Player Movement

Today we gonna explain how the players should move on the volleyball court. As you can see in the diagram the positions are numbered from 1 to 6: players 4,3,2 on the front row and players 5,6,1 on the back row. Player 3 the middle blocker should always be on the middle so you can not move past the Player 4 on the left neither you move past Player 2 on the right. Players 4 and 2 cannot move sideways to be the middle player. Now Player 5 on the back row can move up the court as long as Player 4 is in front. As Player 6 should always be behind Player 3. And Player 1 to 2.

The front row players: the opposite, the middle blocker and the outside hitter are the primary attackers. They can attack whether the ball is overhead or below the top of the net. The back row player, mainly the outside hitter attacks from behind the back row line. They can also move to the front row where they can send the ball over if the ball is below the top of the net. If the Libero is at the front zone and makes a pass, you can hit the ball so long as the ball is below the top of the net. If the Libero is outside the front zone and makes a pass, you can freely attack the ball.

I would rename Player 2 as the Adjacent Hitter AH in addition to the Player 4 the Opposite Hitter OH and Player 3 the Middle Hitter MH. The Backrow Hitter will be called BH. OH sets are slower since the passes are long but these are the highlight hits, the MH kills you with quick hits and decoy plays and the AH hits with running spikes. My best positional players are:

Best Opposite Hitter

Jaja Santiago

Kim Dy

Jovelyn Gonzaga

Marjana Philips

Gretchel Soltones

Best Middle Hitter

Jaja Santiago

Mary Joy Baron

Mika Reyes

Kim Dy

Aby Marano

Best Adjacent Hitter

Aby Marano

Rachel Daquis

Kim Dy

Michelle Gumabao

Jaja Santiago

Best Backrow Hitter

Jaja Santiago

Gretchel Soltones

EJ Laure

Cherry Rondina

Marjana Philips

Best Blocker

Mika Reyes

Jaja Santiago

Mary Joy Baron

Gen Casugod

Ria Meneses

The Battle of the Liberos

Why is that player wearing a different set of uniform? Isn't she on the same team? Yes. She is called the Libero, the defense specialist of the team. FIVB the international governing body on volleyball has created the Libero role so as to make the game more exciting. As her specialty is defense, her role is pretty much limited to receiving the ball. She is also allowed to pass the ball on the offensive set as long as the ball is on level with the top of the net. She cannot serve the ball. Further the Liberos of each team switching is not considered a regular substitution so they can switch as necessary.

Why are they small? Why can't they be big? They are small because they are supposed to be quicker and more agile. Bigger players tend to be assigned to offensive roles. That is why Dawn Macandili is small and cute. Isn't Denden Lazaro cuter? Bang Pineda would qualify as cute. Katarina Vukomanovic, Yuri Fukuda, Mami Miyashita, Minami Miyagawa and Kristen Moncks? We're talking locals okay. Jen Reyes, cute. Jeck Dionela, cute. No lie folks, this is called the cute attack.

The PSL Grand Prix 2017 Week 1 Power Rankings

Last Saturday October 28, avid fans trooped to the San Juan Arena where they were treated to the spectacle of the Opening Ceremonies. Teams were collectively presented to the audience to take the players' oath and to size each other up. Unfortunately one team the UST Golden Tigresses did not have representatives as they were competing in the University Games. That did not seem to dampen the festive atmosphere as the National Teams who made us proud in international tournaments were given honor. Next up on the spotlight were the imports who showed their dancing skills. They certainly know how to have fun. Our guest USAWVT Coach Karch Kiraly then gave an inspiring talk. The future is bright for Philippine Volleyball. That said he joined PSL President Ramon Suzara and PSL Chairman Philip Ella Juico in declaring the Chooks-To-Go sponsored PSL Grand Prix 2017 formally open.

As promised we gonna give you a review of the games in our Weekly Power Rankings. Games through October 21 - 28. Play resumes November 4 as the league takes a Halloween break.

1. Foton Tornadoes (2-0)
Foton's victories over Cignal and Cocolife were not easy but they have to work on starting strong and maintaining the intensity throughout the match. With Jaja Santiago showing good form and the consistency of the imports, the Tornadoes seem unstoppable on offense.

2. Petron Blaze Spikers (3-0)
Petron has to handle the pressure of being the top seed. So we rank them second at the moment despite sterling performances from the imports.

3. F2 Logistics Cargo Movers (0-0)
Idle F2 is last conference's runner up so we expect their good showing to carry over.

4. Cignal HD Spikers (1-2)
Cignal is scary especially when they unleash the middle. Say Beth Carey and Alexis Mathews are to team up front side by side, teams better prepare for it.

5. Generika Ayala Lifesavers (1-2)
So import Penina Snuka was being benched when she unleashed mean jump serves that has Cignal shookt. They lost the game alright but this could be the spark they are looking for.

6. Iriga City Oragons (1-0)
Iriga City's five set debut win over Sta. Lucia is an upset. Thus the Oragons have to prove their win is not a fluke.

7. Cocolife Asset Managers (0-2)
When you bring in a new setter in Tina Salak, there will be adjustments because she touches the ball more than anyone on the floor.

8. Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors (0-2)
The Lady Realtors must not lose focus and start producing those W's.

9. UST Golden Tigresses (0-0)
Fresh from winning the University Games, the ecstatic Golden Tigresses will try to steal a match or two.

The PSL Grand Prix 2017

The Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix 2017 kicked off to a promising start Saturday October 21 at the San Juan Arena aka the Fil Oil Flying V Centre as four teams spiced up with imports saw action. Petron wins over Generika in the opener while Foton defeated Cignal HD in the second game.

This conference the nine teams suited up for action are:
1. Cignal HD Spikers
2. Cocolife Asset Managers
3. F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
4. Foton Tornadoes
5. Generika Ayala Lifesavers
6. Iriga City Oragons
7. Petron Blaze Spikers
8. Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors
9. UST Golden Tigresses

The teams are allowed three imports each to level up their games. These highly touted reinforcements are expected to shook the power rankings as they balance the composition of the teams. The road will be long as teams play a single round robin in the eliminations to a knockout format in the quarters and semi finals. The battle for gold is a best of three.

Open spikers Sara Klisura (Serbia) and Dragana Perunicic (Montenegro) adds depth to the formidable Foton frontcourt of Jaja Santiago, Maika Ortiz, Rosario, EJ Laure and Dindin Manabat while Katarina Vukomanovic (Serbia) the defense specialist mentors local Libero Jen Reyes. As you know second and third string players should always be ready for a call up to play.

Petron, riding high from their All Filipino title last conference, is the dark horse of the tournament. Their calling card is defense so the key is when Hillary Hurley (USA), Lindsay Stalzer (USA) and Yuri Fukuda (JPN) meshes with the locals. Mika Reyes is an excellent blocker so she can learn more offense from the imports. And vice versa. Aiza Pontillas, Ces Molina, Rhea Dimaculangan, Remy Palma and Ria Meneses are in the same mold. Cherry Rondina and Bang Pineda are pinch hitters.

The young Santa Lucia Lady Realtors are looking for identity so they are experimenting on the plays. They look on Mar Jana Phillips to carry the team to new heights with her controlled spikes ably assisted by Captain Djanel Cheng, Rebecca Rivera, Shirley Salamagos and Rialen Sante. Marisa Field (Canada) along with Bohdana Anisova (Ukraine) and Kristen Moncks (Canada) would help glue the team.

Cignal's troika of enlisted Philippine Army personnel Rachel Ann Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rose Tubino tries to climb the ladder board as they beef up with imports Alexis Mathews (USA), Beth Louise Carey (AUS) and Mami Miyashita (Japan).

Generika gambled on bringing in setter Penina Snuka (USA), middle blocker Darlene Ramdin (Trinidad & Tobago) and open spiker Katarina Pilepic (Croatia) since they should take a chunk of playing time. So you make do with the cards you are dealth with. Angeli Araneta, Fiona Ceballos, Gen Casugod and Chloe Cortez should pick up their games.

F2 Logistics will always be a title contender. Watch out when Maria Perez (Venezuela) and Kennedy Bryan (USA) joins the talented bunch. As you know PH National Team mainstays Kim Fajardo, Abby Marano, Dawn Macandili and Kim Dy play here.

Cocolife is an enigma. They would play good games here and there but their eyes should be on the prize. Captain Michelle Gumabao is a winner so we wanna see that happen in the pros. So with veteran setter Tina Salak coming out of retirement is good for the team. Pray they are not clashing heads. Taylor Milton (USA) and Shar Manu Olevao (USA) are the imports tasked to elevate their play.

The Iriga team has quite a following. Feisty Gretchel Soltones, college MVP and one of the Premiere Volleyball League superstars, teams up with Kmezic Tamara (Croatia), Saam Miyagawa (Japan) and Minami Yoshioka (Japan). This is their debut to the PSL so be patient with the Oragons as they build the foundations. Expect a sixth to eight place finish.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses will be fielding in an all filipino college team so as to represent. What makes this team hum? You have to watch them to find out. What we know is they would play without imports. That makes their games an exhibition type. They will finish last.

The Iliad and the Odyssey Reimagined

Story by: Luis Voltaire Guzman Castillo

Writer's Note: Some scenes are Rated X thus it is advised that the audience be composed.

I. Tale of Two Empires [Day 1 Friday the 13th of May, 77th year of Mykenai] 

1200 BC. Man has learned to control fire, water, the wind and the earth. Fire has evolved from lightning, forest fires, camp fires, torches, oil lamps, candles, furnaces to the fireplaces of the hearths of our houses. Villages sprung when they gathered at the rivers, lakes, streams and other fresh water sources. They made bricks from mud and quarried stones to make walls, houses and palaces to shelter them from the elements. Eventually civilizations rise when they cultivated fertile valleys and harvested crops in excess. We also domesticated animals. We then make transport carts and carriages drawn by horses and asses. We make ships, boats and canoes to transport resources inland to the sea. And that is the summary of our history lads. As you know today is our last day of school before we go to our holiday break. Khalkas an elderly man in his forties lectures his students. Next week we gonna celebrate the birth of Zeus. It is also the eve of the winter solstice so our relatives at the north countries will have their festivities. Remind your folks be careful when you venture into the unknown. Germanic tribes hunt for outsiders to kill. You know what they do when they catch you? He paused for dramatic effect. They gonna skin you alive, drain your blood and splash it to the snow laden trees to color it red, white and green. He smacked the table hard. We resume classes in a fortnight so review your lessons. Read books of philosophy and history. You will graduate in a few months so reflect on your career path. Who you wanna be? Where you wanna go? Here is a map of the world. This is the Aegean Sea where two empires lie opposite one another. Greece and Troy. Greece is here, Roma to the west, Athens to the east, the Slav settlements to the north and Patras to the south. Kreta is considered a territory although they have their own government. Going east is Troy, a land blessed by Athena. Farther east is our old folks, India serves as the trading post to Sumer, Arabia, Persia, Africa and China. You have to learn how to sail and navigate by reading the stars. Why is Venus rising? Is the world flat? Why does the sun rises and sets? Why are there shooting stars? After you finish your studies here, ask me what you want and I will introduce you to teachers. Akhilleus started sailing on his own at the age of sixteen? He is twenty two now. How about Menelaos a man child defeated heavy weights in wrestling? You wanna be a soldier like his brother Agamemnon? He commands the north army who are battling barbarians. You might wanna be like Odysseus, who is a famous athlete. Or you just wanna be like your fathers. They are your sun in the morning and the moon and the stars at night. Are you ready for the weekend? The Weekend is known as the festival before the holidays. Simultaneous events and gatherings go on at the capital - theatre shows, musical extravaganza, horse racing, military parade of colours and the ceremony of the faith. The Lord Marshal thought it convenient to coincide their annual roundtable discussion. I heard Rhapsodes will headline the concert. I'm excited. Rhapsodes a famous balladeer swoons the crowd with his nasal voice. We wanna see the circus! Dog show!

II. The Athenian Theatre Club

The sound of metal against metal can be heard. The women grunt as they spar with their swords and shields. At the center, there is a pair more focused than the rest. A beautiful blonde strikes forcefully that her partner's sword went flying. She yelled. Let's go yeah. She relaxes her sword on guard. Cut. The playwright walks toward the pair. The actors were rehearsing a play on the auditorium at the school of Athens. There were applause from the handful of audience watching. You my god Helen are exquisite. Murmurs are now heard. You guys on the other hand have to move more feminine. These are amazons we talking about. Legend has it that King Priam of Troy has to help the Phrygians drive out those women fighters. Unbelievable. No more complaining. Let's go to the next act. While their worship of the mighty Zeus depicts the patriarchal and polygamous society, women are placed high on the pedestal. These elite women study and hold important duties in the empire. Helen princess of Athens has that privilege so she asked the theatre to accept her. The all-male club cannot say no to the most beautiful woman in the world. Akhilleus was usually picked to play the female lead in the stories and Odysseus the hero. Of brawn and beauty. Helen was not concerned much on her body. He was raised up looking to men as role models - her father, brother, uncles, relatives and mates. I wanna do what men can do. Helen had wanted to serve the army but her physical attributes dissuaded her. The Royals engage in the sport of equestrian and polo. She loves horses. Nevertheless she took the liberty of joining the theater club, as what her body says. I feel horny. Helen lied naked faced down at the king size bed. Restless. She sat up, lied on her side and sat up again. She stood up, faced the mirror and closed her eyes. She felt a hand touch her stomach from behind. Menelaos began rubbing her ab muscles, now her breasts. He caressed her slowly at first then violently. Not now my husband. I have my monthly period. She lied. Her thoughts were on Odysseus and the steamy scene they had. He touched her abs.

 

III. 

At the cafetaria where he was once a student, Odysseus arrives to where his mates are sitted. Helen his theater partner, Akhilleus a handsome mulatto, Menelaos their friend from Sparta and Khalkas the teacher who came by to catch up with his students. Aristocrats study in the numerous schools of thought in the land of Greece. Mykenai is the capital city while Sparta is renowned for its strict military training. However Athens is a burgeoning city so fancy that they all wanna live there. Khalkas was talking as usual. You young ones should see Troy. They are the next big thing. They have smooth path ways that you will not have bumpy rides on carriages nor the cargo you stack on it will be disturbed. They call it asphalt. I tell you Helen, tell his highness your father Theseus to trade for this black material. Have you seen their black ships? This black material is also applied to the long ships that make it water resistant. Are they good fighters? Probably they good as any. Who knows. Listen i earned my spurs as a sailor in the land of Phaiacia. They the best ship builders i know and they produce the black residue from burnt trees. They keep out the water. I almost get married there. You know the type. Chubby, freckled young woman. You know much i wanted to sail right? I built myself a raft and sailed north from Ithaca. I landed in the shores of Phaiacia. She is lovely Nausicaa. Spoken like a true ladies' love. Odysseus you married Penelope right? That lady is tough. She knows about this Nausicaa character? Who's married? I'm always on the hunt. Heh. Nonsense. You not trying to steal Helen from me huh? Why no. You married last year what. I have the black ships. After Athens, me and my squire have been transporting cargo and equipment. I seen Troy and I have the black material. Menelaos grunts. Okay gentlemen it is time for me to retire. My best wishes to you all. We going as well. I have to get my sword at the armoury. Odysseus looked at the venue of the Roundtable. He might bump into the clerk Circe one of these days. Circe is one of his ex girlfriends. They go out to a spacious plaza which is bounded by a cluster of buildings on four sides. How good can Spartans fight? Menelaos flared and pushed Akhilleus on the chest. Akhilleus stepped back and bounced on his feet. He was ready. Menelaos the taller and heftier rushes in and throws a punch that missed. Akhilleus hits with left right left combo and weaves out before the spartan can grab him. He caught Menelaos with a right hook to the body but his hair was close enough for Menelaos to hold. Menelaos headbutts him. Akhilleus extricates himself as Menelaos froze from the liver shot. Akhilleus hits him on the jaw and goes for the kill. However they were separated by soldiers who responded on the call. Menelaos was vulnerable in his love for Helen. The play was a source of their arguments. He was jealous and insecure. Akhilleus traces his roots to Africa, the land of the damned. His grandfather was from Ethiopia, moved to Egypt where he was smuggled to slavery. The Egyptian empire went down when they polluted the Nile river. The signs were there - toads and locusts were driven out of their habitat because of climate change. The river was a dump of garbage and human feces. The Egyptians would endure the plague while foreigners flee for green pasture. The Mediterranean was busy. 

IV. Mentor Discourses 

The scrolls tell us that civilization first sprung up in Sumer. Where they come from your guess is as good as mine. I bet they are Indians. Look at the eyes. Where do Indians come from then? Its a question i have no answer. They have primitive written history that is why. The Trojans etch literature in bronze sheets to make books and like us express it at the arts - painting, sculpting, singing and dancing. Timber is also used as medium. The Orientals write in bamboo poles. See these equations: brown + yellow = yellow, brown + white = white, brown + black = black, yellow + white = white, yellow + black = black, white + black = black. I study genetics and the result is not absolute. When combine races there will be mutations. What happens when a black man and an indian woman intermarry? The dominant traits and characteristics of each will be evident in their offspring. So more likely than not they will produce a child who has sleepy eyes. Am i boring you guys? Mentor is proud of his students specializing in his field of expertise. As customary individuals of specialty trades apprentice for more than ten years. The surplus food gathered from the fields has led to artisans who ply their trades to earn coins or exchange them for food and property. Such as himself. In other words you can say that Greece has achieved its Golden Age when the physical and emotional needs are met you study the spiritual. Exposure to the sun makes us dark but I have this concept that it affects women faster. So they get tanned slower. When they are sheltered from the sun, they get lighter fast. 

V. The Charioteer's Son

I understand you come here for the wrestling competition. When you start trouble, be sure you win. Prince Agamemnon scolds his brother. I am lined up for the crown brother, you will apologize to the king. That man can punch. Akhilleus. Moves like the wind. Akhilleus sits at the plant box feeling woozy from the head shot. He looked around. Workers standing on scaffolding decorate the arena with velvet drapes. Khalkas sat beside Akhilleus. He wrestles good Menelaos. Despite his being hot headed, he is a good man. His brother is poised to become Lord Marshal that is why he is like a father figure to him instead of a brother. Do this, do that. Menelaos said he wanna go to his uncle in Kreta. You know explore the world on his own. My father was a slave you know. I know his story. Peleus the charioteer. The king saw him fight as a soldier and freed him from his duties. He raced for the king versus other kings and lords. High stakes gambling. Lord Nestor of Pylos was a constant gambler. They call him The Unicorn derived from his battle horse that has a unique horn sticking out from its armour head. Today at the race however he attached the shortest iron horn. His sons Thrasymedes and Perseus were eager to see the Parade of Colours. Helen and her maidens in waiting were in attendance at  the grandstand. She loves the art of war. The energy of the crowd revitalizes her. The presence of the young boy Perseus was requested by Lord Dryas. Already he has a throng of followers. Story has it that Perseus almost drowned swimming at the sea. He lived. Someone pushed him that he walked safely. Someone shouted He was saved by Poseidon! He is Poseidon's own. The young legend grows on. People would generally pray to Zeus but when their mood is an underdog they will pray to the God of the Underdogs. Poseidon. At the sea he is considered more powerful than the almighty Zeus. Akhilleus was always been a fighter. He smuggle goods at the Mediterranean Sea where he has faced pirates like himself. He took Briseis from her homeland in Thebes, a Greek countryside. A mental note reminds him when he navigates through Thebe the Trojan naval base. He has seen the good and bad of Troy. Laodike, he has the hots for the high priestess and daughter of the monarch Priam. He has absolute control of Troy. He dislikes black people so he banned them. However Akhilleus walks among them because of his mulatto gray colour. Asians of diverse culture are allowed to trade at the Revellin,  a V shaped structure separate from the Walled City. Laodike believes in reincarnation, the progression of the soul. When you are not cleansed in this world you come back in a new body. That is why they respect horses.    

VI. 

A carriage breaks to a halt. The door opens and a queenly woman alighted. Who is that talking to Helen? Why its Queen Klytaimnestra, wife of King Agamemnon. She was a fellow teacher. You do not remember? Let us give courtesy. Khalkas. Milady. Who is this young man? Akhilleus at your service. That can wait. We girls have a date. The sisters go to the veranda of their favorite cafe. So how is Mykenai? I am so excited as the administrator of education. The king is my husband so i get what i want. The perks. I'm am busy interviewing scholars. What we can do on the stars. As you know the first month is June and May is the last month. The light divides night and day, the hour dial tells time and the moon the monthly cycles. My proposal is to count the stars and divide it to twelve sections as there are twelve months in a year. There, the Orion is highlighted by three stars lined up in a row. The most recognizable feature of the night sky. Trace an invisible line like so and you connect that to the brightest star Sirius and Aldebaran on the opposite end. How do you know when its the winter solstice already? What is it anyway? It is when the night is longest. Oh you look pretty when you do that. We know the winter solstice through observatories. Initially we install wooden pegs in a series as a line of sight to every major star. Then we replace them with brick structure. When the stars align with the lines of sight, we know its time. How is your garment business? I have old ladies weaving wool, cotton and silk. Hey ladies, mind if i join you? Odysseus loves to flirt. He and his Episkyros boys were known as pickup artists. Each have their own style to get girls. Which is an unfair tag because women present themselves to the popular jocks. But there are those hard to get women. Armand loves to bring with him hot women who are actually his wings so that his target woman will be impressed. Gilbert talks to every available woman that he stumbles into hot women. Romulus loves to whisper to women. He dubs this technique as how to train a parrot. Raymond impresses chicks with his blings and shiny chariot. He is loud. Odysseus has stopped ONS one night stands when he married Penelope but still he hangs out with his mates.

VII. The Weekend [Saturday, Sunday]

The weekend goes on as planned.

VIII. The Eastern Alliance

Hektor has hectares of land that he claimed as inheritance from his father. He was a born leader. Horses. We must raise our stock of horses. The answer came from the cold country of the north. Slabs of ice in those parts. Certainly no country for young men. That is why the Slavs migrate to warmer climate. But like salmon returning home to mate, they go home to die. Euphorbus went west and settled near Troy. Hektor befriended him and the two became close allies. Hektor knows his family particularly his younger sister Andromakhe. He married the blonde beauty. The Clan of Pandaros, one of the Oriental ethnic groups, settled at the coasts of the Black Sea and mingled with the locals. They dive for giant oyster clams. Laodike sings tales of the old times. So Indians come here one millenia ago. Black and adamant. Five hundred years later the Chinese. The Indians and the Chinese multiply quickly so they build Little Indias and Chinatowns in foreign lands. The Chinese can go to Chinatowns undocumented in their lifetime. The immigrants were treated as ethnic groups. However in certain locations, such as Lykia and Zeleia, the orientals have outnumbered the natives. The last century they actively participated in all aspects  government so much so that they rise to power. Sarpedon the Chinese is the king of Lykia. Glaukos the Korean is his protege.

IX. Odysseus and Penelope

Odysseus and Penelope were inseparable. The campus jock and the beauty queen. They annoyed each other like fuck. Like cats and dogs. And the audience heightened their propensity for endless debates. She kissed him savagely on the lips, her arms and legs locked on Odysseus on a standing embrace. They made love at the bed. He knew her first. I love you Penelope. Odysseus plays Episkyros, the most popular ballgame in Greece. There are also games wherein you toss the ball or kick it. Episkyros combines those elements. A line divides a vast field and the side lines and base lines are also marked up. The rule is you have to get to the end zone by throwing, kneeing and kicking the ball up in the air. The teammate can throw, knee or kick or toss or hit it or catch it with the arms and run with it. It is a foul when the ball touches the ground. Odysseus plays midfield the most relaxed position. He slapped her on the face. I don't like you flirting around. I was not. She started to cry. Slap me. She slapped him softly. Harder. She slapped him again and again and again and again. He was shookt. Thats enough. He took hold of her wrists and guided them to her sides. He gently kissed her. Say fuck me. Fuck me. They made love again and again and again and again. Odysseus does not have a short fuse. It takes extremes to squeeze emotions from him. Episkyros is his life so he devotes most of his time honing his skills. Penelope has the same soul. She won the inaugural search for Miss Greece. That was her dream. She has always been a go getter so when she saw Odysseus playing she said to herself this is the man i would marry. She introduced herself and was not surprised when he told her he is a prince from Ithaca. An island of the west side. We're not rich Penelope. That is why i play the game.

X. The Sword and the Shield

King Theseus and the high court of Akhaia convene at the barracks of the round table. The agenda, Troy. The clerk of court announced the dignitaries. King Dryas, lord marshal of Graecia, King Theseus from Athens, chairman, members of the high court, gentlemen. There are reports that the Trojan black ships are seen as far as the province of Roma and the northern settlements. What can you say Agamemnon? As you know we have a peace treaty with them. We hope to build a temple of Poseidon there aside from the temples of Athena and Artemis. Blasphemy! You will not talk about the church in a political jargon! The church moves in an entirely different dimension. After this discussion, we will sacrifice a lamb at the temple of Zeus. How is Troy? They are rich in natural resources. Gold, silver and what they call petroleum. Now there are more immigrants than native Trojans. Mainly for security and labor workers. Wouldn't that be a problem? Apparently not. The citadel is guarded mostly by Trojans and besides the captains and lieutenants are Trojans. They wanna employ Greek teachers too. Imagine if we send Brutus there. Who is Brutus? Hahahaha. One of those birdhandlers who raise and take of care of the homing pigeons. The birds have the ability to find their way home over extremely long distances. Where it was nested. So we bring these pigeons to our stations abroad and release them when necessary to send messages. When Lord Dryas adjourned to his quarters, Khalkas was there at his receiving room.  

X. The Faith Academy

Khalkas walks the priest Khryses. Ah the endless debate of faith and politics. We study the sciences at the academy so we interpret dreams and visions. They get angry when the odds are not in their favor. They send lavish gifts when we bring them good luck. The truth is the sun shines for the rich and poor, the good and the bad. Is that why they call you the radical priest? We have to compromise if we want to have peace. We adopted the pagan celebrations of germanic tribes. At Troy we have the eastern philosophy thriving so we accept their way of life. They still practice their customs and traditions while believing in Zeus. What is your belief? I worship the higher power, the creator of my soul. A man after my own heart. My daughter is studying to become a priestess. They came to a house with gardens, bee hives and a chicken shed. This is my house. Let's have some tea Khalkas. Beautiful isn't it? Khalkas was admiring an aroid flower. This here on the top is the male part and scatters the pollen while the female part is hidden. The wind, snow, birds and us humans pollinate the plant. Yes i pride myself in raising yellow carps. Khalkas looks bewildered staring at the pond. I am not a magician Khalkas. The pond produced a yellow carp and i isolated it with orange and red carps. Nature. What do you think of homosexuality father? Homosexuals per se are not immoral. But the act of sex, especially in public, is vile and disgusting according to our morals. That can send you to prison and the worst punishment is death. Right heineous crimes are heineous. You know, plants have life cycles. Annual plants live up to a year, biennial two years and perennial three or more. Love is perennial as the grass father. A smiling buxom young lady greeted them at the doorway. There was gravel in her voice. The sound outside the yard got their attention. Who is that girl? That happens to be my driver. Haiden come join us. Khalkas has encountered her at most oppurtune time. He needs a driver and she needs a job. They click. Together they built a network of spies. Khalkas reports to the Lord Marshal and his close associates in secret. She gets to places his eyes does not see. Her mother taught her Kung Fu. Khryses this is Haiden. Haiden this is the priest. How tall are you? I'm 6'1".

XI. The Khryses House

My name is Khryseis. I know right. I blame my father for being unimaginative. He plans to relocate us near Troy. I don't know if this is a good idea but you know he's the boss. I know how hostile the Trojans are when it comes to black people. That is why i purchased an island there. Hey miss. Haiden. Where you from? You look asian but not quite asian. I am. I was born in Mykonos to a Russian father and Chinese mother. Then we moved here. Are you together? You know as a couple? You're funny. Yes. Everything you wanna ask her ask me. Of course i'm kidding. What brings you here Khalkas? For a second there i thought you gonna kill me. The Lord Marshal sends his regards. Send him my regards as well. I know your kind Khalkas. The reason we will move away is because my wife passed away last year. Our house is lonely. Khryseis stood up. I'll make some tea. Haiden followed her. My silk business is thriving and going near Troy will be strategic. I plan on buying more silk worms. The island will bear my name. The truth is it is a gift from the king of Thracia. Khryse Island, it shall be known. The king shares my views on life and has become a lifelong friend. I will always be Greek no matter where i live so i will pay my taxes as i always have. Thrace will provide security for me as promised by my friend. I will build a Temple of Athena at Troy to spread the good news. A man after my own heart. The priest smiled. Akhilleus watch him. He has built a cult based on our scrolls but he has proclaimed himself descended from Zeus. They worship him as a demigod. Khryseis poured hot water to the porcelain kettle. She stirred the tea leaves inside it. Haiden looked around. There is an oil lamp kept burning. The kitchen leads to a mini garden where a fountain spouts water. An easel was set up at shade of the porch. I love your paintings. Where? You mean at the living room. I did not paint those. Remarkable isn't it? Those were the work of a market vendor. Van Gogh is his name. But i do paint. I'll show you later. She carries the kettle. Will you get the cups? Sure. The men paid them a knowing glance. The ladies went back to the kitchen. You were saying? Akhilleus has built a cult where he is the sole judge and executioner. He is my student. What he needs is guidance. From who the Bishop? I'll talk to him. The Bishop is a good woman. But being celibate does not shield you from corruption. It comes in many forms such as favoritism. But i must admit she is better qualified than i am in leading The Faith. Homer takes after her in that sense. My mission is to spread the good news so the scrolls are subject to interpretation and diplomacy. When you go to the country side there are non believers, thing, animal and tree worshippers. In unorganized manner i should say. Every house has an animal or animals whose characters and traits they personify. The trees they might see as an omen. Of life and death. You see now what i have to deal with.

XII. The Silk

A trojan ship sails pass Roma in the Adriatic sea and docked in Venice. Alexandros and his oriental master gazed at the Alpine mountains. Alexandros builds ships. The Trojans know the glory that is Greece but their technology is not bad. In fact their mine workers have discovered petroleum and the chemists are developing the mineral. They have this blue flame that enables them to reach high temperatures fast. There is enough innovation going on in alchemy and food preparation. Another derivative is asphalt that they apply to the roads. Alexandros traverses the seas to the east and west. The "silk road" have enabled them to trade goods with each other. The barter includes silk, tea, ginseng, spices, dates, pomegranates, thoroughbred horses, precious metals and stones, olive oil, and slaves from all over the known world. You are fantastic master. The blade you wield. Is magical. Its called the samurai. Lightweight and powerful. As i have told you, the blade is not for everyone. You choose a sword that you can strike with the most force. Pandaros has let Alexandros handle the samurai but it is of no use. His swordsmanship is trained in the trojan way so the master leaves it that way. Also his training of the prince might slight the king. However he trains Alexandros in the bow and arrow. 

 

XIII. King Priam The Philanderer

They made their way back to Troy. Hektor tells his brother. Ain't you the irresponsible one. Always going for the wild. And you Pandaros always obliging. What dangerous animals did you bring this time? Oh just an ibex from the Alps. We have to help father. The Amazons have attacked Phrygia and the Cyclopians have joined the battle. The raiders of the sea? Something like that. This means unchartered territory for them. Hektor you will not join the battle. Hone your skills some more. The Trojans speak more than twenty languages and dialects equaled by the number of King Priam's wives. The King speaks the old language of Aramaic while the newer generation has learned Greek. Due to his sadist nature, he commanded his attendants to bring the fiercest gladiators and the most exotic slaves. His favorite wife spawned his favorite children. His lesser wives he lends to guests of the empire who stay the night. Immigrants have rallied the economic boom Troy is undergoing. Mine workers primarily pan the streams for gold. They also mine for silver, copper, tin, irons and precious stones. Indians, arabs, persians and chinese soldiers were contracted to secure the military. My boys have grown up. Alexandros has become a pervert like me. Hektor was the reserved type. The King knew that Alexandros had an affair with a maid. He knows his son so he just let boys be boys. They watched gladiators fight to the death. Alexandros was coaxed by the pervy oriental Pandaros to watch live sex shows. He was addicted to it that he craved for the supernatural. They showed two men and a lady pleasuring a succinct young woman. He was feverish when he finished it. At the Dance Hall the lovely daughters of Priam are huddled. They gonna celebrate the birthday of Kassandra, her eighteenth. They will introduce her to the world so foreigners will be coming. I'm excited for the dance. Akamas son of Antenor was orbiting nearby. He finally approached the group. Happy Birthday Kassandra. She knows him from childhood. He scratched his head and went away. They giggled. Would you like to dance? The Prince of Krete Idomeneus was starstruck. I'd love to. Alexandros has mixed feelings about this. He figures Idomeneus as a gentle man but Kassandra is his sister and best friend. Is he jealous? He had dreamt romantic feelings about her. And lustful. Even his most respected woman his mother has awaken his lust. Like a bull zeroing in on its target, he eyes women keen as an eagle. Cousins, aunts, relatives, friends, every attractive damned woman has him edgy. Alexandros masturbated on a nude statue, a bold derelict he treasures. Bishop is there hope for the bad? The novice nun bugs her. Yes if you give them hope. But they are sinners. Who doesn't sin? Remember this the most evil is the fastest to become the most righteous if you give them the chance. Those with no knowledge will become wiser than those at the middle ground. However you go deeper into the abyss of evil if you do not control yourself from sinning. How do i do that? Discipline. I know its easier said than done but we The Faith we watch and discipline each other.

XIV. When Alexandros Met Helen

Alexandros never ventured to go to the theatre but he see portraits of the actors. Weird. There are women actors now. What caught his eye is the beauty of Penelope. The actress whose name is Helen looks warm and friendly. This time he decided to watch the play. The story is that of dead humans coming back to life to hunt humans. The play is called Zombie. They locked eyes. Helen did not know what hit her. Who was that guy at the bleachers? Alexandros was struck by the thunderclap. Why is this hot girl eyeing me, he said to himself. I have to meet her but how, what will i say. He gets his butt off the seat and went to the rest room to pee. On the way back walking on a reverie there was a kind of hush. Shit. That was her. All he had was a fleeting glance. She's gone in a jiffy. He watched the rest of the show as was customary. He went home puzzled. He knew he is in love but how. He was not naive and isn't particularly experienced. There were hits and misses too. Certainly i cannot buy her with presents. It would be ideal if i walk her home then she nonchalantly says just say yes and i am yours. But it was not the case. Helen is married, that is her predicament. She also tends to their son. Her husband left six years ago for Kreta and from the reports she receives, he is enjoying life as a bachelor. His brother Agamemnon was promoted in the high council and Sparta was awarded to Menelaos. Agamemnon takes care of Sparta as their king is absent. Helen when asked by Penelope about it. I get by with my hands. Ha the flirt. Menelaos was free for the first time in his life. He can do whatever he wants. His uncle is a master boatman, he can paddle boats big and small. Menelaos had his hair braided in dread locks and got tattoes. He had lots of sex. There is a new kid in town my nephew. At Athens I mean. A certain Diomedes from the province of Roma. Has been beating up your wrestling lads like chumps. He has your crown now. You want to challenge him? He gets a blank stare as an answer. I miss you my husband. Helen's mind was wandering. Anyway attraction is natural. Khalkas the busybody said he is a prince of Troy. I know that a married man can be attractive but what about married women. She cursed herself for having adulterous thoughts. I should speak to the Bishop. Alexandros waits for her next show. He missed her. Penelope is a wonder woman. An eerie silence greeted Helen at the Temple of Zeus. The smell of incense blurring her senses. The Bishop was made available for Helen's visit. She lives in the dormitory nearby. Demons you have demons inside you. I will cast out the evil spirits. She started speaking in an unknown tongue. The Bishop was the first female voted as the leader of The Faith. His critics cite her being a woman is disadvantageous. The rules are written in the scrolls we just have to execute it word for word. Discipline is the key. We women are more disciplined than men and less corruptible. I never had sex in my entire life. Not that i don't feel the urge. So you and Menelaos, is that why you come here? What God has joined together let no man separate. It is written. How is your son? He is good. I met another man. I love him. I care about Menelaos but he went far away. Why did you not followed him? My father chose him for me. In that case follow your heart my precious child.

XV. Deja Vu

So he saw her shows a few times more and he was as jarred as the first time. Alexandros was clueless. How can i talk to her? What will i say? Helen is definitely my type, he thought. What's my type anyway? To some i would say fried eggs, to some boiled eggs, other times poached eggs. Whats an egg benedict? Ah its an omelet. Anyway Alexandros learned she also plays music at the auditorium. I would give her a bouquet of flowers. So he went to the market place and picked a lily plant that has four white flowers. Is kinda like her. Huge arms for a lady. The next day he awkwardly gave the flowers to Helen who showed no emotions. Alexandros was in a trance that he did not care what curious glances he get from her mates. The witch charmed me. Talks in a sing song way that mesmerizes me. She took home the flowers. Not bad, he tapped himself in the shoulder. And then she was gone. He cannot find her in her usual engagements. He was locked in the prison of the heart. Helen had to get away. Sleepless nights, have you ever love someone? Helen has learned to love Menelaos. His father has chosen him among her throng of suitors. But this man in the crowd, those piercing eyes makes her sweat and her heart beat faster. A million scenarios unfold in her mind as she wait for her attendants. She walks in a trot. Alexandros grabs her hand. Let's go somewhere. He dragged her into a side street and pushed her against the wall. Alexandros stares at Helen, his lips inching closer to hers. He paused. And then he kissed her. I haven't told you my name. My name is Alexandros. Mine is Helen. They kiss again longer this time. I come here often you know. I was looking everywhere for you. I was hiding. I am married and i have a son. Come i have a ship docked. Bring your son. I will take you to Troy. Helen nodded. They kiss one more time. 

XVI. A Trojan Wedding [Year 80]

Alexandros carried Helen in a sideway embrace. They have the chateau for themselves alone. He undressed slowly. His eyes fixed on his wife. She waited to be undressed. They danced naked to the beat of the water fountain as it ebbs and flows. The wind was humming as the angry waves punish the puckered rocks. The dimly lit hallway casted shadows. He came at her fast. Selfish. She teared at the corner of her eyes. Don't worry. You're my wife now. You are circumsized? Yes. I will tell you why later. What? You pig. Piglet. Pig. Piglet. Pig. Piglet. You haven't told me what is it for. What? Circumcision. Okay my wife of one month you deserve to know it. This is my penis. The skin was delicately cut off in front so as to expose the head. So i can clean it when i bathe. The excess skin bundles at the back and it rubs off with your vagina inside. When it hits the spot you scream. Waw you really are a pig. Believe it. She gently taps him on the shoulder. She loves his humour.

XVII. The Gathering at Aulis [Year 81]

And so the great sea battle has begun. The Akhaians maiden sea farers and all jumped into the war ships despite knowing not how to swim. The attack was easily thwarted by the experienced Trojans. Many great men perished: Peirithoos, Lord Marshal Dryas, Kaineus, Exadios, Polyphemus and Theseus while sons and sons-in-law of Priam also died.

XVIII. The Second Gathering [Year 90]

Now that war has been declared, Hektor ravaged the Cyclades an inherent part of Greece. They stole their crops, cattles and horses. Agamemnon formed a war council to work on a strategy. Circe the psychologist. Odysseus the shadow. Nestor the muscle. Khalkas the spy. We capture the islands one by one. Khalkas and Circe are non military advisers. The Trojans occupy the Cyclades on three fleets. One a decoy fleet, the second the bulk of the Thebe navy and the third the backup squadron. How many are their ships and men? I counted around 400 ranging from small boats to black ships. We must double that number and assemble at Aulis. They are expecting an attack so there's that. We attack when they are vulnerable. When they have harvested the crops. Nestor you will lead the attack. Odysseus will back me up. Haiden i'm going to war. You cannot come with me. I know. Will you be alright? Duh i'm a big girl now. Come give me a hug. The armoured ships rammed at each other. The archers rain arrows from long range, boarded enemy ships and fought man to man. However the organized attack of the Akhaians prevailed. Their victory at the sea have led to the capture of Thebe, the trojan base of war ships.

XIX. Quarrel, Oath, and Promise [The Trojan War Day 1]

The threat of heavy rain dimmed the heavens. The Akhaians, led by Lord Marshal Agamemnon, invades Troy to take back Helen who was taken away from her husband Menelaos. However, a quarrel ensued between Agamemnon and one his commanders, Akhilleus. When they arrived at the coast outlying Troy, they plundered the village and divided spoils. Girls were gifted to the commanders. Among them was Khryseis, daughter of a priest. Ahoy! Old man Khalkas, good to see you. Why are the soldiers threatening to desert? Oy Prince Akhilleus. I was looking for you. Did you know i wandered off to a hut full of half naked soldiers. Anyway good to see you too. We have captured the priest's daughter and he wants her released. The Lord Marshal sent him away. Now the soldiers take the downpour as a sign of bad luck. Akhilleus went to Agamemnon's quarter and addressed the war council. It is best to return the girl Khryseis and give them gifts. The commanders agree. We must take a sign from Zeus. That the odds are in our favor. You do not have the monopoly of religion. We will pray to the gods to remove the curse. No can do. Okay you want to be strict at war time so be it. You will practice celibacy. Take Briseis away from him. Akhilleus calmed himself cause he cannot defy the formidable group. Nestor the respected war veteran calmed them. You shall address the Lord Marshal with respect. Likewise we have to observe our faith. Do not take Briseis as your prize rather give her to the care of the our chaplain Homer. Odysseus you will go to Khryse island and make an offering to the priest that they remove the 'curse.' Homer shall also pray for us. You like that Akhilleus? I need a sign from Zeus. On your way then Odysseus. They knife and flayed the bullocks and wrap these in fat, set aside into a glass vessel filled with olive oil and spices. That is left overnight and then roasted in fire. The joints, innards and bones they boil in water. Freshly baked barley loaves are dunked in the broth and topped with brussel sprouts. Agamemnon cannot stop swallowing. Khryseis has voluptuous body. He wept. Akhilleus realized his time is yet to come. Agamemnon meanwhile was the choice of the king therefore he has the authority. Akhilleus dug his sandals into the sand. It tickles when the dirt touches the bottom of the feet. A habit he got from his mother Thetis. She walked in the sands of Egypt. Akhilleus' musing was arrested when Patroklos joins him by the seashore. He says they should get drunk and be merry. And so there was music, dancing, women and food that night at their clan. They also served bitter herbs. My main men we just had a feast but tomorrow at daybreak unto the night, we shall not eat neither have sex but you can drink water when your life depends on it.

XX. Assembly and Muster of Armies

That night, Lord Marshal Agamemnon ponders on the argument he has with Akhilleus. He is also wary of an attack. But Akhilleus' anger is already quelled so he sends a man to tell Nestor that there will be no attack from his end. However, he is not to join the fight against the Trojans. When Agamemnon gets the message, he gathered his commanders to plan. They are to attack Troy without delay. The members of the high council are Agamemnon, Nestor, Idomeneus, Aias the small, Aias the great, Tydeus, Odysseus and Menelaos. They get excited to take Troy. However Agamemnon is distraught. They outnumber the Trojans by far but there is the asian factor. There are asians who has pledged allegiance to Troy. The asian lances are a plague to the Akhaians so Agamemnon decides to test their nerves. They are to pull back. Nestor's agreement to it echoes the sentiment of the veteran war commanders. However Odysseus finds the plan ludicrous. They waited for nine years and they cannot wait no more. All dangers in consideration, they are prepared for it. Odysseus looks at them. They are smiling. That turns to laughter. The commanders will not go home halfway to the fight. And so they planned the details and readied their weapons and gears. When the cry went out, the Akhaians formed their units. On the other side, the Trojans have caught wind of the attack. Troy was constructed on top of a hill called Myrine's tomb, in honor of the ancient lady warrior. On these slopes, the Trojans and allies assembled their army. The Lord Marshal Priam asked his son Hektor to lead the defense as he is too old to fight now. Prince Hektor was born bearing the sign of the god of war. He is the slayer on the battlefield. His brother, Prince Alexandros, in stark contrast, was more pacified. He builds ships and had the flair for women so he became a sea merchant. Though he is adept at the hammer, it is in archery where Alexandros excelled. He had learned from the master bowman named Pandaros whom he had taken under his arrowmen unit. Hektor sends his commanders and interpreters to the red armies of asia marching - their allies. Akhaia and Troy have a relatively peaceful relationship as they have commerce and trade before the war. Helen is known far and wide for her beauty and theater work. But true love was when Alexandros met Helen, the woman whose face launched a thousand ships.

 

XXI. Dueling for a Haunted Lady

The mist clouded the battlefield that hid the numbers of the respective sides. The walled rings fortress of Troy descended death at the weak front rank of the Akhaians. Alexandros, the casanova now in his fighter self, had shook them as he called out the best men among the Akhaians to meet him in the melee face to face. Menelaos was thrilled upon seeing him. Revenge. It was he who took away his pride and joy Helen. Alexandros' heart misgave and he recoiled safely to his companies for he is a monster of a fighter. Hektor, the champion of the Trojans, saw the dishonor his brother Alexandros created so he talked sense of duty to the flag to him. He agreed to a trial by combat. Menelaos versus Alexandros, the prize is Helen and her inheritance for she was a Spartan princess. Ceremony to the gods was strictly observed in those times since they both believe in Zeus. So Priam was summoned, aside from Antenor, the olds have been analyzing the formation of the invaders on their binoculars. Helen, no stranger to war as well, joined their discussion. The Akhaians have battering rams bringing up the rear, Odysseus at the helm and Aias' vast army extends to the shore. Between them nestled the largest army that Lord Marshal Agamemnon commands. As the Lord Marshal went to the squared circle the soldiers have made, Helen goes for the war horse, concern for both men. Alexandros throws his spear first but Menelaos caught it on the shield. He simply was the better fighter that his spear and sword have struck Alexandros. He takes hold of his helmet and yanked him away until the strap snapped. Menelaos secures a lance from his men and lunges for the kill. But there was Helen, shielding him from the pain. He was to fight no more. Menelaos wins but he could not get Helen's heart. The couple would live and die together that Menelaos went crazy.

XXII. A Bowshot Bringing War

Agamemnon wants the prize for the victory was clear. It was not clear to Priam. Menelaos had his spear entangled to Alexandros' shield while his sword was shattered. The lance he then wielded was not prayed to the gods. Amidst the confusion of all this, a master bowman prepares his bow and arrow shielded by his platoon so as not to disturb the Akhaian soldiers who sat down. The target - the hulking Menelaos. He is not bound to the gods of Olympus but of friendship and business to their allies. They thought that surely a 500 yard gap of field is safe for both sides. They thought wrong. The bowman Pandaros takes out his bow of polished horn from a case - horn of an ibex he hunted at the alpine mountains. He carved and fitted it tight. This weapon now he pushed against the ground, and strung to adjust the range. He then fitted an arrow and pulled the bow and string to a semi-circle. The bowman let fly the arrow that would struck Menelaos in the belly. That it did and blood oozed to his legs. Much to his brother's dismay. Agamemnon blamed himself that he let his brother decide the war for them. But Menelaos will live, the arrow was stopped in his belt and under armour that it did not hit the vital organs. 

XXIII. A Hero Strives with Gods

They go for one another like wolves. Spearman, catapults, arrows, axes, chariots, shields - they whirled upon each other. The captain Diomedes and his regiment wreaked havoc on the Trojan soldiers that he caught the eye of the bowman Pandaros. He shot his arrow at him and wounded his shoulder. Diomedes' men protected him from the arrow men while he quietly charged, looking around for the lead bowman. Pandaros obliged, confidently armed himself with a spear and met his end at the hands of the rugged Diomedes. The Trojan commander Aineas then advanced but was driven away by boulders from the catapults. The Akhaians are near the gates but a rain of arrows made them retreat. The phantom of silence. Which is more deadly. The Trojans are on the offensive now as they drive the Akhaians near the ships. Diomedes though is like a man possessed charging like a runaway. It was ominous. Night time has come to attend to the wounded and rest.

XXIV. Interludes in Field and City

The day saw the great fight in the plain. The weak and incompetent were killed. The battery timbers entered the peaceful town of Arisbe where it brought conundrum for both sides. Will the Akhaians pillage and bring back the treasures to the ships or they carry on with the offensive? Will the Trojans rescue the women and children from being butchered or they retreat for the time being? The Akhaians were not to relent the attack. Diomedes moved forward to find a young gallant stranger in his way. He has the smirk of a distinguished fighter. The beast of the east, as Diomedes would find out later. He knows a challenge when he sees one. He steps off from his chariot. The poise of a wrestling champion. But the stranger knows the way of the fist. The heavyweight match was a spectacle. They fought to a standstill until both retreated weakened. Alexandros, at the palace of Priam, looks on at the battle. He was rested and his wounds treated. Now he must protect Troy. Helen understood. At the Skaian gate, the main gate of Troy, Hektor was thinking about him. He knows Alexandros has a powerful arm though he lacks the endurance and the will power to fight. Just then, he heard him say, "Hey brother, I'm back."

XXV. A Combat and a Rampart

Hektor and Alexander came through the Trojan city gate to help Aineas who was holding the fort of the old town that has been breached. They drive the Akhaians back to the plains decimated that the army of Aias Telamonios, their last line, went up to join the remaining units. Lord Marshal Agamemnon consults his commanders on their strategy just as Prince Hektor rearranges the Trojan battlement. The carnage has horrified both camps. The Trojans run for cover at the old town as the Akhaians retreated. Later on the Trojans were frustrated that they did not seize the momentum. The Akhaians went for their huts safely inside their crude wall fortification of an earthly mound planted with stakes pointed forward. The moat facing the rampart has flowing water connected to the skalamander river. The Trojans gathered the weapons and munitions having secured the plains and gathered their dead which are burned in fires. They send an emissary for a truce and an offer to give the treasure. But Helen will stay in Troy. The Akhaians agreed for a truce but they will fight for Helen. The soldiers know her. Her face. Her plays. Her humps. Her groans. Her songs. Helen is coveted individually and as a nation. They slept cosily that night though they know the danger at breaking dawn.

XXVI. The Battle Swayed by Zeus

The Trojans attack the Akaian wall at dawn, Hektor commanding the spearmen and Alexandros, the archers. They wanna cross the shallow moat and bulldoze the wall. The Akaian bowmen on their towers countered by raining arrows on the Trojans chariots which are wheeling in and out. The Trojans now equipped the arrows and spears by straw soaked in petrol. They would set fire on the timber stakes, towers and gates. The Akhaians utilized the chariots they get but they were defeated. The wooden structures are engulfed in flames. The Trojans now catapulted rocks and rough stones to the earth wall. The wall collapsed at last, the Akhaians are now cornered by the Trojans and the seawall. The Akhaians retreated to the huts built aside the ships chased by the foot soldiers who joined the chariots in crossing the moat. But the day comes to a close that the Trojans camped at the plains. They set a night watch to guard the Trojan line and the gates of Troy to prevent an Akhaian raid to the city. A thousand diesel fires lit the plains to which fifty soldiers crowded in each. Victory is a gateway to the iron ores of Akhaia. From the plains to the city, the Trojans cheer in optimism.

XVII. A Visit of Emissaries

Troy has developed its metropolis upon the discovery of oil deposits that revolutionized the alchemy of metals. Early on, they combined copper and tin that resulted to bronze - an alloy blacksmiths pounded into weapons parts, tools, wares, buildings, ships and monuments. So the blue flame enabled the smiths to reach high temperatures. They added charcoal to iron to make a flushing metal. The same metal on the helmet ridge worn by Alexandros that the bronze sword of Menelaos shattered against the iron. The Trojan empire have advanced weaponry but the strength of the Akhaians rely on the design. Their shield has bronze and layers of oxhide that is lightweight and tough. That night Agamemnon sends his top commanders to persuade Akhilleus to help them. The prince was still sulking on the girl they take way from him. The proposal - he gets Breseis back, five tripods for mining, the finest girls of Troy save Helen, Akhaian lands and the king's daughter in marriage to sweeten the deal. Akhilleus did not accept. Akhilleus wants to find out if he can take out Hektor by himself. Or flee when necessary. He has ordered their ships pushed to the surf for flight. Lord Marshal Agamemnon and his commanders were disappointed but nonetheless resolved they will fight to the end. Send a message to the bird handlers that we need additional army. Idomeneus, for his part, joined the war to make sure that Kassandra is safe. He was introduced to Lord Marshal Priam's daughter at a social function and was enamoured at her. So he asked the Lord Marshal for her hand in marriage. Kassandra is the most beautiful woman Idomeneus has ever seen. At the women's hall at Priam's palace, the lovely daughters of Priam are huddled. I love Idomeneus, Kassandra tells her sister Laodike. Heh there's always Akamas. The son of Antenor has a huge crush on Kassandra. The antenors are of indian descent. Kassandra is childish. She spends her time watching the kids play. She loves the sound of her voice. She loves her thick accent.

XXVIII. Night in the Camp - A Foray

The Akhaians are on red alert so they send sentries to guard the perimeter. Their refuge is darkness. An emboldened Trojan volunteer went behind enemy lines to spy and was captured by the Akhaians. They interrogated him on the whereabouts of Hektor, guards, armoury and horse stables. The camp fires have watchful soldiers in each. Hektor camps far from the battleground. The armoury and horses inside the city. However there is a new company of allies who have just arrived. They come with their own armoury and horses. The Akhaians devised a plan for pairs of a swordsman and an archer to raid this company which camped in isolation. The Akhaians struck at 4am when most are falling to sleep or waking up. It was a massacre. The Akhaians retreated to their camp before the rest of the Trojans are notified, bringing back horses hitched together. The Trojans woke up to the cries of companies while the Akhaians washed blood at the sea.

XXIX. Prowess and Wounds of Akhaians

Soon it was dawn, the Akhaians prepare to man the chariots they get while the front rank advances beyond the moat. After that the bluff and ridge of the great plain facing the city of Troy. Stirred by blood, they attacked the sluggish Trojans. Like dazed ants in cold weather, the roughly 50,000 army of Troy were decimated to half its size. Despite this, the Akhaians are still outnumbered by lot. As the Akhaians neared the city gate, the Trojans backed off to the west gate. The spears and arrows from the fortress came down heavily on the surprised Akhaians. The gates opened to continue the counter attack. The Trojans pressed, on one arm the modified shield of Trojan crest on the bronze and layers of oxhide. The Akhaians then send their charioteers but were outmatched. Diomedes and his chariots were throwing discs, orbs and spears as he recklessly chased for Hektor. Alexandros saw him and felt his quiver. He has two arrows left. Diomedes was shielded by a soldier. He shoots the shieldman at the foot and down he went. The next arrow hits Diomedes under the ribs. The Akhaians went for the ships defeated. Now Akhilleus sends his main man Patroklos to know the extent of damage.

XXX. The Rampart Breached

Hektor looks on at the charred debris of the gates, planks of timber and the jagged earth wall. He was weighing the odds and he thought aggression is the sensible strategy inspite the danger of Akhilleus' army helping against them. Akhilleus' father is white and his mother is black but his army is of mixed race. The Trojans swarmed over the wall and others poured through the gateway.

XXXI. Assault on the Ships

The Trojans bring on the battle at the beach which spans a thousand yards. The sands narrow down on the left morphing to a rocky mountain. At the peak, a curious spectator surveys the town of Troy and the Akhaian ships. Prince Akhilleus has moved his fleet away from the action as he eyes both camps. He leaves his men spying as he boats into the comfort of his ship. On the far right, the Trojans descended from the plains but they will find the shaky sand a predicament, the full armour weighed them down. Some have also hung back in exultation of crossing the rampart. The Trojans re-aligned their troops. The Akhaian camp is lined up with ships that were drawn inland, the sterns make up the walls of the huts. The ships lined on the surf they have oared seaward. When the Trojans started firing up the ships, it was time for Idomeneus to reinforce the Akhaians. The large army of Kretans wait at the midline of the ships, the spears ready for close combat. Though among the nobility, Idomeneus has earned his spurs in the battlefield. They scavenge for weapons along the way for hell is too crowded.

XXXII. Beguilement on Mount Ida

Nestor could hardly take food in the tumult. He lost his son that he suited up for battle. He thought better and retreated to report the casualties to Agamemnon. At the backline he finds Agamemnon and Odysseus moving the chess pieces. Idomeneus reinforces on the left side while the two Aias can hold the middle and fight off the Trojans who have punched through the right side of the promontory.

XXXIII. The Lord of the Storm

The dark cloud that was hanging above finally went down and provided a day's respite for the two camps. Sarpedon the trojan ally from the south has breathed new life to the Trojan side as his army pressed the advantage against the Idomeneus at the left flank. The curse was lifted! Akhilleus prayed silently to Zeus. He sends his captains to the battle at last. Patroklos from Mount Ida and Automedon from the huts and ships line, Sarpedon the lord of archery was vanquished.

XXXIV. A Ship Fired, a Tide Turned

Patroklos was instructed to protect the ship line but his inexperience showed when he goes for the Trojan walls. As it was, there is the lord marshal's army standing by to defend Hektor. Euphorbus makes the charge towards him for a joust. Already he has brought down countless chariot fighters with his spear. The first strike sends Patroklos' helmet flying to the dust. Hektor's spear wounded him on the shoulder blades. The tandem drew their sword and chopped Patroklos' head. The arms and legs were also severed.

XXXV. Contending for a Soldier Fallen

The Akhaians saw Patroklos attacking that they saw it as a sign. There is an odd charm to Akhilleus' army, a notoriety, that his peers follow his lead. They were shocked. Patroklos was mauled.  Hektor's spear scorched the bronze mail of Menelaos while Meriones died in his sword. Antilokhos was stamped by the horses knocked down from his chariot. Eumedes was also killed by Hektor. The great Aias pulled away to safety.

XXXVI. The Clash of Men and River

Akhilleus was met by Aineas on the plains but was soon overpowered. Hektor comes along to help but Akhilleus, wary of long distance fight, lures the battle to the riverbanks of the skamander where his army had the advantage at the forest cover. With his army slaughtering towards the walls, the Trojan soldiers jammed inside the city where they make the last stand.

XXXVII. Desolation Before Troy

Hektor meets Akhilleus at the gates. They fought with their spear shaft until Akhilleus drives his point through Hektor's neck. Akhilleus tries to tie his feet to drag him towards the ships but the arrows from the bowmen dissuaded him.

XXXVIII. A Friend Consigned to Death

The Akhaians mourn their dead. The surgeon sewed Patroklos wounds and his body parts as Akhilleus looks on. He has killed Hektor but it was not enough. I vow to kill all the sons of Priam to avenge your death Patroklos. The funeral pyre honors the fallen soldiers whose gallantry were remembered.

XXXIX. A Grace Given in Sorrow

The Trojans grieve for Hektor as Alexandros takes over the leadership. The Akhaians evaluates their chances of raiding the fortress of Troy.

XL. The Fall of Greek Empire

The sword fight began. I will avenge my friend's death. Die Trojan! Alexandros found the weakness of Akhilleus. Patroklos! Do you like what we did to your friend? Patroklos was more like a brother to him. He froze. Alexandros' sword nicks the heel of Akhilleus, an uncovered part of his body. Klytaimnestra receives the distress signal from the doves. The queen sends her husband's cousin Aigisthos to help. She also told the bird handlers to communicate with the other kingdoms and only two has been responding - Athens and Ithaca. Ten years of war has plunged the empire into a state of lawlessness and disorder. Reports of clans and houses storm the palaces of thr ruling parties. Here I am, two years since my Agamemnon departed, the commander in chief of a crumbling empire. My son help me. Akhaia has a council of elders who governs and make laws when the Lord Marshal is at war. They chose the youthful Orestes as interim ruler. The son of Agamemnon has impressed many with his wit.

XLI. The Trojan Horse

The defeat of Akhilleus and Aias the Great has the Akhaians confused and demoralized. Some had left the camps to board the ships and some await orders. Agamemnon decided to call a truce. He prayed to Zeus that the birds they send back home will give them reinforcement. He ordered for a white flag to be raised, his mind humming how to buy more time. They will send them a gift. A colossal horse statue might just do it. The animal akin to the Trojans. Alexandros thought that diplomacy is the best recourse as the threats still loom in the distance. They would retreat and go eastward. The foot soldiers will be left behind to delay the attackers. They get reinforcements and send the "trojan horse" to some distance at the gate. The trojans deliberated on it and finally pulled the statue rolling on its wheels. It was inspected and declared there is no danger inside it. When the night came however a wooden panel opened and a little man appeared. Aias The Small possesses a big ego. The gymnast has painted himself black. He searched for the petrol storage and stealthly poured gas everywhere. He gets a torch from the wall and sets fire to it. Barrels of gasoline exploded. The ropes that control the steel gates were torched. Troy was on fire. That was the signal for the Akhaians to attack. The Trojans were now alerted by the burning flames and caught the intruder. King Priam guts him and told his men to prepare. Glaukos nodded grimly. The Akhaians overwhelmed the remaining trojan forces. They sacked Troy. Agamemnon and Nestor ordered their men to take whatever they can. The treasure was gone. They take down golden chandeliers, grabbed silver candle holders, metal books and anything they can salvage. We going home lads. I'm going home Klytaimnestra. Odysseus is a lover not a fighter but he taught himself how to fight out of necessity. His homeland of Ithaca is secured by waters but he needs a more valuable prize. He has a competitive infantry and cavalry so when saltwater saturated their farmlands he has to find alternative ways of living. He has to join the war. Odysseus clenched his jaws and shouted for Alexandros and Helen. He still dreams of the Trojan treasure and the beautiful Helen. I can make her my second wife. But Alexandros and his army have gone away on their horses and carriages, going to their rendezvous. Aigisthos was itching for battle. We just got here brother Agamemnon. I understand. May Zeus be with you.

XLII. The Lotus Eaters

Odysseus thought they can still hound them so he asked Khalkas where they most likely will go. Here is an idea, Greek immigrants, the Armenians as they are called, have built a kingdom nearby. Maybe they can help us. They come upon a river riddled with lotus flowers and saw few of the locals bathing there. They show no surprise nor fear at the strangers but rather warmth. They asked them to join their feast at the palace. Odysseus was unsure but his men were famished. They were served spicy food and wine. They felt doziness and some were even knocked out. The food has drugs and they were being killed one by one. Odysseus and his army managed to escape the trap but where one has to go in the middle of nowhere. Unbeknownst to him, their escape was aided by Amazons, those women fighters who have positioned themselves at the palace household. The Phrygian war decimated their army that their leader thought it best to lie low. The women have sprung from the bushes and aimed their arrows at the Akhaians. Odysseus spent at the chase raised their arms to surrender. Who is your leader? A striking woman of around forty years steps out of the pack. Her name is Penthesilea. The Amazons trace their headquarters at the caves of Anatolia.

XLIII.

Penthesilea nurses them to health and deals with the cyclops for two ships. Her protege Calypso was sleepless. She has taken the orphan under her wings. The pirate chief has a patch on an impaired eye. Why two ships? They are only twenty four. They have cargo and they can help one another. And women, for me and my men. How many? Seven. Done. You must love him, that man. You know i trust you with my life. I never thought i will love again after my husband get killed. That man is a prince from Ithaca. I pray he sails home safe. And when he thinks of me, he forgets his wife, brings an army to take me away. I guess that is wishful thinking isn't it? Pretty much. On the way they met pearl divers. They swam like mermaids and mermen from a distance. A girl named Scylla has them bewitched. Tanned skin, long legs, curly hair, and lips made for kissing. One ship stayed behind while Odysseus sails home. Oh the enthusiasm of youth. I may have gone for that girl if not for my wife. The promise of adventure. You never know what happens when adrenaline takes over. Yes. Khalkas kisses him on the cheek. Goodbye my friend. The old man jumps into the water and dog paddles towards the divers.

XLIV.

I know these waters. Soon we will be home. We gonna reach Pylos in a few days and restock. You can also join me or part ways at the dock. Get your spirits up men. Ahoy captain there's the pier. Meanwhile a fleet of ten ships up were sailing somewhere on the Adriatic Sea. There were running late for the call. Telemachos son of Ithaca was to communicate with Nestor at Pylos. The Trojans were encamped in a Persian castle. While Aineas have secured food and shelter from the hosts, there is growing unease among them. He is gonna search for a suitable place and settle the trojans here. Helen is worried sick about her Alexandros? Were they able to save Troy? Kassandra the songbird was amusing the refugees with her songs. Akamas has a blush on his cheeks as he does his work. They build huts against the walls. Alexandros, along with a hundred samurai warriors, has mixed emotions as the horses gallop.

XLV.

Alright lads. Today i am gonna tell you the conclusion of our story. Here the old man Khalkas has taken residence in Algeria and has married the siren Scylla. Alexandros finally arrived in Persia where he and Helen rekindled their love. Aineas the leader of the Dardans told Alexandros his plan. They parted ways as friends. Aineas made a deal with the persian king to settle in the Arabian peninsula, traditionally a suburban territory of Persia. The land was of favourable climate and lush vegetation nourished by a wide river. Akamas asked Kassandra to come with them. She said yes. The couple established an Arabian kingdom at the Red Sea. As you know Aineas invaded Roma not far from here when he has gathered enough manpower and resources. Alexandros and Helen went far east, docking in every port city. When they reached the Japanese island, Alexandros went to the dojo of his master and bowed. The trojans guided the locals as far as the yellow river of China. Alexandros and Helen died of old age at the Korean peninsula and were buried in earthly mounds resembling hills, as what they did in Troy.