Alexander wants to keep his Hephaestion out of harm's way - but the brave young General insists on emmbarking upon the perilous climbing mission.
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Title: FIC: Hazards Of Friendship ( 2 / WIP)
Author: NorthernLight
Category: Love/Friendship/Adventure story. AR.
Pairing: Alexander&Hephaestion
Date: December 2005. Feedback: On or off list.
Archive: Yes, if you like, but please tell me. Archivated in the ATG Slash&Fanfic Yahoo Groups.
Disclaimer: I don't own them. For entertainment only...hopefully. Not for gain - my work is for my deep interest in Alexander and Hephaestion, their time and adventures.
Rating: R
Beta: Denise. Many thanks for interesting discussions and suggestions.
Summary: In the beginning of his reign Alexander finds himself at odds with many people in all the four cardinal points. It calls for all his cunning and imagination to subdue them before starting his campaign against the Persian Empire. At the same time Hephaestion realizes that it's no rose garden being the King's Right Hand and closest companion.
History note: The threats to Macedon from all four cardinal signs and the solution of the Thessalian problem are both authentic. Alexander had many enemies not only in Persia.
Warnings: This is AU, close to but not "real" history. Angst and intrigues. Dangerous climbing mission. Envy with troublesome consequences.
Dedication: To Juu. Written on behalf of your fic challenge about Hephaestion and his constant trouble with the envious generals.
Hazards Of Friendship,Part II
Pella 336 BC
Improper Curiosity
Eumenes had an important visitor, his guest friend from Athens, a small weasel like fellow named Curios. He greeted him warmly and entertained him at his office until it was time to enjoy the King's hospitality. After the banquet they went to the Secretary's private rooms to share some more wine and honey cakes. The eating and drinking had been splendid and they were in a good mood. Curios asked his friend:
"It seems that you are an important man around here, my Eumenes.. I am so glad for you. Secretary of State - it means you must have access to the highest power of Macedon. The Secretary answered sourly:
"Yes, one would expect it - but alas it is not so. That man is always against me! The General Hephaestion is the King's second in command. He has complete knowledge of all the Royal secrets and handles all delicate missions, logistics and secret documents. He may see King Alexander any time he wishes, day or night! I am nothing in comparison to him! He hates me and holds me back. He has even seen to it that I am completely shut out from their secret war councils. "
Curios asked eagerly:
"Which one of them is it? The handsome one with the long auburn hair, sharing the King's couch all nights?"
Eumenes nodded his head in confirmation. Curios told him knowingly:
"There will always be such men. I know his kind. A pretty appearance and a handsome body . The King will soon get tired of him and realize your superior qualities. "
"That is a poor consolation! They have been the dearest friends for many years now. Alexander will never get tired of his Hephaestion! "
Then the whispering started, getting on long into the dead of night... Eumenes spent most of his free time with Curios, drinking and talking, finding his company most encouraging. His guest friend even kept him company in his office, showing interest even in the most boring documents.
Curios stood high up on the walls of the royal castle. He looked carefully around him before he brought forward the peacefully cooing dove which had been secretly hidden under his cloak. With great care he tied a small scroll to one of her her tiny legs and fondled her soft feathers:
"Fly swift, my little one, fly swift and fast to Athens, and leave your message to Demosthenes."
Mount Ossa 336 BC
The Macedonian army marched with the greatest secrecy along the coast to Mount Ossa. Hephaestion brought all the best engineers and blacksmiths of the realm and the mission with the iron pegs was soon completed. One chilly evening he stood watching the slope with Pollux at his side, wrapping himself in a warm fur cloak against the cold winds blowing down from Mount Ossa. He was feeling most satisfied with the secure path up and over the sheer cliffs. The mountain now seemed easy to climb, looking almost friendly with its verdant forests of spruce, lark, junipers and fragrant flowers. The sun was setting behind the rough summit, painting the skies in flaming scarlet and vermilion, giving him some reassuring warmth. He was feeling confident with his handling of this mission and looked forward to leading the troops into Thessaly. Pollux wagged his tail in joy and anticipation, hearing Peritas bark to greet him. Alexander came to the side of his friend and he gave him a thorough report .
"Alexander! All is at the ready for our advance into Thessaly. You just need to tell me which troops I can bring. "
Alexander put his arm in a protective manner around his shoulders.
"No. You will stay here in safety with me, until the troops have secured our advance. Lysimachos and Leonnatos will lead them. They are born and raised in the highlands, our very best climbers! I will inform the generals in war council tomorrow . I found it best to tell you beforehand. "
Hephaestion looked at him in utter disbelief. At the same time the dogs got their backs up and growled at each other.
"Alexander! You cannot do this to me! It was my idea. I'm a sure footed climber, every bit as good as they. Do not patronize me and hold me back! I'm the right man to lead our advance over Mount Ossa!"
"Listen to me carefully, Hephaestion. You are my Second in Command, too valuable for me to risk on this dangerous advance. I know you are disappointed - but you must obey me! I hold the superior responsibility - and I have made the correct decision. "
"You hold me back! I will not let you shield and pamper me like a child! You always lead from the front. I must do the very same!"
"Yes, your time will come. You will fight at my side and guard my back as you did at Chareonea - but this mission is not for the two of us. Mountain climbing is dangerous and requires experienced men. We'll follow when the path is secured. Now come with me and share supper in my tent. It will be just the two of us. Peritas! Pollux! Stop all that growling and behave yourselves!"
The dogs immediately stopped their growling and bickering. Alexander pulled his friend closer to his side and covered him with his warm fur cloak, gently fondling him as one might do with an obstinate animal. He embraced him strongly and looked at him, his wonderful gray eyes moistened and shiny by withheld tears.
"Hephaestion. You must not be angry with me. You very well know that I need you by my side. I cannot bear the thought of you falling to your death from those craggy cliffs."
Hephaestion knew it was impossible to make the King change his mind when he was hard set upon something. With an exhausted sigh he let himself be conveyed to the royal tent. The dogs followed obediently, smelling their supper inside. The night lamp had been lit and was spreading its warm yellow light over a table set with a frugal meal. Two bowls with tasty stew and meaty bones for the dogs were waiting at the floor. The friends sat down and started eating, having well watered wine to go with the simple army ration. For Hephaestion this was far better than the most luxurious banquet - being in the blessed company of his Beautiful Golden One.
They were still enjoying their evening meal when Leonnatos came inside. His brother Lysimachos was leaning heavily upon him, unsteady and very pale. They both seemed to be in great distress.
"Alexander. Something has happened. We must make a change of plans..."
"What do you mean? All is ready. You start climbing the day after tomorrow. Lysimachos, I certainly hope you will be sober enough by then!"
"I am stone sober, my King. It's worse than that. I have fallen and sprained my right foot so badly I can barely stand. It'll take weeks before it has mended enough for some real action. "
Leonnatos continued :
"Since he cannot climb with me I need someone else to help me lead the troops. This is an important mission and it takes a joint command to be successful."
Hephaestion quickly saw the possibility:
"You need not worry, Leonnatos. I will go with you. I have been climbing all my life - and I have overseen the engineering so thoroughly I know every one of those iron peg by heart! With me and you in joint command this mission simply cannot fail!"
Leonnatos looked at him with renewed hope:
"My General Hephaestion, it couldn't be better! I can trust you as I do my own brother!"
Alexander went white and gnashed his teeth in withheld rage. He knew there was nothing he could do to release his dear friend from this brave offer. Leonnatos would be devastated and the mission at hazard. His Hephaestion - always the clever diplomat. He gave his consent with fearful resignation.
"Yes. So it will be. Take great care, both of you. Now Lysimachos, please lie down here at my bed. I have some healing abilities..."
Lysimachos lowered himself to the simple army cot with a troubled groan. His brother helped him uncover the badly bruised and swollen foot. The sandal straps had made deep cuts in the swelling and the patient heaved a sigh of relief when they were removed. Alexander put his hands around the ankle and carefully probed the damaged joints. Lysimachos felt a sharp pain at the strong grip, and then a wonderful warmth spread itself from the King's hands to the damaged foot all up in his leg.
"It feels much better already, my King. Perhaps I will be able to climb the day after tomorrow with your wonderful treatment. "
"Some say I'm a competent healer, but not that good. This doesn't look well at all. Bring me my medicine box! I'll see what I can do. "
A servant brought the cedar wood box, adorned with Asclepios' entwined snakes in fine intarsia. Alexander choose a jar with soothing ointment and spread it over the foot, rubbing it into the bruised and swollen skin. He then made a steady splint and bandaged the foot with broad linen straps.
"There you go. The pain will perhaps be gone - but you certainly cannot do any climbing for a while! Leonnatos! Help him to his bed and see to it that he gets a good supper with lots of untempered wine. "
The brothers went off to their own tent. Alexander now released his pent up anger at his friend. walking round in circles, stamping the clay floor and gnashing his teeth. He was awesome in his fury, his golden hair on ends, his gray eyes filled with fire and his fair skin blushing in the light of the night lamp.
"Look now what you have done! I did my very best to keep you out of harm's way - and then you insist upon throwing yourself into danger! I cannot forbid you and assign someone else. Leonnatos was feeling such satisfaction with your commanding abilities!"
"Alexander. Calm yourself down. All will be well. I'll bring you Thessaly - hopefully with very little of struggle and bloodletting. Now you must sit down and take some wine to regain your senses. I will be back when I have talked the strategies over with Leonnatos. "
Hephaestion rushed out from the tent, leaving the King in such astonishment that he forgot to roar after him. Instead he reached for his jar of strong red wine and took some sips to calm himself down. It didn't help and soon he was walking round and round in circles, tearing his hair and talking to himself in frustration.
Leonnatos and Lysimachos were in their tent, brooding over the maps of Mount Ossa, sharing a jug of wine with their evening meal. Lysimachos was resting securely in bed, his injured foot propped up on a soft cushion. The night lamp formed a circle of orange light all around them and a fire pan gave some warmth in the cold night. They were feeling reassured with his company.
"Hephaestion!. Let's talk this over one last time. All must be perfect. We cannot make the King disappointed!"
They carefully repeated the plans over and over again, and then brooded some more over the maps. After one hour of thorough planning they were satisfied and feeling that their mission would be a complete success.
Hephaestion took his leave, wishing them a good night. He wasn't afraid at all to brave the sheer cliffs of Mount Ossa and the strong cavalry of Thessaly. Facing the King in his present mood was quite another matter. He made a slow and careful advance to the Royal tent, at last lifting the tent flap as if there were some dangerous animal hiding behind it. He was being closely observed by the King's guards. They were fascinated by the General's strange behavior. He used to rush inside with anticipation. Now one could almost think he was afraid of the King.
Alexander was sitting at his simple army cot, wringing his hands. He looked worried and rose immediately when he saw his friend return.
"Hephaestion. What took you so long? I've been waiting to give you a piece of my mind!"
"You cannot change anything! I'm climbing Mount Ossa the day after tomorrow. All will be fine. You don't need to worry."
"But I do! This is the first time we wouldn't face danger together. I cannot stand having to wait down the slope, perhaps to see you falling..."
He fiercely embraced his friend, grasping him around his back and shoulders so hard it made him wince from pain. Hephaestion tried to calm him down.
"It won't happen. I'm a sure climber and I won't let you down. Now let's have a good night's rest. I'm tired after all this planning and engineering. "
They settled under the warm furs. Alexander put his arm protectively around his friend, gently stroking him over his right shoulder down over his chest. Hephaestion curled up in safety upon the arm of his Beautiful Golden One, feeling himself strengthened and reassured. He soon fell asleep and didn't see Alexander lying awake all night, his eyes filled with endless troubles.
War council begun early next day. The King informed the generals of the plan and the joint command of Hephaestion and Leonnatos.
"They will start climbing before dawn tomorrow, taking a troop of our most experienced mountaineers. When the path is secured we will follow with the rest of our army. Their sentries and defence at the Penaean Passes will not detect us at all. Thessaly will be ours in no time."
The day after, all the army rose long before dawn to watch in silence how the chosen ones began their climbing. A chilly wind blew from the sea and the eastern sky was rose colored with some gold rimmed clouds. Alexander was weary eyed from another sleepless night. He embraced Hephaestion for a long time before he let him walk away with Leonnatos and their brave advance force. He stood in the dim light of dawn watching them climbing up the sheer mountain slope, wringing his hands in worry under his fur cloak, invisible for everyone. Then an eagle swooped down silently from the mountain top, circling three times over their heads before it flew towards Thessaly. Alexander didn't need his cunning seer Aristandros to know it was a Good Omen.
The King didn't see three pairs of malevolent eyes eagerly following the ascent, hoping someone they disliked might be falling down... The iron pegs worked well and not a single man fell. They did not even stumble. Hephaestion was most satisfied with his idea and the engineers who helped to make it work. At noon they were well over the summit and made a silent advance down the slope towards Thessaly. When they saw all was quiet on the steppe they sent a messenger back to the King.
Alexander stood anxiously waiting for news and he eagerly received the man who came climbing back.
"My King! All is well. They are safely over the summit. All is looking peaceful. No one is expecting us. "
Alexander embraced the man in happiness, then released him and addressed the whole army :
"Well, what are we waiting for? Follow me up there, everyone who is able to climb!"
No one could have guessed that Alexander wasn't an experienced climber. He took the path of the iron pegs faster than anyone else. Craterus followed far behind, climbing besides Cassandros, thankful for the sturdy iron pegs with their safe foothold. Both men were careful not too look down. They whispered in bitter dissatisfaction to each other:
"That Man! He is sure footed too, amongst all his other virtues!"
Alexander was careful when climbing over the summit and told them all to cover and hide themselves behind craggy stone and windblown pines and junipers. They saw no trace of the Thessalians and soon saw their advance troop hiding in a verdant copse. Alexander came running down the slope towards Hephaestion and Leonnatos and they silently greeted each other. Alexander embraced his friend.
"You were right as always. I'm so glad all went well. Tomorrow our Thessalian friends will get the surprise of their lives!"
After a cold dinner washed down with well watered down wine, the night was spent in makeshift tents. No fires could be lit that the Thessalians might see and the night was cold despite the mountain that shielded them from the hard winds from the sea. Alexander and Hephaestion sat down on a mossy log, keeping themselves warm under the King's fur cloak. A new moon and silvery stars adorned the velvet black sky as they spent a long time talking over the successful climbing and further strategies. When they retired to the makeshift tent Alexander soon fell asleep in the arms of his True Steadfast Friend. He had not been sleeping so well and tight for many a good night - not since before the day his Father was murdered.
Security in the South and East
The Thessalians were totally surprised about finding King Alexander and the Macedonian army charging over their steppe, well behind the backs of their strong forces guarding the Penaean passes. They immediately begun negotiations for peace and consented to forming an alliance with Macedon, contributing their powerful cavalry and army. Not a drop of blood was shed. Alexander then advanced through the pass off Thermophylae. There he convened the Amphictyonic council and was declared Hegemon (captain-general) of all Greece, the same as his father before him. Athens and Thebes reluctantly agreed to the terms long after the other city states. Sparta alone was absent.
The South and the East now were secured.
TBC