When I was young, I became a priestess of Apollo. That religious vow included a life of celibacy and Apollo gave me the gift of prophecy. But when I spurned his sexual intentions, he added the condition that no one would believe my predictions. Now that Paris has brought Helen home, I have told anyone who would listen that she would be the ruin of Troy.
My brother Hector can do no wrong. Everyone loves him because he is smart, confident, and very brave. He has a wonderful, loving wife and a baby boy. Father trusts him with any assignment, public or private. If the fates had allowed, he would have made a mighty king.
Hector admonished Paris before they left for Sparta, “Behave yourself.” But he ignored the warning. Youngest siblings get away with misbehaving much more often than other children. He had always been mother’s favorite and a bit of a loose cannon. He spent much of his time roaming the hills instead of helping with the family operation. Who knows what he does out there?
Their trip to Sparta was a disaster. Not only did Paris violate the rules of diplomacy, his actions have threatened Troy. Helen might be the most beautiful woman in the world, but she is married. Did Paris expect that Menelaus would just let her leave?
When my brothers returned home from Sparta, Hector did his best to include Helen in our family activities. But he was wise enough to anticipate the storm that was coming. He prepared the city and the men for the arrival of the Greeks. The weapons stand ready, but heroic Hector will die.
They will all learn that I, Cassandra, was right.