Drabbles – Out Loud –300 Words
Hephaestion stood watching the snake approach him, willing the serpent to go in another direction. The snake apparently couldn't read minds, and continued towards his legs.
It wasn't as though he was afraid of snakes, but Olympias' pets were lethal and could kill if provoked. Hephaestion was not planning on provoking this one in any way.
Alexander and his mothers' conversation continued and so did the snake. Soon it reached Hephaestions' legs and began to circle around his leg, starting its' journey upward. Sweat began to appear on his forehead, it became harder to breathe.
With a sharp intake of breath, Hephaestion felt the snake reach his loincloth and to his utter disbelief, it enter the smaller space between his skin and the cloth.
Hephaestion wanted too scream but no sound would come out of his mouth and he was afraid of the consequences if he did scream. He could only open his mouth and silently shout his lungs out.
Thankfully, the snake seemed to dislike dark place and finally emerged from hiding to continue onward and upward under his chiton.
Alexander glanced his way and Hephaestion willed him to see his predicament. Hephaestion had as much luck reading minds with Alexander as he had with the snake. As the snake appeared at his chest, Alexander turned away to speak again to his mother.
Trickles of sweats ran down his face as he tried not to breathe, blink or move. The snake wound its' way around his neck, stopping just inches away from his eyes.
Olymias finally turned to look in his direction and calmly came over to him, taking the snake from around his neck as she continued to address Alexander.
Hephaestion took the opportunity to begin to live again.
Alexander could visit his mother by himself next time.