11)
'Hey, have you heard it already?'
The three of them were still sitting at the same spot they already had been sitting when the sun had still been above the horizon. Now it was night already, and nobody had come for them. Not that they minded, on the contrary. Andromache could only wish Agamemnon would stay away, and she was convinced Helen and Briseis didn't feel any different.
'Heard what?' Briseis asked the handmaiden.
'Many Greeks were killed in an ambush!'
That was great news! It meant there were still many Trojan warriors out there, willing to fight. Helen smiled, she must hope Paris was with them. And Andromache wished Hector would join them at some point, that he would outsmart Achilles and become the leader of their people again. Then Troy would be set free, and Hector, Astyanax and she could be a family again.
'That means the Greeks have probably no time to attend to futile business like us,' Briseis spoke hopeful. Futile business, it was almost insulting, even though Briseis was probably right about their status. And painfully enough it also brought her back to the harsh reality. She wasn't with Hector and Astyanax. Hector was still out there somewhere, probably still the prisoner of Achilles, and their child was hidden but not completely safe yet. And she was still Agamemnon's slave; helpless and not able to do something. Being a woman is not always easy, and certainly not always fair.
'I wish I could do something,' Briseis spoke. She differed from most people at the court in always saying what she was thinking. Andromache could appreciate this, especially now she was thinking exactly the same as herself.
'We can do something,' Helen said slowly. 'But only when we know our men are near.'
Andromache knew Helen wasn't willing to take much risk, so the fact she came up with something meant a lot. But by the way she had said it, Andromache knew it would be very dangerous.
'What can we do?' Briseis impatiently wanted to know.
'Murder them.'
My army gave way an excellent performance? Hector wondered what Odysseus had been talking about. Did this mean the remains of his army had regrouped and attacked the Greeks? They obviously hadn't defeated the complete Greek army yet, because then Achilles and Odysseus wouldn't be sitting here this relaxed. 'What do you mean?'
'A group has been ambushed,' Odysseus answered. Although Hector technically was the enemy, Odysseus apparently did not see any problems in filling him in. He was probably here to tell Achilles, but he could have chosen to speak with the Myrmidon alone. 'They were all killed.'
So his army was doing ambushes now? Hector had to admit it was practical, especially when outnumbered like the Trojans are and have good knowledge of the terrain. But it made a fast victory practically impossible. And to safe the people in the city, a quick defeat of the Greeks would be necessary.
'So the war isn't over yet,' Odysseus added after a long pause. He was clearly worried.
Achilles smirked. 'With Agamemnon in power, war will never be over.'
'With Agamemnon in power, war will never be over.'
Odysseus groaned. It was an ominous prediction, but it was very likely to be true. 'There must be something that can be done!' Unlike his nature, he had lost his composure and sounded frustrated. Of course he really was frustrated, but he usually wouldn't show.
'Oh there is,' Achilles replied. He seemed to have made up his mind, he had all the answers ready. 'Relief Agamemnon from power.'
Odysseus had always known Achilles had no respect for Agamemnon, but that he spoke like this was just unbelievable! And unrealistic too. Odysseus looked Achilles in the eyes, and found out he really meant it. He started to wonder if this was the reason Hector was here, to fight Agamemnon together, but Hector appeared to be bewildered. He evidently hadn't expected this.
'Achilles, even if I would agree with you, which I don't…'
'Yes you do,' Achilles interrupted.
'Even if I would, it can't be done,' Odysseus finished imperturbable.
'Why not?' Achilles asked as if he didn't know. But Odysseus refused to believe he was that stupid.
'Because he has the support of many kings, and he won't give up power voluntarily.'
Achilles shrugged. 'The latter is unmistakably true. But the kings simply support the man in charge, not him personally.'
'Oh really?' Odysseus took a sip of his wine before continuing. 'You really think they would obey you?'
Achilles shook his head. 'No. But I am not a King. You are.'
'Brother.'
Menelaus greeted Agamemnon with the respect his brother deserved as the King of kings. Agamemnon was sitting on a large balcony which by daylight gave a perfect view of the whole area, including the beach and the main Greek encampment. Menelaus had to admit the Trojans had a beautiful palace. But Agamemnon didn't seem to notice; had been in deep thoughts until Menelaus arrived.
'Where have you been?'
'I checked the scene.' Menelaus swallowed before he continued, because he didn't like what he was about to say. 'And I think we have a problem.'
Agamemnon stared into the night again, not showing much attention. 'Which is?'
'Odysseus.'
This was important enough for Agamemnon to turn around. 'What about him?'
'He doesn't agree with your plan. And after I spoke with him, I saw him leave with Patroclus.'
Agamemnon nodded. 'Thank you for the information.' He turned around again, ignoring Menelaus' presence.
Sometimes Menelaus could hate his brother just as much as Achilles.
Hector almost couldn't believe what he had just heard. Was Achilles really planning a coup? Hector didn't understand. If Achilles didn't like what Agamemnon was doing, why didn't he just go home? Why the trouble and dangers of a takeover?
Odysseus was considering this right now. From him a little more compassion with the fate of all Greeks could be expected. But also some more loyalty towards Agamemnon. Hector was almost glad he wasn't in Odysseus' shoes.
'Suppose we would challenge Agamemnon's power and army,' Odysseus finally spoke. 'The soldiers from Ithaca and the Myrmidons can't do it alone.'
Achilles nods, and smiles because he seems to have convinced Odysseus. 'True. But there is one other nation that has to gain by the defeat of Agamemnon and the departure of the Greeks.'
Hector knew perfectly what Achilles was talking about. And so did Odysseus. 'The Trojans.'
'Exactly.'
If he was going to be involved in this, and it appeared to go that way, Hector had to know. 'What is in it for you?'
Achilles was visibly taken aback by the question; he had not been anticipating it. 'A battle,' he spoke, still thinking. 'And I would love to see Agamemnon get what he deserves.'
Hector felt Achilles was holding something back from him. But he could also sense Achilles was eager to take Agamemnon down. And Hector really wanted to safe his people and his family. So for now he could live with the lack of answers. He knew enough.
He would be part of the most unlikely alliance in history.
