3. A moonlit vow

Posted by Anonymous Labels: , ,

Crateros:
I’ve seen one before, it was still alive.

Hephaistion:
To whom do you pray?

Alexander:
Phobos.

Hephaistion:
Fear?

Alexander:
A bad omen. More so for Darius. I’ve come to believe the fear of death drives all men, Hephaistion. And this we didn’t learn as schoolboys. It is the cause of all our misfortunes.
So, mighty Crateros.

Crateros:
Your Majesty.

Alexander: Are you ready for tomorrow?

Crateros:
It’s been too long coming, if you ask me. The men are skittish as colts and the damn bulls won’t shut their snouts.

Alexander:
Good. Fear makes man fight better. Post your sentries alertly, but rest them well.

Crateros:
Don’t worry, general. I’m known to sleep with my eyes open as a baby arse.

Young soldier:
Only because someone might steal his loot, sire. Well, someone owes Crateros for his cheapness. He buys neither gloves nor blankets to warm himself.

Soldier:
He’s right.

Alexander:
Who needs gloves when you come from grace? Who needs clothes when you can fight naked?
After tomorrow, even the thrifty among you shall be kings.

Soldier:
The gods are with us, Your Majesty.

Soldier:
We’ll stain the ground in Persian’s blood.

Crateros (to the young soldier):
You’re on the first row tomorrow, boy.

Hephaistion:
I’ve always believe, Alexander, but this seems so much bigger than us.

Alexander:
Did Patroclus doubt Achilles when they stood side by side at the seat of Troy?

Hephaistion:
Patroclus died first.

Alexander:
If you do… If you were to fall, Hephaistion, even if Macedonia were to lose a king, I will avenge you. And follow you down to the house of death. Hephaistion: I would do the same.

Alexander:
On the eve of battle, it’s hardest to be alone.

Hephaistion:
Then perhaps… Perhaps this is farewell, then… My Alexander.

Alexander:
Fear not, Hephaistion. We are at the beginning.

0 comments:

Post a Comment