Broken:
Trade Routes
Disclaimer: I do not own any bit of Troy (wish I owned quite a few warriors though!!!) or Homer's poem!
Summery: In the time of war one life may seem insignificant compared to the numerous amount of others, but that one life may be what brings change to an empire. A story of a woman who only needs to know herself to know her greater purpose in the fabric of life. But can she find herself in time to help? HA PH M(Mestor)OC
AN: Thank you so much! I am overwhelmed at the response I have gotten from just the first two chapters! So here come the thank you's:
Carro- I'm glad you like it, and I hope this chapter satisfies atleast a little of your curiosity.
RC- Yay, yet another person loves my story and really gets into it! I'm pleased to see that this story is fulfilling its duty!
Roselynn Geigel- Cookies to you, you crazy fan you! Thanks!
Child of Morning- Yes the lovely Hector is very very tempting... ahem... but as long as the story scores points I will continue to write and write and... well write!
M- I hope this is updated soon enough for your craving. Thanks!
Ginger- Nice to hear from you again, thanks and well its updated again!
Topherismygrace- I was hoping that Dysis little sarcasm and quick-witted responses would get people laughing! Thanks to you, I know it's worked! Cookies to you too!
Well that's all for now. If I missed you I'm really sorry and I'll try to get you in next time. Thanks to all!
%%%%%%%%%%
Dysis still had her hands firmly planted on the edge of the rooftop gazing down into the busy street. Had it really happened or was it just a dream? Surely as the broken shells of pottery are scattered across the roadway are real than the man on the horse who road through it must also be real. Dysis swallowed hard trying desperately to decipher the past day but there was no point it would all end soon, she knew it wouldn't last whatever this was.
"Dysis! Dysis!" Her father called up to her from the street bellow. She turned her head and gazed down at him her face red with heat and her expression as plain as bread. "Dysis will you not come down?"
"Dysis, did you see him?! Did you see the prince?!" Her sister now stood out amongst her father and the mob of Trojans in the street. So it was real every bit of it real. Her sister gazed up at her, her blue eyes glistening with excitement. This must have been a game for her or perhaps a dream that she might wake from tomorrow, though it wasn't.
Dysis backed away from the edge and walked back over to the hatch. She could still hear her father and sister shouting for her but it didn't matter. She slid the bolt into place and crossed back over to the east side of the building starring out onto the battlefield. They may never wake from this dream, this nightmare.
%%%%%%%%%
Galen galloped through the alleys on the back of his horse racing against the on coming traffic. When he reached home he noticed Kalare and his father standing in the middle of the path starring up at the roof. Galen hopped off of the horse and unstrapped a bundle of kindling for the fire. "Father? Father?" The old man's grey- blue eyes diverted from the shady top of the tavern to his young son. "Your kindling that you requested. Did you happen to find Dysis yet?"
"Oh yes, about two hours ago. But the girl's been up on the roof ever since starring off at the beach like it was her duty. It's about an hour past noon now, she'll die of sweat up there, hasn't even had a bite to eat." His father shook his head and walked his youngest daughter back into the tavern.
Galen glared up at the roof the sun in his eyes. Out of the corner of his eye he could make out the figure of an arm hanging over the side of the roof. "Dysis." He murmured before taking off into the building and up the stairs.
The young bruit climbed the slanted ladder banging his arm into the bolted hatch. "Open this up Dysis! Dysis!" He jumped down from the ladder and peered around the chamber searching for anything useful, when he found his father's sword knocked off the wall. Galen snatched it from the stone ground and began hacking at the hatch where the bolt sits until he broke through. He pushed his way onto the roof and gazed out over his oldest sister's limp body.
Galen scooped her up in his arms and carried her down the ladder where his father and other sibling stood waiting. "DYSIS!" Kalare screamed at the sight of Dysis passed out body.
"She's not... dead? Is she?" His father bit into his own bottom lip drawing a drop of blood to the surface bracing himself for the worst.
"No, she's just in a deep sleep. Kalare can you set up a bath for her and straighten out her new silk gown." Galen starred down at his sleeping sister, this was the first time in his life that he was looking out for her instead of the reverse. As a child he would always be a ruckus and she would always cover his back, they were a team the two of them. They would never lose each other; it wasn't in their will to do so.
Kalare hurried down the hall to the bathing chamber and readied Dysis bath and linens for the day. Galen laid his sister on her bed and pulled the drapes over so as to keep her in peace. "Father will you fetch her some food? She's probably just ill from the heat and unneeded stress placed upon her. Please?"
His father stood in shock of all the events that had taken place that day; his lost daughter, the battle, the prince and pottery, and now his ill daughter. "Please father, she needs you now. Please." The older man nodded and left the room walking sulkily down the stairs. "I'm sorry, sister, but I must leave you here unattended for the time being. I fear Troy needs me the most as a soldier. Grant me glory this day." Galen released his sisters hand and kissed her forehead before leaving.
%%%%%%%%%%%
When the day's battle was over; looking over the numerous Greek and Trojan bodies that lay half buried in the sand Hector couldn't help but feel somewhat responsible for their deaths, as he rode by on Andreas. Hector lifted his sights back on the city of Troy and reminded himself that he had to do it, he had to protect Troy and that meant destroying anyone who creates a threat against his great city. He was noble and it was his duty.
He heeled Andreas again to quicken the pace back to the city; he had business to attend to. No doubt Priam had already established his council and was debating their next move. The move of a king, who wasn't even at battle to witness the strength of the Greek arm that shoved Troy into a backwards spiral that morning. There was much to be discussed and Hector loathed the thought of being pulled into it, but he was the future king of Troy and had no choice.
At the gate Hector slowed his horse and removed his helmet continuing his travel through Troy all the way to the Palace at the center. He made a glance toward the old tavern though the woman was nowhere to be found. Instead of staying to search for her Hector chose to leave and head home, galloping over the same pottery from that morning.
%%%%%%%%%
Kalare had made ready Dysis bath and was simply waiting for her to wake. She sat perched by her eldest sister's side for hours just gazing at her praying she'd wake. But Kalare herself was beginning to become tired and simply couldn't stay awake another moment so she too fell into a deep trance.
Dysis eyes stirred feverishly underneath their lids; her face flushed, her panting heavy, with sweat pouring from her brow. Her nightmare scanned through many colors and only stayed fixated on something for a couple of seconds before moving on. Her heated body stood before a great wall of a gate, her stomach heaving and pulling with a sickness that derived from an aching in her heart. She could hear the vague sounds of metal against metal, a battle? Then she was off, her body tripping and stumbling through an unusually empty street, her eyes focusing in red then yellow and finally blue colors. But all the while her body was running, she felt as though she were in a drunken rage slipping and scuttling this way and that.
The young woman came to a familiar street the scenery blurring and swaying all at the same time; she was nauseous and dizzy, sick to her very soul. Out of nowhere she began gagging and hacking until finally she spewed up what was in her stomach. Now, feeling slightly relieved she continued on her way shuffling through the swinging haze of her dream world.
"Dysis! Dysis stop!" A voice, one she did not know, shouted to her but her stubbornness prevailed and she trudged on to the large hole in the wall of Troy. It was a familiar sight to her so she quickly dodged through it nearly falling out on her back as she did so. Dysis regained herself and took off at a limp jog down the wall towards the enormous gates of Troy. As she reared around the corner her vision blurred with a great light shinning directly in her eyes. She was forced to the ground, a man's arms wrapped around her waist holding her in her spot. The familiar sound of swords clanging echoed through her mind as she drifted off. Then the sound of her own voice screaming out an unknown name shook her from her nightmare.
She shot up from her spot on the bed, breathing heavy and sweating profusely all over. Her mind raced through the details of her dream trying to gather what information she could about it. Dysis rubbed her eyes, scanning the room for anyone in site when she noticed her baby sister lying peacefully next to her. She gave a quick smile before climbing out of bed and nearly collapsing to the floor as she found out her legs were still asleep and working as well as sand.
Dysis managed to pull herself up and become balanced. She could see down the long corridor to the bathing chamber where her new deep royal green gown had been draped over the elaborately decorated divan with fancy pillows surrounding it to emphasize its richness. She carefully scuttled across the floor not trying to wake Kalare up from her childlike dreaming.
Her hair was a tangled mess and her body a little more pink than it should've been but she didn't really care. For who dare try to place standards on Dysis the great? Dysis giggled at her own inside joke reminding herself that there was atleast a little life left in Troy even if it was only a faint ember of hope. She reached over and grasped her bone comb from the vanity and began untangling the knots lining her sandy tresses.
The young woman was not a lady on regular days, but her father was expecting company and as the oldest daughter it was her responsibility to show the honor of the family. It's high time that I step up and clutch onto my birth right as a woman with both hands, Dysis thought to herself as she undressed and stepped into the luke-warm water.
"So you finally managed to do this all without a big fuss?" A young arrogant voice beamed from the corner of the room.
Dysis slipped landing a graceful fall into the bathing tub, water splashing and sloshing over the sides. The fuming woman lifted her head slowly from the water her sandy locks of hair now dark and murky floating freely in the water. She raised a soaked arm and pointed to her younger siblings as they snickered at her clumsiness; they stood in a row of three, two little twin girls and one tall sixteen-year-old youth. Casting an evil glare over all of them, Dysis spoke solely to the twins with their dark wisps of short hair to their shoulders and brown freckles splattered across their cheeks and nose. "Agalia and Thalia, on the seventh day of the full moon the complete power of the goddess Artemis will be shown upon you and she shall smote you both with her arrows!" Her voice was deep and thundering as if the Goddess herself had been speaking through her.
The two children, who were no more than five, glanced at each other with a look of shock and worry written all over their faces before running out down the hall screaming to their beloved daddy. Dysis clapped her hands in the water creating a large splash as she laughed gleefully at her minor practical joke. "How gullible children truly are," she mused as she grabbed a bottle of scented oil to wash her hair with.
"You know their going to get you in trouble with father, don't you?" The last sibling walked slowly to the edge of the tub before sitting comfortably on the ledge playing with the perfumed water.
"Kalare, you nor I have any reason to fret over it. Besides, Father won't punish me if he's already arranged for me to accompany Philander to- to where ever it is we are attending." Dysis fingers weaved in and out of her hair, soapsuds blossoming from the long tendrils that swayed in the sweet water.
"Ah, so you've finally given into him, I see." Kalare stated in a mumble almost disappointedly as her fingertips continued to trail the reflection of her youthful face in the water. "Well," she popped her face up gazing gingerly at Dysis, "if you are truly excited about meeting with him this evening and wish to appear prim then I shall leave you to your duties."
Before Kalare could stand and leave Dysis latched on to her wrist, droplets of warm liquid cascaded down the length of Kalare's hand and for several moments the two women just sat there trying to read each other's emotions. Dysis was the first to speak, her voice stern and filled with worry. "Do you think I actually want to be with Philander, the wealthy son of a merchant who only has money to offer and no true love?"
Kalare bit her lip studying her sister's statement, "No, I know you do not. But you've been acting so strange lately Dysis." Kalare situated herself more comfortably as Dysis released her strong hold of her wrist. "I mean last night you got in a heated argument with Galen about him being a soldier, you soaked father with soiled water, you stormed out of the house with no word of where you were going, you lost my sandals, today I find you asleep on a bolder just outside of the wall of Troy, you race home to argue with Father, you were up on the roof for three hours, you're lucky Galen got you off of there before you burned to a crisp, you were tossing and turning in your sleep and now you're agreeing to meet with Philander? Tell me truthfully, what had gotten into you? Are you still the older sister I knew who could climb trees and roughhouse with boys, and clean and pick fights and win them? I fear the loss of you dear sister and it appears that day is coming closer and closer all the time." Kalare's face now streamed with tears.
Dysis pulled her sister into a warm embrace not sure how to respond to such outburst she softly stroked her sister's fair hair. "I don't know what has gotten into me either, everything seems to happen so suddenly and I can't control my life anymore. It is as if someone is pushing me in this direction as if they are showing me my destiny but it is coming at me so fast and it won't slow down."
Her sister slowly pulled away from the comforting hold, "what ever do you mean?"
Dysis bit onto her lower lip as she took both of Kalare's hands into her own, "swear to me you'll never tell a single soul." Her sister nodded abruptly before urging her on. "Amidst my tossing and turning I had this horrible dream. It was early morning and I was standing at the front gates of Troy..." She trailed off explaining the details to her sister.
"So what do you suppose it means? It has to mean something doesn't it? Suppose the man who was fighting was Philander and you were calling out to him? Maybe you do eventually fall in love with him and maybe the Gods are telling you that going with him tonight will change your life?" Kalare suggested while her sister climbed out of the now cool water and wrapped up in a towel before changing into her dressing garment.
"I don't know. I don't believe I could ever love such a vain man as Philander." Dysis trotted lazily over to the corner of the chamber where the open pillars stood, their curtains flapping in the breeze. Her eyes fixed themselves on a dirt brown cloak whose wearer stood diagonal from Dysis peering up at her through the waving fabric of the curtains.
Dysis' fixed stare unnerved Kalare so she too waltzed over to the pillars to obtain a glimpse at what had interested her sister. But Kalare was too late, the cloaked person had disappeared into the crowd leaving the two woman to question each other.
%%%%%%%%%%%
Hector stormed into the palace, sweat seeping from his brow and dry blood fused to his hands and arms. Andromache was the first to notice him as she fled down the long palace stairs her white gown flapping around her legs as she rushed to her love. She leapt off the bottom step and into her husband's arms. Her lips grazed his neck while she took in every essence of his body and every comfort in his strong hold of her.
"I thought I had lost you, Hector. I thought you were gone for good this time." Andromache's tears drained down onto Hector's neck.
"Hush, I'm here. There is nothing to fear." He moved her face so that her dark sensuous eyes were directly gazing into his. "Where is our son?"
"He's with two of the servant girls. Don't worry he's fine, now that his father is safe." She leaned in kissing him tenderly.
Hector pulled away, his disposition slightly appalled by the thought of feeling joy at such a depressing time as this. He backed away shaking his head in a 'no', "men have died today I will not walk over their graves by celebrating a safe return with my wife! There is much planning to do; I must go speak with my father. Take care of our son while I am away."
With that said Hector forcefully breezed through ignoring Andromache's whimpers. She dropped to her knees tears rolling from her eyes all along wondering if it was her fault, what had she done? Her city was being attacked, her life a web of lies, and now her marriage, to a man who's honor is held the highest and his love for her the deepest, was falling apart, and all she could do was stand by and watch.
%%%%%%%%%
"Ah, Philander, may the God's bring light in to this most unnaturally gloomy day!" Dysis father spoke gallantly to this young man from behind his bar.
"And may they look upon you with favor and grant you peace," his eyes dazzled a pale blue light and his hair straight as an arrow yet dark as the midnight sky. His appearance was much like Galen's but his personality extremely different. Philander was the arrogant son of a merchant, soon to inherit his father's most profitable business.
His approach to women however was very similar to business, "what's the point in winning them over if you can buy them?" Dysis had overheard him musing to another man in the alley once. She thought him a horrid pig that knew absolutely nothing about the world, it's wealth, or the love that ran through its veins. No, she did not want to marry him, but it was her father's bidding. She would not dishonor him so boldly.
"Is Dysis willing to speak with me today?" He asked his voice running low but in a humorous way.
"I'm afraid she is bedridden this day, she is very ill. With the attack on the beach today she had stayed up on the rooftop all morning watching it. No doubt she is sick to the-."
"I believe I shall be the judge of the, my dear father." Dysis voice flew from her lips as if she were singing a hymn written for the Gods. She stood before them her long brassy locks pulled back with shell combs, her gown draped over her body with a deep 'v' collar and a butterfly design around the bodice. She wore a few loose pieces of jewelry; gold earrings in the shape of bells, a long chain necklace with two shells dangling from it, and a gold belt encrusted with shells and small blue jewels. Dysis was a sight to see that day, and her sent even more luxurious to smell.
"Dysis?" Her father gawked at the sight of her, "are you sure you're all right? Perhaps you should lay down a little while longer."
"She looks very healthy to me, Darrius. Do you feel well my dear?" Philander held his under worked hand out to her.
"Yes, my lord, I do. Where is it you planned on going today?" She mused childishly as though she had indeed switched places with her sister and was not her true self.
"Well I had some trade business that my father wished me to discuss with the palace, perhaps you would come with me?" His cheesy grin caused her skin to crawl and her bones shutter within her.
"I'd love to, my lord." She bowed her head slowly showing her appreciation to his 'royal' status. His father just happened to be the head merchant in Troy, and had many negotiations with the King, Priam, and his son Hector.
%%%%%%%%%%
When their chariot had halted in front of the palace entrance Dysis froze remembering her last encounter there and how much she loathed the rich and powerful because she was neither and never would be. "We have arrived, my dove." She gave a silent nod and fake smile before stepping off the rickety wood and onto the solid road.
The palace, she was entering the palace! Her feet carried her through the entrance subconsciously, her escort at her arm. Her eyes were beaming taking in every sight around her; she wanted to remember everything even if no one remembered her.
"Hector! Hector!" Philander's voice echoed off the marble walls of the palace, how intense it all was. "Come, my love, I want you to meet the great leader of this fierce Trojan army." But in her mind she heard, "Come, my prize, I want to show you off to the Prince and gloat about how much better you are than his wife."
No matter what was truly said she obeyed, skimming the floor the fabric of her gown flowing around her. The moment took forever to pass, but when their eyes met Dysis' heart nearly stopped and she couldn't even feel the arrogant man at her side, it was all night surrounding them.
"Philander, my friend." His tone was grim and only partially fixed on their new conversation. He glanced up at Dysis gazing over her weathered complexion; she knew then that she did not belong. "Is this your wife, friend?"
"Soon to be, we're betrothed." Dysis died in those moments, forgetting all around her, just hearing those words made her wake up. Betrothed?
Her face went pale and she tried to force out a smile, but it made no difference the Prince read her discomfort almost immediately. Dysis bit down on her bottom lip and faced the other direction trying her best to ignore Hector's stare.
"I hear the battle was harsh today," Philander spoke up breaking the unusual silence. Dysis was rejoicing inside, for once that vile oaf knew when to speak up, now the attention is off of me.
"Yes it was, we could've used your help out there today. We lost many men, valuable soldiers." The Prince lowered his head, "but surely that's not why you came?"
"No, my father wished for me to speak with you and your father regarding trade options throughout this war." Hector nodded to her escort and lead them to a room where they could better speak of his plans. But only two things shot through Dysis mind, how do I get out of here and where is Galen when I need him the most?
%%%%%%%%%%%%
Ah! Another chapter down! Sorry it took me so long to update this one, I've just been really busy with driver's ed. and getting ready to move, plus we're going to be on vacation this weekend! I'm planning on updating this story again tomorrow and next Wednesday when I return from Williamsburg, VA. I hope this chapter kept your attention as well, possibly even better, as the last two and please grant me the luxury of having a couple more reviews. Thanks!
Trade Routes
Disclaimer: I do not own any bit of Troy (wish I owned quite a few warriors though!!!) or Homer's poem!
Summery: In the time of war one life may seem insignificant compared to the numerous amount of others, but that one life may be what brings change to an empire. A story of a woman who only needs to know herself to know her greater purpose in the fabric of life. But can she find herself in time to help? HA PH M(Mestor)OC
AN: Thank you so much! I am overwhelmed at the response I have gotten from just the first two chapters! So here come the thank you's:
Carro- I'm glad you like it, and I hope this chapter satisfies atleast a little of your curiosity.
RC- Yay, yet another person loves my story and really gets into it! I'm pleased to see that this story is fulfilling its duty!
Roselynn Geigel- Cookies to you, you crazy fan you! Thanks!
Child of Morning- Yes the lovely Hector is very very tempting... ahem... but as long as the story scores points I will continue to write and write and... well write!
M- I hope this is updated soon enough for your craving. Thanks!
Ginger- Nice to hear from you again, thanks and well its updated again!
Topherismygrace- I was hoping that Dysis little sarcasm and quick-witted responses would get people laughing! Thanks to you, I know it's worked! Cookies to you too!
Well that's all for now. If I missed you I'm really sorry and I'll try to get you in next time. Thanks to all!
%%%%%%%%%%
Dysis still had her hands firmly planted on the edge of the rooftop gazing down into the busy street. Had it really happened or was it just a dream? Surely as the broken shells of pottery are scattered across the roadway are real than the man on the horse who road through it must also be real. Dysis swallowed hard trying desperately to decipher the past day but there was no point it would all end soon, she knew it wouldn't last whatever this was.
"Dysis! Dysis!" Her father called up to her from the street bellow. She turned her head and gazed down at him her face red with heat and her expression as plain as bread. "Dysis will you not come down?"
"Dysis, did you see him?! Did you see the prince?!" Her sister now stood out amongst her father and the mob of Trojans in the street. So it was real every bit of it real. Her sister gazed up at her, her blue eyes glistening with excitement. This must have been a game for her or perhaps a dream that she might wake from tomorrow, though it wasn't.
Dysis backed away from the edge and walked back over to the hatch. She could still hear her father and sister shouting for her but it didn't matter. She slid the bolt into place and crossed back over to the east side of the building starring out onto the battlefield. They may never wake from this dream, this nightmare.
%%%%%%%%%
Galen galloped through the alleys on the back of his horse racing against the on coming traffic. When he reached home he noticed Kalare and his father standing in the middle of the path starring up at the roof. Galen hopped off of the horse and unstrapped a bundle of kindling for the fire. "Father? Father?" The old man's grey- blue eyes diverted from the shady top of the tavern to his young son. "Your kindling that you requested. Did you happen to find Dysis yet?"
"Oh yes, about two hours ago. But the girl's been up on the roof ever since starring off at the beach like it was her duty. It's about an hour past noon now, she'll die of sweat up there, hasn't even had a bite to eat." His father shook his head and walked his youngest daughter back into the tavern.
Galen glared up at the roof the sun in his eyes. Out of the corner of his eye he could make out the figure of an arm hanging over the side of the roof. "Dysis." He murmured before taking off into the building and up the stairs.
The young bruit climbed the slanted ladder banging his arm into the bolted hatch. "Open this up Dysis! Dysis!" He jumped down from the ladder and peered around the chamber searching for anything useful, when he found his father's sword knocked off the wall. Galen snatched it from the stone ground and began hacking at the hatch where the bolt sits until he broke through. He pushed his way onto the roof and gazed out over his oldest sister's limp body.
Galen scooped her up in his arms and carried her down the ladder where his father and other sibling stood waiting. "DYSIS!" Kalare screamed at the sight of Dysis passed out body.
"She's not... dead? Is she?" His father bit into his own bottom lip drawing a drop of blood to the surface bracing himself for the worst.
"No, she's just in a deep sleep. Kalare can you set up a bath for her and straighten out her new silk gown." Galen starred down at his sleeping sister, this was the first time in his life that he was looking out for her instead of the reverse. As a child he would always be a ruckus and she would always cover his back, they were a team the two of them. They would never lose each other; it wasn't in their will to do so.
Kalare hurried down the hall to the bathing chamber and readied Dysis bath and linens for the day. Galen laid his sister on her bed and pulled the drapes over so as to keep her in peace. "Father will you fetch her some food? She's probably just ill from the heat and unneeded stress placed upon her. Please?"
His father stood in shock of all the events that had taken place that day; his lost daughter, the battle, the prince and pottery, and now his ill daughter. "Please father, she needs you now. Please." The older man nodded and left the room walking sulkily down the stairs. "I'm sorry, sister, but I must leave you here unattended for the time being. I fear Troy needs me the most as a soldier. Grant me glory this day." Galen released his sisters hand and kissed her forehead before leaving.
%%%%%%%%%%%
When the day's battle was over; looking over the numerous Greek and Trojan bodies that lay half buried in the sand Hector couldn't help but feel somewhat responsible for their deaths, as he rode by on Andreas. Hector lifted his sights back on the city of Troy and reminded himself that he had to do it, he had to protect Troy and that meant destroying anyone who creates a threat against his great city. He was noble and it was his duty.
He heeled Andreas again to quicken the pace back to the city; he had business to attend to. No doubt Priam had already established his council and was debating their next move. The move of a king, who wasn't even at battle to witness the strength of the Greek arm that shoved Troy into a backwards spiral that morning. There was much to be discussed and Hector loathed the thought of being pulled into it, but he was the future king of Troy and had no choice.
At the gate Hector slowed his horse and removed his helmet continuing his travel through Troy all the way to the Palace at the center. He made a glance toward the old tavern though the woman was nowhere to be found. Instead of staying to search for her Hector chose to leave and head home, galloping over the same pottery from that morning.
%%%%%%%%%
Kalare had made ready Dysis bath and was simply waiting for her to wake. She sat perched by her eldest sister's side for hours just gazing at her praying she'd wake. But Kalare herself was beginning to become tired and simply couldn't stay awake another moment so she too fell into a deep trance.
Dysis eyes stirred feverishly underneath their lids; her face flushed, her panting heavy, with sweat pouring from her brow. Her nightmare scanned through many colors and only stayed fixated on something for a couple of seconds before moving on. Her heated body stood before a great wall of a gate, her stomach heaving and pulling with a sickness that derived from an aching in her heart. She could hear the vague sounds of metal against metal, a battle? Then she was off, her body tripping and stumbling through an unusually empty street, her eyes focusing in red then yellow and finally blue colors. But all the while her body was running, she felt as though she were in a drunken rage slipping and scuttling this way and that.
The young woman came to a familiar street the scenery blurring and swaying all at the same time; she was nauseous and dizzy, sick to her very soul. Out of nowhere she began gagging and hacking until finally she spewed up what was in her stomach. Now, feeling slightly relieved she continued on her way shuffling through the swinging haze of her dream world.
"Dysis! Dysis stop!" A voice, one she did not know, shouted to her but her stubbornness prevailed and she trudged on to the large hole in the wall of Troy. It was a familiar sight to her so she quickly dodged through it nearly falling out on her back as she did so. Dysis regained herself and took off at a limp jog down the wall towards the enormous gates of Troy. As she reared around the corner her vision blurred with a great light shinning directly in her eyes. She was forced to the ground, a man's arms wrapped around her waist holding her in her spot. The familiar sound of swords clanging echoed through her mind as she drifted off. Then the sound of her own voice screaming out an unknown name shook her from her nightmare.
She shot up from her spot on the bed, breathing heavy and sweating profusely all over. Her mind raced through the details of her dream trying to gather what information she could about it. Dysis rubbed her eyes, scanning the room for anyone in site when she noticed her baby sister lying peacefully next to her. She gave a quick smile before climbing out of bed and nearly collapsing to the floor as she found out her legs were still asleep and working as well as sand.
Dysis managed to pull herself up and become balanced. She could see down the long corridor to the bathing chamber where her new deep royal green gown had been draped over the elaborately decorated divan with fancy pillows surrounding it to emphasize its richness. She carefully scuttled across the floor not trying to wake Kalare up from her childlike dreaming.
Her hair was a tangled mess and her body a little more pink than it should've been but she didn't really care. For who dare try to place standards on Dysis the great? Dysis giggled at her own inside joke reminding herself that there was atleast a little life left in Troy even if it was only a faint ember of hope. She reached over and grasped her bone comb from the vanity and began untangling the knots lining her sandy tresses.
The young woman was not a lady on regular days, but her father was expecting company and as the oldest daughter it was her responsibility to show the honor of the family. It's high time that I step up and clutch onto my birth right as a woman with both hands, Dysis thought to herself as she undressed and stepped into the luke-warm water.
"So you finally managed to do this all without a big fuss?" A young arrogant voice beamed from the corner of the room.
Dysis slipped landing a graceful fall into the bathing tub, water splashing and sloshing over the sides. The fuming woman lifted her head slowly from the water her sandy locks of hair now dark and murky floating freely in the water. She raised a soaked arm and pointed to her younger siblings as they snickered at her clumsiness; they stood in a row of three, two little twin girls and one tall sixteen-year-old youth. Casting an evil glare over all of them, Dysis spoke solely to the twins with their dark wisps of short hair to their shoulders and brown freckles splattered across their cheeks and nose. "Agalia and Thalia, on the seventh day of the full moon the complete power of the goddess Artemis will be shown upon you and she shall smote you both with her arrows!" Her voice was deep and thundering as if the Goddess herself had been speaking through her.
The two children, who were no more than five, glanced at each other with a look of shock and worry written all over their faces before running out down the hall screaming to their beloved daddy. Dysis clapped her hands in the water creating a large splash as she laughed gleefully at her minor practical joke. "How gullible children truly are," she mused as she grabbed a bottle of scented oil to wash her hair with.
"You know their going to get you in trouble with father, don't you?" The last sibling walked slowly to the edge of the tub before sitting comfortably on the ledge playing with the perfumed water.
"Kalare, you nor I have any reason to fret over it. Besides, Father won't punish me if he's already arranged for me to accompany Philander to- to where ever it is we are attending." Dysis fingers weaved in and out of her hair, soapsuds blossoming from the long tendrils that swayed in the sweet water.
"Ah, so you've finally given into him, I see." Kalare stated in a mumble almost disappointedly as her fingertips continued to trail the reflection of her youthful face in the water. "Well," she popped her face up gazing gingerly at Dysis, "if you are truly excited about meeting with him this evening and wish to appear prim then I shall leave you to your duties."
Before Kalare could stand and leave Dysis latched on to her wrist, droplets of warm liquid cascaded down the length of Kalare's hand and for several moments the two women just sat there trying to read each other's emotions. Dysis was the first to speak, her voice stern and filled with worry. "Do you think I actually want to be with Philander, the wealthy son of a merchant who only has money to offer and no true love?"
Kalare bit her lip studying her sister's statement, "No, I know you do not. But you've been acting so strange lately Dysis." Kalare situated herself more comfortably as Dysis released her strong hold of her wrist. "I mean last night you got in a heated argument with Galen about him being a soldier, you soaked father with soiled water, you stormed out of the house with no word of where you were going, you lost my sandals, today I find you asleep on a bolder just outside of the wall of Troy, you race home to argue with Father, you were up on the roof for three hours, you're lucky Galen got you off of there before you burned to a crisp, you were tossing and turning in your sleep and now you're agreeing to meet with Philander? Tell me truthfully, what had gotten into you? Are you still the older sister I knew who could climb trees and roughhouse with boys, and clean and pick fights and win them? I fear the loss of you dear sister and it appears that day is coming closer and closer all the time." Kalare's face now streamed with tears.
Dysis pulled her sister into a warm embrace not sure how to respond to such outburst she softly stroked her sister's fair hair. "I don't know what has gotten into me either, everything seems to happen so suddenly and I can't control my life anymore. It is as if someone is pushing me in this direction as if they are showing me my destiny but it is coming at me so fast and it won't slow down."
Her sister slowly pulled away from the comforting hold, "what ever do you mean?"
Dysis bit onto her lower lip as she took both of Kalare's hands into her own, "swear to me you'll never tell a single soul." Her sister nodded abruptly before urging her on. "Amidst my tossing and turning I had this horrible dream. It was early morning and I was standing at the front gates of Troy..." She trailed off explaining the details to her sister.
"So what do you suppose it means? It has to mean something doesn't it? Suppose the man who was fighting was Philander and you were calling out to him? Maybe you do eventually fall in love with him and maybe the Gods are telling you that going with him tonight will change your life?" Kalare suggested while her sister climbed out of the now cool water and wrapped up in a towel before changing into her dressing garment.
"I don't know. I don't believe I could ever love such a vain man as Philander." Dysis trotted lazily over to the corner of the chamber where the open pillars stood, their curtains flapping in the breeze. Her eyes fixed themselves on a dirt brown cloak whose wearer stood diagonal from Dysis peering up at her through the waving fabric of the curtains.
Dysis' fixed stare unnerved Kalare so she too waltzed over to the pillars to obtain a glimpse at what had interested her sister. But Kalare was too late, the cloaked person had disappeared into the crowd leaving the two woman to question each other.
%%%%%%%%%%%
Hector stormed into the palace, sweat seeping from his brow and dry blood fused to his hands and arms. Andromache was the first to notice him as she fled down the long palace stairs her white gown flapping around her legs as she rushed to her love. She leapt off the bottom step and into her husband's arms. Her lips grazed his neck while she took in every essence of his body and every comfort in his strong hold of her.
"I thought I had lost you, Hector. I thought you were gone for good this time." Andromache's tears drained down onto Hector's neck.
"Hush, I'm here. There is nothing to fear." He moved her face so that her dark sensuous eyes were directly gazing into his. "Where is our son?"
"He's with two of the servant girls. Don't worry he's fine, now that his father is safe." She leaned in kissing him tenderly.
Hector pulled away, his disposition slightly appalled by the thought of feeling joy at such a depressing time as this. He backed away shaking his head in a 'no', "men have died today I will not walk over their graves by celebrating a safe return with my wife! There is much planning to do; I must go speak with my father. Take care of our son while I am away."
With that said Hector forcefully breezed through ignoring Andromache's whimpers. She dropped to her knees tears rolling from her eyes all along wondering if it was her fault, what had she done? Her city was being attacked, her life a web of lies, and now her marriage, to a man who's honor is held the highest and his love for her the deepest, was falling apart, and all she could do was stand by and watch.
%%%%%%%%%
"Ah, Philander, may the God's bring light in to this most unnaturally gloomy day!" Dysis father spoke gallantly to this young man from behind his bar.
"And may they look upon you with favor and grant you peace," his eyes dazzled a pale blue light and his hair straight as an arrow yet dark as the midnight sky. His appearance was much like Galen's but his personality extremely different. Philander was the arrogant son of a merchant, soon to inherit his father's most profitable business.
His approach to women however was very similar to business, "what's the point in winning them over if you can buy them?" Dysis had overheard him musing to another man in the alley once. She thought him a horrid pig that knew absolutely nothing about the world, it's wealth, or the love that ran through its veins. No, she did not want to marry him, but it was her father's bidding. She would not dishonor him so boldly.
"Is Dysis willing to speak with me today?" He asked his voice running low but in a humorous way.
"I'm afraid she is bedridden this day, she is very ill. With the attack on the beach today she had stayed up on the rooftop all morning watching it. No doubt she is sick to the-."
"I believe I shall be the judge of the, my dear father." Dysis voice flew from her lips as if she were singing a hymn written for the Gods. She stood before them her long brassy locks pulled back with shell combs, her gown draped over her body with a deep 'v' collar and a butterfly design around the bodice. She wore a few loose pieces of jewelry; gold earrings in the shape of bells, a long chain necklace with two shells dangling from it, and a gold belt encrusted with shells and small blue jewels. Dysis was a sight to see that day, and her sent even more luxurious to smell.
"Dysis?" Her father gawked at the sight of her, "are you sure you're all right? Perhaps you should lay down a little while longer."
"She looks very healthy to me, Darrius. Do you feel well my dear?" Philander held his under worked hand out to her.
"Yes, my lord, I do. Where is it you planned on going today?" She mused childishly as though she had indeed switched places with her sister and was not her true self.
"Well I had some trade business that my father wished me to discuss with the palace, perhaps you would come with me?" His cheesy grin caused her skin to crawl and her bones shutter within her.
"I'd love to, my lord." She bowed her head slowly showing her appreciation to his 'royal' status. His father just happened to be the head merchant in Troy, and had many negotiations with the King, Priam, and his son Hector.
%%%%%%%%%%
When their chariot had halted in front of the palace entrance Dysis froze remembering her last encounter there and how much she loathed the rich and powerful because she was neither and never would be. "We have arrived, my dove." She gave a silent nod and fake smile before stepping off the rickety wood and onto the solid road.
The palace, she was entering the palace! Her feet carried her through the entrance subconsciously, her escort at her arm. Her eyes were beaming taking in every sight around her; she wanted to remember everything even if no one remembered her.
"Hector! Hector!" Philander's voice echoed off the marble walls of the palace, how intense it all was. "Come, my love, I want you to meet the great leader of this fierce Trojan army." But in her mind she heard, "Come, my prize, I want to show you off to the Prince and gloat about how much better you are than his wife."
No matter what was truly said she obeyed, skimming the floor the fabric of her gown flowing around her. The moment took forever to pass, but when their eyes met Dysis' heart nearly stopped and she couldn't even feel the arrogant man at her side, it was all night surrounding them.
"Philander, my friend." His tone was grim and only partially fixed on their new conversation. He glanced up at Dysis gazing over her weathered complexion; she knew then that she did not belong. "Is this your wife, friend?"
"Soon to be, we're betrothed." Dysis died in those moments, forgetting all around her, just hearing those words made her wake up. Betrothed?
Her face went pale and she tried to force out a smile, but it made no difference the Prince read her discomfort almost immediately. Dysis bit down on her bottom lip and faced the other direction trying her best to ignore Hector's stare.
"I hear the battle was harsh today," Philander spoke up breaking the unusual silence. Dysis was rejoicing inside, for once that vile oaf knew when to speak up, now the attention is off of me.
"Yes it was, we could've used your help out there today. We lost many men, valuable soldiers." The Prince lowered his head, "but surely that's not why you came?"
"No, my father wished for me to speak with you and your father regarding trade options throughout this war." Hector nodded to her escort and lead them to a room where they could better speak of his plans. But only two things shot through Dysis mind, how do I get out of here and where is Galen when I need him the most?
%%%%%%%%%%%%
Ah! Another chapter down! Sorry it took me so long to update this one, I've just been really busy with driver's ed. and getting ready to move, plus we're going to be on vacation this weekend! I'm planning on updating this story again tomorrow and next Wednesday when I return from Williamsburg, VA. I hope this chapter kept your attention as well, possibly even better, as the last two and please grant me the luxury of having a couple more reviews. Thanks!