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.

Chapter 17 continues

     Vyakles, King of Sparta and his men some forty or so, among whom twenty two new fathers waited anxiously, sailing North on the Black Sea, they saw the island peninsula and the great walls and watchtowers of Themiscyra. The two trade ships pulled in just before dusk that Summer day. Admiral Vasha ordered the ships loaded with tribute to run aground on the white beaches of the Cove of Still Waters. Here the excited King of Sparta climbed down on the beach, where he had often dreamt of returning and at long last 'Gods be praised' he thought as a flutter came to his stomach with an uneasy feeling, similar to the nerves of a warrior before going into battle. Yet here Vyakles had come to retrieve a life, the life of his new son. The King was consumed with a nervous energy though, when he was met by the Queen's Commander Odessa atop her war horse unatirred in her armor for war, he felt more at ease as she smiled down dressed in a white flowing, nearly sheer, gauze-like garment, and her silken hair, a perfect cascade of chestnut, flowing in the breeze.
     "Welcome, oh King of Sparta!" she shouted her strong voice carried across to the men on the ships who began the task of unloading all the goods from ship to shore before sunset. "My Queen, Thera, sends forth her deep wishes of Respect and Honor."
     Now, as glad as the King was to hear this news, Vyakles was disturb the Queen herself had not come out to greet them. "How fairs Queen Thera? Is she ill and unable to come and bring these wishes of Respect and Honor to myself and my men, herself?"
     Here Odessa smiled and laughed a little saying "Sire my Queen is capable of all things!" Odessa said giving the King a wink as she continued. "However, you and your men have been invited in. For Queen Thera wishes you to come inside and be treated to a lavish feast and an array of entertainment, the likes of which you have never seen. So is the wish of my Glorious Queen and her wish is my utmost honor to fulfill."
     Vyakles gave a look of uncertainty as he said, in front of Vasha who too was confused "I am aware that no man has step foot inside these walls, is this not true?" the King asked in wonderment as a terrible feeling crept into his troubled heart.
     "Yes, every word you say is true." Odessa said as all the bewildered men gathered there stared in wonder on the shore beside the water; which was lapping just behind them, smooth as silver, white as snow reflecting the setting sun off along the Western horizon, then she explained saying "As I say, Queen Thera can do all things. So she has amended our law which bans men from entering, she will allow you to stay with us for three days, and three days only. We as a people came to a consensus and agreed to the law's ratification, under one condition."
     Admiral Vasha wondered what game his clever friend Thera was playing, as did the King who said in a voice as tense as wire "Pray tell , what condition might that be?"
     "Our Nation requires you lay down your arms and leave them on your ships, outside of our walls. As a token of Peace and Love." Odessa paused to let this information sink in then she continued "Unless you would rather camp out here on the beach with the hermit crabs and sand fleas in the Summer sun and heat for the next three days. The choice is yours to make."
     King Vyakles thought this over for but a moment then he withdrew his sword thrusting it deep into the sand, removing his breast plate and armor he told Odessa he would agree, for the welfare and benefit of Peace amongst the mothers of Themiscyra and the fathers of Sparta. Here Admiral Vasha ordered all his men disarm, all the weapons and armor were stored back on board. Then Odessa  opened a small leather pouch and gave each man one of little golden rings of the Themiscyran people. All except Vasha, for he had already been given Queen Thera's ring. She instructed all the men to place the ring on the ring finger of their left hand, this was a sign to the gatekeepers that whomever wore the ring might pass. As Odessa ordered the gates to be opened the four Themiscyran officers were astonished to wittiness history in the making as the men came through. This was a moment they would tell their grand daughters about, the day a small group of men, the King of Sparta and his unarmed warriors were allowed inside the gates. However, the cruel Fates would intercede and within a few years there would be no Themiscyra of which to speak. For Thera herself was not about to give up her boy and so she had plotted and colluded with a few loyal, like minded mothers, this is why Queen Thera ordered for the men to come in unarmed. Now of course, she had led everyone to believe this would be for the good of the Nation and in ratifying the law she would make the men of Sparta concede. For, after all, it is only a lie if you can make someone believe, and why should her subjects feel misled, or disagree with the will of the Queen.

Chapter 17 begins

     So it was a warm Spring passed into a long hot Summer for the women who were beleaguered by the heat during their pregnancies. Of the 212 women who returned from the breeding season, 189 were great with child. It was well after a bountiful harvest in the Autumn winds which turned to a short cold winter; which brought forth all the women to bare the fruit of their wombs. 127 daughters and 62 sons, of these boys 22 were of Spartan blood. Queen Thera, herself, was the mother of one of these strong Spartan Sons, for when she came into her painful labor, she bore a boy then, to her amazement, she carried forth in childbirth issuing a twin girl from her body. Now as the coldest month passed, there beside the Black Sea, when freezing winds blew strong from the North the Themiscyran people were elated the new Queen had brought forth an heiress to the Throne. A Winters celebration was given in honor of the new member of the Royal House of Themiscyra, though through it all Thera herself dreaded the day when Vyakles and Vasha would return for her baby boy, whom she knew she could not give up. Something inside Thera had changed, her mind began to think differently from the ancient laws of her nation, and as the warm winds returned, during the first few days of Spring, blown in from the Persian Deserts, Queen Thera began to work her clever mind on a scheme to save herself from parting with her child. It was in the month of March Queen Thera's ambassadors sent out the list of children to all the Kings of Scythia, Dardina, Macedon, Illyria and Sparta. The documents listed the names and ranks of the mated pairs and the product of their unions.
      King Vyakles received word from a returning Spartan trade ship back from Themiscyra loaded with textiles of the finest silk and linen, wine, acacia honey, lavender oil, jugs of olives, cherries, apples, etc...
He had been sitting out in the sun in his palace garden by the fountain when a messenger hastily came out to give him the letter. The King hurriedly opened the wax sealed document and read the list. Quickly he skimmed the lines seeing a total of 22 new Spartan Sons listed. Then, there on the last line was written Admiral Vasha of Sparta, Queen Thera of Themiscyra = twins, one male, one female.
     Of course Vy, himself, knew this written lineage was incorrect and his heart was lifted up out of the depression of sorrow he had suffered, 'lo these many months, worrying every night and day about Thera and her child. He himself was proud and pleased that each would have a child, someone to inherit their thrones. This was the King of Sparta's greatest kept secret and he summoned for Vasha to give him the good news. Whereupon the Admiral congratulated the King and swore his allegiance to forever keep the truth of the matter from the light of day. So it came to pass, twelve weeks later in the early days of June, King Vyakles and Admiral Vasha and the new fathers of Sparta sailed east to Themiscyra with two small trade ships loaded with precious gold and silver and all sorts of fruits and vegetables, amphoras of Ouzo, hundreds of jars of Calamata olives soaked in garlic, olive oil and rare spices, along with live chamomille plants, and hemp seed oil, etc... The three day journey was an anxious time for all the fathers who traveled back to Themiscyra with their King, who was overwhelmed with joy, but he had be reserve in his emotion for everyone had been led to believe Vasha was the father of Queen Thera's son. Yet Vyakles knew he was the King so it was alright if he put the 'lie' in believe.

End Chapter 16

     Now, at her first meeting as Queen with her Councilors, much was discussed, much was accomplished. However, the Queen was tired and hungry and only wanted to eat and sleep. During her discourse with her Councilors the Queen's stomach rumbled loudly and some grapes, bread with baked goat cheese was brought for her to eat. Then as she was being informed of the new trade policy with Scythia and Sparta the Queen had actually fallen asleep with her head resting on her hand, elbow on table. It was here that the Queen's Commander Odessa entered the tent, whereupon Queen Thera awoke with a start as the sound of her dear old friends voice filled the space of the crowded chamber. "My Queen!" Odessa said as she bowed deeply to the new Monarch. "All of you have taken too much time away from our Great Queen, here so late in the night!" Odessa spoke standing over the politicians sitting on the long row of benches, clad in her battle gear, hair pulled back, a flash of anger in her eyes as Odessa scolded them for she was upset seeing her Queen so tired and stressed. "Out now all of you!" Odessa unsheathed her sword pointing with it towards the exit. "My Queen I will see to your comfort and rest. Out now! All of you Politicians." here, with grumbled voices, the many of her Councilors and Ambassadors departed, a few not having the chance to present their reports to the Queen and so they would have to try again another day.
       "Thank the Gods for you my Commander and dearest friend." Queen Thera exclaimed elated to have Odessa come in when she did. Thera rose from her chair as she went over holding her arms open to her friend and the two embraced, kissing one another on the cheek as a show of love and admiration.
      "My Queen, your Military leaders will have an audience with you tomorrow, at your leisure. For now I can report there were no skirmishes or need for battle in your absence. Your troops have been training and are ready to wage war at your pleasure. As for now, your nation and her glorious people have Peace among ourselves and our neighbors. So this is the part of your long journey where you lay your head down and go to sleep, safe in your homeland." Odessa went over parting the long curtains opening up the bedchamber where Queen Thera was eager to fall asleep. However, before she did she paused and said to Odessa "I must arise early and go out to see the King, Vyakles of Sparta. You must insure the men camped to the West and the North are brought out a massive, sumptuous breakfast before their journey home." she paused giving thought to her dear friend Vasha, whom she now felt a tinge of sadness in her heart when thinking of his departure. "As for the Admiral in charge of the King of Sparta's fleet, Admiral Vasha, who is most honorable, handsome and brave, and also my breeding partner." Queen Thera lied to her friend, who smiled brightly believing the Queen had indeed engaged in the fertility season with this Admiral Vasha. "Bring him this ring." the Queen slipped the little golden ring from her left hand, the ring being the sign of admission of entrance back through the gates. She placed the ring, a small token of affection for Vasha, in Odessa's palm and her Commander gave a bright shining smile.
      "Excellent news my Queen!" Odessa's face and eyes lit up with the prospect her friend might, finally, conceive. She threw her arms around Thera giving her a great big hug. "Oh, I shouldn't squeeze you so tight." Odessa said releasing her strong embrace. Here she rubbed the Queen's belly; which was a little bloated since the last Odessa had seen her, and when Queen Thera told Odessa how she had begun to have strong cravings for goats milk and honey Odessa took all this as an encouraging sign that Thera was with child. Now, being she had been with the fertile King of Sparta almost every night of her adventure, she was indeed pregnant. Commander Odessa stopped and thought for a moment how terribly sad Thera's mother, Queen Ethera, was unable to live to see her daughter return home. Odessa led her new Queen to the plush, luxuriant bed and saw her to her rest.
      "Be sure to wake me when Apollo arises, I must bid farewell to our new friends from Sparta."
      "Yes my Queen." Odessa said as she exited the tent extinguishing all the oil lamps, leaving her Queen to the quiet comfort of darkness. However, though she did tend to the list of commands from the Queen, Odessa failed at the most important task and that was to wake the Queen. She deliberately let her sleep as she knew the Queen needed her rest. Commander Odessa further believed seeing her breeding partner, Admiral Vasha, leave might cause some trauma to the Queen's heart and mind. So she let her sleep.
       Commander Odessa went out herself, with the women, and met the Spartans and the handsome King Vyakles. Of whom Odessa was thoroughly impressed. She found Admiral Vasha both delightful and intriguing. In a word Odessa's feeling on the matter was, Pleased. She apologized for the absence of her Queen and she could tell all the men were disappointed, for they all held a deep affinity for Queen Thera this made Odessa happy to see the respect and honor the men had for her Queen. After the Spartans were treated to a feast and given presents as tokens of friendship to take home to Sparta, they departed with the knowledge they would return, in one years time, to take home any sons that may have come from a fertile union between the women of Themiscyra and the warriors from Sparta.
       Commander Odessa and the women watched as the men sailed back to the massive warships anchored off the coast. As Odessa watched them go she felt in her heart a burning desire to go to Sparta next year for the breeding season to try her luck with these strong, handsome, dangerous men. With this delightful thought Commander Odessa traveled back to Colchise where she sat in the Queen's tent waiting for her to rise. And when she did Queen Thera was beside herself with rage as she screamed at Odessa for not waking her. Odessa was brought to suffer the Queen of Themiscyra's wrath for the Queen was most displeased and heart broken she did not say goodbye to the King and her dear friend Vasha, whom had delivered her and her ladies home safely upon the waters. But it was no matter for the King and his men were gone and it would be one year to the day before King Vyakles and admiral Vasha and the warriors of Sparta would step foot on the shores of Themiscyra. So in the meantime Queen Thera ran her Nation and nourished the twins growing in her womb.
   

Chapter 16 continues

     After a time Thera was brought up out of the water. Her long wet red hair combed out, rare oils from the region of Nubia and Egypt rubbed into her skin by the three acolytes as the high priestess chanted out prayers of protection from all corners of the Heavens and Earth. Queen Thera was arrayed in the finest vibrant purple silk garments, her long golden belt wrapped around her waist, her golden sandals slipped on her feet, as the crown of Themiscyra was placed back atop her head. Queen Thera had cleared her mind of any troubled thoughts as she let her road-weary body relax easing her tense muscles of all stress. She herself thought of her mother who went through this very same ritual twenty seven years ago when Thera was but a child of five. Here Queen Thera remembered the aged ancient priestess who encanted prayers of supplication now, for it was she who led the rite 'lo those many years long ago.
     Then Queen Thera went out of the Temple by moonlight robed in her flowing purple attire as she was led by the three acolytes of Artemis and Apollo. Here Queen Thera was taken to the Queen's Royal Tent; which was located directly behind the Temple away from the Lake, the beach, the long dining tables and the kitchens. The large tent was always kept at the ready for a Royal visit but the former Queen had not ventured out to Colchise in many years, due to her infirmity. Queen Thera had not been in this residence by the lake in many months but she was glad to see as she entered in the room not much had changed. There were large vases of fresh bouquets of flowers everywhere the air was filled with the scent of lilacs and gardenias. All the oil lamps lit up filling the room with a soft warm glow. The tent was separated into two halves by long panels of tapestry, the back portion had a large bed of silken cushions, pillows, soft cotton blankets, silk sheets atop comfortable thick feather mattresses. However the front of the room was not relaxing in any way shape or form. Upon entering there were two long benches on each side in front of a long table where an intricately carved chair made of the sacred Birch tree was pulled out from the table ready for the Queen to sit down and tend to the business of ruling an empire. This was a sight Queen Thera was not prepared for. Yet I am too tired to address matters of State, she thought as she eyed the seven, tall stacks of neatly piled documents, letters, etc... before her.
     As Queen Thera felt even more tired than she was, exhausted from her journey, and absolutely famished she was bade to sit in the chair behind the table by the old high priestess. Queen Thera let out a heavy sigh then, taking in a deep cleansing breath, Queen Thera sat herself down. She informed the ancient priestess to send in her Councilors and Ambassadors, who had been eagerly awaiting an audience with the new Queen.
"Let them come, I am ready for them now." Queen Thera gave the command hoping she could eat and rest soon, but as the twenty or so civilian women entered into the Royal Tent with even more documents in their hands, Queen Thera wondered just how long this first meeting was going to take.

Chapter 16

     King Vyakles was left on the shores of Themiscyra outside the gates. He watched and waited upon the beach as Admiral Vasha sent his crew out back and forth from the ship to the shore with the cargo of tribute for Queen Thera and her nation. A tent was erected outside the walls for the King of Sparta and his body guards. Admiral Vasha and his crew spent the long night aboard the war ships. Now here, gathered around a large camp fire, Vyakles sat eating olives and drinking a bit of wine commenting to a few of his men sitting on the sand next to him. "These walls are immense!" Vyakles remarked at the height and length of the massive structure; which by what Thera had told him were 4 miles long, eight feet thick with nearly fifty thousand women inside.
     "All those women and no man has ever step foot inside there?" Kai, one of Vyakles most favored guards said as he stared up the three story structure where he saw a few officers walking about next to the watchtowers; which were lit up by four torches on each of the four corners of all the towers.
     "So they say." the King of Sparta said with a stretch and a yawn.
     "Surely these women could not have possibly constructed these fortifications. Is such a task even possible by a race of women?" Kai balked at the very notion.
     "Who can say?" Vyakles wondered.
     Now, as the men sat chatting before they rested for the night, the evening found Queen Thera on the other side of the wall. A silver war horse was brought out from the Royal Stables for the new Queen to ride in to Colchise on the West Coast of her territory. When the animal was led to the Queen she refused to climb up in the saddle saying loudly so the hundreds gathered there could hear her voice "I have journeyed far and slept little, but I will walk with my good ladies, and all you gathered here. So I might lead you back to our home." a great cheer rose up from the crowd, a roar so loud King Vyakles and his men pricked up their ears at the sound.
     True to her word Queen Thera walked ahead of her people there on the road. Amara the Captian of the Archers, Lexa the Captain of the Cavalry walked just behind the Queen and the rest of the returning breeding party from Sparta followed in the long procession to the Artemisian Lake in the center of Colchise. Here the women joined the returning parties from Scythia and Dardina, the groups from Macedon and Illyria would not return for three more days. Now here Captain of the Phalanx, Lucia Vega delighted to see her dear friend Thera, who was now Queen. She approached Queen Thera who was attired for battle in her armor, hair slicked back, golden crown upon her head. "My Queen!" Captain Lucia Vega shouted loudly as she drew nearer to her and with a deep bow Captain Vega reached out and embraced the Queen. "The hands of the Fates have brought you home to us a Queen! Our New Leader!" she said in a joyous voice which was met with praise of cheer. Queen Thera was pleased to see the Captain of the Phalanx, the only one missing was Lacuna, Captain of the Charioteers.
     "Captian Vega!" the Queen said in a serious tone "Tell me at once! What news of Thrace?"
     "The King, and Queen of Thrace have sent a message of condolence for Themiscyra's great loss. He, and his wife send greetings of Peace and gifts of rare spices and myrrh." Captain Vega was proud to impart this news to her worried Queen. "Also the returning women have been sent by armed escort from Scythia and Dardina, along with messages of hope for new treaties on trade and commerce between our Nations. The armed guards are encamped outside the North gate, and await your word. Commander Odessa is riding out from Themiscyra with your Councilors with the documents,"
     "Are the Scythians and Dardinans not a mite bit presumptuous to wish to begin to discuss these matters?" Queen Thera remarked feeling a bit insulted.
     "Well my Queen, with new leadership comes changing times. Many of our customs have been cast to the wayside over the years." Captain Vega informed her noting to herself their new Queen walked in and did not ride into the city, as was the custom of all Queens. Here Queen Thera placed her hands on her hips and shook her head a little. Putting the future of trade agreements and peace treaties far from her mind Queen Thera and her ladies were brought into the city for the ritual cleansing as was the custom for those returning from battle or breeding. However, Thera was brought into the Temple of Artemis where she was taken by the priestess into the clear circular pool in the center of the columned temple and there under the stars by the light of the waning moon Thera, Daughter of Artemis, Servant of Apollo, Heiress of Ethera, Ruler of Themiscyra was placed naked in the cold holy waters of the temple and blessed by the acolytes of Artemis and Apollo as ancient prayers were given up to the Goddess of the Moon and her brother the Sun Apollo.

End Chapter 15

      The ships drew ever closer to the Themiscyran West Coast, here upon the dark seas under a blanket of endless stars, cast across the blackness of the Heavens Admiral Vasha and his Navigators saw no sign of Thracian ships of war on the horizon. The mighty Spartan ships sailed on with their most precious 'cargo' the women of Themiscyra, whom, in fact, the majority of were with child, some even carrying twin fetus in their nourishing womb. But here these 'warrior mothers' were dressed and ready for battle. Here many of the Spatan crew, warriors themselves, were thankful for the peace between these two Nation's, as the fighting men of Sparta did not like the thought of having to wage war against these beautiful, deadly women. Who all were opposing in stature, commanding of will, eyes as piercing and sharp as an eagle,  possessing and displaying the heart of a lion with the fierce look of a pack of hungry wolves. Though these women were to these men charming and delightful, they also knew them to be clever and cunning, in a word Dangerous. Oh, hapless the armies that make war upon these brave ladies, was the thought of Vyakles as he sat in his quarters below deck going over a document he entreated the Queen of Themiscyra to sign. This was a new Proclamation of Peace between the the two Nation's, who had no contact with one another according to the Hundred Year Peace Treaty. Here now, 'lo these many decades later, the two Great Nation's had come together in Sparta, in more ways than one and Queen Thera, herself, was delighted by this momentous occasion, made even sweeter having the King of Sparta's child growing strong in her belly. This new Treaty of Peace and Allegiance would ensure her daughter would have a fast ally in her father, the King of Sparta. Now as Queen Thera signed her name in squid's ink upon the parchment the terrible thought occurred to her, what if I bare him a son? Queen Thera banished this horrible thought from her mind as quickly as it came. Then from above all those gathered in the King's stateroom heard the call "Land ho!"
      Queen Thera rushed from the room flying up the ladder to the deck where she and her ladies gathered again at the bow of each ship where clearly they saw, there in the night, the ancient, fortified walls of Themiscyra, where torches were lit up at each watchtower, a soft faint spark on the horizon, but not so far away that the women could not recognize their home. So they shouted great noises of jubilation, their home sick hearts lifted and filled with joy. Now any fear of threat of war from Thrace was dashed upon the rocks as they sailed closer for the Spartan crew and the warrior women of Themiscyra clearly saw no Thracian ships in the still waters of the cove.
      Now here shouting voices in distress could be heard coming from the walls as the officers stationed all along the watchtowers did not recognize these foreign ships of war. Now, just before a slew of deadly arrows were to be let loose on command, the defenders of the ancient walls heard coming out from across the water the rhythmic beating of swords against shields. Queen Thera led her women in this as the sound grew louder and louder in  rhythmic beating; which was a sign unto the defenders of the walls of Themiscyra. Here the archers slipped their arrows back into their quivers and they all gathered along the watchtowers unsheathed their cyphos, beating them against their shields in unison with the sounds coming from the great ships, the likes of which the warriors upon the walls of Themiscyra had never seen. It was a great spectacle to wittiness, it were as if these mighty ships were sent by Poseidon himself to deliver these ladies home across the sea.
       When Queen Thera and her women heard the beating of swords against shields coming back to them from the walls a great cheer arose up from the heartened women who sheathed their swords embracing one another, with kisses on the cheeks, bright beaming smiles, none was more elated than their Queen and Admiral Vasha watched her as she seemed to glow, radiating a light of pure delight there upon the deck of his ship underneath the moonlight. As pleased as he was for his dear Thera, Vasha felt the pain of her loss already, for soon he would give the order to drop anchor and send the women to shore in three small landing vessels. And, as Vasha knew he would, King Vyakles went with the landing party as his men rowed all the ladies onto the shore.
     Everything seemed to rush by for Queen Thera, for, though she had waited for this moment to be standing on the sands of her homeland, for what seemed an eternity while she was away all was a rush of voices and cheers and laughter. Now, before Thera could stop and appreciate this moment, the Gates were thrown open to her as cheers and praises of love were shouted  by the elated women inside the walls who had come from the far corners of Queen Thera's realm to welcome their new Queen home. However, before Queen Thera entered in, she paused telling King Vyakles to wait until morning when she would see that he and his men would be served breakfast on the beach in the light of a new day. The King watched as the mother of his child went into her walled city in a shower of rose petals and strawberry blossoms as the mothers and daughters, sisters and cousins rejoiced at the sight of the new Themiscyran Queen, who was beloved amongst all of her people.
     

Chapter 15 continues

     Now this day, sailing on the Black Sea in the slowly setting sun, Queen Thera grew more anxious by the moment, not knowing what awaited. She hoped there would be no war with Thrace. This uncertain, fast approaching, future was not 'important business for tomorrow', so Queen Thera ordered all of her ladies to prepare themselves for battle.
     Admiral Vasha and his crews, as well as King Vyakles, were astonished to witness the warriors of Themiscyra's ritual. Here most of the women came out of the tents on both of the ships; which traveled in close proximity to one another. There upon the fighting decks about thirty women in total disrobed each rubbing olive oil into their skin and hair. Doing so each women began chanting an ancient prayer of protection, each voice soft as if in a whisper, it was in a word, Entrancing. As they attired themselves in their fighting garments and bronze armor, the archers took up their bows and quivers of deadly arrows, the cavalry women took up their swords and crescent shields, but alas upon the ocean had no horses or javelins. The few members of the phalanx took up their massive round shields, swords and spears. Each woman then combed back their long red hair, pulling the hair back as they plaited the strands for one another. All except for Queen Thera, for she sat in the King's chair combing her own copper colored tresses back, securing her hair with a golden wire. Vyakles watched Thera sitting there in the sun as it glinted off the Queen's armor as every muscle was flexing in her forearms as she braided her long, dark, hair. Vyakles at this moment felt overwhelmed with joy in his heart and troubled mind, for he could think of no better woman in existence to bring forth a strong, brave son to Sparta. The King's mind wandered to another time and place in the future, where he imagined their son sitting upon his throne, a brave young lion, a King.
     Queen Thera's mind had no thought of the far off future, or children, hers or otherwise. No, she had a duty to prepare her ladies for battle, and this set her mind ill at ease. For Queen Thera did not wish to fight upon the Sea. This was all just too much to take, but take it she must for the weight of her Great Nation rested squarely upon her shoulders. So, our dear, Queen Thera summoned up the ancient courage of her people, and the strength of the wisdom of the ages as she fortified her heart and mind against any distraction or path of destruction that would endanger her beloved Themiscyra. The two ships sailed on Northward as the sun began it's long journey into night as the Spartan ships drew nearer to the West coast of Themiscyra. Now here upon the dark waters, under a black sky and endless stars, the waning moon far off on the eastern horizon the women on the each of the ship's bow began signing an ancient song of their people. In sweet voices combined in unison they sang "We honor Our Nation. We honor Our daughters. We honor the Moon, oh Artemis. We honor the sun, oh Apollo, We honor the Sea, oh Poseidon. Through our blood we pledge our Unity, Loyalty, and Respect. We pledge our Lives, our Fortunes, our sacred Honor."

Chapter 15

     Now, true to his word, Admiral Vasha and his crew did have the ladies half way home by sunrise. Most of the women remained in the tents and did not see Apollo rise up over the deep blue sea. Queen Thera, though, awoke from a terrible dream in her private quarters provided by the King. She went up on the fighting deck where she found Vyakles still sitting in his chair as he watched a pod of dolphins swimming ahead of the ships. The sky was clear and bright, a gentle warm wind filled the sails as the crew ate a light breakfast of boiled eggs and bread and honey. Queen Thera had no stomach for food as the rocking of the ship made her ill at ease. However, upon sipping a bit of goats milk mixed with ginger she began feeling much better.
     The King of Sparta spent the morning pointing out a few of the islands as they sailed passed. Queen Thera had never seen such beauty before. She had a deep desire in her heart to go to one of the peaceful islands in the sea and live out the rest of her life untroubled by war and the massive responsibilities which awaited her. She often thought of her mother, whom she had watched over the years delegating orders, going over the endless documents required to run a Nation. There were treaties, proclamations of war, etc... which kept Queen Ethera from spending time with her daughter. This was difficult for Thera growing up as she learned most everything she knew about language, battle, horses, history, and the like from her mother's officers and councilors. Now thinking back on her life she vowed to herself that, should she have a daughter, Thera would teach her child all she knew herself.
     Putting this from her mind Queen Thera's thoughts turned to her great nation and she said a silent prayer to Zeus and Poseidon to keep the King of Thrace from the shores of Themiscyra, as Queen Thera no longer had the desire to make war. It was here she became convinced her change in attitude could only be attributed to the fact that she was, in fact, pregnant. Then there came a loud cry of distress from one of her ladies in the tent. Queen Thera went in and found the Physician Jessa tending to one of the young 'former' virgins who was beside herself with anguish.
     "What is the matter?" Queen Thera asked of Jessa.
     "She has begun her blood cycle, her womb has not taken the seed." Jessa said opening her bag of potions and bandages.
     Queen Thera here smiled sweetly taking the young woman in her arms saying "Fear not little one, when the time is right you shall have your child." Now Queen Thera realized she herself should have begun her own cycle, but had not. This gave Queen Thera much encouragement and her heart was lifted as she returned to the King of Sparta on deck telling him in a whisper she did, indeed, believe she was with child. Now this news was a joy to the King's mighty heart and Vyakles said a silent prayer entreating the Gods to deliver unto him a son. Now the Fates heard his prayers and would indeed bring forth a son from the Queen of Themiscyra's womb, but little did anyone aboard the ship realize the birth of this Spartan son would tear these two Nations apart. As for now all was tranquil as they sailed closer to home, through the Bosporus into the Black Sea.
    

End Chapter 14

     As King Vyakles and Admiral Vasha, accompanied by the King's bodyguard some twenty two men, and a few of Vasha sailors, made their way down to the southern harbour they found all the women of Themiscyra standing beside their Queen, robed in her flowing purple garments and golden crown of stars; which shimmered in the bright full moonlight. Each were taking a handfuls of wine from a large amphora scattering the blood of the grape upon the waters at the shore, incanting ancient prayers to the God of the Sea, saying "Take this wine oh, Poseidon and drink of me, keeping me ever safe upon your Seas."
      As the women said their prayers Admiral Vasha set his crew to work, checking the rigging, sails, water, wine and provisions, letting loose a few cats down into the cargo hold to rid the ship of any vermin, etc.. King Vyakles set himself down on the small fighting-deck of the ship in a large wooden chair; which had griffon's and sea serpents carved into it, as the oarsmen went below deck to prepare for departure. Here the women were escorted aboard by the King's Physician Kaderios and a few of the aged mother's of Sparta who came to bring gifts of flowers to the women, whom they now felt akin to as many of the foreign women could be mother's of Spartan sons. Queen Thera was touched by this display of affection and the loving kindness expressed by these 'grandmothers' to her and her breeding ladies. This show of warmth and genteelness helped the anxious women as they boarded the three tiered ships, called a Trireme; which had three rows of oarsmen on each side of the narrow hulled ship, with a wide outrigger and three masts. Now the ship itself was an impressive, opposing war machine, a finely crafted, swift vehicle of death, but what was most impressive and awe inspiring was the vast numbers of ships moored there in the harbour, there must have been hundreds of them floating along the many piers there in the water, in the early night, the sky black, the moon full surround by an endless sea of shining stars.
     Queen Thera was feeling a bit more relaxed, as were all the ladies, as the strong concoction given to them by Kaderios had begun to work its magic in their blood. Queen Thera bade all her ladies to rest inside the plush tents provided by the King. Here all her ladies, Kayla, Amara, Lexa, Jessa, etc..., were happy to take their leave and retreat to the arms of Morpheus under their duress and fear of the open waters. The Queen's Physician Jessa was glad to find one of the ships cats, a fat, black, old tom with orange eyes and silken fur; which came and curled up beside Jessa as she drifted off to sleep.
     While Vasha set the crew to depart, the two ships easily slipped out from the moorings out into the deep waters under the power of the one hundred and eighty oarsmen. Soon thereafter, a strong warm air current blew up from North Africa, filling the sails with a quick wind as the two ships glided along the shimmering waters of the Aegean under a full moon. The scent of salt and seaweed heavy in the humid air, dew forming on the endless array of ropes and wooden railings. Queen Thera sat beside the King of Sparta saying very little, just enjoying the sounds of the water lapping against the vessel, the sound of the wind in the full- furled sails, the Admiral occasionally shouting out orders. Queen Thera became a little sea sick with the rocking of the ship to and fro over the waves. The King instructed her to gaze up at the moon to ease her dizziness and nausea, his advice served her well. However, upon gazing up at the moon, staring into the bright and shining face of Artemis herself, Queen Thera became transfixed, in a sort of hypnosis, soon she found herself, after a moment, holding hands with Vyakles. Queen Thera did not even realize she had reached out for him when he took his beloved Thera by the hand. So they sat there together, unashamed to show a bit of affection towards one another publicly. For all her ladies were sleeping and the King's men did not care, in fact all the King's men had been encouraging Vyakles to secure a male heir for Sparta by any means.

Chapter 14 continues

      Vyakles gave Keeva a stern look, for he did not like being questioned by his wife. "The needs of the people of Sparta will always come before the needs of my bride." he said simply, knowing a word to the wise was sufficient. "I have a duty, and a sworn oath, to protect the children of this great Nation! These women, at this very moment, may be carrying the fruit of Spartan seed in their bellies. I have an obligation to protect the unborn sons of Sparta."
     Queen Keeva thought her husbands words over carefully in her mind then she gave a soft, sweet, smile saying "Then take me along on this wonderful journey, or am I not allowed on board your ships?" she asked her eyes glistening with bittersweet tears.
     "My Queen, you have a duty and an obligation to this Nation. You must remain and serve your people as any good ruler would. Lead in my absence, tend to the needs of the many families in our shining cities upon the hills beside the Sea."
      "King Vyakles!" came the voice of Admiral Vasha as he entered the great room and approached the King and Queen of Sparta. Giving a deep bow to Queen Keeva he said to the King. "Your ships await, we shall set sail at your pleasure."
     "Come let us take our leave." Vyakles said as he shook Vasha's hand turning away from his wife,who sighed and turned to leave the room.
     "My Queen!" Vyakles called to his betrothed, motioning for the Admiral to wait outside.
     "Yes my King?" she asked in a soft voice as her husband came over to her, holding her in his nice, strong arms.
     "Have you no show affection for your husband upon my departure this night?" Vyakles asked as he held his wife close to his body, he could feel her tiny heart beating swiftly in her chest like a frightened bird. Then he moved his face closer to her, as their lips touched ever so slightly, his hot breath smelling of mint and anise. Then with much gentleness the King of Sparta kissed Queen Keeva lightly, sweetly upon the mouth. There was no stirring, burning, passion in this kiss, just a brief show of affection and then her husband the King departed, without a word, just a small kiss and he was gone.

  
    

Chapter 14 begins

     So it came to pass within the hour King Vyakles of Sparta ordered two ships to be made ready for sail. These ships he ordered filled with a wide assortments of gifts of tribute to the Nation of Themiscyra and their new Queen. The gifts included the following: twenty four amphora's of wine, ten jars of anise-flavored elixir called Ouzo, seven large jars of pepper, two small jars of saffron, fifteen bags of garlic cloves and fifty bottles of virgin olive oil, along with seventy bags of grain and two large bags filled with gold and silver dechadrachm.
     Now Queen Thera made the wise decision to leave all of the women's belongings there in the Sparta. Giving all the horses, goats, tents, cooking vessels, textiles, wagons, carts, etc... to the Nation of Sparta as show of respect and affection. Queen Thera ordered only their armor,  fruits, vegetables, bread and honey and goats milk to be brought aboard the ships. As Admiral Vasha prepared his ships to sail he instructed his crew to erect two large tents upon the deck of each ship. The crew of Spartan Sailors did so in a short time and placed in many cushions, silk pillows and blankets therein so the women would have a safe, restful place to sleep while sailing upon the dark sea.
     As everyone set about their tasks preparing for departure King Vyakles returned to his palace to prepare himself and his guards for the journey east, to the Black Sea. However, as Vyakles gave out orders and instruction to his ministers upon his absence Queen Keeva stirred in her bed, awoken by the sound of her husbands voice echoing down the palace halls from his Throne room. Queen Keeva arose from her lonely bed wrapping herself in a long white linen robe, then she crept down the hall listening in on the King with his Council. She heard the voice of the Kings' physician saying " I shall prepare a mixture of mint, chamomile, purple cone flowers and honey, this should enable the women to sleep through the night during the journey, it will also help calm their nerves whilst upon the open water." Kaderios said as he departed the crowded room. Keeva peeked her head around the corner where she saw her husband standing over a table with a map, he had a look of delighted excitement on his face as he said "The ships are being made ready. I await word from Admiral Vasha and then we shall depart."
     Queen Keeva felt a terrible sense of dread at hearing these words imparted by the King, so she spoke up in a small voice asking  "Are you leaving me my King?" a note of sad jealousy in her tone as she had not seen much of her husband since the arrival of the foreign women.
     Here the men gathered there quieted themselves, then each, one by one, made a hasty departure as the Queen of Sparta came into the great room the bright glow from the oil lamps flickering in her wet eyes. Vyakles sighed then spoke to his wife "Yes, my lady. The Fates have conspired against us. You see, I have good news and bad news." Vyakles said as he turned from his maps and papers giving his wife a somber look.
     "What of this, bad news?" Keeva asked expecting the worst.
     "Queen Ethera of Themiscyra, through old age, has died." Vyakles closed his eyes giving a slight bow of his head as he held the hands of his wife, whom was shocked by the news.
     "Oh no."
     "Yes, now there in lies the trouble. Commander Thera has just, this very hour, received word of her mother's passing. The emissary brought out the golden Crown of Themiscyra, The Commander is now Queen of all Themiscyra. I have just witnessed her coronation down in the cherry orchard"
     Here Keeva's heart went out to Thera saying to her husband. "Poor, dear Thera, to loose her mother and be crowned in a foreign nation. She must feel terrible."
    "Yes, not only that but the King of Thrace has a great animosity towards Thera and her Nation. We are worried war may have already broken out. This is why I have ordered Admiral Vasha to prepare to set sail. After all, Vasha is the new Queens established breeding partner, a great deal is at stake."
     "I understand my King, but tell me why must you make the journey? Surely your men are capable of the task." she asked in a grave manner as she had heard the rumors of the King's infatuation with Thera, and her husband had not been to her bedchamber in 'lo these past few weeks.