"No Evangelia," said Hector.
The sword pressed harder. "Back."
Achilles looked at Markos. And nodded.
"Back," said Markos.
They backed up.
"Farther."
Markos and the men backed down farther.
Evangelia stepped into the light, keeping her sword point on Achilles's neck. "So you are the mighty Achilles." She studied him calmly.
"Evangelia," said Hector. "Come. There's been enough killing today."
"Are you his daughter?" asked Achilles, his eyes sliding to Hector for a moment and then to the woman.
"I am she."
"I told your Father to go home."
"You shed the blood of unarmed men and women today." Evangelia pushed her sword point slightly. "Here, in this very temple."
Achilles said nothing. Suddenly he whipped around and whirled to face Evangelia with his sword drawn. He stopped short in surprise when he found her sword level with his eyes.
Their eyes met. Two immortals. Two great warriors destined to be together. Two warriors destined to kill and kill they would.
Two pair of blue eyes locked and for a long moment they stared at each other.
Slowly Achilles lowered sword. "I've killed men in five countries. But never a priest."
"I could end this war right now. Here and now," said Evangelia, holding his gaze. "It is you, Achilles, who holds the armies of Agamemnon together. If I where to take your head and throw it on the beach, it would be empty by nightfall."
"You could. But you won't."
"I won't?" Evangelia raised her sword point until it was level with Achilles's neck. "Why not?"
Achilles studied her eyes.
"Tell me why I won't kill you."
"Because I let your Father live."
"You let him live because you could not have killed him."
"He is no immortal. All mortals fall. At one time or another."
Her blue eyes burned into him for a long moment. "You're right, Achilles. Tomorrow we'll have our war, you and I. And everyday forward." She lowered her sword. "It's too early in the day for killing immortals."
Evangelia swung up on her horse and turned him toward Troy.
"Did you see Briseis?"
"No."
"She wasn't there," said Evangelia. "That means they took her captive." Her hand tightened on the reigns, until her knuckles stood out stark white.
Hector closed his eyes. "Oh, how this will tear at Father."
"Have Paris tell him. It's his fault these people are even here."
Evangelia and Hector dismounted and went up the palace steps.
Andromache ran out and threw herself into Hector's arms.
Hector buried his face in the side of her neck.
A maid handed Damien over to Evangelia.
Evangelia swung Damien high into the air and kissed his cheek.
Paris came out. "Thank the gods you're back."
Helen stood in the shadows behind him.
Evangelia regarded him coldly. "Why don't you go and tell your Father that Briseis has been taken captive." She turned and went inside.
Paris stared at Hector. "Tell me it's not true."
"She's gone."
"Evangelia," called Hector. "Come, there's a meeting been called."
Evangelia immerged from her room dressed in a dark blue dress, threaded liberally with gold. "How did Grandfather take the news of Briesis?"
Hector sighed as they went down the hall. "He's upset. He was very fond of her."