The Day of Reckoning has come to the proud and rebellious city of Thebes. Timocleia meets the ordeal with proud defiance. At the same time Hephaestion has to see Alexander march into battle, and, for the very first time he cannot follow his Beautiful Golden One and shield him from its dangers. They all will have to face a day of horrors.
This chapter is longer than usual - but I didn't want to leave you with another nail biting cliffhanger. :)
All the best wishes// NorthernLight
TEMPLATE:
Title: FIC: Hazards Of Friendship ( 15 / WIP)
Author: NorthernLight
Category: Love / Friendship / Adventure story. Alternate History.
Pairing: Alexander&Hephaestion
Date: April 2007.
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. Welcome back. :) 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 campaigning towards warlike neighbors in the East, South and West. The scheming politician Demosthenes has spread the rumour that Alexander has fallen at the Danube. The city of Thebes grasps this opportunity to go into rebellion against the Macedonians.
History note: The revolt of Thebes started because the Thebans acted upon deceptive news about Alexander having been killed during his campaigns in the North. The Macedonians' forced march through Eordaea and Elimaea, along the Pindus range , followed by their surprise arrival at Thebes is well documented. At first the Thebans thought it was Alexander from Lyncestis commanding the Macedonian army, but soon they knew King Alexander was truly alive!
Warnings: This is AR, very close to but not "real" history. War and violence, hard fighting, angst and intrigues.
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, chapter 12 Alexander's Army # 2971, ATG Slash # 3646, Chapter 11 Alexander's Army Yahoo Group message # 1982, ATG Slash message # 3614, chapter 13 Alexander's Army # 3304, ATG Slash # 3653, chapter 14 Alexander's army # 5983, ATG Slash # 3724. All chapters at the the movie section, Alexander.
Hazards Of Friendship, Part 15
Thebes, 335 BC
Arrival Of The Invaders
Timocleia looked down the walls, seeing the whole Macedonian army form, file and ranks, filling the plains before Thebes as a murderous war machine. It was a sight she had seen many times, in the very worst of her nightmares. She had never expected it to unravel before her very eyes in cruel reality. The infantry held their long and sharpened sarissas, marching like some kind of giant and deadly hedgehog, the cavalry rode at their side, their steeds shining with fury, the riders brandishing their swords and spears. They were supported by archers and slingers, and, the very worst of all, their engineer troops, bringing all kinds of devastating siege machines. Her gaze now fell straight upon their leader. He was mounted on a giant, black monster of a war stallion. The sizzling sunshine on the Theban plains brought on a sinister illusion. It looked like the black stallion had two enormous black wings, like a Pegasus reborn, an Evil offspring of the fabled heroic horse from the olden legends. The rider was clad in golden armor, polished to sparkle and blaze like a furnace in the springtime sun. A purple cloak billowed like a crimson cloud from his shoulders, and two boasting ostrich plumes waved from his helmet, looking like the wings of an enormous bird of pray, constantly hungering for hapless victims. Beautiful golden hair flowed down his shoulders, like a lion's mane. The sun made his golden hair sparkle and shine, rendering Divine Beauty to him.There could be only one man sporting this awe inspiring appearance.
Young King Alexander was alive!!!
Timocleia gave up a frantic scream of terror as she quickly climbed down the walls. running back to her home. All the city was filled with terror. The formerly proud and defiant citizens ran around like frightened hens with a ferocious fox prowling at the doorstep of their hen house. Soldiers were patrolling the streets and the walls were fortified with archers, and engineers and their servants came, bringing boulders with clever devices to throw them at the Enemy.
Her children were awake, and their nurse, the timid Rosalia, was at her wit's ends, simply not being able to calm them. They were crying miserably, trying to hide themselves in her rose colored peplos. All the household was in an uproar. The old cook and her kitchen maiden sat crying at the table, and the chamber maiden had hidden herself in the wardrobe. The stern housekeeper Eudoxia and her husband Hector tried to keep the household in some calm and order, but they failed miserably. The distress brought upon by the Macedonian's surprise arrival simply was too horrible to handle. Timocleia found she had to take care of the crisis all by herself. All those people were depending on her, and she had to remain calm and strong if they were to survive. She hid her own inner turmoil and despair as she went to comfort her crying children.
// Oh, my little dear ones, I wish you wouldn't have to experience this horror, " she thought in her heart of hearts. //
She scooped them up and sat all three of them in her lap, wiping their tears away with a fold of her deep blue cloak. They stopped their loud crying and looked at her, eyes big and bright, filled with sheer terror.
"Mother, why are the Bad Men coming to attack us?, " the little boy asked, big tears still running down his cheeks.
She gave him a warm and comforting hug and told them all the story they had heard for so many times.
"Theagenes, Thea and Thimolea, my little dear ones, you all know about the Day of Sorrow three years ago, " she begun, silent tears now running down her own cheeks. "Your father, the brave Epaminos, my brother Theagenes and my own father Theopolos rode out to defend us against the Bad Men from Macedon. At the plains of Chaeronea they met the Tyrant Philip's army. His son, the Golden Haired Alexander rode against them on his horrible black horse Bucephalus. He and his fearsome Companions killed them all, all our Dear Ones. The Sacred Band is no more, we are bereaved, standing all alone in this cruel world. "
Now the little ones started crying again, even more inconsolably. All the household joined them, even Hector. The looming disaster outside the gates was enough to deprive even the bravest of men of all hope and courage.
"We thought this was the end of our miseries - but now things are even worse, " Timocleia continued her story, giving it another, even more sorrowful ending. "The Macedonians have come to Thebes. Their horrible army is standing at our very walls - and young King Alexander is alive, astride his black monster of a horse. I've seen him with my own eyes, him and his accursed army! Woe to all of us. We must hope our valiant fighters can defend us all - and that our walls can keep the Macedonian invaders outside our proud city! "
"Oh, dear Mistress, what is to become of us?, " the housekeeper Eudoxia asked. "Whatever shall we do?"
"We must hope for the best, but still prepare ourselves for the very worst, " Timocleia told her faithful old servant. "We must do our very best to arm ourselves, bar all doors and windows, and let's hide all our valuables in the dry old well in the garden. All our food and wine must be securely stored in the earth cellar hidden in the brambles in the shaded corner. If we are lucky they won't find it!"
Timocleia started to organize her household, setting out tasks for everyone, finding that if she kept them busy with all kinds of chores it might take some of their worries away. When all servants were working hard to prepare the household for the siege she took her children out in the garden, making it a funny game to hide all their valuables in bundles hauled down into the dried out well. Soon the little boy and the small girls were merrily playing hide and seek around the fragrant flower beds and lush green foliage in the garden. They too, seemed to have forgotten their fear for the time being. Timocleia watched her little dear ones with love and fondness. An amused smile made her lips twitch in reluctant joy. At the same time she felt tears of sorrow and dismay running down her pale cheeks.
Surprise Arrival
Alexander saw the walls of Thebes come closer and closer as he rode in front of the Macedonian army. The forced march had been a total success. No one but King Alexander and his brave army could have made it in such an astoundingly short time. Bucephalus was eager. The giant black war stallion had been consuming the many stades between Pelium and Thebes in such a fast and valiant stride, that the whole army thought they saw black wings sprouting on his muscular back. It helped and encouraged all the other horses, their riders and the marching infantry, and made them to feel as if they had wings to carry them faster to their Enemy. Yes, their young King and his horse seemed blessed by the Gods, having overcame so many ordeals together. There was one other they had to thank for their speedy arrival. Hephaestion rode at the King's side. He had handled all the maps and planned their route through the Pindar mountains, giving them a most swift and secure march to their enemies. Three weeks! No one in Thebes was expecting them, and the turmoil caused by their surprise arrival was clearly audible to all eager and listening ears in the Macedonian army.
Alexander gave the sign to his men to make a camp visible from the walls of Thebes, but well out of range from enemy missiles. He dismounted, and saw Hephaestion almost fall to the ground. His friend was staggering, and his faithful war stallion Castor nudged at him, giving him the best of equine support. Alexander rushed to his side and gave him a discrete handhold.
"I'm most thankful for your excellent planning of our march, " he kindly told Hephaestion. "Now you must rest while we make our camp. I have another, even more important mission set out for you."
Later, at their frugal dinner table, Alexander explained it all to his friend. Ptolemy and Perdiccas were invited, too, sitting alert at the King's table. They all took small sips of the well watered wine, as they listened to Alexander.
"The city of Thebes is strongly fortified, and its fighting men brave and fierce. It will be costly for us to subjugate it, " he stated. "I want to send you on a diplomatic mission, together with Ptolemy and Perdiccas. We must at least give the Thebans a chance to have peaceful solution. I will never forget the bloody plains of Chaeronea, when we saw the last of the Sacred Band. "
Hephaestion saw Alexander, sitting so calm and orderly at the dinner table. His golden hair was glowing in the flickering light from the oil lamp and his face was lit up as from an inner fire. His Royal red cloak was slightly billowing from a slight evening breeze wafting from the opening into the King's tent. Now he looked peaceful enough, but Hephaestion could never forget fighting at his side at Chaeronea. He and Bucephalus became as one, man and horse fighting together like an indestructible war machine. He followed on Castor, like a faithful shadow riding through death and dismay. All his strength and energies were concerned on protecting his reckless friend. At first, he fought with thoughtful calculation, but soon even his calm senses were overshadowed by a blood red cloud of fighting madness. When he came out of it, the Sacred Band was no more. Hephaestion still mourned the parting of these valiant heroes, and he knew Alexander shared his emotions. He would do his very best to save their proud city from total destruction.
The four men had a thorough discussion, going over all aspects of the conflict time and again, assiduously trying to find openings to achieve a peaceful solution. Hephaestion now felt a bit rested and made his usual rounds, seeing to security for all. Pollux faithfully went at his side, and Stefanos and Alexios followed him closely, ready to protect him. When he stood worriedly looking at the hostile walls of Thebes, a strong and warming arm was put around him. It was Alexander, coming to give him comfort and reassurance.
"Don't you worry, my friend, " he said. "I know you are a born diplomat. Your mission tomorrow will be a success and save us from a hard and costly siege. If not, we have the best army of the world. "
"Yes, Alexander, but I hope we won't have to unleash it against this proud city. "
The last rays of the setting sun spilled upon the walls of Thebes, giving them the color of crimson, looking like an omen of coming destruction. Hephaestion shuddered when he saw it. Alexander put a warming fold of his purple Royal robe around him as they went inside the King's tent.
Failures of Diplomacy
Hephaestion had done his very best to negotiate an acceptable Peace to all. Ptolemy and Perdiccas was most helpful and they worked as a team, almost sharing each others' thoughts. The Thebans proved most stubborn and difficult. It was quite impossible to persuade them to surrender. Their leaders had their minds set upon a total war and they felt secure behind their strongly fortified walls. They also insisted on keeping the Macedonian garrison at the Cadmeia as prisoners, and they didn't apologize for the deceitful murders of the Macedonian officers. The delegation returned with the bad news of total failure. Hephaestion hung his head, together with Castor. The proud young General looked downtrodden, overwhelmed by tiredness and despair. All army looked upon him with worry, as King Alexander welcomed him back.
All, except one. He looked the same as all others, filled with respectful concern. In his deceitful mind quite another thing took place.
// " He has failed the King! He doesn't look so smart and beautiful anymore! He will soon fall from grace - and then I will take his place as the King's right hand! " //
Hephaestion, Ptolemy and Perdiccas followed Alexander into the King's tent, giving him a detailed report from their mission. The young King was deeply disappointed with their failure, but when they told him all about their Enemy's stubbornness and total lack of respect and common sense he calmed himself enough to assemble the High Command to discuss the coming siege. When all plans were carefully laid they had another frugal army dinner together. Afterwards, Hephaestion was alone with Alexander in the King's tent. He sat down at the bed, his shoulders sagged and his head was hanging down. His left shoulder was aching even worse than in the beginning, and the pain was making him feel dizzy.
"I've failed you, Alexander, " he sadly told the King. "They were stubborn and reckless, but I should have made them listen to common sense! I'm so sorry, both for us and them. "
"Yes, we are in for some very hard times, " Alexander stated as he sat down at the side of his friend. "But, it is none of your fault, my dear one. You did your very best, and you cannot help that they didn't listen. "
He placed his left arm around Hephaestion's shoulders, trying to give him encouragement and consolation, clearly seeing the deep pain his friend was in. When his hand settled on the bandaged left shoulder Hephaestion winced from the searing pain. Soon he felt the healing warmth from the King's hand and settled, letting himself relax at the side of him. They sat in silence for a long time, taking comfort from each others company.
Surprise Assault
The Thebans did not tarry long to show that they weren't frightened by their surprise visitors . On the next day the city gates were opened and a large body of cavalry, followed by light troops were let out. They attacked the outposts of the Macedonian camp with great determination, but they were vehemently repulsed by a body of archers and heavily armed foot soldiers. The Thebans had seen the sarissas of the Macedonian phalanx before, but King Alexander had made them even more fearsome. When they came at the Theban troops, wielding their sharpened spears they were looking like a forest of death dealing doom and dismay. The Thebans fled in unison, forcefully locking the city gates behind them.
Alexander now moved his army around the city. He encamped them opposite the gate which led to Attica, placing himself in close view of the Cadmeia. The Macedonians who were imprisoned inside were given new hope at the sight of the King's mighty army coming to their rescue. The Thebans were now cut off from Athens and all hope of assistance from the South. They fortified their blockade of the Cadmeia, and began to push the siege further. Perdiccas saw this with indignation.
"Alexander, we simply cannot let our men inside there suffer anymore, " he adamantly stated. " We must bring our siege engines forth, to come to their rescue!"
"No, not yet, my friend, " Alexander patiently told him, putting his hand on his shoulder to calm him down. " First I will make another try at diplomacy. There are prudent and peaceful citizens in there. They sure will give in to the new peace offer I'm sending them. "
Once more Hephaestion, Ptolemy and Perdiccas went on a diplomatic mission. This time they demanded the Thebans to deliver the two ringleaders, Phoenix and Prohythes, into the hands of the Macedonians. All others were to make a peaceful surrender, and the city would be spared all further destruction. This time Hephaestion almost thought they could make it. Many of the Theban citizens were for giving in, but the ringleaders, having nothing to lose, managed to persuade them all to refuse King Alexander's demand. The delegation came back with this bad news. Hephaestion was feeling even more sad and down trodden, Ptolemy was calm but disappointed, but Perdiccas was filled with anger and a fervent wish to fight the stubborn Thebans. King Alexander listened to them all before he once again assembled the High Command.
Now the war with Thebes was unavoidable.
Perdiccas' Reckless Attack
Alexander calmly proceeded with the siege. He commanded the Macedonian army and the powerful siege engines to slowly approach the city, but to stay back, awaiting the Enemy's next move. Perdiccas lead the First Brigade. He was most eager to attack the city, but Alexander explicitly told him to hold his troops back.
"You must wait for my sign before you attack, my friend, " the King commanded him. "They have seen our superior forces. They know they cannot hold out long against us. If we are lucky they will send us a delegation to negotiate for peace."
Perdiccas was not satisfied with this command. Alexander had always wanted fast actions. Why not now, when there was a whole city of obstinate enemies who needed to know their proper place? There was also the Macedonian garrison imprisoned in the Cadmeia to consider. Their fate was becoming more precarious for every hour. Perdiccas gazed intently at the walls of the first stockade. Soon he thought he saw a weaker part, a bit lower, even a bit crumbling. The King was away, talking with Craterus, Hephaestion and Ptolemy, repeating the same strategies time and again. Perdiccas saw his chance, and, finding the opportunities most favourable he eagerly commanded the First Brigade forward. The siege engine went first, being drawn by mules with great blinders to keep them from balking. Things went even better than he had expected. There was a great and crumbling breach in the walls after the very first boulders had been thrown at them. Perdiccas now gave orders to the engineers to continue, throwing even bigger boulders. Soon the walls fell down with clouds of gray and yellow dust billowing all around. The Thebans gave up cries of terrified dismay, as Perdiccas ordered the First Brigade to attack. They went into the breach, falling upon the siege lines of the enemy. Amyntas and the Second Brigade followed. They made great progress, as their fast and surprising attack made the enemy confused. It took some time for the Thebans to gather their resistance, and then their second stockade had already crumbled before the Macedonian siege machines.
Perdiccas fought bravely in the front of his troops, but when the Thebans had rallied the resistance, it became harder. He saw that the Macedonians held the upper hand, and gathered his men to him.
"To me! To me! Now we have them! Let's have our evening dinner inside these damn walls!"
He felt a cloud of blood red, fighting madness consume him, as he lifted his spear and shield and rushed towards the Thebans. This day would gain him everlasting glory, and give Alexander his victory over this stubborn city. Suddenly there was a sharp, stabbing pain in his right side. One of the Thebans had pierced his corselet with a razor sharp leaf shaped spear point. He saw his blood run bright and red down his side, but still fought on. Soon he felt no pain, the fighting madness kept him on his feet, intently having at the enemy. They were winning, gaining more and more ground, and now he saw the Temple of Hercules with its astute walls rearing up nearby. They had gained entrance to the Inner City! Soon victory would be theirs! With these encouraging thoughts soaring in his mind Perdiccas ran along on clouds of blood red, fighting madness. The Thebans fell like wheat before the scythe for his sharp and bloodied sword, and he wasn't aware of the blood running down his side. In the midst of battle he felt himself engulfed in clouds of blackened , ice cold darkness. The loud clamour of the fighting turned into a buzzing din, and his eyesight slowly narrowed into a tunnel filled with blood red mist. Suddenly the bright midday sun soared before his eyes and he realized he was down on the ground. Then there were two suns before his eyes, blurring into one before they were extinguished into an ice cold darkness. Not until then he became aware of the searing pain in his right side. He felt for the rugged rift in the corselet and the wound inside. His blood was flowing freely, like a crimson stream.
//"I've been grievously wounded. I'm going to die!" //
It was his last conscious thought before he was engulfed into a crimson darkness of pain and weakness.
Day of Anguish
Hephaestion stood at Alexander's side, intently listening to the King's prudent stratagems.
"Look at our fearsome army and our powerful siege machines. The Thebans will realize their walls cannot withstand their fire power, " he reassured them. "We'll soon have them at our doorstep, suing for peace. "
He was interrupted by a loud thunder. A part of the Theban city wall went down in a cloud of gray and yellow dust. Then they all heard the loud and fearsome Macedonian war cry.
"A la la lai! A la la lai! A la la lai! A la la lai! A la la lai!"
There were sounds of fierce fighting, and, as the dust was blown away by the midday breezes, they saw the First and Second Brigades disappear into an enormous breech in the Theban walls.
"Oh no! Those reckless, valiant fools. They are attacking, without my consent!"
Alexander stamped his foot in angered disappointment, making the ground shake violently. As in reply, another part of the Theban wall crumbled and fell. Messengers came, telling of a complete success. The surprise assault had been reckless, but now the Macedonians were swarming all around the Inner City, and the Thebans had been overrun by their superior forces. The King ordered the entire force of light troops, archers and Agrianians to press on after Perdiccas and Amyntas. He held the agema, the heavier troops and the other hypaspists as a reserve.
Now Perdiccas closest friends came carrying him on a litter. He was all covered in bright red blood and white as chalk. His breathing was barely visible. A makeshift bandage was wrapped around his midriff, but completely inadequate in stopping the heavy bleeding from the wide gash in his right side. Hephaestion leaped to the wounded Companion. Perdiccas was one of his very few friends in the High Command, and he felt great concern. Alexander quickly followed, placing his hand on the wounded man's throat. He felt a faint pulse flickering under the translucent pallid skin.
"He is alive, barely. Take him to the hospital and have Doctor Philip see to him, immediately!, " he urgently commanded. "You, my friend, you must stay behind, helping the good doctor see to him, " he told Hephaestion, giving him a warm hug. "I'm going in after them, but I need someone sound and reliable to stay behind lines and keep all in order."
Alexander glowed with inner satisfaction at finding this clever idea to keep his dear friend out of harm's way. Hephaestion had always fought at his right side, in every hard and dangerous battle. Stubborn as he was, he would have insisted on coming along, even with his left arm totally incapacitated. Now Hephaestion had something important to do, and could keep his dignity.
The King put his hand upon Perdiccas' cold and pallid brow, and then he gave him a friendly stroke all over his hair.
"Hold on, my brave Companion, " he said in a reassuring manner. " Your recklessness seems to have won us this day's battle, and we sure need you with us to fight another day. "
The wounded man was deeply unconscious, but all standing at his litter saw a golden light sparkle around him, and there was a smile on his lips, as if he had actually heard the King's words.
In the shadows someone was leering, hiding a malevolent smile under the palm of a calloused, war hardened hand.
// You look so very proud and all mighty. my Golden Boy, thinking you are able to keep this sycophant friend of yours out of harm's way. Well, soon you'll see something quite else. Hephaestion won't escape this time!" //
Alexander marched with great confidence towards the breech in the Theban walls. The Macedonian phalanx followed in powerful striking order. It was in the nick of time. The two brigades had been pushed back as the Thebans rallied, and they were in desperate need of reinforcements. Alexander and his fresh troops drove the Thebans back, and soon the Macedonians were swarming all over the city. Their friends, who had been imprisoned at the Cadmeia, were able to escape their restraints and came to their aid. They were fighting mad and did their very best to avenge their murdered Commanders and take revenge on their jailers. It was a day of doom and destruction for the city of Thebes. The Macedonians came with death and dismay, fire, looting, killing and plunder. Their Boeotian, Phocian and Plataean allies were even more cruel, since they held many old grudges against the Thebans. No one could escape, and soon the wailing and crying of innocent victims filled the air. The smoke and heat from the fires made all throats choke in anguish, victors and defeated all the same. The proud town of Thebes was immersed in thick clouds of yellow and gray smoke from all the burning houses, and the dreadful sound of tumbling buildings was only deafened by the horrible din of the marching soldiers, dealing death and destruction to every Theban brave enough to make resistance.
Hephaestion saw his friend march away, in front of his well disciplined phalanx. Peritas and Pollux followed him, fiercely barking at the enemy. He tried to call the dogs back, but it was as if they barked at him, too.
// "Dear Master, we must follow Alexander and keep him out of harm's way! There will be many bad men to bite today. //
He was filled with anguished worrying, but still had to stay behind, sitting at Perdiccas' side in the town house that quickly had been made into a makeshift field hospital. He was gently holding on to the cold and flaccid hand of his friend as doctor Philip thoroughly cleansed, salved and bandaged the wound. When he used vinegar to rinse away the clotted blood and filth from the battle field his wounded comrade woke up for a short time, crying out loud. Hephaestion held on to him, feeling the flaccid hand become tense and grasping his own in a fierce manner. He was unused to hospital duties, it was Alexander who was the one gifted with medical skills. In this dire emergency he tried to remember what his friend used to do to give comfort to the seriously wounded soldiers.
"Calm and steady, my friend, " he gently told Perdiccas. "It'll be over soon, and then you can have some rest. You must be proud of yourself. We have defeated all of Thebes due to your fast actions! The King is out there now, bringing us victory!"
There came a smile of relief and joy on the wounded man's lips before he succumbed to a merciful unconsciousness. Hephaestion helped doctor Philip to put clean bandages on the wound, and then they wrapped Perdiccas into a warming blanket.
"You must sit at his side and see to him. It's important that he stays calm and has complete rest, " the good doctor sternly recommended. "He'll stay unconscious for hours, from shock and loss of blood - but when he wakes up I'll give him a potion to relive the pain. "
Hephaestion remained at Perdiccas' side. He was very pale and wan, but he was breathing more easy and he didn't appear to be in any pain at the moment. Stefanos and Alexios stood guard behind their Master, holding on to their spears. They had gotten their stern orders from the King before he left for battle.
// Guard him tight and well - and keep him from all kinds of dangerous actions. the King had whispered in their ears. "It's hard for him, this is the first time he has to stay behind when I go into battle. " //
Now a Royal messenger came rushing through the door.
"The Thebans are fighting back. They are gaining on us! The King is in grave danger!"
Hephaestion quickly rose from his seat. Waves of pain seared through his injured shoulder, other waves of nauseating dizziness made his head spin. He had to steady himself before he felt for the sword and daggers at his side.
"No, Hephaestion. You must stay behind, " the good doctor told him. "The King gave his strict orders. We all must obey him!"
The faithful guards agreed. Hephaestion didn't listen to their sound advice.
"I must go to Alexander, immediately!"
Ignoring them all he rushed outside. He wanted to ask the Royal messenger about Alexander's present location, but the man had strangely vanished. He ran towards the breach in the wall, forgetful of all common sense. Stefanos and Alexios ran after him, with worried glances at his staggering leaps. Hephaestion had been to Thebes once with his father, Amyntor. Then it was a proud and beautiful old city. Now it was impossible to recognize from those happier days. It was as if all Hell had broken loose. Soldiers were running rampant everywhere, houses were burning, looting and pillaging were going on everywhere. Worst of all was the cries and wailing from the innocent victims. Dead and dying were everywhere on the streets, no one being able to help them. The smoke from the burning houses lay like a thick and choking pall all over the city. Hephaestion coughed and felt his eyes fill up with tears.
"Stop! Who goes there?"
Suddenly, they were surrounded by a group of twelve Theban infantrymen, a pale remainder of the brave resistance, but armed to their very teeth. They were dangerous enough to Hephaestion and his faithful guards. A mere threesome could not stand up to these desperate and fierce defenders, not when one of them was bereaved of the use of his left arm.
"Look, there he is, just as we were told!, " one of the Thebans cried out.
He was a giant and fierce looking warrior , and he pointed directly at Hephaestion.
"I recognize the one with the auburn hair and the blue eyes. He is King Alexander's beautiful General! If we take him hostage we can still win the day!"
Hephaestion looked around for a way of escape. He and his faithful guards were in dire circumstances, but his deep anguish and concern for Alexander made his clever mind work even harder to find a way of rescuing them. They were totally surrounded - but he made a fierce outbreak towards the two smallest soldiers. Stefanos and Alexios followed, and the three men were lucky with their surprising assault. They saw a burning house before them, and, having no where else to go they escaped through the flaming portal. Covering their heads with their military cloaks they ran through the heat and flames. Choking dust fell over them, and then the house suddenly collapsed over them, threatening to bury them in a flaming grave. Stefanos grasped his Master, dragging him along together with his fellow guard. The dust and flames were choking, the noises from the fires and fighting deafening, and then all three of them went down under a heap of ashes and charred beams. Hephaestion felt himself being suffocated in a cloud of smoldering ashes and dust.
// Oh no. This is the end of me. Now I have seen the last of Alexander in this life. //
A single hot tear of sorrow and bereavement flew down his cheek before he finally choked upon the hot ashes. A picture of his Beautiful Golden One was the last thing before his eyes, and then all passed out in a charring blackness.
Hard Won Victory
Alexander had always thought victory in war was a wondrous achievement. The destruction of Thebes taught him a cruel lesson and made him think otherwise. The famous and ancient city was burning and crumbling before his very eyes, its ashes and dust was choking him and covered his polished armour and Royal purple cloak, making him unrecognizable. The sorrowful wailings of the wounded and defeated seared his eyes, turning into a deafening symphony of grief and dismay. Peritas and Pollux hid themselves under his purple cloak, their tails hidden between their legs. Both dogs were howling miserably. The awful sounds from the defeated city assaulted their sensitive ears and they wished they could have held their paws around them to escape from all this screaming, shouting, crying and roaring. Alexander noticed their distress and kindly patted their furry heads.
"Good dogs. Good dogs. You don't need to be afraid anymore. We are going away from here. Hephaestion awaits us in safety behind the lines. "
The dogs became encouraged and seemed to rally when hearing his kind words. When he mentioned Hephaestion they even wagged their tails in anticipated merriment. Suddenly they got alarmed once more. They sniffed the burning, choking air, and then they instantly ran away towards the heaps of a house that had collapsed in a sorrowful heap of charred beams and reeking boulders. In the middle of the ruined house there was an especially big heap of ashes, with three curiously shaped bumps in it. Peritas and Pollux ran straight at it, miserably howling as they started to dig and paw. They looked as if they were about to dig up some especially tasty bones, but Alexander understood that something more serious lay behind.
"It seems the dogs have found something important. Go help them with their digging!, " he adamantly commanded the Royal Guard.
The guards quickly found some spades and shovels. Soon they uncovered three still forms, covered in ashes and dust. The were wearing the royal red cloaks of Alexander's Companions. Two of the men immediately started moving, and heaved themselves up on hands and knees. They took some strained breaths, feeling the life giving air rush into their emptied lungs, and then they rushed for the third one. He lay still and unmoving, all covered in choking ashes and dust. Peritas and Pollux licked his face, pitifully howling.
"Master! Master! Come back to us!, " the men called out in anguish.
When the smoldering dust fell from them, Alexander saw it was Stefanos and Alexios. He was quite concerned. Whatever were the faithful guards doing away from their Master? They would never, ever desert him, or disobey an order from the King. The horrible truth now appeared before his very eyes.
The still and unmoving man laying in the heap of charred beams and smoldering dust was Hephaestion!
He was pale and wan, and he didn't seem to be breathing at all. Alexander instantly fell on his knees and shook his friend violently. There was no reaction at all.
"Phai! Phai! Come back to me! You must come back!"
He shook his friend once more, and then he slapped his face. A flow of crystal tears washed all over the both of them. Alexander was so occupied with his desperate resuscitation attempts that he didn't notice that he was crying inconsolably. Suddenly, his friend gave a low moan, and then he started coughing until he brought up a great amount of black ashes. Alexander held on to him, helping him until he was able to breath freely and on his own. Hephaestion opened his beautiful blue eyes and stared straight at him.
"Oh, Alexander. There you are. I thought I would never see you again. " "I will always be there for you. You know that, my dear one. "
There were many questions to be asked, but they would have to wait until later. Alexander was too deeply moved, and he held Hephaestion in his arms for a long time. Companions and soldiers gathered around them, looking worriedly at the strange sight. No one could understand how the General Hephaestion happened to be under this charred ruin.
Now Hephaestion started to move. He was feeling stronger, but his grasp on reality was still unsure. The shadows of doom held their grip on him, and he hoped it was for real that Alexander was holding him, bringing him back to life. His Beautiful Golden One coming for him through ashes and dust, it was the most wonderful and vitalizing sight in all of his life. He moved again, tried to stand, but fell back in an agonized groan. His ribs hurt, and his injured shoulder was aching worse than ever.
"Alexander. Help me! There are things that must get sorted out!"
Alexander and the faithful guards carefully lifted him up from the smoking ground. He was staggering on his stumbling feet, but with the three of them he was able to stand and walk in a most unsteady manner. When he was up and about his head became clearer, and he could answer Alexander's question.
"Phai, whatever were you doing under that burned out house?"
"You sent a Royal Messenger, telling me that the Thebans were winning the day. You were in grave danger and the guards and I immediately ran to your side. "
He started coughing and choking once more from remembering that anguished moment. Alexander held on to him as he brought up more of the suffocating ashes. His brow was cold and clammy, drops of cold sweat glistening on his face. Alexander realized that his friend was in great pain. Still he had to tell him the truth.
"Phai. I never sent that messenger. There was some very hard fighting - but we were never in any grave danger at all - just this poor, sadly misled city. "
He looked up. The smoking ruins of proud Thebes were all around him, a frightening proof of the effectiveness of the Macedonian war machine. They walked together in silence, considering this new and serious threat.
Who was behind the false messenger? Who was it that wanted the King separated from his dearest friend, even wanted his very extinction?
Now there was a severe brawl and commotion in front of them. A whole company of Macedonians and Thracians were gathering around something in their midst. They were calling out taunts, and leering and jeering in a most disrespectful manner. Alexander alerted himself, wanting to know what was happening.
"Whatever are they doing?, " he asked with indignation. "The Thebans fought bravely, just defending their city. There is no need to subject them to such scorn and ridicule. "
He stepped closer, with Hephaestion at his side. The Royal Guard pushed the maddened mob aside, letting them see the cause of the commotion. Alexander and Hephaestion could barely believe the sight that met their eyes.
Day Of Horror
Timocleia heard the walls going down with a deafening thunder, immediately followed by sounds of violent fighting. She put a hand to her heart, feeling great difficulties in breathing. all from sheer terror.
"We must prepare for the worst, my dear ones, " she told them, as she regained the breath of life. "The Macedonians are inside our proud city! It's too late to escape! We must defend ourselves as best as we can!"
Her children started crying, and she took them all in her lap, gently cradling them, finding the time and courage to sing their favorite lullaby in a futile attempt to calm them down. It only augmented their crying and dismay. Hector and Eudoxia armed themselves with great kitchen knives and meat axes, together with all of the household. They saw to it that the door and windows were properly barred, and then they sat down in a protective circle around their dear mistress and her children, waiting for the very worst.
The door soon caved in from violent kicking and hammering with axes and cudgels. Now the house was swarming with fighting mad Macedonians. They had a Thracian Commander, and he was the very worst of the lot. They searched the whole house for food, wine and treasure, completely ignoring Timocleia and her servants. They stood in a frightened flock in the kitchen, holding on to their meat axes and kitchen knives. The children were desperately crying and hiding in their mother's heavenly blue cloak.
When the marauders didn't find anything, they came for Timocleia herself. She fought valiantly with her husband's dagger, but soon she and all of her household were disarmed. The Thracian commander brashly threw her upon her own kitchen table and pried up her legs. Then he was all over her, reeking from garlic, stale sweat, blood and violence. She heard her children crying. All of the household was screaming in terror. Old Hector tried to pry the Thracian from her, but he was violently thrown towards the oven. He fell with a deafening thud, and Timocleia saw him lying unconscious. Old Eudoxia ran to his side, crying in terror and dismay. Now little Theagenes jumped at the Thracian, desperately pummeling him with his tiny fists.
"You Evil Man! Leave my Mother alone!"
The Thracian Commander lashed out with his elbow, and the little boy joined Hector in an unconscious heap on the floor. Now Timocleia found the strength to bend her legs and flex her knees. She violently kicked at the Thracian, hitting him where it hurt the most. Now it was his turn to fall on the floor, moaning and screaming, holding on to his private parts. He recovered all too soon. Once more he came at her.
"You stubborn woman. I will have my way with you, and you will agree. You have no one to defend you, just old men, tiny boys and frightened women. "
"Yes, you are right. We are weak, but not without pride. No man has touched me since my beloved husband rode off to the cursed plains of Chaeronea. I want you to leave me and mine alone. We have our treasures hidden in an old well in our garden. I'll show you to it, even give it to you of free will, if you just promise to leave us alone. "
The Thracian Commander was a greedy fellow, and he eagerly agreed to her proposal. They went down the stony stairs, into the garden with its brambles and bushes. Roses, lilacs and violets were blooming, their fragrances filling the air, even overpowering the more pungent stenches from burning houses, blood and mad slaughter. It was difficult understanding there was a war going on at the side of such beauty. Timocleia led her tormentor to the old well. It was hidden under a vault of rose bushes, covered with beautiful, big and fragrant rose colored blossoms.
"Here it is, all of our family treasure. Just look down there. I think its contents will be to your satisfaction. "
The Thracian bent over and intently stared down the well. "I cannot see it. Where is it? You must be fooling me!"
"No, on the honour of my dear Fallen Ones. It is down there, gold, silver, jewelry, riches beyond your very belief! Just bend over a little more, and then you'll see it all. "
He bent over once more, even deeper down the well. His men looked with great curiosity on their Commander and the well, not giving heed to anything but the promise of coming riches. They didn't see Timocleia's courageous act before it was too late. Fast as lightning she picked up a boulder and violently pounded the Thracian Commander. He fell into the well, his skull split and bleeding, brain substances smearing the stony walls. His soldiers stood for a long time looking on in appalled shock. Their Commander was a big and strong man. How could a mere woman kill him in this ignominious manner? She sure must be punished!
So, Timocleia was led out in the street, standing proud and defiant in the midst of the maddened Macedonians and Thracians. They were leering, sneering and jeering at her, subjecting her to all kinds of taunts and indignities. Soon she realized that they planned on subjecting her to the instantaneous justice of the battle field.
"You killed our valiant Commander in a vile and deceitful manner, " their second in command addressed her. "Now you are to perish in the same manner as he. Stone her!"
The soldiers picked up great paving stones and readied themselves to throw them at her. Her children were crying miserably. Rosalia and Eudoxia tried to hold their eyes and give them futile comfort, as Timocleia felt the first boulder flash before her, almost striking her temple. It had missed its goal, just barely.
Next time, she would not have that kind of luck!
Victorious Mercy
Alexander was filled with outrage and dismay when he saw the cause of the commotion. A woman dressed in a soiled and torn midnight blue peplos and cloak crouched in their midst. She was most brave and beautiful, her hair with its soft, light brown curls and tresses was improperly falling around her, all down her slender waist. Tears of sorrow and anger fell from her wonderful blue eyes as she embraced three small children, two girls and a boy.
"Please, please, have mercy on us!, " she desperately called out to her tormentors. "My children have no one left in the world if I am to perish. The cruel King Alexander has taken all my dear ones from me!"
Now Timocleia noticed the stillness and silence all around her. Her tormentors stood in respectful poses, watching someone with awe. She, too, looked up. In front of her stood a valiant warrior, dressed in shining armor. Even when covered in dust and ashes and the blood from his fallen enemies, he looked beautiful and impressive. His golden hair flew freely down his shoulders, like a lion's mane. Now he watched her intently with his beautiful gray eyes. There was one standing at his side, a taller man with glossy auburn hair and the most wonderful blue eyes. He whispered something into the ear of the Golden One, who immediately listened and took the words to his heart.
"Sarpedon and Lentias, " he addressed the Macedonian and Thracian of the highest ranks, "What is the meaning of this brawl? We don't wager war against women and children!"
"No, Sire, we don't, " they answered in trembling and stuttering voices, "but she killed our brave Commander Gorgias in a most treacherous and ignominious manner. "
"What do you mean?, " Alexander asked in amazement. " Did she kill Gorgias of all men? He must be twice her size!"
Alexander heard the whole story, from the Thracian and Macedonian side. When they came to the part of Gorgias being told to look closer down into the well, just to meet his gruesome fate, he couldn't hide a smile playing in the corners of his lips. He quickly composed himself, and then he proceeded to hear Timocleia's version of the events.
"Well, woman. What do you say to this? You have killed Gorgias, one of my biggest and bravest Commanders. It's a most grave offense, punishable by death only."
Timocleia rose to her feet, gently holding on to her children. She stared right into the gray eyes of the golden haired stranger, boldly telling the grim tale of her day of horror and suffering.
"Yes, Sire, but he and his brutish company broke into my house, they scared my children and servants, they looted all our property, and then this Gorgias tried to rape me on my own kitchen table. When he beat my old steward and young son senseless I kicked him where it hurt the most. Then, he threatened us once more. To buy us some respite from all this violence and horror I led him to the well with our hidden treasure. When I saw him bending over, and this big boulder right at my foot, I just couldn't resist..."
She fell to her knees, embracing his legs as she begged for mercy.
"Please, Sire, I understand you are a man with some power over all these brutes, please show me some mercy! My tiny children, they are just six, four and three years old, and they have no one in the whole world to take care of them if I were to die. I know I have killed a man today - but it was to defend me and mine!"
Alexander bent forward and took her in his arms, raising her to her feet once more.
"My good woman, you don't need to be afraid anymore, " he kindly reassured her. "I don't wager war on women and innocent children. You only did what any decent man would have done in the same place, and you did it with much bravery and cunning. Your name?"
"Timocleia, Sire, wife of the brave Epaminos, my brother is Theagenes and my father is Theopolos. All of them fell at Chaeronea, at the hands of King Alexander and his fierce Companions. "
"My brave Timocleia, my actions have caused you and yours much grief. Today, the Fates have given me a chance to make amends. You will not be stoned for this brave act of defense. You and your household will be safe. These soldiers will guard you from further abuse. Sarpedon and Lentias, see to it at once!"
"Yes, King Alexander. She will not be harmed. All will be as you command. "
Timocleia was amazed when she realized who stood before her, giving her such merciful treatment. At first she stuttered and stammered, but then she found some appropriate words for the moment.
"King Alexander, you have given me and my family much grief and sorrow - and now you have destroyed our proud city, too. This is a day of doom and destruction - but I am glad that you have shown me and mine this mercy. Now my children may live in peace, but we will never forget this day of horrors."
Timocleia, her children and her household were given a safe escort out of the destroyed city. They had a small country estate, and there they led a peaceful and prosperous life, far away from war and violence.
Field Hospital
Alexander watched the reunited family, and renewed his orders of safe conduct to all of them. Then he felt Hephaestion stagger at his side. His friend was coughing violently, and clutched at his injured shoulder. He put his arm around him , forcibly holding him up and looking with deep concern at his pallor and the cold sweat flowing from his brow and temples.
"How are you, Phai?"
Hephaestion didn't answer. He just passed out in the King's arms. Alexander lifted him and carried him to the field hospital, with the help of the faithful guards. He didn't notice the burning city and the violence around him, just looked with deep anxiety at his friend. Hephaestion was lying limp and flaccid in his arms. His head rested on Alexander's shoulder and he was breathing with great difficulty. When they arrived they were immediately met by doctor Philip.
"Alexander! How are you?, " the good doctor worriedly asked. "And, how is your friend? This Royal messenger came with the most upsetting news..."
"I'm fine, doctor - but I fear Hephaestion has had a grave setback. He was hit by a burning house when he rushed to my side, thinking I needed to be rescued. "
They worked for a long time with Hephaestion. The good doctor gave him some medication to help him breathe easier, and then they proceeded to set his injured shoulder. He screamed out loud and woke up for a short while, sitting erect on the makeshift hospital bed. .
"Alexander! No, the damn Thebans cannot take you from me!" Alexander took him in his arms, gently rocking him to and fro. "Rest easy, my dear one. I'm in no danger, " he kindly reassured his frantic friend. Just rest easy and let us help you. "
When Hephaestion had calmed down they were able to bandage his shoulder, and then they washed him clean from all the ashes and dust that covered him. Doctor Philip gave him some laudanum mixed with wine and soon he slept calmly, wrapped into some warming army blankets.
"He has come through all this no worse than before, Alexander, but you must see to it that he has some proper rest, or else he will never recover fully, " the good doctor sternly recommended. "He has too much to do in your service, far too many duties and worries."
"Yes, I know, Philip, but that's just how he is, " Alexander defended himself, as he gently put his hand to the cold and clammy brow of his friend. "Hephaestion will never leave me on my own!"
Alexander went to see to Perdiccas. He sat at his bedside, worriedly looking at him. The brave Companion was very pale, blood seeping through his bandages, and his breathing was barely visible.
"How is he, " Alexander asked the good doctor. "Will he survive this reckless act of bravery?"
"Yes, Alexander, " the good doctor reassuringly told him. "He is young and strong. With proper rest and care he will be back and fighting at your side when we have crossed the Straits."
Alexander sat himself down to a long night's vigil at the bedsides of his wounded friends and Companions. The faithful guards brought him some wine, bread and cheese which he reluctantly ate. Peritas and Pollux stayed at his side, helping him to guard his friends. Messengers came and went, giving him information and taking his orders to his commanders and troops. He was always in command, even in these sad circumstances. Now he was sorrowfully alone, his True Steadfast Friend lay unconscious in a makeshift hospital bed The dismal sounds from the defeated city of Thebes filled the night, and filled the young King with remorse. He had not wanted this act of cruel destruction. The Thebans' stubbornness and a merciless fate had brought this calamity upon them. Their proud city was no more. Her fate had been sealed, her many enemies had asked for her total annihilation.
The South had been pacified - but at a terrible price.
TBC