What Price Fury chap.2
This is chapter two for What Price Fury. I want to thank everyone who voiced their concerns and offered advice about this tale. I'm still unwinding it so we will see where it takes me. Thanks again.
Author: Rothalion
Title: What Price Fury
Rating: PG for now.
Fandom: Stones movie
Summery: Not For the first time in their relationship Hephaistion is a victim of Alexander’s wrathful temper. Mitigating issues play a part weakening the faithful Generals defenses causing him to retaliate and havoc ensues before the two can reunite. I can’t help but feel as though these two had there fair share of brawls. Egos aside…besides Hephaistion’s got other things on his mind.
Genre: Anger and angst and reconciliation
Reviews: Please send advice to rothalion@hotmail.com and thanks!
Disclaimer: Mr. Stone for this one, he brought them to life so we can torment them! Not purely movie driven I tweaked it a bit.
What Price Fury
II
Alexander awoke feeling as though he’d been fighting a pitched battle all night long. His body ached, his head felt as if it wanted to burst and his eyes were raw and bloodshot. He lay unmoving for long moments as he tried to string together what bits of memory he had and form a complete picture of the previous day’s events. The main theme that tickled at his growing awareness was that Hephaistion had been blind with fury. That Hephaistion had struck him. That Hephaistion had, in the presence of the companions, punched him and performed a sadistic gesture of self mutilation to make his anger and betrayal with Alexander known. How had the whole meeting gone so wrong. Yes, he was drunk. Alexander seldom attended a council meeting drunk, but he’d stayed up pondering his decision to marry Roxane and drinking alone the entire night before the meeting and continued through the breakfast hours before. It was, he’d thought, the only way that he could tell Hephaistion, tell his generals of his decision. Then once they’d angered him, denied him…Sure he’d meant to call after Hephaistion and speak to him that night but the wine kept flowing and he’d kept drinking. He shuddered when he recalled that Hephaistion had actually sent for him. A rare occurrence since he’d taken Bagoas. If Alexander and Hephaistion were not together the general had begun assuming that Alexander was with the eunuch and gave them privacy. Enrapt with his own demons the king had denied the invitation.
Sitting up on the bed he reached to his bruised face and tried to rub the remaining bleariness from his eyes. The white linen bandage on his hand stopped him. Yes, this was indeed going to be a day of surprises. A cough drew his attention and as he turned in the direction it had come from he hoped for the briefest instant that his eyes would find Hephaistion sitting with him. Denied, he fought down the surge of anxiety that overwhelmed him and caused him to shudder when he realized the man sitting in the chair was Cleitus.
“You would guard me in my sleep now Cleitus?” He rasped at the smug man. His voice not his own but rough and hoarse as if his throat were clogged with sand.
“Only because you needed guarding lad. Now get yourself up you’ve a despondent lover to attend to before he turns berserker on us again. By the gods that lad is pure terror unleashed when he’s that pissed off.” Along with a sense of awe, Alexander could not miss the sarcasm and anger in Cleitus’ voice. “5000 men with that kinda’ fury and we’ll own Persia for you in a month.”
“How is he? Have the others come out against him?”
Cleitus snorted and sneered derisively at his king. He did not consider himself entirely friendly with Hephaistion but his heart had bled for the boy yesterday. There was only one thing besides their love for Alexander, and that was as different as night and day, that the two generals had in common; Hephaistion’s father, Amyntor. Cletus had been attached to general’s command for quite a while as a young man and had worked closely with him. He’d learned as much from Amyntor as he had from Philip and he still held the old general in the highest esteem. He mourned the loss of his services after the horrible wound had forced him to retire and live out his days tending his orchards and horses. Now he mourned his death. Unlike Philip he was a man you could easily love without fear of retribution. In fact the more Cleitus had reminisced about his old general as he waited through the long night, the more he saw how much like his father Hephaistion was. It went beyond the crystalline blue eyes and glad smile they both possessed, it was something about the surprisingly gentle nature that both father and son kept hidden just beneath the cloak of soldier and warrior that these warring times required them to wear. So yesterday his heart went out to his rival. He’d pushed aside his jealousy and envy; looked past the events at the meeting as a way the eliminate Hephaistion from the ranks and instead trudged to stricken man’s rooms. Then to find out about Amyntor…No wonder the younger general had been a whirlwind of uncontrollable emotions. Amyntor and Hephaistion were as close as a father and son could be. The two never took pains to hide it. Cleitus knew that the news had probably crushed the young man.
“How is he Alexander? Funny you should ask.” He stood and crossed to the bed and continued after squatting down so he’d be eye level with the king. “You have, my king, the most impeccable sense of timing and an uncanny ability at coordinating grand gestures and events so that they have…well just right impact.” He paused and squinting studied Alexander’s face. “You do know that don’t you Alexander? Works so well for you in battle, I suppose that you may as well use it in council as well.”
“Get on with it Cleitus!”
“You’d scold me you fool of a pup!” His eyes flashed in anger now. “Amyntor’s dead!” He let the words sink in. “Hephaistion found out in a letter the night before the meeting. Leo said that he was very upset and sent for you, but the great Alexander was drunk and enjoying himself at staying that way so he refused the request. Does he ever, has he ever yet refused you? You boars ass! I have a mind to treat you like the spoilt child you behaved like yesterday; throw you over my knee and spank the insolence, and impertinence out of you like I used to!”
“Dead…Amyntor? How? When?” Alexander gasped and stood up. Awake now, the dullness had gone from his mind, with what little color he had in his face and was replaced with a sense of urgency.
“As long ago as it takes for a letter to get here. Sickness.”
Alexander threw on a robe and turned for the door only to be blocked by Cleitus. “Move aside, Cleitus I have to get to him!”
“Do the words, ‘Patroclus and I have cut you from our heart.’ ring a bell?” He paused and watched grief play across Alexander’s features as the memory shot back into focus. “What makes you think he’d even want to see you after the display you put on in council yesterday? You shamed and belittled him beyond apology Alexander. For the life of me I don’t have a clue as to how you could possibly repair what you’ve done. The others…sure Parminion and Cassander, Craterus, sure want to try him but to what end? Cassander was equally out of line as were you. Go to him. But after thinking on it through the night Alexander, I’m not so sure that I’d be inclined to waste my time prying his hands from your throat should they find their way there. Though broken as his hands are they’d be of no use to him anyway.” He stepped aside, pushed the door open and gestured for the king to pass by him. Together they strode swiftly toward Hephaistion’s room in silence. Alexander could not help but wonder at Cleitus’ closing remark. Broken…Hephaistion’s hands were some how broken.
“Cleitus he’s not alone is he?” The king finally asked as they neared the room where Hephaistion had been moved to. His old room would have to be redone.
Cleitus grabbed Alexander by the bicep and hauled him to a stop. “What measure of bastard do you take me for! Yes Alexander. I left him alone and babysat you. No, I’d not leave him. Pltolemy stayed the night with him. And Alexander do not muck this up. He’s had a hell of a couple of days and too many shocks!”
The king yanked his arm free and continued on. Cleitus stopped in front of the door and told him to wait. He entered quietly and Ptolemy stood to greet him.
“Good Cleitus, I hope you slept more than we did. He tossed and turned and cried all night. Unbelievable really considering the wine. The king?”
“Hallway. Still sleeping?”
“For a while now, finally.” He stretched and yawned. “ He passed a horrible night Cleitus. Never have I seen a man shed tears while asleep. His grief is deep. Do we dare leave them alone? Leo needs to sleep he’s spent.”
Cleitus crossed to the bed and looked down at Hephaistion. He lay on his side curled into a small ball, covered in soft blankets with his arms wrapped tightly around a extra pillow. His breathing was soft and even. To the old general he seemed very childlike. He had the urge to brush a strand of hair from the sleeper’s cheek but thought better of. Instead he tucked the blanket tighter to Hephaistion’s shoulders and turned back to Ptolemy.
Alexander had stepped quietly into the room feeling strangely enough like an intruder. Hephaistion was his to care for and it was odd to see these other two men care for him.
“He still sleeps then?” He asked quietly drawing their attention from the sleeper.
“Yes, and let him, Alexander. The doctor says he needs to rest, and to be kept calm. Try to keep him calm Alexander. We are going to get some rest ourselves. Do not worry about Parminion and Craterus. There is no treason here unless you punish yourself as well for not letting Cassander speak freely. Let this all pass quietly. Just take care of him.” Ptolemy nodded toward the bed. “If he will not have you then send for one of us. Nearchus offered to sit with him as well. Just let us know.”
The two generals turned to go and Alexander was left alone with Hephaistion. He walked to the bed wringing his hands and trembling slightly. Not have him. It was an unimaginable thought.
Thanks!!
Author: Rothalion
Title: What Price Fury
Rating: PG for now.
Fandom: Stones movie
Summery: Not For the first time in their relationship Hephaistion is a victim of Alexander’s wrathful temper. Mitigating issues play a part weakening the faithful Generals defenses causing him to retaliate and havoc ensues before the two can reunite. I can’t help but feel as though these two had there fair share of brawls. Egos aside…besides Hephaistion’s got other things on his mind.
Genre: Anger and angst and reconciliation
Reviews: Please send advice to rothalion@hotmail.com and thanks!
Disclaimer: Mr. Stone for this one, he brought them to life so we can torment them! Not purely movie driven I tweaked it a bit.
What Price Fury
II
Alexander awoke feeling as though he’d been fighting a pitched battle all night long. His body ached, his head felt as if it wanted to burst and his eyes were raw and bloodshot. He lay unmoving for long moments as he tried to string together what bits of memory he had and form a complete picture of the previous day’s events. The main theme that tickled at his growing awareness was that Hephaistion had been blind with fury. That Hephaistion had struck him. That Hephaistion had, in the presence of the companions, punched him and performed a sadistic gesture of self mutilation to make his anger and betrayal with Alexander known. How had the whole meeting gone so wrong. Yes, he was drunk. Alexander seldom attended a council meeting drunk, but he’d stayed up pondering his decision to marry Roxane and drinking alone the entire night before the meeting and continued through the breakfast hours before. It was, he’d thought, the only way that he could tell Hephaistion, tell his generals of his decision. Then once they’d angered him, denied him…Sure he’d meant to call after Hephaistion and speak to him that night but the wine kept flowing and he’d kept drinking. He shuddered when he recalled that Hephaistion had actually sent for him. A rare occurrence since he’d taken Bagoas. If Alexander and Hephaistion were not together the general had begun assuming that Alexander was with the eunuch and gave them privacy. Enrapt with his own demons the king had denied the invitation.
Sitting up on the bed he reached to his bruised face and tried to rub the remaining bleariness from his eyes. The white linen bandage on his hand stopped him. Yes, this was indeed going to be a day of surprises. A cough drew his attention and as he turned in the direction it had come from he hoped for the briefest instant that his eyes would find Hephaistion sitting with him. Denied, he fought down the surge of anxiety that overwhelmed him and caused him to shudder when he realized the man sitting in the chair was Cleitus.
“You would guard me in my sleep now Cleitus?” He rasped at the smug man. His voice not his own but rough and hoarse as if his throat were clogged with sand.
“Only because you needed guarding lad. Now get yourself up you’ve a despondent lover to attend to before he turns berserker on us again. By the gods that lad is pure terror unleashed when he’s that pissed off.” Along with a sense of awe, Alexander could not miss the sarcasm and anger in Cleitus’ voice. “5000 men with that kinda’ fury and we’ll own Persia for you in a month.”
“How is he? Have the others come out against him?”
Cleitus snorted and sneered derisively at his king. He did not consider himself entirely friendly with Hephaistion but his heart had bled for the boy yesterday. There was only one thing besides their love for Alexander, and that was as different as night and day, that the two generals had in common; Hephaistion’s father, Amyntor. Cletus had been attached to general’s command for quite a while as a young man and had worked closely with him. He’d learned as much from Amyntor as he had from Philip and he still held the old general in the highest esteem. He mourned the loss of his services after the horrible wound had forced him to retire and live out his days tending his orchards and horses. Now he mourned his death. Unlike Philip he was a man you could easily love without fear of retribution. In fact the more Cleitus had reminisced about his old general as he waited through the long night, the more he saw how much like his father Hephaistion was. It went beyond the crystalline blue eyes and glad smile they both possessed, it was something about the surprisingly gentle nature that both father and son kept hidden just beneath the cloak of soldier and warrior that these warring times required them to wear. So yesterday his heart went out to his rival. He’d pushed aside his jealousy and envy; looked past the events at the meeting as a way the eliminate Hephaistion from the ranks and instead trudged to stricken man’s rooms. Then to find out about Amyntor…No wonder the younger general had been a whirlwind of uncontrollable emotions. Amyntor and Hephaistion were as close as a father and son could be. The two never took pains to hide it. Cleitus knew that the news had probably crushed the young man.
“How is he Alexander? Funny you should ask.” He stood and crossed to the bed and continued after squatting down so he’d be eye level with the king. “You have, my king, the most impeccable sense of timing and an uncanny ability at coordinating grand gestures and events so that they have…well just right impact.” He paused and squinting studied Alexander’s face. “You do know that don’t you Alexander? Works so well for you in battle, I suppose that you may as well use it in council as well.”
“Get on with it Cleitus!”
“You’d scold me you fool of a pup!” His eyes flashed in anger now. “Amyntor’s dead!” He let the words sink in. “Hephaistion found out in a letter the night before the meeting. Leo said that he was very upset and sent for you, but the great Alexander was drunk and enjoying himself at staying that way so he refused the request. Does he ever, has he ever yet refused you? You boars ass! I have a mind to treat you like the spoilt child you behaved like yesterday; throw you over my knee and spank the insolence, and impertinence out of you like I used to!”
“Dead…Amyntor? How? When?” Alexander gasped and stood up. Awake now, the dullness had gone from his mind, with what little color he had in his face and was replaced with a sense of urgency.
“As long ago as it takes for a letter to get here. Sickness.”
Alexander threw on a robe and turned for the door only to be blocked by Cleitus. “Move aside, Cleitus I have to get to him!”
“Do the words, ‘Patroclus and I have cut you from our heart.’ ring a bell?” He paused and watched grief play across Alexander’s features as the memory shot back into focus. “What makes you think he’d even want to see you after the display you put on in council yesterday? You shamed and belittled him beyond apology Alexander. For the life of me I don’t have a clue as to how you could possibly repair what you’ve done. The others…sure Parminion and Cassander, Craterus, sure want to try him but to what end? Cassander was equally out of line as were you. Go to him. But after thinking on it through the night Alexander, I’m not so sure that I’d be inclined to waste my time prying his hands from your throat should they find their way there. Though broken as his hands are they’d be of no use to him anyway.” He stepped aside, pushed the door open and gestured for the king to pass by him. Together they strode swiftly toward Hephaistion’s room in silence. Alexander could not help but wonder at Cleitus’ closing remark. Broken…Hephaistion’s hands were some how broken.
“Cleitus he’s not alone is he?” The king finally asked as they neared the room where Hephaistion had been moved to. His old room would have to be redone.
Cleitus grabbed Alexander by the bicep and hauled him to a stop. “What measure of bastard do you take me for! Yes Alexander. I left him alone and babysat you. No, I’d not leave him. Pltolemy stayed the night with him. And Alexander do not muck this up. He’s had a hell of a couple of days and too many shocks!”
The king yanked his arm free and continued on. Cleitus stopped in front of the door and told him to wait. He entered quietly and Ptolemy stood to greet him.
“Good Cleitus, I hope you slept more than we did. He tossed and turned and cried all night. Unbelievable really considering the wine. The king?”
“Hallway. Still sleeping?”
“For a while now, finally.” He stretched and yawned. “ He passed a horrible night Cleitus. Never have I seen a man shed tears while asleep. His grief is deep. Do we dare leave them alone? Leo needs to sleep he’s spent.”
Cleitus crossed to the bed and looked down at Hephaistion. He lay on his side curled into a small ball, covered in soft blankets with his arms wrapped tightly around a extra pillow. His breathing was soft and even. To the old general he seemed very childlike. He had the urge to brush a strand of hair from the sleeper’s cheek but thought better of. Instead he tucked the blanket tighter to Hephaistion’s shoulders and turned back to Ptolemy.
Alexander had stepped quietly into the room feeling strangely enough like an intruder. Hephaistion was his to care for and it was odd to see these other two men care for him.
“He still sleeps then?” He asked quietly drawing their attention from the sleeper.
“Yes, and let him, Alexander. The doctor says he needs to rest, and to be kept calm. Try to keep him calm Alexander. We are going to get some rest ourselves. Do not worry about Parminion and Craterus. There is no treason here unless you punish yourself as well for not letting Cassander speak freely. Let this all pass quietly. Just take care of him.” Ptolemy nodded toward the bed. “If he will not have you then send for one of us. Nearchus offered to sit with him as well. Just let us know.”
The two generals turned to go and Alexander was left alone with Hephaistion. He walked to the bed wringing his hands and trembling slightly. Not have him. It was an unimaginable thought.
Thanks!!