Hello all,
Me and my Muses have not been very active of late. Now we are inspired once more. These drabbles are to honour our yearly Candles for Alexander at our Alexander's Army Yahoo Group, somewhat belated. I hope that you will enjoy them, especially since I have refrained from the usual mourning theme. I don't know if the prompt "Flames" is in the list, but I found it a very appropriate one.
All the best wishes, Read and enjoy,
/ NorthernLight
Prompt: Flames
A Flame In Pella
Pella, 356 BC
She was totally overwhelmed by the violent thunderstorm. The rain washed all over her. The cold winds blew all around her, making her constantly stumble. Then there was the lightning. She fell and the flames soared and sizzled all over her, concentrating on her protruding stomach.
The young woman woke up in a cold sweat, her breath labouring and her heart pounding like a sledge hammer. It was not real, nothing but a nightmare. She held her hands protectively around her stomach, feeling the baby kicking violently inside her.
It was the first time she had felt him kicking. He seemed to be a most lively and healthy child.
Queen Olympias smiled and said to herself:
"Well, I always knew that my firstborn would be someone unusual. Now I know for sure."
A Flame In Illyria
Illyria 338 BC
Amanda was alone as usual. Her faithful dog Ptolema and her lovely puppies kept her company, but there were no other human beings nearby. The Illyrian Village was far away, at the other side of the mountain ridge.
Amanda lit her little night fire and warmed herself at it. Ptolema and the puppies gathered at her side. Suddenly the watchful she dog rose. Her ears prickled and she barked to alert her dear mistress. Amanda looked up:
"What is it, my dear girl?, "she asked her friend.
The dog sniffed the air and went towards the east. Amanda curiously peeped through a hole in her protective rose bushes.
She saw another firebrand. It was in the hands of a blond young man. Its warm glow surrounded him like a fiery golden halo. He sat astride a coal black stallion and he was followed by an auburn haired young friend on an auburn maned stallion. They set their pace towards the cave nearby, clearly intending to move into it.
Amanda had got herself a pair of new neighbours. She would never be alone anymore.
A Flame In Asia
The Hindu Kush, 329 BC
Hephaestion was cold. He had never been so cold before in his life. He lay semi conscious in a snow drift. His fur cloak was to no avail against the merciless, bitter cold snow and icy winds. How long had he lain in that ice cold snow drift? He did not know. What he knew was that he had to get up, had to move, or else he would freeze to death!
He rose on hands and knees, trying to stand. His arms and legs shivered so badly that it was almost impossible. He needed help, but no one was there for him. He called out, but no one responded to him.
Suddenly there was a black cloud thundering towards him. A gray cloak made of wolf fur swirled in the cold blizzard winds. A strong hand reached out for him and scooped him up on the black horse's back. He was embraced and engulfed in a flaming heat.
Alexander was there for him. With his Golden One at his side Hephaestion would never be cold and lonely again.
The End
