Hector

We had taken every precaution we could think of to brace for the monster storm.

The city gates were closed and enforced with tree.

People were evacuated off the beaches or coastline and taken inland.

No one was allowed on the city walls, save for the guards, who would move if they were in danger from the storm.

Animals were put away.

Vendors packed in their goods and went home.

Ships were pulled into the inland harbors.

Shops boarded up windows and doors.

There were even some sacrifices made to the Gods in temples.

As I passed an open window in the palace I caught sight of the black sky, the clouds that came in from the sea. A strong breeze blew in with salt and moisture, even some drops of rain.

Thunder could be heard in the distance.

For a moment I swore I could hear the storm out in the distance.

"Brother!"

I didn't turn but heard Paris come running from behind me, he came to a stop and put his hand on my shoulder, out of breath.

I finally looked down at him, "Are you all right."

Paris nodded and took deep gasping breaths that made me look up toward the heavens for help. But I remained patient, "What is wrong?"

When he caught his breath he ran his fingers through his hair, to be sure not a strand had fallen out of its rightful place. "I have lost Briseis."

He had lost Briseis?

I lifted both my eyebrows, "Paris? Please tell me how you could loose our niece? I am rather curious?"

He made a face, "Do not mock me!"

Mock him?

I had not yet begun to mock him.

"Pairs, if this is like the time you lost your clothing in the ministers wife's chambers, or the time you lost your change to the whor….working woman. Or like the time you lost your jewelry to the thief you bedded? There is no need to worry."

"But brother! I was in charge of making sure she was kept out of trouble by father. I was distracted…and when I turned she was gone!"

Distracted?

"And what were you distracted by, Paris," I asked.

He pointed to me, "That is not important!"

Of course it wasn't.

Briseis had the talent to slip away unnoticed. She was most likely hidden somewhere in the palace or with Andromache, so I told him, "I am going to see Andromache before I go into the city. I will see if she is with my wife, if not then I will have the guards look for her."

Paris nodded thanks and then ran off, calling out for our cousin as he ran.

His concern was genuine which surprised me.

Paris concerned for someone other then himself, perhaps he was maturing with his age. And perhaps I would decide to give up my throne and become a High Priest of Apollo.

With those thoughts I made my way through the palace to check up on Andromache before I went out to make sure everything in the city was ready for the storm.

One could imagine my surprise when Tarus was not in front of the door for our chambers. Slightly confused I made my way in the chambers and called out for my wife.

No answer.

Odd, her lunch would have been over and she usually retired for a nap after a social event. Which was one reason why I usually checked up on her after a social event. It led to things that took place in our bed.

Things we both enjoyed immensely.

I made my way through all rooms, checked her fiber room twice and then yelled for Padme.

No answer, which was not a surprise.

A noise behind me made me sigh, "Paris I told you not to worry…." I turned to see Cassandra , which made me stop talking. Something was wrong. I could tell by the look on her face. Her eyes were round, terrified.

Her voice was full of panic, "She, Briseis and that slave of hers are down in the city! They have gone into the city!"

Immediately fear filled me!

A storm was coming, not just a storm but a storm that would rival any others Troy had faced before. With storms came looters and panic.

"What? Why?" I cried, already on my way out of the chambers.

Cassandra two steps behind me.

"She went to Luna's Shop for some tea to help with the sickness, Hector you must go get her before the storm hits! It is coming far faster then you think!"

I did not hear a word after Luna's when she spoke.

Luna's was notorious among men of court.

Unfaithful men of court.

That shop was the only place in Troy that would rid their lovers of unwanted children. It was a horrid shop. The thought of what they did made me sick. The thought my wife was there, with my child.

Cassandra continued, "Hector! She is not there for that purpose, its the sickness of her pregnancy that has become too much for her, she is merely there for tea."

I heard her words but then I didn't, I nodded and ran out of the chambers, screaming names of men loyal to me.

I would need help to find her. Since I had never been to the shop of horror before, the city would be full of confused people, and there was always the possibility Padme would get her in trouble before I could get to her.