4 Paris and Menelaus Duel

CHAPTER 4 Paris and Menelaus Duel Agamemnon awoke early. He was ready to attack Troy that very day. Zeus had appeared to him in a dream the night before. The god had told him the time was right to strike. Agamemnon got out of bed, put on his bronze battle armor, and strapped his silver sword over his shoulder. At dawn, King Agamemnon called all his men to gather around him. The earth rumbled as soldiers responded to Agamemnon's call. The troops rushed from their tents, winding around campfires and

across the field. They gathered before their king. Agamemnon stood before the men. "This war has been full of struggles and disappointments. We have won battles. We have lost men along the way. But we have fought together, side by side," he said. "It will be difficult without Achilles. But we are strong together." He continued. "Get ready. Polish your armor, sharpen your spears. We will face our enemy with strength and bravery." The men let out a mighty cry, loud enough to rock the waves in the sea. Each man offered something—however small—to the gods. They would be ready for their battle with the Trojan army. In the city of Troy, the Trojan warriors also prepared for battle. King Priam was too old to fight. Prince Hector, Priam's son and Paris's older brother, led the army.

Hector stood before the men. "Our enemy approaches! After many years of fighting, they are now almost at our city walls. But they will not pass through these gates. They will never take our city!" The soldiers picked up their shields. They raised their swords and spears to salute Prince Hector and King Priam. The Trojan army flung open the gates of the city, rushing out with a tremendous roar.

The Achaeans moved inland from the

shore and their ships. The two armies met on a large open field a few miles from Troy. Paris stepped out of the crowd. Paris was a handsome man. He looked like a god in his bright bronze armor. He carried a bow and arrow on his back and a sword at his hip. Paris strode to the front line. Menelaus's chariot was at the front of the Achaean army. He stared at the man who had stolen his wife nine years before. "This is my chance," he thought. "Paris is now right in front of me. I will get my revenge." Menelaus leaped from his chariot and said, "I will accept your challenge, Paris! Fight me face to face." Paris became nervous. He stepped backward into the crowd of his army. Magnificent, brave Paris hid from Menelaus. His brother Hector yelled at him: "Paris, our prince of beauty! You have stolen another man's wife and started a war

between countries. Yet you run from a fight. You are a coward! You stole Helen away from Menelaus, and now you cannot face him?" Paris replied, "Hector, I deserve all the words you have just said. Your words are tough, but they are true. Order both armies to lay down their weapons. Let Menelaus and I face each other alone. We will fight each other for Helen. Whoever wins will have her. Then we can end this war and all live in peace." Hector rejoiced at his brother's words. He headed toward the Achaean army and told them Paris's challenge. Menelaus spoke up. "This will not be enough! So many have already suffered because of Paris's actions. But," he said, considering his next words, "I will agree to this if it means peace." Both sides rejoiced, hoping this truly