The Trials of Aleksander the Lesser

An Old Warrior

   Many days passed since our heroes' last adventures. Abby left like Joshua after an accident, returning home to heal, Edmund and Andrew were swept away by their own trials, Bella and Sarah found a group of other young women that acted much like Artemis's hunters. Aleksander began learning his crafts and did excel in the tutelage of his mentors. He also was noted for his aid of others, once rescuing a girl who fell and broke her leg from a great height.

   Much had transpired, but little between the heroes we follow. For you see, Aleksander, for all his talents and intellect, often found himself alone. Among his fellow heroes, he was least desired for company and regarded more as a stray dog, only welcomed once eyes met and were clouded by guilt and pity. While some behaved well towards him, such as his fellow hoplites Jack and Jaiden, his efforts to make a deeper bond with his peers was largely rebuffed. Veteran soldiers were no better, enjoying his hard work and abilities when training but finding his presence distasteful otherwise. But one day, as he sat alone in his usual place, an old warrior came to him. Not old in years, for he was yet in his prime, but a veteran of actual campaigns and battle, wise and respected by all. He sat with Aleksander and they spoke at length of their world and culture. The warrior pressed the belief that Aleksander's bond with others would carry him through the day, as he had been where Aleksander now stood. While he did agree with the warrior's words and believe them, he had not the heart to tell him that it was not a lack of effort that separated him from his peers. Aleksander was simply not of the same breed as they were.

   For he did not partake in frivolous revelry like his fellows, and would not partake if offered. Like a workhorse among thoroughbreds, he was rough and unbending but strong and resistant. He never cursed his fellows or the world about him when matters went against him. He never offered an unkind word, even when one was deserved. He gave little fuel to idle rumors and prefer reading and conversing over more popular means of passing the time. For these reasons Aleksander suspected he was not wanted. But he took the warriors words to heart and continued seeking their friendship.