The sky stretched out endlessly above the road to Athens. The group of horses galloped on as Lucius gazed around, waving to every person he saw. Hephaistion smiled as a stout woman blew kisses back and Lucius grinned with delight.

"You're very popular here, hey?"Hephaistion joked. Lucius flushed, getting more delighted by the minute. They had travelled for more than two hours now, passing farmers, villagers and fellow travellers who had all revelled in seeing the Joyau d'Athens. After a year and a half in Macedon, Hephaistion had become a mysterious and somewhat controversial figure. Despite that, Lucius had constantly stolen the show. He was eight now, a picture of curious boyhood. He had joined school the previous year and now felt himself quite accomplished.

Lucius grinned suddenly, impish sparks glittering in his brown eyes. "It's because they want our favour!"

Hephaistion laughed, "Really? You're so important now?"

"No, but I will be!"

Hephaistion smiled. They were near the old fort now. He was about to reply when the sound of urgent galloping alerted him to approaching riders. He looked into the distance, alarmed to see a troop of armed riders approaching. Lucius looked up at him, anxiously.

The captain of their five guards came up to him, "Sir, those are Tiberius's men."

Hephaistion swallowed, "How do you know? They're still in Athenian armour."

"Tiberius claims to be fighting on behalf of the Republic."

Amyntor's men had removed the national crests from their armour and replaced it with Amyntor's private crest. They hadn't fought a battle yet but there had been skirmishes between the two sides.

"What should we do?" Hephaistion asked the captain.

He squinted, "Flee but clearly they hold sway in the area now. I'll take a bribe."

Hephaistion bit his lip to conceal his smile. Lucius' eyes widened.

The captain and another guard rode up to meet the troop. Hephaistion observed them, fingering his sword.

"Will we have to fight them?" Lucius asked, more bewildered than scared.

"Not you."

Suddenly a flash of silver ripped through the air ahead and they saw with horror how Tiberius' men beheaded their two guards. The remaining three guards advanced forward but Tiberius' men had already come and they were outnumbered. The three guards groaned as blades were held to their neck and Hephaistion and Lucius were surrounded.

Tiberius' captain came forward, "Hephaistion, Joyau d'Athens, you and godson are commanded to return with us to our camp. If you wish to struggle, these men will be killed and you will hanged upon capture. Your father will not recognise your godson when he returns with news of your you wish to co-operate, throw down your weapons now."

Hephaistion held his breath and counted to ten, trying to remember everything he'd learned about wars in Macedon. He looked at the troop and knew there was no way out. Then there was the threat to Lucius. He unsheathed his sword and threw it out. The dagger would stay hidden in his boots.

The three guards were released and disarmed before being handcuffed. The captain called an advance and soon they arrived at the fort. Hephaistion peered around, memorising everything he saw as Lucius sat beside him, the laughter wiped off his face.

The men stared at them, Hephaistion stared back at them. Some of them looked away, others awe-struck. Hephaistion bit his lip, he would've laughed if he were elsewhere.

They were urged out of the carriage and herded through the castle's side doorway. Down the hallway to the left, up a flight of stairs, across the landing to the right and into the second doorway they went, hurried on by a pack of guards. The room was large, a double bed at the far end, a low table in front of it, a couch on the right. Their belongings were packed into a corner and the guards exited the door.

"What will happen with our guards?" Hephaistion called out.

A man came back, "Imprisoned. Until the war ends."

"And us?"

The man looked him up and down, "You'll be the commander's guest."

Then the door was shut. Hephaistion sighed and moved torwards the couch, conscious of Lucius' stare. He opened his arms, "Come here."

Lucius ran over and hid his face in Hephaistion neck. Hephaistion fought a sigh as Lucius began crying.

"Shh," he whispered, feeling awkward. In a way he wished Diana had come with but she had stayed on at her family's farm with the other children. They'd agreed to travel separately because of the war, it now seemed very wise; hopefully, the other children were safe.

The next morning saw their first meal since breakfast the previous day. A servant had delivered bread and cheese then had left. Hephaistion took a bite gingerly, imagining his aunt's disappointment if after her exile he could not deliver her children alive. The bread tasted fine and after five minutes he went to wake Lucius.

Their morning passed talking about the war. Lucius was still upset and scared. Again and again, Hephaistion forced a smile and said that there'd be a battle or court order soon and that would decide everything. Then at midday a servant came in with lunch, saying that the commander would come later. Hephaistion nodded and took the bread given.

"Will Uncle Tiberius kill us?" Lucius asked softly.

Hephaistion shook his head, "I don't know, I doubt it."

He thought about the war. Amyntor had the loyalty of all Attica and the backing of Corinth. But Tiberius controlled the capital and this fort. He was officially the Commander in Chief of the armies, the most powerful of Athens' ten generals. He'd commanded the army to fight Amyntor, claiming Amyntor wished to return to the days of the kings. But a quarter of the army was on the borders and they were fighting for Amyntor. Plus the citizens on the farms found Amyntor's claim to be rightful. Hephaistion was sure the citizens in Athens would support Amyntor if Tiberius didn't command the armies. Obviously they were terrified. Amyntor had put the case to the judges in Athens but they decided in favour of Tiberius. Amyntor appealed and they decided again in favour of Tiberius. But Demades had declared discrepancies in the judgement and Amyntor had sent the case forward again. This time, he had paid for bodyguards to protect the judges scared of Tiberius. He'd told Hephaistion it would work. The answer was due in two days.

Hephaistion smiled at Lucius, "Soon, the judges will decide that we are right. When that happens, Tiberius will be forced to release us. Don't worry."

Minutes later a guard opened the door and Menedes entered.

Hephaistion was stunned. Menedes shut the door, his face grim. He looked at Hephaistion, looked at Lucius and walked to the window. He shut it and pulled the curtains across.

Hephaistion swallowed, "Menedes."

Lucius looked up in wonder at his godfather. Where was Tiberius?

Menedes nodded, a small tugging at his lips. He stepped closer, "So you were right to worry."

Hephaistion blinked at Menedes, startled at the turn of events. "I'm always right," he said bluntly.

Menedes turned to Lucius and ruffled his hair. Lucius backed away, pale.

Menedes considered him but turned to Hephaistion, "I'll get you out of here."

"How?" Hephaistion asked. "I'm expecting the commander here any second, you'd best go."

He smirked, "I am the commander."

Then it hit Hephaistion. Menedes the commander. "What?" he exclaimed. "You traitor!"

"Hephaistion, please. I told you before. I'm a soldier, I obey."

Hephaistion was exasperated, "You become desensitized then. How can you bear it?"

Menedes said nothing for a moment and then replied, " I'm alive enough to care about you and let you out."

He paused, glanced at Lucius and stepped forward. "Tonight. You've been given to me for my amusement. I'll have my men fetch Lucius afterwards."
Hephaistion glanced at Lucius, recoiled against the wall. "I'm to be your sex slave?"he whispered furiously.

Menedes looked pained, "They'll assume so. Officially I'm interrogating you."

"And Lucius?"

"I said: I'll send someone."

Hephaistion looked Menedes in the eye. He looked so weary. Hephaistion was sure that Menedes would never lie, plus he had said he would protect him. "Alright," he conceded.

Menedes nodded and left.

Lucius looked up at his godfather, came and sat next to him.

"We're going to be fine, don't worry," he said.

Hephaistion looked at his godson, sleeping soundly despite his worries. He sighed, Julia must see her children again. He thought about it, if Menedes had been less honourable and required sex in return for freedom, he'd probably have agreed. Julia must have her children back. Better me than them, he thought, then smiled bitterly as he realised it'd become his mantra. But it was necessary to think like that and he brushed his feelings aside.

A soft knock sounded on the door and the guards beckoned him. He halted. The one spoke, "The commander wants a little talk with you."

The other grinned lewdly at him. Hephaistion held back, careful to act as if he didn't know Menedes.

"If you don't come, your godson will come to enjoy the show."

Hephaistion looked horrified and there was no need to act. He went with them. Menedes' rooms were upstairs. There were no guards except for prisoners and he was escorted into Menedes' dining room. Menedes rose from his desk, "Thank you, men. Dismiss."

They saluted and left, one winking at the commander. When the door closed, Hephaistion spoke, "One of them said Lucius would be invited if I didn't come. I hope that wasn't your idea."

Menedes sighed and sat on a couch, inviting Hephaistion to do the same. "No, it wasn't but it would've worked as well, I suppose." He pointed at some fish and bread, "Eat, you'll need all your strength to ride to Athens tonight."

Hephaistion took a plate, " That's the plan? I must ride through enemy territory with an eight year old?"

Menedes sighed, "There's little choice. Tiberius comes back tomorrow, you're not his favourite person. Most of the men are out with him near Ramnos, where your father seems to be heading."

Hephaistion considered, "I suppose I can manage. How do I get out?"

"There's an underground tunnel leading towards the small forest. Your guard will be waiting there with horses."

Hephaistion put the bread down. "You have arranged all this?"

Menedes nodded.

Hephaiston's eyes sparkled, "Thank you."

Menedes leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to Hephaistion's lips. Hephaistion smiled into his eyes.

Someone knocked at the door and Menedes got up. Lucius came in, dishevelled and alarmed. He flew into Hephaistion's arms.

"Shh, Menedes is helping us escape."

They followed Menedes to a thick wooden door. He opened it to reveal a downward staircase and handed Lucius a torch. "Go ahead," he whispered tenderly. Hephaistion nodded and Lucius went forward.

Hephaistion turned to Menedes and pressed a light kiss to Menedes cheek, turning to find his lips locked a slow, tender kiss. Menedes pulled back, "Go."

Hephaistion nodded, squeezed Menedes' hand and followed Lucius' footsteps into the dark, guided by the flickering light ahead.