Finally the last chapter of Life of Bagoas. This chapter is dedicated to Aurelie. It starts off a little strong but it will be worth the read (well I like to think it does!)
Life with Bagoas - Chapter 7
At that moment, upon hearing the King's desperate call, Perdiccas and Ptolemy charge into the tent. The sight before them stops the generals in there track, leaving them speechless. Alexander sits behind his lover on the small cot; firmly gripping him within his arms whispering words of apologizes upon the motionless body. Cautiously both generals walk towards them taking immediate notice of the large trail of blood leading to the cot. The gruesome scene reminds both generals of the dreadful night at Laomedon's place. Looking down at Hephaestion laid out on the cot, they both know he has once again crossed path with Alexander's daemon.
Without saying a word, Perdiccas kneels down to Hephaestion side painstakingly inspecting the damage. The horrid sight of Hephaestion's mangled and distorted face alone almost causes Perdiccas to heave. Hephaestion looks to be at the doorstep of death. His steady breathing brings hope to Perdiccas, yet he remains unnerved as he notices his friend's unresponsiveness. Perdiccas turns to take in the King's condition noting only minor facial wounds. But what captures the general most are the Alexander's dark eyes emanating a deep sense of desperation and guilt. Perdiccas realizing that the King is unable comprehend any reality outside the situation, calls out to Ptolemy, who stood jaw dropped to the scene before him. "Ptolemy!" calls out the general, "Ptolemy.. send for the surgeon and ... not a word to anyone."
Quietly, Ptolemy rushes out of the tent leaving Perdiccas to tend to the general and King. "Sire… Alexander" he whispers softly moving the King aside, "Alexander you need to let me tend to him." But the King is out of reach; he is unable to acknowledge Perdiccas' presence and only focuses on the man laid out before him. "Alexander" pleas Perdiccas again, "Please let me wipe the blood off him.. let us lay him down."
Slowly the King responds to the general's request as he carefully releases his hold of his lover. But he holds fast to Hephaestion's hand afraid that he would lose him to the Gods. "This is all my doing" utters the King, "I should have let him go… I should have loved him better." He turns to grab Perdiccas shoulder, with a look of fear, "He was coming back to me..."
Carefully, Perdiccas kneels up to Hephaestion, and reaches out for the nearby water bowl and wrings the cloth. He delicately wipes the blood off Hephaestion's face, silently praying to the Gods that the injuries uncovered were not severe. To his relief, he notes a cut lip, a gash above the brow and a few bruises on the cheek and jaw. With a deep sigh, he turns his eyes downward to inspect the other areas of Hephaestion's body and is directly drawn to the blood profusely seeping from his damaged ribs. Swiftly, he cuts Hephaestion's blood stained chiton with his dagger to slowly peel it down. He then slowly removes the torn bandages to uncover the stitches have been ripped apart and cut is now wider and deeper. Quickly, Perdiccas places a dry cloth upon the area to control the bleeding.
At that moment, he turns to hear voices from the tent flap and is relieved to see Ptolemy rushing in with the surgeon behind him.
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"He needs some rest" recommends the surgeon huddled quietly with Perdiccas and Ptolemy. "They both should rest. I have re-sutured the injured ribs and this should stop the bleeding. His face should respond to the salve."
"Will he wake soon" softly questions Perdiccas
"Yes.. he just needs to rest and allow the body to heal itself," states the surgeon turning to look at the King still holding onto Hephaestion's hand. "They should be watched.. to ensure that they… we do not want another encounter."
"You need not worry about them" counters Ptolemy, "The King will see to the needs of the general." He then takes hold of the surgeon's bag and quietly leads him out of the tent. "Now remember you will remain silent."
"I will stay with them tonight" whispers Perdiccas turning to look at Ptolemy. "You should get some rest yourself and I will meet you here in the morning. I have the pages retrieve some cots for Alexander and me."
'I will be in the tent across the way should you need me." assures Ptolemy as he turns to quietly walk out of the tent.
Perdiccas follows suit out of the tent to instruct the pages to bring forward two cots, while sternly instructing the guards to not allow anyone in the tent, per the King's orders.
As soon as the cots are prepared, Perdiccas gingerly steps over to Alexander trying his best to coax him to release his hold and sleep. "Alexander… you need to rest.. you will need your strength for Hephaestion when he wakes." appeals Perdiccas. "You will not be far from him.. Alexander … see your cot will be here next to him."
To his amazement, the King turns to look at the cot and hesitantly releases Hephaestion's hand. Silently he steps toward it and lies to his side to face this lover, never taking his eyes off the sleeping form. Perdiccas watches Alexander murmuring under his breath, "I swear by the Gods Phai – to lose you would be my death. … Please come back to me." Alexander stares longingly at Hephaestion until he is unable to fight the hold of Hypnos. With a sigh, Perdiccas takes the cot nearby and sits up watching intensively as the two men finally take their rest.
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A couple days later,
The first sound he hears are footsteps moving about within the tent. Hephaestion opens his eyes to turn towards the shuffling of glasses and plates. He quickly takes note of the surgeon sitting next him attentively watching every move Hephaestion makes.
"General.. you are back!" smiles the surgeon with a glee in his eyes, "You must be thirsty," raising his hand to the nearby page for a decanter of water.
"What has happened?" whispers Hephaestion, confused as to his surroundings, "Where am I?"
"You are in the King's tent" responds the surgeon filling him a cup of water as he moves to help the general up. "You have been asleep for a couple of days. Please be careful, the area around your ribs may be tender."
Hephaestion moves to sit up overtaken by a sudden soreness in his face. He grimaces at the pain as he allows the doctor to help him take the water.
In taking the drink, Hephaestion glances within the room, taking note of others who may be present in the tent. As if to read his thoughts, the surgeon explains to the general that the army had moved towards Susa and that the King was marching into the city to seize control of it and its treasury. He further informs the general, that Alexander had planned to move to Persepolis in a few days. The surgeon finally recommends to the Hephaestion to take in some broth and rest, assuring him that he would be up in a couple more days.
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Later that early evening,
The roar of a cheering crowd rouses Hephaestion from his sleep. He pulls himself up to hear the sounds of horses reining aside the tent.
"Alexander, come join us for drinks" calls out Cleitus, "Let us celebrate to our riches."
"You drink way to much my friend? Laughs Ptolemy "Your drunkenness will be the death of you one day."
"Come Alexander the men would welcome your presence," chimes in Seleucus, "especially if Cleitus is offering his good wine."
"A secret stash" laughs Alexander, "Well then..." The king is interrupted by his page informing him that the Hephaestion was awake. Without another word, Alexander hands off his reins and runs towards his tent.
"I would not expect the King to join us tonight" smiles Ptolemy throwing a subtle look at Perdiccas. Both generals had been weary of Hephaestion's decision to reconcile with the King and for days they had feared the possibility of another violent confrontation. But they placed their faith to the Gods and trust that whatever the outcome it would be for the best.
"No… he will be busy," half smiles Perdiccas, trying to mask his concern, as turns to his companions, "Come lets us find Cleitus' secret wine stash." But the young general does not move from his place; rather he lingers to listen for any sudden noises from within the tent. He stands silently until he feels a hand placed upon his shoulder. Perdiccas turns to it finds a soft smile from Ptolemy, motioning him to join the others. He reluctantly concedes looking back only once to affirm that all was well.
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Alexander is overcome with excitement upon receiving word of Hephaestion's condition. He bolts into the tent to find the general up and alert being tended by his pages with water and broth. Uncertain as to Hephaestion's reception, the King stands momentarily watching him until he catches a welcoming smile. Feeling confident, the King walks over Hephaestion waving for the pages to leave them alone.
"Joy to you Sire" smiles Hephaestion. "I understand you are a rich man now!"
"We have captured Darius treasury" responds the King carefully pulling a chair nearby. "I plan to take a small group to the Gates and will meet Parmenion and Cleitus with the rest of the army at Persepolis."
"We will march out soon."
"I had no plan to move until… I know you are better and well again."
"I am now." Shyly responds Hephaestion throwing a wink at the King.
But the moment is broken when within the background a metal item is heard clashing to the floor. Both men turn to catch Bagoas trying to make his way out of the tent. Before the King is able to react, Hephaestion places a hand to his knee, "It is okay. He has been very helpful to me today. Let him be Alexander. It is okay."
The King is simply taken in by Hephaestion touch to take any notice to what he had said. He gives no further regard towards Bagoas and diverts all his attention to the hand clasped upon his knee. Cautiously, he reaches out to it finding comfort. He then slowly slides it up his chest as he falls to his knees aside the bed.
"I am sorry Phai… I am sorry for everything. It was never…"
"Alexander, do you love me?"
Placing the general's hand to his heart, he looks tenderly at him, "I love no other more."
"Then we have an understanding."
"An understanding?, What do you mean? … replies the King slowly rubbing the general's hand within his.
"Alexander you do not need to give the boy up. I will not be made to be a jealous woman to you." explains Hephaestion with a small grin, "But do not parade him before me and make him understand his place…. Or I will".
"I would not dare the thought" laughs the King leaning further towards the cot raising his hand to caress his face. Hephaestion takes in the touch and nuzzles himself into the callused fingertips. "I have missed you. Phai."
Gently the King kneels up to bend towards the General and softly places a single tender kiss. Hephaestion moves to pull the king closer drawing the kiss to become deeper and more passionate. The tongues meet lapping in unison. Together their hands begin to roam leaving trails of sensation throughout their bodies. The general pulls away out of breath and staring thoughtfully at the King. "I do not have the strength yet my love," placing another small kiss, "Would you stay…if only to hold me?"
With a deep sigh of relief, the King leans in further for a kiss, "I would not ask for more. I can wait." Slowly, Hephaestion shifts himself in the cot tapping his hand onto it motioning the King to lay next him. Eagerly, Alexander takes up the offer and lies to the side placing his head upon Hephaestion's chest. He takes in the warmth of his lover body pushing forward as he feels Hepheastion's arm wrap around him to pull him in. In the silence of his heart, he promises to the gods to make sacrifices for the return of his lover. Together they lay in silence as the night blankets them into sleep.
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A few days past before Hephaestion is able to take any solid food. Alexander had been devoted and attentive to every need and request the general had required during his bed rest. The sudden attention amuses the general. With his injuries fully healed, the general is now up and moving about the camp and has managed to resume his duties having made assurance to the King of his restored health.
Sitting in his tent, Hephaestion was making arrangements for the final list of supplies and men needed for the scouting party in charge of searching out a possible alternative route around the Persian Gate. Alexander had finally agreed with Hephaestion to permit him to accompany Crateus' troop towards finding this passageway. The King had anticipated his plan for a frontal attack against the Satrap of Persis, Ariobarzanes through the Gate would take some time and effort to accomplish. Heavy losses were expected if an alternative path was not located. Already, Alexander had planned to split the army, with Parmenion leading the majority, to divide and counter the local resistance of nearby villages and decrease Ariobarzanes' manpower to hold the Gate. Hephaestion smiles to him in realizing the King was finally finding value in him as a warrior in his army.
"Do you have the strength now?" comes a voice from behind him. With a wide smile, recognizing the deep voice and the intent of question, he smartly responds, "Perhaps, if I can be persuaded." He notes the shadow of the figure approaching him, and relishes at the feel of strong arms wrapped around his chest. Warm kisses trickle down his neck as the King leans in to his ears, "I believe I can." Alexander turns Hephaestion to lift him off his chair while stepping forward for a hard and open kiss, unable to wait upon his lover's response. Alexander exertion towards Hephaestion causes him to trip back against the table he had been working on. The King is hungry for his lover and seeks only to reclaim him again. He hastily glides his hand down the side of his general's body as he rubs his body against him. He lifts Hephaestion chiton taking hold of his growing erection stroking it from the base to the tip feeling it grow to his touch. The moans from his lover inspire him further creating his own arousal. "Do you need any more persuasion?"
Pulling away, Hephaestion releases the pins to his chiton discarding it to the ground, and looks up to the King, "No!" pants the general, "Let us love each other as before."
"I love you Phai," breathlessly responds Alexander, as he shyly takes hold of his lover leading him to the cot where they revive and reaffirm themselves to each other once again.
TBC
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* This ends the chapters on Life with Bagoas ... time to move on... stay tune..
