6 Hector Returns to Troy

CHAPTER 6 Hector Returns to Troy All the gods had gone back to Mount Olympus. But the war between the Achaean and Trojan armies continued. The armies moved across the battlefield. The soldiers stabbed everywhere with bronze lances. The sound of swords clanging ripped through the air. But the action was slowly moving closer and closer to the walls of Troy. Zeus sent Iris, the messenger goddess, to Hector. She ordered him back to Troy. "Tell your mother to gather the older noble women and enter Athena's shrine. They need

to pray and ask for mercy for the women and children of Troy. Diomedes must not enter Troy. He is a madman and is now the strongest Achaean. The gods have all left the battlefield. It is only man against man now. Even the gods fear Diomedes since he injured Ares." Hector returned to his city. He found his mother, Queen Hecuba, in the palace. She was surprised to see him. "My child, why have you come home?" she said as she hugged him. "We are losing ground, Mother," Hector said. "The Achaeans are pushing us back to the city walls. You must prepare in case they push through the gates. You must pray for the Trojan army. Go to Athena's temple. Gather the other noble women and go with offerings," His mother did as he asked. She gathered many Trojan women to join her in Athena's

temple. The women all prayed for Trojan success in the war against the Achaeans. They knew that Achilles was the most feared Achaean warrior, and so they asked Athena to save them from him in particular. They hoped that their prayers would persuade Athena to end her loyalty to the Achaeans. But the goddess refused to hear their prayers. While the women prayed, Hector went to find his brother Paris. He found him in his bedroom, polishing his battle gear. "What are you doing?" Hector yelled at his brother. "Our people are dying all around us! And they are dying in battle to defend you! But you are here, safe in your bedroom and cleaning your armor? You must rejoin our people to defend yourself and our city." Handsome Paris replied, "Hector, you blame me fairly. I deserve it all. I have been cowardly for too long. Please hear me, though. I am not hiding from anyone

anymore. I was terribly upset after my fight with Menelaus. But my good wife, Helen, has repaired my spirits. She reminded me that we Trojans can win this war. She has inspired me to join the battle again. You lead, brother, and I will follow you." Hector shook his brother's hand. "That's what I wanted to hear. I will lead you back to the battlefield. First I must find my wife. I want to see her before heading back into battle." Hector searched the streets of Troy. He found his wife and infant son at the city's gates. His wife ran to meet him, holding the baby. "Darling husband," she cried. "Give up this battle! Stay with us and protect the city. The Achaeans are getting closer. We need you here." Hector kissed her. "I am a general, but I am also a soldier," he said. "I must fight with

my army." He kissed his wife again and then kissed his son. He bid them good-bye. Then he walked through the gates toward the battlefield. His family returned home. Hector saw his brother approaching the gates. Paris was dressed in his armor and was ready for battle. He noticed that Hector was moving quite slowly. "Why so slow, brother?" he asked. "You told me to be quick. Yet you linger." Hector shook his head and said, "My wife just pleaded with me to give up the fight. But I had to say good-bye to her and my baby son. Forgive me if I linger for a moment." Hector sighed heavily. He collected his emotions. "But I am ready now. It is time for battle." Hector walked through the gate, and Paris followed. They were both eager to rejoin the battle. When they got to the battlefield, they

found that the fighting had not slowed down while they were away. The Trojan forces gained strength when Hector and Paris returned. The soldiers fought harder with their leaders there. But Hector could see that his men were exhausted. Hector stepped forward and challenged the most skilled Achaean to fight. He wanted to get rid of their best warrior. "Let us fight to the death," Hector said to the enemy army, sure he would win. "The winner keeps the loser's armor but not his body. We must be allowed to bury our own dead." King Agamemnon agreed to the terms. Ajax, one of his ablest generals, stepped forward to fight Hector. The two soldiers clashed in the middle of the battlefield. Their swords swung and slashed. Their shields blocked the stabs and slashes. Each man fell to the ground more