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to ride back to camp.
    ‘And if tomorrow we find them waiting for us on the banks of the Granicus?’ asked Perdiccas as he took his black horse by the reins.
    Alexander ran his hand quickly through his hair, as he always did when he had a lot on his mind. ‘In that case they will have to line up their infantry along the river. What sense is there in using the cavalry to hold a fixed position?’
    ‘That’s true,’ agreed Perdiccas, increasingly laconic.
    ‘So they will line up their infantry and we will send out the Thracian, Triballian and Agrianian assault troops, plus the shieldsmen covered by a thick rain of arrows and javelins let loose by the light infantry. If we manage to dislodge the barbarians from the bank, we’ll push the Greek heavy infantry and the phalanx forward, while the cavalry will protect their flanks. Anyway, it’s early yet to decide all this. Let us return now, supper will be ready soon.’
    They went back to the camp and Alexander invited all the commanders to his tent, including the chiefs of the foreign auxiliaries, who felt very honoured.
    During supper they all wore their weapons, as called for by the tense situation. The wine was served in the Greek manner, with three parts of water, meaning that they could approach the discussion with the necessary clarity of mind, and because drunken Agrianians and Triballians were dangerous.
    The King briefed them with all the latest news regarding the situation and they all breathed a sigh of relief; at least their enemies were not yet in direct control of the river.
    ‘Sire,’ said Parmenion, ‘the Black asks for the honour of covering your right flank tomorrow. He fought in the front line during the last campaign against the Persians.’
    ‘I fought alongside your father, King Philip, more than once,’ added Cleitus.
    ‘In that case you will be at my side,’ said Alexander.
    ‘Are there any other orders, Sire?’ asked Parmenion.
    ‘Yes. I’ve noticed we already have quite a following of women and merchants. I want them all out of the camp and kept under surveillance until the attack is over. And I want a detachment of light infantry ready for battle stationed on the banks of the Granicus all through the night. Naturally, these men will not fight tomorrow – they will be too tired.’
    Supper finished in due time, the commanders retired for the night and Alexander did too. Leptine helped him take off his armour and his clothes and washed him, having already prepared his bath in a separate area of the royal tent.
    ‘Is it true that you yourself will fight, my Lord?’ she asked as she rubbed his shoulders with a sponge.
    ‘These things do not concern you, Leptine. And if you eavesdrop again from behind the curtain, I will have you sent away.’
    The girl looked down at her feet and stood in silence for a while. Then, when she realized that Alexander was not angry, she started again. ‘Why does it not concern me?’
    ‘Because nothing bad will happen to you should I ever fall in battle. You will have your freedom and sufficient income for you to live your life.’
    Leptine stared at him intensely and sorrowfully. Her chin trembled and her eyes brimmed with tears – she turned her head so that he wouldn’t see.
    But Alexander spotted the tears running down her cheeks. ‘Why are you crying? I thought you would be happy.’
    The girl swallowed her sobs and said, as soon as she was able, ‘I am happy as long as I can be with you, my Lord. If I cannot be with you then there is no light nor breath nor life for me.’
    The noises of the camp faded away. All they could hear were the calls of the guards shouting to one another through the darkness and the barking of the wild dogs scavenging for food. For a moment Alexander seemed to listen out, then he stood up and Leptine approached, ready to dry him.
    ‘I will sleep fully dressed tonight,’ said the King. He put on fresh clothes and chose the armour he would wear the following day: a