Disclaimer: only own Alana.
Chapter eight.
Menelaus walked inside the palace, under the marble ceilings, his steps sounded compassed. He hurried, looking back. His suspects were about to be confirmed. His personal advisor was the main priest of Poseidon's temple , an old man who had been given the gift of seeing the future.
Once in the gardens, he crossed them, almost running, and reached the huge iron door, that was half opened, waiting for him. The priest received him with a smile, and Menelaus felt his heart beating fast.
"Priest.. you know why I'm here.. you must tell me about the prophecy.. the one you spoke about a couple of weeks ago.. none of us paid attention to you, but today I felt really scared for a while.. I apologise for my scepticism." Menelaus was sweating because of nerves, his hands shaking.
"Lets not think about the past days.." The man walked towards him, holding a jar full of a blue liquid. Stopping in front of a stone, he threw some of the content on it. His blue eyes narrowed, and then looked at Menelaus. "It's still written that a Trojan girl would come to defeat us.. to destroy our hopes to conquer Troy.. "He made a pause when he heard the strong breathing from Menelaus. "This girl will come from another time"
"Yes, but.." Menelaus spoke, thinking. "Today a girl arrived.. but she wasn't Trojan. She was a servant who came from a distant land, or this they said.. "They both remained in silence for a while.
"Menelaus.. if she's not Trojan, if she doesn't speak our tongue.. there's nothing to fear.. "The priest smiled and went back to his chambers, leaving Menelaus a bit more calmed. Although something still worried him. Why did they bring her to Greece?
------------------------ ---------------------- ------------------ ----- --------------------
Paris spent the whole dinner time staring at Helen. Never before had he seen such a beautiful face, with those blue eyes and golden hair. It was close to midnight when he remembered about Alana, but just for a second, because Helen sat next to him, after Menelaus had left the room. Paris lost all his senses, and she smiled.
"Do you like my home?" She asked, whispering.
"I like anything that belongs to you" They looked at each other in silence, while she took his hand under the table. Paris held his breathing.
"Then, come with me.." She stood up, and Paris followed her, not before making sure that nobody had seen them.
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Hector tried to look amused, but his mind was lost somewhere. He still didn't find out about his father's intentions, he still didn't know anything about Alana. In some hours they would leave, but things were so unclear. He saw Menelaus returning from his walk, and sitting next to Agamemnon.
"He says we shouldn't fear anything.. she's not the girl" Hector hear them, and looked up at the king. Were they talking about Alana? He pretended to be absent minded, and went on listening.
"But.. Menelaus.. don't you think it's a bit strange that they brought her? This must mean something.." Agamemnon drank a sip of wine, and then looked at Hector.
"I also wondered about the same thing.. but he kept on saying that she's not the one" Now, they both looked at Hector.
"Maybe you should send some of your men to visit her tonight.." Agamemnon said evilly, and Menelaus nodded. Hector felt his body tensing in anger. But a voice woke him up from his thoughts.
"Dinner is already finished and served... may I go to my room?" A servant girl asked, and the king nodded. Hector followed her with his gaze, checking the exact route she was taking. Probably it would lead him to Alana's room, in case of danger. Then returned his attention to the table.
"Hector, how are you enjoying dinner?" Menelaus asked.
"It's very good, I can't stop eating" He said, with a fake smile.
"Yes, but it seems that your brother doesn't find it so interesting.." Agamemnon said, with a strange voice. Hector looked at the opposite side of the table, where there were two empty seats.
"On, no.." Hector murmured, knowing about situation. He had seen Paris face when they arrived, he knew something had happened to his brother's heart.
"As well as Helen.. where is she?" Menelaus commented. Hector shrugged, knowing the answer deep inside. He finished the meat, and then thought about situation. He couldn't help Alana if this would mean winning more enemies again.. he knew about situation of servants in Menelaus' kingdom.. helping her would mean causing a big argument. But he couldn't help thinking that the girl was running a big risk under those walls.
------------------------- ------------------------- --------------------- --- -----------------
I sat on my bed, looking through the glassless window. Now that I knew about my mission, I only had to think about a plan. Things were already defined, Priam wanted me to stop Paris, to stop him taking Helen to Troy. Great. And how would I do that? How could I convince a man who was so desperately in love with her? I knew the story, he didn't mind causing a war , he just wanted her.. and he almost didn't know me, he even disliked me.. I would never be able to change things, Priam would have to send me back home. But.. if I belonged to Troy.. my life would be a sad thing.
But there were too many mysteries waiting to be solved.. the first one was about my journey through time. If I belonged to Troy, who had sent me to 20th century, when I was born? And why me? I mean, why, among all human beings in the world, I was destined to stop the war of Troy? What did I do in my past life that should change things so much?
Then, I remembered Andromache's words.. "stay away from Hector". But in which sense? What did she want to tell me? Too many people who disliked me, and too many things to do. And why should I keep my identity in Greece? Pretending to speak a different language? Priam knew all the answers and he was waiting to tell me. Maybe the truth would hurt me too much.
I saw a narrow path that led to a small garden, covered with flowers. The moonlight showed the way, and I jumped form the window. I needed to walk and think. Only the sound of the sea in the distance, the crickets.. I sat under a cypress, looking at the palace, where I saw something that made me shocked, although I knew that would happen. From my place I could see Paris, kissing Helen passionately. I closed my eyes, noticing that the scene was hurting me, but why?
I stood up, and walked in the other direction, far away from their chambers. My heart was beating so fast, and I felt scared. I was aware of the danger of the place.. of walking alone in the night. But after starting that adventure, it was too late to stop. I wouldn't sit in my room, waiting for things to happen. I wouldn't wait for death, or life, or whatever. I couldn't loose anything, and I decided to approach the main building, where dinner was taking place. I kneeled under a window, and checked the dinning room. The two empty seats of Paris and Helen.. Menelaus and Agamemnon, sitting next to Hector, who was staring at the walls. He looked so worried that I couldn't help feeling scared. What was going on? Suddenly, his face changed, as if he had heard something terrible. And he pretended, when Menelaus spoke to him.
On the right part of the room, four soldiers received an order from the king, and left the stance. Hector looked back at them, and in few seconds, he excused himself and left the place as well. My head started to work again, thinking. Maybe I had too much imagination, but.. what if those soldiers were sent to find me? What if Hector had heard it and he was coming to help me? And the worst thing.. what would happen when nobody found me in my room?
I ran towards the smaller building, jumping bushes, avoiding trees.. and it was then, when I climbed my window, after seeing Helen and Paris totally naked, when the four soldiers entered my room. They looked at me in surprise, just when I was climbing, and they frowned.
"What are we supposed to do?" One of them asked. They all went on staring at me. I placed myself next to the window, without knowing what to do. Panic was coming, one the tallest boy closed the door and turned around. He walked towards me, slowly, while he removed his helmet, showing a handsome face.
"Who are you?" He asked, stopping and crossing his arms over his chest. I didn't reply, keeping the promise made to Priam. "Look.. Menelaus thinks you came here to destroy our plans.. and it's my duty to find out about it.. "He put the helmet on the ground, and approached me. "If you cooperate, we'll finish with this soon.."
"Menelaus said she doesn't speak our tongue" Another one commented, and they all smiled.
"Really? "Again, the tall one moved towards me. He had deep blue eyes, like Helen.. then I remembered. Paris was near from us.. if I shouted, he could hear me.. but he was with Helen, how could I ever think that he would come to rescue me? I gave one step back, knocking against the window's frame. Then, with all the speed I could have reached, I jumped from the room, running in the gardens.
"She runs away!!" They shouted, coming behind me. That was the end, they were faster, stronger.. I would never be able to escape. Luckily, some parts of the gardens looked like a labyrinth, and I crawled under some bushes, reaching the building again, while the soldiers went on running towards the beach. I barely could breath, my heart was almost exploding. Then, without doubting, looked for a near window and jumped through it. I was inside an unknown bedroom, already prepared for a guest. Trying to recuperate, I leaned against the walls, closing my eyes. Then I realised about what had happened.. I wasn't a guest any more.. I was an enemy. I wanted to cry, run away. Because I was alone. And I almost fainted when the door opened. I met his known dark eyes and couldn't help smiling.
"Alana.." Murmured Hector, walking towards me. "Are you feeling well? I saw the soldiers going to your room, I thought they had caught you.." His voice was a whisper, and I nodded.
"They had me, but I escaped.. I don't know why.." I stopped talking, all from the sudden.. Hector was staring at me in shock. I had spoken.. now everything was lost for sure. I felt my face blushing, and my hands shaking. "Listen, let me explain you.."
"Alana.. what's going on here? Who are you?" I had expected an angry reaction from him, but he said those words with the kindest voice. After all the pressure I had felt, I broke down. Tears were falling form my face, and soon I felt his hand over my shoulder.
"I broke the promise I made to your father.. he didn't want anybody to know that I speak your language.." I sighed, and Hector nodded, inviting me to go on talking. "Your father trusts me.. and I spoiled everything.."
"Come here, sit with me.." He said, leading me to his bed. "Now, tell me everything since the beginning.."
"I can't" I replied, although I wished more than anything to tell him my story. But maybe if I spoke about it, history would change, and I wouldn't be able to stop Paris.. then, as if I had seen a light, an idea came to my head. Maybe with Hector's help my mission would be easier.. but at the same time, Priam didn't want me to do this.. I had to do it by myself. "Hector, I'm sorry about everything.. for lying to you.. I'm sorry, because.."
"Don't speak , Alana.. I understand your position, you made a promise and you kept it.. and I admire you for this. "He out his hands over my shoulders. "You're very brave" I looked at him, his dark eyes were so close to mines. And I remembered Andromache, and Paris, and avoided his gaze. I didn't want to break another promise.
"Paris is.. sleeping with Helen.." I murmured, and Hector nodded.
"I know about this.. does it hurt you?" He asked , softly, and I looked at him surprised.
"Of course not!" I laughed. "Why would it hurt me?" Hector didn't reply, he just looked at me.
"I have to admit that I expected you to become closer to Paris.. but it's also true that things are happening in the less expected way now.." Now it was my turn to nod.
"You're right.. "I smiled, and he narrowed his eyes.
"Am I?" I didn't expect this reply from him. What was he talking about?
"What do you mean?" He didn't reply me, standing up, he went to the window and looked in the distance.
"Just tell me one thing.. the mission, your mission.. is something difficult to make?"
"Very difficult, I would say it's impossible" I replied, wondering where would that conversation lead us.
"Can you see the future?" His question surprised me again. I didn't know what to reply, anything I would say, it would be a compromise for me.
"Lets say that my intuition is very good" I hoped this answer would be fine for him. After some seconds, he turned around and watched me in silence.
"Is Paris, isn't it? He will make a big mess.." I looked down, avoiding his gaze, and he walked towards me, kneeling beside me. "Alana.. I won't ask you to tell me anything if you don't want.. my father wants things like this, and I respect it. "
"Oh.. and there's someone else who knows about this secret.. that I can speak your tongue.." I commented, wishing to finally tell him.
"Really? Who?" His dark eyes were shinning.
"Andromache and Paris" He looked surprised.
"My wife?" I nodded, and then sat next to me. "When?"
"The night before coming.. I went for a walk in the gardens and she came to talk to me.." I blushed, remembering the subject of our conversation, and Hector noticed it.
"What makes you feel so embarrassed? What did she tell you?" I looked at him and shook my head.
"Please, I can't tell you.. I made her a promise.." I was sorry for what I had done, I had talked too much.
"She's my wife, I must know about her secrets.. if you can share it with her, you can share it with me" He spoke kindly, and I felt more nervous than ever.
"Don't force me to tell you" He didn't like my reply, because he frowned.
"Then, I guess it's a promise about me, right?" Now my face became completely red, and he nodded. "I see.. what's wrong with me? " I didn't reply, feeling so bad, wanting to disappear. I stood up, walking towards the door, but he took my arm and stood up as well. "If Andromache doesn't trust me to tell me a secret.. then I must ask you to tell me, because you owe me this favour" He was staring at me and I couldn't hold his gaze, but he was right. I owed him my life and my safety in Greece. "So?.." He asked, again. Removing his hand form my arm, I walked one step back.
"She asked me to promise her.." He nodded, and I went on. ".. She asked me to stay away from you" His face changed, becoming pale. "But I don't know what does this mean" I murmured, ashamed.
"Andromache has a sixth sense.." He said, mysteriously. I couldn't say its meaning, I just felt a bit shocked. Then laying on the ground, he pointed at the bed. "You should sleep here tonight, sure they're' looking for you.. I'll stay awake, and if they come, I'll hide you. Sleep well and don't fear anything. "
I walked to the bed and laid on it, covering myself with the sheets. I didn't know what to say, but I had to say something.
"What did you mean with what you said?" I asked, and I saw Hector turning around to look at me. "That Andromache has a sixth sense.." I explained, and he smiled sadly.
"She's a very intelligent woman.. she never fears things without a reason." I waited a bit before going on talking, thinking of the proper words to say.
"So.. she's afraid that I'll hurt you? Or kill you?" I heard his soft laugh.
"No, Alana.. I don't think she sees you like this.."
"Then?..." I asked again, waiting for his reply.
"Sleep well, Alana". Those were his last words.. after some minutes of silence, tears came to my eyes again. I couldn't remove the image of Paris and Helen from my head. Why did that hurt me?
Chapter eight.
Menelaus walked inside the palace, under the marble ceilings, his steps sounded compassed. He hurried, looking back. His suspects were about to be confirmed. His personal advisor was the main priest of Poseidon's temple , an old man who had been given the gift of seeing the future.
Once in the gardens, he crossed them, almost running, and reached the huge iron door, that was half opened, waiting for him. The priest received him with a smile, and Menelaus felt his heart beating fast.
"Priest.. you know why I'm here.. you must tell me about the prophecy.. the one you spoke about a couple of weeks ago.. none of us paid attention to you, but today I felt really scared for a while.. I apologise for my scepticism." Menelaus was sweating because of nerves, his hands shaking.
"Lets not think about the past days.." The man walked towards him, holding a jar full of a blue liquid. Stopping in front of a stone, he threw some of the content on it. His blue eyes narrowed, and then looked at Menelaus. "It's still written that a Trojan girl would come to defeat us.. to destroy our hopes to conquer Troy.. "He made a pause when he heard the strong breathing from Menelaus. "This girl will come from another time"
"Yes, but.." Menelaus spoke, thinking. "Today a girl arrived.. but she wasn't Trojan. She was a servant who came from a distant land, or this they said.. "They both remained in silence for a while.
"Menelaus.. if she's not Trojan, if she doesn't speak our tongue.. there's nothing to fear.. "The priest smiled and went back to his chambers, leaving Menelaus a bit more calmed. Although something still worried him. Why did they bring her to Greece?
------------------------ ---------------------- ------------------ ----- --------------------
Paris spent the whole dinner time staring at Helen. Never before had he seen such a beautiful face, with those blue eyes and golden hair. It was close to midnight when he remembered about Alana, but just for a second, because Helen sat next to him, after Menelaus had left the room. Paris lost all his senses, and she smiled.
"Do you like my home?" She asked, whispering.
"I like anything that belongs to you" They looked at each other in silence, while she took his hand under the table. Paris held his breathing.
"Then, come with me.." She stood up, and Paris followed her, not before making sure that nobody had seen them.
----------------- --------------------- --------------------- ----------- --------------
Hector tried to look amused, but his mind was lost somewhere. He still didn't find out about his father's intentions, he still didn't know anything about Alana. In some hours they would leave, but things were so unclear. He saw Menelaus returning from his walk, and sitting next to Agamemnon.
"He says we shouldn't fear anything.. she's not the girl" Hector hear them, and looked up at the king. Were they talking about Alana? He pretended to be absent minded, and went on listening.
"But.. Menelaus.. don't you think it's a bit strange that they brought her? This must mean something.." Agamemnon drank a sip of wine, and then looked at Hector.
"I also wondered about the same thing.. but he kept on saying that she's not the one" Now, they both looked at Hector.
"Maybe you should send some of your men to visit her tonight.." Agamemnon said evilly, and Menelaus nodded. Hector felt his body tensing in anger. But a voice woke him up from his thoughts.
"Dinner is already finished and served... may I go to my room?" A servant girl asked, and the king nodded. Hector followed her with his gaze, checking the exact route she was taking. Probably it would lead him to Alana's room, in case of danger. Then returned his attention to the table.
"Hector, how are you enjoying dinner?" Menelaus asked.
"It's very good, I can't stop eating" He said, with a fake smile.
"Yes, but it seems that your brother doesn't find it so interesting.." Agamemnon said, with a strange voice. Hector looked at the opposite side of the table, where there were two empty seats.
"On, no.." Hector murmured, knowing about situation. He had seen Paris face when they arrived, he knew something had happened to his brother's heart.
"As well as Helen.. where is she?" Menelaus commented. Hector shrugged, knowing the answer deep inside. He finished the meat, and then thought about situation. He couldn't help Alana if this would mean winning more enemies again.. he knew about situation of servants in Menelaus' kingdom.. helping her would mean causing a big argument. But he couldn't help thinking that the girl was running a big risk under those walls.
------------------------- ------------------------- --------------------- --- -----------------
I sat on my bed, looking through the glassless window. Now that I knew about my mission, I only had to think about a plan. Things were already defined, Priam wanted me to stop Paris, to stop him taking Helen to Troy. Great. And how would I do that? How could I convince a man who was so desperately in love with her? I knew the story, he didn't mind causing a war , he just wanted her.. and he almost didn't know me, he even disliked me.. I would never be able to change things, Priam would have to send me back home. But.. if I belonged to Troy.. my life would be a sad thing.
But there were too many mysteries waiting to be solved.. the first one was about my journey through time. If I belonged to Troy, who had sent me to 20th century, when I was born? And why me? I mean, why, among all human beings in the world, I was destined to stop the war of Troy? What did I do in my past life that should change things so much?
Then, I remembered Andromache's words.. "stay away from Hector". But in which sense? What did she want to tell me? Too many people who disliked me, and too many things to do. And why should I keep my identity in Greece? Pretending to speak a different language? Priam knew all the answers and he was waiting to tell me. Maybe the truth would hurt me too much.
I saw a narrow path that led to a small garden, covered with flowers. The moonlight showed the way, and I jumped form the window. I needed to walk and think. Only the sound of the sea in the distance, the crickets.. I sat under a cypress, looking at the palace, where I saw something that made me shocked, although I knew that would happen. From my place I could see Paris, kissing Helen passionately. I closed my eyes, noticing that the scene was hurting me, but why?
I stood up, and walked in the other direction, far away from their chambers. My heart was beating so fast, and I felt scared. I was aware of the danger of the place.. of walking alone in the night. But after starting that adventure, it was too late to stop. I wouldn't sit in my room, waiting for things to happen. I wouldn't wait for death, or life, or whatever. I couldn't loose anything, and I decided to approach the main building, where dinner was taking place. I kneeled under a window, and checked the dinning room. The two empty seats of Paris and Helen.. Menelaus and Agamemnon, sitting next to Hector, who was staring at the walls. He looked so worried that I couldn't help feeling scared. What was going on? Suddenly, his face changed, as if he had heard something terrible. And he pretended, when Menelaus spoke to him.
On the right part of the room, four soldiers received an order from the king, and left the stance. Hector looked back at them, and in few seconds, he excused himself and left the place as well. My head started to work again, thinking. Maybe I had too much imagination, but.. what if those soldiers were sent to find me? What if Hector had heard it and he was coming to help me? And the worst thing.. what would happen when nobody found me in my room?
I ran towards the smaller building, jumping bushes, avoiding trees.. and it was then, when I climbed my window, after seeing Helen and Paris totally naked, when the four soldiers entered my room. They looked at me in surprise, just when I was climbing, and they frowned.
"What are we supposed to do?" One of them asked. They all went on staring at me. I placed myself next to the window, without knowing what to do. Panic was coming, one the tallest boy closed the door and turned around. He walked towards me, slowly, while he removed his helmet, showing a handsome face.
"Who are you?" He asked, stopping and crossing his arms over his chest. I didn't reply, keeping the promise made to Priam. "Look.. Menelaus thinks you came here to destroy our plans.. and it's my duty to find out about it.. "He put the helmet on the ground, and approached me. "If you cooperate, we'll finish with this soon.."
"Menelaus said she doesn't speak our tongue" Another one commented, and they all smiled.
"Really? "Again, the tall one moved towards me. He had deep blue eyes, like Helen.. then I remembered. Paris was near from us.. if I shouted, he could hear me.. but he was with Helen, how could I ever think that he would come to rescue me? I gave one step back, knocking against the window's frame. Then, with all the speed I could have reached, I jumped from the room, running in the gardens.
"She runs away!!" They shouted, coming behind me. That was the end, they were faster, stronger.. I would never be able to escape. Luckily, some parts of the gardens looked like a labyrinth, and I crawled under some bushes, reaching the building again, while the soldiers went on running towards the beach. I barely could breath, my heart was almost exploding. Then, without doubting, looked for a near window and jumped through it. I was inside an unknown bedroom, already prepared for a guest. Trying to recuperate, I leaned against the walls, closing my eyes. Then I realised about what had happened.. I wasn't a guest any more.. I was an enemy. I wanted to cry, run away. Because I was alone. And I almost fainted when the door opened. I met his known dark eyes and couldn't help smiling.
"Alana.." Murmured Hector, walking towards me. "Are you feeling well? I saw the soldiers going to your room, I thought they had caught you.." His voice was a whisper, and I nodded.
"They had me, but I escaped.. I don't know why.." I stopped talking, all from the sudden.. Hector was staring at me in shock. I had spoken.. now everything was lost for sure. I felt my face blushing, and my hands shaking. "Listen, let me explain you.."
"Alana.. what's going on here? Who are you?" I had expected an angry reaction from him, but he said those words with the kindest voice. After all the pressure I had felt, I broke down. Tears were falling form my face, and soon I felt his hand over my shoulder.
"I broke the promise I made to your father.. he didn't want anybody to know that I speak your language.." I sighed, and Hector nodded, inviting me to go on talking. "Your father trusts me.. and I spoiled everything.."
"Come here, sit with me.." He said, leading me to his bed. "Now, tell me everything since the beginning.."
"I can't" I replied, although I wished more than anything to tell him my story. But maybe if I spoke about it, history would change, and I wouldn't be able to stop Paris.. then, as if I had seen a light, an idea came to my head. Maybe with Hector's help my mission would be easier.. but at the same time, Priam didn't want me to do this.. I had to do it by myself. "Hector, I'm sorry about everything.. for lying to you.. I'm sorry, because.."
"Don't speak , Alana.. I understand your position, you made a promise and you kept it.. and I admire you for this. "He out his hands over my shoulders. "You're very brave" I looked at him, his dark eyes were so close to mines. And I remembered Andromache, and Paris, and avoided his gaze. I didn't want to break another promise.
"Paris is.. sleeping with Helen.." I murmured, and Hector nodded.
"I know about this.. does it hurt you?" He asked , softly, and I looked at him surprised.
"Of course not!" I laughed. "Why would it hurt me?" Hector didn't reply, he just looked at me.
"I have to admit that I expected you to become closer to Paris.. but it's also true that things are happening in the less expected way now.." Now it was my turn to nod.
"You're right.. "I smiled, and he narrowed his eyes.
"Am I?" I didn't expect this reply from him. What was he talking about?
"What do you mean?" He didn't reply me, standing up, he went to the window and looked in the distance.
"Just tell me one thing.. the mission, your mission.. is something difficult to make?"
"Very difficult, I would say it's impossible" I replied, wondering where would that conversation lead us.
"Can you see the future?" His question surprised me again. I didn't know what to reply, anything I would say, it would be a compromise for me.
"Lets say that my intuition is very good" I hoped this answer would be fine for him. After some seconds, he turned around and watched me in silence.
"Is Paris, isn't it? He will make a big mess.." I looked down, avoiding his gaze, and he walked towards me, kneeling beside me. "Alana.. I won't ask you to tell me anything if you don't want.. my father wants things like this, and I respect it. "
"Oh.. and there's someone else who knows about this secret.. that I can speak your tongue.." I commented, wishing to finally tell him.
"Really? Who?" His dark eyes were shinning.
"Andromache and Paris" He looked surprised.
"My wife?" I nodded, and then sat next to me. "When?"
"The night before coming.. I went for a walk in the gardens and she came to talk to me.." I blushed, remembering the subject of our conversation, and Hector noticed it.
"What makes you feel so embarrassed? What did she tell you?" I looked at him and shook my head.
"Please, I can't tell you.. I made her a promise.." I was sorry for what I had done, I had talked too much.
"She's my wife, I must know about her secrets.. if you can share it with her, you can share it with me" He spoke kindly, and I felt more nervous than ever.
"Don't force me to tell you" He didn't like my reply, because he frowned.
"Then, I guess it's a promise about me, right?" Now my face became completely red, and he nodded. "I see.. what's wrong with me? " I didn't reply, feeling so bad, wanting to disappear. I stood up, walking towards the door, but he took my arm and stood up as well. "If Andromache doesn't trust me to tell me a secret.. then I must ask you to tell me, because you owe me this favour" He was staring at me and I couldn't hold his gaze, but he was right. I owed him my life and my safety in Greece. "So?.." He asked, again. Removing his hand form my arm, I walked one step back.
"She asked me to promise her.." He nodded, and I went on. ".. She asked me to stay away from you" His face changed, becoming pale. "But I don't know what does this mean" I murmured, ashamed.
"Andromache has a sixth sense.." He said, mysteriously. I couldn't say its meaning, I just felt a bit shocked. Then laying on the ground, he pointed at the bed. "You should sleep here tonight, sure they're' looking for you.. I'll stay awake, and if they come, I'll hide you. Sleep well and don't fear anything. "
I walked to the bed and laid on it, covering myself with the sheets. I didn't know what to say, but I had to say something.
"What did you mean with what you said?" I asked, and I saw Hector turning around to look at me. "That Andromache has a sixth sense.." I explained, and he smiled sadly.
"She's a very intelligent woman.. she never fears things without a reason." I waited a bit before going on talking, thinking of the proper words to say.
"So.. she's afraid that I'll hurt you? Or kill you?" I heard his soft laugh.
"No, Alana.. I don't think she sees you like this.."
"Then?..." I asked again, waiting for his reply.
"Sleep well, Alana". Those were his last words.. after some minutes of silence, tears came to my eyes again. I couldn't remove the image of Paris and Helen from my head. Why did that hurt me?