Phtia, Greece

A warrior faced off against five contenders in a distant sparring field. In a few moments, the fight began and a crowd of onlookers surrounding them huddled closer to get a better view of the outcome of the-rather uneven, match. It came as expected and with no surprise. Two strikes to the right and two men were down, gasping for air upon the hot ground. Two strikes to the left and the other two followed, one suffering from a blow to the ribs and the other a bruised leg. Finally, with one leap in the air and a swift blow, the last of the warriors opponents fell- a testament to his skill and battle prowess. Achilles took off his helmet and looked down at the men who lay before him, the men who lay beneath him. Do you want a rematch? Or was that good enough for you? he sneered. When there was no reply he walked towards the largest of the men he bested and placed his booted foot atop his chest. Smiling, he directed his sword at the mans throat and called out to the men who were watching the familiar scene. Normally, I would not have entertained such a challenge but to ignore the five of you when you traveled so far to seek the pleasure of my company? No host could be that rude to his guests. The crowd of soldiers laughed and jeered. Achilles watched the large mans eyes widen with fear and his smile widened. I was also giving my men a sparring lesson today and you and your comrades proved useful to my cause. He called out to the amused crowd before him. Now, Myrmidons, what have you learned? Did you take note of the angles at which I struck my sword? Or the alternating movements when it came to blocking an attack? The first rule of battle my lord, is to never doubt yourself, a burly, bearded Myrmidon with large eyes replied. Excellent answer Eudorus, but can you elaborate? One must never hesitate but he must also know what he is doing. And what is the second rule when it comes to challenging an opponent? Achilles pressed his subordinates for an answer and simultaneously deepened the pressure of his weapon on his victims throat. The man whimpered and a red cut appeared on the surface of his neck. Would that be to know your enemy weaknesses? came a timid response from a young soldier who bore a startling resemblance to the lecturer. You are correct Patroclus, but that is not the first thing that should be remembered when challenging someone to a fight. Can anyone tell me what the most important rule is when it comes to dueling? When no answer came Achilles gaze narrowed and he bore down on the man whose life was situated beneath the tip of his sword. The man was twice his size, yet he was no match for the warlord who spent countless of years in battle, honing his skills and ending the lives of those who dared oppose him. The first rule when it comes to challenges is to never, ever, underestimate your opponent, the warlords voice turned cold and menacing. To do that means certain death.

STUDIO HUH presents Please, Achilles, please.

An attempt at writing Troy fan fiction

But was it really necessary? Patroclus mumbled, almost to himself. He could have taught the lesson without maiming them, you know. Eudorus sighed. Patroclus, your cousin didnt exactly kill them, save their leaderand their bruises should heal in a year or two. A year or two of utter uselessness. That sounds like a fate worse than death. Now youre exaggerating. Eudorus dropped his spear into one of the holders by the wall of the palace. An hour had passed since the training session and the Myrmidons had already departed for their homes, located not far from Achilles domain. Only Patroclus and he remained to follow their leader to his residence in the heart of Phtia, where he ruled in military fashion. The boy because he lived with Achilles, who was his cousin and guardian; Eudorus because he awaited for further instruction from his lord. The heat of the sun made Eudorus cranky, but his companions sensitivity only helped in souring his disposition. It was a good thing that Achilles had retreated to his room a few minutes ago to wash and change. It was not the first time his tactics were questioned by his charge. Am I? Patroclus retorted. To fight is as essential to a warrior as breathing. Its what defines him as a manand to be forced to stay at home doing nothing is a disgrace! That is what is left to those men now that my cousin has injured them Eudorus wisely said nothing but this only increased Patroclus ire. You dont know what its like. Not being able to fight in the frontlines- not being able to fight at all, the distraught young man continued. The only manly activity my cousin lets me participate in is the whoring! And can you imagine what I tell the women after I am with them? I have to invent tales about going into battle with the rest of the Myrmidons when Ive never even been given the opportunity to do anything of the kind Eudorus bent over to adjust the strap of his sandal. all he lets me do is guard the camp. If I am lucky enough I may watch him fight while I hold his shield like an armor bearer. Many would kill to be given that honor. Eudorus finally took pity on him and embellished his monologue with a reply. Do you know what I was doing at your age, Patroclus? He shook his head. Exactly the same thing. Only that I served a different master then. And every time I gave him the wrong shield he would beat me for his amusement. It took a long while before I was free of him. Then your cousin came and trained me. A few years later I was recruited to serve him and here I am now. Being a Myrmidon is a rare privilege. Thats why you simply must wait. He straightened up and looked at the grimacing youth. Now tell me, has your cousin ever struck you in a fit of anger? No, but I never gave him cause to fly into a rage. Has he ever abused you with words?

No. Insulted you? No. Humiliated you? No. Berated you in a manner that was not helpful? No. And dont I know it. Anyone can see that he loves youbut enough of this. I thought you were concerned with the men who were defeated during the sparring session? Well, yes, Patroclus uttered, reddening in embarrassment at the realization that he had drifted to the same topic that had been bothering him for the past few years. All I was saying was that they were foolish men but I dont think they deserved such a beating. To be foolish is to be dead. That is the warriors way. You know that, cousin, came a voice from the entrance of the chamber. Achilles was standing a few feet away from them and had managed to catch the last part of the conversation. Eudorus straightened in respect. My lord, you wished to speak with me. Yes, but Ill address my charge first. Patroclus groaned inwardly. Eudorus left them to their privacy and exited the room.

The large, blonde man studied the boy he had cared for since childhood. Nowadays, he was growing up so fast it seemed impossible for even the great Achilles to understand him. And yet, he saw himself in his cousin. When he was sixteen, he was as angry and restless as Patroclus was now. The similarities between them only resulted in an increase of affection, though. To Patroclus and only to Patroclus would Achilles express concern and worry. There were only 10 years separating them but Achilles looked upon his younger relative as his own brother. This warranted the uncharacteristic streak of protectiveness in the warrior king. Patroclus was now staring resignedly at the floor. Achilles sighed and broke the silence that threatened to engulf the room. He walked over to the young man and put his hand on his shoulder. And what do you think I shouldve done? Let them go? You know they wouldve returned to bother me again. Men like that do not stop until they are satisfied. But you are so much better than them, cousin. Was it really worth your while to beat them in front of us? No, they werent worth my notice but in this case, it was absolutely necessary. He waited until he commanded the boys full attention.

In a serious duel, it is not only acceptable to defeat your opponents but to dispose of them completely. To let them escape and run away is not only a disgrace to your self but to them. You are familiar with the concept of death before dishonor, are you not? Patroclus nodded. It was one of the lessons hammered into every warrior during his training. That is one of the things that come with it. But what of mercy and forgiveness? Do they not have a place in the warriors code also? They do, but only in certain instances. Sometimes, mercy can lead to a mans downfall. How many stories have you heard of a warrior being killed because he was too kind or because he was too innocent in the ways of the world? You would be surprised how often the enemy can turn a soft heart to his advantage. And as for those men Ive dealt withthey were men. Not boys. They knew perfectly well what they were asking for when they demanded a little demonstration from the likes of me. I was also aware of their coming. Patroclus looked up in surprise. Yes, cousin I can see you did not know that I was alerted as soon as they stepped on our land. But I must ask youhave you heard rumors about a band of warriors from the North? You mean, the clan from Thessaly who were said to be responsible for slaying at least ten giants? Yes. They were the men I trussed up just a while ago. And they are not only reputedly the best warmongers of their kingdoms, but also the most intent on proving it to anyone who dares cross their path. Theyve killed many a chieftain since then and they came all the way to Phtia after they hearing of me. In a year or two they should be coming back again to stir things upif their injuries ever heal, that is. Achilles smiled cruelly. Theyll just have to find themselves a new leader while theyre at it. There was always something sinister about the way he smiled when he spoke of those he had slain.

All right now, Patroclus? Eudorus asked, just as the young man exited the room he was about to enter. Finefine. Patroclus said, offhandedly. While the condition of the Thessalonians were no longer a concern of his, being able to fight on equal grounds with the rest of the Myrmidon still was and would always be. He revealed who his contenders were so I dont feel for them now butI still dont think Ill be able to prove myself any time soon. Good things come to those who wait, but at least you can see how he cares for you, Eudorus shook his head. You are lucky to have a mentor such as he. If I could trade places with you I wouldnt even mind having to guard camps or hold armor. Patroclus was so angry he could not speak.