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Priam ended the discussion with a wave of his hand. "We sent the emissaries away, and we'll send away anyone else who might come for you, my dear. Let's give our thoughts to preparing your welcome. You'll find Troy honors Xenia, the custom of gracious hospitality, like nowhere else on earth. A fine chamber must be found for your comfort."
The king took notice of the two women who'd followed his son and Helen into the courtyard. The tiny one was as beautifully dressed as Helen in a colorful tiered skirt and elegant bolero, while the young girl was more simply clothed. "Quarters will be found for your servants as well."
"I'm Aethra, mother of the Theseus, King of Athens, and no servant," she proclaimed with a forceful stamp of her foot. "This young lady is my maid, not Helen's."
Priam smiled at her spirited announcement, while Hektor rolled his eyes. "Alexandros has made an enemy of Athens as well? He should never have been allowed to leave the palace."
Helen's voice was sweet, so soft others had to lean forward to hear. "My lord, Aethra has been with me for years. She is a dear companion and could not be left behind."
Having only just heard of her son's return, Hecuba rushed out to greet them. She swept Helen with as astonished glance and reached out to take her hands. "You do possess a goddess's loveliness, my dear. Welcome to the house of Troy."
Hektor gazed up at the endless sky, and nearly choked on a rude snort.
* * *
On Mount Olympus, Hera lay back on her couch and smoothed her long gown over her thighs. "This is almost too easy."
Athena had polished her helmet until her reflection shone in the bronze. "You mustn't become complacent," she warned. "Aphrodite will protect her beloved Paris and the Trojans, and Apollo will as well."
"Poseidon will join with us to take the Greek's side," Hera reminded her, "even if Zeus has stubbornly insisted he'll remain neutral."
"Helen is his daughter. Will he stay neutral if the war goes against Troy?"
Hera shrugged. "I've never seen him equivocate. He may protect Helen from harm, it's true, but that doesn't mean he'll safeguard all of Troy. Although he has said of all the cities on the Earth, he honors Troy the most."
"I've heard him say it," Athena sighed unhappily. She pulled her crested helmet down over her black curls, and her gray eyes sparkled with glee. "I love the courage mortals show in war and how gloriously red they bleed."
"I prefer to observe the mayhem from afar where the air isn't filled with the overwhelming scent of their death."
"It's my favorite aroma," Athena responded and strode away with a warrior goddess's long stride. The snakes depicted on the bronze Aegis covering her breast were the locks of the dreaded Medusa, whose look caused a swift and terrible death. As she moved, the serpents appeared to writhe with life, a sight that would leave any mortal spellbound.
* * *
The welcome feast last
ed long into the night, and Helen had ample time to take in the magnificence of the megaron of Troy. Its columns were of polished stone, not the cypress wood of Sparta, and their smooth rounded capitals were coated with gold and reflected the flames in the torches lighting the huge room.
She did her best to return Hecuba's gracious, affectionate enthusiasm. Although her own clothing was very fine, her attire had never been of great interest to her. She smiled as Hecuba declared she must have the finest apparel Troy could provide, but she'd be happy with what she'd brought with her until new garments could be made.
Hektor's wife, Andromache, sat to her left and while she added little to the evening's conversation, Helen regarded her as pleasant enough. Hektor's black tunic was decorated with a wave-patterned trim and was as dark as his countenance. She hadn't missed the hatred lighting his gaze. She hoped to improve his mood by befriending Andromache. "Do you like playing games?" she asked her.
Andromache blushed. "I do, but I'm not very good at any of them."
Helen described the Egyptian Hounds and Jackals, and while several of the women seated with them had heard of the game, few had played. "I'll teach you all," Helen offered. "I've brought a gorgeous game set with pieces made of ebony and ivory with gold and silver collars. It's a pleasant way to pass the afternoon, and I hope you'll love it."
Aethra had left the celebration earlier in the evening, and when Helen could no longer remain awake, she also asked to be excused. Andromache walked with her to her bedchamber. "I do hope we can become friends, even if our husbands aren't fond of each other," Helen said, mindful of her great understatement.
"You know of the curse?" Andromache whispered. She sent an anxious glance over her shoulder and looked relieved they were alone in the corridor.
"Paris mentioned it in passing, but not the details, are they gruesome?"
"We've been told to call him Alexandros, his true birth name." Andromache followed Helen into her bedchamber. The spacious room had a balcony overlooking the sea and was as comfortably furnished as her own room. "I've just heard parts of the story. You must ask his sister, Cassandra. She and their brother, Helenus, gave dire prophesies the day he was born. I'd never even heard of Alexandros until he appeared at the games and was recognized as one of King Priam's sons. Anyone who knew of his birth thought him long dead."
"Fortunately, he is very much alive." Helen stepped out on the balcony. She loved being able to look out at the sea as they had in Egypt. Moonlight brightened the water, and the view seemed to stretch to the ends of the Earth. To the east, she saw the swan-like sail of a white ship as it entered the Hellaspont, the famed sea passageway to the Black Sea.
She turned to smile at Andromache. "It will take me awhile to meet everyone, but I'll look for Cassandra tomorrow."
Andromache took a step toward the door. "She keeps to herself, and you probably shouldn't tell Alexandros you want to speak with her. Some things are better left unsaid. Good-night."
