At long last Alexander and Hephaestion make their surprise return to the Macedonian camp - after some well deserved forest frivolities. Not all will be happy to see them again.
All the best wishes,
/Northern Light
TEMPLATE:
Title: FIC: Hazards Of Friendship ( 8 / WIP)
Author: NorthernLight
Category: Love/Friendship/Adventure story. Alternate History.
Pairing: Alexander&Hephaestion
Date: March 2006.
Feedback: Yes, all kinds, on or off list, as you please.
Archive: Yes, if you like, but please tell me.
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, and making my stories and English the better for it.
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. Envious people with insulting behavior getting their well deserved punishment. . .
Dedication: To Juu. Written on behalf of your fic challenge about Hephaestion and his constant trouble with the envious generals.
Athens 335 BC
Warmongers Afoot Demosthenes sat writing at his desk, late at night as usual. An oil lamp was helping him to see in the darkness. Never before had he been burning his midnight oil so merrily . He was writing letters to all his warmonger friends in all of Greece. Couriers were prepared to rise early the following morning, taking them to Thebes, Thessaly, Sparta and all other city states wanting to oppose the Macedonian yoke. Enrolling Curios had been a master stroke. The sly little spy didn't look like very much, but his friendship with the Macedonian Secretary of State Eumenes had worked miracles. This man with his selfish pride and longing for more power had been astonishingly easy to dupe and he had been proven a veritable fountain of information. Curios doves had delivered one letter after another with all kinds of news from the Macedonian war machine. Then Curios himself had returned with the most marvelous news:
King Alexander was dead,.
The Macedonians young upstart King had perished in an unexpected but most welcome riding accident, caused by his famous recklessness. Curios had told it to all, complete with all kinds of malicious details. Now everyone knew of the horrors at the shores of the Danube. The story of the reckless, young, golden haired Macedonian King falling to his doom into the deep, swirling waters of the far away Danube was on every ones lips. Now the fearsome Macedonian war machine had met with a serious disaster.
This changed everything. Soon all the South would be marching to throw off the Macedonian yoke.
Pella 335 BC
Queen Olympias sat at her spinning wheel in her airy and bright chamber at Pella. She was carefully planning and searching for intrigues to rid herself of the General Antipatros. He was a most annoying old man, always blocking all her ideas, and shutting her out completely from all power. The sun was shining bright through the window alcoves, its rays playing with all the multi colored yarns she was working. She envisioned them all, Royal purple, Royal blue, blood red crimson, glowing orange, blazing yellow - and the precious gold threads on a bobbin all of its own, being worked and sewn into beautiful clothings for her son the King. A fond sigh escaped her:
" Oh, Alexander, I well know that you must be away on campaign, securing our frontiers before your glorious Persian endeavor - but I surely miss you. If only you were back here at my side!"
Her diligent hands stopped their careful working at the spinning wheel and she indulged herself into a fond daydream, following King Alexander's army all over the lands. The green yarn became a dense forest, the brown and yellow ones a road all over the steppes and meadows, the white one was all the cold winter snow and the crimson one told of blood and suffering on the battle fields. Then came the bright blue yarn, meddling with some green threads. She saw a swirling river, with endless waves and swivellings. A beautiful golden haired warrior on a coal black stallion fell to his certain doom into the merciless blue green water. He was completely engulfed in the cold streams. All left was a tall, auburn haired man standing at the precipice, looking with forlorn grief into the swivelling waters. Queen Olympias put both hands over her chest, suddenly stricken by shock and grief.
" Oh, Alexander, my son! I wish my visions were false - but they never are..."
She succumbed to her grief and bowed her head over the heaps of yarn, wetting them with tears. Her fiery red hair covered her and her shoulders shook in endless sorrow.
The messenger from the Royal army found her still in this position and he knew that the Queen was already aware of the dire tidings he was about to tell.
The Danube, 335 BC
Path of Recovery
General Cleitus, the good doctor and both guards had a tasty supper on roasted venison, boiled polopody root, wild parsnips and a thick and sweet soup on rose hips as deserts. The grotto was filled up with the most delicious smells and vapors from the food and they were amazed that Alexander and Hephaestion didn't wake up from sheer delight. Both friends slept on through the meal, looking quite content and satisfied in each others arms. Doctor Philip proposed, more to himself than to the others:
"We surely ought to wake them up! They need to get their strength back - and a delicious meal like this one would do wonders for their health. "
Stefanos calmly told him:
"No, good doctor. It's for the best to just let them sleep on until they wake up on their own accord. They got quite satisfied this afternoon..."
"Yes. I can see that for myself. Alexander seems to be in much less pain now, and Hephaestion rests at ease in his arms. Well, we'll just let them be for now. "
Doctor Philip fondly looked at the beautiful young men resting together, closely bundled up into their warm fur covers. Alexander had a smile of satisfaction remaining on his lips,although he was soundly asleep. His beautiful golden hair flowed freely on the furry pillow and his head rested easy but with an odd tilt towards the left. The good doctor wanted to see to his neck once more since the bandages seemed to have been strangely upset by something. He decided not to, since his dear patient appeared to be in better health than for many troubled days. Hephaestion rested at calm and ease with his head on Alexander's chest, holding his arms around him in a protective and at the same time possessive manner. His auburn hair fell like a warm loving mantle over Alexander's chest and shoulders, mingling with the light golden fur. Both young men slept soundly and at ease, breathing slowly and deeply, seeming completely relaxed and free from pain and troubles. Their faithful dogs were lying close by resting their heads on their both masters broad shoulders. The good doctor smiled at the reassuring sight and pulled the furs closer over his dear patients with fond care.
"Well, Cleitus. Seeing them like this make me feel very sleepy too. Let's have some rest for ourselves. "
After having told the guards and both watch dogs to take care of security Cleitus and the doctor rolled themselves into thick furs and fell soundly asleep. They were still very worried about Alexander and his friend but all their caring vigils had taken a great toll of the older men's strength and they needed a good nights sleep at long last.
A glorious ray of golden sunlight shone annoyingly right into the face of the old general. He woke up to the sound of happy laughter and turned his head towards it. An amazing sight met his sleepy eyes. Alexander stood in the opening of the grotto, weak and trembling but on his own two legs. Hephaestion had to hold him in a strong grip, his right arm around his waist and his left hand holding on to his right shoulder, keeping him upright. Both dogs were running around their feet, barking merrily.
Cleitus found it the happiest sight that had met his eyes for a very long time. He leaped from his furs towards the young men. Suddenly Alexander's legs gave way under him and he started to slid down towards the hard stone floor. Hephaestion tried to take him into his arms but Cleitus was faster and picked up the Beautiful Golden one in a fast embrace. He adamantly told Hephaestion:
"No, my young friend. You too have been very ill of late and you must not exert yourself. I'll carry him back to his bed myself. "
Alexander made some angry protestations:
"Thanks for your help, Cleitus, but you need not carry me! My neck and back still hurts something awful but now I can manage on my own!"
He wriggled away from the old General's strong grip, only to fall down in a soft heap on the floor of the grotto, moaning from pain and rubbing his neck and back futilely trying to get his tense and hurting muscles back into shape. Hephaestion quickly came to his aid and gave him a hand up, while telling him:
"Alexander. You are still very weak. I think you need some more rest before you can be up and about again. "
He held his friend in a close embrace, kindly supporting him as they went towards the makeshift bed. The good doctor woke up from all the commotion. At first he thought it was but a wishful dream but when he saw the state of things he told them with a happy smile:
"Alexander! You shouldn't be up so early! You have some very serious damages and you have been very ill of late. And, Hephaestion! What do you mean by helping him in this insanity? You are supposed to be the one with clear senses and reason here around!"
"Yes, but he is much more than I can handle! Don't scold us, Philip. Let's just rejoice in Alexander's recovery. "
"Of course I'm glad, my young friends. I just didn't expect to see my patient on his legs this fast. Let's have a hearty breakfast all together now!"
Soon the grotto filled up with delicious smells of roasted deer meat, succulent boiled polopody roots and wild parsnips and the sweet rose hip soup waiting for deserts. Alexander was sitting up in bed, supported by some bundles or wolf furs. His nostrils flared in anticipation at the wonderful wilderness meal. It was as if he had never tasted food before. Doctor Philip handed him a bowl and spoon.
"Here's to you, Alexander. Let's not overdo it..."
The King looked in disbelief at the dreary mild gruel in the bowl just set into his hands.
"What do you mean, Philip? Am I to have just that? I'm ravenous!"
Cleitus came to his aid.
Let him eat, Philip. It's a good sign when appetite returns. We can boil some of the meet and roots in the broth until they are soft enough - and there are still some blue berries left he can have for deserts. "
And so they all enjoyed a hearty wilderness meal, sharing a moment of peace and calm together before they would have to deal with present and upcoming troubles.
Pleasure Amongst Thorns
From then on Alexander made a swift recovery. His neck and back felt sore and stiff and he held his head slightly towards the left, but soon he was able to walk unassisted and he felt his strength return. Spring came with blessed speed and every day brought some more sunlight, warmth, greeneries and fragrant flowers. One especially fine day Hephaestion wrapped Alexander in his warmest fur cloak and took him out for a walk down to the river. He held his friend closely in a protective manner as they strolled through the rugged landscape.
"You don't need to coddle me thus, my dear friend. I'm feeling much better now. Soon we'll return to my brave Macedonians. They must be out of their wits by now, missing us all very much indeed. "
"Yes, of course they do, Alexander - but there are some things you need to know before we return to camp...Look, here is a just the place for our talk."
He choose a round stone boulder protruded over the swirling river and all clad in soft, thick green moss. It was flooded with warm golden sunlight inviting them to comfortable leisure. When he spread the wolf furs he brought with him all over it they were seated more comfortably than on the finest Royal couch. Alexander was still very weak after his sickness and injuries. He had not walked this far before and suddenly he felt his legs give way under him. Hephaestion took him into his arms and helped him to be seated, holding him close to his side in a strong and protective embrace.
"Here we are, Alexander. We'll just sit her relaxing for a while, and then I'll tell you what you need to know. "
He wrapped them closely inside Alexander's warm cloak made from wolf fur. It was a gift from Olympias, sent to them in Mieza and it held many fond memories from their happy and untroubled youth. They enjoyed its kind protection and then felt the friendly warmth from their own bodies growing under the soft furs. It was a wonderful place they had chosen for their day out of the grotto. Nature's beauty was all around them. Golden sunlight, warming them, soft breezes stirring the fresh spring air all around them, fragrant and beautiful flowers pleasuring their eyes and nostrils and the blue green river waters swirling merrily under their dangling feet. Alexander soon looked at his friend with deep concern in his beautiful gray eyes.
"Hephaestion. What is it that troubles you so? I heard some of it when I was sick with the fever - but now I want to know it all!"
"Yes, Alexander. I suppose you know very well that not all in the High Command approve of our friendship - but it's far worse than you may think..."
He remained silent for some time, collecting his senses before unraveling the sad tale of all the envy, contempt and s sheer malice his detractors had subjected him to. This was quite an unusual reverse of situations. Alexander usually did all the talking with Hephaestion as an attentive listener, giving kind support and well needed advice while looking at him with unending love and friendship. Now it was his turn to do the listening, and he looked at his True Steadfast Friend with increasing indignation. He didn't say anything, but his arm resting around Hephaestion's broad shoulders strengthened its hold into a sheltering, almost crushing embrace. His friend had never looked this beautiful before, his eyes glowing with rightful harm, his cheeks aglow in vengeful crimson hues and his glossy auburn hair flowing like a fiery waterfall down his neck and shoulders.
When all the telling was finished Alexander looked at his friend, his eyes glowing, almost in tears.
"My Dear One, why didn't you tell me all this before? I truly could have done something about it. Now I understand the dangers awaiting us in camp. If they could treat you, my closest Companion, with such envy and disrespect, what will they be up to with both of us gone away?"
Hephaestion trembled with suppressed rage but soon the clear light of reason shone from his bright blue eyes.
"Yes, Alexander. I know they are up to no good - but I suddenly have an idea that will give them a well needed lesson and guide them towards better behavior!"
They were completely alone by the river, just the faithful guards watching them from under a tall pine. Still Hephaestion pulled the fur cloak closer around them and wrapped its hood all over their heads to give the utmost secrecy to his clever plans. When he was finished with the telling Alexander was laughing out loud.
"Oh, you never stop fascinating me. I thought you were the Wonder of Virtue, unable of any deceptions! This will surely give them what they deserve. I can barely wait..."
"You'll have to, my friend. You must regain much more of your strength before we can face them and carry this through. "
Hephaestion took a deep breath, suddenly feeling very weak from exposing all his troubles. He leaned back towards his Beautiful Golden One, drawing from his returning strength and vitality. Alexander took him into his arms, clearly feeling this weakness. He was determined to shield his True Steadfast Friend from all Evil and told him with anxious concern:
"You don't have to be exposed to this horror anymore. As long as we are together we'll be able to stand up to the whole world! I'll protect you from all dangers and hardships and see you to your proper place at my side! "
Hephaestion looked up to him with reassurance in his bright blue eyes. His glossy auburn hair spread like a wonderfully warm cloak over Alexander's chest, enticingly tickling him into a violent arousal. He tightened his grip around Hephaestion's waist and dragged him even closer.
"Look now what you have done to me! I must have you here and now!"
"No, you mustn't! This is a good place for talking - but not for...We'll both fall into the river once more if I let you have your way with me! I have a far better idea..."
He quickly rose, taking Alexander with him on his feet and eagerly led him towards the woodland. An enormous silver fir stood nearby, its thorny branches hanging like a green curtain around the broad stem.
"Here is quite the right place. The Royal bedchamber couldn't offer more splendid comforts!"
He spread the wolf furs on the ground under the old fir, barely finishing the makeshift bed until his Beautiful Golden One dragged him close to his side, making them both fall down and disappear behind the spruce branches. The ground was soft and warm under their backs and they didn't mind the thorns all around them.
"Come to me, my Dear One. I know I'm still too weak to face all our enemies - but I'll sure be able to give us both some pleasure and comfort before our upcoming trials and tribulations. "
He took Hephaestion into his arms, feeling the very ground softening and melting into a welcoming Lover's nest, warm and compliant to all his longings and desires. The silvery green curtain waved to and fro, gently hiding and protecting its secrets.
Both guards watched attentively from a distance. When they saw the friends disappear behind the fir branches they nodded to each other with appreciative smiles. They sat down to rest on an old, fallen stem the sun had warmed up, throwing some occasional sticks and branches for Peritas and Pollux to catch.
Return to Health
Cleitus and Philip sat at the fire, doing their wilderness cooking. The good doctor had found some wild rosemary and thyme and he was boiling it into a soup with wild boar meat, barley and polopody roots. Flat bread was sizzling on hot stones and delicious and nutritious fumes filled the fragrant spring air.
"Where are they? I'm worried. They have been gone since morning. I cannot understand what they are doing all day out!"
"But I surely can, my good doctor. You don't need to make such a fuss over your troublesome patients. They can take good care of themselves now - and with both guards and dogs following them nothing untowards can happen!"
Some merry barking reached their ears. Peritas and Pollux came running to the fire, shamelessly begging for food. Their dear masters were far behind, clinging to each other, staggering and covered in fir thorns. When they reached the fireside doctor Philip indignantly told them:
"Whatever have you done to yourselves? You look a mess with all those fir thorns all over - and how come you are both totally exhausted? You were supposed to have a peaceful and recuperating day out!"
Alexander calmly told the good doctor:
"Yes, and that we surely did. Well, won't you invite us to your evening meal. The soup smells quite delicious - and we'll surely enjoy some newly baked bread too. "
After this day out from the cave, with all its troubled tales and well needed diversions, Alexander made a speedy recovery. Soon he felt able to leave the cave at the river shore and realize all parts of the clever plans he had made together with Hephaestion.
Thanksgiving Offering
Alexander stood at the river shore, looking bravely at its swirling blue green waters that so recently nearly had drowned him and hurt him so grievously. He shuddered from ice cold fear , before he found a strong arm reassuringly put around his shoulders. Hephaestion gave him a warm smile.
"Alexander. Let's proceed with our mission out here. "
The young men looked at the solemn Altar made from Nature itself. The tree old, rugged stones covered with moss and lichen had been waiting for them since the beginning of time. Now it was surrounded with blue and yellow crocuses and white virginal snow drops, giving an extra beauty and solemnity to this sacred place. Alexander raised his flagon of wine. As he poured the red liquor in a crimson stream he called out loud:
"Zeus Ammon, Father of all gods and goddesses, I, Alexander, son of Philip, give you my heartfelt thanks for your protection and my salvation from the dangers of nature. I owe you my very life and I will always think of you with gratitude, dedicate all my coming victories to you and give you many more rich offerings. "
The old stones turned crimson as a message of coming wars and bloodletting. Two stern gray eagles soared triumphantly all over the place, before they flew away far off into the alluring East. Alexander put his arm around Hephaestion's waist, earnestly telling his True Steadfast Friend:
"See, my Hephaestion! The Gods have heard my prayer. This truly is a Good Omen. We are finished in this place. Let us gather our things and get going back to camp. My dear Macedonians must eagerly await my safe return. "
"Yes, Alexander. They surely need their King back in their midst. Macedon still is in grave danger. "
Hephaestion hid his doubts and fears. He didn't want to think about the tumultuous treacheries they might come upon at their return to camp and he added a silent prayer of his very own that their clever plan would be successful.
Assembly!
The General Craterus stood in the middle of the Macedonian army, well guarded and surrounded by his strong body guards on a makeshift podium It was a warm and beautiful spring day and the sun shone from a clear, azure blue sky. clearly showing his strong features, his black mane, his determined face, his strong broad shoulders and well built body - and his impressing body length and stature. He took a deep breath. The fresh air of the new spring should have been sweet smelling and invigorating - but in his bewildered mind it was completely filled with the foul stench of treachery and obscene lusting for the ultimate Power. He steeled himself and made his solemn speech:
"My fellow Macedonians. We are gathered here for a most dire event. It's well past a fortnight since our brave King Alexander fell to his doom from the cliffs of the Danube. The Generals Hephaestion and Cleitus have not returned from their search. We must assume that they too must have perished. Now is time to hold an Assembly. Macedon needs a strong and able leader. "
Cassander stepped forward with his followers.
"I claim the Crown of Macedon, in the name of my father Antipatros, Regent in Pella. "
Some cheered him, others booed and made catcalls. Then Alexandros from Lyncestis and his followers came with great strides from the other side.
"I am of ancient Macedonian nobility. Many of my line have held the Crown. I now claim it for myself!"
Some more cheers and catcalls, and then came a great and ominous silence. The General Craterus asked:
"Are there any more pretenders?"
No one stepped forward - but then the whole army started to roar:
"Craterus, Craterus, CRATERUS! Let the General Craterus lead us as Regent! "
Then all Hell was loose. The three fractions begun fighting each other, screaming, yelling and bickering. Soon it came to blows and swords and knives were drawn from their scabbards. Craterus roared and bellowed at his uproarious countrymen:
"Macedonians! Calm yourselves down! You must behave properly! Let's make a calm and orderly vote to elect our new King and Leader!"
His stern guards must take to severe violence to restore order to the uproarious army. After an eternity of beating and pounding an ominous stillness spread itself in camp. Voices whispered, fists were clenched, the hilts of daggers and swords were held ready for their deadly purpose. All awaited the solemn voting. Who would be the next King of Macedon? The sly and cunning Cassander? The wild and strange Alexandros from Lyncestis. Or - the strong and clever General Craterus?
All shuddered in apprehension towards a grim and uncertain future.
Surprising Return
Alexander heard the uproarious sounds from camp as they were riding along the river. He worriedly asked his friends:
"What is happening to my army? It sounds like they are being assaulted by a superior enemy. "
Cleitus answered, with his usual rough and outspoken wisdom:
"No, my King. It might be even worse. Internal strife!"
Hephaestion prudently told them: "My friends, we must proceed according to our plans. Let's make a careful advancement. We'll soon be able to see the state of things for ourselves. "
They carefully covered their head and hid their faces under their wolf skin cloaks and rode closer to the Macedonian camp. Now an ominous silence settled all over the place. There were no signs of enemy activity and the camp was closely guarded. They hid their horses and both dogs in the forest. Bucephalus, Castor and Gorgon were far too well known to be presented to the guards, and everyone knew Peritas and Pollux. Alexander told the faithful animals, with a reassuring smile:
"Just stay here and wait for us. We'll be back soon. I will give my dear Macedonians the surprise of their lives!"
Peritas and Pollux barked merrily and wanted to follow him. He sternly told them:
"No, I'm so sorry, my friends. You will miss all the action this time - but it's important that you help us out with guarding all our horses!"
Both dogs looked at him with disappointment - but he was so adamant that they just had to sit down and guard the three big war stallions. Bucephalus gave the King an offended look and one could almost hear his angry thoughts:
/"Master. We've always been together in all danger. Why must you leave me behind now of all times?"/
Alexander answered out loud:
"My brave one, this is not the charge at Chaironea. Now we're up to more subtle ruses - and if I'm mounted on your strong back everyone will recognize me far too soon. "
Bucephalus nodded and sulkily hid himself behind a broad oak stem. The King was filled with malicious glee, almost like a small boy planning some truly amazing prank. Hephaestion felt his expectations rise. He was more calm and prudent, and he gently patted Castor's muzzle, telling his equally prudent horse:
"Stay calm, my dear friend, and take care of those reckless friends of yours. We'll be back for you when things are settled in camp. "
Castor nodded and tenderly licked his dear Master's cheek. He blew some reassuring warm breath into his ear and then nudged his stronger and more obstinate friends deep into the bushes, behind some big maples and rowan trees.
Cleitus led the small party towards the sentries. They carried the wolf skins in carefully wrapped bundles and slowly approached the entry to camp.
"Halt! Who goes there?"
"We are only a party of hunters, carrying these fine wolf furs. They can be most useful to ward off the deceitful cold of the nights. "
"Yes. We can see they are dense and warm - but today is a very special day. We must let no one into camp with an Assembly in progress. "
Now one of the hunters approached and yanked back his fur cowl, letting a shower of shiny golden curls appear before quickly covering his head once more.
"Deutron and Andronicos. I commend you for your watchfulness - but I strongly recommend that you let this party inside camp!"
The sentries gasped out: "Oh, the K..." but they were silenced by General Cleitus strong grip over both their mouths.
"Silence, my gentlemen! Yes, HE surely is back, but no one must know until the proper time. Now you must let us inside. We have an Assembly to attend to. "
The sentries bowed in reverence and silently let the party inside. The "hunters" calmly proceeded to the midst of the Macedonian camp. They passed right into a sullen silence. The whole Macedonian army was standing in attentive apprehension, crowding around three fractions. Now Eumenes called out :
"Let's proceed to the voting. We have three worthy pretenders for the Crown of Macedon, the General Craterus, Cassander, son of the General Antipatros and Alexander of Lyncestis. Are there any more pretenders?"
A party of wild looking hunters came up to the three bold pretenders. The biggest of them strode forward, holding his powerful arms around the shoulders of two younger men, adamantly telling the Assembly :
"Yes. Here comes a most worthy pretender, together with the bravest of his dear Companions. "
He forcibly drew back his own cowl, shoving a black mane and familiar rough features. A chorus of astounded whispers rose from the Macedonain army before he spoke once more:
"I, Cleitus the Black, give you the true and rightful King of Macedon. Alexander, Son of Philip! "
One of the young men unveiled his head and face, letting a golden mane appear, the bright spring sun lending a powerful aura of might and wonders to his familiar features. The whole Macedonian army were at first stricken by complete silence. Then their hoarse voices roared high to the heavens, filled with solemn reassurance:
"Long live King Alexander! May he rule us forever!"
The young King found himself surrounded with overjoyed soldiers and subjects. Many cried from sheer relief, many more were happily smiling and laughing. As soon as Alexander could free himself he uncovered Hephaestion from his heavy wolf fur cowl and raised his right arm high to the heavens.
"This is a happy day for Macedon. Your King is back to lead you to glory once more. Look upon the one we must give all thanks for my safe return to you. Here is my closest Companion, my very best friend. The General Hephaestion will hold the High Command at my side! All of you are to give him the same respect and reverence as you give to me - and - I surely mean ALL of you!"
All the Macedonian army cheered and looked with fond gratitude at the young beautiful General at the King's side. Many came to thank him for his brave rescue mission - but not all were rejoicing. Four figures trembled and covered behind the podium. Alexander spoke to them with ice cold contempt:
"Why are you hiding yourselves to your rightful King? Come out here in the light. We'll talk about all your transgressions here and now!"
Day of Reckoning
Craterus, Alexandros of Lyncestis, Cassander and Eumenes crept forward and humbly knelt in the dust before King Alexander.
"Well, what have you to say to this? You have acted with shameful deceit! It was not your business to hold Assembly so very fast and without any real proof of my demise. I've only been gone a fortnight and find all camp in internal strife and turmoil! What am I to do with you?"
They asked for pardon with trembling voices:
"Mercy, King Alexander! Please, give us mercy. We couldn't know you were to return at all. Macedon was in grave danger. We were in need of a new leader with immediate effects. "
"You do not deserve any mercy at all for your rash actions - but I'll let you keep your lives all the same. I'll give you some fitting punishments, though. "
He pointed at Cassander, sternly telling him:
"You are not to be trusted with any important military commands for a long time to come. I give you another mission. My Dear Mother must be out of her withs with grief over my supposed "demise". You'll bring her the glad tidings of my rescue and safe return to my faithful Macedonians. After that you will remain with your father, and you will NOT take any part in the government of Macedon!"
The deceitful young General bowed his head to the ground. The beautiful glossy dark brown tresses trembled in disappointment but all Cassander could do was to abide the King's commands.
Now Alexander turned his gaze towards the Secretary of State. His beautiful gray eyes were filled with cold contempt and he almost spat out to the cringing figure:
"You will follow the General Cassander back to Pella. My Dear Mother needs some extra help with all her important correspondence. She'll surely know how to deal with you!"
Eumenes crept away in shame and disgrace.
Alexandros of Lyncestis raised his head, terror in his eyes. The King addressed him:
"You are far too dangerous to be sent away from me. Since you are a strong and able commander I'll keep you with the army, letting you prove yourself in action. My faithful General Cleitus here will see to your good conduct. "
The Lyncestian came forward and kissed the King's hand. "I'm most thankful for Your decision, my King. You can rely on me. I'll never let you down as long as you live. "
Now Alexander came towards the General Craterus, giving him a look filled with sad disappointment.
"Craterus, my Craterus. Whatever have I done to deserve such black deceit and mistrust from you, my strongest General and very dear friend? I ought to subject you the worst imaginable punishment..."
The General Craterus bowed his proud head in shame - but Ptolemy, Perdiccas, Lysimachos and Leonnatos came up and put their arms around the giant, black haired man.
"No, Alexander. You do not know all of it. He was the one keeping up order here in camp, bravely defending us when the Getae made a surprise attack. He never wanted to usurp your throne - it was the whole Army wanting someone strong and decent to lead them in your absence! Please grant him mercy! We need his strength and ability in these dangerous times. "
Alexander looked at them with relief.
"Yes. I choose to believe in you all. Craterus, you are pardoned. You will retain your place in the High Command. You and the General Hephaestion will always be my most trusted officers - and you will respect one another the same way as I respect the both of you. "
Alexander gave a sharp glance at the General Craterus before he raised him to his feet and took him into his arms. All the Macedonian army cheered and the King ordered:
"What are you waiting for, my brave and faithful Macedonians. Let us have a splendid feast to celebrate my safe return to you!"
Return of the King
The happy cheering continued until wine and food was brought to them all. Wild boar and deer were roasted and long trestle tables were laden with wine jugs, bread and succulent meats. All army rejoiced. Their beloved King Alexander was back amongst them. All were safe once more. All was possible and for the time being the grave dangers from all their enemies were averted.
King Alexander was reclining on a fine dinner coach in the midst of the party. The General Hephaestion rested close by his side, sharing his meal. The two friends shared the same golden goblet constantly filled with well watered wine and they ate the succulent meats from the same adorned golden plate. King Alexander told and retold the exciting tale of his miraculous rescue all evening and long into the starlit night, his right arm around his True Steadfast Friend, his left hand merrily swinging the wine goblet. Pollux and Peritas sat below the Royal couch, their bellies round with all the delicious food they had engorged during the festivities. Bucephalus, Castor and Gorgon had been brought from the forest. They were not satisfied with remaining at the horse lines so they had to be served their evening meal of clear river water and the finest barley close by the Royal couch.
All were making merry, some more merry than the rest. King Alexander was still weak from his river ordeal and the watered wine made him sink into a state of uncaring drunkenness. Hephaestion felt his friend getting limp by his side, saw his eyes begin to shine and the rosy glow to his complexion. He adamantly took the golden goblet away and told the cup bearer:
"Fill this with cold and clear water only. The King has had quite enough from the sweet juices of the grape this evening!"
A messenger came up, closely guarded by Stefanos and Alexios.
"My General. You must know what this man has to tell you, immediately!"
Hephaestion left the Royal couch and attentively heard the messenger out. When the last ominous word had gotten into his alerted ears and mind he immediately went back to Alexander. He gently pulled the King up from his relaxed position and put his arm around his shoulders.
"Alexander. We have received some very bad news from the South..."
TBC