Hello all,
My apologies for this very long delay with Hazards. It's due to computer troubles, I didn't realize that the chapter was too long for the FFnet to handle, so I had to split it in two parts. Next part will appear next week.
Hephaestion thinks all is well and good. Then he realizes that his detractors are still at large and he almost gives in to despair and distress. Our friends allow themselves some days of well needed rest and recuperation in the Keep at the Second Hill. Then Queen Olympias and the regent Antipatros presents a delightful but upsetting surprise...
All the best wishes! Read and enjoy
// NorthernLight
TEMPLATE:
Title: FIC: Hazards Of Friendship ( 18 / 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 the East, South and West. The city of Thebes grasps this opportunity to go into rebellion against the Macedonians. It has now fallen to its inevitable doom. Alexander returns home to Pella, where he finds that Queen Olympias has a surprise for him.
Warnings: This is AR, very close to but not "real" history. War and violence, hard fighting, angst and intrigues. Queen Olympias' surprise of course never happened in real history, ( even if Olympias sure would have liked it to! )
Dedication: To Juu. Written on behalf of your fic challenge about Hephaestion and his constant trouble with the envious generals.
Hazards Of Friendship, Part 18
Pella, 335 BC
Blissful Moments
It had been such a long time since they came together. Hephaestion felt so calm and reassured in Alexander's arms. He truly needed their moments of privacy. They were so very close, and since he was the only one to completely share Alexander's great designs they had so much to discuss when they were on their own, away from the other Companions. Hephaestion knew he was given an invaluable trust, and he listened with joy and pride. His advice was always reliable and given with careful reflection and consideration. Now he felt that he could give in completely to his deep longings. Alexander held him gently in his strong arms, giving him strong but tender support during their moments of rapture. He was careful not to upset the badly injured shoulder, but Hephaestion didn't feel any pain at all, just the most exquisite bliss, warmth and fulfillment. It was as if all his ailments were healed by their intense sharing of love and friendship. The constant throbbing in his left shoulder disappeared, his breathing came easier, and he felt completely relaxed and restored.
Afterwards he was given the most wonderful revelation. They would journey to Troy together, to see all the Sacred places. This would sure provide a Good Omen before their Persian Conquest. Hephaestion was lulled into sleep by Alexander's vivid and engaged tellings of Troy, Achilles and his Patroklos. His dreams were filled with golden and glorious heroics, until he saw the Golden Apple of Strife. Armies were marching and riding out to battle, fighting each other endlessly. The whole world was swallowed in a maw of blood, violence and strife. He moaned from pain and discomfort. Two strong arms gently held him, soft golden hair swept over his face and shoulder, and he was kissed and stroked in a reassuring manner.
"All is well, my friend, all is well. I will always be there for you. In my company you will never feel any fear or doubt. "
Hephaestion fell asleep once more. This time he had no dreams, he just felt a wonderful golden warmth engulf him, giving him healing and rest.
Wicked Whispers
He woke early in the morning, still resting calm and secure in the arms of Alexander. He had wanted to stay there until his friend woke, but he knew that he couldn't. Reason and decorum sadly decreed that he should not be found in the King's bed in the morning. With regrets he had to wriggle out of Alexander's warm and fond embrace. His friend was sound asleep and he didn't wake up. Hephaestion shivered from the cold morning breeze rushing through the chamber, and he carefully covered Alexander with the warm furs and quilts before he put on his own chiton and wrapped himself in his warming woolen cloak. It was midnight blue, and melted into the shadows of the palace stones. Pollux woke up and rose, following him outdoors, together with Stefanos and Alexios who had been waiting outside the King's chambers. The stone corridors were cold and uninviting, and he shivered despite the warm cloak so carefully wrapped around him. Suddenly malicious whispers reached his ears around a corner.
// "That man. Now he is at it again!" "He is usurping my superior generalship!"
"He is undermining my Father's power!" "He will destroy my well run administration!"
"He is NOTHING except for his bedchamber skills! "
"He is even hampering the King from marrying and getting a heir. It's a crying shame how he behaves!
"He is a danger to the Kingdom//
He instantly recognized them. It was Craterus, Cassander and Eumenes, still as envious, unfair and brimming with petty meanness. Hephaestion was suddenly sick and tired of them. He didn't want to let them go on with their constant slandering. Boldly he stepped around the corner and confronted them. Stefanos and Alexios stood towering slightly behind him, hands on their sword hilts, and Pollux placed himself before his Dear Master, baring his teeth with a soft, warning growl.
"My gentlemen. Whatever you have to say behind my back you can also be brave enough to say directly to me!"
The three detractors blushed and scraped their feet. Cassander and Eumenes tried to hide themselves behind Craterus. The giant General didn't step back. He made himself huge and looked down on Hephaestion.
"It is the simple truth we are telling. The time will come when Alexander will realize your shortcomings, and then you will be NOTHING, just as you deserve!"
"I only want the best for Alexander. In times to come, it's you who will be NOTHING, when he realizes your back talking and deceitful ways!"
Hephaestion grew with every word, until it was he who towered over Craterus, despite the fact that the giant General was a whole head taller than him. He seemed to be surrounded by an uncanny blue light of Truth and Reason. It made the three detractors bow their heads and silently slip away down the stony corridor. Hephaestion stood tall and strong as long as they were within sight, then he was overwhelmed by a cold wave of nauseous despair. Suddenly he was unable to remain on his legs. They gave way under him and he slumped down, his back sliding down the Palace's stony wall.
// " Will they never leave me alone! Alexander, your trust and friendship is costing me more than you realize. I didn't know that it would come to this when we played together as young boys. But - I will endure every slander and hardship, if only I can remain at your side!" //
Faithful Friends
Stefanos saw with thorough dismay how his beloved Master slumped down the Palace wall. His face was white, his brow damp with cold sweat, and he was shivering from cold and sheer distress.
"My Lord, how are you? Shall we help you back to your quarters?"
Hephaestion nodded weakly, but when they proceeded to help him up, he simply couldn't rise. Twice they tried to get him up on his feet, and twice he fell back, shivering and stumbling. Pollux nudged at him, and soon the big watch dog was howling with alarm.
"My friend, he cannot remain like this. You have to wake Him up, while I and Pollux stay here and see to him, " Stefanos adamantly stated.
Alexios gave Hephaestion another worried glance before he strode down the corridor. He soon returned with Alexander, both men deeply worried and almost out of breath from running so fast. The King was dressed in a shining white chiton and a fur lined cloak casually thrown over his shoulders, and it dropped down on the cold stone floor as he knelt at the side of his friend.
"Hephaestion! How are you? You cannot sit here any longer, you will catch a cold and your shoulder will never mend properly, " he stated with deep concern.
"You need to get some proper rest and care - and the ones slandering you will get to know their proper place. I will sure see to THAT!"
Alexander quickly lifted Hephaestion up from the floor and held on to him until he could rise and stand on his own. He was shivering violently, but he soon felt better as Alexander put his arm around him and wrapped his warm, fur lined red cloak around them. The familiar golden warmth engulfed him, and he leaned on to his friend, feeling calm and secure once more.
"There you are. Steady now, so we can make it to your quarters, " Alexander told his friend with kind concern. "I know something that will make you feel better. First thing in the morning we leave for your home at the Second Hill! You will spend some time there with your parents and your lovely sister, until you are feeling better. "
Hephaestion gave him a thankful nod. He had not seen his beloved family and his home for a very long time now, and the mere thought of them made him feel stronger and more secure. He let himself be put to bed with a happy smile on his face. The last sight before he was sound asleep was Alexander wrapping him tightly into the warm turquoise quilt and sheep fleece.
"Sleep well and tight, my Loved One. Tomorrow we will visit a place of True Happiness together. "
Arrival At The Keep
Hephaestion rode out from Pella with feelings of longing and great relief. The war was over, for the time being, and he was returning home, at long last. Alexander rode at his side, watching him with deep concern. He was still in pain, despite all doctor Philip's ministrations, and his left arm was tightly bound to his side. It ached badly despite the fact that it was now healing more and more for every day. A whiff of the Miracle Ointment reached his nostrils and made him feel better. Alexander had seen to him early in the morning, before breakfast, and his shoulder was still warm from his healing touch. Alexander rode close at his side, and held on to him, concerned that he might fall off his horse. Castor often turned his head, looking at his Dear Master with kind concern. Bucephalus was aware of the special circumstances and walked at a calm and steady pace, avoiding his usual high spirited canter and leaps. Peritas and Pollux were running at the side of the horses. They were merrily yelping and barking, but the big dogs were keeping close and secure watch over their Dear Masters. Stefanos and Alexios rode close by, together with the whole Royal Guard. They brought a large bundle of important scrolls and government papers Hephaestion couldn't do without, despite the fact that Alexander had told him to find complete rest in the safety of his own home.
The sun was shining from an azure blue sky, and the autumn day was bright and beautiful, despite the brisk and chilly temperature. Hephaestion looked at the bright colors of autumn. The trees had painted their remaining leaves in golden yellow, russet red and glowing orange. Some leaves were swirling around him in a chilly autumn breeze, and he felt the musky odors of wet earth, grass and fallen leaves. Now the Keep on the Second Hill reached high before them. Castor and Bucephalus saw the friendly walls and gates and started neighing and prancing, leaping merrily towards the friendly home. They well remembered the soft hay, the sweet apples and warm honey cakes they would be offered when they were invited into the stables of the Keep. Hephaestion winced and clutched at his shoulder, as his giant auburn war stallion leaped merrily under him. He was barely able to remain seated, and Alexander strengthened his grasp around his back.
"Whoa, whoa, my merry horses, " Alexander tried to restrain them. " We are almost there now. Castor, I know you long for this fine place, but you must not upset your dear Master!"
The big auburn war stallion immediately calmed himself down at the King's stern reproach. Bucephalus, too slowed down and they went through the open gates. There the Lord Amyntor and the Lady Theano stood awaiting, surrounded by friendly and cheering servants. Hephaestion jumped down from Castor, wincing as the impact with the cobble stones jarred his injured shoulder. His parents came to him and embraced him.
"My dear son, we are so glad to see you back, " the Lord Amyntor stated. " We have had the most disturbing news from all the places where you have been. And, King Alexander, you are very welcome here at our humble Keep. We are so glad to see you safely returned to home - and even more happy when you want to stay here with us. "
"Yes, I am glad to be here. You, and this place, are most dear to me, " Alexander told them with a warming smile. " But, who is this, standing in the shadows?"
Brother And Sister
A slender, wraith like figure stood hiding in the deep blue green shadows behind a juniper. It turned into a young woman dressed in a dark blue gown and cloak. Glossy auburn hair was spilling down her shoulders, reaching down to her slender waist. She rushed forward and gave Hephaestion a fond embrace
"Oh, Phai, at long last you are home with us again! I have prayed and waited for this moment!"
She held him close to her, smothering him with warm and adoring kisses and hugs. Her hazel eyes filled with tears of joy, and she gave up a sigh of sheer relief when he held her close with his strong right arm.
"My little sister, now I am home again. Your letters were a great comfort to us when we were on campaign. Now I will remain here for some time. The King has allowed me to work from my home for the time being. "
She gave him another warm and enthusiastic hug. He winced from pain and held his shoulder tight. It caused her great concern.
"Oh, what has happened with your arm? We heard you were injured both at Pelium and at Thebes. "
"It's not serious, Helen. My shoulder was broken and dislocated in the battle of Pelium, but it's healing more for every day by now. Alexander and doctor Philip have seen to it. There is no need to worry with such excellent healers at hand. "
"Yes, I know, but you must let ME see to it, all the same. "
Helen looked at him, her face filled with feelings of doubt and suspicion. King Alexander was an excellent Healer, this was a well known fact - but he was dangerous company all the same. Brother and sister went together into the Keep, Lady Helen giving Hephaestion some well needed support. They were so very close, she could almost feel the dizziness overwhelming him, and she held him gently, taking him to his quarters inside. Alexander remained in the courtyard, giving them some fond looks. Little Baby Helen had grown up into a most beautiful and determined young woman, indeed.
Hospitality Of The Keep
Bucephalus and Castor were led into the stable. They were given the most excellent care and grooming from the stable hands of the Keep. Their mangers were filled with fresh and fragrant hay and herbs, and they got buckets filled with cool mountain water and warm barely gruel. Lady Helen herself came , bringing a basket filled with warm, freshly baked honey cakes. She gave them some, but when they wanted them all she adamantly withheld the basket, gently smacking their muzzles.
"No, you will get some more tomorrow. We dont want you to catch a bellyache from overfeeding. You must be in perfect health when my dear Brother and the King need you again. "
Hephaestion was resting in his own chambers in the Keep. The short ride to his home had been more tiring than he expected. He was reclining on his bed with his aching shoulder supported by soft cushions. His sister had seen to him and made him comfortable, before she went out to the stables, seeing to the horses. He wondered at her ability to be everywhere and see to the well being of everyone. Two cats, one jet black and the other golden, came into the room, jumping up into his lap with some pleased meowings. Their joints were a bit stiff, but they were still as playful as kittens. They were followed by a whole litter of kittens, small like yarn balls. The little ones couldn't jump up into the bed and they sat there pitifully meowing, before they started playing in a merry bundle on the floor. Hephaestion gently stroke the old cats, and fondly addressed them.
"Oh, Achilles and Antigona, I am so glad to be home with you. You were my very best friends when I was still a young boy. And, I see you have a fine, strapping family nowadays. "
He bent over with an awkward moment and scooped the kittens up,one after one, with his good hand. The little ones were very cooperative. They all jumped into his hand and willingly let themselves be lifted up into the bed. When they rested safely in his lap they all started to purr and butted their tiny heads against his hands. One especially big and forward coal black kitten climbed up his left arm and started to lick at his bandaged shoulder. He could feel the small, harsh tongue through the linen. Strangely, the tiny animal's ministrations made him feel better. The dull ache that constantly vexed him abated and he sat back with a sigh of great relief.
"Oh, you little dear one, you are just as your father. He always did that when I got some bruises or sprains. I think I will call you Little Achilles, " he told the coal black kitten as he scooped him up in his good hand, giving him some extra fond caresses.
Pollux started barking and tried to nip the little one from his Dear Master.
"No, you must let him alone!, " he sternly told the big watch dog. " He just wants to be kind and help me. You will have to befriend all my cats and kittens now when we are here at the Keep. They can not follow us when we ride out to the war, but for now they offer us kind and peaceful company. "
The small black kitten scratched Pollux at his muzzle with his tiny paw, and Hephaestion reproached him.
"No, not you, too! Keep calm, now. You remind me of Alexander's Companions when they disagree - and I sure don't want that kind of behaviour in my own home!"
Now Alexander came with Peritas. The King's dog immediately started chasing the kittens. They scattered all over the room, meowing in fear and fright. Their parents hissed and arched their backs, desperately trying to defend their little ones.
"Peritas! You stop that at once! They are just kittens - and - they are Hephaestion's, too!, " Alexander growled at his watch dog, in his most commanding voice. "Leave us alone - and you, too, Pollux. It seems that you upset the kittens. "
The two dogs went into the corridor together, sullenly grumbling. Lady Helen comforted them with some juicy bones before she went into the room. Alexander sat at Hephaestion's bedside, gently stroking the kittens. He was looking with worry at his friend. Hephaestion had managed to fall asleep in the midst of all the turmoil.
"How ever can he sleep in all this barking and meowing?, " Alexander said in a low whisper. "I think he needs the rest better than he realizes himself. " "Yes, "
Lady Helen answered him, also whispering.
"But you need not worry, my King. He will feel better real soon, now when he is home at long last. We here at Amyntor's sure will see to that!"
Hephaestion slept for a very long time, in peaceful bliss in the midst of all of his beloved animals. Achilles and Antigona and all their kittens lay purring around him, gently butting and striking him. Sometimes he lifted his good hand and gave them kind caresses. Pollux lay on the floor, keeping watch over them, giving them some sullen looks.
Alexander sat in Hall, occupied with an intense conversation with the Lord Amyntor and the Lady Theano. Lady Helen sat together with them, at the hearth side. She listened with deep interest as Alexander told them all about the successful campaigns in the North - and the horrors of Thebes. The great, warming fire with its red and orange flames filled the Hall with its flickering, flaming light, falling especially on Alexander. It blended with the unique light that shone from him, making him look like a firebrand, soon to consume all of the World.
// "Please, Great Fire Lord Hephaestos, keep my dear Brother safe, as long as he remains in the dangerous company of his Beloved!, " Lady Helen said an intense Prayer of protection in her hearth of hearths, hoping that it would be heard. //
The Lord Amyntor had an odd feeling, as if he no longer were master in his own house. This Golden One had taken over it all, surrounding the Keep with his heavily armed Guards. He had even taken his beloved son - but the Lord Amyntor had known that ever since the first time he saw the boys together. He knew, and accepted that which the Fates had decided.
Servants brought a hearty meal, venison, roast boar, vegetables boiled and prepared with olive oil and a whole basket filled with freshly picked red and golden yellow apples. On the table were great decanters with the Amyntor's own strong red wine, also some with pure and cold mountain water. A special blend of spiced red wine was simmering in a kettle near the fireside, intended to give the guests some extra warmth. A boiled chicken covered with a simmering sauce smelling of invigorating herbs and spices presided in an extra fine silver tureen. Alexander rejoiced in the delicious cooking fumes, and he knew well that the chicken was not prepared for his sake alone.
// "How come the Amyntor's always manage to get their cooking more delicious even than the Royal cooks?, " he questioned himself. The answer soon appeared as a naughty little voice deep inside him. " They enjoy a happy family life, that makes all the difference. " //
"We must go get Hephaestion. He must not miss this wonderful meal. "
Alexander and Lady Helen rose in unison, but they didn't have to leave the Hall. Hephaestion came, eagerly walking up to his place at the seat of honour, at Alexander's side. Pollux and the happy cat family followed him as they sat down to the hearty meal. They all dined happily together, and they dined well.
TBC