The Story of the Eyes of the Hunter Collection

Journey to the Indus River

Persepolis had fallen, the Persian treasuries looted.
The royal palace of Xerxes had been flamed and burnt to the ground, final payment for the wanton destruction of the Acropolis. Darius was fleeing, believed dead.

Soon this war of vengeance would be over. Another step towards the greater victory, another step towards the destiny that Alexander knew awaited him.

He dismounted and walked swiftly towards the fast-flowing river ahead of him, eager to cool his head. Pushing aside the vegetation blocking his way, he walked straight into the path of an enormous leopard, head turned now towards him from a recent kill. It’s eyes were firmly focused on the intruder, the eyes of a killer.

Adrenaline flooded the young warrior’s frame and he froze, absolutely still.
Parmenion had warned him countless times to keep his bodyguard close. This time he might pay the price for not heeding this caution.

As his mind raced, the leopard seemed to relax, stood and padded softly towards him.
The move did not seem aggressive and Alexander stayed his hand on his sword.
The great beast approached, circled him twice, then stopped and rubbed its head against Alexander’s legs, almost affectionately. It then turned and walked slowly away, stopping to drag off the prey it had recently brought down.

From behind him, Alexander heard swift footfalls. The captain of the guard ran to his side, quickly halting, breathing hard.
“Did you see it?” Alexander enquired.
“Yes sir, it was huge. Truly you lead a charmed life, the gods favour you!”. His captain replied.
“It’s possible. Something about the look in its eyes, almost as though it were smiling”.
The two were silent for a moment before Alexander quickly turned back.
“Bring Parmenion to me, we leave before midday”. He would think this bizarre occurrence over once Darius had been found.