Okay, I think I got this. It took me awhile again to get it where I wanted it, since I was toying with a few ideas, but I think I have settled on where I want this to go. I just want to thank all you lovely people who take the time to review my story, means a lot and keep's me inspired.

Eudorus and Odysseus stood outside Achilles hut, both not afraid to admit they were in fact scared for their lives. "You are his first in lieutenant, you tell him," Odysseus said in resolve, his eyes refusing to meet said Myrmidon lieutenant.

Eudorus just looked at Odysseus, his expression telling the King there was no way he was walking into the lion's den alone. "You call yourself their friend," he rebuked in annoyance.

Odysseus sighed and looked behind him. Myrmidon soldiers were just lifeless shells as they sat round their camp replying what had just happened. Each of them was silent, too consumed with guilt to even think of speaking. They had disobeyed their King and Queen, potentially costing the life of young Patroclus. They all knew Achilles' and Achilla's decision not to fight and yet when 'Achilles' had appeared without Achilla, they had followed him without question. And to make matters ultimately worse, they had just stood there and watched as their Queen road off to Troy.

Looking back to Eudorus, Odysseus had never seen the man so sullen, his face distorted in pain as he battled with himself. He was most likely taking the blame for following Patroclus and then allowing Achilla to leave with Hector. He himself couldn't believe he had allowed such a thing to happen, but the best chance for the boy was at the Palace. He knew that Hector was not a stupid man and would not go back on his word. The problem though would be containing Achilles anger so he could see reason. He didn't even want to think what Agamemnon was going to do. He was already avoiding the man.

Sighing deeply, Odysseus stood straight and squared his shoulders mustering every ounce of confidence he possessed. "We will tell him together," he said, his voice doing nothing to reassure either of them that with the both of them they could contain the demon they were about to unleash.

Eudorus nodded and attempted to prepare himself for said demon. "My..." he cleared his throat when his voce hitched. "My Lord, may we have a word," he yelled out, his head turning one last time to Odysseus before turning back to the black hut flap waiting for it to reveal Achilles.

Achilles immerged from the hut a few moments later, a slight smirk on his face as he adjusted the ties to the sarong he had wrapped around his waist. "Did we lose the war?" he asked with amusement. He looked up at Eudorus and Odysseus when they didn't reply and felt his stomach churn when he took in their downcast faces. They were avoiding his eyes and...

Achilles' eyes narrowed and slightly darkened as he took in his lieutenant's appearance. "Eudorus, why are you covered in blood?" he asked sternly, his eyes piercing right through Eudorus' as the man met his gaze and attempted to hide what Achilles had already concluded.

Silence.

Something was wrong, Achilles could feel it. His body instantly stiffened as he looked around his camp and saw that all his men were filthy and solemn. No one was jesting, they weren't even talking, and none would look at him. Then it hit, where were Achilla and Patroclus?

Achilles stepped towards Odysseus and Eudorus, his body tense as the two men eyed each other nervously. "Where are they?" his demeaned voice ice cold, his glare threatening death should their words not be chosen wisely.

Odysseus took a deep breath and looked at Achilles. The man's face was as hard as stone and he had that look in his eyes. Someone was going to die, he was worried that it could even be him. "They are in Troy," he blurted out bravely.

Achilles just blinked in disbelief. "They are in Troy?" he repeated as if he hadn't heard right, his arms crossing over his chest, an eyebrow risen demanding for a further explanation.

Odysseus just gave him a nod.

Eudorus shifted uncomfortably. "Patroclus was hurt…bad," he muttered understanding the look and immediately bracing himself as Achilles' eyes went wide in rage. Taking a deep breath, he summed up the courage to continue. "Achilla didn't think she could save him here so Hector offered to take him back to Troy and let their physicians tend to him. She agreed. They left my lord," he sputtered, his eyes darting between Achilles and Odysseus.

Achilles just continued to stand their motionless. He could not believe what he was hearing. His head was spinning, his palms hot and sweaty as he processed everything he had just learned.

Odysseus and Eudorus looked at each other worriedly. Achilles was just standing there, his eyes seeming to glaze over as he let his rage consume him. Both men took a step back.

Achilles' nostrils flared in anger, his breathing became quicker and ragged. "You were given specific orders not to fight!" his voice rose as he said each word. "Why was he fighting?" he nearly yelled grabbing the front of Eudorus' armour and yanking him to his face. "WHY WERE THEY FIGHTING?" he finally screamed as the horror of what this meant hit him. His jaw was clenching, the large vein in his neck pulsing and his face turned a deep shade of red as he waited for his lieutenant to answer.

Briseis, having heard Achilles' raised voice, immediately immerge from the hut and stood wearily behind him. "Achilles are you..." her voice trailed off when Odysseus frantically shook his head for her to stop talking. Understanding the warning, Briseis stood back slightly, her hands clasp in front of her. Even without seeing Achilles' face, she could see the back of his neck was blood red and his body was ridged. Something terrible had happened.

Eudorus swallowed hard. "We thought he was you my lord. He wore your armour, he moved like you," he said in defence his eyes darting between Achilles' blazing eyes and clenched fist.

Achilles just breathed heavily and tightened his hold on Eudorus as he tried to control the urge to kill him, all of them for that matter. His family, the two people that shared his blood, his beloved sister, were in the hands of the Trojans because his idiotic cousin had deceived them? He was going to kill ­him.

Odysseus brought his hand out and lightly gripped Achilles' forearm, wincing as the blazing blue eyes focused on him. "He fought Hector and Achilla came out of nowhere. She saved him Achilles," he informed, wincing as his words proved to have an ill effect. Achilles was now shaking with rage. "If she hadn't distracted him enough to move, Hector would have..." he let his words trail off thinking it was best Achilles not know the gory details.

Flinging Eudorus away with such force the man to fell to the ground, Achilles glared at Odysseus. "You just let her go?" he snarled, his gaze once again making Odysseus fear for his life.

Odysseus bravely stood his ground. "Achilles, there was nothing we could do or say to convince her otherwise. Her mind was set and you know once it is, to try and change it is like trying to stop time, it's not going to happen," he said bluntly in his defence.

Eudorus, who had picked himself up, hung his head. "This is my fault milord and accept full responsibility. I knew something seemed wrong when it was you leading without her at your side, yet didn't question it," he said dejectedly. He could hardly contain the guilt and grief that was eating him alive and he would willingly accept Achilles' wrath.

Odysseus looked proudly at Eudorus. The man was as faithful as they come; if only all his men were like that, his life would be much easier. Returning to the issue of present, he cleared his throat hopping to get some form of action from the still silent and fuming Achilles, "She told us not to tell you until after she left. She said she would send word of Patroclus and Hector gave his word no harm would come to either of them."

Briseis, feeling the need to defend her cousin, stepped next to Achilles and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Achilles," her voice was soft and gentle for she knew she was dealing with a demon and any wrong word or move would send him off into a frenzy. She could see, they all could, that he was ready and willing to march right up to Troy and kill everyone in sight. "Hector would never have fought your cousin if he knew him to be just a boy." She surprised everyone as she moved in front of Achilles and grabbed his cheeks in her small hands, her thumbs gently rubbing soothingly against his skin. "He is a man of his word. He would rather sacrifice himself than go back on it. Your sister and cousin are more than safe with him," she added with as much conviction as she could muster. She did not doubt her cousin one bit.

Achilles just stared at Briseis but at the mention of Hector, he flung her hands away from his face, momentarily feeling bad at the hurt in her eyes but quickly squashing it. This was her fault, she had distracted him. He had heard the attack, heard the fighting, but chose to ignore it. Now look at what happened? His cousin was fighting for his life and his sister had put them both in danger. The Trojans would torture her, hang her or... He couldn't even think of such things happening to her. She was their enemy; she was Queen of the Myrmidons the most feared Grecians, that was enough for every Trojan on the island to instantly want her dead.

Turning to Eudorus, Achilles' mind was set. "We march for Troy and will burn it to the ground to get them back. They will curse the day they ever heard of Myrmidons'," he snarled and was about to storm off when Briseis grabbed his shoulder.

Briseis' eyes widened in fear not for one second doubting that he wouldn't do it. "They would shoot you down before you even reached the gates," she yelled. Not only did she fear for her family, her people, but, and she hated to admit this, she didn't want to take the chance she would lose him.

Achilles stopped and spun around and was about to give her the verbal lashing of a lifetime when Odysseus stepped protectively in front of her. "She is right Achilles," he said firmly wondering where the courage was coming from to face Achilles and to utter such words. The man looked like the bringer of death his face was so enraged. But didn't he want to concur Troy? Wasn't this an excuse to bring it down? Shaking his head, he concluded that he didn't want to risk the chance that such actions would result in Achilla and Patroclus losing their lives. She was too important. "You know Hector to be honourable, he won't harm Achilla. She can handle herself and wouldn't allow anything to happen to Patroclus. Give them a few weeks, anything, before you jump to reckless action and throw away the lives of your men or theirs. She wouldn't want it," he added playing upon Achilles one weakness, his love for his family. He had never, ever, felt so relieved when he saw Achilles face soften, ever so slightly. It wasn't much, but it was something.

Achilles knew Odysseus was right, knew his sister was right in seeking the best medical attention for Patroclus. But if anything, anything, happened to her or Patroclus died, or worse both of them did, the fury of the Gods would seem like a warm breeze compared to what he will do. Hector being the first target.

Glancing up at Eudorus, he felt guilty about his treatment towards the man. He was the most loyal of men and a good friend. The pain on his face was enough for Achilles to know he was blaming himself for Patroclus and no doubt Achilla. "We wait," he sighed locking eyes with Eudorus. Nodding to the man, he looked at Odysseus then with one last look to a tearful Bruises, he stormed off to be alone before he did kill someone.

The sun was setting while Achilles sat in the warm sand, the fresh ocean breeze blowing his shoulder length blood hair around him, the waves crashing against the beach as if reaching out to him. He had been sitting in this very spot since he had heard Achilla had left and he still couldn't believe what had happened. How did everything go from being so wonderful to devastatingly bad?

He knew Achilla's decision had been the most logical, but he still could not control the anger that consumed him. He wanted to kill Hector for even thinking of harming his cousin. He tried to reason with himself that Hector thought it was him, but that did nothing, he was just too far gone.

He wanted to kill that Prince Paris and Helen for they were the ones who had started this whole mess, the reason he and Achilla were here to begin with. He wanted to kill Odysseus for manipulating him into coming by using fancy words knowing he would fall right into them. He certainly wanted, and knew, that one day either he or Achilla would kill Agamemnon for he was the real reason behind everything.

He was going to kill Patroclus, he was sure of that, for leading his army and even thinking he stood a chance at fighting Hector. Because of that foolish boy and his reckless decision, he and his sister were behind the walls of Troy and he had no idea what was going on. For all he knew she could be suffering, in need of him. His body physically ached as horrible images flashed before his eyes as to what could be happening to her. She was never away from him, never in danger without him next to her to protect her should she need it.

Ever since Achilla had almost died all those years ago, he had realised just how much he loved her. She had always thought he hated her in their youth. Truth was he did for quite some time; but somehow the little girl who was just like him, who had so much passion inside her, so much strength, had burned her place in his heart. She was so young when she had her first battle, so young when she almost lost her life. He had nearly died himself thinking she would leave the world and him alone in it. He had made a promise one night by her bedside that he would protect her and never allow the situation to be repeated. And it never hand.

Achilles could feel Briseis looking at him, her timid eyes darting between him and the ground trying to determine whether he was going to allow her to approach. He did want her next to him, but he couldn't guarantee his temper would stay in check and the only person who was ever brave enough to face said temper head on was Achilla, and she was not here. He didn't want to scare Briseis, he knew he already did, so he stayed where he was and allowed her to make the decision herself. She could approach him, he wouldn't stop her, but he wouldn't encourage it either. She would come at her own risk.

"Achilles," Briseis addressed softly as she sat next to him. Achilles continued to stare out at the blanket of water and made no indication he had heard her. She knew he did. Taking a deep, brave breath, Briseis put her hand on Achilles arm that was resting on his bent knee. "Agamemnon has been screaming for you," she informed, her voice soft and tentative.

Achilles snorted. "I bet he has. Probably wants me to go and kill every Trojan on this damn Island…not that the temptation isn't there," he grumbled lowly, his gaze sill remaining fixated on the crashing waves. He still was coming to terms with the fact that he wasn't going to do just that. He would wait, but only for a short time, and if no word arrived before then, previous threat would become a bitter reality.

Briseis nodded in understanding. She felt for him, she really did. A blind man would be able to see the amount of love he had for his young cousin and the even larger amount of love he had for his sister, the one woman Briseis knew would always be the number one woman in his life and she was okay with that. She knew the bond between the siblings was strong, unbreakable. She would never question or try to come in between it, she respected and admired it. She knew Achilles loved her and that was all she needed. "But you won't, will you?" she asked timidly, her fingers coming up and brushing the hair away from his face and tucking it behind his ear. She could tell he was still angry, his jaw was clenched, muscles twitching from the pressure. She knew, though, that he was going to heed Achilla's wishes.

Achilles snapped his head to face Briseis. "For now. But I warn you Briseis, I will not wait forever and if anything happens to either of them, or Patroclus dies, there will be nothing anyone can say, you included, that will dissuade me," he promised, his eyes conveying the truth behind his words.

Briseis gulped and nodded. She could understand that. She knew she would most likely feel the same way if she was in his position. "I know and I understand. But I feel it is important to reiterate that Hector has never gone back on his word, he will not start now. Achilla and Patroclus will be safe," she paused as a sudden realization hit her and her eyes immediately lit up. "Perhaps we could go to Troy and see how they are?" she suggested softly, her hand still running through his hair.

Achilles had not thought of that and just stared at Briseis in bewilderment. Sure they could go, but she would not be permitted to come back with him. Not to mention every Trojan there would have their bows aimed straight for him. He would be shot before they would let him in. Suddenly he felt guilty for his harsh words and for even thinking that this was her fault. He felt his heart swell as her words of understanding sunk in. She was trying to help him and he appreciated it.

Shaking his head, Achilles grabbed Briseis' hand and intertwined their fingers. "No, they would kill me before even thinking of letting me behind the walls," he exclaimed calmly. He was surprised how much better he was already feeling with her next to him, touching him, offering comforting words.

Briseis nodded but wanted to make sure that he knew just what she was offering. "Achilles, I would grant you the same pardon as Hector is granting Achilla. I know a place that would allow us to get inside the Palace undetected. Only the Royal family knows about it and I trust you enough to take you to see your sister and cousin," her words were spoken with truth and conviction, her eyes telling him that she wouldn't hesitate to do such a thing.

Achilles eyes widened in shock knowing the chance she would take if they were to do such a thing. "You would do that?" he asked in disbelief.

Briseis nodded without hesitation. She wouldn't have suggested it if she wouldn't do it. She cared for Achilla and even Patroclus, and she knew that Achilles would not be at ease until he knew what was going on, knew that his cousin and sister faired well. "I would. I love you Achilles, you know that, and I would do anything for you," she said taking his face in her hands and pulling him to her, sealing her words with a powerful kiss.

Achilles pulled away after a few moments and leaned his forehead against hers. He was amazed at what she was telling him, what she was offering to do for him, for his family, and it only made him love her more. "And I you," he replied lovingly. "But let us wait a few days, wait for word from Achilla," he resolved, a hand coming up and rubbing against her delicate cheek.

Briseis nodded and bit her lip wondering if he would act on his previous statement. "And if nothing comes?" she asked hopping that he would at least allow her to take him to the palace before doing anything foolish before answers were sought.

Achilles shut his eyes unable to answer that. He knew what it would mean to her if he sought vengeance should Achilla or Patroclus be harmed or dead, but he wouldn't be able to stop himself. He knew it. Deciding he would take her word that Hector would honour his word, he would first go see for himself what was going on then go from there. Opening his eyes, he could see the turmoil swirling in her beautiful brown orbs. "I am willing to give your word a chance. If we do not receive a message as to their condition, you and I will go and see for ourselves. Should it prove that Hector did in fact go against his word…," he let his voice trail off knowing she knew what he would do.

Letting out the breath she had been holding, Briseis was thrilled. He was taking her word that Hector was honourable and that meant a lot. She nodded in understanding and leaned in kissing his lips before pulling away and snuggling into his chest when he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and brought her close to his body.

Achilles didn't want this moment to end as he rested his cheek on her brow after giving it a lingering kiss. The woman who he loved was in his arms and despite his doubts and worry about his family, he was happy just sitting here with her. He had been happy every moment he had been in her company. "Would you really leave Troy?" he suddenly asked unable to stop the words as they came from his mouth.

Briseis was not expecting that question and continued to stare at the sea in thought. "I would if you asked me to," she said barely above a whisper not for a second doubting her answer. She had said she would do anything for him and that meant even leaving Troy.

Soooo, what do you think? Yeah or Neigh?