Disclaimer: Only own Alana. And thanks to all my reviewers!
Chapter four
I barely ate anything. I remained quiet, sitting between Andromache and Paris, feeling observed. It was obvious that the brunette woman disliked me, and I couldn't understand why. Her eyes checked all my movements, and then went back to Hector. The good thing was that they were speaking as if I wasn't there. After all, 'I come from the distant lands', I thought ironically. I took another cup of wine and drank. Dizziness was coming again.
It was difficult to look at Paris, he was too close to me. But even in this blindness I could feel he was thinking about something. The man who was keeping a conversation with him didn't notice it , and the talk about ships and wars went on. But Paris was spiritually away from there. He took a deep breath and stared at his dish.
Did I say I'm clumsy? I am, since I can remember. So I acted according to this, in my absent- minded state, I dropped the knife, that fell from my right hand to Paris' left arm, covering it with an oily sauce.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" I apologised, blushing. But he didn't get angry, he looked at me so shocked that I couldn't understand what was going on. Taking my napkin, I cleaned his arm, but he didn't say anything. When I felt brave enough, I looked up and met his eyes. And I froze. He was staring at me, his mouth half opened. "What?" I asked, and then held my breath. I had talked, I had talked in Greek language! I looked around, but nobody else seemed to notice it. Fortunately, Paris was my only witness.. but I didn't know if that was a good thing at all. I started to shake, wondering what would happen then.
"You don't like dinner? You almost didn't eat anything" He whispered, his head close to mine, but I didn't reply. I wouldn't make a mistake again. Not with Priam's gaze on me. So I spoke in my own strange language.
"I don't understand" Priam smiled and nodded, and Paris frowned. He went on eating, ad I did the same, while I listened to Hector and his deep voice.
"My father can't tell us why she's here, but I'm sure he has a good reason, probably political affaires. "He drank from his cup of wine, I observed him and he caught my gaze. His dark eyes read something on mines, because he frowned, causing a reaction on Andromache as well.
"She acts as if she was listening to us" The woman commented, sharply. Then , she looked at her husband. "I'm worried about you, and you have to understand it.. I care about you because I love you" Hector smiled and took her hand. Somehow I understood her. He was travelling all time, and things with Greece were tense in that moment.
We finished dinner and the celebration went on. Leaving our seats, we were led to another room, smaller, where men went on drinking and women started to dance. Strange music for me indeed. I sat in a corner, from where I could watch at them without being observed. Priam walked towards me, slowly. Once by my side, he sighed.
"You must go to Greece with my sons.. there is where you have to help us, Alana" His voice was a whisper but I could perfectly hear him. His blue eyes looked at me. I stood up. He was a bit taller than me.
"I'm starting to understand what do you want from me.. a war is coming, right?" My voice was trembling. My fingers were playing with the bracelet I was wearing on my right wrist.
"I'm afraid you're right, Alana. And you know the story too.. the reasons of the war.." He waited for my reply, and I nodded.
"Helen.." When I said her name, Priam moved his head.
"Just a simple name, and it causes such a damage on me.. "I felt it was the right moment to make the main question.
"King Priam.. how come did you travel through time? How? Why? When?" I spoke fast, and he smiled .
"You deserve an answer, Alana, and I understand it.. but by the moment, all I can say is that a new chance was given to us.. and you must use it. Stop Paris, Alana. Stop him and the history will change. Save us from the Death that is coming" He looked at me sadly.
"But .. how can I do it? I don't know anything about war, about fight.. don't you understand that I'm just a student? That I come from a time completely different? We weren't taught to fight, we were taught to learn, and live in peace.. "I was breathless by them, shaking with nerves. The wine made me dizzy and I was more talkative than usual. "King Priam" I took his hand, and he frowned. "Please, King Priam, help me to go back home, please!" I was begging, desperate. But he pushed me angrily.
"You're at home, Alana. When will you understand it?" He left to his throne, leaving me there, standing alone. I needed to cry, but I wasn't able. I didn't have anybody to talk to. And in some hours, I would be leaving on a big ship, to a distant place, alone. Totally alone. I wrapped my arms around myself, and looked through the glassless window. The sea looked marvellous. The moon, shinning above, gave me some of the strength I needed. If I was there, it was because there was a big reason. And I had to find out about it.
But in that party it was difficult to think. I heard some remarks about me, about my appearance and about my origins. Some of them were good, some bad. A group of girls looked at me with disgusted faces, as if I was something horrible invading their home. And Andromache.. she was in the opposite side of the room, with Hector. While he was talking to some friends, she was standing, holding a cup of wine, and staring at me with anger. I didn't understand why.
I looked at another place. Paris was dancing with a girl, dressed with more jewels than the rest. Around them, a crowd made a strange dance as well. So those were the Trojan nights. I had travelled through time to discover that they weren't too different from us. I couldn't help smiling, watching at them, and remembering the previous night, when I had gone with my friends to a disco in the Croatian island. When Dave got drunk and told me that he loved me. And I had ignored him. Just a smile as a reply. I suddenly felt guilty. He was my friend and I couldn't love him in the way he loved me.
I needed more wine. If I had to stay in that celebration, at least I needed some fuel, as I called it. I looked for the table, where they had the jars. Taking one, I needed to use my both hands, so heavy it was. I was used to cheap glass jars, but I was now in Troy, where jars were made of bronze. The dark liquor filled the cup, and I placed it on the table again. Before I could pick the cup, I heard a familiar voice behind me.
"Don't you think you're drinking too much?" I turned around, and pretended to ignore the meaning of his words. Paris didn't smile. "You heard me, and you understood my words.. "The tone in his voice was menacing. His dark eyes didn't move from my face. I looked down and moved, passing by him without watching at his face. I wished I was in my room, away from the room. I didn't have where to hide. I walked fast to my seat, hoping he wouldn't follow me. Once I reached the window, I turned around. He wasn't there. Great. I took a deep breath, and then drank. The wine warmed my throat and my senses. I saw Andromache leaving the room, and Hector following her. He kissed her and, to my surprise, returned and let her go. He was standing alone, and Priam walked towards him. In some seconds, they both were staring at me. I was the object of their conversation, or this it seemed.
I didn't realise I was getting really drunk. Maybe because I was alone, and nobody was there to warn me. Nobody like my friends. I was in this state when you feel stupidly happy, dizzy, but you still control your senses. This is how I was. And when I saw Hector coming , my body tensed, waiting for the worst. Priam sat on his chair and gave me a strange look. I shrugged. Once Hector was by my side, I realised how tall he was. He made me feel small, and I wasn't short at all, quite the opposite.
"So.. you don't speak Greek.." He murmured, drinking a bit of wine. He looked at me with kind eyes. "My father doesn't want to tell me who are you"
I wondered what he was doing there, why was he speaking with me?. Paris. Sure he had told him about the incident during dinner. My head was spinning. I smiled, and nodded, as if nothing happened. Hector looked in the distance, still holding the cup in his right hand.
"Tomorrow we leave, but probably you already know it.." His voice was so nice, I wondered how could he be with Andromache. I sighed, and he looked at me again. "I wish you could speak Greek.. you look worried about something, my father trusts you.. this journey won't be easy for a girl.. it must be something very important if the King will risk your life for this mission" I opened my eyes, amazed. Risk my life? I tried to look indifferent, but I couldn't. Not after so many cups of wine. I smiled and made a movement with my hand, that Hector understood. "Oh, you want to leave? Of course.."
I walked while he looked at me. Where could I find peace in that big room? With Paris walking over, and Hector talking to me as if nothing happened.. Priam. I had to talk to Priam again. But the king had left, already. I wondered what time was it.. I saw a door opened, that led to a quiet small garden. I needed fresh air.. if it could be called fresh, considering the weather conditions of that place. But once, there, the smell of exotic flowers, the breeze that came from the sea.. everything made me feel better.
I saw a torch lightening over a window, and a face there. Andromache again. I took a deep breath, moving my head. What was wrong with that woman? She made me nervous. Then , to my surprise, she disappeared, and in a couple of minutes, I saw her coming from the opposite part of the yard. I wondered what was going on. She looked angry, and stopped where I was standing. Her dark eyes checked me.
"I don't know if you understand my language, but I want to warn you anyway" I frowned, apologising. She looked back, making sure that nobody saw her, and then came by my side. "Listen to me, Alana. The gods told me some time ago that Hector would suffer a big change in his life. The priestess told me so, and I saw the northern bird flying in front of my window yesterday. You came from the north, you came to change Hector, to change Troy. "Her eyes were full of tears. "Please, don't take my husband away from me"
So this was what worried her. I sighed, wishing I could calm her down. But I had made a promise to Priam, and a promise to myself. I just touched her arm, smiling, and surprisingly, it calmed her down. With a weak smile, she nodded.
"I knew you could understand me. I heard you speaking with Paris during dinner" I froze, my legs trembled. "No, no, don't fear anything. The king Priam lied us for some reasons I won't discover. He already talked to me, so you shouldn't be worried. "
"I was wondering why did you hate me so much" I finally spoke, surprised to hear my own voice after many silence. She smiled.
"I just take care of my husband, Alana" She walked back, giving me a last look. "Make this promise to me too: stay away from Hector" I was surprised with this, I didn't have any intention.
"I promise" I replied, still wondering about her worries. Hector? Sure he wasn't my type. And he didn't pay any special attention to me. What was wrong then? I saw her walking away. I turned around, a bit more calmed, when I met Paris. He was standing under the arc of the door. I wanted to ask him if he had heard the conversation, but I knew I couldn't.
"Finally I find you. My father asked me to take care of you. But obviously, you can take care of yourself.." I had seen him smiling many times, but never at me. With me, he was serious and sharp. I didn't reply, and tried to enter the room. "Alana" Stopping, I saw him passing by me and standing in front of me. "I don't know which are your plans.. I don't know what does my father want from you. I'll just tell you this: nothing of what you'll say or make will change us, or Troy, or destiny. Just remember this" His voice sounded like ice. With a feeling of loneliness, I saw him leaving the place. The room was emptier than before, just Hector and some friends.
"Alana!" I heard his strong voice in the distance. I looked at him, and all from the sudden I felt shy under his gaze. He approached, and stopped beside me. "You should go to bed.. sleep" He made a significant sign with his hands, and I nodded. And he smiled, a nice and warm smile. "I'm glad you understand. Tomorrow will be a hard day for all of us"
When I was in bed, I closed my eyes, wishing to come back to my time. The fear I was feeling was too strong. Finally, I cried.
Chapter four
I barely ate anything. I remained quiet, sitting between Andromache and Paris, feeling observed. It was obvious that the brunette woman disliked me, and I couldn't understand why. Her eyes checked all my movements, and then went back to Hector. The good thing was that they were speaking as if I wasn't there. After all, 'I come from the distant lands', I thought ironically. I took another cup of wine and drank. Dizziness was coming again.
It was difficult to look at Paris, he was too close to me. But even in this blindness I could feel he was thinking about something. The man who was keeping a conversation with him didn't notice it , and the talk about ships and wars went on. But Paris was spiritually away from there. He took a deep breath and stared at his dish.
Did I say I'm clumsy? I am, since I can remember. So I acted according to this, in my absent- minded state, I dropped the knife, that fell from my right hand to Paris' left arm, covering it with an oily sauce.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" I apologised, blushing. But he didn't get angry, he looked at me so shocked that I couldn't understand what was going on. Taking my napkin, I cleaned his arm, but he didn't say anything. When I felt brave enough, I looked up and met his eyes. And I froze. He was staring at me, his mouth half opened. "What?" I asked, and then held my breath. I had talked, I had talked in Greek language! I looked around, but nobody else seemed to notice it. Fortunately, Paris was my only witness.. but I didn't know if that was a good thing at all. I started to shake, wondering what would happen then.
"You don't like dinner? You almost didn't eat anything" He whispered, his head close to mine, but I didn't reply. I wouldn't make a mistake again. Not with Priam's gaze on me. So I spoke in my own strange language.
"I don't understand" Priam smiled and nodded, and Paris frowned. He went on eating, ad I did the same, while I listened to Hector and his deep voice.
"My father can't tell us why she's here, but I'm sure he has a good reason, probably political affaires. "He drank from his cup of wine, I observed him and he caught my gaze. His dark eyes read something on mines, because he frowned, causing a reaction on Andromache as well.
"She acts as if she was listening to us" The woman commented, sharply. Then , she looked at her husband. "I'm worried about you, and you have to understand it.. I care about you because I love you" Hector smiled and took her hand. Somehow I understood her. He was travelling all time, and things with Greece were tense in that moment.
We finished dinner and the celebration went on. Leaving our seats, we were led to another room, smaller, where men went on drinking and women started to dance. Strange music for me indeed. I sat in a corner, from where I could watch at them without being observed. Priam walked towards me, slowly. Once by my side, he sighed.
"You must go to Greece with my sons.. there is where you have to help us, Alana" His voice was a whisper but I could perfectly hear him. His blue eyes looked at me. I stood up. He was a bit taller than me.
"I'm starting to understand what do you want from me.. a war is coming, right?" My voice was trembling. My fingers were playing with the bracelet I was wearing on my right wrist.
"I'm afraid you're right, Alana. And you know the story too.. the reasons of the war.." He waited for my reply, and I nodded.
"Helen.." When I said her name, Priam moved his head.
"Just a simple name, and it causes such a damage on me.. "I felt it was the right moment to make the main question.
"King Priam.. how come did you travel through time? How? Why? When?" I spoke fast, and he smiled .
"You deserve an answer, Alana, and I understand it.. but by the moment, all I can say is that a new chance was given to us.. and you must use it. Stop Paris, Alana. Stop him and the history will change. Save us from the Death that is coming" He looked at me sadly.
"But .. how can I do it? I don't know anything about war, about fight.. don't you understand that I'm just a student? That I come from a time completely different? We weren't taught to fight, we were taught to learn, and live in peace.. "I was breathless by them, shaking with nerves. The wine made me dizzy and I was more talkative than usual. "King Priam" I took his hand, and he frowned. "Please, King Priam, help me to go back home, please!" I was begging, desperate. But he pushed me angrily.
"You're at home, Alana. When will you understand it?" He left to his throne, leaving me there, standing alone. I needed to cry, but I wasn't able. I didn't have anybody to talk to. And in some hours, I would be leaving on a big ship, to a distant place, alone. Totally alone. I wrapped my arms around myself, and looked through the glassless window. The sea looked marvellous. The moon, shinning above, gave me some of the strength I needed. If I was there, it was because there was a big reason. And I had to find out about it.
But in that party it was difficult to think. I heard some remarks about me, about my appearance and about my origins. Some of them were good, some bad. A group of girls looked at me with disgusted faces, as if I was something horrible invading their home. And Andromache.. she was in the opposite side of the room, with Hector. While he was talking to some friends, she was standing, holding a cup of wine, and staring at me with anger. I didn't understand why.
I looked at another place. Paris was dancing with a girl, dressed with more jewels than the rest. Around them, a crowd made a strange dance as well. So those were the Trojan nights. I had travelled through time to discover that they weren't too different from us. I couldn't help smiling, watching at them, and remembering the previous night, when I had gone with my friends to a disco in the Croatian island. When Dave got drunk and told me that he loved me. And I had ignored him. Just a smile as a reply. I suddenly felt guilty. He was my friend and I couldn't love him in the way he loved me.
I needed more wine. If I had to stay in that celebration, at least I needed some fuel, as I called it. I looked for the table, where they had the jars. Taking one, I needed to use my both hands, so heavy it was. I was used to cheap glass jars, but I was now in Troy, where jars were made of bronze. The dark liquor filled the cup, and I placed it on the table again. Before I could pick the cup, I heard a familiar voice behind me.
"Don't you think you're drinking too much?" I turned around, and pretended to ignore the meaning of his words. Paris didn't smile. "You heard me, and you understood my words.. "The tone in his voice was menacing. His dark eyes didn't move from my face. I looked down and moved, passing by him without watching at his face. I wished I was in my room, away from the room. I didn't have where to hide. I walked fast to my seat, hoping he wouldn't follow me. Once I reached the window, I turned around. He wasn't there. Great. I took a deep breath, and then drank. The wine warmed my throat and my senses. I saw Andromache leaving the room, and Hector following her. He kissed her and, to my surprise, returned and let her go. He was standing alone, and Priam walked towards him. In some seconds, they both were staring at me. I was the object of their conversation, or this it seemed.
I didn't realise I was getting really drunk. Maybe because I was alone, and nobody was there to warn me. Nobody like my friends. I was in this state when you feel stupidly happy, dizzy, but you still control your senses. This is how I was. And when I saw Hector coming , my body tensed, waiting for the worst. Priam sat on his chair and gave me a strange look. I shrugged. Once Hector was by my side, I realised how tall he was. He made me feel small, and I wasn't short at all, quite the opposite.
"So.. you don't speak Greek.." He murmured, drinking a bit of wine. He looked at me with kind eyes. "My father doesn't want to tell me who are you"
I wondered what he was doing there, why was he speaking with me?. Paris. Sure he had told him about the incident during dinner. My head was spinning. I smiled, and nodded, as if nothing happened. Hector looked in the distance, still holding the cup in his right hand.
"Tomorrow we leave, but probably you already know it.." His voice was so nice, I wondered how could he be with Andromache. I sighed, and he looked at me again. "I wish you could speak Greek.. you look worried about something, my father trusts you.. this journey won't be easy for a girl.. it must be something very important if the King will risk your life for this mission" I opened my eyes, amazed. Risk my life? I tried to look indifferent, but I couldn't. Not after so many cups of wine. I smiled and made a movement with my hand, that Hector understood. "Oh, you want to leave? Of course.."
I walked while he looked at me. Where could I find peace in that big room? With Paris walking over, and Hector talking to me as if nothing happened.. Priam. I had to talk to Priam again. But the king had left, already. I wondered what time was it.. I saw a door opened, that led to a quiet small garden. I needed fresh air.. if it could be called fresh, considering the weather conditions of that place. But once, there, the smell of exotic flowers, the breeze that came from the sea.. everything made me feel better.
I saw a torch lightening over a window, and a face there. Andromache again. I took a deep breath, moving my head. What was wrong with that woman? She made me nervous. Then , to my surprise, she disappeared, and in a couple of minutes, I saw her coming from the opposite part of the yard. I wondered what was going on. She looked angry, and stopped where I was standing. Her dark eyes checked me.
"I don't know if you understand my language, but I want to warn you anyway" I frowned, apologising. She looked back, making sure that nobody saw her, and then came by my side. "Listen to me, Alana. The gods told me some time ago that Hector would suffer a big change in his life. The priestess told me so, and I saw the northern bird flying in front of my window yesterday. You came from the north, you came to change Hector, to change Troy. "Her eyes were full of tears. "Please, don't take my husband away from me"
So this was what worried her. I sighed, wishing I could calm her down. But I had made a promise to Priam, and a promise to myself. I just touched her arm, smiling, and surprisingly, it calmed her down. With a weak smile, she nodded.
"I knew you could understand me. I heard you speaking with Paris during dinner" I froze, my legs trembled. "No, no, don't fear anything. The king Priam lied us for some reasons I won't discover. He already talked to me, so you shouldn't be worried. "
"I was wondering why did you hate me so much" I finally spoke, surprised to hear my own voice after many silence. She smiled.
"I just take care of my husband, Alana" She walked back, giving me a last look. "Make this promise to me too: stay away from Hector" I was surprised with this, I didn't have any intention.
"I promise" I replied, still wondering about her worries. Hector? Sure he wasn't my type. And he didn't pay any special attention to me. What was wrong then? I saw her walking away. I turned around, a bit more calmed, when I met Paris. He was standing under the arc of the door. I wanted to ask him if he had heard the conversation, but I knew I couldn't.
"Finally I find you. My father asked me to take care of you. But obviously, you can take care of yourself.." I had seen him smiling many times, but never at me. With me, he was serious and sharp. I didn't reply, and tried to enter the room. "Alana" Stopping, I saw him passing by me and standing in front of me. "I don't know which are your plans.. I don't know what does my father want from you. I'll just tell you this: nothing of what you'll say or make will change us, or Troy, or destiny. Just remember this" His voice sounded like ice. With a feeling of loneliness, I saw him leaving the place. The room was emptier than before, just Hector and some friends.
"Alana!" I heard his strong voice in the distance. I looked at him, and all from the sudden I felt shy under his gaze. He approached, and stopped beside me. "You should go to bed.. sleep" He made a significant sign with his hands, and I nodded. And he smiled, a nice and warm smile. "I'm glad you understand. Tomorrow will be a hard day for all of us"
When I was in bed, I closed my eyes, wishing to come back to my time. The fear I was feeling was too strong. Finally, I cried.