The flames did not take long to catch. The priests prayed to the gods, as Philip's body was engulfed.
Alexander turned and looked for Hephaistion, to see him gazing upon him, a look in his eyes telling him to be strong.
Alexander wanted to have him by his side, but Cleopatra stood by him, Alexander of Epirus next to her, comforting her. On his other side Antipater and Cleitus stood by him, Amyntas and Arrhidaeus after them.
He turned back to the pyre, the smoke appearing to conjure memories of his father. For a moment he thought he heard his voice. He missed him. Too much time had been taken up with distrust and disagreements. They should have been closer, like on the last night, when he had talked freely to him.
The smoke swirling up, reminded him of being lifted in his father's strong arms the day he tamed Bucephalus. Hephaistion was right. His father had loved him.
Grey smoke against the perfect blue sky. Alexander said farewell to Philip.
Ptolemy and Seleucus came over to him, when people began to move away, their duty done. Ptolemy put a hand on Alexander's shoulder, and Alexander smiled and nodded in acceptance of his support. When his uncle led Cleopatra away, Hephaistion came to his side and for a moment took his hand and squeezed it in support.
"You have to go," Hephaistion said. "Go with Ptolemy and Seleucus. I will see you later."
"I would rather be with you," Alexander replied.
Hephaistion smiled and shook his head. "I will be alright." He walked away, just as Perdiccas, Philotas and Cassander came over to Alexander.
"Is Hephaistion not coming back to the palace?" Cassander asked.
"No. He has his own farewells to say. Onatas' eromenus, Lysias, Hephaistion loved him, an ordinary soldier from Methone, he loved him long before he loved me." Alexander walked off.
Philotas caught hold of Cassander's arm. "You should think before you speak, Cassander. Your father cannot always make amends for your tongue."
Cassander pulled his arm free. "I intend to stay alive, Philotas. I intend to get what I can from this life. Go follow Alexander if you must. With an eager heart. But watch yourself, because you crave power too, I see it in your eyes."
OOXXOO
Only Hephaistion stood by Lysias' pyre. It had none of the splendour of Philip's funeral, although Alexander had promised a tomb. Alexander had also arranged for the same priests who invoked the gods at Philip's funeral to attend. Rich spices and gifts had been placed on the pyre.
Hephaistion stepped forward, placing the gold cuff on Lysias' body. He could have placed it in the tomb, but who knew when it would be ready, and it somehow seemed right that it should be destroyed in the flames, like Lysias' body.
The memories were quickly fading but it had seemed like love. The happy memories had been destroyed from the moment Philip gave him the letter, from when he saw Lysias at Mieza, he was different. It was hard to remember the man he loved.
"Goodbye, Lysias" he whispered as the priest lit the pyre.
Hephaistion stepped back. In truth, he had expected Onatas to be here, to want to pay some tribute to him. There had been so many changes, the simple life he had known at Methone was gone forever.
He felt a hand grasp his own, and turned to see Alexander.
"You should not be alone," Alexander said.
They stood and watched until the pyre had gone and the priests had completed their prayers. Then they made their way back to the palace. Together.
OOXXOO
Alexander had decided that the funeral games should be held at Pella. The next morning he announced he would be leaving Aegae the following day.
There were a lot of preparations to be made, but Alexander was kept busy, once more, with ambassadors. All of them were saying they would go to Pella, but would have to return at once as they were needed. The excuses wore thin, Alexander wished to hear an honest word, be given a straight answer.
Returning to his room that evening, he found Hephaistion waiting for him, he had been reading his copy of The Illiad, while he waited. He looked like temptation itself, lying on Alexander's bed, a reward from the gods for coping with the ambassadors ill-concealed contempt.
"Which part are you reading?" he asked, sitting on the bed and untying his sandals.
Hephaistion smiled, and read aloud. "O Father Zeus, if ever amid immortals by word or deed I served you, grant my wish and see to my son's honour!. He looked up. "I have not read far, just to where Thetis is seeking help for Achilles."
"She is a loving mother," Alexander said.
"You sound envious, Alexander," Hephaistion replied, sitting up and putting the book away.
Alexander looked down. "My mother loves me," he said, softly.
"Will she come directly to Pella?" asked Hephaistion, reaching up and caressing Alexander's shoulder.
Alexander looked down at Hephaistion's hand, enjoying the touch. He moved closer to his dearest companion, wanting the pleasure only he could bring. "I would imagine so," he replied, tracing his lips against Hephaistion's neck.
"But Aegae is on the way, is it not?" enquired Hephaistion, reaching to stroke Alexander's thigh.
"She could stop here on route," Alexander answered, pulling Hephaistion down on to the bed with him.
"I thought she might," murmured Hephaistion, gently unclipping Alexander's chiton, pulling it down, biting Alexander's neck.
"It is a long journey," Alexander gasped, arching his body against Hephaistion's.
"Then… best…. to…. rest….here," whispered Hephaistion, in-between kissing Alexander's lips.
"For a couple of days," Alexander groaned, reaching for Hephaistion's undergarments.
"Perhaps more," replied Hephaistion, moving his body over Alexander's.
"Then she can come home," Alexander breathed, watching Hephaistion reach for the oil.
"That's good," sighed Hephaistion, then spoke no more as passion overwhelmed them.
OOXXOO
Alexander waited in the great hall, thinking of the last time he had spoken with his father, when he was looking for Eurydice's bracelet. He had hoped to prove himself to his father, to show he could be a loyal son, to fight alongside him again.
The army were waiting for him now. His father's army. He had to lead them, have them swear allegiance to him. He had to show them he could be every bit as good as Philip - and more.
He heard footsteps and lifted his head to see Cleopatra coming towards him, the puppy running alongside her, biting at her gown. She held her hands out to him, clasping them in his as she reached him.
She would not be returning to Pella. She would be going to Epirus.
"Oh, Alexander," she sighed, studying his face. "Will I ever see you again?"
"If the gods intend it." He looked down at the puppy, now sniffing around his cavalry boots. "It had to be this way, Cleopatra. We both knew it. Even if father had not been killed, we would have been parted. But I will write to you." He looked in to her eyes. Grey, like his own. The tears had stopped, she was trying to be strong.
"And I will write to you," she replied, brushing her hand against his face. She laughed a little. "The messengers will get tired of me, I will use them so much to reach you."
"Mother should be there, for a little while longer. It will be good for you to see her. Your husband is a good man, he will be a good husband. I know he cares for you greatly."
"But I will miss you….so much."
Alexander sighed. The parting was too hard, so soon after the murder. "I have to go now. I must be in Pella. The rest of the army are gathered there, I have to go and have the men swear their allegiance. Some of the ambassadors have already left, anxious to rally their men to arms against Macedon, to say I am just a boy who cannot step out of his father's shadow. I expect to hear of trouble in the north, I will have to settle that before I can go south. For it is coming…."
Cleopatra put he fingers over his lips, silencing him. "Just be my brother now, and not the king, Alexander. There is time enough for the rest." She placed her hand back in his. "So, where is your Hephaistion? You won his love, didn't you?"
Alexander smiled and nodded.
"Who couldn't love you, Alexander. I knew he would come to you."
"I wish I had had your confidence, Cleopatra," laughed Alexander.
Cleopatra laughed with him. "You were so desperate, it was almost comical. You hung around him like my Hephaistion does with me. Finding ways to be with him, looking adoringly at him, pining when he left your side."
"Stop it," Alexander said, his face flushing. "Was I so obvious?"
"Half the women of the court would gladly take your place; half the men too, I would say. But he loves you, Alexander, and I am so glad of it, knowing he will be by your side, when I am not."
"Mother will not approve. She will want me married."
"Marriage is not so bad," smiled Cleopatra. "Don't listen so much to what she tells you, Alexander." She placed a hand on his chest. "Listen to your heart."
They embraced, then Alexander put his arm around her shoulders and led her outside. A groom was waiting with Bucephalus. Ptolemy, Seleucus and Perdiccas were waiting to ride alongside him. Soldiers stepped in to line as they saw Alexander appear.
With a final embrace, final words spoken between them, Alexander left her side and leapt on to Bucephalus. Cleopatra waved farewell. Watching as he disappeared from her sight. Gone too soon, she watched the Vanguard follow and saw Hephaistion. She signalled for him to come to her. He pulled his horse around and rode over.
"Take care of him," she said.
"With my life," Hephaistion promised her. He smiled and pointed to the puppy. "Does he still have my name?"
"It is a fine name," smiled Cleopatra, scooping the puppy up in to her arms. "Alexander and I both have a Hephaistion to love. He will write, but will you write to me as well? He will hide things from me, tell me what he thinks I should hear, not what I want to know."
Hephaistion thought for a moment, then looked to the path Alexander had just followed. He turned back to Cleopatra. "I cannot. I am sorry."
Cleopatra tried to hide her disappointment. "Alexander always has inspired loyalty," she noted.
Hephaistion settled his horse, which was beginning to fidget, anxious to be gone. "I will not write, but I will ask him not to hide things from you. That is all that I can do."
Cleopatra beamed with delight. "That will be good." She stepped forward as if fearing her words would be heard, although they were alone. "If I were not a married woman," she whispered, then stepped back, smiling on Hephaistion.
He returned her smile, bowed his head, then spurred his horse on to join the others.
Cleopatra watched until there was nothing more to see. Her life had changed. She was Queen of Epirus. She turned to see her husband approaching, and walked to him taking his hand now. He embraced her. "Alexander," she murmured.
He thought she spoke to him, but her mind was on the road to Pella, her heart already yearning for the brother she knew she would never see again.
OOXXOO
They were heading to Mieza, to stay the night, breaking the return journey to Pella. Alexander had only just decided that morning. They would hunt on the way, but he had asked for Hephaistion to arrange rabbits and vegetables to be taken ahead to the school, so that Meda could prepare rabbit stew for them all that evening.
That is what Hephaistion had just done, when Cleopatra called him over. He rode away from the palace now, a distance behind Alexander and his friends and glad of it. Alexander had given him the means to choose where he wanted to be on the ride to Mieza, but he had insisted he join them hunting.
Cynaegeirus called him over, he was with Aristophanes. They were no longer part of the Royal Bodyguard. Alexander had made changes, and called upon men from the Vanguard to protect him. It was no slight on Philip's guard, it was accepted that changes happened.
Hephaistion noticed that though they rode a good way behind Alexander, they still kept their eyes peeled for signs of trouble. Old habits were hard to break.
"So you are a Royal Companion now," said Aristophanes, as a statement more than a question.
"As well as Alexander's other friends. Isn't that right, Hephaistion?" said Cynageirus.
"It is," replied Hephaistion. "And how are you both?"
Cynageirus shrugged his shoulders. "Alexander has rewarded us for our services, and we have promises of holding a rank in the army. But it is tough…..we were meant to guard Philip and we failed him. It is hard to hold your head high these days."
"We should have done more," said Aristophanes.
"But you were trained to look for danger from outside," replied Hephaistion. "It's what I was told, I'm sure that you were told the same. You would not suspect that the danger lay within, with our Captain, Pausanias. Philip did not see the danger he had placed himself in, promoting a man with so much against him."
"Pausanias had loved him," argued Aristophanes.
"But that love had obviously turned to hate, strong enough to kill."
"At least we revenged the king. At least we stopped his escape," said Cynageirus. He wiped at his face, then smiled a little. "And you, Hephaistion, how well do you love our new king? Strong enough to handle anything?"
Hephaistion looked up, Alexander had ridden out from the column, a javelin in his hand, guards and pages around him. Seleucus, Perdiccas and Ptolemy also had javelins, shouts went up. Antipater and Cassander came towards them, invited to the hunt. Cleitus would stay behind.
They galloped off towards the far hills, in a race. But Alexander pulled up Bucephalus, looking for Hephaistion in the crowd, and signalling for him to join them. Then he pushed Bucephalus forward, the stallion quickly regaining what ground had been lost to lead the others.
"He wants you with him," said Aristophanes.
Hephaistion nodded. Reluctant to go. He had not expected Alexander's friends to judge him so harshly. He was in danger of trying too hard to win their approval; knowing if he were in their place he would see that as suspicious. Why try so hard? They were outspoken, disapproving of him to his face. He had steeled himself for what would be said behind his back, not thinking he would have to face a full on attack, with Alexander there to hear it.
But now he knew what it was like to be with Alexander. The moments he could spend alone with him were enough to bear anything when they were apart.
He pushed his horse forward to a canter. One of the pages was waiting for him, with a javelin. He pulled his horse up and took it from him, thanking him.
"You should be able to catch them," the page said, pointing in the direction they had gone.
Hephaistion smiled, the page blushed and stepped back. Turning his horse, Hephaistion pushed it in to a canter once more, and went in the direction the hunting party had gone.
He had hunted at Methone often enough. It was more from necessity, than sport. It felt good to be away from Aegae, from any palace. It felt good to feel the breeze blow through his hair, to feel the sun on his back, to feel free.
Soon enough he heard a shout, an order given, a horse's hooves beating the ground. He could not see them, trees obscured his view.
Hephaistion slowed his pace, guiding his horse through the dense undergrowth, bringing it to a walk, careful not to become the hunted, listening for where Alexander and his companions might be. Coming to a halt he chanced upon a boar, doing the same thing. It was still some distance off, but the ground cleared just ahead of it, if he could flush it out, he could push his horse on and catch it.
Giving a shout he kicked his horse on. The boar, alerted, took off through the bushes, heading for the open ground.
His horse jumped over bushes and turned and twisted to avoid uneven places. Hephaistion kept his eye on the boar, raising his javelin. As soon as he reached the open area he urged his horse on. The boar was fast, but he was gaining on it. He laughed as it swerved to the left, heading for some trees. He was getting close enough to take a shot.
The boar suddenly squealed and went down, a javelin stuck in it's neck. Hephaistion pulled his horse up, seeing Seleucus canter down through the trees, calling out his victory in the first kill of the day. Alexander and Ptolemy came through the trees, as Seleucus jumped from his horse and stood grinning over the dead boar. Antipater and Cassander soon followed. They were congratulating him.
Hephaistion was just going to them, when he saw Perdiccas, sitting on his horse, away from the others, staring at him. He wondered if Perdiccas knew that the boar had been his. It was no matter.
"Well, I have my kill," Seleucus was saying, as he approached.
"It's a fine boar. Well done, Seleucus," said Alexander. "Let's see if we can match it."
Seleucus looked round, Perdiccas was just joining them. "As soon as the pages have arrived to take it, I'll be back hunting, Alexander. If you need any advice just ask me," he laughed, obviously delighted.
"Well done, Seleucus," said Cassander. "I always thought you would be the one to starve if left to your own devices."
"It just ran in front of me. It was a gift from the gods," Seleucus replied, miming his action at throwing the javelin.
Some of the pages arrived, jumping down from their horses to see to the boar.
"Hephaistion! What kept you?" Alexander rode towards him. "Come and ride with Ptolemy and myself." He turned to look at Seleucus. "We should outdo him soon enough."
Alexander cantered off. Ptolemy and Hephaistion looked at each other. Ptolemy indicated that Hephaistion should follow. Saying nothing.
OOXXOO
As far as Hephaistion was concerned, the only joy in that day's hunting was seeing Alexander's spirits lift once more. After all Alexander had been through he needed the release, a day of freedom.
Alexander matched Seleucus' kill, and then went on to better him.
As the morning passed, and the afternoon wore on, they turned their tired horses to Mieza.
Men from the Vanguard arrived, to take over from those who had guarded Alexander during the day. Hephaistion went to them. What had been killed would be taken back to the army's camp, not far from Mieza. He deliberately hung back, he was not looking forward to the evening, the day had been hard enough.
Hippodamus and Pheidias were amongst the men from the Vanguard. He joined them, telling them what they wanted to know about Mieza. Hippodamus would be in charge of the guard that night.
When they arrived at Mieza, Bucephalus was alone in his paddock, the other horses were in the remaining one. Hephaistion pulled the cloth from his mare's back, then led her in to the others, releasing her. He watched as his mare stood her ground, not allowing herself to be threatened by her new companions. Hephaistion smiled to watch her. It was a lesson he should learn, but the other horses accepted his mare more quickly than he would be accepted by Alexander's friends.
He paused by the river, reluctant to go up the steps. Then taking a deep breath, he followed Alexander's path.
Thespis and Meda had come out to greet Alexander. They stood with him as Ptolemy, Seleucus, Perdiccas and Cassander, who would also stay the night there, gathered around them. Meda was saying she could not believe that Alexander was now king; she was crying, then she looked past Alexander and her face lit up in sudden joy.
"Hephaistion!" she cried, and hurried to greet the man she knew Alexander loved. Relieved to see him. "I dare not mention your name," she said. "I hoped that you would be here, I know Alexander will be comforted by you." She touched his face. "You are so handsome. Such a good boy."
Thespis had followed her, he greeted Hephaistion warmly, embracing him.
Hephaistion looked over Thespis' shoulder to see Alexander smiling at him, and looks of disapproval from the rest.
"You have already met Hephaistion then?" said Cassander.
"Not so long ago," said Thespis breaking his embrace, and patting Hephaistion on the back.
"I brought him here," Alexander said, going to Hephaistion. "What kept you?" he asked.
Hephaistion looked at Alexander's companions, struggling for an excuse. "I was with Hippodamus and Pheidas," he said.
"Did they invite you to stay for supper?" Cassander asked. "Ptolemy was just telling me that you failed to make a kill today. If I were you, then I would accept anyone's invitation to dine, lest I starved." He turned to the others and laughed.
Hephaistion sensed Alexander go tense, but before he could reply Perdiccas spoke.
"I think that Hephaistion is well able to feed himself." He turned to Cassander. "I saw you kill a boar today, Cassander. After your father had wounded it first." He glanced over at Hephaistion. "I saw a lot," he murmured
There was a silence for a moment. A tension. Then Thespis broke it. "Supper will be ready soon. Do I still have to order you to bathe? I have set out the fresh clothing, that the servants brought, on your beds." He walked over to Meda and put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "And do not return from the river naked. It might have done when you were boys, but you're all young men now and I won't have Meda distracted, or have her thinking that she should look elsewhere."
Meda laughed, and patted Thespis' stomach
Ptolemy put his hands up to his belt. "Last one in is a goose," he cried, and took off at a run.
Cries went up. Alexander nudged Hephaistion, turning and running down the steps, they were closest to them, they could make advantage of it. Taking them two at a time, they could hear the clatter of footsteps coming after them. Hephaistion glanced to his right, Alexander was unclipping his chiton. Hephaistion unfastened his belt, catching his dagger before it could fall.
Alexander was fast, he was first at the river. He was kicking off his boots and pulling at his chiton, while turning to look at Hephaistion, laughing to see Hephaistion struggling with his boots.
Seleucus fell at the bottom step. Alexander dived in to the water, surfacing quickly, encouraging Hephaistion to hurry. Ptolemy waded into the water, choosing a shallow spot. Hephaistion finally got free of his chiton and stepped forward, pushing himself off the bank to dive in next to Alexander. He surfaced and turned in the water, it was deep enough for him to have to tread water.
Alexander shouted encouragement to Seleucus, who appeared to have made up some ground. He was still pulling his chiton off as he ran splashing into the shallow part. Throwing his chiton to the bank, before falling into the water. Straight after, Perdiccas dived in, leaving Cassander, naked on the riverside.
"Goose! Goose! Goose!" the chant went up, everyone, except Hephaistion coming forward in the water, cupping some in their hands and spraying it over Cassander, who yelped with the shock of the cool water hitting his warm skin. He jumped in to the river and tried to fight back, but got pummelled by the others, laughing at him, holding him under the water.
The fun over, they let him be.
Ptolemy ducked under the water, wiping his hand over his face as he surfaced. Hephaistion had swum in to the shallows to do the same, as he stood the river came to the top of his groin, he caught Ptolemy looking at him, judging him. No doubt wondering what had caused Alexander's attraction. He stepped back, the water coming to his waist. Glancing around he suspected the other's were thinking the same. He suddenly thought of Lysias, when they met here and he had accused him of a sudden shyness. He turned to Alexander, but Alexander was distracted by Seleucus, who was trying to push him under the water.
Hephaistion ducked under the water, then waded to the side, climbing out and putting on his chiton. Alexander had followed him, touching his lower back, before reaching for his own chiton, and dressing.
Only Seleucus stayed in the water, floating on his back a moment, before deciding he was hungry for his supper. Hephaistion went to offer a hand, to help him up the bank, but Ptolemy pushed by and offered his instead.
They all climbed the steps and headed through the kitchen. While everyone else went into the dormitory, Alexander and Hephaistion made their way down the hallway. Hephaistion hesitated at the door to Aristotle's room, opening it to see a chiton folded on the bed, sandals on the floor. Whatever Thespis and Meda thought, they had not presumed that Hephaistion now shared Alexander's bed. He was glad of it.
"Do not be long," Alexander said, kissing him briefly on the lips, before heading to his own room.
Hephaistion went in to the room, closing the door and then leaning against it, as if to keep the world out. He sighed. He had always found it an easy thing to make friends, and to keep them. Since leaving Methone the world had become a tougher place to live in. He knew the cost of being with Alexander would be high but as he sat in the small room, with Lysias' body, he had decided the price was worth it. He had not been wrong, but each day was a battle and he yearned for each night - when he could finally be alone with Alexander.
He closed his eyes, picturing Methone. If Lysias had only been like Alexander. He opened his eyes, banishing the thought. Things were what they were, he would just have to get on with it, to cope with it.
He pushed himself away from the door. He had to change for supper.