Title: Lucid Dream

Prompt: How Long?
Chapter 1: How Long Would It Take?

Hephaistion did not know how to bring this up to Alexander. He knew that Alexander would not approve, and he could almost see Alexander's exact expression on his face; a mixture of anger and hurt. Yet, Hephaistion understood that this was the necessary action he needed to take. It was the only way for the Macedonians to win against the Persians.

He had heard a lot about this great king of Asia, but it was the battle of Issus where Hephaistion saw him for the first time and realized his real power. He did not fight in the front line as Alexander did. Instead, he commanded from behind standing in his chariot as if he were a spectator who was enjoying the game. The elite Regiment of Immortals guarded him soundly.

Even from a distance, Hephaistion could tell the man was regal. Although he was in the back of the line, he was not hiding behind soldiers. Rather, he was orchestrating the battle from where he could see the entire movement. He was definitely not a coward. They said that it was his prowess that had earned him his throne.

Around the same time when Alexander became the king of Macedon, Darius III became the king of Persia being appointed by the ambitious vizier Bagoas; the real power behind the empire, and the one who was responsible for murdering both King Artaxerxes III, and his son King Arses.

Bagoas chose Codomannus as the successor, because he was a distant relative of the royal house, and who was popular among the people of Persia after showing his exceptional bravery at Artaxerxes' campaign against the Cadusians. When the Cadusians challenged the Persians, Codomannus was the only one who entered the contest, and slew the challenger.

He then changed his name to Darius III to rule the great Persian Empire. Bagoas soon realized his mistake; Darius was far too strong-minded for him to control. He was not only brave, but also canny as well. When Bagoas tried to poison him, the king who had already known the eunuch's scheme, made him drink his own poison.

Hephaistion saw it all when his gaze met with Darius' for a brief moment right before Alexander threw the spear at him at the battlefield of Issus. Even with his eyes locked on Hephaistion at all times, Darius avoided Alexander's spear with no effort or hesitation. At that moment, an unexplainable shiver ran down Hephaistion's spine.

Normally, the opponents did not easily intimidate him, but this foreign king possessed something exceptional and unknown to him, which made Hephaistion feel uneasy with doubts. He thought it was a miracle that the Macedonians defeated Darius' army at Issus. The only reason that they could have done this was because Darius did not take Alexander seriously. He must thought that he could conquer the Macedonians as easily as twisting a baby's arm.

However next time when he was ready to face Alexander again, Hephaistion knew that it would not be this easy. Hephaistion also feared that even Alexander might not be able to win the battle when he was to face a fully prepared Darius. Especially, now Alexander considered himself invincible ever since he had visited the oracle of Siwa.

After winning every single battle, and receiving the prophecy from a god, Alexander was becoming too overconfident for Hephaistion's liking. He often acted as if he were a god himself, forgetting that he was a mortal with flesh and blood. It worried Hephaistion deeply. Being confident was one thing, but being arrogant was another.

Hephaistion's mind was already made up; he just did not know how to tell Alexander. Hephaistion sighed deeply noticing that he was already standing in front of Alexander's chamber before reaching an answer. He took a deep breath and pushed the heavy wooden door that was inlaid with a golden frieze of Amun-Ra.

"Alexander."

As he entered the room, he called the name, but there was no answer from the king. Hephaistion moved to the inner chamber with purpose. He needed to tell Alexander no matter how hard it was, and even if it took all of his courage to do so.

"Alexander …."

Hephaistion's voice trailed off, and he froze to the spot. It was somewhat expected knowing Alexander who adored beautiful things and had more than a share of curiosity. But actually seeing Alexander entwined with this beautiful young eunuch in front of his own eyes stirred up strong emotions inside of Hephaistion.

It was not jealousy, nor even disapproval, but more of a disappointment. When they found that Alexander was interested in this exotic creature, some of the generals, especially those who were far away from having true love, gave him nasty remarks. It made Hephaistion furious, because he felt that they were bringing him down to the same level as the eunuch.

"Watch out Hephaistion, if you don't keep a tight leash on Alexander, you will be replaced by the Persian eunuch who is younger and more beautiful in the king's bed."

"Do not muddle me with a mere toy, Cassander."

Hephaistion spattered out in disgust. How dare they compare him with a mere servant?

"Is that what you think, Hephaistion? But, you do realize that people do fall in love regardless of rank, don't you? And especially it does not matter for the mighty king who can have whomever he wants and as many as lovers he wants. Am I wrong, Hephaistion?"

"If it is love, Cassander! What do you know about love anyway?"

"True." Cassander sneered, "But, if you need a place to heal your wound, come to my place. You might find something unexpected."

Hephaistion clenched his fists watching Cassander's chuckling back. He had to admit that there was some truth in Cassander's words though. Alexander was the king, and the king was supposed to have multiple lovers and wives. Yet, at the same time, Hephaistion knew that Alexander might adore the eunuch, but would never fall for him. It was not from his cockiness, but the truth of the matter. He knew Alexander too well.

However, Hephaistion also realized that in deep down in his heart, he had hoped that Alexander would never share an intimacy with anybody else but him apart from the necessity of producing an heir. One might say that it was a selfish wish, but he wanted to consider their relationship exceptional and unique. Hephaistion tried to convince himself that it was an unrealistic expectation, but he could not lie to his heart.

Bagoas was the one who had noticed Hephaistion's presence first. His almond shaped eyes grew wide, and his jaw dropped open with his hand still clutched around Alexander's arousal. Hephaistion thought that he must have laughed at this sight if it were not his Alexander who was under the Persian boy. Bagoas' body tensed with fear, which must felt the pain of the physical punishment that Hephaistion might give him.

"What is it Bagoas?"

Alexander's hazy voice brought Hephaistion back from the initial shock, and he straightened up his posture.

Alexander followed Bagoas' terrified gaze, and went pale when he saw Hephaistion standing at the entrance of the bedchamber like a marble statue; his expression hard, and his body tensed.

"Hephaistion … "

As if the invisible force that kept him in place had been released, Hephaistion pivoted around and left the room with big strides without saying a word.

"Hephaistion, wait!"

Alexander pushed Bagoas away, and straddled out of the bed, but Hephaistion was long gone.

Hephaistion did not know what to think of this development. It was upsetting to see Alexander and Bagoas being together like that, but at the same time, it was a relief. Now, he did not have to confront Alexander to explain what his plan was. He could simply leave without an explanation, and nobody would question; they would all understand. Besides Alexander needed to feel some of his pain.

As soon as Hephaistion arrived at his chamber, he started to pack, and ordered the young servant, Mikkos who looked at his master in confusion. He was a fifteen year old whose father served as a cavalry soldier in Hephaistion's unit.

The boy had joined Alexander's army mainly to ease the financial burden of his family; he had three more young brothers, and two sisters. He was also hoping to become a cavalry soldier just like his father when he became old enough. He was proud of his father, and he worshiped his father's young officer as if he were an epic hero.

"Mikkos, run to the kitchen and get some food and wine to last for three days trip."

"Are you going on a mission?"

"You could say that. Hurry up now!"

There was not much to pack, except for few clothes, blankets, camping gear, and some food and drinks for a few days until he reached the next city where he could replenish the supply.

Mikkos gasped when he reentered Hephaistion's inner chamber and saw his master's shining armor spread out on the bed.

"Are you leaving the army, and not coming back? Please take me with you then! I will do anything if I could stay with you, and I promise that I won't become your burden!"

Mikkos begged with teary eyes. Hephaistion stood up from where he was writing a letter, and walked to the boy.

"Thank you Mikkos for your loyalty, but I think it is best if I go alone. Take this letter to Ptolemy. He would take you in and find a suitable position for you."

Hephaistion handed a letter to him, and ruffled the boy's hair. Mikkos bit his lips and tried his best not to cry. He could not let his hero see his weakness.

Mikkos did not know exactly what had happened to make Hephaistion leave so hastily so late at night, but he guessed that it was something to do with that Persian eunuch. He had heard enough rumors about the king and his new toy, and he hated the eunuch with a passion.

Hephaistion got on his mare's back, and signaled her to move. Her every step stirred the air of the cool winter night. Even in the dark of the moonless night, Hephaistion could see the tiny white flowers of Arabian jasmine in bloom. It seemed that the darkness was enhancing the fervent intoxicating smell. Hephaistion switched to canter as if he were to escape from drowning in sweet thick syrup.

Alexander visited Hephaistion's chamber next morning long before the sunrise. He thought of running after Hephaistion right after the incident, but he composed himself thinking that it would be the best to talk to him after passing some cooling time. He did not wish to make it worse by arguing further.

A fear gripped Alexander's heart when he saw Hephaistion's faithful servant with red-rimmed eyes.

"Where is Hephaistion?"

Mikkos did not even flinch from Alexander's harsh voice. He just bowed his head and bit his lips. Alexander stormed into Hephaistion's bedchamber.

The king dropped onto his knees in front of the large bed. Instead of his love, Alexander found his armor that was laid on the bed in an orderly manner. He could not believe that his Hephaistion had left.

"When did he leave?"

While standing up, Alexander asked almost in whisper.

"Late last night … Sire."

Alexander was urged to send a searching scout right away. But again, he contained himself. If they found Hephaistion and brought him back, Hephaistion would have to face the charge of neglect. He thought it was best for him to wait until he heard from Hephaistion.

He had no doubt that Hephaistion would come back. The question was how long it would take for Hephaistion to forgive him. Alexander thought that he should have listened to Aristotle. His teacher used to say that his curiosity would get him into big trouble one of these days.

That afternoon, Alexander gathered his officers, and announced that they would leave Memphis in three days. Alexander hoped that his Hephaistion would be waiting for him at somewhere on the way. Seeing Alexander's dark expression, nobody dared to ask where Hephaistion was; even Cassander bit his tongue.

TBC