My Dearest Andromache,

It grieves me to have to write this to you-for it seems that my doom is near at hand. I needed you to know the thoughts that haunt me during these sleepless nights, where it seems that even the gods do not feel my pain. I watch you and our boy sleep in peace, while I am haunted by nightmares. I do not write of this to frighten you, my wife, but to let you know that if you are reading this, I shall be at peace. My life had been filled with grief and pain, where they only faces I saw at night were those of the men that were slaughtered on the battlefield. Until I met you, my princess, my body was the only thing that separated me from these men that had died by my hand. I was dead inside.

Until you came into my life, that was all I had. Now the world is filled with joy, amidst the growing pain that looms above our city. This city, which I have devoted my life to, the one thing that has been my entire world, will be the thing that takes my life from me. But since I took my vows, you have been my everything. My heart, my soul, my entire being revolves around you. This city, our people, is second only to you. You saved me, my darling, from living in a time of death and despair. Now I must leave you, being taken by the one thing you were able to save me from - death. I know my death meets me with Achilles tomorrow, and I shall be lost forever.

But you my princess, you shall live on. You shall live on, and raise our son to be the kind of man that will make our people proud. Know that no matter where you are, or what great perils face you, I shall be beside you through it all. You will not be able to see me, or touch me, but you shall feel me. Please remember that, my Andromache, and you will be able to survive.

I am not afraid of the unknown, but rather I am afraid for you. I know that we have always depended on each other, and that you will feel alone without me. But do not despair, for hope will come soon enough.

Tell my son that I love him, and I always will. Tonight, when you tuck him into his crib before laying yourself down to bed, give him a kiss for me, and tell him I am there with him.

As you lay yourself down, do not be overcome with grief, my love. I am there, holding you, rocking you to sleep. You will always be safe, and I will always be with you. Don't weep for me, Andromache. Live your life with our son. Remember that I love you. I love you more than anything in the world, and I will always love you. Until we meet again, I shall see you in your dreams.

All my love,

Your Hector