing?”
“They are performing rituals.”
“Is it a festival? So curious, with funny music, in peculiar costumes.”
“You are Persian, and here we are in India. Customs vary.”
“What are they carrying? A statue of a divine creature? A sort of a god or something?”
“I'm sorry, but I don't know Indian religions quite well.”
“I don't believe a scholar like you don't have such knowledge.”
“You misunderstand me.”
“Oh, they are enjoying singing and dancing, look so enthusiastic.”
The central square of the city is filled with sweet, alluring fragrance. A mass of men and women are sitting in big circles, waving their hands, shaking their heads, singing to the rhythm of the drumbeats. Amastri is watching at the spectacle, with her eyes shining. At the center of the circle, a pair of a man and woman, who are almost naked, start a sexual performance in ecstasy.
“Don't see that, Princess. You are not old enough to see it,” I say to Amastri.
“I want to drink that. A kind of grape juice, I guess.”
“No, that is wine. A girl cannot drink it.”
Apama also says: “That's right. You can drink it after you become an adult.”
“Don't teach me, Apama. Your duty is to serve me, not to teach me.”
What a nuisance girl the princess is.
“How about having a drink, Miss Apama. I will try it. And you? I learn the taste the Gandhara wine.”
“I cannot stand you adults only amuse. Except me!”
Apama is so anxious about Amastri that she replies, "Thank you Mr. Eumenes, but I should decline your kind offer, since I used to get drunk very easily.”
“A-ha I see, you cannot be drunk while you are serving your Princess.”

Eumenes 1, Chapter 2: Descendants of Dionysos

From the snow-capped Kaukasos, plenty of water is dripping off, pouring down in canyons, irrigating the fields of Gandhara, finally collected to the river Kophen25.
Kophen river is, however, nothing more than a part of Punjab, the Sindhu26 river system. The mainstream rises in Himalayan glaciers, transversing the Sindhu valley, discharging its water into the Arabian Sea.
We descend Kaukasos mountains along Kophen river.
“There flows river Sindhu.” Vakhshuvarda27, who is the father of Raokhshna and Amastri sisters, pointed his finger.
“What a wonderful landscape.” I'm stunned. A breathtakingly beautiful scenery, with waterfalls, lakes, and forests.
At the junction of the Kophen and Sindhu rivers, on the opposite bank across the Sindhu, there is a city.
King directed us, his companion soldiers, to prepare for capturing the city.
But before we start to cross the river, a ship came toward us. The crews look like civilians, not armed. They must be ambassadors sent out from the city. King commanded us to keep ready for combat. He also charged me to contact them.
About thirty delegates of the city landed on the shore. I led them to the middle of our camp. Some of our soldiers are holding arrows in their bows, and some are taking spears in their hands. Horses mounted with saddles are waiting for their riders. The delegates look so scared that they can't even speak.
I talk to them, “We come from afar, Hellas, to the west of Persia, which was your ever-sovereign empire. It has already been overcome by us and no longer has power to reign Asian peoples. To seize the old Persian territories as intact as possible, that is our mission. If you admit our legitimacy, you are secure. We will treat you as our citizens, also I promise you to preserve your fortunes and your traditional customs as before.”
They still keep almost silent, only some Persian words are murmured among them. I asked Vakhshuvarda to communicate with them. At last, an eldest of them stepped forward.
“Thank you for your kindness. I am the patriarch of this city.”
“My name is Eumenes. I am an officer in our King's army.”
“Good to see you, Mr. Eumenes.”
“May I have your name, Sir?"
“I am Ardhanara.”
“An Arian name,” Vakhshuvarda whispers to me. “'Ardha' means 'Half'. 'Nara' means 'Man'.”
“'Half a Man'? What's that? Half man and half what? Half god and half man? Or, half man and half beast?”
“Sorry, but I have no idea.”

“Nice to meet you, Ardhanara.” I seated him, also did myself in front of him. “I would like to ask you some more questions. What is your city's name?”
“Suvastu. The most sacred city in Punjab.”
“Suvastu, good. Let's next, what is your origin? Which ethnicity? Persians? or Scythians? You look like Arians.”
“No sir, we are Hellenes, descendants of Dionysos28.”
“Are you Hellenes? The same race as us? Don't be silly!”
“I am serious. Suvastu was built by Dionysos a long long time ago. Since then, we've never forgotten to celebrate the Dionysia.”
“Dionysia! Incredible. We must be the first Hellenes who enter this district of India.”
"Your doubt is quite reasonable, but I am just telling you an ancient legend, which has been handed down by the citizens for centuries in Suvastu."
“Which country does Suvastu belong?”
“Suvastu is a free state.”
“Free state? Independent from other nations?”
“Yes, the Persian kings have assured us.”
“Very curious. Patriarch Ardhanara, I want to know precisely. how do you govern this city? You govern as a king? Or you are the representative of a republic state?”
“No, Dionysos reigns.”
“God reigns you? But how?”
“According to His Oracles. In favor of His Will. We have maintained theocracy from the beginning of this city.”
“Amazing. What an archaic style.”
Ardhanara told me that they are to perform a special festival, an extra Dionysia, to celebrate the guests coming from Hellas, the far-away homeland of Dionysos. I am still not sure, but eventually I accepted his invitation. I called up a bunch of companions, armed them heavily, led them into Suvastu.

The city is over-crowded with half-naked tanned natives, male and female, singing and dancing in pathological enthusiasm. Ardhanara explains, “Dionysos is the great Liberator, liberate everybody, even the evil, the impure, and sinner. During Dionysia, there is no difference between citizens and strangers, or gods and humans. Altogether, noblemen as well as slaves, the rich and poor, drink liquors, burn incense, dancing to music, and freeing ourselves from ourselves.”
“The festival of super-freedom.” Vakhshuvarda giggled.
I turn to him, “As far as I see, this is mere a spree, or a fanaticism driven by wild instinct. Nothing like our Dionysia in Hellas.”
“I know nothing about Hellenic festivals, but this kind of worship is very common in this region. Very similar to such of Load Shiva.”

I see villagers carrying a large pole like a penis.
“Is that a Phallos29?”
I remember that in Hellas we also carry a large statue of penis, called Phallos, during the Dionysia.
“Phallos? We call it Shiva Linga. That is, the top structure is called Linga, the symbol of the fertility of males. And the bottom part is called Yoni, which symbolizes the female organ.”
“Do you mean that the symbol represents sexual intercourse? Let your little daughter Amastri never see such an obscene object.”
“I hope so.” Vakhshuvarda giggled again.
“In some respects it resembles Dionysia, but I cannot understand this city and people are Hellenic. This is a typical Arian city, isn't it? What do you think?”
“Well, I don't know Hellenic religions very much, but the language spoken in this city, the names of mountains and rivers around here, and the faces of inhabitants, those all features implies that this city is genuine Arian. Persians and Arians share a lot of words, culture, and religion. I believe that Arians and Persians must be close relatives.”
“That means they are Arians, not Hellenes. Why they intend to deceive us?”
“I'm not sure, but, look at that divine statue. It has the bull body with cloven hoofs, and the bull head tied with vines of grapes. It seems a god of wines, or a god of harvests. I think that, perhaps they simply call their god Dionysos or sometimes Bakkhos30, so that you Hellenes easily understand their god's concept.”
“It would be possible.”
Bakkhos is another Hellenic name of Dionysos. Some existent myth says that in ancient times Dionysos was a foreign god, worshiped in eastern countries, but one day, he drifted to Hellas, after a long journey wandering in Asia. Ardhanara's words would reflect some truth if the myth is authentic.

The citizens of Suvastu seem quite polite and prudent, having no hostile attentions to us. After we checked all the city has been demilitarized, the rest of King's army crossed the Kophen river.
King marched straight to the Temple of Dionysos. A big buffalo with long horns was pulled to the altar. I've seen many wild buffalos on the Nile; but this Indian buffalo has more gentle eyes than the Egyptian ones.
King himself drew a large ax from his back. At one stroke, the head of the sacrifice was cut down, then he offered a prayer, kneeing on the bloody altar. King also celebrated a gymnastic and musical contest.
King fixed a camp on a meadow in the vicinity of Suvastu, so as not to disturb the citizens' life, not to invoke their anti-Hellenic feelings.

King grants Ardhanara an audience in person.
King is now taking a rest in a tent with his consort, Raokhshna.
I lead Ardhanara to King.
I glanced at King through a slit of curtains. He has already taken off his armors, enjoys having simple supper with Raokhshna, who is a daughter of Vakhshastra and the elder sister of Amastri. King and Princess Raokhshna are both wear thin and loose Persian-style Khitons31 made of unbleached silk.
“We had better do not disturb Him and His consort now,” I whispered, pulling Ardhanara's sleeve.
“Who's there? Come in. I don't care.” Raokhshna says. King calls us in by swinging his bearded chin.
“Namaste, Maha Rajah.”
“Welcome, Maha Guru. I hear from Eumenes that you claim that you are descendants of a Hellenic god. That means we are the same Hellenes. Is it true?”
“Absolutely. Our God, Dionysos, wandered all over the world, reached India, the far east of Asia, and decided to leave old or injured soldiers who can't engage in military services anymore, before he returns to Hellas. For this purpose, he built a city here, at the foot of Mount Suvastu on the river Kophen, as a monument of Himself to preserve His name and honor. That is the origin of this city.”
“Very impressive.”
“I know, Maha Rajah, that you have founded several colonies during your campaigns, too. At Issos, Egypt, Oxos32, and also in Indian territories. You gave your name to the cities, 'Alexandria', to decorate the world with Your name, to memorize your countless achievements. Your glory is excelling Dionysos. You will continue your work further and plant more colonies, build cities, farms, citadels, harbors, dockyards, and settle war-worn followers all over the world.”
“Sure, I will.”
“Your excellent work is very honorable, not only for you, but also us, for all the descendants of Dionysos.”
“Thank you for your grateful words. And what is your wish?” King flashes his eyes.
“I truly tell you, oh my Lord, if you respect our God Dionysos sincerely, please leave our city free. Don't impose any taxes nor military duties. That is our wish.”
Free city? No taxes? And no military cooperation? How dare he can say that! In spite of being in King's presence, I lost my temper and shouted, “Lier! What a flattering tongue you have! Who believes that nonsense story. Are your people also Hellenes, the same descendant of Dionysos? How can you be Hellenes, living far apart from Hellas, in the middle of India? You surrendered without fighting a single battle, and you think you win our sympathy? Saying 'we are the same Hellenes.' How shameful you are!”
King raises his hand, smiling softly.
“Eumenes, don't be rude. He is my guest.
Ardhanara, I appoint you the satrap of Gandhara. Rule judiciously. Let Suvastu, the capital city of Gandhara, be a free city, without taxes and military duties. As long as you keep your Hellenic tradition, I regard you as our companions.”
“I really appreciate your kind mercy, thank you, my lord.”
“That's all? You are dismissed.”

I couldn't leave King's throne, unable to understand his decision.
“Eumenes, do you have something more to say? You know I am very tired struggling through a lot of battles. I want to rest well with my wife.”
Raokhshna gazed me, with frosty eyes.
“I am truly sorry for interrupting Your private time, my Lord, but I was taught by my Master that 'even though you offend your Load, the most loyal way is to speak out frankly.' Therefore, I can't help offering you my sincere opinion.”
“Skip introduction. Proceed to main subjects.”
“Yes, my Lord. Why did you show too much mercy upon such a disgusting man? I am afraid if you trusted him.”
“I never trust him, as I don't trust bogus barbarians such as Celtics or Scythians.”
“You ordered him to govern this province in the name of you because you trusted him, didn't you?”
“Not at all. A Governor's task is to rule people. Not to be honest. Honesty is none of his business. Nor do I trust my governors. A proverb says 'It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white so long as it catches mice.' A good cat catches mice wisely, regardless of the fur color. Likewise it doesn't matter whether a governor is honest or not. A capable but cunning officer is much better than faithful but useless one, don't you think so?”
“Possibly are you saying about me?”
“Don't be so suspicious. I say nothing about you, Eumenes.
All right. I explain plainly.
The words of Ardhanara encouraged us, not only me, but all the soldiers. In this hostile land of India, Ardhanara blessed us, this very opportune time. He was the one I expected in this situation. How his speech helped me, who is responsible for an army as the commander.
Contrarily, how foolish my fortunetellers are. A fortune is nothing but complete fake. It's sometimes useful when the soldiers are frightened confronting tough enemies. Good fortunes relax and encourage them. Hence, I employ those lazy parasitic daydreamers. But they never assist me. They say only, 'Don't modify the fortune. Your personal interpretation is not required. Hear the fortune innocently. Accept your destiny as it is.' Who are we? We are the Makedonian Army! Who am I? I'm the King! Why cannot they twist and tweak the result more flexibly for my assistance? Raw turkey meat tastes better if it is grilled and flavored. A fortune should be also cooked and seasoned effectively. Do you understand what I want to say?”
“Yes, my Lord.”
“But they never cooperate with me.
Ardhanara, he is more sophisticated. He can deal with better. I am very grateful for his assistance.
As you know, Eumenes, this land, Asia, is the place where the civilization first came out. Since then it has evolved and developed gradually and continuously. Uncountable dynasties have risen one after another for tens of thousands of years. Tribes and clans have been unified into nations, then merged into empires. In consequence of this process, uncivilized stubborn barbarians have been wiped away from earth, and only smart citizens survived. In Asia, one people feel nothing when they are ruled by another. All Asians are accustomed to the Imperialism. Or say, the Kosmopolitanism. A king conquers other kings to gain and rule their peoples. Peoples are ruled by their king without complaint so long as the king treats his peoples fairly.
Very different from Hellas. Especially Athens. They damn kings. They constantly conquer other people to gain slaves for their own sake. Or lose to be slaved. They are so simple because they are wild barbarians. Hellenes are obsessed by Individualism, which is so different from Kosmopolitanism. That is the reason, why Hellas had to be integrated by us, the Kingdom of Makedonia, and that is also the reason why I had to be the Asian king. The reason why I can't be the Hellenic king. Are you following me, Eumenes?”
“To a certain extent.”
“In Asia, a single king can rule all populaces of all nationalities, like a charioteer handling several horses at the same time. Ardhanara is well aware of such Asiatic tradition. The citizens of Suvastu might worship Indra when Arian warriors were passing by, or pray for Marduk when Assyrians invaded, or bow to Median Magi or Ahura Mazda when Persian army came. For a long period of time, they have been subject to Asian empires, paying tributes to Asian kings. Otherwise, they could not survive on this crossroad of the world.
No principle? Not consistent? There is no choice but to do so. Life is incomparable for everyone.
I admire Ardhanara. He negotiated everything what he should do, hiding his shiver with fear under his robe. Here, in the center of the Asiatic continent, the leader of a people must be such a brave and wise man.
We must be generous enough if we want to utilize them. Don't you think so, Eumenes? I do not care if the legend of this city is complete fiction. I am also not interested in which god they believe in.”
I felt myself go red. I hang my head down in shame. I am so sorry for disturbing King's precious private time with his consort Raokhshna.

鬼平犯科帳

別に『鬼平犯科帳』の悪口を言いたいわけではないが、あれは結局、江戸時代を舞台に今の刑事ドラマを作り替えただけのものであり、だから一般受けするのだ。

元は同じで、そのアレンジ次第で時代劇にもなり、『相棒』にもなる。ただそれだけのことだ。結局人はいろんなものを見ているようでごく狭い限られたものを見ているに過ぎない。

別の言い方をすれば刑事ドラマにしても、今の現実の刑事やら警察官をきちんと取材すれば、全然違う作り方をすることができるはずで、全然違う『亀有交番前』ができるはずだ。だがそのためには一からネタを仕込み、まったく新しいプロットを考えねばならない。そんな売れるかどうか当たるかどうかもわからぬことに労力を費やす人などいないのだ。

海苔弁

こないだ海苔弁の危機というものを書いたが、あれは間違いだった。

海苔弁にはやはり需要がある。

昼時、一番最初に売れてしまうのだ。だからちょうど、朝11時くらいにいかないと手に入らない。

海苔弁に人気がある理由は要するに安いからだ。鮭弁とか幕の内よりも、100円くらい安い設定にしなくては売れない。単価が安いからほんとは売りたくない。しかしよく売れるからその価格設定は崩せない。だから、めちゃくちゃ流行りはしないがしぶとく生き残る。

スーパーやほか弁屋ではそうだが、コンビニはまた違う。コンビニもまた、品揃えは豊富にしたいのだが、余力が無いところは、安くてボリュームがある鶏の唐揚げがメインになってしまうのだろう。

ほか弁屋は待たされるから嫌だ。待たされるくらいなら遠くのスーパーに歩いて行ったほうがましだ。あちこちスーパーを巡って海苔弁研究でもしてみるか。