End Chapter 5

     Upon this beautiful Spring morning the sun shone down from a cloudless sky as warm winds blew in from the south across the Black Sea up from Persia. The entire city had assembled at the North Gate to bid their sisters and daughters farewell. The remaining Auxiliary Troops, nearly five thousand soldiers, stood high upon the long stone wall looking down over the women gathered there. Thera fell in ranks with the other members of the Military who awaited the Queen's word upon their steeds. The lines of wagons, loaded with supplies and Civilian women here too waited with much anticipation to finally be on their way.
     Queen Ethera stood just above the crowd on her golden Chariot, her crown all flashes of gold and silver in the bright light of the sun. Now she was old and aged but she summoned up the strength to address her dear subjects in a loud, rich, clear voice that did your heart good to hear. "My dearest, lovely ladies!" the thousands gathered there stilled their voices "Today you shall leave these sacred walls, and fulfill your destiny!" a loud cheer came up from the impassioned women. "We, who must remain, send with you our joyous prayers of Love and protection. We bid you take this joy with you wherever you go." more cheers "Apollo himself has come to watch over you and protect you this very day. You must now look out for one another so that you all shall return home safe!" the Queen paused for the loud applause "Remember, each of you, a man is like fine wine but you must be careful not to drink him in too quickly, for he is libel to go straight to your head." an uproar of laughter came from the excited crowd. "Now, is there anyone, gathered here, who does not wish to partake?" silence. "Very well then I command the gates to be open!" with this command several officers pulled the massive wrought iron gates opened which moaned under its own weight. The horses pulling the caravans and wagons slowly began to move as the 212 ladies departed from the city together. Thera was the last one out as she rode passed the Queen's Chariot under Commander Odessa's watchful gaze. The old Queen gazed upon her daughters face for what she feared, in her mighty heart, would be the last time. "My brave and noble daughter, return to me, your mother the Queen, for I command you to do so, by what ever means possible." Queen Ethera spoke a glistening of a tear in her blue eyes.
     "I shall return to you, oh Queen! As Apollo is my witness, we shall all return home to kiss your cheek. I will see to this for I am the daughter of a Queen!" Thera rose up on her mighty steed which reared up kicking it's front legs as Thera rode out through the gate and as she did the crowd gathered there cheered for the departing women and all were happy as a new breeding season had begun.