Here's the next chapter, enjoy!

…

Andromache sat near the fire, wrapped loosely in a blanket. Hector brought over a cup of wine for her to drink. She'd slept through the rest of the afternoon and he finally woke her when the sun had set.

He sat down next to her, smiling. She took the cup from him but did not drink. "Hector, before we speak I want to say this. I should have listened to you and respected your wishes. I snubbed you out of pride and that was wrong of me, I'm sorry."

He pulled her into his arms and she gratefully leaned against him. "You're forgiven, love. We all make mistakes."

"Is Cassandra well?"

"She is. We gave her a drink to make her sleep and her leg was set and bandaged. She's resting now."

"Will her leg heal?"

Hector nodded. "She'll be forbidden from walking on it for a few months, but she'll fully recover with time."

"Tell me how you found us."

"First I want to tell me of your adventures."

Andromache obediently related all that had happened to them, and Hector nodded when she finished. "I'll send some men to search for the camp, the bandits will be found."

"Now your turn," she commanded.

"We received a message from the priestesses that an accident had befallen you. Early this morning we set off looking for you. Following the messenger's directions we came to the canyon and found you. Just in time, I might add."

"Is Briseis well?"

"She is still with the party of priestesses. It took them awhile to reach the manor but they managed. I believe that Father will soon be issuing an order that will change the custom a bit. Isn't safe to have so many women alone."

Andromache fully agreed with him. "Will they be returning?"

"Not until the rituals are finished. I'll be sending a party of soldiers to escort them home at the end of the month. Do you wish to return there? I have no objection."

Andromache shook her head. "I want to go home."

Hector smiled. "So be it. We leave in the morning."

"How will Cassandra travel?"

"I'll drug her, she'll be asleep the whole trip so she won't feel a thing. She'll ride with Artrides, he's skilled enough so he won't injure her leg further."

She closed her eyes, feeling drowsy. "Hector, I'm tired," she said innocently, leaning up against him. He laughed and gave an order to one of his men before picking her up and carrying her into a nearby tent that had been set up.

"Observant of you," she said cheekily. He smiled and ducked under the entrance-way. The floor was thick with blankets and Andromache sighed blissfully as she was set down onto them, enjoying this sorely-missed comfort.

Hector lay down beside her and she leaned against him as he wrapped his arms around her. "You've no idea how frightened I was," he murmured softly.

"You weren't the only one who was frightened," she retorted quietly. "Besides the fact that I felt more guilty than I ever had before. Believe me when I say, you weren't the only one who was worried."

"Then perhaps you should always listen to me," he whispered cheekily. "Then you'll have no reason to feel guilt."

Andromache smiled, though he couldn't see. "Right now I find myself agreeing with you."

"I'm sure that will soon change, however. Sweet dreams, love."

"Goodnight, Hector." She lay there awake for awhile, even though she felt drowsy. Sleep finally came to claim her and she closed her eyes, whispering, "I love you, Hector."

He was still awake. "I love you too, Andromache." She smiled sleepily, feeling his heart beat in his chest. May the gods strike me down if I ever forget this moment.

…

Hector allowed everyone to sleep in the following morning, and when they started the morning was well on its way. The men quickly broke camp and they set off, Andromache sharing a horse with Hector while Artrides carried Cassandra. Her leg was heavily swathed in bandages and she was drowsily looking around as they rode. The drug soon took effect and she slipped into unconsciousness, supported upright by Artrides. He cheerfully bore her weight, joking with Hector and teasing Andromache.

A sudden thought struck her and she tapped Hector's shoulder, causing him to crane his neck to see her. "What happened to Eclipse?"

"Cassandra's horse continued following the others and reached the manor safely. There's no trace of Eclipse. However, I trained him never to leave his rider unless explicitly commanded. No doubt your kidnappers took him as a prize. He'll be recovered when we capture their camp."

"Don't fear, Andromache," Artrides said. "Eclipse has been through many things, he'll survive this."

"Battles, you mean?"

"Among other things." Artrides cast a humorous glance at Hector, who looked at him suspiciously. "Did you know Hector once rode that horse to the edge of a cliff trying to impress a girl?"

"Artrides," Hector said warningly.

Andromache grinned. "Did you really, Hector?"

Artrides nodded, ignoring his leader's glare. "She was the daughter of a tavern keeper, I believe," he said, his eyes twinkling.

"Stop," Hector commanded.

"Continue," Andromache shot back.

"We were, oh let's see, about fifteen or so. Eclipse had just been trained and he was a very spirited colt. Hector and I were competing for her attention and in order to gain her respect, he rode Eclipse at a full gallop right up to the edge of a steep hill, skidding to a stop just before he reached the edge."

"He wasn't injured?"

"What, Hector Tamer of Horses? No, even back then he was skilled. However, Priam had observed the stunt and wasn't pleased."

"I received the worst beating of my life," Hector admitted, grimacing at the memory. Andromache laughed.

"There are, without a doubt, many advantages of being female."

"What, were you never beaten?" Hector asked, surprised.

"Not so severely. And Euklides was normally my accomplice, so Arimedes would always lay on him harder. You see, men generally cannot beat a maiden for fear of marring her beauty. Then her marriage chances go down," Andromache stated simply.

"Without a doubt, Hector, there are advantages," Artrides said seriously. "When I think of the marks left from my punishments…" He jokingly shuddered and Andromache laughed. "It's no joking matter!" he exclaimed. "I now know the reason of why I have never married."

"It is not your scars that keep you from getting a wife," Hector retorted, "but your personality. Artrides, it is hopeless."

"I like his personality," Andromache protested. "Artrides, never fear- I shall find you a good wife."

"Thank you, my dear," he said gratefully, winking at her. "But I fear Hector is right, I shall never be able to make a woman happy."

"I like you," Andromache said earnestly.

"By the gods, Artrides, first I nearly lose her to bandits and now you're stealing her heart," Hector protested good-naturedly.

"It's a gift, my friend. Some men have it, and some men don't."

Hector had only one response. "Paris."

Artrides acknowledged the blow. "A fair hit. I shall say no more."

"Leave Paris out of this, I like him," Andromache said.

"Liking Paris is not in question, love, it's liking his morals that we have problems with. Seducing women, especially married ones."

"Well, they allow themselves to be seduced. I told him this once. I do not dislike him for it because it's as much their fault as his. The maidens should have more modesty."

"Well then, you cannot condone his seducing the married women," Hector pointed out.

"If their husbands would treat them better then there would be no temptation with Paris," Andromache retorted. "Blame them, if you wish."

"She has a point," Artrides pointed out. "You've a wise woman, Hector."

"Wise in some ways," he retorted dryly.

"Reminds me of her husband," Artrides said innocently, quickly dodging a blow from Hector.

Andromache smiled as they bantered, enjoying the trip. Because of the easy pace, the journey ended up taking two days. But they were in no hurry, and Cassandra was kept drugged most of the time, so everyone was happy. They reached Troy in the evening of the second day and Cassandra was quickly put into the capable hands of her mother. Hecuba then ordered Andromache to bed, a command which she gladly obeyed.

She stretched out on the bed, enjoying the coolness of the silk sheets. She sleepily closed her eyes, every once in awhile peeking out to gaze at the familiar surroundings of their room. Smiling, she rolled over and felt herself getting drowsy. I'm home, she thought contentedly, as she drifted into a dream world. I'm finally home.