Spirits Forged in Fire

Across the sea....

"What do you mean a year? Their King is murdered and they want to wait a year?! This is unacceptable!" Menelaus sputtered, swiping a thick arm across the table before him, knockin over goblets and plates. Odysseus allowed Agamemnon's brother a moment to rage, and then spoke.

"My King, the Trojan Campaign just ended for some. There are still soldiers healing from the wounds incurred from the beach landing; surely you must understand they need time." He said slowly, meeting Menelaus' angry gaze.

"And what of my brother? Did he tell me he would wait a year before storming foreign shores after my wife?"

"My Lord, if you force the men to fight now, even though Troy is weak, you risk losing more of your army. You may win Troy, but how long will your territories stand? The chances of a foreign invasion are great. Why not kill two birds with one stone? Give your men the time they need, allow them to recuperate and train, and your margin of victory at Troy will be uncomparable, a slaughter. After such a resounding victory, surely others will think twice before making an enemy of Greece." At the King of Ithaca's wise words, Menelaus stared thoughtfully at the table before him for a moment.

"I see your point Odysseus, but one year is too long. My brother's death cannot go unavenged for so long."

"Then they will be ready in six months my King." Odysseus nodded, accomodatingly.

"Six months, but no longer. You may go Odysseus, but be prepared to sail six months from now. Troy's death is unavoidable, and Achilles' days are numbered." Menelaus stood and exited the room brusquely. Odysseus bowed, and turned to leave, his guard following him out of the hall. Achilles, I can only hope that you are not so vain as to remain in Troy, Odysseus thought to himself, praying that his young friend was wise enough to stay far away from the doomed city.

Once the two men reached their horses, the soldier took the chance to address his king.

"My Lord, all of the other kings said they could be ready in three months, why did you say a year, and then six months?" He questioned, confused. At his uncertain expression, Odysseus let out a bemused laugh.

"Are you so ready to leave your wife again friend?" He said, still laughing to himself.

"No my Lord." The guardsman said, shrugging. Odysseus turned to look at him once again.

"Good, because neither am I" and with that, Odysseus spurred his horse and took off.

He heard her scream, and frantically spun in circles, trying desperately to ascertain the direction from which her cries had come.

"Briseis?!" He called, his voice for the first time in his life unsteady with fear. Soldier after soldier fell at his feet, all victims of his deadly sword. "Briseis?" He called again, as the metallic clangs of swords and dying moans of fallen soldiers began to quiet. After a moment, the sounds all died away, and the mighty Achilles was left in silence. "BRISEIS!" he called out once more, his voice a scream that echoed back to him, with no response.

"Achilles? Wake up." He heard his wife's voice, still husky with sleep. His eyes flew open to meet hers, which were full of concern. He slowly sat up, gazing around the room, as if to be sure that they really were safe. At the sign of his awakening, Briseis let out a slow breath. "Are you well? You were thrashing about in your sleep." she said, a gentle hand rubbing his sweaty shoulder.

"I'm fine, my love. I am sorry that I woke you." He said, taking a slow, deep breath.

"Was it a bad dream?" She asked, her voice now steady.

"I..I dont really remember." Achilles lied, wiping his hand across his damp forehead.

"I've had nightmares this evening too." Briseis said softly. When Achilles turned to look at her and protest, she placed a finger over his lips, effectively shushing him. "I know, you dont remember. But I have them, too. In mine, there are soldiers all around, fighting. There is blood on the ground, and on me, and I dont know how many are dead. All I know is that I cant stop running because I will be caught. The baby has grown, so my stomach is big. I cant run very fast, but I still try anyway. When they catch me, I scream for you, but I dont know where you are." Achilles snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her down with him as he leaned back. Her head rested on his chest, while his chin settled on top of her forehead. Kissing the top of her head, he began to speak.

"In my dream, I hear you yelling, but I cant get to you. I fight through men until there are none left alive. All around me is silence, and you wont answer, you cant." Achilles took another deep breath before continuing. "Perhaps we should leave here, find somewhere where we will never be found." Briseis turned her face towards his, and gazed into his eyes for a moment before responding.

"You know we cannot run Achilles, we wouldnt get far." Her hand rested protectively over her slight belly. "I wouldnt get far." Achilles hand moved to rest on top of hers, squeezing her fingers affectionately. "Then we will not run, for I wont leave you. Even the Gods couldnt take you from me." Smiling tearfully, Briseis pulled her lover's head down towards hers, and kissed him before resting her face on his naked chest again. "Then I guess we wait" She said softly, as she began to fall asleep again. Achilles stroked her arm until he felt her breathing change, a sure sign that she was asleep. Unfortunately for the Myrmidon warrior, sleep did not come easily that night.

A/N-So what do you think guys, leave some reviews! Those who already have, thanks, I love you guys! To those who didnt, please give me feedback on what you like, didnt like, might want to see, etc. It really does help motivate me to write faster!!!