Thank You For Your Lovely Reviews.
Mara: That's okay, I'll never get tired of hearing it. Glad you like the actual facts. Thank you for reviewing.
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XZanayu: He better be glad and Hephaistion for Alexander because he did save Hephaistion's life in return. Thank you for reviewing.
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I'll be there for you
These five words I swear to you
When you breath I wanna be the air for you
I'll be there for you
I'd live and I'd die for you
Steal the sun from the sky for you
Words can't say what love can do
I'll be there for you.
- I'll Be There For You by Bon Jovi / Richie Sambora. -
Chapter 24: Separation.
Hephaistion woke up just after dawn, the sun shining through a crack in his tent, right onto his face. Raising his hands, he rubbed his face, feeling the stubbles. He sighed heavily before turning over, expecting to see Alexander there. He frowned however when he didn't find Alexander is his bed, nor did he see him anywhere in sight.
Sitting up, sliding his legs from the bed, he got up. Walking into another section of his tent, he called Alexander's name.
"Alexander?" looking around seeing no one he tried again, "Alexander? Are you there?" worried after last night events he quickly washed and dressed, stepping out of his tent. He shielded his eyes from the sun, seeing many men running around attending to their duties. Seeing his page, he waved him over,
"Tagos! Have you seen The Prince?"
Tagos bowed, "Yes My lord, he woke up before run-rise and set of towards the river, taking his dog with him."
Hephaistion looked towards the direction Alexander disappeared in and nodded his head in thanks, "Set up the table for my return, I should like to eat my breakfast then."
Tagos bowed again, "Yes, My Lord." And quickly ran off to fulfil his duties. Hephaistion in the meantime found his horse and mounted it, riding towards the river. The fields round the river where still green and dotted with flowers as Hephaistion rode through it. He stopped when he saw a figure in the distance.
Alexander was half naked and barefoot, the newly risen sunlight making him glow. He ran alongside the river, his feet leaving prints in the sand, as his hair flowed in the wind as he ran through it. Peritas, Alexander dog, was running alongside him, checking his pace so he would not overrun his master or be left behind. Now and then he would bark, trying to catch Alexander's attention. Alexander merely smiled, waving slightly but never stopping.
Hephaistion could not stop from staring as he realised this was one of the rare moments, Alexander let his spirit run free. He flew like an eagle and ran like a horse. Free but powerful. Alexander always existed out of two sides, just like his eyes, one dark and one light. This was a moment where he was light, happy and free, letting go of all restrains as he ran, like he was all alone in the world. Quite the difference to the day before where he was dark, strong and unrelenting as he smashed and conquered his enemies.
Hephaistion had to bite his lip, to restrain his body to give in to natural urges as he watched Alexander come closer. With each step he took, his body contracted and then extended in one long movement. Hephaistion could see every muscle in his body and he had to swallow hard. His golden hair bounced up and down like a horses main. All of a sudden Peritas started to bark more loudly as he recognized Hephaistion. Hephaistion spurred his horse on and rode next to Alexander. They both shared a look and smiled. Hephaistion was still enchanted by the power of Alexander's running and those hard muscles as they stopped near the river.
Alexander dove into the water without fear and Hephaistion smiled as he remembered the boy who couldn't swim all those years ago. He dismounted and waited for Alexander to resurface, when he did he ran towards Hephaistion and hugged him hard. They both laughed as Hephaistion yelped at the contact of Alexander's cold skin.
"Come, breakfast is waiting…" muttered Hephaistion. Alexander mounted the horse and extended his hand, which Hephaistion took, hoisting himself up behind Alexander. Together they rode back to camp, Peritas close at their heel. When they arrived in camp, they noticed almost everyone was awake. They saw Ptolemy talking to one of his soldiers but he nodded when he saw them. They dismounted before entering Hephaistion's tent. Alexander quickly washed and dressed before joining Hephaistion at the breakfast table.
Hephaistion watched Alexander closely, remembering what happened the day before.
/ Alexander snorted before starting to laugh. Soon every one else followed. Whether they laughed because they were happy they won or lived or laughed because they finally realised what happened or simply nerves, they did not know. Neither did they care at that moment.
Soon they all sobered up and Alexander made his way toward his father, who was still dancing amongst the bodies. His companions and father's generals followed him but kept their distance as father and son talked.
Alexander approached his father, laying a hand on his shoulder, "Father!"
"Ah my boy…" roared Philip clapping a heavy hand on his shoulder, "…you've done well."
Alexander bowed slightly seeing the growing respect and pride in his father's eyes. "Thank You, father."
Philip turned back around surveying the battle field, which held two-thousand dead men and many more wounded, with a chuckle, Alexander knew they had to make some major decisions and asked,
"What will we do with the prisoners, my King?"
Philip turned around suddenly angry but Alexander knew it was not directed at him but at the Athenians and Thebans who betrayed him.
"They will all be sold as slaves…."
Alexander frowned, "What about the dead, surely they will be returned?"
"Never! Traitors do not deserve decent burials…" roared Philip outraged. Alexander could not believe his father would do such a thing, he never denied the dead a proper burial so he decided to make him see reason.
"My King, you always told me to show clemency whenever possible." Started Alexander laying a hand on his father's shoulder, "…Even Achilles returned Hector's body after King Priam's pleas. These men fought like lions, especially the Sacred Band, they deserved to be honoured." Alexander could see the anger leave Philip's eyes, "Surely, you must see there is no advantage in treating the dead this way."
Philip sighed, "You are a much wiser man then I am, my son, you are right of course." Philip sobered up, "What do you suggest?"
Alexander though for a second, sharing a look with Hephaistion, remembering what happened on the battlefield. " The Sacred Band must not be separated, burn and bury them together. We will erect a statue in their honour. A Lion maybe? (1) For their valour and courage, They must never be forgotten."
Philip nodded, "I will burn the Athenians as well and put their ashes in urns. They will be sent, with an escort back to Athens."
Alexander nodded and father and son shared a look of understanding. They both turned towards their companions, issuing orders.
By nightfall, Philip's soldiers had build several grand funeral pyres and soon the night sky was filled with the smell of burning wood and flesh. Hephaistion watched Alexander closely as he stared motionless at the pyre of the Sacred Band. He frowned, thinking Alexander was too still to his liking, he normally moved, not being able to stand still for a second. All of a sudden, he noticed a change in Alexander's eyes as he turned paler by the minute. As if feeling Hephaistion's gaze, Alexander turned and they shared a quick look before Alexander turned around, quickly walking away, cape billowing behind him.
Hephaistion frowned, looking back towards the pyre. He noticed a movement with his eye and turned towards Ptolemy who looked worried as well. They shared a look before Hephaistion nodded understanding. He said a quick prayer before silently leaving the funeral. He followed the direction in which he saw Alexander leave. He did not have to look long, somehow, due to years of practise, he always knew where to find Alexander, even in the dark.
He heard rather then saw Alexander. He could hear his beloved retch and heard sobs soon after. He quickened his pace and soon found Alexander huddled besides a water barrel. Hephaistion laid his hand on Alexander's shoulder feeling him tremble. Alexander seemed startled for a moment before realising it was Hephaistion. Hephaistion took Alexander face in both his hands, wiping the sweat of his brow. Even though it was dark they could see each other's eyes clearly. No words were needed as they both know what happened. Hephaistion caressed Alexander's face, reassuring him he was not weak because he vomited after finally realising what he had done. He was human after all and far from heartless.
Hephaistion smiled, his face lighting up with all the love he felt for the blond haired man before him. Alexander suddenly felt humbled as he clutched Hephaistion close. They held each other for the longest time before rising as one and moving towards Hephaistion's tent, which was closer. As Alexander sat down heavily in a nearby chair, Hephaistion ordered the guards they would like to be undisturbed and no one was to enter unless it was an emergency. The guards nodded and stood at attention as Hephaistion turned to see Alexander sitting down with his head in his hands.
Hephaistion crouched down before Alexander, removing his hands from his face before pulling him up and leading him towards his bedroom and washing area. Hephaistion quietly undressed Alexander and washed him, cleansing him from his demons. Then lead him to the bed, where he covered Alexander with his own body, simply holding him.
"I love you. You are the air that I breath. I would do anything for you. If you asked, I would take the sun from the sky for you…" he kissed Alexander softly on the lips, "…I am here for you."
Alexander stared up in Hephaistion blue eyes and smiled before grabbing Hephaistion's head and crushing their lips together. He caressed Hephaistion's face and neck, down to his shoulders and naked back, clutching him closer. They pressed their bodies so close together, you could barely see whether there were two bodies or one. Nothing happened that night, though Hephaistion very much wanted to. But he realised Alexander did not need this right now. Hephaistion simply held him, caressing every part of his body, Alexander doing likewise. Hephaistion saw the demons disappear until he saw Alexander again.
He whispered, "My Alexander." Before kissing him. They stayed like that for a long time, until sleep claimed the both of them and they fell asleep, clutching each other close./
Noticing Hephaistion's stare, Alexander smiled and said, "I'm fine." Hephaistion simply raised his eyebrow.
"Truly!" laughed Alexander before kissing Hephaistion, "Thanks to you…" Alexander laughed again and this time Hephaistion joined him.
"What would you be without me?" Joked Hephaistion, grabbing a bun, when Alexander didn't laugh he frowned, staring in his eyes, "Alexander?"
"I am nothing without Hephaistion. Nothing!" stated Alexander seriously, looking in his beloved's face Hephaistion knew he meant it and swallowed hard. He grabbed Alexander face, bringing them close together.
"Nor I without you!" Then kissed Alexander hard, who returned the kiss with much passion. They both gasped, slightly out of breath. Alexander was about to say something when Tagos, Hephaistion's page interrupted them.
"My lords!"
Both sighed turning towards the page, "Yes, Tagos."
"The King wishes an audience with the Prince! Immediately." Stuttered the boy under the gaze of the two men. Alexander sighed heavily getting up, knowing his father did not like being kept. He locked gazes with Hephaistion before leaving the tent.
No sooner then Alexander left his tent, did Ptolemy enter.
"Hephaistion." Both men nodded in greeting, "Alexander is looking better, is he well?"
Hephaistion felt grateful for such great friends, "He is well and sends you thanks." Ptolemy sighed relieved. Hephaistion made a gesture invited him to join him, which he did. Within half an hour however, every single one of Alexander's closest companions had joined them.
They had been talking for hours about the battle, when Perdiccas asked,
"Who do you think they will sent to Athens?"
"I do not know…" muttered Nearchus, "…but I am glad it is not me." A round of 'ayes' went round the table.
"Me neither…" stated Leonatus, "… bringing dead Greeks back to Athens and their mourning families. They already hate our guts, just imagine what they could do when you arrive with their dead husbands, fathers and sons." Hephaistion nodded, as did every one else shuddering at the thought.
"Besides it seems awfully boring, negotiating terms with a bunch of stuck-up gits who refuse to waver in their ways…." Everyone laughed, "Negotiations won't go swiftly, you'll probably be stuck there for a long time. " said Cassander munching on a dade.
"If you ever make it to Athens…" muttered Philotas, "… you'll probably be killed when they get wind you are coming."
"They'll probably sent some boring old man, no one would miss, like Eumenes…" everyone laughed again, everyone but Hephaistion who suddenly got a strange feeling. They all stayed for a little while longer talking until their duties could no longer be ignored.
Hephaistion just came back, finishing his round of his wounded soldiers when he noticed a chariot being prepared and the urns being placed on it. Then several men of Philip's personal guard surrounded the chariot. A sudden voice made him jump,
"At least, they get an escort. Philip's guards no less, must be someone important." Hephaistion nodded at Ptolemy's words but frowned when he saw a very familiar horse being led forward.
"Isn't that Alexander's horse?" Hephaistion was about to answer when Philip's tent opened to reveal father and son. Alexander had changed into this royal robes and carried a wooden box. Hephaistion watched them converse before Philip hugged his son and moved back into his tent. Alexander gave the wooden box to one of his pages, who placed it upon the cart, and petted Bucephalus neck. All of a sudden he stopped and turned around, locking eyes with Hephaistion.
Ptolemy muttered 'Good Luck!' before moving of leaving the two of them.
"Hephaistion guess what?" said Alexander happily, "My father is sending me to Athens on an important mission." (2) Alexander's eyes shone as he talked in excitement. "Can you believe it? I'm going to Athens! I cannot believe he entrusted me with such a mission..." When Hephaistion did not answer, Alexander stopped talking and stared him in the face with a frown,
"Hephaistion? Are you not happy for me?"
Instead of answering Hephaistion flung himself towards Alexander and hugged him hard,
"Hephaistion?" When Hephaistion only held him closer he moved them both out of sight, so no one would see them.
"What is wrong?" asked Alexander as they parted and noticed tears in Hephaistion's eyes,
Hephaistion sighed hard trying to compose himself, "Promise me something Alexander…"
"Anything…"
"Don't do anything rash and be careful"
Alexander chuckled slightly, "When am I not …"
Hephaistion interrupted, shaking Alexander's shoulders, "Promise me!"
Frowning at Hephaistion serious face, he said, "I promise!" No sooner did the words leave Alexander mouth or he found himself being kissed hard by Hephaistion. He returned the kiss equally hard, pouring all his love and passion into it, feeling Hephaistion needed it.
"I'll be careful." said Alexander slightly out of breath. He caressed Hephaistion's face, staring in his eyes. "By Zeus, I will miss you!" and softly kissed Hephaistion's lips.
"And I you."
They hugged one more time before parting and moving of. A page held Alexander cloak, which he fastened around his shoulders. Then mounted Bucephalus and ordered the soldiers to 'move out' He turned around, looking Hephaistion in the eye.
Hephaistion had to swallow hard as he mouthed 'I'll Be Here' Which made Alexander smile even more. He lifted his hand in goodbye and he stared after Alexander until he disappeared from view. He felt a presence stand behind him and a hand being placed on his shoulder.
"He'll be fine, you'll see."
Hephaistion could do nothing more then nod. He turned around and saw not only Ptolemy but also the rest his companions standing there. They all gave him and encouraging smile as he passed and once again he felt grateful for their presence. Not wanted to linger, he quickly continued with his duties hoping he will see Alexander soon.
(1) They did indeed make a statue, shaped in a lion, in honour of the Sacred Band and buried the ashes inside. You can still visit this monument in Greece.
(2) Alexander was indeed the one sent to Athens to negotiate Philip's terms with the Greeks. None of his companions joined him on that mission. This was the last great mission Philip have his son before things turned sour between them.