A/N: Okay, I must confess myself a little disappointed at the lack of reviews that the last chapter got. I know that a lot of you are reading these chapters but are not reviewing. Please take the time to review. It means a lot to me and I appreciate constructive criticism, praise, or even ideas for the storyline. Remember: no reviews equals no updates! Thanks. Now, here is chapter six. Read, review, and enjoy!
Chapter Six:
After she had bidden farewell to Oenone, Polyxena threw the hood over her head and stepped back into the flooded streets of the city. The clear but dark sky was scattered with stars and Polyxena slowed her pace in order to enjoy the fresh smell of the rain and feel just the faintest raindrops on her skin. Suddenly, she realized that something…or someone…had followed her from the temple and was coming up behind her. Her fingers automatically went to her side where she kept a small dagger and she stopped breathing…she should have known better than to wander the streets of Troy, especially at night, without proper protection… Then, all at once, she felt strong arms come around her and begin to drag her away. She struggled but could not get loose and let out a cry of terror. A few moments later, she heard the clash of steel and felt herself being dropped onto a cold marble surface… and she knew no more. The next thing she knew, Aeneas was lifting her gently and she opened her eyes. He said softly,
"You are abroad late, Princess."
Polyxena glanced at the weapon lying at his side. It was stained with crimson blood…
"You killed him…" she whispered.
"Yes," replied Aeneas vehemently. "I killed him. I can't bear to think about what might have happened if I hadn't chanced to be on my way to the palace…"
Polyxena looked at him and said in a clear voice that contained no trace of terror or emotion whatsoever,
"Thank you, my lord. I am eternally grateful to you."
But as she turned to go Aeneas took hold of her arm and she slowly turned her face up towards him. He bent his head and Polyxena was sure that he would have kissed her had she not suddenly freed herself from his grasp and turned away down towards to palace. Although she felt Aeneas' follow her with his eyes, she did not look back. Emotion overwhelmed her. She was frightened at what she felt for him… frightened at what she had felt for him the first time that she had seen him at the wedding feast of Paris and Helen.
Once back in her apartments, Polyxena barely had time to remove her soaked cape before Cassandra and Laodice entered. Laodice cried,
"Polyxena! Where have you been? You look as though you have just come out of the bath!"
Polyxena decided to be truthful.
"I have been to see Oenone."
"Oh come now, Polyxena!" Cassandra laughed. "You cannot have gone all the way up to Mount Ida in this weather!"
"No," said Polyxena. "I could not…and I have not. Our sister Oenone still mourns after Paris and has decided to come and offer herself and her child to the service of the gods…"
"Why did you not bring her to the palace?" asked Laodice.
"She would not come," said Polyxena sadly.
After a moment of silence, she continued,
"She has borne Paris' child."
"Oh, the poor woman," Laodice shook her head.
Cassandra stood up defiantly and said,
"Well, if our father ruled by the Old Ways, there is no possible way that Helen could be acknowledged as Paris' true wife…"
Polyxena jerked her head up,
"Why is that, Sister?"
Cassandra replied matter-of-factly,
"Because, according the Old Ways and traditions, a man and a woman are married when the woman has borne the man a son. However, as the matter now stands, Oenone is considered as little more than a harlot… a woman who has borne a child to a man out of wedlock…"
Polyxena and Laodice exchanged shocked secret glances.
Polyxena said sarcastically,
"I am sure that will make Oenone feel much better, Sister. Besides, Father does not rule by the Old Ways…"
"No," Cassandra replied quietly. "But the Achaeans do…"
A/N: Cliffie! Well…a little bit anyway. Ooh this is getting so intense to write! It may not sound very interesting just yet but give it a chance! This chapter was very important, even the thing with Aeneas at the beginning. That is very important too so pay attention! :) Keep reviewing and check back for more updates.