The outcome of a battle could be decided by one man.

They were outnumbered by the enemy forces before them and every man had to do his best to hold the ground in front of him. Not only hold his ground, but move forward on the battlefield, taking it away from the enemy. Emotions were high, ranging from veteran eagerness, to get-started calm anticipation, to pure terror.

The odds were against them. The enemy had the advantage but they didn't have one very important thing; one important person that could change the course of the entire day and make the difference between victory and defeat.

They didn't have Alexander.

Hephaestion sat on his war horse watching the scene unfold in front of him. Alexander, mounted on his large black steed, pranced back and forth in front of his army, his words of encouragement bringing the army to a fevered pitch. By the time he was finished, Hephaestion knew they would follow him to Hades if he asked.

Fighting the butterflies that were floating around in his stomach, Hephaestion watched the expressions on the faces of the men. They were all transfixed by Alexander, listening to his every word, drawn to his speech, pride swelling in their chests to please him. With his final encouraging words, Alexander came storming towards Hephaestion.

His eyes were glazing and every muscle of his body was ready for the battle ahead.

Hephaestion had seen that look – always before an important battle. Alexander was made for this moment. Some of it was from years of training, but most was simply the core of his being. It made him what he was: the greatest leader ever known.

Hephaestion was in awe, as much as every other man in Alexander's army. It may be Alexander's dream but he, Hephaestion, had been lucky enough to be able to share it with him. He had the honor of being close to the King, not only as a general but also as his closest friend.

The outcome was yet to be written. Lives would be lost, injuries inflicted and heroes made.

But one thing was already certain – they were already on the winning side.

They were with Alexander.