Drabble – Smell II
He oozed majestic nobility; every inch of him said 'I am a King'. His very presence demanded respect.
He sat atop the magnificent black beauty called Buchephalas. The horse was groomed to shine and gleam. Confident arrogance made the horse dance as his Master made his speech, his tail held high.
The words the Kind spoke left his audience silent as they listened intently to every thing he said. It was the type of moment that history books recorded for generations.
Until…
The mighty horse saw the tiny little mouse, reared and dumped his rider unceremoniously behind him into the 'excitement' he deposited a few moments before when his tail was held high. It was a perfect landing and dead center in the still steaming mess.
Now the silence was not as much for words being spoken but more surprise and shock. The King's face changed several times in the next few seconds; shock, pain, disgust and embarrassment were a few that people recorded as they watched.
Gathering as much kingly dignity as he could muster under the circumstances, he arose from the ground, grabbed the reins and remounted, not bothering to get rid of any of the telltale evidence. The speech continued.
It ended with thunderous applause, though no one came forward to clasp him on the back to congratulate him. Everyone politely nodded and made as hasty a retreat as was politely possible, mostly downwind.
Alexander turned his horse and started back towards the palace. Hephaestion joined him, keeping his mare a few feet away and across him the King, careful not to get behind the royal couple.
Snickers escaped from Hephaestion's throat, though he didn't look towards Alexander. Soon Alexander's straight face began to dissolve.
"Very moving speech, Alexander."
"Aye, I left them speechless yet again, didn't I."