Achilles turned away from the wall.
For several seconds, no one followed him.
The Myrmidons watched their commander descend toward the plain, his spear held loosely in one hand. They had marched behind him through fire, blood, and the bodies of men who had believed themselves capable of stopping him.
They knew how to follow Achilles into battle.
They did not know what to do when he walked away from one.
Behind them, Troy remained silent.
Hector stood above the battlements until the last of the Greek shields had begun to withdraw. He watched Achilles disappear into the smoke rising from the eastern supply works.
Only then did he lower his gaze.
"Your Majesty," a soldier said cautiously, "they are retreating."
"Then let them retreat."
The soldier hesitated.
"Should we celebrate?"
Hector turned toward him.
"No."
The single word silenced the men nearest him.
