Needs Met, 3
As Alexander awaits the arrival of his seer, Aristander, he takes notice of the feel of the men about him. Continuation of Part 2
Hephaistion stepped up next to Alexander as though to shield him from the oncoming stress of the day. He was always there, when his many duties allowed, at his side no matter the day or time to offer his counsel and friendship. Many others sought to do this, but only Hephaistion did it as though breathing, as though it was an intrinsic part of him. Smiling, Alexander brushed his hand along his friend's arm. Then he frowned, Hephaistion was still holding his arm awkwardly, the wound he'd taken at Gaugamela had healed cleanly, but he was still in some discomfort. Alexander peered at him carefully it was in the manner in which he was holding the arm with the rest of his body that gave away his discomfort. Their eyes met for a moment, unspoken words passed. Hephaistion sighed briefly and cleared his throat. He wrinkled his nose, as though he had caught the scent of something bad and leaned over toward Alexander's right ear, and after offering the ritual greeting, spoke softly.
"There has been word of bad blood in camp overnight." Reading the faces before him with his eyes, Alexander nodded in affirmation.
"Aye, in the Thessalian cavalry a brawl broke out last night over the aegis. Parmenion was just briefing me about it. I've to speak with Aristander about it before I advance much further on the work of the day. Go and walk about the camp, for I've no time for it just now and get the feel of the men. Then come back. By then I will have spoken with Aristander and hopefully know more." Their eyes met, Hephaistion nodded briefly, and disappeared.
"Alexander! Alexander! Alexander!" The voices rang in his ears, a cacophony of complaints, suggestions, petitions, worries, all clamouring for his attention. Patiently he listened to those about him, every few moments, his eyes searching for the tall figure of Aristander. He turned from time to time to discuss something with Eumenes who stood next to him, recording whatever was necessary, the king's decision on some policy, large or small; he required a record of everything.
Alexander sniffed and rubbed his forehead. His head was beginning to ache. It had begun last night, but a cup of wine had soothed it, now it had returned. He sighed, aye; he acknowledged the head ache even had a name, Parmenion. He could not fault the man his duties, he did them well. Did he have to be so opinionated on certain issues? Would he not back down even once? Zeus knows when he was younger, greener; he had been pleased with the older officer's advice, until it became a thing of argument between them. The proposals from Darius, the Persian King had brought this to a forefront. No longer did Alexander feel as though he could allow Parmenion so open a hand. After this last victory, after Gaugamela, things had changed irrevocably. The old man would have to change too.
Alexander stood half turned toward his tent. He could hear Pareminon's voice in the background. He was arguing with someone, Leonnatus? Well, let them argue. He would have enough to do this day.
His first order of business after the sacrifice and morning counsel was to visit the wounded. With three hospital tents, he had only been able to do the most cursory of rounds yesterday. Today, he had planned a greater time to spend in each. However, now with this problem with the Thessialians...
He'd half a mind to go back into his tent and throw his bed blankets up over his head. The sun seemed too bright, and his leg was beginning to hurt, and he was hungry! The scent of something savory rose on the wind and his mouth watered.
By the Gods, he was hungry! Normally he minded little when he ate, but for some reason this morn he had awakened with an appetite. Of all the men in camp, he was undoubtedly the only one who had not eaten even a mouthful of porridge to break his fast. Nay, he knew Aristander would not have, either, nothing until after the morning sacrifice. He hoped Hephaistion had for he would need his strength and keen intelligence to help with the unfolding events of the day. Besides he needed the nourishment, his wound would not heal probably if he denied himself. He looked at the rise of the sun, by all accounts if Hephaistion met with little disturbance and pressed himself, speaking little to any save what might be necessary, it would take him at least an hour to report back. Most likely it would take longer than that, probably two hours as there would undoubtedly be something that would catch his eye or some matter a trooper would bring to him to present to the King. One of them, at least, needed to have half his senses working. He caught a page by the arm, and issued orders that he find the Cavalry Commander and see that he was well protected as he neared the Thessialian encampment.
Where was Aristander? What was holding his seer up? He could feel, smell, hear the rise of emotion, welling through the camp. He knew Hephaistion, Parmenion and his other officers would work quickly to quiet any immediate sign of unrest, but it would leak out soon. He did not want a riot or worse on his hands. Soldiers were always superstitious and for it to get out that the Thessalian aegis had been dishonoured could undoubtedly result in more bloodshed.
Ah, at last, the tall straight, black bearded figure of Aristander appeared. He stepped forward to greet him. The older man's dark eyes met his, Alexander took a deep breath. Already he had a sense of foreboding.
To be continued.