Chapter 16:

With them gone Iphis and I prepared for our day – Iphis had the chores of running the household while I had to take care of the wounded Myrmodians. As I walked over to the hospital I noticed the men dressed in full battle gear and formation cheering wildly, pounding their shields with their spears. Achilles had just made his pre-battle speech and was about to lead the men forward to meet the Trojans who apparently had foretold the attack and were lined up listening to whom I assumed to be my cousin, Hector talking to them.

I had heard so much more about Hector than of Achilles, probably due to their age difference. Although the Greeks claimed Achilles to be the best warrior, many others had spoken about Hector as if he could never and would never be defended in battle, for he was unbelievable good with tons of experience that no one dare mock. I had met him a couple times before when we visited. He struck me as a good man with a kind heart not a deadly warrior, than again Achilles never struck me in the same way although I saw glimpses of what a killer he could become. For a brief moment I wondered what if the two Titans of the battlefield should lock into mortal combat, but quickly pushed that thought out of my head. Not wanting to lose either one of them to Hades.

I knew I should continue on my way to the hospital but I stood there gazing upon the two largest armies imaginable about to clash. I started to tremble, terrified about the looming battle. I gazed upon the soldiers who stood so proudly listening to their leaders. I never thought I could be that brave – to stand face to face against a someone trying to kill me, I would probably run as fast as possible away from the battlefield if it was up to me to fight. Suddenly, war broke out and everything seemed to be in slow motion as I saw men fall with cries of agony being overcome by the victor's shout of triumph.

When my senses cleared I carefully scanned the field for Achilles after climbing up onto a nearby ship. Spotting him on his chariot charging full tilt to where the battle was thickest giving a war cry he leaped into the sea of men and was lost from my view. Automedon meanwhile drove his horses slightly away carefully watching for an enemy who would dare attack him and keeping one eye on his friend. Suddenly from the corner of my eye I noticed Patroclus fighting with the biggest man I had ever seen. I had noticed Ajax but this man made him look like a frail stick figure. Patroclus was not doing will in the fight and looked almost frantic trying to block the blows that where falling towards him with a huge amount of force. Than he tripped and landed on the ground with his sword gone out of his reach. He started to back up quickly trying to dodge the blows that the giant was trying to get. Than Achilles leaped between the two from out of nowhere. Patroclus was able to once again stand up but was distracted from helping his cousin by other enemies attacking. Achilles and the giant began by circling each other slowly and calming probably telling the other their identity along with a couple of threats before starting to duel. The giant moved roughly about with big slow movements of the sword. Achilles seemed to be always in fluid motion dodge and striking quickly. Than in a fierce attack the giant was made to lose his sword but the force that Achilles must of put into this effort made him stay on a certain path going by the giant. If it was any other opponent he probably would have been fine but the giant picked him up with his other hand and throw him almost back to the ships. While Achilles was flying through the air the men in the immediate area stopped fighting and were looking on the single combat with great interest. My heart leaped into my throat as I saw Achilles hit the ground with a loud thud and clang of armor. Within a blink of the eye however he was back on his feet but stood there glaring at the man who had just thrown him. The giant turned to his men and started shouting the army responded by cheering him on even louder than before. Glancing back I saw Achilles had recovered his sword and started to run straight at the giant. My heart was beating wildly but stopped every time he had to dodge a spear thrown at him, I could not breath properly as he started to increase his speed till it was a flat out sprint. Suddenly leaping into the air he used the giants shield as a pivoting point to strike down with his sword. I could not see if his attempt at killing where successful all I knew is he was not hurt but calmly keep walking away from the giant when he land straight for the enemy's line. Meanwhile, the giant let out a groan and fell blood coming from his neck. The enemy seeing their leader fall backed away from his killer rapidly and I heard him shout, "Is there no one else? Is there no one else?"

But before the battle around could continue Meanes noticed me watching the battle and shouted up at me to get going. Quickly I jumped off the boat and walked to the hospital saying another prayer that Achilles and Patroclus would be safe. The day went by quickly although the number of injured where not many the wounds were serious and needed much attention. Finally my shift was over and I rushed back to what was now my home. Getting in I noticed Patroclus and Achilles sitting next to each other polishing their armor. Achilles stood up and quickly kissed me hello before sitting back down to continue his work. Both nodded that they were all right when I asked. The door opened again and Iphis came in looking worried but immediately relaxed when she saw them sitting peacefully next to the fire. And even before Patroclus could get up she was on his lap kissing him. Achilles looked startled than glanced at me and shrugged before going back to his work. When Iphis dragged Patroclus out the room I sat next to my lover.

"I hope that giant did not hurt you when he throw you."

"You where watching?" He asked suprised.

"I saw how you saved Patroclus and the fight against the giant."

"He was Titus, one of the best warriors for the Trojans, and I underestimated his strength and went right passed him before he threw me."

"You are ok though? Right?"

"Oh, yeah – it takes more than that to hurt me."

"I'm glad," I said as I leaned over to kiss him. Smiling his lop-sided smile he looked at me.

"You are wonderful." He said before claiming my lips. Before anything else his stomach growled loudly. Laughing I pulled away.

"I guess I'm hungrier than I thought, what is for dinner?"

"I don't know I just got in."

"Hmm, I wonder where Iphis is. It's not like them to disappear."

"We did not disappear we had to talk," Patroclus said beaming from ear to ear.

"Oh?"

"How does fish sound?" Iphis asked. Patroclus looked at us pleading for agreement. I hated fish but did not say anything.

Achilles just responded, "Anything at this point would be great."

"Great," Iphis said and turned to start preparing dinner with my help.