Hephaestion and the Rescue Party has great diffiulties in bringing Alexander back to life - and the General Craterus has his own troubles with the Court of Pretenders and a multitude of enemies gathering.
All the best wishes,
/NorthernLight
TEMPLATE:
Title: FIC: Hazards Of Friendship ( 6 / WIP)
Author: NorthernLight
Category: Love/Friendship/Adventure story. Alternate History.
Pairing: Alexander&Hephaestion
Date: January 2006. Feedback: Yes, all kinds, on or off list, as you please.
Archive: Yes, if you like, but please tell me. Archivated at the ATG Slash&Fanfic Yahoo Groups.
Disclaimer: I don't own them. For entertainment only. 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 made a campaign towards the Danube. Some rumor said that he was severely wounded, dead or missing in action. Perhaps Demosthenes made it up, perhaps there was some truth in it.
Warnings: This is AU, very close to but not "real" history. Violence, hard fighting, angst and intrigues. Slash. Envious people with insulting behavior. Horrible accident and traumatic events for major characters. Hurt / comfort sequence.
Dedication: To Juu. Written on behalf of your fic challenge about Hephaestion and his constant trouble with the envious generals. The
Shore of the Danube 335 BC
Moments of Anguish
Hephaestion gave up an anguished cry and leaped off Castor, desperately running and stumbling all over the rough ground. He soon reached Alexander and embraced his friend, finding him cold and stiff, frozen to the hard, rocky ground. His face was white as snow, slowly changing into a deathly blue pallor. He wasn't breathing, there wasn't any palpable pulses and Hephaestion couldn't detect any signs of life whatsoever. Bucephalus was resting heavily on his chest and it seemed as if the clever horse must have been trying to warm Alexander with his own mane and body. Man and horse were frozen together in a death like stillness. Hephaestion embraced them both, crying and screaming out loud:
"No! NO! This must not be. Father Zeus, please let them be alive, for me, for us all. We need them so badly, and I simply cannot go on without Alexander!"
Peritas and Pollux were licking Alexander's face with mournful whimperings, while Castor came cantering. The chestnut stallion immediately begun butting and kicking at Alexander and his good friend Bucephalus, making small worried sounds that soon grew into an anguished neighing. His frantic efforts were soon successful and the big black stallion rose, trembling and unsteady but very much alive. Both horses begun butting and nudging at their Dear Master, trying to get him to move and rise from the cold and unhealthy ground.
Hephaestion embraced him fervently , holding him in his arms. He covered his friend with his own body, desperately trying to give him all of his own warmth and life force. He was crying uncontrollably, hot tears running over Alexander's face, neck and beautiful golden hair.
"Please, please, Alexander. Come back to me! You cannot leave me like this! Not now! It is far too soon. "
After an eternity of anguish he felt a faint shiver and he dared to look at Alexander again. There was some resemblance of life returning to his face. The uncanny blue pallor was gone but he didn't seem to be breathing at all. Now Hephaestion could lift his friend from the hard ground and he sat cradling him in a warm and loving embrace.
The dogs and horses were all over Alexander, eagerly helping to warm him up. Doctor Philip, Cleitus and the guards stood in a circle around them, looking worriedly at the awkward resuscitation attempt. They were frozen into inactivity, shocked by the horror and sadness of the situation. At long last the good doctor got down on his knees and put two fingers on Alexander's throat, letting them rest there for a long time. He then tilted his cheek closely over Alexander's mouth, nodding reassuringly :
"My friends, we are not too late. Alexander is alive! I can feel a faint pulse, and he is breathing - but he is very badly off. We must do our very best to give him warmth and care! Let's find a suitable place for our camp. "
Hephaestion gave his friend a warming embrace, once more bursting into tears.
"Oh, thanks so much, good doctor - and all the merciful Gods who have helped us to reach here in time!"
Warming Love
Hephaestion lifted his friend and cradled him in a tender embrace. Hot tears were still running down his cheeks and his legs were trembling so badly that he was barely able to stand or walk. His faithful guards took some quick steps to his side and gave him discreet support. Cleitus, always considering every possibility, was eagerly pointing towards the steep precipice.
"Over there, my friends! Philip, your donkey seems to have found something useful! It almost looks like a grotto. "
They walked there as fast as possible when they saw Silena braying and stomping at an opening between some stubborn Junipers growing in stony crevices. The grotto was even better than they could imagine. It was filled with dry straw and had several thick beds made up from spruce twigs and soft straw. A fire place was in the middle and it even had some unburnt wood and a fine kettle left behind. Cleitus said with some calm gladness:
"At long last we have some luck this sad day! This must be a resting place for the Getae's hunting parties. Well, let's get a fire started. Alexander needs all the warmth he can get. "
Cleitus and the guards quickly lighted the fire up and went out collecting some more tinder and wood. Doctor Philip unpacked his herbal remedies and began to prepare an infusion. As he went to get some water he saw Bucephalus standing near the grotto, trembling from cold and exposure. Castor tried to warm him up, rubbing him from one side, while Cleitus stubborn and foul tempered black stallion Gorgon was rubbing him from the other side. Both stallions were grumbling with worried and displeased sounds while both the guards' mares, Sapphire and Amethyst , were looking and nodding in assent. One could almost think that the wise animals were holding a displeased conversation over the troubled affairs of their human masters. The good doctor quickly ordered the guards:
"Alexios! Stefanos! You must see to the King's horse immediately! Poor Bucephalus is frozen stiff. He must be in good shape for when Alexander needs him again. "
The guards immediately collected some dry straw and begun giving Bucephalos a good rubbing down. afterwhich they covered him with a warm, fur lined horse blanket. They also prepared some fine and warming barley gruel, and the King's big, black stallion was soon eating with a hearty appetite. Not even the constantly hungry and thirsty Gorgon begrudged him this well earned meal. When he had eaten his fill the guards took Bucephalus inside the grotto. He was still shivering slightly from cold and exposure and needed warmth and rest. They then took all the other horses and the doctor's donkey to a pasture down river.
Pollux helped guarding the horses, but Peritas stayed with his Dear Master. The big, lion like dog was howling miserably and clearly showing his anxiety over Alexander's sad condition. Hephaestion had to gently pat him on his head and tell him:
"Don't you worry, my dear friend. Alexander will soon be all right! "
Hephaestion carried Alexander into the grotto, very worried that his friend still hadn't regained consciousness and that he hung so very limp in his arms. He quickly prepared a makeshift bed from the King's own bed furs and his warming, Royal blue quilt close to the fire before undressing his friend. Alexander's armor, greaves and chiton were almost frozen to his body and Hephaestion poured some of the heated water in a bowl and gave him a warming rub down. His whole body was badly bruised from the impact on the water surface and Doctor Philip came and gave him a thorough examination. Hephaestion asked worriedly:
"How is he, Doctor? Will he be all right? " "Yes, yes, I hope so. He has taken a hard beating , but he'll heal with time. That big bruise and swelling at the left side of his neck doesn't look well, though. It might have caused some serious damage. I don't like it that he hasn't woken up yet - and his limbs are far too flaccid. "
Both men shuddered and didn't dare to speak more about this ominous implication. Doctor Philip quickly prepared a poultice and put it on a warm compress. He carefully applied it on Alexander's neck and wrapped a soft little sheep's fur around with some strips of linen. There was no reaction from the patient, no signs of pain or discomfort whatsoever.
"This will take down the swelling and relieve the pain. Now we must keep him warm and safe until he wakes up. It's all we can do right now. "
Hephaestion wrapped his friend in the warm furs and quilts before he sat down and carefully lifted Alexander's head and shoulders, taking him into his lap. Although he was dressed in his own warming bear skin cloak and sitting close by the fire he was shivering from cold, shock and anxiety all the same. Doctor Philip prepared an infusion from strengthening and warming herbs. Alexander managed to swallow some spoonfuls before he started to cough and then he was retching miserably. Hephaestion shook his head in displeasure and told Cleitus:
" This is no good. Alexander needs a far stronger remedy! Cleitus! You know what I mean. Bring me the King's jar with his miracle cordial! "
Cleitus immediately brought the big jar and unstoppered it. An intoxicating and revitalizing smell of strong wine and herbs filled the whole cave. Doctor Philip protested.
" No. You cannot give him strong liquor in his weakened condition! He'll choke on it and all will be even worse!"
Hephaestion and Cleitus adamantly told him:
" This is just the right occasion for the King's miracle cordial! We know Alexander better than you ever will. Now you must trust our good judgment! "
Hephaestion took the jar and held it under Alexander's nose. The young man sniffed and an air of recognizance settled in his white face. His friend carefully lifted his head and put the jar to his bluish lips.
"Here, here, my dear friend. This will surely give you your strength back!"
Alexander managed to take some small sips before he started to cough again. The good doctor told them with alarm:
"That will be enough! No more strong liquor for my patient just now! "
Hephaestion took the jar away and put his friend to a comfortable rest in his lap. Some color returned to his pale cheeks and lips, giving him a resemblance of life. At the same time as Alexander visibly regained some of his strength and warmth, Hephaestion started to shiver violently and he had great difficulties to sit properly and maintain his supportive hold on his friend. Cleitus immediately saw his distress and unstoppered the miracle cordial once more.
"Here, my friend. You have exerted yourself far too much of late You will need a big draught of this, right now!"
Hephaestion thanked him and helped himself to the vitalizing medicine. The strong liquor had an immediate effect, giving him his warmth and strength back. Soon the grotto was filled by the wonderful smell of roasted meat and boiling herbs and vegetables. When the food was ready he managed to give Alexander some spoonfuls of the broth. The patient took it with great difficulty and couldn't swallow much. Doctor Philip reassuringly told him:
"You can wait until later with this. He'll soon regain his appetite. "
They all ate with a hearty appetite and Hephaestion was soon feeling drowsy. He shut his eyes, leaning backwards to let the wall of the grotto give him some support. The stone was hard and unfriendly to his tired back and shoulders and he winced, once again shivering from pain and anxiety. Cleitus and the doctor saw his discomfort. They adamantly told him:
"Hephaestion! You know you haven't been well of late. You need some proper rest - and there is a way for you to get it giving Alexander even more warmth and support. You must lie down and hold him in your arms. You will both be the better for it."
Hephaestion nodded in approval, being too tired even to be sitting up. They helped him remove his wet and cold clothing and wrapped him in a warm fur. He was so very tired that he was barely able to move but he never let go of his careful attention to his dear friend. When he was ready he collapsed at Alexander's side and fondly embraced him. Cleitus wrapped both of the friends closely together in warm furs and reassuringly told Hephaestion:
"Sleep well and tight, my dear friend. Don't you worry. We'll all sit here by the fire and see to the both of you. "
Hephaestion nodded thankfully but he simply couldn't give in to sleep. He was so worried for Alexander. His friend was lying all too still and cold, despite their careful ministrations. He was barely breathing and despite all his damages he wasn't showing any signs of pain. Could his neck have been broken? What if he never woke up again - or - even worse - woke up totally paralyzed! Hephaestion embraced his dear friend even closer, washing him with hot tears of anguish - but at the same time warming him with his love and friendship. Before he drifted into a troubled sleep he thought he could see some traces of a recognizing smile upon Alexander's pale lips.
Doctor Philip and Cleitus sat at the fire, keeping close watch over Alexander and Hephaestion. Both their Dear Ones were completely exhausted and in a severe condition. One could barely see if they were even breathing. Peritas lay close to Alexander, wrapping himself around his dear Master, now and then licking him all over his face. Pollux was doing the same for Hephaestion. If it hadn't been such a deeply alarming situation it would have been a most endearing sight, a wonderful image of close friendship between Man and animal. Cleitus felt he simply couldn't take any more of the anxiety. He rose fiercely, telling the good doctor:
"I cannot stand it, seeing them both like that, and not knowing if they'll ever wake up safe and sound again. I must go out. Someone has to take care of all those wonderful wolf furs just lying to no use at the shore!"
He brandished his very sharp knife and went out with brisk strides. At the river shore he lifted the biggest of the furry beasts and started to flay it with violent slashes, swearing silently to himself. Tears of sorrow and anger dimmed his eyes, running down his rugged cheeks. Hours passed and at long last no more wolves remained to be flayed by his angry knife. All their furs lay in a thick, rugged heap at his feet, and all their bodies in a bloody mess at the other side. He lifted the furs, bringing them inside the grotto, hanging them around its cragged walls like some wild and barbarous tapestry.
Alexander and Hephaestion lay as before, no better, no worse. Doctor Philip was soundly asleep, his head resting on his knapsack filled with herbal remedies, a hard and lumpy pillow indeed. Cleitus suddenly felt himself being totally overwhelmed by weariness. He swayed to and fro and his legs started to tremble and refused to carry him upright. It was most embarrassing but he just had to ask the faithful guards:
" Can you see to the safety of us all for a while? I understand you too must be horribly tired but you may sit right inside the grotto, so that you are able to look outside. "
Stefanos and Alexios dutifully answered him:
"Yes, of course, General Cletus. You may trust us completely. And - we always have our horses and Silena. They never sleep at the same time and they will surely tell us if something wicked comes our way. "
Cleitus almost fell down on his side. He just managed to drag himself to one of the makeshift beds and wrap himself into his fur cloak before he was overwhelmed by a heavy sleep, feeling himself sinking deep down into merciful oblivion.
Revival of the Dear One
Hephaestion slept fitfully, all the time waking up to check on Alexander. His friend was no better, still looking very pale and wan. The warmth wasn't returning properly to his chilled body, despite all the warming furs and the closeness to the fire. Hephaestion took him into an even more tender and warming embrace, trying to give him all of his own warmth and strength. He saw doctor Philip fall asleep on his knapsack, and then Cleitus succumbed to unconsciousness, rolling into his fur cloak. The guards sat at each side of the grotto's entrance, even they half asleep. Sometimes one of them rose to put more wood onto the fire. The horses and Selena moved restlessly outside and a cold wind was blowing from the fast flowing river. Fortunately they were covered with warm fur lined blankets and they stood close to one another, offering what warmth they were able to share.
Night fell over the cold and wintry landscape. The moon and stars rose once more, adorning the velvet deep blue cupola of the sky. They were looking down on the forlorn rescue party, desperately struggling to offer whatever warmth they could radiate from their faraway realms. Hephaestion was so tired that he had to give up his anxious watchfulness. He felt like he was drowning in his own weariness and the tears that still sometimes flowed down his cheeks. At long last he fell into a heavy sleep inside the warm furs. His very last thoughts and prayers were for Alexander and his well being. His friend's breathing was somewhat less shallow, and some more warmth was perhaps returning to him.
A trembling hand was tenderly stroking his long auburn hair, another rested on his right cheek, trying to wipe out all the tears. He woke up very slowly, opening his eyes several times just to feel the weary lids fall down again. An amazing sight came and went into his blurred vision. When it stabilized before him he looked right into the wonderful gray eyes of his Beautiful Golden One. Never before had anyone been given such a look brimming with thankful and reassuring love. Alexander had returned to life, his cheeks almost rosy and his eyes glowing with returning health. He spoke, whispering, faltering but consoling and convincing:
"Hephaestion! You don't need to cry for me anymore. I'm feeling better now. An Angel of Mercy rescued me from the river - and a Demon from the very depths of Hell saved me from a pack of ravenous wolves. With such friends I cannot give in to sickness and despair..."
He clasped his True Steadfast Friend in a strong and reassuring embrace before he closed his eyes and fell into sleep once more. Hephaestion couldn't help himself and he started to cry uncontrollably, once more washing Alexander in his hot tears, this time out of sheer joy.
Cleitus and doctor Philip woke up to the sound of crying and saw him trembling and hugging his Beautiful Golden One. They rose in dismay.
" Hephaestion! How is it? Alexander cannot be...?"
"No, my dear friends. He is better now. He woke up a while ago and he has spoken to me. He even moved his arms and hands..."
His voice broke once more into sobbing. Cleitus and the doctor came and sat down close by the dear friends. Peritas and Pollux had woken and were merrily wagging their tails. Bucephalos and Castor curiously looked inside the cave, happily nodding their great heads towards their Dear Masters. Alexios and Stefanos stood watching in relief. All was well inside the cave, at least for the time being.
Court Of Pretenders
The General Craterus was sitting inside his tent, desperately looking at the heaps of scrolls and tablets towering all over his simple field desk. He was a man of action, not used to paper work. These things were Hephaestion's and Eumenes' area - and the Secretary of State hadn't been of much help He hadn't been himself of late. Most of the time he sat moaning in his tent, longing for his Athenian guest friend Curios who very strangely had gone missing after King Alexander's tragic accident. There had been something sinister with that man and Craterus thought that with his sudden disappearance he was up to no good.
The big General heard arguing and bickering from all directions. The loudest shouting and the most sinister whispers came from Cassander's tent. He had collected a whole court of followers around himself, planning on voting for him or his father at the upcoming Assembly. They were already giving out lands and assignments - and fighting amongst themselves for the most powerful positions. From the tent of Alexandros of Lyncestis came the same kind of bickering, even louder and more aggressive. Craterus overheard it all with utter contempt. He sorely missed King Alexander, his dear friend, and he ardently hoped for his safe return. The young, vigorous man with his golden lion's mane of beautiful golden hair was the only one who could hold the insidious Macedonian Court at bay!
Now Eumenes came inside with a cringing smile:
"General! I'm back on duty. There is much important paperwork to do before holding Assembly. You'll need to extend my powers in this critical situation!"
"Extended powers! To you? I'll do nothing of the kind! You've made a mess of everything. No, you'll begin with sorting all this out for me. And - we won't be holding Assembly until at least one week has gone by. I myself sincerely hope for King Alexander's safe return. At least Cleitus is strong and reliable. If there is a shadow of a chance to find the King alive he's the one to achieve it. "
Eumenes took the heaps of scrolls and papers and sourly started to work. Soon they were in an even worse mess. Craterus desperately looked at him, remembering the General Hephaestion and his proper management of scrolls, maps and important documents. He groaned to himself and slumped back into his camp chair.
"Oh, what a sorry mess! Where is Hephaestion? He always knows how to sort these things out. I never thought that I would miss that man so badly!"
A great shouting and clamor suddenly arouse all around the camp. A desperate scout came running into the tent:
"General Craterus! You must come out at once! We are under attack!"
Enemy Assault
At first the Getae and the Scythians simply couldn't believe their good luck. Killing the Macedonian's young upstart King in their very first attack was something they never thought would be possible. Many had seen King Alexander fall into his cold and watery grave - all had heard the tale. The turmoil in the Macedonian army camp was even worse than expected. They were so busy fighting amongst themselves that they would be an easy prey anytime. The fierce warriors of the Getae, reinforced by the strongest Scythians, were creeping through the forest. It had been so easy, crossing the river on their makeshift rafts. Those straw filled hides worked like a charm No one saw them crossing and marching through the rugged terrain. The Macedonian camp had been moved to a glade in the forest, some distance from the river. They crept closer and closer, hearing violent arguing and even sounds of fighting. The warriors whispered to each other
/ "This will be an easy picking! They won't even know they're under attack until we slit all their throats!" /
When they came close to the camp barricades no one seemed to be keeping a proper watch. The main opening was standing ajar with only a few distraught guards around. The Warlord Gehrig gave his silent sign of attack. Immediately all the Getae and Scythians were swarming all over the Macedonian camp. They were expecting an easy victory - but they got a nasty surprise. A grim Giant in black armor came against them, surrounded by heavily armed hoplites. Their spears stood up like an enormous hedgehog.
"A la la la lai! A la la la lai! A la la la lai!"
The Macedonians' loud war cry froze their blood to ice and made their very marrow turn into a watery mush. Now the fierce warriors came at them, spears and swords at the ready, looking like a veritable Slaughter Machine. There was nothing to do but to cowardly run away, hoping to be able to fight another day. The unfortunate ones who didn't run fast enough were speared and cut down, forming a sorrowful heap of mangled corpses. The proud Warlord Gehrig looked back over his left shoulder, aghast at his humiliating defeat. The Macedonians were formidable foes, being able to act in unison against their enemies even when they were suffering from severe internal turmoil and struggles.for power.
Victory With Complications
Craterus stood in the midst of the Macedonian camp, surrounded by heaps of slaughtered enemies. He had defeated many of them himself, and scared even more of them so badly that they ran away without giving fight. He wiped his blood dripping sword on a cloth and looked all around him. The valiant and successful defense of the camp made him proud - but he sorely missed Alexander and Cleitus at his sides. The Macedonians were swarming all around him, beating their shields, shouting and yelling in sheer joy over their victory.
"All hail, General Craterus. You must act as Regent!"
"You are our most fierce and able warrior!" "Let's hold Assembly here and now! Macedon is in grave danger. We need a strong leader immediately. "
"No! My father Antipatros must be regent! King Alexander put all his trust in him before we marched into the West and North. "
Cassander was the only one opposing Craterus many loyal followers. He soon found his own voice drowning in the din of them all and he went away with a sly smile, abiding his time. Craterus stamped his foot and violently beat his own shield.
"Now you listen to me! Yes, you are all right. I'm a fierce and able warrior - but it was not I who won our victory this night. It was brought to us by Good Fortune herself. We were all awake, fighting and bickering amongst ourselves. Even our night watch and guards were involved and not giving enough attention to our security. You all ought to be ashamed of yourselves, letting the enemy into the midst of our very camp before sounding the Alarm! We were saved by being awake and armed to the teeth, prepared to fight amongst ourselves! There will be no Assembly tonight. We must wait one more week for the safe return of King Alexander. If he is still missing by then we will hold Assembly. May the Good Gods preserve us all in these Evil Days "
He lowered his head and begun atoning a prayer for the safe return of the King and protection of the Realm. The Macedonians blushed in shame and joined him, longing for their missing King and his both powerful Generals Hephaestion and Cleitus.
TBC