Title: Diamonds & Vipers
Chapter 8 … To the Victor – Belongs…

A/N 1: Okay this chapter was up for days and I had to repost b/c I only got one review. Seriously if you hate it please just review and tell me! Thanks...

A/N: I know Lampascus was a real ancient city but I don't know if they made an alliance with Troy. They do in this story. If you history buffs don't like it…sue my imagination! And I changed the ending from the tragedy that the Iliad and the movie portray and opened it up for something else….Lol…so now please enjoy the story and review if you like it! Thanks…

King Aristarchus pushed himself back up and watched in horror as his son fought to the death in a palace that was slowly burning it's way to the ground. "My kingdom…" he lamented in a shaky voice, his eyes watching his son's future disintegrate as each second ticked slowly passed. "It shall not fail," he whispered in a demented tone. "It shall…not…" he said pushing himself from the marble pole and heading for the stairs that would lead down to the wealth chamber that Helen had been earlier. "I shall rebuild…Troy will be Zenas's and I shall rule the knew empire," he said in a evil, greedy tone. His mind had now pushed him to a plane of ignorance that he refused to see his slaves running past him carrying his treasure and burning all they could see. The kingdom of Lampascus was to be no more. Evil was finished.

"Even your father flees," Hector said as he easily pushed away Zenas's first strike.

"He runs for reinforcements," Zenas said in pride as he struck at Hector once more.

"You have deluded yourself into thinking that," Hector said pushing his sword away once more. "End this!" He said pushing Zenas backwards into a marble pillar.

"As long as you draw breath…"

"I don't want your kingdom!" Hector said raising his sword to Zenas.

"But I want yours!" Zenas shouted lunging at Hector once more.

Hector grabbed his arm and flung him around. However, Zenas used the move to counter with a hit of his own, making Hector let go and causing Hector to be put off balance for a few seconds. Zenas used those few seconds to attack once more.

However, Hector quickly recovered and was able to meet Zenas head on with his attack. He pushed back once more and brought his sword up, this time taking a lock from Zenas's head and sending it falling to the floor. "I think I owed you that," Hector said with a frown as he lunged once more.

Zenas brought his sword up and countered Hector's however Hector swiftly brought his sword down and then back up, causing it to embed itself into Zenas's right side. Hector drew it back red.

"NO!" Zenas shouted as he felt the burning pain of defeat starting to take him over. "I was supposed to drag you as slave through Troy!" He shouted in vain as he tried to attack Hector once more.

Hector, however had momentum on his side and thrust his sword into Zenas's leg, ripping it open and causing more life-blood to spill forth.

"Never…I'm slave to no one!" Hector said firmly. "Least of all you!" He said raising his sword high.

Zenas eyed Hector's unprotected chest and was about to strike when he felt the searing heat from Hector's blade plunged swiftly into his own chest. He was defeated.

"Noooooo…." his voice faltered as he looked down at the sword embedded in his chest, his blood spilling around it onto the floor. He looked up at Hector, evil still flashing in his eyes. "I shall…not…know…" he said in a sputtering voice, his hatred still strong for the man before him. "I was the…better…man…" he gasped as Hector pulled his sword back from Zenas's ripped open chest.

"Never," Hector whispered, as he finally lowered his sword to his side. "This was a battle you never would have won. You are defeated. In this life and the next."

Zenas looked at Hector in horrible realization and slowly sagged to the floor on his side. His eyes started to blur over and the fire in his body finally started to consume his brain. Death arrived swiftly thereafter. Hector, however, heard a shout that sounded like his brother's and so turned on his heel and headed for the other palace chamber, Andromache still on the stairs where he left her.

"Then give in to me now!" Silas said lunging at Paris once more. Paris felt his sword being ripped from his hands by Silas's and watched in horror as it was pulled away and thrown to the floor, out of his reach. He turned back to face and angry Silas and prayed for as swift end.

"This is murder!" Paris said as Silas loomed closer.

"Who is here to care?" Silas sneered as he raised his sword high, ready to deal Paris his death blow.

"I care," a determined feminine voice said from behind.

"Helen," Paris breathed in relief.

Silas turned sideways and then back to Paris and then back to Helen, his eyes now leaving her and resting on the three figures beside her. A woman dressed in black rags, holding a small child, the other holding onto Helen's hand.

"Not…possible!" Silas said in shock. "It's not…Stamatia?" Silas asked in surprise.

"It is I Silas," she said firmly. "And this is what you've become?" She asked lightly playing with a piece of torn fabric that hung on Helen's shoulders. "Rape and theft? Now murder?" She gestured to Paris.

"You…you don't understand," he started in protest.

"Save it," Paris said in defiance, finally starting to get his composure back. "You didn't care enough to look for them?" He asked in surprise.

"I was told…they said…" Silas said firmly. "I had no reason…"

"No reason?" Stamatia asked in sorrow, her eyes watering once more. "Do you know what they did to us? To your wife? Your children!" She shouted in anger. "They beat us…raped us…they…"

"Enough!" Silas shouted angrily. He turned back to Paris, evil flashing in his eyes and countenance. "I need to rid myself of you."

"NO!" Paris yelled out loud as Silas charged him. He had no sword and could do little more than stand firmly in place and accept death at Silas's hands. But before he could taste the bitter pill of defeat, Silas let out a cry and crumpled to his knees. Paris quickly opened his now closed eyes to see Silas on his knees before him. Without warning Stamatia rushed up and drove the sword in deeper.

"Now I am free," she said in a ragged voice as Silas cried out his last breath of angry air.

Paris raised his watery eyes to see Hector standing but a few feet away. "Hector?" Paris asked in happy surprise as Hector slowly walked up to him. "I thought…" he said rushing to his brother. Paris felt his brother's strong arms embrace him and knew he was now safe. "I owe you my life," Paris said softly. "I can never repay you for it."

"As do we all," Helen said walking up to them, the small child still clutching her hand. Paris quickly turned to her and hugged her close. "Brave to the end," she whispered in his ear.

Paris knew in his heart that he faced the end like a coward and if not for the might and guardianship of his brother he would be in Hades. Her praise would be short lived he told himself.

"You are free now," Hector said in a soft tone as Stamatia took the child from Helen into her arms once again.

"What happens to us now?" Stamatia asked Hector.

"Are there no good men among you? Men that could rule this city in a fair and decent way?" He questioned.

"There are a few," she said told him. "We will find them and bring them to you."

"Where is Briseis?" Paris asked quickly.

"I don't know but I need to get Andr…" he said turning around to see Andromache held firmly in the grasp of Demas, a knife pressed hard to her throat.

"I think you found her," Demas snided. "Now you watch her die."

Briseis' mind raced with thoughts of Achilles death and knew in her heart she could never just watch as he met his demise. Titus was right…Achilles had a weakness that he obviously knew about it. "Curse his gods," she said under her breath as she followed after the two small children into another tunnel. The guards had all but fled, leaving just the slaves in their cages for the night. She numbly went to work trying to get the locks free, the height of them above the reach of the two children with her. Finally when the last two were open she gave orders for them to take what they wanted and leave the city as it burned.

"Tell all Achilles has freed you," she said in a tormented voice. "He is the savior of Lampascus!" She listened mournfully as the people around her cheered and then started running off in various directions, some to free the others, some to loot, and some to return to their long forgotten homes. He had proved true to his word – by his hand the city would fall and it did.

Briseis found herself in a zombie like state as she started to make for the main palace entrance. She knew she had to find Hector and Paris, but in her heart she yearned to know the demise of Achilles – the one soul now locked with hers forever.

Hector felt his world come to a complete stand still as he watched helplessly Andromache in the arms of another man, a man bent on ending her life. "Demas it's over," Hector said firmly. "Please let her go. Look I have no sword," he said in truth, as his was still lodged in the chest of Silas.

"I was given the charge by master Zenas that…"

"Zenas is dead!" Hector said taking a step closer. "Can't you see what's going on around you? This kingdom has fallen! The people are free and King Aristarchus is gone. Let her go! It's over!"

"Stop now or she dies!" Demas shouted, pressing the knife deeper into the soft folds of Andromache's neck, making her whimper in pain.

"It's over," Hector pleaded. "Please let her go…give her her life. Do the honourable thing!"

"Like you would?" Demas demanded. "You killed Zenas!"

"He was a traitor to his people…he sold them into slavery!"

"He would…" Demas started.

"He left me no choice! This kingdom is falling down as we speak…go…save yourself."

"Another step closer and she dies Prince!" Demas said in a rushed breath, his mind torn between letting her go and killing her before Hector's eyes. "If I kill her you lose everything. You'll spend eternity alone! Zenas will have been avenged and victorious!"

"I…" Hector said reaching out a hand to her as Demas started to drag the knife across her neck. But someone in the background used the distraction to grab Hector's sword and charge Demas and Andromache. Paris found himself filled with courage he never knew he possessed and charged Demas from behind. He drove the blade deep into the blades of Demas's back, Andromache falling from his grasp in to the arms of Hector who rushed in to catch her as she fell forwards. Paris twisted the blade, Demas was finished. His lifeless body fell to the floor, Paris stood tall, Hector's bloody sword still clutched firmly in his trembling hands. Helen rushed to his side and gently held his shaking shoulders as Hector walked up to them.

"Are you okay?" Helen asked quickly.

Hector looked at his brother in surprise and with pride. "Now we are even. You own me nothing," he whispered with a faint smile of pride as he held Andromache close to him.

"I owe you everything," Paris said firmly as he slowly walked to Hector.

"Will she live?" Helen asked softly, as she felt Andromache's still warm forehead.

"The bite I'm sure was not fatal," Hector said looking at Paris. "We found the snakes. Guess your stories were right afterall."

"Yeah too many of them," Paris lamented as he looked over at Silas's children weeping over his fallen form. "Why?" He asked Hector in a soft tone.

"When greed is your master you lose all sense and reason. I think all leaders of this cursed place were overcome with that same ill fate," Hector said softly. "I must get her someplace to rest. She's too weak to travel to Troy in this state."

"If my house still stands you are all welcome," Stamatia said walking up to them, one child grasping a hand on either side of her. "We have said our goodbyes and wish to be rid of this vile place. Come and rest up in my home."

"We cannot impose…" Hector started.

"Please sire it would be my honor," she said with a slight bow.

"Please rise," he directed in a soft tone. "But we will be grateful for the hospitality."

"What about Briseis?" Paris asked suddenly. "We cannot leave without her."

"You will not have to," she said walking up to them, her eyes still watery and red.

"Briseis?" Hector asked in a gently. "Are you okay?"

"I will live," she responded in a stiff manner. "I just wish to be rid of this place."

"Where is he? Where is Achilles?" The two boys from earlier asked rushing up to her side. "Where is the saviour of Lampascus?"

"So Achilles the great warrior has freed these people?" Hector asked firmly.

"Yes," Briseis said with a firm nod before turning back to the boys.

"Where is he?" Hector asked quickly.

"He is dead."

Achilles felt his strength starting to wane from the cut to his heel but still refused to give in to Titus. They traded blow for blow and sword strike for sword strike, neither wanting to give in or give up. The fire raged around them as they first of all danced in the great temple, moved into the grand entrance and finally up the stairs to the great wall, the wooden parts burning around them. The people stormed out of all entrances of Lampascus – only King Aristarchus himself wasn't to be seen.

"This war is over!" Achilles said with a slight gasp. "Surrender!"

"Never!" Titus shouted back as he lunged at Achilles once more. Achilles jumped backwards over some stones, making Titus stumble to his knees in trying to keep up. Achilles was sure Briseis had fled with the rest but knew he couldn't give in now. There was too much at stake in his mind. He had sworn to a young boy to kill those responsible and one still remained in front of him. He felt the heat from the flames starting to get closer as he lunged once more at Titus.

"You will never defeat me!" Achilles shouted as he plunged his sword into Titus's upper left arm and opened a deep gash.

Titus cried out in agony but refused to give in. He pushed the pain aside and continued to fight with his good arm. "I will kill you Achilles," he spat in venom. "If not in this life then in the next…but in this life I gain more!"

"You have already lost everything!" Achilles shouted as he lunged once more.

"We must leave now," Hector said as he finally felt the weight of Andromache's body starting to take it's toll on his already weakened one. "She needs proper rest and so do I."

"I know," Briseis said sending her tormented gaze back to the engulfed temple. "Goodbye Achilles," she whispered into the smoky air. She watched the spot where he was for as long as she could, and it wasn't until she felt Paris take her hand and lead her to the front entrance did she finally have the courage to accept her destiny and walk out of the palace of Lampascus with her head held high, tears silently flowing down her cheeks. She had noticed a group of people standing and watching something but assumed it was the burning palace. She walked behind her group and upon hearing a familiar voice shouting in the distance, turned on her heel and quickly looked upwards. The fight was still going. Achilles was alive.

"Achilles!" She shouted as she watched him still fighting with Titus. She was about to run back into the temple when Hector's strong hand grabbed her arm.

"We can't help him," he said softly. "The fire is too great and we need to rest."

"We have to!" She spat, pulling herself free. "You take her and find rest…I'll…" she said looking back up. "I can't leave him."

"Briseis," Paris started softly.

"Achilles!" Briseis shouted once again, silencing Paris in mid-thought.

Achilles heard his name carried on the wind but knew in his mind it was just his heart playing tricks on him. Briseis was gone – he had to accept his destiny.

"Achilles," Briseis said in a fading tone as she continued to be mesmerized by the ensuing battle of the two warriors.

Achilles lunged once more at Titus, this time sending his sword deep into Titus's right side, missing his heart but delivering a near fatal blow nonetheless. "It ends now!" Achilles shouted as he quickly pulled his sword back, ready to deliver the final blow. "Let all know!" He shouted in glee as he watched Titus's sword aim for his other foot. Achilles kicked the sword from his failing opponent and drove his sword deep into the chest of the man before him.

"NO!" Titus shouted as he watched in slow motion as Achilles sword dove itself deep into the soft folds of his chest. He was defeated.

Achilles stood on a stone block and lifted his bloody sword into the air – the silver tinted red gleaming in the inferno raging behind him. "Achilles!" He shouted in pride just before he swung himself around, cutting the head from the dead body of Titus. "I shall never be defeated!" He shouted to the corpse and all those around, the people around the group from Troy all shouting his name and raising their arms in praise and joy.

"He won!" Briseis breathed in a somewhat relieved tone. "I have to go to him," she said turning to Hector.

"Briseis this place is about to come down…those cement posts are held by wooden beams," Hector said firmly. "Please…"

"I have to…" she said in haste, her heart racing at the thought of Achilles being alive and the thought of a future – any kind of future of them together. It was now worth the risk.

But as she was about to take a step back towards the castle when she noticed a cement post – supported by large burning beams – above him start to give way and hurl itself down on top of him.

"Achilles look up!" She shouted with all her might.

Achilles – as if for the first time hearing his name being warned looked up only to see a downpour of cement about to fall on him. He tried to turn and run but was snagged by the fallen body of Titus and so stumbled to the ground as the burning mass started to fall on him.

"NO!" Briseis shouted as she tried to run into the burning palace. Paris quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her back. "Briseis he's dead," he told her.

"No he's not," she sobbed, trying to pull herself free. "He's…he can't be."

They watched now as the main hall caught fire and seemed to explode all around them, the mix of combustible items and dead bodies.

"Briseis," Hector said softly. "We have to go," he told her. He watched what remained of Silas's great army fighting a losing battle with the now free inhabitants of Lampascus, the few men falling at the hands of the free people. He looked down at Andromache who was looking up at him with soft eyes and kissed her forehead. "We are free my Princess," he whispered.

"Please follow me," Stamatia finally piped up. Hector was the first to follow with Paris and Helen in tow, holding hands and offering prayers of thanks to be alive and together. Briseis watched until the fire seemed to die down to see what happened to Achilles, one of the children still by her side. After what seemed like an eternity she finally settled in her heart he was indeed gone and turned to follow after the child. She didn't even remember entering the house or collapsing on the small bed in a mass of sobbing tears. All she remembered in her tormented sleep in the hours to follow was the brave warrior who had captured more than her heart – he had won her respect and her love.

"Achilles…" she whispered as she was swept over with darkness. "Remember me…"

Achilles in the meantime felt the weight of the heavy beams and concrete come crashing down on him and his body being thrown through the floor below and down onto the hard marble of the grand entrance. But before it all slammed into him he was able to roll to safety and lay dazed until he was able to once again catch his breath and try to leave the burning wreckage. He painfully pulled out a sharp piece of wood sticking in his arm and pushing himself to his feet.

"Briseis…" he whispered weakly as he finally staggered to his knees and watched her disappear from view behind the others from Troy. He glanced down at his foot and noticed the tear in it appear larger than before and knew he had to rest before pursing the woman who still held his heart captive. Fate had given him a second chance and he wasn't about to blow it. But as he took a step forwards he was hit with waves of dizzy pain as he noticed the cut in his heel larger in the light. He slowly staggered to his knees only to be supported at each elbow by two sets of tiny arms.

"Come with us," one of the small boys from earlier told him.

"I have to get to Briseis," he said in a soft ragged tone.

"Please," the other pleaded. "You helped our brother die in peace let us help you heal. Search for her in the morning."

Achilles just smiled at the two small children and slowly pushed himself back to a standing position and started to hobble after them. King Aristarchus was no where to be found. No doubt in hiding, Achilles mused to himself as he started to head for the entrance to the palace of Lampascus. He listened in delight to the shouts and cries of families as they were reunited and watched tears streaming down dirty faces as they finally made their way from the dungeon back into the real world. They were free – he had done what he had set out to do.

His mind finally trailed over to Briseis's face and he closed his eye for but a moment in anguish. What would she think of him now? He had killed many to assure his victory and had no regrets doing it. But it was necessary. Would she see that? Would she see it was for a people's self preservation? Or would she be swayed to believe he did it for glory and to hear his own name shouted from the tallest parapet? His body trailed after the two boys into the darkness while his mind pondered his bleak future. Was he given a second chance only to be shown there was nothing there for him with Briseis? Or was he shown he just needed to take it? She didn't come to see if he was okay, did she think him dead? Was it easy for her to just walk away? Or something she just needed to do for her own peace of mind and sanity? His mind raced with a million unanswerable questions long after the grateful father of the two boys had patched him up and shown him some place to sleep. He closed his eyes and prayed the night would pass swiftly. It didn't for him.

"Are we home?" Andromache asked in a soft tone as she finally felt herself being placed on a small soft bed and opening her eyes to see Hector's handsome face looking at her with a warm smile.

"Not yet," he said touching her forehead. "But we are finally safe. Here drink this it will help the toxins to leave your body," he said helping her gently sit up and sip some of the warm drink their kind host had made for them.

"You need to rest," she said feeling herself back on the pillow. She reached up a hand and let it caress his cheek until she no longer had the strength to hold it up. And just as she felt herself lowering her hand, his large only quickly covered it and held it firmly against his face.

"I will," he whispered softly. "I am just thankful we made it out alive."

"And the person responsible for all this? Did they make it out?"

Hector turned his gaze to a solidly sleeping Briseis and then back to Andromache with a frown. "I do not believe so," he replied in a somber tone. "But he is a hero nonetheless and these people will forever be grateful. They are free."

"Thank you," she said gently. "You saved my life."

"You saved mine," he said bending in closer. "You gave me something more precious than freedom to fight for."

"What's that?" She questioned with a slight frown.

"Love," he said gently touching her lips with his. "That is worth more than life and freedom."

"I agree," she murmured as the drug in her drink finally started to take it's toll on her system.

"She needs to sleep now," Stamatia said touching Hector on the shoulder. "I have sewn up your brothers wounds, please let me do the same for you." When Hector hesitated she quickly added. "She will be here when you return."

Hector squeezed her hand gently once more and then stood up and followed Stamatia back into the main room. He sat his large weary frame down on a small stool and let himself be finally attended to. His gaze wandered from Andromache to Paris and Helen sitting on a small bench just outside the main entrance to the modest house. This had started as just another journey to a new kingdom. But it had taken an ugly turn and for a while there seemed beyond hope. But out of it all love and justice prevailed.

"Amazing," Hector mumbled to himself.

"What is it?" The older woman asked kindly.

"Amazing that out of all this ugliness much good was accomplished. The kingdom of Lampascus will be returned to her people and hopefully governed by a good and fair ruler. Each of us from Troy has made lasting if not loving acquaintances and new friends in the process," he said touching the head of one of the boys standing by admiring his sword.

"I just pray all this justice lasts," Stamatia said with a heavy sigh. "We are now a fragile kingdom. What if…well with all this wealth. What will happen to it all? Not all belongs to us?"

"Hopefully a few good men will take charge, return the gold and other gems as well as the captured slaves to their rightful kingdoms and that way ensure alliances with strong kingdoms for protection," Hector explained.

"Will they believe us?"

"They will if the men doing the telling heart's are true."

"You are a good man Prince Hector," Stamatia said with a smile as she continued to treat his many wounds. "Your kingdom must be strong and just."

"It is the best kingdom I know. I am proud to be from Troy," he said with a firm smile as his eyes finally rested on Andromache. "I just hope my new bride to be agrees."

"Why are you so quiet?" Helen asked softly as she held Paris's hand as they sat outside the modest home.

"I…I was afraid," Paris finally admitted.

"I was too."

"But I mean at the end…I thought I was going to die and…and I wasn't brave…inside I was scared and…"

"And that's nothing to be ashamed of," Helen said firmly.

"I…"

"Please put that out of your mind. I'll not think you less for being scared at facing death."

"Plus I have never killed anyone before," he said looking down at his wrapped hand. "It…it feels strange somehow. I mean I didn't even know him and…" he said looking up at Helen with mournful eyes.

"I know," she said kindly. "But you did save Andromache's life. A deed I'm sure Hector will be thankful for forever."

"I know," Paris huffed. "It's just that…" he said casting his eyes towards the remnants of the great hall as it continued to burn well into the night. "It's just that it seems like…like so many had to die to ensure freedom and…"

"Sometimes a great sacrifice has to be made in order to ensure great freedom. Besides most of the bad guys died…only a few of the good ones."

"Is that supposed…"

"No it's supposed to make you remember that today was a victory of sorts. This kingdom is free. Isn't that what we all tried to escape and come back for. Isn't that what the army of Troy would have done? Freed these people?"

"Yes," Paris finally admitted. "But…but I didn't even know him…"

"Who?"

"Demas…I mean I really didn't know him. He was misguided and…and I killed him."

Helen really didn't know what else to say to take the torment from his mind and knew more words wouldn't cause the pain to ease at the present moment. Instead she moved in closer and gently rested her head on his shoulder. When she felt Paris respond she knew it was working.

"Will you journey with us to Troy tomorrow?" Paris asked after a few minutes of silence.

"To see a kingdom as grand as Troy? It would be my honour. But I must return to my home to inform them of what has happened," Helen replied with a frown. "That thought makes me sad."

"Then think of the journey to Troy and nothing more," Paris said gently cupping her chin and lifting her head to him. "And our life together," he said bringing his lips to hers. "For that makes my heart go warm."

Helen produced a broad smile before her lips locked with Paris's and soon their newly found pain was drowned out with a newly cemented love.

Hector slowly walked into Andromache's room long after everyone had turned in and sat down on a small chair beside her bed. He took her hand and held it gently but firmly in his and just stared at her.

"I will pray to the gods to grant my wish for you to be mine," he whispered into the darkness that surrounded them in the small room. "But I hope in your heart you want the same as much as I do," he said pausing to look over at Briseis who was still fighting in her dreams. Forever cursing the gods for taking away the one man she knew she loved. "I couldn't live with the pain of you coming into my life and then losing you to another. I…I wouldn't survive the pain."

"You would survive," Andromache whispered in the dark. "But I fear I wouldn't," she said giving his hand a squeeze.

Hector was immediately off his chair and kneeling beside her bed, his face close to hers. "How are you feeling?"

"Better now," she managed with a weak smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired," Hector huffed. "But I had to gaze upon your beauty once more before I closed my eyes so that I would remember it instead of the ugliness we have endure over the past few days. The thought of almost losing you and…"

"I heard what you said," Andromache said gently touching a bruise on his face. "You risked so much for me…for all of us."

"I…I had to," he said in a deep voice, his face inches from hers now. "I had to show you that…"

"You owed me nothing," she said simply.

"I owe you everything my Princess," he said with a smile. "You have shown me what is really worth fighting for. Love and freedom – their fates are intertwined and I was unable to walk away from either. I owe you that."

"And I owe you my life," she said with a slight yawn, her eyes still heavy from the potion she had drunk earlier and then a second time to completely rid her body of the snake venom.

Hector just stared at her in silence and then bent in and tenderly kissed her on the cheek. "You need to sleep and I should try as well."

"Ask me," Andromache said suddenly.

"What?" Hector replied with a frown. "Ask you what?"

"Whatever is in your heart that is troubling you so. I know you are worrying about something even now."

Hector looked at her in amazement and then frowned deeply. "I…" he started and stopped. "I am afraid."

"You?" Andromache asked in shock. "Afraid? Why?"

"Because of the answer."

"Don't be," she said pulling him close once more. "Don't be afraid of what you want."

"But what if…" he said looking at her with a hint of uncertainty. "What if you don't want the same?" He asked in resignation.

"Well I want to come to Troy with you tomorrow. What else do you want?" She asked with a slight smile.

"For now that's all I want," he said giving her hand a firm squeeze. "Sleep well my Princess," he said with a final huff of relief. "Tomorrow will come soon enough." Hector finally pushed himself from the bedside when he had noticed she had fallen asleep and carefully made his way to the small cot beside Paris. He looked around at all the people sleeping and was amazed that his family had all managed to survive and even gain a few more in the process. Paris had surprised him the most. He had worried about his younger brother when they were captured, that Paris would somehow give in to fear and doubt and parish the first. But he had shown more courage then he knew Paris contained and for that he had earned his respect and admiration. Wait until father hears of these stories, Hector said to himself as he finally lay his weary body down on the small bed. He glanced once more at Andromache and felt a smile of contentment finally play across his face as he too was whisked into the dark realm of sleep.

Tomorrow came fast indeed.

"I can't believe we are finally leaving this place," Paris said as they walked back to the palace to collect their horses and leave.

"I for one am very thankful," Helen said as she walked beside him, ahead of the others.

"Will you really come with me to Troy?" Paris asked eagerly.

"It will be my first stop on the way home," she said firmly. "I can't wait to see your beautiful city."

"And I can't wait to show it to you."

"I can't thank you enough," Andromache said giving Stamatia a hug. "That potion really made me feel a lot better. It saved my life."

"I think your Prince did," she said gesturing to Hector.

"And for that I can never repay you," Andromache said with a slight frown.

"Oh I'm sure I'll think of a way," Hector teased.

"Will you head home so soon?" Stamatia asked in concern as they too started to slowly make their way back to the grand palace.

"My father I'm sure is worried now," Hector told her. "If he hasn't sent a messenger by now I'm sure he is preparing to. My men have better things to do than to chase me when I am not in danger. I will speak to the men here…if there are any left. An alliance will be made with Troy and the other kingdoms and the people of Lampascus can once again be proud of their great city."

"That sounds like an impossible dream," she sighed heavily. "Silas was so easily overcome by the lure of wealth…I wonder what other men will be as well?"

"Only fate knows that," Hector said firmly. "But I'm sure there are a few good men that will keep the people first in mind and rule the city fairly."

"I will summon them for you," she said hurrying ahead of them.

"And what is next for us?" Hector asked, suddenly stopping and looking at Andromache with a serious glare. "Once we enter the grand hall I will give the instructions and then leave. Will you be coming with me?"

Andromache looked at him for a moment and then decided to answer when she could see her hesitation was making him heart sick. "I would be honored to see the city of the man that has hold of my heart…and my love."

Words failed Hector at the moment and so he pulled her close into his arms and held her until he heard their names being called in the distance and had to break away.

"I shall never leave your side," he said firmly.

"And I shall never want to," she responded.

Briseis walked back to the city ahead of the rest in a cloud of gloom. Achilles was gone. The one man, who in a single moment, managed to capture her heart and soul forever. Theirs was a doomed love she knew from the start. But had in her mind convinced herself that he would give up his glory-seeking and want to have a normal life instead. Last night had proved that wrong. He had freed the people, killed his nemesis and raised his sword and shouted his name for all to see and hear. And they did. She heard them still mentioning his name as they walked. A tribute to her torment even know.

She felt her heart start to quicken pace as they neared the entrance but upon entering felt it plummet back down to the bottom of her soul when she looked around and saw no trace of the golden warrior in the area before her. Achilles indeed was gone. She moved herself to the corner as a group of men approached and waited in a dismal stupor for them to talk to Hector and then finally she'd be rid of this place; left only with the nightmares she'd sadly have to carry back with her to Troy.

"Remember me. The real me. When this is all over and you are back in Troy – remember me."

"I have not seen the real you," she said stonily.

"Yes you have," he said firmly. "And only you. Please…please just remember."

Even know his words; that moment; burned itself into her heart and mind and replayed itself over and over again. 'I will never forget you Achilles,' Briseis lamented inside her mind. Never.

"This is Sprios and Agapios," Stamatia said walking up to Hector, who was flanked by Paris, the women behind them waiting. "They were the leaders of Lampascus before Aristarchus and his evil hoard took over."

"Where is King Aristarchus now?" Paris asked quickly.

"Gone into hiding," Sprios replied. "If he is to show himself he would be arrested for being a traitor."

"This city is yours once again," Hector said walking up to them. "I am Hector, eldest son of King Priam of Troy, and this is my brother Paris. I am prepared this day to set up an alliance between the kingdoms of Troy and Lampascus. We will establish a commerce trading system and you can benefit from our protection. Although a good ride from us, at any time send help and it will be sent without hesitation."

"We have nothing more to offer Prince Hector of Troy," Agapios said earnestly. "The people have taken most of the wealth and…"

"Not all," Helen piped up. "I know of a secret room in the bottom dungeon that holds immense wealth."

"Find it and rebuild the city," Hector directed. "Set up a kingdom that the people can flourish under and you will have no trouble establishing alliances with other kingdoms. Free the royal slaves and they will in turn offer help as we have. But do not misuse our trust," Hector started.

"We were a modest nation before Aristarchus and his son took over. We want nothing more than to rebuild the city and establish our lives once again. We are a mining people and will continue to mine. We have many plans. Perhaps when you return once again we can show you the real hospitality of this nation," Sprios offered.

"I would be honored," Hector said giving both men before him a firm handshake. He was about to say something more when they heard a call from above.

"Riders…approaching fast…they are armed!" A man's voice sounded from above.

"Aristarchus has sent for reinforcements!" Agapios said in horror. "We have nothing…"

Hector drew his sword and headed for the door, Paris closely following. He was about to open it when he felt what was left of it being pushed open. He stood back – ready to fight once again. But thankfully it wasn't an enemy that entered the gate – only a friend.

"Hector?" Dionysus said with a frown as he gazed up on the beaten appearance of his friend and leader.

"Dionysus!" Hector said giving him a hug. "You are a welcome sight to behold indeed," Hector said firmly. "But how…who sent…"

"Your father," Dionysus said stepping back to look at the crowd looking at him. "He had a feeling you were in trouble. And by the looks of things…" he said glancing around the burnt and fallen down hall. "You needed it."

"Who is with you?"

"A few of the men and one who had this…" he said showing Paris the necklace he had given the man from the dungeon.

"That is mine," Paris said reaching for it. "The man I gave it to…did he…"

"He knew exactly what to do," Dionysus said with a smile. "He is on his way to Troy to talk to your father as we speak."

"We must do the same," Hector said firmly. "I have a job for you to do my friend," Hector said to Dionysus. "I need you to stay and guard the city at least until the outer wall and door can be rebuilt and the treasure secured. Then I'm sure the army of Lampascus will be ready."

"We will summon the men as we speak," Sprios said eagerly.

"I will send a man to help you gather them," Dionysus said firmly. "Go and return home Hector. Your father is worried and by the looks of all of you you need to rest for a long time."

"That sounds good my friend," Hector said with a smile. "See you when you return."

"I'm sure we'll have many stories to swap," Dionysus said with a firm squeeze of Hector's hand. "See you soon."

"We ride for Troy!" Hector said happily.

The ride back was filled with happy chatter and downcast thoughts. Hector told Andromache what to expect from his father and what the kingdom of Troy was really like. Paris told Helen of all the places he would take her during her stay and what wonderful things they would be able to do. Briseis was the only one who's mind and heart was still back in Lampascus. She let her mind dwell on the first night she met Achilles – for as he had said, that was the time she saw the real him. She feared the only time.

"Father!" Hector said happily as he rushed into the open and waiting arms of his father – King Priam a few days later.

"Oh my son," Priam said as his eyes started to water. "In my heart I feared the worst."

"For a time you would have been justified father," Hector said standing before him once again. "For a time it was bleak. But we defeated the evil and Lampascus is once again a free nation."

"What of King Aristarchus?" Priam asked in wonder.

"Gone into hiding. If he surfaces he'll be arrested. If not – he'll have to spend the rest of his life in fear and wonder. His kingdom gone – his son dead – his dream – over. He is a broken man."

"I have no sorrow for him, save for the fact he lost his son. A father will always mourn the loss of his son – even an evil one like Zenas. But I am truly happy to have both of mine home safe and with me once again," he said hugging Paris close. "My sweet Paris, I feared for you even more than your brother."

"You would have been proud father. Paris fought like a true warrior and even saved a precious life when it counted the most," Hector boasted, making Paris blush under the compliments.

"Paris?" Priam asked in surprise.

"It's true," Helen whispered making Paris blush some more.

"Well I'll have to hear all about this bravery," Priam said firmly. "Who is the one they are saying is responsible for the fall of Lampascus?" Priam asked quickly.

"The warrior Achilles father," Paris said quickly.

Hector looked at Briseis and knew just the mention of his name wounded her once again – deeply. She mourned for him and he felt her pain.

"Well I am thankful to him even if he is in another kingdom at the moment," Priam said happily, finally looking at Briseis and holding his arms open for her.

"And my dear Briseis," Priam said hugging his niece. "But why so sad? Are you not happy to be home?"

"I am," she said, choking back her tears. "I am very happy to be free of that place."

"Are you truly free?" Priam asked softly.

"I will never truly be free," she said with a light sob. "Now if you'll excuse me I wish to go and pray in a place I can really call home."

"And who else is with you?" Priam asked looking at Andromache and Helen. "Who are these two beautiful women? You mean you had time to make friends like these?" Priam teased his sons.

"Father I would like you to meet Andromache, daughter of King Eetion of Thebes. I will send to her father to be mine for I love her more than anything and…"

Priam stared at his son in wonder. "You had time to free yourselves, help free the people and fall in love?" Priam asked with an amused smile. "Son we must spend some time talking about your stay in Lampascus. And Andromache," Priam said looking at her with a fond smile. "Is your wish to become a Princess of Troy and wife to my eldest Hector?"

"None other," she said with a gentle bow.

"Rise," Priam said grasping her hand and standing before her. "A daughter doesn't need to bow to a father," he said giving her a warm hug. "I see the love Hector has for you and you for him. I will send word to your father at once."

"I thank you," Andromache said with a warm smile, her heart racing as she turned back to Hector. She walked back into his embrace and let Priam address the other woman in the audience hall.

"Father, this is Princess Helen of Sparta," Paris said eagerly. "And she is to be mine."

"I see," Priam said smiling at the impetuous words of his son. "And do you wish to be his as he says?"

"I do," Helen answered meekly.

"Well I see both my sons were busy on their journey. I will prepare a feast and we will all dine in joy and mirth tonight. For we are a family once again. Now I want you to enjoy the city and time you have together."

"I can't believe we are finally alone," Paris said as he lay down beside Helen on a blanket beside a beautiful stream behind the palace.

"At last," she said smiling up at him. "This city is truly amazing."

"I'm so happy you like it," Paris said looking at her squarely. "I want us to be together – here in this city – in this palace. Forever. Do you want that as much as I do?"

"I do," she replied in a tender tone. "I want to experience all that Troy has to offer. All that you have to offer."

"Well then let me offer you something now," he said moving in closer, pulling her body inches from his. "I can offer my love right now. Will you accept?"

"All you have to give I shall happily accept," she said as her lips moved closer to his. Finally they touched and no words were needed.

"I'm glad you are feeling back to full strength," Hector said as he slowly led Andromache by the hand through a part of the palace and into a small area off to the side, the opposite side from Paris and Helen.

"Yes the journey here afforded me much time to rest and expel the poisons," she said thankfully. "Do you really think the people of Lampascus will ensure the city will grow and prosper again?"

"If it is managed well," Hector said with a frown. "But there is also the incentive to visit and make sure they are keeping things fair and just."

"A visit like that would be fun," Andromache said with sparkling eyes. "Where are we? What is this place?"

"This was my favorite place when I was young and I wanted to share it with you. Even now when I need to make a serious decision or just need some time to myself I come here and just think."

"It's beautiful," Andromache said looking at the carvings of stone and exotic flowers and plants.

Hector watched in silence as Andromache carefully examined every carving and flower and felt his body start to flood with warmth and content. When she finally turned to him and their eyes locked, no words were needed – only a smile told of the growing love between them.

"What?" She finally asked.

"I am still amazed how you came into my life and even more amazed that I was able to keep you here – willingly," he said finally taking a step towards her. "I am more than honored and…" he said standing before her. But before she could say anything he bent himself down on one knee and gazed up at her as the sunlight cast her in a golden glow before him. "Andromache you came into my life and filled a void that no one else would ever have been able. I am blessed by not only your beauty but also your kindness and strength. I am a better man because of your being by my side and will continue to be so. I know I love you – I think I have since I first cast eyes upon you. I want you in my life – for as long as it is and if either one of us should meet our end I want us to be together after that – for as long as we are granted. I want you to be my wife…will you do me the honor?" He asked gently.

Andromache brushed away her freshly fallen tears of happiness and felt her smile grow wider and her body warmer. "I…" she started in a soft whisper. "I couldn't imagine life without you Hector. I would be honored to be your wife for as long as we are granted."

Hector raised himself up and held her close. "I know the formalities will follow but I wanted to be sure in my heart you would say yes," he said warmly.

"Never doubt our love again," she said looking up at him with a look of love and passion. "I love you Hector. There will never be another."

"And the same for me," he said pulling her even closer, their lips starting to touch. "Forever…" he whispered as his lips started to taste hers.

Briseis kneeled before her alter but was unable to stop the flow of tears from leaving her cheeks and pooling on the floor at her knees. She felt lost in her world of silence until she heard a soft knock on the door to the room she was in.

"I asked not to be disturbed," she said sadly.

"Even for a stranger that has journeyed so far to return to you a piece of jewellery you lost?" A deep voice asked.

Briseis listened to the voice and thought it sounded familiar but was too distraught to want to turn around to see for herself. She listened to her heart as the fast beating started to fill the room as footsteps drew near to her. A hand gently touched her back and out of the corner of her eye a piece of the silver jewellery caught her eye and made her turn her head.

She gasped at the jewellery piece that she had given to Achilles, feared lost and yet was staring at it right beside her face. She pushed herself forward and didn't turn around until she was a few feet away.

"Achilles?" She asked, not believing her eyes he was standing in the room only a few feet away from her.

"Hello my Princess," he said in a soft whisper.

"I thought…I mean I saw…" she said as tears voluntarily left her eyes and ran down her cheeks. "I saw you fall…" she barely managed.

"I did," he said taking a step closer. When he saw her take a step back he stopped himself, unable to bring her more pain than she was already in. "I'm sorry."

"I saw you fall," she said more firmly.

"I…"

"I saw!" She half shouted and then rushed into his waiting arms, sobbing and beating his chest as he held her close. "I saw you fall."

Achilles rested his head on the top of hers and closed his eyes. "I never thought I would be able to hold you again," he said in a soft whisper. "But I am able. I was given a second chance."

"This…it can't work," she insisted between sobs.

"We can make it work," Achilles said firmly as he looked down at her and gently brushed away a tear. "We can do it together."

"But…" she started with a frown. "But your glory it is…"

"Something fleeting. I have felt that first hand when you walked away from me," he said taking her hand and holding it against his heart. "This is forever. What we have. And we were both given a second chance to take what we have and grow with it. Briseis to deny ourselves would be a sin greater than…"

"But…" she started in protest only to have him silence her with a soft kiss.

"I fell to the ground thinking the tormented picture of you was the last my mind would have relayed to my heart. But I awoke and was given salvation by two young boys. At that very moment I knew I had to find you and at least try to let you know that I can change…"

"No you can't," she insisted.

"Yes I can," he said with a smile. "I don't want a life filled only with glory and loneliness. I don't want to die alone. I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side. Tell me you want that to. Or tell me to leave. The choice is yours."

"I…" she said looking down as another tear escaped her eye and slid down her cheek. She looked back up at him with a soft gaze. "I want to try. I want to try to have a life with you."

"That's all I needed to hear," he said gently lifting her up so she was held in the air, bathed in golden sunlight. She let out a small cry of happiness and looked down at him with hope and love.

"Are you real?" She dared to ask as he gently lowered her to be in front of him once again.

"As real as my love for you," he said firmly. "And I want that to grow and never fade. Will you have me in your life? By your side? Sharing it for all eternity?"

"It would be my honor," she replied.

"No Princess," he said seriously. "The honor is all mine." And before she could say another word he pulled her close and crushed her lips with his. Happiness was to finally be theirs.

Priam looked down the table as the night festivities began and felt a smile of pride, contentment and joy start to cross his thankful face. Hector had found himself a bride worthy of more than an alliance, she was worthy of the honor due a Princess of heir to the throne of Troy. He couldn't be prouder of Hector's choice. Paris too had found himself someone who would love him back with all the love and passion he had for her. Paris had done well also. And Briseis had found herself a man that would not only match her intense love for life but her intense love for those around. He couldn't have picked a better man for her than she did. Despite all he had heard about Achilles, Briseis had proved that in the end love really does conquer all.

And whatever feelings and emotions they all had going into this horrific ordeal all had come out stronger, better and closer that they ever thought possible. Priam welcomed a future filled with love, children and of course a family that no man could be prouder of. This was his legacy. There was nothing that could ever destroy it.

And soon a peaceful calm started to wash over them all as they celebrated. Embracing the pairs in it's endless arms. Wrapping them all in serenity. Watching over them with a careful eye making sure they got the love and rest they all needed and deserved. And tomorrow would come. The future was theirs to share together – as couples. But for now it would have to wait. Now was a time for celebrating a victory. A victory for life, freedom and most of all love!

THE END

Dear readers…well this adventure/romance has come to an end. I did leave a loose end open in case I bring back a sequel. If you want one please mention it in your review for this chapter or the story for that matter. I do hope you'll all review this last chapter even if you haven't for the others to let me know there are a lot of fans of this story and want a sequel and more adventure/romance fics like this one. Love you all and thanks for taking the time to read, makes my had work that much more rewarded!