U.N.T.O.L.D

Chapter 11

(3rd person pov)

"We cannot let this happen" Apollo declared during the Gods' council, and despite his quiet voice and calm appearance everyone knew that he was not to be enraged.

"Hector's body has been disrespected, thus we have been disrespected as well. We cannot let this stay unpunished"

"And if your Trojans had won this challenge, would they have been respectful? Are you certain of that?" Hera asked bitterly.

"I am not speaking about ifs, Lady Hera. I am speaking about what happened yesterday" Apollo answered without flinching at her harsh tone.

"Maybe you could steal the body" Artemis cut in, addressing Hermes.

"No" Athena's firm voice said "Hector was a brave warrior and his body must be returned properly"

"And what do you suggest?"

"Hermes could escort Priam to Achilles and help him with some advice. Priam would ask the body back and the restitution would be proper" she looked at Zeus for approval.

"Very well." he said "I see no reason that we should do otherwise. Are you up for that, Hermes?" he asked.

"Of course" the messenger nodded.

"In the meantime I will take care of the body, so that none of that shameful wounds they inflicted upon him will remain." Apollo concluded.

(Cassandra's pov)

I will forever remember the look on my father's face when he brought back Hector's body. And I will always remember Hector's body, beautiful as he had been when he was alive. Apollo had listened to my prayer.

We gathered in the market square next to Hermes' temple before bringing him to the royal palace. Many Trojans came to pay their respect. I already missed talking to him and watching him taking his young son on his lap more than I could express.

After his funeral, I felt worse than ever before.

I knew that only a few weeks divided us from our destiny - and me from mine.

Many things were to come. My siblings and my little nephew would die, my city would be destroyed. It was just a matter of time and there was nothing I could do, nobody seemed to see it. Fear of the looming catastrophe was keeping me awake at night.

The urge to talk to someone and seek comfort became stronger, too strong for me to resist it.

I decided to go to Aesacus, hoping that his wisdom would appease my fear.

He was warm and welcoming, as usual when I visited him. He led me to the kitchen, where we sat together, and he respected my silence without asking questions until I spoke first.

"Aesacus, what do you think about this war?" I started almost shyly.

"That we will lose it. And very soon too." he answered quietly. This words startled me: there was at least one person who felt like me!

"Then I am not the only one to fear that we will lose" I said cautiously. I had to avoid making forecasts, otherwise he would not believe me.

"You might find that many people fear that and know that the day will come. They're just too scared to admit that, even to themselves" he observed.

"They have every reason to be..." I whispered, immediately regretting it. But it was already too late.

Aesacus fixed his gaze upon me: "You know something about this, Cassandra. I can see that"

I looked down, cursing myself. I didn't have to make forecasts, not even with Aesacus. It didn't matter how much people cared for me, they would still not believe me.

"My dear, why aren't you speaking your mind, with me of all people?" he cooed.

"I fear you wouldn't believe me" I whispered.

"What? And why is that?"

I couldn't tell him that. He would not believe me. He would laugh at me. I would lose my dearest friend.

"Cassandra, dearest. Why don't you just tell me what the problem is? Maybe I can help you" he encouraged me again.

And then, before realizing it, I said

"It is my punishment".