We left our friends in overwhelming trouble at the end of last chapter. However will they cope with the rebellion of Thebes, when they still haven't recuperated from the serious injuries they suffered at the siege of Pelium? In this chapter we'll get the answers, and another Miracle solution. Things will soon get better - and worse, as a secret enemy appears in the Macedonian inner circle of power.
All the best wishes and hopefully good reading
//NorthernLight
TEMPLATE:
Title: FIC: Hazards Of Friendship ( 13 / WIP)
Author: NorthernLight
Category: Love / Friendship / Adventure story. Alternate History.
Pairing: Alexander&Hephaestion
Date: October 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 revolt of Thebes actually started because the Thebans acted upon deceptive news about Alexander having been killed fighting the Illyrians. There is no known murder plot against Alexander after the battle of Pelium, but, one cannot know...
Warnings: This is AR, very close to but not "real" history. Violence, hard fighting, angst and intrigues. Attempted murder of major character.
Dedication: To Juu. Written on behalf of your fic challenge about Hephaestion and his constant trouble with the envious generals.
X-tra dedication: To Stella, for giving me the idea of the dark miracle that let Alexander recover his lost strength and senses.
Also to Joanne. I hope you don't mind me borrowing your excellent flashback idea. I thought Hazards is so filled with war and violence, so I put in the Mieza boating scene to give some enlightening happiness.
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, chapter 12 Alexander's Army # 2971, ATG Slash # 3646 and at the the movie section, Alexander.
Hazards Of Friendship, Part 13
Athens, 335 BC
Great Expectations
Once again Demosthenes was busily burning his midnight oil, working in his study. He took a short break, to rub his hands in satisfied malice, gleefully talking to himself
// "It won't be long now. All of Greece will rise. Soon we'll be rid of the Macedonian yoke. They are nothing without King Alexander. Our Theban friends will make the first strike. The rest will follow like a charm!" //
Pelium, 335 BC
Envy
It was cold and cruel, totally consuming him. HE deserved the supreme power. It should belong to him, not to that Golden Boy who had managed to deceive everyone into thinking he was some God given miracle. He had watched Alexander's recklessness at Chaironea, hoping that he would never make it from the bloody battlefield. Instead the young Crown Prince saved the day, gaining even more undeserved glory.
Now he was sick and tired of waiting. His days of envious contempt and futile scheming had come to an end. The self proclaimed warrior King lay gravely wounded, perhaps already dying - and his protective friend was crippled by his own severe injuries. The General Hephaestion had risen to the highest power only because of his improper connections with the King and his exceptional and irresistible beauty. He was undeserving - but a strong man and a very dangerous adversary. Now he could do nothing to protect his Royal lover from danger.
Through the years he had squandered his time on futile planning and intrigues. Nothing had worked, not until now, when the Fates had delivered this dark gift right into his eager and murderous hands. It would be so very easy to finally depose of both of them. They would be completely without defense when his cunning assassin was to deliver his deadly strike. He had managed to steal a jar of wine from the Royal store. In the privacy of his own chambers he and his cunning assassin managed to remove the seal and lace its contents with a strong dose of sleeping concoction. It would be enough to send all who drunk even a small trickle from that fatal jar into several hours of senseless sleep. He had it hidden in a secret fold of his dark cloak all the time, awaiting a suitable occasion to put it to use.
The opportunity revealed itself faster than expected. He was milling around the King's chambers, together with many others. They were worried and concerned, and he cleverly feigned the very same feelings, smiling secretly to himself. When he saw one of the King's young pages take his protective watch dog Peritas on a leash, going out for a walk, he knew the time had come for him to act. Very soon this trying masquerade would be over.
// Peritas saw the Bad Man lurking around in the midst of Alexander's other very good friends. He had always known that one was up to no good - but his dear Masters wouldn't listen to his barking opinions. He tried to take a bite off the Bad Man's finely adorned grieves, but the page gave him a stern reproach and ignominiously pulled him away with the leash. //
At long last he saw a servant girl carrying a jar of wine, looking just the same as the one he had in hiding. It was placed on a tray with several golden goblets. The General Cleitus was standing guard outside the chamber. She gave him a warming smile as he checked upon the tray. They stood for some time, consumed by idle dalliance. He could barely believe his good luck. It was so very easy just passing by and replace the jug with his very special specimen. He saw the unsuspecting servant girl enter the King's chamber, carrying the sleep inducing wine jug on her tray.
It wouldn't be long, now. His cunning assassin waited, melting into the shadows, ready to slither inside to finish his deadly business.
Confusion
Never before had he felt like this. He was able to see and hear everything around him, but he was feeling quite powerless. The ability of speech had left him and he was so very weak. His left side was now cold and unmoving and he feared that he might remain a hapless invalid for all time. His head was aching so very badly he felt like it was burning up from the inside of his skull. Not even the merriest of his famous drinking parties had ever produced such a totally overwhelming feeling of pain, nausea and helplessness. He opened his eyes with great difficulty and turned his head.
His True Steadfast Friend lay equally still and unmoving, his beautiful face as white as the linen on the cushions he rested his tired head upon. He was even more worried about Hephaestion. The guards often spoke about him with great concern, thinking that he was giving too much of his own strength and abilities in serving the King. Now, in this time of dire need, he realized that perhaps they could be right.
The door opened and he saw a tray carried inside. One of his favorite wine jugs was standing upon it, together with several golden goblets. Not even this sight could engage him. The good doctor poured the wine himself, mixing it with large amounts of cool mountain water. He added a strong pain relieving concoction into two of the goblets, and then he came up to him.
"Alexander. I can see that you are in great pain. Please, take just a little of this. It'll make you feel better. "
He drank some of it, swallowing with great difficulty. It didn't taste like his favorite red wine at all. Doctor Philip's concoction must have tainted it. He tried to rest his aching head, tried to feel the strong pain relieving remedy act to help him. It was to no avail. Soon he felt the bile rise in his throat, sharp and bitter. Stefanos was at his side immediately, holding a bowl in front of him and supported his aching brow with his strong right hand.
"Oh no, my Lord. You really needed that inside of you instead!"
The faithful guard wiped his face with a cold cloth, and then gave him some cold water to rinse the foul taste from his mouth. He brought another and put it on his aching brow. He remained quite still and helpless, his whole world spinning in weakness and agony. He closed his eyes and tried to get some rest. The roaring headache didn't leave him. He tossed and turned, until he was too weak even for that.
Shadow Of Murder
Suddenly the whole room had become strangely calm and quiet. He watched from under his closed eyelids. Stefanos sat at his bedside, his head dropping to his muscular chest. The faithful guard was sound asleep. Doctor Philip sat in his comfortable chair at the table,softly snoring, the vial with the pain killing concoction still in his hand. Alexios was at Hephaestion's bedside, closely watching over his dear Lord. No, not at all. Now even this stubborn and resolved guard gave in to an ignominious drowsiness. His head fell forward and the long, dark brown hair fell like a silken curtain, brushing at his shining armor. The whole chamber resounded of soft snorings. His True Steadfast Friend was in a state of deep sleep, so very still one couldn't even see him breathing. He though in agonized confusion
// "There must be something seriously wrong with all this!" //
He had survived 20 years of Macedonian court intrigues, a family in discord and a Spartan upbringing. Then there were the endless conflicts and wars. A life filled with danger and violence had marked him and made him always alert and suspicious. He grasped for the knife under his pillow. Its blade felt reassuringly sharp and cold against his trembling fingers.
A Shadow came slithering from the door. It stood ajar, and the black cloaked appearance seemed to seep through the small chink. It glided unnoticed around the walls, slowly creeping towards him. He could almost hear an expectant chuckle emanating from its dark cowl. Now the Shadow was standing over him, taking a pillow in its claw like grasping fingers, pressing it in a strong and crushing manner over his still and unmoving form.
This was an outrage! Not many Macedonian Kings had died in their own beds. Now he was about to be ignominiously MURDERED in his! He felt a golden lightning of righteous wrath coming down upon him, sizzling from the crown of his head, making his golden hair feel as if it were burning and sparkling with fire. It went like a red hot all consuming wave through his body, filling him with burgeoning strength. He lifted his arms and gave a great push, making the assassin fall back. Another lightning swift shadow came from behind, grasping the would be murderer at the nape of his neck, pulling him away. Before the Shadow of Murder could slither back into oblivion he grasped at his knife. In seconds he was up and about, leaping like some fast and dangerous predator. It all happened with lightning speed. Before he realized what he had done the assassin lay dead at his feet, his throat slit almost to the vertebrae. There was a pool of crimson steadily growing and he felt its slippery wetness rising all over his bare feet. He stamped the floor, making it splash all around:
"Guards! Sound the alert! To the King! I'm being attacked by assassins!"
He felt warm and strong hands on his shoulders. More of his strength returned and he looked up. There was this giant man with a long, white and gray hair mane and a venerable beard. He was dressed in deep midnight blue - and accompanied by a younger, golden haired man, his head almost covered by a lion's pelt.
// "Our most beloved friend. Now you have tried our mercy and support to the utmost! You must put your New Life to good use!" //
He bowed in reverence to them:
"Father Zeus, Mighty Heracles. Many Thanks for this Miracle. You will not be disappointed in me. "
Dream Of A Happier Time
He had never felt so tired, so very racked with pain and weakness. He was thankful when doctor Philip gave him the strong pain killing concoction, mixed with the good red wine from his friend's favorite jug. Soon he drifted off into a deep sleep. The constant throbbing pain in his shoulder was still with him, but the concoction had transformed it into something more bearable.
// Golden sunlight was sifting through golden leaves, reflecting in beautiful golden hair. He was rowing upstreams on the creek nearby Mieza, with Alexander sitting at his side in the small boat, fishing gear and landing net close by. He had been rowing for a long time, and his shoulders ached from the strain. Especially his right shoulder hurt him something abominably. This was strange, since he had always been strong and enduring, and not prone to succumbing to pains and aches.
Now they had come to one of their very own Secret Places. He managed to secure and steady the small boat with an anchor, and then, as the industrious students they were, they proceeded to watch all the fishes swimming around in the calm,small bay of the creek. There were all kinds of them, and they watched for a long time. Alexander was bending over the side of the small boat, his beautiful gray eyes intently set on the crystal surface of the creek . The sun made his golden hair sparkle and gave his skin a wondrous golden shining all of his own. It was as if all that fiery energy inside of him tuned in to the very sunshine, making a powerful connection.
Hephaestion soon found himself studying Alexander much more intently than the fishes in the creek. After an hour of eager studying, a fine salmon came swimming close to their boat. One moment Alexander was completely occupied by his studying, the next he had grasped for his landing net - and then the salmon was caught in it, twitching and helpless.
"Well, Phai. I think it's time for our midday meal. "
He agreed and they pulled the boat to the shore. He carefully tied it to a stout log protruding out in the water, heavy enough to hold the small boat in place. Now Peritas and Pollux came running to them, happily barking and proudly presenting two fat and plump rabbits. Alexander thankfully patted their furry heads:
"Good dogs, good dogs. Now we have two different dishes. Phai, I think it's better you do the cooking. I seem to make the food inedible far too often. "
"No, we'll do it together. You need cooking lessons! What if you found yourself all alone sometime, with only charred meat and fish to sustain yourself on!"
They made a camp fire close to a heap of soft and sun warmed yellow birch leaves. Then they prepared the salmon and the rabbits, eagerly studying the insides of the hapless animals. Hephaestion proceeded with teaching Alexander all the finer details of outdoor cooking. They roasted the meat and fish until a delicious smell rose from the camp fire and they had to snap at Peritas and Pollux as the dogs tried to snatch some bites from the makeshift skewer. Alexander found some succulent and edible herbs and as they sprinkled the fish and meat with them the food became even more delicious. They all sat down at the fireside and ate until they were satisfied. The sun started to sink towards the western horizon and a chilling autumn breeze played around their backs and shoulders. Alexander put his warming fur cloak around Hephaestion, pulling him close by in a fond and loving embrace.
They didn't study anymore that afternoon. //
Dear Friend In Peril
/ " Wake up! Your friend is in mortal peril! " //
Strong hands shook him violently, jarring his injured shoulder and making him gasp from severe pain. He opened his eyes, finding a golden haired, God like man forcing him up from bed. The pain in his shoulder was so intense that it made him fall back with a gasp. He passed out for a short while. Slowly he opened his eyes once more, cold sweat trickling all over his body.
Now he saw that his unexpected visitor had been right. A dark, slithering Shadow was creeping up to the bed of his Beautiful Golden One, grasping a pillow and pressing it hard downwards, smothering the helpless man resting on the purple Royal cushions. It was like some horrid nightmare. His limbs felt like lead, and he couldn't make a move to help his friend. Suddenly he saw a flash of golden lightning, sizzling all over the bed and engulfing his friend in its burning brightness. It then leaped over to him, taking all his pain and weakness away. He felt the uncanny drowsiness leave, to be replaced by an all new strength and resolution.
The paralyzing spell was broken and he hurried to rescue his friend. As if riding on the righteous golden lightning he rose from his bed, freeing his injured arm from the constraining dressings. He grasped for the Shadow, feeling its cold and evil form slither in his strong grip as he struggled to get it to stop with its murderous work. He managed to drag it away from his friend and the bed, but then he felt an audible creak in his injured arm. Another wave of agonizing pain went through him, and he had to let go of the Shadow. His legs gave way under him and he fell to the floor, gasping and groaning as he clutched at his injured shoulder.
Now Alexander was unexpectedly awake. Swift as lightning he pushed the assassin away, and then leaped from his bed, knife in hand. He cut the throat of the ignominious assailant, and a crimson tide welled all over the floor before he started yelling for the guards. He stood there, knife in hand, looking down at the cowled Shadow in cold contempt. There seemed to be two other shadows, shimmering in gold and midnight blue. They gave Alexander a friendly embrace before they dissolved into thin air.
Alexander looked down at the floor once more. He saw his True Steadfast Friend writhing in agony on the floor, his white chiton turning crimson with blood. He screamed out loud in horrified bereavement:
"No, Phai, not you, too!"
He fell to his knees and cradled Hephaestion in his arms, sobbing and screaming as hot tears streamed from his gleaming gray eyes. His friend gasped once more but then looked up on him with joy in his wonderful blue eyes:
"Alexander! You are safe! Don't you worry for my sake. The blood is not mine. I just dislocated my shoulder again when I dragged him from you. It hurts like Hell!"
Hephaestion managed to sit up and settled his uninjured left arm around Alexander's shoulders, pulling him close by in a protective embrace.
"My Dear One, I almost lost you. How come HE was able to strike at you?"
They looked around the room. Doctor Philip and the guards were soundly asleep in their chairs. They had slept all through this horrible commotion and it seemed that they had been drugged. Just outside the door the General Cleitus had slumped down, sleeping with his head and back supported by the wall. He, too, had been drugged, and he didn't wake up when they called out to him.
Alexander bent forward and pulled the cowl aside. The assassin was dead, white as chalk. He was a total stranger, dark haired with ordinary features. They had never seen him before, neither in the Court, nor in the Macedonian army.
"He didn't act on his own, Phai. There is a traitor in our High Command!"
Hephaestion started to shiver violently from pain and shock. Alexander embraced him, surrounding him with strength and warmth. He was now radiating his usual golden energy and Hephaestion realized that his friend had made a true Miracle Recovery.
"Don't you worry. I will get to the bottom of this!"
The Enemy From Within
Now the whole Royal Guard and all of the High Command were milling all over the place. They saw King Alexander and his closest Companion in each others arms, lying close together in a growing pool of crimson, dark red blood. At this sorrowful sigh they screamed out in horrified outrage:
"Oh no! The King is dead! And the General Hephaestion, too! Look at all that blood! They must have been stabbed to death. "
The General Cleitus woke up at this commotion and came stumbling to their help. He was deeply upset.
"Oh no. I just closed my eyes for a tiny nap - and then all this happens. "
"Don't you worry, Cleitus and all of you. We are not dead - but it has been a severe failure of security! Seal off the house immediately - and search all and everyone!"
Alexander rose from the floor, taking Hephaestion up with him. He looked like the very God of War, crimson blood dripping from his shoulders down his whole appearance. The two friends stood strong together, like some powerful entity of violence and justified wrath. The young King gave orders, once again in total command of all and everyone. All were glad and relieved that he had survived the ignominious assassin attempt.
All but one. He smiled and gently patted the King and his closest Companion, congratulating them on their miracle survival - but the deep recesses of his devious mind seethed with deep disappointment
// " We were so close, so very close. There was no way we could have failed. Not even the Olympic Gods should have been able to save him from my strong and clever assassin!" //
The whole house was thoroughly searched. Nothing could be found. When doctor Philip woke up from his drug induced sleep he thoroughly examined the wine jug. It was similar to, but not the same as Alexander's favorite wine jug, and it was laced with a strong sleep inducing concoction. They held an investigation, but no more was revealed. Everyone in the High command had been milling around King Alexander's quarters when the wine was brought inside. Anyone could have made the exchange. No one was above suspicion. All looked at each other with new eyes.
Who was the Enemy from within? It could be anyone of them.
Moments Of Comfort
The investigation was started and security had been raised to its highest level ever. Eight strong guards were inside the King's chambers, and twice their number immediately outside. The General Cleitus supervised them all and the air was flashing with polished uniforms and the rattle from sharp weapons, easy to draw and use to the protection of their valuable charges. Alexander was still on his feet. He overheard all the information, gave orders in an interminable manner, all until he felt his True Steadfast Friend waver at his side. He looked with deep concern at Hephaestion. He was very pale once more, almost translucent, and he clutched at his right shoulder in an agonized grip.
"Oh no. All this will have to wait! How are you, Phai?"
Hephaestion gave him a faint smile:
"Not well, my friend - but your security is all that matters. We must not have to fear being murdered in our own beds!"
Alexander helped his friend to a comfortable chair and forcibly dragged the chiton down from his shoulder. It was once more disfigured by an angry red blue swelling, and the shoulder joint had been severely dislocated. Alexander put his hands around it and made a quick thrusting movement. There was an audible creak, an agonized scream from the patient, and then Hephaestion succumbed to a merciful unconsciousness. He felt two warm and strong hands forming a golden orb of Healing around the severe injury and he smiled, feeling secure as he was being taken care of by the very best of friends and healers.
Doctor Philip came up to them, finding that the patients shoulder had been set in proper alignment. He praised his unexpected colleague:
"Oh my, Alexander. If you weren't otherwise occupied, you could make an astounding career as a most skilled physician!"
The good doctor anointed Hephaestion's shoulder with the Miracle Ointment and put on new dressings, tying the injured shoulder close to the patients body with broad linen wrappings. He groaned and moaned during the procedures, but he didn't wake up. Stefanos and Alexios carried him to his bed, carefully seeing to it that he was resting calmly and comfortably under a turquoise blue warm quilt. The beautiful General was still shivering from shock and pain - and now Alexander felt the aftermath of his frightening ordeal. He ordered:
"Now I truly need a drink! Bring me my Miracle Cordial - at once!"
Alexios brought one of the jars, carefully checking on it. Now Peritas came inside, together with his friend Pollux. Both dogs had heard the dreadful news. It was talked about all over the house and they happily wagged their tails when they saw that their dear Masters were alive and well. Peritas jumped on his hind legs, placing his front paws in Alexander's lap. He carefully sniffed the jar and then prudently barked:
// "You can safely drink from that one, Master - but I don't understand why you like it so very much! Pure mountain water is much more delicious!" //
"Yes, Peritas. Water is a proper drink for you dogs - but wine is far better for us MEN!"
Pollux leaped up into the bed, anxiously licking Hephaestion all over his face.
// " Dear Master, how are you? Have you been worn out for HIS sake once more? " //
Hephaestion woke up and gently patted his faithful dog with his uninjured hand.
"Yes, perhaps you are right, Pollux - but I can think of no better way of living!"
Alexander was glad to see his friend awake and well once more. He gave him some of the Miracle Cordial to drink, before he helped himself generously from the jar. They both experienced its warming and soothing effects. They had never before needed it better. Hephaestion felt all pain go away from his right shoulder, and Alexander felt his headache disappear, his eyesight brighten and his left side become strong once more. Alexander then poured a generous libation at the floor, thanking the Gods that he and his True Steadfast Friend were still alive, surviving this ignominious assassination attempt. The future was filled with war, violence and intrigue - but for now all was calm and secure.
Servants brought a delicious evening meal, carefully tasted and examined by the guards. Alexander and Hephaestion proceeded to eat with a hearty appetite. They ate in each others company, and they ate well, thankful to be alive in a world filled with dangers and deceit. Hephaestion was still shivering, despite the warming Cordial, wine and food. Alexander lay down close by his side and took him into his arms, careful not to disturb his injured shoulder. He pulled the turquoise blue quilt well over them and beckoned to Stefanos to bring a warming fur. The faithful guard gently covered them with it, before he put another log on the fire. It flared up merrily, giving warmth and light to the chamber. The faithful guards and both faithful watch dogs sat down to keep close and careful watch over their dear Masters.
Alexander and Hepahestion drifted off into a deep and dreamless sleep, exhausted from their ordeal. When they woke up, they would have to deal with their enemies from within and without, but for now their world was calm and secure. They had each other, and that was all they needed.
Severe Suspicions
The day after a War Council was held. All were amazed by the swift recovery of the King. He seemed to be perfectly well, and he was filled with his usual golden energy. Alexander and Hephaestion were in command, sitting together in the seat of honour. They looked with secret suspicion upon all in the High Command. It was a difficult matter. No one was exempt from suspicions. They just had to strengthen security and wait for the traitor's next move, hoping he would reveal himself before it was too late. Secret spies had been ordered to collect information from now on, but hitherto nothing of importance had been found out.
Hephaestion looked at all the Generals, trying to figure out who the traitor could be.
Kraterus, the giant General, an excellent fighter and equally competent military man. Unswervingly loyal to the King, he would never do anything to harm Alexander.
Ptolemy, said to be King Philip's illegitimate son. He had always been a good and loyal friend, and never made any aspirations towards the Macedonian Throne. He was one of the few who never had expressed any negative thoughts or feelings upon Hephaestion's close friendship with the King, and he appeared to be one of the most reliable, diplomatic and competent officers in the High Command.
Nearchus the Cretan, their one and only Admiral. An honest and outspoken sailor, the best of friends, always there when needed. He had Alexander to thank for his Admiralty, and no reason whatsoever to strike at his Royal friend and benefactor.
Cleitus the Black, brother of Alexander childhood nurse Hellanike, and their weaponry instructor at Mieza. An Old Hand, always reliable, and the very best to handle the rougher sides of military matters. He had risked his own life many times to save Hephaestion and the King in the heat of battle. It was unthinkable that he could mean Alexander any harm.
Philotas was a strong warrior, a little too bent upon luxuries and wishing to posses more of the highest power - but he had always been a good friend. Hephaestion had his suspicions, though. There had been an informer in Alexander's Inner Circle, early on at Mieza, and when King Philip got his uncannily swift knowledge about the troublesome Pixodarus affair. Hephaestion had always suspected Philotas in these offensive matters. Well, gossiping was one thing, but actually planning on murdering the King, that simply couldn't be!
Leonnatus and Lysimachos, the strong, agile and warlike brothers, good friends and Generals, respected and beloved by all. No, they were above all suspicion.
Perdiccas was brave, sometimes even reckless. It was rumored he had been a bit too friendly to Alexander's sister Cleopatra - but now she was out of reach in distant Epirus. And - he had always been a good friend to Alexander and never ever said anything bad about Hephaestion. He would never do anything to harm the dear brother of his secret Loved One.
Seleucos was as cunning as he was strong and brave. His path to the High Command was marked with intrigues and he had stepped on many a tender toe to get where he was today. Regicide was quite another matter. He simply would not risk all his present power embarking on such a precarious endeavour.
Cassander had always felt deep envy towards Alexander. Their feelings of mutual resent went a long way back, even before Mieza. Hephastion had suffered for it, being a constant target of malicious taunts. Yes, Cassander and his father Antipatros, the Regent, they were sure lusted for the highest power, and they did not stand above committing regicide to achieve their goal. But at this juncture they were both close to the Queen Olympias. SHE would instantly know what they had done to her dear son, and her vengeance would be impossible to avoid.
Hephaestion felt his head spinning from all these suspicions. So many strong, cunning and powerful people, far too many to keep in check. His shoulder started aching abominably once more. He rubbed it gently, wishing the restraints of pain and bandages gone for good. Now he felt a strong hand resting on it, emanating that wondrous warmth and healing only his Beautiful Golden One could give. He gave up a hidden sigh of relief, as he listened to Alexander's persuasive commands:
"My gentlemen, tomorrow we march against Thebes. Our marching route along the Pindus range, through Eordaea and Elimaea, is set. Our rebellious friends in the South will not expect us to march through this rough terrain. They'll wake up to the sound of our invincible army at their very doorstep. "
They all nodded and gave their consent - but there was one who made an invisible fist, hidden in a fold of his crimson cloak. His face and lips mouthed the same consent and reverence as all others, but in the secret caverns of his deceitful mind other thoughts were hidden
// " You'll see, my Golden Boy, you'll see. My time will come - and then we will have seen the very last of you and that beautiful friend of yours! " //
TBC