AN: Thank you for all the amazing reviews that I recieved. I'm sorry I couldn't update sooner, but I have been detained by work. Now, before I respond to reviews as I usually do, I have a few burning question that I hope someone, anyone can provide me some answers to. I have been doing a little research to write this story better and to give me some inspiration, unfortunately all that it has given me so far is a tangle of confusion.

1. Is Achilles' father, Peleus, prince of Thessaly or King of Phthia, or both?

2. Apollo is the god of music, but is he also the god of the sun? Is Helios the god of the sun? Or are they both gods of the sun and Helios is the roman name for Apollo?

3. Is Mother Earth's name Themis, Gaia, or both?

That's all the questions I have so far, if anyone can give me answers I'd really appreciate it. Next, let me respond to some of the most excellent reviews that I have ever recieved.

Chandramukhi: Hmm, a duel between Achilles and Paris, you say? Excellent idea! I prophesize that our two heros may clash swords in the future. Lol.

Bosie Bloo: I don't remember that part about Ruffus falling out of the sky, but I laughed just as hard when I read it from your review. Jay is awesome! What I would say, especially at the moment, would be: "It's not like beautiful naked Greek and Trojan men fall outta the sky you know!"

Trojans: Or would Thetis be the evil, much dreaded mother-in-law? Dundundun.

Chaosity: Wow! Thank you so, so much for such a thorough review. Before I continue, and I'm gonna sound stupid for asking it, but what is an AU fic? Thank you also for the excellent suggestion of words. I haven't had time to really look into them yet, or to make changes my story, but I will very soon. Oh my gods! You read my mind. I'd just say so much, otherwise I'd ruin the story, but there is one other factor that I have inserted into this chapter, a little twist, that I hope none of you have anticipated.

reader: Concerning chapter 7, I thought I wrote something that I obviously didn't, so I will go back soon to clear that mess of boat/tent up. Yes, I was wondering if "Amen" was too Christian-ish when I was writing it. Also if you could point out to me specifically where I mixed colloquiallism and modern language with "classic" then I would gladly go back and revise. You can leave me a message on the review board, or you can feel free to email me at nataliehudson028hotmail.com. No spam please.

Shannon Roberts: Yes, in tradition of the Trojan royal family, they can't seem to take good advice, otherwise how would we ever get such a delightful story as Troy? And what excuse would we have of catching delectible glimpses of Brad Pitt's butt? ;P

Alright, if you're reading this, I congratulate and thank you for not losing patient with me and just skipping to the story. But now, I will hold my tongue so that you can enjoy chapter 9 in peace.

Enjoy and review!

xoxo, nat


Chapter 9

Andromache stole through the palace, her husband's sword hidden in her deep cloak. The sky blushed as Apollo began to drive his fiery chariot through the sky. The drops from Artemis' bath still lingered on each blade of grass and each piece of leave. The crickets had quieted their nocturnal songs, only to be replaced by the shriller melodies of the birds.

Paris stepped out of his chamber and drew back, startled to find someone waiting for him. "Good morning, sister! Have you been waiting for me?"

"Yes, but I have not waited long."

"What service may I do you?"

"I heard that you are sailing to Greece to seek and slay Achilles."

Paris chuckled. "The palace does have many eyes and ears. Do you wish to stop me as well? My father could not stop me, my wife could not stop me, and you will be no exception."

"Ah," Andromache said with a grave smile, "but I will be an exception, brother. For you see, I want you to go to Greece."

"You do?"

Andromache nodded. "I want you to kill the man who took my husband and your brother's life. Finish what Hector should have finished." She thrust Hector's sword into Paris' hands.

Paris stared down at the heavy weapon in his hands, then in a flash, he pulls out the sword that hadn't seen light since the death of its master. It gleamed brightly in the light of the rising sun, ready as ever.

---

Under Apollo, and in the presence of Thetis and the Myrmidons, Achilles and Briseis wedded. All day and night, they danced merrily and feasted heartily. Thetis smiled but was silent. She was happy that her son had returned, happy for him that he had found and wedded the one he loved, but her heart felt ill at ease. The prophecy had not been fulfilled, thus it could only mean one thing - the war with Troy had yet to end.

Achilles was still laughing as he sat down beside his mother. His eyes lingered constantly on his new wife, who looked radiant in her blue dress that Briseis had made and Thetis had hand-dyed herself. The seashell necklace that he had given her glittered in its pearly brilliance as Briseis dance, but even the lustrous gems of the sea paled in comparison to the even more brilliant smile on her face.

For the first time since the war began, Briseis felt only happiness. Let her troubles stay in Troy. She was determined to be a good wife and begin a life of wedded bliss with Achilles. 'I can only be condemned to Tartarus once, and since I have made my decision, it makes no difference that I sin again.'

"How fare you, mother?" Achilles asked. Thetis looked at her smiling son. He had always been a silent and solemn boy, his face often expressionless, his emotions seen only through the thrust of his sword and the throw of his spear.

"Very well, my dear. I am happy for you. You have picked a fine wife."

"Aye," Achilles agreed readily, admiring his wife as she danced. He turned to his mother. "But something troubles you, mother. From the moment I return, I know that something has been on your mind."

Thetis smiled slightly. "How did you know?"

"I am not your son without a reason. You have raised me, and cared for me, and loved me all these years. How can I not know my own mother's heart?"

Thetis rubbed her hand against his cheek as she had when he was just a boy. "Dear, dear heart," she said softly.

"Mother, please tell me what is wrong."

Thetis shook her head. "It's nothing, my son. Go enjoy your wedding day," a sadness passed over her eyes and her voice grew somber with grief, "your wife awaits you."

---

Odysseus entered Agamemnon's court wearily. It truly was a disgrace as a king himself to serve another king, especially one as wicked as Agamemnon. But as he had reasoned with Achilles before, sometimes, one must follow in order to lead. He wondered what was the cause of this meeting, guessing vaguely that the matter concerned Troy since Agamemnon retreated rather unsatisfied.

Odysseus was the last to enter Agamemnon's court, and he found the Greek king yelling furiously when he arrived.

"Who did you say was leading the Trojans?" Agamemnon demanded.

"Prince Paris," Nestor replied, rather meekly.

"Paris? The same one who begged his brother to help him fight?"

It was a rhetorical question, but Nestor nodded anyway.

"I will be the laughing stock of the world! To be defeated by a child! A child!" Agamemnon turned from Nestor and saw Odysseus. "Ah, Odysseus. I have been impatiently awaiting your arrival."

Odysseus bowed slightly. "I apologize for the delay, my lord."

Agamemnon gave a dismissive wave at Odysseus' apology. "Achilles lives in Ithaca?"

"I believe so, my lord."

"Good. Then you shall seek him out and kill the coward who abandoned us at Troy."

"But my lord, you said..." Odysseus began.

"I want Achilles dead. Either you can do it, or I will send in my army. And if I need to kill everyone in Ithaca to find and kill Achilles, then I will. Now, Odysseus, shall I do the deed? Or shall I leave the pleasure to you?" Agamemnon leered.

Odysseus contemplated, he could see Nestor looking at him pitifully. Ah, how did great men like Nestor and he come to obey such men as Agamemnon? Odysseus gave an inward sigh. He could either sacrifice his friend, or every one of his countrymen.

"I'll do it."

Agamemnon gave a hearty laugh. "I knew you would! I give you three moons' time to bring Achilles' head to me. If I don't have his head by then, you leave me no choice but to send in my men."


What do you guys think? Review, review and review so that my inbox will be stuffed and I will be forced to update in order to clear it out! :D Suggestions and constructive criticisms are more than welcomed!