Finally I am able to do live readings of my STORIES! Much Love From Texas! M.C.McNeel                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

           BLOOD FOR FLOWERS

         written and read by 

      M.C. McNeel

                                          

    CHAPTER 1

 

 

    

CHAPTER 2

 

CHAPTER 3

 

 

CHAPTER 4

 

                                                           

             

                                        CHAPTER 5                                         

 

                                 

                                                                     

Sequel Info

     Follow Thera's saga,  moremcmcneel.blogspot.com    TEARS FOR BLOOD by: M.C.McNeel 

THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     Here, underneath the moon's light, the little wagon and her sturdy team of horses went up the narrow wooden ramp leading directly up onto the wide deck of the massive Spartan ship. Jessa and Lascofa were warmly greeted with much praise and adulation as Thera came up out of the back of the wagon. The ten women gathered there together were anxious and nervous, yet all their hearts were made strong by the presence of Thera and their children. For, though they had finished phase one and phase two of their clever and cunning plan, phase three had yet to be complete. However, Thera had secured the most important key to the escape and that was Admiral Vasha, who now would serve as their hostage. Thera, of course, did not wish to kill her friend, but she would commit this violence by her hand if need be. For Thera would make any sacrifice so she and her dear ladies could at last be free. She was pleased to see her ladies had already seduced the crew to sleep with the opium laced wine; which the Queen had sent out earlier in the day. Now the drunken Spartans, some twenty or so, lie fast asleep naked and chained to one another in the hold of the ship.
     Now Thera, although she was no longer Queen, was still in charge of the diabolical operation. So she ordered all the women to prepare for battle by donning the armaments and weapons that had been hidden away with the cargo. Preparing themselves for battle the women hurried donning their bronze breast plates, gauntlets, sharpened cyphos, shields, spears, bows and arrows, helmets, leg guards etc... However, even if the Spartans could loose their chains, the women had removed all the Spartan weapons and armaments placing them on the deserted ship. Thera knew the high tide would be fast approaching, so they listened, watched and waited gazing up at the watchtowers 'til they were certain the guards had quieted down and were lacking in their duty to keep watch. This is when Thera and her women pulled up the heavy stone anchor as the cold waters in the cove began to rise. With the greatest satisfaction and faintness of heart the ladies worked together to lift the massive sails with the new found knowledge ascertained through the endless flirtation with the sailors they had supped with hours before. A strong chilling wind blew from the North pushing the trade ship with her Royal cargo out to sea. Here the women smiled silently, embracing each other and all sending up prayers to Poseidon to keep them safe upon the water. With much pain in their hearts this little band of warrior women turned looking back at the shore of their home land, as the ship drew ever father away from the land of their birth. As the massive towers disappeared and the bright torches were but a spark on the horizon the women watched knowing deep in their hearts of this place, Themiscyra, they would never return again. Though none gathered on the deck of the ship, in the cool ocean breeze, had any doubt in their heart, for they were seeking a new way of life, they knew they would find a way to something better, it was there absolute, unwavering, trust in one another that kept them headed in the right direction, but they knew the road to a new, free society would be long and hard. The Rebel Women of Themiscyra knew, forever, with hard work and dedication all things are possible.
     It was this night the cruel heart of the Fates took mercy and pity upon these mothers, allowing them to pass into the future they so desired. It would prove that Vasha, when he and his men came to, they also had mercy and pity in their warrior hearts for these rebel mothers who had risked death, by the hand of their own people, to bring about a better future for their son's. Of Queen Thera, the Spartan Warriors were most assuredly impressed that she would give up her crown and suffer the looming wrath of a King. So Admiral Vasha ordered his men to chart a course for a small uninhabited island in the Aegean of which he knew had a small fresh water spring and lake and good soil for crops. He was also well aquainted with story of the island where a former temple to Hera lay in ruin, a place giant bones of ancient creatures legend said was to be guarded fierce griffins. However, Vasha told none of this to Thera for he himself held no creedance in ancient stories of monsters and giants. This is where he brought Thera, the children, and all her ladies, unloading all the supplies: 4 horses, 6 goats, 12 chickens, 4 cats, 3 beehives sealed in large clay jars, 14 giant pots of lavender honey, various live medicinal plants, many herbs, several grapevines all in clay pots, 50 sacks of wheat and grain, 40 amphora of wine, 12 jugs of Ouzo, 40 jars of olive oil, 60 large amphora of fresh water, along with apple, olive, lemon, and orange saplings, fabrics, textiles, tents, cushions, pillows etc... along with a massive horde of gold and silver; which were meant for the Nation of Sparta. Of all this, Thera was well pleased seeing that no one, on either side had to die. Though she was most grateful, as were all her ladies, Thera still harboured fear in her heart when she ordered that the men leave and return to Sparta, never telling of their location to the enraged King.
     "I, myself, can not leave." Vasha said to Thera as his crew made the ship ready to sail back home.
     "You, must return to the King." Thera implored.
     "I swore a sacred oath to King Vyakles. I promised to protect his heir with my life."the Admiral informed Thera, who gave a confused look to Vasha. "So, as long as you keep my King from his son, and rightful heir to the Spartan throne, I am not going to go anywhere. For I pledge to make sure his son, as well as all these children, you, and your brave ladies, are protected and cared for as any Royal Encampment should be."
     Thera had no words to say, but when the men from the ship heard of their Admiral's pledge and, realizing that Thera had been with Vyakles, they too swore an oath to Vasha, promising to help protect the life of the future King. So it was the women of Themiscyra and the men of Sparta stayed together for as long as the Fates would allow. However, when King Vyakles was awoken that horrible morning by a loud and terrible scream, he ran half naked from the Royal tent where those who, bleary eyed, gathered at the throne of the Queen. Where there sat Odessa, dressed in the golden crown and armor holding the letter in her hand as she glared at the King.
     "Your son?! This is all your fault! You are the one to blame!" Odessa spit at Vyakles as she threw the crumpled letter at his feet. Vyakles felt a wave of nausea and a pounding in his head as he reached down to retrieve the letter, a deep sinking feeling in his heart as he read the letter, written by Queen Thera's own hand, the blood in the King's veins turned to ice and he thought he would cry when he read:
     'I must serve the interest of my children. I can no longer live in my Nation, under laws I can no longer abide by. I give up my crown. I give up my throne. All this I do by the fault of mine own. The King of Sparta had no knowledge of my misdeeds. My last order is, No harm shall come the Spartans way. I proclaim Commander Odessa shall now be the ruler of Themiscyra and I pray my dear friend, Queen Odessa tell the King of Sparta I could not give him his son. I would rather give up my life than be separated from my children.'
     "That can be arranged!" King Vyakles shouted as he gathered his drunken men who took possesion of the twelve remaining sons of Sparta before returning to the last remaining ship, under armed escort by the enraged, heart sick new Queen; whose mood was only angered by finding all the officers at the Western gate asleep at their posts. Hastily then King Vyakles gathered all his men on the last ship. Now when all this set in, his missing son, his stolen ship and kidnapped men, any love or admiration he had for the beautiful Queen Thera melted into hatred and he shouted out to Odessa, who watched them from the beach, "Odessa! I do not recogonize you as the Queen! I will find the true Queen of Themiscyra and I will send her body back to thee!" Vyakles taunted Odessa whose eyes burned with rage.
     "Vyakles!" she screamed "You pray you never see my face!"
     The King ordered his men to row the ship out as the bewildered crew did their best to get the great ship out to sea. King Vyakles could not believe what had transpired, Thera's deception, his son's abduction, Thera's abdication, it was all just too much. Yet, Vyakles knew he had been betrayed, then vengence began nesting in his broken heart, so the Great King swore to Zeus, Poseidon and Hades that he would find his son and return him to Sparta by any means necessary. Until that day King Vyakles would have ample time to plot the death of Thera.
                                                             THE END

Last Chapter continues

     King Vyakles and Admiral Vasha did not wish to offend the Queen so they heartily drank down more opium laced wine. Soon the King's head began to swim, as he began to sway about in his seat. Whereupon Queen Thera, with the help of Vasha, escorted the drunken King into the back portion of the large tent where they lay him down in the plush comfort of the silken feather bed. Here, just before his head hit the pillows, King Vyakles suddenly took Thera's face in his hand as he reached up kissing her on the mouth with much passion, much to Admiral Vasha's disdain whom then excused himself back to the table at the front of the tent.
     "Dearest Thera, if only you were my bride! We could rule our nation's together!" the King shouted.
     "You, Dear Sir, are drunk Your Highness! And now, this is the part of your journey where you rest." Queen Thera smiled sweetly as she gently, lovingly kissed Vyakles, here Thera felt a deep pain in her heart, as if she had been stabbed in the chest. She savored this last moment with Vyakles, inhaling his scent of olive oil and bay leaves, she stroked his black curls, the whiskers of his thick black beard tickling her chin. Then her handsome lover, father to her children, the Great King of Sparta was asleep, safe in the arms of Morpheus, as Thera crept quietly from the sleeping chamber. In doing so Thera had to hold back her tears of guilt and remorse as she joined Vasha at the table, where she found him in a melancholy state and she entreated the tired, handsome Admiral to sit next to her on a long, comfortable couch covered with thick pillows, silk sheets, and woolen blankets. Happily then the two friends sat beside one another each telling the other how their special friendship had been deeply missed. Thera asked if Vasha had taken a bride, or partaken in the prior breeding season, to all of which he replied saying simply, No. The Admiral gave up salutations of a congratulatory nature on the birth of her son. Now here he began a discourse as follows "I can only imagine the difficulty a mother must endure to part with a son."
      "We do so willingly, as is our custom." Queen Thera replied taking in a little offense by his tone of statement.
      "Tell me, Thera," he paused moving much closer to the Queen as he looked deep into her eyes, Thera could see his pupils were dilated, he seemed aroused by her presence as he continued "Does your law allow you to come and visit 'Our' son?"
     "No, we severe all ties with the child."
     "How sad.., must be so hard for you." here unexpectedly Vasha grabbed Thera's hand placing it in his lap where she could see and feel Vasha's rock hard erection.
     Snatching her hand away the Queen realized his behavior was due to the strong concoction, but she said in a soft voice "I am sure, the pain suffered by the women of Sparta, whom are forced to abandon their weak and sickly newborn babies in the wild to be exposed to the dark, the cold, and the wolves; which is the custom of your nation! This surely, is the worst pain a mother could ever be asked to endure!" Queen Thera said with a heavy sigh, then she felt bad for this encounter between them, as she turned to apologize for her harsh words the Queen found her dear friend, Vasha, fast asleep beside her. Here, at long last, Thera had attained the result she desired! The first phase of the escape was complete! Covering the exhausted Admiral with a soft blanket Queen Thera crept out of her tent where she found an excited Jessa waiting outside for her.
      "Where is Commander Odessa?" the Queen whispered to her co-conspirator.
      "Lascofa and I, we found her in a field of flowers, naked with Officer Kai of Sparta." Jessa panted trying to catch her breath for the excitement of their treachery. "We have wrapped her in a blanket, she lies on the stage at the foot of the throne."
     "Come, we must make Odessa ready." Queen Thera said as she and Jessa crept out in the night, the camp quiet of any noise or movement as everyone, except these three, had become unconscious. Thera, Jessa and Lascofa gathered together round Odessa on the stage in front of the abandoned dining area as a gentle wind blew in off the dark lake. Now this moment seemed to take an eternity for Thera as she slipped off her gauntlets, and golden breast plate; which the women dressed Odessa in. Then they propped Odessa up on the throne as Thera removed her glorious golden crown of stars, the ancient crown of the Royal House of Themiscyra. With much grace and care of thought Thera placed the crown upon the sleeping Odessa's head. Jessa and Lascofa held back tears as they watched their great and glorious Queen Thera abdicate her throne to her dearest friend Odessa, both knew Thera would now no longer, ever be recognized as Royalty, but Thera would forever in their hearts remain their brave and noble Queen.
     Thera now placed a letter she had prepared earlier in Odessa's hand, an apology and explanation for her treacherous act. Thera paused for a moment gazing down upon the new Queen and she bent down kissing Odessa's cheek as a sign of respect and admiration, with a few tears Thera said goodbye to her dearest friend, whom Thera loved more than anyone else on the face of the Earth. Thera prayed to the Gods and Goddesses to protect Queen Odessa, to allow her heart be lifted with praise and joy from the love of her people. Jessa and Lascofa saw the anguish in Thera's eyes, as she crept from throne, so they both quickly escorted her to the nursery where Lascofa had a cart and a team of horses ready to steal away into the night. So quickly the women removed ten of the sons of Sparta whom were of the body of Thera, Lascofa, Jessa, Kayla, Katara, Ia, Johanna, Amara, Iona, and Scotia, along with Thera's daughter, Sparta, twin sister to her son, whom Thera would call, Etherakles. There, in the deep dark of night, the babies went quietly as they had been given water mixed with red wine earlier and would not awake for hours to come. Sneaking passed the sleeping guards Thera, Jessa, and Lascofa stole away with the babies in their baskets, placing them gently in the back of the long wooden cart. "Now as for the Admiral, we must go and fetch our hostage."
     So it was the three women drove the team of horses over to the Royal tent where they went in and carried Vasha out to the back of the wagon. This was no easy task, for eventhough they all had the strength of ten men, the Admiral was solidly built and he felt as heavy as a bronze statue. However, with much energy the women managed to get Vasha in the back with the baskets of sleeping babies; which they covered with blankets. Here Thera took in a deep calming breath for she wanted to go back in and look upon the face and body of the King of Sparta one last time, but instead, she gave a warm embrace to Jessa and Lascofa her heart racing with doubt and fear. "Let us go now, together, for we have a new society to create. Come! Our seven sisters await us aboard the ship, for soon we shall sail into our destiny." Thera gave a radiant smile which filled their hearts with peace of mind.
     Now here Thera slipped under the blankets in the back with Vasha and the sleeping children. Thera curled up next to the large basket which held her boy and girl and, as the wagon made its way up out of the valley through the Western hills of Themiscyra, Thera placed her hand inside the basket pulling it close to her body as she touched her sleeping infants she took in deep breaths trying to relax. Yet, all this was too much for her heart; which raced in anticipation as the little wagon pulled nearer to the gates where the guards awaited, surprised by this unexpected sight.
     "Open the gates!" Jessa shouted out to the three officers standing there.
     "By whose order? Where is Commander Odessa?"
     "By order of the Queen!" Jessa replied.
     "And the last time we saw Commander Odessa, she was rolling around naked in a field of marigolds with one of the King's guards!" Here Jessa and Lascofa laughed. This information made the officers laugh along with the two women.
     "The Queen has sent out an order that all should eat an drink of these special sweet cakes and rare wine." Jessa said handing a small basket of the cakes and a jug of the opium laced wine; which the officers gladly took as they felt a little slighted that they were not down in Colchise rolling around with the handsome men from Sparta. "We bring these delights to the Spartan men and our Women aboard the ship, by order of our dear and Glorious Queen Thera!" Jessa said loudly.
     "Open the gates!" came the order and slowly, with much nervousness, the three women waited on baited breath as the massive oaken and iron doors were pulled open. Jessa and Lascofa felt the fresh sea air rush up to meet them as the little wagon and her secret cargo went out through the walls and down to the sandy shore where the seven women sent out a cheer from the dark ship when they saw Jessa and Lascofa coming down the beach in night under a blanket of stars as Artemis, the full moon, shone down there beside the Still Water Cove, North of the Black Sea. 

Last Chapter continues

     In the twilight of the evening Queen Thera watched from her throne as the King of Sparta sat beside her amazed by the display as 4, half naked, beautiful, lean, strong women came out in the center of the small field holding long chains with fiery orbs of flames. They began swinging these long chains about their heads and arms in a wondrous display of light, the women showing no fear of the fire. Here the oil lamps and candles set about the long row of tables were lit all a glow and the night took on a different air. For now all the children were asleep, safely in their beds as the wine began to flow more rapidly down the throats of the excited men; who watched in awe as 2 naked riders came out astride two white horses. The women stood up in the saddles as they both galloped around in tight circles in the center of the arena. The Spartans had never seen 'trick riders' before and the men gasped when the brave women would  stand on their heads holding their lean bodies upright by grasping the saddle with their strong hands and arms, their long lean legs held up toes pointed toward the stars. Now, as the women rode by flipping up and down on the back of the huge white horses, two members of the phalanx, and you could always distinguish a member of this military order for they were all thick walls of muscle and flesh, nearly seven feet tall, they were in a word, Formidable. Here, stripped naked to their waist; which was covered in a short linen kilt the color of white, just as all the ladies gathered were attired entirely in white; all except for the Queen who wore her royal purple silk, as only a member of the Royal House could wear the color. These two large women carried with them spades and they went to the center of the arena were they quickly dug a deep, narrow hole as the riders went round. After a few moments the two Phalanx departed the field as the sound of a column of marching soldiers could be heard coming out of one of the long paths in the olive grove. Here all gathered 'round the tables ate and drank, with excited eyes they beheld the twenty or so phalanx members who came into the center of the open air dining area, carrying a long pole upon their strong shoulders. The Queen explained to the King the women had been out searching for a perfect birch tree; which was sacred to her people. This one had been twenty feet long, stripped of its rare bark, de-limbed and truncated. Now, the pole had been soaked in tallow over night, and was very difficult to handle due to the slippery substance. Yet here the women were demonstrating the fearlessness, unity, and strength in numbers, of the Themiscyran warriors, for to carry the long, heavy, slippery pole such a distance could only be done by everyone working together to achieve their goal. Now here the women struggled, but managed to place the heavy pole in the deep narrow hole, erecting it in the center for all to see. A great sigh of relief issued up forth from the tired ladies, who stood back forming a circle around the pole, they all gathered together hand in hand, as a long and silent pause came over the crowd.
     Then suddenly four women came out, long bows in hand, drawn back, with the iron tips aflame with tallow, each gatherd in four points, the North, South, East and West and with a precise aim the archers let loose in unison their fiery darts, the aim of target was true, as the top of the pole was struck and erupted in flames, lighting up the night with red and golden flames of light and warmth. Then the half naked women began chanting in an ancient tongue as they slowly began to sway around the great fire. Here the archers and riders departed the arena as twenty more soldiers came in holding only their shield and sword. They all began to dance naked around the outer circle, beating their swords against shields, in a manner the king and his men had seen upon the return to Themiscyra last year. This was a stunning visual delight for the all the Spartan men to see, as the women reeled around the fire rhythmically in unison, the phalanx chanting loudly over the roar of the flames. The excitement was growing and soon would be unconstrained so the Queen of Themiscyra ordered out some 'special cakes' from the kitchen and she ordered a rare 'special' wine to be brought out and served to one and all. However, Queen Thera did not partake in the sweet cakes and wine, nor did Lascofa whom had prepared the cakes, mixing them with the fragrant green flowers of the hemp plant, nor did the Physician Jessa whom had mixed the wine with the sap of poppy flowers. These three had colluded together in this manner so their escape would be more easily made.
     "If only my men aboard my ships were here to see this." King Vyakles commented to the Queen.
     "Fear not, dear King, for I have sent seven of my ladies out to the ships. I have ordered your ships to be filled with all sorts of treasure from my Nation, for the future care and benefit of the sons of Sparta. My ladies will personally see to your crews entertainment, of this I am most positive." she smiled a sweet cunning smile, the two drank a toast to the Peace they had achieved together between the two great nations and the King of Sparta was greatly pleased.
     Now, shortly thereafter, all those gathered there became drunk with wine and sleepy from the drugs slipped into the mixture, and so Queen Thera ordered the couples to pair off and seek comfort and warmth from within the solitude of the tents: which all did and the Queen invited the King and Admiral Vasha to accompany her back to the Royal enclosure to further discuss matters of state. For she told a huge lie when she informed the King and the Admiral her military council desired a ship and the knowledge to sail out into the open waters. This prospect could be a great financial boon to the King's economy and so they gathered in the tent of the Queen to speak more of the matter. However, Commander Odessa was unable to attend the Queen in this matter, for she had grown far too tired and had fallen asleep next to a fine young spartan in  a field of marigolds beside the lake, just as all the women had staggered of to their rest, now the campsite seemed deserted and was as silent as the grave. All was coming to plan as expected, but for now, Queen Thera still had to deal with the King and his Admiral; who were not so easily overcome by the potion. So as they sat together around the long table in her tent Queen Thera bade them to drink more wine.
    

Last Chapter begins

     So, until the light of tomorrow's tragedy, Queen Thera hardened her heart to the consequences of her actions and treachery soon to follow. Here she donned a mask of a happy, harmonious, contented nature, belying the fact she would betray the handsome King Vyakles, who sat beside her pleased with the Queen's hospitality in great expectation of seeing his 'secret' son. Now, it is true, Thera herself did hold the King, her illicit lover, with a great regard of respect and admiration in her heart. She also felt a deep lustful affection for his physical presence. However, Queen Thera knew she held no love for Vyakles in her heart, for well she knew to love a man you must be beholden to him, and Thera was beholden to no one, not even herself. For she was not the same, a change had overtaken her heart and mind, she would even say her very soul had been affected. For she had lived for a good many years and seen many terrible things in her brief lifetime. She knew surely of only one thing, that was, there were too many things wrong with the world, there was much that, in her opinion, needed changing, an edification of the new world she was living in. Vast countries and Kings had seen their empires thrive and then defeated, many new ideas in science and medicine were coming out of the Eastern Nations, the beliefs in the old Gods began to fall away, hundreds of temples lay in ruin all over Egypt and the Peloponnese. So too, Thera wanted only to edify what she could in her own life, for herself and her children, and she would gladly make any sacrifice. She would easily give up being a Queen, for she only wanted to be free of the ancient rules of her Nation, and if she could/would not follow the law, then how could she lead? No, instead she had plotted with her co-conspirators who planned to take back ten of these 'sons of Sparta', and several men would be taken hostage, then of course they had to steal one of the Spartan Trade ships; which Queen Thera had ordered filled with supplies. The rebel Themiscyran women had all together, on this night, set about on a course that would force them to abandon their home, their life as they knew it would be gone. They all wanted a new life and could not bare to part with their sons. Soon, within hours, Themiscyra would lose a Queen, who would give up her crown and her royal status, privilege, wealth and honor, all with the help of her faithful nine co-conspirators of whom Queen Thera would not be able to make her escape, and that is what her departure would be, an escape. For if her subjects had any knowledge of her conspiracy and course of action she would have all her plans ruined, and could possibly be executed, of this legal matter Queen Thera was unsure. So putting all of these excited feelings, and the doom of History's eternal damnation, at the back of her mind the nervous Queen called for the Letter of Patronage to be brought to her as she sat upon her throne. The excited crowd waited on baited breath as she called out the names of the Themiscyran mothers, who came up one by one as Queen Thera called out the name of each of the fathers of Sparta, one by one. The mothers all came one after another presenting their son's to the Queen, here the happy, radiant, Queen smiled kissing each little boy on the forehead. Queen Thera  then gave each boy to the King of Sparta, who was well pleased and anxious to see. He was impatient though to see when Vasha would be called up to receive his 'son'. Each boy, 5 to 4 months in age, were all round, strong babies with bright shining green and hazel colored eyes, with light blond and copper colored hair, the trait of their mothers, each also had a small round circular scar on the back of the right hand. When the King remarked upon this, Thera explained all males born to a Themiscyran are marked/branded in this manner to prevent inbreeding with the daughters of Themiscyra, their sisters in the future. Now the last woman standing handed over the Queen's beautiful son over to her as the Admiral, the last man standing on the stage, was called before the Queen as she bade him to stand in front of her throne.
     "As for you Admiral Vasha, I trust you will raise this child and teach him how to fight, and sail upon the vast Seas. I pray you will also teach him how to keep the Peace." Queen Thera smiled kissing her beloved son upon the cheek as she handed the boy over to King Vyakles who took his son in his hands and his heart was lifted by the Graces, a mighty joy for him to see. Now here the crowd gathered at the tables noticed the King seemed even more exuberant, a joy to his eyes, brightness to his face as he held the last boy in his arms. In the great King's heart he had the deepest feeling of awe, as he held his long awaited, prized son he had longed for and prayed. Now at this moment as Vyakles drew in a deep breath he gazed down at his child, of his body and blood, this boy would someday be King. Here he held this little, helpless life in his hands; which had butchered men in battle. The brave, noble, King tried not to weep tears for this beloved precious joy he held in his hands. Love and Devotion settled into the King of Sparta's heart that day, and Vyakles knew he would never leave the boy, nor forsake him, this was the sacred promise Vyakles locked in his heart forever for the care and benefit of his son. Here he kissed his much loved son upon the cheek, as Queen Thera had, then slowly he handed the heir of Sparta over to Admiral Vasha who took great care cradling the King's son in his arms. Vasha played the part of father well before the crowd, however as he swore as the others to teach the boy of Respect and Honor and War, the Admiral added saying to the King "I promise to protect this child with my life and honor." King Vyakles understood this pledge of protection though this slipped right over the crowd's heads.
     The Queen bade the mothers and fathers to sit at the tables with their children and eat and talk with one another, it was at this point Queen Thera called out for her Royal Daughter to be brought out from the nearby tent; which served as a temporary nursery. King Vyakles was astonished to see his daughter, a perfect twin to the boy, whom had yet to be given a name. Admiral Vasha came over to see the baby girl who was identical to the green- eyed boy with copper curls in his arms.
     "Ladies and Gentlemen," Queen Thera arose from her throne speaking in a loud clear voice filled with love and pride saying "On this night, under the stars, our Goddess Artemis looking down upon us here, as we gather amongst these fragrant orchards, I present to you, my daughter, the heiress to my throne, and my reason to live and fight." Queen Thera raised her daughter above her head announcing "She shall be called from this day forward..," she paused for affect "SPARTA!" upon hearing the news the Spartan men rose to their feet cheering loudly and King Vyakles was so touched and honored he let a tear slip from his eye to his cheek and he felt at this moment the happiest he had ever been as he sat next to his beautiful Queen. Any thoughts of his wife, Queen Keeva, would not come to his heart and mind as Vyakles dreamt of the future and long visits to Themiscyra, and he looked forward to the next season for breeding. Yes, the king thought of many things there beside the Queen of Themiscyra as she called out for the entertainment to begin. It was good for the two to sit with one another in peace and harmony on this night, for in the morning King Vyakles would not be pleased, and if he had the chance tomorrow he would have loved to have spilled the blood of the Queen.
    

End Chapter 17

     This was a very strange time for the men as they walked into the land they knew only from tales of myth and legends. Here, without their swords and armor, they felt exposed protected only by their courage and determination to trust Odessa and the warrior women of Themiscyra. The nervous men marched through the walls; which were eight feet thick, a solidly constructed fortification; which kept out all those who opposed them. Now some of the men had been told, erroneous, tales of these 'amazon', one breasted women, who took men as sex slaves, cutting the limbs from their bodies so they could never escape. Though, when expressing this to Odessa, who led them as she rode down the path through the ripe orchards of peaches, cherries, olives, lemons, oranges, etc..., she only laughed and commended him for the story as she thought this was quite an amusing tale. Here she led King Vyakles, Queen Thera's most honored guest, down to the Artemisian Lake which was like a mirror for the setting sun, reflecting the warm glowing light of Apollo up in to the cloudless blue sky. The men of Sparta beheld in wonderment the round temple structure with its massive alabaster colored marble columns and fountains beside the lake, as they walked down the hills from the west coast into the verdant valley, where a city of large tents were nestled in the groves of olive trees, there beside the lake. Vyakles noticed the grand tent erected behind the temple and he assumed this was the Queens Royal Quarters. Odessa stopped, turning her massive steed around, saying to the men. "On behalf of my glorious Queen I bid you welcome to our city of retreat, Colchise. Here you will be reacquainted with your former breeding partners from last season and be introduced to your sons. Who I can assure all twenty two of you, each child is now 4 to 5 months old and having been nourished by the their loving mother's milk have grown strong and healthy. You shall be given your sons, whom are yours to care for and name. Then we shall feast and drink with one another." this news lifted the hearts of the cautious, unarmed men and King Vyakles gave Odessa a bright and shining smile as she said "My Queen Thera has also declared the next three days be open for breeding during the course of your stay, should you be so inclined. As you are full aware, the mother's of your Spartan sons did not participate in the breeding season this year as they had children to nurse and care for. How say you King Vyakles?"
     "If it so pleases my men, and your Queen, then so it shall be done."
     "Excellent news! Tell me, oh King?" Commander Odessa said slyly as she continued along the path with the handsome, noble king "Are you still bound by the laws of marriage?"
     "Yes." he sighed with a soft laugh "I still have my Queen, who sends messages of peace and happiness."
     "Well, this will prove most unfortunate for you during your stay here." she laughed with smiling eyes.
      Here the party of men led by Commander Odessa came down into the city of tents where two long tables were set up along side a stage area which formed the shape of a U. The tables were set with plates and trays of meats, fruits, vegetables, breads and cheeses, wine, water and Ouzo. A Themiscyran feast ready and waiting for the men as the aromas of roasting lamb, garlic and rosemary, onions and tomatoes drifted up out of the kitchens. The men saw many women coming in and out of the kitchen area, bringing out more and more platters of food for the eighty or so men and women; who greeted one another along the path the Spartans glad to see the warm welcoming faces of the beautiful Themiscyran women who gave them all embraces and kisses upon the cheeks as a sign of affection and admiration. Happily then each woman escorted the men down to the dining tables as a soft gentle breeze blew across the placid lake as they all sat down together. Here Vyakles and Vasha sat close to the platform where two thrones sat, one finely carved gilt in silver, the other ornately carved with flowers all clad in gold. The golden throne sat about a head taller than the silver one. Now here King Vyakles grew alarmed by the empty thrones. Then just before he could express this worry to Odessa, who sat beside him, he heard a cheer rise up from the women who all rose from their seats as Queen Thera came in driving her golden chariot pulled by a team of silver stallions. Here the rays of the setting sun, far off in the west, reflected off of her golden breastplate and her shimmering golden crown of stars as the Queen came charging down the path from the east. With her long flowing copper colored hair Queen Thera looked like the Goddess Athena returning from battle. All the men stared in awe at the radiant warrior Queen as she drove her team of horses in the center of the dining area, turning her chariot in small circles; which was a marvel to the Spartans as they had never seen such a well crafted battle machine. All the men arose, as well, clapping their hands together with loud cheers of approval. Bringing her resplendent chariot to a halt in front of the thrones Queen Thera gave a wave to all those gathered there blowing kisses to them as she went up the little steps leading up to the platform where she sat herself down upon the golden throne then she spoke as all grew silent at the sound of her loud powerful voice, that did your heart good to hear it.
     "Welcome! All of you are welcome here!" she smiled casting her gaze down at the long row of tables where Queen Thera saw her Commander sitting in between Admiral Vasha and King Vyakles. "There you are! Oh, Great King Vyakles! Come! Sit here beside me." Queen Thera said gesturing with her right hand as a loud applause was met by her statement. King Vyakles felt most honored as he smiled going over to the stage area and as he ascended the few steps up to her he felt a tinge of something strange in his heart, the King was not sure if it was a feeling of love overwhelming him or the sense that something else had changed. Queen Thera, beautiful and strong as ever stood embracing the King as she whispered "I have only allowed men in my Nation because of my great respect and honor for you." she kissed him softly on the cheek the warmth of her lips bringing a blush to his face as Thera whispered softly "Your son is strong and healthy, you will be oh so proud when you see him."
      "Dearest Queen Thera, ruler of all Themiscyra we bring you greetings of joy and great pleasure. We give thanks to you, your Highness, for allowing myself, and these brave men into your land. We pray you think of us all, each and everyone of us, during the duration of our stay, as your mere, humble servants." here the King of Sparta gave a deep bow to the Queen as all those gathered at the feast of welcoming gave up a great cheer. The women were so very excited to see the men gathered amongst them, and all would find great satisfaction and pleasure on this night together.Yes, it was true, this night would prove to be a night of infamy, but not for the reason one would suspect. For the Queen and her conspirators had a dark dread task on this hidden agenda ahead of them, so in the mean while Queen Thera bade everyone to eat and drink and be merry, for in the morning all would be revealed.