Authors note: I apologise again for all those that have missed a fair few chapters. When my computer crashed, it took with it those chapters. I will eventually re-write and upload them, but I am very busy and only have time to update the story thus far.

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Alexander had terrible visions; worse ones kept coming as he tried to rest his tired eyes for a moments sleep. He was certain of a looming rebellion; he knew that the men would not react kindly to an extension of the journey; Alexander could only prepare himself so much before it came time to face the rabble.

If it weren't for the sheer magnitude of Alexander's power, Alexander would've died that day, there was no doubt about it. As the final instigators were put to death, Alexander couldn't help but feel a little victorious, even immortal.

Regardless, Alexander knew that the men would have to follow him. What other choice was there? Did they dare take on the jungle and its inhabitants alone?

Had he taken this too far? That was the question raging through the camp, were the men better off dead than serving Alexander? A few jeers here and there, a few quips about his oppressive kingship, but nothing more.

"Through snow and sun we march on

We, that follow Alexander of Macedon

He who says he shall share his wealth

Lacks the courage! Lacks the stealth!

Shall we all perish from poor health?

Following the desolate King of Macedon"

The men's songs meant nothing to Alexander; it didn't register with him how much he was despised by his fighters, how easily they could turn on him. He knew, however, how much they feared his own rebellion, his own anger and thus they stayed far away from him singing songs about his failed leadership, but never, not once, said anything more to his face about the situation in India.

His lack of sleep and the bitter taste of bile kept Alexander from taking to them. His sullen expressionless face ached with age and fatigue, as all he could do was try and resolve inside him the strength that he once possessed.

A few days passed before the reached a small palace deep within the jungle terrain that they were marching through. Alexander received note that Darius' old counsel had gone there, and that he was welcome to attend, Cleitus and Cassander didn't like this idea, but what was it to them? They were no more his advisors than they were just soldiers. Alexander accepted the invitation, and marched straight on in. His chorus of angry soldiers all excited about the prospect of clean water and food. Cassander and Cleitus however, had other ideas.

"You think now would be the time?" Cleitus asked Cassander, Cassander nodded.

"How else shall we dispose of him?" Cassander muttered, pouring himself a drink as watched Hephaistion stand close to Alexander, but not in touching distance.

"But here? It doesn't make sense…" Cleitus asked, annoyed. "Why not wait til we are back in Babylon? Then we can arrange this…"

"We tried to arrange Philotas did we not, and we succeeded nothing with that" Cassander bickered, "Here the wine is plentiful so Alexander will be distracted"

"I disagree; he will be more alert than ever" Cleitus pointed around him, "Look at these Indian's faces. All mighty Zeus would see a million murderers in the faces of these barbarians"

"Which is why it will work, Cleitus" Cassander grinned, "Which is why it will finally go to plan"

"Cassander I don't think it is wise…" Cleitus sighed, glancing around at the gaggle of people all talking and chatting, mingling with each other. "I have some news… I have just been…"

"Congratulations, Cleitus. Such a fine role for such a fine man" Ptolemy clapped Cleitus on the shoulder in passing as a few of Ptolemy's followers smiled at him.

"What was that about?" Cassander asked Cleitus, picking up some more fruit and biting into an apple with a sickening crunch.

"Oh, nothing" Cleitus shrugged, suggesting he knew nothing.

"Than, what was it you were going to say?" Cassander asked him, Cleitus resenting how sharp Cassander's mind was.

"Trainer of the army in replacement of Philotas" Cleitus admitted, there was some truth to it he thought as Cassander nodded.

"…. Odd, you the trainer of the army when you, almost as much as me, despise our newly enlisted soldiers?" Cassander mumbled, watching Cleitus' face contort and then relax when Alexander walked past.

"What is it really?" Cassander probed, but Cleitus pretended not to hear him and walked away.

The party had settled in nicely, just as Bagoas accompanied by Roxane were the last to come through the doors. Bagoas veered off towards the dancers, as Roxane sunk into her chair beside Alexander, feeling a sudden rush of sickness in her stomach as Alexander smiled at her; he was all ready drunk.

"Gentleman and ladies, welcome" someone said and the chatter came to a halt. As Cleitus took his seat, Cassander followed, but he remained well hidden in the back. Just watching the spectacle, he came up close to one of Cleitus' men and leaned in.

" I do not suppose you know what Cleitus' new role is?" Cassander asked and he shrugged. Ptolemy overhearing the conversation turned to look at Cassander,

"Whatever it is, it doesn't involve you. It's a private matter with Alexander and Cleitus"

"Since when does becoming a trainer of the army a secretive business?" Cassander pursued, Ptolemy looking away at Cleitus who seemed to have his hands wound up, his eyes glaring around the Indians angrily.

"When you're responsible for a whole state, it is very important" one of the men let slip, as Cassander's eyes widened.

"What?" Cassander asked, just as he saw Alexander go to Bagoas for a kiss.

Roxane couldn't remain in her seat for much longer. She disappeared up the stairs and to her quarters, but not before, Cassander noticed, Alexander followed her. Cassander then looked at Cleitus who was now on his feet, a dozen wine glasses surrounding him.

"You won't make a very good Satrap will you, Cleitus?" Cassander could feel his heart racing a million times a minute, as he looked at Cleitus. So this is what was going on? This is what Cleitus was going to do? He was going to leave Cassander alone?

"Let me rot in Macedonian rags than shine in Eastern Pump" Roxane who had just gotten into bed after her sickness glanced out over the balcony at Alexander and Cleitus. Both of whom were intoxicated and speaking vilely of each other. What of their son? She had only just found out she was pregnant, and now her husband was fighting with Cleitus, a man twice as strong as Alexander was?

"You and your barbarian mother in shame!" There was a sudden large noise coming from downstairs, as Roxane peered over. Alexander had fallen back on his heels, his eyes wider than owls, and his face frozen in horror. She then turned her gaze to Cleitus. A giant black spear protruded out of his body. It had all happened so quickly. Scared of what would happen next she made a break for the door, but found there waiting two Indian guards. She couldn't go down to Alexander; she couldn't do anything but watch.

"Oh sweet Zeus!" Cassander hollered, knocking people over as he came towards Cleitus, hands outstretched, fear etched across his face as he scowled angrily at Alexander. The others around him were all trying to regain their breath, Alexander himself still hadn't moved from the ground.

Alexander could feel the sickness rising up from the pit of his stomach. So much had just happened; it was making his head spin violently. He tried to breathe, but he felt suffocated in his own body. For the first time in a long time, he could smell the sickly bitter scent of blood, for time first time in a long time; he had murdered someone in cold blood.

Bagoas wanted to go to Alexander, but he was pushed away. Kept in the background as the rabble intensified around him. Hephaistion clambered to aid Alexander, but Alexander pushed him away. Crawling, crawling like he had been stumbling. Crawling away from the mess the devastation he had caused again. All the while he was awake; the alcohol had faded through the tears streaming out of his eyes. He was very much alone, very aware of what he had done and very scared.

Hephaistion chased after him but he was blocked but servants of Darius' counsel, who came to Alexander's aid and helped him to stand. They then beckoned Bagoas who would lead Alexander to his private quarters, as Alexander let go of the wine bottle he felt he had been carrying for the last 7 years.

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