Funeral in Babylon

Nikometros had left Macedonia as an officer in Alexander’s army. He returns with only a small envoy; amongst them, Scythian horsemen and their priestess, Tomyra, her handmaiden, and his most loyal follower, Timon. In Scythia, Nikometros was hailed as a hero, “the Lion of Scythia”, even though the Greeks were considered to be a race of Barbarians. He is looking forward to showing his lover, Tomyra, Macedonia. Nikometros does not know what stories have reached the king’s ears regarding the plight of his former army and is not sure how he will be received. He expects to at least regain his position in the armed forces.

The party is watched over by Nikometros’ enemies. They plan to have him killed long before he reaches the king. Nikometros has just settled the group in the small town of Abyek when he is arrested for treason. A short trial is held by a local officer before the death sentence is to be delivered. It looks grim for Nikometros until Tomyra is questioned. Her revelation that she was raped by her captor, Dimurthes, turns the case around. He was the leader of the Serratae, a tribe were considered to be allies of Macedonia. This is a painful moment for Nikometros; it is the first time that he has heard that his lover is carrying another man’s child. He cannot punish the father, this enemy died before Tomyra’s rescue. His humiliation noted by all.

The group is to be sent to the royal city of Ekbatana for further judgement. Tomyra and the ambassadors of Scythia are to be housed within the embassies. Nikometros and Timon are relegated back to the ranks, where their superiors are now the soldiers that they disliked in their youth. Even when given menial tasks, Nikometros has difficulties following orders without questioning them. It is not long before he has gained the attention of the king, Alexander…

Max Overton’s historical epic concludes with this final instalment of the Lion of Scythia trilogy (The Lion of Scythia, The Golden King). Nikometros is a born leader and has gained the respect of many men. His deeds have also earned him some dedicated enemies. He is unaware that his movements are under surveillance; hostile agents wait only for a small window of opportunity to strike. Nikometros and the Scythian contingent are destined to follow the mighty king Alexander as he attempts to broaden his empire. Readers will feel as if they are observing history first-hand. Initially Alexander is a humble and dedicated king; as his kingdom increases he begins to imagine himself a God. He only pretends humility which causes Alexander to make poor judgments. He no longer punishes slights or notices the bad omens which may lead to great misfortune.

The author draws readers into the pages of history through Nikometros’ eyes. Nikometros begins to note the great king making strategical errors, and his words of advice fall on deaf ears. Within Alexander’s elite governing force of generals there is constant uncontrolled bickering. Although readers may know the outcome of Alexander’s tale, this story is so realistic that I found myself reading quite quickly, eager to learn the final outcome.

Funeral in Babylon is excellent read as a solo story, but readers who are following the tale of the lovers, Nikometros and Tomyra, and their companions will also be satisfied with this instalment. As the story begins, readers will see the Scythian riders passing by and are compelled to follow. It is fitting that, in the final pages, a large procession again sets off, this time, readers are left looking into the dust of its wake; history has been told.

I would recommend that the series, The Lion of Scythia, be read as a trilogy for maximum enjoyment.

Reviewed by: Naomi