The HUNTING PARTY

by Elpis of Hope

Alexander has arrived to the Greek Coastline after his victory at Halicarnassus. He orders a few days rest, giving him time to plan a hunt with Hephaestion. Together with a new recruit, Elias, they find more than what they expected.

11. Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Somewhere near the Pamphylian Plains

With the blindfold finally removed, Elias tries to adjust himself to his surroundings. He takes in the sight of the mercenaries setting up camp on a large empty grassy plain. Due to the heavy rainfall, the ride down the mountainside had been cautious and slow. The delay in reaching the plains had made the mercenary commander insistent on making up for lost time. In order that they keep with the schedule of meeting their ship; Icos had pushed the riders to pass through the plains in a day and half with little rest. It is early evening when Elias is pulled off his horse. The young recruit looks beyond the Magus Mountains behind him to watch the sunset in the West. He gauges they have moved further inland away from the coastline. The region appears to be densely populated and remote. They are now far enough from the main road to draw little attention from any passerby and more so a large army. As he tugs on his ropes, he suddenly realizes that he is sitting alone. Panic begins to take hold of him as he does not see Hephaestion near him. Elias frantically scans the area around him to search out the General. To his dismay, the young recruit realizes he is sitting in the center of the camp, isolated and apart from the men. A rustling sound comes from behind Elias as he turns to in time to see a body being carried into the tent before him. As the young recruit wiggles ahead in the direction of the tent, he is stopped by two hands clasping his arms to raise him up. Elias looks up and recognizes Icos staring at him. "Alexander!" firmly states the commander, "I think it is time we get to know each other." Elias ignores the old commander as he searches out for Hephaestion looking over Icos' shoulder. The mercenary notes Elias' gaze, "I had one of the men look into his wounds. He has a severe injury to his head and shoulder" states Icos, with a soft laugh, "He barely made it through the ride here. Now I cannot have him dying on me yet. But the fool refused any treatment; though we did manage to remove the arrow." The commander then stares down Elias scrutinizing his reaction. Icos takes in how young the Macedonian King appears close up. "Come we should talk!" as he motions forward two guards to untie Elias' ropes and guide him to a larger tent.

The commander's tent is simple. The young recruit spots a cot in the corner, a large table sprawled over with various scrolls and to the side a small sitting area made up of a few stools and a couch. Icos directs Elias to take a seat as the commander steps over to a small table to retrieve a decanter of wine and two small cups.

"We are poorly equipped to formally accommodate royalty" smirks Icos as he fills a cup and hands it to Elias, "But I would expect you to understand the life of a soldier."

The young recruit makes not move to respond and simply reaches out to accept the cup of diluted wine. To Elias surprise, he gulps down the drink not realizing his own thirst. Icos smiles at the sight and graciously refills Elias' cup before he takes a stool across from him.

"I have tried to reintroduce myself to your general, but he was quite a stubborn fool. Perhaps you may have more sense to you." casually states the commander as he takes down a drink, "You should know that no harm will come to you under my watch."

"And you should know I cannot make any promises of the same courtesy when my army arrives." counters Elias, his own boldness shocking him, "I have no intention of being here long enough to be a worthy guest."

Icos erupts into a roar of laughter, "I am confident in the isolation of our location. Though we will only be here a few more days. I doubt your men will find us before we meet our ship." jokes the commander, "You are as obstinate as your lover with your pride."

"You underestimate my men!" snides Elias, feeling the strength of his King within him, "They will find us and when they do… you will be but a distant memory to me."

"I will let the Gods decide our fates." Icos' grin goes slightly sour but holds back his annoyance, "Though I had promised no harm to you, I make none for your lover. Memnon is in need of vital information of your army on the mainland before he moves to Greece. I mean to gain what I can; from whatever source I have available."

Elias is lost to find a proper response. He had no personal knowledge of Antipater's military tactical defense or the internal workings of Alexander's army. But far worse, he feared for the safety of Hephaestion. Elias did not want to invoke any further suffering on his commander. He drinks down the last of the wine and stares furiously at the old commander. "You must know by now that the Macedonian army will defeat you with or without me." Finally counters Elias, "And should any further harm befall my General; I swear to the Gods you can only expect a slow death for you later."

"All I ask is for information regarding your regent's military plans in Macedonia" clarifies Icos scornfully, "The well-being of your lover will depend on you."

"Perhaps you could send a messenger to Antipater and ask him" sternly replies Elias, "I am sure he would more than eager to submit to your request."

Icos steps off his stool to grab hold of Elias' empty cup. "I see that you are just as mulish as your General." snaps the older commander. "It is obvious that you will need some convincing…my King." The commander calls out for his guards, who roughly lift Elias off his seat and lead him back to his tent.

Shortly after Elias' departure, Cimon and Aetos enter the mercenary commander's tent. Without turning to acknowledge the men behind him, "I trust you heard everything?" coldly states the mercenary commander. Icos then moves to the couch as he sinks into it in complete exhaustion. He looks up to the men fixing his gaze at his brother, "Again, I do not want any harm to the young King. But for his lover, well … all steps must be taken for us to gather the required information. Memnon is quite anxious to gain what he can regarding the Macedonians. But let us give them tonight to "reunite" among themselves; this will make their separation tomorrow even more bittersweet." Before he dismisses the men, he calls out, "Watch them closely."

Aetos and Cimon walk silently out of their commander's tent. The young captain stops a distance and grasp Cimon's arm. He looks to his soldier adamantly, "I want you to watch them tonight. I do not want any unexpected surprises," orders Aetos, "After this night, we will be leaving in three days to meet our ship near Lycia. Once we are off this coast, I will feel much better."

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Immediately upon entering the tent, Elias spots Hephaestion tied to the tent pole. He yanks loose from the guards and sprints to the General's side. He scans the tent frantically as he finds a pitcher of water. Taking a wet towel, the young recruit tenderly wipes the dried blood off Hephaestion's face and forehead. "Hephaestion!" whispers Elias, taking comfort that the injuries were not as severe. "Hephaestion!" To his relief, the General's eyes slowly tremble open; "Alex…ander" lingers a soft voice. "My … King?" The young recruit is lost for words, uncertain as to Hephaestion's state of mind. He nervously removes the ropes behind Hephaestion and inspects the shoulder wound. Elias is amazed to see that the mercenary commander had been truthful in his claims of treating Hephaestion's injuries. The arrow had been removed and bandaged with a thin cloth. Carefully, Elias lifts the General up from the floor and guides him onto the single cot in the tent. "Alexander" comes another whisper from Hephaestion's dried lips, "You fuss over me too much. I….am fine."

Elias says nothing. He takes a nearby cup and fills it with water and gently helps Hephaestion take a mouthful. The young recruit further scans the room and walks over to the tray of bread and cheese. He quickly returns to the General and offers him small pieces of the food. To his relief, Hephaestion takes in a small meal and until he waves off the rest having reached his fill.

Taking notice of the guards outside standing close to overhear their conversation, Elias takes on the role of the General's lover. "You must rest love!" responds the young recruit, "We will talk more soon. Now go and sleep you stubborn fool."

The young recruit wraps the General's chlamys around him and pulls the thin cover over. He stares at the gold fibula fastened to the cloak and immediately recognizes the sun beamed symbol engraved on it. Elias is wholly acquainted with the pendent as the royal emblem only worn by the King. For a brief moment, young recruit muses on how Hephaestion had come in possession of such an ornament; then smiles at his denseness. The fibula was an obvious gift from Alexander to his love to symbolize his position in his life. Elias readjusts the pendent more securely on the chlamys and watches resiliently over the General, until Hypno's power takes hold of both of them.

Cimon watches through the tent flaps catching sight of the beautiful pendent being admired by the young King. He watches silently as the Macedonians hold each into a deep slumber. "Enjoy him while you can Boy King." viciously whispers Cimon, "Soon you will know the pain of losing someone you love."

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Meanwhile, near the Mercenary's Camp

Ioan crunches low behind the largest bushes adjoining to the camp. Along with two other guards, the young captain had walked through the darkness of the night abandoning their horses near a small cluster of trees. Though the two men accompanying Ioan had urged him to turn back and gather Alexander and the army; Ioan had stubbornly refused. He needed confirmation as to his brother and Hephaestion's well being; he wanted to know what the mercenaries' current plans were. The Macedonians had followed closely but at a distant behind the mercenaries, as they slowly trekked down the jagged mountainside. Ioan vigilantly kept an eye on Hephaestion and his brother as they were led from the mountain to the vast plains. In the stillness of the night with only the scattered campfires and the partial moon to guide his way, Ioan slinks alertly towards the mercenaries' camp. The captain looks on in the direction of the small group of tents trying to determine which one held his brother and his commander. As the evening progresses, Ioan watches Memnon's men retire for the evening leaving only a few to stand guard around the perimeter of the camp. Soon, Ioan spots the tent with several guards stationed around it. He establishes this to be the tent containing his fellowmen.

With the fires sparsely burning out throughout the camp, Ioan and his men cautiously head for an area with the least amount of guards. They slink into the dark shadows of the camp with the hoods of their cloak covering their heads. Ioan steps ahead of his men and draws his dagger to quietly sneak behind a guard. The young captain violently grabs hold of the mercenary and slices him. He then motions for one of his men to replace the guard and the other to move the body behind a tent. Together with the other Macedonian guard, Ioan leads the way to the tent holding the prisoners. As they approach the guarded tent, they are startled with the voices of a small group of men walking toward it. Straight away Ioan recognizes the same commander who had killed Hephaestion's men in the forest. He quickly directs the guard with him to hold back as they hunch down to a nearby cart. He listens attentively to the conversation a few steps from him. "After this night, we will leave in three days to meet our ship near Lycia. Once we are off this coast, I will feel much better." states one of the mercenaries, "Now Cimon, no harm to the Boy King. Be patient and I am sure Icos will let you have your way in disposing with the General. Remember, it is only the King that Memnon wants!"

Ioan starts to walk forward when he feels a hand grip tightly to his shoulder. "Ioan, we have heard all we need to know" whispers his comrade, "It would be best if we leave now and find Alexander. We have three days. There is no need to alert them and risk it all." The young captain jerks away not wishing to hear reason. But this comrade persists further, "You are not Herkles, Ioan! Come to your senses! Let us take our leave and ride back to the main army. I am confident that our King is half way here." Ioan bows his head; he had heard the sensibility of his friend's words. He once more glances to the men entering Elias' tent and with some reluctance swings back into the direction they had entered the camp.

Later that Night at the Mercenaries Camp

A loud trumpet blares through the air startling Elias out of his sleep. He looks down to see Hephaestion fully alert and positioning himself off the cot. As Elias reaches out to assist the General, he is physically yanked off his stool and dragged to a corner of the tent. Guards rush in to pull Hephaestion off the cot. Elias' attention is diverted to the tent flap as Icos runs in barking orders. "Take his General out of here!!" screams the old commander, "Keep the King closely guarded. Keep them apart! Move!"

The guards quickly comply as they encircle Hephaestion to remove him out of the tent. Elias scrambles to free himself as he charges towards the General. But he is stopped by Icos's commander with his weapons drawn, "You will stay put! snorts Aetos, "Try anything and you will never see your lover again." The young recruit stares pass Aetos to see Hephaestion turn with a wide smile and a wink. "I will be back soon my King. Don't make yourself to comfortable on the cot. I had it first." Elias relaxes back as he follows the General being quickly led out of the tent.

Elias withdraws as he claps his hands tightly behind his back. He feels the wave of anxiety spread within him. He senses his "trembles" taking hold of him. The young recruit moves back into the shadow of the tent as he tries to desperately control his breathing. Cimon stares at him watchful of his behavior. Elias composes himself and takes a stool to sit on. As his body rocks from the tension of the moment, he bows his head, "Gods No!" He closes his eyes and finds Thanos in his thoughts. He hears the soothing words of his friend and almost feels the reassuring tender touches

Gradually, Elias breathes more evenly and his nervousness begins to ease down. The young recruit's body starts to settle and relax. With a sudden burst of confidence, he rises from the stool, "I demand an explanation!" yells Elias, feeling the will of the Gods guiding him, "What is the meaning of this?"

Cimon splutters hastily approaches the young recruit, "We found one of our men's throat sliced" growls the former captain, "But I would not get your hopes up. I saw no mass army at our door steps."

"Where have you taken Hephaestion?" ignoring the Cimon's remarks, "He is no threat of escaping .. not with his injuries."

"We are keeping him safe." snaps Cimon, "Be good Boy King and you will see him again. But give us trouble and you will be one less General."

"I swear by the Gods!" firmly retorts Elias, "Harm him and I will have your head!"

The room roars in laughter, Cimon moves face to face with the young recruit, "You are bold Boy King. But you are in no position to be making any threats!"

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The next morning, Hephaestion is awoken with the painful throbbing of his head. His injuries were slow in healing and the massive headaches engulfing his mind have begun to cloud his ability to concentrate and recall recent events. He moves his body from his uncomfortable sitting position to discover he has been once again tied to the pole of tent he shared with Elias. He scans for Elias and is relieved to see that the boy had fallen asleep on the floor near the cot. Hephaestion smiles recalling his earlier privileges for the sleeping cot; the young recruit had heeded to his claims. With a sigh, Hephaestion leans back onto the pole and closes his eyes to find some release of his aching body. His mind begins to fill with various images of his "real" Alexander. He envisions his lover lying out on a grassy plain near a large lake laughing hysterically. Hephaestion can nearly feel the warmth of their last summer days in Mieza. Alexander's face is beaming with joy and pride. His father had just made him regency of the kingdom and his lover was exuberant with excitement. "Phai! We will return to Pella and soon I will show my father I am a son worthy to be his heir." rambles Alexander, "You will be by my side Phai. We will always be together… even after death." Hephaestion tilts his head as if to feel the touch of his lover's hand cup his cheek and relishes in the thought of the deep kiss that followed. Soon his body comes alive as the memory breaths life into his mind; his senses dances with the love radiating through him. His body twinges with passion as it recalls the intimacy of the day long ago passed with his lover. "I love you Phai" comes a whisper that penetrates into Hephaestion's soul. Hephaestion murmurs softly out loud, "I love you Alexander." But his thoughts are abruptly interrupted when he hears the shuffling sound of a guard entering the tent. The young general moans in grief as the image of his lover escapes him. Hephaestion's head begins to throb again and to his disappointment, he is unable to regain a clear image of his Alexander. The young General begins to feel dizzy and lightheaded; he becomes distressed as he is incapable to securely hold on to his memory or make a clear judgment.

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Near the coastal line of Mesogeios sea

Early the next day, Alexander leads a large contingent of his royal companions and guards out towards the former camp site of their hunting party. The ride had been grueling and longer than anticipated. With the rain storm of the previous days, the roads had become more slippery and mucky. The King had found it difficult to lead his men in a unified and compact group along the narrow coastline and up through the mountain side. But the Macedonians were optimistic and pushed on, confident that they will find the General and the others. No man accompanying the King was willing to be deterred by the condition of the roads.

As Alexander rides through the familiar terrain, he captures glimpses of moments shared with Hephaestion on their previous ride to the camp site. The King can almost hear his lover's laughter echo in the wind. Each road stop held a warmhearted memory of his lover protesting against Alexander's over zealous display of affection or some cruel teasing. The ride back to the former campsite bears to be too painful for Alexander as the reality of the past days come back to haunt him.

By late afternoon, they reach the previous camp ground. The King sits astride his horse anxious as his companions rummage through the remnants of the hunting party camp. The recent storm had blown most of the tents away leaving scattered about bits and pieces of the party's gears, weapons and discarded food. The King watches as Ptolemy runs up to his side, "There is not much here sire." quietly explains his General, "The storm took everything in its path."

From the background Perdiccas and Nearchus approach Alexander, "We have found some bodies up towards the foothills of the forest" calls out Perdiccas, "Several are our own men but most of them are the mercenaries."

"And?" inquires Alexander softly. "Is there more?"

"He is not among them, Sire" interjects Nearchus "Neither Elias or Hephaestion"

"I had thought not" whispers Alexander, "I would have known if he was." The look of relief is obvious in the King's expression. He then looks down at this men, "Make sure our men are gathered and given their proper rites."

"Alexander!" exclaims Ptolemy, "It is getting late in the day. The men are tired and if I may recommend, we should set up camp before we lose any more light."

The King looks out to the setting sun. He had wanted to press on. Alexander needed to find his lover. Yet, he acknowledges the reasonableness in Ptolemy's suggestions and hesitantly nods in agreement. "Have scouts sent out through the forest and the lower foothills." commands Alexander, "I want to know what other clues we may find out there."

"Yes Sire!" nod all three men.

"Another thing" barks out Alexander, "Have the men spread out and guards in the outside parameters. I do not want any surprises. We are to move out early in the morning."

Alexander jumps off his horse staring in the direction of the abandoned tents. Right away, the King catches sight of his old lodging. He stands a gasp and shudders in sorrow recalling the brief moments shared with his lover in the tent. Cautiously, Alexander heads in the direction of the tent waving his personal guards to stay behind. As the King enters, he is amazed to find that nothing had changed within its confine. He scans the room and is immediately drawn to the small worn box engraved with the Vergina Star. Alexander steps up and pulls out the purple bag that once contained the two fibulae. He strokes the bag across his cheek as if to replicate the touch of the callused hands of his lover. Suddenly his eyes burn with emotion as the first sting of a tear rolls onto the soft bag. "Phai, where are you?" mournfully whispers Alexander as he collapses to the floor anguishing in his loss. "I need you!"

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Later that Evening at the Macedonian Camp

The King sheepishly steps out of his tent to head towards the main camp to join his companions for an evening drink. After rounds of hard-line convincing and groveling, Alexander's friends had managed to coax him to not lament alone and to join them, if only briefly. As the King walks with his guards, he looks up to see a group of men pass his small pavilion. "Thanos!" calls out the King, "Come and join me with the others for a drink." Hesitantly taken aback from the King's offer, Thanos bewilderedly steps away from the others and walks towards his king. "Health to you Sire" responds the confused recruit, "Me? Join you and the others… I was heading to my post and…"

"Nonsense Thanos!" smiles Alexander, "I run this army, I am sure Perdiccas will have no qualms with me intervening on his men." The King laughs quietly reaching out to place a hand to the young recruit's shoulder.

"Perhaps you could be a valid excuse to skip my duties tonight" jokes the young recruit, trying to match the King's easiness, "I will look to you to step up if I am faced with lashes for my impudence."

"You have my promise." grins Alexander, "I think I can survive Perdiccas' temper."

As the laughter dies down, the two men walk in silence with only the distant laughter of the men and the smoke of the camp fires filling the quietness between them.

Dolefully, the King looks up towards the evening sky and begins to talk as if lost in his thought. "Tonight the stars above remind me of Hephaestion's first night at Mieza." Alexander pauses in his words as he shakes his head to the images of his lover at his father's banquet. "Hephaestion can be quite obstinate and stubborn. Come to think of it… he still is." smiles Alexander as he turns to finally re-acknowledge Thanos' presence. "I tried to steal a kiss from him on a night like this. But he was so angry with me." He looks at Thanos as if to proclaim his innocence, "He had accused me of diminishing his self pride to the others… because of my need to protect him." The King stops in his trek to stand in place, "All he ever saw me for was Alexander" aimlessly states the King, "He never saw me as just a Prince, and even now as a King. I was always his Alexander."

Alexander then turns to Thanos as he grabs hold of his arm, "I feel that you are the only one here who can truly understand my loss." softly whispers the King, "I can see my own grief in your eyes and for this I sense I can trust you alone with my personal thoughts on this matter."

The King releases his tight grip of Thanos and shifts back to face the camp. "I am no protector of him now." sadly proclaims Alexander, "I have failed to guard him from the mercenaries. I should have found him by now. How his faith for me must be shallow and filled with complete disappointment!"

"No!" exclaims the young guard, "Hephaestion knows you are coming. It is with the knowledge that it you searching for them that I am able to have any confidence that we will find them alive and well."

"I thank you for your trust!" smiles Alexander, his self belief revived, "You are right. I will find them. Phai would utterly be annoyed with me if he heard me wallowing like an adolescent fool." He walks forward to his companions gathered around a large fire, "Tell Phai of this conversation Thanos, and I will be sure to reassign you to Crateus' battalion." teases Alexander, "The old dog would drill you to the ground."

"I have heard of how he loves to taunt his men." quickly replies the young recruit, "I swear to the Gods, Hephaestion will never hear of this conversation from me."

Before reaching the companions, Alexander looks to Thanos, "You and I are very similar" meekly states the King, "We both love men far better than us."

"Yes my King" somberly replies the guard, "I will not refute you on that."

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"Ah Alexander and Thanos!" calls out Seleucus "Come sit and share this sour full concoction Lennatus calls wine. I am more convinced it is mixed with water and vinegar"

"You had no problems drinking it all down!" smirks Lennatus, as he grabs the bag away from his friend. "There is barely enough for a sip."

"Maybe we can get Perdiccas to give up some of his wine" observes Alexander, noticing his friend sitting in silence apart from the others, "He sits quietly there in the corner holding two sacks to himself."

"I was only keeping it warm for you!" protests the blond haired man, as he holds out a bag to his King, "Of course I saved the best for the King." looking out to his other friends, "Not for this band of renegades, who would get drunk on their own piss."

"Ah huh! Is that what you have put in your wine bag?" exclaims Seleucus staring mockingly at Lennatus, "I thought it tasted lemony."

Alexander takes a seat on the ground and motions Thanos to join him. The young recruit savors in the jovial interaction and bantering between the King and his closest friends. They were all trying to ease the King's mind of his stress. Thanos observes the obvious loyalty between the men not only to the King, but also to each other. It was common knowledge among the army that all of the King's companions had insisted on being a part of the search and rescue party. None of them had wanted to be left behind. It amused the young recruit to find himself so welcomed and at ease with the boys of Mieza, now men and commanders of Alexander's army. The men appeared to be no different than the common soldiers as they lay out before the fire. They were no less cocky, fierce and loyal as any of Thanos' fellow comrades. There was no doubt independently, these men were courageous and brilliant warriors, but united as the bodyguard, commanders and companion of Alexander the king and his army, they were a formidable and unstoppable force to be feared by all.

Thanos' attention is diverted as he feels a wine bag being handed to him by Ptolemy. "It was not I who stole your cloak" defends Perdiccas, "It was Hephaestion. He was the reason you found yourself running naked from Iris' house." From across the fire, the young general points accursedly to Ptolemy taking a seat next to Thanos.

"Ah!" interjects Seleucus, "Phai had thought to teach you a lesson for spying on him and Alexander during their private picnic."

"Nay!" proclaims Ptolemy, "It was not I who gave their secret place away. It was Cassender!" The older general takes a swig of his wine, "I paid quite dearly for Phai's revenge. I was locked out and stood cold to the bones outside our barracks until Cleitus finally took pity on me."

"That Amyntor has a mean streak as a practical joker when he is provoked." adds Perdiccas, whose expression goes soft, "But that is his character - so head strong and fierce with his temper, his courage…"

"His stubbornness, loyalty, pride" fondly chimes in Seleucus

"And a steadfast friend and warrior" whispers Alexander solidifying the uncomfortable stillness now lingering among the men.

"I could only imagine the misery he is giving Memnon's men" chuckles Ptolemy trying to lighting the mood, "These mercenaries probably have their hands full with our fine general."

"To Hephaestion!!" calls out Alexander as he stands to raise his cup, "May you be safe tonight…. My love."

The men quickly join the King enthusiastically raising their cups. "To Hephaestion!"

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Back the Mercenary's Camp

Icos paces feverishly in his tent as he waits for a full report from his commanders. He grabs hold for the recent stroll from Memnon indicating his congratulations and eagerness for the Boy King's delivery. Memnon had been so anxious that he had suggested perhaps meeting up with them at the harbour to ensure their plans go forward without a hitch. But Icos deterred Memnon not wanting to risk his safety due the instability of the region. Word had reached the old commander of Alexander's army moving throughout the coastline searching frantically for their King and General. Icos had thought Memnon's arrival would be to dangerous.

The sound of the opening tent flaps redirects Icos's attention to the approaching men.

"We found nothing." immediately responds Aetos, "Some of the men think this killing involves a personal strife between the guards."

"What proof do you have this?" questions Icos, hoping this to be the reason for the unexplained death, "Who is it?"

"We have detained one of the men." further explains the captain, "There was some blood on his clothing, though he claims it got it from shaving."

"We have sent out a couple of scouts to inspect the nearby foothills" interrupts Cimon, "If there is anyone out there, we will find them."

The report does little to calm the older commander's anxiety. But he realizes that they are to move in two days and there was much to do before moving towards the seaport. "Keep the men on alert and increase the rotation around the camp." sternly responds Icos, "There is much to do before we meet the caravan tomorrow. How are our guests?"

"Having secured the camp, we have finally returned the General back to the King's tent." Confidently answers Aetos, keeping himself in attention with his eyes above his commander, "What are your orders for them?"

"We need to get information regarding the main army" annoying states the mercenary commander, "It think its time we become more persuasive in our tactics. I want the General taken and questioned further."

"And once we are done with him?" retorts Cimon, "What then?"

"I want the Boy King to see for himself how it feels to lose a love one" counters Icos, "Go and gather what you need from Mathus. It should be powerful enough to bring on a slow and painful end to these young lovers' relationship."

"I will seek him out shortly", joyfully responds Cimon, "May I have the pleasure?"

"I have no care who handles it." waves the old commander, as he shifts away from them, "Just see to it that we get the necessary information and we are ready to move out tomorrow. I want to apprised to the developments of these delicate matters!"

"Yes Sir!"

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Elias wakes up startled to find Hephastion tied to the tent pole. Immediately, the young recruit dashes to the General's side to unfasten the ropes. "Are you okay?" whispers Elias, as he scans over Hephaestion, "Did they hurt you?"

"I am fine!" smiles the General, "They were kind enough to ask me for a drink last night, but of course, I declined. I have no taste for bitter wine."

"How can you be so lighthearted?" responds the young recruit, amazed to the General's personal strength and courage, "They could have killed you."

"Perhaps." counters Hephaestion, "But I have faith in our army and I believe the Gods have greater plans for both of us."

"I wish I had your confidence!" earnestly answers Elias, "You make me feel less than a man."

With great effort, Hephaestion takes his hand to cup the young recruit's face, "You have surpassed a hundred men with the courage and bravery you have displayed these past days. It is I who should be humbled by you."

Just then the tent flaps open as Cimon and Aetos stride in to stand before the kneeling Macedonians. "Are we interrupting a tender moment?" jokes Aetos, "Sorry boys but we need to talk to the General."

Instantly, Elias moves before the General to block the mercenaries from grabbing hold of the injured commander. But he feels a hand to his shoulder. "No!" whispers Hephaestion as he turns the young recruit to face him. Then to Elias' surprise, the general takes hold of his face and gives him a full mouth kiss. The young recruit losses his breath and with his eyes closed he is struck with a wave of sensation taking hold of his senses. As the kiss ends, Hephaestion bends towards Elias' ear, "We must make this look real as they are watching us." softly states the general, "Do not worry, the army will be here soon, and when he comes, tell him that never has he failed me. Remember you are the King…. Alexander!"

Elias feels his body shake and his mind spins with emotions. He intensely holds on to Hephaestion as Memnon's men lift him off the ground. "No!" screams Elias "No!" But it is the General who releases his hold of the young recruit as he moves himself independently up from the ground. With his pride beaming in his eyes and his posture straight, Hephaestion leads the men out of the tent.

The young recruit follows closely behind the men to only be stopped at the tent flaps by two large guards. Cimon stops at the door and turns to look disdainfully at Elias, "How touching!" snorts the former captain, "You love him. Well soon, you will learn how it feels to lose a loved one!" With these words, Cimon sharply turns away laughing out loud as he walks out of the tent.

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Somewhere near the foothills of the mountain

It is early morning when Ioan leaps onto his stallion. They had ridden hard throughout the night pushing themselves and their horses to the end of their strength. With only a few hours of rest, the young captain gathers the others and orders them to move out. Ioan wanted to reach the main road by early sun up. He held a prayer to the Gods that Alexander would be nearby with the army.

As the young captain adjusts himself onto his horse, he motions his men to move up towards the hill. But out of nowhere, a whistling sound surrounds them, and an arrow strikes down one of Ioan's men. Frantically, the captain pulls his horse around to find the direction of the arrow. He turns in time to see three mercenaries gaining speed on them. With a sharp kick to his horse, Ioan pushes his horse up towards the mountainside. He turns only briefly to see another arrow coming towards him.

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Alexander studies once again the report from his earlier scouts regarding the bodies of the dead men from Hephaestion's guard. They had been found a short distance from the camp within the higher region of the forest. Alexander had full intentions of inspecting the site. He had hoped there would be further clues as to which direction the mercenaries had taken his lover. With new bandages and salve placed on his wounds by his personal physician, Alexander is rejuvenated to move out for a short ride up the mountain side. Having taken down the last of his diluted wine, Alexander motions for his page to come forward with his riding gear.

"Sire!" comes a shout from outside the tent. "Alexander! Alexander!"

Bolting through the tent, the King is faced with Ptolemy and Perdiccas standing out of breath. "Alexander!' calls out Ptolemy, "Sire"

"What!" exclaims the King "What is it? The expressions on his generals' faces give way to his own answer. "Hephaestion?!"

TBC

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