Hektor drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I've grown weary of this war, let us end it today."
His brothers cheered, hastened on their helmets and beating their swords on their shields strode with him out onto the battlefield.
* * *
Achilles wore a grim grin as he donned the finest set of armor ever created and adjusted the fit of the breastplate. He clenched and unclenched his fists, eager for battle. He strapped on his sword and grabbed his two black spears. In his mind he could see Hektor falling, and it sent a thrill clear through him.
Briseis walked around him. "You look as powerful as a god. Do you feel it?"
> He donned his new helmet, fastened the chinstrap, and tossed the red horse-hair crest. His emotions were twisted with the anguish of losing his friend and entangled with a bitter hatred for Hektor. "I feel only a lust for revenge," he answered, and left her in a proud strut without kissing her good-bye.
Despite his vivid vision, Achilles caught only glimpses of Hektor in the melee, recognizing him by his bright shining bronze helmet. He hacked down many a Trojan warrior as he sought him out. Fleeing Achilles' bloody rout, what was left of the Trojan forces sped through the Scaean Gate for the safety of the citadel, but Hektor remained outside, finally ready to face Achilles.
King Priam pleaded to his favorite son from the high walls, "Come inside, Hektor! Live to defend our city and people another day."
Hektor stood firm. "I'll leave my fate to the gods." As Achilles ran toward him, he hurled his spear, but it bounced off the Greek's helmet, as a stone skips across the sea.
Apollo whispered in Hektor's ear, "When Achilles was born, his mother dipped him into Hades' River Styx. She held him by his heels, and the holy water washed over him to protect him forever against sword and spear."
Now understanding how the gods favored Achilles, Hektor gave up all hope of a fair fight and turned and ran. Relentless, Achilles was swift afoot and chased him, while King Priam and Hecuba watched the horrifying death race from Troy's tower. The runners circled the city three times.
When Zeus thought to save Hektor, Athena stayed his hand. "Leave him, he's a mortal, and his day has come," she argued.
Out of breath, Hektor stopped to face Achilles, but ably ducked when the Greek threw his black spear. He drew his sword. "If Zeus blesses me with a victory, I'll not harm your body, but return it to your people for proper burial. Will you give me the same honor?"
Achilles spit in the dirt. "No. You've caused me far too much pain and grief, and I intend to drag your body through the dirt until the last drop of your blood has been spilled." He gave a piercing war whoop and charged Hector, who fought bravely as the skilled warrior he was. Their swords clashed and clanged, and echoed against Troy's high walls, but Achilles at last swung a mighty blow that caught the Trojan in the neck and brought him down.
King Priam and his queen cried out in pain, for they'd now lost their dear son and Troy's chief defender. Helen stood nearby, but anticipating how the bloody battle would surely end, she couldn't bear to watch. Andromache, however, had seen it all, and now suddenly widowed, she collapsed in Helen's arms. While tending the wounded, Helen had found a strength she'd not know she possessed, and she called upon it now. A servant helped her carry Andromache to her room, and she called Aethra to stay with her.
That night, Paris described how Achilles had stripped away Hektor's armor and clothing and tied his nude body behind his chariot. He had then circled Troy on parade dragging his grisly trophy behind him in the dust. She clasped her hands over her ears unwilling to hear more. Now with Achilles fighting with the Greeks, Troy would surely fall. She clung to her husband, and feared for all those she'd come to love.
Achilles had his Myrmidons build such a high funeral pyre for Patroclus that it burned all night. At daylight, the last of the smoldering flames were doused with wine. The fallen man's bones were placed in a golden chest and buried beneath a high mound. Achilles also honored his lost friend with funeral games. There were contests of foot faces and with javelins, and the discus. The effort of sport swept grief from the warriors' minds temporarily, but like the rising sun, it was refreshed with each new day.
* * *
Apollo went to Zeus. "Hektor's body lays dishonored in the dust. He was always respectful of us all and made worthy sacrifices. He deserves a proper burial. What can we do?"
"It can be arranged," the god of Thunder replied. He contemplated the question at great length before deciding the best course. "I'll summon Thetis to convince Achilles to give Hektor's body to King Priam. Iris, our goddess of the Rainbow, will whisper in Priam's ear to send him to Achilles camp with a ransom to retrieve his fallen son."
Grateful, Apollo broke into a wide grin. "Thank you for your wisdom, as always."
"I was also fond of Hektor," Zeus reminded him. "Come, share some nectar with me before you go."
"I'm always proud to share a drink with you, Great One." Hektor completely forgotten, the gods spent an amiable afternoon.
* * *
King Priam interrupted his mourning to load a mule cart with gold and gifts to ransom his eldest son's body. Hecuba wrung her hands as she watched. "Have you lost your mind? How can you do this?" she begged. "Achilles will kill you too and then all will be lost for us."
An eagle flew overhead and Priam turned his wife so she'd be sure to see the magnificent bird. "Zeus's eagle is surely a good omen. The god will keep me safe. Rather than mourn for me while I'm alive, dear wife, prepare for Hektor's burial. I'll return with him soon. I feel the will of the gods."
Preparing for any eventuality, Zeus sent Hermes to guide Priam through the Greek lines, and past the sentries and guards. As they approached each sentry station, Hermes raised his magical golden snake entwined staff and rendered them invisible. Thus the Trojan king ventured unseen until he reached Achilles well-built shelter and entered. The great warrior sat with his Myrmidons circled around a central fire pit. All were shocked to see the Trojan king enter their midst.
"Do my eyes deceive me?" Achilles gasped. "Is Priam truly here?"
Priam met the young Greek's astonished gaze. He knelt before him and the Myrmidons were shocked when he kissed his hand. "Great Achilles, I do what no man has ever done. I've kissed the hand of the man who killed my son. I've come to ask you to remember your father's love. I beg you to honor him and allow me to bury my son. I've brought a ransom to pay for the privilege."
Achilles rose from his stool and raised the old white-haired man with him. He studied the sorrow in Priam's eyes and was deeply touched by his courage. He heard his mother's voice in his heart and understood what he should do. "You're an honorable king, Lord Priam, more honorable than the man who commands our army. You may take Hektor home with you."