More Chapter 3

     "Odessa, I will ask you a few questions and I order you to be honest and forthright in your answers." Thera said folding her arms across her chest.
     "Yes Commander." Odessa replied as she reached out for her mother's hand as she sat a little closer to her on the bench.
     "When was the last time you can recall a murder within our walls?" Thera asked a grievous look upon her face.
    "There has never been a murder in our cities." Odessa replied.
    "When was the last time you can recall a case of rape or torture?"
    "There has never been a case of rape or torture in our cities."
    "And how have we and our fore mothers achieved this peace in our house?" Thera asked of her.
    "Through Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor." Odessa answered in a strong, clear voice.
    "That is correct." Thera began her pacing again hands clasped in front of her as she continued speaking "Odessa, you are aware of all of our laws and statutes. What is the first law we have established?"
     "Each woman has the free will, right and freedom to leave at anytime of her choosing."
     "And the second law?" Thera asked as she paced back and forth.
     "Any woman who leaves our closed society may never return." Odessa answered correctly.
     "May never return.., and the gates shall be closed to them forever." Thera paused lost in thought of those who had parted company with Themiscyra under her command. "Now I only have two more questions that remain, and then I will leave you her to speak with your mother." Thera stopped her pacing and stood in front of Odessa once again before she spoke she waited a moment as a strong scent of the jasmine orchard's sweet blossom's permeated the air caught on a light sweet breeze. "Odessa do you love Amyntas?" Thera awaited the dreaded answer.
     "Yes." Odessa sighed then there came an insufferable silence.
     Thera felt as though she would vomit when she heard the answer and then with great concern and sadness Thera asked her final question. "My dearest friend Odessa..," Thera took in a deep breath, exhaling asking "Can you live your life, without this man?"
     Odessa looked up into the eyes of her Commander and childhood friend and as she did so she felt the grip of pain in her heart begin to melt away and then a look of deep abiding peace came over Odessa's face and she simply said "Yes."
     This was a joy to Thera's mighty heart and she smiled saying "All is well, then you shall come to Megara with me for the breeding season."
     "Commander Thera." Odessa said standing at attention.
     "Yes officer?"
     "I hereby request permission to stay behind with the auxiliary troops this season and rededicate myself to my military training. To fight off this sickness with the sword!"
     Now Thera's heartfelt joy of the past few seconds was shattered, but she was so happy Odessa had chosen to stay. And so Thera agreed "Odessa if you shall not travel with me then stay her and lead in my stead." Thera said as she extended her hand to Cheverria saying "That is of course if the Queen's Deputy of War agrees."
     "Yes Commander Thera. This is most acceptable." Odessa's mother answered as she stood towering over the two young women and for once Cheverria, the old warrior, was well pleased.