Chapter 5 continues

     "Odessa." Thera said loudly as she stood next to Odessa's bed just before dawn.
     "Thera?" Odessa asked with a yawn and a stretch. "Why are you here so early?"
     "I am the Queen's Commander and I am always awake before the troops, just as you shall be when you assume command for me today. Now get up and get dressed for we have work to tend to."
     "I have not even had breakfast." Odessa complained as she lay in her warm bed.
     "Here, I brought you an apple." Thera said as she waited for Odessa to get out of bed.
     Now in a few minutes Odessa was up as Thera, dressed in full armor, helped Odessa put her military uniform on. They indeed had much to tend to as Thera explained they must first see that all the caravans were packed with supplies, tents, linens, foods, water and wine etc... Next they went to the treasury where they took possession of the many gold pieces; which were to be tokens of respect to be given to the rulers of the lands, the women of Themiscyra would visit. The artisans of her country were renowned for their masterworks in gold and silver.The artists of the treasury had crafted many crowns for the rulers of many nations and Thera was well pleased with the small statues of snakes, horses, bulls, etc... Odessa had never been inside the treasury before and she was amazed by the massive amounts of gold and silver contained therein. Now that she would be in command during Thera's absence she would now have access to many places she was not allowed to go before.
     Next they paid a visit to the physician's where they obtained all the letters about each woman to insure each was healthy and able to travel. Thera received her examination in the presence of Odessa and the physician's gave Thera a clean bill of health, much to her relief. The two then made their way to the Palace of the Queen and received from her Majesties Ministers of Foreign Relations the letters of diplomacy, sent and sealed by her majesty to all Sovereign States. Now before Queen Ethera, her daughter, Thera, gave over the Signet ring she wore in the Queen's stead. The large, well crafted, crescent shaped silver and gold ring Thera wore on her left hand was given over to Odessa; who now realized the importance of her task and ultimate responsibility and here she wished her dearest friend Thera would not go. Queen Ethera took the ring and slipped it on to Odessa's left hand as she swore a solemn oath to the old god's of her youth. The Queen then prepared herself as she rode out upon her golden chariot, driven by Odessa her new Commander, to the North gate where she bade all her loyal servants farewell as the new breeding season approached. Thera rode out on her black horse behind Odessa and the Queen.