Book 1, Chapter Five: Spear-won Land, Pages 111 and 112

And still, you don’t rest!
My king, you already have plans for greater conquests.”

Alexander blushes.
“Hah. Yes.”
Between his fingers he plays with the soil from the ground between his two feet,
ponders as it disintegrates into dust. And quietly, he says,
“Onwards
to Arabia and the West
and perhaps India proper,
and who knows
what more of this world left to be mine...
That’s the plan.”

The Servant nods in understanding.
“Hence your wish for the Water of Life. Death is your only obstacle.”

So our travellers pack up their picnic,
tie their sandals,
and mount their steeds.
The Servant rights his verdant hat.

“Right! Anyhoo! We must head off!
The world eagerly expects their king!”

The Servant sallies forth, eager to resume the quest.
But our Alexander,

he hesitates, turning for one last look
back at Babylon.

Waiting.