What History Doesn't Know

The Judgement Of Paris

"Paris of Troy?" I said.

Paris raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah. Don't you remember me?" he said. " I'm your cousin or adopted cousin, I think. Agelaus is your uncle, you know that right?"

I nodded my head although I was unsure. Wasn't Agelaus the herdsman who left the mythological Paris of Troy on Mount Ida?

"Are you feeling all right Menessus? You seem to be acting weird today. Then again, you're always weird. Anyway, follow me. I have some good news about me."

I followed Paris without a word. He went into a building that seemed to be a bar of some sort. Paris walked to a table and sat down grinning like a lunatic. I followed his actions except for the idiotic grin.

A young woman walked to our table and asked what we would like to order. I placed my order but the waitress was too busy trying to get sideways glances at Paris who was too busy carving his name onto the table with his dagger to notice.

When the waitress left, she still tried to sneak some peeks at Paris but he still stuck in his own world.

"So what was the news about you that you wanted to tell me?" I asked.

Paris snapped out of his thoughts and looked at me. "Hmm? Oh right, the news. Okay, my friend. Listen close and listen good. Recently, the three hottest goddesses, Hera, Aphrodite and Athena, were arguing over some fuss Eris made. Zeus was called in but the big guy didn't want to get his hands dirty so yours truly was called to save the day."

"What was the fuss about? The Olympians are always arguing but the mere mention of Eris' name made me curious." I asked.

"Oh, it was just some beauty contest and the prize was an apple. But it was no ordinary apple. Menessus, my friend, the apple is Eris' apple which is..."

"The Apple of Discord." I finished for him. "Paris, Eris is nothing but trouble! In fact, she is trouble itself."

"Whatever, Menessus. You worry too much. The only reason I accepted the judging vacancy was because... well have you those three goddesses? Damn, what I would do to get with them."

"So what happened?" I questioned him.

"The best blessing any male could wish for. Those three babes took their clothes for me to see. And, Menessus, heh heh, I saw everything that will please me for the rest of my life. Menessus, my friend, they got naked. Butt naked." Paris said feeling pleased with himself.

"That's...really lucky but aren't you forgetting something? They're goddesses which means they're powerful, immortal and way out of your league. Looking at them naked is probably the furthest you'll ever get."

"Say what you want but I had a good time. Athena kept carrying her armour around. Hera was amazing but I heard she was such control freak over Zeus. The poor just wants to have some fun. It does get a bit boring being with the same partner for so long. What's more Zeus and Hera are immortal, so the marriage is a real cage for Zeus. Probably a worse punishment than Atlas' punishment. Imagine that. Being nagged for all eternity." he joked. "It was Aphrodite who blew me away. Just pure womanly beauty. No armour, no boring wife. Just a woman who was proud and confident with her body and any woman who is confident of her image is winner in book. I gave her the apple and she told me about Helen, supposedly the most beautiful mortal woman. Menessus, I am determined to find this Helen."

"Paris, isn't Helen somebody's wife? I think her husband's name was Menelaus or something. He'll probably cut you in half before you can even lay a finger on Helen." I interrupted.

"Ahh... I knew you would say that. I've got it all planned out. I am planning to kidnap Helen. That's where you come into the picture."

"ME?! I'm not going to take part in your silly little wife-stealing quest!" I said as I stood up.

"Sit down, Menessus. You're attracting too much attention. Menessus, please help your old pal Paris just this once." he begged.

I sighed and grumbled. "Oh alright. Just this once but you owe big time. So, what are you planning to do?"

"Not here. Let's go back to my place to plan things out properly."

Paris stood up and started running out of the restaurant. I followed after him.

"Hey! You didn't pay for your drinks!"

I turned and saw the waitress holding our orders.

"I...er...have to go now,"

I ran after Paris as fast as I could. What is it with the guy and running. Hasn't he heard of walking? I am starting to wonder if this is a habit of that cousin of mine.

We arrived at the doors of a grand looking palace. Outside the palace, several men and women stood. They were well-groomed and I assumed that these must be Paris' siblings. Paris introduced me to his siblings, Polyxena, Deiphobus, Mestor, Cassandra and Laodice.

Then, a large well-built man marched out of nowhere to where we were standing.

"Paris! Where have you been? Mother is worried sick about you." he said with a glare on his face.

"Hector! How have you been doing?" Paris responded.

"Don't 'Hector-how-have-you-been-doing' me, Paris! Get inside now! That goes for the rest of you. Except you, stranger." He pointed at me.

"Don't worry, Hector. He's a pal." Paris said with a smile to his brother.

"Whatever," Hector said and walked into the palace.

"Come in and make yourself at home." Paris said warmly.

I followed the siblings without realizing that I have sealed the fate of Troy for good as soon as I walked past the doors. A mistake that will kill millions.