End Chapter 8

     "Lacuna." Vasha said whispering in her ear softly as she slept "Awake, the sun is rising.., come up on deck and get some fresh air." he said as Lacuna stirred in her sleep her head resting on her horse, the two creatures asleep peacefully on the hay together now the storm had, at long last, passed and the sea had once again grown calm with light winds blowing in from Hellespont to the south as they crossed the Aegean. The women had all fled to the boughs of the ship as the harsh north winds began to blow hours before and now in the still early hours of morning Vasha went down below deck, bringing with him a basket full of ripe, sweet red apples and water vessels for the refreshment of the ladies who had a long rough night and were looking quite worse for the wear, pale of skin with wide eyes.
     "Where is Lucia Vega?" Lacuna asked with a yawn and a stretch a few pieces of straw stuck in her long hair as she looked around the dark space for her friend.
     "She is resting with La Quint in his berth, warm and safe in his arms. All is well." Vasha smiled as he handed an apple to his dearest Lacuna; who took a bite, then she and her black war horse stood to their feet, and it warmed his heart to see Lacuna share the rest of her apple with her steed. "Come you must witness the sunrise out here upon the open sea." Vasha then escorted all the ladies back up on the salt stained decks where the goddess Dawn arose in a robe of golden splendor casting out the darkness of the long cruel night, pulling back that black curtain of shining stars for the rays of Apollo's light. The waters were like a mirror for the sun casting an endless reflection of amethyst, pinks and bright blue hues, the sun rose ever higher, far off on the eastern horizon, illuminating the many lush emerald islands which were scattered out upon the azure waters like a magnificent strand of jewels sparkling in the sun.
     "May the gods be praised." Lacuna whispered as she stood gazing out at the vast expansive view the likes of which she had never seen in her life, the smell of the salt sea air felt good in her lungs and the warmth of the sun caressing her face felt like being touched by the hand of a god. With the blue sky above and the calm waters below the group sailed on as a pod of grey dolphins swam ahead of the prow of the mighty sailing vessel, a delight for the women of Themiscyra to see for the first time in their short lives and they were amazed and they marveled at the scene, the sailors explained this was an omen of good luck, a rare gift from Poseidon god of the sea. Now luck was something they all would soon need, for within hours they would be in Sparta and Lacuna and Lucia Vega grew more excited and anxious with each passing minute, for Thera had no earthly idea they were coming, they hoped and prayed she would not be angry with them, showing up unannounced. Lacuna was most concerned about how she and Lucia Vega would be received as envoys of Queen Odessa in the court of Thera and Vyakles. Here Vasha did his best to calm his beloveds fears on this matter, so he shared with her many stories about his time and friendship with Thera, and Vasha felt for certain he knew her well enough, after living with Thera on that forsaken island for so many years, that he was sure he knew the heart and mind of the Queen. He assured both Lacuna and Lucia Vega that Thera would welcome them both with open arms of friendship and love. Lacuna believed him but Lucia Vega was not quite so sure for no man can know the absolute true mind of a woman, this is how men are so easily deceived.

Chapter 8 continues

      Now true to her word Odessa, dressed in a blue silk robe wearing her crown, met with her ladies just before sunset for a delicious meal of roasted lamb and grilled asparagus, tomatoes and onions. It was at this time Odessa informed Lacuna and Lucia Vega she would be sending five of her Elite Guard for their protection on the journey and for security upon their return home. "I sent word to the Admiral.., Katarina is in charge of your safe passage, she is also well versed in the cures of medicine, should any of you fall ill."
     "Yes my Queen." Lacuna answered, thanking Odessa, however she as well as Lucia Vega were not truly welcoming in their hearts for the unwanted company, but they said nothing of this keeping their feelings to themselves.
     "May the Fates allow us to share a bit of adventure together." the hazel eyed, blond Katarina said with a sly smile.
     "Yes, we shall enjoy our time together in Sparta and with the Spartan men." Lucia Vega said in a friendly tone with a jovial laugh.
     "Ah, those Spartan men." Odessa sighed with a memory of a night long ago.
     "Aye, my Queen.., is it not true you had a chance encounter with one of the king's men.., that night.., of Thera's abdication?" Lacuna inquired seeing the look in Odessa's blue eyes as a murmur arose from the small group of ladies supping together at the table.
    "It is true." Odessa smiled with a scarlet blush flushing her cheeks. "His name was Haithor, the Captain of the King's body guard.., I had him in a field of marigolds that spring in Colchise.., Vyakles choose him especially for me.., to become better.., acquainted with that night of the feast.., but little did we know Thera had only invited the Spartans in to trick them, and deceive us all. Crafty and clever is she.., and now Thera has become the willing bride of a King, she is QueenThera of Sparta." Odessa said staring off out into the trees as if she were speaking to herself and the words she spoke tasted like bitter ashes in her mouth.
    "We shall go to see the wayward Thera and beseech her on your behalf, we will do everything we can to complete this mission and return home again, to be here once more with you, to sit at your table, trusting in truth and our love for you. For you are OUR QUEEN! Queen Odessa of Themiscyra!" Lucia Vega proclaimed rising to her feet toasting a salute and all the ladies stood and gave up a loud boisterous cheer of support for their disillusioned ruler.
     "Go now! Go to Sparta! Speak to Thera, bring back to me all the information you can! Hurry off! Admiral Vasha awaits.., oh, please tell Vasha, of whom I have known, tell him I could not come out to meet him, as I am contracted to breed with Prince Thane, heir to Etruscan Throne." Odessa said as she embraced her valiant warriors.
     Lacuna held Odessa close to her, pressing her body tight and she could feel the hurried beat of the queen's heart and she whispered in her ear "Odessa we shall return home safe, but pray to Poseidon for we are not familiar with the wild sea." Lacuna kissed Odessa on the cheek and she said "Pray for me."
     Now Odessa knew her ladies feared nothing on Earth, for they could over come the power of man,  mother nature and her beasts, but the sheer force of the ever expanding, ever churning, ever raging waters was not something any Themiscyran woman was accustomed. "Fear not my little children, for I shall make sacrifices everyday to the god of the seas and oceans on your behalf while you are away. Now go, prove your loyalty to my throne by more than the words of your mouth." Odessa felt a twinge of sharp pain deep in her heart as she watched them leave and she could not help but wondered if she would ever see any of them again.
       So it was Queen Odessa sent them forth from the city, to the southern gates by the shore, Lacuna and Lucia Vega rode out together with Katarina and the Elite Guard. Vasha stood aboard the cargo ship under his command, he and La Quint were astonished when the message had come earlier that day when they learned they were to bring the small group of Themiscyran women back to Sparta to meet with his king and queen. After the exquisite night of feasting and fucking Vasaha had been anxious all day for this moment and when he beheld Lacuna riding out on a white horse, her hair shimmering like copper in the setting sun his heart leapt and he smiled calling out to her "Lacuna! Your ship, and my crew await!"
      The excited Admiral saw the women and their cargo of horses and wine were securely loaded into the holds of the massive ship. He could sense their apprehension as the vessel creaked and moaned as it was lifted up off the beach by the incoming tide as they drifted out into the open dark waters with sails unfurled the salt sweeping breeze cool upon their skin that warm summer night. The rocking and rolling of the ship atop the waves made several of the women uneasy so it was Katarina who gave them a bit of ginger and birch root to chew to help ease their unsettled stomachs. The crew and General La Quint thought this was a bit amusing to see such strong, powerful, warrior women brought to their knees in sickness by the sea. So the women gathered together below decks with their frightened horses to try to calm them and themselves. Vasha went down to check on his precious cargo of Themiscyran women during the night where he found Lacuna and he held her tightly trembling in his arms as the ship was tossed about in high winds the waves crashing against the wooden hull. So he prayed to Poseidon for safe passage, tossing an amphora of wine overboard into the churning waters as an offering to appease the god of the sea. For he was a Spartan as superstitious as he was religious and the Spartan sailors had great respect for the king of the living waters upon which they sailed their ships. So he bowed his head and said his prayers as they sailed ever closer home never knowing what awaited him and the women of Themiscrya.

Chapter 8 begins

     The next day, as the sun was at it's zenith in the clear blue sky, Odessa waited, and waited, sitting upon her throne in the great hall, surrounded by the gifts with which Thera had sent to honor Odessa. Whom had been waiting for Lacuna and Lucia Vega to return with news from their night with the Spartans. A cool wind blew in from the north and it was the first welcome relief from the heat in months, but the change in temperature did little to improve Queen Odessa's mood.
       "Mother, if they do not return soon.., we shall go and collect them." Odessa said to Cheveria who was busy reading over the documents that were prepared to be sent back to Thera and her husband.
      "Patience is a virtue." Cheveria reminded her daughter.
      "Well I am not feeling very virtuous today.., what is taking so long?" Odessa sighed becoming more restless. Then they heard a commotion of voices and laughter coming from outside the palace doors which were thrown open to the two returning, sexually gratified, warriors/envoys of the Queen.
     "My Queen! Lacuna and Lucia Vega have returned." came word from one of the queens attendant's.
     "At last!" Odessa said as she leapt to her feet anxiously awaiting the information she had sent them to Admiral Vasha for.
     Lucia Vega and Lacuna appeared before Odessa, dressed in their long white silken dresses; which were stained with red wine and semen, their long hair a matted mess, both appearing quite disheveled, great big smiles upon their faces, with glassy eyes and rosy cheeks. "My noble Queen! Forgive our appearance as we have only just awoken from our rest." Lucia Vega said immediately upon seeing the disapproving look of Odessa. "We had much information to obtain.., and, the hours.., escaped us."
     "Information.., or Entertainment?" Odessa said with a little grin of bemusement.
     "Both.., my Queen. For we saw the shadows of the evening light and the shadows of the morning sun, until the shadows and the light were one." Lacuna tried to explain in the intellectual way she was accustom to.
     "I trust you both have returned happy, relaxed, and satisfied?" Odessa asked sitting herself upon her throne once again calmly, as she took her golden crown of stars and set it atop her head. Odessa, then, let out a deep sigh wishing she had gone down to the shore and taken Admiral Vasha for herself, though Odessa knew to do so was not in her best interest, nor would it be good for her plans.
     "Satisfied with the company of the Spartan men, Yes, that is for certain! My Queen!" Lacuna said with a nod of her head, her eyes bright with the many memories of last night flashing wildly in her mind. Then a dire look over came her countenance then Lacuna said sadly "However, the news we learned from Admiral Vasha, and General La Quint, was most shocking."
      "Tell me all, Lacuna, now, tell me what is the cause of your shock and dismay?" Odessa asked already fearing what Lacuna would say.
      "Queen Odessa.., I regret to inform you, that, not only has Thera conscripted herself into marriage.., but so have ALL the ladies who defected with her."
      A pale look swept over Odessa's face as all the blood drained away down into her stomach, and she felt nauseous once again. "All of them?" she said in a voice as soft as a little frightened bird.
     "Aye." Lucia Vega replied as she read from a scroll she had been given by Vasha. "The marriages took place right before harvest time.., their Carnea... Thera's women married the Warriors of Sparta, whom they bore sons with, taking their breeding partners as their husbands.., until death do they part." Lucia Vega paused clearing her throat wiping a tear away from her eye " All the women made sacrifices upon the altars and took the vows.., Johanna wed Theodus, Katara married Temenos, La Scoffa wed Navos, Jessa married Venice, Scotia wed Anaias, Iona married Tyrinthus, Ia wed Kias, Amarra married Anaio and Kayla wed a naval officer named Kai. This letter proclaims, Legitimcy of Citizenship has been granted to all the former women of Themiscyra, in accordance with the Laws of Sparta and the will of the rightful King and Queen, Vyakles and Thera of Sparta"
     Now at this time there were several servants, scribes and ambassadors sitting at the long tables and these women knew all of these said ladies well, they were stunned to silence, every last one of them, to find out now those who had fled with Thera had gone off, against Themiscyran Law, and wed, for marriage was a crime in their country for centuries. So Odessa looked out over the shocked faces of her people, she knew it was up to her speak up and say something, and so she did. "You see my ladies.., look around this room.., what do you see?" Odessa asked sitting amidst the bounty of goods heaped up in the great hall all around them. "Here." Odessa stood to her feet going over pointing out "What do you see?" no one answered "Here, Lacuna, we have, sent to us all the way from the 'gracious' Royal House of Sparta, thirty bolts of colorful rare silks from the far east, and here, fine Egyptian cotton and linens, or here one hundred amphora's of ouzo, bushels upon bushels of apples, grapes and cherries, and here we have, forty thousand talents of silver and gold." Odessa began to laugh with a strange look upon her face mixed with delight and disgust. "Surely you all see a roomful of riches heaped upon us..! Do you not?"
     Here the warriors and scribes and servants, along with the emissaries and ambassadors, gathered there together all thought to say yes and agree with Odessa, but they were all too clever for that. "What do you see my Queen?" Lucia Vega inquired.
     "You, my brave ladies, may all see this as wealth and goods for the glory of our nation, but NO! You would be wrong." Odessa paused for dramatic effect. "I tell you this. Look closely. What you are witnessing, my humbled ladies.., is the tangible, physical manifestation of Thera, and her women's, guilty conscience." Odessa dropped her head rubbing her temples as her headache returned with a vengeance, but she had enough strength to open her mouth and roar like a lion "Thera abandoned her nation! Her FIRST crime! Thera broke our breeding treaty agreement with Sparta! Her SECOND crime! Thera abducted the men and sons of Sparta! Her THIRD crime! Thera stole a cargo ship full of treasures bound for Sparta! Her FOURTH crime! And .., finally! Thera conscripted herself into marriage, her FIFTH crime! Thera has committed Treason against this nation! She and Katara, Kayla, Jessa, Ia, Iona, Scotia, Johanna, La Scoffa, and Amarra, are ALL GUILTY, and they know it! Thera, and her 'ladies', must feel so guilty about the crimes they have committed against Themiscyra, and her people, that I can, literally, weigh the guilt of her conscience in silver and gold." Odessa said taking a few of the gold coins in her hand and tossing them down onto the ground as if they were worth nothing. "So I ask you my brave, fierce creatures, what shall we do with these.., criminals? What shall be our message and answer, which path shall we choose?" here, again, no one answered for Odessa was Queen it was up to her to lead. So she went over to Lacuna and Lucia Vega smiling as she swept a few knotted strands of hair off of Lacuna's cheek. "I will tell you what we will do, FOR NOW.., I will use this guilty conscience of the Queen of Sparta's as an advantage for our nation. I shall send word back with Admiral Vasha, that we shall require more.., and more.., I will do so to bide my time and see what the future brings. For I have decided to send you both, Lacuna and Lucia Vega, to Sparta, with the men you acquainted yourselves with, fully, last night."
     "Go to Sparta!?" Lucia Vega gasped in disbelief.
     "Yes.., you will go as my envoys to the new queen, you shall entreat Thera on my behalf. She must sign all the copies of the Line of Succession, it is my.., OUR only hope of stability in the region. You must also bring me back information on the city and its dwelling places... So go home, get cleaned up, I have already had your horses and armaments sent down to the Admiral along with my instructions."
     "We shall go in honor of you Odessa, but tell us, when do we leave?"
     "You sail at sunset, so be ready for your adventure to Sparta. And Remember, you must return home by the trails through the mountains of Greece and Scythia, in three weeks time, with a map of Sparta and all the documents signed." Odessa said as she embraced Lacuna and Lucia Vega, who kept their true feelings on the matter buried deep within their hearts. "I shall see you off at dinner, now go and get ready.., before I change my mind."

End Chapter 7

     Odessa grabbed her stomach wiping the bitter bile off of her mouth as she went over to a cool fountain taking a long sip, splashing her face with water as her friends and attendants went to her aid "My Queen the heat has over come you, I pray you go inside to the shade." Lacuna said but Odessa just stood there with her head cast down looking into the water, her shoulders hunched, palms resting on the ledge of the fountain and she would not face them for she felt on the verge of a complete mental breakdown.
     "Married?" Odessa said quietly to herself for her mind could not grasp the information it was receiving, it felt as almost as if her brain shut down temporarily, for she could hear the words coming from the mouth of the messenger with news from Sparta but the words were just sounds they had no meaning to Odessa presently for all she could focus on was the unexpected marriage of Thera and Vyakles.
     This is what Queen Odessa was told, though to the her ears it was as if her messenger were speaking underwater. "To the Rightful Queen Odessa of Themiscyra, The Nation of Sparta, King Vyakles and Queen Thera bid you hail from across the sea. Our people congratulate you Odessa as the new ruling head of Themiscyra, may all the Nations bid you hail. We have heard of your current difficulties with drought and we have made sacrifices upon the altars of our gods and goddesses in your name with prayers for rain. Until that joyous day please accept our offer of Most Favored Trade Status to your Nation, for the care and benefit of your people. Long may you reign. In accordance with our felicitous greetings we offer up, as a token of love and affection, for your throne 2 ships full of provisions to aid you in this most difficult time. We do this as an offering of Peace between our Great Nations accordingly and with fidelity. Please send word of your future wishes with Admiral Vasha and General La Quint, whom I send to you for they are at your disposal. Use my men in any way you need, or deem necessary, to better help establish a peace between our Royal Houses. With the highest regard and honor for your Regal Throne, Queen Odessa long may you reign!  With salutations of Love and Affection  His and Her Royal Highness of Sparta, King Vyakles and Queen Thera." the messenger rolled the scroll back up and all stood in the noonday sun, beads of sweat dripping down their backs as they waited. A few minutes went by still Odessa did not move or make a reply.
     "My Queen." Lucia Vega was the first to dare to speak "This is the Spartans message.., what shall be our answer? We humbly await your orders."
     Odessa's mind whirled about with many thoughts and she felt the spark of anger rise up in her heart, for she had been betrayed by Thera, whom had abandoned Themiscyra forever. How could Odessa answer, what could she say, other than spew out all her rage like roaring volcano.
     "Odessa.., my Queen?" Lacuna said reaching out to touch her shoulder to which Odessa flinched as if her friends fingers were made of flames.
     "Lacuna.., Lucia..," Odessa spoke in a clear soft voice keeping her face from their gaze "Go down to the shore. Meet with the Admiral, obtain all the information you can on Thera and the women who fled with her. Find out all you can, for I am quite interested to know."
     "Yes my Queen! We shall go at once." Lacuna said ecstatic with the knowledge she was about to encounter a man, and not on the field of battle where she was required to kill him.
     "Wait!" Odessa said as she turned back around and cast her eyes upon them "First you must go to the baths to make yourself presentable, have the maids wash and comb your hair, wax the hair from your bodies, paint your lips, perfume your skin, prepare yourselves my ladies, go to them in your fine silk dresses, leave your weapons at home, for I wish for you to entertain these men, for the peace between our nations to grow. Oh.., bring out a dozen, or so, of  our women with you also.., if they wish to go." Odessa smiled pleasantly and both the women were excited to know what she meant.
     "May the gods praise your name our clever and noble Queen Odessa!" Lacuna smiled her eyes wide with the thought of future delights to be had.
     "Go my ladies, make your country proud!" Odessa commanded thinking a bit of breeding might be a welcome relief from her tensions she, herself, might entertain. "Oh and one more thing!" Odessa shouted out after them "Set up camp for the Spartan men on the beach and DO NOT, under any circumstances ,let those men inside our gates! Now go and entertain yourself, for Thera has sent us provisions and breeding partners, we must make use of them all."
     Odessa watched as Lacuna and Lucia Vega mounted their black horses and rode off towards the baths and she was left with her messengers, her scribes and her Councilor of War, Cheveria who spoke and said "This news changes everything Odessa! We can send out the document of the Royal Line of Succession, if Thera signs this then we can send word out to all the nations. They must, nay will, recognize your rule of authority. We do not need to sign any Peace Treaty with the King of Thrace."
     "Mother!" Odessa shouted loudly, startling her "Whether Thera lives, or dies, we will never make peace with Thrace or it's King!" Odessa snapped back adding to her orders "I do not trust these Spartan men.., go, station 1000 extra guards upon the walls at the southern garrisons. And see to it the provisions Thera, and her husband, have sent to honor us are delivered up to the palace. I will sit with my ambassadors and scribes and set our next course of action. Now go, do as I command." Odessa said in a stern voice, then a strange look came into her eyes, and she peered up into the sky thinking of the man she loved and lost, King Philip of Macedon, and the son she left behind. Odessa had denied herself a husband and family for the Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor of a nation. A nation her beloved Thera, herself, had abandoned.  Now Odessa felt a dark spirit curl up inside her heart, she began seething with the realization the sacrifice she made, meant nothing. For Queen Thera had run away and taken a husband, Vyakles, whom Odessa despised. Odessa felt a twinge of vengeance sprout up in her mind like a seed from some poisonous seed, for it was her belief Thera must be punished and made to suffer for her betrayal of her nation. Though Odessa knew deep in her heart that since Thera had made herself the wife of man she would be suffering under his love for the rest of her life. Though this thought was consoling it was not enough to keep her mind from wondering on ways to make Thera pay for what she had done. Odessa felt it was her duty as the new Queen to not let Thera get away with her treasonous act and treacherous crimes against Themiscyra. Odessa knew something must be done, but what could she come up with in her vindictive mind.
  

More Chapter 7

     Some three weeks later not much had gone well for Odessa, and when asked by her attendants how they might be able to help her state of mind Odessa was unable to put into words how deep her despair was pulling her down. Though she felt keenly enough, as within her own body and soul, the doom which now hung over her head. Within her rooms of the royal palace Queen Odessa would walk up and down the floor and weep, or sit in the window and look out over the city wringing her hands in her lap, or lie in her lonely bed at night and cry bitterly. For she knew, as well as all the rulers of the surrounding nations, she had no right by the gods and no authority under the heavens to rule. Though appointed by the true Queen of Themiscyra Thera, there was not a drop of royal blood in her body however, Odessa's warriors and citizens accepted her just the same, and all showed much Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor to her in many ways. Many times Odessa found herself wishing she had the power and prestige Thera had attained, for oft times Odessa could remember how, when Thera entered into into a room, in a quiet way, she owned and commanded it. For Thera had all the beauty of Aphrodite and the sheer strength of will and mind of Artemis. So Odessa remembered how all the warriors, generals and emissaries of all the nations would lift their eyes to gaze upon Thera's face as radiant as the sun.
     "You must eat something." Cheveria said placing a small plate of dates and honey next to Odessa who sat gazing out the window lost in thoughts of better days. "Come at least listen to what Lacuna has to tell you." Odessa's mother's instructed.
     "Lacuna.., forgive my rudeness, I must find something to help me, to keep my mind from wandering.., where it will go." Odessa said turning her attention to the room where Lacuna and Lucia Vega had come with word from the Etruscans. "Pray, what news do you have to impart this oppressively hot summer day?"
     "My Queen, you must not apologize to me, for I suffer the same grief as you." the crimson haired, blue-eyed Lacuna said kindly "For I know not how high hangs the stars, and I know not how wide the heavens .., but I do know how deep your troubles are." Lacuna gave a pleasant smile to her distraught Queen telling her "Fear not, for the Etruscan ships have left the cove headed back west.., here are the terms of the agreement." Lacuna said handing over the trade treaty, her blue eyes fixed upon Odessa who was looking more and more weak and sallow, as the despondent Queeen had taken no exercise nor had she eaten properly for weeks, the end result taking a toll on Odessa's youth and vitality.
     Odessa looked over the document seeing it was all signed and lawful according to the agreement but Odessa felt sick to her stomach knowing she must give up 600 pounds of pepper and 1000 pounds of saffron; which were worth more in their weight than gold. But give it up she must for in exchange Themiscyra and her desperate people would receive in return: 100 head of cattle, 50 horses, 3 heards of merino sheep and 40 goats, 10 cargo ships of grain, wheat, and rye, 2000 saplings of cherry, apple, apricot, olive and lemon trees and 300 vats of wine. Plus the opportunity to enact a breeding campaign in Etrusca for the coming spring. "Yes, this is all correct..," she sighed wondering if the Etruscans got the better end of deal, but this is what was best for the greater good so she tried to smile and continued "Now when will the supplies arrive?"
     "A fortnight, then we will hand over the pepper and saffron. I can say our fortune seems to be turning for the better." Lacuna smiled with a flash in her bright blue eyes.
     "What are you so happy about?" Odessa asked with a severe look of disapproval.
     "Why the thought of our future breeding campaign in the west with those handsome, brave men, the Etruscans! I tell you this it has been far too long since I have lain with a man." she said the thought of being alone, naked in the arms of one of those dark eyed men brought forth a blush to Lacuna's cheeks as scarlet as a cherry. Here the women all laughed together with knowing thoughts and a smile, a nudge and wink. Why even the old battle axe Cheveria laughed with amusement.
     "Yes!" Lucia Vega, the taller and stronger of all the women added "Yes it has been so long, perhaps I will require three men to bed me for the night.., or the week!"
     "Aye, you two are nothing but trouble!" Odessa said and it felt good to laugh and feel the rush of blood to her face.
     "Aye my Queen.., but we are only trouble for the men of this world!" here more merry sounds could be heard coming from the Queens private bedchamber then there came a sudden knock at the door.
     Cheveria went to the door and seeing one of the messengers standing next to three scribes she opened the door and the young girls entered. "Yes? What message do you have for us today?"
     "My Queen! Word comes from the King of Thrace, Sunder." here a hush fell over the once merry bunch as the women all felt their pulse quicken, for they were waiting for a Declaration of War, at the very least, the messenger read aloud. "King Sunder, of Thrace, by his most gracious wisdom and mercy has decided to make a Declaration of.., Peace, with the Nation of Themiscyra."
     "What?" came a confused sigh of relief from Lacuna and Lucia Vega, but the Queen did not appear relieved, if anything she looked more nervous than ever before. This was because Odessa was, at heart, a soldier raised to understand only war, peace was not an easy ideal for her mind to explore.
     "What is this you speak of.., Peace?" Odessa said standing to her feet.
     "There is only one condition under the treaty." the young girl spoke reading over the parchment.
     "What is this? I knew it! Some trickery! What, pray tell ,is this certain term of the agreement?" Odessa scoffed folding her arms across her chest in angered disbelief.
     "King Sunder will declare peace between our nations, and open up the trade routes once again, if we agree to send our blacksmiths to his kingdom and teach them the secret to out crucible steel."
     Odessa let out a laugh "You are joking! Give up the secrets to the strength of our weapons! Well, that bastard! Why does he not just ask us to slit our own throats!" Odessa balked at the very idea.
     Now the mood in the room changed the women became visibly concerned and nervous, for peace in the region was required for survival, however they could never disclose any information that would better arm their enemies. "No! Never!" all the women shared in consensus.
     "Damn that King! Though.., he is clever, to try to force us into peace when our backs are up against the wall with this drought and famine! Give up our secret! Never! Our weapons have made the difference in warfare in this region for over 700 years! Our nation has stood victorious in 1000's of battles. These walls of this nation shall never fall! For our blades are made like our will! Strong, but flexible, able to bend without breaking! Their weapons are INFERIOR! For their swords are made like the bones of an old man! Weak and brittle, easily broken!" a hearty cheer arose from the small group gathered there for Odessa's words filled their mighty hearts with pride. "We must never give up the secret!" the Queen pounded her fist twice on the old oak table for emphasis. "To do so would be to give our advantage away to our enemy on the field of battle and our great nation would surely perish from the earth." now just as Queen Odessa's words had settled into the minds, and hearts, of the women gathered together there the sound of a horse, and rider at full gallop, came through the window followed by shouts coming up from the road to the palace from the south.
     "My Queen! My Queen!" came the anxious voice of the rider.
     Odessa looked out and with an excitement she had not felt in a long time she rushed out of her bedchamber down the marble stairs, followed by everyone, as she ran through the great hall to the massive wood door; which she threw open. The rider coming at full speed brought her horse to dead stop in a dust cloud as she, out of breath, face red from the sun, lips parched burned by the wind, trying to catch her breath, the rider lifted up her dark eyes and said in gasps for air "Spartan ships! In the cove."
     "War ships?" Odessa said and all those gathered their felt the blood drain away from their faces as a deep sinking feeling overcame them all.
     "No..," deep breath "Cargo ships.., Admiral Vasha has returned with news from the King and Queen of Sparta." the messenger said holding out a scroll to Odessa.
     Queen Odessa felt the pit in her stomach turn like a nest of vipers and she asked confused "Queen..? But Keeva died years ago."
     "Aye.., Vyakles has remarried and taken a new Queen as his bride." the sunburned rider said happily with excited eyes.
     "Who is his new wife?" Odessa said with words uncertain her heart and mind racing.
     "It is none other than our Thera! She is still alive!" a gasp befell, and silenced, all those gathered there then a great chorus of cheers of relief let loose from the women's former place of grief. Odessa felt a great weight lift up off her shoulders, mentally, however physically the news was like getting struck by a lightning bolt, she could not shake the shock and so she turned away from her overjoyed ladies and proceeded to vomit up the contents of her stomach all over the steps leading up to her palace.

Chapter 7 begins

     So it was, Vyakles ordered the marriage ceremonies to take place right away as this was critical and most imperative to the king's interests. The weddings took place over the next three days, as was the custom of the Greek citizenry; who were delighted for the sudden news of matrimony as it filled the streets with excitement and the occasion proved to be a most joyous time of celebration. Now, though this marriage brought much praise, prestige, and fame through out the land, and most important of all, fresh, new warrior blood, these were not the typical marriages, for there were no young virgin brides, no dowries, and the nuptials took place just before August, not in the winter month of Gamelion; which was the time of the festival of the marriage of Zeus and Hera, called the Hieros Gamos. For all marriages were held at this time for in Greece marriage was not for the individual, but rather was for the community, for the greater good, wealth and growth of the city-states and their populations. However, due to the most unusual circumstances, Vyakles sent word from the palace to the senate that matters dictated the unification of the couples commence as soon as possible.
     As was the tradition the event lasted with 3 days of festivities and celebrations. The first day, the day of preparations, called the Proaulia, found Thera and her anxious ladies making dedications to Artemis and sacrificing animals to Aphrodite, Hera and Athena. The dedications consisted of woven baskets placed upon the altar containing fine clothing, rare perfumes, exotic jewelry and cosmetics given up to Artemis to signify the 'nakedness' of the bride, and to also recognize the divine protection of Artemis during marriage and childbirth. They also offered up to the goddess a lock of their beloveds hair, as well as a lock of their own long tresses which they tied together with red ribbons, binding the strands together as one. Next the women found themselves holding ceremonial knives, during the proteleia ritual, which they used when slitting the throats of many goats and sheep; which they sacrificed gladly to their deities. This they did to represent themselves, who were like the animals being led to the slaughter, and also to provide meat for the many feasts.
     The second day, the day of the ceremony, called Gamos, found the nervous, excited brides being given ritual baths in sacred waters, their naked bodies cleansed then anointed in almond oil by their bridal assistants, called Nymphokomos. Each bride was adorned with necklaces and earrings made of precious stones. The women were arrayed in a peplos, a fine linen dress, dyed a rich deep purple color with gold braiding. Upon their heads was placed a small silver crown, called a stephane, which was fashioned to resemble oak leaves and acorns, a powerful symbol of fertility to the Greeks as well as the Themiscyrans. The silver stephane was placed over a long veil dyed in saffron and adorned with seed pearls and in their shaking hands, that knew only of war and bloodshed, was placed a fragrant bouquet of myrtles, poppies and roses. As sunset drew near 10 golden chariots, pulled by pale white horses, their manes and tails covered with garlands of flowers and green leaves, arrived at the palace as the women gave each other hugs and kisses, as if they were all going off into to battle together, before they went being drawn out into the lively city; which was lined with cheering throngs of the delighted people. The men lit ceremonial torches, carrying them through the streets, lighting up the way for the long chariot procession. It was a wondrous sight for the warrior women to see. So by the light of the blazing torches the Spartans hailed the warrior brides as they passed through the neighborhoods and all the people sang loudly the traditional bridal songs, called hymen-hymenaios. The young men and women were whirling and dancing in their midst as the music of the flutes and lyres sounded continuously and then Thera gazed out at the mothers and wives of Sparta standing at the doors of their houses as they all marveled at the sight of the 'mythical warrior brides' arrayed in jewels of splendor. So it was with great heaps of adulation the astonished Themiscyran women were brought to the large assembly hall where the veiled women were led through the massive, brightly lit chamber filled to capacity with cheering, smiling faces. These were the nobles, the elite, the newly appointed General La Quint and the highest ranking members of the Army and the Admiral of the Fleet, Vasha and all his captains were gathered together that night by special invitation of the king. Thera felt as though her heart would burst from all the excitement as she and her ladies beheld the enormous crowd. That is when their eyes fell upon their stunning grooms, who looked like the Titans of Olympus as they stood in a row before them, clothed in their finest himation, an expensive linen garments of bright white, the color of happiness and joy, their skin glistening perfumed with myrtle balm, with garlands of oak leaves and roses made by the hands of their brides resting upon their heads. Each man looked as radiant as a star with such a peaceful contented look upon their smiling faces that it was a in a word, Enchanting.
     Now the ceremony, called the Gameos, went quickly, requiring no priests, just a simple exchange of vows of eternal love, devotion and protection was all that was required. Then when all of the words of their hearts was spoken each man, one by one, lifted the bridal veil of his beloved sealing their vows with a sweet, gentle kiss. Now when Vyakles stood before Thera, not only did he lift her veil but he removed it completely along with her little silver crown with a gentle smile and a brightness in his dark eyes. Next Thera, as instructed earlier, reached up and removed the garland of leaves and roses from his head, where there upon a long table she placed this next the two Royal Crowns of Sparta which gleamed in the candle light. Vyakles took in a deep breath, with a twinge of sadness, he picked up the crown of his former, dead Queen Keeva whom he had loved dearly. Putting all his love and devotion he had towards his new wife, Vyakles smiled raising the golden crown set with large rubies high above Thera's head as he said "I.., as the rightful King of Sparta, from this day forward, hereby take you, and accept you, Thera, as my lawfully wedded wife and declare you the rightful Queen of Sparta!" placing the crown upon her head he proclaimed before all the people "With this crown.., I thee wed!" a rush of joy and warmth filled her heart and thoughts and Thera felt a great sea of emotions well up inside her as she kissed him then she reached out for the Royal Crown of the King and with a loud, proud voice she shouted "A crown for my true love! For our one true King! Who I pledge my troth and give myself to willing. For I promise you, Vyakles, my undying Love, my Unity, my Loyalty, my Honor and my deep Respect, to you and your people! And I avow unto you, MY PEOPLE, I shall do my very best to serve this nation as a proper and befitting Queen!"
     Here an uproar of excitement rose up from the witnesses assembled their together on that hot summer night, and as the couples left, hand-in-hand, the crowd scattered over the newlyweds a shower of violets and quinces, a symbol of fertility and luck. As the brides and grooms exited the noisy hall they departed in the chariots together for the first time together as man and wife. Each couple was escorted back through the mass of happy people to their private homes, where each bridal chamber had been lavishly decorated with the branches of olive and oak trees with garlands of sweetly scented flowers draped on the pastos, the bridal canopy, over the soft feather bed filled with brightly colored silk cushions and blankets, with wreaths of laurels and honeysuckle hanging on the walls which were illuminated by dozens of beeswax candles.
     Now when King Vyakles and Queen Thera returned to the palace, as man and wife, he paused and spoke to the joyous masses, who cheered and sang with loud voices, telling them all "I enter my house with marriage songs and the torches burning, holding my beloved woman by the hand, followed by this merry crowd, with you all shouting good wishes to myself and our new Queen, my dearest, most treasured Thera, who.., once, I thought was dead to me.., but now we have become united and have joined our lives together! We, being both of noble birth and royal blood!" here more cheers of adulation, love and respect issued up from the wedding guests. This display of affection left her with an enraptured emotion by the people and their praise and it was so overwhelming it was a feeling like she had never experienced, nor even known was possible, for Vyakles and his people held her in such high esteem. Vyakles grabbed Thera by the waist and kissed her long and hard in front of the delighted crowd and he smiled and shouted out "Let the divine minstrel, with his clean toned lyre in hand be our leader in the merry dance. Let the feasting and drinking begin! Let of our marriage celebration commence!"
    The pipers played and the lyres rang as the throng of celebrants sang along with the ancient song "Our dearest Bride and Groom, in what likeness were it well? Thy praise in song to tell? It is to the fresh and tender sapling of a cherry tree, that we may best liken thee."
     Across the city arose such a boisterous noise from the parties filled with music, singing, dancing, drinking and feasting that no one, not even the babes in the cradle, nor animals in the stables, could find sleep. So it was all celebrated long into the night and when the sun arose on the third day of the celebration, the Epaulia, hundreds awoke very late in the day to be left with the task of setting their heads and houses back in order as the newlywed couples lounged all afternoon in their matrimonial beds. However, half a world away Queen Odessa, back in her lavish palace in Themiscyra, lay her head down on her pillow staring up at the ceiling and the magnitude of her troubled thoughts weighed heavily upon her. Odessa had long since been unable to find any rest, even her dreams were brimming with her angst and anxieties, now she lay in her lonely bed unable, unwilling to eat, pains in her stomach with a debilitating headache, Odessa closed her eyes, wishing she were dead.