Serino
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Comisha was rich in wealth and custom, a seafaring City State of the grand lands of Greece. Trade came in from the islands of the Ionian Sea , Paxos, Corfu, Ithaca, Lefkas, all were valued allies. The citizens loved there ruler King Lycyrgus Hippocrates, and there was a grate feast being prepared, he was to be wed to the daughter of the Corfu ruler, her name was Theophila soon to be Theophila Hippocrates. Wine was gathered and the hunters were out searching for game worthy of serving at the feast. It was a costume for the groom to kill the deer, the center pierce of the feast table. Lycyrgus road his prized horse, White Beauty, thru the woods with his men, the dogs had coat the scent of a large buck “come one man, that roast will not catch itself” the king called to his fellow hunter and leaded head long after the dogs. Apollo chariot was diving into the ocean leaving the sky in the care of Selene with her glowing presents. After a time the dogs came upon a bloodily carcass, the deer tore beyond recognition chucks gone and large amounts of its blood swallowed. Dismounting Lycyrgus lend over the marked kill with his captain and brother Philokrates “Boar maybe?” the kings companion said concerned, Lycyrgus ran his hand along the tampered flesh “no, these were made by claws” the dogs began to whimper, lead by there instincts both hunters turned in unison bows raised, a creature was leaping at them, yet it was so human like in shape. The arrows struck it in the chest but did not stop it, the thing hit Lycyrgus bring him to the ground, at that moment the king saw his foe. It was once a farm hand who had gone missing, its blood red eyes stared down at him madly , its long spidery fingers ended in gigantic talons that griped onto Lycyrgus’s shoulders drawing blood, its teeth were no longer the crocked dull of farmers but a deadly spread of long sharp reptile like killers. Lycyrgus cried out as the monster champed into his neck and tore a meaty section out, the once farm hand had time to swallow right before Philokrates took its head off with his broad sword. The creature went limp falling off of the king allowing his caption to grasp the blood jetting wound. “Milord, you must rise, you cant die now on your weding day” but Lycyrgus wasnet looking at Philokrates, His eyes had drifted to a gathering shadow, only he could see as the darkness took shape into a man. The man was large and powerful, his black armor repealed all the light that fell from Selene, his flowing cape was like the eternal bleak of death. The god spoke in words only the king could hear “greetings to King Lycyrgus of Comisha, I am Hades god of death and the underworld” the king could not speak because of his wound but Hades could tell what he desired, the lord of death spoke with no compassion “you know the nature of the beast that has hindered you, the venom that secretes its jaws will kill your body and impression your soul in its unending hunger” Lycyrgus coughed spattering blood. “You are a hero and I wish to help you, when you turn I will see to it that you retain your right mind for one night, but only one night” Hades dissolved into the dark his voice echoing “use your time wisely”.
17 years latter.
Dareeque stalked the forests, he was a fearsome sight, his small powerful muscles were visible under his snow white skin, no marks corrupted his flesh, he would have been called pretty if his face wasn’t so predatory, blood red eyes, unnatural sharp teeth, midnight black hair that hung down his back and in front of his face tangled and unkempt, along with a constant sneer he wore. The woods outside of Comisha had become his domain since he was old enough to walk, his mother Theophila the queen of Comisha could barely stand the sight of him, his father Philokrates feared him, Dareeque could not guess why. The roomers circulating the citadel was in itself enough to keep the young prince away, it was dreadfully obvious that Dareeque did not belong to ether of them, his mother who’s golden curls were the envy of the city and his muscular tan father. Dareeque pushed such thoughts from his head as he tracked his quarry, a large deer. Leaning close to the ground Dareeque took a deep breath, the prince was by far the most skilled of the noble youth, he ran faster then a horse and his arrows always hit there mark, if he didn’t hate the light so much Dareeque would have swore he was Apollo’s son. Dareeque smelt the deer, yet another scent was in the air. Dareeque studied the tracks noticing large dog like tracks. “What do you make of it” Dareeque wasn’t startled as the female voice questioned from right beside him, Artemis goddess of the hunt Dareeque’s only true friend. He had know her since the beginning when he wandered into the forest and killing a boar with his teeth brought himself to the goddess attention. Dareeque placed his hand on the large foot print “it’s a wolf, but much larger” Artemis stood up motioning “after you Dareeque” the princes eyes darted up locking with Artemis, he had know her too long to think her beautiful and that was part of her reason for liking him, the goddess of the hunt disliked men grately. “ladies first, I would hate to see you fall behind. The forest is such a dangerous place for a proper lady like yourself” Artemis glared at Dareeque yelling “I’ll kill both the stag and the feral wolf before you even ready a arrow” with that the goddess ran after the tracks, Dareeque reached at the same moment. The goddess was natural faster but the prince was right on her heels, his strength and agility was beyond that of grater mortals and above that of a lesser god. Any onlooker would have seen two blurs racing in-between trees ,leaping over logs, and dodging varies animals. Dareeque smelled the deer as Artemis sensed it, both drew from there quiver a arrow, Artemis would sometimes say to her twin Apollo that Dareeque made the best arrows a mortal could and fired them just as well. As it was Artemis would get the first shot, and Dareeque knew that if she did then his victory was lost, so thinking quickly the prince jumped at a tree and throwing himself ahead loosing his arrow as he passed Artemis. The missile struck true killing the deer as it pierced its heart. Landing with a roll Dareeque turned to Artemis “I win” the goddess simply pointed at another dead animal, the wolf with her arrow lodged in its head. “My arrow struck first” Dareeque knew that this would turn to a argument but he didn’t care “I thought Olympians didn’t loss there sight, I killed the stag first” Artemis clenched her fists eyes narrowing “you are a liar Dareeque Hippocrates and you know that I stuck first” her voice was ice cold as she dissipated into the night air. Dareeque laughed, gods were the sorest losers. Gathering both the wolf and the stag the prince headed back to Comisha.
Comisha at night was a quiet peaceful places, all laps were off and Selene bathed the city in her gentle light. One oil lamp was still lit in a room in the citadel. Theophila looked out her window, her curly hair blowing in the salty sea winds, Philokrates lay on the kings bed looking at his beautiful wife “your think about the pasted again let it go” Theophila ignored her husband lowering her eyes. Philokrates spook again aggravated “it was not your fault, Lycyrgus was your love you did what you though was right, but I am you husband now” Theophila turned slowly to the king saying sorrow stricken “I am a good wife to you, I fear not for the past but for the future. Agamemnon sent word, he demands that you aide him in a campaign against Troy” tears began to fall from Therophila’s eyes “I’ve already lost one husband don’t ask me to endure the loss of another” Philokrates took his wife in his arms “don’t worry my beautiful flower, I will fight in this war and the gods will spare me” Theophila did not share her husbands enthusiasm but she griped onto him all the same. A knock at there chamber door caused Philokrates to let go of his wife “what do you want” a small boy servant entered and quickly bowed “milord, your son has returned home with….” at these words the king roared “how dare you enter my room to tell me such useless facts, get out of my sigh before I have you executed” the boy wasted no time. Seeing this display Therophila conceived a plan. Griping her husbands chin she whispered “remember when I told you that I pray to the gods every day to remove are burdened” the king nodded “I think the gods have answered my prayers” Philokrates face scrunched in confusion “how so” Therophila smiled gently “you will fall sick and unable to go to war, so your son will go in your places” it took a moment for this information to sink in but when it did the king laughed deeply “you are clever my flower, so vary clever” and without further interruption the king and queen there work to produce a replacement heir, anyone with the right eyes would have seen Aphrodite smiling at them from the side of there bed.
Dareeque awoke suddenly drawing his knife and rolling out of his bed in a crouch. Before him was a women dressed in glowering robes with a helmet, shield, and spear on her persons. Dareeque knew that it was a goddess but of what one he was not sure, he eased out of his defensive stance standing up strait to look at his guessed. “Greetings Prince of Comisha, I am Athena goddess of the crafts and war” Athena was one of the more praised of the Olympians, the one heroes looked to for help. “My I ask why a goddess of war is visiting me, is there some grate battle coming” Athena nodded “yes, your father will call on you tomorrow to go in his stead to the port Aulis where king Agamemnon is gathering a army to attack Troy” Dareeque was stunned as he slumped on his bed, his father trusted him less then a sneak thief, and loved him about as much, yet alone call on him to lead his troops in a war against the greatest horsemen in the world. Athena continued “you will become a legend Dareeque, your family praise you when you return with the gratitude of Greece and king Agamemnon” Dareeque spoke coldly “I don’t want to be a legend and I don’t want my families praise, all I want to do is hunt in my forests” a new shadow appeared and took shape, a gigantic man with bloodstained armor and shield. He towered over both Athena and Dareeque, he roared at the young prince “ have you ever killed a man Prince” the new god leaned over Dareeque his black bearded also covered in the red liquid. Dareeque was terrified, unable to speak he shook his head “then you truly don’t know of what Athena speaks, little sister” the giant pinched Athena’s cheek, the goddess slapped his hand away “my half brother Ares, god of slaughter and the cruelties of war” the war god laughed heartily griping Dareeque’s shoulders “do you find me hideous, blood covers me like rain but I don’t bother to wash it off” Ares trembled with pleasure “the feeling I get when blood spills on my skin, you will know the feeling soon, vary soon” Ares locked eyes with Dareeque, his eyes were mad with battles fury, but no matter how scary the prince found Ares that chaotic rage called to him, just like hunting did. And with that both god and goddess disappeared leaving Dareeque alone in the dark.
As Athena predicted Philokrates called his son to him, in its self that was strange, the messenger boy was just as surprised as the rest of the house, rumors spread like wildfire. Dareeque rolled his eyes at the whispers as the followed him all the way to the kings chamber. The prince pressed the door open and was struck with incenses that made him gag. Closing the door behind him Dareeque looked at his father, the man was covered tightly with his blanks, the healer was next to him dabbing his head with a moist cloth. “My son” it was labors for Philokrates to call the demon in front of him his son but he managed, Dareeque wondered why the king was being treated like a man on his death bed, with his superior smell the prince could not detected any sickness. “My father” Dareeque ignored the look of disgust that crossed the kings face for a fleeting moment. “Dear prince, my boy, I have fallen ill” Dareeque looked at his father skeptically but waited for him to finish, remembering what the goddess said. “ There is a war to be fought my son, the king Agamemnon has called on are fair city of Comisha for help” the king reached out his hand, your kidding, Dareeque said bitterly “don’t reach out to me father, all the years we’ve been in each others company and only now you wish to touch me, now when you fake sickness in a attempted to be ride of me” the healer began to interjected when the prince turned his deathly glare at him, silences from the healer. The king narrowed his eyes “you don’t know what you speak of child, if we have no love for each other them it would be best for you to go, take comfort that if the war last long enough I might be dead when you return. Herodotus” the king called his captain, Dareeque cursed under his breath, Herodotus had been one of the princes many instructors, a large grizzly man his gut only matched by his pride which Dareeque had shattered in one of his lessons beating the large man in a swords dual at the age of ten, that’s when the lessons had ended. Herodotus entered the kings chamber, time had betrayed the old warrior, he had gotten much fatter and his body was covered in wrinkles, his once blond hair was completely gray now. “Dareeque, you will go to the port Aulis with three ships of seasoned warriors and your former teacher. If the Trojans don’t kill you them you may return home” Dareeque turned to leave as the king shouted after him “you are not my son, not by blood and not by love, nothing ties me to you nor you to me” the prince keep walking down the hall, he had always assumed he was not of Philokrates loins, now to finally hear it had little affected on the young prince. After Philokrates had the taste of truth in his mouth he found he could not stop, he screamed further “I hate you, you robed my wife of her ability to bare me further children, I loathe you my brother and I hate your son for what you did. I curse you my nephew, I prey that the gods bring a terrible death down on you” but the kings pleas were in vein as the prince and Herodotus headed to the armory.
Dareeque eyed the bronze metal that was supposed to protect him “I don’t like this at all, I can move much faster without this cheap plate” the prince dropped the armor turning his attention to the weapons “you are a foolish boy, I see no gods here to guard your exposed flesh, without protection you’ll be skewered by the first spear the Trojans fling your way” the old teacher yelled. Dareeque shook his head at a large shield that he disliked for its bulkiness, then settled on a broad sword and two daggers , he wore a dark blue cloak, a tunic, and pants of the same color. “You look presentable enough for Agamemnon” distain tainted Herodotus’s voice. Agamemnon was vary hated for his conquests and cruel behavior, he had his eye on Troy for a long time but would never risk angering Apollo, the patron god of the city. It was dark by the time the ships were ready to sail. All the warriors eyes turned to Dareeque as he set foot on the dock, his cloak waving in the wind looking more then a man yet less like a god. His feet did not draw sound from the planks of the dock, the men followed silently after there prince, the lieutenants would ride the same ship as Dareeque but they would address military matters to Herodotus, the king was vary clear on that. Looking out on the vast infinity of black seas Dareeque decided he would miss his forests, not his family or any other person but the forests, the ships set off into the dark. “You are so cold Dareeque” Artemis commented, his voice only available to the princes ears. Dareeque turned to his friend “your hear to admit that I won” “it was even then” Artemis compromised, the prince didn’t argue but turned back to the sea “you have no one to love you, that must be why your cold” Dareeque smiled weakly feeling his own arm “I’ve always been cold, in my body and in my soul. The cold doesn’t bother me anymore” Artemis sighed addressing the crew who could not hear her words “you poor Greeks, do you not know what awaits you all, most of you will not live thru this, and you face a foe more deadly then any Trojan” “you’ll side with your brother then” Dareeque questioned, Artemis nodded “I ask him not to kill you” the two friends laughed. “You think he’s talking to a god” one of the crew asked Herodotus who replied roughly “he’s no soothsayer, he’s touched in the head, didn’t even pack armor or a chariot for himself” Artemis was gone allowing Dareeque to turn his attention to his teacher “I run faster then any horse we own, and armor would only hinder my speed” the teacher huffed “impossible, you are nothing special, you’ll see when the Trojans tear you apart”. The journey was a week in length, the prince spent his days sleeping and his nights observing the crew of speaking with Artemis. The goddess told him why the war had started “Thetis the sea nymph was married to Peleus the father of Achilles, you know the Greek warrior” Dareeque nodded, it always amused him that although Artemis was the most tomboyish of the goddess, she still enjoyed gossiping. “Well they threw a wedding party, all were invited excepted Eris, goddess of discord, because no one likes her. She was so angry that she thru a golden apple into the feast, craved into the apple was To the fairest” Dareeque commented “then why are you not holding the apple right now” Artemis knew Dareeque too well to blush but not well enough to not look away smiling “anyway, the three goddess that claimed the apple was Hera, Athena , and Aphrodite. Zeus told them that there was a son of Troy that was a vary good judge of beauty, Paris, he was being raised by sheepherders because it was foretold that he would bring the down fall of Troy” Dareeque could not help seeing the resemblance between himself and the prince of Troy, both shunned by there family, both living in the wild, and both meeting goddesses. Artemis continued her story “well the goddesses found Paris and bribed him, Hera offered power, Athena that he would never loss a battle, and Aphrodite said she would give him the love of the most beautiful women in the world” Dareeque laughed bitterly “he chose love” Artemis hit the prince “let me finish” Dareeque laughed louder and more hatefully “only love could start a war so complicated” Artemis ignored Dareeque starting up again “the problem was that the most beautiful women in the world, Helen of Sparta, already had a husband. Menelaus king of Sparta and brother to Agamemnon. That is what gave him the chance to declare war, all this over a stupid women” Artemis sounded angry, Dareeque shrugged “us mortals are stupid, what do you expected” Artemis turned suddenly to Dareeque “your not a mortal” the prince snapped back “I’m not a Olympian ether, so what am I ,a monster” Artemis grinned “you look like a monster” cheered up Dareeque retorted “your moms a monster” one of the crew men looked from his oar in confusion, Dareeque noticed that the crew ignored him as much has they could , there was no disrespected but they didn’t talk unless spoken to, and the god talking did help. “They think your crazy” Artemis remarked, Dareeque showed his nettle pointed teeth in a grim smile, the men returned to there rowing. The port came into view as Dareeque entertained himself by shooting seagulls, turning to land the prince saw that there were ships far as the eye could see, the entirety of the Greek fighting force. “This is a war unlike any I have seen” Herodotus said to himself, Dareeque wondered how many wars the old man had seen but knew better to ask, they were one step above enemy. Artemis whispered to Dareeque “see you at Troy” it was both a threat and a pleasant goodbye.
Agamemnon cursed as he stared out at the unforgiving waters. The winds had stopped right after Dareeque’s vessel landed. “I don’t understand, why are the gods suddenly against me” the king roared at his men hinting one of his guards, Menelaus stood next to his brother silent and shy looking. Leaning close so that no one else would hear the king of Sparta spoke “be calm my brother, Troy isn’t going anywhere” Agamemnon looked like he wanted to strike his relative, but instead he took several deep breaths and lend against a marble pillar. A Messenger boy ran from the docks yelling “the prince of Comisha has arrived and man is he a evil looking one” the high-pitched voice called all around to the kings and rulers of Greece. Odysseus, king of Ithaca, asked curiously “what do you mean evil looking” the boy, Theodosius, explained “he’s got these red eyes like there bleeding, his teeth are sharp like a shark or feral cat, and he has this constant sneer like he’s ready to kill you on site” one of the kings, Ajax ruler of Salamis, called out “yep that’s Philokrates’s son alright” the other rulers wanted to ask how he knew the king of Comisha but the prince walked in. All eyes turned to Dareeque, he had no armor like his captain, he held himself like a warrior despite being much smaller then the rest of the men. The prince looked at the kings with a narrowed gaze, a chill went thru the room. Achilles the greatest of the Greek warriors called to the prince “why do you wear that scowl all the time, did someone kill you favorite hunting dog” the kings chuckled braking the unease, Dareeque decide he liked the cocky attitude of the warrior Achilles. The prince along with Herodotus joined the kings gathering. Agamemnon called for his soothsayer. Moments later a wizard old man walked in his eyes looking to the heavens. Agamemnon yelled at the old man “why are the winds not with us” the old man fell to his knees before the king “you must not kill the messenger I beg you” Agamemnon roared “I cant guaranty that, just tell me what the gods have said” the soothsayer grabbed onto Menelaus “I will tell you then be gone” the king of Sparta nodded and lent his ear to the wizard man, the blood emptied from the shy kings face. He stood up eyes widened as the soothsayer ran out of the room screaming. “What did he say brother” Agamemnon cried out, Menelaus spoke quietly “why do you have to be so conceited , is your pride worth this” Agamemnon grabbed his brother by the shoulders shaking him “what do the gods want” Menelaus swallowed before speaking “ you killed one of Artemis’s sacred deer, you boasted that you were a better hunter then she. Now you must sacrifice your daughter Iphigeneia to the goddess” Agamemnon shook his head “no, no, I cant” but it was a useless promise, the king would do it, he would do anything to destroy Troy. Agamemnon spoke to the messenger boy “send for my daughter, tell her I have found a man to marry her” The boy nodded, he had tears in his eyes when he left. “My fellow kings, it will be some time before we depart, go enjoy your time in Aulis” Agamemnon spoke grief stricken. Dareeque left the gazebo with his captain commenting “fool, you never kill a deer of Artemis, and you especially don’t claim you better then her” Herodotus huffed “how do you know so much of Artemis” the prince answered with the truth “me and the goddess are friends” the captain laughed unhealthy “you really are crazy, all that time alone in the woods must have damaged your mind” “I’m her rival with a bow” Herodotus stopped laughing at once “don’t you dare boy, don’t you dare provoke the gods” Dareeque ran to the balcony overlooking the sea shouting “I am Artemis equal, the grate goddess of the hunt is my rival!” “fool, did you learn nothing from Agamemnon, he has to give his daughter up to the gods now” Dareeque laughed “the only reason the king is losing his daughter is because what he said wasn’t true, if he real was better then her , she would never make him pay for his words” Herodotus shook his head “it doesn’t matter, do not bring there wrath down on us” Dareeque chuckled “I’m bored of your worries old man, I think I’ll take a walk on the beach” the captain thru his hands up “go head, all the better for the bolt of Zeus to strike”. Dareeque ran down the marble steps and onto the white sands. All the Greeks were on the mainland drinking or talking in the taverns, the kings would be making plans. The young prince was alone on the beach save two others, Achilles the champion of Greece and a elder man standing in the water. “You prince come here” Achilles called to Dareeque, he took his time walking to the large warrior. The two people faced each other, Achilles spoke first “if your looking for immortality Troy is were you shall find it” the champion extend his muscular arm to the sea “cross those waters a glories war is waiting for use, you are not like the others, I can see it, you are like me” the waves filled the silences as Dareeque considered the champions words, the prince replied “how will killing people bring you infinite life” Achilles laughed shaking his head slowly “you misunderstand, I don’t speak of physical immortality. The heroes of this war will live one forever on the lips of ever poet, the brushes of every painter , and the instrument of every musicians” Achilles locked eyes with Dareeque “let us make a packed, tell me a secret and I’ll tell you my” Dareeque agreed “Philokrates, the king of Comisha, is not my father” Achilles smiled “I will die in this war” Dareeque opened his mouth to ask how the Greek knew but the might Achilles was already leaving the beach. The Prince looked out at the calm sea, the elder called from the water “Artemis is relentless” Dareeque turned to the old man “yeah” the man smiled turning to the prince “you would not believe how anger she was when she heard about Agamemnon’s boast “just like a man to forget his place” then she goes and stops the winds, that’s my job but I never complain” Dareeque realized what the man was saying, looking closer he could tell that his skin was glowing slightly, that’s why Achilles spoke so freely he could not see the old man. “by the way your glaring at me I see that you know, I am Poseidon god of the sea, rivers, and all things of water” “why are there so many gods about all the sudden” Dareeque asked the sea god, Poseidon motioned to the waters “Troy, this will be a vary big war. Not just between men, but the gods as well, we have all taken a side save Zeus” Dareeque knew that Apollo and Artemis were with the Trojans, but as for the rest he did not know. “Poseidon, can you tell me who’s side your own” the god smiled, suddenly he was changed, no longer a feeble men but a large, bulging man with a long shimmering bearded and trident, he wore wet blue robes. “I will aid the Greeks, you are sea faring people. Athena also favors your people, most of the gods wish the Greeks to win” Dareeque shook his head grimly “not all of them” Poseidon smiled “your thinking of Apollo and Artemis, yes Apollo is powerful and I notice that you and Artemis are quit the couple” Dareeque glared at the water god “its not like that at all” the god shrugged. “it doesn’t matter to me, just would be a shame for the last virgin god to loss it that’s all” because of Artemis’s dislike for men and her tendency to kill the ones who actually persist in there suiting she had remained a virgin, unlike other goddess. Out of patients Dareeque snapped “who else is helping the Trojans” “Aphrodite, Paris chose her as the fairest so she feels obligated to help him, and naturally her husband Hephaestus the god of forgery and fire has joined her, along with her lover Ares” Dareeque was stunned, what self respecting women would let that blood stained deity touch her, Poseidon commented to the prince’s thoughts “he cleans up nice, so she says” Dareeque shook his head “it doesn’t matter who I have to fight, I will fight anyone who gets in my way” Poseidon asked “what if Artemis challenges you” Dareeque stared at the god “anyone in my way I will fight” the sea good smiled. As Poseidon drifted off into the sea he said “you wont have to worry, you are Hades favorite and no one would every cross Hades” Dareeque wondered why the god of the dead would find favorite in him, but the only person cable of answering was now swimming away. Dareeque laid on the soft sand to sleep.
Three days latter the Greek arm had gathered, everyone was ready to go right after the sacrifice. Dareeque looked at the princess, people said she was beautiful but the prince thought she only looked sad. She laid on the alter crying, when told that she would die for her father to fight a war she had agreed. The Kings turned there heads as Agamemnon pressed the knife to her throat. He cut quickly and the blood spilled rushed form her body. Lying on that table, lifeless and blood stained, Dareeque realized that only in death was she beautiful to him, he though that was so wrong , why was death the only thing that brought beauty to him. The voice of Ares returned “the feeling I get when blood spills on my skin, you will know the feeling soon, vary soon” the wind returned. The men filed to there ships silently, already sick of death, all excepted two.
The voyage to Troy would take a mouth, less then that if fair winds stayed with the Greeks. As before Dareeque spent his days sleeping and the nights watching the sea, ever since the prince was a child the sun had given him headaches and a itch on the skin. On the third night of the journey Dareeque was watching the waves as he always did when he spotted something in the water, a young women. She blinked her sapphire eyes at Dareeque, she motioned with her finger as if saying “come to me” the waters were calm but even the prince did not trust this strange sea women. “She will not harm you, Aspasia is quit found of your type” Poseidon said from Dareeque’s side, the prince questioned “my type?” Poseidon grinned “your type, dangerous, disturbed, dare I say bloodthirsty. Aspasia loves to swim with sharks unlike the other nymphs, they prefer dolphins” Dareeque never though of himself as bloodthirsty or shark like, but he had know from a young age that death appealed to him. Poseidon lend close to Dareeque whispering “is she beautiful to your eyes?” Dareeque looked at the floating girl closely, her bright blue hair sticking to her bright tinted skin, her brilliant eyes, yes she was beautifully but it was not her physical appearance that made it so “I don’t understand” the prince addressed the sea god who seemed to know more about Dareeque’s feelings then he did himself. Poseidon was happy to enlighten the boy “she’s a murderer, lures sailors from there ship and drowns them for fun, hand feeds there pieces to the sharks” Dareeque glared at the god snapping “I don’t see how this involves her beauty” Poseidon shook his head “I think by now you realize that your not quit mortal, evil is draw to evil, like Typhon was enticed by Echidna” Dareeque nodded, Typhon and Echidna were the father and mother of all things that prey on man “monsters breed with monsters creating monsters, is that what your saying” Poseidon smiled “you’re a smart boy, you find her lovely because she is like you, Aspasia finds beauty in death and sorrow like you. I saw your eyes as Iphigenia’s throat was cut” Dareeque could not deny the truth. During the whole conversation Aspasia’s eyes ever left Dareeque. Poseidon eyes darted between the two “will you have her then” Dareeque pushed his lust away “I will not have her” the prince walked away from the nymph. “If your not careful she will have you while you sleep” Poseidon laughed before jumping into the sea. Dareeque found Herodotus below deck talking strategy with the lieutenants, the prince warned them “there’s a deadly nymph following the boat, I would appreciate if only the most strong willed men guard tonight” Herodotus huffed “did the gods tell you this” Dareeque grinned wickedly, the warriors took a step away, and all the prince said before going above was “yes”. Sure enough there was a changing of the guard, one was a boy in his 15th year. Dareeque studied the boy intently, the rest of the crew seemed so gloomy while this child was positively on top of the world, the prince approached “what’s your name” the boy flashed Dareeque a friendly unwavering smile “I’m called Lucky” Dareeque raised an eyebrow “Lucky?” the Lucky shook his head vigorously “that’s right Lucky” Dareeque’s look invited the boy to say more, he was happy to “my parents named me that because I’m so friking lucky, nothing bad came happen to me” Dareeque questioned “has this theory been tested” Lucky laughed “of courses, the boys at home test me all the time, shot arrows at me, throw spears, and guess what none hit me, and not only that but nothing bad happens, My families farm is the most fruitfully on Comisha” since Dareeque didn’t pay much attention to the taxing or the governing of his city it seemed perfectly reasonable that he had never heard of this boy. “See for yourself” Lucky took a rock from his belt as if he was always ready to prove his luckiness. He tossed it to Dareeque “throw this at me as hard as you can” Dareeque stared at the crazy boy “are you sure, I grantee you that I’m a much better shot then any of your friends” the boy laughed “please” the prince shook his head. It was not possible, Dareeque had never missed in his life, yet as he cast the stone at Lucky that’s just what happened, whizzed right to the side of him. “want to try again” the boy had another stone, Dareeque nodded “but this time I want you to jump in the way of the stone” Lucky smiled “ok”. It happened again, Lucky jumped in the way of the projectile and the stone swerved to miss “extraordinary” Dareeque gasped “I know, try again please” the rest of the night was spent trying to shot, punch, and stab Lucky yet by some freak accident all Dareeque’s blows missed. The prince decided that this boy was someone to keep around.
Andromache let out a deathly cry that breached the night, Sappho thru a worried glance at Theodora the midwife who simply cooed to the princess of Troy “be strong my dear, he’s almost out keep pushing”. Sappho had served the midwife her whole life but only recently had she begun her training to replace Theodora. The midwife snapped “Sappho take Andromache’s hand” the young girl obeyed without question, she gasped as the princess crushed her hand and screamed again, Hector’s muffled voice could be heard outside the door, he sound fearful as he should Sappho thought, many women died in childbirth and many died after the baby was born, and even more young didn’t make it. “Pray to the gods my brother” another muffled voice, Paris, finally dragged himself away from his lovely Helen ,Sappho thought bitterly. Andromache’s pain filled sobs brought the young girl back to realty “cry my dear cry, its almost over” the wise Theodora whispered to which the princess replied scornfully “it hurts, why have the gods done this to me” Andromache smiled “it is to even out the good times you shall have with your child” and with that the young princes of Troy left his mother and was lifted in the midwife’s arms “he is strong” Theodora breathed as she removed the last physical link with his mother before handing him to her “your son” she turned to Sappho “bring in Hector” Sappho left quickly. She found that she was facing all three princes of Troy, Hector tamer of horses, Deiphobus the second born, and Paris holder of Sappho’s heart . She longed to touch the beautifully prince but all she could do was speak “milord’s, Hector you have a son” the prince looked to the heavens thanking the gods then entered followed by his brothers brushed passed Sappho but only with Paris did it hurt, fighting tears she followed. Hector looked at his child near tears himself, but of joy not of sorrow, taking the baby in his hands he whispered “my boy, my little Astyanax” Paris smiled, his golden locks falling over his brow, Sappho begged the goddess of love to bend the prince’s heart to her, but as always there was no answer. Deiphobus laughed “he will be grate warrior I can see it” Theodora hushed him angrily “enough of that talk” Hector frowned as did Paris, Deiphobus’s words had brought back the realization that war was coming to Troy “she right, only good thoughts on this day” Hector said weakly, his baby crying was the most wonderful thing his ears were capable of hearing, he whispered again and again “my boy, my boy” Paris perked up “I will tell Helen, she will be overjoyed” Sappho thought after the prince, run back to Helen I don’t care your not even what I want, but it was a lie. Her heart burned with desire, she longed for him in every why and she was not alone. Every women in Troy would be willing to give up there husband in a moment to be with the fair prince, well most would. Sappho left when the midwife motioned for her to leave. Walking back to her room in king Priam’s palace where all the sons of Troy lived with there families she spoke aloud “I am nothing to him, all the world is his how could he love me, a girl of only 16 years and the body to show for it. Why do I even hold him in my soul so, I should give up” but she couldn’t forget the prince so easily, it was hopeless, bursting into tears Sappho ran.
The month passed without incident and before Dareeque knew it Lucky was kicking him in the ribs shouting “get up lazy” Dareeque cursed as he rolled out of his bed “what the hell, you know I don’t like the day” Lucky shook his head clearly excited “but we can see Troy” Dareeque groaned gathering his clothes and daggers. Following Lucky up to the deck and gritting his teeth as his head began to throb, the boy pointed to a long streak of sandy land on the horizon, there were massive walls visible. “Now I’m beginning to regret building those walls” Poseidon said from Dareeque’s side, the prince commented with surprise “you build the walls of Troy” Lucky looked at Dareeque squinting his eyes In confusion “no, why would you say that” the prince shook his head “no not you I was talking to Poseidon” Lucky’s eyes widened “really, where is he” Poseidon motioned to on of the sailors who immediately pointed at Lucky “you boy come help me with the oar” Lucky rushed to help forgetting all about the god. Poseidon answered after he was sure no one else would intrude “yes, Apollo and I had offended Zeus by taking the life of the Thunder Cyclops ,maker of his lighting bolts so as punishment we had to serve the king of Troy, but that was a long time ago and people have forgotten ” Dareeque asked curious “doesn’t Zeus still wield his bolts” Poseidon nodded “yes, Hephaestus makes them still but he was not as skilled a smith as the Cyclops” changing the subjected the god said “you will reach the shore within a hour, I will see to that” with that Poseidon leaped into the sea and a grate wind struck the ships from the back, within moments they were moving faster then the gulls. Herodotus shouted “get ready men, Poseidon has blessed us with his speed”. Dareeque went below the deck to his room to fetch his daggers. The prince fingered the forearm length blade, Athena appeared smiling “do not fear young prince, war is dangerous but death is sweet” Dareeque answered “I don’t fear my own death” the prince raised the knife so the goddess could see it “I fear went I drive this blade into another mans flesh that I will loss myself in death, I’ve seen what war has done to Ares and I know I am dangerously close to that edge” the goddess frowned sadly putting her glowing hand on Dareeque’s shoulder “you have killed before have you not” the prince took a step away from Athena “animals, I have killed animals, men are different. There is no truing back from that” Dareeque’s eyes narrowed “but you don’t care what happens to my mind, you want me to kill the Trojans because Paris chose Aphrodite over you, your nothing new to me goddess of war” Athena glared back and shouted “how dare you compare me to Aphrodite, I am a goddess of wisdom and guide of heroes, she has done nothing to earn the love of men” Dareeque moved quickly, his daggers draw and rushing at Athena. But the goddess was more skilled, she side stepped and thrust her spear at the prince, Athena’s eyes widened as Dareeque cot the spear head between his daggers “I will not be your hero, find another foolish mortal to bestow your blessings on” with a final scream of frustration the war goddess disappeared. Herodotus entered the room throwing a supposition look at the prince who was still holding his daggers in the air “what now, did the god try attacking you” Dareeque laughed “you wouldn’t believe me if I told you” the captain shrugged “well believe it or not I don’t give a damn, get your armor on Troy is waiting” Dareeque’s former teacher head back to the deck as the prince put on his sword and gathered his arrows, no armor and no shield.
Hector and Deiphobus fixed there horses to there chariots, they had already dressed in there glimmering armor with horses hair streaming from there helmets. “The archers are already on the beach, the will light the Greeks boats a blaze before they even land” Deiphobus boasted to his big brother, but Hector shook his head “they will land, the Greeks are a powerful enemy” Deiphobus laughed “are walls have never been breached, even if the Greeks land we will win this war” Hector had his horses ready before his little brothers, he stood on his chariot with his driver “my the gods look on you with favor my brother” Hector addressed his brother with a nodded and urged his horses out of the stable. The Trojan beach was a long stretch of beach with a temple to Apollo on the bank of the sea, behind the city were woodlands rich with game, but the true source of wealth were the waters, Hector knew that if the Greeks had it in them to stay it would be a very long war. The sails of Greek ships were visible a crossed the blue infinity, Hector rallied the army then charged toured the sea where the first Greek ship was landing.
Dareeque stood out terribly, all the warriors aboard his ship wore armor ,carried a shield, and held a spear in there right hand unlike himself who wore his blue tunic and pants and armed with only his sword and dagger, a bow slunk a crossed his back. “You are foolish, I hope the Greeks pike you” Herodotus laughed . Lucky whispered to the prince “you my have forgotten but I’m the Lucky one not you” the prince waved him away “don’t worry about it” they were the 50th ship out of 1000 to land on the shore, the archers were already dead and the temple of Apollo shacked, that left a massive mob of violence in the middle of the beach. Taking a deep breath Dareeque leaped form the ship and ran. Like the prince said so often he was fast, his strides brought him into the heart of the battle, but what now. It accrued to Dareeque that he had no idea what to do, there were men fighting all-around him, did he just jump in and stab one of them. “Your new at this game but I will be happy to instructed you” Ares seemed to rise from the ground, massive, bloody, and at that moment caring a gigantic spear and shield “there are no rules in war, you attack anything that is moving, well I lied if the crowed surrounds two fighting men then you leave them be” Dareeque was going to thank the god but he remembered that Ares was on the Trojans side, to late. The spear was out of the war gods hands and heading right at Dareeque’s chest, had not a black shield blocked the javelin Dareeque would have been skewered. Looking at his new ally the prince beheld a man as tall and big as Ares, but instead of blood stained armor this one wore armor of the blackest night. “I am Hades god of the underworld and death” and with that the gods ran at each other in a battle only Dareeque could see. Another spear flu from behind Dareeque but now the prince was ready, He jumped sideways dodging the spear and rushed his enemy. The Trojan eyes widened at the speed and deadly look of the Greek prince, in Dareeque’s mind the moment expanded and went on for eternity, his sword ripped thru the Trojan’s chest, shattering ribs and mutilating his innards, the blade protruded out his enemies back and his pain ridden scream filled Dareeque with a warm fuzzy feeling. He stood there for a long time his sword thru the Trojan whispering “this isn’t right, why do I feel good, this man is dead I shouldn’t be feeling content, I should be sick why do I feel like this” then on a primal instinct Dareeque tore his blade from the mans chest, he must have hit a artery because blood exploded everywhere, sprinkling the prince of Comisha in its sticky heat, there was no helmet to keep it off his face, nothing to protected his hands form the blood flow. Where the blood touched flesh there was a scorching that filled Dareeque, his eyesight turned to a red haze and there was nothing left of the prince.
Hector’s chariot ran Greeks down and his spears drove the life from there bodies, Hector had no love of war and he wished more then anything that he could simply stop fighting, but he was the greatest hero of Troy and the only prince who could defend his homeland for its enemies, Paris was weak and Deiphobus too moronic, Hector was the first son and heir to the Trojan throne. Another chariot rode to meet Hector, Ajax the Salaminian king. Ajax sought to fight the grand hero of Troy, he shouted his challenge “Hector tamer of horses, I am Ajax the strongest of the Greek heroes, I will be the one to stand over your dead body” Hector replied angrily “foolish king it is you who will find himself waiting for the boat man on the river Styx” Hector flung one of his spears at the Salaminian king who knocked it aside with his shield. The chariots road in circles exchanging blows with each pass. Ares would not have the heroes fighting on chariots so the god of war caused there wheels to bend and brake apart, both heroes rolled away form there ruined mounts and drew there swords. Ajax towered over the Trojan prince, his body was like a wall, it was enough to cause most men to tremble away but not the hero of Troy. Hector circled away from the giant of a man, avoiding his sword swings waiting for him to tier. Ajax moved to flank Hector but it was not to be, a group of overeager Trojans ran at the Greek king and found death on his blade, but it was enough to give Hector time to maneuver behind Ajax and strike. The king roared in pain twisting his body so that he was wounded instead of killed, but it was enough to cause worry. Hector moved to finish Ajax off, but a small shape cutting thru the ranks caused him to stop in his tracks, it was a boy but he looked so, Hector hesitated to use the words evil but that was the only way to describe him. Blood red eyes cot in the depths of madness, tangled black hair whipping around his face, and sharp teeth like some kind of predator, he held a sword in one hand and a dagger in the other and any Trojan that got in his way was immediately cut down. Hector raised his shield just in time to safe himself from the boys blow, it was amazing how strong the child was. Hector found himself stumbling, his shield cracked, Ajax stared wide-eyed at his savior. Hector stead himself only to be knocked to the ground his shield shattering, the crazed youth stood over him, his eyes burning with a bloodlust he had never seen in all his years of war, the creature stabbed at the prince of Troy and his blade only grazed his leg, Artemis had redirected the sword with a arrow. “You cant kill the prince of Troy ,go find somebody else” then the goddess took a closer look at her friend, he glared back not the person she knew before “ Dareeque?” she questioned looking eyes with him seeing the madness that dominated his being. By now Hector had rolled back to his feet holding his sword at the ready, Dareeque sifted to run at him but Artemis moved to intercepted him “your not yourself” Artemis raised her bow just incase “please if you understand go after some one else, Troy needs Hector” a voice that did not sound like Dareeque exited his mouth “this is war, do not interferer with hunt” the voice was snake like, almost a hiss, moments after speaking Dareeque attacked. Artemis was quick loosing her arrow, but the prince was just as swift knocking the shaft aside with his sword and coming at the goddess with his dagger. Artemis moved aside surprised by her friends suddenly violence, Dareeque ran passed her after the prince Hector who had managed to run a few yards. The goddess was comforted to find that Dareeque really didn’t want to hurt her but she knew that the prince still need protection. Dareeque cot up with Hector in moments but Artemis was faster, kicking the prince away from Hector. Dareeque hit the ground rolling and landing on his feet without trouble. Facing the goddess he bared his teeth in a vary animal gesture. Then a net was flung at the deranged prince from above pining him down, Artemis nodded at twisted looking man, Hephaestus the smith god “thank you half brother but I had it covered” Artemis said tonelessly to which the god laughed “I bet you did” then he spoke to the struggling prince “you can try all you want, not even Ares could get out of that net I made, believe me I tried” the smith god screeched up his face looking down at Dareeque who was gnawing and biting at the net like a animal “what do you want me to do with him Artemis” the goddess thought about her chooses, if she left him the Trojans would simply kill him but if she took him back to the Greeks they would use his reaction to blood to there advantage. “I think I have a idea” Artemis announced looking at the blood hunger prince.
Lucky had never know pain, physically or emotionally. Charging into battle without fear, his spear raised high ,shield at the ready, it was not his fault for thinking the blood shed fun, he didn’t know better, never felt what he now inflicted on his enemies. As new warriors would feel guilty fore there first kill all Lucky could think was, cool I just killed a man. Pulling the spear from his first man slain he immediately looked for another combatant, a spear missed him by inches, the youth turned to the thrower of the weapon, a large man so much larger then her, no matter I’m invincible, with that thought Lucky chucked his spear at the large man. By some unknown force his spear penetrated the shield and armor piercing his enemies heart. The moans and cries of battle filled Lucky with awe, the music of Ares. The Greeks were wining, it was evident as the mass of combat moved closer to the Trojan walls, and Lucky moved along with them shouting his battle cries. Another youth joined the killing, he cut down man after man with skill surpassing most on the battle field. Lucky took notice of this boy and smiled, children of war we are, his thoughts were interrupted as he noticed a Trojan charging the boy, Lucky jumped in front of the Trojan guarding the youth with his shield before cutting the enemies throat. Both boys exchanged a nod, then a monster of a man Achilles himself rode up to the pair demounting from his chariot “Patroclus my cousin are you alright” Lucky took a double take as realization struck him, he had just saved the greatest hero of Greece’s cousin. “I’m ok” Patroclus said slightly embarrassed by Achilles, who was now brushing the dust off him like a mother would her child. Then the hero turned to Lucky “I am forever in your debt, I will not forget this” a Greek soldier called to Achilles “milord you are need at the wall” Achilles waved the man away and mounted his chariot once again “I must be off, hurry to the wall young warriors” he called to his cousin and Lucky before storming away with dust falling behind. The two ran with other Greeks pushing there way to the wall. The Trojan walls were divide into two risings, the lower for the archers and the other for a overview of the beach, the higher rise was big enough for the whole of Troy’s citizens to watch the battle, the royalty of course had there own platform where king Priam and his queen Hecuba had personal thrones with lesser seats for there disciples. On the commoners wall Sappho looked out at the horror of war, people hacking away at each other on the sandy beaches of Troy, she thanked the gods that Paris was not down there, at the moment he sat next to Helen grasping her hand like it would fly away if he didn’t hold it down. The crowed pressed around her to see but that weren’t the only watchers. Eros son of Aphrodite and god of true love looked at the girl with pity. She had always been in love with the prince, and now that his mother had entwined Helen to Paris there was no hope, Aphrodite thought it was funny Eros just though it was sick. He brushed Sappho’s hair away from her face whispering “do not threat child, you will find love” as Eros did this he cot sight of a warrior on the field. His was young and pleasant looking, no Paris but decent, and all the archers arrows that decimated the Greek ranks did him no harm despite the absent of a gods protection. It clicked as Eros looked between the two. Speaking loudly he declared “I have found a lover for you my sweet” drawing a sliver arrow from his quiver the god of love took to the air. He aimed at Sappho’s heart and let loss his arrow, with a sudden intake of breath her eyes fell on the young boy. All thoughts of Paris left her mind, she could only wonder who this boy was. Eros then took aim at Lucky saying to himself “so that your love will not go unanswered, this arrow will not harm him so it is safe to fly” and as the god predicted his sliver arrow did not swerve off course, striking Lucky’s breast it affected him right away. Looking away from the battle his eyes meet Sappho’s, all arrows and spears missed him as he was distracted, a vary comical thing to behold. Sappho saw that there was danger in the form of a charging Trojan so she screamed to her unknown love “watch out” every one on the wall assumed she was yelling to a Trojan, but Lucky heard turning in time to gut the Trojain. Eros smiled at the two lovers before flying back to his mother. Odysseus looked around at the death, Trojans were know the world over as master archers, and with the think walls of Troy to guard them the Greeks didn’t stand a chance. The king of Ithaca called to Agamemnon, who took joy in running over Trojans with his chariot, “we have to retreat, we can not overcome there archers” Agamemnon shouted back “don’t be foolish, we will shatter there walls and burn there city to the ground” Odysseus feared that the kings bullheadedness would loss the war. Menelaus maneuvered his chariot beside his brothers speaking to him calmly despite the circumstances “my brother Odysseus is right, if we do not pull back we wont have a army to fight the war with. As it is we have the shore don’t get arrogant” any other man Agamemnon would have order to be silent, but not his quiet brother. Raising his sword to the sky the ruler called “retreat to the boats” and with that the Greeks fled. The Trojans wished to follow but Hector commanded them to halt “near the wall we have the advantage, don’t be baited by them. Into the city” the princes words were law to his warriors, they obeyed filing thru the massive Trojan gate. There would be much rejoicing in Troy that night, but for the Greeks there would be only sorrow. They all gathered back to the boats to pitch there tents in aguish, Ajax was wounded and several notable Greeks were dead or missing, including Dareeque. Yes there were riches and captured temple maidens from Apollo’s temple but that did little to ease the wounds of defeat. Lucky looked at his superiors saying to himself “tomorrow is another day”.
The boy woke up in the woods. It was night and Selene’s gentle glow illuminated the empty forest. The boy pushed himself off the ground, thou he wore nothing it didn’t bother him. He knew nothing of his life before this moment, before waking up in the moonlight in a foreign land. His only recollection was of a place faraway, it was also a forest but so much different from the one he now stood in, it was greener, less alien. This land smelled of the wild, deer roamed here, rabbits, the boy didn’t remember the animals, didn’t remember language, he didn’t remember himself , he didn’t even remember he was a person before several minutes ago. The boy walked away from his resting place, he heard the animals watching him, smelt them. A unfamiliar pain racked his stomach, he was hungry, gnashing his teeth the boy looked around quickly from something to ease the ache. He was more animal then man as he close his eyes following his nose, like a trail of mist he followed a scent. A rustle of earth told him he was spotted, compulsively the boy ran at the sound. He hit the deer bring it to the ground, tearing its throat out with his razor sharp teeth. As he ripped at the animal a thought came to him, this wasn’t right, whatever he was didn’t eat raw meat. Reluctantly the boy stopped eating the deer and stood up, blood dripping from his mouth and tainted his snow white skin. He looked at the moon, Selene’s chariot sailing thru the night sky. The boy whipped his mouth, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was missing something vary important, but the feeling passed as silently as it came. Pushing away doubt the boy lend over to eat the carcass again. When the meal was done the boy felt he was thirsty, the boy journeyed off in search of water. It was a long track but at last the boy found a creek, wading into the moving liquid he drank deeply washing all the blood away. Walking out of the creek the boy noticed a area of water unaffected by the jetting stream, in this pool he cot his reflection. His hair was long, black and unkempt, his eyes were red as the blood that once stained his mouth , his teeth were sharp like a predator. The boy slanted his head in curiosity, he knew that this face was his. Only now did the boy see that he had no clothes, and he realized that wasn’t normal. The woods didn’t judge and nether did the animals within it, the boy declared in his mind that he would be one of them, the deer he killed didn’t ware garments. The boy kicked the water scattering his face in a splash and fled the creek.
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