CHAPTER 28

 

Hephaistion started to open his eyes. His head felt funny and all his muscles hurt and burned, as they did after a long day of training. He heard the soft laughs of children, and unknown voices speaking in a language he didn’t know. Where was he? The first things his gorgeous gray eyes saw were the faces of small children, 3 boys and 2 girls over him, who were watching him with curiosity.

 

What the…? –thought the Macedonian watching their clothes. They were dressed in a strange fashion, with pants and furs. But only barbarians dressed with pants—The Getae? Have the Getae captured me?

 

He sat, and discovered that he was naked under a big and heavy bear skin. He made a poor attempt to cover himself the best he could and the children laughed.

 

- You woke up –said a female voice in a very bad Greek.

 

Hephaistion turned and saw a woman, dressed in pants with a big black fur cloak. At every step he could hear the metallic sound of her many jewels. The woman took the children out of her small tent and sat at his side; she pulled the bear’s skin to uncover him without shame, but Hephaistion stopped her.

 

- Who are you? –he wasn’t let some strange woman to see him naked.

 

- Srayanka –said the woman and Hephaistion wanted to think that was her name. She tried again to take the bear’s skin off him, but he had a good grip on it—You hurt, I treat you.

 

- You are the doctor here? Where am I? –asked Hephaistion but Srayanka saw him frowning. He sighed, she would not answer until he let her cure him. All right.

 

He wasn’t very injured, just some scratches and minor bruises. She applied an ointment over his wounds, it felt good and the ointment smell nice. After that, she gave him a small bowl of milk and bread. Only then Srayanka talked, she sat down in front of him and pointed at herself.

 

- Scythian.

 

- Scythian? –Hephaistion said and she nodded—I’m Macedonian –he made a pause—Hephaistion.

 

She looked at him confused.

 

- Hepha…

 

- He-phais-tion –he said slowly.

 

- Hephaistion –said Srayanka, nodding.

 

- Srayanka, is there…er- have you seen other Macedonian, like me? –asked Hephaistion, speaking slowly and she nodded again. 

 

- Macedonians –Srayanka showed him 4 fingers.

 

- Four? –why 4? Only Alexander and he had been dragged by the river… or not?— Can I see them?

 

Srayanka gave him some Scythian clothes and took him to another tent. He felt like a stupid wearing pants, a civilize man didn’t wear pants, or so the Greeks said. The Scythian men and women laughed when they saw him walking funny, but he couldn’t help it. Besides the pants itched, they were made of wool.  

 

What was called the Scythian nation covered a large territory, part of Europe and part of Asia, what is now known as Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Russia and Central Asia. But the Scythians weren’t unified under the same King; they were divided in nomad clans where one of the most priced possessions were horses. A poor Scythian had 4 horses, the same as a woman; but a man with less than 4 horses couldn’t be part of the clan because that made him unable to follow the clan pace. The great majority of the men had 10 horses. A rich warrior had 100 horses and a King had thousands of them. 

 

The tents were arranged in order, and the Macedonian could see many women cleaning, cooking and taking care of the many many horses. All of them dressed in the same fashion and with heavy fur cloaks.

 

Hephaistion arrived to another tent, and then he found Alexander, comfortably eating with Leonnatos, Perdikkas and Krateros. But Hephaistion had eyes only for his King, and ran to embrace him, without caring who many people were watching them.  

 

- Alex, you are all right –whispered Hephaistion, leaning his head on his King’s shoulder—I was so afraid to lose you.

 

Alexander smiled and caressed his back.

 

- I was worried too, the Scythians told me you didn’t woke up –said the King, kissing his head, when Perdikkas cleared his throat.

 

- We are still here, you know –said Perdikkas, chewing a piece of bread.

 

Hephaistion sat at Alexander’s side. Too happy to care about public demonstrations of affection.

 

- What are you doing here, by the way? –asked Hephaistion to the rest.

 

- Thank you, Phai, we are fine, nothing happened to us –said Perdikkas, pretending to be offended.

 

Hephaistion sighed.

 

- How are you?

 

- Well, I think I’m getting a cold and Perdikkas and Krateros are fine –explained Leonnatos—Just some scratches, I think.

 

- How did you get here? –asked Hephaistion, curious.

 

- When you jumped like a mad man after this moron –said Perdikkas, giving Alexander a significant glare— Krateros and Ptolemy went after Alexander. Leon jumped after you, and I jumped after Leon.

 

- I couldn’t let something happen to you, Eni would kill me –said Leonnatos, smiling.

 

- Thanks, Leon…And where is Ptolemy? –asked Hephaistion, looking around the tent.

 

- He has been captured –said Krateros, drinking his beer. He made a face—This tastes like shit. 

 

- How? By whom? –they fell silent.

 

- It’s complicated and we don’t have much information –said Alexander, leaning his weight back, his hands behind him on the floor—Srayanka is the only one who speaks Greek here, and as you saw, she doesn’t know much. What we know is this: the stream dragged us to the west, to the north of Illyria. Krateros and I thought we are at least 3 days on horse from the rest of the army.

 

- What a problem –said Hephaistion, shaking his head.

 

- But that’s not the worst part –said Leonnatos—Srayanka’s clan rescued us yesterday, but apparently another Scythian clan took Ptolemy.

 

- Srayanka said they are planning to sacrifice Ptolemy tomorrow as part of their leader, Ataelus, marriage celebrations –said Perdikkas.

 

- Tomorrow? We have to do something –Hephaistion didn’t like Ptolemy but that didn’t mean he wanted to see him dead—We can’t go back for the army that would take us 6 days.

 

- Yes but we are only 5, and we don’t have weapons –said Krateros, leaving the beer on the floor.

 

- I didn’t know you were such a coward –Hephaistion gave him a mocking smile. Krateros tried to punch him, but Perdikkas and Leonnatos jumped to stop him.

 

- Watch your mouth, Hephaistion or you can loose some teeth –Krateros warned him.

 

- Enough! We are trying to find a way to rescue Ptolemy –said Alexander and the group felt silent, like children in front of their father—Going for the army is out of the question, we’ll never make it in time. It will have to be done by us.

 

- How many Scythians are in this man’s clan? –asked Krateros, a good question.

 

- We have to ask Srayanka –said the King, pressing the sides of his head with his thumbs.

 

- I’ll go for her –Perdikkas stood up.

 

Ten minutes later Srayanka was sitting with them, explaining, the best way she could, the situation.

 

- So, Ataelus has 5 hundred armed warriors with him, but he can summon at least 2 thousand more in one day, is that correct? –asked Alexander and the woman nodded.

 

- This is bad –Krateros scratched his chin.

 

- Poor Ptolemy, I’ll make sure he has the most wonderful funeral games Pella has seen –said Perdikkas in a grave tone. The King saw him with narrow eyes.

 

- Is there a way to enter Ataelus’s camp? –asked Alexander and Srayanka thought for a moment. He refused to give up hope. Ptolemy had been his friend since he was little and he couldn’t leave him to be killed by barbarians.

 

- Wedding! –she exclaimed at last—Wedding.

 

- Yes, we know he is getting married –said Perdikkas, tired.

 

- Bride, no bride.

 

- Ataelus doesn’t have a bride? –asked Hephaistion and Srayanka nodded—How is he getting married without a bride?

 

- He looks for bride, he wants marriage, he asked Scythians for daughters and he chooses bride –she explained.

 

Alexander thought for a moment.

 

- If we arrived at his camp with a girl, would he let us pass? –the King asked, and Srayanka nodded with a smile.

 

- That’s great! –exclaimed Leonnatos, closing his fist in front of him—Would you help us? –but the Scythian shook her head—Why not?

 

- Ataelus knows Srayanka, Ataelus not like Srayanka –she said.

 

- Oh! Too bad –said Leonnatos, disappointed.

 

- But surely you know someone who could help, don’t you? –asked Perdikkas, but Srayanka shook her head again.

 

- My people afraid, Ataelus bad man. No help, scared.

 

- And how do you expect us to give this bastard a girl if we don’t have one? –asked Krateros angry. 

 

- Krateros, Srayanka is trying to help us, don’t be mad at her –said Alexander.

 

- You girl –said Srayanka and, again, Perdikkas and Leonnatos had to stop Krateros before he punched the Scythian for insulting him.

 

- YOU MOTHER FU…

 

- You girl –Srayanka insisted, pointing at them.

 

Hephaistion frowned.

 

- Are you saying that one of us should disguise himself as a girl? –Srayanka smiled and applauded.

 

- Is she nuts?! –exclaimed Perdikkas, outraged.

 

- Ataelus likes exotic girls, you girl –she said.

 

- It could work –said Alexander, and his faithful hetairoi saw him as if had proposed to dress the army in pink chitons with ribbons—Don’t look at me like that, it’s the best plan we have. We can’t let Ptolemy die, he is our companion and friend, and I’m sure he would do the same thing for any of us.

 

- And who is going to disguise himself as a woman? –asked Leonnatos, and the 4 of them saw their King looking for an answer.

 

- I think is obvious –said Krateros, crossing his arms over his chest—Hephaistion is the best option, after all he has this pretty face.

 

- Bite me, Krateros –Hephaistion said angry. 

 

- No! –said Srayanka—Tall. 

 

- She has a point –said Perdikkas—Phai is too tall…and I’m tall too –he added quickly.

 

- Leon has the longest hair here –said Hephaistion. Nobody in his right mind would propose Krateros for that mission.

 

- Alexander is the shortest one –said Leonnatos and the 4 of them saw their King again.

 

- What? –exclaimed Alexander.

 

- You are short –said Perdikkas, with a maniacal smile. 

 

- And blond, that makes you exotic in this place –said Leonnatos.

 

- I’m not dressing myself as a woman –said the King, bluntly.

 

- It was your idea –said Krateros, he was enjoying himself—After all, “is the best plan we have” –he quoted the King.

 

One look at their faces and Alexander knew they were serious. In what a problem he was, of course it was a good idea but his proud didn’t let him do that.

 

- Phai, do something –he asked his best friend for help, but Hephaistion smiled.

 

- I’m very sorry Alex, but for once they have a point –oh Hephaistion was having fun, and he truly wanted to see his King dressed like a barbarian girl. 

 

- Don’t worry Alexander; I’m sure that with one look at your lovely and exotic uneven eyes, you will totally seduce this Ataelus –said Perdikkas, taking him by the shoulder.

 

- Perdikkas, go to hell –the King was angry—I’m NOT dressing myself like a woman and that is final.

 

Hephaistion sighed dramatically.

 

- Fine, but you will have to talk to Ptolemy parents and tell them what happened –said his best friend, faking a disappointment tone of voice—I always thought you were a brave man, Alex. But to let your friend die for your pride…

 

That truly hurt the King.

 

- I’m not letting Ptolemy die –said Alexander—There must be another way.

 

- There isn’t –said Hephaistion—Not if we want to rescue him tomorrow, we have no time.

 

The King swore.

 

- Fine, I’ll do it.

 

Srayanka smiled.

 

XXX

 

Srayanka gave them the best clothes she found among the women in her clan. They wouldn’t go with them because they were scared of Ataelus, but that didn’t mean they weren’t going to help them with clothes and jewels…and make up, of course. Srayanka’s sister made a great job with Alexander, while Krateros and Perdikkas went to Ataelus camp to evaluate the situation. Hephaistion and Leonnatos waited outside Srayanka’s tent.

 

It was still early, not even noon and, when Leonnatos was about to fall asleep, Krateros and Perdikkas returned.

 

- Well? –asked Hephaistion.

 

- Ataelus’ camp is like a fortress –said Perdikkas, taking a seat on a fallen trunk—He has guards in every gate and sentries surrounding the area.

 

- Could you see Ptolemy? –asked Leonnatos.

 

- No, but we heard him –said Krateros, spitting at his side—He surely knows how to shout.

 

- Do you think he is being torture? –asked Hephaistion, waiting for the worst.

 

- No, I don’t think so –said Krateros—He was asking for water.

 

- And Alexander? –but as soon as Perdikkas asked, Alexander appeared.

 

They had to make a tremendous effort not to laugh in the King’s face when they saw him. He was dressed in a blue dress embroidered at the edges, with long sleeves; a yellow cloak covered him, from the head to the feet, and a wolf’s skin on his shoulders.   

 

- If you ever said a word of this when we get back, I swear by my ancestors Achilles and Herakles, that I would kill you with my bare hands –said the King in a menacing tone… of course that dressed like that he wasn’t very menacing. 

 

- Look at it this way –said Perdikkas—Achilles also had to dress himself as a woman when he was hidden at the court of Lycomedes, king of Skyros. Weren’t you the one who said that you wanted to emulate him?

 

- Don’t push your luck, Perdikkas –muttered the King. He felt ridiculous and uncomfortable, and the make up itched. Twice he had eaten the lipstick by accident until Srayanka’s sister scolded him.

 

- I like your earrings –said Leonnatos—You know, they go with your eyes –Krateros couldn’t stand it any longer and started to laugh. 

 

If Alexander could have killed with his eyes, the three of them would have dropped death in that instant.

 

- You look… —said Hephaistion after a moment—Slender.

 

- Of course I look slender, they wrapped me with dresses to look slender –that was too much, and Leonnatos and Perdikkas laughed too. Hephaistion had to cough to masquerade a laugh.

 

- Oh, bite me –grumbled Alexander.

 

- Alex, don’t get mad. You are doing this for your friend, I’m sure Ptolemy would have done the same for you, as you said –said Hephaistion, but his beloved didn’t look convinced.

 

XXX

 

- This is not going to work –grumbled Alexander, when they were riding with Srayanka to Ataelus’ domains. 

 

- Why not? You look pretty –said Perdikkas—I will definitely do you.

 

- You are not encouraging –said Hephaistion—You will do a horse if he had the resemblance of a woman.

 

- Ataelus would never believe I’m a woman –said the King, ignoring Krateros’ giggles.

 

- Of course he will –said Leonnatos—Have you ever seen the woman who sells chickens at the market in Pella? The first time I saw her, I thought she was a professional boxer. Compared to her you are more beautiful than my wife. 

 

- Whatever –Alexander rolled his eyes—I’m still not convinced.

 

- Well, if you change your attitude this could work –said Krateros.

 

- Phai, you are too quiet –said Perdikkas.

 

- I don’t have anything to say–said Hephaistion. He truly didn’t want to torment Alexander more than it was necessary. It was a great effort from his part not laughed himself to tears seeing the all mighty King dressed like a barbarian girl, but that will hurt Alexander. 

 

They arrived at the camp entrance and waited for Srayanka to talk with the guards. For the King’s completely embarrassment Hephaistion helped him to dismount, it was difficult for him wearing a dress. They had no idea of what was she telling them, but she pointed at them and the guards nodded.

 

- Alex, don’t take this the wrong way, but –said Hephaistion in a low voice—Walk nicely.

 

- What do you mean? Because if you are trying to make me bounce my hips for you, you have real problems, Phai –said Alexander seriously.

 

- I’m just saying that, if you want to fool the guards try to walk slowly… nicely –said Hephaistion. 

 

- For once the pretty boy has a point, sell it Alexander! –said Krateros, making the rest laugh.

 

Alexander sighed.

 

Ptolemy son of a bad mother, you must appreciate everything I’m doing for you –thought the King.

 

Srayanka called them and they entered the camp, the King felt humiliated when the guards gave him lustful glances. One man tried to smack his butt, but Hephaistion took the guard’s wrist with force, moving faster than he.

 

- I wouldn’t do that if I were you –said Hephaistion in a dangerous tone. The guard didn’t understand him, but one look at his gray eyes told him everything.

   

- Ataelus –said Srayanka, pointing at the front.

 

A tall and ugly man with black hair and black beard was standing before a group of women, followed closely by his guards.

 

- All right, this is what we are going to do –said Alexander in a low voice—I’m going with Srayanka and Hephaistion to meet Ataelus; Perdikkas, Leonnatos and Krateros go and find Ptolemy.

 

- Where do you think Ptolemy must be, Srayanka? –asked Krateros.

 

- There! –the woman pointed at a wooden fence used to keep chickens—Ataelus prisoners, there.

 

- Where do we meet? –asked Perdikkas, barely moving his lips, his eyes surveying the surroundings.

 

- Outside, where we leave the horses –said the King—If any of us is captured, the rest is going to run, as if they were pursuit by Chimeras, and go for the army.

 

- What if they capture you? –asked Krateros.

 

- It doesn’t matter, either way you go for the army.

 

- All right, see you latter then –said Leonnatos. 

 

They go, hiding among the small crowd and Alexander, Hephaistion and Srayanka went to where Ataelus and the group of girls were. The King almost fell when he stepped over the edge of the dress but Hephaistion caught him.

 

- Don’t worry, you are going to be fine –said Hephaistion in a low voice—I’ll see that nothing happens to you.

 

The King just nodded.

 

Ataelus’ men formed the girls in a line in front of their master, while the small crowd watched near them. Hephaistion truly didn’t know what to expect, he just wished that Ataelus took his time in choosing a bride and that nobody caught them rescuing Ptolemy.

 

But, what if somebody discover that Alexander is not a girl? –in times like that Hephaistion wanted to believe in Gods, in order to pray. 

 

Ataelus walked slowly looking carefully at the women, and Hephaistion started to sweat when he saw he was approaching the King. Maybe all of this was the worst idea they could have. Ataelus stopped in front of Alexander and Hephaistion forgot how to breathe. He said something to the King, but Alexander shook his head keeping his head down, he didn’t understand one word. Ataelus asked something and his guards explained quickly.

 

- What’s happening? –asked Hephaistion to Srayanka.

 

- Ataelus ask why girl don’t speak –she said—The guard said she Macedonian.

 

- And that’s good or bad? –Srayanka shrugged—Oh, great –Hephaistion cursed.

 

Ataelus saw Alexander more carefully. The King kept his head bowed but when Ataelus took him by the chin to lift his head, he saw him directly to the eyes. The Scythian exclaimed something; apparently he was excited and kept pointing at Alexander while talking to his brother.

 

- What does he say? –asked Hephaistion with anxiety.    

 

- He surprise, eyes different colors –Ataelus said something more and the people cheered—He choose bride, he choose Macedonian.

 

It took Hephaistion a moment to understand what she had said.

 

- You are trying to tell me that Ataelus chose Alexander as his bride?

 

- Yes.

 

- Holy &%$ Mother with $%&/ On Top! –exclaimed Hephaistion, seeing how a group of women took Alexander with them—Now what? What happens now?

 

- They prepare for ceremony –she said— They get married.

 

- Over my death body –said Hephaistion under his breath.

 

He didn’t expect this to happen and now things were more complicated, he needed to rescue Alexander and hope that his companions had rescued Ptolemy by now.

 

When Alexander understood what was happening, he wanted to scream… but since that wouldn’t solve anything, he kept silent, thinking how to get out of there.

 

No, Ptolemy isn’t worth this –thought Alexander, watching the white dress and flowers in front of him.

 

He had been taken to a small tent; the women had left him a moment to go for water and other things they needed to get him ready for the wedding. The King looked around, searching for a weapon, a dagger, a sword, a knife, SOMETHING, when he heard someone entering.

 

It was Ataelus. The King cursed.

 

- Do you understand Greek? –asked the Scythian taking Alexander by surprise, his Greek was much better than Srayanka’s. Alexander nodded and Ataelus smiled—I have never had a Macedonian woman –he took a seat and took his time to admire him—You are an uncommon woman, I like that. You seem strong, that’s good, and you would bear strong children.

  

Oh, this is so humiliating –thought Alexander, wanting to disappear.

 

- What’s your name? –asked Ataleus.

 

- Alexan…Alexandra –said the King, faking his voice to sound a little high pitched. He was so glad to be alone there and had no witnesses of the most embarrassing moment of his life.

 

- Wine? –offered Ataleus, serving 2 cups.

 

Alexander knew that drinking wine in his situation wasn’t the best thing to do, he must be sober and alert, but refusing would be suspicious. He accepted the cup and drank. That was the strangest wine he had ever tasted, it was very strong and had a weird flavor.  

 

- What kind of wine is this? –asked the King, suddenly watching 2 cups in front of him.

 

Ataelus smiled. He had a taste for kinkiness and no woman in her right mind would tolerate the things he liked to do with them, so he decided to drug his new bride and enjoyed her before the wedding.

 

Alexander had to take a seat; he was feeling very dizzy and weak. Ataleus smiled widened and he walked to him, he lifted his dress.

 

- You have strong legs –said the Scythians, he took his hands through the King’s legs going up, up… when something smashed against his head.

 

- Phai! –exclaimed the King when he saw his best friend there. In that moment he understood how helpless maidens felt when they saw their prince charming.

 

- Are you all right? –asked Hephaistion, watching the unconscious form of Ataelus—We have to go now, the guards are busy, apparently Ataelus gave his men the other women he didn’t choose. 

 

- I don’t feel well… Phai –said Alexander, worrying him.

 

 - What do you mean? –Hephaistion saw him, searching for wounds.

 

- I drank wine that tasted funny –said the King in a sleepy tone. 

 

Hephaistion saw the cup at his side and smelled it. He had no idea what had happened there, but judging by Alexander’s look, he was rather drunk or drugged.  

 

- We have to get out of here –said Hephaistion, helping him to get up.

 

Alexander smiled and embraced him.

 

- Phai? I love you –he said in a silly tone.

 

- I love you too, but right know I would love you even more if we were out of here –he literally dragged the King out of the tent.

 

They ran half bent around the camp, hidden behind big barrels, tents and horses every time they saw someone, and more than once, Hephaistion had to cover Alexander’s mouth, to silence him. It was very difficult for the King to run with that dress, and Hephaistion found himself cursing the dress, but his only other choice was to make him run naked. Not a good idea... maybe if they were alone…

 

- Phai?

 

- What? –asked his friend, his gray eyes surveying the camp, hidden behind a tent.

 

- Can we make love now?

 

- W…WHAT?! –Hephaistion turned to see him. And there were 2 little cute spots on the King’s cheeks. What have Ataelus gave him to drink?—No, we can’t.

 

Alexander made a pout. He looked adorable and that didn’t help Hephaistion.

 

- But I want to –the King voice had never sound so hot, and his best friend blushed.

 

- Yes, but not now and certainly not here –Hephaistion had an idea, and he was surprised to discover that he was capable of thinking even with Alexander near him, looking so adorable, fragile and…all right he had to stop thinking that—But if we leave this place we can do it.

 

- All right –Hephaistion took his hand and ran to the next tent. Was only he, or suddenly it was warmer there? They were very near to the exit, but 5 guards were standing there with their swords ready.

 

Then they heard a guard shouting. They didn’t have to understand the local language to know that Ataelus had woken up.

 

- All right. You are going to stay here while I take care of the guards –said Hephaistion—Do you understand?

 

- Yes… Phai?

 

- Mm?

 

- After that, can we make love?

 

 - Not yet…just stay here and don’t worry; I will protect you –Hephaistion winked at him.

 

The King saw how his best friend walked to the guards as if he was walking at his house garden on a sunny day. The guards didn’t pay him any attention. Hephaistion walked to the nearest man and before anyone could react, he punched him on the jaw knocking him immediately. Before the man fell, Hephaistion took his sword and attacked the first guard that tried to stab him, cutting his throat. He didn’t want screams that would draw the attention of the rest of the guards.

 

Hephaistion saw a man ready to shout to call for help and he threw the sword at him, successfully silencing the man. Only two more. One man ran to him with his sword stretched in front of him. Hephaistion moved, dodging him, took him by the arm; he twisted the man’s arm breaking it, took the sword and used the man as a shield when the other one attacked him. Then, Hephaistion cut the last man’s throat.  

 

- Alex! –Hephaistion called him, and the King went to him.

 

Someone shouted behind them and soon all the guards came running to the entrance.

 

- Run! –said Hephaistion and they ran as fast as they could.

 

They heard horses’ hoofs behind them, and one look showed them that Ataelus was leading the pursuit. That was very bad, they were still far from their horses. The Scythians were very close now, and Hephaistion stopped. It was pointless to run away and he preferred to stand and fight than to be slaughter like an animal. 

 

He drew the swords, that he had taken from the guards, and stood ready to fight, with Alexander behind him, when an arrow pierced Ataelus’ throat. Hephaistion turned and saw Srayanka riding a brown horse with a bow in her hands. Leonnatos, Perdikkas, Krateros and a very dirty Ptolemy were behind her, all mounted.

 

Hephaistion took advantage of the confusion and ran with Alexander to where their horses were. He didn’t trust Alexander to let him ride alone, so they both mounted one horse and ran away from there.

 

XXX

 

Srayanka took the Macedonians to the road that would take them back to the army. She gave them 6 horses, rations and fur blankets. They wanted to repay her in some way but she refused, she said it had been more than enough to let her killed Ataelus and insisted that they should keep the horses as a gift.

 

- What happened to Alexander? –asked Leonnatos, frowning—He look funny.

 

Krateros saw the King with more attention, specially the two cute red spots on his cheeks.

 

- Is he drunk? 

 

- Not exactly, I think he is… drugged –said Hephaistion, remembering what Srayanka had said to him. The Scythian assured him the King would be fine in a couple of hours, he would have to drink a lot of water and had a good night sleep.

 

- Is he going to be all right? –asked Perdikkas.

 

- Yes, Srayanka said he would…how are you Ptolemy? –asked Hephaistion, eager to change the subject. Ptolemy had an unhealthy gray color and black shadows under his eyes.  

 

- Fine –he said with a husky voice—I’m just going to need some rest, a good meal and a lot of wine.

 

- Great, here listen. I’m taking Alexander to the lake we just pass to help him to change clothes –said Hephaistion—We can’t take him back dressing like a Scythian girl. 

 

- Point taken –said Leonnatos.

 

- Why is he dressing like that, anyway? –asked Ptolemy.

 

- Long story –said Krateros—Just say that from now on, you have a great debt with your King.

 

- Eh? –exclaimed Ptolemy, utterly confused.

 

- Are you sure he is all right? –insisted Perdikkas—He look as if he had fever.

 

- He doesn’t have fever.

 

- Really? Why does he have those red spots on his cheeks? –asked Perdikkas. Hephaistion cleared his throat, trying not to blush.   

 

- It’s a hot day.

 

- No it’s not, actually is cold…

 

- I’m going to the lake –Hephaistion interrupted him, took Alexander by the hand, took the male clothes Srayanka had left them, and went to the lake. 

 

After a cold bath and a change of clothes Alexander was feeling much better and they could go back.

 

XXX

 

Well, I hope you have liked this attack to Alexander’s integrity ^_^

In the next episode: The destruction of Thebes.

 

Thanks again, and don’t forget to review. See you next week.