Hector was whittling a wooden lion for Damien. He did that often, making different animals. He had done the same thing for Evangelia when she had been young. Priam had then taken the animals and had gems set for their eyes. Evangelia had them all lined up on a shelf in her room.
Paris came over to him, his brown curls blowing in the strong wind. "A beautiful morning. Poseidon has blessed out voyage."
Hector looked at the blue sky. "Sometimes the gods bless you in the morning and curse you in the afternoon."
Paris watched Hector for a long time. He could remember when he and Hector had been younger, Hector had made him crude little animals. They had been Paris's favorite toys. "Do you love me, brother?"
Hector's eyebrows rose. He rested his knife on the rail. His deep brown eyes danced with good humor. "What have you done now?"
Paris looked at him. "Do you love me? Would you defend me against an enemy?"
Hector sighed, still smiling. "The last time you spoke like this, you had stolen Father's horse and lost him. Now…"
"I need to show you something." Paris turned and went below deck.
Slowly the smile faded from Hector's face and he followed his brother.
Paris stopped before his cabin door. "Before you get angry with me…"
"Open the door."
Paris opened the door.
Helen, wearing a hooded robe, was sitting on the edge of a hammock. When the door opened, she rose to her feet and her hood slid back, bringing her golden hair and blue eyes to light.
Hector stared at her in disbelief. "If you weren't my brother, I'd kill you where you stand."
"Hector," began Paris.
But Hector was already gone.
Helen looked at Paris. "We'll never have peace."
Paris looked at her. "I don't want peace. I want you."
Evangelia stood on the beach of Troy, the waves wetting her gown all the way up to her knees. The feeling of unrest in her heart would not ease until she saw her Father and he assured her everything was alright.
Hector bounded onto the deck. "Turn us round. Back to Sparta," he snapped.
"Wait," said Paris. "Wait!"
"You fool," Hector hissed. "Evangelia was right. I should rip your face from your skull!"
"Listen to me," began Paris.
Hector shoved his brother backwards. His physical power had never been more obvious to Paris than in that moment. Paris knew Hector could crush him like a fly.
The sailors watched in an awed silence.
"I love her," said Paris.
A muscle jumped in Hector's jaw. "Say that word again and I'll break your arm."
Three warships where anchored in the Mycenae harbor. Meneluas strode through the city and up the steps of the palace. He entered the throne room, daring anyone to try and stop him. His eyes where fixed on his brother, Agamemnon, who was sitting on the throne at the other end of the room.
Agamemnon stood when his brother came through the doors. "I heard the news."
"I won't rest until Troy is burned to the ground."
"I thought you wanted peace with Troy."
"I should have listened to you."
"Peace is for the women and the weak," said Agamemnon. "Empires are forged by war."