WARNING: this is M chapter that includes sexual content and cruelties of life.
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343 (end of summer)
Hephaistion watched as the rest of the boys rushed towards the newcomers. He had just a few moments to take in the new faces before the strangers were swallowed in the sea of the enthusiastic Mieza students. The son of Amyntor logically assumed that the blond boy whom Perdiccas called Alexander was the prince; there was only one other boy their age so that one must have been Nicanor, Parmenion's son with whom Hephaistion spent time at the old general's estate during his last months in Macedon. His face looked completely unfamiliar and son of Amyntor only hoped that Nicanor won't recognize him either. There were a few boys who were some five or six years older and a soldier in his late twenties who was almost immediately separated from the pack by Amphoteros. One look at him was enough for Hephaistion to determine that he was Krateros, Amphoteros' older brother, the two looked very much alike.
Somehow Hephaistion hoped that one of his friends would remember him and introduce to the newcomers but seeing it was not happening, he decided to return to his place and keep the fire alive. He wasn't alone for a long time, pretty soon he heard the footsteps behind and two figures crossed his line of vision.
"This is my brother Krateros!" Amphoteros declared enthusiastically. "I didn't expect him to come here, I thought he left with King Philip to fight Thracians."
"It's an honor to meet you, Krateros; Amphoteros talks about you all the time," Hephaistion stood from his place in a sign of respect.
"Is he, now?" chuckled Krateros. Just like his brother, he was broadly built with obvious advantage of a man who spent most of his life in training and obviously saw quite a few battles already. There was an ugly and rather fresh scar running from the elbow of his left arm almost to the shoulder but it didn't seem to affect his dexterity judging by the freedom with which he placed his both hands on the front of his belt, drawing attention to the heavy buckle that depicted a bear ready to attack. Somehow Hephaistion felt that that buckle was very important to Krateros, maybe a precious gift from important person to commemorate a significant event. In a way, Krateros looked like a bear, strongly built, stocky, a big almost square head with a lot of dark hair and small dark eyes; broad shoulders and muscular neck, heavy jaw.
"So, Tyrimmas told me you're the smart one who figured out his trick with a fire pit," approvingly growled Krateros, his Greek heavily accentuated by guttural sounds of his native Macedonian, "I would of course prefer that Amphoteros be the one but it seems my brother developed a friendly liking to you, so if you convince him to abandon his stupid idea of becoming a common sailor, I can say a word or two on your behalf when you join our army. I may even consider having you as my page."
"Krateros!" exclaimed Amphoteros, indignant that his brother would bring the topic of his sea faring aspirations into discussion.
"I think your brother's aim is to become an admiral, not a common sailor," smiled Hephaistion.
"It's not a Macedonian way," frowned Krateros. "What army unit are you interested in? We can use a smart guys like you in infantry. You're tall and have a good overall physic," Krateros' glance went quite appreciatively over Hephaistion's body but there weren't any sexual innuendos.
"I am not… I didn't think about it yet… my arrival at Mieza was quite an…. unplanned event," explained Hephaistion, "I enjoy physical challenges but…. I still need a lot of training."
"Of course you do," chuckled Krateros, "but muscle strength is not enough to become a good soldier, you need to have some brains too. Tyrimmas said you have a great potential and he is eager to train you. Listen to what he says and he'll make a real soldier from you. Amphoteros, you too; I am afraid you spent too much time with your books," Krateros chewed his lips as if contemplating whether to say more on the subject, "I am leaving in two days to rejoin my unit and will be away in Thrace. Ptolemy will take care of your physical training."
"Ptolemy," Amphoteros face showed a visible disappointment, "I hoped you'd stay."
"I got an important command from Philip, I have to show him my worth. This campaign in Thrace will be an excellent opportunity to distinguish myself."
"My brother got the same type of command and he is almost ten years your younger," Nicanor proudly declared. He was part of the group that separated itself from Alexander and joined the trio of Hephaistion, Amphoteros and Krateros. "I am Nicanor, son of the great Parmenion, the most trusted general in Philip's army," he announced to Hephaistion, as if vying for attention.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Nicanor," evenly said Hephaistion, "and congratulation on your sister's wedding. I've heard that her husband, general Attalos, is also one of the most trusted generals in your king's army. No wonder that your older brother Philotas got promoted so fast, your father knows with whom to make friends."
Nicanor indignantly flashed and Krateros exploded in appreciative laughter, "I now like you even more, Theseus, son of ….."
"Agenor," supplanted Hephaistion.
"Right," Krateros winked at Hephaistion conspiratorially, "It is easy to get command when you have relatives in a high places, I prefer to get one on merit."
"Are you saying my father plays favorites?" it was Alexander's turn to become indignant. Krateros didn't notice that the remaining boys joined their group around the fire.
Krateros seemed unabashed by such an accusation. "All I was saying, my prince, is that's easy to become noticed when you're constantly around important people. For the rest of us, we have to prove our worth in action."
"You're a liar," Nicanor surged towards Krateros but was firmly stopped by Alexander.
"Nicanor, you can't make such accusations just because you don't like what other person says and you, Krateros, is unfair to Philotas, he is a brilliant officer and you know that."
Krateros frowned and conceded in a voice that showed submission but not agreement, "As you wish, my prince."
Alexander tersely nodded and turned towards Hephaistion, "I am Prince Alexander. Aristotle told me he chose you to be a student in Mieza based on your inquisitive mind, quick thinking and ability to understand teachings of the great philosophers of the past. I trust his judgement and so, on behalf of my father, welcome you to Macedon."
"Thank you, Prince Alexander," Hephaistion politely nodded but strangely was at loss what to add. The young Prince sounded too official and too adult in his speech and attitude and Hephaistion doubted he was as approachable as Perdiccas and other students described him earlier.
"You're welcomed," answered Alexander in the same official tone, "let me introduce you to others. I see you already met Krateros and Nicanor. This is Nearchos," Alexander pointed to the young man some five years his senior, "son of Androtimos from Amphipolis though his family originally from Crete. Next to him is Erygius, son of Larichos from Mytilene, main city on the island of Lesbos; over there is his brother Laomedon and next to him Coenos, son of Polemocrates from Elimeia in Upper Macedonia. They all are going to join us in Mieza, to listen to some of the Aristotle lectures and be our adversaries in physical training and exercises."
The newly introduced boys, all in their late teens, viewed Hephaistion with various degree of interest and condescension, for them he was just a nobody from outside of Macedon, as some poor relative taken in by compassionate uncle. Hardly a threat for a prince attention but a possible nuisance if he needed to be looked after.
"Pretty face and fuckable ass," Erygius said in Macedonian already aware that the newcomer didn't speak their language, only Greek.
"Watch your tongue, Erygius," Krateros said evenly as if a younger man wasn't worth his full anger, "or you may find your own ass being more than well attended during your first military campaign."
Erygius shrugged his shoulders and was about to respond when Alexander interrupted, now in Greek, for the benefit of Hephaistion, "Enough with that. Collect your belongings and we have to move out."
"Are we returning to Mieza?" asked Amphoteros.
"Not yet, we'll sleep in your original camping place tonight. Aristotle promised us a night hike."
"He came back?" Amphoteros continued to question the prince.
"Yes, with Tyrimmas and Ptolemy. We'll break camp tomorrow morning and return to Mieza."
Hephaistion joined other boys in collecting their few belonging and unfinished food. On their way back Amyntor's son found himself in the company of Amphoteros and Krateros. Amphoteros was mostly silent and it was his older brother who engaged Hephaistion in the conversation. In a short time the son of Amyntor learned quite a lot about Macedonian army, the life of its soldiers and officers, the rigorous training and the rewards that awaited. Krateros was quite enthusiastic in his lecture and it was obvious that he took an immense pride at being a part of King Philip's army. Krateros was also delighted at being asked all those relevant questions by an obviously interested youngster and Hephaistion started to mull the idea of asking Krateros to go with him as his page instead of joining studies in Mieza.
They arrived at their original camping place when it started to get darker. To the boys utmost delight there was some meat roasted on the spit, something that was brought from Mieza for the outdoor feast, recently baked bread, cheeses and wine. Hephaistion was introduced to Ptolemy, an officer in charge of their training. Hephaistion took almost immediate dislike to the young man, for some unexplained reason he resembled a fish, somebody who was slippery and very non-committal, a direct opposite to Krateros, a straightforward man of no-nonsense approach. Ptolemy was relatively tall and though well muscles, there was some unexplained fluidity to his form, his rather full lips gave him further resemblance to a fish, in addition to pale blue and rather watery eyes, sandy hair and somewhat blobby nose.
They had a great meal and then went for a hike. Aristotle tried to lecture the group about animals' behaviour during the night but hardly anybody paid any attention, besides, the group was too big and the path they took too narrow. At some point, they came to another opening and it was when Aristotle pointed out to the bright sky void of any clouds. He suggested they divide into two groups, lay on the ground and compete in naming constellations and the stars. The idea was met with enough enthusiasm and the division was made by pointing out to the closed fist of the judge, Aristotle. Those who pointed to the fist containing a leaf, went to one side, and those who pointed to the fist containing grass, to another.
They started quite vigorously but little by little it took each group an effort to come up with an answer. Amphoteros and Hephaistion were in the same group and they were the leaders, coming with more answers then the rest. The leader in other group was Alexander with Nearchos being second best.
"Orion, really?" Amphoteros scoffed at the suggestion coming from a rival group, "Even you, Attalos, should know that this is a winter constellation and not visible now. Just admit your defeat."
"We can see Erigone(1) over there," pointed out Alexander, "to the right of Nemean Lion."
"Hmm, you're right," conceded Amphoteros, "Well, I go for Kardia Scorpio(2), the bright red star in Scorpio constellation. Alexander, your choice, it seems you're the only one left in your group who can offer us some resistance.
"Don't be so sure, Amphoteros," stepped in Nearchos, "if I may, Alexander?"
"Of course," agreed the prince.
"I present you with Vanant, the brightest start in the constellation of Ganymede(3)."
"What's language is that?" asked Proteas.
"I don't know," admitted Nearchos, "it must be some very old name, maybe Pelasgian."
"It is Persian, and your entry doesn't count," pointed out Hephaistion.
"Just because it is Persian name, it doesn't mean I can't submit it," Nearchos argued.
"Not because it is Persian name, but because it was already mentioned, by Laomedon, I think. We call it Star of Typhon(4)."
"And you know Persian now? Are you a spy?" Nearchos was not the one to easily admit a defeat to some itinerant newcomer.
"I am not a spy," Hephaistion rebuked his opponent who didn't realize how close to the truth his thoughtless insult was. Truth as Hephaistion knew it. "I picked some Persian when I travelled with my father. I was always interested in the night skies, Persians have their own tales about the stars and constellations. For example Vanant is one of the so called Four Royal Stars, the other three being Sataves, it's our Kardia Scorpio, Tascheter(5), the star in the head of the Bull and Haptokring, the Basiliskos star of the Nemean Lion group. The four regarded as guardians of the Sky, each one of them is the main star in the four districts of the sky, containing both good and evil qualities."
"You know a lot," reluctantly admitted Alexander. "But we are not done yet. I present you with Tortoise, a star in the constellation of Eagle(7)."
"Very well," approved Aristotle, "can anybody name more stars or constellations?"
"I don't know more," after some silence admitted Amphoteros, "I think there are none and Alexander is the winner."
"I can name a few more," said Hephaistion surprised that Amphoteros acknowledge defeat so early. "Look, over there, the bright star in the Constellation of Swan, it called Swan's Tail and you can…
"It is bullshit," interrupted Erygius, "I can also point out stars in the constellations and name them by the body parts or whatever. This star has no specific name so it doesn't count. There are no more stars visible in the sky that we can name so be a man and admit a defeat."
"Are you blind?" in as cold as he could master tone answered Hephaistion, "no more stars? Just because you want to be on the winning team or because you want your prince to win…."
"Theseus, be smart," Hephaistion heard somebody advising.
"Smart about what?" the son of Amyntor was not about to concede. "I can name more stars and unless somebody else can name more, our team should be declared a winner. Those were the terms when we started. I wonder if anybody would object so strongly if it was Alexander naming the objects. So, look over there," Hephaistion outstretched his hand somewhere above him a started to point out more stars naming the constellations they belonged to. Nobody interrupted him for a while until Aristotle interfered.
"Very well, it is quite obvious that Grass team is a winner. Unless anybody can name at least as many stars?"
There was a silence in response and after a short break Aristotle decided it was time to call it a day and head to their camping spot. Hephaistion stood up from his spot, he knew that despite bringing a victory to his team he didn't acquired any friends, only enemies.
"Why did you do it?" Hephaistion heard Amphoteros catching up with him and asking the question in a loud whisper, the rebuke is obvious in his tone.
"Did what? Brought the victory to our team? Is it what you're accusing me of?" Hephaistion asked indignantly.
"I am not accusing you, it's just…..Alexander is our prince, future king, the victory always belongs to him."
"Really? Is it some Macedonian tradition or what? Are your enemies complying with this request as well? Is it how King Philip going to win against Thracians?" Son of Amyntor asked with sarcasm.
"It's not what I meant, it's just…." Amphoteros fell silent not sure how to continue this conversation.
"No, it is exactly what you meant; maybe joining Mieza is not such a good idea if the main subject of the study here is going to be how to suck up to the prince."
"Don't say such a thing!" Amphoteros tried to grasp Hephaistion arm, but the boy shook him off and sped up; he was angry and knew that he was going to say some nasty things that he might regret in future so it was better to break the company.
Nobody else tried to lecture Hephaistion on the intricacies of behaviour around the prince; he was rather glad of the fact but somewhat disappointed that since Alexander's arrival Perdiccas didn't try to share his company.
Nothing happened much upon their arrival to the established camp site; the boys were told by Krateros and Tyrimmas to spread their blankets and go to sleep. Hephaistion was rather glad to follow the order, it spared him an unpleasant necessity to interact with the boys, something he realized he was uncomfortable to do for the first time since his arrival to Mieza.
Morning was uneventful as well, they ate the leftovers from the previous night feast and, collecting their belongings, set out on the way back. None of the boys sought his company but pretty much from the onset he was joined by Krateros, who was smart enough not to mention anything about his unfortunate win last night. Instead, he continued his talk about the army and it made Hephaistion to forget his current predicament. At some point Amphoteros, probably jealous of the attention Hephaistion was getting from his brother, joined the talk and led Krateros away under the excuse that his brother was needed to settle some argument about one of the Philip's campaigns. Krateros didn't show any sign of suspecting that it was just an excuse and bid Hephaistion a temporally good bye promising to continue the conversation upon their arrival at Mieza.
Hephaistion was left alone for a long time. Soon he was joined by Aristotle who started to talk about his childhood and youth. Aristotle's father, Nicomachos was a good friend and also a physician of the Macedonian king Amyntas, the father of current king Philip but died when Aristotle himself was just a child and philosopher didn't remember him much.
"You know already that the line of Macedonian kings traces their origins from Heracles himself."
"Yes, I've heard," carefully answered Hephaistion preferring not to give his honest opinion on the matter.
"And?" Aristotle prodded his future student to share his opinion on the subject.
"Nothing. According to Perdiccas Prince Alexander prefers his mother's heritage who claims to be descendant from Achilles. I assume he wants us all to be in awe of him, you including."
"Well, if one has to believe in legends, my own heritage is no less glorious," chuckled Aristotle.
"Please don't tell me that as a philosopher you can trace your roots back to the goddess of wisdom herself since Athena was a virgin."
"No, actually, I am the first philosopher in my family, my father, and his own father, and many generations before, they were all prominent physicians. They all were called Nicomachos, in honour of our ancestor Nicomachos, son of Machaon the son of Asclepios son of Apollo. My mother Phaestias also came from the line of Asclepios."
"So, why didn't you become a physician?" asked Hephaistion putting aside his resentment.
"As I said, my father died when I was young and my mother died a few years before him. Proxenos of Atarneos, old friend of our family, then married Arimneste, my older sister and became my guardian. He was a philosopher and taught me all he knew but then realized his knowledge was not enough and sent me to Athens, to study under Plato. I was eighteen at the time. I owe him my interest in philosophy, my thirst for knowledge in all spheres of life, not just medicine."
"Was this Proxenos your erastes?"
"Of course, and I wouldn't have it any other way. When men lie together and knowledge and virtue passes between them that is pure and excellent. When there is only desire and lust that will be bringing ourselves to the low level of slaves and animals. I desire to share my knowledge with you and don't lust after your body."
"Then why me and not…. Alexander? Surely the future King of Macedon can benefit from your wisdom!"
"Beware, Demosthenes, here comes your Nemesis," tried to joke Aristotle.
"You didn't answer my question!"
"Alexander is too young for this kind of relationship."
"So, in few years, right?"
"Alexander has a father who will decide on the worthy erastes for his son."
"And I have nobody, so why bother with formalities?"
"Theseus, you're more clever and worldly than that," Aristotle sounded reproachful, "and nobody keeps you by force here, you're free to leave any time. However, whatever decision you make, I want to believe it will be decision of an adult, not of a spoilt child who use to have the things always happen his way."
Hephaistion didn't respond immediately. He hated to admit it but Aristotle was right, it was stupid to spoil his life's prospects just because he wasn't eager to submit himself to Aristotle's approaches.
"I already made my decision to stay in Mieza," he said tersely, "but now, if you excuse me, I want to be left alone. Is it a favor you can grant me?"
"Of course, Theseus, but don' brood much on the matter," lightheartedly said Aristotle and raffled Hephaistion's hair. Then the philosopher tapped Hephaistion approvingly on the shoulder and moved away. Son on Amyntor shuddered when Aristotle's fingers browsed his skin with a little more frivolity than ever before.
x
Their return to Mieza did nothing to improve somewhat cooled attitude of the other boys towards Hephaistion. For a few days or so, while Krateros was still in Mieza, he served as a welcomed distraction to Hephaistion's brooding mood. It was a short respite, though. Not that Hephaistion was pointedly excluded from other boys' company but he was never invited to join any of the groups. Even with Alexander's and Nicanor's addition, there still was one spare bed in the boys sleeping quarters, but Aristotle insisted that Hephaistion remained where he was initially placed. The older boys occupied different premises and Ptolemy was quartered with Tyrimmas and other instructors of physical education.
Hephaistion soon realized that he had less time than other boys during the day, in addition to his own studies, he was burdened by both Aristotle and Theophrastos to help them with their own research. Especially Theophrastos who some time ago discovered Hephaistion's talent in drawing, made him to illustrate a lot of scrolls with different views of the plants he was studying and trying to classify. Aristotle wanted him to check other students' work when it came to exercises in Greek language and math so Hephaistion found himself not only busy all the time but also forced to forego some of his own studies and physical training. He decided to concentrate on what he thought was most important so his main training in gymnasium was with weapons where he felt he was far behind all his peers.
Proteas and Amphoteros were the two who were assigned by Tyrimmas to spar with Hephaistion and both boys behaved offended since they took it as a sign that they were the less skilled than others. As a result, instead of following the designed stages of the exercises, they simply tried to barrage him with unchecked assaults without giving him the ability to develop necessary techniques. Hephaistion knew it was useless to complain. First, it was not his nature and second he was more than sure that Tyrimmas knew what the boys were doing and if he didn't seem compelled to intervene, Hephaistion decided that he condoned their behavior. Hephaistion tried to improve his skills by doing assigned exercises on his own and closely watching other boys' fights to pick up necessary clues.
Other popular sport was wrestling but Hephaistion knowing himself rather good in the area, decided not to join in the practices. On a few occasions Leonnatos reminded him of the promised fight but after a few polite declines he stopped to do so and to Hephaistion's dismay joined those who made it their habit to tease Hephaistion of being physically weak.
Perdiccas was usually absent when taunts took place, he was either steeling few free moments for the romps with new girls or was somewhere else with Alexander. Those sneers made in public, either during exercises or between the lectures were of relatively mild characters but when the boys knew neither other adults nor Alexander were around, they would engage in derisive insults mainly of sexual nature. Hephaistion noticed how careful the boys were not to drop sexual remarks in Alexander's presence, probably not to offend his sensitive ears. Though it was not the prince's fault, Hephaistion dislike him for this even more.
Aristotle, on the other side, was quite sensitive to Hephaistion's feeling and didn't try to force any sexual relationship on the reluctant youth. Instead, he resorted to discussing the topics that he knew were of interest to Hephaistion, inviting him to present and argue his point and sharing the knowledge he gained from his teachers or conclusions he came to on his own. Without realizing it, Hephaistion started to look forward to those evening discussions and almost dreaded his necessary interactions with fellow students. It was not how he imagine he would spend his time in Mieza in the first days of his arrival. Sometimes Hephaistion would notice how Aristotle's glance would dwell for a longer time on the certain parts of his body and he could read the carefully hidden desire behind Aristotle's thoughtful eyes or occasional and seemingly innocent touches.
Hephaistion almost got accustomed to it and maybe even looked a little forward wondering when Aristotle would dare to exhibit his intentions more openly. Lacking the opportunity to see any of the girls and happening upon other boys engaging in various stages of sexual interaction made Hephaistion somewhat eager to get a release with another human being, not just pleasuring himself in the solitude of his lonely bed.
One day he was practicing alone some new sword routine on the dummy filled with hay and beans when the dwindling light forced Hephaistion to call it a day. Putting away the equipment, he carefully cleaned his body with a mix of ashes and olive oil and scraped the muck with strigil. Feeling clean enough after this procedure, he soaked himself in a bath, enjoying the warmth the heated water gave to his body. The gentle rocking of the waves produced by lazy movement of his legs suddenly filled his body with desires he knew he needed to satisfy rather sooner than later. Wishing for some privacy which Mieza baths could rarely provide, he decided to cut his bathing short and retire to his quarters. Just as his luck had it, he was caught at the exit by the small group of other students consisting of Leonnatos, Hegelochus, Proteas, Nearchos and Laomedon.
"Ah, Theseus, here you are. So, when are you going to grace us with that promised wrestling match with Leonnatos?" almost innocently started Hegelochus.
"Or if Leonnatos is not your type, I can spar with you too," smugly suggested Laomedon, "I am sure getting between your legs won't be a problem. And if I like it, I may even invite you to my bed, you seem lonely lately. What do you say?"
"Find somebody else's legs to get between," sarcastically suggested Hephaistion, "Earlier this morning I saw kitchen help bringing a few goats for a promised stew. May be one of them is still alive."
Laomedon's friends laughed, any good joke was appreciated even when it was directed at one of their own.
"Theseus, you behave so distant these days, what the matter?" asked Leonnatos and Hephaistion wasn't sure whether it was a sincere question or prelude to some derogative joke. However, remembering that the worst attitude from Leonnatos was a cold shoulder not baiting and teasing, Hephaistion decided to answer politely.
"I don't have much free time, Leonnatos. Right now I have to return to my study and finish some assignments Aristotle left for me. Maybe some other day."
"Well….." Leonnatos started uncertainly but his turn was high jacked by Proteas, "Our dear Theseus, instead of keeping the company of his peers, prefers sucking up to Aristotle, both figuratively and literally speaking. Tell us, is our esteemed teacher as good at fucking as at philosophising?"
"Proteas, you're out of line," Alexander's indignant voice was the first response to the offensive phrase. Somehow, nobody saw how the Prince joined the group.
"I am really sorry, Alexander, I didn't see you," almost fearfully admitted Proteas.
"It doesn't matter if I am around or not," curtly said Alexander, "it is not a respectful way to speak about our teacher. And I suggest you teach yourself some self-restrain so you know not to blabber mindlessly your dirty thoughts. Theseus, you're free to go," Alexander turned in Hephaistion's direction.
"I wasn't aware I was restrained in my movements," responded Hephaistion haughtily. He didn't like to be so easily dismissed and even less he needed the help of the prince to deal with offensive youngsters. He could hurl insults, simply disparaging or with heavy sexual context as easily as any other student. Nevertheless, he turned around and left without bothering to look at the reactions of those he left behind.
In an unexpected way, the unpleasant encounter extinguished the flames of his bourgeoning desire so upon return to his dwellings, he thought nothing of going to his bedroom to find some release; instead, he decided to finish a few drawings of some peculiar plant that Theophrastos left in his possession. He dedicated some time to this task but unfortunately after some time he realized that the shapes he was drawing offered certain similarities to the male erect sexual organ and his mind, following the movements of his hand of the papyrus, started to conjure quite explicit pictures. Instead of stopping what he was doing, he let his imagination fly but it was shortly interrupted by an unexpected arrival of Aristotle.
Quite unaware of thoughts that his student was having, the philosopher started enthusiastically on the discussion they had a few days ago about the strange physical phenomenon of hot water freezing faster than the cold one. It didn't take Aristotle long to realize that his student's mind was somewhere else and he, quite innocently in his intention, came closer asking with concern if everything was alright.
"Yes," almost inaudibly whispered Hephaistion and turned away exposing a very inviting curve of his neck.
Aristotle swallowed and slowly extended his hand, tenderly brushing the sensitive skin with his fingers. It was Hephaistion's undoing. He moaned, the sexual urge barely hidden in the sweet sound and it was more than enough for Aristotle to grab Hephaistion impatiently making the boy face him. Their lips collided, eager on both sides, and any reservations and uncertainties no longer barred the sudden urges of desire. The lips locked in passionate kiss, the hands roaming each other bodies and ripping the clothes away, it took them all but few moments to get hard and crazy for each other.
But even in their highly agitated and feverish state of pure lust they couldn't miss a sudden sound of clay vessel shuttered on the floor and indignant cry of surprise. They froze and, as they were locked together, turned in the direction of sound. And there he was, Prince Alexander, standing just a few steps from them, still like a statue and the only sign of life were his indignant eyes filled with anger and contempt.
"Alexander, you shouldn't be here now," heavily breathing, in a hoarse voice Aristotle broke the pregnant silence.
"I can see that," Prince pressed his lips in disdain casting a brief glance, full of disgust, over Aristotle's rather naked body. "And you," he blankly stared at Hephaistion, "it seems Proteas was right, you are enjoying sucking up to Aristotle." He didn't wait for any kind of response but turned on his heels and left the room, not bothering to shut the door.
"Oh, gods!" exclaimed Hephaistion, still in shock and not ready to face any king of reality, closed the eyes with the palms of his hands.
"You idiot, you were supposed to lock the door," shouted Aristotle and peeling with one hand Hephaistion's palms off, slapped him across the face with the other.
In indignation, Hephaistion didn't even registered the pain and shouted back, "Shut the door?! I was here when you showed up. It was you, all riled up with desire, who took leave of your senses and…."
"You little slut, how dare you?!" Aristotle turned red with anger and using the bulk of his body, barraged against Hephaistion throwing him against the table.
"Let go of me!" Hephaistion tried to wiggle from Aristotle's clasp but his teacher was stronger.
"No more niceties with you!" Aristotle pinned Hephaistion's upper body against the table and jerked his knee between Hephaistion's legs.
Hephaistion tried to free himself with no success. Moments later he screamed in pain and humiliation when Aristotle shoved his dick inside the virgin and unprepared opening. Hephaistion flailed his hands but the best he could do to help the situation was to put his lower arm on the table and rest his head on it, at least like that his chin wasn't banging against the hard surface of the table. Aristotle's thrusts were hard and fast, Hephaistion unconsciously bit his arm, trying to suppress the screams. And then it was over. Not being hold in place any longer, Hephaistion collapsed on the floor, pain washing over his body in nauseating waves. He heard Aristotle getting dressed and then measuring the floor with irritating steps back and forth. Hephaistion felt slipping into some different reality, the pain still not letting him go, his head spinning and bile rising up this throat.
"Drink this," the voice came as if from nowhere and some liquid was forced between his lips. His mind blank, his body complied with order swallowing some bitter stuff. Other hands grasped his own forcing him up on his legs. His was pushed in some direction, dragged like a sack until he realized he was in front of his bed.
"Get onto the bed, you will sleep this off," the voice ordered and Hephaistion's half closed eyes identified the figure before him as belonging to Aristotle. There was a strange expression on his face, but Hephaistion wasn't sure what it was, nor did he care. He crawled into the bed and felt a blanket was spread over his shivering body. Then there was nothing.
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(1) Erigone – modern constellation of Virgo
(2) Kardia Scorpio, or "heart of the Scorpion" – modern star Antares, in Scorpio constellation
(3) Constellation of Ganymede – modern constellation of Aquarius
(4) Star of Typhon – modern Fomalhaut in Aquarius
(5) Tascheter – modern Aldebaran in the constellation of Taurus
(6) Haptokring – modern Regulus in the constellation of Leo
(7) Constellation of Eagle – modern Lira; it was Zeus' Eagle who carried Lyra that once belonged to Orpheus up to Olympos; Tortoise is Gamma Lira, currently called Sulafat (turtle in Arabic)