In the days following the ceremony, Alexander began to grow increasingly impatient and uneasy. Something was troubling him. Usually when this happened, wine flowed freely. In these days and nights wine flowed more freely than usual.
"YES! I shall... No, it is not wise... Mother, I... but when, Mother, when... (groan) (mumbling). THE KING! (mumbling) Not my father? Not my father? (groan) The serpent... MOTHER! The serpent! (silence)...
Ptolemy sat across from his drunken king and shook his head.
He makes no sense. Even in this fertile land with its fine buildings and great wealth, its industrious people and... and, oh yes, its beautiful women... Even here he cannot find peace. Will he ever, this great conqueror... Will he ever find peace?
Ptolemy sadly called for one of the Macedonian guards to help him with the wine sodden young ruler. Together they placed him on his bed to sleep off the effects of the wine.
Just as he was about to leave the chamber Ptolemy looked back and said out loud, "My King, this is a fine and prosperous land. I could spend my life here given the choice. Why can't you find such peace?"
Alexander didn't answer. He didn't hear. Wine filled his mind and trouble filled his soul.
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Ptolemy found himself once more in Alexander's chamber the next day facing a fully awake, sober young King with determination in his eyes and command in his voice.
"General, I believe this land to be secure and capable of self governance. I shall ensure it stays that way by selecting only the finest among its people to govern the cities and provinces I have drawn on this map. In a few days we shall leave this area and travel north by northwest and then south by southwest. Then we shall return to Memphis."
"Majesty," said Ptolemy. "What is our destination?"
"We travel to Siwah. The Oracle of Amon is there, built by my ancestor, the Pharaoh Amasis."
"Your ancestor, Sire? But the Pharaoh Amasis was Egyptian and you are Macedonian. Your father was Philip, King of Macedonia."
Alexander put down his marking instrument and looked at Ptolemy. "Philip was not my father."
General Ptolemy stared at Alexander in surprise and confusion. "But Sire, it is recorded that..." Alexander interrupted him immediately.
"The records are wrong. I have been told so."
"By whom, Majesty? Who could be telling you such falsehoods?"
"General, would you say to me that my mother, Olympias, was a teller of falsehoods?"
"Why no, Sire, I would not," replied Ptolemy.
"Then I must accept that what she tells me of my father is correct, musn't I?"
"Yes, Sire, I suppose so."
"General Ptolemy, she has told me I am the son of Zeus himself. HE came to her in the guise of a snake before ever Philip laid hands on her. I am the result of their union."
"Then Sire, why must you go to this oracle at Siwah?"
"Because these Egyptians will not see what I see. That because they have accepted me as Pharaoh they also have accepted me as a son of their god Amon, which all Pharoahs are claimed to be. Since I am a son of Zeus as my mother declared and soon will be declared such by the oracle, then Egypt will have to accept that Amon and Zeus are one and the same. Therefore, what we teach them of the gods and Macedonia will have to be accepted since it comes through me, Pharaoh, Son of Amon, who is Zeus."
Ptolemy's mind was in a whirl. "But what if the oracle does not find you are a son of Zeus?"
"That cannot happen, General."
"Why, Sire?"
"Because I am the Son of Zeus, that is why; and my Father will not deny me. Now call my staff if you will, General... And my Hawks, too."Stunned and having no will left to do otherwise, Ptolemy did as he was told.
The staff gathered that afternoon. Khumnhotep and Ankhu were curious as to why they were called. Their curiosity would soon be served.
Alexander stood so all could hear. "I speak of two things today. We shall travel to the west to explore and to learn. Siwah is our destination. And I seek to found a city in this land. One that will grow and prosper. Who among you knows of a place that may become what I say?"
Alexander looked about his men to see who would answer. He noticed Khumnhotep and Ankhu talking quietly to each other. "Hawks, if you have something to say, share it with all of us instead of just yourselves."
Khumnhotep gulped and stammered. "If it pleases you, Sire. We were considering our birthplace. You may find it suitable to your needs. There is fertile land, level places to build and a natural bay that could become a fine harbor. My father had ships there once, and Persians found it useful."
"Persians? That is a poor justification, Captain."
"Yes, Sire. Greeks used it before the Persians came."
"That is a better justification, Captain. You will give it an appropriate name, I expect?"
"The name could be Alexandria, Sire," offered Khumnhotep.
Alexander laughed. "A monument, I take it. Are you expecting me to begin The Journey anytime soon?"
Khumnhotep pondered. "No Sire, but I believe the Lion expects you to invade his lair soon. To do that you will leave this land. Alexandria shall be there for your return. To honor your victory, not to mourn your passing."
Alexander's smile faded. An expression of seriousness narrowed his eyes. "You are very right, Hawk. I will soon be in the Lion's lair." Then his expression changed. "Meet with my architects and show them this land while I go to Siwah."
"Yes, Sire." Khumnhotep and Ankhu left Alexander to tell their family and loved ones about their return home.