Book Summary (Pg. 3)
Eventually she becomes Queen of her country and must choose a king. Men
to be made famous by their part in the Trojan War traveled long distances
to vie in athletic games and meetings of oration to show their kingly
acumen. Agamemnon brings his brother Menelaus. Patroclus comes without his
young cousin, Achilles, who even then was noted for his strength.
Achilles' doting mother would not permit it.
bulging muscles interfered with his swagger. His half brother Teucer,
fourteen, came as his aide. Teucer's mother was sister to King Priam of
Troy. Acamas, the son of Theseus, the very man who stole the holy relic in
the first place, came with his mentor, the present King of Athens. Acamas
and Helen were old friends. The King of Crete came with his son, and
Helen's cousin Lynceus arrived from neighboring Messenia.
Of course it's no secret that Menelaus became her King. They had two children and an ideal life until Agamemnon caused problems and Menelaus became ambivalent about supporting Laconia. Agamemnon, a power hungry leader, had visions of taking over countries that interfered with important trade routes. Menelaus is often away consulting oracles in Delphi and then Troy. In Troy he meets members of that famous house and particularly befriends Paris who promises to visit in Amyklae soon.
In the process of countering Agamemnon's aggressiveness, Laconia and some near by states have formed a coalition to help each other. Menelaus has stepped down from his Kingship at Helen's request, and Paris and his friend have come to visit.
