i used to rule the world

seas would rise when i gave the word

It was well known that the Macedonian King was never one to back down to a provocation. His wholly stubborn and ambitious nature simply demanded the man eclipse those very things thought impossible of him. It was a trait that even history had hailed him for and yet, for all his persistence and all his tenaciousness, Alexander was hardly a fool. Even that tactical mind was well aware that to rush headlong into those singing arrows would be fatal. He might not step down from the challenge to so outdo Xerxes but it would, as always, be through out maneuvering than any such recklessness. He hardly bothered to voice those considerations that so quickly spun through his mind, near dozens of options laid out before him in those quick seconds before the King settled on one cohesive plan, that request was near plainly offered towards Frost with the simple knowledge that their peculiar mental connection would surely see to the man's understanding of, at the very least, the beginning portion of that beautifully calculated victory. The first step, naturally, demanded their very survival from that first small volley of arrows. That sudden burst of lightning above lit up the very sky, streaking the field in white before plunging into a darkness that caused his own gaze to be forced to refocus and yet, even so, Alexander knew well to use that moment to his advantage.

He encouraged the ivory steed beneath him towards that treeline, a small gesture to that immortal he had taken over surely prompted the Persian to follow him all the same. He knew well how much his own steed so abhorred that treeline and yet, tonight, it would guarantee not only their victory but too, their very lives. He hardly dwelled on that thought that had so entered Frost's mind of that chestnut at their side, frankly, he was hardly surprised the man recognized the fellow creature in the slightest. Rather, he only further coaxed that creature onward and into the protection of those wooded limbs before either Xerxes or his Immortal archers caught sight of their temporary retreat. He led Frost with distinct care around that perimeter, the man ever vigilant of that side he knew well was his steed's weak point. Typically, he tended to do his best to ensure the creature was capable of avoiding any such thing to touch that ivory hide in that place Frost was blind and yet, with his own gaze equally as pointed at that faux battle to his left, his care for those few wayward branches was decidedly minimal.

At the very least, that show of his own slow defeat was definitely telling of his advisory's battle tactics. That arrow to the chest and blade to the back were hardly the most honorable of moves and yet, they were certainly effective. It was clear, in that singular moment, that if he truly wished to take Xerxes, he would be forced to stoop to the man's level. There would be no honorable victory in this and yet, Alexander was willing to accept the terms of that conflict. If this is how Xerxes intended to murder him, then he had every intention of repaying the fellow in kind. He watched the ebony steed race across that field, the Dark Hunter almost distracted, in that singular moment by the sight of that black Barb stallion. As much as he hated to admit it, Darius reminded him of his own fearless, loyal Bucephalus. The one horse who perhaps deserved an eternity with the Dark Hunter. A soft breath left his lips as that idle thought was provided to him and yet, Alexander was quite purposeful, at that moment, to simply close off those very thoughts of the past that were so tempted to tug at him.

He watched as the pair became level with the Persian and his steed and yet, he knew just as well that that illusionary battle would end soon. It was time for the Dark Hunter to make his move. Slowly, he brought Frost to a halt, providing the steed with two singular words, "I know.". He paused, the man sliding easily from Frost's back, purposefully placing himself on the steed's right side, even though he knew well of Frost's blindness. It was a necessity, tonight, to press the creature's levels of comfort. His voice immediately switched to that ancient Persian tongue, the Hunter gesturing towards those two bow drawn Immortals as he spoke to his own ally in this. It would take focus, to keep the man his at such a distance and yet, very little of his plan required the use of the man's actual abilities. To put the focus of his affinity in keeping Xerxes soldier for his own seemed like a worthwhile use of his capabilities, particularly if the man succeeded in his task to otherwise occupy those archers. Though he wanted them alive, he also wanted himself....well....not dead.

It was only once Sheppard and his ride began picking their way through that treeline and towards the two archers that Alexander turned his own attention towards the so-called Persian 'King' himself. His lips pressed together in a clear frown as his right hand reached out, willing that weapon into existence. It was the javelin he called for, that wooden spear tipped with sharp pointed metal. His fingers worked deftly to wrap that leather cord around the spear and over two of his fingers before it was clutched in his hand. He stepped just out of that treeline, his own figure poised as those blue-green eyes simply watched that battle, waiting in a near anticipatory fashion. It was only when Darius began to charge yet again at his illusionary form that the spear left his fingers, that javelin spun in its flight and yet, the rider and steed were very much within his range. He hardly bothered to pause and ensure it landed where he had intended - right into the chest of Xerxes. Quite on the contrary, he turned, a hand brushing against Frost's neck in a silent gesture to show he was there before he climbed back upon the steed's back. Alexander was hardly in a rush as he finally encouraged that horse onto the battlefield, that gait he requested little more than a walk. He was confident in himself, confident that Xerxes would be on the ground with a spear through his chest by the time they meandered towards that field. "You can drop the illusions now....let's show him how much he's lost."