Chapter 10 continues

     Lucia Vega drew in a deep breath then said through a face full of tears "I fear General La Quint has planted his seed in my womb.., I believe a child grows within me, now as I speak."
     Thera listened wiping Lucia's tears away, only smiling "My dearest woman this is wonderful news!" she said embracing Lucia Vega even closer to her chest. "You must not cry, but rejoice, for in you now grows a strong warrior for the future, be it a daughter or son."
     Lacuna watched from her seat next to Queen Thera an arm around her shoulder with her right hand stroking Lucia Vega's hair as a show of comfort, love and understanding as her life-long friend wept bitterly. "Are you quite sure Lucia, you are with child?"
     "Aye." she replied sitting up trying to breathe easy. "My blood cycle has not returned.., I get sick when I drink the wine.., and, I have overwhelming cravings for salted almonds and goats milk with ginger."
     "Oh, aye, my dearest Lucia, sure signs indeed." Thera said still with a serene smile as bright as the sun "So then, you shall return home to Queen Odessa with the good news, that your breeding season has begun early, that you, may yet, bring forth another warrior for Themiscyra.., or Sparta, if you have a son. Oh how the General would love to have a son by your blood."
     Now here, at the very mention of a son, Lucia Vega averted her gaze from that of the radiant Thera, whom, she knew, was not going to like what she was about to hear, however, with Thera, no one could ever be sure of her reactions in battle or everyday life. So Lucia Vega summoned up the courage and opened her mouth as the truth came pouring out. "Oh Thera.., I.., you misunderstand.., I am VERY pleased to be with child! That is not why I am crying."
     "What else, pray tell, is troubling you so?" Thera asked, the smile gone from her face, as she sat there holding Lucia's hands in hers, staring deeply into her eyes with a concerned look.
     "I do not wish to return home to Themiscyra, for I know longer wish to fight for, nor will I serve.., Odessa."
     Now Thera had not anticipated these words to come from the lips of Lucia Vega who was the most loyal woman to the nation, she had ever known. The information washed over Thera, the feeling of which felt like she had been struck by a lightning bolt, she could not shake the shock, as she muttered "What?"
     "If I am to have a daughter, I want her to grow up like your little Sparta, in freedom. If I am to have a son I would never give him up.., for I love La Quint, I only want to be with him and to raise a little family in peace." here tears welled up in her blue eyes once again. Then she said loudly "I have grown tired of war.., and I will fight NO MORE!"
     As the sounds of Lucia's voice echoed off the council room walls silence followed as Thera sat there thinking of what to say, finding nothing in the deep well of wisdom she stored up in her heart and mind, all she could ask was "Why?"
     "Why?" Lucia Vega said with a little laugh and a partial smile "Because Thera! I want to be like you!" Lucia Vega stood to her feet towering over Thera who remained in her seat "Do you not understand? Thera, you broke with seven hundred years of tradition, turned your back on OUR way of life! But worse than all of this you turned your back on me! And Lacuna! You told us nothing of your plans to leave, did not think to even include us in your dreams of freedom." Lucia Vega then went down on her knees, her heart bleeding out through her words all the pain that dwelt inside. "Oh Thera, you have been my life long friend, my companion in battle, my commander in times of war. But what is more.., you were once MY beloved Queen, I lived only to serve and protect you, and keep you safe from harm, for I loved your mother as if she were mine own. And I swore an oath to that brave, noble lady to watch over you all the days of my life.., but she, nor I knew you would abandon a nation, but worse than this you abandoned your friends, Lacuna and me."
     Now Thera turned as Lacuna, too, began to cry bitterly and it was painful to watch the culmination of her actions as it affected her dearest friends. This sudden realization brought a pain to her body and Thera felt like she had just been stabbed in the heart. She wanted to wrap the sorrowful women in her arms and say how very sorry she was, but no words would come as Thera was left stunned and speechless, but she listened just the same.
     "Now here! I have been brought to kneel before you by the providence of the Fates. I beg you my dearest Thera.., let me stay here in Sparta with you, so that I may have you as my Queen was again!" Lucia Vega said as she kissed Thera's hands. "Let me raise my family here in the freedom of Greece.., the Spartan way. For I, like you, will never give up a son."
     "Nor will I!" Here Lacuna knelt down in front of the Queen prostrating herself at her feet with tears in her eyes as she pleaded "Queen Thera, I too am with child, please allow us to remain in Sparta with you and be MY QUEEN again!"
     "Oh my brave ladies..," Thera said taking in deep calming breath thinking in her mind what path to lead them would be best. "Arise, you women!" Thera said standing to face them eye to eye. "Fear not my little children, no harm shall come your way.., however we must go before the King now.., with La Quint and Vasha..,  for there is only one way we can let you stay." Thera gave a benevolent smile to calm their nerves then she instructed the expectant mothers "Go! Wake your men from their beds, Bring Admiral Vasha and General La Quint to to the Great Hall at once! I will summon my husband, do not tarry for we have no time to waste!"

Chapter 10 begins

     Over the next following few days Katarina and her Elite Guard bided their time in Sparta waiting for news from Queen Thera's messengers. They did their best to get along with the citizens learning of their way of life, taking in all the information they could, spending a day at the Agoge, where boys of seven are subjected to a rigorous education in military training, hunting and punishment for ten years, it was as brutal and harsh as it was enlightening, much like the Steria in Themiscyra, where daughters are sent at the age of ten to begin battle training for eight years. Though the concept was strikingly familiar, and similar, the training techniques and savage treatment of the students was not. The boys were sent out to steal from the temples, take lashings from the whip on their naked backs for hours, taught to commit murder, as well as beat each other in the face bare-fisted; whereas the daughters of Themiscyra were trained in the ideals of strength of mind, body, and will, taught to be as clever as they were ferocious killers, trained to fight with swords and spears, atop horses with bows and arrows, fighting alongside Atremisian tigers trained to sniff out the scent of men and bring down the enemy with claws and fangs. Oh there was much for Katarina to see and she took this opportunity of moving freely through Sparta and was able to create her own secret map of the city, as per Queen Odessa's request. Now, during their stay, Queen Thera tried to provide the Elite Guard and their Captain a few helots for the benefit of the little camp, but Katarina refused saying they were quite capable of bearing their own water, washing their own clothes, and cooking up food on the open fire. Thera understood Katarina's reasoning but she still thought Captain Katarina was indignant in her attitude, but the great Queen Thera let it go from her thoughts for she had greater problems than this to deal with, for when the Royal messengers returned they did not bring welcome news.
     The kings of the region would not relent nor give their approval of Odessa's right to rule and would not turn their minds from conquering the Nation of Themiscyra. Only the rulers of Ionia, Megara, Athens and Thebes would sign the Act of Succession. King Sunder of Thrace sent word to Vyakles telling him the only reason his army had not laid siege to the walled fortress was due to the drought and heat, for the land of Themiscyra had become depleted and weak. This unfortunate weather was the only saving grace of Odessa and her country. King Phillip of Macedon sent back word to the Spartan Throne vowing they would not intercede in times of war on Themiscyra's behalf. For he, nor his army, would take up arms against the enemies of Themiscyra. King Vyakles and Queen Thera were angered by this information, however they were not shocked or surprised by the reply. Now it was up to Thera to tell Lacuna, and Lucia Vega, along with Katarina and the Elite Guard that they were partially unsuccessful on their mission and that Odessa should prepare for war soon, as Sunder was determined to overthrow her and take the throne and control of the nation. So she called all the Themiscyran women to council, in the din of this troubling year, imparting all this information for their ears to hear. What they all heard was like a blow to the heart for they all knew well, the world as they had known it was changing all around them more and more each day, those who had abandoned Themiscyra had learn to accept this fact in their new lives in Sparta, but those who were still entrenched in the old ways of sacred Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor still suffered for they could not see any future that did not embrace the past, the way of their fore-mothers, their ancient ancestors, their culture and history.
     Thera had escaped all of this demagoguery and she had at long last become free, however if there were still those who wished to live under such controlling authority, who was she to stop them, she would not ridicule, nor mock them for their beliefs, simply and only BECAUSE Thera knew what it meant to live and breathe free. So she did her best to reassure the women, who would be returning to Themiscyra soon, that the Nation of Sparta would send ships and troops to support Odessa and her nation during times of war. However Vyakles was unaware his Queen had made such an offer. "Now, Odessa has sent her message and you have our answer. Send word to your Queen our most felicitous greetings of peace and love between our two nations.., we shall send further word of the proposed breeding campaign in the spring. Our nation awaits the out come of reallying our blood lines in the future so we may bring forth the finest, fittest warrior men, and women, the world has ever seen!"
     All gathered there with Thera gave up a cheer for the prospect of the mutually beneficial future but Katarina knew, full well, Odessa had no intention of honoring any proposed breeding campaign agreement with the Spartans, but Katarina said nothing of this nor did she complain. Here Thera informed the women tomorrow would be their last night in Sparta so the Queen proclaimed there would be a day long celebration as they would mark the occasion of their departure home with much libations, jubilation and praise, this proved to be just the thing needed to lighten the mood then all went, late that night, from the council room of Queen Thera, save for Lacuna and Lucia Vega, who sat beside their friend with a worried look upon their faces as cruel as the grave. "From the frowns upon your foreheads, I would chance a guess as to say.., there is something more, troubling you this day?"
      "Oh Thera!" Lucia Vega cried out as if she were in pain as she threw her arms around Thera's neck and began bitterly weeping.
      "There, there, my warrior child, tell me what haunts your mind." Thera said wrapping Lucia Vega in her arms embracing her with warmth, concern and love not knowing the shocking news to come.
         

End Chapter 9

     Shortly thereafter, two tents were erected along the seashore, three massive, roaring bonfires were lit in the soft sand of the beach, the smell of roasting lamb wafting on the salt scented breeze. In the larger of the two tents the Royal House of Sparta sat with honored foreign guests gathered together with all the Themiscyran women and their Spartan husbands. Torches lit up the loud chamber as Queen Thera and King Vyakles spoke with Lucia Vega and Lacuna, whom were joined by their lovers, General La Quint and  Admiral Vasha. Katarina and the four members of the Elite Guard sat quietly eating the lavish meal drinking the potent red wine, though in her heart of hearts Katarina was not too impressed with the spread, but she said none of this as she was distracted from the topic of discussion by the loud music and singing coming from the other tent nearby, located a few steps away from the King's royal party.
     Now, when Katarina inquired, she had been informed that this tent was set up for a drinking party, which only single men are allowed to attend. Here a group of talented women, called the Hetairai, would entertain the King's warriors with music, song, naked dancing and acts of sex. Katarina had never heard of Hetairai, nor had she heard of such so called 'drinking parties', they have a different name for these sort of women in Sparta, but they were prostitutes just the same; and, according to the King and his leaders in war, these women and these parties were vital to morale of his single warriors, and a welcome relief from the scars and traumas of battle. Though Katarina was disgusted by the very idea, she said nothing of it only listening as Thera spoke.
     "We shall sign the Act of Succession, whereby our Kingdom and this Royal Spartan Throne shall, forever, recognize the legitimacy of Queen Odessa to rule over all of Themiscyra." she said in a loud clear voice and those at the long table quieted themselves as she continued. "We shall send forth our emissaries to all the Nations in the region and see if we cannot persuade the Kings of Thrace, Dardina, Macedon, Thebes, Athens and Ionia to sign the document as well." a cheer rose up from all the women and Thera was met with smiles by all those around her, for this was most welcome news indeed.
     As the group continued with their many, varied topics of discussion, Katarina became bored and so she began to notice the many servants tending to the King and Queen along with their many guests. So she asked a young girl, who could not have been more than sixteen, whom had been pouring out another cup of wine for the King's honored guests "Tell me, how long have you been in service to the Spartans?"
     The young, dark eyed girl gave a strange look as if speaking were forbidden, but she slowly said in a whisper "Nearly ten years."
     Katarina was stunned by her answer but she said nothing only bowing her head slightly thanking her for the wine and the information. Then she waited a moment before turning to La Quint asking him "Tell me?" she paused leaning a little closer to him "In my country.., we take no prisoners in war, I was wondering if your military is the same?"
     "On occasion we will take prisoners." La Quint said wiping his mouth with his hand.
     "For what purpose?"
      "Why, we bring them back to our city to serve our households, work the fields and such. This is quite necessary, as all the men in Sparta have taken up the sole profession of war. When we are not fighting, we are in constant training to keep our war machine in proper working order." he replied in a friendly tone.
     "Katarina!" Thera shouted over the table, interrupting her discourse with the handsome General. "While you are here in Sparta.., will you, and your ladies, be seeking a breeding partner? Or shall you wait for next season, come springtime?"
     Katarina turned bright red, her eyes wide, as she almost choked on her wine "NO!" she said loudly as she cleared her throat then spoke again "I have my orders. I, along with the members of the Elite Guard, have been sent here on an important mission of diplomacy.., we have been forbidden, by OUR Queen, to fornicate, or procreate, on this journey. Though we thank you for concern." Katarina replied feeling embarrassed then she added "However, Captain Lacuna and Captain Lucia Vega are free to do as they please, as you can plainly see." she smiled giving the women a little wink of her eye. Then she turned back to the General asking him a bit more "Now, La Quint, this young wine bearer states she has been in service to your nation since she was a small child? Could this be true?"
     "Our Helots usually are of a young age, having their lives been spared in times of siege." he explained.
     "Helots..?" she appeared confused.
     "We could not run this city without their hard work and loyal service." Admiral Vasha joined in.
     "Are they.., these Helots.., are they paid any wages?"
     "No.., only room and board." La Quint answered. "Oh and medical care."
     "These men and women.., are they ever allowed to leave?" here the men shook their heads no in unison.  
     "You should understand this.., Captain Katarina.., our workers are treated well and protected, as citizens, equally under our Laws." La Quint tried to better explain.
     "So they are taken from their homes.., in times of war.., never paid for their years of toil and trouble, and are not allowed to leave their captivity?" Katarina reiterated then she said plainly " So they are SLAVES!" Katarina exclaimed.
     Now here Vyakles had turned his attention to their conversation and he spoke to Katarina "No. No." Vyakles rolled his eyes "They are helots. NOT SLAVES!"
     "King Vyakles, you will forgive my saying so.., but a slave by any other name.., is STILL a slave." Katarina said but did not hold her tongue there, adding further "These men and women are not allowed to come and go as they please, they do not, under your law, have the right to live free." here she sighed having made her point, then pushed her half empty plate away from her, saying she no longer had an appetite,  Katarina excused herself from the table, and the presence of the King and Queen, whom were none too pleased by her choice of words, nor her ungracious attitude. "With that, I shall bid you all a goodnight, and take my leave."
     As Katarina turned to head back to her small encampment she heard the strains of strange music and moans coming from the second tent. A curious Katarina went to the side of the structure peeking her head through a small slit, whereupon she spied an all out orgy of men and women enjoined as if one, in a writhing mass of sweaty arms and legs entwined together in a sea of lust and desire. This to Katarina, whom had NEVER seen such a salaciously obscene display, was appalling. However she was frozen in place, just observing, standing there for a moment, or two, longer, her eyes wide, jaw dropped open, as she beheld the most shocking scene of wantonness she had ever seen in her life.
     "Wait until Odessa hears about this." she whispered to herself.
      

More Chapter 9

     However, the preparations for the feast would take a few more hours, so it was Lacuna and Lucia Vega met with the King of Sparta and Thera, who joyously introduced them to her twin children, whom the two had not seen since they were babes in their mother's arms. Lacuna and Lucia Vega marveled at how intelligent and strong the two wee small children were, whom delighted in recalling their first riding lesson from earlier in the morning. Now here Lacuna and Lucia Vega made a grand presentation of gifts and tributes of honor sent by Queen Odessa to the court of the Crimson King, as Odessa like to refer to Vyakles, whose nations colors were that of crimson and scarlet, the color of blood.
     "Here we have four, fine stallions from the Royal Stables of Themiscyra to add to you breeding population of your own stables." Lucia Vega said "With Katarina, Captain of Queen Odessa's Elite Guard, and her warriors." she said as Katarina entered in front of her women who led in the equine beasts into the Great Hall for all to see.
     "Captain Katarina! You honor us with your presence!" Queen Thera spoke in a loud, strong voice "I fought with your sister in battle many times! She was the bravest, most honorable woman I have ever had the pleasure of fighting next to in times of war! Come, embrace me now, so I that I may demonstrate to you the love and affection I hold in my heart for you and your family."
     Katarina gazed over at the woman she knew from years ago, the former Queen and Champion of her Nation, still radiantly beautiful, as though the the hands of time had never touched her face, Thera was the image of magnificence, an ageless vision, her eyes of fiery emeralds, a cascade of copper golden tresses, attired in a sea-green silken gown, crown of golden leaves and laurels, she was in a word.., Resplendent. "Thera." Katarina said in a soft voice barely audible for she herself was overwhelmed in the jubilant Queen's presence. Katarina shook herself from the rapturous spell of Thera, for she had a job to do, so Katarina cleared her throat and said in a clear rich voice that did Thera's heart good to hear "Oh Thera, Queen of Sparta! My mistress, Odessa, Queen of all Themiscyra, bids you hail from across the waters, and sends out a small treasure, from her palace, to add to your trove." Captain Katarina said as she approached the throne where Thera welcomed her into the arms of the Queen, and Katarina lingered there a moment for her Rebel Queen smelled of jasmine and lilacs, her flesh was warm, her breasts softly pressed against her chest so close Katarina could feel the heart of the Queen beating rhythmically with her own.
     "Of all the treasures the Great Queen Odessa has sent to me! Let it be known that you women gathered her to me, from far across the deep blue see, are the finest treasure the World has ever seen!" Thera said smiling going over to all the women in the Elite Guard embracing them tightly sweetly kissing them upon the cheek.
     So the gifts were brought out: 327 large clay pots of rare lavender and acacia honey, and a bounty of cosmetics for the Queen and her ladies; which was: 100 jars of skin balm made of rose petals, myrtle flowers, olive oil and beeswax, an ancient Themiscyran recipe that helps protect the skin from the wind and elements, 300 bottles of kohl, made from charred almonds mixed with almond oil, this protects the eyes from the glare of the sun, and 1000 vials of perfume made of olive oil and frankincense the rarest of all incense on earth. Along with two, seven-week old tiger cubs, one for each of the twins of the King and Queen, this pleased Thera and her children greatly, but Vyakles was none too pleased by the gift of the so called 'tamed' wild beasts. All this, the delighted, Thera took into her possession then she said, as the new horses were being led out of the Great Hall "Come let us go out into the fresh night air and sit together." she invited the small diplomatic party out to the courtyard where King Vyakles, Admiral Vasha, General La Quint, along with Iona, Scotia, Kayla, Amarra, Ia, Johanna, Katara, La Scoffa, and Jessa, together with their husbands, all went out sitting at the long table under the trees, as the storm clouds parted revealing the bright and shining stars over head, where they were served cool water and red wine.
     "Now.., before we seek our pleasure at tonight's feast, let us discus the business of our two Great Nations." Vyakles said as he looked over at Captain Katarina, who appeared very uncomfortable, shifting in her seat. "Tell me, what news do you bring of your Queen?"
     Here Vyakles had hoped for an answer from the blond, blue-eyed, Captain Katarina, but it was Lucia Vega who spoke up "Life for our people has not been easy..," Lucia Vega said pausing with a sigh.
     "Oh aye." Lacuna said shaking her head "The last harvest, our vast crops of wheat were all destroyed, an endless gray mist came up from the sea, infecting all our fields with ergot, a black fungus. The crop was utterly useless, not fit for woman nor beast." Lacuna shook her head.
     "So then the agriculturists planted corn, sent by the pharaoh in Egypt, along with thousands of plants of cotton. The cotton did well in the heat.., but the drought took out our entire crop yield of corn. Then our orchards of limes and lemons were befouled by beetle boring insects..." Lucia Vega said throwing up her hands "Not to mention Sunder, that ruthless bastard King of Thrace! Oh the amount of war he has made against our beleaguered Nation."
     Here Thera sat listening along with her women and indeed their hearts did sink and they felt the dread tales take over them and they themselves were quite shaken "Truly. We, as a nation, feel the gods have conspired against us, forcing our people to suffer beneath the scorn of all things made, both living and dead." Lacuna added.
    Here Katarina became very uneasy for she did not feel it was appropriate to discuss the misfortune of her nation, even though it was the truth "However," Katarina said interrupting "Our walls still stand! We have not.., EVER, been defeated in battle. We, our Nation, struggles, yes.., however.. we still have our allies, and that is why we are here." Katarina said then she felt a rush of blood to her stomach then a strange look came into her eyes as she went pale, she felt, for sure, as if she were about to vomit up the sweet wine she had just imbibed.
    "Captain?" Thera said with much concern "You look quite discomforted."
    "Forgive me please..," Katarina said holding her hand to her belly "My ladies, and I, are not accustomed to traveling by sea. It would appear the journey has gotten the better of me."
     "Come we shall provide you with rest." Thera said as she stood up "Jessa, my physician shall escort you to one of the rooms here in the palace and tend to your needs." said the gracious Queen as Jessa arose to see if she could assist poor Katarina with her malady.
     "No.., thank you, but I.., and my guards, shall retire to our camp, just outside the city." Katarina said as she gave a signal to her women to stand.
     "Nonsense! You are welcome here, in my home, you shall be the honored guests of King Vyakles."
     "Forgive me.., but we have orders from Odessa to camp outside of the city.., and we only obey, OUR Queen." Katarina said with a pretentious bow.
     "Very well." Thera said a bit insulted but nonetheless she smiled and said "When you feel able, come and join the party later."
     Vyakles watched as the Themiscyran Elite Guard departed then he gave an disapproving look to his wife saying plainly "I do not like that one."
     Here Lacuna laughed and told them all gathered at the table "You must forgive our Katarina, for her life is wholly embittered by the fact that she is barren, unable to bring forth any daughters, or sons for that matter.., She is a skilled warrior, but save that one fact, Katarina is, virtually, of no use to our nation." Lacuna informed the shocked group, shocked that Lacuna would speak so freely with her tongue. "So let us not allow her miserable attitude spoil all of our fun." she smiled giving her lover Admiral Vasha a squeeze of the knee under the table as she continued to drink.

Chapter 9 continues

     As promised, Thera bathed the mud, sweat and grime from off of her skin, combing out her long tresses and attiring herself in garments befitting a noble queen, wearing her golden crown she sat next to King Vyakles upon their thrones in the great hall where all gathered there spoke in nervous tones amongst themselves, their voices echoing off the brightly lit chamber late that afternoon. The rain had ceased though the dark clouds remained as thunder rolled over head rumbling loudly over the excited conversations as Queen Thera, with her children at her feet, sat waiting impatiently. King Vyakles had summoned all the women in Sparta of Themiscyran blood sending out news that Vasha had returned with a diplomatic party sent by Queen Odessa of Themiscyra. So Thera along with Iona, Scotia, Kayla, Amarra, Johanna, Ia, La Scoffa, Jessa, and Katara all waited on baited breath alongside their husbands as Haithor, Captain of the King's  Guard, opened up the massive doors of the great hall in a voice as loud as thunder announcing before the court of the Spartan King and Queen "Admiral Vasha returns from Themiscyra!"
     Thera sat up a little straighter on the edge of her seat as she peered out passed the silent people to see. "My King! My Queen!" Vasha came in with his crew beside him, his dark eyes blazing, his skin well tanned and glistening in the light of the oil lamps which burned brightly. "Poseidon has delivered I, and my loyal crew, home safely once more to you. May his name be praised!" here a loud shout came up from the congregants as they were always thankful to the gods and goddesses in their hearts and words when their sailors returned home safe from the dark and ever brooding seas. "I have been sent back to Sparta with a message of greetings and salutations from Odessa, Queen of all Themiscyra!" now it was the women's turn to give up a cheer for their former friend and sister in battle. "She has sent many gifts of tribute with which to honor you, and your Queen." Vasha said as he made a deep bow holding his hand to his chest pointing with his left hand to the open door, where all saw General La Quint enter with a look so joyous, no one had ever seen La Quint so pleased as he escorted two black robed, hooded figures, of whom only there sandaled feet were exposed to the naked eyed, and Thera gave a look of confusion.
     "Odessa has sent us Priestess from the Temple of Artemis?" Queen Thera spoke.
     "No my Queen." La Quint replied with a serious look in his eyes "Queen Odessa, has sent these two envoys to speak on her behalf."
     Now the curious women of Themiscyra stood next to their Spartan husbands trying to get a better look at the anonymous figures as Thera stood to her feet declaring loudly "Speak to me, oh envoys of Themiscyra, show me your face."
     A hush fell over the many gathered their together while they watched as the two figures lifted up their hands pulling back the hoods from off of their faces and when Thera realized who these envoys were she felt herself slowly drawn towards them, moving among the crowd as if she were walking on the bottom of the ocean. "Surely I am dreaming." Thera said to herself in a whisper only heard by her children. Now here Thera gave a shocked look as if these two women standing before her were corpses that had just been resurrected from the dead and newly out of their tombs "Lacuna?" she gasped "Lucia Vega?" Thera said as she approached unsteady, her legs felt weak and Thera fell to one knee, reaching out and up to them in tears of love, and friendship, welling up in her green eyes. For here she saw her long departed sisters of blood and warfare, Lacuna and Lucia Vega, who themselves were so overwhelmed by the Warrior Queen Thera's presence they stood in stunned silence. Then, in an instant, the awed women went over to Thera taking her in their arms,  the three all kneeling together with tears streaming from their bright blue eyes with many compassionate kisses upon the lips and hands, as the trio embrace tightly in a heart warming display of friendship and fellowship. In that warm embrace all the tension and bitter years of loss and separation melted away into the ether and the pain and heartache was gone. Now even the battle scarred Vyakles and the old soldiers of his court all marveled and were touched deeply by this scene of pure human emotion as the long separated friends, whom had known much war and suffering, now rejoiced in reuniting here together again. "My sisters in Life and Death! The gods have ceased their strife and sent you across the raging sea to me! Never did I think to hope, or believe, nor even dream that my eyes would ever see the day when I could look upon your beautiful and shining faces again! May Poseidon and Hera be praised for bringing you safely here so that I may make you welcome in my home! Come, you shall be presented to my husband the King!" Thera said as she wiped away the happy tears from off of her cheeks and the eyes of her beloved Theiscyran sisters "We shall prepare a feast in your honor to celebrate the Everlasting Peace of our two Great Nations!"

Chapter 9 begins

     Now far off to the west, back in Sparta, the sun had just begun to rise but the rays of its light were obscured by a sudden thunderstorm where Vyakles awoke in his warm bed next to his naked queen as the heavy wet drops of rain beat hard upon the red tiled roof of his palace. Vyakles pulled back the red silk sheets exposing the naked flesh of his beloved queen, who was lost in a dream as she slept on her stomach her round, firm backside filling the kings heart and body with great desire. So as Thera slept Vyakles quietly moved over slowly and began kissing the back of her neck softly as he laid himself atop her, whereupon she awoke with a gentle laugh, but did not refuse him, only sliding her legs apart so her amorous husband, the king, could come into her deeply. They both took the time to sate their lustful urges fully, finally collapsing in a heap of sweat and semen upon their matrimonial bed, then as soon as they had arisen they both fell back asleep holding each other tightly as the day came into being.
     The sound of the constant rain kept many too long in their beds that grey morning in Greece but soon Thera had awoke again taking her time in a long bath cleansing her body and slathering lanolin oil and Shea butter into her soft skin, then she gathered up her children feeding them a small breakfast of apples, oatmeal with raisins and goats milk. "Now my little loves.., are you ready for your first riding lesson today?"
     Her daughter Sparta gave up a look of trepidation asking "Will we be riding a pony today?"
     "No, no.., you will both be up on the back of my war horse, Octavius." she informed them both and her son smiled wide with the thrill of getting to ride such a huge and powerful creature, but his twin sister was none too thrilled about the idea and so she told her mother so. "My dearest darling, do not be afraid for the gods have made it rain today and the earth is soft and muddy, and safe, should you fall off. But you must do only one thing today, my daughter, and that is to keep yourself from screaming, no matter how frightened you may become. Can you promise to do this for me?"
     "I may not succeed.., but I promise, I will try not to scream." Sparta said her eyes full of fright mixed with determination.
     "Come then.., and we shall see." Thera said taking her children by their tiny hands leading them from the palace out to the royal stables where she brought out her massive black steed; which towered over the children. Thera ordered the twins to remain calm at all times as she took the horse by the reins bringing it out to the middle of the pasture which was filled with soft wet mud all 'round, her children walked out barefoot following there mother, whom they trusted more than anyone on the face of the earth. "First you, Therakles." she said lifting her son all the way up on the horses bareback "Now hold on to his mane, DO NOT let go." here her boy did as he was told, his eyes were as wide a his smile of sheer delight for Therakles wanted to grow up and be as strong and as brave as his warrior parents and this day marked the very beginning of his introduction into the ways of war. His little four year old heart and mind was overcome with wonder with this new magnificent adventure. However, little Sparta stared up at the giant beast, which she knew could crush her tiny body with one stomp of its hooves, but she had made a promise to her mother not to scream. "Now when I lift you up grab onto your brothers waist with both hands, hold on tight, and don't let go!"
     Now little Sparta had wanted desperately to be brave and make her mother proud of her, but she was sore afraid and no sooner had she sat down on the creatures back she grabbed her brother and seeing, for the first time in her life, how so very high up she was and how so far away from off the ground that the terrified heart of the child cried out with a loud shriek, screaming! Octavius became spooked and reared up tossing the screaming brat off of his back and her tiny fingers lost their grip and she fell, face first into the wet sticky mud, all the wind knocked out of her lungs, with a painful thud. Thera's poor, frightened daughter was uninjured but crying profusely as he brother chided her from atop the war horse, for he had held on to it's mane tightly and he laughed at his little sister who sat there covered in tears and mud. "Sparta! Get up!" Thera said grasping the reins of the beast as she tried to calm the animal down. Then in soft gentle, but firm, voice Thera said calmly "Sparta, stop crying, wipe away the tears from your eyes and come back over here. Now."
     Here Sparta looked up at her mother thinking to herself, surely this woman does not mean to put me back up on the beast, but that is exactly what her mother wanted her to do. So, being the daughter of a queen, she fell in line and pulled herself from out of the sticky mud, wiped away her tears with the back of her hand and she said "I am sorry mother. I will try again, but do tell.., what will happen if I scream once more?"
     "Then Octavius will throw you off his back again, and again, until you calm down, let go of this fright, and get it right."
     "Then I shall save myself the pain and keep my mouth shut." the little girl said and then, summoning up the courage of all the lines of warrior blood coursing through her veins, she let her mother lift her back up once more again, but this time little, clever Sparta actually bit down on her tongue to make sure she kept her mouth shut and she was calm and very brave for a four year old child that day.
     "Excellent my children, you are safe, no harm shall come your way." Thera said as she smiled stroking the horses nose as she said "Now hold on, and give a little kick of your heels to get Octavius moving.., There, good job." Thera said as the pride in her heart welled up so happy was she to carry these babes in her belly and watch them grow from newborns to the fine little children who loved her dearly. So with that Thera led them all over the pasture that afternoon, getting them accustomed to the noble horse and its ways so they themselves might ride off into battle one day.
     "My Queen!" came the voice of one of the servants to the king.
     "Yes?" she answered unaware of the old mans presence
     "King Vyakles sends news.., Admiral Vasha has returned from Themiscyra with a great surprise for you."
     "Our mother does not like surprises." Therakles said peering down at the man.
     "Oh I think your mother, the Queen, will very much enjoy this surprise." he replied with a gleam in his old eyes. "The King requests you to get cleaned up and dressed for court. He shall meet you in the Great Hall in one hour."
     Thera stood there mud up to her knees, hair wet with rain and sweat "Very well, tell my husband I will be there."