Word had spread through the camp like wildfire, and by the time mid afternoon had come, most of the army was gathered near the riverbanks, waiting for Alexander's ship to appear. The men were still skeptical, though not quite as badly as before.
"There!" Medius shouted to the others. All heads turned to look up river. Several ships were seen, with Alexander's flagship leading the way. Excited murmurs echoed through the crowds on the banks and the men pressed close, wanting to get a glimpse of their King.
The awning was down over the stern of the ship, so they could see nothing at first. Many of the men believed that it was Alexander's corpse that was being carried to them, and cries and lamentations could be heard, rising in volume as the ship approached. The covering was removed, but they could see nothing but the body of a man lying on a bed.
Hephaestion stood motionless, no expression on his face and speaking to no one. Ptolemy and Medius stood with him, also maintaining a silent vigil. Hephaestion found himself holding his breath and forced himself to remain calm, releasing a slow breath while keeping his eyes glued to the ship.
Surely this was not merely Alexander's corpse. Surely the gods could not be so cruel. The last words they had spoken to each other were tense, having disagreed over something that now seemed trivial and ridiculous. He loved Alexander fiercely, and if he truly was alive, Hephaestion vowed to make sure that he knew that. He glanced over at his friends, receiving small smiles in return. They all wanted to believe the best.
Suddenly a cry arose throughout the crowd, growing progressively louder as the ship neared the shore. Hephaestion looked up, shaken from his daydream, and saw the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. As the ship docked, Alexander slowly raised his arm, letting all know that indeed he did live!
Cheers erupted from the men, many of them crying in sheer relief and joy, some stood silently with tears coursing down their faces. Even Craterus and his circle of friends was cheering.
It took everything Hephaestion had not to burst into tears right then and there, so relieved did he feel. Alexander was alive. His Alexander, his beloved, was there. He felt a warm hand settle on his shoulder and squeeze lightly. Ptolemy looked at Hephaestion knowingly, understanding how Hephaestion must have felt and recognizing how hard it was to remain stoic, and he smiled gently at him. Hephaestion returned the smile gratefully before turning his attention back to the ship.
The shield bearers got a litter to carry Alexander to shore and to take him to his tent. Apparently that was not good enough. Hephaestion watched, shocked and amazed, as a horse was brought to Alexander. He struggled to his feet and, with help, mounted the horse and made his way through the crowd. The cheering, clapping and crying was deafening, the joy of the men unimaginable. Alexander smiled and waved at them as he guided his horse towards his tent, led by Leonnatus and Peucestas, both of whom had obviously sustained injuries of their own. Perdiccas, the other bodyguards and the shield bearers followed behind him.
Hephaestion waited, standing near the dock close to Alexander's tent. He saw Alexander turning his head, scanning the crowd as if looking for something. Just then his eyes landed on Hephaestion. Their eyes met, and Hephaestion felt all the air leave his lungs, choking back a sob before quickly regaining his composure. Their eyes still locked on each other, Alexander slowly smiled and nodded in Hephaestion's direction.
To Hephaestion, it felt like the world had been handed to him on a golden platter. There was nothing else he desired…his beloved had returned to him.
Their King had returned. Gone were the doubts and fears. Gone was the discord and chaos. Gone was the confusion and frustration. All it took was a wave of Alexander's hand and a small smile to dispel all of it. The army was once again united with a single purpose, once again ready to give their all to Alexander.
Upon reaching his tent, Alexander dismounted, carefully, and walked to the entrance. Many moved close to touch him or toss him garlands of flowers. Others merely stood silent, praising the gods. As Alexander turned to face the crowd, more cheers erupted, more tears flowed. With a nod and a smile, he went inside, his guards closing the tent behind him.
Hephaestion and the other generals did their best to settle the men down and break up the elated crowd. After getting things back under control, they gathered together outside Alexander's tent. It was killing Hephaestion that he had not been able to see him yet, but first things first. Now that things were calm, he was desperate to see him.
Alexander's doctor, a man named Critodemus, emerged from the tent a short time later, wiping his hands on a towel. "The King wishes to see you" he said, addressing the generals, "but I will tell you that I do not want him stressed. He was very seriously hurt, and he took a big chance by making this trip. He needs to rest, so say what you must, but keep it short."
They all filed into the tent with Hephaestion bringing up the rear. He was almost afraid to see Alexander up close for reasons he was not sure of. But inside they went, all of them wearing huge smiles.
As Hephaestion entered the tent, he closed his eyes briefly, thanking the gods for their gift.
Straightening himself, he smiled and entered the inner chamber of the tent. Alexander awaited.