The FORTIFIED WALLS

by Elpis of Hope

The Macedonian Army has reached the coastline of Gaza and quickly find themselves battling against a very conniving and scheming enemy. The story continues on with the same characters from the Hunting Party w/some new ones. BUT all is not what it seem!

1. Chapter 1

The FORTIFIED WALLS:

Chapter 1

The young man stands before the stainless cooper disk to take a last look at his attire. His hair had been recently cut short and his face clean shaven. These attributes were a requirement by the King for all new pages to his court. He carefully adjusts the hilt of his dagger into his belt. He looks again at his distorted reflection. There was no denying he had the look of his mother with his light brown hair and gray eyes. But there was no doubt he held the courage and strength of his father. He was a born fighter, a Greek warrior. With the recent victory by the Macedonian Army in Tyre, the young man was now ready for his mission. He had volunteered for this assignment having joined the regiment his father had once proudly led.

"Petros!" calls a voice from behind, "We must go. The Macedonians will soon arrive in Gaza. Do you have papers?"

Taking one final glance into the metal convex disk, the young man turns to his commander, "Yes Sir!" replies Petros as he fixes his gaze at the man before him. Though barely in his 24th summer, he had the battle scars and jagged look of a man beyond his prime. For a moment, Petros studies his commander, who had been like an uncle to him since his father's death almost two years ago. It was his commander who had tired to talk him out of his decision to volunteer in this risky mission; but having turned fifteen last summer, Petros was now an adult, capable of making up his own mind.

"It's a good thing you have your mother's look" jokes the new leader of the mercenaries hired by the Gaza's fortress commander, Batis. "You would surely be recognized by the Macedonians if you looked like your father."

"Aetos, I would be proud to possess even half of my father's courage and valor" quickly responds Petros, "He died for his country… for his family".

"True, Icos was a brave man and a fine solider" counters Aetos, "But at the end, he allowed his emotions to cloud his judgment. He should not have gone alone against the Boy King with so few men…" The young commander holds back his thoughts and decides to tone down his argument. "Your father would be proud to see you carry on his cause. You are the eldest of his children and the last of sons." Aetos pauses to assess the boy before him, "Yes, Petros… Icos' shade is at peace knowing you wish to pursue in the destruction of this man, they call Alexander."

Taking the compliment in unassumingly, Petros walks to his coffer and picks up the neatly folded chlamys and swings it around his shoulder. "When do we leave?"

"You are to meet the Macedonian army in Heron, a small village outside of Gaza. The King's new recruit of pages are set to join the army there" explains Aetos again going over their well constructed plan, "You will need to show your papers indicating your acceptance as one of the King's page. Do not misplace them." Aetos emphasis on this point does not go unnoticed by the young man realizing the price and sacrifice put into obtaining the small letter he now carries in his bag. Petros bows in acknowledgment having heard what had come to pass for the rightful owner of the stroll. The nobleman's son, whose place Petros now took, had been personally selected by Antipater and subsequently killed for his honored and cursed right for being chosen as a King's page. Nonetheless, the death was necessary in order for Petros to infiltrate into the Macedonian camp; for Icos' son to gain direct access to the Great King of Macedonia.

"Well we must head out!" states Aetos, "The others are waiting." The young commander then leads the youth towards the tent flaps; he stops abruptly to look at him sternly, "Now once you meet up with the Macedonians you will be on your own. All of our informants have either been killed or dismissed after the long siege at Tyre. But I will periodically have secret messengers sent and when the time is right we will execute our plan and finally get rid of this Boy King before he reaches Egypt."

Aetos then reaches out to embrace the young man before him. "Be careful Petros and may the Gods be with you!"

"The Gods are with me" counters Petros confidently, "The time is now and we will soon put an end to this so called 'Alexander the Great'!"

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Coastline of Gaza – 332 BC

Alexander sits agitatedly listening to General Parmenion describe to him the latest developments in their attempts to breech the heavily fortified walls of Gaza. The euphoria from his victory at Tyre have all but dissipated as the King is once again given a long and drone out detailed account of the difficulties and challenges facing the Macedonian as they try to seize the city. Since their arrival to Gaza, the Alexander's plan for a swift capture of the vital trade city had transgressed for the worse. Alexander pensively looks on from his couch to the old General strategizing their next countermove. Having chosen to cross overland from Tyre to Gaza, the young King had not expected any of the cities along his route to Egypt to close its doors to him. He had been looking forward to entering the opulent city. But the commander of Gaza, Betis, along with his Nabataean allies had refused to allow the King in, opting to hold behind their walls with their hired mercenaries. To further compound the King's anxiety was the emptiness he felt for his missing companion.

"Betis refuses to surr….ender" voices out Philotas, attracting the King's attention back to the discussion at hand, "As we all know" mumbles the young commander nearly following off his couch,, "Betis has hired Grrr…eek mercenaries to guard his walls."

"The old commander believes it worthwhile to defy us as he tries to hold the lucrative trades that flow through his city." chimes in Ptolemy casually pouring down another cup of wine, "Betis finds confidence in the fact that our first assault had been ineffective."

"He has only to face our siege engines to realize the fallacy in his faith for his walls. Soon he will discover his securities to be short-lived" counters Alexander, leaning out to accept Ptolemy offer for more wine, "Shortly General Amyntor will arrive and let us see how much courage Betis will have for his so-called "fortified city."

"Speaking of our fine General!" calls out Perdiccas, "Should he not be here joining us with these grand festivities?"

"Ah perhaps.. Amnytor is a.. a.. taking a leisure tour …..of the coastline?" incoherently responds Philotas, clearly filled in his cup, "Or perhaps there was a mutiny on his bo…at lead by them doubtful alli…es of errrrrs."

"I would suspect he has found a young maiden to marry" gruffly laughs Seleucus "and has simply decided to leave us behind and return back to Pella for a simpler life." The men burst in laughter at the absurdity of the comment. Even Alexander is able to find some humor to break his brooding demeanor.

The tent flaps suddenly open as a stocky young man walks pass the generals to stand behind the King to whisper in his ear. Leon, the King's long time page, leans in straight-faced as he quietly informs Alexander of an important matter. Immediately Alexander's tilts his head back to listen carefully. He then lifts his head with bright eyes as he hastily bounces to his feet. "Come Boys!" blurts out the King filled with sudden exhilaration, "It would appear our good General has decided to finally join us. His ship has just pulled in."

Alexander soars off his couch and walks up to Perdiccas. "Have you prepared everything?"

"Yes my King!" smiles the blond and blue eyed companion, "I have personally looked into the arrangements. All has been setup as you requested. Just remember it's the one at the end."

"Excellent!" grins Alexander with a roguish gleam in his eyes, "I want it to be perfect!" He then grabs for his friend's arm, "Perdiccas, no distractions!"

"Of course Sire!"

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"What is all the excitement?" confusingly inquires Petros watching the King and his close companions take to their horses and prepare to ride out of the camp, "Where are they going?"

"Have you not heard?" responds Leon standing next to the newest member of the King's royal page, "General Amyntor has finally arrived. His ship has just docked in the harbor."

"Amyntor?" questions the young page, trying to associate the significance of the man's name, "All this excitement for one man?" He looks confusingly towards the King's senior page.

"He is no ordinary man!" quickly remarks Leon,, "He is the King's closest companion and your instructor." Petros tries to contain his contempt as he again reminds himself that his position as a royal page was an honored right. As a royal page, Petros is expected to endure up to four years of instructions in military strategizing and training, not to mention possibly serving as the King's bodyguards As part of his education, Petros was required to serve either personally under the King or one of his companions in order that he may gain proper training essential for his position in various areas such as horsemanship, combat skills and physical fitness. Much to Petros' disappointment, he had hoped to stay with the King not one of his paltry commanders.

"I had thought I was to be assigned to the King" annoying responds Petros, "Why have I been demoted to this General Amyntor?"

"You will soon come to realize that Amyntor has more influence and attachment with the King than any other man in this army." explains the eldest f Alexander's pages, "To cross Hephaestion is to also cross the King."

The youngest page stares unconvinced at his new friend, "As you say" mumbles Petros under his breath, "As you say!"

Petros then watches the companions and the King enthusiastically and jovially organize themselves as they prepare to ride towards the coastline. The boys quickly stand in attention as Alexander suddenly pulls out of the group to ride in their direction.

"Thanos!" shouts out the King into the crowd of men gathered, "Thanos!"

Out from between the smaller tent emerges a young man with dark curly hair, "Sire?" responds the surprised young soldier, "Yes my King!"

"Come you will ride with us!" orders Alexander waving the young soldier towards him, "General Amnytor's ship has arrived. Join us to greet them. Have one of my pages provide you with a horse."

"Of course!" enthusiastically responds Thanos as he rapidly heads for Leon and Petros. The young soldier abruptly turns around "Ah thank you sire!" Petros gawks intensely at the man quickly walking towards him. The young page had seen the soldier when he first arrived. He had come to admire the charismatic soldier for his rugged good looks and burly structure. Petros smiles straight at Thanos hoping to gain his attention; but the young man is oblivious to the page's gaze and focuses only on the rein being handed to him as he eagerly leaps onto the horse.

"Put some speed into it!" chimes Perdiccas, "Our King here is anxious… to receive his goods!" The young general slyly leans back to whisper to his comrade, "Ptolemy be sure to grab a few bags of wine and your chlamys before we head out." His friend looks at him perplexed as he motions for Petros to hand him the additional provisions.

"Come we must not leave our General waiting too long!" announces the King as he tugs his horse ahead of his friends, "Indeed I am anxious to ensure my goods have arrived intact."

"What other goods would our King be so impatient to receive?" confusingly inquires Seleucus, "Was not Hephaestion only in charge of the siege engines?"

"Seleucus at times I wonder if the sun has scorched away all common sense from you thick skull" teases Perdiccas, "We are talking about General Amnytor…."

The red hair General finally infers the meaning of his friend's remark and bursts out loud in laughter. "Ahhh!"

The group of men laughs in amusement including the King. The other men join in with other crude remarks.

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While the army cheers on the King briskly charge out of the main camp, Petros notices a single rider meander into the royal compounds from the outer edge of the encampment. The cloaked rider takes great pain to stay within the shadows of the canopies of the large tents and among the hustle of the soldiers dispersing after the King's departure. The young page immediately picks up a large sword as if to shine it, carefully following the lone horsemen with his eyes, nonchalantly approach both General Parmenion and Cleitus. There were no open acknowledgements or well wishes towards the unidentified rider. Instead Cleitus steps up to silently take hold of the rider's horse as Parmenion motions the faceless guest to dismount. Parmenion then lifts the flaps of the King's council tent to lead the mysterious stranger in. Both the old general and the lone rider enter into the tent quickly as Cleitus scans around the area for prying eyes. The old commander catches sight of Petros' gaze and stares harshly as if to warn him to disregard what he had seen. The young page flinches in response and hastily resumes his polishing of the weapon he held in his hands. Once inside the tent, Petros moves out of his seat and heads towards the tent intent on listening in on the conversation. However, he is held back, "Petros" calls a voice from behind, "I would suggest you prepare General Amyntor's gear for his return." states Leon as he steps before the new page, "Come, I will help you organize his weapons and kit. I have already instructed the servants to set up his living area." Petros looks longing at the large tent across him in disappointment. The mystery man was of obvious importance if his presence was held to be top secret. The young page resolves that he will seek to discover who this unknown visitor and his importance to the King.

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Near the Gaza Coastline

The General stands at the front bow of the ship taking in the beautiful coastline and the calmness of the ocean. The stillness of the ride across the waters was a sharp contrast to the previous night. Hephaestion has hoped to reach the coast of Gaza two days earlier, but the unforeseen storm had delayed his arrival along with the other ships following them. Now standing over the forward front of the ship taking in the warm breeze and the splash of the crystal blue water hitting the bow, the sight of Gaza harbor surprisingly makes Hephaestion nervous. It had been almost three weeks since the General had stepped foot on dry land and far too long since he had last seen his King. Watching the modest harbor come into view, Hephaestion grows eager to see his lover. Though he expected Alexander to be somewhat irritated with the hold up of the delivery of the catapults, there was still no question in his mind; the King would be more pleased to have his General back with him.

Hephaestion's fifty oared boat is the first to pull into the u-shaped harbor. The makeshift jetty helps soothe the vessel's entrance into port. Seagulls can be seen swarming over the boat as it head in. The tiny buildings and fishing crafts rocking along side the waterfront come alive with activity as men quickly scatter to gather onto the small dock prepared to take in the boat. The sea captain orders out for his crew to throw out its anchor and prepare the plank. Hephaestion looks over his shoulder as he feels a hand on his arm, "Sire! Should I send word to the King of our arrival?" asks the young man standing before him, "I have asked for a horse to be prepared for a messenger."

The General studies the young man talking to him. It has been almost two years since their trek from the Pamphylian plains to Tyre and during this time, Hephaestion had come to trust and rely on the youth before him. After their display of heroism on the Greek Coast, Hephaestion had personally requested, Elias along with Thanos both be reassigned to his battalion. As expected, Elias' brother, Ioan had been promoted to a commander of one of the wings in the King's cavalry. The three men had undoubtedly proven themselves to be valuable soldiers in Alexander's army and as always, the King would promote those through their bravery and merit.

"Why not go and report to the King yourself?" smiles Hephaestion, "I am sure you would prefer going to the camp sooner than later?" The General understood and could appreciate the young man's desire to reach the main camp to seek out his lover.

"You humble me with your kindness" quietly replies Elias feeling his face blush in embarrassment, "But I have no desire to leave your side should you require my presence." He moves along side the General, who motions him to follow him down the plank board. The motley collection of reluctant allies, who accompanied the General, quickly hustle themselves into order on the dock. The boat ride with these so-called "allies" had been a laborious task for the General. He felt more like a nursemaid than a commander. On more than one occasion, Hephaestion's own patience and endurance had been tested. He was at his wits end and resolved he would need to privately discuss his concerns with King over these unruly cohorts. The ability to finally take leave of his company from these shoddy men made the General ever more thankful to be on solid land, to be in Gaza.

"Have the siege engines carefully unloaded!" orders the General to one of his battalion captains as the other ships pull into the harbor, "I want them prepared to move out as soon possible."

"We will need to transport these engines across some very rough terrain" states Elias as he surveys the men unloading the weapons "I will have the horses and carts gathered. I will personally see to it that they are securely fastened and prepared to ride out shortly."

"Good!" responds the Hephaestion, "Have my good captain assist you and the others" The young man begins to turn away but is held back by the General, "And when you have completed your task, take a horse and ride along with one other and inform the King of our arrival. That is an Order!"

Elias beams with excitement. He is speechless and simply bows in personal gratitude to this gracious commander. Having been assigned to Hephaestion's battalion, both Elias and Thonas had been given the long-drawn-out task of organizing the transportation of the siege engines to Gaza. Regrettably, it was determined that Thanos would best serve the General if he was sent forward with the main army to supervise the transport of the component parts associated with the catapults. Now after almost a month apart, Elias was anxious to see his lover, to spend quality time with him. Since their departure from the Greek Coastline, the two men's time together had been sporadic. For days, Elias had been unable to contain the edginess he felt in wanting to see his lover. But he had more to look forward to, before arriving to the coastline, Hephaestion, in appreciation for the young soldier diligence and hard work, had released the two men from their duties granting them a few days of freedom. Now finally arriving in Gaza, Elias was ever more so eager to find his lover to apprise him of their time off. He was impatient to finally share a quiet and private reunion. "Thank you sir" finally replies the young man, "I will go and check on the catapults."

Pleased with himself for his generosity, Hephaestion cheerfully strolls off the dock and heads towards the center of the small harbor town. He gathers his kit and looks for his horse, when all of the sudden, a large moving dust cloud is seen hovering over in the distance. Immediately the General distinguishes the sound of horse hoofs clapping over the stone paved road. A single rider emerges from between the buildings to pompously harness his horse facing it before the General. Shortly thereafter more horsemen fall in sync and stood in line from behind. In perfect formation, the riders gracefully pull up shoulder to shoulder into a single row, conspicuously leaving a gap in the center. With the sun illuminating amid the horsemen lined up before the General, the King nobly and gallantly strides into the opening created in the middle of his men. He looks to be a God descending onto the harbor from Olympia. With all the glory of Apollo, Alexander smoothly tugs his horse before the men standing on the dock, and only a few steps away from the very amused General. Ever the performer, the King executes a grand entrance for the benefit of the capricious allies standing in order.

"My King!" calls out Hephaestion as he solemnly bows his head in recognition, "I had not expected you to personally ride out to meet us!"

"General Amyntor!" calls out the King, "Welcome to Gaza!"

"Sire!" exclaims Hephaestion, "I must apologize for our delay. We were hit with a large storm that set up back a few days. I had planned to send a …"

"I have received the reports!" coldly cuts in the King leaping off his horse, "Indeed we had expected you sooner. Your presence would have been useful during our assault of the City." Hephaestion's smile instantly fades away as he is taken back with the icy welcome.

Alexander steps up to place a slight pat on his General's shoulder. He then walks over to inspect the men before him. The King's demeanor baffles Hephaestion. He had expected a warmer greeting.

The companions accompanying the King leap off their horse and take a position behind him. A half circle of high-ranking commanders formed at the rear of the King only further enhances his appearance of power. Alexander stands pungent and regal as he watches the remaining allies slowly disembark the ship and come to order before him. As the last man settles in line, the King moves up to address them, "My brothers welcome!" Alexander's voice booms out in confidence, "The people of Gaza have refused to open their doors to us. But with you all here to join us now, they will soon see for themselves the unified force they are to come up against." A roar of acclamation radiates from within the men; the King waits proudly through the cheering and applause. He then raises a hand to still their excitement, "I intend to take this city by all means possible. With you come my siege engines, weapons that we will use to overpower their walls. This is no Tyre my brothers. We will soon have our victory and all the glories and riches it holds." Again the wave of cheers spreads out among the volunteered supporters gathered from the various Greek states. Alexander raises his hand once more and continues on, "The people of Gaza will soon learn the meaning of defeat. Now gather your kits my brothers and let ups prepare to move out."

The King steps back to turn to his commanders standing closest to him, "Ptolemy, Perdiccas!" he authoritatively announces, "Have the men unload the ship and gather them to move out before long."

Without a word of response, both men sprint into action as they begin barking orders to the allies to organize the crates being unloaded to the awaiting horse carts.

Meanwhile, Alexander with a blank expression walks over to Hephaestion and boisterously states, "Come Amyntor! Where are my siege engines?" The King's commanding behavior puts Hephaestion off. "I want to be certain that the catapults have not been damaged."

"I assure you Sire that they were handled with care" quickly counters Hephaestion dumfounded by Alexander's brusque attitude. "I had personally monitored and supervised the transportation of these machines from Tyre to Gaza". He gives a small smile but receives no acknowledgement from the King. Instead, Alexander maintains a stern gaze at the General offering no hint of delight in seeing his friend. "I am sure that you have" replies the King out loud, almost making an obvious scene of their conversation, "Perhaps you can personally show them to me to ensure that they are still functional and have not been tampered."

Hephaestion is utterly baffled. He looks across to his companions for some sign of reassurance as to the cause of the King's bluntness with him. But none of his friends will look to him. Hephaestion suddenly feels alone. What could have transpired these past weeks to cause Alexander to treat him so maliciously? He ponders as to whether his delay had truly set the King off. Was Alexander losing confidence and trust with his capabilities?

The King walks around the General heading towards the carts packed with various parts from the large battle machines. Alexander studies over the ropes tugging the fasteners around each piece of the equipment.

Hephaestion follows a step behind with a worried look, as thoughts race through his mind of all the possibilities and reasons he had lost face with the King. Deep in thought was the General, he fails to see the King standing still before him before the last cart. The General clumsily runs into Alexander almost knocking him over.

With an apparently displeased look, the King walks away silently and gingerly slips between the last carts wedged between rows of small storage houses. Hephaestion continues to follow closely behind speechless. Then suddenly, the General feels the King's hand grab tightly around his and is quickly yanked into a small room located adjacent to the last wagon.

Once inside the room, the door slams shut and Hephaestion is shoved roughly against a wall. The King then presses his body against him with his hands wrapped firmly through his arms. "My King!" exclaims Hephaestion in complete astonishment, "I do not…"

"Alexander!" whispers the King breathing heavily into the nape of his lover's neck, "All I ever want you to call me is Alexander!" The scent of his lover enthralls the King as he smothers Hephaestion face with his dry lips. He moves a hand to bring Hephaestion in and crashes their faces together. Alexander presses his mouth hungrily onto his lover's craving him like a man coming out of a hot desert. The sweet taste of his lover's lips barely quenches his carnal need.

Hephaestion's tense body relaxes as he slowly begins to comprehend the moment. With the same zest and craze, he reciprocates to Alexander his own roaming hands and passionate kisses.

With great fervor the men tear the pins of each other's chiton needing to feel the warmth and touch of their bare skins against each other. The King then gently caresses his lover's arousal sending a souring tingling sensation up the General's spine. Hephaestion chuckles at the touch. "I had thought you only wanted your seize weapons" pants Hephaestion as his lover increases the momentum of his stroke. "Ahh" moans the General, "You appeared to be only concerned for the catapults". Then to the Hephaestion's disappointment, the massaging action on his body stops and he looks up panic stricken fearing he had spoiled the moment.

"I do want them!" whispers the King as he walks backwards leading his lover to an awaiting bed, "But it is you that I have missed."

At that moment, the General scans around him shocked to find a bed in the storage room. He looks over the space to discover a large table nearby filled with a decanter of wine, two bowls, an oil lamp and a small vile of oil. On a small chair he catches sight of a pair of neatly folded chiton and chlamys.

Hephaestion is unable to further examine the room as his lover swiftly pulls his arm down into the bed and a strong hand draws him in for an enduring and fiery kiss. The General pulls back briefly, "You did this? But why the harsh treatment earlier?"

"Wha?" breathes out the King trying to claim another kiss, "I could not allow the allies to see me run to you like some love struck pup." Softly titters Alexander, "But yes… all this is for us" He lifts up his head off the pillow to meet his lover straddling over him attempting to lure him back into his embrace. "They have been ordered to wait my love. We have all day!"

"Well then" teasingly replies the General as he shifts to his side and glides his hand over the thigh of his lover reaching out for the throbbing muscle, "There is no need to rush." He then bends down to fully take his lover in.

"By Sweet Aphrodite!" moans the King arching his back to the radiating feeling being created by the lapping tongue and thrusting heat encircling around him, "I… have missed …you!" Feeling his own release, he guides his lover up by his chin to break Hephaestion's hold. Then swiftly he throws the General under him eager to push himself into the warmth and comfort he had been seeking for weeks. "By the Gods Phai!" moans the King, "Welcome back!"

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Outside the Storage House:

With the allies scrambling to compile and gather the equipments and supplies off the ship, Perdiccas meanders away from the docks until he finds a shade under a tree and begins to unwrap a wine bag. "What are you doing?" calls out Ptolemy amazed by his friend's behavior, "Did you not hear the King, he had wanted to move out as soon as possible."

"Trust me" smirk the young General, "We have time. Come and take a seat and let us muse over these allies of ours organize themselves."

"What do you know?" questions the older general with a raised brow as he strides over to take a seat with his comrade. "You know something?"

"Let us just say that the King wishes to share a private council with his General!" grins the blond tanned companion as he offers his bag of wine to his fellow commander, "I was asked to ensure that arrangements were made to make their meeting comfortable."

"Ah huh!" states Ptolemy shaking his head in amusement, "I see! So we may be here awhile. Well then... let us at least come to enjoy the day as we wait for our King and his General." He then turns to look over the men working zealously and catches sight the two young soldiers subtly reacquainting themselves.

"It would appear there is more than one reunion occurring here" observes Ptolemy nodding his head in the direction of the two young men across from them. "Ah sweet love!"

"Come off it Ptolemy" snide Perdiccas, "Truly you are a follower of Eros… finding love with any willing maiden, wherever we go."

"Should we not inform Seleucus of this?" questions Ptolemy tilting his head forward in the direction of their fellow comrade as he settles back against a log, "I am sure our friend would enjoy sharing a drink with us."

"As you say Ptolemy" chuckles the suntanned general, "The King wanted us to prepare our allies to move out. We should have at least one of us in charge of this task."

"Of course" smiles the oldest commander as he swigs down the wine bag, "Indeed, the King did issue an order."

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As the commanders and the other soldier disperse to their assigned tasks, Elias pulls away and directs his friend to a nearby tree. Now standing away from the chaos bustling around the ships, the two soldiers finally find themselves alone.

"Thanos!" cries out Elias in complete excitement reaching out to embrace his lover, "By the Gods it is so good to see you again." He leans in "I could not stop of thinking of the various ways I could show you how much I have missed you."

"My love" whispers Thonas trying to appear discreet to the men around them, "As soon as we are alone, I will show you what I had envisioned us doing on your return."

Unable to restrain himself, Elias gently pulls Thanos in by the neck and gives him a deep passionate kiss conveying his eagerness to be alone with him. Upon hearing the voices of men behind them, the young soldier steps back quickly.

"Where is my brother?" pulls back Elias as he collects his composure from his sexual desire building up in him for his lover, "Have you seen Ioan?"

"Elias" somberly replies Thonas his expression goes suddenly into grief, "He has not been himself lately." Since their departure from Tyre, Thanos had watched helplessly as his lover's brother deteriorated in his standing and respect within the army. The young soldier had heard the rumors that the King had been extremely disappointed with Ioan's deplorable show of command at Tyre. The gossip around the main camp was the once esteemed leader, had miscalculated his assessment of the enemy and had carelessly rushed towards the Tyre walls ignoring Seleucus' orders. Ioan's insolence had led in the death of several of the King's cavalrymen. As a result of the fiasco in Tyre, Ioan had been bypassed a promotion and subsequently reassigned as the new commanding officer over the King's new pages. With Elias' arrival, Thanos had contemplated on ways he could inform his lover of his brother's downfall. He had wanted to find the right words to soften the blow of Elias' disappointment towards his beloved brother. Feeling his nerves shaking through his body, Thanos grabs hold of his lover's hands and with sympathetic eyes, he looks sadly at him, as if to prepare Elias for the worse.

Elias looks on at this lover with a bemused look, "I do not understand. He appeared fine at Tyre. Is something wrong?"

"Elias, your brother has frequently been filled in his cups… and it would appear that he has fallen from the King's good favor."

"What? How is this possible?" questions the young soldier with a concerned look, "Do you mean to tell me he has become a drunk?"

"He has changed my love. Since the King bypassed him for his promotion after the debacle at Tyre. Well … your brother has been openly adverse against Alexander and now this campaign."

"That is impossible!" counters Elias as he shoves his lover away, "My brother is completely loyal to the King."

Immediately Thonas steps forward to reach out to embrace his friend, "Your brother is not the same man Elias" as he holds his friend tightly around him, "Perhaps with your return, together we will help him."

"How can this be?" sorrowfully replies the young solider, "He is my brother!"

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Back at the Main Army

It is early evening when the King and the generals return from the harbor. The parameter around the King's pavilion comes alive with excitement as everyone hustles to greet Hephaestion and the allies.

"Come to finally join in on the fun!" calls out Croenus, "I hope you enjoyed your little break."

"Let us just hope by the Gods that he was capable to bring the siege machines with him" barks out Philotas, "Did you get lost on your way here?"

"It would appear that you can get nothing achieved without my presence" counters Hephaestion, stepping up to embrace his comrades, "Perhaps you should pay closer attention to what I do and you may yourself learning a thing or two."

Just then the King walks up to guide the General to his tent. But Hephaestion hesitates momentarily as he looks towards the direction of his own tent. "How is he doing?" quietly inquires the General throwing a subtle glance at Ioan talking to Petros across the way from him. "Are you sure about him?" Hephaestion nods a subtle acknowledgement to Ioan as he receives a greeting toast from him.

"Yes" softly responds the King staring firmly at the men now looking at them, "I have confirmed the information and arrangements have been made. I will wish to discuss the final plans with you later tonight."

The General then looks back towards the men obviously engaged in a serious conversation, "I see then that I will also have a new page as well." observes Hephaestion, "No doubt I will have my work cut out for me Alexander."

"Indeed my friend!" responds the King as he motions for his friend into his pavilion, "But at this moment, we have other pressing matters to discuss."

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Petros stands in the shadow of his new instructor's tent as General Amytor and the others parade into the camp site. He scans the crowd looking for this man they call Hephaestion. The royal page deduces if he finds the King he will find the general. Petros becomes distracted when he feels someone bump into him. He looks over his shoulder to find Ioan standing next to him holding a bowl of wine. He studies the one time commander of the King's cavalry. The young page had heard of Ioan's achievements back at the Greek coastline. Petros knew the man beside him had been the one who killed his uncle, Cimon. But the royal page sets aside his personal conflicts to focus on his task at hand. Aetos had sent word that an inside person would need to be recruited, a soldier of sort who would have no qualms in joining their cause; someone who would be able to get close to the King without any trouble. Since his arrival, Petros had been monitoring the young commander's fall from the King's good favor. The royal page had heard the rumors circulating of how Ioan had failed in his duties at Tyre resulting in the death of several soldiers. It was common knowledge among the men that since Tyre, Ioan had sought to drinking more and had transformed himself from a hero to the army's drunk. Petros had befriended Ioan to gauge out any possibility of swaying the young commander to his side.

"Ahhh General Amyntor has returned!" mumbles out Ioan, "The King's favorite lover is here to help lead this long and wasteful campaign."

"Sir!" whispers Petros with a look of mocking concern, "If I may… I would suggest you refrain your comments Sir…there are those here who would love more than anything than to run and inform the King."

"Let them!" counters the young commander, slightly swaying in his stance, "I have more faith in this bowl of wine than in our so called great king." Ioan raises his bowl towards the young page in a mocking toast. "How far and how long does he intend to drag us across these lands." arching his chin up towards the King, "We should have turned back once we conquered Tyre. The coastal ports are now secure why not return home."

"If you are so bitter Sir" calmly responds the royal page following the General and the King talk before them, "Why not leave this campaign and go home?"

"Ha!" sternly replies the young commander, turning to look down at the boy before him, "What choice do I have? I come from a long family line of military men. I cannot simply go home…I have my younger brother to watch over. Nay…I would much rather see the King fail in his glorious attempt to conquer Darius and all of Persia."

"Just how far will you go to see this?" inquisitively asks Petros anticipating Ioan's response, "The King is said to be the son of Zeus."

"He is no God Petros!" snides the commander staring firmly at the King's newest page. Ioan had recently befriended the youth before him after being assigned as charge over Alexander's new pages. Ioan had grown fond of Petros' confidence and wild spirit. The youth reminded him of his deceased eldest brother, Leon and with Elias' absence from the camp, the commander had quickly come to admire and almost trust Petros. With Ioan's recent reputation as the Army's drunk, he was losing both the confidence and leadership he had fought so hard to retain when he first arrived into Alexander's army. Since Trye, Ioan has found himself with less friends and more bitterness towards the King's campaign.

Ioan looks up to see Hephaestion staring at him. The young commander throws a scornful wink and raises his wine cup to toast the General. He then moves his gaze as he catches sight of his youngest brother, Elias. With the appearance of his brother, he begins to step away from the royal page. "Ioan" whispers Petros as he discreetly approaches his side, "We should talk soon." The commander looks confusingly at the page, "Later!" counters Ioan, "I wish to first greet my brother."

At that moment, a single rider bursts through the camp. He is a scout from Ptolemy's battalion. The horseman quickly leaps off his horse to seek out his commander. Taking sight of his captain, Ptolemy steps up to speak closely to the young man. The old general's blank expression goes into shock and he scurries through the gathering men into the King's pavilion.

TBC

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I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. Thanks again for all the support esp to TribalShimmy, TooBeauty, Freebird09, Ilaaris, Evave, Mlygia, Laurensis and Angstman - You all really do keep me motiviated!!