Night: Greek Heroes? Not Worthy
An elder brother is like a father, and Hector truly acted like one, sheltering and caring for Paris.
He shone like the sun with warmth and brightness so dazzling that even Paris found it hard to hold any resentment, instead, he gradually admired and was captivated by his brother's powerful charisma.
There was no enemy in Troy that Brother Hector couldn't defeat…
Brother Hector is invincible!
Paris never doubted this.
Even in the face of the formidable Greek coalition, he felt no fear.
Hector's presence was his greatest source of reassurance!
Now, his brother had once again proven his strength.
Truly, Brother Hector had already foreseen that the enemy, unable to capture Troy, would target the surrounding cities, and immediately took action…
He even allowed Paris to ambush and successfully surprise Odysseus's army.
Previously trapped within the high walls by the Greeks, he was unable to move which made him feel deeply frustrated.
This battle was a redemption of that shame…
It not only made Paris genuinely happy but also increased his respect for his foresighted and strategic brother.
"Listen…
Although we have achieved a small victory, we must not let our guard down.
Send someone to keep an eye on Odysseus, I want to keep him completely stalled outside Troy, unable to move an inch." Suddenly remembering something, Paris spoke, and his men quickly obeyed.
At this moment, a determined look flashed in Paris's eyes.
'I must guard Troy for my brother, buy enough time…
Although he didn't know why his brother was so wary of Odysseus, as long as he kept him busy and unable to support other Greek forces, that should be enough, right?'
Thus, Paris began to engage Odysseus's army in a war of attrition.
Although Odysseus cautiously remained inactive and did not send more troops, Paris still led sudden night raids and disruptions from time to time, never getting too close, using guerrilla tactics to create noise and prevent the Greeks from sleeping.
This strategy was taught to him by his incredibly 'wise' brother Hector.
Sending small forces to tire the enemy, without engaging directly, and striking only when the enemy truly let their guard down, was the essence of the tactic.
Such underhanded tactics, were a significant shock and impact for the straightforward Greeks and Trojans of this era, who were used to direct combat on the battlefield.
Initially, they might have felt a bit guilty, but after realizing the joy of tormenting the enemy, they quickly grasped the essence and relished it.
'Lord Hector (brother) is really cunning… oops, I mean wise.
To come up with such a brilliant strategy.' The Trojans and Paris gained a new understanding of the great prince, as if they were truly meeting Troy's greatest warrior for the first time.
Not only was he powerful, but his intelligence was equally fearsome.
At that moment, they held the highest regard for the strongest warrior of both Greece and Troy.
…
Meanwhile, on the nearest road from Troy to Thebes,
Completely unaware that everyone in Troy had misinterpreted events, ascribing all the credit and achievements to Hector, Night and Hector hurriedly traveled to Thebes without rest.
Ordinarily, such a dangerous plan
should not involve Hector, the main commander of Troy.
But in the ancient Greek battlefield, especially in this era filled with heroes, leading from the front and personal heroism, putting oneself in danger, were common.
As one of the rare family-oriented (peculiar) good men in Greece, deeply affectionate towards his wife, Hector decided to personally rescue his father-in-law's family.
During this journey, he also took great care of Night, valuing him highly.
The tactics Paris employed were actually all taught to him by Night.
Indeed, Night was the real strategist.
Paris's execution of those tactics was a delightful misunderstanding, and when it's cleared up, it's bound to be quite interesting.
Unaware of this, Hector, though he had never seen nor used such tactics, could recognize their effectiveness as an experienced warrior and a strategic expert.
And Night's demonstration this time made Hector realize that this friend who echoed his own thoughts and earned his respect had not only a passionate heart for protection and a strong sense of responsibility, but also remarkable wisdom…
Night brought tactics far beyond the norm for this era, and combined with his ability to quickly adapt and learn on the battlefield, Hector immediately recognized,
"You have the potential to become a hero… Night—!"
Unfortunately, this war came too soon, If there were time for me to properly train you, you would shine the brightest on Troy's battlefield, and even the gods above would marvel at your excellence."
At this moment, it was late at night,
after half a night of travel, Hector's exhausted team had set up camp in the forest, lighting a bonfire for a brief rest.
At this time, Hector also spoke the words he had been holding back for a long time, to Night.
He sincerely believed that Night had the potential to become a hero.
However—a hero?
"No, no, if not for this war, you probably wouldn't have met me, Lord Hector." Night replied, and as for being a Greek hero, not even a dog would want that…
As everyone knows, in Greece, the more extraordinary the hero, the more tragic their end often is, just as their brilliant deeds.
Many, like Achilles, Hector, Jason, and even Heracles, who completed the twelve labors and achieved greatness, had lives filled with tragedy, like losing loved ones.
In Greece, being a hero is not a desirable profession.
But Hector did not sense Night's lack of interest in the title of hero.
After all, in Greece, almost no one would not take pride in being a hero, how could there be a young man who didn't want to become one?!
At this moment, Hector smiled and said, "Call me Hector, your noble character has earned my recognition,
I see you as a friend, confidant, and brother, and I hope you can see me the same way; if it weren't wartime, I would introduce you to my eligible sisters. If only I had met you earlier."
.
.