Hephaistion trod carefully, he had a feeling the deer was close, closer to him than Menodicos, he was sure of that. He stood a moment, listening. It had been a good idea to leave Lagus with the horses, even though the boy had complained bitterly, the woods were too dense here, they could cover the ground quicker on foot.

He heard a sound straight ahead of him and clutched at his javelin. As he was about to step forward he was knocked back against a tree. He tried to struggle up, and turned his head to see an arrow in his left shoulder. He laughed in shocked surprise to see it.

Knocked back at an awkward angle, he struggled to get his feet under him, so he could stand. Agonising pain flared out from his shoulder, and he unwittingly gave a cry as he realised he was pinned to the tree.

He looked ahead, Menodicos would hate himself for his mistake. Looking back he saw blood spreading across his chiton. "Menodicos!" he called, groaning as the effort of speaking hurt. "Menodicos. What in Zeus' name made you fire at me?" He closed his eyes, lost in pain. His friend would never live down the shame of this. He opened his eyes and looked ahead, seeing someone coming through the woods towards him. It was not Menodicos, but whoever it was they held a dagger in their hand.

"Menodicos!" Hephaistion put his right hand up to the arrow shaft, attempting to pull himself free. He couldn't do it, it hurt too much, he was held fast. He had dropped his javelin, as he was hit, so he reached for his dagger, grasping the hilt, then looking for his attacker. "Menodicos!" he cried out.

An arrow flew past him, but coming from the opposite direction. He heard it in flight, saw it strike in to the trees. There were voices, another arrow flew by, then soldiers ran by him. He felt an arm around his waist and turned to see a soldier his own age, with blonde hair, intense grey eyes looking in to his own, a shield brought up to protect him.

"I don't know why…" Hephaistion murmured, then gasped as a spasm of pain went through him.

"Leave him!"

It was Menodicos, finally answering Hephaistion's call. He had his javelin raised, threatening the stranger.

"Leave him or you die!" Menodicos said, over dramatically.

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"I don't think Alexander will be the one to die." The words were said by Ptolemy, but the boy quickly dropped his javelin as he saw Leonnatus had an arrow pointed at him.

"Menodicos, they saved me," Hephaistion said, attempting an explanation.

"Did you get him?" Alexander asked.

"No," Seleucus responded. "There is a wide track just up there, he had a horse and rode off before we could reach him. But we found blood…"

Leonnatus grinned. "I was sure one of my arrows found its mark."

"Go call up the rest," Alexander ordered. "Go with them Seleucus, take Perdiccas with you, go and continue the hunt, cover what ground you can before dark."

Seleucus nodded and hurried off with Perdiccas.

"Come and hold him, Ptolemy," Alexander said, letting go of the shield so that Ptolemy could move around him. "Leonnatus, Nearchus, we will need some sort of litter organised, whoever remains, have one of them ride back and alert the house that Hephaistion is injured, for the surgeon to be ready.

Hephaistion watched Alexander move around him, studying the injury. "You know my name," he said.

Alexander smiled sadly at him. "We are friend's of Pereus."

Alexander put his hand on Hephaistion's shoulder, tentatively moving it so he could gauge how far the arrowhead was embedded in the tree. "Who is Pereus?" Hephaistion asked, taking a deep breath, straight after, and hissing in pain. As the fire in his shoulder abated he caught Alexander looking at Ptolemy.

"Is he going to die?" The question came from Menodicos, who had been standing silent until now.

"We can't remove the shaft, not here, he would lose too much blood," Alexander said. "I don't think that pulling the arrow free is an option. Can you hold him still, Ptolemy, while I try to cut through the shaft and set him free?"

Ptolemy nodded, and Alexander took his dagger and began to cut away Hephaistion's cloak, a poor thing that had seen better days.

"My mother made it for me," Hephaistion said, lifting his hand in an effort to stop the damage being done. His hand was brushed aside, as Alexander began to work on cutting the shaft. Hephaistion bit his lip. It hurt, but he did not want to cry out, to make himself seem weak. He sought a distraction. "How did you know I was here?" he gasped out.

"Philip knew where you lived. When we arrived, we were told that you were hunting and directed here. We came straight away, and just as well," Ptolemy replied.

"Philip?"

Ptolemy laughed, suddenly realising how even a short distance from Pella was another world. "King Philip," he replied, then not being able to resist, he added, "Prince Alexander, is the one intent on freeing you."

Hephaistion had been gazing on Ptolemy, now he turned his head to look on Alexander. "But why are you here?" he asked, crying out as pain erupted in his shoulder, before he could have an answer he felt himself sink into oblivion.

With Hephaistion unconscious, Alexander was able to work faster, finally cutting through the shaft. He helped Ptolemy lower Hephaistion to the ground.

"Is he dead?"

Menodicos' question went unanswered.

"I'll carry him," Ptolemy said, looking over at Alexander who was gazing down, transfixed on Hephaistion. "He has Pereus' looks, does he not, Alexander?"

Alexander nodded, tears in his eyes. Before he could speak Leonnatus and Nearchus returned, helping to carry Hephaistion to where a litter had been quickly prepared. They placed Hephaistion on his right side, carrying him between two horses ridden by Philip's guard. As they neared the house they cantered ahead, dismounting and waiting.

Alexander had only seen Hephaistion's aunt and uncle briefly. They came out of the house now with Philip and Cleitus, bringing a plump lad of about thirteen and a plumper girl of about eight, who was clutching at a doll and grabbing at her mother's gown, apparently overwhelmed by the soldiers.

Alexander went over to the litter, to find that Hephaistion had come round. He helped to lift him free of it. But then Cleitus came and took him, carrying Hephaistion in to the house.

Alexander went to his father, going in to the house with him, he could tell he was angry and guessed it was directed at the uncle. "He does not know of Pereus," Alexander whispered.

"And why should he? When two people have conspired to cheat him of his birthright. They have told the boy that he is their son, but that he will not inherit. He is learning a trade with a builder in the village. Amyntor's son, brought to this," Philip raged, though keeping his voice low. "I need to speak to the boy. To put this right."

Alexander nodded, but wondered if Hephaistion were happy with his lot, perhaps it would be best to say nothing. Still, it was not worth an argument, let his father do as he will. He watched the surgeon, unclipping Hephaistion's chiton so he could inspect the wound.

"Did Pereus know of him?" Alexander asked.

Philip nodded. "But I gave him everything he needed, I don't think he ever thought of this place, and perhaps it suited him to forget he had a brother. I don't know."

"I'm sorry, father," Hephaistion said, looking at the uncle, who made no effort to reply, but stood with his arms folded, his face like stone.

"And when he is done with building, he has to help on the estate," grumbled Philip, "Amyntor's son," he added. "This is not what we agreed."

"I need to pull the arrow through," the surgeon said, to nobody in particular, nodding to his servant to have the hot iron ready to close the wound.

"I sent Seleucus and Perdiccas to hunt for the attacker. Leonnatus thinks he wounded him, but he still managed to get away. I'm hoping they might find a trail and be able to follow," Alexander reported.

Philip nodded.

Alexander followed his father's gaze. Hephaistion was reaching for the edge of the table, possibly to have something to cling on to. Leonnatus stepped over and took his hand, whispering words of encouragement, raising his voice as the arrow was pulled through Hephaistion's body. Hephaistion gave a cry, but stayed awake, focusing on Leonnatus.

The surgeon fetched vinegar and pulled Hephaistion over on to his back, pouring it in to the wound. Hephaistion arched his back, Ptolemy came to him, and with Leonnatus they held him down. The wound needed cleansing they explained, not letting on that it also needed to be closed. When the surgeon was satisfied, he had Hephaistion turned on to his side once more. Ptolemy moved around to take hold of Hephaistion's hands, as Leonnatus cupped Hephaistion's face between his hands, hiding the white hot blade.

The surgeon was Philip's own, he was quick with his work, minimising the pain, but Hephaistion cried out until darkness claimed him again. The girl started to cry, the boy shouting to his father, demanding to know if his life were in danger too, that he should be protected.

"I will tell him. I will tell him that you promised to tell him of his origins, that you promised just to hold the land for him, to love him like a son." Philip moved over to Hephaistion, as he spoke, as he drew near he traced the marks across Hephaistion's back. "What has he been whipped for?" he demanded.

"The boy is wayward, too much like his father," the uncle said. "Why should we tell him of battles and glory, encouraging him to nothing but an early death, when he would do better here farming….learning a trade." He faltered, seeing Philip's one-eyed gaze upon him.

"So you whipped the boy? For wanting more?"

"He had a neighbour show him how to fight…to ride. He was teaching his own sons, and thought it would do no harm. He said he was working in the village, when he was up there disobeying me. He had to learn."

"He had to learn what is in his blood, he had to learn to fight because he comes from generations of soldiers," Cleitus spat.

The uncle held up his hands in supplication. "When he is well, I will go and speak to my neighbour, see if he can visit once more."

"There is no need," said Philip. "You have until the next full moon to leave this place. The land will stay in Hephaistion's name and he can choose to stay here or return with us to Pella." He glared at the uncle, daring him to argue, but nothing was said.

The surgeon had bandaged Hephaistion's wound. "Where is his bed?" Cleitus asked.

The aunt stepped forward and led the way to a small hallway, opening a wooden door at the end. There were two beds in it, she pointed to the one on the right and then pulled back the one woollen blanket covering a poor mattress and lit a lamp.

Cleitus lay Hephaistion down, pulling a pillow under his head. Hephaistion stirred a little. The surgeon came up with a drink, no doubt to ease the pain, but Philip signalled him away, asking for the room to be cleared, that he would talk alone to Hephaistion. Then the door was closed.

"Look what you have done," the aunt snapped at the uncle. "I said we would be found out, and now, where shall we go?" She turned to Alexander. "He deserved his punishment, he disobeyed.

Alexander opened the doorway closest to him. Looking inside he saw a comfortable room, with a bed much more inviting than the one Hephaistion slept upon. There was enough money from the estate that nobody need do without.

He thought back to the cruel way in which Leonidas had treated him, the cold and hunger he had suffered. It was supposed to make him a better soldier, but he was a born soldier too. He imagined growing up here and wondered how Hephaistion had managed to survive it. Alexander felt no compassion for the two people before him. "I will leave you to your packing," he said, then went outside.

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He was glad for the fresh air and walked a little way from the house, greeting the men as he walked by. He went to check on Bucephalus, but on his way saw Menodicos and his younger brother Lagus, sitting on a fallen tree trunk. Hephaistion's faithful friends.

"He will survive," he said, knowing that was what they were waiting to hear.

"We heard him cry out," Menodicos said, standing up and brushing at his chiton.

Alexander looked back towards the house. "It's a painful process, to treat a wound."

"Why was he hurt?" the question came from Lagus.

Alexander smiled. "It's a long story, and one for Hephaistion to tell if he chooses. Where do you two live?"

Menodicos nodded over towards some hills. "Over there. Hephaistion used to come to us, but then he was no longer allowed to. We can come to him, to go hunting together, once his work is done."

"It's dark. I should get home if I were you." Alexander turned and called for six of the guard. "These men, the king's men, will accompany you home, to make sure you get there safely."

Menodicos and Lagus ran to their horses, eager to be gone, to be riding with the king's guard, with a story to tell when they got home.

Alexander went to Bucephalus, the stallion had been well taken care of. As he made his way back to the house Seleucus and Perdiccas rode in.

"Nothing," Perdiccas stated before Alexander could ask. "We kept searching until it got too dark to see."

"Is there any food prepared?" Seleucus asked, jumping down from his horse. "I'm starving. We haven't eaten all day, didn't have breakfast then rushed here. How is the brother?"

Alexander pointed to where the Royal Guard had made camp. "You'll find something to eat over there, Seleucus. In fact, let us all go and eat. Pereus' brother will live, it was never a killing wound." He led the way, ensuring that the cook, served a good bowlful to those with him.

Ptolemy and Leonnatus came over to join them, and after eating they shared some wine and talked some more of Pereus. If his brother had not known of his existence, then Pereus probably did not know about this place. None of them could recall him ever mentioning it, his parents were dead, he always said that he regarded his friends as his family.

"He looks a lot like Pereus," Seleucus remarked.

Nobody replied. They stared in to the fire, mourning what they had lost.

Alexander felt overwhelmed by the loss. Unable to stay where he was, he stood up and walked away. His friends letting him go as they recognised his need for solitude.

He walked back towards the house, then headed to the left, to a large old tree that stood there. Leaning against it, he looked up at the stars and said a silent prayer for Pereus, closing his eyes to see him, to think of what might have been.

"Alexander!"

He turned to see his father limping towards him, Cleitus by his side.

"What are you doing? This isn't the time or place to take yourself off somewhere alone." He reached out to put his hand on Alexander's shoulder. "Come now, get some sleep, Alexander. I shall return to Pella in the morning, Cleitus will head off then to locate Thersites. He should not be hard to find, if he is wounded and in this area. However, I want you to stay here until Hephaistion is well enough to travel to Pella. It should only be a couple of days, I will delay the funeral."

Alexander nodded, then took a step towards the camp.

"I have arranged for us to sleep in the house," said Philip. "The family can sleep in the servants quarters for now. You take the spare bed by Hephaistion, Alexander." He put his arm around Alexander's shoulders, leaning on him a little as they headed back to the house. "He took the news well enough. He was calm about it. I won't see him denied his heritage."

"Perhaps he will choose to farm," Alexander replied.

Cleitus laughed. "Not a child of Amyntor."

They were reaching the house, Cleitus led the way, opening the door to a supper laid out on the table.

"Have you eaten?" Philip asked.

Alexander nodded, looking down the hallway towards the brothers room. He could not tell what he was feeling, but he was not keen to share the space. It was as if Pereus' shade waited for him there, and he feared it. Conquering his fear he wished health to his father and Cleitus and made his way along the hallway.

Taking a deep breath he stepped in to the room. He found Pereus' brother asleep, in the peaceful quarters, illuminated by a lamp. He was lying on his back, his left hand by his side, his right across his chest.

Alexander noticed he held something in his right hand, and went forward to discover it was a small terracotta figure of a soldier. Chipped and worn, the face practically disfigured, it was obviously a treasure to its owner.

Sitting on the opposite bed and removing his boots, he focused on the soldier. A child's toy. But this boy was the same age as he was, and it had been a long time since Alexander had put away his toys.

He stood up and stripped off his clothing, leaving it on a wooden chest, which was the only other piece of furniture in the room, save for the table by the door which held the lamp.

He went to extinguish the light, but then thought better of it, and climbed in to the bed, pulling the blanket around him and punching the meagre pillow in to some sort of shape where he would be comfortable.

Looking across at his silent companion, he wondered how he could be so comfortable sleeping on his own torture device of a bed. For a moment he thought about heading back to the camp and finding his friends, who were no doubt more comfortable than he was right now.

Moving his body, he found a less lumpy spot and finally settled to find that sleep would not come.

His mind kept replaying his time with Pereus, especially the time two nights ago, when he had hoped to have found love. Then, in his mind's eye he saw Timandra, standing over Pereus' body, mourning him, he saw Pereus with his arm around Agreus, walking with Erginus and talking of gifts from the merchant.

"Pereus," Alexander whispered, just to hear the name spoken.

Pereus' brother murmured in his sleep, and turned on to his right side, his right hand letting go of the soldier to slide under the pillow. He sighed in his sleep, as if the wound troubled him, but he did not wake, he just moved his left hand to his chest and relaxed once more.

Alexander lifted himself up and reached for the toy, not wanting it to be damaged any further. Now he could see who the figure was. Achilles. He could tell by the armour, the face was too damaged. It was smooth to hold, Alexander turned it in his hand a couple of times, before putting it on the chest, by his clothes.

He lay and studied the man before him. He had been struck by the similarity to Pereus when he first saw him. But looking on him now, he could see that the brother had finer features.. As if the gods had honed their skills on Pereus, and then put them to use on the brother.

It struck him that Pereus' suitors would thank the Gods for answering their prayers when they arrived back at Pella. They could have him. Alexander had stepped too close to the flame, he had made up his mind it would not happen again.

TBC