Aalexia stood tall on a crate with her eyes closed, inhaling the strong fresh breeze, holding on to the railing. The dress flew relentlessly around her legs and the gold sparkle shimmered shyly in the morning sun. She took her time that day to untangle her hair braiding it in a complicated twist, knotting the hair strands together with two of her golden hair bands that Achilles had given her before she left. She was beautiful and Udores couldn't take his eyes off her as he sat a few steps behind her, contemplating. Afar in the horizon, the rocky shore of Phlegra rose majestically and the image of her against those jagged cliffs made his heart shiver; fragility against roughness, purity and obstacle. Even the wind seemed to cool down its temper to keep her hair in place; but it blew strong enough to make the dress mold on her swollen abdomen. Almost two months into her pregnancy and she looked like she was going on four. She glowed and there was a spark in her eyes every time she caressed her baby bump. It reminded Udores so much of his wife and when he learnt he was going to be a father for the first time. No war and no army, no matter how big and fierce had ever created such devastating emotions in him, contradictory yet overwhelmingly happy thoughts. He could only imagine what it would create in Achilles' mind; Achilles, the man with no country, no allegiance, no God. The man who always stood alone, despite all his Myrmidons and all his women. The loneliest soul who had everything through having nothing at all. Udores swallowed in painfully; he craved to see him having a life outside the battle field but he never thought he'd see it happen. And now that he did, he feared it thinking that he had followed him to these far away lands to offer him mortality when maybe Achilles had not yet grown to that kind of understanding and acceptance where he could appreciate such a gift. But he had to hope; his eyes lay on Aalexia once again. Her hand rested on her stomach, caressing it gently.
You brought in a girl and then you traded her for a dream; now I'm bringing back a woman to turn your dream into a nightmare. Udores smiled thinking how Achilles always tried to escape the mortals' routine of having a family and settling down. Immortality is attainable; happiness is not. Now she is here to show you just how difficult it is to be happy. Udores frowned with the panic gripping on his heart again. He felt exhausted with just the thought of docking and seeing everyone's faces when looking upon her. He turned around admiring the sea, supporting his weight against the railing. Please Zeus give me strength, all mighty and powerful Zeus, help me help your son; don't fail him this time I beg of you! And for once he didn't feel bad judging and admonishing a higher power. He glimpsed at her as she stood motionless, calm, gazing silent into the horizon. She alone knew her inner turmoil when looking at the shores where all her answers were. Udores smiled; she had put an ounce of meat on her and she looked a bit more human. He found it hard to keep focused on one thing and his thoughts shifted again to what was waiting for them once they docked. He hated himself for being so unstable; it made him weak and useless. He did not want to think about it, but he had to consider even the worst scenarios. What if Achilles was reluctant; not to her, but to the child? What if his godly cravings had taken more of him than his simple human mind was prepared to admit to? Maybe there was no change in him… what would he do then? Would he stand up for her; would he fight his master to defend the Trojan Queen? He felt torn. No man and no God had the right to lay a hand on a pregnant woman, and Achilles was no exception. He knew what he had to do and his hand automatically reached for the sword carefully placed between his shoulder blades. The Myrmidon within was back and he rejoiced it thoroughly; the black armor had in time became a second layer of skin for him and he missed not wearing it in battle at Achilles' side. And perhaps now, he will wear it again in battle but against him; if he must.
Aalexia turned around looking at him and she shone like a Goddess. Dying for such beauty was a better death than he deserved. He smiled back and she felt comforted knowing that once again he would be at her side. She looked at the cliffs growing closer and closer. Her fingers clenched stronger on the wooden railing. She had prepared for this moment for almost three weeks. She meditated with her eyes wide open, thinking of the miracle this child had brought into her life. And for once she did not think so much of Achilles, but of herself. Udores had stopped in Lyrnessus to reload the ship with supplies, spending the last money they had on a load of peaches, fresh meat and vegetables. She was fortunate to have encountered her father in both Priam and Udores, even though the latter was such an unlikely image of a father when he drew his sword out. She giggled setting her eyes on the small dock appearing from behind the rocks as the ship took a small turn towards the Phlegrian shore. She breathed in so loud that not even the wind could hide the sound. Udores started instructing the men on how to approach the docks and lowered the merchant flag. The men looked scared; they were nothing but simple sailors usually working on trading ships. Some were too young to have ever witnessed a war. Udores had to pay a little extra to convince them to come this far. And he knew that whatever would happen on the shore, had to happen fast or they would not stay around to wait for them for too long. It put even more pressure on him and he tried to clear his head from so many worries. He came next to her and pierced into the camp set on the sandy beaches. The soldiers had already spotted the ship approaching and the alarm was sounded. Will he be waiting to see what happens or will he ignore Menelaus' call as usual? Please ignore it! Udores didn't feel ready to face his master first thing after setting foot on land. The water in the small bay was too shallow for the ship to sail close to the dock. Udores had two men jump in the water and bring a boat from the shore. Aalexia fretted watching them swim vigorously towards the pier. Soldiers approached them quickly and she almost didn't breath much for a while waiting to see what was going on. They could've as well just killed them.
Udores didn't feel much at ease either. He paced behind her nervously. He swayed around and pulled her cloak off one of the crates and came back wrapping it against her tiny shoulders. She looked at him catching his hands in hers.
"No Udores. Not this time."
"But My Lady, the men… the soldiers." His eyes ran wild on the growing number of soldiers waiting for them on the shores. He wished he was a demigod too, or to have at least one third of Achilles' power to be able to defend her if need be.
"It will be alright." She smiled facing the sea again.
"I need you to get to his tent safely!" he urged her to pay attention to him and to comply with his request.
"And I will! They are probably in as much shock as we are afraid of them!" and she laughed shortly. Udores shook his head laughing as well, tensely, but laughing nonetheless. He let the cloak fall to the ground and remained behind her shielding her back, getting a feeling of her body, finding the right spot to be around her, so he can cover all bases. He struggled not to take the sword out and have it at hand when they docked, but he did not want to look too aggressive.
The conversation on the shore ended and the two sailors were given one of the boats. Udores saw a Greek soldier leaving the crowd gathered on the dock, running towards the tents. Now he'll know! The men brought the boat near and Udores rolled out the wooden ladder to the side of the boat. He went down first, and then urged the men to keep the boat steady for her to come aboard. Above, Aalexia looked down worryingly. She'd never done this before and the narrow steps of the ladder looked so unstable. She dreaded the long dress, limiting her movements. She gathered it together and got closer to the edge. One of the sailors on the ship pushed the crate in front of her and helped her up so she doesn't have to jump over the railing or stretch too much to get a grip on the ladder. She supported her weight on him as she passed one leg across the edge anchoring it firmly on the first step. She had to let go of the dress to keep her balance and now because of it she couldn't see anything below. The sailor kept a steady grip on her arms as she moved the left leg on the other side of the ship. She breathed in quickly with sweaty temples. You faint-hearted chicken! You can't even climb down a ladder, and you want to face him? She giggled at her own thoughts pausing to catch her breath. She grabbed the ropes to the ladder and made an effort to lean on one side and glimpse at the next step. Down below, Udores was ready to catch her if she had fallen. He didn't know how it would all end up, but he was there to catch her. He felt ridiculous. In a life time of war he had never worried like this. Men didn't need much care or attention; they didn't like it anyways. Men were looking for honor and pride, even though sometimes it killed them. But a woman at war was something he had not experienced so far and he felt compelled to keep an eye on her at all times. Women could also kill a man, much like honor and pride. He smiled still careful at each step she took. He was about to enter the pits of hell, so why not enjoy the trip. She finally made it down and he grabbed her by the waist pulling her in the boat. She turned to face him, holding close, clinging onto his shoulders until she was sure she had regained her balance.
They looked each other in the eye and smiled and Udores invited her to sit down, while he remained standing behind her in his warrior manner, scrutinizing the distance. The sailors started rowing and the motion of the boat sent a wave of sickness in her stomach. She rocked forward a bit and her hands clanged on the wooden board she was sitting on. Udores placed his hand on her shoulder, forcing her to lean back against his knees and she did, taking a deep breath of air. She was no longer smiling; it seemed that the boat was going faster than it did before when they had first taken it of the shore. And it was illogical, because now it was heavier, but it must've been in her mind. Her hands rested again on her belly, now a bit more prominent due to the sitting position and because of the golden cordon holding the dress together below her breasts. A rush of panic washed through her. Maybe Udores was right and she should have taken the cloak and not let the soldiers see her baby; or Menelaus. Panic slowly turned into anger remembering the old drunk, his stinking breath and heavy rough hands on her. She made an effort to stretch on the dress' folds to make it look larger. Then took the veil off her shoulders and placed it on her head, letting the golden embroidery cover her forehead down to her eyebrows. You must be careful! She forced herself to look up front and keep her hands away from her stomach. She was so fond of her baby, talked to him so much and caressed him on his warm inner cradle that she found it hard not touching anymore. Her eyes rose and she saw the faces of the men on the dock, waiting for her. The sailors pulled the boat close to the wooden structure and the Greek soldiers grabbed the ropes tying the boat to the pylons.
Udores stepped on the pontoon and took a minute to look around and make sure everyone was clear about his role there. And the look in the soldiers' eyes told him they did; they'd seen Achilles' Myrmidons in fight and this Myrmidon looked just as menacing; maybe even worse. They took a step back making room for him, but stayed close enough to see what he brought in. Udores turned around and reached for her, stretching his hand. Aalexia looked from behind the veil and placed her little hand in his holding strong, while stepping on the dock. The dress flew gently from the edge of the boat, above the blue waters and onto the dirty wooden floor of the pier. Her heart raced madly and Udores kept his hold firm to make her feel secure. She looked up and felt small. The entrance to these lands was narrow, sided by huge bare cliffs, looking like autumn leaves in the afternoon sun. Yet it was large and deep enough to hold the entire Greek army in its belly; nature had a way of making you feel small, like a grain of sand in an hour glass. It was cooler here where the sun couldn't reach and she pulled the veils around her more. The men looked at her like Artemis herself had come down from heavens to be among them; she was such an apparition amidst weapons, wounds and wild looking faces. She searched slowly with her eyes through the crowd and the more she looked, the heavier she breathed, sinking so much air in her chest that it hurt. Her lips shivered barely as she laid eyes upon the barren silent war camp. The tarp to the tents moved gently with the wind and the flags fluttered with a sound she recognized. Above the shore line there was a solid rock terrace and above it Menelaus had built his tent, to watch down upon the valley. It must've been his tent because it was as big as a palace, barring the Greek flags. But there was no color to the entire scenery; just the smoky butter like color of the tents melting into the mild gold of the sand patch they were set on, the red of the cliffs up in the air, the blue skies above and the grey of their armors. And yet, her eyes stumbled on a spot of blue skies down here, among the mortals. And it was staring at her with such hunger and disbelief she snapped back. Udores didn't move a muscle; he didn't bow, he didn't lower his head. It is now or never!
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Minutes before
"I am wasting time on these savages and your incompetence is becoming most taxing!" Menelaus yelled at his advisors spilling the wine while gesturing exuberantly. He got up from his throne and walked around on the carpet laid in front of him, pacing nervously before his generals. "I have spent too much time in this shit infested hole for you to ask more patience of me! I have even brought you reinforcements like you asked, just to get me my victory! And yet here we are still talking about it, while those barbarians feast on my sorrow!" And he snarled at his soldiers like a fat pig, disgusting and gross.
Aphareus looked down annoyed with the speech. He'd heard it one time too many but there was nothing he could do. He glimpsed at Achilles who didn't seem to find his place. He rested supporting his weight against one of the pylons of the tent and looked absent minded, his eyes staring blankly at the torches burning slowly before him. Aphareus sighed; Achilles wasn't himself lately and nothing of what he tried worked to make it better. Some days he refused to wake up and battle, other days he went at it with a vengeance killing everyone standing in his way that it was hard stopping him. Menelaus lavished on it, because it had definitely helped striking fear into the enemy, whenever Achilles ran unleashed scorching everything in his path. But Achilles, the mighty warrior did not enjoy it. Did not enjoy the fighting, the winning; the looks of the men when he walked among them, cheering him for having led them into battle and bringing them back alive. Aphareus knew where the Myrmidon's peace of mind had gone but one must live with his decisions and now it was too late. The Trojan Queen was lost; Paris, if indeed he was alive, would never give her back. And why would any woman want to be at his side, knowing that she'd always come second? Surely not Aalexia; her feet were too deeply rooted in the ground to let herself down this way. And Achilles didn't know how to fight for love; only for land and glory. He didn't have the weapons to fight for feelings; it asked too much of him and took too much of his precious time. Yet he suffered because of it and Aphareus felt bad for the lonely demigod.
"Are you even listening to me when I say, attack them! These are my soldiers, my men and they are here to die for me! So I am asking, lead them into battle and finish this!" Menelaus' squeaking brought him back to reality. Achilles watched him with a bored look. He crossed his arms against his chest, and the muscles tensed under the tanned skin. He wore his black vest and the long waist clothing, with leather sandals, strapping around his legs up to the knee. He played with the laces to one of the leather bracelets around his wrist.
"Achilles!" Menelaus' voice should have caused him to grimace, but not this time; not in a while now. The Greek King couldn't stir him so easily anymore. His blue eyes stared from behind the shadow of the thick blond eyelashes. Menelaus came close, still holding the empty glass of wine; he was desperate enough to invoke his worst opponent as his closest ally. "He led the army in battle two days ago and we had them run like wild bore for miles! And he is one man with a handful of soldiers following him! Yet when you go with the hundreds you shame me! Maybe I should just have all your heads and let him lead the army from now on!" If any other man than Achilles were addressed this way by the King of Kings, he would have probably bowed with gratitude and respect for being honored this way; but not the warrior of all warriors; not him. He wasn't a bit interested in the proposal and the way he shifted from where he was sitting moving towards the exit, let Menelaus know he didn't care what happened to his army.
"Achilles!" Menelaus could not stir him just as fast, but he always found a way to do so in the end. Achilles remained with his back at him, turning enough to take a glimpse at his face.
"I am not here for you. Remember that. I could leave tomorrow. So I suggest you leave their heads where they belong or you may not have anyone to lead your armies at all! Unless you want to do it…" and he grinned ironically. Menelaus closed his eyes in the attempt to control himself. A soldier rushed inside pulling the vest on his naked body. He passed Achilles by and dropped to his knee in front of his King.
"My Lord, a ship is approaching. It showed a merchant flag but now they lowered it so… we are not sure. Men are standing ready."
Menelaus looked intrigued and for once all his commanders seemed to take interest in something other than his blubbering.
"One ship you say?" The soldier nodded. "War ship?"
"No My Lord! Smaller ship."
"How close?"
"They stopped a few feet from the shore and sent men to the docks asking for a boat."
"And?"
"I don't know My Lord. I was sent to let you know." Menelaus groaned unhappily. He pushed his heavy robe on his arm to be able to carry it around and stepped outside followed by his generals. Aphareus came next to Achilles who stayed behind.
"Bored?" Achilles looked at him with a smile in the corner of his lips.
"I could never understand how you could put up with this for so many years!" Aphareus laughed wiping the sweat off his forehead as they took a few steps, following the crowd.
"I just ignore him. You know how it goes. Old men talk while the young men die." The King of Ithaca patted him on the shoulder as they came outside the tent. "What do you make of this ship? More reinforcements?"
Achilles narrowed his eyes looking for details as he watched the ship in the distance. There was something familiar about it. But his thoughts never came close to the truth.
"Maybe Menelaus ordered dinner for us… and a show!" And he smiled seductively at the show he had in mind. Aphareus laughed grabbing him by the shoulders, pushing him forward as they came down the path towards the soldiers' tents below the rock terrace. As they approached the men made way for them to pass. Menelaus had stopped keeping his distance from the docks, frowning at what he was seeing. And he saw the woman come aboard the small boat his men had given the sailors on the ship. But he could not make out who the stranger was.
But Achilles recognized the black armor and recognized how his best man stood tall, inspecting the shore. And his mind ran wild with questions and anger and joy at the same time. Why was he disobeying him? And who was this woman? Because this woman could not be her! He could not see her face, but this woman could not be her! Because if a star had broken free from the hands of Nyx and fallen on Earth, then it must've fallen before his eyes; because she shone bright in the shadows of the red mountains in her pure white dress embroidered with golden lace and silk veils; like an apparition he recognized deep inside – he'd seen it before; long ago. He couldn't take his eyes of her and a want so urgent and so painful stroke inside his heart, his jaw muscle flickered uncontrollably. He turned his eyes from her to take a break from the hurting memory. But he felt it; he felt his forehead burning with her sight set on him and he dared look in those eyes again; those eyes taking and asking everything from him. And if a minute before miles seemed to keep them apart, now the distance disappeared and time stopped while their minds got caught in the same embrace, across the sand patch, across the many men standing in between them… across two months of being separated. He dare not think of her name fearing that she would dissipate like smoke if he mentioned it. But every fiber in his body called for her and she answered his call.
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She kept her eyes on him and with each step she came closer, holding so tight on the dress, she thought she was going to tear it apart if she only jerked her hand a bit harder. Udores followed closely in her foot steps. A few of his fellow Myrmidons had also come down from where Achilles had set camp and observed in disbelief the little procession following the Trojan Queen. Arctinus had just finished washing when he saw the gathering at the docks and came swiftly knowing his master was there as well. On the way he grabbed his sword, because he always had to be prepared. But no one prepared him for this and now he watched as mesmerized as the others how Achilles' former guest stepped lightly towards them.
She stopped before Achilles, a step away, too close for comfort but not close enough for her to feel his warmth. And unlike Udores when she had told him about the baby, Achilles did stare, but his eyes told her a million things, burning so intensively making it hard for her to stand her ground. She breathed through her nose because she thought opening her mouth would make her weak, showing how much she needed the air to keep her afloat in the sea of emotions she was now slowly being dragged into. She was grateful for her many years of standing up to men; it helped her control the broiling desire to jump in his arms and rest, for just a moment, away from the entire world. But she was here for a purpose and she had to stay on track and play her one card right; not right – perfect. She smiled, such a candid daring smile it made him narrow his eyes, like she knew he would when he couldn't understand fully what was going on. His lips were dry and he pressed his tongue gently above the lower lip, squeezing with his teeth on it for just a moment. Aalexia knew she had his attention now, so she moved away from him, in slow small steps, looking for his tent. But she didn't see it and she became agitated. With the corner of her eye she saw Menelaus eyeballing at her, mouth opened and all, it almost made her giggle. Behind her Udores glared at Arctinus signaling him to show her the way. He knew how important it was for her to get through this with her head held high and without losing focus. He was so proud of her; it must've been a terrible thing for her to walk alone among so many men watching her every move; and above all, with him hawking on her, waiting. Arctinus didn't hesitate; he forgot about his master and where his allegiance was and complied with Udores' request, taking lead, showing her the way to their tent. Aalexia thanked him with a smile and the hesitance in his eyes vanished; he was just glad to see her again. She had surely turned the day around for all of them. War seemed a distant memory when you looked in her warm eyes and he enjoyed his chance to beam in them even for a moment.
Udores came before his master facing him. But Achilles had come to his senses and he looked back at him with his predator eyes, demanding answers. Deep inside he felt a level of adrenaline so intense, an unimaginable strength just because she was there, in his grasp, that he burst with energy and Udores sensed it. And he sensed it in a good way. Achilles bent forward taking a closer look in the eyes of his devoted Myrmidon, pardoning his disobedience, to then turn around following Arctinus and Aalexia. Udores helped a smile from surfacing; Achilles had his toy back and he loved the game, but the situation was as tense as it could be.
Arctinus helped Aalexia up the rocks and she stepped careful not to slip. Achilles caught up with them and jumped ahead of Arctinus taking her other hand. Arctinus let go of her and he bowed rapidly, in retreat. Achilles signaled him to go and he obeyed, returning to Udores. Aalexia looked at him and this time she breathed through her mouth because of the effort and because she wasn't ready to feel his touch on her. Not yet and probably not soon. But as always he did things his way. He continued walking holding her hand, keeping her close, not looking at her but feeling her through every pore in his body. His Trojan was back; he didn't know why– but he cared to know. And he knew the perfect way to ask questions; the only way he knew how – the only way he got the answers he needed from her without a shadow of a doubt. Her body never lied.
He smiled as he pushed aside the tarp to his tent, inviting her in. The moment the light was left outside and other than their breaths there was no other sound inside, his hand reached for her veil pulling it down forcefully. The material flew to the ground exposing her as she stood with her back at him. Achilles groaned to the sight and moved closer swiftly, placing his lips on the back of her neck, long and sweet. A world of sensations came to life behind his closed eyelids as he inhaled her bitter-sweet almond smell. His hands roamed up her arms, sliding down on her breasts cupping them, feeling their weight. His fingers grasped on them firmly, squeezing, playing with the hard nipples lunging shamelessly through the thin material. Her head fell back on his shoulder unable to control the rising level of heat in her body. She moaned resting against him, feeling his hands grab harder on her flesh. His lips came up on the side of her neck and he sank his teeth on her ear lobe. Her body arched and her hands pulled back clanging on his clothing. She trembled with the desire to have him to point of crying. Achilles took a moment to breathe softly behind her ear, feeling her shake from the same longing that scorched him on the inside.
She had just answered his first question. Now… the rest.
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Happy Easter guys and see you all in about a week for part two of this chapter
Have a great time with your loved ones!
IA