Helen, The First Trojan Horse

By Michael Lally

Helen,The First Trojan Horse takes a unique look at the Trojan War, from Helen and King Menelaus’ perspective as well as the Trojan side of the story, and provides an unexpected twist into Helen’s role in the war. Like the wooden horse to come later, Helen was not what she seemed to the Trojans and she helped fulfill the Trojan prophecy of their own destruction. It tells the story of the Trojan War from both sides, and gives the reader insight into the War not found in most history books.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael Lally
• Release date: Nov 21, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310592591

Michael Lally

A lifelong resident of Scranton, Michael Lally is a 20 year veteran of the Scranton Fire Department. A local actor, Lally has appeared in local theater, commercials and independent films. He is also a military history buff. He was inducted into the Northeast Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. Lally also authored the self-help book, "The Cure for Smoking".

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Helen, The First Trojan Horse

Michael Lally

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2013 Michael Lally

All rights reserved.

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DEDICATION

To HELEN and HONOR

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to acknowledge two special people for their contributions to the making of this book. First, I want to thank Lori Handelman who had the clear vision and insight to see the potential in the manuscript and point me in the right direction. I would also like to give a very special thank you to Katherine Galloway Lowery. Katie was a teacher and a muse whose help and hard work were invaluable on many occasions. Her friendship, patience and guidance were instrumental to the writing of this story. I am extremely grateful to Katie for all her help.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Chapter One.........Helen's Youth

Chapter Two.........Helen's Courtship

Chapter Three.......Agamemnon's Plan

Chapter Four.........Call to War

Chapter Five..........The War Begins

Chapter Six............Hector and Achilles

Chapter Seven.......Death of Achilles

Chapter Eight........Paris and the Palladium

Chapter Nine.........The Wooden Horse

Chapter Ten..........The Fall of Troy

Chapter Eleven......Helen Goes Home

About the Author

CHAPTER ONE

HELEN'S YOUTH

It felt good to be alive. The sky was bright and the air was warm and clear. There was excitement in the air and all the colors appeared to be more vivid, the grass and trees looked greener and the sky bluer. Helen looked out her bedroom window, down the hill, and into the street as the townspeople rushed to make preparations. The anticipation was because Theseus and Perithious were to arrive at noon and she couldn't wait to meet them. Her father told her how Theseus once disguised himself as a young boy about to be sacrificed to the Minotaur in the labyrinth of Crete and how he killed the beast. He also cleared the road from Troezen to Athens of bandits and murderers. Many people considered him a great hero. Now he was the King of Athens, and he was coming to visit Sparta with Perithious, the King of Larissa. This would be his first stop on a goodwill tour of the many kingdoms of Greece. The palace was buzzing with activity as it prepared for the special visitors. Helen rushed to find her sister, Clytemnestra, and they ran to the back of the palace where the servants were roasting a wild boar and preparing for the big banquet this evening. She watched as they slowly turned the spit and spread special sauces on the boar. With the rising smoke, the sweet aroma of sauces and cooking meat filled the air. Servants took baskets of fruits and vegetables into the great hall, where all the local merchants and dignitaries would be celebrating.

The girls had to hurry or they were going to be late for their studies this morning. First, they attended arts and sciences class, then weaving, and finally, rehearsal for the nights festivities. Although they were only twelve years old, their parents had given them permission to dance for their guests of honor. Since this was their first performance, the girls felt nervous, it would be hard to keep their minds on their studies today.

A few miles away, on the road to Sparta, Theseus and Perithious were eager to meet the girl they had heard so much about. Do you think Helen will be as beautiful as they say? asked Perithious.

We will soon see, replied Theseus. They say she is so beautiful, she appears to glow.

I find that hard to believe. No one can be that beautiful, Perithious said skeptically.

That's why people say she can't be the child of mortal parents, that she must be a daughter of Zeus, Theseus said.

We'll see, we'll see, laughed Perithious.

Yes, we will. I hope they're right, Theseus said, with a slight smile. Theseus was getting on in years. He had traces of grey in his hair, and his once muscular, well-defined body was showing signs of softening from the leisurely life style of a king. He was still very powerful, but his days of fighting Minotaurs were behind him.

Theseus and Perithious traveled without an entourage on their journey. They wanted to travel light and fast, so they could cover more distance in a smaller amount of time. Now, as they reached the outskirts of town, someone spotted them and word spread of their arrival. People emerged from the shops, lined the streets, and cheered as the kings walked their horses through town. Thank you, Theseus, shouted a shopkeeper. I was once robbed on that road! Another called, Did the Minotaur really have a bull's head? How did you kill it? Theseus and Perithious just kept wading through the crowd, shaking hands, smiling, and greeting the townsfolk. There were signs hung in shop windows that read, Thank You King Theseus, and Welcome, Theseus the Great. Scarlet and gold banners were unfurled from windows, and there was a great enthusiasm in the air.

Theseus and Perithious finally made their way up the small, manicured hill to the palace, where two attendants took their horses to the stables. Another attendant led them through the massive gilded front doors and along the brightly decorated hallways to the palace reception room, where they met Tyndareus and his gorgeous wife, Leda. Tyndareus was a tall, slender man in his late forties with grey hair and a full beard. Welcome old friend. It has been many years. Tyndareus greeted Theseus with a smile and a slight embrace.

Too many years, he replied. I would like to introduce you to my friend, Perithious, King of Larissa.

It's a pleasure, Tyndareus said as he nodded to Perithious. Perithious returned the nod and turned toward Leda. Ah, yes! This is my beautiful wife, Leda, said Tyndareus.

Both men bowed and nodded toward the Queen. My lady, they said in unison. Leda was indeed very beautiful. She was tall and statuesque, dressed in a long golden gown, and draped in jewels. Leda was also in her late forties, with grey streaks through her hair, yet she retained the classic beauty of her youth. Tyndareus felt very lucky to have her.

You must be tired from your journey, said Tyndareus.

Not at all, we are energized by the greeting we received from the people of Sparta! There will be time to sleep later, but first, I would like to take a tour of your beautiful palace, Theseus said. Tyndareus and Leda were very proud of their home and led the visitors through the halls. Theseus saw the area where the family slept, the great hall where the feast would take place, his guest quarters, and more than fifty other rooms in the palace. After a quick lunch and a tour of the grounds and the stables, it was time to rest before the evening's festivities.

As soon as their studies ended, Helen and Clytemnestra ran to lunch, but they could barely sit still long enough to eat. They were so excited; they were going to be a part of the main show, and they couldn't wait to get to rehearsal. More than 500 people were expected to attend the celebration. The evening would begin in the corral, where their brother, Pollux, was going to demonstrate his talent for riding and jumping horses. Then the party was to move inside to the great hall, where their other brother, Castor, would put on a boxing display. There were scarlet and gold banners hanging from the ceiling and flowers on all the tables. After dinner, the musicians played, jugglers and acrobats performed, and then the main tribute to Theseus began. Helen and Clytemnestra portrayed two girls who are about to be sacrificed to the Minotaur. A performer with a bull-headed costume chased them around the hall and between the tables, before an actor portraying Theseus confronted the Minotaur and slew him in the middle of the hall. Helen and Clytemnestra used their hoops to perform a dance of joy and gratitude, ending their dance in front of Theseus' table.

The celebration had gone on as planned. Castor and Pollux had performed well, and Helen's dance was met with a roar of approval from the audience. You have very gifted children, Theseus said to Tyndareus. You must be proud.

Thank you. Yes, we are quite proud, said Tyndareus.

Well, what do you think? Theseus whispered to Perithious.

The rumors are true; I have never seen a child like her. Her skin is so clear it seems to glow. She is graceful and poised, athletic and supple, and her presence is enchanting.

Yes, Theseus said with a raised eyebrow and a contented sigh. She will do nicely. They stayed until the party wound down around midnight. Then they said their goodnights and headed for their rooms.

Helen and Clytemnestra were exhausted from their long day. The crowd's overwhelming approval told them their dance was successful, and gave them a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. They went to their separate rooms and fell asleep that night with feelings of joy, contentment, and anticipation for the morning, when they planned to take their guests on a tour of the palace grounds and the town below.

The palace was dark, except for a few intermittent torches that lit the hallways. The two black hooded men timed their plan well as they moved quickly and quietly through the moonlit garden to the bedroom window. Helen awoke to a rough hand placed firmly over her mouth. She could feel the sharp edge of a cold blade against the skin of her throat. A low, gruff voice growled, Be very quiet. She could smell the stale wine on his breath as he rubbed his stubbled face against hers. She did as she was told, but something sounded familiar in his voice. Before she realized what was happening, the man bound and gagged her with black rags, and draped her over his shoulder. She could feel the man's power as he carried her from her room and met with his partner. They moved silently toward the stables, where the stable master sat tied to a post by one of the stalls. Helen could see the helplessness in his eyes, and he could see the fear in hers. Her mind raced. What had she done? Who were these men, and what did they want with her? She finally realized why she recognized the gruff voice. It was Theseus, but why was he doing this? The men tied leather sacks on the horses' hooves and walked them briskly off the palace grounds. When the kidnappers were safely out of earshot of the palace, they removed the sacks from the horses hooves and discarded their hoods, then they mounted their horses with their captive and rode into the night. The night air was cold and brisk and Helen shivered as they rode. After a few miles, they arrived at a small clearing near a spring and came to a stop.

Theseus told Perithious to stand guard, then he approached Helen. He took her down from the horse and removed her gags and bindings. As his large frame loomed over her in the moonlight, he said, You must be wondering what's happening. She said nothing as she stepped backward. You see, my friend and I made a pact with each other that we would each take a daughter of Zeus as a bride, he declared as he stepped closer, played with her hair, and breathed on her neck. I have chosen you, and a great choice it was. Helen cringed and tried to turn away, but he held her arm firmly and spun her back into his chest. After I saw you dance tonight, I was filled with desire and could no longer wait to make you mine. Even as we stand here now, I cannot wait. I must have you!

Theseus tried to kiss her, but Helen turned her head and struggled to break free. The fear welled up inside her. There was nowhere to go, nowhere to run. She was trapped, but she was Spartan and she would fight. Helen landed a fist squarely on his jaw, which only served to feed his desire for her as he smirked and moved forward. She started kicking and punching with all her might, but he was far too strong for such a young girl. The back of his powerful right hand lifted her off the ground and sent her sprawling a few feet away. He was on her in an instant. Barely conscious, she could feel him tearing at her clothes, he held his hand over her mouth to muffle her cries and then a sharp pain tore through her body as he took her virginity. She heard a wolf howl in the distance before unconsciousness set in.

Helen awoke to find herself tied to a tree and Perithious stroking her hair. She flinched as he called to Theseus, This is a fine beauty. When do I get my turn?

You don't. This one is mine! We'll get your daughter of Zeus after we drop her off at Aphidna. Helen's body ached all over. Her lip was swollen, her cheek was black and blue, she had dried blood in the corner of her mouth, and her clothes were torn and dirty. After they had a small meal she was thrown back on the horse and they rode away. The previous night's assault would play out each night of the three-day ride to Aphidna. With each attack, Helen's hope diminished that the end of the ordeal was near.

A few miles before they reached Aphidna, a small, fortified town north of Athens, the men covered Helen with a hooded parka to keep her identity hidden from the public. Once they entered the main house, an older woman greeted Theseus warmly. When Helen saw the woman, she felt a small glimmer of hope. Would this woman help her?

Goodness child, what happened to you? the woman asked.

She fell off the horse, Theseus quickly replied.

Dear girl, you must be more careful! Come, let's get you washed up and into some clean clothes. She led Helen through the hallway and into another room. After a few moments, the woman returned to confront the two men who were helping themselves to the food on the dining table. I have heard of a young woman in Sparta called Helen who is said to be an incredible beauty. The girl in the back room, though she is bruised, is very beautiful. Can she be the young beauty from Sparta? The two men just looked at each other and said nothing. Is that the girl from Sparta? she repeated.

Yes, that is Helen of Sparta! I have chosen her for my wife, declared Theseus.

That poor girl did not fall off a horse. What have you done to her? Again, both men ignored her question. What have you done to her? she shouted.

I couldn't very well make her my wife until I found out if she is worthy, he laughed, and the two men thought it was quite a clever reply.

You pig, you animal! What have you become? she snarled, as she slapped his face.

Theseus rose quickly and raised his hand to strike her, but she defiantly stood her ground. He thought better of it; she was his mother and he respected her, and he did feel a degree of shame for what he had done to Helen. He lowered his hand and defensively said, Don't give me a hard time over this, woman. Your job is to keep her here until we get back. We are off to the underworld to make Persephone the wife of Perithious. They went outside and spoke to two soldiers, then they set out on their quest.

Theseus and Perithious paid for their crimes when they reached the underworld. As punishment for the attempted kidnapping of Persephone, Hades bound the two men in the underworld when he fooled them into sitting in the Chair of Forgetfulness. Heracles eventually freed Theseus, but Perithious remained there forever. Although he escaped Hades' grasp, he never saw Helen or his mother again. While living in Skyros, Theseus fell out of favor and King Lycomedes pushed him off a cliff to his death.

With Theseus gone, his mother went to the bedroom to care for and feed the injured girl. She found Helen in fresh clothes, sitting on a chair in a corner of the room with her knees pulled up to her chin and her eyes cast to the ground. She made herself as small as possible in the empty corner. Dear child, you must be hungry and frightened.

Helen just stared blankly. She felt dirty, vulnerable, and violated. Maybe this is my fault, if I weren't so seductive in my dancing, this wouldn't have happened, she thought.

My name is Aethra, and Theseus is my son. Your name is Helen? she asked softly. Helen gave no reply. You must try to forgive my son; he has not been the same since his father's death. You see, there was a time when my son was a great hero. He cleared the road from Troezen to Athens of bandits and murders. By killing the Minotaur, he ended the sacrificing of the children of Athens to the beast. We were so proud of him, she said wistfully. His father, Aegeus, loved him dearly. Before Theseus left on his journey to slay the Minotaur, he told his father he would put up white sails upon his return if he were successful. The crew would raise black sails if he were dead. Theseus was so elated from his triumph that he forgot his pledge to his father, and upon his return, he mistakenly flew the black sails. When his father, who had been sitting on a rock cliff overlooking the sea, saw the black sails, he was so overcome with grief, he jumped off the cliff into the sea. Theseus has been blaming himself ever since.

Helen did not hear a word; she was deep in thought. What is to become of me? Am I to be the wife of this old man? What will my friend Menelaus think of me when he finds out what Theseus has done? Will he think I'm dirty? Will he blame me? What if they never come for me? Helen thought these things and many more. She missed her family and her friends. She was alone and scared. She bowed her head and wept.

In the Spartan palace, the morning after the party, the family slowly awoke from the festivities of the night before. Clytemnestra went to find her sister but found an empty bed instead. Maybe Helen awoke early and went to the great hall, she thought. No one there had seen her. She checked the gymnasium, but it was empty. She began to worry. This was unlike Helen; they had always gone to breakfast together. Her steps quickened as she went outside and started calling Helen's name, but only silence responded. When she approached the stables, she found the stable master bound and gagged. She quickly untied him and asked, What happened?

The stable master recounted the story about how Theseus and Perithious had come in the night and tied him up. I saw them carrying young Helen, but I couldn't do anything to stop them, he said weakly. They left with Helen bound and thrown over Theseus' shoulder.

Clytemnestra ran as fast as she could, screaming, They took her! They took her! They took Helen! Mother, Father, they took her! With panic in her voice, she burst into her parents' chamber yelling, They took her, they took her!

Slow down, child, said Leda as she led Clytemnestra to a chair. What are you saying? They took who?

Theseus! He took Helen! I looked all over for her and couldn't find her. I went to the stables, and the stable master was tied up and he told me Theseus took her last night, she cried. Tyndareus and Leda looked at each other in disbelief. Leda rushed to the stables and was met by Pollux and Castor, who heard the ruckus and came running.

When Leda arrived servants were caring for the stable master, who pled for forgiveness. I didn't see them coming. They hit me from behind and tied me up. I saw them carry young Helen away, but I could do nothing to stop them! Please forgive me, madam. I am so sorry. I feel so helpless. Leda reassured the stable master and returned to the palace. The family was furious.

Helen's brothers, Castor and Pollux, confronted King Tyndareus. What do you intend to do to get Helen back?

Leda cried. The man came into our home, we honored him and celebrated his heroism and he abducts our daughter, what are you going to do about it?

Tyndareus was a man plagued by indecision. In denial and refusing to believe what has happened, Tyndareus said, Perhaps it is a good thing that she is with Theseus. After all, he is the King of Athens, and his kingdom is powerful. I want time to think about my options. Maybe we can form an alliance. Theseus is an old friend.

I can't believe what I am hearing! shouted Leda.

Castor stepped forward, and although he was only twelve years old, he was more of a man than a boy. I don't care that he is the King of Athens. He has kidnapped my sister, my blood. He has no right to do this! He has insulted our family and Sparta! I will raise an army and bring her home! With that, he and Pollux stormed out of his parents' chambers and tore down the colorful decorations as they went.

The servants spread the news through the town, and once word got out that Theseus kidnapped Helen, it spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom. By the time Castor and Pollux arrived in the center of town, a crowd had already formed. Is it true? they asked. What are we going to do?

Pollux stood in the middle of the crowd and shouted, Yes, it is true, Theseus has kidnapped Helen.We are going to get her back! We will show the world that you cannot come into Sparta and take anything you want! King or no King, we will not stand by and let him have our Helen. We are Spartans! The crowd roared its approval. We will go to Athens and demand my sister's return, or there will be war!

Tyndareus finally snapped out of his denial and sent General Loiceteus to lead the quickly forming army. Tyndareus was getting old and did not travel well, so he decided to remain in Sparta. After only a matter of days, they raised an army of 10,000 volunteers, but Tyndareus ordered that they take no more than 1,000 men as a show of force. Castor and Pollux were inspirational leaders, and were wise enough to leave military strategy to the military men. The army consisted of many veteran warriors and two special young houseguests that had been living at the palace. Menelaus and Agamemnon were exiled from their home in Mycenae when their half-brother Aegisthus murdered

Reviews for Helen, The First Trojan Horse

[kerrymarsh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and provide an honest review. I love historical fiction, so this book was right down my alley. I loved reading about Helen from a different perspective - hers. There is a little literary licence here in the story telling, but wow what a great read. The story starts with a young Helen, already a great beauty, who is abducted from her home. She is rescued and returned to her family, at which point her father believes marriage will stop future abduction attempts. But Helen loves Menelaus, brother of Agamemnon and secretly hopes he will put himself forth as a suitor. Helen's crafty father makes all the suitors swear an oath to uphold Helen and Menelaus's marriage. Tales of Helen's beauty continue to bring men to Sparta after she marries and takes the crown after her father dies. She agrees to a plot with Agamemnon to leave with Paris of Troy who is intending to wage war on Sparta and abduct her. By professing her love for him and leaving, Agamemnon, Menelaus and all the Greek nobility sworn to defend their marriage take the war to Troy, instead of Spartan soil. Clever? The war raged for years and many lives were lost, including Archilles. Eventually Troy falls as we know from history. What is really interesting in this book is what happens after Helen and Menelaus leave Troy and return home. The story is well told and it grips you quite quickly, even though you know what is going to happen. Loved it.