Thanks everyone who reviewed, I hope this next installment comes pronto enough for you!

Donna Lynn: What a shrewd mind you have... Yes, the fate of Briseis now that Achilles is no longer around will have a sharp impact on the story (no, she won't get killed, that's boring) and the characters. This chapter won't deal with what's going on in the Greek camp however, that'll be covered next chapter ;-)

PS: Happy new year to everyone, I hope 2005 is a better year for you all!

Keep on reviewing, many thanks!

CHAPTER TWO

He would have been ecstatically happy as he was caught up in the evening's celebrations had it not been for the strange surreal-ness of it all. Trojans dancing, drinking, merry-making all around him warmed the prince's heart greatly, but Hector couldn't help but feel aloof from it all.

His father's face, tear-streaked with joy at his return from the duel with Achilles, his brother's playful banter and constant grin when around him and most of all seeing Andromache and little Astyanax again, had all moved Hector deeply but there was something amiss, something felt wrong with the way things had turned out.

Hector, Tamer of Horses, was the hero of Troy that night. A feast was held in his honour and even Troy's councillors and war tacticians had encouraged the festivities, having held off any more talk of the war with the Greeks until the following day.

The main guests, and a few extras, invited by the royal family gathered in the main hall. There they exchanged pleasantries, feasting on the most exquisite of Trojan dishes and drinking far too much of her rich wines.

The two princes of Troy, accompanied by their wives, entered the main hall last and a great cheer rose up from all gathered as they caught sight of Hector. He smiled politely but said nothing and the guests turned their attentions back onto food and drink. Paris stared questioningly at his brother for a moment looking as if he were about to say something, before turning back to the smiling Helen on his arm, stroking her chin softly while she blushed and giggled.

'Someone seems popular today…'

Hector glanced down to Andromache by his side, glad that she at least was unaffected by his quiet manner.

'Indeed…' He said, in good humour. How his wife always knew how to cheer him up Hector never knew.

As the night wore on, nobles and the rich men of Troy took it in turns to congratulate Hector, commenting on his bravery and skill during the fight with the Greek. The praising was overwhelming to say the least and more than once Hector found himself glancing over to the exit of the main hall wistfully. It was left to Andromache, when Hector did not reply, to thank those couples gratefully.

Eventually managing to slip away from Glaucos, who kept slapping him heartily on the back, Hector sagged onto a couch, exhausted. He gazed at the wine cup in his hand, swirling the red liquid around the sides of the bronze goblet. Sitting down beside him, Andromache watched her husband's carefully controlled movements, delight churning with worry along with the wine.

'Will you not participate in the festivities…'

Andromache leaned in closer to her husband, casually slipping an arm around his waist. Hector smiled gratefully at her comforting embrace but his eyes never left the wine goblet. A thoughtful look was in his eye.

'You know how I do not rejoice in the death of my enemies,' he said simply.

Andromache leaned her head against Hector's broad shoulder sighing absently.

'Paris will be back regardless, with more wine and food…' she whispered, idly stroking loose strands of Hector's dark curls, 'and with another plea for you to join him and Priam…'

'That I do not doubt' Hector replied softly, turning round to Andromache, kissing her gently on the lips. Looking into her loving, trusting brown eyes Hector's façade crumbled as he saw how much she desired and deserved an explanation for his strange behaviour.

'I'll tell you later' he promised her just as Paris headed over to them, a determined look in his eye.

'Brother, father wants to see you now!'

'Paris… I really…'

'Hush brother, he wants to make a speech!'

Hector gave Andromache an apologetic look, but she just laughed, motioning for him to go with his brother.

Half pulling, half dragging Hector to the front of the hall, Paris muttered quietly under his breath.

'What is it?'

Hector glanced at his worried brother's face then looked away, shaking his head.

'Now isn't the time little brother…' he whispered gruffly.

'Not the time for what?'

Paris and Hector both turned round to see their father descending from his high backed throne set at the head of the hall. A smile was on his face as he wrapped an arm around each of his sons.

'No arguing please between the two of you,' he whispered, 'not tonight'

'Yes father' Paris muttered turning to look at Hector, seeing him nod his head.

Then there was silence as, at the head of the throne room, Priam; King of Troy rose to his feet flanked by his sons on either side. Trojans paused in their celebrating to listen to what Priam had to say.

The old man smiled down on all gathered but in particular his eldest son. For Hector, his father's smile, so full of pride and happiness filled him with guilt that such joy was not in his own heart. He was careful though, to hide his feelings from betraying themselves on his face.

'The Gods have blessed me…' Priam began gravely, solemnly, though with a face that was positively glowing, 'truly; the great Apollo has answered my prayers…'

Briefly he indicated the giant solid gold statue of the God Apollo behind him.

'He has safeguarded Troy against uncountable foes and protected my son against the greatest of these.'

He laid a hand on Hector's shoulder.

'Tonight we praise the Gods for giving us strength in our weakness, courage when we feared and faith when we doubted...'

Hector smiled grimly at his father's words, knowing all too well who he was referring to.

'…Tonight we are eternally grateful to my son, Hector, who has proved today that the spirit of Troy will not be broken by these foreign Greek invaders. Troy is to endure this war just as the Gods willed his victory over the Greek on Troy's beaches. It is a sign of our future triumph!'

Loud cheers followed Priam's speech, as every Trojan leapt to their feet in wild celebration. Persian dancers entered the room following Priam's final words, scantily clad, swinging their arms and bellies around in an enticing manner. Out of the corner of his eye, Hector noticed Paris leaving with Helen. Taking leave of his father and seeking out Andromache, Hector left the hall shortly afterwards.