When I was very young, Greek myths were my favourite, they were always so full of passion, love and vengeance mixed together.

Of all the heroes in the Illiade, probably Achilleus is my favourite too; true, he is maybe a bit too much interested in war, more than in justice, but his relationship with Patroklos and his rage for his death it’s probably one of the most interesting episodes of all the tragedy. The Priam’s sons are too spoiled, the other Greek heroes too complicated in their action, Achilleus is more primal, love for was and love for a man are what pushes him.

In this short story the authors imagined what could have happened after his death. What if Ares, the god of War, decides to kidnap Achilleus for his own pleasure? It’s not the first time that some gods decide to rise mortals to immortality thanks to their behaviour in life, and who better than Achilleus honoured Ares? But Ares didn’t consider that, yes, Achilleyus loved war, and so in a way loved also Ares, but he probably loved more Patroklos. It’s for Patroklos that he, in the end, died, not for the glory of Ares.

Achilleus has two choices: becoming immortal and being Ares’ favourite, or trying to find Patroklos in his alterlife; but even if he chooses to go for Patroklos, the man will not remember him, when mortals die they drink from the river Lethe to forget all their human life.

This is nothing else than a scene, but it’s good in details (all the hints to the Greek myths are masterly peppered all around) without being too heavy: it’s clear that the authors want for the reader to be aware that they know their matter, but they manage it without being boring. To counterpoint all mythological details, there is a more than “human” sex scene, and in this case the details are not fantastical, but very much real. And in the end, the authors have pity for the romantic reader, and Achilleus’ choice will be one of love.

http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/961228.html