I Am No Prince
Prologue
Gods protect me.
I pray as my steps lead me closer to the death that I am now beginning to fear.
I am a Prince of Troy.
I am supposed to be a warrior, a mighty horse tamer like my elder brother, Hector.
But I, Paris, am neither of those things.
I am an archer, a musician, a lover.
This was is my fault and now I walk toward the one thing that can make it all end.
By the gods! Menelaus will kill me!
I swallow the lump of fear now burning within my throat.
I feel sick with fright, sick with the knowledge that I am most likely taking my last few breaths.
Then, I see her.
Standing atop the walls of Troy, I see Helen.
She is my wife, my love, and my most priceless treasure.
The courage to face Menelaus returns to me tenfold at the mere thought that she is watching.
In fact, most of Troy sits now upon its golden walls.
My father watches at Helen's side.
My brother stands strong behind me.
I can feel his encouragement as the battle comes closer.
Then I see Menelaus once more.
The King of Sparta is over twice my size, his muscles evident even though he now spends his days upon a throne.
My resolve nearly crumbles a second time at the sight of him, this messenger of death.
Menelaus laughs as he throws away his shield, beckoning me come with the tip of his sword.
My own blade feels like a weight in my hand.
My arms are toned, but not for hand-to-hand combat.
I am an archer, not a warrior of the sword or the spear.
I wear full Trojan armour, my shield in my left hand and my sword, the sword of Troy, in my right.
There is no breeze this day, and I can feel the heat beating down upon me.
There is only the sun, the sand, and Menelaus.
Hector had told me to concentrate.
I had taken my helmet from his hand as he bid me to focus on only this fight, to focus on nothing else.
Why had I not listened to my brother all those long years ago?
He had wanted me to train, had wanted me to spar with him.
Oh, how I now wish I had.
I am a fool.
I am a lover of beautiful women and a chaser of impossible dreams.
And now I must face my fears and fight for the only woman I have ever truly loved.
I am fighting for my country, my people, my city.
I am fighting for Helen.
Menelaus stands but feet before me.
My shield is raised.
But before I can even begin to bring my sword to bear, the Spartan King strikes.
To Be Continued...
Disclaimer:
I do not own anything related to Troy. I simply know a freakin whole lot about it, which should be quite evident through the course of this story. The movie however, is a creation of Wolfgang Petersen and the story it is based on, The Iliad, a work of Homer. I just play in their world.
Author's Note:
Yes, I decided to delve into the world of "Troy". Actually, I've been working on a Fiction story for Fictionpress dealing with the events of the Trojan War. However, Orli hath inspired me and therefore... well... here is the result.
This first chapter is kinda like the Prologue. It's like a Teaser for the story. Most of it will be in Paris' head, what he's thinking and the like.
I will be going backwards in flashback to deal with movie scenes as well as some of my own sequences. Also, I will be righting the wrongs of Wolfgang Petersen's film (save for Menelaus' demise, because I can't really work around that one) so things may not turn out as you want them too. My fanfiction will be heavily based on both "Troy" and "The Iliad" so be prepared.
Oh... and watch out for poisoned arrows...
laughs evilly
On another note... I figured out how to bring my muse comments back... STORY FORM!
So, without further ado, I bring you... my muses and our wacky conversations...
Muse Moments:
"You know, I think we pulled that off rather well." Legolas says as he sets down the chef's hat he had been wearing since at least the flight back.
"I agree." Aragorn replys, smiling. "I think that was quite successful."
A sigh escapes their comrade, "Speak for yourself." Paris complains. "I was the one caught."
"That is because you can not sneak by security as well as we. You are not trained in the arts of stealth." Legolas laughs, putting a hand on his shoulder. "With time, I am sure you can pull it off as well."
"Pull what off?" Nil asks, looking at her three muses who stand before her front door with lugage in their hands.
Aragorn smiles, "We have returned."
"I noticed. And where did you go?"
All three reply with something completely different.
"The Caribbean." voices Legolas.
"Turkey." replies Paris.
"New Zealand." answers Aragorn.
Nil looks at them with a neutral expression, "Uh huh... right... You crashed the Cannes Film Festival, didn't you?"
"We did no such thing!" Legolas replies a look of shock on his face.
Paris rolls his eyes, "Yeah... you guessed it. We crashed Cannes and I got caught."
Nil sighs, closing her eyes. "Na i Valar... Can you two not keep out of trouble."
"But Paris was with us! It was not just our fault this time!" Aragorn replies.
"He's new! He's not supposed to follow the rules yet!" Nil says angrily. "Besides, Thranduil has been breathing down my neck all week worried about you. Well no, not you Aragorn, but worried about you Legolas! AI! He hasn't given me a moments peace!"
"We are sorry." Legolas replies, "Can we come in now?"
"Yes... You two, guest room." Nil replies, pointing at Legolas and Aragorn. "And you, Paris, can sleep on the Chaise Lounge. I don't have another room in this house so my bedroom sofa will have to do."
Legolas tries not to laugh, "Yeah." he whispers to Aragorn, "We both know why he gets special treatment."
"Because he's royalty." Nil replies, turning around and going back inside.
"Hey! We are too!" Legolas calls after her, following.
Paris sighs again, "Is she mad at us?"
"Yes." replies Aragorn.
"How long will it last?"
Aragorn thinks about this for a moment. "Oh... perhaps an hour..."
Paris smiles, "Good."