"Do you ever get that feeling you know when your time is up? I get that all the time now. Days, months and, years Alexander and still no word. I wonder if my letters even reach you, or if they go into a void of nothingness, as my life has become. Since writing last, the rabble here has ceased. Many still believe you to be a deserter, but I disagree. You're ruling a new nation and have no time for home any longer. That place is your home, I realize. I still glance towards the skies for a sign from you, my little Achilles.

I believe in my heart you know what is right. When the time comes, whatever you must face you will do so bravely. I love you, always"

Alexander closed the letter and took in a deep breath. He had abandoned everything from home, and now he had nothing here. He looked at the mosaic painted walls around him, and sighed. He had no real desire to go anywhere or to do anything, perhaps it was time to accept his defeat go home and someone else be assigned the King's title.

He decided upon telling the men tonight that Arabia was just a bad joke, and he didn't intend on going ahead with it at all. It was too far, and he was much too tired to go that journey, and suffer all over again.

He went down the stairs and into the living room where the dark lighting and drinks were plenty. He surveyed the room and saw his old friends and companions, his followers and knew that he was in the right place. His mother was right; he had found a home here.

Ptolemy dripped the last few droplets of the venom into the large goblet. He saw his whole life by Alexander's side flash before his eyes. He knew that this was wrong but he wanted it to end. He wanted to stop and go home to his wife. He wanted a new life and he was never going to get it following Alexander.

The silver goblet was passed form him to Cassander, where Cassander dwelled on it for a few seconds before putting it in front of Alexander.

Alexander stared deep into the contents of the silver goblet, and with a fiery disposition and a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, he put it to his lips and drank it.

Cassander could feel something unusual happening to him. Tears were coming from his eyes, as if he was suddenly aware of what he had committed. He tried to wipe them away but they ran freely.

"Tomorrow is Macedonia my good men" Alexander told them, " No more travels, I am too tired and I will resigned my place as King back home so someone else may lead you all. I am too old for such a task any longer… and feel…"

Alexander gasped suddenly, drawing in a painful breath. The men all turned to look at him, as he put a hand to his throat.

"Treachery" the voice within him shouted, as he got to his knees.

"Liars! Cheaters! Hephaistion was right!" he could hear his thoughts run the course through his mind as the poison ran through his veins, and then with a sigh he was unconscious, and Cassander's gentle tears were now making marks in the carpet.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-