Here, at long last, is the update. Another chapter soon on its way. :)
The proud city of Thebes is no more. All of Greece and the surrounding countries have been pacified by the Macedonians and their ingenious war craft. Alexander returns home to Pella with his triumphant army, after hard campaigning and bitter fights. Back at home he finds that Olympias has a shocking surprise for him. He will have to use all of his authority and diplomacy.
All the best wishes! Read and enjoy
// NorthernLight
TEMPLATE:
Title: FIC: Hazards Of Friendship ( 16 / WIP)
Author: NorthernLight
Category: Love / Friendship / Adventure story. Alternate History.
Pairing: Alexander&Hephaestion Date: August 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. 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 all the four cardinal points. 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. It has now fallen to its inevitable doom.
Warnings: This is AR, very close to but not "real" history. War and violence, hard fighting, angst and intrigues. In this chapter I have used the AR concept to give Queen Olympias some very unusual allied in her constant struggle against the Regent Antipatros.
X-tra warning: Queen Olympias' snakes are not nice in this chapter! I know many of you don't like snakes, so you'll do best to avoid the chapters Unusual Helpers and Night Of Terror.
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, chapter 15 Alexander's Army # 7127, ATG Slash # 3746. All chapters at the the movie section, Alexander.
Hazards Of Friendship, Part 16
Pella, 335 BC
A Queen's Lament
Queen Olympias sat in her chambers, clad in deep mourning. She had received dire tidings from the Northern Campaigns. Her son, young King Alexander, had been severely wounded in the battle of Pelium. He was not expected to survive. The Queen wrung her hands in constant despair. Her eyes were dry and red, and there were no more tears left in them to shed.
"Oh, Alexander, I so wish you were here with me, NOW!"
She remembered her beloved son, the tiny, golden haired infant, suckling at her bosom, the sweet and stubborn toddler, the young boy, always defiant to Master Leonidas Spartan upbringing, the strong and beautiful young man - and - the brave Warrior King, riding out for battle at the side of his True Steadfast Friend, Hephaestion, Son of Amyntor. He had been looking so brave and beautiful that day, in his polished armour, astride his formidable black war stallion. His Companions and soldiers looked up to him and followed him with the greatest trust and admiration. Had she but known that it could well have been the last time she ever set her eyes on her beloved son, she sure would have ran up to him and dragged him down from Bucephalus, and forced him to stay home at the Palace! Now the tears welled up in her eyes once more.
"Oh, Alexander, it's simply not RIGHT, you should not be leaving me all alone, just when your glorious reign is just beginning. And now I'm at the mercy of my greatest Enemy. The Regent Antipatros will make my life most miserable if you truly are gone - if he lets me keep it at all..."
Unusual Helpers
Glaucos and Hypnos, her two most faithful house snakes, saw her despair. They coiled around her arms and waist, hissing in a soothing manner, but she didn't notice them. At long last they slithered away to sullenly drink from a bowl of milk Old Hyrmina had put in a corner for them.
"Our poor Missstresss, " little Hypnos hissed. "She isss so unhappy - and we, too. What will become of usss without Alexander?"
"We can do nothing, my little friend. We are jussst houssse sssnakesss, " the wise, old Glaucos told his smaller friend. "Our dear Missstresss hasss done all she can to rid usss of the regent. Poissson, asssasssins, everything. Nothing hasss worked. The regent is closssely guarded. No one can enter. "
"You are wrong, for once, Glaucosss. " Hypnos opposed himself, "I can ssslither inssside the Regent's chambersss. I'm ssso sssmall, I can crawl under the chinksss of his doorsss. Our dear Missstresss hasss often usssed me to ssspy on him. "
"Perhapsss you can do more than ssspy, my little friend, " Glaucos told the little house snake, with a cunning smile. His cloven tongue slithered to and fro, and soon a hissing conversation was heard in the wicker basket the two house snakes shared in the Queen's chambers.
"Dear Mistress, your house snakes are hissing so unruly this evening, " Old Hyrmina said. "One might almost think they share our plights. "
"Oh, they do, Hyrmina. My house snakes are the most faithful and intelligent ones in the whole world, " Queen Olympias stated with a cunning smile. "I can understand them, and I hope, against all hope, that they will have success where our mere human ruses have failed us. "
Now the two snakes left their basket and slithered away with an uncanny and intentional speed. The door stood ajar and let them out into the castle corridor.
"See, now they are going away. Good luck, my little darling ones! "
The Queen's gray eyes followed her house snakes as they went away. She whispered an incantation of Luck all by herself. Old Hyrmina shuddered and rejoiced at the same time. Perhaps there was some Hope, after all. Queen Olympias' faithful guards Python and Viper saw both snakes slither away straight towards the regent Antipatros' quarters. They shook their heads, not knowing what to think about this unusual excursion.
Night Of Terror
Two Royal guards were closely watching the Regent Antipatros' door. They knew that Queen Olympias was more dangerous as usual, now when her son's life was in grave peril. There was little she could do. The old Regent was as cruel and cunning as his long time female adversary. He had thwarted all her ruses, poisons and assassins. If the dreaded message came that young King Alexander actually had met his Fate at the plains of Pelium, the Regent's faithful guards were ready to take the Queen to Pydna, and imprison her there for the rest of her days. She might even fall victim to some kind of deathly accident on her way there...
The night was dark and gloomy outside, and even more gloom and darkness filled the palace corridors. The flames from the sconces offered scant light to the stony quarters, and they cast strange shadows. Some were moving and looking like snakes, one big and thick, the other one more tiny and agile. They came closer, and now the bigger one rose from a dark shadow. It had uncanny glowing green eyes.
// "Ssssleep, my friendsss, sssleep, my friendsss, " it slithered to them. "SSSleep ssso sssweet, sssleep ssso sssweet... " The green eyes seemed to glow and grow, producing translucent rings of light that threatened to swallow their minds and souls. The faithful Royal guards soon felt themselves falling asleep on their very feet. They thought they heard some small slitherings and coilings under and along the door. The key turned in the lock with a creaking sound, and then the door knob went down. There were some thicker and more muscular slitherings through the chink of the door. They knew this meant no good for the Regent, but they were unable to move, unable even to open their eyes. Their limbs felt numb, as if sinking down in ice cold water. There was nothing they could do to help their hapless Master. //
The old Regent had gone to bed in the small hours of the night. His mind was filled with troubles and turmoil, and as clouded as the gloomy shadows in his chambers. Macedon was in grave danger, its young King dying from the severe head wound he had received at Pelium. Perhaps young Alexander was already dead. The old man shuddered at the very thought. He had been completely loyal to the Argead Family, and a close friend to the late King Philip. Now he felt an equally strong allegiance to his son. There was something truly unique with young King Alexander. He shone with a wonderful Golden Light, warming and encouraging for all and everyone. Now this Light could have been extinguished forever by a cruel Fate, far away at the plains of Pelium. The old Regent shed a tear, feeling it trickle down his wrinkled cheek.
What was that?
A strange hissing was heard at the door, then it slowly opened, creaking on its hinges. Why didn't his faithful guards notice this? The night lamp shed a scant light in his chambers, but he could still see them slumped down towards the outer walls. Both guards had been rendered unconscious! What uncanny power could have caused this?
Now an enormous snake came crawling through the chink of the door. He had large, translucent green eyes and his cloven tongue hissed in a threatening melody as he slithered towards the foot of the bed. The old Regent felt an uncomfortable narrowness in his throat and chest. His breath was now coming with great difficulty, and his mind was getting clouded. The horrible snake crawled up the foot of his bed, coiling around his gnarled feet. Enormous green eyes stared at him. They seemed to form rings in many shades of green and deep yellow, and he felt as if he was drowning in an ocean of malevolent venom. Now he heard an ice cold, hissing Voice. He couldn't discern if the snake actually was talking to him, or if it was an uncanny illusion of a mind addled by unendurable horrors.
// You Evil Man, you mussst leave my Dear Missstresss alone! You will not harm or hurt her any more, and not put her in prissson//
The Regent Antipatros felt an ice cold, clawed hand grasp directly at his heart. He couldn't get any air at all, and his head was filled by a cloud of darkness. At the next moment he was plunged into a merciful unconsciousness. Glaucos and Hypnos returned to their Dear Mistress with great haste. They merrily slithered up into her lap, hissing even more merrily. The Queen listened to them with feelings of surprise and disbelief. Then she gently patted their heads with a cunning smile.
"Many thanks, my little darling ones. I always knew you were no ordinary house snakes. There will be fine rewards for this. "
Queen Olympias covered her fiery red hair with a dark purple colored shawl as she rose from her seat. Glaucos coiled around her waist, and Hypnos coiled around her right arm. Both snakes were hissing and purring with great satisfaction. Their Dear Mistress was in a good mood once more, and so were they.
"Come with me, Hyrmina. There are many things to be done. Macedon will wake up to a new reign first thing in the morning..."
Her faithful old servant followed her, filled with new hope. Python and Viper accompanied the both women as they walked out to meet the unsuspecting Court of Macedon.
Good News
Queen Olympias was holding her very first Royal Council, dressed in a dark purple gown and cloak. She was positively beaming with pride and joy over her newly gained power. The current state of affairs soon put a damp on her joyous feelings. The subjects of the meeting were all sad and gloomy, related to the absence of King Alexander and his serious injury at Pelium. The rising of the South and the rebellion of Thebes also gave them deep concern. The remaining Generals and Ministers were strangely silent and shuddering, giving her frightened looks. All knew that the Regent Antipatros had been stricken by a strange and, probably fatal, illness during the night. Everybody guessed its causes, but nobody dared to speak their suspicions out loud. They were deep into discussions about what to do if the worst truly had happened to King Alexander. Queen Olympias suggested that her daughter Cleopatra and her husband, the Queen's own brother, Alexander of Epirus, should be made joint Regents and inherit the throne of Macedon. No one dared to speak up against Queen Olympias' suggestion, but all shuddered inwardly at this strengthening of the Queen's already far too powerful position.
Suddenly the doors were opened and a messenger ran into the Hall. He knelt before them all, but quickly rose at the Queen's beckoning.
"My Queen, Generals and Ministers, "he exclaimed, " I have great news. King Alexander has made a complete and speedy recovery from his head injury. The Illyrians have been beaten, and now our Army has struck down the Theban rebellion. The West, North and South have been pacified and we need not fear any more insurrections. King Alexander and our victorious army are on their way back home to Pella!"
The messenger fell down on the stone floor of the Hall before the Queen's feet. He was totally exhausted and out of breath. Queen Olympias made a gesture towards the servants.
"Help this good man to our very best guest quarters. Give him a hot bath and a good meal. Then a substantial reward will be waiting for the deliverer of such wonderful news!"
The Queen now rose from her seat of honour. The gold rimmed purple shawl slid down from her head and let her fiery red hair flow freely down her back. All those who saw her in this glorious moment could have sworn upon that she looked as if she were back in the springtime of her very youth. With joy and pride she beckoned to all.
"This meeting is adjourned. Now let us rejoice at these good news! Let all of Pella and all of Macedon know about this. "
All day and all evening the Palace and all of Pella came alive with joy and festivities. Young King Alexander was coming home at long last! Macedon was safe once more! Their army was victorious and safely returning home.
Athens, 335 BC
Bad News
The streets and houses in Athens were unusually crowded and lit up in the late evening. All in the city were celebrating the Macedonians' recent setback and eagerly supporting the Theban rebellion. Sconces were flaming, and the fumes of wine, fruit, spices and boiled and grilled meat lay heavy all over the city. Demosthenes and Curios sat feasting late in the evening, eagerly burning the midnight oil. The wine tasted so sweet and strong, the food was delicious and the fruits ripe and succulent. All was well.
"King Alexander is no more. We are free from the Macedonian yoke. Our Theban friends will liberate us and defeat the remains of the Macedonian army. "
The clever politician repeated the lines from his many triumphant speeches. The support from the cheering crowds reverberated inside his head, making him feel triumphant and filling him with great satisfaction. All had truly went his way of late. The Murder in Macedon had at long last brought on the changes he had always wanted.
Now the South was safe.
The Macedonians were utterly defeated and they would have to make a shameful retreat back to their remote mountains, woods and plains. Never again would they threaten the civilized citizens of the South!
Someone knocked at his door. A servant came, looking down trodden, virtually frightened out of his very wits.
"Master, you must see this man immediately. He has important news for you. "
The messenger came, trembling and panting. He looked down on the tiles of the floor, reluctant to speak.
"What are you waiting for, my good man?, " Demosthenes asked with rising fear. "Speak up to me! I want to know what you have to tell me. "
"Master, I bring you bad tidings. Young King Alexander is alive. He and the Macedonian army has utterly defeated and destroyed the city of Thebes. Now he will be coming for us..."
Demosthenes swept away all the food, plates and wine cups from the table, roaring in desperation.
"No, NOOOOO! King Alexander cannot be alive. He just cannot steal my greatest triumph from me!"
"Unfortunately he can, Master. I have seen it with my own eyes. Thebes is no more. Charnel, ashes and ruins are all that remains. The Macedonian Army is more powerful than ever. It is Chaeronea all over again!"
Demosthenes fell down over the table, clutching his aching head in sorrow and desperation. Curios and the messenger could do nothing to comfort him.
Next day the news was all over Athens. All celebrations were cancelled, all citizens were filled with gloom and fear, waiting for the Macedonians to strike their next blow. The proud city of Thebes had been subjected to total destruction. What would happen to the rest of the rebels in the South?
Thebes, 335 BC
Unhappy Survivors
The proud city of Thebes was no more. She had been razed to the ground. Her valiant warriors had been slain, and the wails of mourning still reverberated around the charred ruins. Her hapless citizens had been sold as slaves, ignominiously taken away in chains.
There was a small country estate, well away from the ruins. The crops were ripening, the trees stood green and growing all around and flowers sent out their fragrances all over the place. Sheep and goats were bleating and hens and chickens clucking in their pens. It was a fine and prosperous estate, especially now when its Mistress was there herself to supervise it all. Timocleia stood there proud and defiant, clad in deep mourning. She held her three children around their tiny shoulders, sheltering them in her dark blue veils. They looked at the Macedonian Army, as it was marching away from the ruins of their proud native city. The sun rose in the east, glowing and brilliant, surrounded by golden rimmed, rose colored and crimson clouds. Nature's beauty was always there, unknowing of the sorrows and cruelties that had recently befallen the city of Thebes.
"Do not cry, my little ones. We still live, and we will prosper to fight another they. " Timocleia held her fist high, in defiance of the Macedonian Enemy. Then she held her children closer at her side, giving them a fond hug.
Yes, they still lived, and no one knew what opportunities the Future might hold for her and her Family.
On The Road To Pella, 335 BC
Failure
Twice had he tried to save the proud old city, using all of his clever diplomacy. Despite all his efforts he had failed. Thebes was no more. He managed to look back upon the charred ruins. They were still reeking of blood, charnel , ashes and coal black smoke. Hephaestion coughed as he almost choked on the sorrowful stenches. The coughing racked his whole body with pain and he clutched at his injured shoulder. Alexander gave his friend a worried look. He had insisted that Hephaestion should travel back to Pella in the wagons, together with the other wounded, since he had not recovered completely from his ordeals in the burning house. Doctor Philip was not satisfied with the healing of his damaged shoulder, nor with the state of his lungs and throat. The good doctor said that Hephaestion would need much time to return to his former, strong self.
That was time that simply didn't exist. The King and his dearest Companion had so much work to do together. The consolidation of Alexander's power in all of Greece, the return to Macedon - and their Persian Conquest constantly demanded their attention. And then there was the looming threat in the midst of their inner circle. One of their closest Companions was a traitor, turning into a deceitful and dangerous Shadow of Murder...
Hephaestion stubbornly resisted the King's and doctor's well intended advice. At the day of departure he mounted his Castor to ride at the side of King Alexander as they left Thebes. The faithful and prudent war stallion at first shied away, as if he tried to tell his dear Rider that he was unwell, and not fit to travel on horseback. Then he resigned and sunk down on his haunches, to make it easier for his Master to mount. They took the road north, over the Boeotian plains. The weather was warm and sunny and the marching easy, but Hephaestion still suffered from the heat and exertion. Only the fact that he rode at the side of his Beautiful Golden One helped him to stay put on his mount. He was proud and stubborn, and he would never admit, not even to himself, that he was not up to a whole day of hard riding with the army.
In the evening he was so tired that he almost fell from Castor's back. Alexander was there to give him a helping hand as he dismounted. He was staggering, feeling dizzy and sick from the day on horseback under the hot sun and he would have fallen if Alexander hadn't caught him with a strong and supporting arm around his back. Now he felt his legs giving way under him and his eyes closed as a merciful unconsciousness washed over him. A cool clay jar was gently held to his parched lips, and a strong and invigorating smell of spiced red wine reached his nostrils. He drank deeply from the flagon, and then he was able to open his eyes, meeting the wonderful sight of Alexander at his side, gently holding him in the nook of his right arm. He offered some more wine to his friend, but now they were interrupted.
"It's rest he needs, Alexander, not wine!, " Doctor Philip adamantly stated as he came walking up to them. "You must come immediately to the hospital wagons! Perdiccas is worse. I don't think he will last the night out. "
Emergency Call
Alexander was already on his way, bringing Hephaestion with a supporting arm around his back and shoulders. They made a sign to the stable hands to take good care of their war horses, and then they were off to the hospital wagons with doctor Philip in the lead. Perdiccas was lying there, pale and wan, his bandages seeping with fresh dark red blood. His breathing was barely visible and it was difficult to see if he even was alive. The King and his dearest Companion ran to his side, and Alexander put a hand on his cold and clammy brow. Perdiccas opened his eyes. They were clouded with pain and weariness, but soon they shone with a golden, feverish glow. He spoke to them, his voice weak and faltering, so filled with pain they had difficulties in hearing him out.
"Alexander. Hephaestion. How good that you are here. It is getting so dark...so very dark..."
The golden rays of the setting sun was shining right into the hospital wagon, making Alexander's hair glow like spun gold. It was not dark at all, no, it was very bright and warm. The visitors were filled with great alarm and concern. Alexander instantly produced a clay flagon from a fold of his Royal red cloak. It was marked with the Royal Seal of Macedon.
"Now, my good doctor, you will have to look the other way. You always tell me not to give your patients any wine or strong drink, but now it's the only thing that can save my dear friend here. "
Alexander unstoppered the flagon and removed the turquoise colored cork. An invigorating scent of herbs, spices and red wine filled the air.
It was the Miracle Cordial!
Their gravely injured Companion took some breaths from the fumes. Maybe it was an illusion caused by the rose colored rays of the setting sun. Perdiccas now had gotten more colour on his cheeks. He was breathing easier, and when Alexander helped him to take a small sip from the flagon he swallowed with ease. Then he started coughing, and moaned in pain, clutching at the wound in his right side.
"Easy, my friend,easy. This will do for now. "
Alexander put his hand on Perdiccas cold and clammy brow, and gently held him as doctor Philip cleansed his wound and changed the dressings. Now the patient rested easier. Alexander and Hephaestion followed as he was carried from the wagon to a hospital tent nearby. They sat down at his bedside, prepared to watch over him all night.
Tender Care
Hephaestion groaned and lifted his right hand to his shoulder. Now the long day's hard riding finally took its toll. He felt red hot agony course through his shoulder and arm, all the way down the hand and fingers. Alexander gave him a worried glance and put his hand on his brow. It was cold and clammy, and he could feel his friend shiver under his touch.
"Are you in pain? " As Hephaestion shook his head, Alexander adamantly told him, "You cannot hide it from me, you are too stubborn for your own good. I know that you must have been in agony all day. Now I will see to you myself. "
He tore the dressings away, and then produced the Miracle Ointment, gently anointing his friends injured shoulder. It was still bruised and swollen, and the skin had all colors from angry red, deep blue to greenish yellow. Afterwards he wrapped the shoulder in a small sheep fleece and bound it tightly to his the side.
"Here you are. Just keep calm and quite. Then your shoulder will heal,at long last!"
Hephaestion felt the pain and tension slowly recede and he leaned back in his chair, almost falling asleep. The strong, warm and caring hands of his friend always had that effect on him. He woke up when Alexander put a bowl of steaming, hot broth in his uninjured hand. It smelled deliciously from healing herbs and beef broth. Small pieces of bread were simmering around, white and golden yellow. He had been feeling very queasy and sick before, and he had thought that he would be unable to have anything at all for supper. Now it tasted deliciously, and when Alexander gave him a cup of well watered wine he drank it all down in slow and careful sips. He was suddenly very sleepy, and he didn't protest when his friend led him to a comfortable coach and helped him lie down on it. He was wrapped in warm blankets and was told to rest. Before sleep came to him he saw Alexander give Perdiccas some broth and well watered wine. The patient was feeling better already, and he had no difficulties in taking the well needed nourishment. Stefanos and Alexios stood watch over the King and his injured Companions, like some stern statues.
"Do these fellows never sleep? " Hephaestion mused all by himself, and then sleep claimed him.
Considerate Decision
Golden rays of sun was coursing over his face and hands as he woke up early in the morning. Alexander was still sitting at Perdiccas' bedside. The Companion was resting easy, his colour was better and his bandages now looked clean. Hephaestion got up from bed with great difficulty. His whole body was feeling stiff and sore, and his shoulder was aching again.
"How is he, Alexander? " "Better, I hope. He has slept all night long, and he doesn't seem to be in much pain right now. He is still in danger, though. I need someone reliable to watch over him during the ride back to Pella, " Alexander said. "You will go in the wagon, sitting at his side. I will tell you what to do to make him more comfortable, and it will be good for you, too. That shoulder of yours must get a chance to heal properly!"
Hephaestion recognized a Royal command and gladly submitted to it. Perdiccas was not only a brave and clever Royal Companion, he was a very dear friend all the way since Mieza. Hephaestion had been most worried for him, and now he could actually give some substantial help. At the same time his own injury had taken a turn for the worse after his ordeals in Thebes. He was thankful for the calmer ride in the hospital wagon, at the side of his dear friend. Doctor Philip came and administered a sweet smelling rose colored concoction.
"Here. Drink this. It will take the pain away for some time. I need you strong and alert to help me see to Perdiccas, " he told his stubborn patient. " It will be a hard journey back to Pella, and he has a greater chance to make it if you stay at his side. "
Alexander and doctor Philip exchanged cunning looks. They well knew their dear patient, his pride and stubbornness. Now they had found a clever way of keeping him calm and quiet during the journey back to Pella. Still he could fulfill an important mission and retain his dignity.
Hephaestion sat faithfully at Perdiccas' side all the way back to Pella. He talked to him and gave him comfort when he was in pain, and washed him with cool water when he was feverish. When the patient was resting calm and easy he dozed off, giving himself some well needed rest. The good doctor had provided him with a comfortable chair filled with soft cushions and blankets. When he frowned at this device the good doctor told him it was for healing purposes only. The rest and calm in the hospital wagon was good for him, but he was still worried over the state of his dear friend. Perdiccas had been unconscious most of the time. He was running a high fever and he often suffered from severe pain. Doctor Philip gave him pain relieving concoctions and the orderlies gave him cold rub downs. It helped, but it was not enough.
Hephaestion himself was feeling much better from the calm and rest in the hospital wagon. Alexander had forbidden him to handle any adminitrative duties at all, and he felt a well needed recuperation. The agonizing pain in his shoulder receded to a dull and endurable ache, and he could feel some mobility and strength come back when he tried to move the arm in the restraining bandages. If only Perdiccas could recover this well from his serious wounds, too.
At the end of the third day the wagon was slowing down as they neared their intended campsite. It was cooling down and Hephaestion drew the curtains aside to let some cooler air inside. The rush of air let in a wonderful scent of roses and sweet smelling flowers that had just come out. The sun was slowly going down in the west, sinking in a sea of rose colored, glowing clouds. It's light shone on Perdiccas' face. Perhaps it was an illusion, but Hephaestion thought that the dear Companion looked a bit healthier this evening. Suddenly his friend opened his eyes. They were clear and bright, with no sign of pain or fever.
"Hephaestion. Why are you here? The King...?"
Perdiccas was confused after his long period of unconsciousness, but Hephaestion's calm explanations helped him return to reality.
"Alexander is well and riding in front of our army. We are soon to return to Pella. Thebes is no more, the South has been pacified. Oh, I'm so glad you are feeling better.You made us really worried for some days now. "
Hephaestion put his hand on the patient's brow. It was cool and dry, and it seemed like he was better, at long last. Perdiccas tried to sit up, but fell back with an agonized groan.
"No, rest easy, my friend, rest easy. Let me help you. "
Hephaestion lifted him with gentle care, using his uninjured right arm only. He put one of the soft cushions behind the patient's back. Perdiccas gave him a look filled with gratitude.
"Oh, that feels a lot better. I'm so glad you have been with me all this time. I could see and hear, and feel all - but I was unable to speak, " he explained, "It was your presence that helped me to stay alive, you - and the King. "
Now the hospital wagon slowed down and stopped for the evening. Alexander and doctor Philip came, asking worried questions.
"How is he now? Have you had an easy journey today?"
"Yes, we have been as comfortable as may be, " Hephaestion answered. "We are both feeling much better now. "
The servants brought a hearty supper on trays. To the great joy of all, Perdiccas could sit up and share their evening meal. They ate together, and they ate well, sharing their campaign memories, both the glories and ordeals.
Pella, 335 BC
Surprise Welcoming
The journey back to Pella had passed without troubles. Now they could see the Royal Capital of Macedon with its walls, and houses, and the Royal Palace reaching up above all the other buildings. It was a fine summer morning when the victorious Macedonian army returned home. The city was calm and looked more tidy than usual when they rode through the open gates. All citizens came, eagerly cheering and showering them with flowers and rose petals. Now Hephaestion was riding at the side of the King once more. They took the road straight to the Palace, riding into the courtyard. Queen Olympias came towards them, dressed in a magnificent red robe and a gold rimmed red cloak. At first she was walking with regal calm and pride, but then she ran to Alexander and embraced him as he sat off Bucephalus. The giant black war horse shied away at the sight of the fiery Queen, and the Companions smiled with understanding.
"Alexander. My son. Welcome back, my King, We are so glad that you have returned, alive and in great glory, " she told him, her voice filled with pride and joy as tears filled her gray eyes. "You will find affairs here at home completely to your satisfaction. "
"Yes, that I'm sure of, dear Mother, "Alexander answered as he looked around, missing something, someone. "Where is the Regent Antipatros and his son Cassander? Shouldn't they be here welcoming us back, too?"
"During normal circumstances, yes, my son, " the Queen answered, "but, you see, the Regent Antipatros has been stricken by an unknown illness, and his son is keeping vigil at his side. He is not expected to survive. "
The Queen kept up a proper air of sadness and respect, but Alexander, knowing her very well, indeed, saw that she had great difficulties in hiding her feelings of profound satisfaction.
"Mother, what ever have you done to him?, "Alexander asked in a voice so low that no one but Hephaestion could overhear him.
"I - I have done nothing at all, " she answered in a low whisper. "He was found in his bed one morning, all numb and speechless. He has been like that ever since. " She added in a higher intonation, "Since Antipatros now is unable to rule, I have been Regent in his stead. Eumenes has been of great help, and I hope to continue like this when you set out for Persia. "
Alexander looked at his Dear Mother with disbelief.This was unheard of! A woman as Regent. Queen Olympias had gotten access to the highest Power at long last - and something told the young King that she intended things to stay that way. He straightened himself and gave her a determined stare.
"I will go to Antipatros' quarters at once! I want to see if I can be of any help. Doctor Philip and Hephaestion, you will come with me."
They set out at once, together with the Royal Guard.
The fiery Queen was left behind, looking at Alexander's red cloak billowing like wing's after him. She realized her son had gained even greater power and authority with his successful and victorious campaigning. It had never been easy to have her will with Alexander. Now it would be even harder.
TBC