This story is inspired by the wonderful stories written by Fedia entitled "But the Warrior Comes First" and "Breath and Pulse". I hope you don't mind! This story sorta begins where you left off with a twist. Also, I want to thank all the other great writers who have brought to life Hephaestion and Alexander through their imaginative stories ie Lysis, Baliansword, KizzyKat, Moon71, Tribal Shimmy, Norrken, Rothalion, and all the other incredible writers.
The Life of a Warrior:
The sun beats unmercifully down slicing the air around him making it difficult to breath. Another sand storm is raging fervently through the camp, making it virtually impossible to maneuver or possess a clean vision of anyone or anything in sight. As he loosens the hood of his cloak, immediately his face breaks into a rolling wave of sweat. There is no escaping the heat and the sand of this distant land. The granular dark sands blows throughout the camp swirling in a magical dance leaving traces of itself on everything it touches. The King looks out into the Gedrosian desert laid out before him, into the horizon, and observes the continuous mounds of sand that roll into oblivion. He has been on campaign for 10 years, but nothing had prepared him for the conditions of the harsh Gedrosian desert. This desert has taken almost ¾ of his army including the camp followers. This track from India back to Babylon has been the hardest and most difficult of his campaign. Had he really chosen this Southern route back to punish his army for their refusal to march further into India? The King takes in a sigh and rubs the area of his wound around his ribs. The Mallian arrow had been suspected to be poisonous, and was meant to kill him. Yet, he prevails, although the recovery has been slow and at times painful, the King remains determined to continue on to "conquer" the rest of world. But silently he resolves that perhaps he may never see his dream come into full volition. "Ah to have seen the 'where the sea ends and falls' – to have known the end of the world" he whispers. At least to his men and to his close companions he "is" the same "King", who first began this crusade; his destiny. But his he still loved by them?
To himself, in the silence of his heart, he is tired and at the age of 30, his body and spirit have seen and endured a lifetime of pain, joy, and heartache. Silently he prays to the Gods that they have not forsaken him and soon he will meet up with Nearchus on the coast in a few days. He wants to reach Babylon to take up the administrative matters he has neglected over the years. It is time his kingdom consolidated and was ruled by the one sole sovereign, Alexander the Great, the King of Persia and Macedonia, the Pharaoh of Egypt and the son of Zeus and Amman. But, deeper in his heart, Alexander knows he is simply exhausted and wishes to just cease for a moment in one place. If only for a brief stop to share some needed time with his beloved. He draws his attention to the task at hand and lifts the tent flaps and walks through his antechamber into his private quarters.
Alexander has returned to his tent to look into the condition of his companion. It had been three days since their last encounter and Hephaestion has not recovered from his fever. During the past nights, Alexander has kept bedside vigil for any sign of hope that his lover would once again open his eyes and reach out to hold him. He longs to feel his warmth and the confirmation of devotion that had long since escaped them. Alexander knows that without Hephaestion, he will not be able to go on. A man cannot survive with only half of himself, half of his being and half a heart.
He reflects back to the brutality of their last moment together. Why did he need to overpower and possess Hephaestion? He vividly recalls his lover balled up in the corner of the bed after dismissing the six Nubian slaves who had been ordered to restrain Hephaestion as he forced himself upon him. What had happened to the tenderness of their relationship? He had convinced himself the love remained; but also he has seen that it had morphed into something unrecognizable since the days of their youth. As a youth in Mieza, their love had endured so much. He had convinced himself to believe that through all the trials and tribulation of the Indian campaign, the fierce battles and his other lovers; their commitment and devotion to each other would survive. But would it survive unscathed? They had both known that throughout their years together, their coupling had started to become voided of tenderness and gentleness and had been replaced with shear violence and aggressiveness. Alexander had tried to recapture what they had lost. But had he really tried? And what margin of success could he give it? Both men knew, their first real "coupling" had been based on violence. Back then, in the partially enclosed gardens, Alexander had taken his lover in blind rage. Hephaestion would later tell him he had consented to it to ease the remorse; but Alexander knew well enough that his need to dominate was a reaction to his father's disappointment in him for not taking his companion as was his right. Alexander's inability to "take what was his" would have cost him his place as regent during his father's absence. In turn, mislead by his companion's claims of taking on another lover, he had set on that as a prince, he would claim what was his gift from the gods. But in turn, he had merely made Hephaestion nothing more than a whore. The then young prince had tried to "compensate" his companion for the lack of love and compassion of the earlier transgressions in the gardens. He had wanted them to share the "first time" as they had dreamt and built it up to be. But the moment was lost and in the future, they would again encounter similar moments of "sadistic" lovemaking that would be the end result of violent fights, arguments and a need for domination.
As he approaches the side of the bed, Alexander calls to mind their last encounter.
"For the last time, my love, would you come to our bed?"
"No" growls Hephaestion "I am not your whore to whom you may summon at your beckon call".
Alexander looks up perplexed, "You know I love you to much to ever ….."
Hephaestion pulls his chiton over his head and kneels down near Alexander's bed. He takes his hand and glides it over the contours of Alexander's back. The sensation of Hephaestion's touch tingles every part of Alexander's body. Hephaestion raises Alexander chin to look into his dark eyes. Immediately, Hephaestion's heart melts but he suppresses his urge to concede to his lover and instead leans down and kisses him softly. He feels his desire building up but by shear will-power, he restrains himself from going any further. He swiftly pulls away and whispers,
"And I love you more" … he pauses and with all his courage, he becomes unafraid to face the man before him, so he continues on… "But we cannot allow ourselves to indulge as we did in the days of Meiza. We must not ignore our present responsibilities. If I am to be your Chiliarch; your second in command, I cannot be seen any longer as your consort, your mere lover.
Alexander rises up ready to protest, but Hephaestion gently places his hand on his shoulder to ease him down and again looks at his lover,
"I will not allow myself to lose face at the price of your men's faith and devotion to you. You are a king of many nations and tribes. I am but a shadow to your world. I will never leave you and I will always remain loyal. But I cannot risk being seen by your men or by your companions sneaking out of your tent like a hetaera. I must prove my worth as a true warrior of your army to reaffirm to your men that I am not your second command because of my skills in bed but for my ability to lead and fight. You know the Macedon way as instilled by your father in his army, I MUST earn through merit or the men will never accept me as Chiliarch. I will make myself worthy of you my King, my Alexander, if I must fight you to prove it."
Alexander shakes his head. "You will fight me to prove your point?" He rises up and swings his legs off the bed. He sits and looks down at Hephaestion with detestation. "Must we always have to fight to love each other?"
Unafraid to counter his lover, and feeling his own temper rising. Hephaestion sternly responds,
"Very well, if you have the need to take me, I will bend down for you and you can have your way. If I am to be treated as a whore, then so be it … MY King I will be what I am asked to be – forever your servant".
Alexander suddenly rises from the bed; he pulls Hephaestion up grabbing a strong hold of his arms. He looks up to him and raises his voice calmly but with conviction,
"I am no longer a young prince in need to prove himself to his malevolent father nor am I the blind son of a manipulative mother. I am KING and I would remind you of that fact General Amyntor. As KING, I will decide the rank and file of this army and I alone will decide who will command and lead. YOU will be Chiliarch because you have proven to be worthy to be my second in command should I fall. I have decided this and no other. When I announce your promotion it will be accepted by all as it is my right. As KING I dictate the orders in this army NOT YOU or any other man, companion or person. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"
"So you would have me as your whore", whispers Hephaestion.
Quietly, Hephaestion simply bows his head and straighten up and turns to walk towards the tent flaps. With startling speed, Alexander charges after Hephaestion and grabs hold of his arm, "Will you have me ORDER you to stay?" But Hephaestion refuses to turn around. Alexander feels his rage building up in him. He clinches his fist and trembles in his emotions of both complete distain and love towards this man in front of him.
"I have forewarned you what would happen should you attempt to resist my offer to my bed," hisses Alexander.
Hephaestion again refuses to submit and takes another step towards the tent flaps. Sensing this, Alexander barks, "I order you to stay".
Before Hephaestion is able to turn, Alexander has pushed him down onto a nearby couch and again orders him, "Stay here". Without haste, Alexander orders the guards outside his tent to watch over Hephaestion to insure Hephaestion does not leave. "You are to use whatever means to keep him here. Should you fail in your task, I will have you flayed and on your knees scrubbing the arses of my horses."
It was at this moment; Alexander comes completely blinded by his rage and conflicting emotions. He storms out of his tent determined to prove his point to Hephaestion. He will make this man realize he too can and will "fight to prove his point". As King he will use all that is in his disposal to make his general stay the night.
Alexander returns with the six Nubian slaves…
000
A moan from his lover returns Alexander's attention to the present. Slowly, he reaches for the cloth near the bed pallet and wrings it through the water bowl. He presses it down on Hephaestion forehead and down the side of his check and parched lips. He then returns the cloth into the bowl. He reaches out for the thin sheet laid over his lover and pulls down to reveal the well sculpted tan chest. At the age of 30, his companion has not lost his youthful masculine physique. He has been sculpted by the very gods of Mt. Olympia blessed with the strength of Apollo and the ability to love gifted by Eros. Alexander has never been able to deny this man's beauty. Casually, he gazes upon the glistening blue stone hanging down a leather cord resting on his chest, perpendicular with his heart. It settles on Hephaestion's chest as a monument to their eternal bond to each other. Alexander grasps hold to his own stone hanging around his neck recalling the Theban lovers who once wore these necklaces. These same lovers, who died reaching out to each other, during the battle of Chaeronea. In honor of these fallen lovers, Hephaestion and Alexander had vowed to preserve the same devotion and love towards each other, even beyond death.
Exhaling, Alexander takes the cloth and gently wipes the well curved rippling chest, and slowly encircles the area around the stomach. He notes Hephaestion breathing has become more steady and calmer than two days earlier. His fever appears to have reduced. But still his lover has not awoken. The compunction of the earlier nights begins to haunt him.
Again, he reflects on the dreadful night, had he not thought the request to Hephaestion had been a simple one. He had only longed to share an entire night with his lover. Hephaestion had been gone for weeks, sent out on yet another scouting mission in search of water and/or nearby village for supplies. For weeks prior to his mission, they both had not been able to indulge in an intimate moment together. But earlier that night, they had managed to hide behind the shadows of the dining tent to take some time together. Their coupling had been swift, driven by passion and a deep desire to own each other again. Alexander especially had needed his lover with a profound desperation and carnal hunger. Like the steep cavernous mountains of the Hindu Kush, so deep was his desire to dominate his lover time after time again throughout the night. He needed to brand him - to reaffirm that Hephaestion was his and his alone and no other. But his lover had denied him his request and simply rebuked his offer to stay the night. Hephaestion had flatly denied Alexander plea to lay with him in "their" bed opting to bend over against the wall like a mere whore. When did their relationship… their lives turn for the worse. When did love become blurred with hatred and lovemaking turn into rape?
A tear slowly escapes down his eye. He is overcome with a feeling of melancholy and quietly rests his head on Hephaestion chest. He lies across his lover; he grieves for the loss of his greatest gift, his one true love. He prays for a chance to redeem himself and to show the gods that he has not forsaken their gift to him. If necessary, he WOULD exchange his empire for his loved one. He will make amend to this lover if only he would awaken from his deep slumber. It is with this realization; he resolves that his basic existence began and ended with Hephaestion's love and presence.
Hephaestion's heart beat lullabies Alexander to close his eyes and he finally succumbs to Hypnos power. For three days, he has not slept in fear that his lover would slip into the realm of Hades without notice. Hephaestion had been his responsibility; it was his duty to care for him. Moreover, Alexander wanted to be by his side to remind his lover that he was not alone that he was never alone. It had always been the two of them against the world; as it had always been their dream to rule it.
A hand caresses the top of his head. He feels fingertips playing with his hair twisting them into knots. Immediately, he recognizes the touches and turns to face the better half of his existence.
"Xander….wher??" a soft voice lingers in the air.
"Phai ?? Shhhh my love… you have been taken by fever…." Alexander takes Hephaestion's hand into his own and rises up to greet him with a smile longer than the Euphrates. "Let me get the physician… "
With a nod of acknowledgement, Alexander yells for his pages looming in the shadows, and orders them to summon his personal physician. He quickly returns his full attention to Hephaestion offering him some water.
Hephaestion looks down at his lover and wonders back to his dream. He had received a vision of his own death. He had never been much of a man of gods. It had always been Alexander who saw himself specially connected and aligned with the gods. A part of Hephaestion wanted to attribute his dream to his illness; but he could not ignore the feeling it left him. He had known what he saw was his own fate, their future. The dream had left him feeling desperate to cling on to his life with Alexander. He had been told, perhaps by a shade from his past, that his death would not come at this moment; but that Thanatos would claim him before he reached Babylon. Upon looking down at his love, Hephaestion decides that no time would be further wasted with his Alexander. He resolves that their relationship needed to be renewed and rekindled. He had been blessed with a foreshadowing of his death so now it was his choice to use his remaining time wisely. He is drawn out of his dream state when he feels a hand reach out for him.
"Phai, I am sooo sorry… I never meant to hurt…. I was a fool… Please forgi…" pleads Alexander, but before he is able to finish, Hephaestion takes his hand and cups Alexander face.
"We have both been fools but it is I who has been blinded by my selfishness and by the contempt held by those I care not for…" He pauses catching his breath… "It is you that I love and I do not wish to fight it anymore…."
Alexander grabs Hephaestion's hand with tears pouring down. Uncaring to those who may witness their intimacy, he leans in and kisses his lover's parched lips and whispers, "I thought I had lost you…. I love only you… you cannot leave me alone to th…"
"I will never leave you Alexander", interrupts Hephaestion "Lets stop this nonsense" and with a slight smiles motions Alexander to pour him another cup of water".
It is then; Hephaestion reaches a decision that he will not share his dream with Alexander. Should the dream be a glimpse into the future, so be it. He determines that the time together with his beloved would be better spent enjoying it then wallowing on the inevitable.
Taking all his energy, he raises his hand to cup Alexander's face and places a soft kiss if only to remind him he was still there. They stare intently at each other, both wanting to say more. But when had words been necessary between two who share the same mind, heart and spirit. The trance is broken, when the royal physician enters the tent to examine his patient. The road to recovery had now begun.
000
Several days later, Back at the King's Tent
Hephaestion settles down by a nearby couch. Although he is exhausted from the day's events, he feels renewed and appreciative for his rapid recuperation from his recent illness. He now sits and watches Alexander pace frantically throughout the royal private chambers. Hephaestion signals for the page nearby to pour the wine. During moments such as these, it is best to have the King attain a level of clarity before the next step or word can be taken. But to do this is to allow the King a way to release all his pinned up anger and frustration. As soon as the page fills the goblets, Hephaestion instructs him to leave the decanter and dismisses the page along with the others out of the King's chamber. He informs them to allow nobody in for any reason. Hephaestion then rises from the couch and slowly approaches the King. He then reaches out with a goblet and states;
"The executions were necessary Alexander", he begins. "The satraps and military governors have been abusing their powers and conducting themselves contrary to your rule".
"It was necessary to make them an example" retorts Alexander as he gulps down the wine and motions for more. "I will not be made a fool… this is my empire. Perhaps it is time to make a change."
Hephaestion raises his brow and looks quizzically at his King. "What change… for what?"
However, Hephaestion has had his preconceived notion of Alexander's statement. Change to Alexander was usually a direct response to his lack of trust to those closest him. Not since the execution of Philotas and his father, then later with Plot by the Pages, has he seen Alexander hell bent on reconstructing his army and/or his empire. How strange to think of Philotas and Parmenion. He has not thought of them for many seasons. Hephaestion had always respected the old crusty Parmenion. However, he had never been fond of Parmenion's son, but he had always looked to him to be a strong Calvary general. Philotas had been Hephaestion senior commander when they had left Pella and entered into their first battle at Grancius. As he raises the unmixed wine to his lips, he laughs quietly at how simple life had been, before Grancius.
0000
The Battle of Grancius:
"Being the King's whore does not make you a warrior" barks Philotas. "You would do more if you stayed with the camp followers if you are going to hold your spear like a woman".
Riding around the makeshift training grounds of Alexander mobile army camp, Hephaestion tries to dismiss Philotas comments and aims his spear at the wooden target located at the end of the horse way. With a firm grip on the center shaft, Hephaestion pulls his arm back and focuses at the red marked circle. He releases the wooden spear and hits dead center on the mark. Then riding at full gallop he pulls out from his sheath, his xiphos and swings and slices off the targets hanging off from the nearby trees. He repeats this exercise several times along with his cavalry battalion.
To Hephaestion, these training exercises are but a game to him. His father raised and groomed horses and thus his whole life had evolved around with riding and training with horses. However, battle maneuvers and war did not become a factor of his life until he had met his Alexander. Although his father fell in battle, he had never allowed himself to be dissuaded. Rather, he trained vigorously with Alexander at Mieza to fight as a warrior for the honor of his homeland, and his family. He had never allowed Alexander to win any match unless it was fairly on his own. But for Hephaestion, his true purpose for training was to be there to protect his prince and his future King. Since meeting Alexander, his life coincided with that of his beloved.
Philotas did not relent on his mockery of Hephaestion, disregarding his obvious battle skills. On many occasions in the presence of Alexander, he would make a conscious attempt to humiliate and ridicule Hephaestion in any possible way. There was no limit to his contempt and jibes may it be to attack Hephaestion riding abilities, lack of fighting experience and relationship with the king.
"Perhaps we should keep you with the women camp followers" laughs Philotas. But before he is able to jab Hephaestion any further, his attention is turned to horsemen galloping towards him.
Perdiccas and Ptolemy approach the squadron. Ptolemy shouts, "The King has called a war counsel. He wishes to attack at soon as possible". He turns as Hephaestion rides along side him. "He wants all the commanders to attend. AND Hephaestion, the King wishes to see you immediately" as he gives a mocking smile.
"Of course" hisses Philotas, "Now you can put your real skills into use".
"Keep your comments aside" snaps Perdiccas. "Should Alexander hear such gossips through the camp, he surely would have your head. He will not tolerate such insolence from his commanders".
Before another word is spoken, Hephaestion immediately rides at full cantor towards the King's tent.
Having reached the royal pavilion, he swings off his horse, and hands the reigns to a nearby groom. He strides into the entrance without a second glance to the guards and finds his King standing over a large wooden table examining his miniature layout of the battleground. Hephaestion stands opposite of Alexander and stares down at the spread out battle plan. Immediately he notices the Macadonian army is laid out in formation with the Greek phalanx set out in sections primarily in the center with the Thracian archers staged in the back rows. He then recognizes the companion cavalry situated bilaterally on the far sides of the infantry. Alexander had sent out his scouts on reconnaissance missions to gather information as to the layout of Darius' army. Thus, Hephaestion knows, the miniature statutes reflect how King Darius army has situated itself to attack against the Macadonian army. He notes the Great King has made the error to situate its cavalry in front of their own infantry with their leader's chariot located right in the center, an easy target. He smirked knowing even a child would be able to see how this would play out. Hephaestion is fully aware of Alexander's belief that, the companion cavalry was the hammer while the phalanx was the anvil. It was a battle plan they had played as children and used at Chaeronea. This battle plan meant the phalanx would hold the enemy in place, wherein the companion cavalry would attack on the flank or from behind the enemy. But what feared Hephaestion was his knowledge that his beloved would lead the charge across the river to personally claim his victory.
"I will attack immediately" Alexander voice carries with confidence and pride. He looks up with dark eyes reminding Hephaestion of the face of the great Ares with fire and strength set a blazed by Artemis. "They will be caught off guard".
"Yes, your men are ready" answers Hephaestion. "We can move immediately".
"Parmenion will need to hold the left and as soon as Darius reinforces his men, I will ride up to attack the center". The King continues, "I need Parmenion to hold the left and if all goes as plan, the left will create a hole and the "hammer" will crush and destroy Darius".
"You will have your victory my King" smiles Hephaestion. "The Gods have sent their sign of approval. I have seen the great eagle from Zeus flying over the battle site. "
"When have you been a man of signs" laughs Alexander breaking the seriousness of the moment and slowly walks around the table towards his companion.
"I love the son of Zeus or was it Amman? – regardless, you are a son god blessed and destined for greatness." smirks Hephaestion. "Don't come too close, I fear that a bolt of lighting may strike as proof of your power"
"Ah should you mock your King on the eve of battle?" counters Alexander.
Suddenly serious, Hephaestion quickly straightens, "NEVER! My Alexander!! I would never question your glory…your dream". He then reaches out and grabs in fiercely to embrace his lover. He takes in the smell of him and strokes out the small blond curls linger over his shoulder. He looks into his dark eyes and sees the strength of the army and all the gods built up in them. He shudders at the conviction in Alexander's stare. With his hand settled in the nape of his lover neck, he draws him in and takes in a soft kiss. But his King wishes complete dominance of the moment and pulls him in closer, hungrily licking his lips and demanding entrance. The fever of their desire sparks them into needing more from each other. Hephaestion feels Alexander's hands move down his back grasping to gather his chiton to remove it over his head. His eagerness is so desperate; Alexander begins to rip his lover's clothing off. The King then leads his lover to his chamber never ceasing their hold of each other. They finally break apart as they struggle to undress themselves without further haste. Suddenly, Alexander trips over his own feet and stumbles down towards the floor.
With an evil grin, Hephaestion looks down at his lover and slowly straddles onto Alexander's lap, who is now sitting up leaning on the bed. "Hmm… was this your battle plan to draw me in so you can attack without notice. I see you have raised your catapult aimed towards creating a hole to gain entrance?"
"I will have my victory…. scorns the King as he pushes Hephaestion beneath him swinging his arms above his head holding them down. He stares into the Cerulean eyes reflecting back at him. It never ceases to lure him into these bright and beautiful eyes. They are the gateway to his lover's inner being. His lover, who throughout the years they have been together, has never given less then complete and unconditional love to him. He is unable to grasp the power of his eyes and grabs his lover face diving in for a deep kiss. As Alexander starts to move towards his lover chest, he suddenly hears voices coming into the war room…
"Philotas, I urge you, we need not disturb Alexander on this matter" utters Seleucus "There is a meeting to be held shortly… we should leave"
"He needs to be aware… made to be reasonable …he should heed to my father's advice to attack at dawn" responds an anxious Philotas, who is looking down at the miniatures laid out before him. "He plays as a child with their toys" pointing down at the figurines.
"You should watch yourself" warns Seleucus "You need not..." but before he could state another word, the King enters the room obviously annoyed by the presence of the unannounced visitors.
With his arms crossed over his chest, Alexander stares at his two companions as if measuring out their worth. He then directs his question to the taller and lanky man. His dark eyes and blond hair makes him a quiet mystery among his peers from Mieza. Yet, Alexander knows his skills in the phalanx are invaluable. Seleucus is a warrior and fierce on the field. But as a man off the field, he is logical and levelheaded. Philitos on the contrary is slightly shorter with lighter tones in his features. He is sunburned and his blond hair reminds the King of an untamed tiger. Philotas is vicious and the sole leader of his Companion Calvary. But he is also quick tempered and reacts on impulse regardless of the consequences. Philotas is a military man and like his father. Alexander has come to rely on their battle skills on the field. However, ignoring Philotas, the King turns to Seleucus, furious, "What is so urgent that it cannot wait for the war counsel?"
Philotas steps forward, as Seleucus tries to hold him back. "General Parmenion has urged you to wait until tomorrow at dawn to attack Alexander! Our scouts have confirmed Darius army has been here for several days. They are well rested and armed for battle…"
Alexander cuts him off, "Do you think I am not aware of this?
"I only merely wish to remind you of the facts. Give your army time to fully organize and set up for a battle at DAWN" replies Philotas with indignation. His attention is then drawn to the tall figure emerging out of Alexander's private quarters. Hephaestion comes into full view and stands in the background of Alexander.
"Ah Hephaestion" snarls Philotas, "Perhaps you can finally prove useful – YOU could use your battle skills to keep our King occupied until dawn".
Enraged, Hephaestion quickly jumps forward ready to lunge at the audacity of this despicable little man to again try to mock him before his King. "You should hold your tongue in the presence of YOUR King" he yells. "If you cannot than I shall have the pleasure of cutting it out to remind you of your place you little…" Before Hephaestion takes another step, Alexander reaches out to hold him back.
"ENOUGH" screams Alexander. Approaching Philotas face to face, and bellows out "I rule this army and we will attack immediately. I suggest you end this driveled behavior and gather your men and see to that they are ready and organized. I will meet you all at the war counsel. You are both dismissed" He then waves them out without a second glance.
"One more thing, Philotas!", snarls Alexander without turning to face the leader of the cavalry, "You will stay OUT of my personal affairs and should I hear you ill speak me again, I will have you sent to the cross. And… another thing, Hephaestion is no longer a member of your squadron. He will now ride as a member of my royal bodyguard." Hephaestion turns immediately at his King shocked and before he is able to say a word, Alexander raises a finger of silence.
"Yes my King", bows Philotas not daring to raise his eyes. He then steps out of the tent to gather his men.
The Battle of Granius went as according to the Alexander's plan. His strategy to attack immediately had taken the Persians unprepared to counter and defend an attack. They were simply too inexperienced and lacked the heart to fight against a well trained Macedonian army who loved their King. Parmenion had successfully held the left phalanx and Alexander was then able to lead his companions in a wedge shape assault upon Darius center. He had seen an opening and Darius army soon began to crumble and scatter in cluster weakening their defenses. The King was victorious not only had he killed several high-ranking Persian noblemen; but he had accumulated a significant amount of wealth to sustain his army forward towards the Asian coast. However, the day did not come without its costs. Alexander had ordered the execution of hundreds of Memmon of Rhodes Greek mercenaries, even after they had bartered for peace and the day had almost cost the life of their dear King.
With a chill riding up his back, Hephaestion can still recall the vision of Alexander fighting against the nobleman, Harcartas; when he had also caught sight of Spirthridates racing towards the King on his right flank. Hephaestion spurred ahead screaming at Alexander. But he had been caught up and stopped by several Persian infantrymen swinging their swords at his horse. He had tried to keep his eyes on King as he fought off the enemy. It was at that moment, he saw Spirthridates swing his ax down at Alexander knocking him off his horse. Hephaestion again screamed out desperately trying to push himself forward. It was at that moment, an ax was swung against this thigh. It had felt as if time stood still. He felt helpless as he watched Spirthridates swing his horse around ready to give the final blow at the stumbling King. Then suddenly with the speed of Zeus' lightening and out of the depths of the battle, rides into view, the strong and brave Cleitus the Black, who races towards Alexander to severe the head of Spirthridates. Alexander then regains himself and with the aid of Cleitus, remounts his horse to enter back into the battle.
This battle would be one of many in which Hephaestion would witness his King time and time tempt the fates of the gods. But this had also been the battle in which Hephaestion would take a silent oath with the Gods that he would exchange his life for his beloved if only to save him in battle; and also resolved that he would never leave his side again.
After the Battle of Granicus, Philotas never eased on his personal assaults against Hephaestion, but this was always done in his presence alone and never in the earshot of the King. Throughout the campaign, Hephaestion would come to despise him for his inability to accept the "Alexander's New World"; yet respected the man's battle skills. He had never felt any real hatred or wish any harm towards Philotas until he was accused as a main conspirator in a plot to kill the King, his beloved, his Alexander.