Playing hide and seek with Moirai

by delos13

The title says it all. Sometimes the characters of this story will be successful at this game, sometimes not very much. But in the beginning they have no idea what to expect so they all take their chances.

16. Chapter 15

Dear friends – thank you everybody who read, favored, started following and especially commented on the previous chapter and this story in general. Without your constant support the writing of this story won't progress and wouldn't be such a joy. I am looking forward to read your comments to this chapter as well.

I noticed that in the introduction to this story in the beginning of the first chapter I promised it is going to be some fifteen chapters long. So, here I am, sharing with you the Chapter #15 and I'm nowhere nearly done. Another fifteen chapters at least, or even more. I hope it's not a boring stuff.

'wwwwwwwwww

338 BC, evening after the battle of Chaeronea (presumably, Aug 2nd)

Macedonian camp

Perdiccas left Seleucos in the infirmary to make sure that Philip won't abandon his patient and run in search of Alexander. It was not an easy task to achieve since it seems that the Prince was everywhere but the place where Perdiccas made his inquiries at the moment. At last he noticed Alexander with a few companions and some veterans who all together discussed something with a great agitation.

"Alexander, I need to talk to you, it is urgent!" Perdiccas tore through the crowd of excited throng.

Noticing his friend who was all covered in blood and dirt and whom he clearly remembered to be in a better shape after the battle, Alexander worriedly asked, "Did something happen to you?"

"Not to me, but it is kind of "drop everything and come with me" situation," Perdiccas panted. The battle was exhaustive by itself and while most of the not heavily wounded participants celebrated, Perdiccas didn't have a moment of rest.

Alexander frowned, it wasn't political to abandon his people and pay individual attention to somebody who was known as his close friend. On the other hand, Perdiccas clearly looked like being in the middle of something or bringing some important news, so, after politely excusing himself, Prince followed his friend outside the crowd that surrounded him.

"What's the matter? You look like you had some personal score to settle and it didn't go well."

"It wasn't exactly like that but I had to return to the battlefield. Can we talk while walking? There is no time to be lost."

"Of course, where are we going and why you went back? Did you go alone?"

"No, I fetched one of your father's pages that was off duty. I went back because I lost my father's dagger during the battle and hoped to retrieve it."

"I understand but, I think it was stupid, you could have been attacked or something. Did you find it?"

"No. But I found something else. Somebody else."

"What do you mean?"

"I found Theseus."

Alexander stopped in his tracks. "Say it again?" he whispered.

"I found Theseus. On the battle field. It was a pure chance or maybe gods meant it this way. I don't know. He is wounded, seriously I think. I managed to convince Philip to treat him though your father's surgeon wasn't too happy about it. I suspect he's going to complain to the king but I thought…"

"Show me where he is," urged Alexander.

"Of course, this is why I came for you. Here, follow me." Perdiccas hurried away. Suddenly, he didn't want to explain anything to Alexander. He himself was still in shock at finding Theseus but what would it mean for Alexander?

They arrived at the infirmary and pretty soon found the place where Hephaistion was located. Philip wasn't with him any longer, some other man was taking care of the wounded man carefully dressing his lesser wounds. Hephaistion was propped up in a sitting position, his head bandaged, his eyes almost closed. Seleucos was trying to force some drink through his cracked lips.

"Where is Philip? Why he is not attending to my friend?" started Alexander who needed just a moment to appraise the situation. Perdiccas noted that he cast just a fleeting glance at his long lost friend.

"I am Admetos, son of Lampsakos from Sindos, I've been with your father's army for many years. I know how to treat wounds, my Prince. Philip asked me to take over because he needed to attend to another seriously wounded man."

"What is his condition? Answer me!"

Admetos, short wiry man in his fifties wasn't intimidated by the prince's rather harsh voice. "Difficult to say, for now," he started to explain without interrupting what he was doing. "He received a substantial blow to his head, looks like by a heavy hilt of a sword and then, it seems, he was unlucky enough to hit it again against some rock when he fell. This young man here," Admetos nodded in Seleucos direction, "told me that your friend was found under the pile of other bodies. I think it happened earlier in the battle because he has these bruises all over his chest and back from something heavy lying on top of him for a long time. It looks like he also has a few broken ribs. Other wounds and cuts are superficial but there was a lot of dirt on them, so the danger of infection is very high, unfortunately. He most probably has concussion so it's better if he stays alert; falling asleep in his condition is dangerous. Somebody should talk to him through the night. I am done here and leave him in your care, call me if he's getting worse." With those words the doctor stood up and, collecting his instruments and medicine, left to attend to other wounded.

During the explanation Alexander was looking at the doctor and only after Admetos fell silent, Alexander cast a quick glance in Hephaistion's direction again. Recognizing Seleucos, he asked, "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at my father's side?"

"I was off duty, my prince, when Perdiccas came asking for volunteers, and then…."

"Very well," interrupted Alexander impatiently, "your task is done here. You may leave and go back to my father. You will keep your mouth shut about all you did and saw, understood?"

"Yes, my prince," Seleucos was disappointed, "but my shift doesn't start till morning and I thought….."

"Go have some sleep; you need to be alert when serving my father, not falling asleep because you have an inspiration to serve two masters at the same time."

"Alexander," Perdiccas leaned towards the prince and said quietly, "we may need him around to run some errands. He already knows about Theseus. I am sure he won't talk if you wish to keep Theseus' presence in our camp under the wraps, though I don't see why."

"It's not Theseus' presence…," Alexander started uncertainly, "it's just…. how about you go and talk to him?"

"To whom? Seleucos?"

"No, no…. Theseus…. If doctor said to keep him awake…. We better do so."

"Don't you want to talk to him?"

"I…. not sure… he might not welcome…. You were friends. Seleucos and I, then…. we can make rounds of the wounded and you call us…. When…well…."

"All right, all right," agreed Perdiccas, "you go and I will talk to him. It's going to be alright, you'll see. Gods really must be favoring you, giving on the same day such a brilliant victory and bringing Theseus back." Perdiccas patted Alexander's shoulder and indicated to Seleucos to vacate his place. The page obediently jumped from his place and followed Alexander who left without saying any other word.

Perdiccas chuckled and took a sit on the tiny collapsible chair previously occupied by Admetos. Five years passed since the unfortunate incident in Mieza and though a lot of events happened since then, he knew that Theseus was never far away from Alexander's mind though the prince mentioned him rarely lately. Perdiccas was never quite sure why Alexander took the whole story so close to his heart though he suspected that Alexander felt more than simply friendly liking towards Theseus. The initial feverish desire by Alexander to save Theseus Perdiccas logically attributed to the prince's sense of justice. Alexander insisted that it was his fault that Theseus attacked him conveniently forgetting that he did so in response to Theseus hitting him, Perdiccas, in the first place. Not that he blamed Theseus much for the outburst, it was all Aristotle fault and Alexander's too, yes.

Perdiccas shook his head, he can take a trip down the memory lane later, now he must to keep Theseus awake.

"Hey," he gently nudged his friend on the shoulder, "are you there?" He noted how Theseus' eyeballs moved under the almost closed eyelids but there was no other response. "Doctor said you have to stay awake, do you hear me? Do you know who I am?"

"Sure, it seems that your only purpose in life, Perdiccas, is to keep me awake," mumbled Hephaistion.

"Ha! That is so true, did you miss me?" Perdiccas cheerfully asked.

"Not for a bit."

"Liar! Do you know where you are?"

"No. I feel nauseous, I think I am going to throw up. Help me to stand."

"No, no, you have to stay as is. You have a concussion or something. Somebody gave you a punch on the head and then you struck it again when falling. Really a bad luck but it might have been worse. You also have broken ribs. Were you fighting with Athenians or Thebans?"

"Does it really matter?" weakly asked Hephaistion, "not with Macedonians, that's for sure. Am I a prisoner?"

"No."

"Then how did I get here?

"I found you on the battle field, an hour or so ago, didn't Seleucos tell you?"

"Who is Seleucos?"

"The boy who tried to force you to drink a medicine, and I actually should do the same. Here, you must drink it." Perdiccas brought a cup to Hephaistion's lips but the young man moved his head away.

"Don't waste your supplies on prisoners and don't you have anything better to do?"

"I told you already, you are not a prisoner. You are a…. guest."

"Did you forget that I was forbidden to ever enter Macedon again?"

"We are not in Macedon. I think you had a better grasp of geography in the past. Please drink it."

Hephaistion tried to escape the cup that Perdiccas was forcing between his lips, "Drink it, and please don't be stubborn. I didn't haul you all the way from battlefield to watch you die. At least not till the time you tell me what's you been up to for the past five years. Drink."

Hephaistion reluctantly swallowed a few sips but then started to cough and Perdiccas withdrew the cup. "I am tired, Perdiccas, let me sleep."

"You can't and I am tired too. While you were taking a nap under the dead bodies, I had to fight, and then to celebrate, then to carry you here, then go find Alexander and bring him here. You have no idea how much tired I am, and not complaining, and so shouldn't you."

"The prince was here? Didn't he order to arrest me?"

"Yes, he was here just moments ago, it seems you slept that part over. And why would he order to arrest you? Do you know how hard he tried….," Perdiccas trailed off not sure if it was wise to continue.

"Tried what?"

"Nothing. The point is… he doesn't blame you for anything, quite to the contrary…. Besides, it all happened years ago, we were young and stupid….now, since I have to keep you awake, tell me what's you've been up to all these years? We tried to find you, you know, but you disappeared from the surface of the earth. We thought you might have returned to your native Theodosia, Alexander even sent you a letter with some merchant who was going to those parts of the world. We didn't hear anything back but… it seems you managed to hide well and close by. So?"

"There is nothing interesting to tell," tiredly said Hephaistion. "If I promise not to fall asleep, can you keep quiet? Maybe you can take a nap in the meantime, I won't tell anybody."

"I wish I could but I can't take that risk. Do you want to hear about our adventures? But you have to listen well since I am going to test you afterwards."

"It seems I have no choice," agreed Hephaistion reluctantly.

When an hour or so later Alexander and Seleucos returned to the enclosure where Hephaistion was confined, they found both young men asleep – Hephaistion on his cot and Perdiccas on the floor.

"Go find Philip," briskly ordered the prince and his father's page hurried away to carry out the order.

Alexander bent over Hephaistion's figure, the young man was obviously asleep but he didn't seem in distress. Some blood sipped through the bandages on his head but his breathing was even if rather shallow.

"So beautiful," whispered Alexander and lightly touched smooth cheek with his trembling fingers. "The beard fits you," he mumbled and traced the outline of Hephaistion's jawline. Then, suddenly conscious of his surroundings, he sharply withdrew the hand, afraid to be discovered showing an affection towards the young man. He also felt confused and overwhelmed. He wasn't sure what his feelings were, he could never place them in the past and he almost relished the idea of not seeing Theseus again so that he won't need to define what exactly his attraction was. While Seleucos wondered at Alexander's ability to calmly talk to soldiers seemingly without any concern for his friend's wellbeing, Alexander himself grasped at this opportunity as an excuse not to give any thought to the implications of Perdiccas' find.

Now, there was no escape. "I wish I have the same courage facing Theseus as I did the enemies earlier today," Alexander sullenly admitted to himself and as another excuse of not dealing with his internal turmoil shifted his attention to Perdiccas.

"Remind me never to intrust you with the responsibility of night guards," he lightly pushed his friend in the shins but there was no reaction. Alexander waited for a moment and then pushed harder and the same time loudly clapped his hands over Perdiccas' ears. The sudden sound brought a desired effect on Perdiccas but it woke Hephaistion too.

"You fell asleep," in an accusatory voice started the prince.

Perdiccas loudly yawned and sat on the floor, "Why are you in my tent?" he asked before he could take his bearing.

"We are not in your tent," gravely stated Alexander. "You were supposed to keep guard over Theseus, instead, you fell asleep and let him do the same."

"It's not his fault," Hephaistion defended his long time buddy.

Alexander turned around at the sound of the voice not first realizing who was talking. Then he stared at Hephaistion, at loss for words. It gave Hephaistion a chance to take a good look of the prince. He obviously changed a lot during the last five years they didn't see each other but there still was something, Hephaistion couldn't quite place it, of the former, young prince Alexander. Was it a childish uncertainty masked by adult arrogance? The prince's eyes, a strange mix of pale blue and brown, regarded Hephaistion with expectation and …. fear? Or was it a delusion of his mind clouded by a blow to his head?

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" someone's unfamiliar voice interrupted Hephaistion's train of thought and moments later a forty something man approached his bed. "I see you're doing unexpectedly well," the stranger announced after a quick glance over. "The gods must really favor you. Still, we shouldn't be overconfident. Let me see," he clicked his fingers to the right of Hephaistion, "what I was doing right now?"

"Wasting your time?" Hephaistion suggested.

"Ha!" without taking offence loudly chuckled Philip, "having a sense of humor is a good sign. Describe your feelings to me. Do you feel dizzy? Confused? In pain?"

"Somewhat dizzy, yes," honestly responded Hephaistion. He realized there might be a lot of wounded after the battle and everybody deserved physician's attention; he didn't want fellow soldiers, regardless of the side they fought on, to suffer because of him. "I also feel like I want to throw up and my chest hurts."

Philip nodded, "That should be expected; anything else?"

"Don't know, I think that's about it."

"So, he is not in grave danger, is he?" asked Alexander not being able to contain himself.

"It's too early to be optimistic, the infection can set in any time and injuries to the head sometimes take time to manifest themselves. I would recommend to have him under the constant observation and if there are any changes to his state, find me immediately. But…..," he concluded standing up, "he simply might got lucky. It happens."

"Should he remain awake any longer?" asked Perdiccas.

"I would say till the morning, yes, to be on the safer side but it doesn't seem you are in any position to offer your help and I can't spare anybody. Alexander, maybe one of your pages can watch over him?"

"Of course, I will find somebody, and thank you, Philip. I will remember your help and you have my….," Alexander wanted to say "eternal gratitude" but checked himself in the last moment and hastily added less betraying "thanks".

"Perdiccas, you need some rest," continued Alexander when Philip left, "and Seleucos, go and have some sleep before your shift starts in the morning, I am sure my father will have a lot of errands to run for his pages. Perdiccas, my new pages, Nestor and Agesilaos are waiting for me in my tent, send them here to watch over Theseus."

"Prince Alexander…." started Hephaistion.

"Alexander," corrected the prince trying to sound official enough in contradiction to his request, "my friends call me Alexander and if it is not too much of the bother…."

"Alexander," Hephaistion complied, "I don't need any special attention and the doctor said I am fine. I am sure your pages have better things to do."

Perdiccas, realizing this simple situation can be easily blown out of proportions by both Theseus and Alexander, suggested a way out, "Alexander, I have to admit, your new pages are less accommodating than Seleucos here, they might doubt that the order came directly from you. How about you go to your tent and order them here? It will be way faster and you need rest too, I am sure your father will keep all of us busy tomorrow, not just his pages. Besides, I am so tired, the idea of stumbling through the camp and then arguing with your pages doesn't appeal to me."

"Very well," Alexander agreed quickly, "you stay here and try not to fall asleep again. I will see you both tomorrow," he promised and almost run away from the room, Seleucos following him without argument.

"It's obvious that the prince doesn't like my company much; admit it, Perdiccas, you forced him to safeguard my presence here. Did he indeed have such a guilty conscience about what happened in Mieza that he allowed himself to be bullied by you?" asked Hephaistion.

"And why would I care what happens to you?" pretending indifference, Perdiccas shrugged his shoulders. "Alexander is sometimes like that – feeling responsible for those who can't take care of themselves. Remember Harpalos?"

Hephaistion snorted, "Thanks for a flattering comparison. Is it what you and Alexander think of me? Good for nothing coward?"

"Don't be ridiculous! And let's leave Alexander alone for some time. Better tell me what you've been up to all these years."

"Well," started Hephaistion suddenly realizing that for the first time in many years, or even in his entire life, he had the chance to tell the truth about himself. "I ended up in Chalcis in Euboea and I was with their contingent during the battle. Of course I hoped Athens would win but it didn't happen this way." Before Hephaistion and Perdiccas fell asleep earlier in the evening and were awaken by returned Alexander, Perdiccas had a chance to briefly tell Hephaistion what happened during the battle and how Alexander's brilliant command practically won the day.

"Tell me how you spent your time in Chalcis," suggested Perdiccas.

"There is not much to tell. Pandaros, the man in whose care I left Mieza had a brother-in-law in Chalcis, his name is Leocleos. Last time Pandaros saw him, he was a respected craftsman and engineer in charge of taking care of the bridge."

"What bridge?"

"The bridge that connects the town of Chalcis with the mainland (1). It was built some seventy years ago. Pandaros' trade was in tools, mostly for carpentry, but luck turned away from him and he went broke. Macedon was his last chance but nobody wanted a Thessalian Greek as a competition so he had to leave. His and Theophrastos' ways somehow crossed and my former mentor paid him to get rid of me. He told the merchant that I have an excellent memory and also good with math and mechanics; by that time already Pandaros decided instead of returning to his native Thessaly to head to Euboea hoping to establish trade there with the help of Leocleos.

By the time we arrived at Chalcis, my wounds mostly healed, at least physically and Pandaros and I even developed some sort of a bond. Leocleos wasn't too happy to see his brother-in-law; not that there have been any bad blood but Leocleos was at perpetual strife with city authorities who, he claimed, paid him too little for his efforts. He had three sons, none of whom wished to continue the business. The oldest one was in politics and sided with city fathers in all the disputes that his own father had with the city. The second one was a successful merchant who left the island quite a few years ago and the youngest one, you won't believe me but his name is actually Pirithous, was at the time a young man just a few years my senior who dreamt of running away and having all sorts of crazy adventure somewhere far away from his native island."

"So, like Theseus and Pirithous all over again?" Perdiccas laughed. "Did he convince you to sneak into the Underworld and kidnap Persephone(2)?"

"I wouldn't put it past him but our adventures weren't so far reaching. He actually reminded me a lot of you but I didn't have too much time for leisure. It was agreed that Leocleos would take me as his apprentice but though he initially didn't like the idea much, he soon realized that I was of far greater help than he hoped for. I learnt a lot from him and I think he learnt to appreciate my efforts. But my new mentor was out of luck; his oldest son accused him of stealing the money given to him for the maintenance of the bridge and Leocleos, upon not surprisingly being found guilty, was stripped of his commission and thus livelihood. It was given to another person who was a protégé of one of the most powerful citizens of Chalcis. Because Leocleos' oldest son tried to gain favor of the same person, he thought nothing of besmirching the name of his own father. It happened about a year ago. A few days after Leocleos was thrown out of his workshop, his body was found swinging on the rope attached to one of the girders of the bridge of which he took care of for so many years."

"What is a girder?"

"It's a horizontal beam of a bridge."

"I see you became quite a specialist of bridge construction. This knowledge can be quite useful, you know. I've heard there are a lot of rivers in the kingdom of the Persian King."

"And I am sure they all have bridges over them however I doubt that King Philip has a lack of engineers; he doesn't seem like a person who leaves anything to chance. At least not according to his reputation. So your not so subtle hint at….."

"I wasn't hinting at anything!" Perdiccas pretended to be offended. "But go on, what happened to you after Leocleos hung himself?"

"Or was hang….." philosophically noted Hephaistion. "Well, Pirithous, who by the way wasn't on speaking terms with his older brother, enlisted as a mercenary with Memnon's recruiter and…."

"That traitor!" exclaimed Perdiccas. "Please don't tell me you considered joining Memnon's forces to serve the Persian King."

"No, I did not," assured Hephaistion who had more than one reason to hate the Rhodian, "but it gave me a chance to train with soldiers and become part of the contingent sent to Chaeronea from Chalcis. Only, as you know, it didn't end well."

"This is where you're mistaken," Perdiccas smiled. "You've got your battle wounds and experience and now….."

"What experience?" Hephaistion bitterly interrupted, "getting knocked over in the very beginning of the battle and spending the most important part of the engagement lying buried under the dead bodies of my comrades?"

"Well, don't be discouraged, not everything goes smooth first time. After you feel well enough you'll have a chance to train with the best of the best and join Macedonian Army just in time when we're ready to cross into Asia."

"No, Perdiccas, I am not going to join Macedonian army," declared Hephaistion.

"Why not?"

"Because. I don't want to talk about it."

"Hmm…. I don't know what your intentions are but I think Alexander is going to be very insistent. And wait till Krateros finds out you're here. Remember Krateros?'

"Amphoteros' brother? Yes, I remember him. I doubt he remembers me."

"You can be sure of it," Perdiccas declared. "You made such an impression on him that immediately after returning to Philip's side, he told the king all about you."

"Why would he do that?" Hephaistion paled. Last thing he needed was the king discovering this true identity.

"As I said, you made an impression on him. I think with your clever questions about the inner workings of the army, beside the glory of victories. King Philip holds Krateros in high respect, he proved himself quite well, especially in his independent commands. And now, after Amphoteros managed to convince King Philip to let him sail with Macedonian fleet instead of joining the army, Krateros would want nothing else but adopt you."

"I am not a young boy any longer to be adopted."

"I know but….I believe your destiny lies with Macedon, so you'd better get used to the idea. Oh, where are those darn pages! It seems I am not getting any sleep today and tomorrow, I am afraid, is going to be a crazy day. It feels good, though, to be a victor…..," Perdiccas smiled. "I wish you could see Alexander's charge during the battle. He was like young Ares, invincible!"

"Not Achilles?" Hephaistion remembered prince's fondness of the Homeric hero.

"Yes, and Achilles too. Only he is still in search of his Patrocles. Interested?"

Hephaistion's brows went up, "I don't follow…"

"I think the prince likes you," evenly stated Perdiccas.

"Is this why you saved me?"

"What? Or, don't be silly, I was joking," Perdiccas pretended rather well to brush the idea aside suddenly not so sure what Alexander would do if he finds out that Perdiccas made such a proposition on his behalf.

The uncomfortable silence suddenly hung between them. Perdiccas licked his lips and tried to explain, "You can find it hard to believe but Alexander took what happened to you close to his heart and still blames himself for everything. This is Alexander that most people don't know about. I am telling you this because I believe you're not a type of person that going to use such knowledge to your advantage."

"This was all many years ago, Perdiccas; I maybe even believe you the things you say about Alexander though I must admit his behaviour is strange. I don't hold a grudge against him and see no reason for a special treatment. Honestly, it surprises me that he remembers that well let alone blames himself."

"Blames himself, yes," echoed Perdiccas, "for not being able to help and even to find you later. Like with Hephaistion, all over again."

Hephaistion jolted at the mentioning of his real name. It was eternity since he heard it pronounced by somebody else. "Who?" he heard himself asking with heavy and unfamiliar voice.

"Hephaistion," Perdiccas repeated. "Old story, not forgotten though. You never met him, it was years before Mieza."

"N-no, I never heard the name. Who is he?" managed Hephaistion.

"A friend that Alexander once knew. I never met him myself but tried to help Alexander searching for him. This is how we became close in a first place."

"Years before Mieza," Hephaistion's mind went blank, he remembered little about his life in Macedon before his father's betrayal but he was pretty sure he never meet the prince, let alone was his friend.

"Yes, Alexander was six at the time or something; really sad story."

"So I was around seven," Hephaistion silently calculated, "right before we left and I lived at Parmenion's estate. Maybe prince came for a visit? No, I would remember, it doesn't make sense. Another Hephaistion, maybe?" Trying his best to sound just slightly interested, he asked, "So, what happened to this boy?"

Perdiccas shifted uncomfortably on his stool, was he betraying too much about Alexander to Theseus? He felt pretty sure Alexander had feelings for him, he had this suspicions for years but he never thought that Theseus might suddenly reappear in their life. Judging by Alexander's reaction to what happened, by his concern for Theseus' survival and by his hurried retreat, the prince's mind, heart and quite possibly a certain other part of his body were in turmoil. If only Alexander was like everybody else, like his own father, be that Philip or Zeus himself, as Olympias claimed.

"I have no need to hear about Alexander's secrets," as lightheartedly as he could manage announced Hephaistion. It was a very fat lie. Unknowingly, Perdiccas teased him with a knowledge of the past he didn't realize existed and then retreated into quite understandable shell of mystery.

Perdiccas weighted his options. Would he be betraying Alexander by telling Theseus about Hephaistion? He knew the reason why he wanted to do it – to make Theseus to like Alexander. Why? That was also easy – because Alexander liked Theseus. Would such a development jeopardize his own relationship with Alexander? No, he, Perdiccas, was a friend of the prince. Alexander wanted from Theseus something else. Can Theseus give it to the prince? Probably not but it was worth a try if only for the purpose of healing the prince from his not so princely ideals that were a great fit in the world of Homer but definitely not in the Macedonian court. Perdiccas made up his mind, he would take a risk and try to make Theseus like Alexander. How Hephaistion's story will do it? Perdiccas tried to grasp the slipping logic of his own argument but somehow the process eluded him. "It will all come to me later," he assured himself and smiled weakly at his friend, "It's not a secret, didn't I tell you about him in Mieza?"

"The name doesn't ring a bell," Hephaistion hoped that Perdiccas was too tired to pick up on the tremor in his voice.

"Maybe I forgot," Perdiccas shrugged his shoulders playing the same game. "Anyway, Alexander's pages seemed to lose their way here, this story is as good as any other to pass the time."

"All right, you convinced me," Hephaistion tried to look sufficiently bored to swallow any story Perdiccas would be able to feed him. "So, who is this Hephaistaton?"

"Hephaistion," corrected Perdiccas. "He was a son of general Amyntor."

"And who is that?" Hephaistion managed. The mentioning of his father's name made a tiny hope of the story being about another Hephaistion evaporate.

"He was the closest of King Philip's friends, his general and advisor. Until he decided to betray him."

"Why is that?"

"Nobody knows for sure though the rumors were that while Philip showered with gifts and positions all those he wanted to attract to his side, his old friend General Amyntor labored for the benefit of Philip and Macedon without getting anything in return. Maybe he even didn't mind, he was from a rather rich family but the gifts from a king also show the level of respect and appreciation that that particular person holds. Amyntor didn't receive any. So, in the best tradition of Macedonian elite, he decided to demand one. His own wife died a few years ago, so he asked Philip's permission to marry Cynane, the widow of Perdiccas, Philip's older brother and late King Macedonian. Our King didn't like the idea and said no. It all happened during the siege of Olynthus. It wasn't a very polite "no" and to add insult to injury Philip accused Amyntor of failing to negotiate Olynthus' surrender and now it needed to be taken by force.

I guess it was the last drop in Amyntor's rather deep amphorae of patience. He stormed out of the camp, returned to Pella, took his son Hephaistion and whatever funds he could and sailed south across the sea where he managed to place himself in the service of Persian satrap Mazaeus who at the time was besieging Sidon. Philip first didn't realize what a heavy blow he dealt to Amyntor's pride and how seriously his long-time friend regarded the matter. When Amyntor's whereabouts became known, Philip was beyond fury and blamed everybody but himself for what happened. He started to suspect others of the same foul intentions and saw plots everywhere. Amyntor, however, didn't have time to enjoy the fruits of his betrayal. Less than a year after he left Macedon, Philip got news that Amyntor was executed on Artaxerxes' orders. Nobody knew for sure what happened to his son. There were all sorts of rumors but a few people cared what happened to the boy, or, to be exact, I think Alexander was the only one."

"So, they were friends?" Hephaistion asked trying to sound as much indifferent as he could manage. Inside, he was far from indifferent. In a few short moments it took Perdiccas to relay the story, he learnt more about what happened to his father then he did in all previous years.

"Alexander and Hephaistion?" asked Perdiccas as if there was any doubt. "It surprises you that Alexander feels responsible for what happened to you but hear this. According to Alexander, he and Hephaistion met only once; they talked for less than an hour and realized they could become good friends. They had to separate but gave each other promise to meet again soon. It never happened, though, because right after this encounter, Amyntor returned to Pella from his disastrous meeting with Philip and he took Hephaistion away."

Hephaistion frowned, he couldn't remember meeting the prince; though it hardly was surprising because, according to Perdiccas, it was a very short meeting. He remembered vaguely how he was taken from the bed by his father who stormed into Parmenion's estate in the middle of the night.

"Alexander must have a very good memory," admitted Hephaistion, "I don't remember what happened to me when I was six years old, or even later."

Perdiccas chuckled, "Yes, the prince has a very good memory but I think it was also reinforced by the fact that he met Hephaistion in the stables. Anything that has any relation to horses makes an immediate and indelible impression on his memory."

"In the stables?" uncertainly asked Hephaistion and then realization hit him, "It can't be!" he exclaimed.

"Can't be what?" asked Perdiccas surprised by the strength of his friend reaction.

Hephaistion stared at Perdiccas in disbelieve with only vague awareness that he has to keep his mouth shut on the matter. That poor boy, his last cognitive memory of his homeland, was the prince? He didn't remember much of the encounter, only that the boy's name was Alexander, that they talked about having some adventures together and that he, Hephaistion, invited the boy to live on his father's estate because it seemed that his own family didn't have enough means to take care of the poor child. He left him some apples which the proud boy first refused to take. That's was it. He treasured the memory because it became his link with his fatherland to which he could never officially return.

"Strange story," mumbled Hephaistion without realizing that his answer didn't make much sense, "and your prince is strange too. What did he care about the boy whom he met for a brief moment in his life?"

"Alexander is not strange, he's just…. sensitive. He was a lonely child and permanent bone of contention for his parents. Still is, by the way. I guess he just wanted somebody to play with, and this Hephaistion… well, I don't know. I think it was more in Alexander's imagination, he imagined what his life would be if he had this Hephaistion for his friend and, let me tell you, Alexander has a most wild imagination. But none of it happened in reality and Alexander felt cheated. I think it's the real reason why the prince became obsessed with Hephaistion. You know what I mean?"

"Yes, I guess," as if reluctantly agreed Hephaistion while trying to come to terms with this unexpected discovery. Funny, how in Mieza he was concerned that Parmenion's son Nicanor might have recognize him whereas right under his nose there was Alexander, the boy who dreamt of finding him and equally not recognizing the youth Hephaistion became.

Gods were really cruel towards Alexander, making him get attached, unknowingly, twice to the same person under the different names and under the different circumstances. Hephaistion didn't have a problem with Alexander wanting to be his friend when they both were but small children; he vaguely remembered that he equally found Alexander be a good company and wanted to become friends. Mieza was different and obviously current situation was even more complicated. Was Perdiccas right when he hinted, all too bluntly, that Alexander was interested in him sexually? But how could it be? It's just been a few hours since he was found and Alexander saw him for a few short moments; besides, Perdiccas hardly could have known what Alexander's reaction would be when he found him on the battlefield. Maybe Perdiccas was just imagining things. He'd better be because he, Hephaistion, had no interest in becoming intimate with the Prince, his sexual preferences were firmly in field of women and besides, he couldn't stay in Macedonian camp for a long time. Eventually, somebody might recognize him and then, well, he would prefer to be left for dead in the aftermath of Chaeronea than being recognized as the son of the infamous traitor, subjected to humiliating treatment, possible torture and then inevitable execution.

Hephaistion squinted his eyes in Perdiccas' direction and realized that his friend fell asleep. It wasn't surprising given all that he had to endure during a very long day and well into the night. It was an opportunity Hephaistion couldn't miss, he had to take the chance and try to slip away from the camp. Biting his lips to supress a moan of pain, he managed to haul himself into the sitting position and then to stand. The room weirdly went askew and away but Hephaistion quickly shut his eyes and the sense of directionality lost its confusing impact. He still felt dizzy and somewhat nauseous, his chest hurt as if Giants used it for their dancing grounds and his heart raced wildly at the almost unsurmountable challenge of trying to stay calm and supress the pain. Few moments passed and then a few more. Hephaistion slowly counted to sixty and then cautiously opened his eyes. The room straightened itself and seemed to stay in place after Hephaistion took a few small tentative steps. Perdiccas remained asleep, slumped over the chair and completely oblivious of his surroundings.

The main challenge was to leave the medical quarter' grounds unnoticed, after that nobody was going to challenge a wobbly man passing through the camp, one of many revellers trying to find a place to sleep it all off. Hephaistion sent a silent prayer to Hermes, the gods of travellers and men with hidden agendas and then also to Zeus, it won't hurt to placate the King of Gods. He managed to walk unnoticed pass Perdiccas and even resisted temptation to lift a cloak that was thrown across Perdiccas' knees; though it might come useful he didn't want to jeopardize his escape just for the sake of securing warmth for the night. A few more steps and he would have left the area where he was confined. And there his luck ended – two young men appeared as if from nowhere followed by the physician whom he vaguely recognized from before.

"Where do you think you're going, young man?" asked the said physician.

"I need to pee," Hephaistion managed to come up with logical answer.

"Were you left alone?"

"No, Perdiccas is inside but he felt asleep and I couldn't find it in my heart to wake him up, he is exhausted. I can manage," affirmed Hephaistion. He realized he can't escape now but he can try later and he didn't want anybody to suspect his intentions.

"These young men are Alexander's pages whom the prince sent to help you," the physician indicated at the two youngsters who regarded him with unhidden interest. "Their names are….." Admetos the physician turned to pages to continue.

One of them, a dishevelled boy of some thirteen years of age, broadly smiled and announced, "I am Nestor, son of Alexander of Mieza, one of King Philip's generals and brother of Peucestas, who serves under Prince Alexander. And this chump," he nodded at his companion, "is Agesilaos, son of Eurimedes, who saved King Philip's life during the last Thracian campaign. Don't be fooled by his shy looks, he is a biggest scoundrel I've seen in all my life."

"And how long that might be?" Hephaistion asked with a good humor.

"Thirteen years and four months," proudly announced Nestor.

"That's a long life," Hephaistion appreciatively commented in all the seriousness he could summon at such a childish statement and earned a nod of approval from the page. "Now, can you show me where I can relieve myself?"

"Of course, follow me," Nestor said and turned around without realizing that such a simple act presented quite a challenge for the wounded man.

Hephaistion made an effort but felt his legs were betraying him and, stumbling forward, fell into nothingness.

X

Next time Hephaistion opened his eyes, the first thing that popped in his mind was a light breeze that pleasantly blew through the room. He turned his head in the direction of the air current and noticed a light curtain of some loosely waved material gently flapping over the entrance. He stared at it for some moments, collecting his thoughts and remembering. Wondering if the pages were still around or he was left alone, he slowly moved his head in different direction. His clear glance fell upon Perdiccas who was sleeping on the floor nearby and then somebody's legs, crossed at ankles, betrayed a presence of the person who was sitting on something too far behind Hephaistion to see. But somehow Hephaistion knew exactly who it was.

"Prince Alexander?" he quietly asked.

Immediately there was a sound of something dragged across the uneven floor and Alexander appeared in Hephaistion's view.

"Welcome back," Alexander smiled and pushing that wobbly chair firmly into the ground sat on it facing Hephaistion.

"I think I fainted in a very unmanly manner, how long I was out?"

"Why unmanly? You have a head wound, and it's only natural to react like that."

"Speaking from your own experience?" Hephaistion asked staring at the prince and trying to gorge his reaction.

"Yes," Alexander chuckled humorously, "and that too. You hit me pretty hard. No hard feelings, though."

"And why is that?"

"You had your reasons," Alexander frowned. "Perdiccas told me afterwards what happened. Between you and Aristotle, I mean. I am afraid I was the cause of his… actions. You didn't deserve the punishment you've got. I am sorry about that. Not that my….. admission can change the past but…. I want you to know, I…. I feel guilty for what happened to you. The rape and everything afterwards. It was never my intention but….."

"Let's leave past in the past," Hephaistion interrupted. He didn't want to relive the painful memories.

"Yes, you are right," admitted Alexander. "How do you feel?"

"I am not sure yet," Hephaistion moved his elbows backward trying to sit. Alexander moved forward to help him but Hephaistion shook his head. "No, I want to try it on my own."

"All right," Alexander withdrew but his eyes were fixed on Hephaistion in case the wounded man needed help.

Hephaistion managed to haul himself into the sitting position and placing the palms of his hands firmly onto the bed for support, started to rotate his torso right and left.

"Though Philip said you were doing surprisingly well, I don't think you should over exert yourself."

"Philip?"

"Yes. It's the name of the physician who took care of you when Perdiccas brought you from the battlefield. He is my father's personal physician, one of the best. I trust his judgement but he cautioned me about being overoptimistic. The good thing is, your wounds look clean, that's very important but infection sometimes takes days to develop. How is your chest?"

"I don't know. Why? I don't remember being wounded there." Hephaistion looked at his dressed middle but there was no blood on the bindings.

"Philip said you have broken ribs. Probably from the fall and the heavy weight of those who lay on top of you for some hours."

Hephaistion tentatively took a deep breath and immediately winced at the sharp pain.

"See, you have to take it slowly. Are you hungry?"

"Not much. Why are you here?"

"What do you mean?"

Hephaistion could discern a faked surprise in a prince's seemingly calm tone but he decided against following this line of questioning, so he simply responded, "Well, I am sure you have a lot of things to attend to."

"Well," Alexander mumbled, "I honestly wanted to find a quiet place to think and not to be disturbed. I thought here was a perfect place and I also could watch over you."

Hephaistion wanted to say that there were probably other places to be left alone but somehow he didn't have it in his heart to tease the Prince. Besides, Perdiccas might have been mistaken. "What did you want to think about?" he asked instead.

"Father wants me to go to Athens. To conclude the negotiations and assure the citizens that they have nothing to be afraid of…. If they accept certain conditions, of course."

"And what is going to happen to Thebes and other allies?"

"Well, Thebes are not going to be let off the hook as easyly. They have to accept back our garrison and invite back those exiles who were always… in agreement with our policies. Boring stuff, I don't want to bother you with it."

"Do you find politics boring?" with interest asked Hephaistion.

"Not necessarily," Alexander responded after a moment of contemplation, "but I am not sure how much you're interested in such conversations. Besides, I don't know where your allegiance lies and don't want to offend you. Have you been to Athens?"

Hephaistion was tempted to challenge Alexander on his assumption of what was interesting or not for his prisoner or, how Perdiccas put it, guest, but decided not put Alexander in overly uncomfortable position. After all, the Prince behavior didn't warrant any hostile response.

"No, I spent most of these years in Euboea, never really had a chance to see any other places but I would love to see the city one day. Alexander, what is going to happen to me?"

The prince visibly flinched, it was obvious he didn't expect the question. "What do you mean?" he asked hoping he sounded genuine.

"Let's not beat about the bush. Am I a prisoner here?"

"What? No, of course not! Didn't Perdiccas tell you? You are a guest."

"An uninvited one, and who had sided with the enemy." Hephaistion looked intently at Alexander not leaving him much room for escape.

Alexander nervously licked his lips and trying to avoid Hephaistion's look, stared desperately at the ceiling. "You didn't have much of a choice," he said and then expended on his response, "I hoped you'd stay."

"Stay? Where?"

"Here, in Macedon. You are not an enemy and you were treated unfairly in the past."

"I am sure I am not the only one. Listen, I am grateful to Perdiccas for saving my life and to you for wishing to right the wrong, but I don't belong with you. So, I hoped, I can return back to Euboea."

Alexander nervously rubbed the knuckles of his right hand with his left one and then quietly said, "You can't travel yet in your condition. Your wounds need to heal properly first."

That was true but it was just a temporally situation. Maybe he should agree with Alexander, just to lull his suspicions and after Prince would leave for Athens, and Perdiccas most probably would go with him, he would have a chance to sneak out. Unless, of course, Alexander will force some guards on him. Hephaistion looked at Alexander, not avoiding the Prince's glance, studying the young man before him. He tried force his memory to remember the boy back at Pella but their encounter was a blur. He couldn't remember Alexander's features at all and it was not surprising, even his own father was just vague memory of somebody who took care of him. Mazaeus, Agenor and Daron were just the names of people he knew. Even Tyrtamos and Aristotle, though he last saw them just five years ago, were names without any specific faces, but that might be due to the fact that he wanted to supress the memories associated with them. It was a complete fluke that Perdiccas actually recognized him and even so, his friend admitted that it was purely because of the medallion he still was wearing.

Instinctively, his hand went to his neck and he traced the leather strip down to the carved image. His and Alexander's glances met and the prince almost murmured, "Perdiccas told me the story. A very sad one. I thought you would seek to return to you native land."

Hephaistion shrugged his shoulders, "I have nobody left there." It was a convenient lie.

"I am sorry," Alexander quietly said and, moving forward, took Hephaistion's hand in his.

"Please don't do that," Hephaistion immediately pulled his hand from the Prince's grasp.

"I just wanted to…. make you comfortable, feel at home."

"But I am not," harsher than he intended said Hephaistion. He regretted the outburst but on the other hand he didn't want Alexander to get any wrong ideas about himself.

"So, you actually capable of talking peacefully without killing each other…." a new voice joined the conversation and both Alexander and Hephaistion were grateful for it.

"Yes, we are," Alexander pleasantly confirmed and turned towards Perdiccas, "Did you sleep well?"

"I guess," his friend yawned and stood up from his improvised bed, "thanks for letting me sleep here, I would hate stagger through the camp in search of my tent at night."

"You can take your thanks to my pages," smirked the Prince, "though I suspect they simply were too lazy to escort you out."

Perdiccas laughed good-naturedly, "Figures. You always have pages who profess to serve you without reservation and then find clever ways to abscond from their duties."

"Like you did with my father?" teased Alexander.

"What? Please, don't tell me that this was the topic of your discussion with Theseus."

"No, no; I tried to convince him to stay with us in Macedon but he seemed reluctant." Alexander said and Hephaistion marvelled how Prince's attitude changed in Perdiccas' presence. He became confident and assured, a real Prince talking to his subject who, though his childhood friend, but still a subject. The insecurity and nervousness that Hephaistion previously sensed in Alexander were gone, or maybe he just imagined it?

"Of course he seemed reluctant knowing what torture expects him in the upcoming weeks." Perdiccas mysteriously curled his lips pulling further the veil of mystery on his statement.

"What torture?" Hephaistion asked. He knew Perdiccas was using the word figuratively, or at least he hoped so.

"Spending time with my brother."

"Alcetas?! Oh my, I don't think Theseus did anything so bad as to deserve such a punishment," laughed Alexander.

"What are you talking about?" Hephaistion asked.

"Remember, back in Mieza, I told you I have a younger brother, Alcetas?"

"Yes, so?"

"Well, just recently, he graduated from being a page to being an adjutant to general Attalos. And let me tell you, my brother, whom I love dearly, is a self-serving, arrogant, strong headed, promiscuous and completely irresponsible son of a bitch. He and Attalos were made for each other, or at least the general thought so. When he was a page, Attalos found his antics amusing and endearing so it wasn't a surprise when he asked the King to leave Alcetas with him as his adjutant when his time as a page was over. I tried to warn Attalos that the word "discipline" is not in my brother's vocabulary but the general thought he knew better. Attalos took Alcetas to Thebes when Philip sent the general to negotiate the safe passage. You probably know that the embassy didn't managed to achieve its goal but Attalos took fancy to a young son of one of the Theban negotiators. Labdakos, such was the name of the boy, didn't savor the prospect of offering his ass to the man whose reputation for debauchery and cruelty was well known even outside of Pella, but didn't think too much about the reasons why my brother wanted to befriend him.

Mind you, that Labdakos was at odds with his own father of whom he thought as being too old, too conservative and too blind to the new realities, such as that Macedon was a new force to be reckon with and that it was a clever move to join the obvious winner. In any case, my brother managed to convince Labdakos to come to ours side with promises of gold, brilliant career and plenty of willing girls."

"How old is this Labdakos?" Hephaistion asked in disbelieve.

"Was. Fourteen or so. Attalos got pissed off that the boy disregarded his advance and wanted to teach him a lesson together with the rest of Thebans who refused to agree to Macedonian propositions and instead sided with Athenians, their own sworn enemies. Labdakos' father had an estate near Mt. Helicon and Alcetas managed to convince him to come there for the summer. Labdakos agreed and even brought a few of his friends. We were at the time stationed at Elatea but Alcetas, who was allowed too much freedom by Attalos, managed to sneak several times from the city and go to Labdakos' father estate to party, spy and convince his new found friend to join our side. Nobody knew about my brother's escapades and even Attalos didn't pay too much attention to Alcetas' hints that he was preparing a pleasant surprise for his master.

Not surprisingly, Labdakos' father became suspicious about his son's prolonged absence and he sent one of his trusted man to investigate. Easy to guess, the results didn't please the old man, I suspect he was infuriated. Anyway, he dispatched a unit, some ten soldiers' strong, to put an end to his son's debauchery and also to capture the Macedonian spy, for whom he took my brother. Not that he was too far from the truth. But you know the saying, if you want to make the gods laugh, tell them your plans. Coincidently, my brother decided that it was time to bring Labdakos, willingly or not, to our camp. It was four days ago and we all were preparing to leave Elatea and to march into Boeotia proper. Alcetas had a wide range of duties assigned to him by Attalos but he thought nothing of them and decided instead that kidnapping Labdakos was more important. He assembled a few of his friends and some of Attalos' pages who followed him everywhere unquestioningly and sneaked out of our camp at night.

Alcetas had the luck of getting to the estate first where he found Labdakos and even a few of his friends ready to betray their own city and come to Macedonian side. Few of Labdakos friends disagreed so they all were arguing. This is when the soldiers sent by Labdakos' father arrived. They would have overcome their opponents quickly but Labdakos, even under such circumstances, took Alcetas' side. My brother had enough presence of mind to send one of the pages to bring reinforcement and in meantime stalled the confrontation trying to convince the Theban soldiers to join our side as well. The soldiers had no intention of doing so but they equally were not ready to let Labdakos go or get him killed. Eventually, the talks were over and soldiers started the offensive. They were physically stronger but didn't know the estate as well as Labdakos did who, despite all his childish stupidity, realized that their resistance won't last long. Alcetas managed to convince him to hide till the reinforcement arrives. May be at some point Labdakos started to regret his decision but it was too late, my brother and his friends kept him captive.

Long story short, Macedonian reinforcement arrived at the nick of time to save my brother and other Macedonians from being butchered by Theban soldiers. They killed most of the Thebans but Alcetas thinks some of them managed to escape. Labdakos got himself killed, few of his friends too, some were wounded. Two of the pages died, others – wounded, three of Alcetas' friends who came with him to the estate managed to stay unscathed, just a few scratches here and there. Alcetas bore the brunt of the struggle but managed to stay alive, barely. Attalos was furious and so was Philip. But Alcetas, well, he has a honeyed tongue and I suspect well oiled ass. He actually managed to convince Attalos that everything he did was out of love and devotion and, believe it or not, Attalos bought it. Or at least pretended well enough he bought it; so much so that he also managed to convince Philip not to dole any severe punishment for such an obvious breach of discipline. The only penalty for him is not being able to take part in the battle that turned out to be a resounding victory and being sent, when he is well enough, back to our mother who is going to nurture his wounds, to his utter embarrassment. He is not allowed to get back to Pella, or wherever Attalos is sent on mission by our King, for a whole year, though officially he still counts as one of Attalos' adjutants. Attalos ordered Alcetas not to show his smug face in his presence until he is recalled, or else. My brother is fuming but all things considering, I think he got off with a very light punishment."

"And now you want his punishment to become mine?" asked Hephaistion. From what he just heard, this Alcetas was a very dubious character.

"I was hoping you can influence him to change his wicked ways," admitted Perdiccas. "Besides, nobody is going to bother you in Orestis and my mother will love you as her own. When you're well enough, you can go hunting, practice your swordsmanship, did I tell you that my brother possess superb skills? It is said that Scythians are born with a bow in their hands, my brother was born with a blade."

Hephaistion shook his head, he didn't like the idea.

"Why? What's wrong?" asked Perdiccas as if his suggestion was the greatest idea in the world.

Hephaistion was about to put forward a few good reasons as to why he thought Perdiccas' idea was as crazy as those of his brother but at that moment Seleucos' head appeared between the curtains.

"Prince Alexander!" he exclaimed, "I knew I would find you here. "Your father is looking for you everywhere. Will you come?"

Alexander stood from the chair and looked at Hephaistion, "Please, promise me you'll consider Perdiccas' offer."

Hephaistion was about to say "no", but at that moment Seleucos suggested, "Should I simply tell the King where you are?"

Hephaistion, who watched the Prince intently, saw that Alexander first thought to disagree with Seleucos' proposal but suddenly changed his mind and looking back at Hephaistion, asked, "Would you like to meet my father?"

"No," hastily answered Hephaistion.

"So, you'd choose Alcetas' company?"

Hephaistion's jaw dropped, he didn't expect such turn of events, "Are you blackmailing me?" he asked the prince is disbelieve.

"No," denied Alexander and turned away, abashed. "But I ask you not to make any harsh decisions. Alcetas is not as hopeless as his older brother presents him."

"Very well," Hephaistion agreed reluctantly, "I promise to think about it."

"Promise?" hopefully asked Alexander.

"Yes," sighed Hephaistion and lay back on the pillows closing his eyes, it seemed he couldn't escape being trapped in Macedon.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Note 1 – according to available historical information the first bridge, a wooden one, over the Euripus Strait that separates the island of Euboea and the mainland was constructed in 411 BC. At the time of Emperor Justinian (c. 482 – 565 CE) this bridge was replaced with a movable structure. There were several other bridges in the same place till the modern reincarnation.

Note 2 – in Greek Mythology Pirithous was a king of Lapiths (tribe in Thessaly) and a close friend of Theseus. He is known for his extremely reckless behaviour, even by the Greek Mythology standards. At some point during their friendship, Pirithous convinced Theseus to go with him to the Underworld to kidnap Persephone, the wife of Hades. Predictably, it didn't go well but it's a story for another time.