Alexander and the Macedonians were victorious in the Battle of Pelium, but the price has been high. Alexander and Hephaestion have been seriously wounded and are both unwell. There is no time for rest and recuperation since they receive grave news from the South. They must combine their remaining strength and give each other well needed support as they now have to face new troubles with the revolt in Thebes.
All the best wishes
/NorthernLight
TEMPLATE:
Title: FIC: Hazards Of Friendship ( 12 / WIP)
Author: NorthernLight
Category: Love/Friendship/Adventure story. Alternate History.
Pairing: Alexander&Hephaestion
Date: September 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 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 some hard campaigns towards warlike neighbors in the East, South and West. He liberated the city of Pelium from the Illyrians. 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 are well documented in the sources. Regarding Alexander being unwilling to rule Macedon from his bedside, I must tell you something from Swedish, real history. In the 19th century our King Karl XIV Johan, in his old age, used to stay in bed all day. This was called the Bedchamber Government. It worked rather well in these peaceful times and in our cold and calm country. Alexander couldn't do it, of course.
Medical note: The odd thing about Alexander's eyes having different color may come from people having seen him after some serious head injury. This can cause a reversible dilatation of the pupil and make one eye look darker than the other.
Warnings: This is AR, very close to but not "real" history. Violence, hard fighting, angst and intrigues. Serious trauma to major characters.
Dedication: To Juu. Written on behalf of your fic challenge about Hephaestion and his constant trouble with the envious generals.
Find the fic: Chapter 1-10 as an RTF file in the Alexander's Army Yahoo Group. Chapter 11 Alexander's Army Yahoo Group message # 1982, ATG Slash message # 3614 and at the the movie section, Alexander.
Hazards Of Friendship, Part 12
Pelium, 335 BC
Slow Recovery
Alexander lifted his head and even tried to rise from the bed. He fell back with a agonized groan before they could stop him. He closed his eyes and let his hurting head sink deep down into the soft pillow. Doctor Philip sternly told him:
"No, Alexander. Rest easy now! The battle of Pelium is over and we won the day - but you have got a serious head wound. That's the reason you don't remember any of it. Only time will make it better. "
Alexander looked at them, his beautiful gray eyes filled with pain and puzzlement. He saw Hephaestion sitting at his bedside and was immediately aware of his friend having his right arm bandaged and strictly bound to the side. He lifted his hand, trying to give some solace as he asked in a faltering whisper:
"Whatever happened to you? "
"They say I broke my arm while trying to keep you out of harm's way. Don't you worry. It's feeling much better now. "
Doctor Philip and Hephaestion managed to feed Alexander some strengthening broth and also a strong concoction to relieve his headache before he fell asleep again. He had regained some color and much of the pain seemed to be gone. They sat at his bedside, somewhat less worried now that he was feeling better. The good doctor told Hephaestion and the guards:
"I think Alexander will come out of this with no permanent injuries. He seems lucid enough and he has even regained some warmth and color. I must admit I was very worried for him for some time. "
Hephaestion looked at doctor Philip with feelings of great relief over this good news. He let himself relax and slumped back into the soft cushions in his chair. Suddenly the pain and discomfort from his own injuries overwhelmed him. A sickening wave of red hot agony rushed from his shoulder down into his right arm and hand, and then all the way to his head. He closed his eyes and clutched at his shoulder with a desperate groan. Stefanos saw his color change from translucent white to a greenish pallor and immediately brought him a basin. The watchful guard helped him and held on to him as he was violently sick for a long time. His companion Alexios brought some cloths immersed in cold water and gently wiped his face and mouth before he held one of them to his master's brow. Hephaestion looked up at them, managing a faint smile.
"Thank you. I ought to behave myself better. I didn't feel anything from my shoulder before, but now it hurts like Hell itself. "
"No wonder, my Lord, after all this time of constant vigil. Now it's time for you to get some proper rest and care. Let us put you to bed, and then the good doctor will bring you something to take the pain away. "
Hephaestion tried to rise from the chair, but his legs gave way under him and he felt cold waves of dizziness and nausea wash over him. He had to slump back and let it pass before the guards held on to him and helped him to rise and stand.
"Careful now, my Lord. You'll feel much better when you are resting in a soft, warm bed. "
They had to support him as he walked unsteadily to his own bed, and he instantly lost consciousness when they lowered him into it. They put some pillows under his head and injured shoulder, trying to make him rest as comfortably as possible. Doctor Philip came over to them:
"How is he? "
"Not well, doctor. He passed out after being sick - and he told us his arm was hurting him a lot. He must be in severe pain, since he NEVER complains about anything!"
Doctor Philip felt the patient's brow, finding it cold and clammy. Then he put two fingers on his jugular, feeling the pulse being faint and flickering.
"He is very weak right now. This constant vigil has been too much for him. When was the last time he had anything to eat or drink?"
"I don't remember. It could have been sometime yesterday - and then he didn't want anything but a sip of cold water and some of your opium mixed into watered wine. "
"No wonder he is feeling so poorly. I'll give him some more of my pain killing concoction - and you'll order some more broth and also soft bread and feed him. He must take nourishment - or else he'll never be able to mend. "
"Yes, doctor. We'll see to it at once. "
The good doctor examined the patient's shoulder, administered new poultices and put on new dressings. Hephaestion awakened during the procedures, groaning and almost screaming out loud from the pain. He raised his good arm and pushed the doctor away. His eyes were filled with pain and anxiety.
"Let me be! I must go to HIM again! "
"No. Alexander is sleeping and he wants you to rest, too. You must stay calm now. Your arm is mending properly, despite all your exertions. You'll be feeling better after drinking this. "
Doctor Philip put some opium into a cup of well watered wine and administered it to his patient, giving it to him in slow and careful sips. Stefanos came with the bread and broth, and the doctor helped his patient to it himself. Hephaestion at first swallowed with reluctance but then he felt actual thirst and hunger and all went better. He was very weak and fell asleep in the midst of the procedure. The doctor ordered his guards:
"One of you must sit up with him. He must not get up from bed or exert himself anymore - and as soon as he wakes up he must have some more to eat and drink. "
Alexander and Hephaestion were soundly asleep for a whole day and night. Their faithful guards changed, and then changed back several times. Cleitus, Ptolemy, Perdiccas and Craterus came to see them and sit up with them. Doctor Philip left for a well needed rest, and he also visited the field hospital, seeing to the Macedonian wounded.
The sun sent its golden rays through the window, together with sweet fragrances from Spring flowers from the garden outside. Alexander slowly awakened, his head hurting and his neck feeling stiff like an iron rod. He lifted his right hand to his aching brow. It was weak and trembling, but he was glad to be able to move at all. He turned his head to the left, immediately seeing Hephaestion resting in a bed at the other side of the room. His friend was very pale, almost translucent and he didn't seem to be breathing. Alexander tried to sit up, but slumped back on his purple cushions with a scream of pain and anguish.
"NO! How is he? He must not leave me, not now, not ever!"
Stefanos desperately tried to calm him down.
"Rest easy, my Lord. You must not disturb him with this unnecessary outburst. He is no worse than you are, just exhausted from watching over you. At long last he is sleeping and I suggest that we let him go on with it! "
Alexander was not satisfied with this explanation. He slowly rose from his bed and both guards had to help him and hold on to him for dear life. He took some faltering steps and they saw with great concern that he was dragging his left foot and leg behind. There was also something strange with his left eye. It seemed to have changed color from gray to a deep black, and it also seemed to be larger than the other. They quickly beckoned for a comfortable chair to be put at Hephaestion's bedside and helped the King to sit down. Alexander felt the brow of his friend and also checked his pulse and breathing. He found that his friend was very weak but fortunately, still alive. He took a deep breath of great relief and slumped back at the cushions in the chair. Now, he felt his own weakness. A wave of dizziness washed over him and his stomach growled from an almost burning hunger.
"Oh, how thirsty and hungry I am! Can you bring me some undiluted wine and a decent meal!"
The guards looked at him with surprise.
"My Lord, it is well that your appetite have returned - but we'll have to ask the good doctor what you may have to eat and drink! I don't think he would approve of any wine at all!"
Alexios quickly slipped outside. Soon he returned with doctor Philip. He was amazed at seeing his Royal patient sitting up, carefully watching over his sleeping friend.
"Alexander! You should be staying in bed! And - undiluted wine is completely out of the question! I'll see to it that you have some broth and soft bread, with good,fresh mountain water. "
The good doctor closely examined his patient. He was worried over the strange phenomenon with the King's left eye and the apparent weakness in his left side, but he didn't say anything. The food arrived, and taking the tray in his lap, the King helped himself to the well needed nourishment. When he was eating the soft bread and washing it down with the water, he wanted it transformed into good, undiluted red wine. Hephaestion woke up. He was glad to find the King well enough to sit up eating at his bedside and he looked with envy at the food tray:
"Oh, that looks really good! Do you have any for me, too?"
The servants brought some more broth and bread as the guards helped him to sit up in bed. He gasped from pain and clutched at his shoulder, feeling all the world spinning around as the red hot claws of agony grasped at him. Alexander looked at him with deep concern and gently stroke his cold and clammy brow with his right hand. He then put his left hand on his friend's aching shoulder, trying to hold on to it with a firm grip. It annoyed him that this hand didn't obey him properly. It was trembling and felt very weak. Hephaestion didn't notice, he just felt the wondrous warmth emanating from the hands of his Beautiful Golden One. All his pains and aches went away and he was now able to feed himself. He ate slowly, sipping at the cold water, carefully chewing the soft newly baked bread. They were both happy to be alive and able to share this frugal meal. It tasted far better than the most luxurious banquet and they truly enjoyed every morsel of it. Afterwards doctor Philip gave them some more opium, mixed into well watered wine. They soon fell asleep, and the guards had to carry Alexander back to his own bed. Stefanos told doctor Philip:
"I'm worried for the King. There must be something wrong with his left side - and his left eye is looking very strange, indeed. "
"Yes, Stefanos. I saw this, too. These things could happen after severe blows to the head. We can only wait and see to it that the King gets proper rest and care. "
Alexander and Hephaestion slept on for a very long time, not knowing about the troubles awaiting them...
Dire Tidings
Craterus, Cleitus and Ptolemy came into the bedchamber, looking like endless worries burdened their broad shoulders. The giant General was holding a scroll in his hand, clutching it so hard that his knuckles whitened. Alexander and Hephaestion were still soundly asleep, the guards and the good doctor sitting up with them. The three generals looked at them with great concern. The King and his closest Companion were so very pale and wan, seeming completely exhausted. Doctor Philip gave them a stern look as he asked:
"My gentlemen, why do you come here? Didn't I tell you the King and the General Hepahestion needed their sleep and rest!"
"Yes, but we have received some very grave news from the South. It's for the King only to decide how to deal with it. "
"Do they have an invasion army ready at our doorstep?"
"No, not yet - but it's severe enough. The city of Thebes has revolted. Our garrison at the Cadmeia is being besieged and two of our officers have been murdered! We must act at once!"
Both guards blanched and put their hands to their sword hilts. Doctor Philip looked at the Generals with deep concern:
"Yes, this is dire tidings, indeed - but my patients need their rest and recuperation. It'll have to wait until they wake up of their own accord. Just leave this message here with me. I'll convey it to the King as soon as he wakes up. "
The Generals reluctantly walked away, worriedly shaking their heads. Macedon was in grave danger once more - and - the King and his closest Companion seemed to be far too seriously ill to start another hard campaign. They left the good doctor and the faithful guards deeply disturbed. What would happen when their dear patients woke up? Perhaps they would be feeling a little better, but they might not be strong enough to handle a major crisis. How in the Gods' name would they ever be able to deal with the revolt in the South?
Brutal Awakening
Hephaestion awoke once more, his shoulder burning from aching pain. He groaned and clutched at it, as he tried to sit up in bed. Stefanos was at his side at once, helping him and supporting him with some pillows and cushions.
"Easy, my Lord. You must rest easy. It's not good for you to be in so much pain!"
"No, but it cannot be avoided. I must be up and about! It's no good staying here, being pampered amongst these soft cushions!"
He tried to get up once more, but had to sit back, feeling himself being overwhelmed by sickening waves of nausea and dizziness. Stefanos held a cold cloth to his fevered brow.
"Stay calm and easy, my Lord. It won't do if you're getting sick once again. You'll need all of your strength to prepare for what is to come!"
Hephaestion reacted strongly to the tone in the guard's voice. He immediately knew there was some new grave dangers to deal with.
"Stefanos, you are hiding something from me!"
Doctor Philip came with a strengthening concoction he had prepared for when his patients were to wake up. It smelled strongly of invigorating herbs and beef broth - and it also held some traces or opium, possibly enough to alleviate their pain but not enough to put them to sleep once more.
"Hephaestion. Drink this before you do anything more. You'll sure be needing it!"
He lifted his hand and tried to push the bowl away. Doctor Philip insisted:
"No. You MUST drink this! It won't put you to sleep again. THAT we sure cannot afford!"
Hephaestion reluctantly took the bowl in his good hand and slowly sipped at it. When he felt its invigorating effects he took some more substantial gulps, until it all went down. Now he was warm and satisfied, and he even felt the throbbing pain in his shoulder slowly diminish to an endurable level. He became aware of his surroundings and saw Alexander resting in the bed nearby. His Beautiful Golden One was not looking his best. Alexander was very pale, almost translucent - and he seemed to be in great pain from his head wound. He was fidgeting restlessly in his sleep, groaning in deep agony and there were deep dark shadows under his eyes. Hephaestion asked doctor Philip:
"How is he?"
"Not well, my Hephaestion - and - it'll take some time before he recovers from it - time we don't have! This has arrived from our informers in the South!"
He handed the scroll over. Hephaestion slowly read its coded contents, his eyes widening with shock and despair. At long last he lifted his head and told them:
"My gentlemen. This cannot wait! Soon we'll have all the armies of the South at our very doorstep. We must do something brave and unexpected - or else Macedon will cease to exist!"
An unexpected voice called out to them:
"What do you say! I am Macedon - and I will not let it perish!"
Alexander was wide awake and rose from his bed with an amazing speed and vitality. He came walking up to them on trembling legs, still dragging his left foot and with his left arm and hand dangling limp at his side. Stefanos and Alexios caught up with him, discretely preventing him from taking an ignominious fall to the floor. He sat down in the chair at Hephaestion's bedside, worriedly asking:
"Phai, what is this that has upset you so badly?"
"Alexander, we have had some very bad news from the South. This came from our most reliable informer. "
Alexander took the scroll, slowly unwrapping it. The writing was clear and distinct, the message short but clearly conveying its appalling consequences. Still he found himself unable to read it. The letters and words spun around before his eyes, forming a confusing mess, like a swarm of annoying bees or mosquitoes. He impatiently put it in his lap, wiping his eyes with his good right hand. Then he gave it another tryout, with the same depressing results. He had to call out for help:
"Phai, my eyesight is not very good this evening. Could you read it aloud to me!"
"Yes, of course, Alexander. "
He read the short, but ominous message aloud:
"To King Alexander and his Companions,
Greetings,
I regret to inform you that the city of Thebes has rebelled. Your garrison is being , besieged, and two of your high ranking officers have been murdered. All the South will soon follow. You must act at once!
Aeschines"
Alexander put his hands to his aching head, sitting in silence for a long time, concentrating on these grave news. Hephaestion put his strong left hand on his shoulder, trying to be of help. Suddenly Alexander rose and gave a command:
"Guards! Call a war council at once! We must prepare to march upon the South immediately!"
He was staggering and waving to and fro, his serious condition apparent to all in the room - still he radiated more power and resolution than ever before. He looked down on his crumpled chiton.
"Bring me some decent clothes! I cannot appear before the Generals like this!"
Doctor Philip came up to him and tried in vain to push him back to his bed.
"No, Alexander. You are not well enough to be up and about. We can call Kraterus, Cleitus and Ptolemy back to us and you can give your orders from here. Now you must go back to bed!"
The King stamped the floor in a violent mood:
"No, Philip! I cannot rule Macedon from my bedside!"
After some heated discussion Alexander agreed to sit down and drink the strengthening concoction. It made him regain some colour and soothed his roaring headache. Afterwards his servants dressed him in a fresh white chiton and his purple Royal cloak. They also helped Hephaestion put on a blue chiton and a midnight blue cloak, hiding his wounded arm under its soft cover. Doctor Philip and the guards were quite surprised about the change in their patients. Half an hour ago they had been two hapless, bedridden invalids, barely awake and aware of their surroundings. Now they saw a mighty King, given strong support by his very best friend and most clever General. No one could see Alexander's staggering, unsteady gait hidden under his Royal robe. Hephaestion held on to him with his strong left arm and hand, as the doctor and the faithful guards followed, ready to give even more support. They had just a short walk to the Hall where all the Generals were gathered. Alexander took a deep breath and prepared himself for the most difficult War Council hitherto during his reign.
War Council
All the Generals were sitting around a large wooden table in the dining hall. They were discussing, in anxious silent whispers, the grave news from the South and the seriousness of the situation. How would King Alexander be able to deal with this new crisis? He couldn't possible have recovered sufficiently from his serious head wound yet.
Now the sound of determined feet marching was heard from the other side of the door. It was opened and King Alexander came, supported by the General Hephaestion on his left side and doctor Philip on his right side. The guards were walking close by, looking as if they expected the King and his friend to fall down anytime. Both young men were looking very pale, almost translucent, but they walked with strong determination, giving each other strong support. The Generals gave King Alexander an extra hard scrutiny, seeing that he was somewhat unsteady in his gait - and they also noticed the strange appearance of his left eye. It had changed color from gray to deep black and become larger, looking like an abyss in to doom and dismay. The King and his General sat down at the head of the table. Alexander unraveled the scroll from the South as he begun to speak in a steady voice:
"My gentlemen, we have had dire tidings from the South. The Thebans have rebelled, taken the Cadmeia and killed two of our high ranking commanders. We must act at once, or else all the South will be in arms against us!"
All the Generals nodded in agreement, looking to the King for a fast decision. They didn't have to wait for long.
"In three days time we march against the south. We'll take the fastest route through Eordaea and Elimaea, marching along the Pindus range. We will be at THEIR doorstep long before they expect us. The surprise will act to our advantage. You must prepare our troops at once! I will lead you against the South three days from now. It is necessary for the security of Macedon - and to keep our homeland secure as we move against Persia. "
There was a grim silence in the hall, all the Generals thinking about the dangerous campaigns to come. Then Kraterus rose from his chair, bowing in respect to Alexander and Hephaestion:
"This is a grim decision, my King - but the only way out of this danger. I will go and prepare my men at once!"
The other Generals agreed and all rose, going out to prepare the troops. They didn't dare put the question looming in all their minds
/ "Would King Alexander really be able to lead them towards the South in three days time/
Moment Of Weakness
As soon as the Generals had left the room Alexander leaned back to his seat, holding his right hand to his brow. He had a splitting, throbbing headache. It was getting worse all the time, making him nauseous. Hephaestion immediately saw his distress. He could almost feel it himself as he asked in deep concern:
"Alexander. How are you?"
"Not well, my friend, not well at all - but in three days time I just have to be strong enough to march against the South!"
As he rose his legs almost gave way under him. He was supported by Hephaestion and the guards when he staggered outside the hall. Out of sight from all he doubled up, becoming violently sick. Doctor Philip came to his aid, giving stern reproach:
"Alexander! Didn't I tell you to stay in bed! Now you have made yourself even worse with your recklessness!"
Hephaestion tried to calm him down:
"Don't be so harsh to him, Philip. He just had to do it. He must appear strong before the Generals, especially in these dangerous times. He will have three days to rest and recover. It will have to suffice!"
Alexander looked at him with thankfulness before he passed out from sheer exhaustion. The faithful guards helped carry him back to his quarters. They undressed him and put him to bed with a cold cloth laid over his aching brow. He was moaning and groaning, moving restlessly in his sleep and looking worse than ever. Hephaestion and doctor Philip sat down to a long vigil at the King's bedside, watching over him with great care and concern. They didn't even dare to think the crucial question, even less make it into words.
However would King Alexander be able to lead the Macedonian army towards the rebellious South in three days time?
TBC