"Sire! Sire!" came the shouts from the men, who had fathered sons with the Themiscyran women, as the king entered the forum; which was filled to capacity and very warm, lit by torches on this humid summer night. The men clamored about Vyakles all asking excitedly when they would be allowed to see their newly returned sons and when they might be reunited with their women. Before he answered the king thought it strange how the men described Thera's ladies as 'their women' and he thought it stranger still that these men were even gathered here within the senate at all.
"Calm yourselves gentlemen." The king gave a bemused look telling them "Your sons have been well fed and are now resting in the palace, the Mother's of the Sons of Sparta are sleeping, in their gynaikon, safely in the arms of Morpheus as we speak, for theirs was a long hard journey and I, along with General La Quint, have returned them all home safe to Mother Greece."
"Silence in the Forum!" called Agregis the highest ranking member of the senate shouted out. "The Physician Caderios is giving testimony." Agregis said as a hush fell over the 100 or so men gathered there. "Please.., continue Caderios."
"As I was saying.., the children were all well cared for, properly nourished, strong, bright eyed and full of health and vigor, and I found them all to be highly intelligent as well. For as I have testified the men who remained on the island did so not against their will. Vasha and his crew stayed to watch over and protect and provide for the Sons of Sparta insuring no harm would come their way."
"So it is your belief that had these.., women, being left to their own devices would not have survived on the island of Hera without the help of our Spartan warriors."
"That is correct, and furthermore, were it not for Admiral Vasha, along with his faithful crew, these boys would never have learned to speak Greek, why the men even took the time to teach the children how to write our Alphabet. They have also taught them many tales from our illustrious histories. Why four year old Therakles himself even regaled me with the story of the Battle of Plataea and the tale of King Leonidas and the 300 at Thermopylae. I was absolutely amazed!" the old physician exclaimed to the Senators who also seemed quite impressed with the testimony.
"Very well.., we have taken into consideration all the knowledge of the matter you have imparted here today. Thank you for your cooperation in this most serious matter. You are free to go." Agregis said with a wave of his hand. "Next! The council calls upon the newly appointed General La Quint to give us a full report on these.., women."
"I am here!" La Quint announced as King Vyakles stood next to him patiently waiting to see where this line of questioning would lead.
"General La Quint.., and King Vyakles! Welcome to this meeting may you find it pleasing." the elder statesman greeted them both then he spoke. "Pray you General, tell us of each of the women."
La Quint had 10 scrolls, one for each of the ladies, so he began "When I call the name of your breeding partner please step forward." La Quint then unrolled the first scroll and said "I shall start with Amarra." here, her breeding partner, the father of her son, came forward standing on the Generals right hand side "Amarra is 27 years of age, a former officer in the Themiscyran Cavalry, she began military training at 11, and has been on over 100 victorious military campaigns under Queen Ethera's reign, she is fluent in Greek, Thracian, Egyptian and several Babylonian Languages. Amarra is also well versed, as are all the women, in a dead language called Hattushan, this they use to speak in code in times of war. Amarra has only one son, and he is of Spartan blood, she is a skilled warrior and fine horseman, who has killed thousands in battle. It is my recommendation, if she is indeed made a citizen of Sparta, that the warrior Amarra be allowed to continue to work with the war horses and perhaps teach our sons how to ride in the agogi."
Here a gasp arose from the old men of the senate for no woman was ever allowed to train warriors in the Spartan military. "We shall take your recommendation under advisement, please continue."
So it was King Vyakles stood there watching and listening as La Quint went through the list of ladies as if he were discussing the sale of horses or cattle. This was frustrating to Vyakles and he kept wondering why they kept saying 'if they are allowed to become citizens'. This was very confusing to the King, however, when the name of the mother of his son was finally called, things were made perfectly clear to Vyakles. "Then there is Queen Thera herself."
"Do we still recognize her as the true Queen of Themiscyra?" came a question from one of the neophyte senators.
"This is a matter for another debate, let us then call her Thera." Agregis explained.
"Thera, is 33 years of age, the Former Queen of Themiscyra, Queen's Commander and Royal Daughter of Ethera. Former Captain of the Cavalry, she began military training at the age of 10, highly decorated warrior in over 100 battles. Skilled in war and cunning and deadly on the battlefield an expert in all forms of combat with a strategical military mind. She has given birth to twins, a boy and girl, both of Spartan blood, Royal Spartan blood" here La Quint gave a nod to Vyakles who was suddenly overcome by a loud cough as he stood before the Senate.
"Yes.., King Vyakles.., you took Thera as your breeding partner in secret." Agregis asked with a disapproving look.
"I took Queen Thera as my breeding partner.., unofficially." here the king knew there would be a price to pay for his adultery, betraying Queen Keeva, and he felt the weight of the disapproving stares of the men gathered there.
"Vyakles.., tell us the true purpose of your adultery."
Vyakles did not have the proper words to respond but he did not have to for Caderios, who had not left the senate chamber, came forth, and spoke on the King's behalf "I believe I put the idea into his head." gasps arose from the forum and Caderios told them all of the first night of the breeding came when Thera had come to the city complaining of stomach pains. "When I examined her, fully, I found she had a womb as fertile as the crescent valley. I also told King Vyakles in all confidence, and privacy, that due to an extreme case of endometriosis Queen Keeva might never be able to conceive." more gasps followed by whispers echoed throughout the chamber.
Here Vyakles bowed his head for he had loved Keeva with all his heart, but if she were unable to produce an heir this would only leave him looking like a weak and worthless king. "It is true.., my Queen was a nymphe, a childless mother to me, and for this I had sorely grieved.., and kept her condition a secret, but I needed to breed, I needed a male heir to carry on the lion of Sparta's seed."
Agregis gave a strange, almost relieved look when he exclaimed "So you mean to say you committed adultery against your wife, forsaking your sacred honor in marriage, for the greater good of the nation?"
"Yes, I wanted a son for Sparta so desperately, but Keeva never knew of anything."
"I see..," Agregis said holding a hand up his to chin "Then you were willing to dishonor your marriage for the greater good of the community?"
"I, as all anointed kings, am required, by law, to lead and bring forth a male heir to continue the sovereignty of our great nation! And I had chosen among all the virgins, I had taken a barren bride into the royal thalamos of my palace, but alas, even so, I have managed, through deceit, regardless, brought forth a royal heir to the throne and for this I am not ashamed!" Vyakles proclaimed.
"Yes, yes.., this is the very reason why we have gathered here today. To determine the lawfulness and legitimacy to your son, indeed all the sons, and the rights of their mothers, if they are to be made citizens."
"Why do you keep saying that? After all the legal rights of the children were established long ago in the breeding treaty!" Vyakles said the anger in his voice rising with his temper.
"A TREATY that has been BROKEN, and nullified, by the very actions of the former Queen! No Vyakles, there is only one way the elders of the council will accept these sons as well as their mothers as legal citizens..," here Agregis paused then said with a sharp look in his eyes "and that way is through holy matrimony."
Just for a moment Vyakles stood there in silence shocked by the words that came forth from the old man's mouth then he shook his head and said "That is impossible! The women of Themiscyra do not believe in marriage! Marriage goes against their laws."
"So is turning your back on a nation and abdicating a throne, and abducting children, your sailors and taking a royal ship! Vyakles, Themiscyran culture is based on the principles of Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor! So tell me Vyakles, where was their concern for the laws of their nation when they drugged you and your men and vanished in the night? If these women were so quick to abandon their way of life traditions and beliefs, what makes think they will be loyal to this nation, and serve our community?" Vyakles said nothing for he had nothing to say "You see.., if these women wish to be protected under our laws they must be citizens, to establish any, and all rights, they must commit themselves in marriage to the father's of their sons, this is the only way our society will allow them to become members of our Democracy, and that is through sacred matrimony. Think of it Vyakles, you will have a legitimate heir and Sparta shall have a new queen."
Vyakles looked distraught and confused so he turned to the men and said "Is this something you would all agree to.., to take your breeding partners as your brides?" he shook his head and added "How can this be true when I, myself, have seen each and every one of you cavorting naked at the drinking parties with the hetaira on many a dark and drunken night."
"Sire," one of the men sighed giving a serious look and said "A whore is no substitute for a wife."
"Calm yourselves gentlemen." The king gave a bemused look telling them "Your sons have been well fed and are now resting in the palace, the Mother's of the Sons of Sparta are sleeping, in their gynaikon, safely in the arms of Morpheus as we speak, for theirs was a long hard journey and I, along with General La Quint, have returned them all home safe to Mother Greece."
"Silence in the Forum!" called Agregis the highest ranking member of the senate shouted out. "The Physician Caderios is giving testimony." Agregis said as a hush fell over the 100 or so men gathered there. "Please.., continue Caderios."
"As I was saying.., the children were all well cared for, properly nourished, strong, bright eyed and full of health and vigor, and I found them all to be highly intelligent as well. For as I have testified the men who remained on the island did so not against their will. Vasha and his crew stayed to watch over and protect and provide for the Sons of Sparta insuring no harm would come their way."
"So it is your belief that had these.., women, being left to their own devices would not have survived on the island of Hera without the help of our Spartan warriors."
"That is correct, and furthermore, were it not for Admiral Vasha, along with his faithful crew, these boys would never have learned to speak Greek, why the men even took the time to teach the children how to write our Alphabet. They have also taught them many tales from our illustrious histories. Why four year old Therakles himself even regaled me with the story of the Battle of Plataea and the tale of King Leonidas and the 300 at Thermopylae. I was absolutely amazed!" the old physician exclaimed to the Senators who also seemed quite impressed with the testimony.
"Very well.., we have taken into consideration all the knowledge of the matter you have imparted here today. Thank you for your cooperation in this most serious matter. You are free to go." Agregis said with a wave of his hand. "Next! The council calls upon the newly appointed General La Quint to give us a full report on these.., women."
"I am here!" La Quint announced as King Vyakles stood next to him patiently waiting to see where this line of questioning would lead.
"General La Quint.., and King Vyakles! Welcome to this meeting may you find it pleasing." the elder statesman greeted them both then he spoke. "Pray you General, tell us of each of the women."
La Quint had 10 scrolls, one for each of the ladies, so he began "When I call the name of your breeding partner please step forward." La Quint then unrolled the first scroll and said "I shall start with Amarra." here, her breeding partner, the father of her son, came forward standing on the Generals right hand side "Amarra is 27 years of age, a former officer in the Themiscyran Cavalry, she began military training at 11, and has been on over 100 victorious military campaigns under Queen Ethera's reign, she is fluent in Greek, Thracian, Egyptian and several Babylonian Languages. Amarra is also well versed, as are all the women, in a dead language called Hattushan, this they use to speak in code in times of war. Amarra has only one son, and he is of Spartan blood, she is a skilled warrior and fine horseman, who has killed thousands in battle. It is my recommendation, if she is indeed made a citizen of Sparta, that the warrior Amarra be allowed to continue to work with the war horses and perhaps teach our sons how to ride in the agogi."
Here a gasp arose from the old men of the senate for no woman was ever allowed to train warriors in the Spartan military. "We shall take your recommendation under advisement, please continue."
So it was King Vyakles stood there watching and listening as La Quint went through the list of ladies as if he were discussing the sale of horses or cattle. This was frustrating to Vyakles and he kept wondering why they kept saying 'if they are allowed to become citizens'. This was very confusing to the King, however, when the name of the mother of his son was finally called, things were made perfectly clear to Vyakles. "Then there is Queen Thera herself."
"Do we still recognize her as the true Queen of Themiscyra?" came a question from one of the neophyte senators.
"This is a matter for another debate, let us then call her Thera." Agregis explained.
"Thera, is 33 years of age, the Former Queen of Themiscyra, Queen's Commander and Royal Daughter of Ethera. Former Captain of the Cavalry, she began military training at the age of 10, highly decorated warrior in over 100 battles. Skilled in war and cunning and deadly on the battlefield an expert in all forms of combat with a strategical military mind. She has given birth to twins, a boy and girl, both of Spartan blood, Royal Spartan blood" here La Quint gave a nod to Vyakles who was suddenly overcome by a loud cough as he stood before the Senate.
"Yes.., King Vyakles.., you took Thera as your breeding partner in secret." Agregis asked with a disapproving look.
"I took Queen Thera as my breeding partner.., unofficially." here the king knew there would be a price to pay for his adultery, betraying Queen Keeva, and he felt the weight of the disapproving stares of the men gathered there.
"Vyakles.., tell us the true purpose of your adultery."
Vyakles did not have the proper words to respond but he did not have to for Caderios, who had not left the senate chamber, came forth, and spoke on the King's behalf "I believe I put the idea into his head." gasps arose from the forum and Caderios told them all of the first night of the breeding came when Thera had come to the city complaining of stomach pains. "When I examined her, fully, I found she had a womb as fertile as the crescent valley. I also told King Vyakles in all confidence, and privacy, that due to an extreme case of endometriosis Queen Keeva might never be able to conceive." more gasps followed by whispers echoed throughout the chamber.
Here Vyakles bowed his head for he had loved Keeva with all his heart, but if she were unable to produce an heir this would only leave him looking like a weak and worthless king. "It is true.., my Queen was a nymphe, a childless mother to me, and for this I had sorely grieved.., and kept her condition a secret, but I needed to breed, I needed a male heir to carry on the lion of Sparta's seed."
Agregis gave a strange, almost relieved look when he exclaimed "So you mean to say you committed adultery against your wife, forsaking your sacred honor in marriage, for the greater good of the nation?"
"Yes, I wanted a son for Sparta so desperately, but Keeva never knew of anything."
"I see..," Agregis said holding a hand up his to chin "Then you were willing to dishonor your marriage for the greater good of the community?"
"I, as all anointed kings, am required, by law, to lead and bring forth a male heir to continue the sovereignty of our great nation! And I had chosen among all the virgins, I had taken a barren bride into the royal thalamos of my palace, but alas, even so, I have managed, through deceit, regardless, brought forth a royal heir to the throne and for this I am not ashamed!" Vyakles proclaimed.
"Yes, yes.., this is the very reason why we have gathered here today. To determine the lawfulness and legitimacy to your son, indeed all the sons, and the rights of their mothers, if they are to be made citizens."
"Why do you keep saying that? After all the legal rights of the children were established long ago in the breeding treaty!" Vyakles said the anger in his voice rising with his temper.
"A TREATY that has been BROKEN, and nullified, by the very actions of the former Queen! No Vyakles, there is only one way the elders of the council will accept these sons as well as their mothers as legal citizens..," here Agregis paused then said with a sharp look in his eyes "and that way is through holy matrimony."
Just for a moment Vyakles stood there in silence shocked by the words that came forth from the old man's mouth then he shook his head and said "That is impossible! The women of Themiscyra do not believe in marriage! Marriage goes against their laws."
"So is turning your back on a nation and abdicating a throne, and abducting children, your sailors and taking a royal ship! Vyakles, Themiscyran culture is based on the principles of Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor! So tell me Vyakles, where was their concern for the laws of their nation when they drugged you and your men and vanished in the night? If these women were so quick to abandon their way of life traditions and beliefs, what makes think they will be loyal to this nation, and serve our community?" Vyakles said nothing for he had nothing to say "You see.., if these women wish to be protected under our laws they must be citizens, to establish any, and all rights, they must commit themselves in marriage to the father's of their sons, this is the only way our society will allow them to become members of our Democracy, and that is through sacred matrimony. Think of it Vyakles, you will have a legitimate heir and Sparta shall have a new queen."
Vyakles looked distraught and confused so he turned to the men and said "Is this something you would all agree to.., to take your breeding partners as your brides?" he shook his head and added "How can this be true when I, myself, have seen each and every one of you cavorting naked at the drinking parties with the hetaira on many a dark and drunken night."
"Sire," one of the men sighed giving a serious look and said "A whore is no substitute for a wife."
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