A/N: Hey there! I'm truly sorry for updating this so late, and that I didn't wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you all are doing fine, and how are things? For me, my final exams are starting next week and oh-wells, it's been quite stressful but still coping. This long absence was partly because of a writer's block, and also partly because of, well, something else. In any case, I've returned with a stronger urge for completing this story! (: So here I have a new chapter for you all, and I know that it is very short but I'll try to make the next chapter longer okay?

darkdestiney2000 - thanks for the review, and oh, thanks for the birthday wish. that hadn't been my intention at all with my mentioning of it. (: oh, my birthday for this year also just passed. so coincidental!
Jenmm31 - i'm glad you enjoyed the previous chapter. thanks!
BlackDraco100 - thanks, and you're very much welcomed. i hope you like this chapter too.
VictoriaBard - thanks for the compliment, and i definitely will keep updating. although, i think this story is coming to an end, i am not sure of it yet. ):
My only one - thanks, girl! (:
Norma Jean the Dancing Machine - hi there! i'm glad you liked the story. hope you enjoy this chapter too. (:

Chapter 8

Hector rode out to the depths of the forests, a confident smile played on his lips.

It had not been easy calming young Paris down and to assure him that all will go fine, oh, it sure had not. The young prince had been so worried he had begun to trip over his steps every five of them and to bump into walls with each corner and bend. It had taken three trips to the physician's to warn him to be more careful, and the mere thought of it made Hector laugh out loud.

He shall set his brother's worries at ease after the meeting with Kyiakos today. He shall.

Together with Dinys, Silas and Kikos riding on their own horses right behind him.

It was definitely not by his choice that they were following him. In fact, he would rather settle this matter alone; however, the three children simply had to insist on coming along. What could he have done?

The sun rays penetrated through the dense canopies above and fell upon the four riders, in every direction they went. Birds sang, leaves rustled, but there was not a single sound that hinted Kyriakos and his gang's presence. Nor did it seem as though fifteen other children were there.

Hector made a sharp turn to the left, and there they were. The whole pack of them. Standing there, waiting patiently, save for Kyriakos whose face had collapsed with relief for a split second. Then, just as the four riders neared, his expression soured when he realized the leader of the quartet.

They had not dismounted when Kyriakos barked, "Where's that little idiot? Has he gone into hiding? Is he afraid? Is that why he sent you? Well, you might as well go home because there is no way young little Paris is going to escape his punishment, do you hear me?" His anxiety and nervousness were apparent to Hector, who only smiled.

"Dear fellow classmates, I am present today on behalf of my brother, Prince Paris, who has been unfortunately grounded for a mistake he had committed, which I do not have the right to mention. He is deeply apologetic for his absence, and has thus requested that I appear on his behalf this morning, to complete what he had to." He addressed the crowd. "He has briefed me on the situation at hand, and had instructed myself to present this to you. He said you requested to see it."

Hector drew out a wooden horse, identical to that of Priam's, and held it up against the light. The crowd let out a collective gasp of awe and fascination while the scowl on Kyriakos' face only deepened, Hector noted with amusement.

"That's not fair!" Kyriakos burst out in anger and stepped forward to speak to his classmates. "Prince Paris," he spat onto the ground, "has forfeited his promise, and he ought to be punished for it!" Wheeling around, he yelled at Hector, "He had promised to be here punctually today, to present us with that! Indeed, there it is, however, he is not here today and thus he has forfeited a part of his agreement!"

Hector sighed. "Yes, dear Kyiakos, it is indeed unfortunate that my brother is unable to be with us currently, and I am confident that he would have been very happy to present you with this. However, this cannot be helped. The only thing I can present you with, to prove his inability to be present, would be this." He handed a letter to Kyriakos.

Kyriakos scanned the handwritten letter quickly as a frown formed. Many hurried up to his sides to read the letter too.

A few seconds later, he threw the letter down onto the ground in exasperation. "This cannot be true! The Prince has still forfeited the agreement!" He cried.

"Please look at the bottom of the letter, Kyriakos. This letter has been approved of King Priam, who has instructed myself to pass you the message that, if you are not satisfied with these evidences, the King invites you to meet him and to settle this amiably, and personally. I believe my brother Paris will be present then, too. Would you be interested?"

"I… I…" At a loss for words, Kyriakos was humiliated. He would never dare to enter the Palace without his parents. This was a trap he was walking into! The Royalties had set him up! "You…"

"Yes?"

Kyriakos' eyes narrowed as his face grew redder, both in anger and embarrassment. Then, with a snarl, he stomped off, with Anargyros and Matthias following right behind him.

Mission accomplished, Hector smiled softly.

TBC... Please review now!