Title: "The Aftermath"
Author: Baliansword
Rating: T for Teen
Chapter: 9 of 11, "The King Returns"
Pairings: Alexander/Hephaestion
Summary: After a night of drinking, Alexander murders Cleitus in Scamander. Hephaestion furthers the rift by out-casting Roxanne. He does, however, try to help Alexander regain his sanity.
Warnings: Violence, sexual content, and some strong language.
A/N: No one panic! I assure you; Hephaestion will not be tortured and killed. As some have suspected there is something left out in his deal with Cassander. Since you know he will not die, keep reading, and it will get better.
Dedication: Just another idea I had, thanks to all that read.
Special Note: Thanks everyone for waiting patiently for this update. This tale should be finished by the end of the week.
0
0
0
Sunlight, rays of a pale saffron, gently cast shadows away from the land. These warm beams of life slowly brought the day to life. The dew on the grass began to drip to rich soil beneath its hanging blades, and a family of sparrows chirped gaily. The sparrows dropped to the ground where they drank from a small puddle, not too muddy to drink from. Sipping they then lifted up, the wind pushing their thin wing feathers up. They soared through the trees for a moment, not aware of what was watching them. The eagle sat perched on a dead tree limb, dark and silent. Beady eyes watched these sparrows and summed up each move that they made. Another soft gust of wind lifted the small sparrows, but the eagle did not move just yet. It did not move for some time, not until the opportune moment came. Only when the predator knew that it would come out victorious did it move. A screech pierced the silence and the predator dove off of the dead limb, leaving the decaying bark behind. With two flaps of its great wings the eagle had gained enough speed. The sparrows, now aware of the oncoming attack, scattered in the air. Each of the smaller birds tried to find a tree to duck into. The most beautiful of the sparrows, her body being perfectly plump and her form perfect, was not fast enough though. With one small curve she lost speed, the wind changing directions, and she was blown off course. Sharp talons wrapped around the sparrow, piercing her breast, and she let out a startled cry. The eagle continue to squeeze, and calmly returned to its perch upon the malignant tree. As the creature lifted the sparrow it let out another earth shattering cry, this one loud enough to wake the dead.
Hephaestion sat up immediately, sweat forming upon his brow, and glanced at the body beside him. Not willing to wake Alexander as of yet he stealthily crawled out of the bed and covered his tanned, bare shoulders with a majestic red robe. The stone was cool beneath his bare feet, but still he was able to creep quietly across the room. He tied the sash at his waist and then made his way to the door. Alexander slept soundly, not close to waking yet from his night's passion, and Hephaestion made sure to close the door quietly. Hephaestion entered the hall and strode past the horrific faces painted there. He paid no attention to any onlookers, but instead made his way to the wash room. Halfway there, however, he found that he no longer wished to rid his face of the sweat he felt there. Instead he reached up with a hand and wiped sweat from his brow, then stormed further down the hall.
He had to shield his eyes from the brightness that enveloped him as he stepped out onto the grass. The dew from the grass was wet, and provided him with a slight start, but the rest of the ground was warming up. Even though he had to protect his eyes from the sun he did not slow down. Instead he crossed over the verdant grass, searching for the source of the newest cry from the beast that had woken him. As he approached the eagle lifted another torn, feathered piece of flesh and tore at it with its beak. Hephaestion screamed, saying nothing at all, but still the bird did not seem to notice him. Again he screamed, this time louder, and he bent down to pick up a smooth stone. He palmed it, weighing it, and then threw it in the direction of the heap of dead branches that the royal eagle was perched upon. The eagle seemed to mock him. It rose from the branches, then took flight, and it teasingly dropped the shredded carcass near Hephaestion. Hephaestion picked up another stone and hurled it at the bird as it flew off into the morning horizon. As soon as it was out of sight he fell to the ground.
The smell of freshly trodden upon soil filled his nose as he breathed in, his forehead pressed against the ground. He tried to remain calm though. He tried to remind himself that it was merely a bird, nothing more. There were no preminitions from the gods, nor had there ever been. Part of his soul found him silly for believing in such things. The other half reminded him that it would be foolish to go against the gods. Either way, he was cursed, was he not? Hephaestion drew in another breath then pushed himself up. Silently he strode across the grass once more, and he did not utter a word until he was reaching the steps of the new halls they inhabited.
"Take this message for me Hermes," he mumbled under his breath. "Curse bloody Zeus, who bore a hero they call Alexander, only to line him up for failure. I curse Zeus. Tell him that."
It was not his place to curse a god, but he did not care. He was sick of signs, whether they be eagles or clouds, or any other odd thing they came across. Fuck the gods, he thought, for clearly they were not looking out for him or for Alexander. Had they been Cleitus would still be alive, for no matter how hard he tried, he could not think of a reason that Cleitus' death was good. Only he was protecting Alexander now, and today would be his trial. He cursed Zeus once more, and once more there was an absence of a lightning bolt.
Cassander on the other hand had been watching the scenes of the morning as well. He had watched the eagle stalk its prey, and had seen the sparrow's plight as it died. It had not interested him though. He only became interested when he saw Hephaestion walking towards the trees in a red robe, which did not cover much. He was a fool to walk into the forests alone, but who knew, perhaps this was some game he was playing with Alexander. Calmly he lifted the wooden cup to his lips again and took a sip of the goat's milk he had found. Even though Hephaestion interested him, he did not understand his intentions at first. It appeared as if at first he were yelling at someone, but instead he seemed to only be screaming at the eagle. Interesting, Cassander thought, he is now the blue-eyed protector of kings and of sparrows. The title suited him, for Alexander was his first priority, but now it seemed the sparrow was his second.
Next Hephaestion threw a stone, to no avail, and the eagle soared away. The blue-eyed beauty then fell to the ground. Cassander watched him, even somewhat attractive in a heap on the dirt, and was rudely interrupted by Roxanne. She asked what Hephaestion was doing, and Cassander put his hand over her mouth, for she was far too loud. The barbarian queen did not like this, and she quickly strode away. Cassander was not going to complain either, for he was losing interest in her. She pleasured him, but only for a few moments. The pleasure never remained. In truth, he found more pleasure in watching Hephaestion than he did in her. Hephaestion was a challenge, not someone that merely would lie beneath him. There was so much to try to comprehend, but still, he did not understand what was going through Hephaestion's mind.
Some moments later Hephaestion began his trek back toward the hallways. He muttered something, and it brought a smirk to Cassander's lips. He did not need to hear Hephaestion to understand what he was saying. He too had cursed the gods, and all men cursed them in the same way. The formatting was the same, only the name of the god changed. Cassander himself had never believed in the gods. His father had taught him to play along, yes, but that they would not determine your fate. Still, as Hephaestion stopped his curses, Cassander glanced toward the sky out of the corner of his eye. There, thankfully, was no lightning bolt. Apparently Zeus had better things to do on this morning.
He took another drink, draining the rest of the milk, and then set the cup down. Standing, he glanced at his room. Roxanne had left, taking her personal items with her, which was a blessing. He did not need to be caught with her things in his room. There would be too many questions, and he did not want to have to deal with that at the moment. Cassander crossed the room confidently, never faltering, and opened his door. The moment he stepped out into the hall he collided, accidentally, with Hephaestion. Hephaestion raised an arm instantly, as if expecting a fight, and Cassander just stared at him for a moment.
"A moment," Cassander said, then stepped into his room. No matter how angry Hephaestion was, he would never walk away. It was not in his character. He tried to please too many, and never pleased himself. Hephaestion shut the door behind him as Cassander poured another cup of goat's milk. He poured one for Hephaestion, not caring whether or not Hephaestion was thirsty. Clearly he had just woken up, why would he not be thirsty? Hephaestion made no further moves though, and Cassander practically had to force the cup into his hand.
"Hard morning," Cassander asked. Hephaestion did not reply, but instead drank. He downed the contents of the cup and then set it down before looking around the room. "It is nothing compared to yours, I am sure. I keep nothing clean, so forgive the mess."
Since when, he wondered, had he become cordial? Never before had he explained a mess in his chambers. He had never needed to before, so why start now? Had he not known any better he would have assumed that Hephaestion was some sort of demi-god that had a power to control him. Hephaestion still did not speak, so he did not rule out that possibility.
"You know, there are no gods," Cassander said. "It was a bird, nothing more."
"I know," Hephaestion snapped back.
"There are some," Cassander continued, his tone lower, "that believe this journey is killing the men slowly. Ptolemy spoke with a man in the jungle, his face painted white, that told him sickness of the soul comes from these lands. Perhaps we all have it."
"Perhaps."
"You, however, were halfway dead to begin with." Only then did Hephaestion look at him. He either did not understand, or he was angry. Perhaps it was a mixture of the two, that look, but Cassander could not tell. He feared that if he stared into those cerulean eyes for too long, he'd lose himself. "Merely a thought."
"What is it that you want?"
"Today," Cassander said, biting in to a small piece of fruit that Roxanne had left on the platter, "the king returns to court. There are only two ways for him to be accepted. Either he is a pig, or he is a pig with an apple shoved in its mouth."
"He will return as Alexander."
"Oddly enough, it is not him that I worry about. I worry about you."
"There is no need to," the other assured him. "Everything will go according to plan. Alexander will regain his full title, without question, and I am yours to maim, torture, and kill."
"Even the eagle did not torture the sparrow."
"The chase was frightening enough."
"I have never chased you," Cassander replied. "I must say that still I do not understand. If you leave Alexander behind, when what is he to do? If you die do you think that he will be able to go on? If so, you give him too much credit. He is strong, yes, but not that strong."
"I did not think that you would be the one to back out of a deal."
"No, never. I just wish to better understand you," he admitted. "You have always been sick in the soul. Alexander possessed you from a young age, and by all of the world I wish he would have chosen me. You have power, Hephaestion, a power that all would want to have. Never have you used it. If you ask me, you are the stronger one. I do not see him throwing his life down to protect your name. He would have had to do so long ago when I began calling you a whore."
"Perhaps you are right," Hephaestion said as he turned, ready to leave. "Maybe I was dead long before today."
Cassander watched him go, still feeling that he had gotten nowhere. Already he knew what he was supposed to do, and he would do it. Yet at the same time he could not image waking to find a day without Hephaestion. Yes, he knew that Alexander would turn to him perhaps, but he did not wish for him to do so if it meant that he was a second choice. Sighing, he sat down. What, possibly, was going through the mind of Hephaestion Amyntor?
0
0
0
He chose a white chiton, and a blue length to hold over his shoulders. Alexander smiled and took it from Hephaestion, who then shut the chest once more. He had even found a wreathe, with matching white flowers, for him to wear. It was amazing what Hephaestion could do in a matter of moments. Alexander changed, then let Hephaestion brush out his hair. Something was wrong though, and had been, but still he did not know what it was. Had it been something he had done?
"You seen distressed," Alexander finally said. Hephaestion glanced up, delivering not even a sliver of hope, and shook his head. There was no further answer. Instead, he continued to busy himself with blond masses of hair. Alexander waited for a moment, hoping that Hephaestion would say something, but he did not.
"Did I displease you," he asked.
"You could never displease me," Hephaestion responded, his answer quick. He set the comb down and placed a hand on Alexander's shoulder. He then wrapped his other arm around him, leaned down, and pressed a kiss to his temple. "If you never remember another thing I say, remember that. You are everything to me, and never could you displease me."
"I feel as if you're saying goodbye."
"No," he said, soothing Alexander with a warm smile. "I am going nowhere."
Hephaestion continued to prepare him for the meeting. Alexander knew how important it was, for here he would give his speech. Still he'd not read it through, but knew that Hephaestion would have everything prepared. He should have written it himself, but had not been in the condition to, and last night was perfect. They would decide his fate today. Either he was a tyrant, or Cleitus had been killed for a reason. Still he could not in his own mind determine what the outcome would be. However, it looked as if Hephaestion already knew an answer, and it was not one that seemed to be pleasing him.
"You liked the mountains," Alexander said suddenly. Hephaestion glanced up, finished now with Alexander's hair. It had never looked so perfect, even though he'd merely brushed out the tangled knots. "I remember you saying that it was so simple, and that life must be easier where so few could reach you. How did you say it…"
"If the troubles of the world cannot reach you," Hephaestion answered, remembering his words precisely, "then there are no troubles in the world."
"Yes," Alexander said with a nod. "There are no troubles in the mountains, and you liked it there."
"Why are you suddenly thinking about mountains? Are we preparing to move out again? I warn you, I do not believe the men are ready yet. Give them some more time. Give them time to remember what standing still is like."
"No, I mean for us. If I have to fight for the empire, I will. Yet if I must choose between you, and this empire, then I choose you. Would you mind living in the mountains, without all of this?"
"Alexander," Hephaestion said as he dropped down before Alexander. He kissed the back of Alexander's hand, then held on tightly. "This empire is nothing without you. It is yours, and only yours. They are not going to take anything from you. Yes, I loved the mountains, but I know you Alexander. Never will you stand still for long. For some time you may remain in the mountains, but you'd just start a new army, and you'd begin again. But we would be much older then, and they would not write as many stories. I know you. You'd never be content in the mountains, for you love the troubles of the world, for you plan to fix them. Then, not even in the lowest valley or flattest plain will a man see troubles."
"I would live a thousand lives in the mountains, if I could live them all with you."
"Why stay in mountains when you have me now, here with you, in this empire that is yours?" Hephaestion carefully placed his palm against Alexander's cheek. "Believe me, it is your empire. Stop fretting. I will be behind you the entire way."
0
0
0
Cassander wanted to scream when he saw Hephaestion enter the room. He wanted to tell him that he was a fool, and that no matter what deal they had struck, it was not worth it. Hephaestion did not even make eye contact with him. Instead he sat down next to Alexander's seat. Alexander remained standing, and he prepared to read. At the beginning it seemed as if Alexander himself had written it, even though Cassander knew for a fact that Hephaestion wrote it. What game was Hephaestion playing! It was halfway through when Alexander gave his reason for killing Cleitus. He still firmly believed, or so he read, that Cleitus had been plotting against him. However, the real shock came toward the end, and Cassander felt his stomach knot. Alexander continued to read, became confused, but the words had already been spoken.
"…It has come to my knowledge that Cleitus was not the only one involved, but instead someone much closer to me was planning to betray me. Hephaestion has taken responsibility…."
"No," Ptolemy whispered, his eyes gazing in Hephaestion's direction. Alexander stopped reading, and immediately he turned to Hephaestion. Hephaestion stood, now the center of attention, and began to speak. Cassander shook his head all the while, urging him silently to stop. No, he did not stop though. Cassander had known all along that he would not.
"I encouraged Cleitus to go against Alexander," Hephaestion lied. Clearly no one believed him, but no one was going to challenge him either. "I told Alexander of Cleitus' betrayal, and mine, for I feared the plan would not work. Hence, this is a fault of mine, not Alexander's. I have been dishonest, and I know that my punishment is going to death. I accept such terms, and ask that Alexander have no part in my punishment."
"Hephaestion," Alexander exclaimed. "What are you doing? What you are saying is foolish. We both know that you had nothing to do with it."
"Alexander," Hephaestion said quietly, but so that others could still hear. "There is no need to protect me any longer."
"Hephaestion!"
"Take him away," Cassander whispered. Thank the gods he was loud enough. The others turned to look at him, even Alexander. "I am sorry, Alexander. But with such an admission, we know the punishment."
Alexander grabbed Hephaestion's arm, but it did not help. Hephaestion did not struggle as the guards took him away. Alexander screamed, but was held back. Cassander continued to watch, pain filling him, and he saw Hephaestion glance over his shoulder as he left. Even through this there was still a hint of a smile upon his lips. He nodded once, and then turned away. Alexander continued to scream, and the guards held him. By the time they let him go, Hephaestion was very likely chained. Cassander lifted a hand to his chin as Alexander chased after him.
"Cassander," Ptolemy said, "tell us that this is not so."
"Alexander has the empire," Cassander answered. "Hephaestion has protected him once more. What else would you like me to say?"
"Cassander!"
"In order for Alexander to return, we would have to determine that he was right in killing Cleitus. The only viable reason would be if Cleitus was against him. Since Cleitus is not here, there would have to be another involved to confirm the plot against Alexander. If," he said after taking in another breath, and trying not to break into hysteria, "not Alexander is a tyrant. Draw your own conclusions."
"Wait," Nearchus spat, "you knew of this! Hephaestion is innocent!"
"Yes," Cassander agreed. "Yet in the records, Alexander will be innocent and Hephaestion will be guilty. Unless, however, we find a way to help him."
"You don't have that planned out," shouted Ptolemy.
"No, not yet. But give me time. An execution does not need to occur today. Tomorrow, though, is the waning of the moon. It'll have to be tomorrow, based on tradition."
0
0
0
A/N: Thanks for the review of the last chapter to Queendel. Hope that everyone is still enjoying! Let me know, comments always help.
