End Chapter 9

     When they had their fill of one another Thera and Vyakles collapsed back down together in Thera's small bed. Both completely satisfied with one another, both having displayed a great skill and deep capacity for the art of lovemaking and they prided themselves on their talent for it. Now after they caught their breath resting in each other's arms Thera whispered to the king, who needed to get back to his wife in Sparta. "Stay with me for but a moment until I am asleep."
     King Vyakles gave a smile as warm as his embrace, kissing Thera on the forehead then he said "If only I could remain forever. Now when I go remember no one must know what happened between us. To do so would bring us both great shame and you the punishment of your nation. Though we must never speak of this Thera.., I will keep these thoughts of you in my heart and mind forever."
     "Yes, every word you speak is the truth." she sighed feeling as tired as a war horse that had been out on the battlefield all day. These were the last words spoken between them this night. Safe, warm and exhausted Thera was brought to sleep quickly in the arms of the king.
     Vy waited a moment longer watching her sleep, feeling her naked body pressed close to his under the soft white sheet. He carefully moved away from Thera as not to disturb her rest then, there in the warm glow of the oil lamp, the king watched her sleeping only wishing she were his bride, but alas she was not. Now Vyakles knew his true wife would have many questions for him, but he was the King of all Sparta and he would answer to no one!

Chapter 9 continues

     Now, when they had exhausted themselves of all energy and stamina, Thera and Vyakles rest together covered in sweat and the night dew, feeling as if they had just raced to Athens and back. Now after a moment in each others arms, catching their breath, the king bade Thera to come with him back to her tent so he may say goodnight. Here Thera, clever as ever, spoke to the king saying "Now, if you will forgive me, oh king! But your words were as stated 'If I take you in your bed tonight would I promise to take Vasha into me tomorrow.'
     "Yes, these are my words." Vy answered as they walked together down the path back to the encampment.
     "You will agree the forest floor is not my bed." Thera smiled like a cat who had just swallowed a canary.
     "No the forest floor is not your bed."
     "Then, according to your word, you must still take me in my bed, according to the promise." she smiled wanting another chance at his seed to take root in her womb, for Thera wanted desperately a daughter from this brave and noble king.
     King Vy laughed a little and he could appreciate her cunning desire to be with him once more. "Come let us hasten ourselves to your bed before Dawn brings forth Apollo. For the night is still with us and you and I have made an agreement."
     The two drew up an impatient energy from their great well of strength, hurrying back to the city of tents. Thera directed the king to her private tent as she remained outside for just a moment longer, this was to be sure all was quiet, save the sound of the satisfied, snoring men who lie sleeping with the women and virgins of Themiscyra. Thera knew well the sense of extreme physical satisfaction, for she herself had taken many men into herself, and, after what happened last year, she could not be more delighted to have, if only for one night, the deep passion of the king. So Thera went in closing up the slit in the tent and their she was alone with King Vyakles, who lie naked, reclining on her bed atop the crisp white linen sheets. Thera felt a chill run up and down the length of her spine and the little hairs on the back of her neck stood erect as she beheld this dark-eyed, bronze-skinned, naked angel in her presence. Thera thought of the God Heracles, King Leonidas, and Achilles had been brought to life in this perfect living man. So strong and powerful was Vyakles it was as if one of the ancient statues from the Acropolis had come to life.
     "Come to me now." King Vyakles said as he himself became erect in her presence and as Thera slipped off her dirty night gown she went over to the king sitting herself upon him as he lay back on the bed. Thera took in many deep breaths using her strong muscular thighs to move herself up and down as if she were riding in her saddle. The king was overwhelmed by her strength of body and he noted how his wife was so thin and frail this made vigorous lovemaking difficult for such a powerfully enthralled man such as he. Now here, this exquisitely fit, beautiful, foreign born woman was bringing him to an ecstasy he could only have dreamed of. While he brought himself to bare inside her Vy had sudden flashes of thoughts of Vasha with Thera, so more fuel, to feed the angry spirit of jealousy, was added to the fire which filled his heart and mind.

Chapter 9

     Vyakles greatly enjoyed drinking nectar from her lips like sweet water from a fountain, now being he was a king he would not let his passion surpass his reason so he let loose of Thera releasing her from his firm hold and he spoke saying "If I take you in your bed tonight and bring myself to bare upon you, promise me only one thing."
    Thera was confused but complied "What ever you wish. What ever it takes. I will make any promise to you which, I give my word, I shall not break." she so vowed to the king.
     "When tomorrow comes, and Admiral Vasha comes to entreat you, promise me you will take him to your bed, and establish him as your breeding partner for this season. Instead of me." he said the words bringing a vile taste to his mouth for he would much rather have Thera as his own forever, but alas that was never to be.
     "I will take an Admiral in place of a King, he will serve me well to help forget about you. As for now, you yourself have made a bargain with me. Come let us fill our end of the agreement." here she kissed him, his beard tickling her face a little as she laughed softly then she turned in a rush of anticipation as she raced along the path in the woods the king chasing close behind. Then Vyakles caught up to Thera and he fell upon her in a soft patch of lavender and clover that grew thick like a carpet under the cypress trees.
     "I am in no need of a bed to take you." Vyakles said as he lay himself upon her and Thera moved to tilt her head back as she rested up on her elbows, feeling the great weight of the kings solid wall of muscles on top of her torso, her long muscular legs open wide knees bent as the King of Sparta kissed her neck and bare breast. They spoke no words between them as the time for talking was over and in a kind gesture the king stood, untied the long cloth from his waist laying the silken crimson fabric atop the soft grasses and flowers. Then he called for Thera's hand as she stood before him in the cool, dark, shadows of the night as she removed the long white thin garment from her body. Thera and Vyakles stood pressing close to one another wrapped in each other's arms, their naked warm bodies coursing with a surge of energy, passion and determination. Thera was overwhelmed with the rush of blood to her brain and body as she kissed this strong brave king and she felt herself blessed among all the women of her nation, maybe tomorrow the damnation of her people might find her, but tonight nothing would keep her heart and mind from it's due course.
     So it was the King of Sparta took hold of this strong, beautiful, fertile woman in the night, only the trees and owls and stars as their witness. The king felt the strength of her body pressing and moving underneath him and there he found the deep warmth within her and she took in great breaths wrapping herself around him, with such a pleasure inside her, Thera thought surely her heart would burst from such writhing desire. Naked, wet, the warmth of heaven within, a dangerous desire was building in the Great King's heart for this woman and every moment longer he spent with her fed a jealous spirit within his heart. Thera knew nothing of this as they continued, like animals of the forest, in their lustful abandon, so sweetly aggressive that if anyone were to come upon them now they could not be quite sure if they were making love or trying to kill one another.

End Chapter 8

     So it came to pass as Thera and King Vyakles returned down the dark path through the forest, the scent of cypress and pine heavy in the warm night air. The king had been in great haste as he escorted Thera from his palace not bothering to put on a robe, merely going in the night the long crimson fabric fashioned as a garment loosely tied about the waist of his naked body, going barefoot as she. Now the king admonished Thera for venturing out in the night for this was wild woods and there were wolves. Thera had no fear, thinking herself quite cunning and clever, where as she had come merely to catch a glimpse of the king, and here now, as she lived and breathed, it was the Great King, himself, walking along the path as he took her hand leading her back the way she came.
     The two walked hand and hand in the dark, Artemis having long since set over the western horizon leaving nothing but darkness. Here a great many thoughts crossed Vy's mind and he stopped and looked into Thera's eyes as he spoke saying "Thera are you feeling any better now after the tea?"
     She thought for a moment feeling her elation of mood and lack of any want or care. "I feel well enough for now." she smiled a fiendish look of lustful desire crossing her face but, so dark was it there in the deep woods, the king could not see the full flush of passion in her eyes but the king was not a stupid man and so he took her hands in his.
     "My physician informs me he feels you are sick with Love."
     "I suffer from no sickness, none of heart or mind." she said softly with a sigh.
     "Is it true than Thera? You hold within your mighty heart no love for me?"
     A rush of sweet anticipation filled both, man and woman, as they stood there, face to face, eye to eye. He smelling of Bay leaves and she of the sweetest jasmine oil as she moved her face ever so close to the king their lips nearly touching and she opened her mouth, her breath of mint and honey from the strong tea, and she whispered. "I can only answer your question by saying I could live my life without you." here the king's heart saddened before she lifted his heart and thoughts of mind when she added "But I would give up everything I hold dear, to be with you, if just for one night."
     Many thoughts raced through his mind as he stood there, as Vy released her hands wrapping his strong arms around Thera, moving to kiss her passionately upon the mouth. Thera closed her eyes in the warm embrace of the king as they kissed sweetly and deeply with mouths as wet as dew. Hearts racing, bodies aching to join together as they pressed close to one another there in the night. Never understanding the consequence and repercussions this moment would have on the rest of their lives. Like all great tragedies the moment of no return was born with a spark, in the deep dark of night, in secret, in silence.

More Chapter 8

     Thera sat on a long table while the old physician Kaderios stood next to her giving her a full medical examination. First he examined her eyes, throat and tongue, then he checked the lymph nodes of her throat and under her arms. He pressed his head against her chest listening to the beat of her heart and the sound of the breath of life in her lungs. The gray haired man bade Thera to lie back on the table and bend her knees as he gave her a pelvic examination, as Thera had complained of a sharp pain on her right side. After removing two fingers from out of her the old physician diagnosed her with an inflamed right ovary due to ovulation. Kaderios thought it odd for her to come all the way to the palace for a common ailment. To this Thera only replied her own physician was far too drunk and engaged in her tent with one of the Spartan men.
     Now as she sat up and adjusted her long thin gown to cover herself, the physician Kaderios cleaned his hands in a fresh bowl of water, then he took Thera's wrist in his feeling her pulse rate. This is when King Vyakles entered into the chamber where he had a look of deep concern for his guest. "Kaderios, what is her ailment?"
     Here the good physician noticed a remarkable change in Thera, physiologically speaking, as her heart rate nearly double in the presence of the King. Indeed the pupils of her eyes began to dilate as a flush came to her face and chest, a fullness to her lips which reddened as she smiled, a light coming to her eyes. "Sire, I pray you step outside for but a moment until I have called for you." the king did as his physician requested and as he left the room he took note Thera's pulse rate and bright complexion faded back to normal. Waiting a moment longer he bade the king enter and, again, the same bright flashes of excitement and a full flush returning to her cheeks old Kaderios knew at once what to tell the king.
     "Thera, dearest Thera how are you feeling now?" Vyakles asked as he reached out taking Thera's hands in his as he looked down into her bright green eyes.
     "My body aches, but my spirit has been lifted by your presence oh King!" Thera smiled warmly as he bent down kissing her sweetly on both cheeks which felt warm to his lips.
     "Have you a fever?" he remarked.
     "No my king she has but a common ailment as her body readies itself for breeding, this is normal in very fertile women." Kaderios explained "She need only drink a strong mint tea with honey and hemp flowers and she will be made to feel well by morning." here the king smiled relieved the Royal Lady was safe and well in his care. "If I may speak with you, my king, in private." The physician Kaderios requested.
     "Excuse me sweet, dearest Thera. Wait for me here and then I myself will personally escort you back to your camp." King Vyakles gave her a smile as soft as a kiss and she was delighted for his company.
     Standing down the hall the king listened as his physician gave him a strange look opening up his mouth saying. "This woman Thera."
     "Yes, Commander Thera, Daughter of the Royal House of Themiscyra." the king added.
     "I fear there is a bit of bad news about your.., dear Thera." he said a worried look in his eyes.
     "Has she a sickness?" King Vyakles said in a whisper as tense as wire.
     "Aye.., she is, I am afraid, sick with Love."
     "Love?" he asked as if this word were of some strange foreign language.
     "I fear this Love she has in her heart, is for you." the old man said plainly, for he had helped to deliver the king into to this world and had watched him grow from a baby into a man, as close as his own father was he to the king. A look came across the king's face, a look of uncertainty and disbelief. "Now this could prove to be a good fortune to you oh king. You must put away any thoughts you have as a loyal husband, and put first the needs of Sparta. Sparta requires of you an heir, and you have yet been able to do so, lo these many years. Now with Keeva's condition you will never be able to bring forth a child, for her womb is a barren place, where your seed can find no purchase. Now here this woman, strong, broad shoulders, small waist, wide hips, as fertile as the Crescent Valley, you must put your mind to this task. For Sparta needs an heir to your throne and, as our Great King, you must think of the needs of your people and put your own thoughts and feelings to the side of your mind. Now, dearest king, I tell you all this, only to be kind."
     Vyakles said nothing as he took in a deep calming breath as he looked in the old man's dark eyes. He knew he was right. Vy knew every word he spoke was the truth, but betraying his wife was not something he felt he had the courage to do. "I shall take all your words in advisement, as for now I can not say whether I can comment on this development, but now I must escort the good lady back to her bed.

Chapter 8 continues

     Now as Thera crept up to the city she was astounded to see the buildings and dwellings of Sparta looked incredibly similar to the structures of the city of Themiscyra. All one story buildings supported by large, round columns, small elevated canals of water running through the city, having lived in Themiscyra all her life Thera was taken a back by the similarities in the cities. Thera had been gazing off down one of the streets seeing no one, as it was late, the crescent moon overhead casting pale blue light deep into the shadows. Thera felt uneasy, her heart racing, a fever to her brow, palms sweating as two night watchmen found her lurking in a row of gardenia bushes. When asked to explain her presence Thera feigned illness and asked at once to be taken to the king's physician. "I am Commander Thera, Daughter of the Royal House of Themiscyra and I demand you escort me to the king's palace at once!"
     The two guards did indeed hasten her to the royal palace where Thera was taken to a small chamber back and to the left of the great hall. Thera could not believe this stroke of luck and she took all this in as she was now breathing the very air in the house of the king. Thera was left alone momentarily whilst the king's physician was summoned from his rest. Thera sat waiting in the small room, a couch covered in fine crimson silk blankets, two large wrought iron oil lamps burning brightly, the long dark curtains pulled closed to the great hall. Now Thera took but just a moment to peak her head out and as she did she looked around the great space, darkly lit, only a few lamps burning so late in the night. The bronze thrones of the king and queen sat on a raised platform above the marble tiled floor. The room lacked any style of decoration, plain and simple, the Spartan way. Thera had been in many a kingdom's court and this was the most barest display of wealth she had seen, but now, the more she thought of it, her own court was not as finely decorated with gold and silver touches, tapestries, and such as say the courts of Thrace, Macedon, or Dardina.
     As Thera waited impatiently King Vyakles himself was next to his wife in his warm bed curled up in a deep restful sleep, but Queen Keeva slept not, and the great king turned not to hear her tears. She had many troubling years with Vyakles and the shame of not bringing forth an heir to the Spartan throne was of a deep pain to her dearest heart, this was a trouble her heart could not bear and so she had fallen into deep despair, so great, she had thought to end her own life so that Vy might find a fertile bride. So it was they lie there together on this warm Spring night in the city of Sparta. Now as the king was lost in a most pleasing dream the voice of his Page came at his chamber door.
     "King Vyakles. Your guest the Royal Daughter of the House of Themiscyra has taken ill and now awaits the physician Kaderios here in your palace."
     Not a word was spoken between the king and his queen as he sat up immediately standing to his feet his heart racing as he wrapped a long piece of silken fabric around his waist covering his nakedness. The queen watched as Vy turned to leave as he spoke to his Page saying "Thera is ill?" with great concern in his voice as the angry spirit of jealousy crept up and curled in Queen Keeva's heart like a serpent.

Chapter 8

     Vasha returned home on the path through the cypress trees to Sparta where he came upon two young Spartan soldiers boasting to one another in the night saying "Iona choose me, she is the blue eyed, copper blond you saw me with in the lake. She is an officer in the Cavalry."
      "I was selected by Lexa, Captain of the Cavalry!" the two men laughed as Vasha walked close behind going unnoticed by the two drunken men. "Ah now that Lexa, she let me suck her toes, and she tasted of honey."
     "Impossible!" Vasha spoke loudly startling them "Women do not taste like honey." Vasha balked.
     "They do when you spread honey on them!" the two men laughed as Vasha gave them a serious look.
     "You are drunk." Vasha scolded them a bit.
     "And you are sober!" the drunken officer replied then teased the Admiral further asking "Why Admiral Vasha, what say you of the good lady Thera? Are you coming from her bed this night?"
     Vasha felt a bit of jealous anger lay hold of his heart so he spoke not to the officers, only shaking his head, leaving them to their bragging and boasting as he went on ahead for he was in much need of a good nights sleep.
     As for Commander Thera she lay upon her bed with a great restlessness in her heart and mind and she could find no rest, Morpheus, the god of sleep, would not come and wrap his calming arms around her and her mind thought only of the king. She recalled all the stories he shared with her, the looks and little winks, and the sound of his laughter, the scent of bay leaves, his smile. Thera played everything over, again and again, in her mind from the time she first laid eyes upon King Vyalkes as he rode up to her on the road many, many hours ago. She remembered looking over, as she swam in the water of the mountian lake, at the handsome, dark- eyed, Greek as he watched her naked glistening skin. Thera could find no rest and so she decided to get up and leave her tent, wearing only a sheer white gossamer- thin gown, as she went out, barefoot, where she came upon the path that led through the cypress trees to Sparta. Thera was very curious to see the city, and what harm to the treaty would there be if she only went up to the city just to see how the Spartan people live. The thought of, perchance, a glimpse of the king or his queen would not be such a bad thing. So Thera went out on this peaceful warm Spring night the scent of cherry blossoms and pines heavy in the still air, Artemis peaking down on Thera as she went through the woods, faint shadows of moonbeams illuminating the way. A rush of nervous energy coursed through Thera's veins which pulsed with the thrill of this night.
    
  

End Chapter 7

     So it was,  the sun had long since set and the oil lamps were brightly burning as the huge feast was served to the eighty or so women and men gathered at the long wooden tables with benches. This seating arrangement was most beneficial to the women as they had to squeeze up close to the men, one handsome dark eyed man on either side. Here King Vyakles introduced his most trusted and bravest officer, Navarchos/Admiral Vasha in charge of the Naval Fleet, to Thera and she was well pleased by the king's recommendation for the breeding season. Thera sat there in the middle of Vy and Vasha as they sat and ate, and drank, and spoke with one another talking of common things
     Now as soon as Vasha sat down next to Thera his heart was immediately taken by this gorgeous, red- haired woman, with the brightest green eyes; which sparkled by the light of the candles on the table as they sat out in the warm night under the cherry trees, and the twinkling stars, with just a sliver of the silver moon in the shape of a bow on the eastern horizon. He glanced down at her long, tan, well- toned legs and muscular thighs; which were exposed when the folds of her white linen gown were moved and lifted a little by the wind. Her long, soft, copper colored hair blew in light wisps against his arm as Vasha sat beside her, she had a smile that could lift the heart of a nation and she smelled of jasmine flowers. Vasha did his best to catch her eye and interest through his charm and stories of the sea, but Vasha knew Thera was far too taken by his king.
     Thera thanked the king saying Vasha, by far, would be the best choice out of his men, and this was true, but as long as Thera was in the company of King Vyakles all her attention and concentration of heart and mind was solely focused on the king. So there she sat enjoying the delicious food prepared and spread before them, the king called for all the amphora's of sweet Themiscyran red wine to be opened. Many bonds would be formed tonight from this feasting and Thera knew as she watched over the long course of dinner her beautiful drunken ladies becoming more enamoured with the men, exchanging passionate glances, stealing kisses here and there. Thera by the hour became so enamoured herself with King Vyakles she had flashes of drunken thoughts of breeding with the king. Now she could, of course, like all free people choose to do what ever she would allow herself to do, but here she would never allow herself to go so far as to break the law of her nation. The men of Sparta have also sworn allegiance to their wives and would never dishonor their betrothed by taking another woman. This is when these thoughts along with the oysters and wine began to turn her stomach. Thera said nothing of this as the night drew to a close and the candles burned down soon the king would return to Sparta to the bed of his queen and Thera was left at the table with Vasha who saw Thera's reaction in mood to the king's departure. Where she once was happily laughing with an incredible lightness of being that, had she the power of flight, could have just floated away up into the sky so elated was she in mood. Yet now here, alone with Vasha, a great weight had been brought down on her mood and she even seemed to sink down on the bench. This made Vasha think of a wet bird, who has the power to fly, but the heavy weight of the water refuses to let it fly free. Vasha drank another portion of wine with this beautiful 'wet swan' and he did his best to improve her mood, but only the king himself could achieve such great a task.
     So it was, Thera seeing, and hearing, the procreation of the others, requested Vasha escort her back to her private tent, he was more than happy to do so. Now, as they bid goodnight, Vasha had been informed at dinner that these women carry with them a little golden statue; and if she gives you her tiny statue this is the sign that you have been selected for the season. Now Vasha knew, of course, Thera had no intention of giving her statue to him this night. He knew, of course, he would try again, for his king would not avail himself to the breeding season and Vasha was hereby determined to break Thera from the spell and intrigue of the king.

Chapter 7 continues

     They had all traveled on for a long while and finally the party neared the city of Sparta; which the Themiscyran women marveled at for there were no walls around the city for protection. Sparta was a strong nation of warriors their skill in battle and deadly reputation the only requirement for protection. These women lived within walls 96 feet high, surrounded with guard towers, filled with soldiers at all times. These women only ever allowed to leave in times of battle, or for breeding. Here they had finally made it to the place where they could end their long journey and rest and relax with these fine men.
     However, as stipulated in the peace treaty ratification, the women could not enter the city of Sparta. They could barely catch a glimpse of the columned buildings; which seemed the color of red from the rays of the setting sun. Apollo rolling on into night, his golden beams casting coral and amethyst colors in the low clouds on the western horizon. The fresh green wheat fields swaying in the light wind like a wave upon the ocean. Thera was none too pleased with this stipulation in the ratification. In fact, she and her women, had been welcomed in the palaces of every city they visited dining with the royalty of those nations. Yet here in Sparta the strong willed women were totally opposed to the ratification of the ancient treaty, and, not only were they filled with the angry spirit of jealousy, but they were ashamed and embarrassed for their reputation. For they had been stricken with much infertility and, for the last twenty years, the overall majority of births resulted in girls. Now all of the Peloponnese, and half of Asia, knew of the barren women of Sparta. This was a very tense and difficult situation so Thera would respect the women of Sparta, as she respected all good women, and abide by their wishes.
     King Vyakles led Thera and the large party down to a small lake; which was reflecting the snow capped peaks of the Parnon mountains, just a mile or so from Sparta, south of the city just up from the shores of the Aegean Sea. The turquoise waters of which stretching on endlessly for as far as the eye could see. Here a small encampment had been erected for the far- away visitors, a little city of tents set up under the full blossomed limbs in a cherry tree orchard. The sickly-sweet scent of the bright pink blossoms permeated the air then the group caught wind of the aroma of roasting lamb, onions and garlic and other mouthwatering scents coming from the food wagon. The king's own cook had come from the palace hours earlier preparing herb encrusted lamb, boiled shrimp and seafood stew etc... There was much excitement in the air and all in the group felt very comfortable with one another, and so, before their dinner was ready to be served, the women of Themiscyra went into each of their private tents and emerged completely naked. Having stripped off their armor and linen garments they felt dirty and sweaty from their long journey. So, in the presence of the men and King Vyakles, the naked women went out into the refreshing waters fed by the mountain streams. The King and all of his men were well pleased to see the wet, naked forms of the fit women and were further delighted to see they, in fact, did wax and remove all the hair from their entire body.
     King Vyakles eyed all the slippery, naked women swimming in the shimmering waters, and out of the 40 women gathered there together laughing and splashing in the water, the King's attention returned again and again to Thera who had a smile from the light of heaven and something stirred deep in his heart and mind for this beautiful foreign woman. Vyakles was aroused and intrigued.

Chapter 7

     Over the next few hours, as they all traveled talking with one another on this warm Spring day, King Vyakles spoke with Thera telling her how delighted he was Themiscyra agreed to the ratification of the peace treaty; which had lasted 100 years. The success of which was due to the stipulation that each city would have no interaction between them. Now Sparta needed sons for the Army and Themiscyra required daughters so their civilization could continue to exist.
     Much had happened and the king of Sparta shared a brief history of his nation, some of which Thera had knowledge of. He spoke of the Great Battle of Platea, one hundred years ago, where Sparta joined forces with Megara and amassed a massive army and defeated the Persian forces of 300,000 of which only 3,000 Persians made it out of battle alive. Vyakles told her of a great earthquake which shook the ground for five days killing 20,000 Spartans destroying most of the city. Thera was fascinated by the stories of the First Peloponnesian War when Sparta and Megara joined forces against Athens and Thrace; who took refuge in Athens from the Spartans cramming into the city causing an out break of plague. Next the city of Platea was blockaded, cut off from any aid from Athens or Thrace by the Spartan Army who starved every one in the city. The king told her of many years after the war of devastating floods and terrible earthquakes. She was informed of a fifty year peace treaty that was signed by King Pleistoanax of Sparta and General Nikios of Athens; which, eleven years later, was broken sparking the Second Peloponnesian War, which lasted, ironically, eleven years. Thera listened to the king excitedly telling of the great maritime battles; which was most of the war. He spoke of the great General Gylippes who saved the city of Syracuse from the Athenians during the naval battle at Kynossema where the General captured 4,000 Athenians and had them all executed in one day. "For the next thirty five years Sparta was the undisputed, supreme leader of all Greece. Now after the second war King Agis, who ruled at the end of the war, marched his mighty Spartan Army to the city of Eleans, who had taken arms against Sparta and sided with Athens. So out of revenge King Agis put everyone in the city to the sword and burned the walls down to the ground." King Vyakles said as he turned his head looking at his traveling companion, who was fascinated by the tale. He could see the battle- lust in Thera's bright green eyes, and here he thought Thera would be a most impressive warrior to have in his army, or perhaps a member of Sparta's Olympic team.
      Thera was so intrigued by this man and the stories he told as they traveled south towards the Aegean Sea, cool winds blowing down off the southern slopes of the pine and cypress covered Parnon mountains to the east. Thera felt so at ease, a deep abiding peace warming her heart, and here she wished to walk on forever on this road with the handsome, brave and noble king at her side regaling her with stories from his nations past.
 
 

End Chapter 6

     King Vyakles dismounted as he went over to Thera who swung her leg around to dismount but the king reached out with his massive hands wrapping them around her waist lifting her down out of the saddle he smiled up at Thera as he slowly, in a demonstration of his strength, pulled her close to his body. So close, in fact, their noses almost touched as he set her down on her feet. Thera placed her hands on his arms as she did so she felt a surge of energy course through her body and she inhaled his scent; which was of olive oil and bay leaves. A warm comfort and joy overwhelmed her as she stood face to face, eye to eye, with the great king. Here now in this moment; which seemed an eternity, Love and Death ceased their strife in her heart and mind.
     "I am Vyakles, King of all Sparta." he smiled an ease of grace and mercy in his dark eyes.
     "I am Thera, Daughter of the Royal House of Themiscyra." she replied as the king took her hands in his and kissed her on the cheek his soft, full lips warming her blushing skin. "We bring gifts from the heart of our Nation." Thera called for the cart and called for three of her ladies. "Captain Amara, Kayla, Alea, come forth and present  the gifts with which we honor King Vyakles." the three rode forth dismounting and holding the reigns of the war horses they had brought for the king. "Here now, oh great king, the finest steeds, bred for war, trained by my own hands for two years. We have included the finest crafted, hand tooled leather saddles the world has ever seen, and the hassock and braided reigns." Thera stood in front of her mount as the king eyed the magnificent creature standing there in the road. "The finest Themiscyra has to offer." she added.
     The king smiled as he commented saying "Yes, indeed, the finest Themiscyra has to offer. Note gentlemen," he said to his men gathered there. "The sheen of the hair, like silk in the sun. The long lean legs, the gentle curve of the neck, the well formed muscles, the brightness of her eyes."
     "King Vyakles," Thera interrupted to correct him. "Why these are all stallions."
     Here the king gave a warm smile and a gentle laugh and it took Thera a moment to realize he was referring to Thera and not the war horse. Thera laughed shaking her head, hands on her hips delighted with the easement of any tension or nervous feelings. Now the king took this time to introduce his men to all of the women and Thera, in turn, introduced the excited, beautiful, anxious women to each of the men and they all walked together down the road leading their horses behind them as they went and talked and laughed getting to know one another better.                                                                                                             
      Now it only took a little while for Amara to become worried. She had known Thera all her life and she always knew Thera to be a very, calm, relaxed, reserved person. Intense in presence casting a long shadow through her commanding will, but here now, with this handsome foreign Greek king, Thera talked and laughed a lightness to her voice and, indeed, a brightness to her eyes of which Amara had never seen, what is called Shakiana Glory by the Tribes Of Israel, as if God himself was shining his light outward from her very being. Now here Amara was sore afraid she was bearing witness to Love, its very self, curling up in Thera's heart like a serpent. This would not do for Thera to fill up her heart with love for this king, for he had a queen and it was against the Themiscyran code of law to breed with a man who has given himself in marriage. Amara thought this over as she walked behind her commander and the king and soon she abandoned this course of thought for she knew Thera to be the most brave and honorable, law abiding citizen she ever had the pleasure of knowing. Amara knew in her heart and mind Thera would never jeopardize her rights and privileges bestowed by her nation over a man. Yet this was no ordinary man, this was a native son of Mother Greece herself, the blood of the great kings flowed through his veins, and this was no ordinary land, this was Sparta.

Chapter 6 continues

     This moment would be etched in Thera's mind forever. The bright blue, cloudless sky, the new day sun just beginning to rise far off in the east, a cool wind blew down from the Dinaric Alps to the left on the western shores of Greece, the air sweet with apricot blossoms; which opened up their soft pink petals like eyes in the sun. A rapid pulse in her blood increasing the pace of her heart. Thera's mouth became as dry as the desert and her palms became wet as a slight perspiration came to her lip and she felt her brow fever as the forty or so armored men approached. King Vyakles sat atop a finely bred silver stallion dressed in full military regalia, the rays from Apollo shining brightly on his gold breast plate and his golden crown; which was a crown of laurel leaves, each leaf hand crafted in pure gold. King Vyakles rode towards Thera, and the group of women, at full gallop his crimson cape flowing behind him, a golden light surrounding his head like a halo. His black eyes gave a mixed look of pleasure and intrigue as he stopped next to Thera who had ridden out on the road to greet him ahead of the women. The two sat in their saddles eye to eye, alone on the road together for a moment.
     "Great King of Sparta!" Thera said speaking clearly with purpose, although she was incredibly nervous so she had to choose her words carefully as not to appear flummoxed or stupid in front of the king of Sparta. "I bring you greetings and salutations from Queen Ethera of Themiscyra." Thera said, having never met a Spartan, she looked upon the handsome King with his dark eyes ringed with green, black hair and beard, a small scar above his left eye, muscular arms and legs, massive hands, dark skin tanned by the sun, full pink lips, a deep voice and a flashing smile.
     "I bid you and your ladies welcome in my kingdom." the great king spoke as he took Thera in for a moment only knowing of Themiscyran women from tales and legends. The deep red color of her long flowing hair intrigued him, for never had he seen a woman whose hair was not black, like his. The deep emerald color of her bright eyes fascinated him, who had lived only amongst dark eyed people. Vyakles also noted her great height as she sat in the saddle, eye to eye with him both of their mighty steeds standing shoulder to shoulder, and the horses sniffed at one another sensing each were of a foreign breed. Her long lean muscular arms and legs, her thick thighs, muscles; which had developed over years in the saddle, her smooth soft skin, he noted here the women did in fact wax all the hair from their body, just as the Spartans. This part of the legend was true. The great king took Thera in with his eyes and Vyakles was well pleased.
     Now as each party came up from the north and the south in the road Thera and her ladies eyed the group of the most handsome, strong warriors they had ever beheld. The virgins all became filled with the nervous anxious energy of lust, and the Spartan men, too, looked upon these brave, beautiful, red- headed, tall, armor clad, strong women who had just walked out of their ancient myths and legends as if from a dream.

More Chapter 6

     So it was Thera and her party were welcomed into Scythia and as in all the cities the Women of Themiscyra bestowed gifts upon the King and Queen of each country on behalf of Queen Ethera. Each kingdom received a finely crafted oaken supply cart pulled by a well bred work horse and the following: 12 amphoras of sweet red wine, 20 pots of lavender honey, 1 bolt of fine woven cotton and 1 brightly colored bolt of silk, 10 goats, and from the fertile orchards of Themiscyra 12 saplings. Scythia: cherry and apricot trees, Dardinia: olive and lime trees, Macedon: orange and lemon trees, Illyria: cherry and lime trees, and in Greece: olive and orange trees, however the Spartans were to receive, also, 4 war horses from the Royal Stable as a show of respect and honor to the Spartan King Vyakles; whom Thera was greatly apprehensive about meeting for the first time.
     In Scythia Thera bade farewell to Captain Lucia Vega who would try for another daughter here in the land of the green eyed Sythian men. Thera wished the other 22 ladies who remained well, and thanked the King and his Queen for the great hospitality shown to her and her good ladies. General Nadinos escorted Thera and the remaining 189 women through the Iron Gate Gorge, between the southern tip of the Carpathian mountains and the northern tip of the Balkan mountains, to a narrow point of the Danube where an ancient stone bridge spanned the water. Thera mounted on her massive black steed led her party across to the other side where a Dardinean escort, sent by the King of Dardina, awaited. So it was as they came and went from each city the women were met by a security escort, as the king of Thrace to the south had made it clear to all the surrounding countries that he despised the women of Themiscyra, and of course this was all Thera's fault after what she had done last year in Thrace. Now were it not for many letters of apology and wagon load after wagon load of gold the king of Thrace would have, if his Queen had allowed him to, he would have amassed his troops and destroyed the walled cities of Themiscyra and burned the entire island peninsula down. But here diplomacy, and mountains of gold along with the words of his wife, quelled the kings anger against the nation of women.
     So it was the party of women traveled on and at each palace they were treated with great kindness and respect. Thera had by now traveled from Dardina to Macedon, to Illyria and when she and the other 39 women remaining left for Greece one fine, warm, Spring morning a large group of men approached on the road from the south. This was the women's security escort sent by King Vyakles of Sparta. Now as they moved closer Thera and Captain Amarra were shocked, as were all the ladies, to see that King Vyakles had not only sent the troops, but had come himself, in person, riding with his Spartan warrior men to greet the women of Themiscyra. Thera felt a strange wave of nervous tension fill her heart and mind and as the great king neared she felt a chilling sense of fear and excitement.

Chapter 6

     The band of women traveled along the old coastal road that hugged the northwestern shore of the Black Sea, whose deep blue waters were still as light warm winds drifted up smelling of salt and seaweed. After a little while they made their way up to the great river basin of the Danube. The Riverine forest was thick and lush with bright new green foliage on this placid Spring afternoon. The air was permeated by the fresh mountain breezes coming down off the Carpathian's to the north. Birch, Juniper and Spruce forests stretched on for miles around the sand and gravel beaches of the great river Danube. The forest alive with the sounds of the many birds stirring in the trees Thera saw a party of brown bears across the shore catching salmon from the water with their massive paws as a white tailed eagle flew back to it's tree top perch on one of the many islands their in the wide cold river. Thera and all the ladies loved this leg of the journey as the scenery was serene and quite pleasing. Utopas.
     Here a few hours into the long journey, around lunchtime, the group halted their progress to sit and gorge on fruit and water themselves and their animals. Now they were only a little while away from the northern border of Scythia and would reach the city by sundown. As Thera sat talking with Lucia Vega and Lacuna upon the soft green grass under the shade of an ancient Beech tree a riding party approached the ladies. This was an escort sent by the King and Queen of Scythia. All the ladies stood in a long row as the men rode closer.
     Thera was always enraptured by Scythian men, for they were all blond, tall, handsome and all carried the same magnificent trait, the most brilliant green eyes, the most piercing, sparkling green eyes of any man she had ever seen. Thera always found it difficult speaking with these green eyed men when looking at them directly in the eyes. Yet she was on a mission as an envoy of Queen Ethera, so speak to them she must.
     "I am Thera, Daughter to Our Royal House, and I thank you on behalf of our Queen." here all her ladies cheered with a warm welcome.
     The men there, twenty or so, all dismounted and stood making a deep bow to the women whom they were all more than delighted to see. On the ride up from Scythia all the men had spoken with lustful boasts and bragging and now here all eyed the ladies wanting to know desperately which of the beautiful women would come and stay for the season. "Commander Thera, you my Royal Lady need no introduction and may I say, and I feel I can speak freely for all the men of my country, when I say what an honor and distinct pleasure it is to finally meet with you." the tall green eyed stranger said as he stood close to Thera. "I am General Nadinos sent by our Great King to escort your party to the palace where a feast shall be given in your honor. We do this out of Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor for our Peace Accord between our two Glorious Nations."
     A cheer rose up from all as the two parties co mingled together and the women shared with the well pleased men grapes, apples, dates, cherries, apricots, wheat bread with honey and wild Turmeric goat cheese along with a small portion of wine. Thera was then able to relax and lounge about on the grass talking with the men and here in the presence of the men and women Thera felt most comfortable as the light from Apollo shone down on her face through the green leaves of the trees.