Alexander paused a moment to simply take everything in. With a smile, he raised the spear over his head and launched it at the shoreline. It struck the shore, the spearhead buried deep in the soft sand. With a grin and wink to Hephaestion, he leapt from the ship, landing on the beach below. He retrieved the spear and turned to face his fleet. Raising the spear in triumph, he spoke in a booming voice.
"I claim this land by the will of the gods and by right of conquest. Men of Macedon…remember this day. The gods have ordained it and we shall rule over all the land. None shall stand in our way. The Persian Empire will be ours!"
Thunderous cheers erupted, and Alexander basked in the love and attention of his men. After a few moments, he shouted up to Hephaestion. "Instruct the men to unload the ships and set up camp here on the coast. Then please, come join me."
Hephaestion gave instructions to the commanders who set about bringing everything ashore and setting up camp. He left the ship and walked to where Alexander stood on the beach, gazing off into the distance. He came up behind him and gently laid a hand on his shoulder. "What are you thinking, Alexander?"
Alexander reached up and laid his hand over Hephaestion's where it rested on his shoulder. "You can feel their presence." He turned around to face Hephaestion and smiled. "Hephaestion…we are standing on the very beach where Achilles and his Myrmidons landed. The Greek heroes….they were here, just where we are. Our ships are anchored where the Greek ships rested. And tonight….tonight we will camp on the shore where our heroes camped."
Hephaestion chuckled softly. "So long as you don't spend the trip sulking in your tent" he teased.
Alexander rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I choose to ignore that statement". He watched for a moment as the ships were unloaded and the men began setting up tents, and the horses they had transported with them were led out, then he turned and looked inland at some of the low hills that were within walking distance. "Come on, Hephaestion. Let's do some exploring while they make camp."
Flanked by his guards and a few of their companions, Alexander led them along a well worn road that headed inland, passing through the small hills and some burial mounds. At one point, he stopped and made a sacrifice and honored the grave of the hero Ajax, desiring to gain the favor of the divine Greek heroes of the Trojan War. He also set up alters and made sacrifices to Zeus, Athena and Heracles, seeking the favor of the gods and to offer thanks.
Hephaestion smiled as he walked beside an excited Alexander, pleased to see the joy that still remained on Alexander's face. He nodded and responded now and then, but mostly he just let Alexander talk as he recalled stories from his beloved Iliad and tales of the heroes he so admired.
It was growing late in the afternoon, and Alexander knew there wasn't time to go further inland today. "Let's head back. Camp should be set up by now, and I am quite hungry. I think a good meal and some wine with our friends would be most welcome."
Alexander stopped at the edge of the camp, which was now fully constructed. The late afternoon light was fading and the first touches of red and gold were beginning to show as the sun sank lower in the sky. Smoke rose from the fires that had been lit and the general chatter and laughter of his men could be heard. It was a good night indeed.
"Are you excited for tomorrow, Alexander?" Hephaestion asked, knowing full well the answer.
Alexander turned to face Hephaestion and smiled. "I am. Does it show?" he laughed lightly. He reached and grasped Hephaestion's shoulder. "Hephaestion, tomorrow we will honor our heroes. Tomorrow we will stand side by side and pay tribute to Achilles and Patroclus. I shall organize a race around their tombs." He grinned mischievously. "Of course, you realize that we will be oiled up and naked for this, don't you?"
Hephaestion laughed. "Yes, I am aware of the tradition. Are you sure this isn't just an excuse to get me naked?"
Alexander chuckled. "Hephaestion, you wound me! Would I do such a thing?" Giving Hephaestion's shoulder a gentle squeeze, he released him and turned towards the camp. "Come on, let's get some supper and rest up tonight. Tomorrow will be a busy day."
They made their way to the royal tent where Alexander's pages helped him remove his armor and change into a chiton and dark red cloak. Hephaestion sat outside by a fire, talking with some of his own men while Alexander changed. The king emerged a short time later and took a seat beside Hephaestion . Slaves brought them trays of food and they shared a meal with their companions.
Ptolemy grinned at Alexander. "So, am I to assume we will be running a race around the tombs of your heroes tomorrow?"
Perdiccas laughed. "Aye…and naked at that!"
That drew laughter from all of them.
Cleitus shook his head and groaned. "Must we, Alexander?"
"Oh, my good Cleitus…where is your sense of adventure?" Alexander chided gently.
Philotas winked at Hephaestion. "There is the added bonus that we get to see that fine ass of yours, Hephaestion!"
The others laughed loudly, and a laughing Hephaestion launched a chunk of bread at Philotas' head in retaliation.
Finally, their bellies full and warmed by sweet wine, they all broke up to head to their respective tents for the night. Hephaestion stood and waited for the others to leave before turning to Alexander. "I should let you rest."
"No, Hephaestion. Don't go." He looked up at the moon, now high in the sky, its light reflected on the gentle waves at the shore. "It is a beautiful night. Walk with me?"
A couple guards followed at a respectful distance as Alexander and Hephaestion strolled down the beach, shoulders touching as they walked. For a while, neither spoke, but simply exchanged tender glances and gentle smiles as they walked.
With the camp a short distance behind them, Hephaestion felt Alexander take hold of his arm, stopping him, and he turned to face the young king. Alexander's expression was one of tender affection.
Alexander felt his pulse quicken as he looked into the sparkling blue eyes before him, moonlight reflected in their depths. He reached out and wrapped his arms around Hephaestion's waist, pulling him close. "Have I told you today how much I love you?"
Hephaestion smiled warmly. "You have not. I do love hearing it." He slid his arms around Alexander's neck, one hand toying with the soft curls at the nape of his neck. "I love you as well, my Alexander."
They leaned forward at the same time and their lips met in a soft, slow kiss. The kiss gradually deepened and they pulled each other closer until their bodies were pressed tightly together. Finally, they drew apart when the need to breathe became great.
"Hephaestion, I would very much like to make love with you. It is a magical night. We should stay out here, under the stars."
Hephaestion smiled softly. "I would love that as well."
Alexander pulled back from Hephaestion and took his hand. "There is a sheltered area over there by those rocks. We can go there." He stepped back and spoke to his guards briefly. They would take up a post at a discreet distance so that no one would disturb them. Returning to Hephaestion's side, he smiled and took his hand. "Come on, love. I need you."
