You decide to confront your father. Is it true? Did he lure you here to die?
You walk slowly to his tent. The soldiers around you whisper, clearly knowing her fate. What had Achilles said? That she was to save Greece?
You pull back the tent flaps. Your father stands hunched, surrounded by the other kings, including his brother Menelaus. There is fear in his eyes.
“My dear daughter, I am so sorry.” He appears to be genuine. Tears sparkle in his eyes.
You are angry. How dare he stand there and cry when he is prepared to kill you.
“Father. Why?”
“You know how we are going to war with Troy? Well we all met here at Aulis to travel together. After we arrived, I angered the goddess Artemis. We were left without food and wind. The only way to Troy is to appease the goddess.” Your father looks at you, suddenly proud. “She chose you, my dear daughter. The goddess chose you to die and save all of Greece.”
You don’t know what to think. You believe your father. But how could a goddess demand your death? You are only a child after all.
“My brave, dedicated, proud daughter,” your father pulls you into a hug. “Will you come willingly?”