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Title: FIC: I, Too Am Alexander ( 7 / 7 ) Conclusion
Author: NorthernLight
Category: Love/Friendship/Adventure story. Alternate History.
Pairing: Alexander&Hephaestion
Date: November 2005.
Feedback: Yes, all kinds, on or off list, as you please.
Archive: Yes, if you like, but please tell me. Archivated at the ATG Slash&Fanfic Yahooo Groups.
Disclaimer: I don't own them. For entertainment only...hopefully. Not for gain - my work is for my deep interest in Alexander and Hephaestion, their time and adventures.
Rating: R
Beta: Denise. Many thanks for good discussions and suggestions.
Summary : Hephaestion has been having a hard time organizing a brave rescue party . At long last he has succeeded to rescue Alexander from his cruel captivity at the Rock of Chorienes. Now is celebration time for the brave rescuers and a time of reckoning for those not so brave.
Warnings: This is AR, very close to but not "real" history. Alexander besieged the Rock of Chorienes but was of course never imprisoned there. Intrigue and quarrels. Happy ending with another wild party. Very sentimental epilogue.
Historical note: The Rock of Chorienes is a real place, being besieged by Alexander and his army on his way to India. Nysa is also a real place and the Macedonians actually held some wild festivities there to honor Dionysos.
Dedication: To Denise. Thanks to your excellent and positive fic challenge about Alexander being kidnapped and Hephaestion taking over the army for a daring and dangerous rescue operation.
Rock Of Chorienes 327 BC
Day of Freedom
Hephaestion gave Alexander a worried look. Saving his best friend from his worst enemy had taken a substantial toll from the King's greatly depleted energy. Now he was shivering, both from the cold inside the hill fort and from after effects of the strenuous fight.
"Alexander. How are you? You look so pale and wan. I'm amazed that you are standing on your feet, let alone that you were able to do what you did to save me from the Scythian's assault. "
"I'm fine, now when you are with me, my Hephaestion. Only so very cold..."
Only now Hephaestion saw the King's short, threadbare shirt and his bare feet. He quickly took of his camouflage colored cloak and gently wrapped it around Alexander. The blue green sturdy wool warmed the King, but the very best thing for him was his friend's loving arm around his shoulders. He looked at him with fondness and respect:
"Now I'm feeling much better. I always knew you would come for me. Now let's get out from here! I long to be out under the open sky!"
Hephaestion and Cleitus held Alexander in a firm grip from both sides as they walked out from the Rock. The King was staggering from his violent exertions and he truly needed their strong support. The combined drawbridge and entrance door was made from thick and sturdy wood, but easy to haul down from inside the fort. It opened slowly, letting in a flood of radiant golden sunlight and wonderful fresh mountain air. Alexander took several eager breaths of the pure air, and then he had to hold his hand over his eyes to protect them from the sunlight he had been deprived of for so long. A cheer of many voices welcomed the King and his faithful Macedonians as they walked out from the Rock.
Liberators of the Oppressed
The Rock of Chorienes was basking in the golden afternoon sun looking the same as always. The kind and docile people cowering in its shadows were constantly frightened by the fierce mountain bandits occupying it. Their hard lives had been made even more miserable since the red haired Scythian joined the warlord Chorienes. It had been a very strange day. No one had come down from the Rock to harass them or demand the usual severe day's work. They were both frightened and curious and the day went on in endless speculations. It took them until well after noon to gather courage enough to walk the narrow path up to the Rock to see for themselves what had happened. With trembling hands they knocked at the sturdy drawbridge. Nothing happened. All was silence and they remained, watching and listening in fearful curiosity. Suddenly, they heard a great cheering from many unfamiliar voices. There were determined steps from many feet in military boots and soon the drawbridge came down. The villagers drew back, watching with amazement.
An impressive man with the most glorious golden hair walked towards them, heavily leaning on two other fierce warriors, one young and beautiful with a long, flaming auburn mane, the other several years older, with long black hair and beard and looking very dangerous indeed. They were followed by a whole army of fierce fighters. The golden man was dressed in a modest, blue green mantle swept around his lean but powerful frame but one couldn't mistake his regal manners. The poor villagers immediately knew who he was. They knelt in awesome respect before him, whispering in amazement:
"Sikandar! He has come to liberate us from our oppressors!"
Alexander answered them:
"Yes, you are free, at long last. Chorienes and Ohrlasz will harass you no more. They are dead and gone. I will have another Macedonian garrison established up here. You will be treated with kindness and respect. "
"Thank you, King of Persia. We'll never forget your goodness. "
"Don't thank me, my poor oppressed friends. I've been held prisoner in the Rock by those villains for a very long month, waiting to be free. You must thank my dear friend here. Hephaestion is your liberator and benefactor. He managed to climb the cliff with my brave men and made a brilliant surprise attack on your tormentors, liberating both me and you in the process."
Alexander put his arm closer around Hephaestion's broad shoulders and gave him an admiring look:
"You truly are Alexander too! I couldn't have managed this rescue operation better myself! It is equal to Tyre and Gaza. You are my most brilliant general, my very dearest friend..."
The villagers and the whole army interrupted him as they burst out in cheers of joy and celebration. A whole chorus reverberated around the mountainside:
"All hail to King Alexander! All hail to the General Hephaestion!"
Four Legged Friends
Alexander listened to the thankful cheers of the oppressed villagers. It sounded like the most wonderful music in his ears. He looked at Hephaestion with love and respect, clinging to him for well needed support. He was suddenly feeling dizzy and very weak from his ordeals at the Rock. All the world started spinning around, his legs gave way under him and he fell into a cold, clammy darkness. The last thing he saw before he lost consciousness was Hephaestion's wonderful blue eyes. His True Steadfast Friend reacted fast to his weakness and lifted him, holding him fondly in his powerful arms. He knew he was in safety whatever should befall him. A Dear Voice addressed him:
"Alexander?"
Hephaestion felt how the King walked more and more unsteadily at his side, leaning heavily on his right arm. He gave him a worried look and saw how pale and wan he was. Beads of cold sweat glistened at his brow and he had some difficulties in breathing. All of a sudden Alexander's legs gave way and he fell towards him. Hephaestion had seen it coming and quickly lifted him up. He held him gently, looking with great anxiety at his pale face and his body that rested limp and almost paralyzed in his arms.
"Oh no. He is unconscious. What am I to do now?"
General Cleitus came to his aid, giving some sound advice:
"Nothing at all, my dear friend. There is nothing wrong with Alexander. He just needs rest, food and some good red wine, and then he will be himself once more! We must take him back to camp as fast as we can!"
Hephaestion carried his friend down the narrow path from the Rock. It was easy, Alexander being so thin and starved from his ordeals. Down on the steppe they were greeted by a most welcome sight. Bucephalus came running towards them in a cloud of yellow dust. Castor was close at the side of the King's mighty war stallion, and Peritas and Pollux were jumping around both horses, happily wagging their tails. Bucephalus came up to the King, giving him a worried look, seeming almost human in his anxious concern. Those around could swear on seeing real tears in his big, brown eyes. The faithful horse then begun to lick his Dear Master with his hash tongue all over his face. Alexander woke up, looking into the warm and loving eyes of his dear four legged friend. He reached out and fondly embraced Bucephalus, and then he released himself from Hephaestion, putting his feet firmly on the ground.
"Thank you for helping me out, my friend. Now you don't need to carry me anymore. I've got someone far stronger who'll take me back to camp. "
Alexander stood for a long time holding his arms in a firm grip around the horse's muscular neck, letting Bucephalus support him. He hid his face in the long black hairs of his mane, softly telling him of all his recent troubles, crying out of joy and sheer fatigue. Peritas and Pollux came running around him, joyously barking and nudging at him. He knelt and embraced both dogs. They licked his face, licking up his salty tears, trying to comfort him. He told them with some difficulty:
"Please calm down, my furry friends. Don't you see I'm crying out of joy. I'm so glad to be amongst friends again!"
At last Bucephalus did the only right thing and sunk down on his hackles, as i f to tell his Dear Master: Let's forget all these sad memories and get back to camp!"
Alexander understood and seated himself on his faithful old war horse. Bucephalus had run away without his Royal gear but the King was used to ride bare back since his tumultuous youth. Hephaestion took a strong grip in Castor's auburn mane and swung himself up on the prudent stallion's back. He rode at the side of the King, keeping careful watch over him. The troops followed, constantly cheering. The rescue operation had been a formidable success. Not a single Macedonian had been killed in the hard fighting at the Rock of Chorienes. All gave praise to the General Hephaestion's clever strategies and King Alexander's formidable energy and courage.
Recovery
The main camp was a long way off but they reached it right after sunset. Alexander was sagging from fatigue and Hephaestion had to hold a strong grip around his back and shoulders lest he should fall. The King was so very tired that he even had great difficulties to speak to his friend. When they rode into camp between the many tents they were greeted by guards and soldiers coming towards them with sconces. Soon cheerful exclamations was all over camp:
"All hail! King Alexander is back!"
Bucephalus took a straight path to the King's glorious tent and sunk down again on his hackles close to the opening. Alexander got off and thanked him for the safe ride. He then immediately went inside, staggering from fatigue and weakness. Hephaestion held him close and called for Doctor Philip. He got even more worried when the King lost consciousness once more. The good doctor quickly came with all his remedies in a leather bag. Inside the King's tent he found a most wonderful and welcome sight. Hephaestion was sitting at the tent floor with Alexander resting safely, his head in the lap of his friend. Sconces formed a circle of warm golden light around them both, flickering in their auburn and golden hair.
"Hephaestion. I'm so glad you all are back. How is the King? Has he been badly hurt?"
"No, but he is very weak. I don't think they have touched a hair on his head - but he complained of total starvation and that he hasn't got any wine at all since he got captured! . "
"Oh my, oh my! However did he manage without that? Let me see to him!"
The good doctor examined his important patient thoroughly, feeling his brow and the pulse at his neck and inspecting him all over. Soon he made a puzzled statement:
"How come you tell me he has been without wine for a whole month? Now he is dead drunk for all I can tell!"
Bagoas came forward from the shadows, blushing as he told the doctor:
"It must be my fault, doctor Philip. I meant to give the King a sip from the miracle cordial to relieve his pain when the blacksmith removed the shackles - but he took the jar from me and drank it all up! "
The good doctor couldn't help himself as he burst out in relieved laughter:
"That explains it all. I well know the contents of King Alexander's miracle cordial. It consists of revitalizing herbs drowning in strong wine! No wonder he got drunk!"
He continued his examination. Alexander moaned and groaned when the doctor touched the wounds on his wrists and ankles but he didn't wake up.
"Those wounds are quite nasty but they are already beginning to heal. How strange..."
Hephaestion answered adamantly:
"Not at all. We brought the miracle ointment and Bagoas took good care of Alexander when we fought the mountain bandits. "
"Well. You may continue with this wonderful medication. Give the King a warm bath, some hot broth and soft bread, and then he needs to rest for some days. No wine, mind you, though. Not until he has regained his proper strength and wits. "
Both the King's friends took good care of him and after enjoying a warm, perfumed bath and a wholesome meal he fell asleep on his own hard army cot, wrapped in his own warm furs and blankets. Hephaestion and Bagoas were resting closely at his sides. The three of them slept almost continuously for three whole days, being totally exhausted by the brave rescue operation.
Time of Reckoning
Alexander was sitting on a round stone covered with soft green moss, resting during a walk through the shady Nysean woods. He was still weak after his ordeal at the Rock of Chorienes. His faithful guards were standing closely around him, watching over his security. Cassander came up towards him, covering in the shadows with feigned humility.
"Alexander, may I address You?"
"Yes, my Cassander. Tell me whatever you want. "
"Alexander, you must have wondered whatever took us so long to come to your rescue. The Rock of Chorienes is not that far away from Nysa..."
"No, it isn't, I suppose. "
"Perhaps you have heard that there were some disturbances in camp. It was far worse than that. Your precious Hephaestion is such a quarrel monger! He was picking a fight with your honorable general Craterus, almost strangling him in the process! Cleitus and Eumenes had to come to his aid or else he would have perished! .All were most upset by this outrage and it took us several days to recover..."
Alexander gave the telltale a cold glance:
"Yes, and what about it? It is not one man's fault when two fall out with each other. I'll talk to them both. We cannot have such discord in camp, especially when in such grave danger. By the way, what did you do to come to my rescue? I didn't see you until after all the fighting was over. It is a crying shame not being able to climb a small cliff to rescue your King!"
Cassander started stuttering and then went back into the woodland shadows. Another cowering shadow came creeping towards him from the bushes. It was the Secretary of State.
"Eumenes! What do you want with me?"
"My King. The General Hephaestion ought to be sent home to Macedon in disgrace! He made so many mistakes arranging the mission for your rescue. Saving on the ransom, fighting Craterus, delaying everything..."
"How strange!". I heard you were in charge of the King's ransom. It was your damned stinginess that almost cost me my life! And...I didn't see you at all up at the Rock. I advise you to be more munificent in the future regarding important expenses...or else my Dear Mother will have a new secretary back home in Macedon!"
Eumenes quickly disappeared back into the thick of the forest.
Alexander summoned the Generals Hephaestion and Craterus to his tent. He was dressed in Royal purple and sitting on his throne like chair, giving them his sternest looks.
"My gentlemen, I've heard there were some severe disturbances in camp during my absence. It is said it was so serious that the rescue operation had to be postponed for several days! I also heard that you two were directly involved. "
The two opponents blushed and looked down into the ground.
"Why so silent? You use to have many things to say to me about each other. Why not tell it outright face to face!"
Craterus was the first one to speak up:
"That's just what we did, my King. Unfortunately it all ended up with us fighting each other with swords, and then wrestling until nightfall. It was most unwise of us. We had to use some of your Miracle remedies to recover from our injuries. That's what took the rescue operation so long..."
Alexander looked at his dearest friend:
"Hephaestion, what do you say to this?"
"It is as he says, Alexander. The General Craterus told me something unforgivable. I brandished my sword and then we simply couldn't stop fighting, not until he almost severed my left arm from my body and, the Gods may forgive me, I almost managed to strangle him. If Bagoas hadn't brought your Miracle Cures we would still be invalids laid up in our tents!"
Alexander rose from his chair and stamped the floor with his right foot. The ground shook and the opponents covered from his wrath. His eyes were filled with white, hot anger and, although being the shortest of the three men, he managed to look down upon the mighty generals.
"I'm most disappointed with you. I've told you to make up and stop your quarreling many times. Now it almost led to severe grief and harm for us all. Hephaestion, you must learn to curb your hot temper - and - Craterus, you will stop throwing those nasty remarks about my bed chamber and such to my dearest friend! The next time I hear about you two fighting or telling nasty things to each other I will make you very sorry for it indeed!"
The generals watched each other suspiciously. No one wanted to admit being at fault and reluctantly they bowed to each other. Alexander now rose from his purple covered chair and embraced them both.
"I'm so thankful I have you two at my side. Alexander's dearest friend and the King's strongest warrior! Between yourselves you made quite a success of my rescue. Not a single man was killed and we got another mighty stronghold. Now let's have a grand celebration! We must thank Dionysos for my freedom - and enjoy ourselves with rich foods, good strong wine and other pleasures! You must look more closely to security arrangements this time, though!"
"Yes, my King. No harm will befall neither you nor anyone of us!"
Under The Old Oak Tree
The party was all over. It had been a wonderful feast with well watered wine and rich foods in abundance. The God Dionysos watched with pleasure from his hidden glen deep in the forests of fabled Nysa. Now was a time for love and friendship. All the guests were forming all kinds of couples and walked away to beautiful, secluded places in the meadows and copses all around. The most important people were closely guarded, their faithful guards stone sober, mouths full of the sour taste of vinegar water. Soon the guards had to turn their backs at the ongoing activities...
Night had fallen a long time ago but it was still wonderfully warm as if the sun had been soaring golden and beautiful high up in the skies. The heavens formed a dome shaped, cupola of black velvet, adorned with sparkling stars. A shining, silvery full moon was looking down at the glorious feast and its love filled aftermath, kindly giving enough light for all drunken and love smitten revelers. Alexander and Hephaestion wandered along, arm in arm under the star lit skies. They wanted to have some hours for themselves - but there were some severe hindrances. All their faithful guards were forming close circles around them - eight for each of them. They had even more company. Peritas and Pollux were guarding their heels so closely they almost stumbled upon the faithful watch dogs. Bucephalus and Castor walked right behind their masters, their muzzles on their shoulders. Alexander turned around and addressed the kind and vigilant animals:
"I'm so glad for your watchfulness after this party. I well remember what you did last time!"
He teasingly patted all their muzzles and they bowed their heads in shame. If they had been able to blush they surely would have. Hephaestion reproached him:
"Alexander. You must not scold our dear animal friends. They only did what we and all others did that disastrous night!"
The rose bush portal was still there, now with all new buds and blooms. Their wonderful fragrance formed a faint rose colored cloud in the hot, dark Sogdian night and it enhanced their warm feelings for each other. The old oak tree was dimly visible through the flowery arch, it's roots parting for the soft Lover's bed, with green grass and tufts of fragrant flowers. They remembered this place with fondness and fear. Hephaestion asked:
"Alexander. Do you really want us to go here of all places? "
"Yes, my dear friend. Lightning never strikes twice at the same place. Now come with me. This is a night for pleasure, not for painful memories. "
The King made a sign to all the guards. They discretely turned away, forming a wall of vigilance all around the old oak tree. He sat down and rested his back against the warm stem of the old oak, holding out his right arm towards his True Steadfast Friend. Hephaestion saw his Beautiful Golden One in a pool of moonlight filtering through the old oaks's foliage, its silvery radiance turned to gold by Alexander's renewed vitality. Eagerly he sunk down and melted into the warm embrace of his very best and dearest friend.
Epilogue I
Somewhere in the Indian jungle, 327 BC
Deep into the Indian jungle dwelt a realm no one dared approach. A whole people was covering in its shadow, most of them living in an age old city built in honor of the Evil Goddess Khali, most aptly named Khalisahr. Her temple was it's most prominent building, closely watched by her priest and guardians and surrounded by all kinds of venomous and constricting snakes. The ruler of this remote and evil realm was the fierce warlord Ahriman, formerly of Scythia. He was so powerful not only his Indian subjects obeyed him. No, even the tigers, panthers and venomous snakes in the jungle were his obedient and willing slaves, committing all kinds of evil deeds to do his bidding. They guarded his gloomy dwelling far better than the strong human watchers. He resided in a palace built a very long time ago. One grand cupola was surrounded by onion shaped towers and buildings. It's mighty stone boulders were covered by green moss, dripping from the jungle moisture. The constant damp never dried since violent torrents of rain followed each other all the year around, with a very short dry season in the middle of the steaming hot and endless summer.
The Lord Ahriman was sitting on a throne in the palace's great hall, dark of hair and with gleaming green eyes. He was dressed in a cool, loosely donned black tunic, fastened around his waist with a sash adorned with gold plaits and rubies. A chain of red gold hung around his neck and enormous blood red rubies glimmered like evil eyes from elaborate curls. Soft crimson cushions supported his muscular frame and peacock fans wafted by cringing servants gave him some relief from the oppressive heat. He refreshed himself with some fruit juice from a golden chalice adorned with poisonous green emeralds. Now an unfamiliar guest came near his throne, forcefully nudged by two black panthers. It was a Scythian, worn out from long travels and hardships. He cringed, even more fearfully than the Lord Ahriman's own citizens and servants.
"My Lord Ahriman. I bear you sad tidings from your brother Ohrlasz. He is dead. He has been slain in a most cruel manner by Sikandar and his companion Hephaestion. "
The Lord Ahriman was overwhelmed by sorrow and dismay. Ohrlasz was his most beloved brother, his most powerful relative. He had always been there, guarding the West from all enemies. He simply couldn't have perished, not at the hands of those Greek intruders. His luminous green eyes, his determined face, his fiery red hair, all his prominent features came before his bereaved brother and the Lord Ahriman cried out in angered disbelief:
"No. You lie to me! This cannot have happened. This cannot be!"
The trembling Scythian crept closer and put something in his lap. It was a chain of pure red gold, adorned with giant, blood red rubies, an exact replica of the one around the Lord Ahriman's own neck. It was sullied by dried blood. He immediately recognized it as his dear brother's most precious possession. His cruel heart was filled with insane grief for the only human being he had ever loved and admired and he roared in a violent rage:
"Tell me all about this outrage. Revenge! I will have my revenge upon Sikandar and this Hephaestion!"
All his subjects and all jungle beasts shuddered and cowered in the shadow of his outburst. Soon a violent torrent of rain drenched the city of Khalisahr and the trees of the jungle swayed in the wild winds. The Lord Ahriman wandered the dark halls and corridors of his sinister palace, making clever and insidious plans to avenge his dear departed brother.
Epilogue II
Nysa 325 BC
Alexander approached Nysa once more, riding at the head of his returning army. The realm was as beautiful and friendly as he remembered it and the people came out in masse to cheer the peacefully advancing troops. Much had happened since his last visit two years ago. The Indian campaign with its victories and setbacks, the way back through hostile country - and worst of all - the Desert Hell of Gedrosia. So many dear friends and companions had perished, so many to mourn. Amongst them were not only humans. Bucephalus, Peritas and Pollux had breathed their last during the hard Indian campaigns. He missed them sorely - but then he set his eyes upon his True Steadfast Friend riding at his side, his old war stallion Castor still alive and courageously walking along. A warm smile lit up his saddened features. Hephaestion had been at his side all the way and helped him through all hardship. He could never have endured it all without his strong support, warm friendship and everlasting love.
Weary from the long journey they sat off their horses and went to the sparkling river to refresh themselves. After a drink from the cool, pure water and a cleansing swimming tour Alexander had donned a fresh chiton and was resting on a warm, moss clad stone. He heard some upset voices drowned by the din of hooves and the barking of several dogs.
"No! No! You savage creatures! You may not run off and bother the King!"
Two black horses came running up to him, a stallion and a mare looking like two fierce thunder clouds. They had these white, lightning like streaks like small ox heads on their brows that Alexander could have recognized everywhere. Being as sober as a judge he still thought he was seeing double - and making things up! The two beautiful horses stayed respectfully in front of him. They nudged him with their velvet muzzles and when he didn't understand their meaning they sunk down on their hackles. He embraced them both and started to cry into their long black manes.
"Bucephalus! My Dear One. You seem to have left some very fine memories of yourself in this wonderful place. I think I'll name your beautiful twins Bucephalion and Bellona. "
Alexander mounted the stallion and the proud animal took him on a fast gallop all over the green meadows of fair Nysa. The mare followed, giving them some jealous looks. Hephaestion looked in amazement as his old, prudent war stallion Castor followed in a calm canter. Then he saw an auburn evasive shadow hiding behind the enormous tree stem of an old ginko tree covered by succulent green leaves. Curiously he approached it.
"And who may you be, my bashful friend?"
When he saw the prudent young auburn stallion he burst into peals of laughter.
"Castor! You are as if in your youth again. I think I'll name you Young Castor! Oh, I'm so glad my old horse let himself be carried of by the same feelings as all of us that remarkable night!"
Young Castor carefully nudged him all around, and then he licked his hands and face with his coarse tongue. Hephaestion had never been so thoroughly examined but he seemed to have found favor with the prudent stallion. He asked respectfully:
" Do you want to take me for a ride?"
The shining auburnstallion nodded eagerly and stood completely still as Hephaestion mounted him. They went away in a fast canter, meeting Alexander on his return from the wild ride on the black stallion. The King sat off, holding his injured right side, gasping for breath. He let himself fall on his back in the soft green grass, lying there with a happy smile. Hephaestion quickly came to his side.
"How are you, Alexander? You must not exert yourself. Doctor Philip has told you it could be dangerous. "
"Don't you worry, my friend. This is happiness, not exertion! "
A pack of enormous light brown furry dogs came swarming all over them, happily licking their faces and hands. They were annoyed by their unbecoming behavior and at first tried to shoo them away. "Away with you, you misbehaving mongrels!" At a closer look they greeted them with much happiness.
"Peritas! Pollux! But - it's impossible! And - why are there so many of you? "
Some friendly farmers came up and made venerable apologies.
"Sires. We planned on presenting those impossible animals as a present to You and the General Hephaestion. They belong to you! Both your stallions and dogs must have fancied some of our mares and bitches! We haven't been able to give them any drill at all. It seems they have been waiting for you all this time!"
Alexander gave them his warmest and most thankful smile:
"My dear friends. You don't need to apologize at all. These dear animals are the best present we could get! We are most thankful that you have taken such good care of them all in our absence. Now we'll take the very best care of them and teach them all they need to know in our company. "
Both men, horses and dogs frolicked together for a long time at the green meadows of Nysa. For the time being all troubles and sorrows of the grim past were forgotten. All was possible and for the time being they were consumed by an overwhelming happiness.
The end