The Battle of Pelium is becoming hazardous for Alexander as he is betrayed by his own body. His injuries from the Danube are more serious than the Macedonians know. Fortunately the young King has good friends and divine helpers.

At the same time Hephaestion is once more confronted with his most powerful detractor. Their cooperation is of the essence in these times of dire need - but will they be able to overcome their severe discord?

This is the last of my finished chapters of Hazards. I have another that might be ready for submitting in one or two weeks time and also a new story with my thinking and talking animals as important characters. Since I'll go on vacation from 12/7 I'll perhaps not be able to submit anything until after 14/8, but by then there will hopefully be more upcoming chapters&fics.

All the best wishes and hopefully good reading. Also wishing you all a fine Midsummer and Summer!

/NorthernLight

TEMPLATE:

Title: FIC: Hazards Of Friendship ( 10 / WIP)

Author: NorthernLight

Category: Love/Friendship/Adventure story. Alternate History.

Pairing: Alexander&Hephaestion

Date: May 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, kind encouragement and also for helping me to improve on language and formatting. You truly make my stories a far better read.

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.

History note: The battle of Pelium, and Alexander's ingenious war ruse to deceive the Illyrians is well documented in the sources.

Warnings: This is AU, very close to but not "real" history. Violence, hard fighting, angst and intrigues. Serious trauma to major character.

Dedication: To Juu. Written on behalf of your fic challenge about Hephaestion and his constant trouble with the envious generals.

The Danube, 335 BC

Gathering Of Strength

Alexander sat for a long time with his Generals, thoroughly going over all the maps and dispatches and making careful plans for the upcoming campaign. When they at long last came to an end of this decisive War Council he was very tired and he felt his head and neck throbbing with intense pain. He rose from his chair, careful not to stagger, and addressed the High Command in a steady voice:

"My gentlemen, you are now invited to a hearty supper. We'll need all our strength to retake Pelium. We'll start out early on tomorrow. I'll not join you this evening since I'll be too busy working to refine our war planning. "

The Generals looked suspiciously at him. His pallor was now almost translucent and his hands trembled slightly from exertion. Alexander managed to walk at a steady pace into the inner chamber of the Royal tent. Well out of sight he succumbed to the overwhelming fatigue and let his legs give way under him. He well knew the most reliable of friends would be there to catch him when he lost consciousness. Hephaestion had seen the signs. He knew that his friend wasn't well enough to cope with the hard pressures of government and campaigns going awry. He realized that what others took for strong determination and glowing power in the King's beautiful gray eyes was but the signs of his arduous struggle against pain and weakness. Alexander's color was high in the midst of the war council but when he came out of sight from the curious looks of the High Command all blood left his cheeks and he became as pale and translucent as before. Hephaestion took him into his arms and immediately put him to bed. Cleitus and the guards came to his aid, watching the friends with deep concern. Alexander seemed to be very weak, he was moaning from pain and he even had difficulties in breathing. Hephaestion let his hand rest on the King's troubled brow, feeling the uncanny coldness. Then he let his other hand feel for the flickering pulse at the jugular before he worriedly told his fellow guardians:

"I don't like this at all. He mustn't be ailing when we are in such difficulties! We must find something out to make him feel better - soon!" Cleitus gave some sound and outspoken advice: "

Alexander is only human like the rest of us! He has done far more than any ordinary man would have been up to, and it is not to be wondered at if he succumbs to pain and weakness. We must hope that a nourishing supper and a good night's sleep will restore him to his proper strength. "

The old general clapped his hands and briskly commanded:

"Servants! Bring us some well watered wine, soft bread and broth with some cheese melted in it! And - tell Doctor Philip to attend to the King at once!"

Curious servants brought the evening meal into the tent by the front entrance. They looked with concern upon Alexander as he lay unconscious, securely wrapped into his warm furs. Hephaestion quickly shooed them away:

"The King is only resting. There is no need for worry!"

They ran away, filling all camp with the most worrisome and upsetting gossip. Soon the good doctor came, being let in by the secret back entrance.

"Well, how is Alexander now? Didn't I tell you he was supposed to stay in bed until he was better!"

"Yes, but he seemed quite restored this morning. And - we need him whole and sound to lead us. Macedon is in grave danger!"

Doctor Philip shook his head in deep concern and immediately proceeded to examine his Royal patient. Alexander slowly regained consciousness from his ministrations and watched them, his gray eyes clouded by pain and fatigue.

"Where am I? I must get back to the Council and take another look at the maps! "

He tried to get up but fell back on the purple cushions, lifting a trembling hand to his aching head and neck. Hephaestion quickly got to his side and tried to calm him down.

"Rest easy, my friend, rest easy. The Council is over. All went well and we have got some good news. Your guest friend King Lambarus have driven the Autariatians away. One enemy less to fight! Now there are just the Illyrians besetting Pelium and all the mountains around the city..."

Alexander groaned and turned on his side. The good doctor came between the friends.

"You must not upset my patient with talk of war and trouble! Don't you see it is making him sick? Let me now give him this soothing medicine, and then he must have something to eat and drink. He have been without food for almost two days now.."

He poured a strong smelling black liquid into a small cup of chiseled silver, mixed it with some wine and then he carefully cradled the King's head in his left arm as he held the cup to his lips. Alexander drank the strong potion with relief and almost immediately started to drift off into merciful unconsciousness. The doctor shook him and adamantly told him:

"NO, Sire! You must not fall asleep yet!"

He turned to Hephaestion:

"You must see to it that he takes some nourishment before he falls asleep. It will make him feel better. "

Hephaestion helped Alexander into a sitting position and propped him up with cushions.

"Here you are, my friend. Do you think you can drink some of this?"

Alexander helped himself to the well watered wine. He regained some color from it and then he was able to take some broth and soft bread too before he drifted off into unconsciousness once more. They all looked at him with deep concern. Doctor Philip dared to say what they all had in their minds.

"Just look at the state he is in! He cannot rise early in the morning and lead us towards Pelium! Whatever are we to do about this? "

Cleitus told Hephaestion:

"You are Second In Command, my young friend - and you are a more able commander than you think! If Alexander is not feeling better in the morning you will have to lead the retaking of Pelium together with Craterus while I stay here guarding Alexander until he is well again. "

Hephaestion felt cold shivers rippling down his spine as he answered with reassurance:

"I'm glad to hear that you have such confidence in me - but we must hope it wont't be necessary. Now let us have our evening meal, and then I'll see to Alexander once more. "

Now there was a severe disturbance at the entrance to the King's tent. They heard the Royal Guard adamantly telling a persistent and belligerent visitor:

" No, General. You cannot enter. The King must not be disturbed!"

A well known voice roared at them:

"I'm the King's most trusted General and I must see him at once!"

Craterus! His ardent plea was accompanied with sounds of fighting and the clamor of armor being battered. Now the giant General came rushing inside, all by himself from concern. He tried to uphold a semblance of calm as he cast a worried glance at the recumbent King.

"How is the King, my gentlemen? Rumors are all over camp that he is very seriously ill. It's now the second time you bring in doctor Philip through the "secret" back entrance. "

So much for the keeping of secrets! Hephaestion gave up an exhausted sigh and shrugged his shoulders, looking for some help from Cleitus. The more experienced General gave Craterus some information about the King's condition.

"My dear Craterus. You can see for yourself that Alexander is not feeling very well right now. It is his neck injury from the Danube that is hurting him once more. He has been in severe pain ever since we defeated the Getae - and now he cannot take it anymore. Doctor Philip has been here with some strong pain killing concoction and now he is sleeping, at long last. Alexander is not seriously ill - but we don't know if he'll be up to leading us towards Pelium in the morning. "

"This is really bad news. I don't want Alexander to risk his health in leading this campaign. It's lucky for us he made such careful plans before he passed out. I'm sure I'll be able to carry them out with you at my side. "

Craterus then pointed at Hephaestion.

"You will have to stay behind and see to the safety of the King. It is a vital mission - and - you surely must be the very best choice since you are so well acquainted with him and his bedchamber!"

Hephaestion rose so fast and violently that his camp chair tumbled backwards to the floor. Soon he had locked his detractor into a relentless wrestling grip, almost forcing the air out of his lungs. Craterus violently tried to liberate himself but the incorrigible combatants were locked in an iron grip of mutual hatred. Cleitus had to forcibly drag them apart, roaring in desperate anger:

"My gentlemen, behave yourselves! With such friends King Alexander doesn't need his multitudes of enemies!"

Craterus and Hephaestion came back to their senses. Blushing from shame they thanked him for his intervention. Hephaestion felt the diplomat awaken inside and told his detractor:

"Craterus. That was grossly uncalled for - but I won't hold it against you. We must not quarrel when Macedon is in grave danger. I'll gladly stay behind to see to Alexander's health and safety. His welfare is far more important to me than campaigns and glories!"

The giant General blushed even deeper from shame and silently withdrew from the Royal tent. Hephaestion gave his broad and muscular back an angry glare. He was panting from upset emotions. His auburn hair stood on end and his wonderful blue eyes blazed with an inner fire seldom seen. Cleitus put his hands on the tense shoulders of his young friend and tried to convey some calm and reassurance.

"You handled that very well, my brave young friend, telling him off like that instead of taking up your futile fighting once more. "

He then turned towards Alexander. The King was lying very still and pale as before. He had neither moved, nor noticed anything from the disturbances.

"I'm getting more worried for him all the time. Alexander must be very badly off, not being able to react to this terrible disturbance!"

Hephaestion nodded in concern. They sat down to their evening meal, eating in silent worry over Alexander's health and all the enemies of the Macedonians gathering in multitudes. Afterwards Cleitus went back to his quarters with Doctor Philip. When he was left alone with the King Hephaestion knelt to the small ivory statue of Heracles Alexander had on his field writing table, addressing the Demi God with ardent prayers.

"Brave Heracles, please grant me that Alexander will make a swift recovery. I cannot cope without him - . and he surely cannot bear being left behind on this perilous campaign. "

He suddenly felt two extraordinarily strong hands resting on his troubled shoulders, giving him new confidence and filling him with the most wonderful warmth, calm and determination. A Voice whispered into his right ear:

"Do not be afraid. Just stay with your Beautiful Golden One tonight. All will be well tomorrow. You will see for yourself. "

Hephaestion looked up. There was no one there - but the coals in the fire pan glowed with a fiery, crimson warmth filling the Royal tent with new hope and reassurance. Hephaestion undressed and went to bed, gently holding his Beautiful Golden One in his arms after wrapping them up into the soft warm furs. Peritas and Pollux tried to get into the bed with him but he had to shoo them away.

"No! I would gladly have you here with us - but you are not small pups anymore! There simply isn't room for us all!"

The faithful dogs lay down on the floor, carefully watching over their dear masters. Hephaestion thought Morpheus and Hypnos would avoid his troubled mind this night. He eased himself into a more comfortable position, placing himself on his left side behind Alexander, letting his friend rest with his hurting neck and back well supported by his powerful frame. Soon a wonderful warmth surrounded them and he felt drowsy. His Beautiful Golden One rested in safety in his arms and he did his very best to convey all his powers of strength and healing to his friend. The last thing he felt before he drifted off into a blessed and well needed sleep was the familiar fragrance of Alexander's beautiful golden hair.

"Up you go! Didn't I tell you we march towards Pelium well before dawn! Whatever do you mean by oversleeping? "

Persistent hands shook him awake and forced him out of bed. Alexander stood there, more radiant than ever, and already in his bright and shining armor. Hephaestion rubbed the vapors of sleep from his eyes and gave his friend an amazed look.

"Alexander! You really are feeling better today?"

"Yes. There must be some use in praying. I could hear all of it, and I felt the Presence of Heracles. I'm so glad he favors you, too!"

They embraced each other before taking on the troubles of war and enmity together.

Pelium, 335 BC

Into The Nutcracker

King Alexander was riding in front of the Macedonian army, advancing towards Pelium. He was looking quite invincible in his golden armor, so well polished it actually sent golden flashes in the radiant spring sun. The white plumes waved from his helmet and his purple Royal cloak folded and unfolded itself in the fresh spring breeze like the crimson tide of cruel war itself. No one could think the glorious young man wasn't in the very best of health - but Hephaestion and Cleitus knew better. They were riding on the right and left side of the King, watching him carefully for any signs of weakness. Their good care and the doctor's medicine seemed to have done wonders. Hephaestion also sent a silent prayer of thanks to Heracles.

Craterus rode right behind the King and his closest companions. His eyes were constantly on the man with the glossy auburn hair and the bright blue cloak billowing behind, so very confidently occupying the King's right side. Bitter envy possessed all of his being. He was the most experienced General, the strongest warrior, the best strategist. This place of honor should by all rights belong to him!

The Macedonians's first assault on the Illyrians was successful. They drove them from all the heights around Pelium and then they proceeded to take the city. This proved impossible, Pelium being strongly fortified and defended by the Illyrian war chief Clitus and an overwhelming force or war like Illyrians, bent upon final revenge on their long time Macedonian foes. Then there was another severe setback. Another Illyrian force, led by the warlord Glaucias, made a surprise assault, taking all the eastern heights around Pelium. The Macedonians were now severely outnumbered, surrounded and beset from all directions. Their lines of supplies and communication were severed by the enemy, and the well needed reinforcements they had sent for from Pella were too far away to be of any use in their present predicament. Alexander and the Macedonians found themselves placed right into the nutcracker's most dangerous and crushing grip! Their position was well nigh-desperate and they were in sore need of a miraculous rescue.

Miracle Plans

The Macedonian camp was well fortified and placed at some distance from Pelium, between the river Apsos and the road to Macedonia. King Alexander held another war council in the Royal tent.

"My gentlemen, we are in serious trouble. The Illyrians outnumber us many times - but victory is of the essence! We must defeat them once and for all - or else we won't escape from here alive!"

The General Craterus rose from his camp chair and made a brave suggestion:

"Alexander! We must concentrate all our forces to retake Pelium. If we use our archers and siege engines we will surely make a break through. "

Alexander looked at the giant General with some approval. Then the General Ptolemy ventured forth:

"But, Alexander, they surround us from all places - and the city is well fortified. We cannot even come close enough to use our siege engines! And soon we'll even be out of supplies. You have led us right into perdition!"

It was unheard of that the General Ptolemy, or any other General, came up with such outspoken fears. The Generals in the High Command were even more surprised by the gentleness of Alexander's answer:

"No, my dear Ptolemy. We cannot escape - and we cannot defeat them by numbers - but we still can outsmart them! We will have to submit to a most unusual war ruse!"

Alexander explained it all to them. They found his ideas unbelievable and impracticable - but he was glowing from some inner strength and resolution and when the young King had finished they all agreed with him. They were filled with new courage and reassurance and, when the commanders explained the King's plans all to all the men of the Macedonian army they found they could persuade them all with astounding ease. Against all odds the Macedonians ate their evening meal with a hearty appetite and enjoyed a really good night's sleep.

Evening Before Battle

Alexander was sitting at his writing table, working over the battle plans time and time again. He then finished and signed a scroll to his Dear Mother, wrapped it up and sealed it with his Royal Seal. He had given courage and confidence to his High Command and all the Macedonian army but now he felt some inner doubts, very unlike for him. Would Heracles' Miracle Plan really work? Was he able to go through with them? What about casualties? Would he and his beloved Companions and Macedonians really survive the upcoming, perilous battle? Once again he felt the tension building up in his neck and shoulders. The headache was looming and he heard himself actually groaning from pain and despair.

Soft steps closed in upon him, and then two warm and strong hands were put upon his aching shoulders. He knew their owner so very well. His True Steadfast Friend was with him once more and he leaned back towards him in a comfortable pose of relaxation. Hephaestion needed no words to understand what Alexander truly ached for. He gently stroke and kneaded all the tensions and aches away from the King's troubled shoulders, looking with rapture at the beautiful golden hair softly brushing towards his arms and chest. This was a night for comfort only , though, and he had to deny himself release for the passionate feelings that threatened to possess him. When he felt some improvement from his kind ministrations he dared to put the important question that occupied his clever mind:

"Alexander, do you really feel that you are up to leading us into war tomorrow? All the others think you are fully recovered from your accident - but I know it is not so. Please, stay behind the lines and let me, Cleitus and Craterus carry out your ingenious plan!"

Hephaestion felt the King's broad shoulder muscles harden again and he knew before he heard it what the answer would be.

"No, my Dear One. You well know I would never subject my brave Companions to any dangers I'm not willing to share myself!"

That truly was his Beautiful Golden One speaking, always too brave for his own safety When Alexander at long last felt relaxed and free from all pains and aches they sat down to a delicious evening meal of succulent venison and spring vegetables, washed down with well watered red wine. They ate and drank with a hearty appetite, not wanting to think about that it might very well be their very last meal together.

Afterwards, they went for a walk around camp, seeing the sun setting in the West in a sea of crimson and scarlet. Alexander had a word of encouragement for each and every one of the Macedonians, and Hephaestion walked by his side, adding his very own calm and reassurance. They went inside, preparing themselves for bed, soon falling asleep in each others arms. Stefanos and Alexios had the first night watch and both guards could see a faint, golden gleam at their bedside. It was surrounding a tall, muscular man wrapped in a cloak of lion's fur.

Miraculous Luck

Morning came with glorious sunlight from an azure sky as the Macedonians prepared themselves for the upcoming maneuvers. A sweet smelling breeze relished their nostrils as they banged their shields and roared in unison:

"Alexander! Alexander! ALEXANDER! Let us all go and get them!"

The whole Macedonian army rode out in full array, the cavalry in all their iles, the infantry marching in phalanxes and syntagmas, shields locked and spears held ready for the battle. Most impressive were the tall and muscular soldiers wielding the enormous sarissas. They held their giant spears high. looking like a forest of impending doom and death. Bright polished armor flashed in the bright Spring sun, the red cloaks of the Companions and the blue cloaks of the Thessalian Companion cavalry billowed in the breeze. The whole army was looking like some exotic flower with blue and crimson petals, its leaves and branches of steal and wood ready to deal death and dismay to all unfortunate enough to defy it. Alexander, Hephaestion, Cleitus and Craterus were all around, roaring commands, having the army to perform all kinds of impressive and complicated drills and maneuvers. The cavalry were riding in diamond- and wedge like formations, and then forming half and whole circles, semi lunar formations and pincers. At the same time the infantry and phalanxes were marching in squares and turns, all in uncanny unison, looking like one man instead of the thousands they actually were.

The Illyrians watched in great confusion from the walls and towers of Pelium and from the heights around the city. What did the Macedonians mean with all their strange drills and maneuvers? Had King Alexander finally been driven to madness by his recent setbacks? They were both frightened and curious and ventured forth, marching up closer and closer to the Macedonian army, as if drawn to it by some malevolent magnet.

Decisive Strikes

Alexander saw the Illyrians coming closer and closer, drawn by their thoughtless curiosity. When they were within firing range he bellowed an order :

"Archers! Fire at will!"

The marksman archers, hidden behind the multitudes of the army at their drills, stepped forward and fired volley after volley. The sky went black from their arrows and the Illyrians felt as if they were smitten from Death falling from the skies. Now there were cries of dismay, horror and pain and the fresh, verdant spring grass turned into crimson. The warlord King Glaucias managed to regroup his troops. At the same time his ally King Clitus had the city gates opened and ventured forth with reinforcements. He bellowed at all the Illyrians:

"Let's have at them! We outnumber them ten to one and we'll have the victory of this day!"

The battle was hard and bitter - but the Macedonian's better arms and drill made a difference and gave them the upper hand, despite their being so grossly outnumbered. King Alexander fought bravely, always in the heat of the struggle. Hephaestion and Cleitus were close by, protecting him to the right and left and the Illyrians fled in panic before the terrible threesome. The hidden siege engines were brought forth, battering the walls and gates of Pelium with heavy fire from stone missiles. Soon the engineers and sappers were having great success and the strongly fortified walls had taken several breeches. They were coming close to a break through and victory.

At first King Alexander managed to avoid all dangers, sitting securely on his fierce and faithful war stallion. Bucephalus well knew the true state of his dear Master and he did his very best to keep him from the worst heat of the battle. Then King Glaucias brought forth two of his bravest champions, red haired twins of enormous stature and warlike disposition. They wore shining bronze helmets, adorned by rugged gray feathers and looked like some dangerous birds of prey and doom.

"Get directly at King Alexander, my furious ones! If you bring him down all others will retreat and we'll hold our own against them!"

The twin champions were armed with spears and spiked, heavy clubs, and thick leather armor and greaves protected them from head to feet. When acting in unison they were like an engine of doom. Now they homed in on King Alexander from two directions, striking at maximum speed. Before his Companions saw it, they made their strike. One of them hit the King at his neck with his cruel club. It was a hard and clean stroke and the sharp spikes tore at Alexander's jewel studded collar. It didn't shatter but was severely torn. The King staggered and clutched at his neck, almost falling off Bucephalus. Searing lightnings of red hot pain was sizzling down his throat and neck and he cried out loud before he regained his senses and fighting spirit, holding up his shield and brandishing his sword.

The Twins of Doom prepared for another attack. Alexander saw them coming at him through a red mist of agony. He had difficulties in breathing and he felt his hands trembling and all his strength leaving him in a most inappropriate moment. Then two secure Shadows appeared at his sides, one jet black, one fiery auburn. They were protecting him with shield and sword, roaring at the enemies. Cleitus and Hephaestion, always steadfast and reliable. The King brandished his sword once more and bravely rode against the Twins of Doom.

The Marksman

He was called the Marksman by all his Illyrian friends. There simply was no prey or victim that he couldn't fell with his vicious stone sling. His aim was true, his arm was strong - and woe to the poor man or animal who got in their way. They didn't last for long. Now the young Macedonian King was leading his horrible army and making a mess of his beloved people. He saw his friends and kin being slaughtered by the invaders. Hatred and sorrow mingled as a red mist before his eyes. His aim and good judgment were severely clouded by it. He shook his head and brushed his eyes, trying to get a clearer picture of the hated enemy. Then the young King was being hit by the neck by one of the red haired twin's heavy cudgels. He faltered and swayed - and at that crucial moment the Marksman put a heavy, rugged stone into his sling and took careful aim. The deadly missile was launched, and, as always, hit its intended goal. The Macedonian King's brightly polished helmet with its waving white feather plumes was an easy strike!

With great satisfaction he saw King Alexander go down, falling off his black war stallion amongst a crowd of fighting Macedonians and Illyrians. His Companions rallied to him - but he was not moving and bright red blood was flowing freely from under his crushed helmet. He saw that three of the King's Companions were braver and more fierce than all the others in unison. There were those two very big men with black hair manes showing under their helmets - and then this dedicated warrior with his shining auburn hair and his bright shining armor. The three of them fought back to back, bravely defending their King, and killing a multitude of Illyrian warriors in the proceedings.

He decided that they too had to be taken down. He loaded his sling once more - and hit one of the black haired giants right between his shoulders. Then he hit the other one on his helmet - and the fierce auburn haired warrior took a brutal strike on his swords-arm. To his great amazement they were not slowed down a bit by his hard and sure strikes. What mettle and dedication possessed these Macedonians? Those strikes would have brought any ordinary men down immediately. He proceeded to fire his sling again and again, letting big rugged stones loose and hailing all over the terrible threesome - but by now his hands were tired and his aim unsure. He simply wasn't able to continue any more. The Marksman looked once more at King Alexander's still and unmoving body, and then he tied his sling back to his belt. The Marksman smiled in bitter satisfaction. He had just dealt the Macedonians a decisive strike, right at the core!

Hazards Of Friendship

Alexander was feeling victorious and secure in the midst of battle, despite the hard blow he had just taken to his already injured neck. His brave Companions were fighting fiercely at his sides, the Illyrians were falling, dead and wounded all over the battle field, and the gates of Pelium were soon to give in to the harsh batterings from the Macedonian siege engines. Missiles were raining from the sky, dealing death and dismay to the Illyrians. They didn't understand these new, horrible weapons, striking from far away, making it impossible to hide from their hard stones and searing arrows. A bolt of lightning struck from the sky. Alexander felt a deafening blow to his helmet. A great weakness washed over him as he lurched forward and fell to the blood soaked battle ground. He saw the sun soaring far above his head, turning, pulsating, glowing, dimming...dimming and darkening in a crimson cloud of pain and dizziness, until all the world turned into a blood red mist of agony and defeat.

"Alexander! ALEXANDER!"

Not even Hephaestion's anguished scream could recall the King to consciousness. Hephaestion was fighting bravely at the right side of his Beautiful Golden One. All their clever battle plans were carried out extremely well. Yes, it was as if both Heracles and the mighty Gods of War fought at the Macedonian side and helped them gain the day. They were outnumbered ten to one by the Illyrians, but it seemed like each Macedonian stroke counted as ten Illyrian. He begun singing a brave battle paen as he slashed and parried, warding off multitudes of Illyrians from his King and friend. Two towering giants came at them from the right and the left. Before Hephaestion could react Alexander had taken a hard blow from a spiked cudgel at his already injured and vulnerable neck. He was staggering, almost falling of Bucephalus, before he rallied and brandished his sword once more. Hephaestion and Cleitus closely protected him from both sides and prepared to strike at the towering giants.

Suddenly, Doom fell from the very skies. Alexander was stricken by a wicked, rugged stone by the helmet. Now he fell off his horse and went down in a multitude of fighting Illyrians and Macedonians. Bucephalus stayed by his side, rearing up and kicking one of the Twins of Doom, then the other, fiercely neighing and protecting his Dear Master. Hephaestion found himself fighting back to back with Craterus and Cleitus, bravely protecting Alexander from all the Illyrians rallying and coming at the King's unconscious body.

King Glaucias watched the work of his very best warriors with great satisfaction. The Twins of Doom were fast as lighting as usual, breaking through even the ring of iron surrounding the Macedonian King. They dealt him a hard blow to the neck - and then he was stricken by the Marksman's sling stone, going down in a melee of fighting men and horses. The warlord bellowed his orders:

"Have at them! Go kill them all - and bring me King Alexander's head on a pike! This day belongs to us!"

Then he saw with great dismay a cloud of Thunder strike down his Twins of Doom. Out of nowhere came a fierce warrior with auburn flaming hair, fighting back to back with two black maned giants. They fought bravely to protect their King, surrounding him with a wall of flashing steel. Never before had the tides of war turned so quickly. The Macedonians were like a crimson river, dealing death and dismay all around, driving the Illyrians before them and then actually down the river Apsos. The waters turned red with blood and the screams from the dying and wounded seared his ears with alarm. This was not supposed to happen. He had expected a final victory, no Macedonians ever more to harass the Illyrian lands. Now it seemed their careful planning and unity had been all in vain. The Macedonian War Machine was truly invincible.

King Clitus watched the disaster from the citadel of Pelium. King Alexander was down and out, but his brave Macedonian army was taking a horrible vengeance all around his still body. The warlord saw his crack troops bravely fighting the Macedonians, only to be crushed against the walls - and then the very gates of the city were broken down by enormous stones raining from the very skies. The Macedonians were welling inside the city like a crimson tide. Now the screaming started...

Hephaestion suddenly found no more Illyrians to slay with his bloodied sword. They all lay dead in a sorrowful crimson heap at his feet. Some were running away from the bloody battle field, screaming from horror and dismay. The Battle of Pelium had been a formidable victory. The birds of prey were already gathering to eat their fill. Despite this he felt no joy or satisfaction that the Macedonians had won the day. Alexander lay still and unmoving, the bright red blood flowing freely from his head wound. Hephaestion rushed to his side, quickly removing his crushed helmet. He saw an endless stream of blood soaking the beautiful golden hair. When he parted the golden tresses he found an angry crimson swelling, forming a big lump at the back of his Dear Ones head. He quickly tore some strips from his own undergarments and tried to staunch the bleeding. It was all in vain. A stream of blood was running endlessly from the King's head, soaking his golden hair in crimson and drenching his red war cloak in gore. He also saw that Alexander's breath was labored and so he removed his jewel studded collar to make his breathing easier. The collar broke into two parts in his strong hands. At the same time Alexander gasped for air, once, twice, and then suddenly he was not breathing at all. Hephaestion shook him violently.

"Alexander! Alexander! NOOOO! You may not give up on me, not now when all our plans have won us the day! I cannot go on without you. "

Hephaestion sat in the midst of the battle field cradling his Beautiful Golden One in his arms. He was experiencing the saddest moment of his whole life. Tears were now flowing freely from his eyes and he was no longer aware of the overwhelming Macedonian victory. Alexander was white and cold, his body limp and unmoving, as if stricken by a sudden paralysis. He had done his very best to give succor to his friend - but his desperate measures had all been in vain. He shook him violently once more, crying out in anguished desperation:

"Alexander! Come back to me! You cannot leave me now - not in the midst of battle and victory. We need you so very badly - and - I simply cannot go on without you. "

The last was said so very quietly no one heard. Cleitus, Craterus, Ptolemy and all the Companions were standing all around in a close circle. Bucephalus and Castor were sharing all the grief, standing close by with their heads hanging. The King's giant black stallion was licking and nudging his Dear Master, tears in his big brown eyes. The General Hephaestion's docile chestnut stallion put his head on his Master's shoulder, trying to give strength and comfort in this moment of utmost sorrow. They all were watching in shocked disbelief. The King couldn't be dying, or even - dead! Not now, not in the very beginning of his - and theirs - glorious careers.

Hephaestion looked up to them all in desperate emergency. Tears welled freely from his beautiful blue eyes.

"Where is Doctor Philip? Why can't you bring him here - at once! Alexander is in a very bad way! "

Cleitus gently held his shoulders, making his hard and calloused hands as tender and comforting as possible.

"He is on his way, my friend. You know our camp is far away from this god forsaken battle ground - but our messengers will bring him here as fast as possible!"

Hephaestion sighed deeply. His voice almost broke when he told them:

"Well, then we must hope he will make it here in time. "

TBC