Chapter Four- Achilles and Odysseus

Tagline: What if an unlikely hero changed EVERYTHING in the course of the war? What would have been different? (Disguises) Apollo comes in disguise but really tries to destroy the one thing that is keeping Greece in glory…

He was known everywhere for his wit. His thick beard revealed only the years of wisdom behind him. He was King of Ithaca. His name was Odysseus.

He came on the shoreline of the island, tall and gallant and strong in search of a friend. Only he knew his friend's secrets, and he was sent on this special mission to find him, hiding like an alley cat on a small island.

In his hands he held a glamorous sword, freshly made. It was an item surely his friend would cherish; Odysseus knew this more than any other. It was his trick behind his sleeve. It was the trick to finding his friend, to lure him into war mode again.

Odysseus also carried with him a wooden chest between his two deft hands which attracted the maidens who squealed delightedly over his wares.

Among the maidens, one reached for the sword. She swished the air with it, experimented with it. She outlined the design on the sword with admiration. This girl was different. She barely said a word. She never talked. She was quiet. Odysseus' corners of his mouth twisted. So his plan had worked.

"Achilles! Get rid of that ridiculous disguise and look up at your old friend!" Achilles grinned, sending the girls into more giggles. The man tore off his costume immediately. His hair had grown a considerable length, but it was still the same Achilles- glittering blond hair and crystal blue eyes.

"Thank you, ladies. It was my pleasure to stay here with you under your hospitality. I am Achilles, son of Peleus and Thetis, in disguise under order of my mother."

With that, Achilles went to Odysseus' side to greet him. They embraced.

"What are you doing here, friend? I was not expecting you."

"I am here on business. You can either stay here with them and be a good boy to your mother, or you can fight a war with me. I am thinking that you would choose the latter?"

"A war? What war? When did it begin?"

"Come, Achilles. I will explain on the way. As of now, Agamemnon has called a meeting at Aulis. The journey will be long- and I shall tell the tale of how this war started. And I suppose you would know that this war all has to do with none other than you."

"I do not know of such things. You've got a lot of explaining to do, man, for I have never partaken in any of the Greeks' affairs, nor have I helped any. I have stayed neutral."

"Ah, but that is not the case. You are the best warrior ever born, Achilles- more powerful than any mortal alive. You are needed in this war, Achilles. It was during your parents' wedding that Eris caused chaos, and, therefore sending Father Zeus to ask a mortal to use his judgement. You are the fruit of war, my friend. Consider yourself blessed. You are about to be part of the greatest war in all of Time."