Title: "The Other Persian"

Author: Baliansword

Chapter: 5, Plans

A/N: Again, thanks to everyone reading, and please read and review. I appreciate everyone involved in the process of this story.

Arias handed his robe to the man at the door. It was not even really his robe. It belonged to Hephaestion. He had found it in the back of the commander's closet. Hopefully he would not wake up in the middle of the night missing it. Because if he went searching for it, or for Arias for the matter, everything he was working for now would be over.

"Come in Arias," said one of the Persian slaves that was willing to overthrow Alexander. "We appreciate that you are willing to meet with us."

Arias nodded, "And thank you for having me."

Arias sat down at the table. He could recognize all of the men around him. They stared at him as he did at them. They could not trust each other. Arias glanced over his shoulder at the guarded doors. He then looked back at Theroas, the leader of the meeting, and the man in charge of planning. Arias remembered that he had once been a dancer in the high courts, until Bagoas broke his ankle.

"Alexander is gone," Theroas stated. "I believe that it would be easiest to take the commanders he has left now."

"Commanders," a man asked. "What would we do with Alexander's commanders? He probably would let us take them all. It would only give him more power."

"Perhaps he would let some be expended, but not Hephaestion."

Arias made sure not to move. It took all of the power within him not to leap across the table now. Instead, he nodded. If he were going to be believable he would have to betray Hephaestion now.

"Hephaestion is my lord," Arias said straightly. "He is strong, but together we could capture him. Alexander would likely give anything for him. They are childhood friends."

Theroas stared at him and then smiled, "Good. Arias, you can help us plan for the attack. You know his schedule better than anyone does. I only worry about your cousin."

"Bagoas knows and suspects nothing."

"All the same," Theroas said, "we will capture him as well."

Bagoas looked up from the table when he saw Hephaestion enter the room. With Alexander gone he had expected trouble. Yet Hephaestion simply sat far away from him and unrolled a scroll. Bagoas knew whom the letter was from. It was from Alexander, for he had received word from the courier that had brought the scroll. It was from Alexander. Bagoas went back to his work and tried to ignore Hephaestion's presence.

Hephaestion on the other hand continued to unroll the scroll. He had noticed Bagoas as well. He liked the idea of pretending he was not there. After unrolling the scroll he began to read. From the first word he could hear Alexander's voice.

…I miss you terribly. I cannot help but feel that I left you on the worst of terms. I sit here now, and I see the stars, and can think only of you. Hephaestion if you are angry with me find it in your heart to forgive me. I love you always. Alexander.

Hephaestion rolled the scroll back up and set it on the table. He glanced up to find Bagoas gone. He could slip away in the quietest of manners. So could Arias now that he thought about it. He had not seen him all night, or all day, and was beginning to wonder is there was a cause to be concerned.

"Well," asked Bagoas as he met with Arias in the hall.

"Theroas is the leader," Arias told him quietly. "They suspect you to an extent. I believe it has something to do with the way that you have wronged Theroas."

Bagoas stopped, "He was not as good as he thought he was."

"Or is it that Darius made a toast in his name?"

"That was beside the point," Bagoas insisted. "Now, tell me, what are their plans? Did they believe you? When do they come?"

"Silence," Arias said as he stopped in front of the dining hall. "I cannot risk being seen with you. But listen, they come tonight. There are not as many of them as you would think. Keep a knife with you tonight, and tell the others in your wing, for most of the rebels will enter there. Understood?"

Bagoas nodded, "Good."

Arias entered the dining room as Bagoas left. Even as he entered Hephaestion knew that it was him. As he approached from behind Arias wrapped his arms over Hephaestion's shoulders. He kissed him on the neck softly.

"It is late," Hephaestion said.

Arias kissed his neck once more. He heard Hephaestion let out a soft sigh of pleasure. Hephaestion turned his neck so that when Arias lifted his head he could capture his lips with his own. Hephaestion kissed him deeply, wanting badly to take him right here.

Hephaestion pulled Arias into his arms. Arias sat on his lap and let Hephaestion kiss him. Hephaestion broke the kiss and brought his kisses to the cradle of Arias' neck. Arias wrapped his hands in Hephaestion's hair. He knew very well that the crow had called his name.

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