Needs Met, Final
Picks up right after Part five. Finally, after the unpleasant business of the day, Alexander gets a change to rest with Hephaistion by his side.
The ground that spread before Alexander's feet was bloodstained and stunk with the stench of death, but not from battle, a different kind of death had held the day. Today he had played a role he disliked intensely, that of Executioner. Twelve men had gone to meet the Ferryman. He had seen the corpses given their rites as due them, and given orders for the place to be cleansed. The execution site was always outside the major perimeter of the camp's boundaries. It had been fortunate when the camp's site had been located weeks ago, that this stony ground seemed to exist alone surrounded by a ring of small rocky outcroppings of scrubby trees and sand. He had walked the camp afterward, for hours spending time with as many men as possible. Many had been deeply upset by the day's events and only he could offer the reassurance they required.
Finally, much later, more than two hours after the third watch had come on, he and Hephaistion sat at small talk sharing a couch and quiet supper.
"At times I feel I have no more right to pass judgment upon anyone else for who can say that I, may not act upon such an impious action one day myself. The Gods trick us out, Hephaistion, ever ready to test our strength, love and devotion. Today, though I did my duty, I feel sadly wanting." He sighed deeply and leaned to the side resting his head on the couch's frame. The cup in his hands was empty, but he did not beckon for it to be refilled. Instead he set it aside. He had no interest in merriment of any sort, and the coming night yawned before him inviting nothing of peace in its blackness, but rather mocked a mind that could not find harmony within itself.
"Stay with me, I need your comfort." He turned rubbing Hephaistion's shoulders while laughing softly, derisively. "I am always asking for my own needs to be met, but what of yours? You must be weary through. You have had scare a full night's sleep in two days. No, seek your bed you have done the work of two men at least and your wound is not healing properly. I would that you see Philip about this. I order you to your bed. There I have given my order, obey it."
"Nay," Hephaistion smiled as he stroked Alexander's face and grabbed his hand up in his holding it tightly. "I'll be with you it is where I belong, especially when you have need of me."
"I...I feel at such times as this I have so many needs. I have no right to ask..."
"Oh, Alexander, come...do not." Hephaistion wrapped his strong arms about his friend and gently wiped away the tears sliding down the sun browned face before his. "Do not trouble yourself so. Finish your meal, for you too need your strength and then to bed. Sleep would be a blessing for us both, but should it not come, I will be there by your side. You need not face the darkness alone."
Finis