Authors Note: Thank you all for the replies
Alexander didn't want to leave Hephaistion, but Aristotle was persistent and instructed him to sort out the real problems facing his crown. The fact that he hadn't married and was leaving for Persia without an heir, he still hadn't questioned his mother about the death of his father and he also hadn't resolved just who would be appointed counsel for the journey.
He needed strong men, he needed honorable men. There was something wrong however in what Hephaistion had told him, Hephaistion wouldn't hurt himself, not that greatly. Alexander's brow furrowed as Aristotle began his points of business, Alexander's open hand ran down his face, his sunken eyes were so tired, as he sat patiently, waiting for the others to arrive.
"I've chosen my counsel" Alexander said hastily, as they all quickly sat down.
'Just who have you chosen?' Parmenion asked, leaning forward Alexander glanced around at the table.
"Cleitus- for my father said he is a truest ally, I certainly hope to strengthen that bond" Alexander looked at Cleitus, Cleitus nodded.
"Ptolemy – for your words of wisdom and knowledge of battle" Alexander looked to Ptolemy, Ptolemy smiled at him.
"Parmenion – a wise elder, a strong ally in battle" Alexander looked at Parmenion, who seemed shocked.
"Philotas and Antigonas as well shall join our counsel" Alexander looked around the table again, no-one seemed to rebut that, "Also Perdicaas and Nerachus who have aided us long in battles, Philotas the trainer of our younger men into such fine soldiers, he shall also accompany us"
The table fell silent in awe, they were marveled at Alexander. Alexander, until now, had no idea what he wanted but as he sat there, his eyes fixed on the food before him, he smiled.
Cassander could feel his heart beat erratically. He tried to swallow his drink, but it spilled over, as his nervous hands shook the glass so much he had to put it down. Alexander watched him briefly for a moment, as Cleitus also worried over him, telling him to stay calm.
"Cassander" Alexander said finally, "You are the last elected to join my head counsel; you shall accompany the rest of the men and I into Gugamala, our first point of attack when we reached Persia, as discussed with myself and Aristotle"
Cassander felt like being sick, as Alexander's eyes searched his face, as if uncovering his deepest, filthiest secrets. Those dark inset eyes, those menacing mahogany windows to Alexander's mind.
Alexander then stood up, ' You shall also inform Craterous that he needs to start organizing the men into formations, Aristotle will lead the first strategy meeting tonight; no later than sundown"
It was then, for the first time since becoming King, Alexander was applauded. First Parmenion stood up and started clapping, then Ptolemy, Aristotle was also clapping, Cleitus also then stood up as the small table of men was smiling and it seemed, recognizing the King that they had just appointed, though Alexander wasn't sure of his role himself yet.
Alexander bowed and made an exit, quickly followed by Aristotle who started chatting like a little school boy, how excited he was to start his job, Alexander presumed, but Alexander's mind was focused on something else.
"Alexander, it's a miracle… how you've changed so" Aristotle commented, patting Alexander's shoulder lightly,
' I couldn't wait for it to kick in, I had to bring it into myself first" Alexander sighed, leaning outside the door, hearing the gaggle inside the dining room,
"I am most impressed, Alexander" Aristotle said beaming, 'I wasn't sure you would ever assume the throne… properly"
Alexander smiled slightly, a small kink in the corner of his mouth as he shook his head and lowered his gaze,
'Something happened to Hephaistion, Aristotle… something bad" Alexander's voice was low and shaky, Aristotle leant into him a little,
" What do you think happened?' he asked,
"I'm not certain, but he has… sores and cuts, and severe bruising in other places. I worry I have sent my poor Hephaistion mad"
Aristotle's eyes widened a little, "… What do you intend on doing with him?"
"He's coming to Persia" Alexander's eyes turned to vase hanging on the other wall, "We must sort out our problems"
"There's still the inquest…" Aristotle reminded Alexander, as Alexander sighed and turned away slightly,
"I know, my mother… right" he took in a deep shallow breath and pursed his lips for a moment,
"Well… it's a good start at least" Aristotle said cheerily, walking away from Alexander, "… you've just begun your role as King with many more events to come!"
"Yes, many" Alexander whispered softly to himself as Aristotle seemed to dance down the corridor to talk to Craterus.