'
Hello all,
Here comes another Hazard update. I am overjoyed that the FFnet at long last has taken us Mac&Safari users into their realm. Now I will be able to upload my stories form my good ol' iMac without further complications. :)
In this we will learn about the outcome of Queen Olympias marriage intrigues. Our friends will have to make a very difficult decision. Hephaestion once more finds that his friendship with King Alexander brings on strange complications.
All the best wishes, and, hopefully, good reading,
/ NorthernLight
TEMPLATE:
Title: FIC: Hazards Of Friendship ( 20 / WIP)
Author: NorthernLight
Email address:
Category: Love / Friendship / Adventure story. Alternate History.
Pairing: Alexander&Hephaestion
Date: November 2007.
Feedback: Yes, all kinds, on or off list, as you please.
Archive: Yes, if you like, but please tell me.
Disclaimer: I don't own them. For entertainment only. Not for gain - my work is for my deep interest in Alexander and Hephaestion, their time and adventures.
Rating: R
Beta: Denise. Many thanks for interesting discussions and suggestions, and also for helping me to improve on language and formatting. You truly make my stories a far better read.
Summary: In the beginning of his reign Alexander made some hard campaigning towards warlike neighbors in the East, South and West. The city of Thebes grasps this opportunity to go into rebellion against the Macedonians. It has now fallen to its inevitable doom. Alexander returns home to Pella, where he finds that Queen Olympias has an upsetting surprise for him.
History note: The General Theodorus is a real person. He must have been a close friend of King Philip, since he is mentioned to have carried out some important missions of diplomacy and negotiations for him. His wife Amira and his twin daughters are my very own OMCs.
Warnings: This is AR, very close to but not "real" history. War and violence, hard fighting, angst and intrigues. Queen Olympias' surprise of course never happened in real history, ( even if Olympias sure would have liked it to! )
Dedication: To Juu. Written on behalf of your fic challenge about Hephaestion and his constant trouble with the envious generals.
Hazards Of Friendship, Part 19
Pella, 335 BC
General Theodorus' Daughters
The General Theodorus was an old friend of King Philip. He had been trusted with many important diplomatic and military missions, and always been successful. He was trustworthy and reliable, and he and his family never engaged in the intrigues and fractions of the Macedonian Court. They led a calm and quiet life on their country estate, and in due time the General's wife Amira bore him the most beautiful twin daughters. They never got any other children, and no son to inherit the General's vast estates.
The Ladies Asteria and Rhodia were twins. They looked like one another's reflections, with the same dark brown hair, the same warm hazel colored eyes and the same perfect ivory complexion. They looked alike, but they had very different personalities. The Lady Asteria was bold and outspoken, and she acted like the son the General never had. She could ride and hunt like a man, and she even did some weapon practice together with the General's faithful guards.
The Lady Rhodia was kind and gentle, fond of embroidery, cooking, music and animals. She took good care of all the estate's cats and dogs, and she worked for the welfare of all of the servants.
The twins were complete together, and they never quarreled. It was almost uncanny, how they were able to do everything in unison. Their father had given them the very best of educations, and they were well able to manage the estates and household.
The General Theodorus was now old and infirm. He had been wounded many times in the service of King Philip, and his old bones often ached from fatigue and weariness. It troubled him greatly that young King Alexander also expected his services. He had asked him to partake in the campaigns in the West and North, and he had faithfully followed, taking care of the baggage train and all kinds of duties away from actual combat. King Alexander revered and treasured him as a competent and reliable adviser, and he had his given place in the High Command. All the same, the hard campaigning took its toll on him, and his old bones ached even worse.
And now Persia was beckoning to the young King. Another campaign waited beyond The Straits, this one expected to be the hardest and greatest of all times. General Theodorus and his family shuddered at the very thought of it. This Eastern venture was for the young, bold and healthy, not for the old and infirm. Their very worst fear was that the General would be asked to accompany King Alexander once more.
This time he would not return alive to his family and home.
The old General wanted the very best for his wife Amira and his beautiful twin daughters. The search for good and well situated husbands for his darling girls had been carried out all through Macedon, Thessaly and Epirus. The right ones were still to be found. Asteria and Rhodia didn't know much about all this. They were living in peace and calm, helping their Mother with the household chores, and eagerly working with their looms and embroidery. They also liked flowers and animals, and they had lots of cats and kittens.
General Theodorus' country house was situated very close to the Keep of Amyntor. Both families knew each other very well, and Amira and the twins often met with Lady Theano and Lady Helen.
Once, the Lady Theano told Queen Olympias about the lovely twins and their coming of age for marriage. The General Theodorus' futile search for suitable husbands for his darling girls was the talk of the countryside, and the Lady Theano informed the Queen about this troublesome affair.
"The General Theodorus will not have to worry for his unmarried daughters much longer, " Queen Olympias stated with a cunning smile. " Something will come up, that I can reassure you, my dear friend. "
The Lady Theano looked at the Queen with great worry. Whatever was she up to now? What would the Future bring for the General and his beautiful twin daughters?
Lonesome Worries
It was early in the morning, as the bright sun rose and shone upon the yellow leafed birches, orange leafed maples and the yellowing autumn grass. Alexander rode Bucephalus hard and fast over the plains around Pella. Peritas was running at their side, but after a while the faithful dog lost his wind and had to slow down. He sat near a bramble of dog roses, pitifully panting with his large pink tongue hanging out from his muzzle. The Royal Guard couldn't keep up with the King, either. They had to form a circle all around, hoping to keep him and his jet black war stallion well in sight.
The winds blew hard and merciless around the young King's head and shoulders. His warm fur rimmed purple cloak billowed around his shoulders, all until the fibula unleashed itself and let the fine garment flutter away in the cold autumn breezes.
Alexander didn't even notice it.
/ I am King now! I can do anything I want to. I don't need to marry now, not ever!, "
These lines went on and on in his mind, like a prayer, a litany of futile wishes. Then they were replaced by words of hard reality.
" I must have an heir! I cannot embark for Persia without having seen to the succession. Mother is right. "
He gave up a great sigh, filled with worries and remorse.
" I cannot proceed with this! How will I tell Hephaestion? How can I leave an innocent woman, and an even more innocent child in the clutches of my Mother?" /
He rode on and on, all over the plains. Bucephalus felt the unrest of his young rider. He wanted to be of help, but he didn't understand the nature of the trouble. No, all he could do was just to run, and run, and run...
After hours of reckless running the giant war stallion felt an enticing smell wafting towards his extended nostrils through the chilly autumn air. He was tired of the futile galloping forced upon him by his Rider, and so he let the tempting vapours lead him away from the strict path set for him. He followed the wisps, totally ignoring his Rider's more and more energetic efforts to pull him away from his inevitable path.
"Whoa, Bucephalus, whoa! You are taking me in the wrong direction!"
The fragrances wafting through the air became more and more irresistible. Bucephalus hurried along, and the young King could do nothing but follow. They rode through the bushes and brambles, coming to a soft meadow, filled with the last of the succulent green grass and the fragrant summer flowers.
There was someone waiting on the meadow.
In the middle of soft green grass and fragrant autumnal flowers grazed the most beautiful white mare Bucephalus had ever seen. She had just come into season, and he simply couldn't resist her.
He abruptly stopped, and nudged and nudged at his Rider.
"Oh, horse, what is it now?, " Alexander testily asked. "Why all this fuss? She is only a MARE!"
Bucephalus gave up an offended neighing, and then he pranced to the side, gently but with the most adamant determination throwing his Royal Rider off his broad and muscular back. Alexander fell to the ground on a soft mattress of grass and fallen autumn leaves. Bucephalus had been careful not to hurt him. He licked his Dear Master in the face with his rough tongue and gave him a warm and loving glance before he jumped the fence and eagerly ran towards the beautiful white mare.
"Oh no. Not you, too! Why must all be against me?"
Alexander sat on the thick mattress of golden and orange leaves, leaning his back against a big birch. The trunk had been warmed up by the bright autumn sun, and its bark felt good against his tense muscles. It was as if the friendly tree was trying to comfort him with its soft tenderness. He let his head drop into the palms of his hands, as he gave up a great sigh of despair.
"What am I to do about all this? What AM I to do?"
Two big furry paws landed on his shoulders and a warm and loving tongue licked at his hands and head. He heard some concerned whimpers. He opened his eyes, to see Peritas trying to sit in his lap, just the way he used to do when he was a small puppy. The faithful dog had caught up with his Dear Master at long last.
/ Why all this running away from me, Master? We have always been together before. What is it that troubles you so? /
Alexander put his hand on his friend's big furry head and gave him a fond look.
"Oh, YOU are faithful, at least. My apologies for running away from you. Just look at HIM. He is abandoning me when I need him the most, just to frolic around with a mere MARE. "
Peritas looked at the horses and their merry games in the paddock. Then he looked back at his Dear Master.
/ It all looks very fine to me, Master. Bucephalus has made a good choice, she will bear him a fine and healthy foal. /
Alexander and his faithful dog sat back on the soft heap of birch leafs, resting against the tree trunk, as they pondered the facts of life and procreation.
"I must have an heir, I simply MUST. I cannot leave Macedon without one. Oh, I wish it were as easy as THAT !"
Alexander and Peritas looked at the horses enjoying each other on the soft green meadow. Soon the young King was overwhelmed by his worries, and he buried his head in his hands once more.
"What am I to do? Whatever AM I to do?"
He moaned and groaned, and Peritas pitifully howled at his side.
Wholesome Morning
Hephaestion woke up early in the morning. Pollux was licking him all over the face, and Achilles and Antigona and all their kittens were merrily meowing around him in the bed. He now noticed a very strange and unusual feeling.
His shoulder and arm didn't ache anymore. It must have healed properly by now.
He sat up and dragged off the tight bandaging. Then he gave the injured shoulder a thorough inspection. There remained a slight bruising, and the skin shifted in faint hues of green, blue and yellow. All the swelling was gone, and there was no tenderness as he felt all over the shoulder with his hand and fingers. He raised the arm, with some help from his good right hand. At first, there came an audible creak accompanied by some pain, but afterwards he could move it almost through its full range.
"What are you doing to yourself, Dear Brother? The bandages were supposed to stay on for another week. Doctor Philip told you this before you came here. "
Lady Helen entered with a tray laden with a sumptuous breakfast. She gave her stubborn brother stern reproach before she proceeded to inspect his shoulder for herself.
"But, it looks much better now! I wonder a lot, what's in the ointment the King used when he did the dressings before he went back to Pella?"
"I don't know, Sister Dear. We call it the Miracle Ointment. It's made from some secret recipe he got from the Queen. "
Lady Helen shuddered.
"Oh, is it one of HER secrets? Well, it seems to have been good for you, at last, " she stated, as she brought a jar of her own. "Well, let me anoint it with some ordinary healing ointment. Here is good old rosemary and yarrow, mixed in sheep's tallow. I hope it'll be equally helpful. "
She gave his injured shoulder a tender but thorough massage, and then she brought some new dressings. Hephaestion gently pushed them away.
"No, I don't need these anymore. My arm just needs some movement and exercise to be all right again!"
He rose from bed and dressed in a clean, blue chiton that had been laid out on a stool nearby. Brother and sister sat down, sharing a hearty breakfast. Pollux gnawed on a whole plate filled with juicy and meaty bones, and the cats and kittens enjoyed a big bowl of milk and some tasty stew.
At the same time as they enjoyed all the rich food the Lady Helen informed her Dear Brother about all that had happened at the House of Amyntor during his absence. Hephaestion told her about the campaigns and the intrigues of the Macedonian Court. Lady Helen listened with great interest and indignation. At long last she couldn't hold her tongue.
"The King is a good judge of character since he has chosen YOU for his very best friend and adviser - but how ever can he let this sly Greek near any important Royal business? And, the Regent Antipatros is a good and reliable man - but his son certainly is not! And, the General Craterus, he is the worst of all, methinks! It is a pity he is such a good General and a strong and brave warrior. You must beware of him! "
"Yes, I know, Sister Dear. You are a good judge of character, too, but the General Craterus is a close friend to Alexander. I must tolerate him for now - but things can change fast over there in Asia..."
Brother and sister looked at one another in silence. They knew that in the future there would be a bitter confrontation. Which one would the King choose - his dearest Friend or his strongest General?
Lady Helen went to her household chores, and Hephaestion went out on the parapet to have some fresh morning air. It was chilly outside, but the air was high and clear. He could see wide and far away from the Keep. There were golden, red and orange glowing forests, fragrant, still green pastures, venerable old olive groves and carefully pruned vine yards.
All this was a sight most pleasurable for his eyes, but now he saw someone even more to his liking.
Twosome Worries
There was a rider on the plains. He rode a giant black horse and he had the most beautiful golden hair, glowing in the morning sun and flowing freely in the chilly autumn breeze. A purple, fur rimmed cloak llowed around his shoulders, all until it unleashed itself and blew away. The rider didn't notice the loss of his fine garment. He didn't turn back to retrieve it, and it looked as if he wasn't freezing at all, despite the fact that it was very chilly in the air.
It could be no one but Alexander! And - he was deeply concerned over some serious matter, or else he would never have discarded his fine purple cloak so recklessly.
Hephaestion quickly wrapped himself into a warming midnight blue winter cloak, rimmed with wolf fur. Then he put on his soft leather riding boots and quickly ran down to the stables. Pollux followed him, barking to alert all the surroundings. The big watch dog didn't understand why his Dear Master was in such a hurry, but he could clearly feel his worries and dismay.
Castor stood calmly and prudently munching on his soft and fragrant hay. He was deeply upset when his Dear Master came running into his box and virtually slammed his saddle cloth and bridle on. The otherwise calm and prudent war stallion reared up and gave up a loud neighing filled with deep dissatisfaction.
/ Dear Master, are you out of your famous senses? /
"My apologies, Castor - but I am in a great hurry, " Hephaestion explained to his displeased equine friend. ”Alexander needs us. He is in some real trouble. It seems like he and Bucephalus are being chased by the Wild Hunt! "
Castor nodded his head and quickly calmed down. He sank down on his haunches to let his dear Master mount more easily. Off they went, man, horse and dog, out in the chilly autumn breezes. It was a fine and sunny day, but the air was brisk and chilly. The winds howled, as if they were bringing some unpleasant changes. The leaves were as bright and beautiful as before, but Hephaestion didn't see the beauty of Autumn. He rode as quickly as he could down to the plains of Pella, towards the place where he had last seen Alexander. He picked up the Royal purple cloak, folding it prudently and holding on to it with his good arm. Pollux sniffed at it, noticing the familiar scent.
"Yes, good dog, good dog. Find Alexander for us, as soon as you are able! Time is of the essence. "
They followed the trail through the forest, until they came to a beautiful green pasture. There they found King Alexander, resting his back against an enormous birch, beautifully adorned in golden leaves. They singled down, forming a heap around the King, looking like the gold coins he so badly needed to finance his Persian Conquest. Behind and around him were some cornel bushes, covered in glowing red leaves. They flew around, like small drops of blood, and their mother bushes appeared like the clouds of blood and carnage the Macedonian army soon intended to unleash over Persia.
Alexander held his head in his hands. He was moaning and groaning, as if stricken by severe grief and pain. Peritas was nearby his Dear Master, gently licking him and pawing at him with his big, furry paws. The big dog was pitifully howling. Bucephalus was nowhere to be seen. Hephaestion quickly got off Castor.
"Alexander! Why did you ride away in such an ungodly haste? How are you? Did you fall off Bucephalus? "
Alexander heard the well known, friendly voice as from afar. He raised his head from his hands and knees and looked straight at Hephaestion. His eyes were filled with anguish and despair.
"Oh, Phai. You came for me at long last. "
He rose from his golden coach and staggered towards his friend. Hephaestion looked at him with amazement. His Beautiful Golden One had never looked so wonderful before, all covered in golden leaves, his white golden rimmed chiton crumpled and crinkled, and his soft leather boots fitting close around his muscular calves and thighs. His hair fell like a golden stream over his broad shoulders, and he held his arms up to greet and embrace his True Steadfast Friend.
Hephaestion quickly came into his embrace, glad to see that his friend was unharmed. Alexander clung to him, like someone drowning in an ocean of dire despair. The glowing warmth that always surrounded him was even more present at this moment, and Hephaestion felt himself engulfed in an overwhelming wave of sheer and urgent desire. He just had to give in to it. He had always been the stronger, and now he threw his Golden One off his feet and forced him down onto the soft heap of golden leaves. He felt a twinge of pain in his injured shoulder, but then all was blissful warmth and release. His Golden One didn't resist him. On the contrary, he gave in to all of his wishes, as they rolled around in the sun warmed heap of yellow birch leaves.
Afterwards, they rested in each others arms, totally spent and exhausted. Hephaestion held Alexander in the crook of his strong right arm as they lay back in the warm and dry heap of birch leafs. His eyes were closed, and he felt the golden warmth of the morning sun engulf him, together with the vibrant and invigorating warmth from his Golden One. Alexander was shivering. It could not be from actual cold, not in the midst of such wonderful autumnal sunlight. Hephaestion opened his eyes and gave his friend a closer examination, as he wrapped him into his own warming fur cloak in a caring manner.
Now, he saw that Alexander's beautiful gray eyes were flowing over with tears.
"Oh, my Dear One, what is troubling you so deeply on such a fine Autumn day? " he worriedly asked as he gently stroke Alexander's chin. "All ought to be wonderful. We are together, all is well, and next spring we will embark for Persia, at long last. "
"Yes, Persia. I wish that we were already on the other side of The Straits, far away from Macedon and Mother!"
Alexander said this with great determination, as he rose, helping his friend to his feet. Standing up, they saw Bucephalus and the beautiful white mare, eagerly occupied with fond and vigorous equine love making. Castor stood at the fence, enviously looking at the pleasurable occupation of his friend.
"Oh, my, he is still at it, " Alexander indignantly stated. "I must tell the owner, or else he will wonder whoever sired a black foal on her."
"It's our best brood mare - and we won't mind, " Hephaestion explained. "She couldn't have chosen a better sire for her next foal!"
Now the white mare kicked and bucked, sending Bucephalus away. Both horses stood there panting, their sides heaving from exhaustion. Then the mare came to Bucephalus, gently nuzzling him all over his head and neck with sounds of fondness and admiration. He responded, nuzzling her too. They stood there resting for a while, then the mare led her admirer to a tuft of succulent daisies and a spring of sparkling water. They shared a delicious meal in the beautiful fragrant meadow. Castor soon joined them, and they all nibbled in unison at the delicious grass and flowers.
Hephaestion put his arm around Alexander.
"They are so beautiful, so very natural. "
"Yes, I wish that it came that easy for us humans. Horses don't even have to marry!"
Hephaestion could feel that his friend had been violently upset over a very serious matter.
"Marriage? Why do you talk about marriage? You are King now. No one can force you, you make your own decisions. "
Alexander shrugged and crept into himself, in a pose of utter desolation.
"It's Mother! You know, she has always wanted me to make an early marriage. Now, she and the Regent demand that I marry before we set out for Persia. The General Theodorus has beautiful twin daughters..."
"Twins? But, Alexander, you cannot marry them both!"
"No, I cannot, but WE can. Mother wants us to celebrate a double wedding this Midwinter Festival. "
Hephaestion looked at him in utter bewilderment.
"A double wedding? This Midwinter Festival? You and me, marry Asteria and Rhodia? You cannot be serious!"
Now it was Hephaestion's turn to sit down in exasperation. Alexander sat himself at his side, in the soft heap of yellow birch leaves, wrapping them both into the warming fur cloak. He gently held his friend, staying silent for a long time, before he started to explain the Queen's expressive dynastic wishes. When he was finished, Hephaestion sat in silence, frowning and reflecting. At long last, he answered his friend.
"Yes, Alexander. All this is outrageous. SHE cannot force both of us into marriage - but - we must realize that it's an excellent idea all the same. Macedon needs an heir, that's the one thing I cannot give you. I have known these girls all of my life, they live in the Keep next to our hill. We have met this family many times, they are the kindest of people. That makes it even more difficult!"
"Yes, Phai, but THEY don't know anything about Mother's intrigues - and they NEVER will. I won't give in to her outrageous wishes. "
Alexander was shivering violently from his upset feelings. Hephaestion cradled him with his strong right arm, rocking him to and fro as he continued his calm reflections. They sat like this for a long time before he answered his friend.
"Alexander, your Mother's wishes are NOT outrageous at all. It's only natural for her to want grandchildren - and Macedon needs an heir, the sooner the better. We lead dangerous lives. No one knows what tomorrow might bring."
Alexander looked at his friend with astonishment. Hephaestion continued.
"Marrying the General Theodorus' daughter is a very good idea. He has always been his own man, he has no bonds whatsoever to Parmenion, Antipatros or any other powerful Macedonian noble. You will not estrange or pass over anyone by marrying one of his daughters."
Alexander remained in silence for a very long time. Now he was calm as he leaned on his friend. Hephaestion saw how he was pondering, calculating, giving every option his careful considerations. His beautiful golden hair shone in the autumn sun. A bright yellow birch leaf was stuck behind his left ear. It shivered a bit, the only thing giving away the
strong emotions behind Alexander's thoughts. Hephaestion imagined these golden curls, mixed with Asterias's dark brown hair on the pillows of the marriage bed.
He was suddenly overwhelmed by feelings of violent jealousy. Alexander felt the change in his friend. The shifting from calm calculation to violent emotion upset him, and he pulled Hephaestion closer, giving him a warm and caring hug.
"Whatever happens, things will NEVER change between us."
He rose, taking Hephaestion with him, holding him in a strong and reassuring embrace.
"I have made my mind up. I will marry General Theodorus' daughter Asteria - and - if you want to, you can marry her sister. It will please me greatly if you do, but you make your own decision. " Alexander continued, " When our children are born, they will become cousins..."
Hephaestion completely lost his grip of reality. His mind was spinning, and he had difficulties to remain on his feet. From afar he heard Alexander talking to himself.
"I have only one worry. Who will take care of our children when we are away in Persia? I don't want to let HER have them!"
/ Hephaestion saw before his Inner Eye a small, golden haired boy with two puppies, a little house snake and a tame Ladybird and Bumblebee as his closest friends and allies. He was the loneliest of children, suffering from Master Leonidas' stern tutoring and the overwhelming love of his fearsome Mother. /
"Do not worry, my friend, " he answered, with strong determination. "My parents and my sister will stay at home when we set out for Persia. They will take good care of everyone, and they sure will not let our wives and children come to any harm. "
Alexander looked at him, a new, reassuring light in his eyes.
"Yes, you are so right. Why didn't I think of this. Let us now take a ride over to the General Theodorus' Keep. We have something pressing to ask him and his daughters. Mother will NOT be first to learn about my decision!"
Hephaestion picked Alexander's Royal red cloak from the ground and wrapped it around his friend. They called for Bucephalus and Castor and rode towards the General Theodorus' Keep.
The white mare remained in her paddock, looking after all her visitors with fond admiration. Something told her that it would take a long time before they came her way again.
Unexpected Proposals - Bold Answers
The General Theodorus, his wife Amira and his daughters would never forget that bright and beautiful Autumn day. When the sun rose it was flaming as a very special orange red firebrand in the East, making the autumn leaves glow with even brighter colours of russet red, glowing orange and golden yellow. There was something unnatural about it. They never realized this - not until after the King's visit.
Asteria and Rhodia were doing their needlework in their secluded chambers in the Keep, dressed in similar gowns in a mild lavender color. The sun was shining in through the stone vaulted window. Its reflexions were merrily chasing one another all over the room, together with a bunch of naughty kittens who were playing with balls of yarn at the feet of the two young girls.
It was just an ordinary day in their life - but not for long.
They heard a great commotion at the Keep's entrance, and they immediately ran down the stairs to see what was the matter. Two handsome young men came riding into the courtyard, one with tousled golden hair, wrapped in a flaming red cloak, the other auburn haired one in his midnight blue fur cloak they knew well.
It was Hephaestion, son of their neighbor the General Amyntor. The one in his company could only be...
"Asteria. It's the King coming to visit us, " Rhodia whispered. " Whatever does HE want here?"
"Oh no, " Asteria answered with tears in her eyes. "Father is too old to embark for Persia! Whatever shall we do?"
The young men disappeared inside the Keep, remaining for a long time with the General and his wife. Asteria and Rhodia went round and round, they were so upset that they couldn't return to their chambers and their embroidery. Their kittens ran around them, pitifully meowing. The small animals could clearly feel the tension, and they feared that something dreadful was about to happen.
After an eternity of worried speculations their Father sent for them. They entered the Hall, gently supporting each other since they were both feeling dizzy and their legs trembled from upset feelings. Their Father and Mother were white faced, their lips trembling and their hands shaking. They looked as if they had been subjected to some dreadful shock and surprise.
"My dear daughters, " their father addressed them, "This is our King, Alexander, and his friend and Companion Hephaestion Amyntoros. They have an important Question for you. "
Asteria and Rhodia knelt in reverence before King Alexander and his friend. Hephaestion quickly raised them to their feet.
"No, my friends. You don't need to do this before me. We have known each other all of our lives - and now we will perhaps come to know each other even better."
Alexander came up to them, looking at them with a frown.
"Asteria and Rhodia, is it, my dear girls - but - who is who of you? Can you tell it, even amongst yourselves?"
Asteria stood proud and tall before him.
"I am Asteria, the eldest twin, and this is Rhodia, my young sister. Sire, I beg of you, don't force our Father to embark with you for Persia! He is old and infirm, he will not survive another hard campaign. "
"Oh, my brave one, it's not your Father I want, it's YOU! Will you and your sister marry me and my friend Hephaestion ? "
Asteria's jaw dropped, and she almost felt her legs give way under her. She had always been brave and outspoken, but now she was feeling totally dumbfounded. It added to her distress that her younger sister was leaning on her, almost about to drop fainting to the floor. Rhodia was not as strong as her elder sister, and she was badly upset by this very unexpected proposal. Asteria held her in the nook of her strong right arm, careful not to let her fall. It took her a very long time to regain her wits and her ability of speech. When she felt that Rhodia had become more steady and able to stand on her own, she composed herself and gave the King and his closest Companion a calm and determined look.
Alexander looked at the Lady Asteria with astonishment. He was not used to the company of girls or women, and did not know much of their ways. He realized, thought, that the lady Asteria had some unique qualities. He liked her fearless appearance before him in this frightening and quite unexpected situation. Her anger brought forth a beauty that she usually did not possess. The sparkling glow in her eyes, the raging roses blushing on her cheeks and the way her dark brown hair spilled in rivulets, escaping from their confinement under her lavender colored veil, it reminded him of someone very close to him. Alexander felt ripples of chill wander up and down his spine.
At the same time Hephaestion looked at her younger twin sister, the Lady Rhodia. She was like an image in a mirror, cast from her more prominent elder sister, but, where the Lady Asteria was fiery and bold, the Lady Rhodia was calm and serene. He had known the twin sisters all of his life, and always favored the calmer, younger sister before her older, more forthright sibling. He liked them both a lot, as dear friends to the family. If things had not been as they were between him and Alexander, he might already have been betrothed to the Lady Rhodia.
Now Queen Olympias' machinations were quickly forcing him into it, and he didn't seem to have any say of his own in this most important matter.
The Lady Asteria spoke once more, surprising them with her bold brashness.
"Why do you want me and my dear little Sister, Sire, when You have got HIM at your side? HE is all that anyone would ever need. "
She gave Hephaestion a warm and admiring look. That made him feel somewhat comfortable, even in this awkward situation.
Alexander quickly found an answer to the Lady Asteria's brash and outspoken question.
"Isn't that quite obvious, my dear girl. He is my very best friend, my soul mate, and my second self, but - he cannot bear me a son and heir. You can. "
"Asteria. This marriage will affect our whole family for all time to come. You may take as long as you need to think about the King's proposal, " the General Theodorus kindly suggested to his daughter.
They all stood for a very long time, carefully considering the proposal. The Future was soaring in their young and eager minds, filled with endless opportunities, fears and worries.
Now a shower of bright golden sun rays flooded over them through the vaulted stone window. They focused on Alexander, making him appear as a golden young God. Hephaestion dwelled in his shadow, but then the sun rays swept over him, too, making his auburn hair glow and his midnight blue cloak sparkle. They all saw his calm and steady support to his young King. His unselfish Love shone like a beacon, and they all realized the strong and reliable foundations of friendship.
The Lady Asteria knelt before King Alexander and took his hand.
"You are a very dangerous man, Sire - but I will marry you and give you a son and heir all the same. As long as HE is at our side, I and my dear little Sister will be safe."
Alexander lifted her from the floor and took her in his arms.
"My dear girl and Lady, I think I already like you more than I ever thought was possible, " he adamantly stated. "You are unusually brave and sensible, for a woman. "
The Lady Rhodia came up to Hephaestion with a shy smile.
"I have wanted you for my husband all of my life, thinking it an unattainable goal. Will you have me, my dearest Hephaestion? I am not as brave and beautiful as my sister, but I promise to be as good a wife as I am able to for you. "
"Yes, I know this, my dear girl. If things had been different, we might already have been married. I will gladly have you for my wife, and my family will protect you and your sister when we am away in Persia."
Hephaestion gave her a reassuring embrace, and when he felt her cling to him in youthful warmth and innocence, he knew that she would be as good for him as the Lady Asteria would be for Alexander.
It was against his nature to act in haste, but in this, Hephaestion knew that he and Alexander had truly made the right decision.
TBC
This storyline of Hazards will continue in a Christmas Special, The Midwinter Marriages. The main storyline of Hazards will take our Dear Ones away on their Persian Conquest, to Troy and the Granicos.