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It seemed impossible for Achilles to forget his recent meeting with the Princes and protectors of Troy. He walked along the beach, away, lost in thought. His body and hair was smeared with blood and dust, and his feet shod with sandals graciously stepped on the hot sand of the country.
Their meeting was quite interesting. Prince Hector was just like Achilles imagined. He was strong, protective and a fighter. Truly believed in his beliefs. Achilles knew he would be a good opponent.
Alessandra..., thought Achilles, Alessandra was a completely different story. Achilles knew what to expect. He had heard the stories about the princess and, Odysseus himself, a man he had a high regard, had been the one who had told him of the matter. But nevertheless, knowing what was to wait on the Warrior Princess, Alessandra was completely out of context and truly amazing.
Odysseus had told him of her beauty and Achilles agreed completely with this statement. Alessandra was the most beautiful women he had ever seen. She was strong, too strong. He saw himself in the unusual eyes all his strength. It was also protective for what Achilles was able to realize in the few minutes that took place in their little meeting. She would die for Troy, if necessary.
Alessandra was similar to that Achilles had imagined.
However…
Odysseus had forgotten to tell him about the divine essence that she seemed to exhale.
Yes, Achilles knew the rumors that ran from mouth to mouth: Alessandra was blessed by Ares, the God of War. And as Achilles knew, and had seen with his own blue eyes, mortals who have been blessed by some god or goddess, always received some resemblance to the one mentioned.
Achilles wasn't blessed, and not needed. His mother was a nymph and the divine blood ran both she and Achilles
But Alessandra was a different story.
It was evident that it had been blessed by Ares due to eye color. The red-blood that was mixed with brown, was one of the things suggested that she was protected by the god of war. But there was something else that set Alessandra other blessed mortals. Achilles was dominated by a strange feeling when it is had approached him.
It was a strange pulsar that hit him in the chest and an electric sound - like lightning - broke into his ears. He could almost feel the taste of salt and iron in his tongue. Reminded him of blood. What was Ares done to her? Some divine power had inherited beyond the battle skills (not that Achilles had seen her fight, but from what they said, was the best of the best)? If so, what would it be?
Unfortunately, these were the questions that the warrior would not get the answer by now.
Achilles was distracted from his thoughts when he heard a scream:
"Achilles"
The same looked back. The man who approached was big, maybe huge. He had a muscular naked torso, arms and strong legs, and brown hair that went beyond the shoulders.
"Ajax." the blond warrior recognized.
Ajax moved a little, equaling his past. "You're as fearless as the gods." He said. Achilles wanted to ask what the gods feared to be fearless. I wanted to ask what else were they doing other than being just look mortals kill each other, however, he said nothing. Ajax continued, with an admiring brightness and companionship in his eyes. "I'm honored to go to war with you."
Something invaded Achilles chest quickly. He was invading and raiding almost swelling it. It was pride and satisfaction. He loved it when those words were addressed to him. However, he knew he would like to fight alongside Ajax. The same was a good warrior. "As am I. "
Continuing to walk, Achilles caught sight of Odysseus, his longtime friend.
"If you sailed slower, the war would be over." He didn't smile, but he wanted to do.
Odysseus replied, "I'll miss the start as long as I'm here at the end. "
"My lord." Achilles heard. Was Eudorus, his second in command who approached with his mane of black hair and strong blue eyes. "I've got something to show you."
Achilles did not know what it was, but his curiosity was aroused when he noticed the note of satisfaction and enjoyment in the voice of Eudorus.
You could feel the pleasure and happiness in the air. The Greeks had invaded the beach of Troy and succeeded in their goal. The beach was theirs, and if the gods so wished, would also be Troy. They were quick to set up the tents and to discharge all the ships.
Achilles and Eudorus approached the tent already assembled for the king of the Myrmidons.
Eudorus away the tapes that served as door, Achilles slightly lowered his head to go and was quickly greeted by a picture that surprised him.
A young woman with curly brown hair, dressed in white robes with a thin blue bar found itself tied against one of the wooden posts that helped to support the tent standing.
"The men found her hiding in the temple." He informed Eudorus to his master while Achilles swallowed a long drink of fresh water. "They thought she'd... amuse you." And the three knew what amuse meant.
Eudorus left.
Carefully Achilles withdrew his armor. The chest was spattered with blood, dust and sweat, and well bulging muscles.
"What's your name?" The same questioned now removing his greaves.
The prisoner looked at him slightly. His cheeks wet - either sweat or tears - and bloodstained. She knew she had to keep quiet. Her cousin taught her since, if for some reason she ever met the situation she was in now, she should remain silent because the information they gave could be used against her.
"Did you not hear me?" Achilles wasn't upset, just tired. He had fought and killed many Trojan warriors, had a strange encounter with the prince and even more strange and curious with the princess. It would not be enough for today?
The woman sighed panting, looked frightened, but she wasn't. It would be a matter of time before her cousin to come pick her up.
"You killed Apollo's priests!" She said, unable to keep silent as she was advised.
Strangely, Achilles repeated the words he had said to another Troy horse earlier that day: "I've killed men in five countries, never a priest."
"Well, then your men did!"
Your confession isn't much when you allow your men to do it for you…
And then again, the princess and this woman shared some similarities.
"The sun of god will have his revenge..." The captive woman said. She really believed in everything that she said. Always believe.
"What's he waiting for?" Inquired Achilles.
"The right time to strike!"
Achilles said nothing for a moment, preferring to clean the face of dirt and sweat with warm water resting in a bowl. With his head down - not with shame but tired - said: "His priests are dead, and his acolyte's a captive. I think your god is afraid of me."
"Afraid?!" Disbelief was remarkable in the beautiful voice of the captive. She couldn't believe in the words coming out of the mouth of the man with golden hair. At least, it seemed golden. She wasn't sure because of the little blood and dust that was in it. "Apollo is master of the sun. He fears nothing."
"Where is he?!" Where is he to do nothing to defend the country and the people who both love?, It is what the man wanted to ask.
"You're nothing but a killer!" My cousin just kills to protect, she thought. "You wouldn't know anything about the gods."
Childishly, Achilles raised the hand of the basin and threw water trying to hit her. He had no patience for it.
"I know more about the gods than your priests, than your princes and king." He said although that wasn't completely true. He imagined the princess of Troy also knew a thing or two about who had divine origin. "I've seen them."
Picking up a black skirt and tying it to the waist with no shame with his nakedness, he realized: "You're royalty, aren't you? Spent years talking down to men." He sniffed slightly a lock of her hair, inhaling the floral aroma of the oils that she passed in, while watching her characteristics. She was undoubtedly like Alessandra. "You must be royalty. What's your name?"
"Names holds power." Answered the captive woman that Achilles had found belonged to the royal family of that country. "At least, that's what my cousin taught me."
And Achilles curiosity was beginning to raise its head and improve his ears. Just needed confirmation. Was this cousin... her?
"Your cousin is clever." He commented, unleashing her cloth that bound her wrists.
"She is."
"But even servants of Apollo have names."
The woman looked at him, studying him. Finally she said: "Briseis."
Achilles looked at her. "Are you afraid, Briseis?"
"I should ask you the same question. You'll be scared when I tell you that your head will be hanging on the wall of my cousin? "
Achilles smiled. Slowly and truly.
"Is that so?" He provoked. "She will cut my head with a kitchen knife?"
Briseis growled furiously. "Don't you dare insulting Alessandra of Troy. Or it will be the last thing you do, Greek."
And then the Achilles theory was confirmed. Now, he saw clearly the almond eyes of Alessandra in Briseis and the same face shape. Also the two girls had the same lips, but somehow, Alessandra's seemed more seductive to him.
"Is that a threat?" Achilles asked in a low, husky voice.
Briseis wasn't afraid. If she had to die, she would die. However, Briseis knew it was a matter of time to she get out of there. They stared venomously. Achilles had to admit that the woman - a relative of the warrior princess that much interested him - had a strong spirit. But she quickly will realize that her attitude in the enemy camp would put her in trouble.
Finally, Briseis said, "It's a promise."
Achilles raised and lowered his shoulders showing indifference. He got up, took the jar resting in the corner and returned to lower near Briseis.
"What will your cousin doing to me?" Questioned Achilles. "The place of a woman isn't on the battlefield."
Surprisingly, Briseis accepted the jar with water that Achilles held out. However, she didn't drink even a drop of liquid, preferring to disinfect her injured wrists with freshness. "Have you not heard the stories?"
Achilles nodded. "What good are the rumors if I can hear the words from the mouth of her family?"
"The family always has the need to increase the value and merit of those who are related by blood." Commented Briseis. She didn't want to argue with the man who she didn't know the name but she could guess who he was. However, she felt a certain offense when it mentioned her cousin with what appeared to disdain (hardly knew her that the feeling with which Achilles had spoken of Alessandra in had nothing to do with disdain).
"But you will not doing that, you?"
Briseis gave him no answer to the question: "What you want to know?"
"Everything!" He says.
"I will not tell you anything that can put her by threat."
"I don't want you to do that."
"Well..." began Briseis. Somehow, she almost could feel her cousin to rebuke her wherever she was. "Alessandra is older than me, I have twenty springs and she twenty-five. She was a quiet child, spoke no more than was required. Fortunately, with eleven freed herself of her shell and words never failed her to talk to the family. She showed up one day with Thunder, her huge horse that at that time was just a little foal. The more they approached the palace, we could almost feel the flames of the true connection they both formed." She told him, while Achilles listened without blinking." She told us he had been a presente of the Godo f War."
Achilles raised his eyebrows curiously despite having already heard that story. "And you believed?"
He received a look that clearly said that he thought was useless. "She never gave us reason to not believe."
They were silent, and in that time Achilles withdrew most of the dirt that still covered his chest and arms.
"Her name is Alessandra Thais."
The name would give something like: "That warrior who is observed with admiringly," and it was properly, thought Achilles.
Briseis continued: "She has always been interested by the battle, from what I remember. She began training in adolescence and never stopped until today. I think... "Briseis swallowed, feeling the dry throat. She never wanted that lifestyle to her cousin. She never choose that way to anyone.
"What?" Inquired Achilles, with water streaming down his body.
"I think that's where she's really happy." She counted. "On the battlefield and bathed in blood."
Achilles could identify with that. Both were born for war. What else they knew but death and blood, screams and farewells?
"My lord." The voice of Eudorus came outside of the tent. hE was quick to come and face his superior. "Agamemnon requests your presence. The kings are gathering to celebrate the victory."
The blond lion slow to speak, his mind still lost in thought and new information. That eventful day never end?
"You fought well today." He praised.
It was remarkable satisfaction and privilege that Eudorus exuded, with its strong blue eyes on Achilles. "My Lord." He acknowledged, a slight smile threatening to extend.
"Eudorus, sends Patroclus to come here."
"Yes, My Lord."
Disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.
Briseis looked at Achilles. Her face showed signs of swelling. "What do you want here in Troy? You didn't come for the Spartan Queen. "
"What all men want?" He questioned Achilles. "I just want it more. That was one of the questions that your cousin made me earlier in the temple."
The dark eyes of Briseis widened with the new piece of information. "Did you see her? She was there? She was right?"
"Don't you worry, Briseis of Troy, if you are so connected and what you say about her trying to yank my head is true, she are now looking for you."
The face of the captive woman was filled with regret. "She will come to me." She spoke, both for him and for her. "I know she will."
Achilles wanted immensely so that Alessandra did. She wanted to see her again. "You don't need to fear me, girl. You're the only Trojan who can say that." But that wasn't entirely true.
Patroclus entered the tent, pulling the tapes and looking at them.
"I wanted to see me, cousin?"
"Yes, I wanted Patroclus. You did good today."
Childishly, Patroclus folded his arms. "I didn't fought."
"You shall fight one day." The blonde promised. "However, you might delighted with her." Achilles waved to the Briseis, who looked offended for a moment, then she nailing her eyes on Patroclus who was already admired. "Take her, she's yours. She will be in your tent, but you take care of her. She is a relative of someone who interests me."
Achilles gestured to get out but the voice of Briseis stopped him.
"Will you fight with my cousin?"
"I meant to do that until I stepped in this sand. Now... No more." He confessed honestly.
And without further ado, he went away.
If they said that Alessandra was upset, it would be an understatement. She was angry, furious. Was angry with the Greeks, with the world, and with the gods. But mostly, she was angry with herself. How could she let such a thing happen?
She had been in the Apollo's Temple. She should have taken more care. She knew Briseis would be there, but with all the events that war had brought hand in hand, she doesn't remember.
After a quick trip, and after being in the warm arms of her father, sister and in the presence of Paris and Helen – always Helen -, is that she has given the lack of Briseis. But by then it was too late.
Was she right? She was being beaten? Tortured by those who wanted information about the walls of Troy? Would she dead, or worse... would she have been torn from her virtue and purity, thus breaking her oath to Apollo?
Alessandra begged to don't be the case.
The Trojan Princess was now sitting quietly on a throne of stone beside Hector, and facing the king's council.
They are discussing war tactics had hours!
"If They want a war, we will give them a war." Said the general of the Trojan troops. "I would match the best of Troy against the best of Greece any day." He spoke of Hector or Alessandra, depending on which one wanted to fight.
"The best of Greece outnumber the best of Troy to two one."
The whole counsel agreed.
"Glaucus." Said Priam. "You have fought with me for 40 years. Can we win this war?"
Glaucus, the General replied with a voice filled with confidence and pride: "Our walls have never been breached. We have the finest archers in the world. And we have Hector and Alessandra. Yes, we can win this war. "
Troy had Hector and Alessandra, but Greece had Achilles.
The hight priest rose and spoke "I spoke to two farmers today." Alessandra roled her eyes. "They saw an eagle flying with a serpent clutched in its talons. This is a sign from Apollo. We will win a great victory tomorrow."
"Bird signs." Hector said incredulously. "You want to plan a strategy based on bird signs."
"Hector, show respect." Priam look at him. "The high priest is a servant of the gods."
"And I am a servant of Troy." Said Hector. "I've always honored the gods, Father. But today I fought a Greek who desecrated the statue of Apollo. Apollo didn't strike the man down. The gods won't fight this war for us."
"Don't you say anything, my daughter?" Inquired Priam, now looking for his daughter who remained silent throughout the discussion.
She looked up, and finally, spoke, piefarcing the priest:
"Tell me, High Priest, the man who always served the divine origin. Have you ever seen the Gods?"
"My princess, a very few are those who have acquired such an honor!" To say that the man was shocked was little.
"So I tell you, High Priest, that is one of the honors I won as I fought for Troy and you looked birds in search of signs!"
"Alessandra" Priam didn't scream. By the contrary, his voice was low and husky, and without his usual heat that warmed who was in his presence. "Enough!"
"No my father, I don't finished yet. Today, I saw Ares, God of War who killed millions of enemies and will kill even more. I watched him walk up to me in this afternoon, with dark hair like night and his eyes color of blood that had once bathed the blade of his sword. He sat down beside me and, together, we await the arrival of the moon. There were no necessary words to know that there is nothing he can do. As Hector said, the gods will not fight this war for us, and if you judged able to believe in that, and wait for a sheep to swallow a rabbit, you're more naive than I thought before." Alessandra took a deep breath watching the expressions of everyone.
Hector smiled proudly.
"My princess, Troy have you and Hector, you are the two best warriors in the world!" Glaucus assured, he really believed in his strength.
"Achilles is also regarded as the best in the world."
"We are unachievable." Countered the same.
With regret, and turning to sink on her throne, Alessandra said: "You have forgotten that everything is high, one day fall."
And watching the stars, there far away, seemed to smile at her sadly, Alessandra got lost in thought.
