Chapter 4
As Hades promised Alexander got healthier each day, then he became stronger. The army was at an all time low and when people saw the doctor and his medics going in to the king's pavilion they began to assume the worst and once more the rumor that the king was dead began to circulate.
When the news reached Hephaistion he found himself touching the gold cuff around his waist, despite the scar's sinister message he found it brought him comforting knowledge that Alexander was not dead. Hephaistion stood up and left his tent and started to head for Alexander's where he was stop numerous times and bombarded with questions. He held his hands up and said he knew as much as they did and quickly pushed through.
Hephaistion found Alexander in the process of being dressed in his celebration amour by Bagaos while being supported by two other servants, when the breast plate came into contact with the wound Alexander flinched and sagged down with pain, it was then that Hephaistion made his present felt.
"What are you doing?" he asked rushing forward to help
Alexander straightens himself up painfully slow and the effort showed, he was trembling and there was sweat on his brow.
"Oh Hephaistion." Alexander said faintly as if he was seeing him for the very first time. "The men think I'm dead, we have to correct this immediately."
Hephaistion nodded in agreement it would certainly gave the men a boost "Alright but let me get some help."
Without waiting for Alexander to object he left only to return with the other companions who were all as shocked as Hephaistion to see Alexander up and about and didn't argue when Alexander continued to get dressed.
Hephaistion waited just inside the entrance while Alexander was in the process of being helped up onto a horse, he was keeping look out for the crowd to become bigger as news about Alexander spread, When he was sure that the whole camp was present he nodded his head and Ptolemy gathered the horses rains and led it out.
It started out as a cheer then it turned into a roar as the crowd caught there first glimpse of Alexander. The companions had tied Alexander to the horse so that he was upright and still regal, make up hide the illness only those at closest to him could see through the fakery.
Hephaistion could see that Alexander was struggling to keep it together as he reached down to touch those that reached up for him. Ptolemy led the horse around once more before returning to the safety of the pavilion.
Hephaistion and Cassander leapt forward to undo the rope that had secured Alexander to the horse. Cassander went around one side to help Alexander move his leg while Hephaistion was ready catch him and help him down from the other side.
It was a slow affair as Alexander was almost on the ground, his knees gave out and he slid the rest of the way. Hephaistion was there to pick him up as he did Alexander's hand came into contact with the gold cuff causing Hephaistion concentration to slip and Alexander plopped to the ground again causing him to cry out. This cry made Hephaistion regain his balance.
"I'm so sorry, my lord." He said sliding down and placing Alexander right arm over his shoulder and supporting him slowly walked with him to a waiting chair. Hephaistion took the cup from the servant standing by and held it to Alexander's lips.
" Are you alright?" he asked
Alexander finished drinking before nodding.
Hephaistion stepped aside for Bagoas came forward to remove the armor and put Alexander into something more comfortable.
When Alexander tried to lift his arm up so that the strips underneath could be undone he struggled.
Alexander's eyes fell on Hephaistion to help him, the more Hephaistion lifted the arm the more Alexander fought against him, the wound in his chest protesting.
With lots of encouragement from Hephaistion it was finally done and Alexander was put to bed with a fresh clean dressing for the wound and a poppy juice drink for the pain. Hephaistion flopped down into the couch. He unconsciously played with the cuff around his wrist as he watched Alexander deep in thought.