Chapter 29

Alexander and Hephaistion are reunited.


It was later that evening when Hephaistion showed himself again. He looked a bit drawn and sad, but smiled to show he was well. "It is hard is it not to lose so much knowing we can do nothing?" Bagoas merely shook his head and handed the man a cup of wine which he had left full strength. They supped and talked quietly.

"Bagoas one thing I am curious about, Setapas, how old is he?"

Bagoas was silent the truth was more than he had himself believed. Indeed upon first hearing it he had not believed it. "He has told me he is more than five hundred years old. That is all he will say. As he explains it he "died" long ago in an uprising against a Pharaoh named Akenaten. He told me about this Pharaoh, Alexander and he has been talking a great deal about Egypt. Pharaoh Akenaten believed in a god he called the Aten. Alexander is much interested in this concept. This Pharaoh died in his capital city called Armarna. His nobles rose against him and overthrew him. Setapas said it is worth one's life to speak of this Pharaoh in his land. All reference to Pharaoh Akenaten have been wiped out. He is as a traitor to the gods of Egypt."

Hephaistion was silent thinking on all this information. He could recall nothing of such a ruler in Egypt, but then their time there had not been long. It was a mystery and something about it interested him.

"Who do you think he is, really? He is a priest, yes, I will accept that, but there is something more beyond that, I think?" Bagoas said nothing, at first, as there was little to say.

"My Lord –"

"No, no more formalities between us, I think we have passed beyond that. I am simply, Hephaistion." Hephaistion slapped Bagoas on the back in a manner the younger man had seen companions do with one another time and again through the army. That touched him more than he could say. For the first time in a very long time he felt accepted into something that had longed been denied him because of the hand of Fate. With Hephaistion's simple gesture he felt that Fate had shifted something and allowed his circle of experience to widen.

"Thank you, my…thank you, Hephaistion." Then to cover an immediate sense of emotion he hurried on. "I believe he is more than a priest, Egypt is so full of mysteries, I cannot begin to eke them out. I only know he has been a rock for Alexander these last weeks."

"For that, he will have my everlasting gratitude. Perhaps over time we can winnow out the truth." His eyes were sparkling at the mystery. "I am most intrigued by him and the Chronicles of Horus. I wish to know more. I feel there are things before our very eyes that we do not see, but effect everything we do, things we should be more alert to, things if only we understood them, we might be worthy of achieving greater goals." He decided he might explore this forgotten, forbidden Pharaoh one day. Time would certainly not be an issue to keep him from such endeavors.


The next afternoon, Hephaistion was in the garden again, tying a small cypress sapling up to a stake. His chiton was soaked with sweat and he was about to take it off when he set down his tools and listened. Off in the distance was the sound of someone shouting. He knew that high, sharp voice. A great smile broke out on his face and he rose and ran quickly from the walls of the villa.

Alexander spurred his horse and raced forward at the sight of Hephaistion. Hephaistion's nearly pulled him from his horse his strong arms wrapping around Alexander and lifting him off his feet. He is much thinner. He will need more rest before we leave for Egypt. Hephaistion thought as he pulled Alexander close to him but the rest of his fears dissolved in happiness that left him speechless.

To hold Alexander close and know he still breathed was enough for now. It never failed to amaze him as he held his lover tight. Sweaty and filthy though Alexander may be; his chiton and mantle streaked with the road, he smelled fresh and clean. Maybe someday he would find out why this was so. He greeted Setapas whose simple Egyptian linen kilt and mantle looked much less disheveled than he'd expected and turned back to Alexander.

"Hephaistion, finally!" Was all Alexander could manage to say while he covered Hephaistion beautiful face with kisses and buried his face in the long, warm hair cloaking Hephaistion's broad shoulders. When their eyes finally met both wet with tears of joy and relief.

"Never, never again will I be parted from you, Hephaistion." Alexander's eyes closed as he leaned his shining head against Hephaistion's chest.

"Nor I, Alexander, never again," Hephaistion whispered his own voice breaking with emotion.

"I will see to your horse, refresh yourself. Setapas, I have called the slaves to bring food. You must be hungry and weary after the long ride. Knowing Alexander you were no doubt up before dawn." Bagoas had emerged from the house and laughed and went along to the garden with Setapas leaving Alexander and Hephaistion alone in the house.

Setapas grinned and gestured toward the house, "I think they will be much taken up with one another's company for a long while."

Bagoas' laughed knowingly. "Perhaps this time tomorrow they will show themselves.

"So, how do you fare, Bagoas?" Setapas' long eyes sparkled as he gazed on the young Persian whose black hair shone like fine onyx in the bright sunlight.

"Well enough now that Alexander is well and safe and together with Hephaistion. Setapas, how can I thank you, truly, what can gift can I ever give you for all you've done?" Bagoas started.

Setapas stopped him with a laugh, "It was my destiny to serve the King, as it is yours."

Bagoas looked up at the Egyptian, puzzled, "But truly, now he will no longer need me. He has Hephaistion. Together…"

"No, he will always need you he knows that. Hephaistion may be his soul, but you are dear to him, my dear Bagoas, too dear to let go so easily. Do not fret he will return to you."

Bagoas smiled, his great eyes mysterious as they studied the handsome Egyptian. "I do not worry on that account. My love for Alexander will never diminish. Nor do I begrudge him his love for Hephaistion. They have both well earned their right to time together. Let us go out for a while. I found a lovely pool surrounded by the most beautiful flowers, lilies, roses…. it is a small paradise. Come, it is time we knew one another better." With the exquisitely sensuous smile and manner that had won him a king, Bagoas took Setapas' hand and they strolled from the villa's wide walls.

To be continued….