Chapter 1

Alexander was distressed. For the first time in twenty-six years, he was not certain about himself. He did not dare to voice it though. Instead, he acted as if nothing bothered him, and gathered his generals for dinner, trying to carry on casual conversations.

"Thanks to your efforts. Public order in town seems to be maintained pretty well these days. Why don't we plan a hunting trip for couple of days to reward us, Hephaistion?"

Hephaistion did not answer. He was looking outside through a large cut out window from the dining room; the sun was just about setting over the banks of the Euphrates River, and illuminating the Hanging Garden in the distance. The garden must have been magnificent over two hundred years ago, but the majority of the garden was now dead due to a lack of irrigation, giving the place a rather spooky atmosphere, especially after dusk. Hephaistion looked detached as if his mind was wondering somewhere else.

"Hephaistion?"

Alexander called again. Hephaistion quickly turned his head.

"I am sorry Alexander?"

"I was saying that we might go hunting tomorrow."

Hephaistion looked troubled.

"I … I'm sorry Alexander, but Cleitus and I have to go to Sipper to gather some more flour to feed the Army. The supply is getting rather low."

Hephaistion looked away avoiding further eye contact with Alexander.

Here it goes again.

Alexander thought. Hephaistion had been acting strange lately, as if he had something to hide from Alexander.

He is avoiding me again. Is there anybody else?

Cleitus added remorsefully.

"We really do not want to, but the kitchen has been getting so anxious. If we don't take care of the issue soon, they are threatening us to tell all the soldiers that Alexander is so busy conquering a new world that he does not even have time to feed his own army."

"We cannot let that happen, can we?"

Alexander had no choice but to approve. Hephaistion and Cleitus exchanged a relieved look.

Could it be Cleitus? No, they may be good friends now, but I don't see more than a friendship between them. Or is there…?

Alexander forced himself to push such thoughts away from his mind. It was driving him insane. Alexander was grateful even for Cassander when he broke the silence.

"Did you hear about the ghost in the Garden?"

"Yes, everybody is talking about it."

Perdiccas acknowledged, but Alexander had no idea.

"What ghost?"

"Quite a few people have seen it, and they believe it is a ghost of king Nebuchadnezzar."

"The great king who built the city and the Hanging Garden?"

Cassander carried on.

"Yes, it is said that King Nebuchadnezzar was a great leader and a monarch, but he was also consumed by his power. God punished him for this and he became mad wandering around the city naked like an animal for seven years. God protected the kingdom during his madness, and gave it back to him when he restored his serenity, but people in Babylon believe that King Nebuchadnezzar still wanders grazing on grass with long hair and nails. Even though he made peace with God at the end, his mind does not let him forget those devastating years. They say he is looking for a soul to posses, so he can free himself from madness for good"

Everybody shivered, despite the warm summer air lingering in the room. It sounded even more chilling when Cassander told a story in such a nonchalant way.

"It's just a story. Let's not make it ruin the night."

Ptolemy said in a forced cheerful voice as he poured some more wine to everybody. Somehow, Alexander could not get the image of a naked king out of his mind; a mad man on hands and knees crawling around with his wide grazing eyes. It was haunting.

Next morning, Alexander watched the small troop of Hephaistion and Cleitus getting ready to leave for Sipper. Cleitus was leaning toward Hephaistion putting one hand on Hephaistion's shoulder, and whispering something. Hephaistion looked up at him , and smiled warmly.

Alexander felt a knot in his stomach. His confidence was fading away again. Hephaistion noticed Alexander's presence, gestured Cleitus to wait, and started walking to Alexander.

"Alexander, I did not know that you would be up so early. We will be back in three days as soon as we gather enough supply."

Alexander just nodded.

"What bothers you?"

Hephaistion asked worriedly creating two deep creases in between his brows.

I feel like I am losing you, and I am scared to death.

"I just worry for you."

Alexander said containing his feelings.

"It is fairly a safe trip, besides we have the best soldiers with us."

Alexander pulled Hephaistion close, and kissed him deeply. Hephaistion responded with same passion. Alexander pulled away, still holding Hephaistion by the shoulders. He looked into Hephaistion's beautiful blue eyes, and saw nothing but love. He sighed in relief.

Maybe this is just a trick of the mind. Hephaistion still loves me.

Alexander planted one more quick kiss, and let him go.

"Be good while I am gone!"

Hephaistion yelled while walking back to the troop. Alexander stood there for a long time, until he could not make out Hephaistion's figure any more.

For the next couple of days, the rumor of the ghost got worse. More cases of seeing the terrifying sight of the King were reported. Nobody crossed the river after dusk, and even at high noon, people avoided the place as much as possible. Alexander thought it was time for him to investigate for himself. The safety and peace of the army and the people of Babylon ultimately depended on him. He called Parmenion aside.

"Have you heard of the story of the ghost?"

"Yes, people are terrified. Even soldiers are growing uneasy. They are afraid that the ghost of King Nebuchadnezzar might cross the river when he becomes stronger."

"Have you seen it for yourself?"

"No, Alexander. And I am glad for that."

"Tell the guards to prepare the boat for us. We are going on a ghost hunt."

"What? Alexander, it is not a wise thing to do! What happens if he possesses you?"

Parmenion protested desperately, but Alexander's mind was already set, and Parmenion knew so well that nothing could change Alexander's mind any more. He called the guards, and gave them an order, ignoring the pleading looks on their faces.

Alexander and Parmenion arrived at the bank. The sun had already set, but the light from the bright summer sun was still lingering in the western sky. As the air near the earth cooled down, the fog started to rise from the river, creating an even creepier scene. They got on a boat, and start rowing towards the garden. Nobody spoke; the only sound they could hear was the thumping sounds of the rowing paddles made by two guards.

When they arrived at the garden, Alexander took two torches, handing one to Parmenion, and told the guards to stay until they came back. Instantly, the guards looked relieved. At least, the chances of confrontation with the ghost were less at the bank. Alexander led the way; climbing up the half abandoned terrace. The darkness of the night fell over the garden, and Alexander and Parmenion seemed to be the only souls in the garden. They kept moving up; their senses were so sharp. They were not to miss any faint sound they might hear. And their eyes were searching everywhere for any signs of unusual objects.

They were almost on the top level of the garden when Alexander heard Parmenion gasp. Alexander turned around, and saw Parmenion pointing with a shaking finger at a shadow behind a dead tree. Alexander raised the torch. They sucked the air in terror. A naked man on hands and knees was gazing at them with bloodshot wide eyes. His long black hair was covering a part of his mud stained face, and his muscular body was also covered with mud.

Alexander reached out for the man with all his courage. As soon as he grabbed a part of his hair, the ghost disappeared into thin air leaving a strand of hair in Alexander's hand as the only evidence of their encounter. Alexander just stared at the hair in his trembling hand.

"Alexander?"

Parmenion's shaky voice brought him back to reality.

"Where did he go?"

"I don't know, but I think we have had enough for the night."

Parmenion nodded in agreement. They started to trail back to the bank. At least the rumor had been confirmed. The guards were glad to see Alexander and Parmenion had finally returned, but stood frozen to the spot when they saw what Alexander held in his hand. The hair stood on the backs of their necks, and cold shivers ran though their spines.

As soon as they arrived back at the city, Alexander ordered Parmenion to place a couple of guards on the city's side of the bank during the nights. He wanted to be warned in case the ghost crossed the river. He looked at the strand of hair in his hand once more, and thanked Zeus for not giving enough time for the ghost to possess his soul.

TBC