Now a dedication is called for. This story is for my very dear 'net friend Yumemakura. It is inspired by your inventive weekly prompts. Also, many thanks for your kind and constant friendship and support.

Empty Bed

Hephaestion was resting so very comfortably at Alexander's side. He was deeply immersed into the sleep of the innocent and unknowing. He was also totally exhausted and well needed to rest in the arms of his Golden One. Alexander always had the ability to restore him, even when he was weakened by his serious illness.

Now he slowly woke up to another day of trials and tribulations. He turned to Alexander for another warming and reassuring embrace.

The bed was empty on Alexander's side. All the warmth and security was gone. He looked all around the room. Alexander was nowhere to be seen. Amanda and doctor Philip slept calmly in their chairs. The healers were exhausted and they snored softly. They must have been very tired, indeed. Still they vigilantly held on to their pouches with herbal remedies. Hephaestion looked around th room once more.

"He cannot be far away, "He tried to reassure himself. "He must be with the guards. Perhaps, he needed to take a walk outdoors. "

Some time went. Alexander did not return to the bed. Then, Hephaestion saw that Cleitus and the Guards stood outside, vigilantly watching the entry to the King's bedchamber.

Alexander was not together with them!

Hephaestion stretched himself, like a ferocious mountain lion awakening to dangers. Suddenly he felt cold, almost frightened. He leaped out of bed and advanced towards the Guards.

"Where is King Alexander? Why are you not seeing to his security?"

"But, my General Hephaestion, "Stefanos indignantly answered, "he is with you, resting in his very own bed!"

"No, he is not. Wherever can he be?"

"Do not worry so, Hephaestion, "Cleitus calmly stated. "King Alexander is very weak. He cannot be far away. We will look for him together. "

They ran outdoors, looking everywhere around the tent. Then they extended their search to all of the Camp. Alexander was not to be found anywhere. At long last they had to realize the dreadful truth.

The King was missing.

Empty Mind

Alexander wandered in the warm and wondrous Light. He enjoyed basking in it, finding that it gave him new strength and vigour. He wandered for a long time, far away. Then he needed some rest. He sat down on a stone. It was warm and comfortable, almost like a soft cushion. It reminded him of something. A flash of a multitude of couches adorned with crimson cushions came before him. Then he saw enormous wine jugs and blood red wine being poured in a big golden cup. He shivered, instinctively knowing that the golden cup meant no good for him.

The flash of Memory was gone as quickly as it came. He did not know anything at all.

"Who am I, "he mused all to himself. "I do not know who I am. I do not know my name. Where do I come from? Why am I out here on this arid steppe? Where are my friends and family?"

Once more a flash of Memory came to him. There were sky blue eyes, glossy auburn hair, reliable strong hands and the most beautiful of men.

"Whoever is HE?, "Alexander thought. "I wish that he was with me now!"

Then this Memory, too was gone. Alexander forlornly put his hands onto his head, bending down and resting it wearily on his knees. His mind was empty, utterly gone. Tears of loss and sorrow flew from his eyes.

"Who am I. Where am I, "he called out loud.

No one heard him. No one answered to do his bidding.

King Alexander was all alone in a deserted wilderness. Only the wild and ferocious mountain lions and some venomous vipers heard his desperate call.

Serious Intentions

The Persian Court was in a worried state these days. King Darius sent out sentries every day. They watched all over the countryside. The Macedonian Army was far away. The Persians were in no imminent danger from them. No, the sentries were watching for something else, someone else.

One day they came before the King with news. They prostrated themselves before King Darius, panting and exhausted.

"High King. We have seen a golden haired Stranger wandering around the steppe, all on his own."

King Darius immediately rose from his richly adorned throne.

"My brave Immortals. Come to me immediately. We will ride out and secure this Stranger. He is to be captured and held in chains. Then we will bring him with us back to Persepolis. He is our Enemy. With him in our hands Persia will be safe again!"

King Darius entered his golden chariot and quickly raced out from his Camp, surrounded by his Immortals.

They intended to capture the golden haired Stranger, never to let him go again.

TBC