Chap 2
Hephaestion's attention is brought back to the present as he hears his name called out.
"Hephaestion!!" Phai!" A loud battle call comes across from the other side of the room. Hephaestion turns to follow the thunderous sound in time to duck a half eaten apple from hitting his head.
"What are you doing Alexander? Giving a small self mocking smile, "Do you not believe you have not taken off enough heads today?"
"Where have your thoughts taken you? Have you not heard a word I've said?", growls Alexander as he walks towards him, "I swear by the gods Phai, you may be a great logistic and general, but of late you have had the attention span of a gnat! Or do I simply bore you?"
Now standing over him with a look of bewilderment and a shadow of annoyance, Alexander inquires again, "Well? Perhaps you would rather be somewhere else? Or maybe you would rather be with SOMEONE else?"
"What? Come now Alexander these little games of jealousy are beneath you!! I would have thought we had outgrown these silly thoughts?" Hephaestion rises gently pushing aside the King to walk towards the wine decanter for another cup of wine.
He turns gesturing to Alexander an offer to refill his cup. Alexander steps over and hands his cup.
"You are right. These recent events with the satraps and governors have clouded my mind with suspicions and madness." Responds the exhausted King, as he takes the cup of wine. "And this heat – by Hades balls this blistering sun is beating out my mind even further.".
"Alas", smiles Hephaestion, "As you have said before, my Great King, 'Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all."
"Hmph" The King then turns away and waves his hand as if to clearing the air of the words.
Hephaestion watches as the king removes his tunic and meander towards his couch. As he stares at his bear chest lover, he cant help but be reminded of the powerful Herkales, with his well chiseled muscles and broad shoulders. How smooth his tan skin shimmers with the sweat of his body and the golden locks that reflect back the sun's rays. Even with the large scar of the Mallian arrow engraved onto his lover's upper chest, it only magnifies the masculinity and strength that exudes from him. Hephaestion slavers at him as he stumbles onto his couch, amazed at himself at how stricken he still is by Alexander's beauty after all these years. He raises his cup of wine never taking his eyes off his god. He reclines back taking in the sudden silence and relaxes himself calling into memory the day the King "bore himself" to his counsel of his companions. He recalls it was the day of Philotas' execution.
Again, Hephaestion recalls the day Philotas betrayed his King.
Execution of Philotas- 330 BC
Hephaestion was unable to contain his trembling hands. He sat anxiously shifting side to side to try to find some comfortable position on the couch. He faired no better than his king, who now ceased his fever pacing and muffled growling and now stood with his back against his desk intently concentrating on something inanimate on the wall.
Their attention was finally deflected to the tent flap as Cleitus and Perdiccas entered into the antechamber. Cleitus could be seen whipping the grime from the blood and dried skin splashed on his face.
They stood at attention focused at neither Hephaestion nor their King. Alexander pushed himself from his desk with a look of contempt, as if readying himself for one of his old tutor, Leonides' beatings, and stared at his generals. Alexander would not have trusted any other with this delicate task. As he looks at them, he cant help but notice they are the polar opposites in their features, skills and character and; yet they were steadfast loyal to their king. They were as different as night and day. Cletius is the epitome warrior. He stands tall with dark eyes and dark wavy hair. This old veteran of his father's guard has never lost his beauty from years past. In Alexander's army, Cleitus is by far his most vicious and toughest warrior. His loyalty to Alexander was unquestionable. It is no wonder his father was so fond of this man. Perdiccas on the other hand, was a golden vision with his blue eyes, golden tan and sandy blond hair. He was strong built and fearless. It was no wonder he was very popular with the men, he was the camp "charmer". From the all the youths from Alexander's days at Meiza, Perdiccas was one of the smartest and devoted; but he was also one of the biggest "tease" to both men and women in and around the camp, second only to Ptolemy. Yet, underneath Perdiccas' alluring personality also lays a cold and calculated killer. He can brandish both a sword and spear as if it was an extension of his own body. In the heat of battle, Perdiccas was untouchable. Even more importantly, Perdiccas had long supported Alexander in his conquest of Asia openly accepting and engaging in the cultural integration.
As if to break the tension in the air, Cleitus steps forward, "My King, Linnaeus has spoken out the details of the treacherous plot to have you murdered. He has implicated several pages and guards including some who are a member of your personal escort. The pages have collaborated to the plot and…. "
"What... who among the guards have been identified" blurts Hephaestion as he steps towards Cleitus. The old general stares down at the King's lover. Although he would never openly agree with their relationship; he in fact personally understood it. He has long sit aside the vicious rumors that Hephaestion was a mere sycophant to the King; rather instead viewed the young man as the voice of logic and reason to the young King's at time irrational and ill-temper character. He saw this young beautiful Hipparch as the nail that held Alexander down to reality, when their King's dream pushed him to far from himself and from his army. Cleitus was all too familiar on the joys and heartaches of loving a king.
"General Amyntor.. be calm. Let the man finish his report. And sit your arse down" as Alexander waves Cleitus to continue on.
"The pages Linnaeus, Hector and Damion have confessed that they were aware of the plots told to them by the guards. Linnaeus has given great detail of what his lover, Deleon had confided to him. The plan was to have you, Alexander, killed on the night of the Dionysian festival. Your guards, led by Deleon, were to surround you during the performance and carry out their deed as you sat watching the play." Cleitus pause gauging his King reaction, determining whether his life was to be threatened, as it was known to the army of Alexander's quick temper and even faster ability to sheath his sword as a result thereof.
Taking Cleitus' silence as his cue to speak, Perdiccas steps forward and proceeds with their report.
"My King, the pages have implicated Lycurgus and Aniketos along with Deleon as the guards set out to strike the fatal blow to murder … you. We have already gathered these men." He then hesitates, stares up to his King and continues, "Also, my King… a "companion, a peer" of your cavalry guard has also been implicated".
"WHO!!" screams Alexander unable to retain any sense of self-control. At once, he grabs hold of Perdiccas chiton. "WHO among my trusted friends has betrayed me?" The King is breathing heavily into his general's face with both tears and anger seeping through his voice and shaking body.
Without the apparent flicker of fear, Perdiccas looks down at his King and answers out "Sire, it is Philotas, the leader of your companion cavalry."
The King steps back as if stricken by an arrow. He takes in the shock of the realization that one of his eight childhood friends would wish him dead. Then suddenly the realization sets in that Philotas throughout his reign as King has been a constant thorn on his side openly disagreeing with his Asian Campaign and his relationship with Hephaestion. He had failed to see the signs of malcontent.
Infuriated Hephaestion screeches out, "Are you sure, Philtos? I should have known, for weeks now he has become more vocalized about his discontent and vexation towards our pursuit of Bessus and most recently Alexander's marriage. Where is he Cleitus? I will have this man's head." Hephaestion is unable to contain any decorum.
Cleitus in trying to calm the man before him places his hand on his shoulder. Placidly as if a father comforting his son, "Philotas has been taken under guard in his tent. His weapons and pages have been collected. Of course he has denied any involvement or knowledge of this plot against Alexander. But we have him by the balls Hephaestion. We have him!!"
Hephaestion shrugs off Cleitus hands, ignoring his reassurances, "We will need to question him immediately. We must ensure there are no other conspirators involved lingering in the shadows still intent on carrying out this treacherous plan."
"The camp has been sealed" responds Perdiccus. "Under no circumstance, will any man, woman, child or animal be allowed in or out of the camp. Both Ptolemy and Nearchus had taken charge of these duties. We are secure."
"Cleitus and I are prepared to go and question Philotas immediately…"
"No!" exclaims the king. "You both have been up all night and have proven diligent in your duties my friends. You need to rest. I will have Crateus and Coenus carry on with this arduous task."
"My King" pleads Cleitus, we are more than capable to …"
Alexander cuts him off, "Go and rest. I will need you again soon enough." He then waves them out.
As the generals head out of the tent, Hephaestion turns to the King. Just as he fears, but nonetheless expected, he observes Alexander's trembling hands and dark eyes. Hephaestion recognizes the madness consuming his lover. Alexander's "Daemon" is slowly overriding his lover's mind and body. He will soon be acting out on instinct and lost to his need to thwart the situation at hand. It is this very "Daemon' that drove Alexander into action at Thebes, at Tyre and in the gardens back at Pella. Hephaestion knows that he must divert his King away from the darkness of his mind, and lure his lover back to him – back to reality.
Hephaestion straightens out and prepares himself for the ensuing battle to reclaim his lover. He turns to him and informs his King, "I will also take part in questioning Philotas".
As if recognizing Hephaestion presence for the first time, Alexander responds, "What? No! Phai! I cannot have you involved".
Before Alexander retorts another word, Hephaestion snaps. "I am ALREADY involved. Philotas for years has mocked you in your pursuit of Asia, Darius and us."
"I say NO!!" screams Alexander as he grasps for some shadow of reason. "Your involvement in his torture may be looked upon as self motivated and may later raise questions as to the validity of Philotas' guilt."
Shoving Alexander back, "Do you question my loyalty and valor as your general and friend? Have I given you any grounds to question your trust in me?" snaps Hephaestion.
Reaching out to place his hands on Hephaestion shoulder, as if to steady his rage quickly building up and blinding all his senses, he looks up at his lover, "Of course not Hephaestion! But we both know that since Grancius, you have carried a deep seeded hatred towards Philtoas. The animosity you hold towards this man has been apparent. Moreover, as Senior Hipparch you stand next in line to lead the companion cavalry. I cannot wish for your involvement if only to ensure to the army that you have not acted for personal gain."
Seizing the opportunity to strike, he shoves Alexander away. "Hades balls Alexander!! This plot and Philotas involvement of course is personal… for I too am Alexander. You cannot ask me to idly stand back and step aside. I must be given reassurance for your safety and given quarter to punish those who would jeopardize this. By all the Gods Alexander, they tried to kill you and take you away from your dream, your army and ME!!"
He looks across at Alexander feeling the harsh glare and sensing ever more his lover's Daemon overtaking him. Yet, he pushes forward. "Had I been killed in battle or had my own life been put to a threat, would you not want revenge – justice as Achilles had sought for Patroclus' death at Troy?"
Alexander's expression hardens at his lover's gull to make him out as a failed comparison to the myths of his ancestor. "How dare you question me!! You know more then others; I am nothing without you Hephaestion! I would turn every stone throughout this god forsaken region to seek my revenge. BUT this is NOT about ME!!" He shoves Hephaestion down incensed by his lover's constant lack of faith in their love and to his own devotion to "his" Patroclus.
"Must I remind you again Hephaestion, AS KING, my integrity and purpose will not be put into question. BUT rather your involvement in this will give credence for others to question your status in this army. Should Philotas be found guilty, supporters for his cause may rise and try towards you for their revenge!"
The punch hits Alexander hard and fast. He stumbles back and falls onto the ground, he looks up to Hephaestion standing over him with his fists clenched ready to charge.
"To Hecate tits" screams Hephaestion. "You know the laws of the Macedonian army. The men will decide Philotas faith not I. Your men will determine whether Philotas is found guilty. What's more, my GREAT KING" in a tone of indignation, "Crateus and Coenus will be in attendance and they along with the other guards will witness and partake in the torture."
Wiping the blood from his lips, Alexander glares with vexation towards Hephaestion. His wrath engulfs him brought on by the compounded rage towards Philotas' betrayal and Hephaestion's stubbornness. Swiftly and with the force of the furries, he rams into his lover folding him onto the floor. The punches, the blows and the kicking consume them. They are overtaken by their emotions knocking and breaking any and everything within arms reach. With amazing strength, Alexander straddles Hephaestion onto the floor hitting him blindingly not recognizing that it is lover receiving the blows. But Hephaestion takes on the frontal attack refusing to reciprocate the punches, using his hands only to deflect the battery ram of Alexander's fists repeatedly aimed at him.
Alexander is screaming in blind fury. "I am the KING!!"… "Who am I to trust now?"… "Will you soon betray me?" "By the Gods I……"
The siege against Hephaestion is finally contained as Crateus and Coenus rush in pulling apart the King from atop the general.
Coenus is scarcely able to hold Hephaestion up as he guides him to the nearest couch. Coenus has fought in many battles and has seen the casualty of war through the death and anguish of his very own men. Yet the sight of Hephaestion tears him apart. The beautiful general looks as a ragged doll ripped to shreds by the dogs of Hades. Hephaestion is covered in blood. His right eye is quickly sealing shut, his lips are torn apart and his chest is covered with bruises and scratches. His whole body is turning various shades of black and blue. In the corner, Coenus watches as Crateus tries to settle the King down. The King is slumped in the corner of the tent, shaking and mumbling incomprehensibly. But suddenly, as if awoken from a nightmare, the King finally recognizes the form being held up by Coenus. With a burst of urgency, Alexander quickly kneels to the side of his beloved. With a look of shame and confusion, he yells out to other generals, "Leave us!! Now!!"
Coenus looks down at the barely conscious general who acknowledges with a nod, reaffirming to his fellow companion that he will be safe with the King.
Alexander slowly takes in Hephaestion as if he was a precious porcelain doll and tries to catch his breath.
"Hephaestion!! Why did you make me do this to you?", cries Alexander as he rocks him in his arms.
Hephaestion sits quietly. He struggles to pull himself up. Contrary to how he may actually look, he convinces himself that this was not as bad as previous encounters with Alexander's Daemon. He manages to sit up on the couch as Alexander desperately tries to examine the damage.
But Hephaestion pulls slowly away and reaches out to place his hand on Alexander face. "I am fine. It is but a few cuts and bruises". He places a soft kiss as a sign of reprieve for his lover's obvious tormenting heart.
Alexander offers a faint smile as if to reassure his lover he understands. "I am sorry….again" he murmurs. "But Hephaestion, you do not need to always make yourself my kicking dog. I am capable of handling myself... I can find other outlets to clear my mind. I know my Daemon resides in me but I cannot use you like this."
"My love, it was my foolishness that made me press forward my persistence to be involved in Philotas' torture, it was I who set you off, nothing more" responds Hephaestion, with his eyes towards the ground.
He looks down at his brave lover and places a gentle soft kiss on his lips. He pulls aside a strand of hair then allowing his hand to cup his face. Softly he sighs, "I know your games Hephaestion. We are no longer boys…. He pauses and embraces his lover, "Just the same, I will heed to your request, should it be your true desire. I trust you will do what is necessary to find the truth and uncover Philotas' involvement."
He pulls Hephaestion's back and stares intensely towards him, "But know these are delicate matters which not only implicate Philotas but his father". The King then takes his hand to wipe the blood sliding down Hephaestion's nose. "Go and clean up my love. I will talk to Creatus and Coenus and apprise them of the severity of this situation."
As if rejuvenated by the Gods with a second breath of life, Hephaestion lifts himself off the couch, holding back any notion of discomfort. Briskly, he walks towards the tent's flaps when he hears Alexander from behind.
"I want you to report back to me once it's over. And Hephaestion, I truly do love you!"
As if basking in the glory of victory, Hephaestion stands a brief moment smiling to himself before taking his leave.
0000
The torture of Philotas was gruesome and unmerciful. It was at this night, Hephaestion discovered his own personal daemon. Filled with contempt and resentment, he was unable to contain the hatred he felt towards the impudence of this man to think he could actually take his Alexander away from him. The moment becomes surreal with emotional rage dictating his actions. As he personally wields the knives and slashes the whips upon the former cavalry leader's body, he finds satisfaction that he will finally see the destruction of this man. As the night progresses, his wish becomes simple, he will see to it that Philotas and all the others dies for their involvement in the plot. He barters no exception and bestows no mercy. Hephaestion even find himself laughing at Philotas' plea that his own guilt was nothing more than plain ignorance in not believing the other guards' intention of killing the King as genuine.
"You are an impenitent fool if you think I will accept your plea." snide Hephaestion, "You still knew of the plot and yet withheld revealing it to anyone. For that you are as much a part of this deceitful plan as those who carried the very dagger aimed at our King."
The torture went on all night and for every pain inflicted by Hephaestion it had served as both a release of his rage and for his own daemon.
Towards the end, a confession was made and by early morning, Hephaestion made his way back towards the King's tent.
As Hephaestion entered the tent, he saw Alexander was up and being tended to by his pages for the morning sacrifices. Upon seeing his general's arrival, the King immediately dismissed the pages and grabs for two cups of wine. Alexander holds back his astonishment at Hephaestion's poignant demeanor as he enters the tent. Never, not even from their previous battles, has Alexander witness his lover covered with so much blood and grime. Truly, Hephaestion had looked as if he had returned from the very depths of Hades. All was done for the sake of ensuring his life and his safety.
Unable to find any words, Alexander offers a cup of wine. Ignoring the King's offer, Hephaestion steps pass him to the water bowl intending to wash off the remnants of the torture. He was simply exhausted. The need for revenge and hatred had drained his body and mind of his energy. As he hung over the bowl trying to regain his composure, he gradually feels Alexander wrap his arms around him to bring him in. Initially, Hephaestion had wanted to pull away, but the warmth of Alexander's body and the comfort he brought kept him still. Reaching around his lover, Alexander takes the wet cloth and turns Hephaestion to face him. Slowly he wipes the splattered blood off Hephaestion's face and leans over with a soft kiss to his forehead and whispers, "Let me cleanse you my love. Allow me to bring you back to me". Hephaestion stands frozen staring at his lover, lost for words or for any thoughts at all. He feels the gentle caresses of the warm cloth and water trickle down his face to his neck and to his chest. He closes his eyes and immerses himself into the moment. He tingles at the touch of Alexander's warm hands pulling back his hair washing it through with the cloth. Slowly his chiton is removed. With each pin unfastened, a kiss is placed on his shoulders. Again, Alexander wrings the cloth into the water and new warmth is spread across his arms, his chest and down to his thighs. The slow strokes of the Alexander hands down his stomach and his legs awaken him. Suddenly, he feels the warm cloth wrapped gently upon his growing arousal. The sensation of the touch of and the heat against him makes him moan with desire. Then he feels Alexander's soft lips kiss upon him; taking him whole. Hephaestion feels the strength of Alexander's tongue swirl around him and leans forward wanting to feel more. But as soon as it began, his lover withdraws. Hephaestion moans at the sudden lost.
Slowly, Alexander makes his way up with soft kisses onto his lover's chest, his neck and his lips. The kisses on lips are hard and deep and Hephaestion welcomes it. He grabs hold of Alexander and desperately pulls off his chiton. His need to feel his lover against his skin overwhelms him. He tears off the pins and throws Alexander's chiton across the room. Alexander slowly pulls away and with a small smile whispers "Peace my love. Do not give into such haste."
Disregarding his lover, he retorts, "I need you my love. Please do not forsake me any longer".
Never denying his lover's request, he takes hold of his hand and guides him towards his private chamber never taking his eyes off him. He then resumes kissing him with more passion and fervor pushing him down upon the bed. The need overrides them and they quicken in their pace. Alexander straddles his lover kissing him more deeply as he grabs a hold of his lover's head drawing him in with more aggression. But Hephaestion responds equally. He takes Alexander on using a maneuver from the wrestling days of their youth; he tosses Alexander under him holding his arms against his heads. He nips at Alexander's nipples biting them hard drawing out blood. He rubs against him making the friction between them unbearable.
"I can NEVER lose you Alexander. I will kill anyone who even thinks to try to.."
"I know my love. I am right here. I will always be here."
Not wanting to hear any more. Hephaestion charges forward for a kiss demanding entrance with his tongue. He roams his hands throughout Alexander's body as if to reassure he was alive with him. He then sits up and takes his hand into the nearby bowl of oil and smothers his fingers. He then grabs hold of Alexander's legs spreading them apart then slowly coats him. He places his fingers into him causing Alexander to arch his back and groan. He pushes his fingers in deep pulling in and out gently gauging his lover's reaction. Then he wraps the oil upon himself and carefully pushes himself into his lover. The tightness and warmth as he enters almost causes him to lose it then. The feeling is insatiable. He pushes in harder and gains momentum has he thrust into him faster and deeper. Alexander lifts himself to wrap his legs around his lover drawing him in matching his movement. Hephaestion then takes his lover's arousal and coats it with the oil. He rubs him from the tip down trying to match the motion of his thrust with his hand. They are unable to contain themselves and become lost to their love and passion. Hephaestion lets loose first, and upon feeling the quick contractions of his lover's muscles, Alexander releases thereafter.
Together they collapse into each others arms trying to regain their composure and catch their breath.
Slowly they untangle themselves and without any further words exchanged, they snuggle close together. Oblivious to the world around them including the recent events, they allow for Hypnos to take them and they sleep soundly into the early afternoon.
The next day,
With confessions made, the Macedon Tribunal determines Philotas and the pages guilty with treason and without further delay, their executions were ordered. As dictated by the Macedon laws, the traitors were speared through the heart. No funeral rites were given and their shades were disregarded to be bound to walk throughout the land for all eternity.
Subsequently that night a counsel was held by the King's remaining companions. The meeting was solemn absent of its usual trivial bickering, boisterous jokes and heavy drinking.
With a heavy heart, Alexander stands to address his boyhood friends. Although Philotas was not popular among his companions, he had grown up with all of them and had shared the same boyhood memories. Though none of his friends would openly admit it, Philotas' death had hit close to home and the faith of his Parmenion would not be any easier.
As he stares out to his friends, he notices none of them will face him. He gives a deep sigh, he controls himself before speaking.
"We all know what must be done". I cannot allow any of you to carry this burden. I alone must take responsibility for the fate of Parmenion." To those in the room, it was known that Parmenion as the patriarch, it would be expected that his death be warranted. Further, Philotas' confession implicating his father's knowledge of the plot had solidified his involvement and destiny.
Taking a sip of his wine, Alexander continues on, "However, I do not want you to fear in raising any objections to this conviction against Parmenion, if you deem it unwarranted. Or"… The King pauses looking around the room, "Or, if you feel me to be a tyrant, nothing more than a ruthless king with motives outside his duty. If so to either or both, then speak freely my friends. I have always trusted you all the most as my advisors and comrades."
The King glances across the room once again no one rises a brow to face him. He feels his heart sink and a sense of loneliness creeps within his heart. He takes another sip of wine as if to gain some courage. The King then slowly unsheathes his dagger and holds it in his hand. He then walks out into the center of the room and faces to address his friends again.
"We started on this campaign five summers ago with the goal of conquering Asia. You have all known me as your prince, your companion and now your king." He looks up trying to catch any acknowledgment or response. Sensing none, he continues, "if anyone of you feels I have become unworthy to follow as your king then step forward and fulfill your oath and remove me from power. I will not fight it. I am not my father. But know, never had I dreamt of having to kill my very own friends for the success of this campaign, but now it would appear that I have killed one and would soon kill another."
Alexander then loosens his armor and unties his chiton revealing his open chest. He then continues, "Should anyone among you feel I have lost my way or fear I have become a tyrant, a man who was never meant to be king of Asia, then step forward and do your duty and kill me now."
Hephaestion suddenly is paralyzed by Alexander's offer. He feels panic shaking within him. Hephaestion is at a gasps at Alexander's words and instinctively he had wanted to rise from the bench ready to protest. But he had seen deep sadness and darkness swelling in his beloved's eyes. His King stood a defeated man before his companions. It is a look never before seen by Hephaestion or he doubts by anyone else in the room since King Philips' death. Hephaestion begins to feel his heart break and he starts to tremble in fear. But Hephaestion knows he cannot raise a protest because Alexander, the King's honor and valor is at stake. Thus rather than give into argument, he steps forward and stands next to Alexander. He stares out into the men before him and without a word, slowly removes his own armor and unties his chiton. Hephaestion resolves that he will keep his vows and join Alexander to Hades; if this should be their faith. Moments of silence passes and slowly heads turn as Perdiccus rises from his seat to approach the King and the general. He faces Alexander places a kiss on his cheeks and he too stands aside his King removing his armor and chiton. Soon thereafter, Nearchus and Ptolemy join them and before long the whole room is in tears embracing each other and surrounding their king as they did the day King Philip was assassinated.
With a decision made, each man offers reassurances of their loyalty to the King and support in the fate of Parmenion. With the companions leave, Alexander drops down onto a nearby couch exhausted and relieved from yet another strenuous evening. Upon sensing the presence of someone in the room, he looks up and like a beacon of light sees his beloved standing in the corner ablaze with unconditional love and support.
As Hephaestion approaches the king, he grabs a decanter and pours them a cup of wine.
"Well that was quite a bold and brave leap of faith, you demonstrated tonight?" trying to lighten the intensity of the evening. "You were quite a servant of Apollo tonight".
Alexander gulps down the wine whole and looks up at his beloved general standing beside him.
"I guess you too should win a prize. I do not think Thettalus of Cara made a more convincing performance. What is the point of making you second in command if you do not even fight for it. We make a fine pair." smirks Alexander. "Besides, I do believe it was the sight of you disrobing your chiton before the companions, which made them forget the purpose of the meeting. I truly believe I saw Cleitus and Perdiccus eyes bulging out and their groins rise high enough to lift the table."
"Ah how could we fulfill our destinies as Achilles and Patrolous if you get yourself killed first? That simply is not how I recall the story of Homer was written." He was no longer able to contain his laugher. "You are wrong my King, it was not my bare chest they were drooling over, did you not see Crateus lean forward hoping your chiton would drop to the floor in its entirety?
Then with a raised brow, Hephaestion sternly looks down at his lover,
"Still Alexander, I would not suggest you make this a common part of your counsel meetings. If you do it again, I swear by the Gods, I will just stab you myself and write a new story for Homer. I do not think I could take the anguish and the torment of seeing you up there making that type of request again."
"Fear not Phai, I have faith in the Gods. My destiny is to rule all of Asia and I will not rest until it is so". He quickly grabs Hephaestion bringing him down onto his knees before him placing a hard kiss. He then pulls away and smirks, "Now do you think I could get you to disrobe for me or do I need to offer my life for it again?.
00000
Back at the King's Residence in Susa – January 324
"General Amyntor!! Where are your thoughts again?" scorns Alexander from his couch. "And why do you have that ridicules smirk on your face?" Phai are you not listening to me again?"
"Yes, your plan to reorganize the army… the execution of the Satraps had been necessary to wield your power…" Hephaestion squirms out a half response.
"I cannot believe you. You sit there looking like a lost deer with this smirk on your face. And you have not heard a word I have spoken".
Hephaestion sighs and rises from the couch and in a mocking gesture bows and sardonically replies, "A 1000 apologizes oh Great King for my insolence." He looks up giving a wink. "Do you wish to have me personally whipped?
Annoyed, Alexander pushes his general flat onto the floor. "Enough of this!! There is something you are not telling me Hephaestion. Since your illness, you have not been the same."
Kneeling down, he cups Hephaestion face tightly. His patience has begun to wean on this man. He senses something is aloof between them; for days he has not been able to uncover the source to Hephaestion's change.
"You have been somewhat distant as of late." asserts Alexander. "Again, I ask is there something or someone distracting you? I have heard rumors of you and a young cavalry companion… you both have been seen spending late nights together."
"Do you mean Aetos?" replies Hephaestion. "Well yes, we have been spending more time … but it..
Before he is able to go further, Alexander straddles atop him and holds him down with all his weight. "I knew it!" screams Alexander. "There is another in your life. Do you love him? Who is he to you?"
"Alexander… wait.. it is nothing.. yes we have kissed but those were days long ago passed… I have no feelings"… pleas Hephaestion trying to explain. "I only love you and want nothing more than to rekindle what we have…"
The bolt of Alexander fist hits Hephaestion above his right eye. Then suddenly another hit to his left cheek. In anticipation of another, he is surprised to feel his lover clash his lips onto him demanding complete dominance. Hephaestion's arms are pinned to the ground and his struggles to free himself become frivolous, as Alexander has positioned his weight securely upon him.
"You are mine! You are mine!" bellows Alexander. "I have told you before Hephaestion, I WILL NOT share you with another."
"Yet you may share yourself openly among others" retorts Hephaestion. "If it is a whore that you wish then call Bagous or your wife. I will not be made to nothing but an object of lust and desire". With all his strength, he moves to the right and manages to throw Alexander off him.
Now hovering above his lover, he spats out, "I only want you Alexander no other. Why cant you see that. Have I not proven that to you time and time again? Does not everything we – I have endured since our youth and this campaign not confirmed my love for you."
Alexander springs up to his feet, facing towards Hephaestion as if ready to challenge a readied assault. Although filled with heartache and disappointment; he had not wanted to fight with Hephaestion again. Hephaestion had spoken the truth. They had again found time to spend together and today, he had only wanted to enjoy each other's company, if only to talk. Yet, the recent events had clouded his thoughts, again he had allowed his anger with the satrap and governors overwhelm him. More importantly, he had allowed his foolish jealously blind him.
Hephaestion catches his breath and wipes the blood dripping down his brow. As if he was able to read his lover's thoughts, "Alexander, I know you are troubled with the recent executions and the conduct of old guard. It too am disappointed with it all. Aside from that, you must understand My Alexander, I only want and love you!"
The King feels his heart ache and his anger dissipate. He steps forward and embraces his lover tightly. He looks up and pulls him close kissing him feverishly needing some form of affirmation of Hephaestion's words.
"I have always only loved you Alexander. If my last days were only spent to see and hear you speak I would be but a fulfilled and happy man." Whispers Hephaestion. "For years I feared you would one day cast me aside, so I fought with you to both give us distance and to give you release from yourself. Yet throughout our time together, we have become intertwined by our fates and hearts; I have long ago lost where you started and I where ended." Slowly, he takes his lover's hand and leads him into the private chamber. "Come, let us find ourselves in each other".