Here at long last comes the conclusion to this sad - or perhaps not so sad - story. In AR everything and anything can happen.

All the best wishes and hopefully good reading,

/NorthernLight

TEMPLATE:

Title: FIC: Evil Events In Ecbatana ( 4/4 ) Conclusion.

Author: NorthernLight

Category: Love / Friendship / Adventure and Action story. Alternate reality.

Pairings: Alexander / Hephaestion

Date: July 2005.

Feedback: Yes, all kinds. On list, off list, as you please.

Archive: If you like, but please tell me. Archivated at the ATG Slash&Fanfic Yahoo Groups.

Disclaimer: I don't own them, though I wish I did! Not for gain - my work is for my deep interest in Alexander and his time&adventures.

Rating: R Beta: Aprilmoon8. Many thanks for all your work with my troublesome yarn.

Summary: Alexander and Hephaestion returns to Persian gate after many hardships and hard campaigning. They come upon an unexpected surprise, finding Hephaestion's seven year old son Herazanes they didn't know existed. All party are now in Ecbatana, celebrating Autumn Festival. Hephaestion's enemies are plotting against him. All their sinister intrigues are thwarted by clever and benevolent animals. The cruel fate intervenes with severe illness.

Historical reference: In some sources Alexander is said to have sired a son with Barsine, Memnon's widow. He is supposed to have been born sometime after Issos and he was called Herakles.

Medical reference: There is a condition called apparent death where the person appears to be completely without all vital signs but still being alive. It can be caused by severe illness, chock. circulatory collapse or great loss of blood. Nor even Alexander, not even in an AR fic, could anyone truly awaken the dead. IMO Hephaestion's last sickness might have been some kind of typhoid fever.

Warnings: This is an AR story. Anything can happen. Severe angst. Horrible sickness and impending death of major character.

Dedication: Many thanks to Dreamer46. Without your question about what happened to Ghwetryn and her child this tale would never have been told. Many thanks also to Shonenlee. You posted the wonderful idea that dared me into writing angst fics publicly. Also many thanks to all who have given me such appreciating feedback for my "Persian gate" -fic.

Evil Events In Ecbatana

Part IV

Severe Illness

Alexander was most alarmed by the sudden illness of his friend. Hephaestion now lent heavily upon him, shivering with violent chills and burning with a rising fever. He asked with deep concern:

"How long has this been going on? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I got a bad chill in the forest. It has been getting worse all the time since then - but I didn't want to upset you. You have enough troubles of your own."

He felt a sudden dizziness, and then nausea completely overwhelmed him. In distress he told his friend:

"Alexander. Help me outside! I'm sick..."

There was a door leading directly outside to the coping of the castle wall. Alexander opened it quickly and dragged his friend outside. Hephaestion lent over the wall, becoming violently sick. Alexander held him steadily, talking calmly to him, with rising alarm. Doctor Philip came to the rescue, at first feeling no understanding at all of their distress.

"Alexander! What do you mean bothering me with your drinking troubles? Haven't I told you enough that you'll have to handle this by yourselves?"

"It's not as it seems, Philip. He shared my soberness this evening. No, he's very ill, I fear. High fever, violent chills, nausea..."

The good Doctor came close to his patient, feeling his clammy brow. With rising compassion he held him with tender care and helped him through the last heaving of sickness.

"Yes. you're right. It must be a severe bout of marsh fever. Let's get him inside immediately. He must be put to bed...warmth...rest...and I'll prepare a strong remedy. Stefanos and Alexios! Come here and help me, please! Alexander can't carry him all the way to his quarters. "

The two strong guards had severe difficulties helping Hephaestion to his quarters. He was a big boned man and very heavy now when his legs didn't support him. They dragged and carried him with great difficulty, all of them helping as best as they could. Inside the comfortable bed chamber they undressed him and washed him with warm perfumed water before they put him to bed. Alexander saw to it that his friend rested comfortably on the sea green silk cushions and pulled the soft warm turquoise blue quilt around him together with warm furs. He then dragged a comfortable chair close to the bed and sat down to watch over his friend. Doctor Philip stayed with him, very concerned for both his patients.

"Alexander! You may not sit up with him. You'll not want what he's got. It may well be catching. Your lung has never healed properly, and you cannot afford a fever or sickness. "

"Don't you tell me what to do! I'll never leave him. He has always been with me when I needed him. No, I'll see to him myself. Our reliable guards can help me with everything. Now go and prepare that medicine of yours. I certainly hope it will work quickly. I can see Hephaestion needs it badly!"

His friend was now shivering uncontrollably, the warm quilt and furs being to no avail. He tried to talk but his teeth was chattering so badly it was difficult hearing what he said.

"A..A:Alexander - Please...hold me...so cold..." "Yes, but don't you worry. I'll give you warmth. "

Tender Care

As soon as Doctor Philip left the room Alexander got into bed, holding his friend in a powerful grip in his strong arms while he covered them with the quilt and furs. At first they were shivering together, as if lost in a furious blizzard, but soon Hephaestion felt a little better.

"Ah...this feels so good. Alexander! You've always been giving all your wonderful warmth to me. Don't you ever leave me!"

"No, of course not. You know you can trust me. I'll not leave you...I'll see to you myself until you're feeling better. We'll always be together."

Doctor Philip came back, a bowl with a strong concoction made from willow bark, meadow-sweet and elderberry, mixed in heated wine.

"Alexander! Where are you now? I'll need your help giving him this. "

He then saw the King embracing his patient, the two friends huddled closely together under the warm furs and turquoise blue quilt.

"Oh no! Why must you always disobey me in the worst thinkable manner?" "

"He had such a bad chill...asked me to give him some warmth. I know of no better way. I'll help you with the medicine."

Alexander supported Hephaestion, holding him tenderly so the Doctor could administer the strong remedy. The patient swallowed reluctantly but Alexander sternly told him:

"No. You'll drink all of this! You'll get better. Don't you leave me now after all hardships we have been through together!"

The good Doctor left them together, shaking his head. It had been a long and anguished night. The medication didn't help at all and Hephaestion was constantly plagued by chills and cramps. Stefanos and Alexios was sitting at the bedside, helping Alexander care for him. When morning came their deer patient was deeply unconscious and burning up from the fever. The guards washed him in cool lavender water. It made his temperature drop, but not nearly enough. Alexander was almost out of his mind from anxiety and exertion. The nightly vigil had been full of troublesome moments and he was very tired. Doctor Philip came early in the morning to see to them, and he was alarmed by the looks of both his patients.

"Alexander! You may not go on like this. Go to rest in your own room. I'll administrate a stronger potion and then I'll watch over him myself all day. I don't like this high temperature he's running. "

"No. I won't leave him. I'll sit in this comfortable chair while you are taking care of him."

Stefanos considerably helped Alexander from the bedside. He was staggering from fatigue and well needed the guards strong arms for support. With a great sigh of relief he slumped down in the soft rest chair. Stefanos arranged the sea green cushions behind his back and covered him with a warm fur.

"My Lord, you need something to eat and drink after this trying night. Shall I bring you some mulled wine and bread and soft cheese?"

Alexander nodded thankfully. He was very hungry and thirsty and ate with good appetite despite all troubles. For the poor patient things did not go all that well. He drank the Doctor's medicine with great difficulty, and then was forced to take some mild gruel. The good Doctor gave it to him slowly, spoonful by agonizing spoonful, all to no avail. He had just swallowed the last spoonful when he brought up the hard fed meal and the necessary medicine all over himself and the fine bedspread.

"Oh no. you really needed this!"

Stefanos came to his help.

"Let him rest for a while, and then we must try again. I'll see to him. "

Stefanos fetched some warm water and clean clothing, then tenderly washed his dear Lord and changed his shirt and put a warm and clean bedspread over him.

"This is simply not becoming, my Lord. I hope you'll get better very soon. Come now, you'll rest easier on your side. "

Stefanos helped Hephaestion turn on his right side and put a cushion behind his back to make him feel more comfortable. Herakles and Herazanes came through the door, wondering what was happening. Stefanos hadn't awakened them as usual and the servants wouldn't tell them what was amiss. They looked at Hephaestion with great dismay before they were sent away by the good Doctor.

"You can't stay here. Go and play - do something else. He's very ill just now - but we'll send for you as soon as he is better. "

They went to the stable together with Pandora, telling all their troubles to the kind and understanding animals.

For three days more they kept constant vigil. With great dismay they saw their dear patient getting worse all the time. None of Doctor Philip's concoctions had any effect. At the eve of the third day Hephaestion was running a very high fever no cold baths could remedy. He had been delirious all afternoon but now he lay quiet and still. Alexander sat at his side, anxiously feeling his brow for any improvement. Four servants were standing around the bed, constantly moving the still and stifling air with big white feather fans. The good Doctor came with a new concoction, his hands trembling from fright and fatigue.

"Here, Alexander. Please, help me give him this. It's my very strongest remedy. If this doesn't help..."

"It must! I'll help you with him. "

With great difficulty they forced the unconscious patient to drink the strong smelling concoction. Hephaestion fell back on the sea green cushion, completely exhausted. Stefanos wiped his face with a cloth dipped in cool lavender water, then proceeded to give him one more cold rub down that left the patient shivering under his fine silken sheets. Doctor Philip told them:

"No more of this! It only makes him feel worse. Now you must let Nature do her good work with my patient. He'll sleep calmly on this strong medicine. If he wakes up from this he'll be completely well again. "

Once more they sat down for an endless vigil. Hephaestion was unconscious and feverish and had great difficulties in breathing. All around were very tired from constantly caring for him and one after one they dozed of in their chairs, Alexander last of them. He looked worriedly at his friend, his eyes dropping, head falling at it's side, dragging himself into awareness time and time again. At last he was unable to stay awake and found himself slowly sinking down into blessed unconsciousness.

Slow Recovery

Hephaestion was back in the Desert Hell, walking forever under the merciless sun, staying on his feet only because his Beautiful Golden One needed him. He was plagued by burning cramps and pains in his vitals and a foul taste of camphor and strong herbs remained in his mouth. Hungry vultures fluttered around him, crooning with anticipation for a most succulent meal. He tried to waft them away but they returned all the time. At long last he gave up, tears of shame and despair running down his cheeks. His legs gave way under him and he fell in the sizzling hot sand, sinking deeper and deeper down into oblivion.

He was awake once more, feeling very weak but free from pains and aches, Cool breezes wafted around him. He slowly opened his eyes and gladly found himself securely lying under the silken sheets in his own soft and comfortable bed in the Castle. All came back to him and when he lifted his head from the pillow he saw his Beautiful Golden One sitting in a chair at his bedside. Alexander was soundly asleep, likewise the good Doctor - and their faithful guards who stood behind their resting chairs were sleeping on their feet, leaning on their spears. The only ones awake were the servants constantly moving the fans. Hephaestion was troubled by the tired looks of his friend. He lifted his hand, trembling and with great difficulty, reaching for Alexander, soon taking his hand in a firm grip.

"Alexander! "

The King awakened with a start, at first looking with disbelief at the improved patient.

"Hephaestion! You are awake! Doctor Philip told me you might never wake up again. "

"No. I'll be with you always. You know so well you cannot manage without me..."

Alexander was completely overcome with deep emotion and embraced his friend, feeling that the fever had broken, and that strength was returning to his wasted body. The good Doctor and the guards were awakened and saw the King embracing his friend, trembling and crying. At first they feared the very worst, but then they saw Hephaestion's clear blue eyes looking up at them, his hands tenderly stroking over the beautiful golden hair or his Dear Ones head resting upon his chest. They all shed many tears out of joy and sheer relief.

Some time passed. Doctor Philip sent for some mild gruel and cool mountain water feeding it slowly to his patient. After a while Hephasetion fell into a salutary sleep. The good Doctor gave stern ordinations to Alexander and the guards.

"He will feel much better when he wakes up, but he must stay in bed and rest completely. It is also very important you don't give him that indigestible army food you all like so much - and absolutely no wine! He must have only water and mild gruel. This kind of disease seriously weakens the entrails and it'll take some days for him to recover properly. "

They nodded with consent. All went well for the rest of the day. Their patient slept soundly and didn't wake up until next morning. He was now feeling much better and wanted all his favorite dishes - but Alexander sternly refused him.

"You'll eat this wholesome good gruel, drink cool mountain water and take your medicine. I'll certainly not want you to have a relapse. "

Hephaestion growled at him but felt satisfied when the King himself shared his meager meal. They were sitting together in bed and Stefanos gladly helped to fetch and carry all the dishes.

Thettalos Play

The Autumn festival had been completely canceled during Hephaestion's sickness. Everyone was worried but now Eumenes came to Alexander prudently asking:

"Thettalos and the actors are here. They have rehearsed a most entertaining comedy. It cost the Treasury a grand sum to stage. My Lord, when do you think we can watch it? "

"Tomorrow will be all right. I cannot come but all who want can enjoy the play. Thettalos will come and entertain us here privately. "

Hephaestion, always considerate, told them:

"Alexander. I well know how much you like him and his acting. You must go to see the play. I can manage perfectly well here on my own. Stefanos can stay with me all day tomorrow and see to me. Nothing adverse will happen. "

"We'll see how you are tomorrow, my friend. I don't want to amuse myself when you can't enjoy all the fun with me. "

The day after Hephaestion was feeling better and sitting up in bed. He enjoyed an early breakfast with Alexander. Afterward the King and Doctor Philip went to the theater, telling the patient to stay calmly in bed,leaving Stefanos to take good care of him. The children followed Alexander, looking forward to the wonderful entertainment.

Ravenous Hunger

Stefanos was very tired after three days of constant watchfulness. His dear Lord was sleeping calmly, his fever broken at last an he was making a speedy recovery. He put the quilt closer around him and wished he could enjoy the comfortable chair the King had recently occupied. The cushions were still warm. The exhausted guard thought in his mind:

"I'll just sit down and close my eyes for a moment. No harm will come to him. "

He sat down on the hard stone bench under the windowsill. It was both cold and uncomfortable. Nonetheless he soon nodded and closed his eyes. Sleep crept upon him, covering him like a warm and safe blanket. He didn't notice at all his important patient waking up and rising from bed, wrapping himself in the quilt for necessary warmth. Hephaestion was feeling very weak and dizzy, but the thing that troubled him the most was a ravenous hunger gnawing at his vitals. He looked with kind consideration upon his sleeping guard.

"Oh, Stefanos, I'd like you to bring me some healthy food - bur I do not begrudge you your sleep. You must be completely exhausted after all this time constantly caring for me. "

He wrapped himself in a warm blanket and got out of bed, staggering outside in the corridor. Two other guards and some servants were standing outside the door. They looked at him with surprise.

"My Lord. What are you doing out of bed? The King told us you were very ill..."

"Not any more. I'm feeling much better today - and I'm very hungry. Please, could you fetch me a well fried chicken and some chilled watered down red wine. I've not recovered enough yet to join the King at the play, but I think a healthy meal will do me good. "

"No. The King told us you must keep to water and gruel. He knows what is best for us all! We're sorry but we cannot give you anything more. "

"The King doesn't know everything! I'm hungry NOW! Please give me what I want! "

He stamped the floor, a flaming gaze in his blue eyes, behaving so adamantly that they didn't dare refuse him. Soon a trembling servant came with a succulent meal on a silver tray. Stefanos slept soundly on his stone bench while Hephaestion sat down and helped himself with his long awaited meal. It tasted deliciously and he enjoyed every bite of the well roasted chicken and every sip of the chilled wine. It was as if he never had tasted any healthy food and drink before and he was feeling better all the time.

Sudden Sickness

Stefanos felt the most wonderful smell of food and wine enticing his appetite. he slowly woke up from his heavy slumber - to an ominous sight. His precious patient was just finishing a delicious meal of fried chicken with chilled red wine.

"Oh no. You weren't supposed to have anything but water and gruel! Why didn't you wake me up if you were so hungry? This was not a sensible thing to do! "

"You needed your sleep so badly, my Stefanos. And don't you know I'm in charge of common sense here around? "

"Yes, my Lord, but not today, it seems. Let me help you to bed. You really must rest. "

"It's no need for that. I feel fine. Give me some clothes, and then I'll join the King at the theater. "

He rose from his comfortable chair and took some uncertain steps before he doubled up from intense pain. Stefanos rushed to his side.

"What is it, my Lord? "

"Cramps...never been so bad before...burning inside...Help me!"

"You shouldn't have sent for that meal! Now you must go to bed immediately, then I'll send for help! "

Hephaestion fell against him, suddenly unable to stand or walk. The frightened guard virtually lifted him and carried him to bed, shouting for someone to help him. Servants came running and he told them:

" My Lord Hephaestion has taken a turn for the worse. Why did you bring him food and wine when it was absolutely forbidden? Get Doctor Philip and the King immediately! "

He stayed with his Lord, seeing with dismay how his color changed to an uncanny ashen gray. he held him close and comforting in his arms, feeling his whole body trembling and breaking out in cold sweat.

"Stay calm. The King will come to us. All will be well when Alexander comes..."

"N..n..o. I'm not feeling well..shouldn't have eaten. " Hephaestion doubled up once more, gasping with pain. He struggled for breath, suddenly feeling nauseated. Then dark red blood was gushing all over them. Stefanos watched with terror and compassion.

"No. My Lord. Don't...you cannot die. You must hold on...for the King..for all of us! I'm so sorry. I should have stayed awake and denied you that accursed meal! "

"Stefanos. Hold me...so cold...so very weak. Don't accuse yourself. It was my own recklessness, and my fault. You've always been my Guardian Angel. Hold me. All will be well when Alexander comes. "

His bright blue eyes slowly lost their bright shine, his eyelids closed and he went limp is Stafano's strong arms, all warmth leaving his body. His breathing grew shallow, one anguished gasp for air, one more, then...nothing...

"My Lord! Hephaestion! "

Interrupted Entertainment

Alexander was really having a good time. Thettalos was at his best, the play brilliant and the public enthusiastic, especially the boys. It was their first experience of real Greek acting and they laughed and applauded enthusiastically. Despite all merriment they were all worried about Hephaestion, thinking of him and his recovery all the time. All of a sudden, in the middle of the Second Act, one of Hephaestion's servants came running, stumbling and jumping all over the benches towards the King's High Seat.

"My Lord! Doctor Philip! You must come immediately. The General Hephaestion is very ill. "

Alexander quickly got up and started running towards the Castle, followed by his guards and Companions. They soon entered Hephaestion's quarters, passing through a throng of frightened guards and servants. They were met by a sorrowful sight. Hephaestion rested in Stefano's arms, white as marble, covered in dark red blood. He wasn't breathing, and he didn't show any signs of life at all.

Shock

After all his hardships and hazardous adventures Alexander never thought anything more in life should make him terrified. He was wrong. The cold, still body of his True Steadfast Friend lying there in the beautifully adorned bed, life completely fled from his strong features was the most sorrowful sight of his whole life. Stefanos threw himself to the King's feet.

"My King! It's entirely my fault. I fell asleep. He forced the servants to give him that forbidden food. Take my life! I cannot go on knowing that my neglect brought this upon us. "

Alexander didn't see him, just strode across him and embraced his dearest friend, numb with grief. He had been in deep mourning many times. First his Father King Philip, then Bucephalos, and then his many comrades in arms fallen in battle or stricken down by sickness - all leaving him in deep distress and sad bereavement. All of that came to nothing compared to this evil event.

He shook Hephaestion, screamed his name several times, trying by all means to rouse him but he was still and cold in his strong arms. Some time passed, then he became aware of more and more people crowding around him, watching him, some with genuine grief, some others shoving macabre curiosity. He stood up and pointed angrily at them:

"You! You all hated him! Get away from me! Leave me to my mourning! I'll deal with you later!"

He returned to Hephaestion, desperately trying to wake him up. All his efforts were futile. His dear friend remained still and cold, no vital signs at all. His first violent grief gave way to overwhelming sorrow and he was soon crying violently, his tears mixed with the clotting dark red blood. He was oblivious to his environments and all around him, didn't even know how much time passed along. People came and went, Doctor Philip, Aristander, Cleitus, Bagoas, and his faithful guards. All were trying to comfort him, telling him to let go of Hephaestion's body. He refused, completely locked inside his inconsolable grief.

Mourning Guards

Stefanos staggered outside in the stone corridor. His companion Alexios embraced him. They were unable to speak for a long time, only cried out their inconsolable grief. They had been with the Lord Hephaestion for a very long time, more his than the King's guards, cleverly managing to protect him from all kinds of disasters, bot at the field of war and the more subtle dangers from all his envious enemies at court. Now they both felt deeply in mourning and crushed by their complete failure.

"What shall we do? What shall become of us? The King...He's raging mad! He will have us both executed for our neglect. We surely deserve it - but - oh, what will become of him? He cannot manage without the general Hephaestion!"

They went to the stable, talking to each other and their horses of the sad events. Old Castor overheard them with great dismay. He had missed his dear Master for some days, hearing the stable boys mentioning that he was ill but thinking no harm. What with both the King and the good Doctor looking after him! This was not supposed to happen. He was just and old war horse, not meant to outlive his dear Master. Castor felt his legs buckle under him and he fell to the stable floor, feeling in his very bones that he would never rise again.

Mourning Children

Herakles and Herazanes were having a truly good time. It was their very first theater performance and they enjoyed it immensely. The all Hell broke loose. Alexander had some very bad news and all were running to the Castle, up the stairs towards Hephaestion's quarters. Herazanes couldn't believe the horrible sight. His dear father was hanging in Stefano's arms, looking white and still, covered in dark red blood. He gasped, wanted to run to him, do something helpful, but found himself taken aback with fright. Strong arms embraced the children and led them away. They heard Thettalos' friendly voice:

"Come with me, children. This is no place for small boys. I'll keep you company. Don't you worry. The King will make all things well again. "

Living Nightmare

Hephaestion laid still and cold, unable to speak or move, feeling more weakened than ever before. At first Stefanos held him in his strong arms, shaking him, crying his name out loud, trying to revive him but to no avail. The came Alexander, stricken with grief and shock, embracing him, calling for him, then trying in vane to wake him up. He could hear and feel everything but was totally unable to respond. Not even the strong, warrm embrace of his Beautiful Golden One or being washed over with his hot tears of endless grief could bring him back to life. It was a living nightmare, being locked up in his own body, seeing the Wonderful Warm Light waiting to receive him, feeling completely unwilling to pass on into it. He wished to wake up, to speak words of comfort to Alexander, be at his side once more, but waves of weakness burdened him down and made it impossible.

Desperate Prayer

Alexander didn't know how long he had been locked in the macabre embrace of his True Steadfast Friend. Hephaestion's body was cold and still, he didn't respond to the warmth, the grief, and the hot tears washing over him. Alexander had no more tears to shed, only harsh sobbing. Each breath came harder and harder, his chest constricted by desperate sadness. He begun to cough violently, feeling something was breaking inside his injured lung. Suddenly bright red blood rushed from his mouth, all over himself and his friend. He passed out for a while, drifting into dreams of happier days...The taming of Bucephalos, Mieza, all his glorious victories, then Hephaestion, living, warm and beautiful in his arms...He opened his eyes. Nothing had changed. he rose in horror from the bed, crying out in despair:

"No. I cannot go on like this! I will soon die and follow him...and I have my people and my Kingdom to consider..."

He staggered to the window and threw it open, crying out loud to the Heavens:

" Zeus Ammon! I need your help, now more than ever before! Bring my Dear Friend back to life - or take me to you and let us be together forever.!"

No answer for along time, and then a cold wind rushing, a torrent of icy water washing over him - and a Golden Lightning sizzling all over him, filling up the whole room. He knelt, speaking words of thanks to the God, then staggered back to his True Steadfast Friend. There was no change. Hephaestion laid there still and cold, no signs of life. Alexander embraced him with renewed grief, feeling his own very life passing away from him. His breath came shallower and soon he felt a great Golden Light wanting to swallow him up...

A strong hand caressed his golden hair, another took his own right hand in a fast grip, holding him in a reassuring embrace. Warmth was returning all around him. He opened his eyes and looked right into the wonderful blue eyes of his True Steadfast Friend.

"Alexander. Did you really think I could leave you behind? I'll be with you always. I wanted to rise...wanted to comfort you. That miraculous bolt of lightning made it possible..."

"Hephaestion...you are with me once more. Now we'll never leave each other! "

Surprising Return

For a long time they remained in a strong and reassuring embrace, speaking words of comfort and happiness to each other. After a while they became conscious of the uncomfortable environment. They were both covered in blood and soaking wet, dripping of ice cold rain water. Alexander rose from the bed:

"What a mess we've made of all this. We must find some warmth...some clean clothing. Let's go to my quarters! I cannot stand this room any longer! "

He took Hephaestion in his arms, lifting him with amazing ease, walking towards the door with determined, long strides.

"No, Alexander! You may not hold me like this! Doctor Philip said you may not exhaust yourself. I'm feeling much better now. I even think I can walk unassisted! "

He wriggled hiself out of Alaxander's embrace, standing steadily at hos side, feeling completely recovered from his severe illness. The King looked at him astoundingly, and then realizes his own condition with even more amazement. After all his efforts he should have been trembling, weak, gasping for breath and coughing blood once more. Instead he felt strong, given new vigor, almost as in his youth. The constant pain and ache in his right side was gone, also the shortage of breath and he hadn't been feeling this well for several years. He silently made another prayer of thanks to Zeus Ammon, then reached out for his friend.

Together they walked to his quarters. Stefanos and Alexios sat on a cold stone bench, locked in a comforting embrace. They were crying desperately and their usual watchfulness was gone. Alexander had to shake them both to get their attention.

"Whatever has become of you two? Sitting here crying like children or weak women! Come with us immediately. We need your help. It seems we cannot do without you."

The two guards almost fainted out of surprise at the sight of Hephaestion at the side of his Beautiful Golden One.

"My Lord. We thought you were dead!"

"No, not yet..,and hopefully not for many years to come!" The guards rose very quickly from their cold seat and had to embrace Hephaestion to really understand that he was alive. He comforted them kindly, holding them close to himself and reassuringly rubbing their backs and strong shoulders.

"I'm so glad I'm back. Lying there - seeing you all so sad. It was never your fault. My Guardian Angels. I'll need you for many more years ... "

They all walked along, coming closer to the King's Quarters. People were covering in corners everywhere, some crying, some whispering, some already starting scheming and intriguing. All were surprised, greeting the King and his dear friend with genuine happiness. Then they came upon Krateros, Eumenes and Cassander. The three clever conspirators shuddered and fell to their bare knees.

"Have mercy upon us! We never meant you any harm! "

Hephaestion looked astounded upon them and then stamped the floor with determination. He had always been kind and considerate but now at last he realized the source of past trials and tribulations.

"You lie! You have always hated me. Now I understand completely...all those strange events. The forest...the letter...the wine cup! It was you all the time..and many other times when I have been in trouble...Guards! take them away and look them up. The King will decide later what to do. "

Happy Recovery

The King's quarters were full of joy and laughter. Servants brought trays with healthy food, golden cups and jugs with pure mountain water. Alexander and Hephaestion shared the meal and soon the boys and Pandora came to keep them company. Thettalos had somehow managed to keep them out of harm's way, happily unknowing of the past three days calamities. Some time passed and all were getting drowsy and preparing to go to sleep. Then Stefanos came inside.

"My Lord Hephaestion, one of the stable hands is here. He tells me your old horse is very ill. He may not survive another day. "

"No, not Castor! I've promised him a happy retreat, green pastures and no more hardships! I will not loose him now! "

He rose hastily from the bed, but despite his miraculous recovery he stumbled and almost fell. Alexander caught him up in his arms.

"I'll help you there. We'll make it together. "

In the stable they were met by a solemn sight. Old Castor lay panting on his side, all the other horses standing around him, looking almost as if they all were crying. Hephaestion rushed to his side and took his head in his lap.

"No, my faithful old friend! Don't leave me now! We have been through far too much together. "

Castor looked sadly upon him, seeing him surrounded by a golden glow with luscious green meadows behind. Yes, there really was an Elysium for both men and animals! He took a labored breath...one more...then nothing...

"No, Alexander! We are losing him! You must help me. Do something!"

The King saw the old horse struggle for breath, then give it up completely. He had tears in his eyes, having no idea what to do. Then he felt something in his pocket. His most important wine jug, the one with very strong brandy, only for desperate emergencies! He grabbed it and, falling to his knees put it to Castor's muzzle, forcing it between his yellowing teeth. Nothing happened for a long time, and then the old horse suddenly sneezed violently and threw his head away. Soon he was on his four legs again and his dear Master happily embraced him.

Herakles and Herazanes saw this new miracle and prudently told each other:

"See now. There is always a good purpose fore everything, even that intoxicating drink! "

Babylon, Summer 323

The lady Roxane had a beautiful baby boy named Alexander. Shortly after the Princesses Stateira and Drypetis had their children, a boy and a girl, called Achilles and Alexandra. All were most satisfied, and soon Queen Olympias arrived at Babylon. She was very pleased with all her beautiful grandchildren. Alexander and Hephaestion had begun planning another campaign to faraway countries in the west...

Embassies came from the entire known world to pay divine honors to Alexander. They presented him with golden laurel crowns and precious gifts. One day long after all others were gone there came another Embassy from a country far up in the North no one ever had heard of. It consisted of strange people dressed in the very finest furs. they told about cold, dark winters full of blizzards and everlasting snows, short rainy summers when one seldom saw the Sun, scarcity of food and - no wine at all. They brought precious gifts, two necklaces of glowing amber which they presented to the King and Hephaestion.Someone must have told them...

Safety

Alexander mused for himself:

"Well, these Hyperboreans are a most interesting people. I would certainly like to know them better. I think we'll send them an Embassy of our own."

Hephaestion sat close by him and heard him thinking out loud. He suddenly came up with som good choices for this very Embassy,

"Alexander. This is a very good idea - and I have some most suitable suggestions. What about Krateros for excellent generalship, and Eumenes for perfect handling of economy and Cassander for diplomatic matters? "

"Yes, my dear friend. So it'll be. I couldn't have figured it out better for myself. They'll follow the Hyperborean Embassy when they return home. I think it will be a very long time until we see them again. "

Hephaestion thankfully pressed the King's hand. At long last he felt completely safe from envy and intrigues. His Beautiful Golden One would rule the World all of their remaining days with him at his side.

Western Ocean

The Pillars of Herakles towered mightily on both sides of them. Alexander and Hephaestion stood close together, looking at the warm orange and flaming sun sinking into the wide waters far away in the endless Western Ocean. Alexander put his strong arm around Hephaestion and pulled him even closer.

"My friend, now we truly have seen the entire wide world together. Let's return to Babylon once more to make it a better place for all."

Hephaestion silently gave him a reassuring smile. They went back to camp, walking with their hands clasped around their waists. On their way there was a copse with spreading trees filled with sweet smelling white flowers. The grass looked soft and emerald green under the biggest tree. Hephaestion looked at his Beautiful Golden One.

"Alexander. Let's stay here and rest for a while before we return to camp."

His friend nodded, silently accepting. A silver moon soared high up in the velvet blue sky, soon covering itself with a white feathery cloud.

The End