Hello all,

Here comes the sixteenth entry to my Destiny tale.

Alexander sits at the Autumn Festival Games remembering his participation in the Olympiad. Soon his happy memories will be replaced by a most grim Reality.

All the best wishes and hopefully good reading,

/ NorthernLight

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Escape From Destiny, Part Sixteen

Ecbatana 324 BC

Autumn Games And Olympic Recollections

Alexander had always loved the Races. They were special for him since he was an excellent runner in his younger days. Sadly this was a long time ago. Wounds and hard campaigning had taken its toll on him. Now he had to be satisfied with being able to walk without too much of a limp.

He sat back in the High Seat, eagerly awaiting the beginning of the Races. People were cheering and watching him. He was looking magnificent with a golden wreath on his Royal head, a shining white chiton and his Royal red cloak.

The autumn air was chilly and he pulled the fine woolen cloak closer around him. All his faithful Guards were with him. Doctor Philip and Amanda was at his side, too. Cleitus was with her, and a well liked Persian Friend had joined them. The Archer had come all the way from Babylon, just for a visit to his King. Alexander sensed that there was more to this visit than met the eye. Arach the Archer had been talking a lot with Amanda and Doctor Philip. Alexander realized that there was something serious that they had not told him yet.

He missed Hephaestion at his side. He enjoyed the way his Dear One always came close to him to share his very special warmth.

There had been less of this warmth in him of late. Alexander found that he was more susceptible to coldness and chills these days.

Hephaestion would join him soon. He was just visiting his office, saying that he had to see to the most pressing and urgent paper work that had been heaped during their recent illness.

Alexander shrugged his chilled and aching shoulders. He feared that his Dear One had too much to do and too many responsibilities. He had good Helpers in his Office, but they were not enough. The newly appointed Chiliarch was very serious about all his duties.

The King sat back once more. The Autumn Games had not started yet so he closed his eyes and allowed himself some well needed rest. His mind drifted back to places far away and long ago.

He clearly remembered how Hephaestion won the wrestling games at the Olympiad, way back in their distant youth. There was no one who could best him, not even the very strongest and most shrewd of the adversaries.

He also most fondly remembered when he and Hephaestion competed together at the Olympic Races the day after. The weather was warm, beautiful and sunny, but with dark clouds looming in the western horizon. At long last it was time for the Races. Alexander had always been a good runner. This day he knew that he was at the very peak of his ability. Hephaestion was a splendid runner, too. They both entered the games. The competition was good, but not as good as the magnificent blond and brunette runners from the distant country of Macedon. Together they won the Races and they proudly received their golden wreaths standing hand in hand before all of the audience.

Alexander could clearly remember how they stood there together adorned with the golden laurel wreaths. King Philip and Queen Olympias and all the Companions were in the audience cheering their and Macedon's great Victory.

Then he remembered the magnificent thunderstorm after his and Hephaestion's hand in hand Victory at the Olympic Races. As they stood there together celebrating the clouds turned into an uncanny blackness, almost as if the very Night itself was upon them. There was thunder and then violent sizzling lightning all over the Olympic Arena. The rain fell and drenched them all. They had to find shelter in the Temple nearby.

"My dearest Son, this sure is a Sign of your coming greatness, "his mother Queen Olympias proudly stated. "Zeus Ammon himself appreciates your Victory. It is the first of many, I can tell!"

These recollections were amongst Alexander's happiest memories.

Suddenly there was a commotion amongst the seats. A Royal messenger approached the High Seat, running with maximum speed and making all the Festival guests rise and step aside. He came up to Alexander and bowed to his King before addressing him.

"King Alexander! You must leave the Games immediately. Bring your Doctor and Healer! Our Chiliarch Hephaestion is very seriously ill."

TBC

My apologies for this cliffhanger. I will hopefully be back with an update next weekend.

Author's note: Alexander and Hephaestion of course did not compete in the Ancient Olympiad, but since this is AR I could not resist to allow them this honour.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX