Craterus raised his arm as Alexander and Hephaestion got into position. "Are the both of you ready?"
With another quick glance at each other, both of them nodded.
Craterus dropped his arm forward and shouted "Go!"
With a triumphant shout, Alexander charged forward, Hephaestion right on his heels. The sprint was his best event, and he knew that, at least at short distances, he could outrun Hephaestion. He hadn't really intended for this to be an actual race, but his competitive nature kicked in and he immediately pushed himself faster.
Hephaestion settled into a comfortable pace as he ran only a step or two behind Alexander. Hephaestion was a distance runner, so while Alexander might be able to best him for a short sprint, if the race was of any length at all, Hephaestion's steady, long strides would overtake him. Alexander had assured him that it wouldn't be a competition. Ha! Hephaestion knew better. To Alexander, almost everything was a competition. Hephaestion wasn't intimidated by that. He knew at this distance they would be equally matched. When Alexander glanced back at him, Hephaestion had to laugh.
As they neared the tombs, Alexander's pace had slowed slightly. Hephaestion drew even with him, and they were now running side by side. Alexander turned his head and smiled at Hephaestion, and received a smile in return. As much as he loved competition, he was glad that they were now running together.
Their race was now totally synchronized, stride by stride, as they both settled into a comfortable pace. As they rounded the mounds of earth where the tombs were located, Alexander felt energized. This was something he had dreamed of doing, and to be sharing it with his own Patroclus was beyond his dreams. He snuck another sideways glance at Hephaestion. Hephaestion's long chestnut hair flowed gracefully over his shoulders and down his upper back, a few strands clinging to his face where a trickle of sweat rolled down his cheek. Alexander nearly tripped on a stone and focused his attention back on the road before him.
The finish line was fast approaching. They were still side by side, stride for stride, running as one. Hephaestion felt exhilarated and was almost disappointed that the race was nearly over. He could hear their companions cheering for them as they waited at the finish, and he half expected Alexander to step it up at the last and pass him, but much to his pleasure, that didn't happen. He glanced at Alexander and was greeted with a quick glance and smile in return.
"Let's do this together, Hephaestion. You and I. As equals. As one" Alexander said breathlessly.
To the loud cheers, whistles and shouts of the others, they crossed the finish line completely in sync. Taking a moment to catch their breath, they turned to each other and smiled. Alexander put his hands on Hephaestion's shoulders, and Hephaestion did the same. Alexander opened his mouth to speak, but suddenly they were surrounded by their companions, laughing and slapping them on the back. Their mood was infectious, and soon Alexander and Hephaestion were laughing and talking along with the others.
After a bit, Hephaestion looked up and caught Alexander's eyes. He cocked an eyebrow and tilted his head slightly, asking the silent question.
Alexander smiled softly and nodded, understanding perfectly. He stepped back from the others and raised his hand to silence the group. "Gentlemen, this was a good race. And now Hephaestion and I wish to pay tribute to our heroes. Please, honor us with your presence here as we do so."
Their companions respectfully quieted down and followed behind Alexander as he walked back towards the tombs. His page, as instructed, stood patiently near the tombs holding the garlands that they were to use. Alexander nodded to the young man who promptly stepped forward. Alexander held his hands out, and the boy gently draped the garlands over his outstretched hands. Alexander then turned to Hephaestion, who had been standing just behind him, and offered him one of the garlands.
Hephaestion accepted the garland from Alexander and stood silent and still. Alexander was to make his offering first.
Alexander stood before the burial mound, accepting a golden cup of wine in his free hand and pouring the libation. Handing cup back to his page, he lifted the garland over his head, closing his eyes and mouthing something silently to himself. Then, in a bold voice, he spoke. "Mighty Achilles, bravest of warriors, I honor you. You lived a life of glory, and your deeds will be remembered forever. May I always strive to be the best and bravest, just as you." He turned his head, letting his warm gaze land on Hephaestion, smiling softly. "May I always be worthy of the love, devotion and trust of those who follow me. And may I never fail to thank the gods for the gift they have given me…my own brave and loyal Patroclus, to whom I give my heart freely."
Alexander held Hephaestion's stunned gaze steadily. Clearly he had not been expecting such a bold statement, which left little doubt as to the nature of their relationship, not that most hadn't figured it out already. Of all the men Alexander had ever known, Hephaestion stood above them all. Hephaestion was, as Aristotle had described, the other half of his soul. Brave and beautiful Hephaestion…fiercely loyal, a man of honor, dignity, thoughtfulness and intelligence. Alexander knew that Hephaestion was the only one who truly loved him unconditionally, despite all his faults and failings, and he knew that Hephaestion would never do anything to dishonor him. He was loyal unto death.
Alexander turned and dropped to one knee, laying the garland on the tomb of Achilles. He stood, turning to Hephaestion and giving a slight nod.
Hephaestion was still staring at Alexander, speechless. This was more than he could have ever dreamed. The love shining in Alexander's eyes nearly took his breath. After a moment, he drew a deep breath to steady himself, hoping he could speak without choking up. He had to blink back tears, and finally had to look away from Alexander to compose himself. With hands that shook slightly, he managed to pour the libation. He lifted his own garland and managed to speak, though his voice was softer and choked with emotion that he could not suppress.
"Honorable Patroclus, your bravery and loyalty inspire me to be a better man. Your selflessness and sacrifice honored Achilles, and I thank you for your heroic example of what a man of honor and virtue should be. May I ever be the same, never wavering in the path that I follow." As Alexander had done, he dropped to one knee and placed the garland on the tomb. He then stood, turning towards Alexander and taking a few steps to close the distance between them. He no longer cared what anyone thought. This was for Alexander, and that is all that mattered. Repeating his previous action, he dropped to one knee in front of a very startled Alexander, reaching out and taking his hand.
"Alexander, you are my king, my commander, and I would follow you anywhere without question. More than that, you are my friend. I pledge you my eternal devotion, my support, my counsel, and my friendship. I will do everything in my ability to help you achieve your dreams and the glory that you seek. I pledge you my life, and my love. Always." With that, he bowed his head slightly, feeling slightly annoyed as a stray tear managed to sneak past his resolve and wind its way down his cheek.
It was Alexander's turn to be stunned. Hephaestion, ever the cautious and more reserved of the two, had never made such a public acknowledgement of his love, at least not anywhere close to this. He felt his throat tighten and no words would come. He noticed the tear on Hephaestion's cheek, and nearly lost it himself. He tugged gently on Hephaestion's hand, bidding him to stand. As Hephaestion rose to his feet, Alexander placed a finger under his chin and gently lifted his face, gazing into those startlingly blue eyes he loved so much.
His voice low and slightly breathless, he spoke quietly, for only Hephaestion to hear. "No, Hephaestion, you bow to no one. I would not be the man that I am without you, and I suspect I would not get far unless you were by my side. It is I who should bow to you."
For a minute, neither man moved, and not a sound was heard from their companions as they stood in silence, not one daring to disturb the moment.
Finally, Alexander grinned and grabbed Hephaestion in a tight hug, accompanied by the sound of cheering and laughing from their friends. He released Hephaestion and turned to his companions. "Come, men! Back to camp. A great feast awaits us. And much wine! I wish to celebrate this day!" He smiled at Hephaestion. "I suppose we should dress before we mount up and head back. I do like seeing you like this, but…" With a wink, he turned to walk to where his pages stood with his clothing and armor.
Hephaestion did the same, smiling the whole time as his slaves and pages assisted him.
Once everyone was ready, Alexander gave the signal for them to mount up and they started back down the road towards the camp. Alexander was still chattering away excitedly, talking and laughing with their friends. Hephaestion rode quietly just behind him, content for the moment to simply watch him. The joy that Alexander obviously felt filled Hephaestion's heart as well.
Today had been an amazing day.