A BIG SHOUT OUT to Tribal Shimmy for inspiring the best out of this story. I hope you enjoy the first chapter. ;)
The HUNTING PARTY
The young general stretches out of the warm bed and steps onto the cool tile floor. He grabs his chiton and pulls it loosely over himself. Quietly, he treads softly towards the nearby table, stopping momentarily to check over his shoulder. Though the table is filled with trays of fresh fruits and bread, he opts only for the decanter of lemon water. Hephaestion drinks down one glass after another before taking a quick scan of the room around him. It had been sometime since he had set foot in a stone built house. He was grateful that the King had forgone another night in a camp bed and had chosen the most impressive house near the beach for his quarters. As he turns towards the large open windows, Hephaestion instantly takes notice of the balcony steps and walks over to pull open the doors. Immediately the cool breeze passes through him as he takes in a deep breath of the coastal Mesogeios Sea. The view of the clear open blue sea rippling against the gentle winds reminds him of his early boyhood growing up in Athens. He leans forward against the balcony resting his aching body. The long trek from Halicarnassus across the mountainous region of Lycia to the Pamphylian plain had worn him out. The King had been insistent in asserting swift control over all the coastal cities, to cut off King Darius' fleet from conquering him from behind, as he moved his army inland. His body was calling for rest both physically and mentally. He grins thinking how he had managed to give Alexander that final push needed to convince him to stop and rest his army here, if only for a few days. Alexander can be quite compliant when he is being pinned down and teased. But then again, the King would set in motion only those plans of action that would best suit his campaign, and besides it was Alexander's idea to stop in Pamphylian.
Without having to turn around, he senses the presence of his lover, slowly strong callused hands wrap around him. Hephaestion leans back to allow his forehead to rest in the nape of his lover's neck wrapping an arm around the open robe. "The view reminds me of our times at the Olympics in Athens" whispers a warm voice into his ear. "Do you recall our boat ride across the beaches of the Aegean sea?"
"I recall how burnt and red your skin turned after our day of sailing" teases Hephaestion, "You wouldn't let me touch you for days."
"Ah, but you did find your ways to convince me otherwise."
They embrace each other in silence, reflecting upon the memories of their youths, that have long ago escaped their thoughts since commencing the campaign. Their attentions are distracted when they hear the call of the changing of the King's guard bellowed from below the balcony.
"Come Alexander, if Parmenion gets word that you have not been spending your nights with Barsine, he will once again press upon you the duty of producing an heir."
"The man is relentless" sighs Alexander, "But we have had so little time together since leaving Caria".
Turning into the King's arms, he places a quick kiss on his lips, "We have been busy," replies Hephaestion as wraps his other arm around his lover to subtly lead him back into the room. "Should I remind you of your overbearing mother, Queen Ada, having been quite insistent in having her son stay longer and then your decision to release the young men to return to Macedonia to see their wives for the Winter. All this has only generated more duties and responsibilities for everyone."
Hephaestion stops at the tray of food and offers a cup of water to the King, "We have both been preoccupied lately." States Hephaestion softly, "But it is good that you have offered these few days of rest to your men. They need it."
As Alexander drinks down his water, he tilts his head to stare intensely at his lover. He places his cup down and takes hold of his Hephaestion's hand, "Well then, perhaps we should make up for lost time" as he gently removes his lover's chiton and lures him back into the warm bed.
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Meanwhile in the plains below,
Unable to hold back his fatigue Elias lets out another yawn as he turns his horse to a full canter. Since early sunrise his entire battalion has been subjected to the same three step battle maneuvers. After riding tirelessly for almost a month through the mountains down to the sea coast, Elias, had been looking forward to the four days of relaxation as ordered by the King. But his new commander held exception for Elias' and the other new recruits and had ordered continuous early cavalry exercises.
Elias focuses at holding his mare in line. He had tried to grip his long legs firmly around his horse as he guided her through the V shape formation. He was no novice to riding bareback having been raised by a family of military cavalry men. Both his father and brothers had served proudly under Kings Philip and Alexander. His father had served directly under King Philip when he was killed in Chaeronea and until recently, he had two brothers in Alexander's army. The death of is oldest brother, Leon, at Grancius had only inspired him to enlist in Alexander's campaign. He had fought against his mother's pleas in joining the army contrary to his "health condition". Along with his best friend, Thonas, they paid their way to Lycia to meet up with his brother to join the army. His last remaining brother, Ioan, was a sort of hero for his deeds at Halicarnassus. Ioan had courageously saved three men from a burning platform when he jumps off his horse to save them. Since Elias' arrival he has only managed to inspire unwelcome scrutiny and criticism for his performance.
"Your brother is fearless" rides up a curly dark haired youth with sharp green eyes, "I have lost all feeling to my ass."
"Are you sure it is from the training exercises, Thonas" smirks Elias, "You retired quite late last night."
'Keeping watch of me are you? Maybe you would like to…"
They are interrupted when their commander rides up from behind..
"Stand in order boys. Get your horses in line!!" yells Ioan, the newly appointed squadron commander of the Royal Guards under Hephaestion, and Elias' brother. "We ride into battle not into a parade. How are you expected to fight in this army if you cannot hold in formation?" Ioan barks further, "I would do better to lead a group of Spartan women into battle."
Ioan ceases his chastising when they hear the sound of approaching horses. He turns to the noisy laughter of Ptolemy and Perdiccas.
"How fare the new recruits?", inquires Ptolemy as he pulls his horse up along side Ioan, "I can already see from the distance they are not trained to ride horses. Perhaps we should spare the horses and have the men fight in the phalanx."
"Possibly it is Ioan who is not suited for his new command" chimes in Perdiccas, "I am sure there is a place for you with the camp's cooks?"
"Ah Perdiccas, you know me to ride on top better than any other man in this army" as he throws a wink, "I will have these boys riding like men, more so than you, by the time we break camp."
"I trust they will. So how does your brother fare with the others?, laughs Ptolemy, as he turns to point out to the riders, "He is the one down in the corner with the confused and dazed look to him? What was his name, Elias?"
"He is the best rider here. My father has seen to that all his sons were able to ride at birth. I have no doubt of his abilities when we enter into battle.", replies a confident Ioan as he stares intently at Ptolemy.
"But can he hold a sword? I have seen how you brandish yours in battle – you look as if you are trying to swap a moth. I do recall you at Grancius!" Teases Perdiccas as he tries to defend himself from Ioan's punches to his arm.
"Well do not work them too hard Ioan" states Ptolemy, "I have heard that our King plans for a hunt during his days here. You may find yourself soon enough leading your men to guard your King during this little excursion." He then turns to Perdiccas gesturing him to pull away as they pace their horses on to inspect the other battalions training nearby.
Ioan calls his men to break for the morning as he motions for his brother and Thonas to approach him.
Quickly the new recruits ride over. Turning towards the young lad of no more than 19 summers, with thick golden hair and dark brown eyes, "Elias you did well today. You have proven to be quite capable in your riding skills."
"I do hope so brother but I fear that my tremors will hold me back" whispers Elias, "I can only pray the Gods do not forsake me."
"You worry over nothing" cuts in Thonas "You are your father's son, a military man!"
"Yes, come sit aside those doubts," states his brother dismissively, now changing the subject, "Don't you two have guard duty at the King's residences this morning. I just heard the last call for the changing of the guards."
Nonchalantly, Elias looks up towards the King's balcony in time to see him retreating back into his room with an unidentified person.
"Once you are done with your duties, come find me we need to tune in your skills with the sword." smiles Ioan as he draws Elias attention back to him.
"Of course, I will look for you after the midday meal."
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It was turning out to be a long and exhausting day. Elias had hoped to head back to his tent, when his brother found him insisting that they head out to train. As they approach the makeshift training area, a group of men can be heard cheering and laughing in excitement.
Stepping towards the area, they at once see two men sparring, each wearing a linen cuirass and helmet, fighting vigorously against each other. Neither man was giving grounds and in all appearance seemed intent of bringing the other down. "Come Crateus, are you so old now that you cannot hold your xiphos?, taunts the shorter of the two men, now laughing and riling his opponent towards him. "How can the King expect you to hold his phalanx when they next meet Darius?"
"My King knows me to be a man of battle." Growls the old general, "But I can beat him in any hand to hand combat."
"Your mere words are only empty threats. Thus far I have seen nothing to impress him."
Enraged with the antagonizing comments, the old general lunges forward, only to lose his balance, but not before he grazes the right thigh of his opponent. The crowd gasps but his opponent appears unfazed by the injury.
Immediately, Crateus composes himself and parries off to defend against a counter attack. With sudden speed and accuracy, his opponent swings his sword as if possessed by the fire of Ares himself. Crateus is feverishly shielding himself from the onslaught of the swing from the incoming sword, unable to find an opportunity to raise his own weapon in offense. Finally, the old general stumbles back against the surge of force thrown at him, taking both his hands to hold the shield above him. Then suddenly, the attack ceases, when his opponent steps back as if pulled out of a trance. From underneath the helmet, echoes a loud jovial laugh.
"Crateus old boy! You are still the best in the army" roars a voice, "With the exception of course of the King himself." Laughing uncontrollably under his breath, the shorter opponent removes his helmet to reveal his identity.
Elias is taken back to see it was the King fighting Craetus. As he watches Alexander reach out to grab hold of his general's hand, he is unable to take his eyes off the King's charismatic smile and the glimmering brown eyes. The young recruit cannot help but notice when the sun beams upon the Alexander's blond locks and tan skin; he is reminded of a painting of Apollo that hung in a theater in Pella. Elias had heard rumors of the King being a direct descendent of Herkales, but now looking upon the stocky built man, laughing in the training circle, it was undeniable that Alexander was an impenetrable wall of strength and courage. Like many of the men in the army, Alexander's ambition and brilliance in the recent battles against Darius had inspired Elias to not only join him on his campaign; but to also grow to love him. The young recruit knew to he would never waver in his loyalty to the King. Elias' sudden silence does not go unnoticed as his brother turns with a small laugh, "Don't look so surprise Elias. Alexander is an invincible fighter gifted only by the Gods themselves." Ioan gently pulls his brother aside, "Come let us go".
As they turn away walking a short distance, they are approached by two men.
"Ioan, are you here to watch the real men fight" laughs the tallest of the two men. Elias looks up and instantly takes notice of the piercing cerulean eyes staring at him. The man is striking with his auburn wavy hair and strong facial features. He notes the man is not as solid as the King, but he was strongly built and undoubtedly was a tough warrior in his own right.
"Hephaestion is that a challenge?" jokes Ioan.
"Of course!"
"Come Hephaestion" steps up Seleucus "Alexander has called for council early this evening, we should…"
"I am sure the King would not mind" replies Hephaestion as he playfully pushes Seleucus aside. "Alexander always talks of making sure his men are well trained for battle."
"Actually, I have come to bring my brother Elias to train." interjects Ioan with a mocking smile, "So I really do not have time to indulge with you today General."
"Your brother?" turning to look at the young man standing quiet but amused to the bantering conversation. "Elias I believe?" Hephaestion studies the new recruit before him feeling a sense of familiarity in the boy's appearance.
"General Hephaestion!" bows Elias feeling out of place among the officers jest. He keeps his eyes faced downward.
Breaking out of his daze, Hephaestion smiles, "No need to bow, I am not the King," stepping forward to raise Elias up, "So you trust Ioan to train you? I have seen him wield a sword in battle."
"Yes sir, I do" as Elias tries to balance himself steady with his sword and shield.
"Well perhaps I can show you some moves before your brother taints your skills."
"You sir?" quickly responds Elias, shocked by the offer, "You honor me, but I cannot…". He looks to his brother for any sign as on how to respond to Hephaestion's suggestion.
"Well then let us go" quickly responds Hephaestion as he places an arm around Elias' shoulder guiding him towards a smaller training ring. "Seleucus, please inform the King that I will be momentarily held up."
Seleucus face crumbles in disappointment to Hephaestion's decision as he heads in the opposite direction of the ring.
"Now Elias let me see your stance" inquires Hephaestion, "You know that the power of the sword comes from the legs" as he walks around inspecting Elias' posture. Without further notice, Hephaestion steps back and swings his sword at him. Instantly, Elias raises his arm to pull his shield to his chest as he moves his sword forward.
"Good" comments Hephaestion. "You must block with your sword and shield to counter any strike away from your body. Now let me see you come for me."
Elias hesitates lacking the confidence and fearful that he will not only hurt himself but the general. He quickly feels his body tense to the anxiety of losing face before Hephaestion and his brother. Slowly the tremors begin in his arm then radiates down to his hand. "Breath… Breath" he tells himself. Not now. He closes his eyes and steps forward throwing his luck to the gods.
He lunges towards Hephaestion almost stumbling with his own feet. But he turns quickly and takes the general off guard and swings his body back to strike the awaiting shield.
"Very Good" calls out Hephaestion, "you must wield your sword with more precision. Do not keep your eyes off your opponent." Again Hephaestion lunges forward with more speed and switches his sword from his right to his left hand to strike towards Elias' back. But Elias catches sight of his movements and quickly turns to deflect the hit and swiftly ducks low to swing half away towards Hephaestion's legs. But the General is well trained in battle and anticipates his move and steps back to throw Elias off balance.
The sparring goes on as a crowd gathers to watch the pair. A cheer goes out as the surrounding men take wages as to who will be the victor. But Hephaestion is too skilled for the young recruit and out maneuvers Elias managing to throw a deep gash onto his left arm. But Elias does not waver and merely disregards the blood rolling off his arm. He switches his sword and steps forward with a loud call ramming against the general. Hephaestion takes in the sword under his arm swinging Elias around tripping him down to the ground. The match ends with Hephaestion sword aimed in the direction of Elias' chest.
"Well done" laughs Hephaestion as he withdraws his weapon and pulls the young recruit up. He then leans up to inspect the wounded arm and noting no serious injury, he places an arm around Elias congratulating him on his efforts.
A loud call comes bellowing from within the crowd. "General Amyntor!" The gathered men quickly create a path for the King. All eyes follow Alexander as he steps up with a look of annoyance and frustration towards his companion. "I have called for a counsel. Do you intend to join us sometime tonight?"
"Well playtime is over Elias" smiles Hephaestion, "You fared well" He then leans closely to him "You need to learn to always keep your eyes open when you fight." The general then turns to walk away handing his sword to his page and meekly heads towards the King as a child would to his mother. The King greets him with a distain look then throws his arm around him with a laugh as they head towards his temporary residence.
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Alexander sits back in his couch swishing the contents of his wine cup. The counsel meeting with his generals and companions was again running longer than expected. The King sits up trying to conceal the rumbling of his stomach, all the while attentively listening to the overly cautious Parmenion once again attempt to persuade him to end their campaign.
"Alexander this was never your father's plan to be go beyond these coastal Greek cities. He had only wished to liberate them."
"I am not my father Parmenion. I intend to go beyond Lycian to Tyre and further inland," retorts the King, "I will not rest until I have captured Darius and am given retribution for my father's death."
"Memnon and Orontobates have withdrawn to the sea and may now plan to attack Macadonia with his Greek Mercenaries." declares the old general.
"This is why we will seize control of these coastal cities and severe the main artery of the Persian Navy to the mainland," bellows out the King exasperated and annoyed with Parmenion continued misgivings of his leadership skills. At that moment, Alexander looks up towards his other companions and catches a reassuring smile from Hephaestion and quickly feels his anger dissolve.
Calmly, the young King again addresses the old general, "I appreciate your concerns Parmenion and had I been my father, I may have heeded to your advice. But I am not." snides Alexander, "Therefore; to further secure our backs, I am sending you West to Sardes with half the army to drive off the remaining Persian army above us."
"Sardes my King?" replies Parmenion realizing to late his counsel to the King had backfired, "When?"
"You will leave by the next lunar. We will then meet at Gordium once you have occupied this territory."
"Yes my King." Bows the old general concealing his look of frustration.
"Excellent! Come my friends dinner is prepared. Let us feast for tomorrow I intend to go out hunting for a few days," joyfully announces Alexander as he steps off his couch and walks towards Hephaestion.
"A hunt my King?" inquires Hephaestion taking in the King's arm as he is led towards the eating rooms of Alexander's temporary housing, "You have not asked me to make such arrangements."
"Of course not, It was to be a surprise. I have made the arrangements with Ptolemy. It will be a small party. You, me and a few guards." beams Alexander now leaning in close to whisper into his general's ear, "As I told you earlier, we have some time to make up."
"Ptolemy be sure that Ioan's men are ready by early morning." Calls out the King, "I trust you will have everything prepared."
"Yes Alexander, I have informed Ioan. We will be ready for you by early morning."
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The next morning,
Alexander walks out the steps of his residence to see the hunting party gathered in the front courtyard. A page steps forward to pass Bucephalas' reins to him as he moves towards Ptolemy overseeing the packing of the mules.
"Ptolemy I had thought Philotas would be joining us? Did I not relieve you of your duties until my return?" Placing a hand on his general's shoulders watching in amusement as the servants' frantically rush to prepare the provisions.
"We switched duties" replies the tall lanky general, "Besides without me how do you expect to catch anything?"
"We will have to see about that?" jokes the Alexander, "Perhaps you would like to put your money where your mouth is?
"Of course" smiles Ptolemy as he yells at the servants to pull down the royal standard, "I always enjoy taking your money sire."
The King had ordered he would ride out without the royal standard. He had strongly expressed his desire to not draw attention upon himself in order that he may freely roam the region unnoticed. He had instructed the hunting party be a small group of 15 men, the King, a page and his three companions excluded. The bodyguards would consist of hand selected men from Ioan's troop. Unbeknownst to anyone, the true nature of Alexander hunting trip was to allot him an opportunity to surprise Hephaestion with a special gift. The King did not want the distractions about his need to produce an heir or his plans to move inland interfere with his time with Hephaestion. Simply put, he wanted to some peace and quiet with Hephaestion.
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Hephaestion strains to keep himself atop his horse as he tries to adjust his straw hat to shelter himself from the beating sun. He curses to himself as he struggles to balance himself in reining his horse, holding his hat and pulling the old mule behind him. Alexander had thought it better if everyone assisted in towing the camp provisions, to help move the group along at a faster pace. It was now midday and the trek across the coastline was taking longer than expected. "To Hades Tits" yells Hephaestion, as his hat is blown off his head.
"Come now Hephaestion," exclaims Alexander, riding up on Bucephalas, as he hands Hephaestion his hat, "How can I expect you to lead the royal guard if you cannot even control a small mule up a hill."
"Perhaps you see yourself more fit to guide this ass than I" Hephaestion jokes annoyingly. "His stubbornness reminds me of someone I know."
"Ioan come take the mule away from Hephaestion" calls out the King, "I do not want to see most of our gear lost."
Hephaestion curses under his breath as he passes the reins to Ioan and urges his horse forward to the awaiting King at the center of the group of riders.
From a distance, Elias observes the King and the general playfully trying to knock each other off their horses while exchanging some inside joke between them. He finds himself curious to the uniqueness of their relationship. He had heard of their sacrifice at Troy and wondered if their act was meant to be a more than mere recognition to the fallen heroes, Achilles and Patroclus. Elias has been interested as to whether the camp gossips of Hephaestion sharing the King's bed were true. It was apparent to those around that they shared a special bond and that the King valued the general's advice and loyalty. There was no doubt that the Hephaestion was a beautiful man with both intelligence and charm enticing to anyone, including a King. But Elias also held Hephaestion to be a warrior and beyond the accusations that he was merely a sycophant to the King.
Elias brushes any further thought as he takes in the sight of the distant rolling hills and grassland of the countryside. The soft coastal breeze helps cool the hot sun beaming upon them. The rich landscape instantly reminds him of home. He thinks of his mother and wonders of her life in a now empty house. He suddenly becomes distracted to the sound of a horse galloping up to him.
"Looks like home?" states Thonas as he slows his horse down and slouches forward to rest his head on its neck, "Our friends would never believe we were going hunting with the King."
"If you don't straighten up and at least look the part of the King's Royal Guard.." turns Elias throwing a disapproving glare, "you may find yourself sent back to Pella faster than you can whisper Zeus."
Taking his friend's cue, Thonas sits up leveling his posture to the ground. He then turns to sound of laughter in time to see the King reaching out toward Hephaestion's thigh as if trying to tickle him. "They make quite a pair. The King is not very discreet with his General."
Without turning toward the subjects of Thonas' comment, Elias looks back at his friend, "Has the sun melted your brain?? snide Elias, "I would be more careful of what you say about the King, especially when he is only an earshot away. And more respect should be shown towards Hephaestion, he is in fact your superior."
"What is your problem?" retorts Thonas, already well aware of Elias' fascination with the General. He had seen his good friend's subtle glances and increased compliments about the blue eyed general. Thonas found it amusing to see his companion so interested in anyone at all, since their boyhood, Elias had rebuffed any advances, including his own. Elias had thought his tremors would hinder any possibilities of a solid relationship with anyone and had resolved he was best to be alone. But Thonas had always found Elias to be beautiful and secretly held a torch for his childhood friend.
"I am sorry Thonas" placing a hand to his friend's shoulder. "I just do not want any issues with my brother's first command" Elias knew his excuse was weak but the truth of his attraction towards the General would only make his friend rolling in laughter.
"No you are right. I should be careful." replies his friend, taking his friend's excuse for his harsh demeanor. "They say these hills are vast with deer and boars." States Thonas attempting to change the subject, "It is a perfect place to go hunting."
"I am sure it is."
Together they ride in silence until Ioan orders them to travel ahead with the hired guide to scout the hill the party was riding upwards on away from the main road.
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The long and arduous trek up the steep hillside was worth the ride when upon reaching the top they were gifted with a panoramic view of the Mesogeios sea and in the distance overlooking the flat plains were rolling hills cascading atop a tall rich forest. The hired guide had informed Alexander that this was a good site to set up camp for both its seclusion and excellence for hunting local game.
Hephaestion watches Alexander in delight taking in the sight of him excitedly prepare for the hunt. He had not seen Alexander so relaxed in months. Throughout the day, the King had actually been enjoying himself and staying true to his promise in devoting a tremendous amount of his attention towards Hephaestion. Again, it was Hephaestion who was trying to be circumspect and reserved towards Alexander's open affection towards him. During the ride up the coastline, Hephaestion was unsuccessful in fighting off the King's lingering hands and faint kisses. On one occasion during a rest stop, he had sternly warned Alexander to be at more prudent, but his lover only responded coyly to his warnings. But in the silence of his heart, Hephaestion relished in the cat and mouse game and was looking forward to when he could be alone with his Alexander again.
"Come on Pha – General Amyntor, will you not reconsider joining us for this afternoon's hunt" calls out the King, as he pulls his horse aside Hephaestion standing watch over the installation of the camp site. "I will allow you to ride with me if you are afraid of being eaten by a bear."
"It is not the bear I fear for" winks Hephaestion, "But as always, you are too kind my Great King" mockingly taking a bow, "With your permission sire, I will stay if only to ensure your tent is securely rooted to the ground. I would hate for a slight breeze to come and blow it off in the night leaving you cold and alone."
"Alone?" laughs the King as he calls out to his companion, "Seleucus you would come and keep me warm?"
"Of course" responds out the red haired freckled faced general in a loud voice, "we would find a way to keep us warm."
"I am sure with all the hot air you alone can generate Seleucus, you could keep the entire camp warm" chimes in Ptolemy to Hephaestion's defense. "Come if we do not go soon Alexander, we may also find ourselves later not only cold but hungry."
"Very well Hephaestion" smiles Alexander, "You are proving to be a worthy logistic. Perhaps I should send you out to build my next Alexandria."
"How many is that now? Four settlements total" teases Hephaestion, "If I am assigned to build a settlement, I will name it after myself."
"Girls!" interjects Ptolemy "You are beginning to sound like women in a market place. Come we are losing good sun light." The older general reins his horse away from the camp site heading towards the forest.
The King then shrugs his shoulders and swings his horse around laughing out loud to an added comment by Seleucus. Hephaestion watches the group of riders, relieved that Alexander had agreed to take six guards and a page with him through the unknown territory. The hunting party looked no different than a group of locals enjoying a day's hunt.
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To Hepahestion's credit, the campsite was quickly raised and made functional without any setbacks. He had carefully directed that the tents be set up in a half circle towards the inclining hillside to guard against any unexpected visitors. The ever vigilant general had specifically instructed the King's tent not be placed in the center but rather off to the right, a distance away from the forest. The steep cliffs behind them would serve as its own line of defense. Hephaestion knew this arrangement would raise vicious teases from Alexander for once again being overly cautious for his safety. But Hephaestion had received the reports of Memnon's mercenaries trying to infiltrate the army. Alexander's own spies were reporting that Memnon was regrouping his men at Habesos to reclaim the Aegean Islands. Alexander's only vital enemy was close and would take any opportunity to strike the King, especially now that he was away from his army. Hephaestion as always was not going to take any chances with his King's life and would take every precautionary step necessary.
With the Camp securely constructed, Hephaestion lays out against a nearby log to take in the view of the sea and a cup of wine. Finally able to steal some time to rest, he sits back stretching out his long legs and adjusts his hat to block out the sun. The warm sun and the silence of the camp relaxes the general into a slow slumber; until he is alerted to the cracking sound of a twigs and approaching footsteps. Without any sudden moves, Hephaestion calmly places his hand onto the ivory hilt of his short sword. The general makes no move and continues to look asleep under his straw hat. Sensing his unexpected visitor was almost before him, Hephaestion jumps forward and swings his sword. But the sunlight obstructs his vision, for an instant, his line of sight is blurred by a bright and illuminating figure. For a brief moment, Hephaestion stands a gasp believing he was in the presence of a God; but his defensive instincts take over and he immediately steps forward to draw his sword directly into the face of the intruder.
"General Amyntor, it is me, Elias" responds the frightened guard frozen in his place as he stares head on to the sharp blade a few inches away from his neck. "I did not mean to startle you sir, but my brother wanted me to inform you the camp is secured and ready for your inspection."
Although recognizing the voice, Hephaestion does not withdraw his sword, directing Elias to move out of the sun's rays. Having confirmation of Elias' identify, Hephaestion with a look of agitation promptly sheathes his sword, "You should be more careful approaching an armed man." barks the general, "With a flick of my hand, you would soon be a meal for the crows."
With a hurt look, Elias immediately darts his eyes towards the ground, "I apologize sir, I should have announced my presence earlier." He stands in silence, head down and embarrassed until he feels callused fingers lift his chin up to direct him towards the general.
Looking down at Elias, Hephaestion is reminded of his Alexander as a youth. How many times had he witnessed his friend being chastised by King Philip before the Court. After Chaeronea, King Philip had been ruthless in seizing any opportunity to publicly humiliate Alexander. Hephaestion was all to familiar with the look of disappointment and pain reflecting off Elias face. He had not meant to break this boy's spirit. Without realizing his action, Hephaestion instinctively reaches out to comfort the young soldier. Elias' brown eyes hold his presence. The young recruit's facial expression, his hair and even the way he slightly tilts his head unnerves the general. It is at that moment, Hephaestion becomes aware of the familiarity he had felt towards this boy, Elias held an uncanny resemblance to the King. The general shakes out any further thoughts and withdraws his hand away from Elias as he turns back to pick up his hat.
"No need to apologize … in the future be more careful." Placing his hat on his head, "Now lets find your brother. I would expect the King should be returning shortly and hopefully with dinner."
"Yes sir" and with a slight bow, Elias turns ahead of the general to lead him back to the main camp.
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Upon making the final inspection of the King's tent and its provisions, he walks out with a guard giving last minute instructions on how the King would want his hunting gear handled. His attention is diverted when he catches sight of a blond haired, strongly built man rushing across the campsite. For a brief moment, he had thought Alexander had return with the others, but he holds back his excitement when he once again realizes it was Elias, now checking in on the horses. Hephaestion shakes his head laughing at his adolescent giddiness with the King. It was becoming quite apparent to the general, that he was quite anxious for Alexander's return. The sun was now setting and soon it would be dark. Hephaestion was beginning to wonder why Alexander had not yet returned.
TBC