They broke camp early the next morning and rode off in to the mountains. After the previous night, they could both see the benefits of having the freedom to do as they wished. Hephaistion grinned over at Alexander, before turning to encourage the pack horse to keep pace with his own.
They travelled through a forest, that clung to the side of a mountain, the shale path becoming narrow in places, before they came upon a wide valley. Alexander led the way, forever eager to see what was round the next bend.
They rode down by the side of waterfalls, then back along another track, they decided must have been made by sheep or goats during the summer months.
There was no sign of any domestic animals, or wild ones, so after heading north, a little longer, they turned north west and then chose to make camp in the mid afternoon. They discussed the fact that they had not seen a living soul. It concerned them, as they had hoped to trade for what they needed, if necessary.
With this in mind, Alexander headed off to set snares, and to see if he could hunt for anything, while Hephaistion stayed and saw to the horses before setting up camp.
They were higher up now. The view, with the setting sun was spectacular. But it was colder, and after looking out towards the mountains Hephaistion made his way back to the fire. It was roaring away, but they did not have enough wood to sustain it. Hephaistion cursed himself that he had not though to stop and gather wood when they were riding through the forest.
He stepped on to a small ridge and turned a full circle, seeing a copse of trees not far away. He went over to their supplies and picked up an axe, then headed over, stumbling in the snow. The white of the snow shone in the darkness. He looked over his shoulder, seeing the firelight, and wondering when Alexander would return. Making it to the trees he busied himself with cutting and collecting wood.
"So, Hephaestus lives."
Hephaistion turned, axe raised in his hand, to see Alexander. He held a javelin in his hand but nothing else. "My mother approved of the God, as well you know," smiled Hephaistion. "You didn't catch anything then?"
Alexander looked back the way he had come, then back to Hephaistion. "There was nothing to take a shot at. I just checked the snares, but they are empty."
"Well, perhaps by morning we will have something. Now, help me with this wood, Alexander," replied Hephaistion, handing a bundle to his friend. He caught a look from him as he handed the timber over. "We have no servants now," he explained."
"I know," Alexander replied, beginning to head back to their camp. "I'm just concerned that game is scarce. Our supplies can't last forever."
"We can always eat, Bucephalus," Hephaistion commented dryly, biting his lip as he walked past Alexander, who had stopped, stunned by Hephaistion's suggestion.
Hephaistion glanced back to see that Alexander had put down the wood and was reaching down for some snow. He held out his hand. "No, Alexander! I was joking, put down the snow. I was joking, I wouldn't eat Bucephalus, not unless the meat was well-roasted first." He laughed, only to have a snowball smack in to the side of his head.
With a battle cry, Hephaistion made his own snowball and launched it at Alexander, who almost avoided it, but it hit him in the thigh. He went to make another, but glanced up to see Alexander sprinting towards him. He had only just straightened up when Alexander flew at him, pinning him to the ground.
Hephaistion writhed underneath Alexander, struggling to escape. He then feigned defeat, waiting until Alexander relaxed.
Alexander laughed. "I say we should eat your mare, Hephaistion."
"Briseis?" laughed Hephaistion. Seizing his chance and rolling Alexander on to his back and pinning him. "Far too young…and pretty." He leaned forward and kissed Alexander. "But we'll find food. I don't think that either of us will be walking."
He released Alexander, moving quickly to avoid a counter-attack. He scooped up the wood he had been carrying, then realised that Alexander still meant to give chase. "The wood, Alexander. Don't forget the wood." He laughed as he saw Alexander turn back, knowing he would be made to pay for it when he got back to camp. It would be a good kind punishment, the loving kind that would warm them both.