Act 1 Scene 2 Intrigue

Act 1 Scene 2 Intrigue

Scene The tent of Pyrrhus, on the beach outside the city of Troy. It's partitioned into an outer space and inner bedroom.

BRISEIS
(On the verge of hysteria)
Oh where is he, where is he? Will my misfortunes never end? Taken captive when Thebes fell. My husband and three brothers killed by Achilles who took me for his slave. Paris killed him, an arrow through the foot, but not before Achilles slew Hector, husband of Andromacha. She too was from Thebes and we often visited each other, laughing and singing and listening to the sages brought to tutor our brothers. We were quick learners and our fathers let us become educated. Can you imagine that? Oh, where could Pyrrhus be? Where could he be? Why are men never around when we need them most? Now Andromacha mourns Hector as I did my husband, Mynes; so sad that I was about to throw myself into the ocean, until I met Pyrrhus, Achille's son, a kind and noble man, so unlike his father, takes after his mother, she must've been a big woman, and he brought to my life a new will to live. I bore him a son, the joy of my life. Shhhh... everyone thinks it was Achilles who sired Pergamus, but it wasn't. Where is he, oh where could he be? How do I tell him that our son is dead, taken by the fever? Oh Pergamus, would that I had died instead. How will I ever tell Pyrrhus? Oh, where can he be?
(Enter Pyrrhus)

PYRRHUS
Briseis, are you here?

BRISEIS
(By inner partition)
Here my lord, much relieved to see you safe.

PYRRHUS
What a night. I'm exhausted and there's still much to do. How's Pergamus? Has the fever passed?

BRISEIS
I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I did my best, I did my best, by the gods, I did my best.

PYRRHUS
What are you telling me... Ohhhh! God, don't say it...Is he....?
(They enter inner partitions where the child lies in a basket.)
He's dead and grief chokes my heart.
(He takes a knee while she stands weeping beside him... he comforts her)

BRISEIS
He's gone, his spirit fled, leaving behind but a sad reminder of the joy he once brought. His body's an empty vessel, drained of the essence that filled his cup brimming with life. When he smiled, my pride swelled with a happiness I never dreamed possible, and I was proud, so very proud, to the mother of your son.

PYRRHUS
My trails were bad enough, but I had outlet, while you stood lonely witness, keeping the final watch. My burden was nothing to yours. Were you alone?

BRISEIS
(Emotional)
Yes, the eyes of those on the beach were turned towards the city.

PYRRHUS
It was all my fault.

BRISEIS
How can that be? You were doing your duty. Hush now, there's nothing more you could have done. Life was not his destiny. Time moved on and his future stood still.

PYRRHUS
No, there's more than that. Last night, in the battle, my men and I desecrated the temple of Apollo. It happened unthinking, and I spoke in great rage, damming the gods for the death of my father. Is this a token of their revenge? A reminder of my blasphemy? A retribution paid me by Apollo?

BRISEIS
Stop it! Why must you always blame yourself for everything! Our son was one of many taken by the plague. I nursed enough to know the progress of the disease. I wished to spare you the worry as his fever grew, knowing the danger you faced. I swallowed hard, to cover up my gnawing dread and hide the foreboding that whispered to my reason. For I know well the affliction and its unrelenting course. His short breath and coughing steeled me for the worst. Be assured, my prince, that whatever you said in passion, the fate of our son was already decided. Now breath deep, and master your tears. Speak to me instead of all that's happened. There's time enough for weeping on the voyage home.

PYRRHUS
After sliding down from the wooden horse, we threw open the gates. Our soldiers came up fast, but mine were in the midst of the main body. When they finally arrived, we moved to secure the palace. We traveled through the city with little resistance until reaching the inner gate. By then the alarm was sounded and the guard roused. Still the Trojans had little time to prepare. Their defense was determined, but not coordinated. Even so, they put up a desperate struggle.

BRISEIS
I knew you were in mortal danger.

PYRRHUS
At length the door gave way and we set upon the defenders. They were arrayed three tiers deep, and behind them huddled the women and children. You can imagine how they fought, for only that thin line stood between our swords and their loved ones. We pressed hard as they fell back to the steps of the temple and gathered for a last stand. Priam, to buy time, rebuked me for violating the sanctuary. His words had effect, for as you know soldiers are as superstitious as old women. The attack stalled and to regain the momentum I hurled a desperate retort, speaking the rash words I mentioned. With that I set upon the king and struck him down.

BRISEIS
A desperate struggle!

PYRRHUS
By then our strength was spent and the counterattack, furious. All might have been lost, but for a phalanx of Spartans. Their rescue tipped the scales and the palace was taken.

BRISEIS
I don't know whether to be happy or sad. I'm happy you're safe, and I'm sad, for it brings back awful memories, and my heart goes out to the women who are mourning their loved ones. But still, I'm proud. You're a brave warrior. Your deeds will be remembered. Did you know that Menelaus came by?

PYRRHUS
Came by? What did he want with you?

BRISEIS
Not me, he wanted to see you.

PYRRHUS
I was in the Wooden Horse. Didn't he know that?

BRISEIS
He knew your father better than he knows you. He came because he was worried about Helen and someone told him that you had the mission to take the palace. He wanted "words" with you. When I explained your whereabouts he said, "Of Course." Then he made some small talk but it was clear to me he had other things on his mind. When I mentioned our son's fever, he departed.

PYRRHUS
Well, he didn't find me until it was almost too late. Still, I'm in his debt and I find that disconcerting. It wasn't until this morning that we met face to face.

BRISEIS
And what did he say?

PYRRHUS
Ill tidings of the worst sort. The High Council has decreed that Hector's son will be executed tonight.

BRISEIS
Astyanax, Andromache's boy?

PYRRHUS
The same.

BRISEIS
Why?

PYRRHUS
The don't want the legacy of Troy returning some day to haunt them.

BRISEIS
As girls we were best friends.

PYRRHUS
Your best friend is about to have a bad experience, and I'm the specter of her worst nightmare.

BRISEIS
How so?

PYRRHUS
How? Because I have the "honor" of throwing him off the city wall. For that's to be the manner of his death.

BRISEIS
Honor? "Horror" you mean. No man of honor could commit such an atrocity.

PYRRHUS
You're right. I could never go through with it, and the more I think about it the more certain I become.

BRISEIS
Did you tell this to Menelaus?

PYRRHUS
Well, not exactly..... You know how you talk to me sometimes, and I'm not really listening? When my mind is somewhere else and you say things... and I just nod?

BRISEIS
Yes, and it makes me mad! Haven't I warned you that some day ....?

PYRRHUS
Well the day arrived, for when he commissioned me for the task, my mind was still on the battle and his words came from afar. Whatever I mumbled in reply, he took for a "Yes" for he bid me fetch the boy and meet him at quarter 'til midnight in the Guardroom. Slapping my shoulder he said, "This is a hard task but I know I can count on you," and with that he was off. As I came to my senses and realized the monstrous nature of what I'd agreed to, I looked to find him but it was too late. He was gone and the opportunity fled with him.

BRISEIS
He expects you to be the executioner?

PYRRHUS
Yes, but have no fear. I refuse to do it. Come, pack your things. We'll board the ship and sail at once for Thessaly.

BRISEIS
Are you mad? Pause for a moment; picture what you're proposing. Imagine the King of Sparta, standing there tonight, surrounded by all the high chiefs. A huge crowd is gathered for the spectacle. As midnight approaches he scratches his chin, "Hmmmm he wonders... where the devil is Pyrrhus?" Seeing you nowhere about he then proceeds to make general inquiry, this time out loud. "Has anyone see Pyrrhus, brave son of Achilles?" And a voice speaks up and the crowd becomes hushed..."Why not an hour ago, as I came from the beach, I saw his father's ship, the Porpoise, its oars flashing, racing with the tide, beating for the harbor's mouth. If you're looking for Pyrrhus, you can bet by now he has the open sea, a full wind and is hauling south for Tenedos."
Now how do you suppose Menelaus responds? How does he handle the crowd? Shake his head in disappointment? Make excuses? Apologize for you? Hummph! Poseidon's ass! Imagine instead his rage. This is Menelaus, the most powerful man alive, who by sheer force of will started this damned war, held it together for ten years, and destroyed Troy, the mightiest citadel on earth. This is no matter that any of them will take lightly. The Chiefs will never abide a champion of dissent to come back some day and shame their honor. If you break ranks now, Menelaus will have your head. Thessaly will be no sanctuary. We will not escape.

PYRRHUS
I hear you and I'm glad you see this matter as clearly as I do, but listen well. On this earth there's no threat so fearsome, no force so great, or responsibility so binding that can make me throw that boy off the wall. What other choice is there but leave with the tide? Unless, of course, you have a better idea. Come with me or remain here. Don't feel obliged to go on my behalf. If its freedom you want... then you have it.


BRISEIS
Oh dear gods, we're lost
(Puts her head in hands as Pyrrhus rummages about the tent. Suddenly she looks up!)
Wait! Perhaps there's another way.

PYRRHUS
Another way?

BRISEIS
It came to me just now, a sinister idea. Walking through my heart, it left a chill. It came to my throat, leaving it dry, and filled my mind with dark foreboding. It makes me shiver, ties my stomach in knots and the mother in me screams out "NO!"
(Falls to knees and begins to sob)

PYRRHUS
(Puts arm around her)
There, the strain is catching up. Your imagination runs wild. Compose yourself. Try and relax. Have faith in me. I've been in tough spots before. Don't fall apart on me now.
(Briseis responds)
There now, that's better.

BRISEIS
(Shaking head)
It's a dreadful idea, with only a glimmer of hope. If I weren't so desperate, I'd shutter my mind and flee from the tent.

PYRRHUS
Out with it.

BRISEIS
Substitute Pergamus for Astyanax. Use our dead son to ransom Andromache's boy.
(Pauses while it settles in)
What are you thinking....? Do you hate me?

PYRRHUS
It's a chilling thought, and I understand your feelings...Though it has possibilities.
(Shudders, and takes a deep breath)
But the fact is that it's simply undoable. You said it yourself, Menelaus will be there. He knows better than anyone the smell of a rat. There's no intrigue his nose can't detect and no deceit that escapes his eye. Now if I were more like him, there might be some hope but I am no match for his intuition. You know that as well as I do. And should we try, and the moment comes, our hearts racing fast, pounding in our chests... would we have the composure? And should the unexpected mock our plans, would we have the presence of mind? "Glimmer of hope," Your reckoning, is wildly optimistic. And when we're discovered...what then?

BRISEIS
(Thinks)
Well....

PYRRHUS
Well...

BRISEIS
(Makes up mind)
Then my hero, draw your sword, take my hand and we'll step off the wall together. You with that fire in your eyes and me.... with the arm of the man I esteem most!

PYRRHUS
(Impressed)
You're serious, aren't you?

BRISEIS
Never more in my life

PYRRHUS
(Laughs nervously)
I have to hand it to you.... your boldness makes audacity blush like a schoolboy, and my own timid course flush with shame.

BRISEIS
It doesn't become you.... plus it leads nowhere.

PYRRHUS
(Rubs chin pensively.... at length...)
It's a wild scheme, but it could work and what other choice is there? Lower your voice now while we discuss the details.
(They speak together in low tones and gestures... they finish)
This is a bold and dangerous intrigue. Once we start there's not turning back. Are you resolved?

BRISEIS
Take these powders. They're a sedative to make the child sleep.

PYRRHUS
Very well, I'll go find Andromacha. See you tonight at the watchtower; and don't forget the basket.

BRISEIS
I won't disappoint you.

(Enter Philistes, Servant rushes in joyfully)

SERVANT
Sir! Sir! Philistes is here, alive and well.

PYRRHUS
Can it be? Do I dare believe my eyes? You in the flesh. By the gods how I missed you and despaired ever seeing you again.

PHILISTES
I shared your doubts.

PYRRHUS
(They embrace)
You catch me at the worst of times, one foot in the stirrup and the horse at a gallop. Time's not my own and duty cries impatiently. But seeing you fills me with new hope. Take food, refresh yourself, we'll talk later.
(Exit Pyrrhus)

SERVANT
Welcome home, Philistes. Here, I've food, prepared by Briseis, and drink too.

PHILISTES
Who's Briseis?
(Enter Briseis)
Forgive my manners, noble lady.

BRISEIS
Sit down and finish your meal, and don't address me in high terms. I'm only a slave-girl.

PHILISTES
If I assume too much, your beauty and grace are responsible.

BRISEIS
I'm Briseis, woman of Pyrrhus, mother of Achille's son.

PHILISTES
Achille's son?

BRISEIS
Are you skeptical?

PHILISTES
Forgive me, it's my background, a commoner by birth, illegitimate at that, too blunt for my own good.

BRISEIS
How about tactless and insensitive?

PHILISTES
That too! Actually, I think "surprised" is a better word. How crass of me. Achilles the great warrior. Let his reputation sleep.

BRISEIS
You knew Achilles well?

PHILISTES
All the young boys knew him, better than we wanted. Where is this miraculous son?

BRISEIS
I'm obliged to warn you, he's sick with the fever

PHILISTES
I'm immune, or I wouldn't be sitting here.

BRISEIS
Then I'm relieved you can stay.

PHILISTES
And I appreciate your hospitality. Did you prepare this? It's delicious.

BRISEIS
I did, though my mother always despaired my cooking.

PHILISTES
My father was a cook.

BRISEIS
Indeed? And how did a cook's son rise to such prominence?

PHILISTES
Do I have that aura about me?

BRISEIS
Don't mock me! I know who you are.

PHILISTES
And who's that?

BRISEIS
Raised with my master, companion of his youth. Taken at the gates of Troy. Since meeting Pyrrhus there's not been a day passed, that I haven't heard your name repeated over and over again. It's ever, "Philistes this or Philistes that. What would Philistes do? If only Philistes were here now." I came to think of you more as a demigod than a man, for you left quite an impression on someone who doesn't impress easily.

PHILISTES
So, my claim to prominence is a friend who speaks well?

BRISEIS
It's the highest accolade.

PHILISTES
So if this's my claim, what's yours? If I might boldly inquire?

BRISES
What do you think?

PHILISTES
(Chuckles)
I ask only because Pyrrhus, to my recollection, was not drawn to women as most men are, yet neither was he attracted to boys. For I know him well, and this aspect of his behavior was always puzzling. Still, it's easy to see why he's taken with you.

BRISEIS
I take that as a compliment.

PHILISTES
Where did you meet?

BRISEIS
One day, on the way to the shore market, he joined me. I was glad for the company; I don't have many friends and he was very courteous, that's important, and when he speaks, which isn't much, he can be very charming.

PHILISTES
And how long was this before the child was born?
(Briseis raises eyebrow. Philistes chuckles)
I think I know the answer.

BISEIS
After that he met me every day, saying he enjoyed the walk and the fresh air. One day he took my basket and wouldn't return it. He carried it right back into the camp. I was mortified that a prince would so behave. I mean everyone was watching us and giggled and whispered as we passed. It was scandalous and I told him so.

PHILISTES
Did he wring his hands in embarrassment?

BRISEIS
No, he said that being seen with a woman did his reputation more good than harm. As for the basket his arm needed the exercise.

PHILISTES
If only I'd been there to tease him. You don't know how happy your story makes me. I want to jump up, raise my arms and clap my hands together! So what are your plans now that the war is over?

BRISEIS
To my mind it still rages. Tonight Pyrrhus will face a terrible trail. I must meet him in the guard tower at quarter to twelve. If you have the time, I could use some help. There's much to carry and it's more than I can manage alone. If you can't, I'll get a servant, but I'd appreciate your help.

PHILISTES
Exactly what's this terrible trial?

BRISEIS
We can talk more of it when I return. I've errands to run that won't wait. I must gather his uniform and make sure it's clean and burnished. For now, refresh yourself.
(Exit Briseis)

PHILISTES
(Resumes eating)
So, Pyrrhus has a son. I never imagined that, but then I never imagined a woman like Briseis. A beautiful girl, the kind men dream about, and there's more to her than meets the eye. Were Pyrrhus not my dearest friend...but then he is...have your thoughts no shame? And I can see that she's in love with him. "I'm Briseis, mother of Achilles' son." I didn't know whether to laugh or choke on my soup. She might be a slave but there's an innocence about her that makes all deceit a comedy. I have to see this boy. I suppose I could wait until she gets back but what's the harm? I see his basket. He must be sleeping. I'll be quiet and just take a quick look. What a handsome lad; nothing like Achilles. How peaceful...so still. I would have thought with a fever he'd be fretful... and such an ashen look...strange.
(Touches cheek)
Dear god, the boy's dead! How could his mother be unaware? I must fetch her and give the bad news. Wait! Perhaps she knows it but knows it not... her grief so powerful she can't face the truth. I've seen strong men so taken with anguish that it unhinged their minds. Yet she doesn't seem unhinged. On the contrary her conversation's animated. Make no mistake, that girl has her wits about her. How then is it that the child lies unburied? The camp regulations are very strict on this... Maybe it's better that I 'bide my time until I know what's going on. Quick now I hear a voice.

BRISEIS
(Returns with armor helm and sword)
I'm back with his armor. The garments cleaned and airing on the line. These must be polished. If Pyrrhus must meet infamy tonight, it won't be as a vagabond.

PHILISTES
You keep mentioning this..."Infamous Night."

BRISEIS
Pyrrhus has gone to where the captive women are held. There, Andromache will be made to turn over her son. The boy's sentenced to be thrown from the wall and Pyrrhus made the executioner.

PHILISTES
Barbaric!

BRISEIS
He has no stomach for it.

PHILISTES
To his credit.

BRISEIS
I fear for him.

PHILISTES
You should, because he won't do it.

BRISEIS
You don't think so?

PHILISTES
Without the slightest doubt.

BRISEIS
You've been away a long time; men change.

PHILISTES
I'm telling you... he won't go through with it.

BRISEIS
Men do what they must and he has no alternative.

PHILISTES
Come the moment of truth, you'll see the alternative.

BRISEIS
Will you accompany me tonight and help with his things?

PHILISTES
It's convenient you ask. He's going to be in sore need of friends. Give me that helmet and the sword too. I've plenty of experience shining brass and sharpening steel.

BRISEIS
I'll carry his cloak and garments in the basket.