+Chapter 4+

 

* October 2005, Aubonne, Switzerland*

 

It was late and their house was quiet.

 

Massimo had retired a while ago and all Odysseus wanted was to snuggle with his mate. He knew that retelling this part of their story was much harder on Hector than for him. He did remember some of it, but had no real conscious memory of the moment he died or of the entire ride from the Greek camp to Hector’s refuge. He did however have a clear memory of the woman he’d then thought to be Athena.

 

A smile crossed his face at that thought and shaking his head silently he thought of Lady Heather. There were few vampires as powerful as her and sometimes he thought that his thoughts of her being a goddess weren’t that far off.

 

The ancient vampire entered the bedroom and stopped surprised, now where was Hector?

 

“It seems to become more and more usual thing that I have to find him and drag him to bed.”

 

Yet despite his slightly annoyed murmur, Odysseus wasn’t really annoyed. He knew well enough that with all that was going on, the council was busy not only monitoring the events but more often than not arguing whether or not to intervene. Hector had belonged to those that opted for staying outside the fights for a long time, but Odysseus had felt that his mate was insecure this time, it was as if Hector felt that this was more than ‘just’ clan wars, more than just a little take over event... This time things were happening that were threatening the balance in their world and Hector had spent more time than before talking with his sources whether they were in or outside the vampire community.

 

Following his instinct he walked over to the study and promptly found his mate sitting behind the large wooden desk, speaking on the phone. Hector looked up and smiled but immediately concentrated on the person on the other side again.

 

“No, really I appreciate the heads up... Well I guess it will stir quite a reaction especially in the region... “

 

Odysseus frowned at these words and sat down in the chair opposite his mate. Hector noted something down and shoved the notepad over to him.

 

‘Fernando, sell his company, talks with investment banks’

 

Now the words made a lot more sense and Odysseus nodded in order to show he’d understood. Hector on the other hand, interrupted his phone conversation.

 

“Fernando, Odysseus just came in, you mind if I put you on speaker?”

 

The other man apparently didn’t and soon the slightly accented voice of the Swiss greeted Odysseus.

 

“What did Hector just tell me? Selling again?”

 

The vampire on the other line gave a deep sigh and with a slightly frustrated voice answered the unvoiced question.

 

“Not as if I want to, but it’s better now, when I have an excuse than in five, ten years when suddenly someone realizes that I look too young.”

 

It was a constant problem of them, but unlike many of their community Fernando had to hide from more than suspicious co workers. The Swiss lived his life very publicly and thus had to be much more careful.

 

“You do realize that every one will slag you off for selling because you want to go sailing and enjoy your life.”

 

Hector sent a reproachful glare towards his mate at the good natured ribbing and returned to business.

 

“Who will buy this time?”

 

The question was met with silence and the two mates looked at each other grinning. Ernesto wouldn’t answer, had never answered so far and accepting the silence, Hector advised him to contact Jack McCoy.

 

“He’s Sylum’s legal adviser.”

 

Fernando’s chuckle was slightly pained.

 

“Yes and he is also a specialist for punitive law... Don’t worry Hector I will contact Sylum, but please leave Jack out of the deal. For once I want this to be over and done without any arrests.”

 

The two agreed with a light laugh, remembering the previous sales and after a few pleasantries Hector put the phone down and looked at his mate.

 

“So he’ll be sailing full time for a while.”

 

Odysseus grinned and silently wondered what it would take to make Warrick take part in the America’s cup too. But before he could even finish the thought Hector looked at him.

 

“Don’t even think about it. Nick would kill you.”

 

Odysseus laughed but the laughter quickly turned into a moan, when Hector walked up behind him nuzzling in his neck.

 

“Let’s go to bed”

 

Now who was he to argue with such a proposal?

 

----

 

*Around 1200 BC, Troy*

 

Hector had been right, Odysseus mused as he watched the fight from afar. It was hell to watch this war and not being able to do anything. Nepththys had tried to make them leave, had promised that she would watch over those they left behind, but neither Odysseus nor Hector could leave.

 

At first he had not understood why his mate couldn’t leave, had wanted to leave these cursed shores and sail back to say good bye to his family. But then he had followed Hector to his look out and had for the first time watched the battle from afar. He had seen Achilles fight and suddenly understood why.

 

Dead or not, Hector had been right.

 

It was not their fight anymore, but it was still their friends fighting down there.

 

“I wish my brother were not this stubborn.”

 

Odysseus felt the deep sorrow that Hector felt as he watched Paris fight from afar and their eyes locked. It still was new to him, this feeling of completeness he had whenever he looked at his mate. Sighing lightly he caressed the angular face and turned to watch the battle again.

 

“I don’t understand, how can he deny it? How can he go against the pull of the bond?”

 

It really was inconceivable for him, he had not been a vampire and he had felt the connection. Hector had suffered from being apart from him, had hurt knowing that he was going to fight against his mate. And there, there was Paris standing at the top of Troy’s walls, his bow raised, and an arrow quivering only waiting to find his target.

 

Achilles

 

His target, his mate...

 

Odysseus watched with something like a sick fascination as the arrow left the bow, and flew towards the Greek hero. He felt his mate tensing next to him as the arrow found its target and easily bounced off the warrior’s armor.

 

Everything seemed to slow down as one by one the other fighters stopped, turned. It was almost as if time had slowed down, as if the gods had made the world move deliberately, Odysseus watched in horror as  saw the second arrow being launched, saw Paris release it from the bow, saw it fly towards his friend and fall uselessly to the ground. Paris’ face was contorted with fury as he launched the third arrow and Odysseus felt his mate tense next to him.

 

Before he could wonder about the sudden tension in the strong body, the impossible happened. Achilles’ armor was impregnable, it was the creation of Hephaestus himself and yet the third arrow sent from the Trojan walls towards the Greek warrior did the unthinkable. Odysseus gasped as he saw Achilles clutch at his chest in pain and fall to his knees.

 

“No”

 

He felt Hector’s shock and knew that their emotions mirrored each other, shock and pain mingled in their bond and they stared disbelieving at the fallen hero.

 

“Paris you fool”

 

It hurt to hear the pain in Hector’s voice and instinctively Odysseus reached out and drew his mate against his body, shielding him from the pain as the Trojan’s erupted in cheers for their prince’s masterful shot.

 

“Nephthys”

 

And he knew that she wasn’t Athena, knew that she was not a goddess but a vampire and yet as he saw her ride through the ranks of Greek warriors, a golden shield in her hand blazing in the sun, it was hard to believe that she was just like him.

 

Odysseus felt Hector tense as the slender vampire got off her carriage and stepped over to the fallen hero.

 

“Be safe”

 

The words were murmured lightly and he realized that his mate was afraid for Nephthys’ safety.

 

“She will be”

 

He didn’t know why he knew, but the knowledge was there and with a soft smile his mate looked at him. There was wisdom in those dark eyes and for a moment he was confused, then though he pushed the thought away and watched in awe as the dark haired vampire lifted the fallen hero as if he weighed nothing and with her dark hair blazing in the wind took off, her horses running fast towards the mountains.

 

“What now?”

 

He saw the sadness in Hector’s eyes and understood what his mate didn’t say.

 

“You will turn him.”

 

Hector nodded silently and Odysseus marveled at the twists and turns of fate that

 

“I am at your side Hector and whatever you do; we will see it through together.”

 

The simple words were enough and he felt relieved when the tension in the strong back lessened. When Achilles had talked to him about the concept of mates, it had sounded very unreal and theoretical, but now, now that he was bonded to Hector, he understood that there was no theory behind, no concept but reality.

 

He felt closer to his lover and mate than he had ever felt to another person and as his eyes followed the carriage he wondered how Paris could shoot the one he was destined for.

 

Nephthys stopped right next to the entrance to their refuge and Hector was immediately there, helping her carry the unconscious warrior towards one of the rooms. Gently she lay him down onto a cot and looked up, her dark wise eyes sweeping over the room and resting on the two vampires.

 

“He will die, I cannot save him.”

 

He had known when he had seen Achilles fall, but to hear it from Nephthys made it some how so incredible real and it hurt him to see the body of the fallen friend writhing in unconscious pain. Without thinking he walked over and kneeled down next to Achilles.

 

“Achilles can you hear me?”

 

The lids of his friend’s eyes fluttered faintly at the words, and with an aching heart Odysseus grasped the cold hand, lifted it slowly and pressed it against his heart. Hector kneeled next to him and covered their bound hands with his own.

 

“You know what we are and you know what we can offer you. But I need your consent.”

 

Again Achilles fought to open his eyes and again he was too weak. It broke Odysseus’ heart to see the once mighty warrior so fragile and one lone tear fell onto their entwined hands.

 

“Please do it”

 

The few words seemed to take the last of Achilles’ strength and with a worried look; Hector leaned down and kissed the dying man’s forehead.

 

“You have my word”

 

For a moment, Hector turned around and their eyes met. Odysseus saw the question in the dark depths of his mate’s eyes saw it and understood that Hector was asking for his approval.

 

It is a large responsibility to turn someone. Once done, you are responsible for that vampire, responsible to ensure his survival and prepared to take the last step if necessary.

 

Nephthys had told him that once not too long ago, when he’d asked her about a sire’s responsibility. Her eyes had been dark as she had spoken about the last step and he had realized that she had had to take this last step and that she had not taken it lightly.

 

And he understood now, that this responsibility would be his and Hector’s if his mate turned Achilles. Smiling lightly, he nodded and carefully touched his lover’s hand, linked them physically as his mate leaned down and gently started draining the Greek warrior.

 

He didn’t remember much of his own turning but this time he felt and saw everything, felt the surge of warmth, the calming emotions that his mate sent while he drained Achilles, saw the painful shivers that wracked Achilles as he died and his body started to transform. They both soothed the trembling man until he fell back exhausted, his body cold and still shivering with the aftermath of the ordeal it had gone through.

 

“He will need this when he wakes.”

 

Nephthys had silently entered the room and brought a cup of blood and a bowl of scented water with her. Gently she put both down next to them and left as quietly as she had come.

 

“What do we do now?”

 

Odysseus could hear his own insecurity in the slight tremor of his voice and for a second hated himself for it. Then soft arms came around his body and he felt the same shivers running through his mate. Looking up he saw his own insecurities and fears mirrored there.

 

“Now we wait.”

 

They sat close and waited, time seemed to move very slowly and more than once, Odysseus was close to ask his mate if something had gone wrong with the turning. It hit him then, how painful, how lonely and how scary his own turning had to have been for Hector and instinctively he moved closer to his lover.

 

“I’m sorry for putting you through this.”

 

Surprised Hector stared at his mate and Odysseus felt himself blush, then though the older vampire smiled and tenderly kissed his lips.

 

“It was hard to watch you die, but I knew that I would gain you for eternity.”

 

“Saps”

 

Achilles voice was raspy and his body shivered but his eyes sparkled with mirth and life. Odysseus closed his eyes thanking the Gods for granting his friend the gift of eternity and slowly the two vampires started teach their new childe his first lesson.

 

---

 

* October 2005, Aubonne, Switzerland*

 

Hector woke slowly and in the first moment felt disoriented. The dream had been so real that he just lay there and wondered if he really was awake now. Slowly though the clouds around his mind lifted and he turned around noticing the moon that shone through the open window into the room and he sighed.

 

He hadn’t dreamt of Achilles’ turning for a long time now, and it was even longer since the dreams had been as vivid as this one had been. Maybe it was the retelling of the story that had caused those long dead memories to wake once again, but something told Hector that it was more.

 

Silently as not to wake Odysseus he got up and walked to the window, opened it and breathed deeply. Not that it was needed, he thought with a smile, but the freshness of the cold night made him feel more alert and more in touch with himself than before. Still the feeling that there was something he should know and didn’t was there, and he leaned against the wooden frame of the window staring outside.

 

In the first glance, the landscape looked dark, grey in grey the houses mere shadows against the darker ground and his eyes swept over the lake which shimmered darkly in the faint moonlight. Finally though his gaze rested on the dark almost threatening shadows of the mountains that framed the lake to its southern side. It had been those mountains that had drawn him to this place and as so often before they gave him a feeling of security now, the knowledge that those mountains had been here before him and would still be there even if he were to die one day.

 

A faint breeze was blowing from the lake bringing cold air from the already snow capped peaks with it and Hector shivered lightly when the soft caress of the wind brought another ancient memory with it.

 

‘Do you feel it brother? Do you feel the change in the wind? Do you feel the destruction and death that it brings with it?’

 

Dyanreya had spoken those words to him the night before he’d died. His youngest sister had been given the gift of foresight like his mother had been blessed with, but more often than not had she been laughed at instead of believed. In the end she had seen her unique ability as a curse and not a gift and had prayed that none of her children were to inherit it.

 

‘I see things Uncle, things that I do not understand, things that frighten me.’

 

Five year old Cassandra’s voice rang in his memory as if he had spoken to her only yesterday. The youngest daughter of the youngest daughter of Priam had inherited the gift from her mother and it had been him who had told her what those things were that she saw and it had been him who had spoken up when the adults had not believed her.

 

Why did the memory of her raise now?

 

‘Empires are not built to last, they are destined to fall.’

 

Another thing that had seemed so wrong coming from an only ten year old child, a child who should not have known about empires or destiny and yet saw things that others would never understand. It had shocked him then, when he had heard it and yet years later a thousand year old vampire had told him the same and he had believed her.

 

Still staring outside, but neither seeing the mountains nor the lake Hector wondered what those memories wanted to tell him. He had learned to listen to his dreams, to read his memories and he knew that it was not by chance that he had dreamt of Achilles this night.

 

Achilles who he had turned and who had died even before Troy fell. Achilles who had loved his brother despite his faults and who had given Paris a couple of months of true happiness before the prince’s past had caught up with them in the one last fatal clash.

 

Cassandra had known about it, Hector mused and when he had seen her for the last time before Troy was destroyed in flames, she had told him that it was alright to mourn, but that one day he would meet his friend again.

 

‘There are things which are veiled from my eyes, but that much I see. A descendant of Achilles will return and then this circle of hatred and violence will come to an end.’

 

A descendant of Achilles had returned and without wanting it he had set things in motion, like the butterfly in Japan that caused a hurricane in Miami. Everything was connected. Was now the time for it all to come to an end?

 

“What are you thinking so hard?”

 

Strong arms around his body and he shivered as he suddenly realized how cold he had become. Sighing with bliss he leaned against his mate letting the other vampire support him.

 

“Cassandra and Achilles and how everything is connected.”

 

Odysseus slowly turned him around and looked into his eyes, one hand reaching out he brushed over the dark hair and Hector smiled as his mate dragged him back to bed.

 

“You’re thinking of Rusty again.”

 

Of course his mate would have understood his real fear and so he nodded.

 

“The timing... the way he was turned... it’s scaring me.”

 

He hadn’t reacted like this when he had met Tristan and he could see that his mate was worried.

 

“What is so different about Rusty? I mean you reacted strongly to Tristan, but I have never seen you like this.”

 

Hector had sworn that he would wait for Methos’ research results, but as he heard Odysseus’ question he knew that his mate had picked up that something was on and turning to look silently in those green eyes that were a part of his eternity, he spoke those words he feared to be true.

 

“He might be the real descendant.”

 

The real descendant, the one who had not only Achilles but also his blood in his veins, the one who was destined to bring an end to the circle of violence and hatred which had been started when Patroclus had stabbed Hector on the fields before the walls of Troy.

 

---

 

+Chapter 5+

 

* October 2005, Aubonne, Switzerland*

 

“I’m confused now.”

 

Hector smiled as Massimo frowned and waited for the historian to ask his questions.

 

“Paris killed Achilles, but didn’t you say before that it was Patroclus who caused you to turn Achilles?”

 

“He was but at that time we didn’t know and of course neither did Paris. Patroclus had been charged to take care of Achilles armour, but instead of using the salve that would keep it smooth and impregnable; he put it into salt water thus weakening it. When Achilles wore it to his last battle he was destined to die, but not even Patroclus could have envisioned that his plan would work so perfectly.

 

Achilles had pushed him away, had chosen Paris over him and now he had fallen from the arrow of the one he loved.”

 

Odysseus spoke softly, but Hector felt the anger and hatred in his mates voice, heard the still lingering rage and he knew that few humans would ever understand how the thirst for revenge could still linger on even after almost 3000 years. And yet Hector felt the same, felt the same desire to find Patroclus and bring him the justice he deserved, but Cassandra’s words came back to him and he sighed lightly.

 

It wasn’t time yet.

 

He hadn’t returned.

 

“So, you turned Achilles and then?”

 

“We waited for another five years. The Greek had finished the horse, but Agamemnon did not believe in Odysseus’ plan and so he just let it stand there.”

 

It was yet another thing that humans didn’t understand. For Hector and Odysseus time had become fluent, the term long in connection with it had stretched. Human lives were so short, that five years seemed to be a long time, for a vampire though five years were nothing.

 

“What changed after five years?”

 

Odysseus looked at his mate and saw how the memory pained him, outwardly Hector was calm, but there was an ache in his eyes and a shiver ran through him. Sighing lightly Odysseus answered Massimo’s question.

 

“Before we all set sail to the shores of Troy, Nestor had gone to see the Oracle of Delphi and to receive prophesy for the war.”

 

“If those that see war for the first time have become seasoned warriors, you will have to seek the son of the one who has paid the ultimate price. He will be able to break the walls and yet he will need the mind of another for it.”

 

Hector spoke the words that had been etched into his memory and with a shiver he looked at the Italian.

 

“When Achilles’ son turned twenty, he joined the Greek camp. He was the son of the one who had paid the ultimate price and it was him who convinced Agamemnon to use the horse to breach the walls of Troy.”

 

“And you had to watch it without being able to help?”

 

Hector smiled but there was a lot of pain in the smile.

 

“I had no right to protect the city anymore, but I went to see it one last time on the evening before it would burn. I could not prevent Troy’s walls from falling, but I could guard its most precious treasure.”

 

Massimo made the connection immediately.

 

“The Palladium, the talisman of Troy”

 

---

 

*Around 1200 BC, Troy*

 

“Let me join you”

 

Hector looked up sharply as his childe stood next to him, dressed all in black cloths just like he was. Achilles’ eyes were determined, but there was a desperate plea too and against his mind, his heart melted and after a second Hector nodded.

 

He knew why Achilles was so desperate to join him on this quest into the city, knew that the other vampire was afraid to lose his mate in the course of the destruction of Troy.

 

“Join me then.”

 

His tone said everything and he saw how a bit of the light in Achilles eyes died at the thought that Paris still refused to acknowledge the bond between them. The prince of Troy had visited them once, but the relationship between him and Hector was strained. Paris could not understand how Hector had been able to bond with a Greek man and straight out refused to even talk to Achilles.

 

Hector had seen how his childe suffered from the treatment and had tried to talk with his brother, but it had only ended in another fight and this time Paris had uttered words that had made Hector recoil in shock.

 

You’re nothing but a traitor Hector; you don’t deserve the honour of carrying the sword of Troy.

 

Pain had cut through him at those words and feeling his turmoil, Odysseus had walked over and told Paris to leave and not come back unless it was to apologize.

 

Your brother fought in this war, Paris and he died for this city. This is much more than you can say.

 

Paris had left and had not returned.

 

It hurt, had hurt not only him but Achilles and it were those thoughts that made him understand why the vampire needed to be with him. Looking at his mate, he saw the understanding in Odysseus’ eyes and quickly walked over to the other man.

 

“Don’t be away too long”

 

He felt his mate’s worry through the bond and calmly looked at him. He didn’t see any danger in what he was about to do, it was his city no matter what was about to happen, this night it still was his city.

 

“How will we get inside?”

 

Achilles’ eyes were huge as he showed him the secret pathway into the city and with a quirky smile he chuckled.

 

“Would have made it easier for the Greek, if we had known this before.”

 

It made him smile a bit, how Achilles once said ‘the Greek’ and yet still used the ‘we’ when he continued. Hector had been there too, or still was... no longer a Trojan and yet in his heart still attached to his country and his city.

 

“Which is why we would never tell anyone outside the ruling family about this?”

 

Yet another secret and promise that he was about to break. His heart was heavy when he thought of his decision, but he knew that the palladium would not be safe in Paris’ hands. His brother’s very nature would endanger it. Hector had talked with Nephthys about it and her eyes had fixed him steadily before she had slowly spoken words that had sounded achingly familiar.

 

One world will fall to make way for another to rise and the son of beauty will have to leave and find new shores and he will find it where no one dared to go and a new world will rise protected by the magic of the old..

 

Cassandra... the young girl had once asked him why Aeneas was called the son of beauty and as he had explained to her, she had been silent for a long time. He had put his arm around her shoulders and asked her what was wrong. Her eyes had been too old for a six year old when she had looked at him and silently said:

 

I see him leaving the city, running from flames and he’s carrying a statue of stone.

 

Hector had frozen all those years back and today he had heard another being speak similar words and he knew that the palladium’s strength would not protect Troy this time and yet it was a relief to know that the powerful item would not be lost.

 

“My brother’s rooms are on the third floor, there is a secret door from the gardens on the pavilion.”

 

He spoke silently as he pointed at the rooms where Paris lived. Turning around he looked at his childe and wrapped his arms around him. He felt the tension in Achilles and suddenly knew that he would not see the other vampire again should Paris refuse to mate with him. Some part in him rebelled against the thought, but he understood the other man.

 

“Come back to us, both of you”

 

Achilles’ eyes were full of sadness and longing as he answered silently.

 

“I will try”

 

He watched him leave; saw how he silently moved through the shadows and his heart ached for the other. He had almost lost Odysseus and he had thought the pain would kill him, how much worse must the hurt be for the Greek.

 

To be denied by one’s mate...

 

A shiver ran through Hector at the thought when warmth suddenly flooded him as his own mate reacted to his distress. For a moment he allowed himself to feel the love and longing through the bond, then though he turned around and moved through the dark city.

 

No one was out on the streets, the faint glow from the lit houses was all the light he needed and a sharp pain cursed through him as he realized that this was the last time he would walk those streets that the same houses he used as cover now would burn tomorrow night.

 

The pathway into the crypt was guarded by two of Troy’s best soldiers and Hector smiled as he recognized one of them. Longing cursed through him, longing for the friends he had found while commanding the army of Troy, but even worse longing for his family. He hadn’t seen his father or his brothers apart from Paris for many years, had never seen Andromache since his death or Astanyax her son, his descendant. And yet he didn’t have the time to see them, to warn them nor did he have the right.

 

Taking a deep breath, he walked towards the fountain and ensuring that no one saw him, opened the secret pathway to the crypt. His father had shown him the way when he had turned eighteen and he in turn had shown it his own son when he had become an adult.

 

Standing in the place where Troy’s power lay, he kneeled down and bent his head.

 

“Forgive me for what I am about to do.”

 

He knew that it was somehow destined and yet, he couldn’t prevent the feeling that he was betraying his city and the goddess somehow. Slowly walking past the candles he stepped over and lifted the tiny statue from its resting place. It was light, he thought surprised at how an item so powerful could be so easy to pick up. Carrying carefully back across the waters surrounding the altar he looked back and felt the emptiness of the place sink into him.

 

What would his father think if he came down tomorrow and saw that the palladium was gone?

 

Another thought made him heart clench... would in the end the missing talisman and not the wooden horse be the reason for Troy’s destruction?

 

Would it be him, who destroyed the golden city?

 

“Take it and bring it to safety my son”

 

Hector froze at the words and slowly as if in a dream he turned around.

 

His father had aged in the years he hadn’t seen him, but there was still strength in his voice and wisdom in his eyes.

 

“The goddess spoke to me tonight and I followed her.”

 

Slowly Hector reached out and caressed his father’s face.

 

“Father”

 

Priam took his son’s hand in his and Hector could see the tears in the gentle eyes.

 

“I always knew that you were blessed by the gods my son. Troy will fade into nothingness soon, and so I ask only this, bring it to safety, bring it to a place where no one will find it.”

 

Surprised at the request, Hector stared at his father.

 

“No one?”

 

The hand which reached out for him was trembling with age, but there was still surprising strength in Priam’s grip as he held onto Hector’s hand.

 

“No one shall ever yield this weapon again; no city shall ever be protected by it. For as much as it protects the city as much it will destroy it in the end.”

 

Shocked Hector stared at his father’s face as the trembling fingers moved over the marble figure.

 

“Give it back to the gods, Hector; no city shall ever suffer as we had to.”

 

He watched him leave, knowing that he would never see him again and once more the pain of the knowledge almost drove him to his knees. Leaving the crypt he did not look back, his mind on the words his father had spoken and yet as he looked at the marble goddess in his arms, he knew that he could not destroy it or give it back to the gods.

 

Troy could not be saved from its fate, but maybe it could be reborn from the ashes thanks to the talisman in his arms. The thought soothed some of his pain and with one last look at the palace he moved back into the shadows towards Aeneas house.

 

---

 

* October 2005, Aubonne, Switzerland*

 

“I should have destroyed it.”

 

Odysseus felt Hector’s guilt and shook his head.

 

“You couldn’t know what would happen; you couldn’t know that Patroclus was after the talisman.”

 

But he knew that nothing he said would make Hector take a different view, and so he just drew his mate against his body and let him rest.

 

“Why did your father want it destroyed?”

 

Hector looked at Massimo and Odysseus saw the pain that the question rose and wanted to shush the Italian when his mate spoke again.

 

“Because he knew that Agamemnon had not sailed to our shores to recapture Helena, he wanted the palladium.”

 

Massimo looked at the two vampires and something suddenly made him shake his head.

 

“You know the warning your father gave you reminds me of Lord of the Rings...”

 

Hector smiled tiredly, but he shook his head.

 

“That really is a myth, Tolkien was a chosen one, but as far as I know the story it never happened.”

 

Massimo saw how his question had relaxed the tense vampire and the look that Odysseus sent him was full of thanks. And yet the Italian knew enough of the Iliad to know that the next part of their story would be the hardest to tell for Hector. Bracing himself he waited for the dark haired vampire to continue his story, when Hector instead got up and walked out of the room. Confused Massimo looked at Odysseus and saw the smile that played around the Greek’s lips.

 

“He’s not trying to avoid this part of the story, but he really has a meeting.”

 

As if on cue, Hector returned and Odysseus looked at him appreciating.

 

“You look good enough to eat.”

 

Massimo wasn’t sure about the eating part, but he had to admit, that Hector looked good. He was wearing a dark, well cut suit and a white shirt with a grey-silver tie. In his hand he carried a leather suitcase and a Burberry coat. The ancient vampire looked every inch like a successful manager.

 

“Take care”

 

Odysseus quickly brushed his hand over his mate’s face and then pressed their foreheads together. It was their ritual greeting and good-bye. Then turning back to Massimo, Odysseus’ green eyes flashed with the memories of that night and a shiver raced through the slender vampire before he started talking.

 

“It was hell on earth.”

 

---

 

*Around 1200 BC, Troy*

 

He stood on top of a hill to watch a city fall, to watch an empire burn...

 

Odysseus had never understood what drove kings to war, had never desired anything but a quiet life on his island and with his family. And yet everything had now turned out different.

 

Somehow he knew that although he had been turned over five years ago, it still hadn’t sunk in. Maybe it was because as long as this war lasted they were trapped here just as he would have been trapped had he still been alive. A part in him knew that after this night both he and Hector would be free from Troy and yet his heart ached for his mate.

 

The burning city was glowing against the dark sky, the smoke from the houses covered all stars almost as if the atrocities committed in the city were to stay hidden and never be uncovered by the gods. He shivered and walked over towards his mate. Hector’s pain was tangible in the way he sat rigid, unmoving... He had been like this for hours now and Odysseus felt fear grow in him as he looked at the other half of his soul.

 

Would his mate ever be able to forgive him?

 

He knew that in the end it was his idea, his horse... A shiver went through him and tentatively he put a hand on Hector’s shoulder. His mate jerked away harshly and Odysseus felt the rejection like a blow to his face. Without looking at him, Hector jumped up and started pacing.

 

“I need to go down there.”

 

Fear hit him, fear of what could happen to his beloved, to the other part of his soul, if Hector went into the burning city. A need to help and be with his mate made him shudder almost painfully and he looked at him although he didn’t dare to touch him.

 

“Let me join you”

 

Hector looked up and there was so much pain in his eyes that Odysseus wanted to cry and curse the Gods for putting this man through this.

 

“It’s my city...”

 

This time Odysseus didn’t even try to hide the flinch at the answer and yet his mate’s pain screamed at him and slowly he reached out once more. Holding himself completely still, Hector allowed the touch nothing more, but at least he didn’t move away.

 

“And you are my mate”

 

Or at least Odysseus hope that Hector still felt like that... He knew that their bond could not be broken, but still he feared that the destruction of Troy would open an unbridgeable gap between them. A shiver went through him at the thought of living for eternity next to Hector without a chance of his love being returned...

 

The idea terrified him and without thinking he removed his hand from Hector’s shoulder or at least tried to remove it, when Hector stopped him. Surprised he looked at his mate, but before he could say anything, Hector pulled him towards his body and pressed him close.

 

“Sorry”

 

Just one word mumbled over and over again against his chest while Hector’s body shook with sobs until Odysseus, touched his face and looked at him.

 

“It’s ok... You don’t have anything to be sorry for.”

 

But Hector shivered and reached out to hold onto Odysseus’ hand, still holding onto his mate desperately. Odysseus heard how his mate mumbled sorry over and over again and his heart broke as he saw the despair in those dark eyes looking up at him.

 

“I promised to never hold this against you.”

 

He looked at the red glow in the sky, the flickering of the flames that illuminated the night.

 

“But I did”

 

Did not do... He felt his heart grow light again, understanding his mate and feeling the love through their bond. Looking back at the burning city, Odysseus shivered at the cries and the smell of blood and closing his eyes he felt Hector’s eyes on him.

 

“Let’s go down there...”

 

At Hector’s surprised look he caressed his mate’s face gently.

 

“You might have lost the right to protect your city, but no man can lose the right to protect his family.”

 

Hector’s eyes glowed as he looked at his mate and with an almost feral growl he turned around and walked towards his horse. Odysseus followed slowly still not sure if it was a good idea for them to go down to the city, but not having the heart to hold Hector back.

 

---

 

+ Chapter 6 +

 

* October 2005, Aubonne, Switzerland*

 

They sat outside on the terrace and enjoyed the sun. Summer had been miserable in Switzerland, raining almost all weeks the monotony only broken by a couple of thunderstorms and the accompanying floods.

 

October though was beautiful, almost as if the weather god’s wanted to make up for what they had put the country through during the last couple of months. It was the time of the grapes being gathered and wine festivals were held all around the lake. On a calm, clear autumn day like this one, they could see as far as Evian from their garden and further still over to the French Alps, the snow white peaks guarding the edges of the Lake from its Eastern side only to smooth out towards the West. It was fitting, Hector mused as he once more drew strength and calm from the majestic setting of his home, fitting that the mountains which guarded the lake would gentle and flatten the closer they came to Geneva.

 

As mountainous and rugged the country was on the Eastern part of the lake as smooth and elegant was the city that lay on its Western border.

 

“How did your suit meeting go?”

 

He grinned at the term, that Odysseus used and shrugged.

 

“Ok, nothing that should concern us much...”

 

The suit-meeting as his mate called it was a weekly meeting with the CEOs of the five largest financial services institutes. The managers were not chosen ones in the normal sense of the word, but knew about vampires and worked with the council on a consultancy base. It was unusual for the council to take an active approach in dealings with the ‘normal’ world as this was what the clans were there for. However as Nick had once told Hector pretty clearly.

 

‘Most of the clans are run by people that have a life next to it, we don’t have time to baby some CEOs.’

 

The sentiment had been supported by the other clan leaders, who agreed that given their limited time, the rapid change of the economy and the fact that the council was situated near Geneva where some of the major international organisations had their base had led to the council dealing with all issues relating to global economical issues.

 

Not all had been happy, neither Dumbledore nor Merlin felt that they were capable of dealing with those issues where as Methos and Spartacus simply said that unless they wanted to elect new managers every week, they’d better not be assigned to the task.

 

Hector on the other hand loved dealing with both the people and the issues had always been drawn towards business and economics. Further more his entire personality came across as both respectful and strong so that he never had any issues with the attitude of some of the more arrogant managers.

 

“What’s wrong then?”

 

His mate knew him only too well and with a deep sigh, he handed Odysseus a photo. His mate paled and shivered lightly.

 

“Max Kohler called me; they found him in his lab. He was one of their major scientists.”

 

Odysseus saw the deep concern in his mate’s eyes shivered again as he looked at the dead scientist. The CERN was one of the major think tanks in the world and an attack like this made him uneasy. But what made him even more anxious was the branding that was scorched across the nude body.

 

‘Illuminate’

 

“I told Max to contact Robert and Galileo, they’re better with this than we are.”

 

Robert Langdon was one of the leading historians and symbolist for a reason, he had been there when the symbols and statues had been created where as Galileo had indeed once been a part of the Illuminate, once. Nodding sombrely, Odysseus acknowledged Hector’s comment and when he was honest he was glad that they had been able to hand this over to someone else.

 

Sometimes, Odysseus mused it was good to be on the council.

 

“You do look good in a suit.”

 

Hector grinned at the comment and leaning over towards his mate, he growled quietly.

 

“You think so?”

 

Green eyes lit up with passion at the growl and running his hand over his mate’s neck, Odysseus drew Hector against him and the dark haired vampire went only too willingly. He hadn’t been there when Odysseus had told Massimo about the night when Troy had been destroyed but he had felt the pain through the bond, the pain of remembering that night where they had almost lost each other.

 

“I need you.”

 

He wasn’t surprised at the dark hunger in Odysseus’ eyes and leading his mate towards their bedroom he opened himself up to their bond and their love. The possessiveness that flowed through their connection told him all he needed to know and as Odysseus stripped him and then claimed him, Hector surrendered any control he had, arching into the trusts of his mate, offering his neck and his love.

 

The moment when Odysseus bit him, Hector screamed and the bond flared even higher.

 

---

 

*Around 1200 BC, Troy*

 

“Hector”

 

Fear cursed through Odysseus as he stood in the middle of the debris and looked around in the chaos of fire and destruction that had once been the Golden City of Troy. The screams of those injured echoed from the walls and mingled with the pleas of the women that were raped right on the streets and the sound of the houses burning down.

 

The smell of blood and ashes saturated the air made him shiver and once again he looked around desperately.

 

Where was his mate?

 

“Hector, where are you?”

 

A shiver ran through him despite the burning heat of the fires all around him. He couldn’t feel the other vampire through their bond, could feel anything and all he knew was that Hector still had to be alive.

 

If he weren’t then well he wouldn’t be either.

 

It had all gone well until they had walked past a burning house and a scream had sounded from one of the rooms. Hector had stopped as if he had been hit and stared at the house in horror.

 

“Aeneas”

 

The word had been a pained whisper and as Odysseus had reached out towards him, Hector had turned and grasped his hand. His eyes had been full of pain and sadness as he had reached out and caressed Odysseus’ face. Something in Odysseus had cried out at the gesture, it had been painfully close to a good bye and the thought had made him shiver.

 

“Hector, what?”

 

Once again, his mate had looked at him and grasped his hand.

 

“I am sorry.”

 

And just like that Hector had run towards the burning house.

 

“No”

 

Odysseus’ scream had drowned in the cacophony of all other screams and noises, but for him everything had faded into the background as he had stood there frozen for a moment before he had finally found his ability to move again, yet just as he had been about to follow Hector the house had collapsed and instinctively he had jumped back.

 

And now he stood in the middle of the burning rubble that had once been a stately home pushing the burning wood away with his bare hands, desperately searching for his mate, for the one person to complete his soul. He could not lose Hector; he had to find him...

 

Pain raced through him and made him almost double over, when suddenly strong hands supported him, held him upright and a soothing voice murmured in his ear.

 

“Concentrate on the pain, on the bond... let it lead you to him...”

 

Surprised he stared at the dark haired man who looked at him calmly and still holding him continued to speak.

 

“Imagine your bond as a rope tying you and Hector together... close your eyes and feel it...”

 

Without thinking Odysseus did what the stranger told him to do and immediately the pain intensified, flared and made him scream, but at the same time he felt a pull and without opening his eyes he followed the sensation, felt the strong hands on his back guiding him through the flames until he crumbled suddenly the pain too bad, too intense to bear.

 

“You’ve done well...”

 

Shocked Odysseus opened his eyes and saw how the stranger bent down to move the burning remains away, at first he thought he was dreaming, but then he saw the hand move and reached out trembling to grasp his mate’s hand. The stranger reached out too and together they tore Hector from the rubble and then his mate was in his arms again and Odysseus pressed him against his body and savoured the closeness.

 

“I’m sorry”

 

The pained whisper made him shiver, but before he could answer, the stranger touched Hector’s shoulder gently, but firmly.

 

“You need to leave this city; you should have never come here.”

 

Odysseus felt his mate tense against him, but as Hector looked up there was a mix of joy and pain in the dark eyes.

 

“Daniel”

 

So this was Daniel, the sire of his mate. Odysseus looked at the older vampire with something akin to awe and realized that nothing could have prepared him for the presence of the ancient being. Daniel looked at him and then back at Hector.

 

“You have lost too much blood, you can’t remain here.”

 

But Hector desperately clutched at Odysseus’s arm as Daniel tried to bring him to safety. Feeling his mate’s exhaustion and pain, Odysseus caressed the bloodied cheek.

 

“Go, I will look for your family.”

 

Gratitude showed in the dark eyes, that met his own and the same feeling flowed through their bond replacing the fear and the pain from before. Once more he leaned in and kissed his mate’s forehead.

 

“I will bring them to safety.”

 

Daniel looked at him and nodded approvingly, before he lifted Hector up as if the strong vampire didn’t weight more than a child. Hector’s eyes searched and found Odysseus and held on until Daniel turned around a corner. Odysseus felt a shiver running through his body, only now did it really understand how close he had been to lose his mate...

 

‘I will find your family’

 

Turning towards the palace his hope to find his mate’s family faltered at the flames that burst out of the windows and the screams he heard from every part of the once proud house. Walking carefully, obscuring his face to both protect his face from the smoke and from getting recognized by his former comrades in arms, Odysseus made his way towards the lower level of the tall building. Entering through one of the holes that the Greek had torn into the walls his eyes fell onto the slain body of King Priam and he turned his eyes away from the sight of his mate’s dead father.

 

“Odysseus?”

 

Freezing, he looked for an escape when the tall warrior stepped up next to him. He didn’t want to be seen, didn’t, no couldn’t explain why he wasn’t dead, but the young man seemed to notice his fear and smiled lightly as he looked at him.

 

“Don’t worry; I saw my father and he explained everything to me.”

 

It was only then that he recognized the other warrior, saw the familiarity in the blue eyes and immediately Odysseus relaxed. He had met Neoptolemus many years ago, when he had been a mere boy but already then the intense blue eyes had made him feel as if the boy had been looking down at the bottom of his soul. The feeling was even more intense now and for a moment, Odysseus wondered what Achilles’ son saw when he looked at him.

 

“You’re here for Hector’s family.”

 

The words had a certainty to it that almost scared him, but still he stood tall and nodded curtly. And yet looking around the palace Odysseus suddenly realized how unrealistic his hope of saving those closest to his mate had been. For a moment he slumped as he understood that he would not be able to fulfil his promise, but strong hands on his back made him look up.

 

“Go save the boy... They won’t let him live... I will make sure that the woman is cared for.”

 

Their eyes met and Odysseus saw the small movement that Neoptolemus involuntarily made. He had understood the silent warning the vampire had given him. Andromache was to be treated well and should either Hector or Odysseus ever find out differently, they would hunt him down.

 

“I will watch over her.”

 

It was a promise and Odysseus knew he wouldn’t get more from the other man. Nodding curtly he told him one more thing.

 

“You know where we rest and where we watched the war for all these years. When this is over, I expect you there with her. Give Hector a chance to say good bye to her.”

 

And with those quiet words that held as much command as plea, he turned and walked towards the chamber, where he hoped to find his mate’s last descendant.

 

The palace was burning, the once rich chambers of the Trojan royal family were empty, ransacked and destroyed and still though the grandness of the place made him shiver as he finally stepped into the large hall. There were things that not even fire could destroy and the air of dignity that seemed to linger on in the middle of all that destruction made him think of Hector and his heart ached for his mate as he saw yet another of his family being slaughtered in front of him.

 

‘I am glad you are not here.’

 

He felt the answer through the bond, felt the pain of knowing and not being able to help and the emotions drove him on. Hector had pointed out which chambers had been his, and in the moment when Odysseus stepped into the first room, he knew that this was where his mate had lived.

 

Just like the dignity in the grand hall, Hector’s personality still lingered in the open and wonderful rooms. He saw his mate in a drawing on the wall and for a second he stopped to look at it.

 

It was a younger Hector, one he had never met. His eyes seemed to sparkle even in the painting and the pressure of being the leader of Troy had not yet carved deep lines in his face. Odysseus’ hand trembled as he reached out to caress the painting.

 

“I know you”

 

The boy who stood at the other door carried a sword that was too heavy and too large for him and still he held it confidently and for a moment Odysseus allowed himself a smile. Blood never changed, this was Hector’s descendant.

 

The boy had been a baby of mere months when Hector had died but since then eight years had passed and the baby had grown into a boy. A boy with Hector’s dark eyes...

 

“My mother told me about you...”

 

Surprise registered in him at those words, but then he realized that Andromache had known about Hector’s nature and Odysseus’ bond with him.

 

“I am here to bring you to him.”

 

For a moment the boy’s sword trembled in his hand, and then though he shook his head.

 

“I can’t leave my mother. All her brothers are dead; there is no one here to defend her. I have to make sure she is safe.”

 

War turned children into adults before they had the chance to be children and Odysseus sighed heavily at the words of the young man.

 

“Your mother will be safe, I promise you. They will not harm her, she is protected.”

 

He could see how the yearning to trust and the typical mistrust of a boy warring in the dark eyes, when he suddenly heard steps and a heartbeat.

 

“I knew you were a traitor.”

 

Patroclus’ voice was full of venom and Odysseus saw how Astyanax tensed at the cruel words. Moving so that he could both see the boy and his enemy, Odysseus told the young boy softly.

 

“Go my son, go and hide. I will find you.”

 

Again he could see the conflicted emotions in the dark eyes, but to his relief the boy only hesitated for a moment, before he turned and ran from the room. Following the small child with his eyes until he couldn’t see him anymore, Odysseus was aware of the hateful gaze on him. Still he didn’t turn until he was sure that Astyanax was safe.

 

“I will kill you”

 

He didn’t have time and although inside him screamed at him to kill the man who had killed his mate, he was aware of the fires around him, aware that the longer he stayed locked in this useless fight, the smaller the chances were of escaping unharmed.

 

“No you won’t... I am already dead, Patroclus...”

 

Odysseus turned faster and let the feeling of hatred come through just enough that his eyes started to glow and his fangs dropped. Patroclus gasped and shivered at the sight, his sword fell from his hand and he stumbled back.

 

“You are one of them... you became a monster to be with the Greek...”

 

Still stumbling he tried to escape, but the faltering run was no match for a vampire’s speed and agility, Odysseus was on him within seconds and with a deep satisfaction he watched as his sword drove into Patroclus’ body.

 

“You won’t hurt us anymore.”

 

Shocked at the speed of the attack, Patroclus clutched at his wound, but still he looked up and with eyes full of hatred captured Odysseus’ gaze.

 

“I will be avenged... neither you nor Hector or any of his descendants will ever life in peace... My shadow will always hang over your lines.”

 

Odysseus lifted his sword to stab his enemy one last, final time, but before he could he heard a scream for help and he tensed. Astanyax had been found...

 

And following the scream he left Patroclus laying in his blood sure that the Greek was wounded fatally.

 

---

 

* October 2005, Aubonne, Switzerland*

 

“It was the biggest mistake I ever made.”

 

Odysseus watched as Massimo looked at his notes and squinted at something he had written.

 

“Who turned him?”

 

The two ancient vampires shared a look.

 

“We don’t know”

 

Massimo shook his head and concentrated once more on his notes.

 

“So, if you tried to save to boy, then why is it written that you were the one who tossed him over the wall?”

 

A sarcastic smile ran over Odysseus’ face, but before he could say anything else, his phone rang. Looking at the number he frowned and left the room. Hector’s eyes followed his mate worriedly but as he noticed Massimo’s look, he shrugged and smiled in the same sarcastic way Odysseus had.

 

“Talk about bad timing...”

 

It took Massimo a while but then he understood that Hector wasn’t talking about the phone call.

 

---

 

*Around 1200 BC, Troy*

 

By the time Daniel and Hector reached the caves, he was shivering with cold and blood loss. His sire was carrying him, but the weakness that had taken hold in his entire body was not leaving and Hector knew that he needed blood.

 

It wasn’t just the accident with the house collapsing on top of him; it was seeing his city fall, feeling his family die and watching his childe walk away... leaving his mate behind… Shivers ran through him continuously now and he could see that Daniel worried, when suddenly a new wave of pain flowed through his bond with Odysseus.

 

“Hector”

 

Daniel’s dark eyes forced him to focus on the bond and almost immediately he felt reassurance from his mate, but buried beneath the love and the reassurance the pain remained.

 

‘Come back to me’

 

He needed Odysseus, needed him to be right next to him and once more love flooded through him and some of the worst shivers eased.

 

“Hector?”

 

The new voice was unexpected, both in the person and the unusually timid way his name was spoken. He looked up and saw bleary shapes stand in the cave entrance, could make out two people, but the concentration on them took almost too much strength and he slumped back with a moan.

 

Soft hands on his face made him open his eyes again and he met the worried blue eyes of Achilles, his childe sat next to him, his hands trying to soothe the shivers that ran through his body, when suddenly another pair of hands joined him.

 

“You need to feed.”

 

Paris didn’t look at him, but at Achilles and stunned Hector realized that they communicated with each other. The moment seemed to stretch into hours, before Achilles got up and moved away. Hector felt Daniel’s gaze on him and Paris, before their Sire too left the room. He was alone with his brother.

 

“I wanted to say I’m sorry.”

 

His brother still didn’t look at him and Hector forced himself to lift his hand so that he could turn Paris’ head towards him. What he saw made him gasp; Paris’ eyes were shining with the truest and purest happiness he had ever seen and with a deep sigh, his brother nodded at the unasked question.

 

“He found me in my rooms and he refused to leave...”

 

Paris’ voice shook with remembered fear as he continued.

 

“He gave me his sword and pointed it towards his neck... asked me to take his head... he said that he couldn’t live knowing that I was around but didn’t want him...”

 

For a moment, he tried to imagine how he would have felt, had Odysseus ever done this, but before the fear or pain could even take hold, he felt his mate’s reassurance and love and relaxed a bit.

 

“I have never in my life or death felt such a fear as in this moment.”

 

Hector wanted to answer his brother, but even as he tried to speak the words he felt the room starting to spin around him and the shivers took hold even more. His hand fell weakly from Paris’ face and he thought he’d heard his brother call out for help frantically, then the shivers took him towards darkness.

 

“Open your eyes... please open your eyes... there is someone here you need to see... and then you need to feed”

 

He was floating on a cloud of darkness, he knew that he should open his eyes, but he didn’t want to see the reality, didn’t want to go on in a world where his city was no more...

 

“Please love; don’t leave me... stay with me...”

 

The voice didn’t go away, instead grew more intense and desperate and he couldn’t resist it. Hector opened his eyes and was surrounded by green. Odysseus’ eyes were full of fear and worry, but there was relief and love too and with a gentle smile he reached out to caress his mate’s face.

 

“Hector”

 

Another voice, young and female and unbelievingly he turned his head towards the voice. Andromache was standing next to his bed, her eyes full of pain and sadness, her face dark with ashes and tears... but she was here and she was alive.

 

“You need me.”

 

She sat down gently and moved her hair, but before she could bare her neck, another voice interrupted her.

 

“No”

 

A young man stepped forward and Hector recognized him immediately although he had never seen him. Eyes, body, hair but most of all movements just screamed at him that this was Achilles’ son. He felt Odysseus’ tense next to him, but was too weak to do anything but watch as Neoptolemus kneeled down next to his bed and looked at him.

 

“You saved my father and gave him eternity. I promised that I would take care of Andromache, but even if I treasure her for the rest of my life it would never be enough to repay my debts to you.”

 

He could read between the lines and understood that her son had not survived, it hurt and for a moment he closed his eyes before he felt Odysseus’ hand on his. He looked at him and saw a mirrored pain and understood that his mate had seen Astyanax’ death. Silently he tried to tell his mate that he didn’t blame him, relief was visible then in the green eyes, but before he could say anything, Neoptolemus spoke again.

 

“I offer you my blood.”

 

Still kneeling, Neoptolemus bared his neck and the hunger that Hector had managed to bank away finally broke through, with a growl he leaned in and carefully started to drink.

 

The taste burst in his senses and a low growl escaped him as he felt it flow through him, it rejuvenated him, made him feel awake again and with each sip some of the terrible weakness faded. Finally though he felt soft hands on his shoulders, urging him to move back, he did so with a groan, but gently licked the wound closed and met the dazed blue eyes of his newest chosen one.

 

“Thank you”

 

Slowly as if on a silent cue, they left and in a quick moment only Odysseus remained behind. He was covered in blood and only now did Hector really notice the state his beloved mate was in. Moving slowly, still tired he got up and retrieved the pot of water and some salve.

 

“I couldn’t save him.”

 

Odysseus’ eyes were pleading with him to forgive and as he kneeled on the bed and started to clean his lover gently, he answered the unspoken plea.

 

“I don’t blame you... you saved Andromache.”

 

A shiver ran through Odysseus and he looked away as he started to talk, to explain.

 

“I was fighting Patroclus... when I heard the scream... I followed him, ran as fast as I could, but he was faster... I finally got close enough, but by then he was already on the wall... He pointed his sword as Cassandra and forced her to step up, then he made Astyanax get up too... I had just snuck up on him, but he saw me and...”

 

Odysseus’ voice broke and instinctively Hector reached out. Cradling his mate towards him, he tried to imagine the scene and shivered. He knew without doubt how his great grandson had died and the irony that the last of Priam’s rule should die this way made him shiver with pain.

 

“He... He gave me a choice... told me to choose between the boy and the girl... I... I couldn’t do it... and then Astyanax... he looked at me, looked straight at me and pushed him...”

 

Rage tore through him, but he contained it, didn’t want to scare his mate and still though his voice trembled as he asked for a name.

 

“Who was it?”

 

Odysseus’ eyes were glittering with tears and rage as he answered.

 

“Agamemnon”

 

---

 

* October 2005, Aubonne, Switzerland*

 

“He got what he deserved then...”

 

But to Massimo’s surprise, Hector shook his head.

 

“No, no one deserves to be killed by his own family, to have those you’re supposed to trust turn against you.”

 

Massimo saw that Hector really meant it and felt once more overwhelmed with awe at the two ancient beings in front of him. Odysseus had returned from his phone call, his eyes serious and worried, but he didn’t say anything and Massimo knew enough not to ask. The silence hung between them for a long time until Odysseus broke it.

 

“I was looking over the wall and some soldiers saw me... it suited Agamemnon fine and I honestly never cared. Those who mattered know the truth and the others...”

 

He shrugged carelessly before he continued.

 

“It’s 3000 years ago... Had it not been for a blind poet, it would have been forgotten millennia ago.”

 

It was true and still it irked Massimo that generations of people had grown up with such a wrong image of both Odysseus and Patroclus. Hector could see it and chuckling lightly, he spoke gently.

 

“It doesn’t matter how someone is portrayed in history books, I told you in the beginning...”

 

He remembered the sentence and nodded.

 

“History books are written by the winners.”

 

Odysseus and Hector nodded and smiling at them Massimo got up. Walking towards the room where his luggage was already packed and ready for the car, he shook his head, he had intended to quickly pop by and have them give their ok on his newest book. The quick visit had now lasted four days and he was overdue in Italy. Already sitting in his car, he still had one question though.

 

“What happened with the Odyssey then? Is that true?”

 

The two vampires smirked at him and Hector patted the roof of his car.

 

“That my friend is a whole new story.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

+ Epilogue +

 

* December 2005, Aubonne, Switzerland*

 

“I am sorry Hector that it took me so long to get back to you.”

 

Minerva’s eyes showed that she was honestly sorry, but Hector wasn’t angry at her. He’d rather have an accurate than a fast result in this. Smiling at him she handed over a file, but the smile made way for a serious expression as she watched him read it.

 

She knew what the contents meant for him, but even more she knew what they could possibly mean for the subject of the report.

 

“He is it.”

 

Hector looked at her and she could see the mix of joy and dread in his dark eyes. Odysseus got up from where he had been sitting quietly and put his hand on Hector’s shoulder.

 

“What are you going to do now?”

 

Once more looking at the report and the picture of the blond man, Hector sighed inaudibly before he made his decision.

 

“Nothing”

 

“Nothing?”

 

She couldn’t help herself as she asked him this and she saw how he shook his head determinedly.

 

“If I contact him, I’ll only endanger him.”

 

Minerva could understand that and still she felt that Hector should do something.

 

“He is the last one of this line.”

 

Sadness crossed over Hector’s face and she cursed herself for her words. But as fast as it had appeared, it disappeared again and quickly squeezing his hand, she left the room giving him and Odysseus time to recover.

 

---

 

“You can’t just do nothing.”

 

Hector looked at his mate and shook his head, acknowledging the truth behind the statement and locking his eyes with the other vampire he picked up his phone.

 

“Stephen, I need to talk to you and Jack.”

 

He walked towards the window and stared outside while he asked the leaders of Sanctuary to watch out for the new vampire. Odysseus watched him from where he sat at his desk. The report lay in front of him and he stared down at yet without seeing anything.

 

Rusty Ryan was a descendant of Andromache and Neoptolemus.

 

It made him the last of a strong and powerful line.

 

It made him the last of Hector and Achilles’ line.

 

And if Patroclus would ever find out, it would make him a target.

 

THE END... or just the beginning...