Priestess of the myrmidons: Yes, but Lena wants to rule and she wouldn't be allowed to if she married Hector. On top of that, she also a bit of a man hater so I doubt that she would want to marry anyone (And of course, in a Freudian theory, this might be because she feels that her father has rejected her).

Hector/Andromachefan: Thank you for reviewing. Yes, like I have stated before, I think we have a reason to fear for Lena's mental health. Hector is basically a tool to get closer to the power for her. As for Paris and Andromache, please look at my answers to Queen Arwen and Lilycup.

Gaby: Lena really isn't popular among you guys, is she? Lol, that's good because she is not supposed to be. In this chapter you will find that not only Paris but also Andromache and Hector will have a reason to evaluate their feelings.

Queen Arwen: I wouldn't take Paris' feelings very seriously. Remember that he is young and unlike Andromache, he isn't very mature. He has got a crush and in his naivety, he has blown it out of proportion. If you want to torture Lena, I think you have to stand in line...

Hecuba2: Your words make me very happy, since I have always liked this mythical sorcery stuff you are talking about and that's why I added it in the story. As for the sequel; well, I don't think so, but thank you for your suggestion. I do have some inspiration for another story though, so I'll see if I can develop it within the next few weeks.

Lilycup: Nice to know that you liked Paris and Andromache's meeting. To be honest, this was something I hadn't originally planned. But since I felt that these two couldn't just go lolling about in the palace when they came back from Thebe, I added this little twist. And like you said, Hector really wasn't paying poor Andromache a lot of attention.

A/N: It took me even longer than I expected to get the last chapter done, but I hope that it will prove worth the waiting. Rather than finishing it later, I decided to publish the epilogue along with the final chapter. I just felt that they should be read at the same time.

I have taken a great pleasure in writing this story and one of the reasons have been the encouraging and dedicated reviews I have received. With all my heart, I thank you. Enjoy the last chapter and don't forget the epilogue!

Chapter 14 – The powers cross

Two men bent down and pulled him up to his feet. They started to lead him through the dark passages in the cave. Hector hung limply between them, unable to resist. The spell was still on him and he could do nothing to remove it.

Hector squinted as he caught sight of a flash of light somewhere in front of him. As they approached, he realized that it was a torch. Lena was standing there, waiting with her arms crossed and an utterly contented look on her face. Nikos stood next to her. Hector noticed that he seemed to have been scratched in the face. The man held a young girl firmly by the arm.

"Briseis," Hector gasped. In vain, he attempted to break free from his captors, but they held on tightly to him. The effort turned his face read and he panted heavily. Curse that spell! He thought violently.

Briseis had been looking frightened and confused, but when she recognized her cousin, her eyes grew wide. She wanted to go to him, but Nikos held her back. "No, you are not," he said grimly. "Not again."

But Lena waved indifferently at him. "Oh, by all means, give them a moment together if they like. It is not as if they will have many more..."

Nikos looked reluctant but let go of his hold on Briseis. She ran up to Hector and worriedly grabbed his hand. "Hector? What is wrong? You look like you can't walk."

"Oh, I can walk," Hector said, doing his best to seem reassuring. "This is just temporary."

Briseis glanced over her shoulder. "But what is going on here? What are they doing?"

"Unpleasant things, I am afraid," he said grimly. "Are you all right, Briseis? They didn't harm you?"

She shook her head. "No, but I..." She glanced at Nikos and Lena. "I think theyare going to hurt us," she said in a small voice.

"What a sharp mind," Lena purred in amusement. "My dear girl, if only your blood wasn't soiled I might consider taking you in as my pupil."

Briseis frowned in confusion. "Lena," she said hesitatingly. "Why are you hurting, Hector? He hasn't done anything wrong. He is a good man."

"A servant of the great Artemis must make some sacrifices."

"Artemis?" Briseis looked confused and shook her head. "These are not the ways of the goddess."

Lena snorted. "Oh and who has told you that? Your uncle the king perhaps? You have better not listen so much to the foolish ideas a simple male mind can devise. Artemis is the goddess of vengeance, didn't you know that?"

"You are not the goddess," Briseis pointed out.

In a superior gesture, Lena crossed her arms. "That is true. I am not. But I am her servant and I have inherited the powerful blood of a priestess whose capacity you cannot possibly imagine."

Briseis held her eyes. "A true priestess doesn't lay emphasis on the blood of her veins to show her worthiness," she said seriously. "Only the blood of her heart."

For a moment, Lena was speechless. Then a flash suddenly appeared in her eyes. "I didn't come here to be lectured about the values of a priestess by some inane girl child," she said resolutely. She nodded sharply at her men. "Get them both inside the hall."

As Briseis and Hector were dragged into the chamber, everything first seemed completely dark. It wasn't until they had taken a few steps further that Hector could make out a ray of light. They were still in the caves, but this space had been decorated like in a temple.

Golden bowls of reddish incense were placed on high pillars that were positioned in a square which surrounded the altar. In front of it, a huge statue of Artemis had been placed. In her hands, she carried a bow and a pickaxe, symbols for her position as the goddess of hunting and the goddess of harvesting. On the altar, a stack of firewood had been placed.

Lena slowly bowed before the statue. "Artemis," she said loudly. "Daughter of mighty Zeus and Leto; protector of woman, goddess of nature and moon, killer of Orion the treacherous hunter, let me sense your presence."

She was silent for a while, closed her eyes and nodded slowly. "Yes," she whispered with a dreamy smile on her lips. "Oh, yes..."

She opened her eyes again. "You have blessed me with your spirit and with your magic. It has been passed to me from my mother, the great Philippa, as I know that I shall pass it to my own child."

Lena closed her fists tightly. "I owe my powers to you my lady and I bow down in gratitude for them. Know that I live only to serve you."

Slowly she reached her hands up towards the statue. "Artemis, goddess of hunting and of harvesting; show me that you hear my words. Show yourself to me, your servant and exerciser of your magic. Let us all feel your presence in this hall!"

Nothing could be heard and nothing could be seen, but suddenly and completely unexpectedly; an unfamiliar wind swept through the cave. Hector shuddered. He had been visiting the temples many times before, but he had never experienced anything like this. It was as if he could feel the presence of the goddess touching him.

"Oh, mighty Artemis," Lena hissed. "Give me a sign."

As she said it, the incense suddenly went from red to yellow.

"You lead the way and I follow," Lena said. "I know that I must prepare for a great trial and a great battle as I take what rightfully belongs to me, but I know that I can count on you to aid me. The strength of your hand shall see me through every test."

"For this support," she continued. "I will give you a reward that will make up for all of your efforts. I shall reward you in blood." She smiled slowly. "Please accept my humble sacrifice."

She turned around and faced her lackeys and her prisoners. Gazing thoughtfully at them for a moment, she finally nodded at Briseis. "The girl first."

"No!" In desperation, Hector tried to get away from his captors. He defied the spell and fought them, squirming and lashing out at them, but he was powerless. They firmly stopped him by punching him in the gut. He groaned and almost fell to the ground.

Frantically, he watched as Nikos dragged his little cousin towards the altar. Briseis kicked out and tried to bite him, but it had no effect. She was placed on the firewood and her hands were bound and pinned to the altar.

"No," Hector moaned. "Lena, please..."

But she didn't even hear him. She calmly turned towards Briseis and smiled sweetly towards the petrified child. "Don't worry," she said. "The goddess will not be pitiless. Not even to a traitor's spawn."

She turned towards the statue again and raised her hands. "I am Lena," she said. "The one true queen and regent of Troy. In my quest to save my people, nothing shall make me quiver. I shall bear what no one else has borne before; I shall fight like no one else has fought. And anyone who opposes me is my enemy as well as an enemy of Troy and will be dealt with as such."

She bowed. "This girl is my sacrifice to you, my goddess. As her life burns you shall know that her spirit is yours. And I shall know that you will stand by my side forever."

She reached her hands towards Briseis. "Artemis," she whispered. "Give me proof that you have accepted my offer and granted me my powers. Bring fire to my hands and make me able to ignite the sacrifice I present before you!"

She closed her eyes and waved her hands in front of her, like she was searching for the power she was trying to bring out.

Hector held his breath; expecting to see Briseis burning at any time. He could already hear her crying out in fear and pain as the flames reached her delicate skin. He could hear her shrieking in agony as her body caught fire.

But strangely enough, nothing happened.

Lena looked incredulous as she realized that no fire had been brought to her hands. She tried a second time. "Artemis, great goddess; hear my call! Give me the power and accept my sacrifice!"

Once again, no flames appeared on her fingertips.

Lena frowned. "Artemis, I implore you, my wise and brave goddess!" But everything was quiet and suddenly and abruptly, the incense died.

Lena's eyes went wide and her body suddenly started shivering. Slowly she started backing towards the wall, holding her hand pressed against her throat. "No... no, it can't be... It can't be... You promised me... I have the powers..."

Hector didn't know why, but suddenly he felt the effects of the spell decreasing. He was suddenly able to break free of his captors. They barely seemed to notice. They all stared in shock at their mistress who almost seemed choked.

Pressed up against the wall, she stared at Briseis who was still tied to the altar. Her blue eyes looked huge. "Why... why... She is a traitor... why?"

Briseis looked closely at Lena. Something was burning in her eyes. "The gods do not condone kin slaying, Lena."

"Kin slaying?" Lena shook her head. "No, she would be lenient... she told me... It doesn't matter that he is my brother. I would save thousands of Trojan lives!"

Briseis shook her head. Her voice was strangely distant. She was speaking but she wasn't really there. "I wasn't talking about Hector. Do you really think that Artemis would send flames to kill her own twin brother?"

Lena's face went ghostly white. Her powers and her strength had left her body. Mutely, she shook her head. "No... no, it's not possible... It's not possible. Her father was Greek! A damned Greek!" She cannot possibly have... Not Apollo... Not a Greek...

Hector had untied Briseis and no one made any attempt to stop him. The little girl rose from the altar. Her magnetic eyes were set on Lena who was huddled up by the wall, staring at her like a ghost. "It's here, Lena," she said calmly. "You feel it too. You can't deny it."

Lena spoke slowly and intensely, as if she was trying to convince herself. "She can't be... The spawn of a Greek and a traitor... She can't have it. She can't have the power!"

Hector stood behind Briseis and put his hands on her shoulders. "You have failed Lena," he said grimly. "Face it."'

There was a blaze in her eyes and suddenly, she managed to get to her feet. Her face was glowing with fury and disappointment. "Oh, you think so? Well, I don't need Artemis to take care of a weak man and a girl. "Finish them," she ordered her men and pointed firmly at Hector and Briseis.

"But, my lady..." Nikos started unsurely.

"What are you waiting for?" she cried. "Obey my command! Kill them both!"

The men still looked hesitating, but pulled out their weapons and approached Hector and his cousin.

"Hide behind the altar, Briseis!" Hector shouted as he quickly moved towards Lena. The spell was off him now and her powers seemed to have been taken away from her. If he could only get to her first and take her as his hostage, the men would be forced to do what he told them.

But before he had made it across the floor, they all suddenly heard a loud noise outside the temple chamber. It almost seemed like the sound of an enormous heard of kettle. The men stopped and listened in astonishment, but before anyone had a chance to react, the door was suddenly kicked open.

A tall, powerful man with a bushy beard entered with his sword and shield firmly at hand. Hector immediately recognized him. It was his father's General Glaucus and behind him came his friend Tecton and the rest of the apollonians.

"Prince Hector!" the General bellowed as he spotted the king's son. "Are you all right, my lord?"

"I am and so is Briseis," Hector answered and gestured at Nikos and the others. "I want these men arrested."

"At once, my prince," the General said and turned towards Nikos, who he obviously took for the leader of the group. "You are hopelessly outmanned. Give up."

Nikos hesitated and glanced towards Lena, who was still leaning towards the wall. But the fire in her eyes was still burning. "Don't listen to him," she spat. "Attack them!"

"But my lady..."

"Are you just going to let them take you without any resistance? What kind of a man are you?" she badgered him while she pulled her small dagger from her belt. Nikos still hesitated, but her command left no room for arguments. "Do as I say. Charge them!"

Suddenly there was a wild and desperate fight going on in the temple cave. Lena's men were desperately trying to defend themselves against the overwhelming force of armed and armoured apollonian warriors. General Glaucus was old, but still a formidable warrior and he used his sword like it was a part of him when he disarmed and killed one of the opponents.

He quickly bent down, picking up the sword and throwing it to Hector who was able to take part in the battle. Without hesitation, he attacked the nearest man who happened to be Nikos. There was a clang as their swords kissed and they continued to circulate around each other, looking for weaknesses

The blood seemed to be singing in Hector's veins. It was lovely to feel the strength of his body once again after having been numb and powerless for so long. He never felt more alive than he did when he was fighting. The sensation of being a free man with a sword in his hand almost made him dizzy.

Over Nikos shoulder, he suddenly spotted Lena. She was approaching Tecton with the dagger in her hand. Tecton's back was against her while he was fighting another man. Hector raised his voice and warned him.

Tecton glanced back and in a quick movement, he kicked his opponent away, which temporarily distracted him. Then he spun and hit Lena hard before she could stab him. She fell to the floor and rolled.

Hector finally had Nikos on his mercy. The thick man had been pressed up against the wall and Hector pressed the tip of his sword against his throat. "Do you remember the whip?" he hissed. "Allow me to return the courtesy." He quickly turned his sword and struck him hard across the face with the flat side of his sword. Nikos fell to the ground, knocked unconscious and Hector finished him easily.

The battle was finished. The apollonians had been victorious and the opponents who were still breathing had surrendered. Hector was staring grimly at the fallen Nikos for a while before he turned.

"My lord," Glaucus said. He nodded towards Lena who had huddled up in a corner. Tecton's hit had not knocked her out, but she looked dizzy and disoriented. "Should I...?" Glaucus asked.

Hector shook his head. "Wait." Slowly, he approached her and she pulled back, like she was trying to pierce through the wall. "Lena," he said seriously.

It took some time before she raised her head. The beauty of her features and her striking eyes hit him just like they had the first time he met her. But apart from that, she was nothing like she had been then. Her face was glowing with an immense hatred.

"It is over," Hector told her. "Your men are defeated and your powers have left you. It is over, Lena. Surrender and I will make sure that your life is spared."

A smile started to play on her lips and she scoffed loudly.

Hector's eyes narrowed. "I won't give you another offer. Surrender now."

She laughed, bitterly, almost hysterically. "Surrender," she spat as if the word was an abomination. "A daughter of Artemis never surrenders."

And Hector suddenly realized that she still clutched the small dagger in her hand. Before he could react, she raised it and ran it right through her chest. She coughed, choked and slowly fell towards the floor.

Hector slowly crouched down beside her gently pulled the dagger out of her chest. Her blue eyes followed him as her life blood slowly ran out of her. "You think you have won, don't you?" she hissed with the use of her remaining powers. "Well, you are wrong. You have just ensured the doom of Troy." She coughed and snorted. "My only comfort is that it will be your doom as well – and not only yours."

A sneer appeared in her pain-ravaged face that twisted her fair features. "My son would have brought your blood on," she whispered. "But now it is too late. My father's line will die with you. Your wife will have your child, yes, but you will not have him for long." Despite her pains, her voice was shrill with triumph. "After you have been killed, your people will be trapped inside the castle of Troy. Your son will be flung from the walls to his death and your wife will be taken as a slave... I curse you with this knowledge, Prince Hector, now and forever..."

Her voice had grown weaker and weaker as she spoke and now her head fell back to the ground and her body relaxed. She had ceased breathing. Hector looked mutely at her; this woman who was his sister. This woman who had fooled him into a trap and who had almost been able to take everything from him. This woman who had carried his child and who had chosen to end her own life as well as the child's rather than live her life in shame and defeat.

He carefully closed her eyes and rose from the floor. General Glaucus waited respectfully in silence until the prince turned towards him. "How did you find this place?" he asked.

"Your horse," Glaucus explained. "He came back to the palace alone, but there was a note in the saddle bag. After a few investigations we found out that some fishermen had seen this Lena woman and her men down the beach."

"But who...?" Hector started until he realized. "Briseis," he breathed. She must have found the horse when she escaped from Nikos. But she had not been able to get back to the palace so she had written a message instead and sent him back. "I understand," he said slowly.

"What should we do with the bodies, my lord?" Tecton asked.

Hector glanced grimly at the dead men and woman. "Take them outside and burn them. And once we are all out of here, I want you to fill up this accursed place."

Glaucus and Tecton went to carry out his orders. Hector stood and stared grimly at the statue of Artemis for a moment. Then he suddenly heard a sound from behind the altar. Briseis crawled out, shivering and scared with her chest brown hair hanging in a mess from her braids.

"Hector," she said in a weak voice.

"Yes," Hector said and helped her to her feet. "Are you all right?"

"I think so," she mumbled. As she looked around in the hall, her eyes grew wide. "What happened?" she asked him.

"Unpleasant things, just like I told you," Hector said, smiling wearily.

Briseis spotted Lena's dead body and her face paled. She didn't seem to know or remember exactly what had taken place or which part she had played. "Did I... did I do something wrong, Hector?" she asked him carefully.

Hector crouched down before her and gently stroked her cheek. "No, you didn't," he assured her. "You did everything right."

He placed his arms around her and embraced her tightly. Her thin arms encircled his neck and he felt her tiny form trembling. She seemed so delicate. It was truly amazing that such a small shape could hold such amazing powers...

"So you filled the passage to the cave with earth then," Priam stated.

"I did, father," Hector nodded. "I never wanted anyone to set a foot in that ghastly place again."

"A wise decision," Priam said. Then his voice hardened. "And according to Glaucus, the reason behind all of this misery has been rendered harmless?"

Hector nodded.

"This woman, Lena... Is it true that she is really dead?"

"She is," Hector confirmed. "She took her own life."

"I don't understand what she was trying to accomplish..." Priam was quiet for a while. "Hector, is there something more you want to tell me about her?"

Hector raised his head and looked into his father's blue eyes. He wondered how much Priam had guessed and how much he suspected. Did he remember anything of that unknown woman he had shared his nights with so long ago?

"No," he finally said. "There is nothing."

"Remember, I don't want any turns," Hector reminded the giant builder who was in charge of the work team. "I want it to go straight all the way until it reaches the river by Mount Ida."

"I understand, my lord," the man said and waved at his comrades. They all took their hacks and shovels and followed him through the narrow hole.

They were standing in one of the deepest cellars in the palace. This was the place Hector had selected after a lot of consideration. Grimly, he watched as the men crawled inside the hole to continue their work. Soon, the rhythmic sounds of hacks hitting stone could be heard.

Hector flatly listened to their work. He knew that this wasn't something that could be finished in a week. Building a tunnel all the way to Mount Ida would likely take several months, maybe even longer. And he didn't know how much time he had.

But still, he knew that he had to do something. In his mind, he could still hear Lena's ill-fated last words. Well, if she thought he was going to sit down and do nothing, she was wrong. If her words were really true, he was going to prepare for it. He was going to do everything in his power to make sure that her prophecy wouldn't come true. Building this tunnel was only a part of his resolve, but it was important. It would give him an opportunity to protect his kin. At least it would make sure that they wouldn't be trapped.

Sighing, he turned away from the working men and started to ascend the stairs. He didn't want to tell anyone about his work. Not yet at least. It would remain a secret until he had decided who he could confide it in.

When he reached the landing, she was waiting for him. Her arms were crossed over her chest and her face was serious and determined. Her skin was pale, but she looked at him calmly. "I heard you were back."

He nodded, since he couldn't think of anything to say.

"Are you all right?" she asked him.

He shrugged. "More or less. Though it is hardly because of my own wisdom. I can thank my cousin for the fact that I am still alive."

"I have talked to Briseis. She says you were very brave."

He smiled ironically. "She is too polite."

They were quiet for a while and assessed each other slowly. Hector looked closely at her. As always, she stood straight and held her head high. No one could take her dignity away from her. There was not a hint of movement in her face. Nothing displayed the storm of emotions that he knew had to take place inside her.

He had not had time to think much about it since he returned to the palace. Paris had greeted him first of all by the gate and embraced him hard, like he was never going to let go. "Brother," he had said, his voice throaty. "I am so glad you are back safe."

His voice was genuine and Hector had realized that Lena had been right. To Paris, the experience when he tried to kill his brother would forever seem like a surreal and awful nightmare. Hopefully, he would forget all about it. Hector knew that he wouldn't though. Even though he had found the ring hidden under Paris' bed and firmly thrown it into the sea, he knew that he would never be able to erase what had happened. Especially not when he looked into the eyes of the young woman who was standing in front of him.

"Paris is in love with you," he stated unceremoniously.

Andromache's eyes remained calm and she still held his gaze. "Yes," she said simply.

"Are you in love with him?"

She slowly shook her head.

"But you would rather marry him, wouldn't you?" he said.

"I am going to marry you, my lord," she said firmly.

"That is not what I asked," Hector reminded her.

"I know," she nodded. "But that is the only answer I have to give."

Hector sighed and crossed his arms. "I love my brother, my lady. But there are certain things I wouldn't wish to share with him."

Colour rose to her cheeks. "You think too little of your brother, my lord, if you suppose that he would cuckold you behind your back." She pulled a deep breath and looked harshly at him. "And of me also."

Her eyes left no room for hesitations. Hector nodded slowly. "I apologize," he said. "You are right; I did you both wrong by suspecting something like that." He sighed and pulled his hand through his tousled hair. "I want you to know that I appreciate your honesty," he told her. "Especially after what I have been through these last few weeks..."

She nodded. "Yes, I have heard."

"You have heard?" He stared at her in astonishment.

She smiled mildly. "Your mother has told me."

"Oh." Hector cringed. Why was he surprised? He asked himself. Was there anything that escaped his mother's notice? "Well," he said shrugging. "As you can see, I am not the right person to judge."

"Nor am I," she said seriously.

"Well," he said, smiling bleakly. "At least there is one thing we can agree on."

She looked closely at him. "You look weary my lord," she said. "You should get some rest. Let me take you."

Slowly, they started to walk along the corridor together, but the atmosphere between them was strangely relaxed.

"Perhaps you would like to postpone the wedding until you feel better?" Andromache suggested.

"Oh, I am sure I'll recover..." Hector started, but stopped. "When is the wedding supposed to be held?" he asked her in confusion.

She smiled gently. "Tomorrow afternoon, my lord."

"Oh." Hector blinked, but then he shrugged. "Well, I suppose we have better get it over with before the next disaster strikes." He glanced at her. "Do you want to postpone it?"

She shook her head. "Not really. It doesn't really matter to me. The wedding is not the important thing. What matters is that you and I must learn how to live together."

Hector nodded. "You are right," he said, reluctantly impressed by her sincerity. "And I am afraid I haven't really done my best to make you warm up to me."

She smiled dryly. "I can't say that I have been making any efforts either, my lord."

"Don't blame yourself," Hector said.

She shrugged and smiled. "Well, we have at least got until tomorrow," she reminded him. "Would you like a cup of wine perhaps?

He returned her smile. "Yes I would like that. And I would also like to know a little bit more about you, Andromache."

"Suppose I will disappoint you," she said, grinning.

He shook his head. "I don't think you ever could," he said honestly.

She laughed as she opened the door to his chamber. Her face was open and relaxed and for the first time since he met her, Hector truly realized that theyoung princesswho was meant to be his wife was a very beautiful woman.

So Paris had fallen in love with her? He mused to himself. Well, some day he might feel the same thing.