Children of Troy
A Troy sequel by talking2myself
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing from Troy only my own original characters.
Chapter. 6 Warriors and Stowaways
Darius was a tall young man with wild black curls. He was a fierce young fighter and Comus's bodyguard, though more often than not he ended up Comus's accomplice in his tricks. There was no laughter in his voice or smile on his face now. Darius had finally recovered from the worst headache he had ever had in his life. Now he stood there serious and erect in the king's chambers. "I'd like to come, my lord," he said, "I don't like the thought of Comus out there by himself."
Paris was packing. He haphazardly threw clothes into his bag barely paying attention to young Darius. "The ship sails at dawn," Paris said, "If you truly mean to come be ready and onboard by then."
"Yes, my lord," Darius said before bowing and backing out of the room. He nearly collided with Andromache as he did. "Forgive me, my princess," he said quickly. Andromache nodded curtly before stepping inside. Darius stared at her in confusion for a moment. Was that a bow on her back?
Andromache cleared her throat to announce her presence. Paris looked up distractedly. Then, he suddenly caught sight of the bow. "What's this?" he asked.
"I'm coming with you," Andromache told him.
Paris let out a heavy sigh, "Andromache."
"You can't tell me to stay!" Andromache snapped, "My child is out there!"
"You should stay here," Paris said.
"NO!" Andromache nearly yelled, "Astynax is all I have left! He's my world! If our roles were switched would you want to be left behind?!"
Paris let out a heavy sigh. It was true. Andromache did have every right to come. He wasn't afraid for her safety either. She had survived the collapse of Troy. She had spent months alone in the wilderness with Helen and a pregnant Briseis. Hector had married a strong woman and she would fight tooth and nail for her son.
"Try to keep yourself out of sight," Paris said, "Bringing a woman aboard will only create scandal."
Andromache looked mildly surprised at his sudden change of heart. She nodded and pulled her cloak up over her head. "I'll see you onboard."
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Paris went back to his room, moving quietly so he wouldn't wake Helen or Hermione. He ran his hands over the smooth panels until he found the one he was looking for. Giving it a small push he opened it. He pulled out a long scabbard which covered an ancient sword. The Sword of Troy. The only thing that he had left of his old life. The only thing he had that reminded him of his father or brother. It was a bittersweet article. While it reminded him of his father, it also reminded him of the shame of his fight with Menelaus, the destruction of Troy when he had given it to Aeneas for safe keeping, the fight with Orestes that had nearly killed him. He drew it out watching the moonlight and lightning flash across its surface. He had put it away a long time ago. Shortly after the palace in Kerbero had been built. When the twins had been born. He had promised that he would never use it again. He was never the warrior that his brother had been nor did he want to be. Paris let out a heavy sigh. He should've known even then. Nothing is certain. He would break a promise. He would become a warrior again.
"Uncle," a small voice said. Paris jumped at it and turned. Neo was standing there in the doorway. He looked up at Paris with wide eyes.
"Neo," Paris said gently, "What is it you need?"
"I want to come with you," Neo said softly.
Paris let out a heavy sigh, "You want to come as well? Who else can I bring?! Evadne? Helen? Hermione? Might as well make it a family affair."
Neo bit back Paris's sarcasm, "You don't understand!"
"I understand perfectly," Paris said once again gentle again, "but your place is here. Take care of your mother and Helen and Hermione."
Neo scowled, "That's what you told me when I was a child and you wouldn't take me on your hunting trips."
"You are a child, Neoptolemus," Paris reprimanded, "I know you're worried about your cousins and your heart is in the right place, but I can't take you with. Your mother would never approve. There are a thousand dangers out there!"
"But I have to come!" Neo cried, "Astynax would do the same for me!"
Paris gazed at him understandingly, "I see what it is now." he said softly, "You feel guilty. Guilty because they didn't take you."
Neo studied the ground. That told Paris his answer. He lifted Neo's chin. "It wasn't your fault," he said gently, "I don't know why he didn't take you, but I'm so glad he didn't. At least I have one family member who's still safe." Paris gave Neo a pat on the shoulder before leaving the room.
Neo stood there for a few moments. He raised his chin defiantly. If you're not going to bring me along, I'll have to find some other way of getting there.
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Theron struggled to stand as the sea rocked beneath his legs. He nearly collapsed on to the deck of the ship. This was the only time they had been allowed out of their tiny cells and he was grateful for the fresh air, but Theron clearly did not have his sea legs. Besides that they were being forced to scrub floors and other mundane chores. The men weren't making it any easier for them.
"Hanging in there, Theron?" Astynax asked.
"Seasick," Theron said, "Not as bad as Comus though."
"Where is he anyway?" Astynax asked.
BLECH! They could hear a loud noise. Theron winced. Maragon arrived seconds later with Comus who was looking rather green.
"Where were you two...?"
"Don't ask!" Mara interrupted fiercely.
Comus flopped down next to his bucket, "This is punishment from the gods!" he groaned, "I never should've put that frog in Hermione's jewelry box!"
Theron chuckled at his brother. Comus could find a humorous side to any situation.
The appearance of a sailor halted their laughter. They all gazed up at him with suspicion.
"Well, it's about time we had a lady aboard the ship," he chuckled cruelly fingering Mara's curls.
"Don't you dare touch me!" Mara snapped, "I'll rip your arm off!"
"Ooh!" he grinned, "You have some spunk to you. I like that. Still young enough to be limber too."
"Don't you talk to her that way!" Astynax cried.
"Oh and what are you going to do to me whelp?" the sailor snapped, "You forget who is the slave here." He ran his hand up Mara's arm to her shoulder. Mara struggled to break away, but he gripped her tightly and kissed her hard on the mouth.
"Leave her alone!" Theron screamed bolting to his feet. He lifted his bucket, water splashing everywhere and beat the man hard across the head with it. He let out a cry of pain and released his grip on Mara. Mara stomped hard on his foot and pulled away wiping her sleeve across her mouth in disgust.
"Why you impudent little...!" the man bellowed.
"Alastor!" Menoetius hollered. The man looked up in shock.
"My captain."the man, Alastor apparently, said with a bow.
"Get back to your duties!" Menoetius snapped, "I want to get to Mycenae as soon as possible."
"Yes, my captain," he bowed so low his large nose almost touched the deck. As soon as Menoetius was out of sight he glared at Theron. "You'll pay for this, whelp!"
Astynax gently put his hands on Mara's shoulders, "Are you alright?"
"That horrible...! That terrible...! That lousy...!... MAN!" Mara burst out in angry rage. Tears flowed from her eyes. "How could he?!"
Astynax held her close, "It's okay. I'll never let that man come near you again."
-888-
The hour that they were allowed out past far too quickly. Soon Menoetius ordered the guards to take them back to their cells. Theron hefted Comus's bucket which was still half full of water. Comus could scarcely stand up without Maragon and Astynax assisting him. With those two ahead Theron followed behind him. Unfortunately, that was when Alastor saw his chance. As Theron walked by Alastor casually stuck his foot out. Theron fell to the ground. The water flew from his bucket... right into the face of Menoetius.
SPLASH! Menoetius was drenched. He stood there for a few moments shaking in rage before he bellowed out, "Who did this?!"
"This one, sir!" Alastor said quickly hauling Theron to his feet.
"What?! No!" Theron cried, "It was an accident! He tricked me!"
Menoetius gripped Theron's neck hard. "You have some gall!" He threw him down to the ground. "Boatswain!"
A hefty fearsome looking man stepped forwards, "Aye captain!"
"Twenty lashes ought to teach him a thing or two," he snapped.
"No!" Theron begged, "No, please, it was an accident!"
"Leave him alone!" Astynax yelled, "He didn't do it!" Two of the guards held him and the others back. The boatswain stood over Theron and brought the whip down hard across his back. Theron sobbed in pain, but the lashes didn't stop. Theron blacked out halfway through falling down to the wooden dock.
"Theron! Theron! Please!" he could hear Mara begging.
Theron forced his eyes open. He was lying there cradled in Astynax's arms. "Theron, are you alright?!" Theron was trembling with pain. He moaned and sobbed in Astynax's arms.
"Get him back in his cell!" Menoetius ordered.
Mara slipped her hands into his, "Theron, please tell me you're okay!"
"Let go!" Theron moaned pulling his hands away. Mara looked at him in confusion.
"Theron? What are you..."
"You wanted an adventure," Theron sobbed, "An adventure? Is this what you wanted?!" He dropped to the ground again too weak to move. He lay there sobbing hard. Maragon opened her mouth to speak, but she was never given the chance. Two guards dragged Theron away and the rest of them were thrown in their cells without another word.
-888-
Paris stood on the edge of the ship gazing out at the sea. It had been two days since they had left and so far things had been going smoothly. Paris prayed softly to Poseidon for swift winds and a safe journey to Mycenae. Ships had been sent out everywhere, nearly the entire Trojan navy was looking for the missing children.
Andromache stood next to him her hair blowing back in the breeze. Her jaw was set with fierce determination. Hovering in the background was Ajax. After much pleading Paris had allowed him to come along mainly because he had the most naval experience. He hadn't spoken to Paris since they had left. No words seemed right. Ajax had failed him. He knew it. The world knew it. Coming on this voyage was the only chance to set things right.
"My lord!" Paris whirled around as Darius made his way through, "Look what I found hiding in a barrel." He dragged Neo out by his collar.
"Neo!" Andromache cried, "What on earth are you doing here?!"
"I'm coming with!" Neo said resolutely, "There's no arguing it now! You can't turn around! You'll waste time!"
"You foolish boy!" Paris cried.
"Foolish or not," Neo continued defiantly, "I am coming!"
"More like his father every day," Ajax said with a small smile. Paris glared at Ajax.
"You're not helping!" he barked. Ajax frowned. What else is new? Paris gripped Neo's arm and dragged him down below lecturing him as they went down, "You are to stay below until we reach Mycenae! Keep a sword with you at all times."
"I'm stuck down here!" Neo cried, "Why?!"
"Because it's safe down here," Paris said, "And battle is no place for a child!" he put extra emphasis on the last word before closing the cabin door and going back upstairs. Neo let out a heavy sigh. It wasn't the exact way he had planned it, but he was going to Mycenae whether Paris liked it or not.