Chapter 23: Whispers In The Wind

1184 BC

Five days have passed since the Trojan assault on the Achaean camp.

The battle ended in a stale mate, with Prince Hector of Troy, once again telling his men to retreat, their spirits dampened by the poor performance of the younger brother of Hector, Prince Paris.

Arriving at their camp, both sides were worn from their long years fighting.

For ten years, everyday, the Trojans and Greeks fought each other, killed each other.

If you were to ask them how they felt however, they wouldn't tell you what you would expect them to. They would just tell you they're tired.

The memories of home and their loved ones began to frequent their minds more and more once they settled in into their respective camps.

They all wanted the war to end.

They all wanted to go home.

Mount Olympus, Council Hall

"Despite my warnings you proceeded to do as you wish. Even showing up in front of mortals, and not only that, bringing one to Olympus. This is is not the Norse Pantheon, we do not entertain great warriors in our halls. For your transgressions I should punish you, but your mother brought up a fair point. This is who you are. As a God myself whose reveled in his divinity, I will not stop you from exploring yours. I just hope you go about more like Athena." Zeus said, starting with an authoritative voice, and finishing with a fatherly tone.

Currently Ares and Zeus are alone. Prior to there one on one meeting, there was one with the other nine Olympian Gods.

The meeting was short. Zeus called it in order to announce to the Gods that they will now be able to participate, however, they must be go about unseen by the mortals.

Even though previously he prohibited such actions, he didn't like the on going fighting between the mortals. Though he is who he is, he also saw the beginning of their kind.

Most were thrilled, namely, Hera, Athena, Apollo, and Aphrodite, but amongst the Gods, the one who should have been most ecstatic, Ares, the God of War, was not.

He seemed to be deep in thought.

'Isn't this the part where Dite get hurt? But she doesn't have any children. Will it happen anyway? Nah, she'll be alright. Right?'

So many questions were running through Ares' mind. He was so deep into his own mind, he was unaware the others had left to participate.

They tried to stir him from his thoughts but it was no use. Apparently even Aphrodite tried to snap him out of his daze but that also didn't work.

Only when Zeus and Ares were alone did he snap out of it.

"She's not all that special." Ares said listlessly, getting up from his seat, and moving to a landmass on the ground, standing over where classical Athens would one day be. "Yes, strategy is important, but how do you implement those strategies? With out my aspect, would hers be all that relevant? Once again, strategy is important; but what is brains without strength?" As Ares spoke to Zeus he moved from Athens, making his way to Sparta where stopped and looked at Zeus, his gray eyes exuding power.

"Don't let your divinity guide you Ares." Zeus said looking into Ares' eyes. "I made that mistake before, trust me, you don't want to walk that road."He warned.

'Is this really Zeus?' Ares thought, narrowing his eyes at Zeus. 'Whatever.'

"Alright, are you done with your sermons?" Ares smirked. "I have a champion waiting for me. Can't have him miss one of the biggest fights he'll ever be apart of" He finished, already half way to the door.

The Gates of Troy

The stage has been set.

Prince Hector, the Champion of Troy vs Achilles, the Champion of War, newly dubbed.

Citizens and wanderers alike gather in front of the Trojan gates.

Some with their fingers crossed, sending prayers to their God.

Others, like aspiring warriors, merchants, and even religious zealots, looking to grasp any opportunities for wealth or glory.

"Where is he?" Sitting on the back of a glorious steed in front of thousands of Greek soldiers, dressed in a gold, skirted cuirass and helmet to match, Agamemnon pondered the whereabouts of his finest warrior, his head turned to the right slightly.

"If he is still with that man, I'm sure he'll be here. What God of War wont want to see the greatest duel this side of history?" Voiced his brother, Menelaus, from his right side.

Even Menelaus wanted to see this bout. Yes, he credits himself as an unmatched warrior. However, he knows his limits.

With either combatant he knows he would lose nine times out of ten.

Credit is given where credit is due.

"Hmm? Does he think because he is favored by some God he's better than the rest? Or does he still feel slighted because of that woman?". Agamemnon said facing forward, a smirk on his face. It didn't last long however, as it soon turned to a frown. "To bad I haven't had a proper taste. It would have been nice to experience what he's missing."

During the days he's had the beautiful Briseis in his possession, she was not at all what he expected.

By the way Achilles protested, he assumed she was the best piece of meat Achilles ever had.

And as a carnivore himself, Agamemnon wanted to also taste the meat so loved by another apex predator.

Unfortunately for him, when he got this "meat", it was spoiled.

Briseis did not warm his bed nor vehemently protest her situation.

When the young woman from Thebes arrived, she was stoic, unresponsive to any provocation. No matter what he tried to do, whether intimate or otherwise, she did not respond.

She didn't talk, eat, or sleep, Agamemnon thought she was simply a statue made flesh.

And as speculated by the King of Mycenae, the young Theban woman he saw in his tent was a fake. He was right to believe her a statue; because she was.

With the help of Aphrodite who made a mud clone of Briseis, Ares was able to take her out of the Achaean camp unnoticed and bring her to Olympus where she and Achilles met again, embracing each other dearly.

Suddenly, from the Trojan side, Agamemnon and Menelaus heard someone speak.

"Where is this so called "Champion of War" Greeks?! Is it true he was cucked by his own commander?!" The anonymous Trojan taunted.

The Trojan side erupted in laughter, even Prince Hector himself cracked a small smile at the taunt.

Although they did not show it, the Achaeans ego's took a blow.

Achilles was their ace. If any army had Achilles, it wasn't a question of if they would win, but when they would win. He's that powerful.

About to speak, Agamemnon was interrupted by the sound of horse hooves, looking behind him he saw nothing however.

It wasn't until he noticed his soldiers looking up that he saw it; a glorious black chariot with its two wheels flaming crimson.

Its edges were lined with red and painted on its sides were the motifs of a boar, dog, wolf, spear, sword, and vulture.

Standing inside the chariot, holding the reigns of two black winged horses was a tall blonde man, his face covered with a golden Corinthian helmet fashioned with a red plume, and a spear on his back. His chest was covered in a golden cuirass with lines of white forming an intricate pattern throughout.

Stopping in between the two armies, the tall blonde man said nothing. He simply turned his head left to right eyeing their respective leaders with amused eyes, his red chiton under his armor flowing with the gentle breeze.

"I heard my presence was requested." The blonde man said in an amused tone.

Those close enough to hear, began to murmur amongst themselves, "Achilles" they said, his name becoming incessant.

"ACHILLES!" Shouted one of the Greek soldiers followed by the rest of the Greeks chanting their hero's name.

"Are you done frolicking with the Gods boy?!" Agamemnon sneered.

Achilles side eyed Agamemnon before scoffing and turning his attention to the Trojan side.

"Hector, we have a date." Achilles said, his voice oozing venom.

Walking and stopping just in front of Achilles who's still on his chariot, Hector spoke solemnly, "I thought he was you."

"You thought it was me? Hector, there is only one Achilles. And he is not I." Achilles spoke with disdain, stepping down from his chariot, and right in front of Hector. Taking off his helmet he continued, "Now you know who your fighting."

Reciprocating the gesture, Hector then attempted to speak but Achilles wouldn't allow it.

"Save your words for Thanatos. My lord's friend will surely enjoy torturing the fool who thought he killed Achilles. Now, shall we dance?" Achilles asked, taking his spear off his back, and lunging it at the Prince of Troy.

"It's beautiful." Ares said, watching Achilles effortlessly dominate the Champion of Troy.

Covered by a mist making him undetectable to humans, Ares sat atop his majestic steed Potens, fire expelling from his nose in agreement.

Over the years Potens has grown tremendously.

On his four legs, he now stands the same height as Ares, and his once red hooves now crackle with crimson fire along with his mane.

Ares isn't sure, but he suspects due to being in Praeco and Primo's presence, Potens picked up on certain characteristics, namely the horns.

Just above his crimson eyes are two, one foot long black horns that curve resembling a ram's.

Deflecting a spear thrust from Hector, Achilles used the momentum, spinning his spear, and sweeping the Prince of Troy off his feet.

"Get up "Champion" of Troy!" Achilles spat the word champion at the fallen Prince.

Acquiescing, Hector shakily got to his feet and assumed his battle stance.

Like a cat toying with a mouse before he devours it, so too was Achilles playing with his food.

'Something must be done.' Thought King Priam of Troy.

Watching from atop the wall with his family by his side, Priam could only clench his fist, his eyes frantically searching for any way to save his son.

Suddenly, as if the wind heard the King's inner cries, it changed directions, blowing into his face, and whispering into his ear.

The Kings face that was once melancholic in appearance was now jovial.

"Paris," He called to his son standing to his left with Helen on his side, "Where is your bow?"

"Tsk. Are you really a champion?" Achilles asked coldly, his eyes showing contempt. "And here I was excited for our duel. But you, you look like this; on your knees like a whore." He pointed down at Hector scoffing. "I wish I stayed on Olympus." He muttered under his breath. "So, Hector, Prince and Champion of Troy, how would you like to die?"

The out of breath Hector only glared up at Achilles from his position, not dignifying the Champion of War with a response.

Only the breath of men and flapping of wings could be heard.

It was like the surrounding area also wanted to know Prince Hector's response.

And it came, not Hector's response, but a gust of wind.

"Now Paris!" King Priam shouted.

From the back of Potens, Ares extended his arm, and in his hand with a small flash of fiery red light, the blades forged by Brontes appeared.

With the flick of his wrists, the two blades rushed towards Achilles in an attempt to intercept the arrow aimed at his heel.

"No you don't." Ares smirked.

Everything happened in slow motion.

The arrow that was shot at Achilles was thwarted by two intimidating blades that appeared from thin air, and soon disappeared in it all the same.

*CLING*

A resounding sound of metal against metal was heard all across the battlefield.

Achilles, who knew all too well who prevented his demise, looked to the sky, a small, thankful smile adorning his face.

The others however were wide eyed, 'So he really his favored by the Gods…' They all thought.

"For who further interferes my blades would be the last thing you see. You all know the customs of a duel, uphold them." A deep voice rang menacingly throughout the battlefield and subsequently Troy.

"You heard my lord!" Achilles shouted to all present. "Hector, isn't it time for dessert?" Achilles asked the still kneeling Prince, confidence oozing from his voice.

Standing up, for the umpteenth time, Hector assumed his battle stance.

(A/N: Ok, I lied. I said last chapter that this one would be the end of the Trojan War, however, as you can see, I kind of got into it. The Trojan War will definitely be finished within the next chapter, maybe two. I have a lot of ideas about the end of this! Thanks for supporting! CK.)