A Night In Wolf Wood

by Norrsken

A tale from Mieza. In the deeps of Wolf Wood Alexander and Hephaestion face dangers and hardships, and Hephaestion will have to prove himself as The true Steadfast Friend.

1. The Search For The Herb Paris

Hello all,

This is a tale from Mieza, where Aristotle sends Alexander and Hephaestion out for a biology excursion. He tells them all the things they cannot do, and all the dangerous places they are to avoid. In the deeps of Wolf Wood they will face dangers and hardships, and Hephaestion will have to prove himself as The true Steadfast Friend.

I couldn't resist the cliffhanger, but you need not worry. Part two is already finished and will be posted next weekend.

All the best wishes and hopefully good reading,

/ NorthernLight

TEMPLATE:

Title: A Night In Wolf Wood ( 1/2 )
Author: NorthernLight
Email address:
Category: Love/Friendship/Adventure and action story.
Pairings: Alexander&Hephaestion
Date: April 2008.
Feedback: Yes, all kinds, preferably nice. :)
Archive: Yes, but please tell me first.
Disclaimer: I, the author , don't own the characters. This is for my deep interest in Alexander and Hephaestion, their time and adventures.
Rating: R
Beta: Denise. Many thanks for interesting discussions and suggestions. You make my stories a far better read.
Summary: Alexander and Hephaestion are out in the woods around Mieza, studying biology. Something unexpected happens, and Hephaestion finds that he has to put all his meager medical knowledge to use to help his Beautiful Golden One.
Warnings: Angst. Injury of major character.

Botanic note: The Herb Paris, the True Lover's Knot, is a real flower. In the olden days it was actually used for the healing of wounds, but since it is very poisonous one must be careful. The story Aristotle tells his students is of my own invention. It is not actually in the Iliad.

A Night In Wolf Wood, Part I

Mieza, 34o BC

Dinner With Aristotle

Evening in Mieza came early in the first days of summer. The sun had set, and the wild grown gardens rested in a deep blue shadow. The air was mellow and filled with sweet fragrances from the many spring flowers and the newly budding roses. There was a large pond in the middle of the gardens, known as the Sanctuary of the Nymphs. A soft evening breeze made ripples on its silvery surface, and the water rippled and murmured, as if the Nymphs truly were present, singing their sweet songs under the cooling waters.

A pair of handsome young men sat on a stone bench in a corner of the gardens, under some rose bushes forming a portal surrounding them with sweet fragrances. The rose buds were just about to turn into beautiful crimson and rose colored flowers. They were sitting so close that they were almost melting into each other.

Golden and auburn hair mixed as their heads came together, and they held on to each other for more than warmth and company.

There were many more young men around this evening. They gathered, dressed in fine cloaks in all kinds of bright colours. When all were present they went together to the village nearby. Someone asked:

"Where are Alexander and Hephaestion? Will they not come with us tonight?"

"No, not tonight. The last time I saw them they were together in the garden. I think they will be otherwise occupied all evening... "

The young men laughed bawdily as they walked away through the forest. The village inn and another house of dubious reputation nearby had made preparations to give them a warm and hospitable welcoming.

A servant came, walking with great care, not wanting to upset the handsome couple in the garden.

"My Prince, and Hephaestion, my Master has told me to ask if you would like to join him for dinner. He says that you need some sustenance. "

"Yes, we are hungry now. Many thanks for the invitation. Tell him that we will join him presently.

They reluctantly rose from the stone bench, holding on to each other as they walked up to the house. They seemed inseparable as they entered the large sparsely furnished room. The table in the middle was laden with bread, honey, cheese and olives. There was also a generous jug with red wine, one with water and some milk in a terracotta jug adorned with a beautiful blue glazing. A vase in red clay filled with fragrant summer flowers adorned the table. There were primroses, King's Lilies and Roses in all kinds of mild pastel colours.

A bald headed man was sitting on a bench at the table. The simple copper oil lamp was shining over him, enhancing his very own Light of Wisdom. He rose and greeted them, offering them seats at his side on the simple benches.

It was a frugal evening dinner. The food was sparse and the wine from the local vineyard was nothing like the rich red wines they used to enjoy at the King's table. The company and conversation well made up for the frugality. It was a wonderful evening, and Aristotle offered the dear friends good and well needed sage advice.

When dinner was over Aristotle wished his dear guests health and saw them walk down into the gardens once more. Alexander held the lyre in one hand, and soon the most beautiful song came from the garden.

Aristotle put out the lamp and looked at the garden from the large window. He saw his young students sitting on the stone bench, under the portal of rose bushes. Alexander was singing heroic songs directly from the Iliad, all about Achilles and Patroklos. Hephaestion was intently listening to him. A silvery sickle moon had risen and shone down upon them, surrounded by a whole court of dancing silvery stars.

"Health to you, my dear boys, health to you," the old philosopher said in a low whisper." It's a pity King Philip said those cruel words about Alexander's singing. More of us would like to enjoy his talents - but this evening he has a most worthy audience."

Aristotle withdrew from the window and went to bed. The heroic songs from the Iliad lulled him to sleep, until all was silent.

Lectures With Aristotle

The next day was spent with lectures on politics and statesmanship. Aristotle walked around the Garden of the Nymphs, his students sitting on the stone benches. Alexander and Hephaestion listened intently at first, but soon their attention wavered. They were partaking in the discussions, but their replies became more and more erratic. Alexander looked down on Hephaestion's thighs and legs with great longing, and Hephaestion gazed intently on Alexanders beautiful golden hair. His right hand twitched from a withheld longing to feel and caress the golden tresses.

Aristotle noticed their distracted manners. At first he felt intent to give them a stern rebuke - but he was not only a good philosopher and scientist, he was the very best of teachers, too. Soon he found a way to resolve the troublesome situation.

"My young friends, we will now make a change of subject, " he adamantly stated, as he tapped his fingers on the table. "It's time for Biology, now. Have you ever heard of the Herb Paris, the True Lover's Knot?"

They all shook their heads in utter ignorance. Aristotle then told them a most astounding story.

"Once upon a time, during the Trojan War, Achilles was seriously wounded in his right heel. His mother Thetis held on to him in this very heel when she immersed him in the river Styx to gain him his fabled invulnerability. All other parts of his body were invulnerable, but this heel could be wounded, and it would later be the cause of his early death.

The great hero lay incapacitated in his tent for well over a week. Nothing the Greek surgeons did could help him, and the wound festered, threatening his very life. His very dear friend Patroklos remained constantly at his side, carefully watching over him. In his despair he called out to the very Gods themselves:

"Oh, ye Gods of the Holy Olympus, help my friend to recover. He is all that I have, I cannot go on without him !"

Then the Bright Eyed Goddess Athena stood at Achilles' bedside. She was surrounded by a glimmering light, and held a golden shield.

"My beautiful child, I have heard your prayer. There is but one remedy that can cure your friend. It is a herb that grows in a crevice on the Trojan walls, right under Paris' windows. You must climb the wall in the dead of night and bring it down with you. You will know it from its four light green leaves and the black berry in their middle. You must mix it with leaves of mint and make a paste. When you anoint Achilles' wound with it, your friend will heal in no time. "

Patroklos gave the Bright Eyed Goddess his warmest thanks, and, since it was in the dead of night already, he proceeded at once to climb the walls. He hid himself in a coal black cloak as he sneaked through the Greek lines and climbed the walls. It was a difficult and dangerous climb, but at long last he reached Paris' windows. He could hear him playing his lyre to Beautiful Helen, trying to comfort her as they suffered the hardships of the siege. Patroklos clenched his fist, wanting to leap through the window and kill the coward who had caused this war and calamity that had brought death and destruction to two proud nations.

He had an even more important mission, though. He started searching for the healing herb. It was very difficult to find it in the darkness. He searched forever and ever, until he despaired of finding the necessary remedy. Then the dark clouds were blown away for a moment, and a silvery moonbeam fell on the walls. It led him to a whole bush filled with big light green leaves, four on each stalk. In all of their middles were peculiar dark brown flowers and black berries.

Patroklos thanked the Bright Eyed Goddess once more and eagerly picked all the leaves and flowers. He brought them with him down the walls and returned to Achilles' tent. His friend was delirious from a very high fever, and it looked as if he was close to death. His foot and heel were swollen and red and the wound a wide open painful slit, filled with pus and unclean blood. Patroklos quickly called for leaves of mint and mixed the Healing paste. He then anointed his friend's heal and made a wrapping of fine linen strips around it to make the paste remain.

After a long and anguished wake, Achilles recovered completely, and they once more went to war together, thanking the Bright Eyed Goddess Athena.

The healing herb is called the Herb Paris ever after. It is also known as the True Lover's Knot, since Patroklos risked his own life during the perilous climb, to bring it to his Dear One. "

The young men listened spellbound to the philosopher's tale. They had thought that they knew all about the Trojan War, but this was new to them. They remained silent for a long time, pondering the heroic deeds, and Patroklos' brave climbing of the enemy's walls to find a remedy for his Dear One.

Alexander sat there, being more spell bound than the others. His right arm had lifted on its own accord, and now rested firmly around Hephaestion's shoulders. Hephaestion rested his head upon Alexander's right shoulder, looking dreamily on his friend, still remaining in the adventurous days of the Trojan War.

"Does this Herb Paris still exist? ", Alexander asked as he forced himself to return from the ride back to the days of high adventure. "Where does one find it ? Wouldn't it be a great asset in our field hospitals ?"

"Yes, of course it would, my young friend, " Aristotle answered his eager student. "It grows in old, dark and damp forests, especially on the sides and slopes of brooks and streams. There are some ideal places in the woods here around Mieza, where one might be able to find it. "

Now both Alexander and Hephaestion were eagerly listening. Their eyes were bright from anticipation, and they almost jumped up from the stone bench from sheer eagerness. Aristotle gave them a deep and understanding glance.

"Alexander, I know that you hold a special interest for biology and healing herbs, " he cunningly stated.

" I give you two whole days to go out in the woods to search for the Herb Paris. You cannot go on your own, though. You need someone reliable with you. Hephaestion will accompany you on your quest."

All the young men giggled as Hephaestion blushed, giving his assent with a willing nod.

The Woods Around Mieza, 340 BC

Aristotle's Quest

The day after, Alexander and Hephaestion rose early, well before dawn. After a quick and frugal breakfast they dressed in their warm hunting clothes, brought their weapons and started packing. Hephaestion brought his cooking utensils, herbs and spices, wine flagons, a copper kettle, spoons and knives, and also a lighting device. Then they rolled together two warm bear skin furs, and a makeshift tent. They went outdoors, to the stables. Bucephalus and Castor had been well fed with barley gruel and fresh spring grass. They had been told about the merry outing and they came eagerly trotting. Even the proud and
spirited Bucephalus sank down on his haunches and took on his share of the packing. Peritas and Pollux came eagerly running and barking, trying to help with the packing. They merrily wagged their tails as Alexander patted their furry heads.

"Take it easy, my friends, "he told them. "You will accompany us in the forest, and there will be much to do out there for you, too. "

Aristotle came to see to his students departure.

"Now you must be very careful, my dear boys, " he prudently admonished them. "There are all kinds of dangers out in the woods. You must stay away from steeps and slopes, take care that you won't drown in the ice cold stream, and watch out for hungry wolves and bad tempered wild boars. You must especially take care to stay well away from Wolf Wood!"

"Yes, yes, dear teacher, we will take good care, "they adamantly told him. "You know that Cleitus has taught us well about hunting and weaponry - and we have been running rampant in these old woods all of our lives. "

Off they went. The horses ran at a merry canter and the dogs ran merrily barking around them.

Aristotle stood on the courtyard, benevolently watching after them, all until they disappeared into the forest.

"Health to you, my dear boys, health to you, "he silently mused to himself. "I hope that no ill befalls you in the dark old forest. "

There were some less benevolent eyes following them, too. Craterus and Cassander stood behind a big juniper, enviously watching.

"See, those two get a reward for their lack of attention. Now they will have two whole days for themselves, merrily cavorting all around the forest. "

"You there! Do not stand idle while others are busy with studying Biology and gathering valuable medicinal herbs, " Aristotle sternly admonished the envious ones. "We have many lessons today, eloquence first amongst them. "

The two culprits returned to their studies, quite crestfallen from the stern reproach.

It was a fine Summer day. The sun was shining from an azure blue sky, the larches, thrushes and finches were singing in the trees and bushes, and the ground was covered with fresh green grass and fragrant, multi coloured flowers.

All day long Alexander and Hephaestion searched for the Herb Paris. They rode around all the forest, carefully searching all damp, dark places and all the slopes and sides of the brooks and streams. Peritas and Pollux helped them, running around sniffing everywhere, but since they didn't know what they were supposed to sniff after, they couldn't offer much help. Soon they drifted off, hunting after hares and rabbits.

The elusive plant was not to be found anywhere in the forest. In the afternoon, when they were tired of searching for the strange and elusive herb, they stumbled upon a bad tempered wild boar. She charged at them with angry huffings and puffings. Alexander quickly grasped his spear and managed to run her through.

"See, now we have a fine dinner, " Alexander said, proudly presenting the wild boar. " I am very hungry after hunting for this mischievous plant all day long."

"Yes, I am very hungry, too, "Hephaestion agreed. " We will do the cooking together, and then there will be time enough for rest and entertainment. I see that you brought the lyre in your packing. "

The Ice Cold Woodland Stream

Alexander was feeling very hot and exhausted after the day out in the woods. Now he saw the clear stream softly murmuring behind a curtain of old, dark green spruces. The clear and cool water beckoned to him. "First we'll take a bath. I am longing for one!"

Alexander quickly undressed, throwing his fur cloak and dark green hunting clothes in an untidy heap on the ground. Then he rushed towards the woodland stream. Hephaestion remained with all his clothes on.

He was feeling the afternoon coolness creeping into his bones, and he certainly didn't want to immerse himself in the ice cold stream.

"No, Alexander! You may NOT take a bath in the stream!, " he adamantly called out. "The water is freezing. You will catch your death of cold!"

Too late. One moment Hephaestion saw the golden red rays of the setting sun sifting through the fresh green foliage, falling on Alexander. He was simply magnificent, so well shaped, muscular and strong. His skin was white like marble after being cooped up indoors all the long winter. Golden hair spilled like a stream down his back and shoulders. Even the hairs on his body were golden. Now he ran through the curtain of spruces, utterly ignoring the needles rasping at his fair skin.

Hephaestion couldn't resist this enticing sight. He made a forceful leap towards his friend, grasping him around his midriff and felling him to the ground. They took a merry tumble in the fresh spring grass. Hephaestion soon found himself without all his warming hunting clothes.

"No, you may NOT do this to me. It's too cold out here on the ground, " he reproachfully told his friend. "We must wait until we have our warm and snug tent and furs around us!"

"This cannot wait, my Dear One! Come to me. NOW!"

Hephaestion couldn't resist his Golden One. They tumbled around in the fresh spring grass, crushing some pretty primroses and upsetting mosses, ferns and the remaining winter leaves.

Their hounds and horses grumbled and mumbled to each other as they turned around and looked the other way.

/ Oh no. Now they are at it again! Dinner will be late this evening. /

Afterwards they found themselves immersed in the mud on the shore.

"Well, now we both need a bath, " Alexander adamantly told his friend.

"No, it's too cold in the stream, " Hephaestion disagreed. "It'll be sufficient if we just wash ourselves here on the shore."

He sat down, slowly putting his feet into the stream and gently splashing the cool water all over himself. When he saw Alexander take a run for the stream he called out to him.

"Be careful! This water is far too cold for bathing!"

Alexander threw himself into the stream, swimming merrily around, simply not noticing Hephaestion's outraged admonition. At first it felt refreshing and cooling, but then it became ice cold. The freezing coldness caught him unawares, and he felt his heartbeat slow down and his breathing came with great difficulty. An agonizing cramp spread through his whole body and he called out to his friend before he sank below the surface. The ice cold, blue green water formed a close lid over his head, his ears filled with a deafening din and his sight grew dim. Gulps of cold water forced themselves down his throat, filling his lungs, slowly suffocating him. Before his eyes closed
he saw Hephaestion sitting at the shore, gently splashing water all over his beautiful frame, looking like a merman taking a break from his maritime ventures.

Hephaestion saw Alexander jump into the water, swimming merrily around in the ice cold woodland stream.

/ "Well, I would just leave him to it, dress up and go on with the cooking. This is a fine place to make a camp for the evening, " he silently mused to himself. /

Then he heard an agonized gasp. He instantly looked up, just to see Alexander disappear under the swirling surface of the ice cold stream.

/ He is just playing some prank on me, " he mused. /

Some time went. The golden head didn't reappear on the surface. Now Hephaestion got alarmed. He quickly rose and threw himself into the stream, swimming towards the place where he had last seen Alexander . The short distance felt like a marathon race, with his friend in such desperate need of his help. The water caught him with a shock of cold, almost leaving him out of breath and sense. He had to struggle to remain conscious.

Alexander was floating right under the surface, his golden hair waving like sea weed around him. He was unconscious and his whole body was wracked with cramps. Hephaestion got a strong grip around him and dragged him up on the shore. There he was met by the horses and dogs. They stood around their Dear Masters, making soft sounds of alarm and sympathy. Alexander lay on the shore, deeply unconscious. Hephaestion couldn't see if he was breathing at all, and his skin has taken on a frightening blue pallor. He turned his friend on his side and put his hands on the sides of his ribcage, making a forceful push.

"Alexander! Alexander! Come back to me! You MUST come back to me!"

His agonized screams reverberated through the forest, scaring the small song birds and making them lift and fly away in a fluttering cloud.

Alexander gave up a gasp, and then a whole stream of ice cold water flew from his mouth. He started to cough and shiver, gasping for air. Hephaestion took him into his arms, letting him recover in a firm and loving embrace. As soon as he saw that his friend was alive and well he gave him a violent shake.

"You! YOU! You will never do this to me again! "

Alexander managed to return the firm embrace, making stern reproaches of his own.

"You! YOU just sat there idly splashing yourself, while I was near to drowning!"

Now Peritas and Pollux came with their warm fur cloaks, dragging them all over the shore. The friends forgot their disagreement and wrapped themselves into the cloaks, making them into one as they cuddled together for greater warmth.

"Our dogs are far wiser than we are, " Alexander said, with his teeth chattering. "They know what we need right now. "

"Yes. Let us make a fire to warm ourselves, and then it's time to cook some supper."

The two friends staggered and stumbled together towards a woodland glade. They soon found enough dry wood to make a warming fire big enough to last through the night. Hephaestion spread their warm bear furs on the ground and they sat down, warming themselves at the fire, as they huddled together under their fur cloaks. They were still shivering from their ordeal, and they sat silently for a long time. Peritas and Pollux lay close to them, sharing their own body warmth with their Dear Masters. Bucephalus and Castor also remained close to them, taking an occasional bite from the succulent herbs in the glade. The valiant war horses kept a close watch over them all.

Evening In The Woods

When they had recovered sufficiently from their ice cold bath in the stream Hephaestion rose and grasped for the wild boar. Alexander helped him to prepare it for the cooking. Soon the most appetizing smell of roast boar, woodland herbs and spices filled the air. Bucephalus and Castor munched on barley in their nosebags, and Peritas and Pollux sat waiting for their share of the roast boar, merrily wagging their tails.

They had eaten their fill of their forests prey, but there was always place for more. They yelped to one another with eagerness and anticipation.

/ Hephaestion's cooking was the very best. He always comes up with something new and appetizing. He has even taught Alexander how to cook a tasty dinner! /

They sat down and ate a fine woodland dinner that made the warmth finally return to their chilled bones. The dogs shared the wild boar with them, merrily yelping and munching at the juicy meat. Alexander tried to offer some tasty herbs and soft, sweet boiled fern roots to the horses, but they made faces at them, wrinkling their muzzles and going to the soft and succulent spring grass instead. The Spruces and junipers formed a wall of glittering green needles all around, and the foliage from oaks, chestnuts and maples that had just come out offered gentle shade. A gentle breeze whispered in the tree branches and the nightingales and blackbirds sung most beautifully to them.

Hephaestion thought that their night quarters were finer than the most luxurious palace. He put his arm around Alexander.

"I would like it to be like this forever, just you and me and our faithful four legged friends!"

"Yes, me too - but you know that our time here at Mieza soon will be over - and then we will go to war together. Persia is waiting for us - and the Crown of Macedon for me..."

"Sing something to me, my friend. Your voice will not be heard in the King's Hall anymore - but I want to listen to you. "

"Perhaps, but now we already have the most excellent entertainment. These kind birds want to sing all night to us, " Alexander answered reluctantly.

"Yes, the nightingales and blackbirds are fine singers, but I prefer to listen to you, Alexander. "

Alexander took the lyre and strummed it with gentle fingers. A silvery sickle moon with a court of dancing stars shone down upon his golden hair as he sung about Achilles and Patroklos. He had made up a new song, all about the Herb Paris, the True Lover's Knot. Line followed line, all about Patroklos' brave climbing, his True Steadfastness as he worked to save his Achilles. Hephaestion listened in silence, admiring the golden haired singer and holding his arm around his shoulders, as if protecting him from a world of Evil and Intrigue.

The nightingales and blackbirds sat listening in silence to the song and lyre, realizing that they were overhearing something of the most unique beauty and bravery.

When Alexander had finished his song the friends put up their makeshift tent, rolled out their bear skin furs and went to bed, sleeping together, holding on to each other in calmness and security. Peritas and Pollux lay softly snoring at their side, but they woke up often, making their rounds around the small Camp. Castor and Bucephalus stood under a venerable old spruce, watching over their Dear Masters.

Hephaestion lay awake for a very long time, carefully watching over his Golden One. Alexander was still shivering slightly after his water ordeal, and his breathing was uneven, at times coming with difficulty. His sleep was restless and often disturbed. Sometimes he mumbled to himself:

"Herb Paris, Herb Paris...I need to find it, MUST find it!"

After a while Alexander calmed down and fell into a deep slumber. A satisfied smile lingered on his lips.

Hephaestion silently mused to himself:

/ "Alexander is not well. We ought to return to Mieza early next morning - but I know that he will never give up this Quest. He is so stubborn, he always accomplishes what he has set before him - and that's why I like him so very much..." /

Hephaestion drifted into a worried sleep, never letting go off his Golden One, not even in his deepest slumber.

/ Alexander was errantly walking in a dark and unknown forest. He searched forever and ever for the Herb Paris, not finding it anywhere. A silvery sickle moon shone over him, futilely trying to show his path.

Suddenly there was an owl flying before him. It was hooting as if to summon him to following. He ran after it, until they came to a steep slope. There the owl turned into a bright eyed woman with beautiful golden hair. She pointed down the slope. The silvery moonlight fell upon a great tuft of light green leaves. In their middle were lime green flowers and dark brown berries.

It was the Herb Paris. He had found it at long last.

"This place is known as Wolf Wood, " the bright eyed woman told him. You must remember it when you wake up. You will find what you look after in Wolf Wood."

Now he realized who the helpful woman was, and he knelt to her.

"Athena, Bright Eyed Goddess, many thanks for your help. I will not forget..."

The silvery moon rays swirled around him. He drifted away in a silvery haze. Sleep came to him with rest and recuperation. Now he knew what to do to achieve his goal. /

A Day In Wolf Wood

Morning came, and they all rose to a day of renewed adventure and merriment. Alexander was wobbly on his legs and he had a bad cough.

"My friend, you are not well after that chill you got yesterday, "Hephaestion tried to admonish him. "We ought to return to Mieza and let Aristotle treat you with some potion. Rest and warmth in your own bed might also be the very best."

"There's nothing wrong with me, my friend, " Alexander reassuringly told him. "I will be fine after a good breakfast - and then we need to find this elusive Herb Paris and bring it back to Mieza with us!"

Hephaestion just shook his head, well knowing that there was nothing to be done when Alexander had set his mind on something.

After a breakfast on the remnants of the delicious wild boar they packed and returned to their search for the Herb Paris.

It was still elusive. They searched all over the wood once more, especially in all shaded, damp and dark places. The plants with their four large light green leaves with their lime colored flowers and dark berries were easy to recognize - but they were simply not to be found.

At long last Alexander made a halt under a venerable old oak.

"This search is to no avail. I don't think the Herb Paris grows in this forest at all, " he told his small army. "I know of another place that is darker and damper. I am sure we can find what we are looking after there."

"Alexander. You don't mean...?", Hephaestion cautiously asked.

"You think of Wolf Wood, my friend? Yes, we will have to go there. I am sure that we will find what we are looking for on the damp river slopes in Wolf Wood, " he reassuringly told them. "We will not have to go very far - and then we can safely go home to Aristotle and our Companions."

He kicked Bucephalus' sides and incited him into a fast canter. Hephaestion and Castor followed, with Peritas and Pollux running around the horses' hooves. They soon saw two enormous old spruces, leaning on each other and forming a dark portal leading into an ominous dark green shadow. Bucephalus shied to the dark portal, and refused to enter. Alexander had to get off the big black stallion, and gently coax him into the portal.

"Calm and steady, my boy. Calm and steady, " he told the big black horse. " I know that you are afraid of shadows, but I am with you. Nothing is dangerous when we are together."

At long last Bucephalus consented into entering Wolf Wood. Hephaestion followed with Castor. The chestnut colored stallion shied and tried to turn the other way, but when he saw Alexander and Bucephalus riding straight into the shadows he bravely followed. Peritas and Pollux cautiously ran at their sides, giving up barks in a clearly warning manner.

"Alexander, our horses and dogs are more clever than we are, " Hephaestion told his Golden One. " They are trying to warn us. Can't you see that they don't want to go into this dangerous forest with us?"

"Yes, of course I see - but we will not have to go very far. I had a dream. Now I know where the Herb Paris grows! "

Alexander took Bucephalus to the stream, following its chilly dark waters for some time. In the darkness of Wolf Wood it was not rippling and murmuring as merrily as before. No, now it was roaring in a menacing manner, sounding as if the Water Nymphs were angered by something.

The stream disappeared from their sight, and they saw it far below a steep slope. Alexander reined in Bucephalus.

"Whoa, my friend. Here it is. Now I will find the Herb Paris."

Bucephalus stayed well away from the steep slope, but Alexander ran to it with great eagerness. Hephaestion got off Castor and ran to him, trying to hold him back.

"Careful, my friend, careful! This is a very steep slope. "

Alexander was already on his way down, and now Hephaestion saw what he was aiming at.

Half way down the steep slope grew a great tuft of the strangest big light green leaves, adorned with lime green flowers and dark blue berries. They seemed to glow in the fluttering shadows, and they beckoned to the young men.

"Alexander. You must let me climb down to get them! You are still wobbly after yesterday, " Hephaestion tried to warn him. "I have been climbing the hills all of my life, I am used to it!"

"No, let's do it together. I simply MUST get this plant now!"

They climbed down the steep slope together. It was slippery from wet moss on rugged old stones, wet grass and mud. Hephaestion tried to take it slow and easy, but Alexander was eager and fast, as always. He was the first to reach the tuft of the Herb Paris and he eagerly grasped for them. Just as he held them in his strong right hand he slipped on a wet stone covered with slimy moss. His right foot gave way and wobbled in an unnatural angle. He gasped from pain and before Hephaestion could reach out for him he lost his footing and fell straight down the slope. He soared in mid air, suspended as forever, before he landed hard on the rugged shore.

There was an ominous thud as his head hit another mossy stone, and a sharp, pointed tree branch slashed his right thigh. The blood was flowing freely from the nasty wound as he lay there unconscious.

Alexander was not moving, and he didn't seem to be breathing, either. The Herb Paris scattered around him, adorning him like flowers upon a funeral bier.

Hephaestion gave up a scream of anguished desperation before he climbed down the slope as quickly as he could.

"Alexander! Hold on, my friend, "he called out to his unconscious friend "I will come down and help you. Don't you ever dare pass out on me!"

TBC