Hello all, I must apologize for the late delivery of this chapter. It was all ready, and then I pressed the wrong button and it was all gone and had to be re-submitted! Well, here it is at long last. Beware of the cliffhanger...
All the best wishes/NorthernLight
TEMPLATE:
Title: FIC: Hazards Of Friendship ( 3 / WIP)
Author: NorthernLight
Category: Love/Friendship / Adventure story. Alternate History.
Pairing: Alexander & Hephaestion
Date: December 2005.
Feedback: On or off list. Archive: Yes, if you like, but please tell me.
Disclaimer: I don't own them. Not for gain - my work is for my deep interest in Alexander and Hephaestion, their time and adventures.
Rating: R Beta: Denise. Many thanks for good discussions and suggestions.
Summary :After his successful campaign in Thessaly and his election to Hegemon (captain-general) over all of Greece Alexander made a campaign towards the Triballians and other hostile tribes at the Danube. Some rumor said that he was severely wounded, dead or missing in action during this campaign. Perhaps Demosthenes made it up, perhaps there was some truth in it.
History note: The story of the Triballian war ruse using the rolling barrels and the Macedonian army coming out of it with no casualties seems improbable - but it is mentioned in all sources and must have happened in some manner. It was said King Philip had Herakles as one of his ancestors.
Warnings: This is AR, very close to but not "real" history. The Scythians actually did side with the Getae in "real" history. Violence, hard fighting, angst and intrigues. Envy with troublesome consequences. Horrible accident and traumatic events for major characters. I promise all readers that even if things will seem desperate for some time all will come to a happy end.
Dedication: For Juu. Written on behalf of your fic challenge about Hephaestion and his constant troubles with the envious generals.
Hazards Of Friendship. Part III
Mount Haemus, 335 BC
A Hazardous Plan
Winter was still holding the land in an iron cold grip. The sun shone from an azure sky, showering the frosty trees and snowy slopes in a beautiful radiant light but giving little warmth to the frozen landscape. A powerful army made its bivouac close to a forest glittering from merciless ice, frost and snow. Their leader was young and strong, the most beautiful amongst men with his golden hair, strong features and splendid armor shining bright from under his warm wolf skin cloak. He stood tall and proud, basking in the low set winter sun, radiating such confidence one could think it actually gave him the most wonderful warmth. His very best friend was close at his side, his long auburn hair shining in the winter sun, even more tall and strong, in fine armor and an equally warm bear skin cloak. He was the true source of the King's confidence and inner warmth. Together they seemed impossible to conquer - but it was a deceptive illusion.
Alexander stood watching the awesome mountain pass. Up in the heights barrels loaded with heavy stones amassed, threatening to roll down and crush everything in their path. King Syrmus and the Triballians were clever foes and it seemed impossible to pass through their cunning defenses. The Macedonians now had to face the first really hard adversity during their successful campaigns in the north and west. Endless worries heaped themselves upon the King's broad shoulders. He was fortunate enough to have someone reliable to share them with. Hephaestion put an arm around his Beautiful Golden One, covering him with a warming fold of his thick bearskin cloak. He looked at him with true concern in his wonderful blue eyes:
" Alexander. We cannot stay out here in the cold any longer. Let's get inside to a warm meal and then to bed. Things will look much better tomorrow. "
"Yes. We must hope for the best. A good night's sleep is always helpful, even in the very worst of troubles. "
He gave his friend a reassuring smile and put his arm around his waist as they went back to camp. The snow and ice crunched under the soles of their warm, fur lined military boots and showers of snow flakes fell upon them as they passed under tree branches heavy with snow and frost. Alexander went to sleep that night feeling an unnatural tiredness. The meal of roast boar and mulled wine didn't give him the usual warmth and strength. Not even the company of his True Steadfast Friend could recover his dampened spirits. He fell asleep as soon as he had covered them with the warm furs, with Hephaestion lying awake at his side, worriedly keeping watch over him.
/ Alexander was looking into a strange world, similar to his own, but not the same. The snow and coldness was still there, the wood, the mountain and the towering barrels - but now a bright moon shone over it all. A big and strong man with hair as golden as his own was standing at his side. His head was covered by a lion's furry hide and he had a powerful wooden club tied to his belt. Alexander would have recognized him any where. It was Herakles! He bowed to the demigod in awed respect but soon felt a warm, strong arm around his shoulders.
"You don't have to bow to me, my dear descendant. I know all about your present troubles. Please let me give you a sound and secure solution..."
The young King soon found himself subject to a most illustrative lesson in creative warfare. /
Hephaestion lay in worried unrest at Alexander's side. Sleep avoided him when he felt the serious troubles the young King was having. He wished he could have been more helpful during their reconnoitering tour - but the predicament with the towering barrels went beyond even his clever imagination. His friend had fallen into a deep, almost deathlike slumber and he watched him closely, wondering what to make of it. Suddenly a bright smile enlightened Alexander's face and all his troubles seemed to lift from his brow and shoulders. A wonderful warm glow encompassed him and still in sleep he reached out for his friend. Hephaestion willingly came to rest into his arms , feeling all was well once again. Now sleep came to him at long last, filled with reassuring dreams of friendship and glory.
First thing in the morning Alexander called a war council and put the intricate question to the generals:
"Well, what can we do about those barrels? We cannot let them roll over us and be crushed by them - and there is no other way around Mount Haemus. "
Complete silence. Then the Secretary Eumenes proposed:
" Couldn't we send an embassy and negotiate for a peaceful solution?"
Hephaestion agreed:
"Yes, the Secretary has a point. Let us at least try it out. Anything is better than those barrels wreaking havoc upon our troops. "
Everyone looked at him with consent and respect. Ever since his successful idea at Mount Ossa, he was considered an extraordinary expert on difficult military matters. Alexander nodded at him with an enigmatic smile:
"Yes. When you two agree upon something it must certainly be the right thing to do - but - not this time. I have a feeling the Triballians aren't especially susceptible to negotiations.
Craterus strongly agreed:
"Yes, my King. Negotiations are futile with those people. King Philip couldn't defeat them permanently - and no one before him. Their constant raiding of our borders is as old as the hills! But - I must admit I have no idea at all how to lead our troops unharmed past those damn barrels. "
Alexander looked at him with consent:
"You speak the truth, my Craterus. We cannot negotiate - and we cannot turn back. We must secure our borders when we march for Persia! I'll have to think of something. Let's take a long break. "
Alexander went outside, surrounded by his guards. He used to feel comfortable with them but now he commanded:
" Leave me alone for some time. I'll call for you when I need you. "
He went with brisk strides into the forest, finding a beautiful glen with a crystal clear spring. It was a cold winter's day but the sky was azure blue and the sun shone bright upon the rimy trees. The spring had thawed out somewhat, allowing him to watch deep into the sparkling water. He fell down upon his knees, made a silent prayer and then the pictures came before him.
The King came out of the forest with a smile of reassurance. The sun shone brightly upon him, surrounding him with a wonderful golden aura. He called for all his Companions:
"Follow me, my friends. I must try out something completely new. "
"Yes, my King. Just tell us what to do. " They went to the field, followed by the King's guards carrying their heavy shields. They were soon ordered to put them on the ground and jump on them with all their might and weight. Then they had to smash them with big boulders. The men looked with astonishment at each other. What was the King thinking of? Had all the pressures of late unhinged his clever mind? Now he ordered them to closely inspect the shields. They looked them over from all sides, making big eyes. There were a few dents but no serious damages! The big shields had managed to withstand the rough treatment showing amazing toughness.
"Well, my gentlemen. My Father used to tell me Macedon has the world's strongest army. This is apparently true for our equipment too. Now I know how to solve this predicament. "
Alexander explained the closer details of his plan.
"Craterus will lead our troops uphill, then I'll follow in the second line. The pass is broad and wide. When they unleash the barrels we just regroup and let them pass. If someone is unfortunate enough to be in their way they just have to lie down locking their shields, letting the barrels pass over them. We have just seen that our big army shields will withstand almost anything! Tomorrow we'll make our attack. You must explain it to all our men and then we'll have our supper and a good night's rest!"
Craterus opposed him:
"It's a clever plan, my King, with one objection. You must not follow in the second line! You are far too valuable for us and Macedon. Let me take all the risk and dangers! "
"No, my loyal Craterus. I cannot stand waiting downhill when the Triballians meet our surprise attack. Don't you worry. We'll all be fine and well over Mount Haemus by this time tomorrow. "
They all felt dubious about the King's plan - but when they saw his hard determination no one dared to oppose him. The High Command sat down to an evening meal of succulent wild boar, roasted with herbs and roots, washed down with well watered wine. The camp fires roared around them, giving them warmth and courage. They felt they would truly need it for the coming day.
Cold Envy
They retired to their tents shortly after nightfall. Sentries guarded the camp from spies and marauders and camp fires and fire pans kept them warm.The cold winter night was approaching and the ground was frozen stiff and covered with snow and ice. Hephaestion took his usual rounds seeing to all the sentries before he pulled his fur cloak around him and made for the King's tent. A big hand grasped his shoulder, so hard and unfriendly he would carry the bruises long after.
"Pretty boy! Going for your nighttime services as usual? Well, let the King take his pleasure with you as long as he assigns the really dangerous and important missions to me!"
Craterus with his vicious remarks again! Hephaestion slapped his fingers and told him off:
"Let go off me! It's none of your business how I spend my nights. I wish you a good night and good luck with your assignment tomorrow. You will surely need it. "
His detractor was swallowed up by the darkness of the cold winter's night. A short moment later, he saw the General Craterus before his Inner Eye, crushed to a bloody pulp under a barrel filled with heavy boulders. He quickly banished the malevolent thought from his mind. Alexander trusted Craterus completely. He was a strong and reliable leader and a most capable Military Man, someone they all needed in these troubled times - but Hephaestion constantly had to suffer his bitter resentment.
He had to take a brisk walk right into the wood close to camp to calm down. The stars and a bright crescent moon gave a faint light to lead his troubled steps until he came to a glen. He stood for a long time, watching the sky lit up like a dark velvet curtain embroidered with precious silver patterns, the glittering stars his only company. He was one of Macedon's most powerful men, but he had never felt such loneliness in his whole life. The generals bitterly resented his position and the Secretary Eumenes constantly criticized his administration. His only friends were Alexander, his faithful guards and Pollux, his reliable watchdog - and the common soldiers who appreciated his careful ways of seeing to the best of all. Now he truly feared for their safety. The King's reckless plan could be the end of all their successful achievements. When returning to camp he heard some rustling in the woods. He had not been there alone. Someone was leaving camp, sneaking out as a shadow in the night.
Warm Friendship
Alexander had already gone to bed. He was lying on his side and the light of the night lamp was forming a golden aura around him. The Royal tent was warmed by a fire pan and the orange glow from the burning coals cast flickering shadows on his sheep skin furs and warm red gold embroidered woolen blanket. When Alexander saw his friend lift the tent flap and come towards him his face lit up, glowing from an inner light warmer than lamps or fires.
"At long last, my dear. I have been waiting for you. Come to me. It's freezing cold tonight."
"Yes, and it won't be better tomorrow. Alexander, I didn't want to tell you anything at the council. Why on Earth did you come up with this reckless plan? Those barrels will kill all our men. I thought you liked Craterus! How can you send him in front of us on such a dangerous advance? And - we are to follow in the second line! What if Macedon stands without all her leaders at this time tomorrow?"
"Don't be afraid. I know what I'm doing. Herakles told me all about it in a dream. Our shields will stand firm and no one will be crushed. "
He pulled the furs and blankets aside with a tempting smile.
"What are you waiting for? Come now and let me give you some courage! "
At this irresistible sight Hephaestion let all his clothes drop to the floor. He went to his Beautiful Golden One and found new strength and courage in his powerful embrace. Afterwards sleep came easily to his tired mind and body, as he was resting in the warm and powerful embrace of his Beautiful Golden One.
Impossible Attack
Early in the morning they advanced, the phalanx in closed up lines with their shields locked together. The enemy sentries at first looked with utter disbelief - but at the continued Macedonian advancement they sounded the alarm. Hephaestion shuddered inside but he couldn't show his justified fear to those around him. Instead he courageously locked his sturdy shield closer together with Alexander's, looking at Craterus' broad back in the line before them. Faster than expected the ominous mound of barrels came rushing down the slope towards them. The sound was terrifying, worse than an earthquake or avalanche.
Craterus gave the commands, and the well disciplined Macedonian lines separated, letting the barrels pass harmlessly through. Those who couldn't escape their wild rampage lay down under their shields, completely trusting in their sturdy armor. The clear mountain air was completely clouded by dust and swirling snow. All they could hear was the horrible din of the rampaging barrels and the anguished cries from soldiers being run over.
Hephaestion saw a sturdy barrel come running towards him and Alexander. He grabbed at the King, meaning to forcibly drag him out of harms way - but then he felt a strong hand grasping at the nape of his neck. He looked up and with amazement he saw Cleitus holding him and Alexander in a strong grip, forcibly dragging them away from the barrels's murderous path. He told them, bellowing over all the din and noise:
"Well. Some things never change. I often had to drag you away from danger when you were small and naughty. Big children, all the bigger trouble!"
When the clouds of dust and snow lifted all the barrels were laying crushed upon each other downhill. The Triballians watched with satisfaction, expecting their enemies to lie crushed under them. Instead they saw with fear and amazement how the shields were raised by strong and tough arms. The hoplites who had just been run over by the heavy barrels got up on their feet. They were able to continue their advancement at once, apparently unscathed. Being completely covered with gray dust they looked like an army of ghosts. In the front was a giant in scaly armor, followed by a glorious Golden Warrior and his faithful shadow, closely guarded by another big and strong man, his black mane running wild from under his helmet. What kind of men were these Macedonians? The Triballians fled in sheer panic, running head over heels from the mountain ridge.
The King's plan was a complete success. The Macedonian army could advance uphill with just a few bruises. Shortly after the Triballians were utterly defeated in a decisive battle at the Lyginus River. Now only the fierce tribe of the Getae could threaten Macedonia from the North.
The Danube 335 BC
Council of Defense
The great Warlord Gehrig sat amongst his chiefs and commanders. The air was thick with feelings of angst and chaos. Unexpected calamity had befallen him and his people. The Getae had always contemplated making raids towards the South, taking rich plunder and subduing their weaker neighbors. Now it was the other way around. The Macedonians had a new King, young and strong, with an army that seemed able to appear anywhere and everywhere. They had defeated the Triballians with the brutal power of their well equipped army, but most of all with ingenious ruses and unexpected maneuvers no one ever heard of. Gehrig and his men was at a complete loss over what to do. They didn't want to be defeated, slain and bereaved of all their property, their dear ones sold off as slaves and their lands being possessed by Macedonian settlers, the sad fate of the poor Triballians.
A voice came from the Hall opening, hard, metallic, ominous:
"I don't recognize you, Gehrig. You sit there like frightened women or children. What Evil has befallen you?"
It was Ohrlasz, the Scythian Warlord, well known for his strength and ruthlessness. A tall and strong man, muscular and well grown, magnificently dressed in gold plated armor and an intricately worked golden necklace flashing with costly blood red rubies in the fire light of the Hall. He had long red hair, plaited in thick braids and a great red beard. He contemplated all of the Getae, his green eyes filled with curiosity and contempt. Gehrig gave him a swift answer:
"The Macedonians! We planned to raid their borders - extending our own lands now when they are weakened by the murder of their King. All went along excellently - then we had some bad news. King Alexander and his army are on their way to subdue our country. They've already overrun the Triballians - and now it's our turn."
"Don't you worry. I'll help you. My riders are eager for a good fight - but our help has it's price..."
He brought his chiefs inside Gehrig's great hall. The Getae usually didn't like his visits but this time he was most welcome. All evening and long into the night they engaged in hard negotiations, resulting in clever plans for their desperate defense. Ohrlasz made a conclusion:
"You are clever and lucky in having such a "reliable" informant. I and my swift, brave cavalry will fall upon the Macedonians as an unwelcome surprise . We'll go for their High Command. King Alexander himself may be too well protected from us - but his Second in Command will be more easily accessible. Be assured, my friends and allies. By this time tomorrow the Might of Macedon will harass you no more."
He smiled ominously in the firelight before rising and walking out of Hall. The Getae shuddered, feeling little gratitude for his help and "protection".
Battle at the River Shore
Alexander rode confidently in front of his army, Hephaestion at his right side, Cleitus at his left. Their scouts had told them the Getae were hiding on the other side of the great Danube river. The Macedonians planned on crossing the river secretly upstreams, using rafts made of straw and also inflated hides, and then fall upon the enemy when they expected it the least. Spring had been extremely cold. The air was chilly and there was actually frost in the grass and upon the tree branches. Hephaestion took a deep breath of the clear, clean air. It filled him with reassurance. He had been given the highest military command, sharing it with Craterus, and he looked forward to the impending battle. His Beautiful Golden One was looking more brave and wonderful than ever, his armor bright and shining, the Medusa Head on his chest plate and his wolf skin cloak flowing behind him in the hard blowing wind.
Something flashed in the bright morning sun. Riders! A whole army of them, coming out of nowhere from the slopes of the river shore. They were Scythians, armed with bows and spears, totally overwhelming the proud Macedonian Army. King Alexander roared some brisk commands:
"Stick together! Lock your shields, phalanx! Let's get at them!"
They found themselves fighting man to man, the horses rearing, scared by the sudden attack. At first all was total confusion, then the superior discipline and equipment of the Macedonians took it's toll. Many Scythians fell, both men and horses. Alexander fought fervently, looking around him, seeing the enemies weakness in comparison to their own possibilities. His True Steadfast Friend always fought at his side, bravely guarding him against the ruthless riders. Alexander looked reassuringly at his right side - at an empty space. Hephaestion simply wasn't there!
Almost at the beginning of the raid Hephaestion found himself surrounded by the enemy. It was uncanny how they homed in on him with their speedy little rugged horses. He defended himself bravely and Castor took him prudently away from the most dangerous situations. Stefanos and Alexios were guarding him on both sides. Then a Giant with flaming red hair, splendid armor and a flashing golden necklace rode against him. He screamed in almost incomprehensible Macedonian:
"Yield to me now! It'll make things easier for us!"
"No, never! "
They were soon locked into hard and bitter combat with their swords. The red headed warrior was far stronger and Hephaestion could barely hold his own. Then Castor stumbled upon a big stone and he fell headlong to the ground. He quickly regained his footing but to no avail. The red haired warrior took him and threw him over his horse's back. He kicked and squirmed but couldn't escape the enemy's iron grip.
Then came a big. black cloud thundering against them. Bucephalus with his Beautiful Golden One on his back was coming to his rescue.
"Release him! He's MINE! "
The giant warrior had to raise his sword and now Hephaestion was able to slide down from the horseback. He fell to the ground, grasping for his sword but it was lost in the fall. He found a long dagger instead, rushing to help Alexander. His friend was fighting hard against the enemy, getting competent help from Cleitus and Craterus, managing to wound him grievously. The Scythians came en masse to save their warlord. All became a bloody chaos around him. A friendly muzzle nudged at his right shoulder. Castor, prudently finding him amongst all others! Once again on horseback he grasped his extra spear and rode to Alexander's side. They were now riding dangerously close to the river slope, where it was forming a precipitous steep. Alexander and his red haired enemy were fighting on, oblivious of the danger. Hephaestion saw it coming, spurring Castor to gallop to the rescue. screaming at the top of his lungs:
"Alexander! Look out for the precipice! "
Alexander dealt a mighty blow to the Scythian Warlord and saw the enemy fall in a spray of bright red blood. Then, all of a sudden they were surrounded by a cloud of howling, ravenous wolves. Bucephalus reared up, neighing with fright. He took a mighty leap over the pack, wanting to save his dear Master. The leap lasted for ever, man and horse hanging in mid air . Then they were gone over the steep precipice...
The Scythian Warlord Ohrlasz rose surprisingly, staggering from weakness and loss of blood.
"Well. Now I've saved my friends the Getae from further troubles. Two Kings down in a year. The Macedonians will manage no more raids for a very long time indeed."
The Scythian riders rallied to him, quickly helping him up on horseback. Then they thundered away in a cloud of blood red dust, howling triumphantly. The Macedonians fought the wolf pack for a long time, at last making the ravenous beasts run away. The ground was wet and slick with blood and they staggered around, slipping and falling from fatigue and sorrow.
Hephaestion stood together with his faithful guards, feeling desolate over his tremendous bereavement. They held him close, or else his legs would have given way under him. He looked down the precipice, seeing the river swirling and rushing around, making heartbreaking sounds like the shredding of a thousand tears. No one, nothing was to be seen in the blue-green water...
TBC