Alexander sat in his tent. Despite still being young in years the campaign had aged him quicker, body weary and battle scared. Once he had done what he had set out to do by ending the war, he pushed his army further, away from everything they had ever known until finally in a place called India he was met with munity in his ranks forcing him to turn back.

Now they were camped for the night outside the city gates. In the morning he and his army would marched his army triumphantly through the gates. A hollowed victory.

He was disturbed by a tap tap noise making him look up from his plans. Seeing nothing out place he went back to work until he heard the sound again this time coming from outside.

Stepping out into the night air he was surprised by a crow landed on the ground at his feet. It hopped and cawed to itself peeking at the ground. Alexander noticed it had something attached to its left leg, a piece of parchment. Hephaistion he thought.

"Is that for me?" he asked holding out his hand. The crow let him take the message and before he could offer something in return, the crow flew off. It was not a happy letter.

Alexander jumped off his horse before it had come to a halt and entered the cave that Hephaistion had made his home. Upon entering the air was thick with sickness. Hephaistion lay tossing and turning in furs beside a dying fire. Every so often his body would spasm in pain. There was blood trickling from his nose and the corners of his mouth.

It took some time for the other to acknowledge Alexander, through the pain he smiled.

"You came," He held out his hand which Alexander took. The skin was cold to the touch though from the sweat on his brow he burned with a fever.

His eyes glance briefly around the room at the small collection of animals that were busying themselves in the space. "They told me you back."

Alexander noticed that the wolf was nowhere, maybe he was out hunting. Then he saw the small shine that was set up with a wooden carving in its centre.

"Can you heal yourself?

To his surprise Hephaistion shook his head "Can't."

"Then I'm taking you with me." He told Hephaistion "My doctor will make you better."

He went to pick up Hephaistion but that cause him more pain, yet somehow he found some strength to push Alexander away.

"No! My place is here. Let me stay."

Alexander could not refuse the pleading in Hephaistion's pained eyes so he nodded.

"Ok, but I will go and fetch my doctor bring him here. Then I will stay."

Before he left Alexander built up the fire and made Hephaistion comfortable by cleaning him up and changing his clothes.

"Try and get some sleep, I'll be back soon enough."

From his bundle of furs Hephaistion simply nodded before burying himself deeper. Alexander waited a second just to make sure Hephaistion was sleeping before leaving.

Alexander was true to his word. He returned with his doctor in tow. He was very nervous around all the animals and looked at his king with puzzlement.

"This man is my friend he is very important to me," Alexander told him "I want you to treat him as you would me, no more no less."

"I understand sire."

Alexander crouched down beside Hephaistion and took his hand for comfort. The doctor began his assessment. As the doctor pressed against Hephaistion's right side it caused him to arch off the bed and cry out, crushing Alexander's hand in the process.

"Do something!" Alexander demanded trying to hold the other man down to prevent him from going on his side to curl up in a ball.

The doctor ran over to his saddle bag containing his potions and instruments choosing a cloth pouch. He took one of the herb pellets out and slipped it into Hephaistion's mouth holding it closed until Hephaistion went still and limps. He was out cold.

"I gave him something to help him sleep." The doctor explained "It is only a low dose but I will be able to carry out my examination without causing him anymore pain."

Alexander nodded before retreated to the other side of the room.

After some time the doctor stood up. Alexander who was sat by the fire waiting patiently stood up to intercept.

"Well?"

"I believe it is some kind of poison."

"Poison! From where, I don't understand?" Alexander was tripping over his words. He did understand perfectly. Even though he had defeated his enemies they had somehow managed to deal one finally crushing blow.

"I do not know sire, but it is slow acting designed to cause suffering."

Alexander grabbed the other's mans upper arm digging his fingers in so that hurt.

"Then found out." He hissed shoving him in the direction of his saddle bag.

With all of his equipment Alexander joined him beside Hephaistion who was coming around but he was drifting back into unconscious.

Alexander got down on his knees and began stroking some hair out of his face to get his attention. But he had to prepare Hephaistion for what was come.

"Do you understand?"

Hephaistion slowly nodded as silent tears rolled out of his eyes.