"They killed our emissaries!"

Alexander stepped out of his tent, to gaze on the walls of Tyre. The formidable walls, one hundred and fifty feet high.

"They threw them off the walls," Ptolemy continued.

Alexander felt a rage build inside of him. If the messenger hadn't been a trusted companion, he would have struck out at him. He wanted to attack, the time was not yet right.

"There will be time," he whispered to himself.

Seleucus and Cleitus arrived, shaking their heads in disbelief, Alexander went back into his tent and they went after him.

"Seleucus, go talk to the engineers. Ask how much longer we must wait," ordered Alexander.

"They are working as quickly as they can. They are having to cut trees, prepare the wood and bring it in by cart load…"

Alexander turned sharply on Seleucus. "How long, Seleucus? That's what I asked. Go find out."

Seleucus bowed and left.

Cleitus attempted to fill the ensuing silence. "Parmenion was saying…"

"I have no time for the words of Parmenion, and you would do well not to listen to him." Alexander sighed. Parmenion was an experienced soldier, fond of comparing him with his father, Philip. His age and experience sometimes led Parmenion to the misguided belief that he could influence the King.

Perdiccas and Philotas, General Parmenion's son, entered. Cleitus and Ptolemy looked at them, hoping they could say something to soothe the King's temper. They greeted Alexander, and sensing the atmosphere, chose to stay silent.

Finally, Alexander spoke. "We should negotiate for the retrieval of the bodies."

"The waves have claimed them," said Perdiccas. "What was left of them."

"And Meleager was amongst them," replied Alexander. He poured wine and drank it, silently vowing to avenge his death. Alexander put aside the book he had been reading, before Ptolemy brought him the bad news. He sat down and signalled for his companions to do the same.

"They feel they are safe behind their high walls," commented Cleitus.

"They think that they can ridicule us," added Philotas.

Alexander did not respond. He sat silently, staring at nothing. His companions chose to sit silently with him.

A short while after, Seleucus returned with news that the siege towers had fallen behind schedule. It would be at least thirty days until they would be complete.

Alexander listened as Seleucus relayed the information, then stood up and told his companions he needed time alone. He headed to the beach, his guard keeping a distance from him. Picking up a stone, he threw it out to sea, as if it could breach the very walls of Tyre.

Months had passed. His war machine had halted, and the stubborn, arrogant, reckless and cruel people of Tyre, had stopped it. But they would not win. He could not allow them victory, for the sake of his reputation and his pride. He had
given orders that the old city, on the shore, be demolished to build a causeway, across the sea, to reach the new city.

It appeared impregnable. His engineers were building siege towers to match the height of the walls, but this was all taking time. Alexander had hoped that the emissaries he sent would convince the people of Tyre that they should give up their city.

He walked close to the breaking waves and thought of Meleager, who had been so proud of being sent as emissary. Looking towards the walls, in the dying light of the late afternoon, Alexander knew that Meleager would have died bravely, along with the others. Only such a death…

He threw another stone in to the sea and wished he were a god. A vengeful god.

He stared out to sea, lost once more in his thoughts. Only the sound of someone approaching lifted him from them. Alexander felt annoyance, he had not wanted to be disturbed. Looking over his shoulder, he smiled: only this man was welcome.

"Hephaistion," he said in greeting.

Hephaistion smiled as he approached. "Alexander," he replied. "I was told I would find you here. Ptolemy told me what has happened.

"He seemed glad to bring the news."

"Perhaps brave would be a better description," answered Hephaistion.

Alexander sighed. "I admit I take good news better than the bad." He gazed on Hephaistion. His hair was braided and a single strand of hair was flowing freely in the breeze. He reached out and brushed it from Hephaistion's face, holding his hand against Hephaistion's cheek. "You have been on patrol?"

"Yes. The men need to be battle ready."

"The siege machines are delayed."

"Diades is a brilliant engineer. Anyone else would have cost you more time, Alexander."

Alexander let his hand run through Hephaistion's hair, before he began to walk back along the shore. Hephaistion walked with him.

"There will be no more emissaries, Hephaistion."

Hephaistion nodded. "I thought that when the causeway was complete they would listen to reason."

"They do not reason." Alexander bent down, and picking up another stone he threw that out to sea.

OOXXOO

General Parmenion stood on the ruins of the old city and watched the two men walking on the beach. He had fought and won many battles with Alexander, but never once had he gained an iota of the trust Alexander had in Hephaistion.

The two men had a love to match, or go beyond, that of Achilles and Patroclus. A love, which should have diminished as they grew, but only became stronger.

Alexander surrounded himself with his childhood companions, all of them trusted, but none as much as Hephaistion. In truth, perhaps, Alexander did not require an aged general's advice, but Parmenion envied Hephaistion, envied him that trust. He had the trust of Philip, he missed the man, he always showed him the respect he deserved.

As Alexander had been joined by Hephaistion, Parmenion was now joined by his son Philotas.

"Hephaistion?" asked Philotas. He knew his father too well to ask what his thoughts were.

Parmenion nodded, his hand going unconsciously to his sword. "Alexander will talk to him, he will listen to Hephaistion."

"It will always be the same, Father. But Hephaistion is a good man, an excellent soldier, he is good for Alexander."

"You think I am not?" snapped Parmenion.

"I think Alexander would rather have Hephaistion's thighs around him, have Hephaistion keep him warm at night."

Parmenion's hand tightened on the hilt of his sword. "If there were no Hephaistion…" he whispered.

"Careful, Father," warned Philotas. "Careful what you say, what words may carry on the breeze to Alexander's ear."

Parmenion laughed. "Alexander is no god, and we are alone. I may speak as I please and I wish Hephaistion gone. Then perhaps Alexander would deem to listen to me. He shuns my advice, he insults me…after all I have been, to his father Philip and to the mighty Alexander."

"He resents your comparisons between him and his father."

"He resents me speaking my mind," spat Parmenion, raising his voice and then heeding his son's advice, lowering it. "Hephaistion is allowed to speak as he pleases."

"It has always been so," said Philotas, and meant to say more, but his father held up his hand to stop him.

"If Hephaistion speaks so well let him go as emissary. Let me watch as he is hurled from the walls."

"But Alexander would never…"

"If Alexander had no choice he would." Parmenion smiled. "There may be a way."

"How, Father?"

Parmenion paused. "That is for me to know, Philotas. Go now. I have business to attend to."

OOXXOO

Alexander invited his companions to dine with him that evening. Although still sombre, Alexander's mood had lifted a little, and all present knew who was responsible.

Hephaistion sat, studying the King's copy of Philistus' work on Dionysus of Syracuse. Dionysus had conquered a city, similar to Tyre, it inspired Alexander. The others drank wine, and talked of the dead, honouring their names.

Food was served, and the talk turned to the battles with the tribes of Lebanon. Cedar from their land was being used to build the siege engines. The battles were slowing the process. Seleucus, after his talk with Diades and drinking too much wine, thought himself the expert.

Alexander looked on Hephaistion. As if sensing Alexander, Hephaistion closed the book and gazed on his King. They would be together tonight. Hephaistion would soothe any sorrow.

General Parmenion was announced. He entered accompanied by a small, stout man, dressed in Persian fashion. Parmenion introduced him as Eumopeles, a spy who had worked for Alexander's father and had proved useful recently, with information prior to the battle of Issus.

Alexander made him welcome, and Eumopeles was seated amongst them. Parmenion encouraged him to speak.

"I know the Satrap of Tyre, Azemilk," he began.

Silence fell as each man listened to the spy.

"I spent time in the city, gathering what information I could. Only leaving when I heard that your army was approaching, Sire. I thought my talents would be best used with freedom to travel where I pleased." Eumopeles reached for the wine, but Parmenion moved it away. "The Satrap is a ruthless man…but he has one flaw." Eumopeles paused for dramatic effect before continuing. "He is a vain man. Flattery will win every time. As I told General Parmenion, just now, I believe that Azemilk, the Satrap, would have considered the emissaries not worthy of his attentions. An insult."

"Meleager was no insult," snapped Alexander.

"No, he was not," agreed Ptolemy. All followed in agreement.

"Meleager was a worthy man," said Parmenion. "What Eumopeles has to say may shorten this siege."

Once he was sure he had their attention Eumopeles continued. "If the King would meet with Azemilk, I am sure that the city of Tyre would open in welcome to him."

"Alexander is a King, why should Alexander lower himself for him?" grumbled Cleitus.

"I agree," said Eumopeles. "But if not the King, then someone beloved by the King, trusted by the King, should be chosen."

Alexander watched as all eyes turned to Hephaistion. "No more emissaries will go to Tyre," he decreed.

"But, Sire, if it ends the siege…" reasoned Seleucus.

"I only thought that you should hear what this man had to say," said Parmenion, standing and signalling to Eumopeles that they would leave.

"Hephaistion," called Seleucus. "Would you go as emissary to Tyre, if it would end this siege?"

Hephaistion looked at Alexander. "If the King wished it."

"He would be a perfect choice," said Eumopeles.

"The King will not take the risk," Parmenion said, loudly, almost as a challenge.

"They have food and water, they are cunning and ruthless. I fear that even with your mighty siege engines they may withstand even the great Alexander," continued Eumopeles.

"In thirty days I will disprove that," replied Alexander, silencing Eumopeles.

Parmenion put his hand on Eumopeles' shoulder, and quickly excused him. He went with him, his work almost done. All he could do now was see what the outcome would be. He handed Eumopeles the promised coins and the two men parted company.

OOXXOO

Alexander would not agree to allowing Hephaistion to act as emissary. His temper frayed as the talk continued and he asked his companions to take their leave.

Seleucus threw his arm around Hephaistion's shoulder, in his drunken state, he had forgotten in whose bed Hephaistion would be spending the night. He pulled Hephaistion outside. Hephaistion laughed and freed himself from Seleucus' grip, wishing him goodnight.

Turning, to return to Alexander, he found Cleitus and Ptomley waiting for him.

"Well?" asked Cleitus.

"What do you ask?" replied Hephaistion.

"Did you give any thought to acting as an emissary?"

"Why should I when Alexander will not allow it?"

"He fears for you," stated Ptolemy.

"Alexander fears nothing," Hephaistion snapped. He sighed and shook his head. "I would go to Tyre if Alexander wished it, but he does not."

"Eumopeles…"

"Eumopeles claims to know a lot…as if he had the ear of the Satrap of Tyre himself, knew his mind."

"That is what a good spy does, Hephaistion. Perhaps you fear you may share Meleager's fate, if you go as emissary?" hissed Ptolemy.

Hephaistion moved towards Ptolemy, Cleitus held him back. "It is just the wine, Hephaistion. He does not mean it, he will regret his words in the morning."

Hephaistion relaxed in Cleitus' arms. This siege had them all on edge. Ptolemy was a good friend. A good friend, who had drunk too much wine. "Go to the King, Hephaistion," whispered Cleitus, opening his arms to release him.

Ptolemy staggered off into the night; Cleitus followed. Hephaistion looked up at the night sky. It took a lot to love Alexander. It cost him dear. No matter how he proved himself on the battlefield, men would always look at him and judge him by where he chose to spend his nights.

OOXXOO

Hephaistion lay satiated in Alexander's arms. Both men had needed the release and their passionate lovemaking provided it. Now they lay together, not wishing for sleep to part them.

"If I were a god, I would make the sun shine in the night sky for you, Hephaistion," whispered Alexander, kissing his lover's brow.

"You are a god to me, my Alexander. I do not need proof of it…I have always known it."

Alexander sought Hephaistion's lips, kissing him, as if to rekindle their ardour.

"So you do not plan to sleep tonight?" laughed Hephaistion, when they parted.

"I always sleep well when you are lying in my arms," replied Alexander.

Hephaistion smiled, studying Alexander's features by the lamplight. He traced the outline of Alexander's face with his fingertip. "I will go to Tyre if you wish it," he said.

Alexander's eyes had closed; they now snapped open. "I do not wish it. I will not be guided by Eumopeles' judgement…I will not risk you."

"We risk losing each other in every battle, Alexander."

"We will never be parted, Hephaistion. My love will bind us together for eternity." He stretched, then wrapped his arms around Hephaistion once more. "You worry what the others think; I know your mind as well as you know mine. You have no need to prove yourself, to me or anyone." Hephaistion laid his head on Alexander's shoulder, Alexander caressed his hair. Silence reigned between them. "Your men are battle ready?"

"Yes."

"Then tomorrow we head for the mountains. A fight is what we need, and a fight we will give the Lebanese, who so reluctantly give up their timber."

"To tomorrow then."

"To all of our tomorrows, Hephaistion. Now sleep, I order it."

Hephaistion smiled, caressed Alexander, and then closed his eyes.

The two men lay entwined as one till dawn.

OOXXOO

Alexander set off the next morning with Hephaistion, Seleucus, Cleitus, Philotas, and enough troops to quell the Lebanese.

They returned during the afternoon of the tenth day. They had been victorious, and although the transportation of the timber would take time, the Agranians cutting the trees were no longer in danger of their lives.

As they returned to their camp the men dispersed. Philotas went to seek his father, and found him at the edge of the causeway. "Hail, Father," he called, jumping down from his horse and walking over to him.

Parmenion looked up. "I am glad to see you back safe, Philotas," he said.

"You look well, Father."

Parmenion sighed. "I would rather battle men, than the sea. There was a storm last night, and the causeway was damaged," he explained.

"Much damage?" asked Philotas.

"No, but another storm might cause more. The weather is changing. Nearchus has an idea how we can improve the causeway to resist the sea."

"I am no engineer, Father. Nearchus enjoys solving these puzzles, but I would rather fight."

Parmenion smiled, walking back to his tent and signalling Philotas to follow him. "Did you encounter much resistance?"

"Not much, Alexander's reputation precedes him, the Lebanese did not seem to have the stomach for much of a fight. We hunted and the company was good. You should have been there, Father."

"Yes, but I was not." They went inside Parmenion's tent. Parmenion poured wine while Philotas took a seat.

Philotas lowered his voice. "Your plan…with Eumopeles…it did not work."

Parmenion thought for a while, judging how far he should involve his son in his scheming. "You think it did not?" He handed Philotas his wine.

"I do not see Hephaistion riding out as emissary."

Parmenion laughed. "Perhaps you do not have the eyes to see."

"What do you mean, Father? You talk in riddles."

Parmenion only laughed once more. "Drink your wine," he said.

Philotas studied his father, wondering if the sun had affected his mind.

OOXXOO

To celebrate his return, and with his spirits much improved, Alexander arranged a banquet for that evening. All of his companions, and his generals, were in attendance. Alexander had arranged for poetry readings, dancing girls and musicians to entertain his guests.

Wine flowed, the atmosphere was relaxed, with laughter and song. Hephaistion sat with Alexander. Momentarily oblivious to their surroundings, they kissed. Leonnatus cheered them and toasted their health, before tripping over and falling into Craterus' lap. Craterus held him and kissed him, causing further laughter.

"When we all were children did you ever imagine that we should conquer the world together?" marvelled Alexander, drinking more wine. It had not been watered down, as was the usual fashion, but the taste was good and Alexander liked the effect it was having on him.

Hephaistion laughed.

"What is so funny?" asked Alexander.

"It is good to see you like this, Alexander," replied Hephaistion. "You remind me of the child you were."

"Do you miss the child, Hephaistion?"

Hephaistion took his hand. "No more than I would miss the man before me."

Alexander grinned. He put his free hand behind Hephaistion's head, drawing them together until their foreheads touched. "Be with me tonight," he whispered. He kissed Hephaistion's brow, then staggered to his feet. "Where is Thesoluppus? I want poetry."

Calls went up for Thesoluppus. A guard entered, and all eyes fell on the tall man who approached with him, dressed in Greek fashion…a seer.

"This man says that he must speak with you, Sire," explained the guard. "He says he has a vision that you must know of."

The sound of laughter and music died away as the man was allowed to step forward, and approach Alexander. Those who were sitting or lying stood up to hear what the man would say.

The man announced himself. "I am Koinus of Aradus. Four nights ago I had a vision, and I travelled here immediately to see you, Sire."

"What vision was this?" asked Alexander, taking a step towards the man.

"I saw a great lion. Powerful. Surrounded with smaller lions. The great lion wanted to move forward, but a giant wall stopped him."

"The lion is you, Alexander," whispered Leonnatus.

Alexander put up his hand to stop Leonnatus' interruption. "Speak, Koinus," he commanded.

"The great lion scratched at the wall, but it would not fall. He roared at it, but it stayed the same." Koinus looked around the room, he had the attention of every man there. "Then one of the smaller lions came to the great lion. He put his head against him, taking his strength. He approached the wall, and lay down before it, and the wall opened to him."

Koinus was silent; all present were too, absorbing the vision.

"One of us will end the siege," murmured Seleucus.

"Hephaistion," said Craterus, pointing at the man standing by Alexander's side. "Just before this man came here, I saw Hephaistion with the King, his head against his."

Leonnatus nodded. "I saw it too. Just as in the vision."

Parmenion chose this moment to speak. "The King said that there will be no more emissaries, there is too great a risk."

The seer had transfixed Alexander. He looked at Hephaistion, then at Parmenion. "I remember you were keen to have Hephaistion act as emissary, when you brought the spy to me."

"Eumopeles? I may have been mistaken, Sire, but at the time I believed his words were true. If you believe the words of this seer…" He let his words taper off, studying Alexander. Koinus now stood with his eyes to the ground, his job done. Parmenion did not know where Eumopeles had found the man, but he was an
excellent choice.

Leonnatus began to speak to Alexander, but his words were drowned out by the words of his companions, all eager to advise. Parmenion looked at the wine jugs, he had ensured the wine was not watered down. He looked at Hephaistion, he
alone of Alexander's companions stood silent.

Alexander turned to Hephaistion. Walking up to his truest friend he once more put his hand behind Hephaistion's head, once more pulled him close so that they stood forehead to forehead. A loud cheer went up at this. "Would you go as
emissary, Hephaistion?" Alexander asked.

"If you wish it, Alexander. I would go to Hades if you so desired."

Alexander turned back to his men. "Tomorrow morning, Hephaistion will go as emissary, and tomorrow night we will dine in the King's palace in Tyre." He picked up a cup of wine and drank, while cheers went up. Music played
and dancers span around, joyfully.

The banquet turned in to a celebration of the end of the siege, and amidst the carousing, Koinus left the tent, and disappeared into the night.