Trumpets sounded early the next morning, signaling the battle. Achilles led the Greeks into battle. The Trojans were terrified to see Achilles back in battle. Kila saw Aeneas confront Achilles, but couldn't watch for too long. She had to concentrate on her part of the battle. As she shot silver arrows, she was suddenly charged by another figure. Kila landed on the ground with a thud. She almost lost her concentration, but immediately leapt back up to face her attacker. What she saw astounded her. It was another woman warrior, about her age. The woman had brown hair and brown eyes. She also carried a sword, which she swung in order to look threatening. Kila could tell that the woman wasn't experienced. And she knew exactly how to beat her. The woman charged Kila, but Kila quickly met her at sword point. After a few twists and turns, Kila forced the woman's sword from her hands. The sword went flying into the battle. Kila then kicked the woman's legs from underneath her and pinned her to the ground. She raised her sword. It was customary to slay the loser of a battle. But then Kila saw something. The woman suddenly looked like a lost girl. Her eyes were fearful as she looked at Kila's sword. A tear slipped from her cheek. Kila shook her head…warriors don't cry…but something held her. She blinked, and then let the sword drop beside her. A wave of compassion washed over Kila. "I…I can't do it. I just can't," she muttered. She stood and held her hand out to help the woman get up. The woman looked at Kila doubtfully, but then grasped her hand and let her pull her up. Then Kila picked up the sword. The woman spoke. "My name is Rika, and I would just like to thank…" "Spare it," Kila interrupted. "Just be thankful that you're alive. Now go back into the walls. The battlefield is no place for someone like you." And Kila ran. She knew that she had done a weak thing, but she just couldn't bring herself to kill. Then Kila heard the commotion. Aeneas had been hurt. The Trojans were retreating. Achilles shouted for them to go after the Trojans, but suddenly changed his mind and led the troops in another direction. Kila caught up with Achilles. "What are you doing?" "One of the Trojan princes went this way. We will slay him." Kila looked back at the walls of Troy. Almost all of the soldiers had retreated. "Achilles, we’ve been deceived." "What do you mean? "It must have been the gods. See how we've been distracted so that the Trojans could retreat?" "This will not happen!" "Achilles, what are you talking about?" "I'll take them down myself!" And before Kila could protest, Achilles was off speeding towards the walls of Troy.
Kila could do nothing but watch Achilles run back to Troy. Odysseus appeared beside her. "What is he doing? Do you think we should attack?" "I don't think he wants us to follow him. We'd better hold back." Odysseus squinted. "Looks like this battle is over. The Trojans are inside the walls…wait not all of them. One of them is just standing there, challenging Achilles. I think it's Hector." "The Trojan leader?" "Yes." Kila shook her head. "Hector won't stand a chance. Achilles is out for revenge, and he won't stop until he gets it." "I agree with you." Kila and Odysseus heard shouts from within the wall of Troy. Warnings for Hector to retreat while he still could. Hector stood his ground. He would not budge. "You have to admit…Hector's got guts," Kila commented. "Don't be so sure about that. Look…" As Achilles neared Hector, the sun shone off his armor. The reflection was almost blinding. And Kila watched…something came over Hector. He was overpowered by his fear. And he bolted from the gates with Achilles right behind him. The Greeks cheered. They were going to get a great show. Kila looked at the troops and then ran. She had to catch up to Achilles. Things were going to get insane. Meanwhile Achilles chased Hector around the walls of Troy. Try as he might, Hector could not find a way back to the gates. After the fourth time around the wall, Hector stopped for some reason and prepared to face Achilles. Kila caught up, but kept back. This was Achilles' fight. He threw his spear, but Hector ducked. The two exchanged words, but Kila couldn't make them out. Hector threw his spear. It hit Achilles, but rebounded. Kila heard Hector call for his brother to help him. She found that strange since all of the Trojans were inside the walls. Hector realized this, and drew his sword. The two began to fight. Achilles then found Hector's vulnerable spot. He took his spear and pierced Hector's throat. Hector fell. He was doomed. As Kila neared the two, she heard Achilles say, "Hector, you thought when despoiling Patroclus you'd be safe; but you forgot me, a mightier comrade, who was left behind, and now I have slain you. Dogs and birds shall devour your body, but he had a decent funeral." Hector's voice was faint. "I beg by you and your soul, by your father and mother, do not leave me by your ships for dogs to maul. Take bronze and gold, gifts that my father and queenly mother will give you. Give them my body that the Trojans and Trojans' wives may give me the rightful due of the dead, the ritual of fire…" Achilles laughed scornfully. "Dog, don't pray to me by my parents. I wish my angry heart would let me carve and eat your raw flesh for what you have done to me. None shall keep the dogs from you, not even if I ransom ten or twentyfold with the promise of more--no, not even if Priam gave your weight in gold. Your lady mother will not lay you on a bed to be mourned; the dogs and birds will devour your body." Hector could not hold on to his life. As he died, he said to Achilles, "Well do I know you and see you as you are. I never had a chance to persuade you. Your heart is as iron. Take care that I do not draw upon you the wrath of the gods on the day when you too will be slain--when Paris and Apollo slay you for all your valor at the Scaean gate…" and with those last words, Hector died. Kila stood beside Achilles. Achilles pulled the spear from Hector's body. "Die; as for my death, I am ready for whenever Zeus and the other gods are minded to bestow it." Then he handed the spear to Kila. She looked at it distastefully, and set it down next to her. Achilles knelt next to Hector, and stripped his armor from him. The Greek troops neared to watch. Achilles handed the bloody armor to Kila, and then went to talk to the men. Kila looked at the body of the great Trojan hero and then at the armor in her hands. She shuddered, knowing that she might get the same treatment if she was killed. A cheer from the Greeks interrupted her thoughts. She looked and saw Achilles walking towards her…with a chariot. "Why the chariot Achilles?" Achilles didn't answer, but went to the body of Hector. He took a sharp dagger and slit the tendons of the dead man's feet. "What are you doing?" Kila shouted. "Vengeance…" muttered Achilles. He took some ox-hide and bound the feet together. Then he tied them to the chariot. "You're going to drag him!?" "Yes." "You can't! It's shameful and dishonorable! You've killed Hector and taken his armor…that's enough. You'll bring us shame if you maim his dead body…" "Kila, be silent. I know what I'm doing." He got into the chariot. Kila dropped the armor and jumped onto the chariot. She punched Achilles and knocked him out of the chariot. "I won't let you do this. It's not right." "Patroclus' death wasn't right either. I am avenging him!" "He wouldn't want this!" "What do you know about it anyway?" Kila crossed her arms. "All right. We'll do it your way then." Kila took off her armor and her boots, leaving only her leather warrior outfit. She took out her whip and bound her feet. Then she lied down beside the dead Hector. Achilles looked at her strangely. "What do you think you're doing?" "Seeing how you all like it. Tie the whip to the chariot." "Kila…" "DO IT!" Achilles hesitantly took the end of the whip and tied it to the chariot. "Now get in the chariot and let's go." "Kila, you're going to kill yourself." "Well then we'll all be even. NOW GO!" The Greek and Trojan people stared at the scene. What choice would The Great Achilles make? Achilles raised his whip and brought it down on the horses' backs. They were off. Dust rose around Kila, and she felt the horses gain speed. She could hear the people shouting…both Greeks and Trojans. Then came the pain as they were dragged over the rough terrain. Kila felt the pain of hitting rocks and other objects. But she didn't cover herself. The pain was so horrible that she could barely feel it. Finally it ended. Achilles stopped the horses and leapt out of the chariot. Kila turned her head to see Hector. His hair had come loose and his body covered with dust and dirt. Kila lied on the hard ground, not wanting to move. She felt her feet being untied. She heard crying from the walls of Troy. Kila sat up slowly. Now she felt the pain. She was surrounded by the Greek troops. She saw worry on their faces, but everything was blurred by tears. Quickly she brushed the tears away. Warriors don't cry. Then Achilles was kneeling beside her. "You're absolutely crazy, Kila. Why did you do this?" She looked at him through teary eyes. "Honor," she whispered. He shook his head. "You stopped me from making the drag long and even more painful. The thought of you…" "He won't go to the dogs now will he?" interrupted Kila. "What?" "Please don't give Hector to the dogs. You've done enough already…" "I…" "Stand back," came the voice of a Trojan soldier. The Greeks raised their weapons. "No…stop," said Kila. She had seen the old Trojan king, Priam, coming with the soldiers. King Priam came forward, and Achilles stood. Then Priam got down on his knees. "Achilles, please for the love of the gods…give me my son's body. He was my last son to die. Please let us have a proper funeral for him." Kila saw tears in the old man's eyes. Achilles turned his head. "Please, Achilles. I'm begging you." Kila could not stand up. She crawled over to Priam. "You'll get him back. Achilles will give him back now. Isn't that right Achilles?" Achilles looked at them. The old man was crying, and Kila sat, her body bloody and bruised. The old man's tears softened him. "Very well," he said. Tears of happiness spilled from Priam's eyes. He stood and knelt to Achilles. "Thank you." "And," Achilles continued. "I call a truce until Hector has his proper funeral." The Trojan soldiers took the body of Hector. Before Priam left, he knelt to Kila. "You are an honorable woman. I thank you for what you have done." Then he kissed her hands and left. Kila sat on the ground dazed. She then looked at Achilles. "Why the change of heart?" "I knew that's the way you wanted it. I couldn't cause you pain anymore." Then he turned and left. The men came to help Kila. "Don't worry about me. Take my armor and boots." She stood up and winced at the pain. "I'll make it back myself." And Kila walked gingerly back to camp.
Achilles sat in his tent, head in his hands. What had he just done? Thoughts of Kila ran through his mind. Dragging her almost killed him, but he knew that it had to be done or he would be thought of as a coward. In his mind he saw Kila after the dragging. She was streaked with dirt. Her dark hair, like Hectors, had come undone. Countless scratches and bruises covered her body. She had a deep gash in her arm. Her ankles were bloody from where the whip had dug into them. There was pain in her green eyes. Achilles slammed his fist on the table. How could he have caused her so much pain? Why was he so foolish as to put one of the best fighters out? He was thinking of all of this, when he saw Kila limp by his tent. He quickly got up, and bolted from his tent. "Kila!" he shouted. She turned. "Yes Achilles?" "Wait." He caught up with her. She limped to the ocean. "What are you doing Kila?" "Natural healing." She lied down in the waves. The saltwater stung her wounds. Achilles sighed. Kila was too wounded for the ocean to heal her. Her voice came like a whisper from the sea. "I was weak today." Achilles crossed his arms. "What do you mean by that?" "I did a weak thing. I let one of them go…" "You did what?" "You heard me. She was a warrior like me…I couldn't kill her. I was weak." "I don't know what to tell you Kila." "Then forget it." She rose from the waves, and turned back towards him. "I'm sorry Kila. I'm sorry for everything." Kila walked to him. "Don't worry about me. Everything's…" Sharp pain ran through her body, and she collapsed. "Kila!" She crumpled to the ground. "Everything's ok…" and she lapsed into unconsciousness.
Kila was surrounded by total blackness. She heard voices coming from somewhere. Kila opened her eyes. There were figures staring at her. Her vision was blurred. "Mom? Dad?" She blinked twice. "Giles…Sol?" Giles and Sol looked at her. "You're awake," Giles finally said. "You've been out for three days," added Sol. "Really?" They nodded. Kila struggled to sit up, and then looked down to see her whole chest covered in bandages. "Bandages? What happened." "Your dragging caused more then a few cuts and bruises. You have a few cracked ribs," said Giles. Kila laid back down. "This is just great," she muttered. "The cracks aren't that serious though. You should be ok within a week," spoke up Sol. "Well that's good to know," said Kila. "Tell me about it," said the voice of Achilles. Kila strained her neck to see him. "Achilles?" "Thank the gods that you're ok." "What happened?" "You blacked out. I brought you here, and you've been here for three days." "What about the troops? Have we had any battles." "No. Not since Hector's death. The mourning of the Trojans ends today at sundown. We attack tomorrow." "Then I'll get ready." Kila began to get up. Achilles touched her shoulder. "Lay down. You're not well enough to fight. There is no way that you're going out there with cracked ribs. I won't allow it." "But…" "No buts. We can fight without you for a few battles. Save your strength Kila. Let yourself heal. We'll take care of the Trojans." "All right. Good luck then." Achilles smiled at Kila. "Heal as fast as you can. We need you. Valeo!" Achilles left. Kila closed her eyes. "Valeo Achilles." It was going to be a hell of a week…
Kila heard the shouts of battle begin early in the morning. She was frustrated that she could not do a thing to help, but knew that the more rest she got, the sooner she'd be able to go back. Achilles led the Greeks into battle. Thoughts of Kila raced through his mind as he slew Trojan after Trojan. The Greeks were winning the battle, but something went terribly wrong. A Trojan on a horse held a bow in his hand. From the carrier on his back he drew an arrow, and placed it on the bow. Using his keen eyesight and skills, he zeroed in on his target. He drew back the string…and released. The arrow soared though the air to its target…and hit him in the heel. A shout of pain and surprise ripped across the battlefield. The Great Achilles fell to the ground…with an arrow in his heel.
Kila had been resting when she heard the shout. "That was Achilles!" she said out loud. Giles came to her side. "What did you say?" "That shout came from Achilles. I'd know his voice anywhere." "But what does it mean?" "It means that he must be wounded. I have to go get him." She swung herself out of the bed. "But you can't go! You're still wounded. Your ribs…" "Giles I'll be fine." He looked worried, and she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Please believe me." "I…I believe you." "Good." Kila turned and walked out of the healer's tent. "Wait…what about your boots? Your weapons? Your armor?" shouted Giles. But he could not be heard because Kila was already too far away.
Kila ran to the battlefield. Her ankles throbbed from the pain. She surveyed the scene. Where was Achilles? She dodged fighting men as she went to the front line. He would be there somewhere. She searched and searched…and then she saw him. Achilles was on the ground. There was a Trojan soldier standing over him. The man raised his sword. "No!" screamed Kila. She ran and smashed into the soldier. He went flying out of sight. Kila clutched her side. The hit had taken a toll on her ribs. Then she turned to Achilles. "Achilles…I'm here." "You…you nut. What are you doing here without armor or weapons? You could be killed." "I know…I know that. I'm here to help you." Achilles tried to protest, but stopped and let Kila take over. "Can you stand?" "I don't know…my heel…" Kila saw the arrow. "Oh man…" She looked at him. "Will you let me get it out?" He nodded. Kila pulled the arrow out of his heel. He gasped at the pain. "Come on. You have to get to the healer's tent right now." Kila sheathed his sword. Then she put his arm around her, and lifted him up. "Just lean on me. We're going to make it through." Kila and Achilles struggled through the battle. They dodged swords, spears, and arrows. Finally they made it to the tent. Giles and Sol were already there. They lifted Achilles and brought him in. Kila followed them. Achilles was laid down on a pallet. Giles and Sol set to work. Kila sat down beside Achilles. "Why…I've gotten arrow wounds before. Why is this one so different?" "What do you mean?" "I feel ten times more pain then I have ever felt." Giles and Sol bandaged the heel. Achilles was sweating. Kila placed a hand on his forehead and frowned. "You're running fever…a high one. Sol! Get some water for Achilles." "As you wish, Kila." Kila pulled out the arrow that had struck Achilles. "You still have that?" "Yup. I might tell us what's wrong." They examined the arrow. Achilles sighed. "It's like any ordinary arrow. There's nothing different…" "Wait," said Kila. She sniffed the tip of the arrow. "Yes there is. This arrow carries poison." "Poison! I should have known…" "But if this arrow carried poison that means that you might die. Who did this to you?" "I was a man on a horse. He had dark hair and dark eyes. That's all I can remember." Kila began to get up, but Achilles tugged her arm. "Please don't go. Don't leave me, Kila." Kila was stunned for a moment, but sat back down. "All right." Achilles grasped her hand. "Listen to me. I know that I've acted selfish. I know that I've been hard. I'm sorry for any pain that I have caused you." "Don't apologize. You're the commander. It's your duty." Achilles reached for his sword and placed it in Kila's hands. "If I should pass on…I leave my position with you." Kila looked at the sword. "I'm honored." Achilles coughed violently. "Kila…look at me." Kila looked in his eyes. "Closer." She lowered her face so that it was right above his. Using all of his strength, Achilles leaned forward and kissed her. Kila pulled back. "Achilles…" "Kila, listen to me. From the first moment I saw you, I was in love with you. With your fighting…with your spirit…with your soul. I love you Kila. Neither poison nor death will ever stop me from loving you." Tears formed in Kila's eyes. "Achilles…I love you too." At that moment they forgot about how warriors don't cry. Instead they both cried and cried for the fate that would come.
Achilles passed on a few hours later. Kila refused to leave his side. His last word to her were "Lead them." Kila knew what she had to do. She emerged from the healer's tent to find the Greek troops. They had won the battle, and now stood, anxious to hear what had happened. Kila cleared her throat. "Men…The Great Achilles has passed on to the realm of the dead." The men cried out in anguish. "And so he has left me in his position. Achilles will always be remembered as the greatest leader of all time! Let us remember this great leader when we battle. Think of him and he will give you strength!" A funeral procession for Achilles followed Kila's speech. As the flames of the funeral pyre touched the sky, Commander Kila sang the funeral song. When the pyre was almost out, Kila spoke again. "Tomorrow we attack with full force. For revenge!" The men cheered. Kila thrust Achilles' sword into the air. "For Achilles!" And the echoes of the men's shouts were heard through the walls of Troy. The Trojans shuddered. The Great Achilles was dead…but now an even mightier force had taken his place.
The Greeks emerged for the battle next day with Kila in command. There was fire in their eyes and ice in their hearts. The battle would be a bloody one. Trumpets sounded, starting the battle. The Greeks let loose on the Trojans with all their might. War cries were heard as the men claimed revenge for their fallen commander. Kila sliced through the Trojans. She laughed at the anguish on their faces. Any pain that she had felt from her wounds was now gone. Then she spotted a man on a horse. He had dark hair…and dark eyes. "The one who slayed Achilles," she said under her breath. Kila flipped into the air, and knocked the man off his horse. He got up and spun around…right into Kila's sword. She pushed the sword into him further, and twisted it. Blood spilled everywhere. Kila looked at the pain on the man's face…and realized that he was none other than Paris, the one who had started the whole war. "So it was you who killed Achilles?" "Demon…" he sputtered. "You killed him! You die!" She thrust the sword right through Paris, and he died with a bloodcurdling scream. Paris fell off Kila's sword. She raised it to the sky. Crimson blood trickled down the sword. Kila let it cover her hands and arms. Then she smeared some blood on each of her cheeks like war paint. "I've taken my revenge." She spat on the body of Paris. "May you be doomed to Tartarus for what you have done!" And she turned and went back into battle as if nothing had just occurred.
The fiery spirit of the Greeks gave them another victory over Troy. As the men celebrated, Kila called Menelaus, Agamemnon, and Odysseus for a meeting. "We need a way to eliminate the Trojans once and for all. We'll battle forever unless we come up with a strategy." "I've been thinking," said Odysseus. The three others encouraged him to speak. "In my spare time, I have devised a plan. It's risky, but it might work." "What is it." "I propose that we create a large wooden horse." "A horse," laughed Agamemnon. "Let him speak," said Kila. Odysseus continued, "The horse will be hollow inside. Here is my plan. We will hide inside the hollow horse. I'll tell the men to sail our ships over the horizon so that the Trojans will think that we've left. As proof, we'll have one man pretend that he's been left as a sacrifice. He'll convince the Trojans to pull the horse into the wall. After they do, we'll attack at dusk. Our troops will come from the inside of the horse. Meanwhile, someone will go open the gates of Troy to let the other men, who will have returned by then, into the city. That's the plan." Kila thought for a moment. "Sounds good." Agamemnon and Menelaus nodded in agreement. "Then it's settled. Let's tell the men."
Agamemnon went out to inform the men on the new strategy. Kila wandered away from camp and sat on a rocky outcropping that overlooked the ocean. The ocean was calm and serene…unlike Kila. Kila felt fire inside her. It was a strange feeling at first, but she got used to it quickly. The fire had flared up right before Achilles had died. Was this the anger that Achilles had felt when Patroclus died? The fire of no mercy which would bring death and destruction to all in its path? Kila couldn't quite understand Achilles' bloodthirsty attitude for revenge at first…but now she knew exactly what he had gone through. Kila picked up a small rock and flung it into the ocean. Tears stung her eyes. She did not want to be a ruthless cruel warrior, but the fire inside her burned her will to stop herself. Her conscience was blocked out by the smoldering flames that swallowed her like a helpless child. "Kila," came the voice of Odysseus. Kila straightened up and made sure that there were no visible tears. Warriors don't cry. "I'm here. I'm going to come back now. I just needed some time to think…about the plan." Kila stood and walked past Odysseus. As she passed him, he felt coldness. He turned to stare at the warrior walking back towards the camp. She walked strong and sure. Her eyes held the fire of revenge.
After the plan had been announced, the Greeks set to work. Finally the great horse was built. The soldiers who were assigned to the horse climbed in. The others boarded the ships and set sail. Kila watched through a tiny hole in the horse's face. Finally the gates of Troy opened. People came pouring out, as they went to see what was left of the camp. Excited children pointed out where Achilles had stayed. Men and women explored the camp. The Trojans stood in awe at the great horse. Kila heard them arguing on whether it was a gift or a trick. Then a priest shouted something about how the horse would destroy the Trojans and how he didn't trust the Greeks even if they were bearing gifts. The priest took a spear and flung it at the horse. A hollow sound was heard. The soldiers inside the horse held their breaths. Had their plan been discovered so quickly? Suddenly noise was heard. A shepherd dragged a Greek soldier towards the crowd of people. Kila breathed a sigh of relief. The plan was back on track. The Greek man, Sinon, spoke with such sincerity that the Trojans believed him. Kila smiled. Sinon was known in the camp for his acting skills, and now they were being put to great use. Sinon was led into Troy. The Trojans were still wary of the horse. Suddenly a shout was heard. Two serpents slithered out of the ocean. They made for the priest that had thrown the spear and his children. The serpents coiled around them and killed them. This struck fear into the Trojans. It must have been a sign. Quickly ropes were tied around the horse, and the people began pulling it towards Troy. They stopped four times, for the horse was heavy. Each time the armor of the soldiers rang inside, and they were sure that their cover was blown. But the Trojans kept pulling them inside. As the Trojans celebrated, Kila laughed silently. They Greeks were inside the walls now and that night would be the end of the Trojans forever.
Meanwhile the Greek soldiers were getting restless inside the horse. They longed for their victory. Kila was getting cramped and uncomfortable. She stifled a yawn. She longed to stretch, but there was no way that any of them would risk stretching and making noise. It was hard to stay still and fairly quiet for such a long time. Not only that, but it was also getting hot inside the horse from everyone being crammed inside. Finally night fell. The soldiers waited anxiously to be released from the horse. Kila heard movement below the horse. The time had come. Sinon opened the horse for the soldiers. They quickly lowered a rope ladder and began lowering themselves out of the horse. Kila was one of the last to exit. The soldiers looked at her and Odysseus. Kila nodded, and Odysseus shouted "Attack! Revenge!" The soldiers began to terrorize the city. Kila knew her job. She had to open the gates. She dodged screaming people and made it to the gates. Greece was waiting for her. She found the lever to the gates and pulled. Slowly they opened, and the Greek army, led by Agamemnon, stormed in. Kila jumped onto one of the gates and waved them in. "Go! Go for Achilles! Go for Greece!" The soldiers cheered, and began their attack. Suddenly half of Troy was burning. The Greeks were wreaking havoc. Kila was still on the gates…just watching. Then she heard the shrill noise of an arrow. She reached into the air and plucked two out. Two arrows? She thought. Suddenly another flew by and hit the gate. Then another narrowly grazed her cheek. Kila felt the fresh blood begin to drip down her face. She quickly pulled out her bow and fired the arrows back in the direction from which they had come. She jumped from the gate…but an arrow caught her arm as she landed. Kila winced and looked at the arrow in her arm. As she was trying to pull it out, another arrow hit her in the thigh. She moved to a dark space just outside the gates and pulled the first arrow out. She couldn't get the second one out. It was in too deep. Suddenly her vision blurred and everything seemed to spin for a moment. It couldn't be. Kila sniffed the arrow she had pulled out. Poison…just like the arrow that had struck Achilles. Kila laid back. Was this the end? Was her quest over? A shadow fell over her. She closed her eyes. "Oh gods…" came a familiar voice. Kila opened her eyes. It was Rika…the girl she had spared. "You…what are you doing here?" she said. Rika knelt down beside her. "I saw you get hit. I was hoping that I could help you…because you helped me." "There's nothing you can do. Both of these arrows are poisoned. I'm…going to die." Rika tried to wipe the blood from Kila's cheek. "I know. I realized that. But a great warrior like you can't die like this…" "Any warrior, great or not, can be killed in an instant. I know I have failed my men." "I don't think you have. Your army is destroying Troy…isn't that what you want?" Kila looked at the stars. "I don't know what I want anymore. I'm defeated." "You're dying an honorable death. You never gave up on your army. You know right from wrong. And you know when to let up. For that I give you my utmost respect." Kila gave Rika a weird look. "And what about you? Are you letting your family die in there while you're out here conversing with the enemy?" "No. My parents died a long time ago from an illness. My siblings are older then me, and they live in other cities. It's just me alone." Kila turned her head. "I can't feel my legs or my arms. I'm going to die soon." "Why don't you just let it out then? Scream…cry…" "Warriors don't show weakness no matter what. Warriors don't cry." A shout was heard. Rika looked back. "Your men are looking for you. They'll kill me if I stay." "You have to go. Take my bow and my arrows." Rika took the bow and arrows. She stood. "Though I don't really know you…I feel sad for you…" "Thank you, Rika. Thank you for staying with me. Now go. Good luck." Rika started off. She looked back at the dying warrior. "Go!" Rika disappeared into the darkness. Kila shivered. She was losing her senses. Everything was spinning. She heard cries, and suddenly was surrounded by a group of her men. Her friend from home, Conaf, was there. So was Odysseus. "Odysseus…" whispered Kila. Odysseus lifted her head from the ground. "Kila what happened? Someone cut that arrow out of her." Conaf set to work on removing the arrow. Kila's blood spilled everywhere. She gritted her teeth in pain. "I couldn't catch all of the arrows. They came to fast. They're poison arrows." "No…" came the whispers of the men around her. "Yes. I am dying. I failed you all…" "You didn't fail us one bit," said Odysseus. "You were a strong willed compassionate fighter. You led the army to many victories. You could never let us down." Kila's eyes drooped. "I'm…getting tired. Listen to me…after this war is over I want someone to bring my necklace, sword, and armor back to my home. I want someone to give them to my parents and tell them that I'm ok now. Tell them I love them." "I'll do it," said Conaf. Kila smiled weakly. Her breath was coming short. "Thank you Conaf…" She coughed. "Thank you all of accepting me. Thank you for everything. Now, Greece, good luck. And please, promise that you won't forget me. Valeo!" "We could never forget you Kila," said Odysseus. Kila felt her last breath escape her body. Odysseus felt Kila go limp. He looked at the men. "She's gone."
The battle against Troy was over as quickly as it had begun. The Greeks were victorious. The war was over. And though the Greeks were happy with their victory, they felt as if they had lost too. Two great warriors, Achilles and Kila, were taken from them in a heartbeat. And now, before the return home, the Greeks held the funeral for Kila. Her lifeless body, now in a funeral shroud, was placed on the pyre. Odysseus took charge of the funeral and lit the pyre. As the men chanted, he gave a speech. "Today we honor the memory of one warrior dear to all of us. Not only was Kila a beautiful person, but she was also a fierce fighter. She touched us all in one way or another. Whether it was leading our troops, healing our wounds, or sacrificing something for us, she was always there. Without her, we would have been incomplete. It gives me great honor to say this speech for her. Kila, we know the dead can hear our thoughts. I know that you know that we are all thinking of you and that we all love you and will miss you dearly. We'll never forget you." The men watched until the pyre was nothing but smoldering ashes. As they filed by it, they threw flowers and seashells on top. Then the men boarded the ships that would be taking them back home to Greece. After ten long years, the war was finally over.
A strange feeling woke Kila up. It was cold, dark, and gloomy. She shivered. Where was she? She looked down to see where her wound had been, and found that she was dresses in a funeral shroud. She felt something in her mouth. She spat and found a gold coin in her hand. Kila stood uncertainly. She felt a little queasy. Then she saw the river…and the people lined up near it. She looked at the coin and realized where she was. She was in Hades, and she had to use the coin to pay the fee in order to get across the River Styx. Kila walked to the end of the line. Everything was weird. She recognized some of the people as Trojans. She couldn't look at them. After about an hour of waiting it was her turn to board the ferry. She gave Charon the gold coin and stepped aboard. Charon ferried them across the wild River Styx. Kila felt emptiness as she stood on another line to be judged by Hades, god of the underworld. When it was her turn, Kila bowed. Hades took one look at her. "She's a honorable one. You know where to take her," he mumbled, and pointed in one direction. Kila was taken by Hades' soldiers into the unknown.
The day was calm and peaceful in Poiseidious. The relatives of those who had gone to war had heard of the news. The war was ended and now they waited anxiously for their loved ones to return home. There was a cry from the lookout. The ship with the war heroes was pulling into the harbor. The families of Poiseidious rushed down to meet the soldiers, among them Kila's parents. They watched as the soldiers came off the boat and were reunited with their family. Kila's parents looked for her. Why hadn't she gotten off the boat yet? Then Conaf came to them. "Martois…Lisandra, I come to you bearing news. Kila was a wonderful warrior, one of our best and most respected fighters. Unfortunately, she was killed by poison arrows." Lisandra buried her head in Martious' arm. "My baby girl…" "She wanted me to let you know that she was ok now and that she loved you. She also wanted you to have these." Conaf gave them the necklace, the armor, and the sword. "My necklace…" said Lisandra. "The sword of Achilles?" asked Martious. "Yes, sir. She and Achilles shared a special bond. He gave her the sword after his death. She led us to many victories. You would have been proud." Martious patted Conaf on the shoulder. "Thank you, my boy. Now go find your family. I'm sure they'll be happy to see you." Conaf walked away. Lisandra placed the necklace around her neck. "I can't believe we'll never see our girl again." "Yes dear…but our girl was a woman. It was her decision. I know she died with great honor." "Yes, I agree with you. Our baby died with honor…And I love her still." Martious put an arm around Lisandra. "The dead can hear our thoughts. She knows we love her…and I know she still loves us."
Kila lowered her head as she was led through Hades. It was a dark sad place. She wasn't allowed to question where she was being taken. She kept silent. She thought of everything that had happened. The events played through her mind. She just wished that she could have seen her parents one last time. She wished that she could see Achilles. At last the soldiers stopped in front of a portal. "This is where Hades told us to deliver you. You will go through the portal. Do you understand?" Kila nodded nervously. She took a deep breath and stepped through the portal. Then she felt a tingly feeling. She looked around. There was greenery everywhere. The scent of flowers was in the air. People were laughing and playing. Everything was peaceful. "I think I'm in the Elision Fields…" She walked to a small pool of water and glanced in. She gasped. Her funeral shroud was gone. It its place was…a warrior outfit. She was wearing white leathers and gold armor. She had white and gold gauntlets and golden boots. Kila's honor had taken her to the Elision Fields. "Kila!" shouted a familiar voice. Kila turned…and couldn't believe her eyes. Standing before her, in an outfit of white and gold, stood Achilles. "Achilles…is that really you?" "Is that really you, Kila?" "Yes…" "I can't believe it…" "I…I don't know what to say." Achilles ran to her and took her into a big hug. "Don't say anything, Kila." He took her face into his hands and kissed her. "I love you." "I love you too Achilles." Tears poured down both of their cheeks and the saying of warriors don't cry was forgotten. They were together…and this time it would be for eternity. Achilles took Kila's hand and led her down the path. Kila looked up into the clear blue sky. She felt happy…and complete at last. She had won glory and honor, but now she had found what she was truly looking for. Finally Kila was free.
