KARL WALLACE
Alexander and Alpha-Omega
Every country has had great leaders. The United States had George Washington, U.S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, heroes by way of deeds. Greece had Aristotle, Socrates, and Alexander. Alexander the Great was the son of Philip, king of Macedonia.
One fine autumn day, when Alexander was a young boy, a horse dealer offered to sell to Philip, at the low price of only twenty dinars, a horse. Philip asked his wild horse trainers to break in the horse so as he could decide if he wanted him, but after many attempts, the men weren’t able stay on the big black stallion. Philip ordered the horse to be led away since he would be of no use.
Alexander, who was standing nearby, had been an interested observer of the many attempts that were made to subdue the horse.
“That is an excellent horse but they don’t know how to manage him,” he said.
When he kept repeating what a great horse it was his dad finally said, “Do you think you can manage the horse better than any of my men?”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“And if you do not, what price will you pay me?”
“I will pay the price of the horse.”
The people standing around listening to the twelve year old talking to his dad burst into subdued laughter at the boy’s remark. They were all looking forward to more amusement.
Alexander had noticed what the problem was. The horse seemed to be afraid of its shadow. When the bets were all settled between his dad and the other betters, Alexander walked into the coral and taking hold of the bridal reins turned the black Arabian stallion to face the sun. The shadow moved behind them. For a time he patted and talked to the horse while the King’s entourage looked on. The horse gradually calmed down under Alexander’s voice, and touch. A little under ten minutes he raised his right hand for the gate to be opened. He leaped upon the beautiful stallion. Alexander stuck low to the horse as it ran through the arena gate out into the Babylonian country-side.
With the reins hanging loose, the horse ran free for 500 furlongs or more. Then Alexander came back, out of sight of the King, atop of the stallion at a slow parade walk, just as any king would likely do. Everyone cheered, and Philip, with tears of joy, kissed his son.
“Macedonia will never be big enough for you and your horse. After I’m gone you must seek out a kingdom that will be worthy of you.”
And so it was, Alexander named the horse Alpha-omega meaning “Father We Go.” The two of them subsequently went forth in the same year his father was murdered, he was nine-teen. With his Kings Home Corps, he made his first destination Persia. The Persia king had an 800,000 army against Alexander’s 50,000… Conquered!
Alexander the Great went on conquering, fifty-two major battles. Winning fifty-two, no losses. Eventually he conquered India, thought to be the end of world. Alpha and Alex had saved each other’s lives many times.
No human in all history, before or since, has conquered as vast empire. But shortly after the two of them reached Southern India, Alpha died.
Alexander honored his Black Stallion humbly, by naming a Providence in Northern Persia, Alpha-Omega.
To be continued…
To read more Karl Wallace stories go to: karlwallaceblog.blogspot.com
