Chapter 7

"I do hope you intend to give that to Elias" came a voice from behind the Page, "I do believe the pendant was meant for him!" At that moment, feeling his face burn red, Petros turned to find a tall beaked nose man staring sternly at him.

"Ah of course Ptolemy... General Lagus… I was just admiring it."

"It is a magnificent piece" replied Seleucus who stepped up next his fellow companion, "I believe it once belonged to Thanos' father."

"Yes, I remember" agreed Ptolemy as he reached out for the pendant on Petros' neck, "I do recall Thanos' story of how his father had earned this after fighting along side King Phillip against the Scythians.

"Undoubtedly this was meant to be a personal gift to Elias" added Seleucus as he held out his hand motioning the Page to hand him the necklace, "I would hate to see it fall into the wrong hands."

"Yes!" replied Ptolemy in agreement, "You do not mind do you Petros, if we personally saw to it that Elias received this."

"But Thanos had entrusted that I…" The young page stopped himself short as he felt the glare of the Generals.

"Come you do not mean to infer that you do not trust us?" inquired Seleucus as his eyes grew wide and his brows folded up. He again flexed his fingers to gesture the Page to hand over the necklace, "I believe we are more than capable to carry on Thanos' wishes."

"Of course …" stuttered Petros, "I only meant… I did give my word to Thanos… and I would hate to be the blame should Elias not receive his gift."

"Aghh You are a worthy friend" snide Ptolemy with a mock grin, "But I am sure Seleucus here will manage to pass it along to Elias. It is highly unlikely that my friend here would keep it for himself."

The red haired freckled faced general laughed out loud as the Page handed him the necklace, but once in receipt of the pendant, his face went sober, "That would be outrageous! Do you not think so Petros? You... a trusted page of Generaly Amyntor would never contemplate such a misdeed."

"Never!" exclaimed the Page as he watched Seleucus place the necklace into a small pouch on his belt, "I only meant…" But before he is able to say another word, both Generals turned towards the direction of the King and Hephaestion, who were heading towards the royal pavilions.

Petros watched dreadfully as he caught sight of a blond haired youth rushing to Hephaestion's side. The young Page cursed himself for allowing his infatuation get the best of him.

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As the King and his small entourage of commanders reached his pavilion, Elias ran up to approach Hephaestion.

"Sir!" called out the young soldier as he tried to catch his breath.

"Elias! There you are!" replied Hephaestion. He looked at the young man bewilderedly, "Where have you been?"

"Sir!" responded the young man with a raised brow, "I went to gather the reports you had requested from Captain Coene."

"You?" replied the General surprised, "I gave no such orders. I had…" He then turned to search out his Page, who astonishingly was nowhere to be found, "I had asked… I see"

"Sir?"

"Excellent work" cut Alexander as he realized the annoyance and frustration forming over Hephaestion's face, "How would like to join us this morning in the council meeting?"

"Me Sire!" responded Elias with his head bowed in recognition of the King, "What would I be able to…"

"You can sit, listen and offer up ideas as you deem appropriate." smiled Alexander as he threw an arm to embrace the youth, "I see no better way for you to prove yourself."

"Yes my King" proudly replied Elias his pride beamed in his eyes

"Well then let us not keep Parmenion waiting" grins the King, as he gestured the youth to the large council tent.

"Tell me" stepped up Hephaestion from the background having spoken briefly with Leon, "Who had instructed you to gather my reports?"

"Petros Sir" immediately offered Elias, "He found me as I was heading to see my brother and Thanos off."

The King and General exchange a quiet glance. "Well thank you Elias!" responded Hephaestion contained his emotions, "Your brother and Thanos send their regards. Soon they will be back!"

"I had hoped I could have seen them off" whispered the young man, "But they know my heart."

"As they do" consoled the King as he motioned for Elias ahead, "Come let us go in before General Parmenion sends out a search party for me."

At that moment, Ptolemy and Seleucus rushed up to the King and the others.

"Ah Elias! There you are" announced Ptolemy has he walked up beside the young man, "I believe we have something that belongs to you?"

The young soldier stared along side himself at the beaked nose General. Ptolemy's heavy brow angled up like wings of a bird. His thick mustache sat like a nest under his large crooked nose. He features appeared a deep contemplative and serious look, but it was the General's wide smile and bright eyes that gave over to his jovial and lighthearted character. Elias had deep admiration for this man for his constant humor, intelligence and unwavering loyalty to the King. The youth looked at the General baffled.

Seleucus nudged between his companion and the Elias, to take out the golden necklace from his belt pouch and presents it to Elias. The soldier looked at the necklace. "What is this? quickly asked Elias as he cupped the jewelry into his hand, "Is this from you?" as he looked to Ptolemy confused.

"Ah do not think Ptolemy would gift you or anyone with anything of value." joked the red haired companion, "Unless of course you too carry his child, in which case, he will most likely offer you his normal tributes of a cow and a sheep."

"Jealousy is a virtue destined for misery my friend!" countered the beak nosed General, "I cannot help it if Eros had gifted me with the power of love."

"True you have gained favor of one God, but lost that of Apollo or Zeus" added Seleucus, "You still fight like an old woman".

"Do not be so harsh!" laughed Alexander, "Ptolemy has many other natural skills."

"Yes Seleucus!" added Hephaestion, "You must not begrudge our comrade here. He is but flesh and bone and a simple man in need of only love."

"I have seen that" chimed in the freckled faced General, "It would appear he would start his own city with his many bastard children."

The men roared into laughter. Elias felt out of place as he watched the fraternal brotherhood among the men. These great leaders, long time boyhood friends would always look to each other for constant jokes to down play escalating egos. He took hold of the necklace to closely inspect it. Immediately he recognized the gold medallion. "I have seen this before" stated Alexander as he glanced over Elias' shoulder, "That image is that of Apollo?"

"Yes this once belonged to Thanos' father" replied the youth, "It is the only item he carries from his family"

"I knew of his father" offered Hephaestion, "He was an excellent and valued guard of King Phillip."

"Well he had asked you to keep it" smiled Ptolemy, "He had given it to us to see you personally receive it!"

"It is a brilliant piece!" observed the King, "He must truly hold you in high regard!"

"As I do for him" muttered Elias in bittersweet grief. How he wished more so now that he had been given a chance to bid farewell to his companion. As he placed the necklace around his neck, he flashed back to the previous night and smiled. Indeed he was loved, trust and held above all others by his friend. Elias looked up to see a pair of eyes grinning at him. Hephaestion nod a smile as if to convey his appreciation and understanding of the sentimental gift. The young soldier then recalled the night around the campfire so many years ago in which the General held fast to a similar blue stoned necklace against his chest. Elias could hear Hephaestion's words, "When you find that one… you will know." The young man understood now that he would never be lost so long as he had Thanos' love.

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Petros stood in the shadow as the small group of commanders walked away towards the King to the council tent. He watched as Leon rushed to Hephaestion's side. The senior page then stared directly as he talked with the General. Leon nodded listening to Hephaestion as he looked up at Petros. The senior page walked away from the companions towards the General's page.

"Ah there you are!" called out Leon "It would seem General Amyntor feels you are deserving of some new assignment to occupy your time today."

"I am expected for my morning weaponry training this morning" offered Petros without a trace of deference as he shifted to walk pass Leon.

"Well with Thanos away on mission you may find that difficult to perform alone!" countered Leon with a stern look.

"Well I had hoped perhaps General Crateus or Leonnatus…" stammered Petros as he searched around and over the dark youth before him, " I am sure I could join another group of…"

"All of the companions have been summoned to council this morning. I would expect they will be occupied for most of the day".

Petros was lost for words, as his expression dampened in defeat, "Well then it would appear I am in need of…"

"That is what General Amyntor had perceived. It would seem you had been confused with the assignment he handed to you this morning."

"Assignment?" looked up the Page in confusion, "I have no recollection…"

"I do believe I was there when the General had requested that you gather the updates from Captain Coene."

Petros' eyes grew wide in surprise. But quickly he contained his emotion and burrowed any reaction, "I had found Elias and believed he would be better suited to…"

"Whatever may be the case or cause" interjected Leon relishing in the opportunity to order the young page before him into some perfect well deserved arduous task. The senior page held no regards towards Petros. He had found the young man untrustworthy and to difficult to manage. Perhaps what annoyed him far more was the King and General Amyntor's keen interest in Petros' activities. Leon had served under Alexander as a personal page for almost three years. He had been hand selected as among the first group of pages sent by Antipater to the Alexander shortly after commencing his campaign in Persia. Leon's own father had been a nobleman, a personal advisor of King Phillip. The senior page had sought to make himself a fine soldier and confident to the King. He loved Alexander and would find nothing but great pleasure in serving him valiantly and honorably. Having served his time, Leon would have his opportunity as he was on the last season as a page and would soon be assigned to the cavalry under Cleitus' command. The senior page had raised suspicions and distrust for Petros since his arrival. He had been watching the new page for several weeks and found that he was often lingering in places he should not be and to inquisitive in the affairs of the King.

"Come the General has arranged for you an important task!" smirked the Senior Page.

Petros looked up with raised brow. His interest had been sparked. "Well out with it!" stated the young page with a sense of curiosity and anxiousness, "What is it?"

"Ah yes the General believe since you enjoy taking things in your own hands, you will find yourself useful under Aryan's command today."

"Ayran? The groomsmen?"

"Correct! You have been assigned to prepare the cavalry horses for the upcoming battle."

"What!" I do not think I…"

"Ahh but you don t have a choice!" quickly countered Leon, "Unless of course you think yourself to good and would rather be flogged. The choice is yours Petros!"

The glimmer of satisfaction twinkled in Leon's eyes. He had found some redemption when the General had informed him of these assigned duties for the young page. "You need only to tell me of your decision" added the Senior page.

"Of course this only brings delight to you" snarled Petros sensing the enjoyment in the King's page, "I would not be surprised it had been you who.."

"Do not think of yourself to highly" cut Leon, I am but a page like you in service to my King. Whatever misfortune that befell upon you was brought upon by your own accord." Explained the older page, "Perhaps now you will learn your place" added Leon under this breath.

"So you are jealous?" responded Petros upon hearing Leon's last remark.

"No Petros. I do not trust you." Offered the senior page, "I knew of your brother, Jaon. I had met him here and we were the best of comrades until his death last season. You look nothing like him." He then grabbed hold of the younger Page's arm, "I am watching you Petros" he grumbled as he brought him into a tight embrace.

The younger page yanks his arm away. "I have no time for your little games Leon" smartly responded Petros, "I must go!"

"Of course, perhaps you may want to grab a mask for your face. You will need it" chuckled Leon, "The General will be busy for most of the day, so be sure to not cause any grievances with your day's responsibilities. Hephaestion would not be too pleased if he was to be told you had managed again to ignore his command."

Petros stormed away from Leon. He would need to find a way to handle the Senior Page. The young would not allow for the petty jealousy of another insolent boy ruin his plans. He would see it that Leon was handled quickly, perhaps by accident or in the upcoming battle he thought. Petros would not take any risks at being discovered.

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Days later, Somewhere in the Northern Hills

For almost two days the band of riders rode hard through the Northern hills. The young Captain had allotted little rest and insisted they reach the outskirt of the Bedouins Village in a days ride. Ever since they commenced this mission, Thanos had noticed a change in Ioan's demeanor. Not once had he seen the Captain touch a bag of wine or conduct himself inappropriately. In all appearance, Ioan carried on his command with a clear head and self-assurance. The dark haired youth sat with the gathered men around the camp fire. Several of the soldiers, including Phoen, were amazed with the sudden transformation of the Captain. Ioan was no longer an intoxicated fool, staggering in his posture; but rather he seemed more his old self, confident and fearless. Thanos sat quietly as he watched Ioan engage in a private discussion with Jencir across the way from the small camp. For most of the evening, the two men had distanced themselves from the others commiserating in what appeared to be some important issue. Thanos looked away when Ioan suddenly stood up and caught him with his eyes. Inconspicuously, the dark haired youth followed the Captain walk towards those huddled around the fire.

"Men, there has been a change in plan!" The gathered soldiers quickly ceased in their conversations to listen attentively to their commander, "Tomorrow, Phoen will lead you to the City of Kronos to find the architect."

"I had thought the city planner was in Bedouins?" questioned Thanos, "We were told he was there."

"It has been discovered that Symeon is in Kronos" replied the young Captain steady and calm, "Phoen will ride with Jencir to meet this architect and obtain all necessary information on his possession."

"And what of you?" came a voice from within the men, "Why will you not be with us?"

"Together with Thanos, we will ride to Bedouins", responded Ioan with little indication of uncertainty, "We have some matters to tend to there."

"Just the two of you?" questioned Phoen, "That hardly seems wise. These are unknown territory. Perhaps we should split up…."

"NO!" curtly countered the Captain. He then paused with a deep breath, "I have decided it be best that you, Phoen lead the others to Kronos to find this architect and once you do, make haste to return to the main army!"

"But sir…"

"This issue is not up for further discussion. I have given my order." snapped the Captain as he looked out at the faces of his men, "As I have indicated, there are other important matters to address in Bedouins!"

"As you wish sir" conceded Phoen, "We will ride to Kronos before sunlight."

"Good!" faintly smiled Ioan, as he nodded to the men and turned to walk towards his small tent.

With his departure, Thanos sprung to his feet and ran to catch up with his old friend. "Ioan…. Captain!"

The Captain did not stop but rather slowed his pace. He allowed for the young soldier to fall in step with him. "What is in Bedouins if the architect is in Kronos?" hastily questioned Thanos as he tried to control his concern, "Why only us?"

Before reaching his tent, Ioan stopped and turned to look at the young soldier and placed a firm grip on Thanos' shoulder. "We have known each other for many years. You are like a brother to me. Nothing warms my heart that you and my brother are …. Close friends." stated the Captain with a level voice and a serious look, "As of yet, I cannot tell you why we are going towards the Bedouins Village. But you must trust me."

"Trust you?" asked the soldier his apprehension clear in his voice, "Why would I question it.?"

"You must trust me and take my lead Thanos" gravely replied the Captain, "No matter what you may come to witness… you MUST believe in me!"

"Yes, of course" and before the youth was able to say another word, Ioan released his hold and docked into his tent. Thanos stood in the darkness in complete confusion, uncertain as to the meaning of Ioan's words.

The next Morning,

Thanos sat atop his horse in silence as he watched Ioan give his final instructions to Phoen and the others. The morning was still dark and the temperature of the desert was cold from the vacant sun. The young soldier had been unable to sleep the night before. Ioan's words haunted him and he now sat both anxious and fatigue. Soon, Ioan rode his horse up to Thanos and with only a smile cantered ahead of the young soldier into the opposite direction of the others. The men rode for most of the early morning, until they reached a large spread out village. Many of the local residents stared bemused at the strangers riding in. It was apparent from their glares; the villagers recognized the riders as foreigners to the region based upon their military attire and heavy weaponry. The youth said nothing as he followed Ioan ride into the village straight up to a small mercantile that was selling what look to be various rugs and jugs. Thanos followed the Captain lead and swung of his horse to walk up to the merchant. The youth was unable to hear or understand what Ioan was saying, but gathered he was looking for someone or at the very least asking for directions. They pulled their horses into a direction away from what to be the center of the village into a more dissolute and remote area. Thanos had tried to ask Ioan as to what was going on, but each time he made an effort to speak; the Captain walked hastily away. Soon, they approached a small clearing surrounded with a sparse number of small vendors. Under a canopy of one of the largest tent, sat a small cluster of men. The five men immediately made out Thanos and Ioan and stood up to approach them. Instinctively, Thanos placed his hand to the hilt of his sword, but was motioned by Ioan to release his hold. "It will not be necessary" stated the Captain under his breath, "Thanos you must trust me!"

Before the young man was able to respond, the group of men came to stand directly ahead of him. "Are you Ioan?" called out one of the men in Greek. The accent was thick but not distinctive for Thanos to recognize the region.

"I am" replied the Captain in confidence, "And who are you?"

"What proof do you have of your identity?" continued the same voice, "How are we to confirm who you are?"

"I have brought this" replied Ioan as he pulled a small scroll from his belt, "I was instructed to provide this should you require confirmation."

Quickly one of the men rushed up to Ioan and grabbed the small parchment. Thanos watched as the apparent leader broke the seal and read the scroll. The leader then looked up with more relief in his eyes, "And who is this you have brought with you? I had not been told there would be another?"

"I will speak for him" countered Ioan without any hint of hesitation, "He is with me!"

"And who is he?"

"Thanos, son of Krathor"

"Of courses Thanos. I have heard many things about him. I had not expected him to join you."

"He is much eager and will make a vital asset."

"He has been apprised?" again asked the same leader,

"Yes" confidently repolied Ioan, as he made no effort to acknowledge the youth who stood in absolute bewilderment and distress behind him." But how am I to know who you are? I was told I would be meeting …"

"Aetos…. I am Aetos" answered the man as he stepped up ahead of the small group, "I of course wanted to meet personally you."

"Aetos… Aetos" the name held some familiarity to Thanos, and then it struck him. He was among the mecenaries at Pamphylian. Elias had spoken of him and described of his ruthlessness and absolute detestation for the King of Macadonian and his campaign. Suddenly Thanos began to panic and he again reached for the hilt of his sword. Ioan must of heard of the youth's movement as he turned with pleading eyes at him. The look seized Thanos' movement. He then recalled Ioan's words "Trust me!" The young man released his hold.

"So you are Aetos" dryly announced the Captain, "I had expected someone taller."

"And I had expected a soldier!" laughed out Aetos as he now stood inches before Ioan and Thanos, "So I hear you wish to join us?"

"Yes!" immediately replied the Captain, "We are here to offer our services as mercenaries to your cause."

Thanos snapped his head up to look at Thanos in complete disbelief. His eyes widened in shock. The young soldier could not believe what he was seeing or hearing transpire right before him.

Sensing the young man's surprise, the mercenary Captain eyes went suddenly dark, as he stepped back, "Seize these men!" called out Aetos. "Take their weapons!" Immediately, the captain's men roughly grabbed hold of the two Macedonian soldiers gripping their hands behind their backs and confiscating their weapons.

"What is the meaning of this?" exclaimed Ioan with a tone of angry under his fear and anxiety, "Had not your nephew vouched to you of my intentions?"

"He did!" announced Aetos, "It is this boy that has accompanied you that I question?"

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Back at the Main Army

The air whistled overhead in a loud rotating lulling sound. The King watched as his catapults propelled the large boulders at the Gaza walls. On three sides of the old fortress Alexander had ordered a continued assault until a break could be made. But for most of the morning, the King's engineers had been struggling to balance and move the 150 foot high siege engines on the soft sand. His men had been working feverishly to fulfill their King's desire but to no avail, the result was the same, nothing.

The heavily fortified city had been built on a hill and sat nestled and surrounded by mounds of rolling sand. The loose granular landscape of the area had made the King's siege train, which included battering rams, siege towers and torsion catapults, unstable and ineffective in their purposes. The catapults were proving useless to propel the boulders and arrows against the Gaza walls.

Under a small awning, Alexander watched frustrated and troubled as his men struggled to operate both the catapults and large siege machines against the city. His attention was directed to the sight of two horsemen approaching him at a steady pace. Alexander walked toward the tallest rider who leaped off his gold stallion followed by a leaner but a shorter built soldier. Leon ran to the two men with a bag of water.

"Hephaestion!" called out the King, "How do the others fare on the East side of the wall? Have they made any progress."

The young General wiped the water trickling down his face as he looked up to his King, "The platforms under the machines do little to effectively hold the catapults" responded Hephaestion as he passed the water bag to Seleucus, "I had ordered large pegs to be used to secure the machines onto the ground and large wooden blocks to prevent the wheels from rolling."

"And what of Parmenion and Cleitus?" further asked the King, pleased with Hephaestion's ingenuity.

The freckled companion whipped his face with his arm, "They are at the center and in the Northern section blistering and I would add this is not from the hot sun. There has been no movement by any of the inhabitants within the walls." The General pointed to the direction behind them, "We have moved several of the battering rams to the side entrance of the city along with the high towers."

Hephaestion stepped up to interject, "But again, Alexander the soft sand makes it difficult to maneuver." He pointed to the tall 150 foot siege towers crawling over the ground. "I had ordered the engineers to construct larger platforms to steer them closer and then to post them down."

"Come then I want to see them for myself!" ordered the King as Leon appeared with his horse. Alexander jumped atop his great horse and waited for his commanders to follow his lead. Then without another word, the King nudged Burcepleus into the Western direction of the walls. His generals followed closely behind him along with several guards.

Elias signaled again for the men to pull the levers of the three catapults he commanded. The wooden machines snapped forward with the tightly twisted rope hugging around several pieces of wood. The King himself had recommended the use of "animal guts" to give strength to the arm that threw the boulders up against the wall. Typically the machine would propel at a distance of 200 feet but with instability of the land had made the catapults unmanageable. Elias watched in disappointment as the boulders aimed at the walls once more failed to reach its target.

"Petros!" ordered out the young soldier, "Have the next cart pulled forward and direct the men to refill the empty ones with anything they can find!"

The young page emerged from under a nearby catapult. He quickly hid his dagger into the sand. Petros had generously offered to grease the ropes to prevent them from shredding. It did not take him long to manipulate and cut a small section of the wooden machine before he was called out by Elias. The young page moved to the side as the catapult was again reloaded with a boulder.

Elias had raised a hand to motion for the discharge of the three catapults when he heard the distance sound of neighing horses. The young man turned to find the King and a few of his generals reined behind him.

"Sire!" called out the Elias as each man operating the machines cease to what they were doing to come to attention, "Generals Amyntor and Orontes!"

"Elias!" responded Alexander as he easily swung a leg over this horse to walk up to the young soldier, "How are the catapults holding up against the walls?" The King waved to the surrounding men instructing them to resume their duties.

"We have encountered some difficulties in reaching our mark, Sire!" announced the young man, his voice held back his nervousness.

A loud snapping sound followed by a rolling rumble distracted the King as he watched one of the ballista released and a large boulder shot into the air. Again, Alexander followed the heavy stone as it barely gazed the surface of the fortified wall of the city.

"We have tried to bring the machines closer but the slight incline and the uneven sand dunes have made it impossible for us to gain any firm footing." further explained Elias, having watched the stone from the recently fired catapult fall 30 feet short of the wall.

"That appears to be the same problem facing the other engineers" added Hephaestion as he walked up with his horse, "I have instructed the squadrons to find a flat area and secure the machines with wooden pegs" The young General turned behind him to motion one of the guards who appeared with a large burlap sack. "Have these men gather some ropes and fasten these stakes to the machines to bolt them down. Some men have gone as far as to place large stones on top of the pegs to further secure them into the ground"

Hephaestion then grabbed a few pegs, "Come I will demonstrate to the others how I want these to be attached to each of these machines." advised the young General as he motioned a few men to the farthest catapults.

"You should have a few men construct a platform" recommended Alexander as the turned to look pass Elias, "Seleucus!" called out the King, "Send word to one of the engineer Captains to cut down more trees to ensure each squadron has a platform constructed for every catapult."

"Of course Sire!" quickly responded the red haired General. He then pointed to two men and walked up to provide them with further instructions.

Alexander turned to the soldier holding the burlap bag to reach down for a handful of pegs. The King stepped towards the catapult near him as he waited for it to be discharged. He watched as the loose ropes tightened back and the large boulder nestled in it rolled back, then suddenly a loud crackling and cranking sound reverberated out and the catapult began to violently shake and splinter out. The bottom half of the equipment began to crumble in its place unable to bear the weight of the heavy stone. A loud crackling noise burst from the siege machine as it collapsed all at once to the ground, but not before propelling the large stone directly straight up into the air. Alexander followed the large rock as it flew up and began to descend down in a shrilling whistle. He watched in horror as the rock quickly came down directed at his friend.

"Hephaestion!" yelled out the King as he dropped the pegs and sprinted feverishly towards his General, "Hephaestion!" But his friend was tucked under the catapult working on the undercarriage and had been preoccupied to the ongoing above him. The whistle sound of the falling rock grew louder finally catching the General's attention. Hephaestion looked up in time to see the boulder diving towards his direction. The General slid swiftly out from beneath the catapult to rush out of the path of the approaching rock when he felt his chlamys wedged between the two pieces of wood he had been fastening tightly together. Hephaestion vehemently tugged and struggled to break the pens that clasped his chlamys. The piercing noise of the falling stone grew thunderous. He looked up in terror as he made out the boulder directly above him, now several feet above him. Hephaestion braced for the worse, when all at once, he was tackled away from the catapult as the booming crash shook the ground. The machine exploded into smithereens with flying rope and pieces of wood hurling far and wide. The General had been thrown hard to the ground and found himself buried deep in the sand. Hephaestion now able to finally open his eyes found the King atop him. His body suddenly ached from the weight of the man hovering over him.

"Alexander!" coughed out the General as he cleared his voice of the sand he had swallowed, "Alexander, I hardly think this is the place for this!" He gave a muffled laugh.

The King looked down at this lover and smiled, "Are you alright?" Hephaestion moaned as he reached up to playfully push his lover off him. Alexander complied as he slowly sat up still straddled to his lover. "I do believe this…."

"Alexander!" urgently interrupted Hephaestion as he looked up at the blood seeping through the King's chiton, "You are bleeding!" Quickly the General shifted from under the King to sit up to assess for injuries. Hephaestion could feel his heart drop as he saw the large stake imbedded in the Alexander's right shoulder. The King was bleeding profusely. Hephaestion understood instantly his lover was losing a tremendous amount of blood and doing so quickly. "Alexander!" again called out Hephaestion as he watched his lover's complexion go pale and his eyes become dilated.

Elias ran up to Hephaestion along side Seleucus. Immediately he saw the large stake lodged in the King's shoulder. He turned instantly to seek out the young page who had been working on the malfunctioned catapult.

The King looked down at the blood oozing out of his chiton and all at once felt the excoriating pain throbbing over his right shoulder. He suddenly felt himself lose his breath as he swayed towards his friend and felt himself slipping out of consciousness as he heard his lover call out, "The King is down!"

Alexander fell forward against his lover and with his last breath he whispered, "Phai!"

TBC

Aloha - I am off on my vacation!