Words are not enough for me to describe how much I am sorry for not updating the story. I do not want to you think that I left or I will leave. I intend to continue it until the end, despite not knowing exactly what will take place in the following chapters. The truth is I've been intensely busy with classes, and I confess that when I opened the word to start writing, I was terrified. I felt terrified because my readers were to place too many expectations on me and I feel that I was not able to overcome them. I want to thank to all, but especially to Arianna le Fay for all the support she has given me via Skype.

Writing and translating into a language that I am not fluent is tiring and difficult. But still, thank you.

Good read!


The day dawned faster than Alessandra wanted. She had the sense to lie down on the skin blankets bed and having to get up in the next second. By the time she woke up, a nice hot bath was waiting on the room's corners, where two or three servants had placed a wooden bathtub. The water still gave off a slight vapor, and Alessandra was quick to realize that only had to do a few minutes since the water was put there.

She does not need washing, knowing she would get dirty completely in the coming battle. However, a nice hot bath, for her, was the best thing that could help her to relax. She needed to put the thoughts in order.

When left to sink in warm water up to the neck, and delighting in the soft smell the rose petals gave off, a slight thump thump sounded, and the dreamy voice of Cassandra made themselves heard, muffled through the door.

"Sister? Are you awake?"

"Yes, Cassandra. Come on in."

Cassandra don't takes to open and close the door and scan the room. She aimed the bed revolved blankets, noted the trinkets that adorned the room here and there, admired the armor lay in its usual place be bathed in shades of red that went in at the balcony, and finally, his eyes fell on the naked figure of Alessandra, who, in silence, kept her uncommon eyes closed.

Cassandra not long in be sitting on a wooden bench, next to the bathtub, used by servants. Alessandra made no effort to hide her shame. Cassandra was her sister and a woman, then, Alessandra saw no need to be covered.

Alessandra rubbed the skin of the arms absently, leaving her perfumed, even though the sweet scent of roses would be replaced later by agonizing smell of blood.

"Paris intends to challenge Menelaus to a duel, in a few hours." She said. Her voice was still hoarse from sleep.

"I know."

"This boy is a fool."

Cassandra began to braid her hair themselves. She closed her eyes for a second, and almost - or maybe even had - could envision images of blood, and death, and Alessandra with Achilles, both fighting. "He's young, he doesn't know nothing of war as you. Yoy saw death and felt pain in your skin, meat and bones. What felt Paris, in addition to burning kisses on the lips of different women?"

"Menelaus will reap his life." Said the newest, having no shame in admitting that. She knew, as Cassandra and Paris itself knew that he would never see the light of day when he confronted Menelaus of Sparta.

"I hope that when the blade Menelaus sword pierce his body, Paris has the decency to die with honor and not to cry. Troy does not need more reasons to be laughing in other countries ... "

Cassandra suddenly became static, with a faraway look, almost dreamy on her face. When she was keen to answer her sister, herr beautiful voice was just a whisper, "He can ... die today. We may never see him. "

"You must not feel sorry for a man who already has the death waiting for him. You should feel sorry for our father, who will suffer more than anyone to deliver the perfect child to Hades. "

Cassandra's eyes shone with tears. Alessandra turned her head after listening the breath of her sister. Made a point of looking in Cassandra's eyes when she said: "You don't have to cry for a man who already know his destiny. All in Troy know that Paris brought this on himselfs when he deemed wise to bring the wife of Menelaus with him to our lands. The disgrace will fall on all of us. "

Cassandra gently picked up in the hands of Alessandra.

"Why you do not forgive him?" She questioned.

"You already forgiven?" Replied Alessandra. The wave of Cassandra told her so. "I ..." She sighed, slightly leaning her head on the edge of the tub and staring at the ceiling, but not seeing. Her mind was not there. She glimpsed a golden armor, so bright as the sun and something of a blue, so warm, like the sky in his best days. "I think deep down I already forgave him. However, Paris has to realize what he did, what a simple thoughtless act caused. If being rude and bitter with him help that him finally realizes the gravity of the situation, I will continue forever, or... I will continue until he leaves."

Cassandra, suddenly, decided to change the subject. "How was meeting Achilles?"

Alessandra's posture became tense at the question. Cassandra rubbed her hair with almond-oil, washing the night sweat.

Alessandra felt a fire in the stomach. "It was like meeting any other man."

The older woman smiled slightly, almost as if she knew a secret that, unfortunately, The Princess Warrior don't. "I'm sure that meeting The Lion of Greece is not like meeting any other man."

Alessandra chose not to answer. Held her breath, diving in warm water. The sound of the voice of her sister came muffled because of the water that filled her ears, yet she was able to detect the words when her sister began to sing:

He was strong and beautiful,

When I met him on that morning...

He was strong and beautiful,

When I saw him on the other side of the river.

That river so calm, that hidden watched our kiss,

But now,

This peaceful river is cold when I cried for my love go.

He was strong and beautiful, but he will not return,

Because, those who dive into the river, once calm and now cold,

Never returns to the beloved's lips to kiss.


Achilles will not fight! That was the phrase that flew through the Greek camp, spreading everywhere like a burning flame.

Fear was also quick to be felt in the soul of those men. They were called to fight and die trying to destroy an entire country by the infidelity of a woman. Feared having to say goodbye to their wives and children, but it was necessary, they knew that the hypothesis of no return was too big, their families could not wait forever. However, the company of Achilles in the coming war was something soothing, and, strange as it was, comforting. The presence of Achilles, there, beside them, seems like what mortals thought of a Guardian, sent by the Gods to protect them from all the evil of their enemies.

But now it's different.

Achilles was not going to fight, because, a few days before, his ego was hurt when Agamemnon, with all his greed and sense of superiority, wished to take the spoils of war, sending some of his men to Achilles' tent. At that time, only were found there Patroclus and Briseis, alone, with the young man washing Briseis wounds. Agamemnon's men acted as cowards approached from behind, when Patroclus was distracted and helpless, and were quick to tease him a blow on the back of the head with the handle of the sword.

When Patroclus was on the floor, unconscious, the cowards took Briseis by force into close the pig who called himself King.

The disgrace would knock on the door of the Greeks that day.

All because of a man who desires more than it deserves to have.


Alessandra was ready. Or... as ready as we could be going to remove someone's life. She placed her leather armor, her sword was secure as always by her side, her hair was braided to keep out of sight, and now, she had to wait.

Cassandra had already dismissed, staying at Alessandra's room, telling her that she preferred to wait there. If Alessandra was right, Cassandra was now sitting on her bed, staring at the balcony and waiting... praying...

Now, Alessandra found itself in front of her father, saying goodbye as well. Not that sh was afraid of what was coming. She knew that she was good fighter. But sometimes the Gods can be tricky and can bring misfortune to their land with the hot wind.

"Everything will be fine, my father." She assured him, looking into his clear blue eyes.

This blue does not compare with the blue of the Lion's eyes... Why she could not erase the image of those eyes of her mind!?

"The Gods will protect us!" He nodded his father, gently taking her cheeks and kissed her forehead tenderly. "Paris will save us."

Paris will die! She wanted to shout it to her father. She had the desire to say him what his perfect son had caused, but she did not. It would be too painful for the man who was her father.

Finally, she left Priam, rushing to the side of Hector. Hector was quick to join their hands in a fraternal gesture of affection. Alessandra knew that if she ever had to choose between the members of her family, she would choose Hector. Not her father, not Paris and Cassandra, and not Andromache and her nephew. She would choose Hector, and she also knew that if her older brother was not married and with a son in the world, his choice would always be Alessandra.

"Are you ready?"

"I was born ready." She replied smiling. The eyes of her brother were so intense that morning. "You know what will happen to Paris, don't you?"

Hector nodded. "Our father will be destroyed."

"He will lost his favorite son, but still has two to fight for him and Troy. If we don't survive, he will have Cassandra."

As they left the big gates, rows and rows of their men were standing side by side, all armed and well organized. At the top of the walls of Troy, were located the best archers of all the earth, and in one of the towers, was the royal family and the court of the King.

Alessandra feel the strong muscles of Thunder under her legs when he trotted alongside Hector's horse. Paris had joined his brothers. Finally, they stopped and waited.

The warm breeze was felt, ruffling the hair of all the Trojans and bringing the whispers and good graces of the Gods. Ares will never abandon his protected.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Questioned Hector to Paris, while everyone watched the horizon, waiting for enemies who would soon come.

"I started this war." Said Paris. Alessandra has not lost the look that Paris sent to Helen.

She wanted to erase the guilt of her brother. As much as she pretended that she hated him, she could never do such a thing. Family is family. It's the most powerful thing in the world. She would love her brother despite all the mistakes that the same made.

"This war would begin sooner or later. Do not be naive to think that the Greeks are here to the woman you said you love. Menelaus might be here because of her, but not Agamemnon. He always wanted Troy. Your adventure with Helen was just an excuse to attack. There would one day. "

"Forgive me brothers?" His voice trembled as he left this phrase to escape his lips.

"There's nothing to forgive, Paris." Hector said.

However, Alessandra didn't answer, and as much as Paris tried to stop, his eyes shone with tears. Finally, the woman nodded. Her reddened eyes were intense as she looked at her brother. She wished that he could read what she was thinking, she wished that he could understand what she meant: I will die for you! When he smiled, she knew he understood.

Her hearts beat racing.

The distance thousands of black shapes were approaching slowly. Thunder whinnied loudly, as if to warn the woman who looked after him since he was a little foal, the danger approaching.

Alessandra leaned, rubbing and giving gentle pats on the stronger its neck.

"I know, my friend. I know. But we went through this before. "Her voice was softer and calmer than ever. It was a beautiful thing to see, thought her brothers. "Look for me, will you?"

She again raising the body, watching.

The enemy army seemed unprepared, disorganized. The soldiers did not walked side-by-side in a line, such as Troy, but wherever he is meant to each. Agamemnon relied too much on his strength and did not care to use the strategy.

Get ready, she told herself. The wind breeze came back, patting gently on her cheek. She closed hier eyes and took a deep breath.

She knew. Some intense and disturbing way, she knew that Achilles, whom they called the best of Greece, that handsome, strong man of golden hair and blue eyes, was there. He is watching her. She felt the warm skin, burning and burning, with the force of his gaze. But she did not see. He would not fight, she realized, to quickly search the front lines of the enemy army.

She saw Odysseus, one of the Greek that she had known for a long and who could not help but feel a slight respect, saw the donkey and ugly Menelaus, and in armor that would never be tarnished noted Agamemnon get too. She wanted to spit with that picture.

Where would Achilles? In the midst of the army with his Myrmidons? No, of course not. As if ever Agamemnon let slip the opportunity to cause fear to the men of Troy with Achilles' presence at his side.

So where was he?

Why do you want to know? - A voice shouted in her mind.

She assured herself that she just wanted to be aware of the location of her enemy, lest he strike.

He had to be there. Straightened her back, she shook her long braid behind, and rested her hand on the bronze sword wielding waist. Her figure was stiff and tense, ready for anything. She wanted, even without seeing him, that he knew she was still a figure to fear. Always would be.

Finally, she concentrated in Paris. Her heart plummeted in the stomach. Today she will lost her brother. How could he survive Menelaus, a man who has battled numerous wars while the Trojan prince had always been protected by the walls of their beloved land?

Alessandra urged Thunder to move forward. Six carriages enemy advanced as well, bringing a result of Agamemnon.

She jumped from her longtime friend who whinnied, and she joined her brothers. Menelaus, Agamemnon and Nestor were on the front line, and Odysseus, a huge man who Alessandra imagined Ajax and the king of Thessaly were not far behind.

She looked at Odysseus and Odysseus looked at her. He had a disgusted look on his face. Disgust for whom? For her? She did not care what others think of her. Disgust for Agamemnon and the two fools who were with him? That was debatable, herself couldn't face the fat man without wanting to empty the stomach.

"I see you're not hiding behind your high Wall. Valiant of you. Inadvisable, but valiant."

Contrary to what Agamemnon must think your sentence would cause, Alessandra grinned, false but radiant.

"I see you're not hiding behind your men. I think it's the most courageous act you've ever done. Tired of watching the fight from the back? "

He looked at her with hatred and she smiled at him again. Behind him, Odysseus, Ajax and King of Thessaly had an amused expression on their faces.

"You come here uninvited. Go back to your ship and go home." Ordered Hector.

"We've come too far, Prince Hector."

"Prince? What prince? "Asked Menelaus, full of contempt in his voice." What son of a king would accept a man's hospitality, eat his food, drink his wine, then steael his wife in the middle of the night?!"

"The sun was shining when your wife left you!" This was the first sentence that Paris uttered in his presence.

The fun laughter Alessandra echoed by the Trojans, the Greeks, and even the distant hills.

Menelaus took the sword of his waist, and Alessandra was quickly to stop her laugh, lifting her own sword and pointing it to the throat of the opponent.

"She's up there, watching isn't she? Good!" Said Menelaus, Paris looking eyes. "I want her to watch you die!"

Agamemnon prevented his brother to speak, placing his hand on the handle where Menelaus grabbed the sword.

"Not yet, brother!" He approached each Hector steps. "Look around you, Hector. I brought all the warriors of Greece to your shores! You can still save Troy, young prince. I have two wishes. If you Grant them, no more of your preople need die. First, you must give Helen back to my brother. Second, Troy must submit to my command to fight for me whenever I call."

"You want me to look upon your army and tremble?" Asked Hector full force. "Well, I see them. I see fifty thousand men brought here to fight for one man's greed."

Agamemnon straighten his posture, approaching even more of Hector. "Careful, boy! My mercy has limits!"

"And we have seen the limits of your mercy!" Said Alessandra quietly. "And we tell you right now, no son of Troy will ever submit to a foreign ruler."

"Then every son of Troy shall die!" Agamemnon approached now Alessandra. "You should go back to the kitchen, young princess. Women's place is there, or in my bed."

The overwhelming urge to vomit back again. Paris and Hector approached, just like an animal ready to pounce.

"Maybe you should turn around and go back where you came from, ó King of Kings... after all, the place of pigs is in the sty."

"Your..." Agamemnon held back when Hector stood in front of her sister. He cleared his throat, but the furious blush was still there, going up by the neck and dominating him of the cheeks.

"There is another way!" Stops Paris. Hector and Alessandra suddenly looked at Paris. No! He would not do that. "I love Helen. I won't give her up and neither will you. "He said, turning to Menelaus. "So let us fight our own battle, the winner takes Helen home. And let that be the of it."

Agamemnon disagreed. "A brave offer, but not enough!"

Menelaus interrupted his brother to go and whispered something. Meanwhile, Alessandra came to Paris, a brother whom she has never shown so much love and affection as the heir of Troy. Gently took his cheeks, having sheathed the sword again.

"Do not do this, Paris."

"It has to be done." Paris whispered, looking into the eyes of his sister and seeing only fear, anger and love. His body burned. When he was at death's door, he finally received the desired love of his sister.

"I don't want to see my younger brother died."

Paris took the hands still caressed his face and kissed them. "When the time comes, close your eyes."

Alessandra nodded softly, returning to her seat. Menelaus turned again to the princes of Troy.

"I accept your challenge. And tonight, I'll drink to your bones!"

The smile that Agamemnon sent out Alessandra was negligible. The three brothers concentrated on strategies when a soldier approached with a helmet and shield to Paris.

"Make him swing and miss. He'll tire" Hector said.

"His weight will be an advantage for you. Try not to be caught, and when he slow down, you attacks. Tries to hurt his knees, and make him fall." Alessandra added quickly.

Paris nodded. The nervousness seemed to radiate from him in waves. "If I fall, tell Helen ... Tell her..."

"We will." Hector promised. Paris wanted his brothers to tell Helen how much he loves her.

"Don't let Menelaus hurt her! If he…"

Hector grabbed him by the arms. "You think of your sword, and his sword, and nothing else!"

The newest nodded again, putting the helmet. Menelaus showed up tracing shapes with the sword, slicing the air, trying to intimidate Paris.

Hector and Paris embraced. The silence was terrifying. Paris drew his sister to him, hugging her tightly.

"I love you, sister."

"I love you. May the Gods are on your side, brother." And without further ado, Paris raised his sword and approached the opponent.

Alessandra was right when she sensed the presence of Achilles. The same was in there, but not to fight. One of the mountains, well away from the battle, but with a great view, was located the same, surrounded by his Myrmidons and his cousin. Achilles was not looking at anyone but Alessandra.

He watched her as she focused all her attention on her younger brother who approached sword raised Menelaus and the round shield to protect the trunk. She changed from one foot to the other, shaking hands with the swors in her waist as if to jump into the middle of the two men and choke Menelaus with her own. Achilles love to see her do that.

But then it happened. The tingling felt that Alessandra told her that she was again being observed. She withdrew her eyes from the duel for a moment, looking around. Where was he?

Something attracts her attention, and finally, she recognized him. His Myrmidons were mere dark spots while both were examined. He made a slight nod that she could not see, but surprisingly she smiled, and returned to direct her attention to Paris and Menelaus.

The noise of Menelaus blade to hit the shield that Paris used to protect resounded everywhere. Paris whirled, still protected and the sword raised. Unfortunately, Menelaus walked away in time. The blows that followed were almost too fast to follow. Menelaus attacked and attacked, blow after blow, and Alessandra gasped. Her heartbeat seemed to match with the noise of the blade.

Paris ended up losing the shield and helmet.

Alessandra held the hand of Hector tightly. She was sick.

Agamemnon laughed with pleasure. She had issued a wild roar like a lion ready to pounce, like a bear that would cut the throat of a man with his teeth. She will tear the eyes to that unclean!

Both Paris and Menelaus were bleeding from the mouth. Menelaus became more violent and their strongest blows. Paris was not fast enough to block and now had a deep cut in his left thigh. He eventually dropped.

It is now... Thought Alessandra, will end now...

She wanted to cry, but no tears came.

Menelaus approaches slowly, and Paris fled crawling. He got up again and tried to strike a blow on the opponent, but Menelaus managed to make large up Paris his own sword and gave him a strong punch that sent him to the ground.

Menelaus put the sword next to the neck of a stunned Paris, ready to decapitate him. He raised his sword, taking balance and strength, but the prince of Troy fled, stumbling, heading for his brother and sister stared shocked.

Troy's fate was in the hands of younger and he was running to that fight!

"Is this what you you left me for?!" Roared Menelaus incredulously. "Fight! Fight me! "He urged.

But Paris did not listen, crawling to the feet of Hector and Alessandra, and embracing the right leg of his brother and the left of his sister.

"You coward! Fight me! "

"Paris, don't do this..." Begged Alessandra quietly. She remembered to tell Cassandra that Troy did not need more reasons to made fun in other countries, but this time even the Gods must be laughing.

"We have a pact! Fight!"

"Fight, Paris!" Begged Alessandra louder now after hearing Agamemnon roar that the Trojans have violated the agreement. "Paris!"

But the fear of dying was too much, and Paris clung more tightly to the legs of his brothers.

"Prepare for battle!" Shouted Agamemnon. All Greeks prepared.

"This is not honor. This is not worthy of royalty! If he doesn't fight, Troy is doomed! "Menelaus warned.

Hector said, "The fight is over."

"The fight is not over!" Countered King betrayed. "Stand back, Prince Hector and Princess Alessandra. I'll kill him at your feet. I don't care!"

"He is our brother!" Said Alessandra simply. King Menelaus really hoped both just to depart and leave their younger brother, the more protected the family, die?

Menelaus released to Paris with his sword in the air, but the time him led to made such an act, had enough time to Alessandra and Hector raise their own swords and stabbed him in the stomach and chest.

Menelaus seemed incredulous when the two sharp blades were removed from his body, stained with blood... his blood! His body remained standing for four seconds, and then, that was no more than a warm body lying on the floor.

Agamemnon roared, angry and grieving over the death of his brother, and had started out so the real war!

"Get up! Go! "Alessandra helped Paris to run, but suddenly he stopped. "Paris!"

His brothers were to see him run awkward way, throw himself to the ground and pick up the Sword of Troy. When he returned Hector rode his horse, pulling a horse for him, as Thunder already stopped at the foot of Alessandra.

She was quick to hoist up and sit in the cell. Hector sent Paris back home.

1…

The soldiers were getting closer. They ran fast, all ready to serve a pig of king in battle.

2…

Her heart was beating fast. How many men will die today? Parents, sons, uncles... Young men who barely knew what life was.

3...

Was there more young men than she? Old men declare war, but it is the youth that must fight and die.

4...

"Archers!" Alessandra shouted, warning them to be prepared. The archers lifted their bows ready to release the arrow.

"You are with me, sister?" Hector looked into her eyes, the evident concern that rich brown.

"You still had any questions?" She smiled and he returned the gesture. "For Troy!"

Trojan soldiers raised their spears, keeping them pointed to their goal, and ...

5…

And then, the real war begun!