Alexa stood on the same spot on the cliff that she watched her brothers come home. She had a bad feeling back then, some kind of inkling. Maybe she sensed Helen on the ship, bringing Troy a curse. She had a bad feeling now. But as soon as she acknowledged it, the ships appeared.
The first ship came earlier and faster than the rest. It was like it was being pulled by a string, it glided towards them with pure intent and drive. The rest slowly came into sight, one and then another and another. Soon, there were too many to count.
Alexa headed back towards the temple of Apollo, where a young boy was waiting, almost falling asleep on top of his horse. At the sight of Alexa he straightened up.
"Tell them it's starting." Alexa said to the boy. "The Greeks are almost on our shores. Tell them to prepare for war."
His eyes went big with fear and excitement, and Alexa felt sorrow. He was only young, he'd heard stories of the greatest warriors and probably aspired to be one someday. But he'd be cut down before that could happen. Alexa could almost see it, his young throat slit like a goat sacrificed in a temple.
He would die before he'd really lived, and he didn't know it yet. He was just excited for his first taste of war. He'd probably piss himself the first time a sword clashed against his own. His scrawny arms could barely control the powerful horse he was on, let alone standing against a grown man.
He nodded at her and rode away fast. Alexa watched him leave. Perhaps he would survive. Perhaps he would outlive them all, and he would tell his children about how a Trojan Princess told him the precise moment when the war started.
He rode away and Alexa climbed the large marble steps of the temple. It had been abandoned now, it was too close to the beach. The priests had packed up and gone inside the walls of Troy. Alexa knew she should do the same, but she wanted to be in the beginning of this war as much as she wanted to be in the end.
Alexa had a perfect viewpoint, under the statue of Apollo, of the ships. She kept her eyes upon that first ship, the one that pulled in front of the rest. She assumed it would be Menelaus, as a point of male pride, to be the first one invading Trojan soil. But she saw his ship farther back, saw the flag with his insignia. So who would be on this first ship?
It was dangerous, to be so above the rest. It put them in great danger. Alexa began to hear the echoes of the war chants coming from the boat. Perhaps these were the famous Myrmidons, and their leader, the great Achilles.
Alexa watched the bottom of their ship drag and force its way onto the white, perfect sands of Troy. Her Troy. Her home, her country. It was beginning, she could feel the invasion, could feel the pain that was to come from these men settling on the soil.
One of the men jumped off, his feet plummeting and sinking into the sound.
The first man on the beach. He was definitely the leader, Alexa knew that. The sun was glinting off his bronze armour, and he held a proud stance as he took a few steps forwards.
He held a spear in his arm, and he looked around at this new land he found himself in. Alexa had no doubt he would be able to see her as clearly as she saw him.
She imagined she would stick out in his sights on the beach, her red hair contrasting with all the white marble of the temple and the white of the sand. Perhaps he thought it was a small fire. But the only fire was the one blazing within Alexa's stomach. This was a feeling she'd never forget. The feeling of preparing herself for war, ready to protect and die for her country.
Her white dress rippled around her in the wind as she stood there, staring at the man.
He lifted his arm, hoisting up the spear. Alexa squinted her eyes, steeling herself. She wouldn't run away, not from a Greek. Trojans always stood up towards the Greeks, never cowered or ran away from them.
The spear was thrown with good aim- if he had intended to miss her, of course.
She knew, somehow- it was a warning shot. To gauge her reaction. See how the people of Troy fare in their first glimpse of war.
Alexa stood still, even when the spear scraped her thigh, slicing an inch of skin. A small trail of blood made its way down her leg, but she stood there, impassable, sending out a message with every inch of her body. You will not move me. I am a princess of Troy, and I am not afraid.
Alexa heard the sounds of horse's hooves upon the sand, and watched as a rally or Trojans came forward to protect the beach. Alexa stood, and begun to watch the first battle of the very long war than would ensue.
Her assailant, the cause of her bleeding thigh, was fascinating to watch. He moved like some kind of animal, pure instinct. It was like the gods were whispering in his ear, telling him when to duck, when to leap. He was smoother than water, and Alexa watched countless Trojan men falling beneath his sword, and fear took over her heart. This must be Achilles, she was sure. His men were in black armour, while he blazed in golden armour, and moved like a God. He cut through the good Trojan men like wheat.
Alexa watched this man slice down at the men, impaling them with his spear and slitting their throats with his sword. The first Trojans didn't stand a chance. Alexa tried not to mourn too much for her fallen countrymen. She could hear the bells tolling from far away, from the city. Hector and Paris would be preparing the armies.
The leader called his men in, and they formed tight lines, holding their shields in formation so as to prevent arrows from raining on them. It was a clever strategy; one that Alexa admired, even if it was from the opposing team.
Alexa heard the men on the rest of the other ships, chanting his name. Achilles.
He made his way towards the temple, and Alexa knew he was coming for her. He was thorough, he would leave no Trojan left alive, Alexa was sure. It seemed like it would be a one-on-one combat, however, as his men were still on the beach, killing the last of the first set of Trojan fighters. She watched his bronze form take giant strides towards her, determined. He was coming for her.
"So this is it." Alexa murmured. "My first fight in the first day of war, and I'm surely to die."
She turned to the statue of Apollo. "I haven't prayed enough to you, I know. And I'm sure it wouldn't do much good to pray now." She sighed, deciding against it. She wasn't going to change her beliefs and turn into a religious zealot, just before she died.
She entered the temple, where the air was cooler, and drew her sword. Hector had it forged especially for her, on her nineteenth birthday. It hadn't seen a real battle yet, but it had some experience in training, at least. It felt good to hold it again, even if her hands were shaking. If she could just wound him, then perhaps she could play an instrumental part in this war.
Finally, as Alexa's eyes began to sting from staring at the light in the doorway, he entered.
He walked in, almost as if he was coming in to pray, not to kill. He stared at Alexa, and she studied him in turn. He saw how she was poised for attack, yet made no advance towards her. He walked further into the room, and Alexa was light on her heels.
They circled each other, both ready to pounce if the other one did. Alexa knew she was a good fighter, Hector had been training her since they could walk. But she would be no match for him if he was better than Hector. His muscles rippled as he moved, whereas Alexa was slim. If he was slow, Alexa would have a chance, but he didn't look slow.
It seemed to come naturally the him, all the movements. It seemed like he didn't need to think about where to place his feet, how to stand, what to do with his hands.
Finally, Alexa decided to chance it. She leapt forward, jabbing her sword at him, but he easily dodged it. She tried again and again. It was almost laughable. She got clumsier, and he knocked her in the ribs with his sword. He was toying with her, like a cat playing with a bit of string.
Alexa lashed forward, and managed to catch his forearm with a sword. It was a tiny wound, barely enough to irritate him, but she saw his face, shocked, that she had even gotten close. Soon, he had advanced on her. He jabbed at her with his sword again and again until Alexa lost her balance, falling backwards. Soon, Alexa was on the floor, with his sword at her throat. They glared at each other.
"Go on, then. Kill me." She spat out.
"It's bad luck to kill a woman on the first day of war. Especially a Princess." He said calmly, though did not move his sword. His eyes were glinting through his helmet.
She wondered how he knew she was a princess. Something must've given her away, either her jewels or her hair. It was common for women of royalty to grow their hair long, and her red tresses curled far past her lower back. She supposed she held herself with dignity, like a princess, and her pale skin was smooth and clean, unlike some of the servant girls. The eyes through the helmet studied her, taking every inch of her in, as Alex panted on the floor.
"Kill me now, or I'll get back up and kill you." Alexa warned him. He laughed, and it annoyed her. She had wounded him after all, she wasn't useless. He believed her, but yet made no move to end her life.
"Am I not worthy enough to kill?" Alexa finally said, unable to take the silence anymore. Why was he simply standing there, staring at her?
"You are a worthy opponent. You fight well- for a woman, and for a Trojan. But you won't die. Not by my hand."
"The great warrior Achilles, unable to kill a woman? Perhaps you are not so fearful as I've heard." Alexa retorted.
"If you know my name, it means I must be fearful. But I will not kill a woman. And not you. You are a good fighter, and you are beautiful. It would be a waste of both talent and beauty, and that's a rare combination to find."
"Well, we seem to be at an impasse then. If you're not going to kill me, what are you going to do?" Alexa said. He seemed unsure himself, but soon they heard the fighting draw closer to the temple.
"If you don't kill me, one of your men will. So do it now." Alexa ordered.
"Why are you so intent on dying?" He asked.
"I'm not. But if I'm to die, I'd rather it be at the hand of you, than an ordinary soldier." Alexa answered, honestly. There was no shame in dying by the sword of a talented fighter. At least she had taken him on.
"You pride overpowers your fear of death. That is interesting. Get up." Achilles said, pulling his sword away from her throat. Alexa remained on the floor, looking up at him. He pulled off his helmet in one fluid movement, and Alexa had to refrain from gasping. He was beautiful. He surely must've been created by the gods, with a face like that. He was tanned, his skin was smooth and shiny. The sheen of sweat from his fighting made it look like he was glowing. He had long golden hair framing his angular face, and his piercing eyes were a brilliant blue. Alexa had never seen a man so beautiful in her life. She wondered how she came across to him, and then inwardly chided herself for being so ridiculous. She knew she was a beautiful woman, she had been told by many men, but it mattered not whether her enemy, the man who had just pressed a blade to her throat, thought her attractive.
A small voice argued on his behalf in Alexa's mind, reminding her that he was indeed letting her go.
His eyes flickering down, spotting the blood trailing from her thigh to her leg. He had caused the wounds, after all, and she watched his face.
"Go, now." He ordered. Alexa stared up at him, wondering if it was a trick. But he could've killed her minutes ago, and he didn't. She stood, and they looked at each other for a second.
"I won't kill you, but my men are not so inclined. Go now, before they get here. You shouldn't die, not today."
"Perhaps tomorrow, then." Alexa murmured, looking at him one last time before she slipped out the back. Soon, she heard the men enter the temple, talking to their leader. Then, the sounds of fighting. Alexa had no doubt that Trojans were getting slaughtered, again. These particular group of men were skilled fighters, more like assassins.
She heard Hectors voice amongst the sounds of fighting, and stayed, hidden in the shadows. Fear pricked at her heart. She had been given mercy, but surely the might Achilles would leap at the chance to kill a Prince of Troy. But she heard Achilles and Hector, talking as calmly as anything.
"Fight me!" Hector demanded. Alexa frowned. Why wasn't Achilles fighting Hector? It appeared that Achilles was in a forgiving mood today.
"Why kill you now, Prince of Troy?" Achilles questioned. "With no-one to see you fall?"
Some of the fear eased up. Achilles was not going to murder Hector. He wanted to make it a spectacle, of course. To feed his ego, make his legend stronger. She understood him as easily as she understood himself. He was in this war not for king or country, but for himself. He would make himself immortal by dying in glory. Alexa crept around the temple, until she heard the voices of her brother and her enemy again.
"Go home, Prince. Drink some wine, make love to your wife." Achilles said lazily.
One of the men came up behind Alexa, and she brandished her sword. The sounds of swords clashing brought both the group of men, Achilles, and Hector around the side of the temple.
"Alexandra?" Hector called out, as Alexa lifted her sword, raining down blows upon the men. It was an evenly matched fight, and though Alexa was surrounded by enemies, they were apparently honourable, as they left it as single combat. It continued for several minutes, until Achilles called out.
"Lyacles, stop." Achilles commanded, in a loud order. Straight away, as Alexa went to slice at the man with his sword, he fell onto one knee, with his sword placed down and his head bowed. Alexa had never seen a man stop fighting so suddenly at one order. She had the perfect opportunity to kill him, but there was no honour in killing a man on his knees who was not resisting.
She glared at Achilles, and he smirked at her.
"Can't keep the girl away from the fight, it appears."
"Alexa." Hector warned, and Alexa sheathed her sword slowly, looking at her brother. They were surrounded. She crossed over to him, and he touched her arm softly, his eyes concerned.
"Take your sister home, Prince of Troy. Tomorrow we'll have our war."
"You speak of war as if it's a game. But how many wives wait at Troy's gates for husbands they'll never see again?"
"Perhaps your brother could comfort them. I've heard he's good at charming other men's wives." Achilles retorted.
Alexa couldn't help her face breaking into a smile as she let out a soft snort of laughter. She shouldn't have given a reaction, she knew, but it was a fair comment. Hector's arm tightened around her arm and she tried to stop herself from laughing.
Achilles eyes snapped to her face, and he gave a smirk when he saw her reaction. Alexa's eyes fell to the floor, and Hector took her arm, leading her away. She felt Achilles eyes on her back, and as much as she wanted to turn around, she carried on until Hector lead her to one of the horses, helping her jump on.
"Quickly, sister. I don't know how changeable warlords can be."
"For a warrior as notorious as him, he certainly lets a lot of his enemies live. He had opportunity to kill us both, and he didn't."
"Do not take it as a kindness, sister. If there were crowds to watch it, he'd have slit our throats faster than you could say his name."
"I'm sure. But he held a sword to my throat and didn't cut it, so forgive me for being a little surprised."
"You shouldn't have even been there." Hector said angrily.
"Brother, we're not having this argument again. I have as much right to be out there fighting for Troy as you or Paris."
"You are a woman, Alexa. You cannot take part-"
"Do not call me weak, or inferior. I am a woman, yes, but I am already a more skilled fighter than Paris. If I fight, more Greeks will die, simple."
Hector rode silently beside her, knowing it was pointless to argue.
They got back to the castle, and told their father and the war council of the men they had lost against Achilles and the Myrmidons.
"As happy as I am to see our Prince and Princess safe and unharmed from a great enemy, I can't help but wonder why the Princess found herself in the heat of battle in the first place?" Didalous said, looking at Alexa with disgust.
"And you would take my place? I didn't see you on the battlefield." Alexa retorted.
"My place is to strategize and plan our movements, Princess."
"And my place is on the battlefield. You can sit here, inside, safe all you want, Didalous, but you cannot prevent me from partaking in this war." Alexa said.
"Alexandra." Priam warned her, giving her a look which meant be silent.
"Father, she's right. She's as good of a swordsman as any soldier in our army. I should know, I trained her myself. She was almost evenly matched against Achilles himself." Hector said, and Alexa looked at him with surprise. She felt a warm love for him. He had listened to her earlier, understood her. And now he would back her up, knowing how much it meant to her to join in.
"Almost. Yet he didn't kill you?" Priam asked. "Perhaps this man has honour."
"No honour. He just wouldn't bother killing a Prince or Princess of Troy without witnesses." Hector said in disgust.
"Well, he won't get another chance to. Alexa, you must stay inside the walls of Troy from now on. You did well, but your place is with the other women, not with the soldiers on the battlefield." Priam said.
"Excuse me, father, but there is no chance. I will play a part in this war as much as my brothers, and nobody will stop me. Besides, if the soldiers breach Troy's walls and take our city, I'll have no option to fight anyway."
"They will not breach the walls. It has never been done before."
"First time for everything." Alexa replied quickly. "And the first thing they'll do once they get inside is kill the men. Then they'll throw the babies from the walls, rape the women. Some of the women they'll collect, and keep as slaves. Some they will murder. So forgive me for not wanting to wait inside to die like cattle. If I am to die, I'd rather go to my death willingly, rather than wait inside like a timid midwife, sewing."
The men were silent. They knew she was right. Though they didn't like it, Alexa was going to fight in this war. She'd never let herself be taken as a slave, she'd rather die first. But her aim wasn't to die. It was to help her brothers win this war and defend her country.
