-1The soldiers were caught by surprise but followed the order as quickly as they could. While they pulled the large doors, Elisabena grabbed a spear and squeezed through the narrow opening.
Once outside the safety of the city she ran as fast as she could to where Achilles was beginning to hastily tie a rope around Hector's ankles.
"Achilles!" she yelled angrily, causing the man to look up. Without warning, Elisabena hurled her spear. The Greek had almost no time to react but managed to duck in time and watched the weapon lodge itself in the dirt. He stood and stared at the person, the woman, who had just tried to kill him.
"Who are you, woman?" he asked with annoyance.
Elisabena glared at him, her sword drawn and pointed at him. "You have taken more from me than anyone should ever have to lose. You killed my husband by Apollo's temple, now my brother dies by your sword as well! And you're trying to disgrace him!"
"El...Elisabena?" Achilles was beyond shocked.
Elisabena glared at him and snapped, "I am a princess of Troy and shall be addressed as such!"
Achilles looked at her, studying her face and seeing the anguish mixed with rage, and suddenly realized what he had done. He realized that killing Hector would not bring his dear cousin Patroclus back to him. But it was too late now, the deed had been done, and he would now face the consequences.
Another fight ensued, this time between Elisabena and Achilles. The Greek had not started this battle and fought only to protect himself. He had to admit that he did not blame Princess Elisabena. Hades, if he was in her position he would have done the same thing. He knew he deserved it.
Blow after blow and Achilles could tell his opponent was a brilliant fighter, comparable to himself. No more than a few minutes after the bout had begun Elisabena had received a cut on he lower arm that only seemed to fuel her desire to kill the Myrmidon. More intense moments passed and the Trojan princess swung her sword low to the ground and struck Achilles in his heel.
The Greek man faltered. Both his companion and Elisabena stared, wondering what was going to happen next.
Up on the wall with the royal family, Andromache, having been hurriedly informed by Helen that Elisabena had rushed out of the city, watched, eyes wide. She couldn't believe the scene that was unfolding before her eyes. She watched as Achilles attempted, weakly, to make another move but was jolted as Elisabena thrust her sword through his abdomen.
Elisabena inhaled sharply when Achilles sunk to his knees. She pulled her sword out of him and stepped back but stayed alert, as Achilles' friend and companion was running towards them.
"My lord!" he said frantically, dropping to his commander's side.
"Eudorus," Achilles calmly spoke, "Take the Myrmidons home. You're their leader now, my friend."
"Yes, my lord."
"Announce that Prince Hector shall receive the proper honors, that no Greek will attack Troy for…twelve…twelve days…"
He was fading fast but had just one last thing to say. "And Eudorus, my friend, bring Briseis back to her family. Bring her safe and unharmed. She…she deserves hap…happiness."
"Briseis?" Elisabena gasped, "You have Briseis?"
Achilles managed to nod before he closed his eyes and breathed his last. Elisabena momentarily thought herself a horrible person because she did not care that the man was dead, but then she remembered how much he had taken from her and her family. She rushed over to Hector as Eudorus lifted his commander onto their chariot and rode away.
The princess dropped to her knees next to her brother and stroked his forehead gently. Fresh tears made their way down her dirty cheeks, making lines through the grime.
"Hector," she wept, "Hector, I miss you already."
Elisabena clung to his hand and held it to her chest as several Trojan soldiers exited the city and walked to their Princess and fallen Prince. The guards picked up Hector's body and carried him into the city. Elisabena didn't let go of him until his hand slipped from her grasp, and she stayed where she was on the ground.
She stayed that way until she felt someone kneel beside her. She looked up and saw her sister-in-law.
"Elisabena, that was a stupid thing you did, you could have gotten killed, too!" Andromache spoke, "But…thank you. The gods only know what that monster would have done to my Hector if he had been allowed to take him. I'm glad you're alright, I don't know what I would've done if I lost you."
Elisabena smiled weakly at her best friend. It was then that Andromache noticed the gash on her arm. "Elisabena, you're hurt! Again! Come to mine and H…Hector's chambers," she hesitated, "I'll sew up that cut."
The princess nodded and the two stood and slowly made their way back to the city and to the palace. They clung to one another to find comfort the entire way.