Title: Enemy from Within
Chapter 1 … A Friend Falls – A Foe Rises
Summary: Hector's chief army general and friend Dionysus is murdered and a new man with a dark agenda for Troy is appointed to take his place. But a feared warrior named Achilles comes with a warning about the new general. Who will Hector trust? And why is Briseis drawn to this stranger named Achilles? Will Hector learn the truth in time? Or is all of Troy and her inhabitants doomed? (H/A A/B P/H)
Disclaimer: The characters of this Troy story don't belong to me…sadly…but any of the other names are mine and if they bear resemblance to anyone living or dead it is merely coincidence. (except for the city names which come directly from a map of Ancient Greece). This story is written for pleasure and not for profit. Oh and for any history buff's one of which I am not please excuse any inaccuracies as I am but a humble servant to my keyboard – so don't fret just enjoy!
"Hector behind you!"
"Dionysus your left!"
"Hector your sword!"
"Hector take mine!"
"Kyrios your back!"
Hector felt the enemies sword open up a small tear on his forearm just as he was given the sword. He countered on his right heel and was able to deliver the death blow to his opponent. He drew a few more deep ragged breaths into his weary lungs and then continued to fight the two men before him. He felt another at his back and turned to see his friend, Dionysus, deliver another fatal strike as the other opposing man was about to fell Hector from the left.
"We have the victory my lord and with fewer casualties this time," Dionysus said they watched a few more skirmishes still continuing. "They'll not make war with Troy again my lord."
"That's because there are no more men left to fight in these surrounding nations," Hector said with a weary sigh before he spat to the ground. "I long for better times."
"We have known peace for many years Hector," Dionysus said in a soft tone. "Don't let these last few ordeals blind you of that future hope once again."
"I just don't understand what is driving these smaller towns to such madness. Is there an unseen force at work against us?"
"Isn't there always?" Dionysus quipped. "But I think this will be the last one. And to be very honest Hector, Elaeus is not a small city. Her King was a great man who…"
"Led his small army foolishly against mine!" Hector spat in return. "And he had nothing to gain and no motive to strike. There is something else at work here I feel it but I cannot see it."
"Do you expect a retaliation?"
"From who? The women?" Hector replied in sarcasm. "Even the Prince is dead, the King will die soon and his army generals all are here lying in their own blood on the battle field. There is no one left to avenge them."
"Come Hector," Dionysus said as the other army leaders headed for them, slowly walking over their slain. "This war is over. Let's ride for home. Put this trouble out of your thoughts."
Hector watched his friend and most trusted general head to his men and then turned his gaze into the distance. There was something evil watching him and he could feel the presence but couldn't figure out what the motive could be for it's being there. Sure there was the odd kingdom that would come to challenge the strength and might of Troy but all had fallen and the land lay quiet up until now. There had been one great battle at the site of Sectus but that was two years ago and things had quietened down after that. Some said because the great general of Sectus was defeated because he was betrayed by his closest army general but rumors were that that man had died along with all the army of Sectus; a city which lay desolate even now.
"Something…" Hector whispered into the air as he started to slowly head for his waiting horse. "I know there is something out there…but what…what is plotting against us and this land? And who? Who is it that is taking their silent revenge? And how long will they stay silent?" Hector finished his one man question tirade and joined his men as they headed for Troy. His mind raced with various answers – none satisfying or resolving.
"Think of what awaits us back home Hector," Dionysus said with a broad smile.
"You mean our women?" Hector smiled back.
"One for you and three for me," he laughed running a hand through his dark hair.
"We ride for Troy!" Hector shouted to his men as they started to race for home.
…
"My lord Achilles we lost him," the young man panted as he rushed up to the golden warrior beside the small stone alcove.
Achilles turned on his heel and spat. "Where?"
"We lost him at least a days ride from here my lord."
"Where Andreas?" Achilles said in anger, turning to him with a mad stare. "Where is Remac? For where he is, there his evil master is!"
"My lord the stories say that Stoas is dead. Died two years ago. He fell when Sectus fell. Remac must have a new master."
"I know the stories and they are false! Stoas is alive and is plotting with someone against whatever King he now falsely claims to serve; plotting with some evil entity to enrage these smaller towns to war." Achilles snapped in anger. "So wherever he is, that city and all it's people are in mortal danger."
"My lord why are you so worried about a strange ci…"
"It's not the city that worries me Andreas," Achilles replied; turning to him with a deep frown. "I owe Stoas a death stroke and I intend to take it – one way or another. He betrayed and murdered King Ionis, a personal friend. We need to find him!"
"I'll not fail you again my lord," Andreas said as he rushed for his horse.
Achilles watched him leave and let out a deep sigh. "What large city is nearest here?"
"Troy my lord."
"Troy," Achilles whispered with a distant gaze. "Was that not the city that was the closest when Sectus fell and Stoas was then presumed dead? Was that not the city that Stoas always vowed revenge against?"
"Yes my lord. But if Stoas is there and you go he will surely know your face and run once more. Then we might never find him alive."
"Then I will go in disguise," Achilles called out firmly as he headed for his horse. "For as long as Stoas breathes air the people of Troy have no chance of life."
…
"Hector!"
"Dionysus!"
The two men greeted in a warm, hearty embrace amidst a roomful of joyfully shouting men.
"You did it my lord."
"We both did it Dionysus. With you by my side we are undefeated!" He shouted raising his sword and once evoking a mighty shout from the men. "I shall reward all my faithful party leaders," he said drawing them close. "Kyrios you and Patras fought bravely once again. You two are turning out to be a fine addition to the Trojan army."
"You honour us my lord," both men said with a bow. "You took us in a few years ago and Troy is now our home. We are honoured to defend her with our lives," Kyrios said with a half hearted smile, his evil mind plotting against the good Prince even as he stood and bowed before him.
"Rise my friends," Hector said making the two men before him rise up. "Let us celebrate."
"Why the long face, you'll be with her soon," Dionysus said sitting himself down beside Hector and lightly patting him on the back.
"I am glad this is over," Hector commented with a faint smile. "And I am glad you are here with me."
"Came close a few times did we not?" Dionysus added with a sigh.
"Too close," Hector lightly laughed. "But there is no one I would trust with my life more than you on the field."
"The men here would die for you without hesitation and you know it," Dionysus reassured him.
"And I fear that the most," Hector said rubbing his weary eyes.
"Do you fear retribution?"
"I always fear the unknown Dionysus," Hector replied with a firm answer. "The man with the unuttered plot, the King with the unseen force at his beckon. I fear what will fall us without a fight."
"May that day never come," Dionysus answered, grabbing a cup and holding it into the air. "But tonight…" he smiled at Hector. "Tonight we celebrate."
"Tonight," Hector said taking a drink from his cup. He placed the up on the table and stood up. "But I will fear for my life if I am late in getting upstairs," he smiled.
"I'll give your regards to the men," Dionysus told him as he turned to leave. "Give our regards to Andromache."
Hector smiled broadly as he turned on his heel and swiftly headed for the staircase that would lead him to his bed chamber and his waiting wife.
Dionysus turned back to the men, unaware of a set of dark evil eyes watching him intently from the corner. Watching and waiting for the moment to strike.
That moment wasn't far away.
…
Hector hurried upstairs and carefully pushed the door to their royal bedchamber open. Even now, after one full year of marriage, his heart still started to race at the thought of his wife's naked body waiting for him. He peered inside and noticed she wasn't in his sight.
"Andromache?" He called out softly.
"Here my Prince," she said walking up to him, clad only in a very sheer robe. "Waiting for my victorious Prince to come home safely to me."
"Every day I come home to you is an even better day," he said pulling her close.
"You smell like war," she mumbled into his ear. "Let us bathe," she said taking his hand and leading him to a small steam filled room. "Just drawn."
"Are you trying to seduce me my Princess?" Hector said in a low husky tone.
"Is it working?" She asked with a coy smile as she slowly drew the sheer material off her body.
"Very much so," he said pulling her close. "The bath can wait."
…
"I wish I had been there today," Paris moaned to Helen as they sat at the far end of the table after Hector had just left.
"You were there in spirit my love," Helen whispered back.
Paris, however, listened to the stories of the brave soldiers and in his heart he longed to be right in the midst of the battle with them; beside his brother; defending Troy instead of waiting for them to come back victorious.
"It will never be soon enough for me," he said standing up in anger. "I can't listen to this anymore."
Helen quickly stood up and hurried after Paris as they headed into the cold night air of the palace's inner gardens.
"I know I have disappointed my father by not showing more interest in the affairs of war," Paris moaned as he slumped down onto one of the cold stone benches, Helen right beside him. "I want to learn. I have been practising."
"I have never seen you practise with the sword," Helen commented.
"Not the sword, the bow," Paris admitted with a sheepish glance. "Something as well not as manly. I'll never be on the front line…never…"
"Never say never my love. For one day you might command this army instead of fighting in it."
"Maybe," he whispered, his warm breath lingering in the cool night air surrounding them. "Maybe one day. Then maybe my father will be proud."
…
"How far is Troy from here Achilles?" Achilles servant Andreas asked as they rode on into the night.
"We stop first at the ruins of Sectus," Achilles replied in a low tone. "I have to look upon his grave. Something I failed to do in the past and should have done sooner."
"But the city is in ruins. Even now, two years later, she has not been rebuilt and only scavengers call her home. Thieves and dishonourable men inhabit her. There is danger there."
"I have no quarrel with them but if they give me trouble they shall receive it in return. In the palace I was told there was a passageway that led to a secret chamber where Stoas stored all his military secrets and battle plans. It is this room we need to find."
"But my lord Achilles, if he knew that anyone else knew then…"
"He doesn't know that I know Andreas and that I am hoping will work to my advantage. The only other one that knew about it is Stoas."
"But my lord, then if only Stoas knew, who told you? Surely he didn't."
"Aries."
…
"Awake so soon my love?" Andromache whispered into the ear of her slowly stirring husband.
"I am sorry if I disturbed you," Hector whispered back.
"What troubles you? The war? You were victorious?" Andromache said pulling herself further into the warm embrace of her husband.
"Yes…I know," he said pushing himself away and heading for the open window. Andromache watched him leave and felt a slight frown cross his face. They had only been married for one year but even now Andromache felt there were parts of her husband she might never know.
"I grow weary of war," Hector sighed as he gazed down upon his men celebrating; finally feeling the warmth of his wife's hands upon his bare muscular chest. "I grow weary of the sounds of the men dying, the women crying for their husbands, fathers and sons to come back to them, and the curses of King's for the end of their short lived legacy. I long for peace."
"It will come," Andromache said as she rested her head on her husband's shoulder, drawing her warm naked body further into the folds of his garment. "You will bring peace to this land again my love. It will be by your hand."
"That is my dream," Hector said with a weary sigh. "We have already secured King's on our side for that future, but not enough. We need them all."
"They will all bend to you my love," Andromache whispered into his ear.
Hector slightly smiled as her breath tickled his ear and he turned his loving gaze and peered deep into the dark pools before him. "You make me a King with your words," he whispered; pulling her close and crushing her naked flesh against his. "Make me a King with your love."
Andromache gently wrapped her fingers around his strong neck and lowered his lips to hers and started to gently feel the heat between them starting to grow. She knew inside there were parts of him she would come to learn about even many years from now, but his love for her was as certain as the air they both breathed. She felt him pick her up in his strong arms and carry her back to their waiting bed and carefully lowered her beneath his strong powerful body. There was hesitation on her part when she first learned of her marriage arrangement, but every day hence proved to her the choice was right.
…
"Do they suspect a thing?" A hushed voice asked another dark figure in a small dimly lit room.
"Nothing at all," a smug voice replied. "My plan is without error."
"Your plan is taking a long time."
"Shut it Remac! I grow tired of your whining every day. We had to wait. I had to gain Prince Hector's trust, show him, show them all that I can be a trusted general as much as Dionysus. I have waited long enough however. Two years and…"
"And no one has come looking for you my lord."
"They have no reason," the man formerly named Stoas remarked. "They all think I am dead. Those stories were effective. Did you retrieve what I asked you for?"
"I have it hear my lord," Remac said drawing out a small dagger from his dark cloak.
"And are you sure no one saw you ride to or from Sectus?"
"My lord I was careful. Not an eye saw me."
"Except the gods," Stoas now called Kyrios cursed softly. "Aries knew my secret."
"You did his bidding and he left us alone as promised."
"To make a promise with a God is to ensure mortal misery. I have to watch every day. But the time is now. I grow tired of waiting. These smaller strikes were the perfect diversion. Once I gain Hector's trust it will be just a matter of time before I rule all this land, Troy included."
…
"What happened between you and Stoas my lord? I know you were a good friend to Ionis but I sense there is something more you are not telling me?" Andreas asked Achilles as they headed for Sectus under the cover of night.
"You are a very wise man for your age Andreas," Achilles remarked. "A woman," Achilles replied softly.
"A woman?" Andreas asked with a frown. "I never heard bef…"
"The story was never told. I was a fool and so was she. I took a chance and gave her my heart, but so had another. She loved me and cursed Stoas. But Stoas had the favor of the gods because he did their bidding and so the gods cursed us and Stoas…the swine he slit her throat as I…as I believed his tale and went to fight a war for him. A war that was a mockery and when I returned she lasted long enough to…"
"To what my lord?" Andreas dared to ask.
"To curse our love forever," Achilles finished with a heavy sigh. "I vowed then that I would never love again and as long as both of us drew breath I would hunt him and repay the debt I owe him. A debt of blood. I know he draws breath, my dreams are haunted by his taunts and her screams. I need to avenge her and find peace. I need my revenge."
"Will you ever love again my lord? Ever take the chance to try?" Andreas wondered.
"Never," Achilles said softly. "I will never take that chance again."
…
Briseis slowly made her way towards the temple every night as she had for the past many months. She was about to take her vows in a few short weeks and although she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to serving Apollo, something inside her also longed for love. It was a burning inside that sometimes was so strong is gave her pains in her heart and her thoughts. Her spirit was agitated tonight and she felt that if she were in the temple it might calm down. She entered the still room and headed for the table that held a variety of already burning candles. She retrieved one and then headed for the open window and cast her gaze in the direction of a foreign kingdom. She felt a gust of air, that was surprisingly warm, put out the candle and hold her in place in the now even more dimly lit room, her eyes fixed in the distance.
"Briseis?" Came the soft voice of a priest as he entered the room behind her.
She turned with a faint gasp and then let out a small smile. "Lost in thought Matiaus," she quickly told him. "There is a warm wind…"
"A warm wind? You must be mistaken, the air tonight is cool," the older man said with a smile.
Briseis turned back to the window and offered up a small frown, not knowing in the distance rode a man cloaked in black, a man that somehow held the key to her destiny, a man she thought only in her dreams.
"I must be warm from supper still," she replied and then made her way to the alter. "Or maybe it's from all the heated stories of war."
"Yes the victory for Prince Hector today was great indeed. May Apollo smile upon us always with favor and protection."
"I pray for that as well," Briseis whispered into the night. "For that and more."
…
"When do we strike?" Remac asked in a hushed tone.
"Hector won a great battle today. Now he must be shown the price of victory. We move tonight."
"But won't that be a bit soon? They are liable…"
"Then let Troy take revenge on our enemies…I want them to think it was revenge from Elaeus. For the this way they'll focus their attention on a land far from here; a land already desolate with no way to search for those remaining; while their true enemy is one that dines at the same grand table with them. Make it happen!" Kyrios hissed as he turned swiftly and left the small room.
"I better get my reward," Remac called out after him in a hushed tone.
"That and more. Don't fail me tonight."
"This better be worth the money I was promised," Remac cursed himself silently as he slowly made his way through a darkened tunnel and then headed for the gate that led into the courtyard. He stopped when he heard faint voices talking. He silently cursed as he recognized the voice of Paris. Him he could not afford to run into. So instead he leaned against the wall and waited until they left. He would be waiting some time.
…
Hector slowly woke from his sleep and gazed down at the beauty on his bare chest. He let out a sigh that caused his wife to stir in her sleep. He gently brushed her forehead with his lips and then regrettably removed himself from the warm bed and carefully made his way out of their bedchamber and then down to the room some of his men were still lingering.
"Finished already?" Dionysus teased.
"Just giving myself a break," Hector smiled as he sat down on the bench across from his friend.
"In all the years I have known you I have only known you to fret over a war a few times, but they were bigger than this one."
"There is something," Hector frowned. "I just…"
"Well it must be something for you to come down here with us instead of…"
"I need to ask you something," Hector interrupted him. "When we first entered Elaeus did you see any sign of the royal family?"
Dionysus leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh. "Come to think of it no. Even after Kprios and I stormed the palace I…why? What do you suspect?"
"The same as the last. Remember the stories of the fall of Sectus? How their King was betrayed by a close friend and his family murdered in their sleep?" Hector asked in a low tone.
"Heard the rumors but since there was no real proof it was decided it was just tales of wayward slaves."
"Maybe…" Hector said with a frown. "My friend I trust you the most. I need something from you…"
"When should I leave?"
"Sectus is downed…there is nothing there but ruins," Dionysus informed him.
"There must be something…"
"Why not wait Hector," Dionysus started. "Wait and see what happens. If these feelings are still inside you in a few days I will go then. Rest Hector. You have been through many battles and much stress in the past few months."
"Maybe you're right," Hector sighed. "I will take your advice my friend. Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Dionysus said as he watched his friend take his leave back to the royal bed chamber. He leaned back and let his back rest on the cold stone wall and let out a long sigh. He knew that Hector always trusted his instincts and those instincts were usually right. He even at times defied the gods rights and went with his own and was proved victorious. If Hector felt something wrong then he believed him.
"Krystos," he said summoning his servant. "I have a favor I need from you."
…
"Come it's getting late," Paris said finally standing up a few hours later. "I feel my mind will be at peace in a few days."
"They will be having a festival then," Helen reminded him with a smile.
"Ah yes," Paris said taking Helen into his arms and mocking dancing in the courtyard. She started to laugh and then he followed and then they quickly noticed a light from above lit and some angry footsteps heading their way.
"Time to leave," he said taking her by the hand and rushing them through a doorway just as of the army men rushed into the courtyard.
"Paris," the man sighed as he noticed the robe left by Helen and the royal wine goblet on a nearby shelf. The older man let out a heavy sigh and then headed back inside.
…
The slamming of the door abruptly woke Remac from his half hearted slumber and he felt himself slam to the floor just as the outer door closed and all was still once more. He quickly opened the door and peered into the cool night air. When he saw no one he pushed himself through the small door opening and then stealthily crept along the side of the darkened stone wall until he came upon a slightly opened door and then stopped
Remac could feel his heart racing against the cold blade of the knife in his breast pocket but knew that to turn back now and defy Kyrios would mean his certain death. Yet he had pledged his life to Kyrios and knew that by Dionysus death he would be rewarded beyond his dreams. He took a deep breath, silently moved past the doorway and continued on to the sleeping area of Dionysus, Hector's best friend and most trusted army general. He made it to the quarters of Dionysus, swiftly grabbed the small steel blade in his evil fingers and then pushed himself inside where the large man lay sleeping.
…
Briseis slowly made her way back to her room and lay down quietly on her bed. Her eyes once again cast themselves in the direction of a foreign land. "Who is coming?" She whispered as she finally let sleep overtake her.
…
Achilles felt himself growing more weary as the night progressed but knew they had to keep going. "What kind of city is Troy?" Achilles asked softly.
"It's a grand city my lord," Andreas replied. "Full of prosperity, beautiful women and the finest army commanded by a fine leader – Hector."
"I have heard the name," Achilles commented. "To meet such a fine leader would be worth it indeed. But I fear for them."
"Then we must make haste my lord. For evil never sleeps."
"That's what I am afraid of."
"My lord you are never afraid of anything. What do you really fear?"
"Blood will be shed and we will be too late."
…
Dionysus's sleep was agitated as his mind raced with terrible thoughts of what he feared were future renderings. He saw his friends dying at the hands of a dark stranger and the gods powerless to stop. Or uninterested. That thought disturbed him even more. He opened his weary eyes, thinking he had heard a faint noise and then turned over onto his side, his back to the door, something Hector had told him never to do. But with the weariness from battle and the wine in his system, sleep quickly overtook him once more and he failed to catch drift of the danger lurking in his room.
…
Andromache felt Hector stirring restlessly beside her and started to feel his body temperature rise. She knew him to have nightmares after the battles but this one was different. He had lost very few men and the victory was swifter than the last few. Still something haunted his dreams even now. Something was stirring and it was evil. She felt it as well but wasn't sure the source. Thinking it was just her husband's agitation getting the best of her, she once again snuggled into his warm embrace and closed her eyes. She had remembered their first meeting, how nervous and angry she was at the same time. She had vowed in her heart that she would never love a man that she was just given to without seeming just cause. But she had been proven wrong. Hector had worked so hard to make her feel welcome and loved right from the start and although their first few months were fraught with fights and sometimes bitter words, she knew that love in the end would conquer all. And it had. For she knew their lives now were bound together as one. In this life or the next. That happy thought carried her into the night, despite the agitation of her husband beside her. She prayed that morning would come swiftly.
…
Remac made his way closer to the large sleeping man, the piece of silver fixed firmly in his grasp. He noticed Dionysus turn over onto his side and then go still once more. Remac quietly made his way closer and then stood within feet of his sleeping victim. He raised the knife and with a swift thrust aimed for Dionysus vital organ and plunged the knife into the left side of his back.
Dionysus felt the blade starting tear through his flesh and immediately turned over to face a cloaked figure staring down at him with evil in his eyes.
"You are the first…the rest of Troy will lay beside you when he is finished…" Remac whispered as he turned and started to flee out of the sleeping chambers.
Dionysus knew with each second as his precious life blood flowed him the wound that death was imminent. But he had to warn Hector. He crawled on bloody hands to a nearby table and started to write the message of doom he was given. Dark circles started to form and his breath grew shallow, his body started to burn and his lifeforce started to fade more rapidly. Dionysus fell himself falling to the floor and finally collapsed in a dying heap on the stone tiles.
"Hector…" he whispered in vain. "I…failed…you…my…friend…" were the last words he spat into the air.
Well do you like it so far? I would really appreciate a few tiny reviews to let me know you want me to continue. Again I am not a romance writer and am not a history buff, but I do like to try to entertain. Please let me know if I should post more. Thanks so much…