Two days of training passed, and then it snowed too hard to do anything.
Alexander and Hephaistion were held in the hall, only released to be taken outside for a short time and then fed. Days were long and they were watched constantly, diligently, it occurred to both of them that this might be because they were promised to the god.
After Hephaistion's attack, Ajax was more cautious with his prisoner, and ensured he was tied to a post at night, not used to warm his bed. Hephaistion's hands were tied behind him at all times, except for when was allowed to eat, though he still had scraps, thin broth and no bread. Alexander shared his own, what there was of it.
When it finally stopped snowing, the training ground was cleared, and the wooden sword and shield handed back to Alexander. The same thirty men stepped forward, ready to learn more, although it was clear by their actions they had already forgotten what they had been taught.
So more days passed.
On a day the training did not end until it was dark. Alexander looked at the moon, judging that their time was running out, and still they had not had a chance to escape.
His body ached constantly, he was always hungry and tired. Though he could not help but smile. He had never been pampered, the cruel regime he suffered during his childhood, had prepared him for this. He wondered if this was a prince's life; he had no comparison.
As he was pushed in to the hall, and looked instantly for Hephaistion, seeing him tied to a post. Ajax was tiring of dragging him around, he had even cut the shackles as Hephaistion's stumbling irritated him.
Alexander went to him, untying him. Just the day before he had done it, fearing Hephaistion would be left without supper. Nobody had stopped him, they had no weapons and were surrounded by tribesmen. They were no danger.
The blue had long gone from Hephaistion's face, so Alexander guessed it had gone from his own. Hephaistion had a beard, so had he. The fur hat hid his short hair, Alexander resented the fact that it had been cut, he should have fought harder, done something to free them both. It had been a mistake to come to Illyria, he should have apologised, returned to Pella. As he thought of Attalus' sneering face he realised he had no choice but to wait for some initial offer of a truce from his father, but perhaps he should have clung to Dodona or thought of heading south.
"You look tired," Hephaistion said, and smiled.
"I feel it," Alexander replied, helping Hephaistion to his feet.
Hephaistion move closer, unable to embrace him and just through that he felt the tiredness leave him, love overwhelming him. He leaned back a little then sought Hephaistion's lips, briefly, before shouts went up from the tribesmen, before he lost himself in desire. He opened his eyes to gaze in to the blue of his loves.
"Remember when we sheltered in that poor excuse of a cave, with a dead rabbit we couldn't cook?" He paused, knowing Hephaistion remembered. "We didn't know how lucky we were then. There might be a time in the future when we remember it, and think fondly on it."
"Like now," Hephaistion replied, resting his chin on Alexander's shoulder. "We are together, no matter what."
Alexander closed his eyes, wishing he could lie all night holding Hephaistion like this. He pulled away, it was not possible.
One of their elected guards came over and untied Hephaistion's hands, Hephaistion dutifully held them before him so they could be secured again.
Alexander reached for Hephaistion's hands, led him to a table and sat down.
"The priest was just here talking to the chief," Hephaistion said, his thumb caressing the back of Alexander's hand. "There was another incantation. He's at the altar now, no doubt praying to their god." He bit his lip. "Perhaps we have less time than we think, Alexander."
"Then we should pray to Zeus and ask him to find a way for us to escape," Alexander said, earnestly.
Hephaistion smiled. "Have you not been doing that?" he asked. "I pray to him each night, not knowing that his son did not."
It was said in such a teasing manner that Alexander laughed. "I'm not telling you what my mother says anymore," he grinned. "You only use it against me. Though, if it were true I would think that Zeus would rescue us."
Hephaistion looked away for a moment, then back to Alexander. "If your father….Philip…if he knew what was happening, do you not think he would be here with the army to rescue you?"
Alexander shrugged his shoulders, too tired to think. "He disowned me."
"He was drunk."
"He sided with Attalus."
Hephaistion sighed. "I have no answer for that…except for the drink. But he loves you. You don't see the way he looks at you when he knows you cannot see him. He would not see you harmed."
Alexander shook his head, then smiled. "The sight of the Macedonian army appearing on that ridge, would be good." He rested his head on his arms and closed his eyes, aware of Hephaistion's hand caressing his back, soothing him. "I miss my father," he murmured.
Bowls of broth were put before them, the bread for Alexander.
Yawning, Alexander sat up, breaking the bread in half and handing a piece to Hephaistion. "I don't know what the fates have in store for us, but I can't think that they intended us as a sacrifice for a barbarian god."
Hephaistion shook his head. "The moon is almost full. Whatever they have planned we need something to happen now."