By mid-morning of the next day, the training was interrupted by the arrival of about thirty men from another village.
They wore fine clothing, swathed in furs, looking as if they had made the effort to look their best. A young girl was with them, riding by the side of an older man who could only be their chief. The men of this tribe looked about them as they rode in to the centre of the village, trying to show no fear, though their caution was obvious.
Alexander was pushed along, with the men he had been training. They spoke amongst themselves, sounding curious but with a mix of aggression as if they were expecting a fight, that the newcomers were not welcome in their village. Alexander looked for Hephaistion but could not see him.
The newcomers reined in their horses, then dismounted and approached the chief, who had emerged from the crowd, his club in his hand. The priest stood behind him, whispering in his ear, the chief nodded then spoke in greeting, but made no effort to welcome them in to the hall.
Alexander looked for Hephaistion, once more but still could not see him. He stepped back, tribesmen were beside him, hands on their weapons. He stood still and bided his time.
The chief of the new tribe, put his hand around the waist of the girl. She could only have been about sixteen years of age, wearing a white embroidered gown under her fur cloak, her dark hair loose, flowing over her shoulders, it appeared she was being offered as a bride. The chiefs talked loudly, aware that what they said was important to all gathered around them.
Some of the men around Alexander laughed softly, commenting amongst themselves. One made a gesture with his hand, as if they should just snatch the girl away. The new tribe had put themselves in a vulnerable position from the start, it looked as though they were just about to discover their gamble had not paid off.
He suddenly saw Hephaistion, dragged forward by Ajax, on the other side of the crowd. He looked concerned.
The chief raised his voice, the priest calling out, goading him on, the chief of the new tribe looked back towards his men, took the arm of the girl as if to see her out of danger, he opened his mouth to speak but the words never came, as he was struck hard across the head, his skull crushed.
The girl screamed as blood spattered across her dress. One of the newcomers grabbed for her arm, pulling her back. Still screaming, she pulled free and ran in panic, as the tribe rushed forward to battle.
OOXXOO
Alexander had wasted no time, the moment the blow was struck he made his move. He ran over to the paddock, calling to Bucephalus. The fates were kind and he found the bridle quickly, the stallion was keen to go, opening his mouth for the bit.
Leaving the paddock gate open, Alexander leapt on to Bucephalus' back. Glad to be there once more. Gathering the reins, he pushed his horse forward, the loose horses in the paddock going with him, he had to find Hephaistion.
Retreat was not a thing that Alexander ever hoped to have to do. As he rode in to the centre of the village he saw the newcomers fighting, not backing down. For them, retreat would have been the best option, to stay and fight was to stay and be killed. They were outnumbered, each man fighting for his own life.
Alexander saw Hephaistion and knew instantly that he was commanding the newcomers to run, to get to their horses and ride as quickly as possible. It was a command Alexander had every intention of following. In his element, he kicked out at any tribesman trying to stop him, and made his way to Hephaistion.
Ajax had a hold of him, he was behind the tribesmen, Ajax was shouting now, rallying the men to their slaughter. But the newcomers had listened to Hephaistion and the few remaining were going to their horses.
Hephaistion saw Alexander, smiling to see him on Bucephalus. Ajax saw him too and pulled him back calling out to the others, Hephaistion struggled to break free but could not. Alexander went to move Bucephalus forward, to come to the rescue.
"The girl!" Hephaistion shouted. "Alexander! Save the girl!"
Alexander would wonder, years later, why it was that he obeyed. Hephaistion was surrounded by tribesmen, all ready to attack, but he would have chanced it, died trying if necessary. The girl was nothing, except Hephaistion wanted her saved.
He turned Bucephalus and looked to see the girl struggling up the hill, trying to run fast with her gown, cloak and the snow slowing her. Men were chasing her on foot, intent on catching her.
Galloping forward, Alexander gained ground quickly, riding down some of the men and to shouts of protest he lifted her up in to his arms. She gave a cry and fought against him so he struggled to hold her. Alexander was aware of another rider, one from the new tribe, riding after him, sword drawn.
Not speaking the language and unarmed, he directed Bucephalus to go in the direction of the fleeing men. As soon as he reached the forest he released the girl, who stepped back, bewildered.
He had turned Bucephalus, intending to go back for Hephaistion when he heard a cry from the solitary rider, who had just caught up. Alexander looked at him, and the tribesman smiled and threw his sword so that Alexander could catch it.
Nodding his gratitude, he galloped back to the village, trying to locate where Hephaistion was now. He saw him with Ajax, who was dragging him back to the hall. Hephaistion was fighting him all the way, kicking out, dropping his body to the floor to make it harder for Ajax to pull him along.
Ajax was shouting, calling tribesmen to help him. A few answered the call as Alexander reached the outskirts of the village, he gave a war cry, sounding the paeon and pushed Bucephalus to Ajax at full tilt.
Most of them, never having seen a cavalry horse and rider approach like this, scattered. But Ajax pulled Hephaistion up, holding him by the neck, intent on making him a shield. Alexander held up the sword, knowing where to strike a killing blow but before he got there Ajax gave a roar of pain and collapsed. Hephaistion had managed to find his dagger in his belt, and even with his hands tied behind him had taken it, turned it and thrust it home.
As Ajax released the rope, Hephaistion ran to Alexander, his hands coming free, as he turned the blade to cut his bonds. He reached up and leapt behind Alexander.
Some tribesmen rushed forward, but Alexander swung the sword catching two on each side, then Bucephalus plunged forward, weaving through the village until they came to open ground and headed off towards the forest.
Hephaistion laughed, his hands lightly holding Alexander's waist. They had their freedom once again and it felt good.