Chapter 6

Alexander waited impatiently next to Oxyartes, the village chief, as his generals, pages and clerical staff rode up the steep trail to the village. Hephaistion and Cleitus led the procession. His hands itched to take his lover and pull him close. Instead, he had to settle for the same quick embrace and kiss to the cheek that he offered Cleitus and the other generals.

Oxyartes came forward to greet his generals as well. The Hill Chief was elated to be hosting the Great King and eager to feast them. If for no other reason, he was impressed that King Alexander had honored the formerly Great King Darius and hunted down the traitors. It was a demonstration of the new Great King's honor and character. It spoke well of him.

Once the formal introductions were completed, servants showed the generals where they would be staying while in the village. The accommodations weren't much, but it was better than a camp bed.

Alexander followed Hephaistion as he was shown to his room. He quietly grilled Milos about the week they had been apart. He could tell the break had been good for his lover. There was more color in his face and he had more energy. The sudden change from the last time he had seen Hephaistion was a surprise. Over the last two months he had grown used to the excruciatingly slow pace of recovery.

Waiting until the servant boy had departed, Alexander swept his lover into his arms. Kissing Hephaistion with every ounce of longing and passion in him, he rejoiced to feel the muscles beneath his finger tips. His lover was regaining the weight and muscles he had lost while ensnared by the potent drug. Pulling back, he looked deeply into his lover's blue eyes. "You look well, my love," he said, earning a smile.

"I'm glad you agree. I sent Glaukos back to his regular duties. Don't worry, Bagoas and Milos proved far more tenacious," he continued when Alexander opened his mouth.

"Hephaistion…"

"I know Alexander, I understand and I love you for your concern, but always being followed around by five or six people is truly grating on my nerves."

Alexander sighed, though he was glad for this resistance. He knew that the extra page and Bagoas would be the next of his guardians to be ordered away. Milos had always followed Hephaistion around before the incident, so there was little chance of him being sent away by his lover. And the guards, well after his new orders were carried out they would be staying as well.

"Come, there is a bath and fresh clothes waiting for you. Let Bagoas and Milos help you. Cleitus, Ptolemy, Leonnatus, Crateros, Perdiccas and Cassander will be here soon. I have a few more plans to put in effect to ensure your safety," he said pushing his lover into Bagoas' waiting hands. Hephaistion gave him a dirty look. Watching his lover disappear, he whispered to the empty room, "I only hope you'll speak with me after today."

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TBC