ILION

By

David Stone

Copyright 2016

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 1

The occasion was a happy one. The gods and goddesses of Olympus gathered for the joining of one of their own to the mortal she loved. Thetis and Peleus had picked today to be the start of their lives together.

Everyone was in attendance who was invited and the wine was flowing freely. As the gods and goddesses came into the reception hall they piled their wedding gifts on a table with others already deposited before them, each growing with grandeur, but still within the giver’s means to do so.

Everyone was having a wonderful time, it seemed, so much so that nobody noticed a column of dark smoke swirling around itself in the corner nearest to the gift table. As it dissipated a beautiful raven haired, pale skinned goddess stood glaring at the merry- makers. The mysterious smoke appeared again, this time in her hand. When it was gone, a perfectly formed golden apple with stars dancing on its skin, rested in her open palm. The light of the hall glinting off of its golden surface. On this she carved, with a wicked looking fingernail To the most Beautiful Goddess. Stowing the gift at the bottom of the pile, where it would be found later, she moved forward to greet the bride and groom.

It seems that everyone is in attendance now that I am here, she said, giving a wry smile.

Discord! Thetis cried. I’m so, uh, happy you could come. She looked at Peleus with a look that said she was anything but happy, but Peleus merely shrugged. Please stay and join our little party, she said as politely as she could.

No, dear Thetis, Discord replied in mock disappointment. I can see that I am not wanted here. See, the merriment has ended. Besides, the goddess tossed a new look at Thetis, this time one of contempt, I wasn’t invited. Thetis caught her breath and looked as if Discord was about to attack her, but Discord’s darkness passed as quickly as it came and she added a little too airily, No, I was just passing through and thought I would stop in to see father Zeus and mother Hera. She made an all too obvious search for her quarry and upon finding them made an even more obvious wave to them. Now that I’ve seen them, I will go. You two make such a beautiful couple and I am sure that you will be terribly happy together. She laughed a long horrible cackling laugh, a noise so horrible that it cannot be described. How that awful noise could come from one so beautiful, can not even be imagined. Her laughter continued as the mysterious smoke carried her away and reverberated through the great hall for a long while after the goddess was gone.

All that was left was an uncomfortable silence that left everyone nervous.

Zeus cleared his throat. Well, this is a party, isn’t it? I think it’s time to open the gifts!

Everyone agreed and soon Discord’s chilling presence was consigned to memory. Among the presents was the armour that Hephasteus made for Peleus , that would in later time be worn by Achilles and Hector, along with assorted other trinkets. At the bottom of the pile Thetis found the apple. As she read the inscription Hera stepped forward.

Thetis, dear, I’m afraid that gift must have been put there by mistake. After all, even Zeus would agree that I am the most beautiful goddess."

Peleus opened his mouth to speak but Athena spoke first You old mare! I am younger and more beautiful than you. It should be mine. Don’t you agree, Thetis? she asked, looking meaningfully at her.

Now wait a minute! Peleus cried this was a gift to Thetis, who to me is far more beautiful that either of you! He smiled at his new wife who was clutching the apple uncertainly.

Ladies, ladies a soft feminine voice cooed neither of you can be serious! a beautiful, vivacious, blond goddess of perfect proportion said to Hera and Athena as she made her way to the others. And you can’t be impartial, she pointed out to Peleus as that is the case, I will take the apple. After all, I am the goddess of Love and Beauty. She reached for the apple but Athena knocked her hand away.

Discord’s gift worked perfectly and the women were soon squawking like chickens, each trying to convince poor Thetis that she should give her present to one of them. The newlyweds looked in amazement at the chaos that one present could bring and with a look to each other they knew that Discord was upset, and got even for their not inviting her to their wedding.

Ladies! Peleus yelled here is our solution. The goddesses stopped to listen It seems that we should have a beauty contest. Just like in the games in my home. You will be judged on body, talent, and beauty. In this case, father Zeus, would you have the honors of passing judgment?

Zeus laughed You are a wise one, Peleus, but mad as well! He thought for a moment. I cannot judge this thing. I would never hear the end of it, no matter who I chose. Are you sure that you want to give up such a pretty prize? It is yours, after all. Both nodded emphatically. Very well, I know the judge for you. His name is Paris. He is a simple farm boy, but is honest and fair enough. I will send Iris to him now and we will have our contest tomorrow. Fair enough? he asked the contestants, and seeing their pause, Of course, to keep things interesting, and just in case one of you three isn’t the most beautiful, we will keep this contest open to all who will try their persons. That pushed them. They were not going to lose face to lesser goddesses, and each acquiesced with curt nods of agreement. Excellent! Iris, go to Paris and tell him what we need and to be at Mt. Ida to judge a beauty contest the likes of which he will never see again!

Iris streaked out of the window and with a clap Zeus revived the party.

That night Paris had three rather unexpected guests, each in turn, each thinking to keep their appearance a secret from the others.

Paris, a word, Hera said without preliminaries or announcement as she appeared next to the bed of the young man. I want you to give me the apple tomorrow.

Paris was startled, to say the least, but recovered quickly enough Hera! he exclaimed, then quieter, That isn’t right. I’m supposed to be the judge, I must be impartial.

Very well, I will give you land and riches beyond your wildest dreams, or I will walk as your shadow cursing all that you touch. It is your choice. She did not wait for a reply and before Paris could think of one she was gone.

Later that night, as he lay worrying about what to do about Hera’s request, he found himself facing Athena.

Paris, she said softly, I am a contestant in tomorrow’s contest and I want you to pick me, but not because of the apple. She looked at him sadly. Everyone assumes that because I am the goddess of wisdom and battle that I don’t have a feminine side. I want you to choose me because then maybe they will see more of me, the real me. Will you help me?

I don’t know, goddess, he said hesitantly. I’m the judge. I want to help, but…

Listen, Athena cut in, help me and I will make you wise in all things and victorious in every battle. If not, I will not help you when you call for it. Instead, I will add to your woes. She, like Hera, did not wait for a reply and left without looking back. Paris didn’t see her face as she left, but thought he heard a small sob escape her lips as she departed.

Complicate my woes when I need help. It seems that she has already done that! he said to himself as he rolled over to make an attempt at salvaging the rest of the night.

He had just fallen asleep when a hand gently touched his shoulder. He woke and rolled over to find the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. He stared at her rapt features, her hair like gold, her eyes as blue as the deepest sea, her breasts and body. She was more perfect than he dared to believe.

You win! he said before realizing what he had said.

So the others were here already. She was not surprised or angry. Thank you, dear Paris. I had thought to bribe or threaten you, as I’m sure the others did. I know you are supposed to be neutral, but I have my reputation at stake here. She paused and looked at him. If you still pick me tomorrow to win, then I will give you a prize as well. Helen of Sparta is almost as beautiful and sought after as I am. Go to her and she will be yours.

Goddess, I will pick you, but not for your prize, though I would gladly take it if I could. He paused, noting confusion in her beautiful visage. I am a simple, poor, farm boy. I haven’t the means to go on such a journey.

Then she understood. Do you think I would offer such a gift without a means of delivery? I will tell you a secret that you may use as you wish, even if you change your mind. You are not a farm boy, you are royalty.

Now it was Paris’ turn to be confused. How can that be? Father isn’t royalty either.

You are the youngest son of King Priam, not the man you call father. She smiled. When you were born your mother, Queen Hecuba, had a dream that said you would destroy Troy. At least, that’s what some brainless seer named Chalcas said it meant when he told your parents to destroy you at birth. They couldn’t do it, so they sent you away with the man you call father so that he could do the job. He couldn’t do it either, so he kept you as his own.

Amazing, Paris said in shock

Not really, this sort of thing happens often. Anyway, you can take your father to Priam to verify my story. There will be time before the contest if you get up early enough. For now you must get your sleep. It wouldn’t do to have you falling asleep before you crown me victor, or worse, put the crown on the wrong head. She smiled at him and dissolved into thin air.

Paris fell asleep with the memory of her form before his eyes and her smell in his nose. He could still feel her touch.

The next morning he awoke to find that he had slept late. There wouldn’t be time to test the accuracy of Aphrodite’s information now. He would have to go on faith. He didn’t care. Between the three he knew who would win.

When he finally arrived at the meeting place he found a stage, of a sort, for the contest and an arena usually saved for the games his people played. Zeus was seated in a booth with Thetis. and Peleus who was holding the apple.

Father Zeus, Paris said, approaching with a bow. He straightened and looked around confused.

Paris, Zeus said happily, we thought we would make a day of this little contest, with games and feasting! He gestured toward the arena and a large tent that Paris guessed would hold the feast.

Then with a worried look he turned to Zeus. Will I have to judge them as well?

When Zeus threw back his head to laugh Paris’ worry only increased until Zeus answered, No, no, just the contest, though I don’t mind telling you that I’m glad it’s you and not me who has to make such a hard choice. All are equally suited to win, wouldn’t you say?

Yes, Paris said hastily, the competition is stiff. I just hope they won’t hurt me when I make my choice.

Zeus laughed again and clapped him on the back They won’t. They have all agreed to abide by your decision. Paris smiled, but was not convinced. Come! Sit! We have a place of honor marked for you, Zeus said, leading him to an empty seat to his right. The contest is just about to start!

As they sat down, music began to mark the start of the festival. The contest kicked things off with the three goddesses who had visited him during the night and a few others talking about themselves and displaying various talents. Paris was bored and worried, and like most of the men, did not perk up his interest until the body judging. Like in the games they held at his home, this part of the contest was done with the contestants nude. Paris was awed by the naked perfection that paraded before him. Goddesses were of varying shades, hues, and body types, but all were perfect specimens of beauty. Iris sheathed in colored light which gave her skin the look of a rainbow, Discord with her pale skin, who it should be noted did not come out to win, but to take part in her show. Other goddesses, and the three that Paris truly feared. Hera brought up the end of the procession, her pale skin contrasting nicely with her dark hair and eyes. Now he feared them more, after seeing the other goddesses. As they walked back across the stage Hera stopped in front of Paris and bowed before moving on. Athena with her bronzed skin and near perfect form, simply looked at him to see if she had his attention. As Aphrodite walked time slowed, and the sun shone gentler than before. The smell of fresh flowers filled the air.

For Paris this was too much. You win! he shouted, not waiting to deliberate.

The other goddesses clapped happily for the victor along with the assembled throng, agreeing with his verdict. Paris took the apple from Peleus and delivered it personally to Aphrodite, who took it with a radiant smile and a kiss, holding it aloft for the others to see.

Hera and Athena were outraged. Cheater! they cried. We’ll get you, Paris! You will wish you had chosen one of us! they cried, but no one heard them or cared. They knew it was a case of sour apples and left them to their anger as the rest of the assemblage carried on with the rest of the festivities.

CHAPTER 2

After the festivities were finally completed, which to the mortal Paris seemed forever, he trudged home, his head spinning with mead and wine and his heart confused. Everything was disjointed and dreamlike.

When he arrived home, he passed by his family without speaking, instead retiring to his room, collapsing on his bed. After a time his father appeared worriedly.

Paris, are you well? he asked, concern in his voice

Father, Paris replied, slurring slightly, is it true that I am not your son? That I was born to another?

His father’s face paled and he sighed. Yes, Paris, it is true that you were not born to me, but you are still my son.

Why was I never told? Is King Priam my real father? Paris was excited but on the verge of being upset.

Paris, listen. I was a herdsman for the King when you were born. Your mother had an awful dream. Chalcas, the king’s adviser, decided that this dream meant that you were the death of Troy and that you should be killed to save Troy. They couldn’t do it, Priam tried but couldn’t, so they gave you to a servant who was to abandon you in the woods to die. The gods smiled on you and me, and I found you. I don’t know how long you were out there, but you were well enough so I brought you home. The servant saw you once soon after and was afraid that if the King found out you were alive, she would be killed. You have been our secret. There were tears in his eyes as he finished.

Paris thought before speaking. I have never heard of this Chalcas, is he still alive?

Chalcas is an idiot and a fool. He claims to be able to read the omens and such, but he was never very good at it. After you were born the king banished him or he left, nobody really knows which. I suspect the king finally wised up or got sick of getting bad advice. Anyway, he has been gone a long time. I suspect that dumb luck would have it that Chalcas is alive and well enough to be giving bad advice to some other king.

Father, can I meet King Priam and tell him who I am?

His father’s face fell, but he nodded. I knew this day would come, and I hate it. You have been a good son, I hate to lose you. He put his hand on Paris’ shoulder. King Priam is having a festival tomorrow. Perhaps if you enter and win, he will notice you. Otherwise you may not get close enough to see him. Then he drew Paris into a strong embrace.

I will not tell him of you, father, Paris said. His decree has been broken and I must now protect you from him.

His father nodded, then turned to go. You should rest now, if you can. You’ll want to arrive early, he said over his shoulder and left the room.

Paris lay awake for a long time, and when he finally did drift off to sleep he dreamed of Aphrodite and Helen.

The next day he took part in the games just as his father suggested and won quite easily in every event, even against the other princes who participated. Priam watched with growing interest as the youth progressed through the events.

As Paris received the olive branch crown from Priam, the King spoke. Tell me who you are, young victor.

I am called Paris, sire. Paris did not look up.

And who is your father? Surely he is a fine man to raise such an exceptional son! He must indeed be royalty!

Yes, sire, or at least I am told that I spring from the loins of such a man.

So tell me, who is your father? Priam pushed.

You are! Paris said, raising his head to look at Priam. Hecuba saw the face and gasped. The face resembled her own very closely. Priam fell back in shock, as if stricken.

No! he gasped Helenus told me the torch would return, but you! No!

It’s true! You sent me to die because some man called Calchas told you to kill me at birth. He took a step toward the king, but a big man stepped in and put a hand on his chest.

You should go now. Claim your prizes and go home, he said.

But I’m telling the truth! Before I was born the queen had a dream that I would destroy Troy, but I haven’t!

Not yet! If you don’t leave now we will never test that vision, or at least guarantee that it won’t come to pass. He spoke in a dangerous tone.

Hector, Priam called. No, don’t push him out. He speaks the truth. He must! Only four of us knew that story, one of us is dead, another we hope to be and that only leaves your mother and me. No, he must be your lost brother. My lost son! Then he turned to Paris and hugged him. My soul has tormented me since the day you were born. I thought I would have no means to undo the wrong that I wrought. Please be my son and allow me to try to make up for my sins against you.

Thank you. I will do as you ask, Paris said as the king turned him to the crowd and made the announcement.

Today Troy has yet another reason to celebrate! My lost son has returned!

As Paris looked down at the crowd he saw the man that he had called father for so many years sadly turn and melt away. He could feel a pain in his chest that threatened to tear him apart and he was sure that it would.

Priam finished his announcement and led Paris into the courtyard and to his palace, telling him what would be his and introducing him to 49 brothers and 50 sisters. Paris did not miss the looks of contempt that many of the others shot his way.

When they were alone, Paris asked Priam to borrow a ship to run an errand. His request was quickly granted. On his way back to his quarters Paris found Hector and Hellenes lying in wait.

Paris! A word, Hector called.

Sorry, not now, I’m very busy, Paris chipped.

Going back to the herdsman? Hector said. Paris stopped dead.

What do you want? he growled, turning on Hector.

"We all make choices in this world, Paris. One choice takes you one way, the other takes you yet another. Hellenes has seen what you intend to do. Do so and you will destroy us, your people. You can