EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

[seleucid empire]

Chapter 2: Fall from Grace
Winter 250 BC Antioch

Archimenes' excitement grew with every step he took. He had left the inn nearly half an hour ago saying farewell to Helioketes and thanking Mardonious for his hospitality. He had declined the young noble's offer of course. After all he was a member of the Black Guard and pledged his loyalty solely to Alexandros. He was not some mercenary who could be bought with the promise of gold and guarding goods for a trader was beneath him. Helioketes had accepted eagerly, reasoning that one could never had too much gold. Besides, Archimenes he did not need the work. He had claimed 6 wagons full of treasure during the conquests and was now richer than many Lords of the realm. All he wanted now was a peaceful life, away from the horrors of war. As he neared his home his heart leapt. The last time he had seen his wife was twelve years ago, when the army of Alexandros had briefly returned to Antioch for a few months to replenish their numbers, before marching to Armenia. He remembered sitting on his horse, looking back at his pregnant wife as she got smaller and smaller, before turning into a speck in the distance. He never forgot the look of sadness and worry in her eyes as he left for war once again. He had received letters from her, informing him of the birth of his daughter and the joy of the news kept him going throughout the remainder of the war in the east.

He smiled inwardly, knowing that he could finally meet his daughter. And meet her as a man, not a murderer, for Archimenes had refrained from the brutality which his comrades in the Black Guard had grown to love. He had never raped a woman on campaign or killed a child. In his mind's eye he could still remember the horrors which his comrades had partook in. The event which was most clearly etched into his mind, happened during the sack of Bactra four years ago. The beautiful, nameless girl had been dragged from her house, screaming and crying. A man of the Black Guard ripped off her clothes and began spoiling her in right in front of a jeering crowd. Twelve other men went after him and when they were finished with her they grabbed torches and tortured her before finally cutting her throat. She had looked no older than 15. Archimenes had turned away in disgust and that very same night, the nightmares began..

Archimenes reached his front door. He took a deep breath and walked in. The house was dark save for the candle light coming from the bedroom at the end of the hall. His wife must be up. He shed his armour and began to walk towards the light but he had not taken more than a few steps when he heard it: Soft sounds, the sound of a woman moaning followed by several sharp gasps coming from the bedroom. He quickened his pace and rushed into the room. His wife lay face up on the bed, her arms and legs spread wide apart. On top of her was a young man, his hand moving up and down her thigh while he pushed up against her.

Archimenes stood perfectly still...He could not move, could not think. All he could do was continue to stare at them. His hand began to shake...

His wife's eyes rolled around in her sockets as she moaned and suddenly she saw him. She screamed and pushed the young man off her

"Husband! This is not what it seems!" she shrilled.

Archimenes said nothing, but suddenly, found his sword in his hand. The young man stood up and began to address Archimenes with an air of superiority.

"You dare threaten me with your sword? I am Ashasavah, son of Vanara, the Lord of Phoenicia! Leave now and my father may yet spare your life!"

For his arrogant words, Ashasvah paid with his life. Before he had finished speaking, Archimedes had closed the distance before them and now clutched his throat. The young mans' eyes widened in fear as he realized that his threats meant nothing to this man and that he was about to die. The sword entered once, twice...Ashasvahs body went limp and Archimenes let go of the corpse. He then turned to his wife who was whimpering in the corner of the room.

"Archimenes please! Forgive me!" she wailed.

However her pleas fell on death ears. Archimenes lifted the blade and slashed his wife's throat, the red mist spraying across his face. He went into frenzy, slashing his wife's face into shreds. He felt the presence of a person moving behind him and instinctively lashed out with his sword, feeling it sink into flesh. He turned to see his attacker expecting a man from Ashasvahs’ entourage who had come to investigate but instead he found himself face to face with a young girl.

Her face was puzzled as she looked down at the sword protruding from her gut and the growing red stain on her dress, wondering what had happened. She looked up into the eyes of her murderer. Archimenes recoiled in horror when she lifted her eyes. They were his eyes staring back at her. All of his rage and fury disappeared in that moment as realisation hit.

"What have I done?!” he cried.

The girl's eyes went blank. Archimenes howled and lifted himself from the blood soaked floor. He ran out of his house and into the streets screaming.

Archimenes, the man who had just killed his own daughter and wife ran on and on, fleeing into the night...