Hello all,

I left you with quite a cliffhanger in the previous part. Now we will see what happens to Hephaestion after he was arrow shot by Alexander's Nemesis, the Scythian Leader Ohrlaszh. Many friends are coming to the rescue.

The Omens for the Scythian Campaign are very bad. Many try to convince King Alexander to refrain from this dangerous venture. It is not an easy assignment.

All the best wishes and hopefully good reading,

// NorthernLight


Title: FIC: Perils Beyond The Jaxartes ( 3 / 9 )

Author: NorthernLight

Email address: aur_

Category: Love/Friendship/Adventure and action story.

Pairings: Alexander&Hephaestion

Date: Autumn 2009

Feedback: Yes, all kinds, on and off line, preferably *nice* :) .

Archive: Yes, but please tell me first.

Beta: Denise. Many thanks for interesting discussions and suggestions, also for improving my English. You sure make my stories a far better read.

Disclaimer: I, the author don't own them. For entertainment only, and for my deep and long time interest in Alexander and Hephaestion and Ancient times.

Summary: In 329 BC Alexander has to do some very hard campaigning against many hostile people. After the successful taking of the Seven Cities Alexander finds himself on the border of Scythia. He cannot resist the temptation to invade this extremely hostile country.

Warnings: Angst. Merciless desert. Nightmare coming true.


Perils Beyond The Jaxartes, Part III

At The Shores Of The Jaxartes, 329 BC

A Friend's Distress

Alexander looked at the limp and lifeless body of his dearest friend with sheer disbelief. He was so filled with immense grief and sorrow that it threatened to engulf him completely.

"Hephaestion! Phai!, "he called out, his voice filled with sorrow and his eyes overflowing with tears. "You must not leave me, not now, not ever! I NEED you!"

He shook his friend violently, so forcefully that the arrow fell from his chest. All around could see that, strangely, there were no blood stains on Hephaestion's blue chiton. The brunette General suddenly gasped for air with a choking sound. He clutched at his chest as he opened his eyes and looked at Alexander for help.

"Alex....., I cannot breathe, I cannot breathe at all, "he managed to whisper before he choked once more.

Alexander shook him again and then pounced his back. It was to no avail. His friend was still in deep distress. Hephaestion could not breathe at all. His face was quickly turning into an ominous light blue colour and his lips turned dark blue.

"Help us!, "Alexander called out in desperation. "A Healer, immediately!"

Amanda and doctor Philip came running from separate directions. They had their leather satchels with emergency aid remedies open and ready. Both Healers produced and unstoppered the same blue clay bottle, almost fighting each other to hold it under Hephaestion's flickering nostrils. Strong blue green fumes soon filled the air. All around could both smell and see them. The patient looked the same for a long time. Then, his nostrils and mouth widened as he managed to take a gasping breath. It was followed by several more. Then, the colour returned to his face and lips. It was a blessed sight of beauty, his face the colour of newly plucked lilies and his lips like roses. Alexander embraced him in sheer relief before letting the Healers see to his friend. They removed his deep blue chiton. Then all could see the sturdy corselet made from thick leather strengthened with bronze plates that Hephaestion prudently wore under his chiton. It had a very deep indentation, but it had not broken when the arrowhead slammed into it.

"Good Fortune that you are so very prudent, my General, "doctor Philip tersely stated. "That armour saved your life."

"Yes, I know that HE is very dangerous company, "Hephaestion answered in a strained whisper. "I forced him to wear his armour, and put this on myself. This is frontier country, one must always stay alert!"

He then sat up on the ground and tried to rise. At first he seemed to be successful, but then his legs wobbled and gave way under him. He groaned from pain and gasped for breath once more.

"No, stay calm, my Dear One, "Alexander sternly told him. "You must not exert yourself. You need to rest, to heal properly."

He then immediately lifted his friend and carried him to his tent. He wobbled and walked with a clear limp, but no one came to his aid.

They all knew that this was something the King truly wanted to do himself.

The Healers followed with their satchels. Alexander put Hephaestion to bed and made him comfortable with cushions behind his back. Then he sat down at the bedside, holding the patient's hand as the Healers removed his armour and thoroughly inspected his chest and ribcage. His breastbone had been badly bruised. It was covered with a deep purple swelling, swiftly turning into a dark blue colour.

"You are fortunate today, Hephaestion, doctor Philip stated. "It's nothing but a bad bruise. It will heal in no time. "

Amanda anointed the injury with a paste smelling strongly from camphor, comfrey and aloe and put a soft, warm sheep fleece over it. Then she carefully wrapped broad linen strips around the patient's ribcage. He winced and groaned but he calmly submitted himself to her ministrations even if he clearly was in much pain. At the same time, doctor Philip prepared a calming and pain killing concoction, poppy seeds and valerian mixed in strong red wine. He administered it to their dear patient. Soon, Hephaestion was sleeping calmly with the Healers watching over him.

Alexander was pleased to see how well his most skilled Healers worked together. It had not always been so.

The King went outside, looking calm and confident. The Companions milled around him. The air was buzzing with concerned questions. The brunette General was well liked by many.

"How is he? Will he be well enough to come with us on our Scythian Campaign?"even the General Craterus asked in earnest concern.

"Yes, my friends and Generals. Hephaestion is not seriously hurt, just a bad bruise "Alexander answered. "He is sleeping now and he will be fine when he wakes up. It could have been much worse, though. That red headed Scythian Devil almost killed him before my very eyes!"

Suddenly, the King's mood shifted. Alexander was filled with rage and stamped the ground. His golden hair mane rose and his eyes virtually flamed from fury. The left, darker one looked like an abyss of death and dismay, the right, brighter one sparkled with furious lightning.

"Revenge! I will have my revenge for this! In three days we cross the Jaxartes. Soon Ohrlaszh and his Scythian Riders will be no more. "

The Generals and Companions cowered before the King's wrath. All feared for the Scythian Campaign. No one dared to speak against it.

Alexander went back into Hephaestion's tent. All heaved a deep sight from sheer relief. The King was very bad company when in this black and vengeful mood.

A Friend's Warning

Hephaestion heard Alexander's outburst despite his drugged slumber. He sat up and called out loud after him.

"Alexander! What is the matter? Are we attacked by the Scythians again?"

He then slumped back on his bed, clutching at his chest and gasping for air. Alexander immediately came to him and held on to him, gently patting his brow and chest. The King's moods shifted very fast. Now he was filled with tranquility and he managed to put the patient to rest.

"You must stay calm, my dear. We will deal with the Scythians in three days time, when you have recovered."

Alexander then beckoned to the Healers.

"You may leave us now. I will sit up with him myself. "

"Yes, Alexander, doctor Philip answered, "You must promise us to stay this calm, though. I don't want you to upset our patient. I gave him enough poppy seeds to put a horse to sleep - and then your tantrum managed to wake him up!"

"I promise, my good doctor. Hephaestion is more important to me than my own welfare. He will stay calm in my care."

"Yes, Alexander. I know that your skills of Healing equals mine and Amanda's, "doctor Philip answered. "You think more about the health of others than your own, though. I heard your challenge regarding the Scythians. This time I sternly advise you to stay behind and let others ride into combat. You are in no state to venture another hard Campaign."

Alexander did not answer the good doctor. The Healers reluctantly left the tent. Alexander remained at Hephaestion's bedside, holding his hand and talking calmingly to him. Hephaestion was slowly drifting back into his drugged slumber. Before he gave in to the poppy induced sleepiness he carefully watched his Golden One. He was worried for Alexander. He had noticed the signs that no one else remarked. Alexander had not been well of late. His golden youth, shine and vitality was slowly leaving him. Endless campaigns and marching had taken its toll at long last. He still had a slight limp from the arrow that split his right shin in a battle near Maracanda. Worse, he had not recovered properly from the injuries to his head and windpipe caused by sling stones at Cyropolis during the Seven Cities campaign. He still had difficulties in speaking, eating and drinking and Hephaestion knew that he also suffered from dizzy spells. It was sheer stubbornness and determination that kept him on his feet. Hephaestion grasped for Alexander's hand. He then spoke to his friend, in whispers, but clear and determined.

"Alexander, I am glad that you take such good care of me. You need not worry so much. It's just a bruise. It will heal in no time, "Hephaestion reassuringly stated. "I am much more worried over your own health. It was sheer Hell to sit by your side when doctor Philip removed the splinters from your shin and set the bone. Then I thought that I would lose you when the sling stones hit your head and windpipe. You have not recovered very well from these injuries. I can see it with my very eyes, and I can feel it - here."

He put his hand over his heart. Alexander became pale, knowing that his friend told the truth.

"Alexander. You must not venture another hard Campaign before you have healed properly. Promise me to stay behind when we cross the Jaxartes!"

Hephaestion now pleadingly clung to Alexander. The King gave him a reassuring hug, followed by a negative answer.

"I appreciate your concern, my Dear One, but you know that I cannot stay behind while our soldiers risk their lives. We will cross the Jaxartes together, as always, Bad Omens or not."

Hephaestion gave a solemn reply.

"Alexander, these Bad Omens were not for me - they were for you! "

Then he drifted back into a unfitful sleep, filled with worries and bad dreams about deserts, scorching sun and hungry vultures. Alexander did his best to calm him down. He talked to him, gently stroke his fevered brow and bathed him with cooling minth scented water. At long last Hephaestion slept calmly.

Then, it was Alexander's turn to worry. He well knew that his friend was right. Hephaestion always told the truth.

Domestic Council

Amanda had been worried for her dear ones many times during the Campaigns. She had seen them in action and danger, also seen them getting wounded or seriously ill. Hitherto she had been able to help and Heal them.

Things were different here at the Jaxartes. She had known it ever since she had The Dream. When Hephaestion was arrow shot her own heart almost stopped. He was the one responsible for calm and order, the very anchor for them all. Most important of all, he was the one who kept King Alexander sane and helped him realize his glorious designs.

Amanda felt a warm love and friendship for both her Dear Lords. She did not want them to get hurt in another dangerous Campaign. She knew that doom and disaster awaited them beyond the Jaxartes.

It was the morning of the day after the horrors at the river shore. She had seen to her dear patient. Hephaestion was well, sound asleep on doctor Philip's calming concoction. Alexander was sleeping, too, his golden head resting in the lap of his friend. Hephaestion held his hand on his head, gently ruffling the golden curls. Amanda smiled at them, appreciating their close bond of love and friendship.

Now she had prepared breakfast to her little family. Cleitus and the Guards enjoyed cups of wine, bread and goat chees. Her little boys had goat milk instead of wine.

Amanda had promised herself that they would NEVER be allowed to drink wine to their food, just for medicinal purposes.

Her three men discussed the upcoming Campaign. They were worried over the bad Omens, feeling reluctant regarding the Scythian Campaign. Still, they were determined to do King Alexander's bidding, whatever he decided. Amanda wanted no more of this. She violently slammed her fist into the table. She was usually very calm and she seldom had any opinions about King Alexander's warfare. Now she was furious. Her light blond hair had escaped from its tightly bound braids, forming a flaming halo around her head. Her green eyes used to be mild and compassionate. Now they were filled with rage and actually sparkling and shooting green arrows. Her emerald green gown and cloak billowed around her

"Cleitus! Stefanos! Alexios! You are MEN so you are allowed to speak in the King's Council, "she stated with determination. "You must persuade King Alexander to refrain from this witless campaign. It is sheer insanity to venture out into that endless Sea of Grass. I have heard that it continues into a merciless desert. It will swallow you all up, if you are not killed by that red headed Devil and his Scythian Riders before you even have the chance to ride into it! They have caused us enough calamity as it is. We almost lost the General Hephaestion because of them! I do not want to lose my loved ones in this dangerous venture!"

She was joined by three tiny voices.

"Mother is right! Xander and Phai must NOT cross the River of Blood. We have had The Bad Dream, too."

Amanda's three small boys were usually the most docile and kind hearted of children. Little Cleitus was five years old, born exactly nine months after the Battle at the river Granicos. He was sturdy and with his ragged black mane he looked like a small and endearing copy of the black haired General. It often made people smile. The twins were also endearing. They were four now , born precisely nine months after the Battle of Issos. All could see that they were the lookalikes of the faithful Guards. Alexios Hephaestion had a shiny auburn hair mane, Stefanos Alexander had a glossy black and more controlled hair mane. Their proud mother always called them Phai and Alex.

They had taken after their mother more than their fathers. She had brought them up teaching them the art of Healing from a tiny age. They helped her collect herbs and prepare them into ointments, powders, infusions and concoctions, seeing it as a game. They also followed her and helped her to care for the wounded. They fetched and carried things for her and distracted the men from their pain with their games and singing. Amanda had allowed Cleitus to give them some military training, to protect themselves from the dangers in Camp.

She had promised herself that her dear little boys would become Healers, not soldiers.

Now they helped her to convince their fathers against the Jaxartes Campaign. The three men in Amanda's quite unusual household had to give in to such vehement persuation.

"Yes, Amanda, yes our dear boys,"Cleitus answered. "I agree with you in this. I am a General. King Alexander must listen to me in Council. I promise you that I will speak against this reckless venture in todays War Council. I cannot promise you that the King will listen to me, though. He is more stubborn than the three of you together!"

Amanda and her little family did not know that their reluctant feelings against the Scythian Campaign were shared by many more households all over Camp.

War Council

The Generals and Companions were seated in the reception room in the King's tent. All were prepared for the War Council. King Alexander was expected to present his plans for the Scythian Campaign. Now he came, dressed in Royal purple, with the General Hephaestion dressed in lavender blue on his right and the General Craterus dressed in dark yellow on his left. He was clearly limping, almost staggering and the Generals were ready to catch him if he was to stumble and fall. To the relief of all, the General Hephaestion had recovered well from his injury. He was a bit pale and wan, but his gait was steady and he was clearly in good fighting form.

Alexander sat down in his chair and immediately addressed the Council. His voice was strained and hushed from the recent injury to his windpipe. Still, it carried through the room, compelling them all to listen carefully.

"Gentlemen. We will soon be up against one of our most dangerous enemies. I know that many of you are feeling reluctant towards crossing the Jaxartes and meeting the Scythians in combat. "

He made a pause. The silence in the room was so choking that it could have been cut to pieces with a cleaver.

"It is important that we teach them a thorough lesson. We cannot leave them unchallenged behind our back. They will overwhelm our new cities and garrisons as soon as we are away from here. In three days' time we cross the Jaxartes to meet them on the Sea of Grass. "

The General Cleitus rose, flanked by the faithful Guards Stefanos and Alexios.

"With all respect, Sire, "Cleitus addressed the King, "I must speak against this venture. The Scythians are on their native soil. They know every grain of sand and every straw of grass on this hostile ground. We will ride straight into an unknown realm, ready to swallow us up. I advise you to let enough be enough. Fortify the town of Alexandria Eschate and its garrison. Then leave a reliable Commander there. The Scythians will remain on their side of the Jaxartes."

"I agree," the General Hephaestion rose and stated. "Our forces are strained and stretched to the utmost. You yourself are in no condition to lead us in another hard Campaign. Let enough be enough. Diplomatic negotiations with the Scythians will solve our differencies, and a fortified garrison at Alexandria Eschate will deter them from further hostilities.

Many of the Generals nodded in assent. King Alexander turned pale with silent rage but he held his temper.

"I hear and respect your views, my good Cleitus and Hephaestion. Still, my decision stands firm. In three days time we cross the Jaxartes and meet the Scythians. I know this red headed devil Ohrlaszh. He will never leave us unchallenged. Our new cities will be razed to the ground as soon as we turn our back. We cannot leave them unprotected against such Evil!"

Now the General Craterus rose and addressed the Council.

"Sire, I agree with the General Cleitus. I even agree with HIM, "he declared, nodding towards Hephaestion. "But, since you so clearly insist on this Campaign I am willing to go. I advise you, thought, not to lead us in person. You have been seriously wounded several times of late. You are clearly in no state to lead an army on a tough Campaign in this hostile and unknown terrain. Please, Alexander, listen to me as your friend and General. Stay behind this time. Let me, Perdiccas and Balacrus take our cavalry beyond the Jaxartes and teach the Scythians a lesson."

Alexander turned even paler, then his colour changed into Royal red, matching his cloak. He slammed his fist into the table.

"NO, my General Craterus. I will not allow you to risk your own life and others while I stay safely behind the lines. We cross the Jaxartes in three days' time. This is my final decision!"

There was no more opposition. In the evening Aristander made another sacrifce. The Omens were no better this time.

They were even worse.

TBC