A Change In Action
By Chrissykat
Disclaimer: Hi there everyone. Yes my story is back on track as I'm finally putting the details of how I shall end it together. I have actually had to split this chapter up only because I felt it was getting way long, you've waited a really long time for it and the next part starts in flashback and it would get way confusing to read it all here. A few notes: Just picture Briseis' hair in this part as the way she wears it in that final scene in the movie. The dress she wears if I did my research right is called a chiton. There are different types of chitons; hers would probably be considered an Ionic chiton. Anyway sit back relax and get ready for the action to pick up again. Read, Review and Enjoy!
Chapter 13: Loyalty and Ambition Collide
"It is the nature of ambition to make men liars and cheats, to hide the truth in their breasts and show, like jugglers, another thing in their mouths, to cut all friendships and enmities to the measure of their own interest, and to make a good countenance without the help of good will."
Sallust
"The greater the loyalty of a group toward the group, the greater is the motivation among the members to achieve the goals of the group, and the greater the probability that the group will achieve its goals."
Rensis Likert
Zeus raged throughout the long night; his fury going unabated caused unrest throughout Troy. For Achilles and Briseis who slept unsoundly it was a night filled with both dreams of more pleasant times and nightmares of all the evils that may befall them.
Apollo' golden chariot was hidden from view. The glowing sun blocked out by the dark rain clouds that overshadowed the entire city. Breaking through the clouds bolts of lighting lit up the sky in angry succession.
Briseis bolted up her eyes widened with terror as she gasped for breath. Her heart was pounding rapidly in her chest and she desperately tried to slow it down lest she become ill. Flopping back down against the soft bedding Briseis closed her eyes and clutched at the sheet that lay draped over her. Her dreams had been so vivid, so real; the smell of the smoke, the flames burning around her, the terrible shrieking screams of her people. It was Troy in ashes a conflagration brought about by the Greeks. Briseis had viewed all she held dear consumed by the fires and Achilles too was among the ashes.
"Nothing but a dream, it was nothing but a dream." She whispered out loud over and over. Rubbing away the few tears that had slipped out Briseis realized how silly it was to get so worked up over something as ridiculous as a dream. Troy's walls stood as strong a defense as ever and Achilles…in a few hours she would be with him again.
The sounds of the storm outside coursed through her ears once she had calmed down and she watched in silence as the rain fell crashing into puddles upon the balcony. No doubt the miserable weather was the reason for her horrific dreams.
There was a chill in the air that drifted about the bedroom causing Briseis to shiver as she crawled out of bed. She slipped a around her shoulders then sat down wearily in front of her dressing table. A basin of water and a cloth for drying looked incredibly refreshing so Briseis scooped up a generous amount of the water and splashed it onto her face. As she dried the droplets from her skin she lifted a hand to her hair and frowned. Having such unruly hair had been troublesome at best, today was no different. It stuck up in places looking utterly disheveled.
Comb in hand Briseis began the chore of taming her wild locks. Her fingers worked methodically as she pulled it into pins and a golden fastener. This allowed for some to flow down her back and a few curly strands curved over her cheeks.
With her hair now looking as decent as she could make it Briseis strode over to the dressing cabinet. Most of her dresses were still strewn about the floor save the one she had worn the day before. Upon opening the doors her mouth opened wide in surprise. Hanging within the empty cabinet was one of the most beautiful gowns she had ever seen. Lying underneath was a scroll and a matching pair of sandals. Curiosity got the best of her and Briseis delicately pulled both the sandals and the fine linen chiton out.
With treasures in hand she glided back over to the chair and sat down. The sandals were placed lightly on top of the dress across her lap before Briseis broke seal on the scroll. Tears filled her eyes as she read the heartwarming letter.
"My dear niece,
How heavy my heart is. It saddens me to think of your leaving when only yesterday it seems you arrived here in Troy to join me and your cousins. The day you were brought before me was a day mixed with grief and joy. Your mothers passing so soon after your two beloved brothers I can only imagine was a crushing blow for one so young. You were the sweetest child then, so frightened to disappoint but eager to please everyone. Now years later you leave us as a grown woman; caring kind and above all stronger for all you have had to bare.
This is a harsh and hard world that we live in. Your experiences over the last few days have taught you that if nothing else. But though you have faced incredible misfortunes they as well as the wonderful memories have shaped the marvelous woman you have become; one I am certain your mother would be proud of. Over the years laughter and love were your gifts to this family. May you receive the same comfort and love from others that you gave to us.
I have lavished much affection on you but now I bestow one final gift to you. This gown was your mothers. It was found among the items that were sent with you many years ago. When I saw it I had it put aside for you until now. Your mother wore it at the last feast she and your father attended here in Troy. It was a special day not only for the kingdom but especially for them. My sister learned that day that she was with child once more; you Briseis. It is my strongest belief that Pymaya would want you her only daughter to have it now.
Be safe my dear girl and remember us with fondness and love as we will remember you.
Uncle"
Priam, her sweet uncle with his kindly manner had given her so much. It ached to know that she may have disappointed him. This quiet acceptance of all she had done lessened that pang. She placed the note onto the dressing table her eyes now riveted to the magnificent garment her mother had worn long ago. Briseis admired each and every detail as she held it up.
Unlike the priestess chitons she wore only days ago the shoulders were cinched at the top by two blue ornamented clasps. Pins instead of wooden buttons fastened the cloth along the long sleeves exposing the arms in various places. The plunging neckline resembled those worn by Andromache and Helen. However it was tapered off higher up by a thin piece of fabric with a pin in the middle. It was gathered around the waist by an exquisite belt of metal and blue brooches. Briseis could not stop smiling at the color that was mirrored in every inch of the dress; Achilles had worn a robe that had been similar in color days ago at the cove.
It was not long before Briseis stood swathed in the luxurious linen garment her hands brushing along every inch of the fabric. Her eyes sparkled with joy; it was a perfect fit. She would cherish it as long as she lived she was sure.
Briseis spent another few minutes adjusting the outfit before slipping on the sandals before she began gathering the few meager items she had planned to take with her. So much was about to change in her life.
And by the end of the day Troy too would be forever changed.
Priam stood before the grand statue of Zeus after offering up his daily prayers. It was a ritual he had performed every day as far back as he could remember. The gods were always present in everyday life and deserved nothing less then his undivided attention. However on this day much of his focus was on the people he ruled over, his sons and most of all his niece. So he in turn beseeched the gods to watch over them all especially Briseis that she might find protection with Achilles and all the happiness her heart desired.
His quiet moment of prostration over Priam did not need to turn around to know that Glaucus stood a few feet away patiently waiting for him. 40 years of fighting side by side together made it easy for them to almost read each others minds. "Glaucus."
The old general bowed his head before addressing the king, "My lord, the Greek peace consul will be arriving in a hour with the treaty to sign. I thought you would wish to be informed."
Priam picked himself up slowly stepping with aged grace over to the general of the Apollonian Guard. "Of course, thank you." He detected the slight edge in Glaucus' voice and once they had begun walking he questioned "You have some discomfort in all this treaty signing General?"
Glaucus paused turning to face his lord. "My opinions on matters of peace are of little consequence my King. I am your war master my only duty is to help Prince Hector protect our great city."
"You of all people know that I respect your advice on many things Glaucus not just on war. Speak your mind freely." Priam gestured for him to continue
"As you wish; we have fought many wars in our time. Bled the ground red and watched many a brave man die. Some we fought for land, some for power, and some for glory. Fighting was part our lives and peace was never as important as the thrill of battle but we are no longer those same young men. If we must barter for peace with the Greeks then so be it. My only concern is that it may be a trap to lure us into a false sense of security and if it is…" he let the implication settle.
"There is always risk when one steps out onto the unsteady branch. You are right; they are eager to end this infraction but may very well have more tricks in store for us. We must be on our guard at all times during these talks." Priam remarked then smiled "Besides, I have you to protect my interests when Hector is away. Unless old friend you believe yourself not up to the task?"
Glaucus smirked back, "The man that lifts a hand against you my King will have it cut off by me as a prelude to his death."
Both men gave each other a reassuring smile as they proceeded towards the great hall.
Neither noticed Ision watching their entire conversation. Concern written on his face for he knew the cruel truth; a trap was being set and both Priam and Glaucus were about to walk right into it.
Hector and Andromache were stirred from slumber by their sons' high pitched wail. Father and Mother both winced as the noise but pulled themselves out of bed to attend to the demands of daily life.
Hector now sat on their bed cradling his pride and joy. Astyanax was clutching at the rattle Briseis had given him smiling merrily up at his father then back at the toy. Andromache glided over wiping her hands after having freshened up. They stared at each other with such love and affection as she moved closer.
Hector stood up letting Andromache take their son. "I must speak with my father before I leave with Briseis." He tried to be cheerful but Andromache could see past his façade. She smiled back one hand going to his shoulder before releasing him so he could dress. Astyanax too followed every movement his father made. Only when his mother raised him in the air playfully did he veer his gaze back to her gurgling gleefully.
Out of the corner of his eye Hector watched a smile forming on his lips. Andromache with their son was a vision of loveliness. He should be the happiest man alive should he not? Yet his smile faded the forlorn attitude he had tried to bury returned. Why could he not shake this feeling of defeat? He had saved his cousins life after all. If nothing else Briseis would live but for a man who had a deep love for his family it wasn't enough.
Andromache's' light touch on his shoulder broke him out of thought. "Hector; do not dwell on this. Be content with the fact that one day we may see her again." Reading his moods had become second nature to the princess.
He kissed his wife then leaned down to place a gentle kiss on his Astyanax's tiny head. "I will return soon."
"Come back to me unscathed." Andromache said before he stepped out the door.
Hector turned his head gracing her with a true smile, "Always" and then he was gone.
Paris sighed latching his cape into place and eyes idly cast towards the falling rain. It drowned the city and the few people who were about rushed quickly back indoors to avoid getting completely soaked.
Forgetting the outside world for the time being Paris shifted his gaze to Helen who lay sleeping in their bed. Though he had been unable to close his eyes long enough to rest through the violence of the storm, the new Princess of Troy did not to share that burden. Of course he did not begrudge her the sleep it had been a trying few days for everyone. Helen had felt so much guilt for bringing war to a country starved for peace. No he was grateful she had finally gotten the rest she needed. Not wishing to wake her Paris leaned over kissing her forehead gently before he left closing the door behind him
The halls were just beginning to show signs of life as servants went about their duties. Paris' sandals echoed on the hard floor his mind reflecting on the rash decision that had brought the armada of Greek ships to Troy's shores. He had only longed to be with Helen, for them both to have happiness instead he had brought death to his own people. How would he ever atone for his deed of disloyalty not only to his father but to his people?
There was time later for self recriminations for now Paris cleared his mind kindly nodding to the servants he passed. But as she turned the corner he came upon the high priest deep in conversation.
Two other priests stood close listening intently to what Archeptolemus was saying. The sneer on his grim face melted away when he noticed the prince. "Prince Paris." Archeptolemus bowed at the waist his companions following suit.
The devious glint in the high priests eyes did not go unseen as he might have wished. Paris swore the temperature dropped as a chill raced up his spine. Priam's refusal to have Briseis executed had lost the argument for the high priest and Priam had taken from him a small amount of power. Paris nodded his head in greeting before moving on. He had often let his imagination run wild serving only to get him into trouble. Besides even if Archeptolemus was filled with loathing for Priam's' decision he was still bound to obey the laws. His loyalty to the royal family would permit nothing less.
Hours later Paris would come to realize that those who are capable of great loyalty are also capable of tremendous treachery.
Archeptolemus turned back to the conversation he had been having with Alkides and Eryx once the Prince has left. "We must keep up appearances until the time is right my brothers." He had seen the look of trepidation that had crossed Paris' face. It would not bode well for them if the young prince grew suspicious prematurely. "Where is Ision?" Archeptolemus questioned Eryx impatiently
Eryx gave Alkides a sideways look before answering "I saw him at the temple this morning but he left abruptly upon seeing me. I tell you now Archeptolemus if he ends up speaking with the King our plot will be discovered before it can even begin."
Archeptolemus growled low in his throat. "Eryx find that accursed wretch and relieve him of his 'spiritual' duties. Make sure you are not seen. Alkides you will seek out Glaucus, distract him however you see fit just as long as it is far enough away from Priam. I will take care of the King myself. Prince Hector leaves within the hour, when he is well enough out of the city, the final strike will come." All three men shared a look of intense anticipation before heading off their separate ways.
They would regain the power so callously taken from them. Briseis of Troy may have escaped her fate but future priestesses who succumbed to such lewdness would not.
The restoration of order was close at hand.
An Hour or so Later
He watched her quietly as she stood by the balcony doors. The rain prevented her from venturing out but as always she seemed drawn to that spot. Even as a child Briseis loved to play on the balconies, feeling the wind in her face. Often she would tell him she wished to be a bird so she might fly high in the sky like one without a care in the world. Most times he figured this dream was due to all she had endured before coming to Troy.
Hector looked upon his little cousin, Andromache was right Briseis was a grown woman now. Throughout the years of growing up with her he had pictured himself as the older brother, the one who teased her relentlessly but defended her against others who tried to do the same, the one who dried her tears when their barbs had stung deep.
Now another had stepped in to take over that role. Only it was not a brother who would comfort her but a lover.
Briseis must have heard his footsteps for she turned from the balcony and smiled at him. "Cousin, it is time?"
"Yes cousin, it is time." He approached her placing his hands on her shoulders. "Father said this dress would not compare to your beauty and words were never truer. You look magnificent Briseis…Achilles should consider himself a lucky man to have you stand at his side I only hope he appreciates you."
Her cheeks reddened as she blushed at her cousins words. "You flatter me cousin, save such adoration for Andromache. One day you may displease her and be in need of compliments like that." Briseis said teasingly before tying on her cloak.
A true laugh sprung from his lips "Ahh but you forget, Andromache and I are never on opposing sides for long. I believe it is my charm that sways her each time." His own cloak was already in place around his shoulders.
Briseis picked up a large bundle off the bed which Hector hastily took from her. "Then it is your charm you waste on me." She smiled then looked down at her feet "I wish we had more time…"
Hector placed a finger on her lips, "This is not goodbye Briseis. One day you will be able to return. When that day comes your family will be here to welcome you back."
She looked up at him her eyes once again brimming with tears but a smile tugged at her mouth. "I look forward to that day Hector. Perhaps both I and Achilles will be allowed to enter Troy once more."
Hector put his free arm around her leading her to the door but she stopped. Her gaze lingered on the room she had called her own for so long. The moment passed and she turned back to Hector with a light-hearted smile.
Together the cousins made their way outside the palace. Two horses awaited them in the falling rain. Hector handed off her bundle to one of the guards who strapped it to her horse.
It wasn't long before they were riding toward the gate Briseis peeking out from under her hood every so often. It loomed before them and with a shout from Hector the massive gates opened.
A vastly new and different world now awaited her. Briseis of Troy would cease to exist and a new Briseis would be awakened.
Odysseus took in the splendor of the Trojan palace as he, Phinias, Medios and Acestes were brought in. Ithaca's king had come for the signing of the treaty in lieu of his own aid Tellis. It was necessary; he felt, that for good relations to begin between the two nations at least one of the Kings should appear before the Trojan King. Triopas and Nestor had both refused stating they trusted Odysseus' judgment in this. As for Menelaus, well he doubted they would let that man inside the walls even if the Spartan said he wished to jump to his death from them.
That was of course if they could find Menelaus. He had taken several of his men and vacated the beach the previous night. War with Troy may be over but Sparta's King was about to start a whole new one with Achilles.
Achilles was fortunate in one respect; Menelaus knew nothing of where Greece's greatest warrior had fled to. Odysseus found comfort that his friend at least for the moment was out of danger. It would not last long of that much he was certain Achilles had a way of attracting all manner of tribulations and sometimes even seeking them out.
Sparing a moment away from the inner workings of his mind, Ithaca's King glanced over at Medios and Acestes who were just as eager as he to see this task done and be on their way home. Phinias however was a puzzle; the man always seemed to appear utterly pleased with himself. Odysseus knew he loathed this whole thing. Every Spartan longed to see Troy burn for the transgression made against them, Phinias was no different. And yet hear Menelaus' trusted aide now stood respectfully as they were announced to Troy's King.
Something was amiss in Phinias behavior but for now Odysseus remained in the dark. The signing of the treaty had begun and he decided to save his suspicions for a more appropriate time.
Eryx watched Ision with a keen eye. The fool was going to ruin all of them if he was left to his own devices. He found Ision in the sacramental preparation room strangely enough. It was the perfect place for what had to be done.
Ision faced him noticing his fellow priest watching, "Eryx, if you think you can change my mind on this you are mistaken."
The elder man shook his head, "No I believe your conviction is too strong for any of my words to influence you." Eryx stepped into the room closing the door behind him.
"What Archeptolemus wants to do is wrong why can you not see that as I do?" Ision's voice rose in irritation. "All he will accomplish is getting him and you killed. He is driven by his own ambitions not by devotion to the gods."
"We must all do what is necessary to uphold our hollowed order." He paused right in front of Ision blocking any chance for the other man to escape. "All who stand in our way will be seen as traitors to that order."
The meaning behind those words shone clear in Eryx's eyes and Ision discerned his true intent too late.
As the blade slid into his gut and he fell to the ground Ision envisioned Troy without her King; inside he wept that he had delayed in taking the necessary steps to alter his countries future.
Priam was quite pleased as he shook hands with the King of Ithaca. He watched with a sense of tranquility as the Greek party took their leave. It was done; the treaty now signed by members of both Kingdoms the old King felt reassurance that never again would Greece and Troy come to blows.
As he stood from his throne the members of court who had gathered for the momentous occasion clapped. They were filled with cheer now that the war was over. Priam prepared to address all lifting his hands for silence. "This is a long awaited for day; we must give thanks to the gods for their undying protection and their faithfulness to our cause. Tonight…we will feast to them…and…TO PEACE!" A triumphant shout sounded around the room.
Priam searched the room for Glaucus and found his general speaking with the priest Alkides. It was an unfamiliar sight; Glaucus though faithful to the gods hardly ever took time to speak to those who had chosen to represent them.
It was then Priam was approached by Archeptolemus who showed such happy praise it caught the king off guard for a moment, "My lord, you should be proud of this success. Today is indeed a day of glorious celebration."
"Archeptolemus, the gods have finally granted us with the precious gift of peace. It is to them we owe this victory to." Putting aside any dispute he had with Apollo's head servant Priam embraced the man.
The smile that graced Archeptolemus' lips faded. "And the gods must always be obeyed my lord." He pulled away slightly from Priam frowning, "May they forgive you in the afterlife for forgetting that."
Confusion spread across Priam's face mixed suddenly with agony as he felt a sharp pain in his chest. Looking down in shock he saw the sacramental dagger protruding from his chest. He peered back up at the high priest wheezing before stumbling backwards.
Archeptolemus watched with hate filled eyes then turned to try and make his escape.
Glaucus felt as if he were moving in slow motion. When he heard the Kings cry of pain he whirled around mortified at what he beheld. Priam stumbled backwards bleeding from his chest wound; the high priest stood silently still spots of blood on his hands; many of the noblemen were in a panicked frenzy. As Glaucus raced forward to aid Priam, Archeptolemus dashed away and out of sight, Prince Paris burst into the room his eyes sweeping toward his father immediately and he screamed in anguish.
Troy's King fell lifelessly to the floor; the victim of a plot by his own priests and the palace was thrown into anarchy.
Tbc
Well that's it for this one. The action is about to really begin to build up again as we approach the final scenes. The next one will sort of flashback to all the small events that have lead up to this terrible twist. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please leave those reviews; they totally inspire me to write. As a treat I will reply to a few I received from the last chapter.
La Llorona: Thank you for the review and I'm so glad you like the way I write each chapter. I hate making you all wait as long as you do for each chapter but when it comes to this story I feel like such a perfectionist. I sincerely hope that this chapter is just as good.
Magic Crystal Rose: Glad to hear my story being one of some ones favorites. As I always say your reviews keep me writing so you keep writing those reviews. Lol
Believer29: Thank you very much for your review. Yes I am anticipating their reunion just as much if not more. As for Achilles dying lets just say I too detested that part in the movie. Of course that's not to say something incredibly sinister won't befall him before this ones done. Lmao, Poor Briseis indeed, she's gets thrown around so much in the movie so in order to avoid a lot of the physical abuse I've thrown in some emotional abuse. I can't reveal anything further lest I ruin the rest of the story for you and that would be bad.
Nyah: Well here is a bit more for you. I hope you enjoy it.
Clavira89: Yes it's critical that you read before your review otherwise you're just doing stuff backwards. Lol. Seriously though thanks for the review you have no idea how much I needed to see more feedback from that last chapter. I have tried to be as spot on with the characterizations as possible. I have trouble with Paris and Helen more than the others as I never really could appreciate their characters in the movie. I've done my best with trying to come up with a semi-original plot. You'll find out soon what I plan to do to those evil priests I suppose and as for Achilles, well you will all just have to wait and see.
Thanks Again Everyone!
Chrissykat