Argh. I'm so sorry I didn't update yesterday, but I got sick. My cousin came over this week and I dunno if she contracted some disease, but now I have whatever she's got. But yeah...I'm still feeling a little groggy and out of it, but I'ma try to make up for not updating yesterday! ::hacking cough:: rightie-o...

Chapter 6

The little boy entered the tent, glancing around nervously. He had heard stories from his father about how great and terrible Achilles, the mighty Greek warrior was, but he'd never dreamt that he'd be in the famed man's tent! Of all places!

Achilles' tent was just like any other soldiers' tent, the little boy discovered, slightly disappointed. He had thought that someone as great as he would be rolling with gold and silver. But the only thing that had as much of a glint was Achilles' sword.

"His sword!" The little boy thought. He ventured forward cautiously, and then drew back quickly. Achilles was in a deep sleep, as was an unknown slave girl with dark brown hair. He shuffled forward again, his fingers a few centimeters away from the twinkling blade.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." A stern voice said.

The little boy jumped and quickly pulled back his hand. Achilles was looking at him, fully awake. His face was strict.

"Who are you?" he asked, surveying the boy.

The little boy inhaled and tried to gather his wits. The great Achilles asked him a question!

"I—"he stuttered. "I am Trios, son of Eudora," he said, a note of pride in his voice.

Achilles looked at him suspiciously. "Why are you here?" he asked, trying to read the boy.

"King Agamemnon, he—he sent me. He said to tell you that the war is won, sir." Trios explained.

Achilles raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, Trios?"

Trios calmed down and talked freely. "I do not know why he said that. The men have been talking, sir. They have been saying that there is no hope. They say that this war is folly." He glanced warily at Achilles. "But the King insists that we have won. He insists on sending you back to Sparta."

Achilles sat up at the last words. "Take me to him." He commanded.

"Yes, my lord." Trios bowed and left to wait outside of the tent.

Achilles got up quickly and put on his warrior garb. "Even though I am not fighting the Trojans today, I am still fighting with the King." He thought.

Briseis turned in her sleep, and mumbled something. Achilles looked to her. "The slave girl," he thought, his eyes softening a bit. "I won't bother her."

He left the tent, only to be greeted by an anxious Trios and bright sunlight.

Most of the men were still in deep slumber, but some were strolling about. Many greeted Achilles, nodding to him with smiles on their faces.

The tent of Agamemnon, however, was not plastered with smiles or warmth.

Achilles entered the tent, annoyed to see that it was full of wealth and food. As usual, the King Agamemnon sat in a high, throne like chair raised high on a pedestal.

"The great Achilles!" he snorted, his piggy face wobbling a bit.

"My sources tell me that I am to be sent back to Sparta." Achilles snarled, ignoring the latter comment. "Is this true?"

Agamemnon chuckled, his fat blubbering. "It is true, arrogant warrior. We have no need for you anymore! Have you not heard? The war is won!"

"The war is not won." Achilles growled softly, narrowing his eyes.

A goblet flew past his head, missing by inches. It splattered wine everywhere as it landed in the sand, staining it.

"It is won! It is won!" the King cried furiously, a mad glint in his eye. "You will go back to Sparta! You and your men! You weren't the cause of us winning this war! Leave! Leave now!"

Achilles eyed the raving King with amusement, before bowing. "As you wish!" he said sardonically and exited the tent.

Trios met him outside, excited and persistent. "Is it true, my lord? Are you leaving?"

Achilles turned, irritated with the boy's pushiness. "Go back to your tent." He muttered, before jogging back to his own.

When he entered it, Briseis was awake, and had tidied up again.

There was an awkward silence as the two sat down to feast on a plate of grapes.

"Is it true?" Briseis abruptly questioned, her voice cracking a little. "Are you going back to Sparta?"

Achilles swallowed his grape before answering. "So it seems." He mumbled, drinking deeply from his goblet.

"And I—," she stuttered, a shadow of hope in her voice. "Am I free?"

Achilles didn't answer for a moment.

"Do you want to be free?" he asked, his tone hard. "Do you want to be free to be picked up by drunken men who want your body? Do you want to be free to die in the streets? Do you want that?" he slammed his goblet down on the table.

Briseis didn't respond, tears welling up in her eyes. She lowered her head and whimpered softly.

"You will be coming with me." He said, his voice becoming less harsh, as if trying to make up for his rage. "Most likely, a ship will come to take us back to Sparta. Do not forget that you are my slave."

Briseis quickly stood up, tears falling down her cheeks, although she tried to hide it from Achilles. "If my fellow countrymen are not paying the price for your rage towards them," she said, sobbing a bit. "Then I will happily go back with you."

Achilles felt guilt inside for making her come against her will, but he knew that he couldn't let her run around being ravaged by men.

"If you will prepare my things for travel?" he asked, standing up as well.

"Yes." Briseis responded, almost automatically.

"We shall be on the ship to Sparta tomorrow morning." Achilles said, trying to put a comforting tone into his voice. "Life will be better."

"Yes." Briseis replied, trying to muffle a sob that threatened to break out.

Yeah...it is really different from the movie...but I couldn't have them just stay in that tent for the whole story! They need some action!! Maybe the mood on the ship will change things between them? Har har har.

Erlack...this disease I have had better not disable my fingers from typing...I'll try to update tomorrow if I'm not feeling like crapola. But do review, please, and tell me what you think about it! Or do you guys want them to stay in Troy in the tent? I dunno...tell me! Thanks to the reviewers:

Natalie Hudson

baphomet

Trojans

Donna Lynn: w00ty w00t w00t this chapter was 1023 words!! ::does dance::

Child of Morning

Faya

no-girl

Lily

Thanks again!! Cheerio, mates!

-enjorli