Chapter 7 begins

     A short while thereafter, when Queen Sparta had managed to get a few restful hours of sleep in her lessening state of inebriation, a loud rapping came at her chamber door followed by the deep booming voice of Chief Captain Brittas "My Queen! I implore you to arise at once!"
      "What?" she sat up wiping her eyes, disturbed by being aroused from such a placid dream she was having, where she swam, naked, in silver lake bedside purple mountains, under the light of a full blue moon. "Are we at War!?" she shouted through the door under the warmth of her blankets.
     "No your Excellency!" he waited for her to summon him in further.
     "Then go away! Leave me to my rest! And, unless the market place is on fire, pray let me go back to bed!" she exclaimed in exasperation.
     "You have visitors my Queen." Captain Brittas said growing ever impatient, as always.
     "I have summoned no one to come and bring me company on so early a morning!" she replied wondering who it was waiting to see her outside. She fretted it might be Captain Sinos, having changed his mind and come to resign his post.
     "Open the door Officer Sparta!" came the familiar voice of her comrade in arms, La Vada, eldest daughter of Lucia Vega and La Quint, whom had been called upon by Chief Captain Brittas, himself, under his growing duress.
     "Come!" Sparta shouted delighted to know a true friend had wanted to see her.
     Here she saw, not only the tall, blue eyed, raven haired warrior enter but alongside of La Vada, she spied Syndra, a fellow Cavalry Officer, and also a dear friend of her heart, both dressed in their standard short white military tunics and sandals, long hair pulled back into tight little braids, ever ready to don their armor, sword and shield e'er the trumpets of war begin to blow. Such was the readiness of the warrior class.
     "My blessed Queen!" Syndra, only daughter of Lacuna and Vasha, spoke smiling and in good cheer, as always, saying "My Queen, let us bring in some light for hard it is to see you in all your radiant splendor!" she said her topaz eyes sparkling as she went over to the dark window, throwing back the curtains as bright spring sunshine flooded the darkened chamber, where Syndra gazed out at the view of the columned courtyard covered with pink bougainvillea, birds a twitter in the branches overhead where olives hung plump from the trees.
     "Close the door Captain Brittas, pray send out some breakfast forth from the kitchen, for I find myself hungry, making sure there is enough for my best and dearest friends." here Brittas did as instructed and as soon as he shut the door Sparta tossed back the blankets uncovering her nakedness, she stood smiling saying "Syndra, hand me my robe. Then we shall sit and visit for a moment." the delight in her noble heart grew as Queen Sparta had not seen much of the two lately since her quick ascension to the Laconian Throne. For it was these two brave warriors whom rode out with her in battle, clashing with the Macedonians over her father's body. For it was Syndra and La Vada whom had fought off the horde long enough for Sparta to retrieve the corpse of King Vyakles, her father, safely away, out of the hands of their enemy. So it was, she embraced them both tightly, kissing them upon the lips quickly as they sat next to her. "I am so thankful to the gods for bringing you both here thusly here to the Palace today!"
     "We are both most happy to see you, our brave and noble Queen! Yet we shall not waste your time, for your responsibilities are many.., but, I must confess, there is a grave matter of importance that we, both, have come forth to see you for a certain reason, my friend and Royal Lady." Officer Syndra spoke softly in a serious tone.
     "Well, of course, you require my assistance in some manner.., pray tell me, how may I be of aide?" she asked not knowing the full, personal, scope this discussion would entail.
     "Many of the citizenry have growing concerns, as there are whispers and rumors swirling about the city, and therefore we, ourselves, have come to see with our own eyes, hear with our own ears, so that we may have a clear understanding of the state of mind of your spirit and body." Syndra explained with all the loving kindness of a true friend.
     Queen Sparta only sighed, rolling her eyes saying "What rumors, of what are my people gossiping NOW?"
     "'Tis merely the wives of the Oligarchs who complain to their husbands that you are wanton to drink too much, share too close of company with your Personal Guard. They believe you consort too much with foreign dignitaries." La Vada said plainly.
     "And what do you believe, La Vada?" Queen Sparta directed her question immediately.
     "Why.., I believe the Queen of Sparta should do as she please." her good friend answered in all honesty; something Sparta prized highly.
     "Your words are well chosen." Sparta laughed slapping La Vada on her firm thigh. "As for you, dearest friend, Syndra, tell me the opinion of your mind."
     Syndra, sitting ever erect, turned her head looking up at the Queen's shield, spear, and sword hanging upon the wall next to her bow, above a long table containing her helmet, armor, gauntlets, greaves. "I believe a warrior Queen ought to live every moment of her life, both day and night, ready, and fully prepared, to commit to fight in battle." she pasued then turned her full gaze upon her Royal Monarch stating "We, in the Military, rarely see you at the garrison continuing your daily training, nor have I been witness to you investing any time at the gymnasium." Here Syndra stood going over to the wall, lightly touching the string of the bow with her fingertips, then she turned casting her full gaze back upon Sparta, who sat hunched over pulling her robe around her shoulders "Pardon the freedom of my speech, dearest friend, my comrade in arms, my Warrior Queen, but as I look upon you now I see you have put on weight and appear to have lost some of your muscular tone and, dare I say, a little of your legendary strength?"
     Queen Sparta's face changed to that of astonished shock, and embarrassment, as she clutched at her robe covering up a large portion of her body "Why Syndra, hush the words of your mouth for they are like a slap in the face to my senses!"
     "Why I mean not to offend.., but perchance, open up your eyes a little to the truth of the matter. The TRUTH; which I know you hold more valuable, nay more precious, than gold." Syndra explained gently holding her hand with the deepest look of sympathy and understanding in her amber eyes.
     "Dear Friend, pray tell me, when was the last time you even put on your uniform?" La Vada interceded "Can you even still fit into it?" La Vada laughed, however the Queen was not amused!
     "You over step the mark La Vada!" Sparta hissed. "How dare you come here and confront me like this! How dare you tell me the truth!" she snapped then, realizing what she had just said, only could laugh at herself.
     "Come now, tell me in all honesty how long has it been since you shot an arrow? Can you, even still, string a bow?" here this question sent the Queen's eyes afire with anger then Syndra spoke softly "Please, I only wish to bring this predicament to your attention and I do not wish, nor choose to cause you any offense."
    "I do not take offense by your words, for I know no offense was given. For there is much sincerity in the truth of your words, and everything that you say is true." Sparta sighed, for the deep grief she had suffered through, at the loss of her father, had affected her in more ways than she knew. So she stood  and began pacing the floor telling them "I have been troubled much.., and found great comfort in food and wine and harmless flirtations.., all, if only, to ease my fragile mind and restless soul."
     "Ah, Queen Sparta, let your heart be not restless, for you are the sole Captain of your life, that precious ship, that you must take care to steer clear of the rocks." La Vada spoke in the colorful way she was apt to; which Sparta adored. "Let us settle the matter of this discussion with a wager."
     "What game of Gambit do you wish to challenge me?" Sparta asked intrigued always one to love a good bet.
     "I wager you can not string this bow." La Vada said taking the Queen's weapon off the wall, whereupon she, herself, rested the end of it on the floor at her sandaled feet, using the strength of her hands and arms, bending down, with enormous force, the stiff ash as it gave out small audible creaks of distress, as she unhooked the taut string, unfastening the instrument of death and then handing it over to Sparta to re-string.
     "If I, for the sake of your argument, CAN string this bow, upon your request.., what then?" she asked hesitating. "What do I get?"
     "We shall come here and trouble you no further, only lovingly supporting you, and everything you stand for or wish to destroy, in your Royal endeavours, both public and private for as long as you so shall live."
     "If I CANNOT? What do you two win?"
     "If you cannot, then we win the chance to have you come and meet with us, in one hour, at the Steria, where we shall practice our skills with sword and shield, bow and arrow." here this was a playful challenge, to go back to the arena at the Themiscyran Military Academy, where La Vada and Syndra had only graduated from three years prior, and Queen Sparta, herself, having successfully completed ten years of training having also graduated nearly five years hence. "We can put on a demonstration for the young cadets, let them see how a Queen defends herself when challenged."
     "I accept, however.., there is only one caveat. When I string this bow, here and now, you must go running naked through the city streets, and fetch me back a green apple from the marketplace." she laughed.           Whereupon Sparta set the end of the bow down, taking the straight stiff shaft of ash and pushing down with all her might, to try and make the bow bend thusly to the floor, so that she might slip that thin hemp and linen string up and over the notch. She struggled mightily, every muscle in her arms quivering, as she shook with little tremors, her face turning a bright shade of red, as loud sounds issued forth up from her mouth, like that of cow struggling in deep wet mud. It was clear the three months of fine foods and endless kraters of strong wine had reduced her strength to that of half of what a warrior's should be. No, Queen Sparta would not string the bow, nor would she see her two young friends go running naked through the streets today. "GRRR!" she shouted throwing the weapon upon the stone floor exclaiming loudly "I give up! You have won your victory!"
     Here a loud knock came upon her chamber door Captain Sinos calling out hearing the noise and shouts "My Queen! Are you in any need? For your hand maidens bring forth fruits and food."
     "Come!" Sparta sat back on the bed as her friends stood arms crossed over there chest taking  no satisfaction in finding their Queen, and fellow Warrior, in such poor physical condition. "As for you, La Vada, Syndra, go and await my arrival at the Steria, I shall dust off my sword and shield and meet you there presently, where we shall endeavor to retrain my body in the ways of the warrior."

End Chapter 6

     Now Sinos was in a deep, peaceful sleep filled with warmth and comfort in the close company of his beloved friend, and Queen, it was with great consternation that he opened up his eyes holding that dear, sweet lady in his strong arms, for, like this, he wished to remain forever there, by her side. "Yes, I am awake."
     "We must hurry, arise and go forth to the Palace at once." she whispered "Now see that my night watchmen are still posted at the entryway presently., call for my chariot from Lacuna's stable." she spoke in whispered words as not to arouse those that were in the grasp of drunken slumber by the dawns early light in the dimly lit room, Vasha curled up on his couch with his dogs for warmth beside the dying fire. Here Sparta stood too quickly as a rush of blood from her head led her to swoon, her stomach ill effected by too much food and strong drink. "Alas, my dear fellow, be a good friend, help me to stand for my belly churns and my brain feels swollen, or shrunken, I can no longer tell." Sinos stood to his feet holding her up, wrapping the soft grey blanket around her like a hooded cloak, as they tiptoed out of the andron, quietly creeping from the house of Vasha and Lacuna.
     So it came to pass Queen Sparta and Captain Sinos stepped outside into the grip of the cold night air beneath a heaven of stars just as dawn was breaking as they staggered to their rest. The Queen's four guards, ever present, mounted their steeds, saying nothing of the appearance of their much non-sober Royal Monarch as Captain Sinos climbed up into the golden chariot, assisting Queen Sparta and holding her, preventing her from falling off, as the group rode out at a quickening pace through the streets of the sleeping city. Where cocks began their early morning crowing at first sight of the bright sun as the sky turned from a deep purple to an ever brightening shade of turquoise blue.
     Now, when they had arrived, shortly thereafter, back at the palace overlooking the whole of the Spartan Plain, Queen Sparta felt quite dizzy from the bumpy ride and she bade Sinos carry her in his arms, all under the watchful eyes of Brittas, Chief Captain of the Palace Guards, who began a little crowing himself saying to Captain Sinos in harsh tones "What is this Captain Sinos!? You return at this hour with our Queen who appears grievously ill!"
     "Not ill my lord." Sinos spoke in a clear calm voice which did Sparta's heart good to hear "'Tis nothing more than strong drink which has made her appear thus so."
     "This is most unbecoming of a Royal Queen! Why, pray tell, did you allow her to have so much to drink?" he asked in all astonishment.
     "Why to command the behavior of a Queen, nay of anyone of Royalty, would be like ordering an army to march against the sea, a sheer act of insanity." he scoffed walking into the warm halls of the palace.
     "Even still, we are men, wanton to drink, our Queen is a Royal Lady and this behavior is most unbecoming." he bristled.
     "Why sir, if I may speak freely.., Our Queen is want to drink more like a man.., and less so, than a lady. And we must not forget to remember she was once a feisty Officer of the Cavalry."
     At this remark Sparta pricked up her ears, picking her head from off his shoulder as she opened her eyes saying to them with all the seriousness of a pit viper "You know.., I can hear every word you speak!"
     "MY QUEEN!" Brittas exclaimed happy to see his Liege conscious once again "What might I bring forth for you, to help ease your suffering."
     "MY BED! Captain Brittas! Either fetch my bed to the corridor, or allow my dearest friend Sinos to carry me forth to my bedchamber without any further delay!" she said her head aching at her shouting.
     Whereupon Captain Sinos did carry away Queen Sparta forth, bringing her to her quiet bedchamber, setting her down upon the comfort of Sparta's plush warm bed. Here he fetched his dear, drunken friend some cold water to drink giving, her a few spoonfuls of honey for the benefit of her stomach, as the nightwatchmen were eager for a changing of the guard so they might return, soon, to their small rooms in the palace for some much needed rest, but as the day guards, when they arrived for duty, showed up with one less, for Captain Sinos remained, for almost an hour, in the privacy of the Queen's bedchamber, wherein the guards heard no noise or odd sounds so they ignored the turn of events, as they had done before. Now, inside the dimly lit room, Sparta lie on her back staring up at Sinos who felt his heart melt as his blood raced through his veins, filling his mind with lustful intentions feeling the caress of the wine fueling his burning desire to possess her naked flesh, if only so for an hour.
     "Sinos, come, sit here beside me, give my lonely soul a little comfort with the words of your mouth, will you speak to me once more, those purple prose, the kind words you have said before unto me?" she asked in a voice so sweet and kind a little honey dripping from the corner of her lips.
     Sinos took in a deep breath, the skin of his muscular arms chilled, then slowly he sat beside his Queen gazing into her emerald eyes, brushing a long soft strand of silken hair off her cheek whispering "I want to hold you close, your sweet flesh pressed against me tight, I want to taste your skin, feel your heart beat beneath your naked breast, lie still close your eyes now." he said and in doing so he kissed her deeply the warmth of her wet lips, her gentle tongue a surge of electricity filling their entire bodies and she felt like her very being was melting down into the bed and she kissed him madly, deeply, and as they embraced each other tightly Sparta pulled him atop of her sinuous body as he said "Oh the love I feel for you has been generated in my heart, all this time, and you are my one true desire! I shall never be satisfied with anyone or anything! Oh, I PRAY, if only you would allow me to come into you fully in the Spirit of Love! Give my poor tortured heart ease, My Queen! Say that you would MARRY ME!"
     Here Queen Sparta's entire body tensed up with his plea, as she paused, looking into his excited eyes and with a heavy look of sadness she spoke saying "Dearest, sweetest, Sinos, my friend, my lover, my faithful and most loyal servant.., I WOULD MARRY YOU! In a heartbeat! Alas, we are from a different, SEPARATE CLASS, and an official union of our marriage CAN NEVER BE!" she sighed wiping a tear from her eye, then she kissed him on the cheek, stroking his short black hair. "You know I can not be your bride, for you are not of royal blood, nor a member of the Military Elite. For this fact we can never marry."
     "But you are the ruling Queen of this Nation, surely you can..,"
     "I am bound by the laws of Heritage and Tradition.., therefore our union , and all of our children, would not ever be recognized in any official capacity, legal or otherwise, afforded no civil rights." she said as he got up off of her, sitting now at the edge of her bed arms crossed over his chest, she rubbing his back leaning her chin upon his shoulder saying "Worry your heart over this no longer.., and be in good cheer with me, for it shall be years before I force myself into the restrictive bonds of matrimony for the sake of a legitimate heir. So we shall find plenty of time to play together for a little while longer, at the very least."
      "I long to be your husband, and not your play thing." Sinos averting his gaze.
      "Ah, Sinos, come let us be friendly towards one another in our persuasion." she squeezed his hand in hers.
      Sinos felt exasperated more than inebriated for he knew, and fully understood, the circumscribed world of laws and husbandry they lived in, and he was born to a lower class of citizenship then his Queen, whom he worshiped like a denizen. Yet, even still, his heart did not understand, nor was able to perceive, nor recognize this simple fact, for the love he held, within his aching heart, for Queen Sparta was quite painful at times to endure, pains that felt like he had been stabbed in the chest with a sharp two edge knife that sliced both ways in multiplicity. "Then there is nothing left for me to say, and I shall speak of the matter of marriage with you no further." he said in a voice as soft as a bird his face turning a whiter shade of pale, with a far off gaze as if he had just been witness to a long dead spirit passing through the thick stone wall "Allow me then, Oh Queen of Sparta, to return to my room and prepare for my post, for I have been made to be late from my duties as Captain of your Personal Guard, and do not wish to set a bad example to my men, or be seen to have been in dereliction of my duties. For my responsibility is great, and I must be on my way." then he stood facing her standing at attention ever the loyal soldier.
     Queen Sparta sat there looking up at her handsome, heartbroken friend and she stood to meet him eye to eye, for they were both six feet tall just one of the many things they had in common. She placed her hands upon her hips shaking her head. "You shall be dismissed Captain when you have vowed to me that you shall carry forth no anger towards me in your heart or mind. Loving me fully in obedient Faith, Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor." then she stood erect, her arms crossed over her chest, with the imposing stare of a tiger about to leap.
     "I have pledged my life and my sacred honor to serve the Royal House of Themiscyra, to give up my mortal flesh in the sole protection of the Daughter of Queen Thera and Heir of King Vyakles, I have vowed and taken oaths to keep you, Queen of Sparta, safe and in full protection, so that no harm shall come your way." he spoke with more of a tone of a military man and less a friend.
     "Your words are well chosen and well spoken Captain Sinos.., and to you my entire realm is confidently invested and indebted." then she placed her hands upon his shoulders and with a calm look of clarity she asked him "Pray tell me Sir, as for me, myself.., do you have any words of advice?"
     "Only one thing. Rule Sparta. RULE!" with that he was dismissed and returned to his post and Sparta washed her face, removed her wine stained clothes and curled up, naked, in her massive bed, cold and alone again, for the thousandth time, Queen Sparta tried to go to sleep but her thoughts kept her mind focused on the haunting nightmare of matrimony.

More Chapter 6

          "Now I have thought much on this matter, for an heir to throne is of utmost importance.., Yet I, myself, am not quite ready to breed and bring forth children into this world, at this point in time. For I have the need to fight again in battle, being an humble and honest soul, I can claim that I am a far better Cavalry Officer than I could ever be a wife, for I have yet to master the Domestic Life!" here laughter erupted from the drunken party and none laughed harder than the Queen herself, then she said in a serious tone, her eyes turning as sharp as a hawk, once again in a far off gaze, as if her pressing thoughts were some far distant prey, and thusly she drew them all into the crux of her conversation continuing in her discourse "So, by these thoughts I have been consumed, for the sake of our nation and the lineage of the Laconian and Themiscyran Throne there must be an heir apparent.., Whereby I have entreated to these many foreign prince's to come proclaim and lay claim to a betrothal betwixt their Royal Sisters and our good King Therakles..," she paused happy to know she could speak freely amongst the company of her friends as Sinos sat at the end of her couch already knowing the words she would speak. "For you are all close to my family, and are fully aware, and feel the chaos of my brothers mind.., however, this most crucial endeavor, might, if we can find the right, ripe, sweet and oh so Royal a bride we can find.., this might perchance help to ease the great stress of tension he labors under like the weight of a mountain upon his shoulders. Let us find him a wife, lest this Volcano of a man erupt in an uncontrollable rage of fire!"
     "Yes, dearest Sparta, of this I agree." Vasha said, and in her drunken state she observed him thusly as he was, for ages ago, when he was 20 years younger, he was strident like a tiger, commanding the fleets of King Vyakles, and now as Queen Sparta watched him in the flickering light she saw how time and age had worked against him. For, now, Vasha, a man like a father unto her, resembled more of an old bear than a young tiger, broad shouldered, unruly black and white hair, long beard, meaty hands that resembled paws, but Queen Sparta loved him just the same. He was saying "Perhaps the charms and delights of a foreign princess might help to tame the savage heart of our brave and noble king."
     "Of what you speak, everyone sees.., however, she must not just have a pretty face, warmth and grace, our dearest King's bride must have a bit of care to love him, being ever sweet and gentle unto his savage heart, and mind, to worship and sacrifice beside him holding steadfast to our religion, to be a good and faithful companion, to sit with him 'til old age, trusting in truth and love." she spoke thinking how stupid an idea this was for her to find a woman suitable to the task, for to find such a woman would be like finding a dog that could speak, VERY RARE! So to find a princess, of royal lineage, who could tolerate the anxious mind of her brother, was like finding a dog that could speak Egyptian.., EVEN RARER!
     "It is good King Therakles is in his position, for he can well afford the variety of selection of maidens, for most men are given few options in a wife, requiring only a pretty face and hips wide enough to bear our enormous babies!" Vasha laughed along with those all gathered there.
     "Truer words were never spoken!" Queen Sparta said with little giggles, pinching his rosy cheek "However, I have gone to great lengths to reach out to those nations friendly to our throne, entreating those foreign princes you have witnessed coming and going from the palace. They have brought news of their sisters the princesses of Illyria, Dardina, Crete, Minos, Tyros and Rome whom have all declared their intentions of pledging their troth, and maidenheads, unto our King. I have sent for 3 princesses of the region to be presented to my brother, whom returns shortly from his long journey, having sought council at Delphi from Apollo's Oracle."
     "Have you set your mind on the most profitable selection?" Vasha inquired sitting up a little on the edge of his seat at the news.
     "Why yes, there is one who has peaked my interests." she replied with a smile.
     "Do tell." Sinos asked as all the men themselves were quite intrigued.
     "Here name is princess Giana, youngest daughter of the Emperor of Rome. She is only 18 and is said to be as beautiful as Aphrodite with eyes that sparkle like sapphires."
     "A Roman?" came the response, as Rome and Greece had no formal relations, save only in the trade of goods, for the Greeks sent out wheat and the Romans sent back their exquisite wines.
     "Aye, a noble Roman princess, to bring forth a royal heir to the Laconian throne. Why so serious.., in your reaction, due you all still harbor those ancient prejudices against our Western cousins?"
     "No your worship, it is just.., your brother." Vasha shook his head rubbing his beard.
     "My brother, pray old man.., speak to me the truth of your heart and mind." Queen Sparta spoke plainly staring into the old eyes of Vasha, who would have been her father but King Vyakles pushed himself in and ordered Vasha out during the time of the, one and only, breeding campaign between Sparta and Themiscyra. So she knew he would speak his mind freely.
     "Our dearest King, your brother, Therakles is consumed with the study, and practice, of our sacred religion and the Romans.., well.., they prefer to turn their minds to the advancement of architecture, geometry, astronomy, the sciences of mystery, new technologies in ship building, war machines, they look upon our Ancient Religion as mere.., superstitious beliefs. This could prove a difficult match indeed."
     "Well said.., however, the truth of the matter is, I believe, from what I have learned of this sweet, young thing, I believe he can convert her to his way, our way, of thinking." she said giving that clever smile of hers that reminded Vasha of his dear friend Thera, whom he loved deeply and would have sired many children upon her, alas, the Fates had not destined their love to be.
     "Of what do you speak?" the other drunken men sitting nearby inquired, for all were much intrigued by her speech.
     "You see, my dear fellows, she is the last, in along line, of the Emperor's daughters, whom have all married well and far outshine her socially, the princess is, from what I have learned,  partial to vanity and would love nothing more in life to obtain the prestige she wishes to achieve, by gaining the title of Royal Queen Consort to the King. This would fulfill her desire to fill her sister's hearts with much envy. We can afford her all the pomp and circumstance of the luxurious life of Royal Person living in the Palace. Yet of course, we have a great selection of earnest brides. However..," she paused " if Phillip has the mind to conquer the world, as I truly believe he does, then an alliance with the might of Rome combined with the strength of our Spartan Warriors, could prove most beneficial for the defense of the Peloponnese. Ah.., but of all this, we shall speak of further tomorrow.., when my head is not swimming with wine, and now I find my glass empty! Come we must remedy this at once and we shall drink up! And put down all talk of the perilous subject of marriage! For even the VERY THOUGHT of it makes my stomach churn and my pulse made to quicken." she laughed as she sat back sitting close to Sinos who put his arm around her as she sighed.
     "How now then dearest Queen.., have you no interest in marriage?" Vasha said loudly as all the intoxicated men in the room hushed to hear their young beautiful Queen's reply.
      "How can I ever marry when the Love of my Life, already has a Wife!" Sparta shouted as she leaned over and gave Vasha a wet kiss on the lips, and all were made to roar with laughter as another krater of strong wine was opened. So the talking was ceased by more drinking and at this point in the evening Sparta's memory became a bit hazy. It was not until the wee hours of the morning when she awoke to find herself cuddled up on the couch with Sinos, underneath the warmth of a soft woolen blanket, just as the first few rays of dawns early light was slowly breaking.
     "Sinos." she said in a hushed whisper shaking him "We must return to the Palace at once!"
     

Chapter 6 begins

     King Therakles had been gone for nearly 20 days and the time and space between Sparta and her brother did much to enliven her mood for she found she had more freedom in his absence to enjoy her nights. For it was true she needed much instruction on the art of having a good time. So it came to pass on one spectacular clear night with warm winds blowing up from the hot African desert over the Mediterranean when Lacuna and Vasha invited her and few of close friends to a drinking party to celebrate the arrival of Spring.
     Now it was not customary for women to attend these 'symposia', as they were called, however, our dear Royal Queen Sparta was not like the genteel women of the city's elitist class, and her behaviour was the stuff of every good wife's nightmare. For in their Queen they saw the face of her mother, Queen Thera, that defiant, independently fierce, witty, intelligent female, who was just as beautiful as she was sexually alluring. So much so, she left not only the men with a blush to their cheeks, but the women as well. Queen Sparta had been allowed, through her military prowess and success on the battle field, to liberate herself from the structure of daily life that kept so many Greek women, of the Peloponnese, house-bound, unseen and unheard. Though the women of Sparta had a bit more freedom than say their Athenian sisters, they still had no rights to vote, own property or a business. However these rules were bendable to the will of the daughters of the Themiscyran Nation, for all had proven themselves in military service to their adoptive nation, and they were considered equal to the men they fought alongside.
     Yet, of course, there were the scandal mongers, whispers of her association with foreign princes, and courtesans, both male and female, that had come to visit her at the palace in her brothers absence. So the rumors grew and swelled with each telling of the lurid tales of gossip. It was spread that she, Queen Sparta, was over-sexed, though she, herself, had never let any man, nor woman, to come into her bed, or otherwise. And those that did have the exquisite pleasure of her company, could, and would attest, that to share even the briefest conversation with such an incandescent and charming a presence was to fall immediately under her spell. For Queen Sparta had the rare gift; which only few women possessed, this was the talent for making a man feel more like the self-important animal he could be. In this she was always well able to hold her own in the company of men. So much so that many scholars and philosophers traveled a great distance to her humble court, along with their students, to witness the demanding conversationalist whom they all could easily engage in dialogue, of any subject be it history, music, poetry, strategies of war, etc.. So it was she went about securely in the deep admiration, and constant discussion, of her people, all eyes would follow her where ever she went. So it stood that unlike normal Greek ladies, Queen Sparta had been invited to many symposia in the absence of the king, where there her intellect was appreciated just as much as her beauty and charm. So she happily agreed to attend looking forward to the event.
     On this evening, when the daily duties and task of running a nation were set aside for the night, and Sinos had turned the command of the guard over to the nightwatchmen of the Queen, the two were seen strolling, arm and arm, on this moonlit night. As they passed the early evening hours in quiet conversation along the columned courtyards of the palace, they would sit, side by side, at the long table under the ancient olive trees where the happy couple lingered over dinner discussing matters of religion and stately affairs along with any pressing issues of the day in the flickering light of the oil lamps underneath the starry sky. Then the time came to depart for the house of Lacuna and Vasha and much excitement filled her heart for these drinking parties were a welcome distraction from  her duties as a Royal Queen and as Commander over the Armies and Navy. The symposia gave her a chance to come together with close friends and comrades in arms and join in, what were sure to be, a lively discussion.
     So it was, just after dusk, Sinos accompanied Queen Sparta in her chariot arriving at the large house whereupon entering Vasha, as master of the house, slipped off her sandals, leaving them at the door as he washed her feet, for twas the custom to treat the guest of honor in this fashion. Here she was led into the 'andron', the main room set aside for the party, where couches were laid out so the celebrants could easily recline comfortably, two to a couch, and converse with ease, however, Queen Sparta as the honored guest and Royal Person sat on a large cushioned covered couch alone, so that she might bid anyone of her choosing to sit on the end of the couch briefly. Lavish trays of food were presented as everyone sat together greeting one another and Sparta took great delight in tossing bits of meat to the master's dogs, who were allowed to freely roam the room eating up all the scraps that fell from the drunken laps of the noisy guests. Here, as the laughter and talk ensued, and the wine and water flowed, naked female dancers, hired especially for the occasion, entertained the men and the few women gathered there, but this was merely for fun and none had come to seduce anyone of them into sins of the flesh, but moreover to provide comfort to those revelers who would over indulge later on in the evening.
     Queen Sparta was delighted to see the full fresh blush upon Sinos' face as the naked women swayed their large round breast in his face, tickling the end of his nose with their erect nipples. Vasha and his wife Lacuna were filled with happiness as all they had invited took great pleasure in each other's company, forgetting all the cares and worries of the world outside the doors. The cheerful smiles of their beloved Queen Sparta, whom was like a daughter unto Vasha and Lacuna, did their hearts good to see. Now Vasha, as master of the house, ordered his servants to put away the lavish trays of food, now mostly devoured, as the serious drinking was to commence, so away with the food and erudite conversation, for there were to be no distractions. Here Vasha excused several guests who were under the age of 20, along with all the female guests, save for Queen Sparta as he placed garlands of flowers upon the heads of the remaining guests, some 7 others. Then he ordered krater after krater of wine to be poured. So it was as they all drank, more and more, they all spoke less and less, until such a time as they all combined their voices together in song, singing "DRINK WITH ME! PLAY MUSIC WITH ME! LOVE WITH ME! BE MAD WITH ME, WHEN I AM MAD! BE WISE WITH ME, WHEN I AM WISE!" in such an out of tune tumult which caused even the dogs to howl to hear, and the servants of the house were made to roar with laughter.
     "Be wise with me!" Queen Sparta said her eyes wet with tears of laughter then a serious look came to her face "For it is your wisdom I seek, my dearest friends, who have come here to celebrate with me."
     "Why, dearest Sparta, of what do speak?" Vasha asked setting his hand on her knee, his old eyes sharp and discerning even still.
     "Why, I feel it is time we think of a suitable marriage for our good King Therakles."
     "Well, at least we are all drunk enough to have the topic of marriage breached." Vasha said slapping her thigh.

End Chapter 5

     "You, my dearest brother, after what manner we have been made to suffer together, even so, my faith is not shaken, for I, myself, have worshipped with you all Seasons, serving our gods and goddesses with all humility of mind and many tears, and much temptations; which befell me in wantonness. Through common sense, and surety of heart that the gods hath protected our lives, and thereby my faith is assured, most blessed and highly favored of those to whom we bow down to, on bended knee, in worship. So it has come to pass that I, myself, have come to be anointed before all the people, by the glory of the Fates, finding favor by my birthright unto the gods we worship. Yet now, YOU.., my beloved brother, come out, all this way, to try and persuade me to believe that I, myself, have been found lacking in your eyes." here Sparta only shook her head, arms crossed over her chest, the full fresh blush of exasperation rising to her cheeks, like a heated fever, as she continued to speak "So it is.., you worship daily at the altars of the gods and goddesses, of your choosing. You make your sacrifice, and your burnt offerings, in endless numbers, far exceeding any amount I could ever hope to accomplish. So in this instance you find yourself better, in closer proximity to the gods than I." then came a look upon her face that was as cruel as the grave and cut deep into his noble heart "Am I not as good and as faithful a servant to our beliefs and religion as you? I have kept back nothing from you.., my darling sweetheart, nothing neither spiritually, nor physically, from you, that was not profitable to you in my prayers. Openly and freely, even through perilous times, and the nay saying of your own voice. Have you so little faith in me, my dearest beloved brother? Am I no longer worthy of your praise, and gentle love? After all I have been made to suffer through, am I not to behold the pleasure of your pleasant moods, kind words and sweet self, whom has loved me all these long years so. For my heart and mind have been made to agonize in this anguish of uncertainty too much.., and all I have in the world, that means anything to me.., is you."
     Here the embittered heart of the mighty king melted like wax over a flame, for now, truly, he saw the perilous depths of infinite sadness in his dear sister's eyes and in that soft moment of silence he understood, at long last, the depth of the division between them, so, to keep the peace, he vowed to himself to speak of this not one word more. So he held his sister in his arms, holding her close, feeling the rapid beating of her heart through her clothing and he said "Fear not, the hold of this occult.., that fascinates me, for I hold fast to my religion for only one reason." Therakles rested his head upon her shoulder.
     "Pray tell.., what is the reason?" Sparta asked intrigued.
     "It is the one thing, the only thing, that helps to calm the storm of endless chaos in my mind." he spoke freely and honestly for it was true Therakles was often plagued by dire thoughts and resplendent moods not of his creation.
     "Oh my dearest brother, blood of my blood, love of my love, I know your troubles, and in this I sympathize. However, I bid you go on your journey of pilgrimage to Delphi, accompanied by your ephors, priests, scholars, scribes and concubines. Enjoy your time in the sun, swim naked in the deep blue sea. For I have a good reason for staying behind."
     "For what purpose?" he kissed her cheek.
     "Oh my dearest, only brother, do not trouble me with your questions, for I have a glorious surprise in mind for you, oh sweetest and best of your kind."

More Chapter 5

     There her brother stood fully vexed, eyes wide, nostrils flared with a deep furrowed brow which he wore upon his forehead like a frown as he stated "You can not just up and leave the city without notifying me of your intent!"
     "What for? I cleared this private time with the Minister of Protocol and have made my whereabouts know to Captain Brittas, I am here in the company of my guards, as you have seen. Perhaps I am at fault.., for I had not taken into consideration that you believe the Queen must seek the King's permission to travel a short distance from our homeland."
     "It is not my permission that is required, I am only concerned with your safety and well being." her brother retorted.
     Here Queen Sparta's guards, out of sight of the King, overhearing clearly, felt slighted and insulted, for the safety, security and protection of their Queen was their skilled profession, of which they were highly trained. Sparta herself felt the insult to her men and she responded thusly saying "Surely you do not suggest my men are incompetent or lacking in their duties or loyalty?"
     "No, no..," he sighed not able to express himself more clearly.
     "Then, pray tell me brother, why are you so troubled, perhaps you would prefer that we were joined at the hip so I would never leave your side." his sister laughed, yet her brother was, sorely, not amused and the scowl on his face was further proof. "Tut, tut, surely you understand I speak only in jest." Sparta smiled trying to lighten up the mood. "For what true reason have you come to find me? Or have you ridden, all these long hours in the saddle, out here just to admonish me from riding, all these long hours in the saddle, out here?"
      "I am preparing a ship for you and I to travel on pilgrimage to Delphi, to seek guidance from the Oracle and her Ephors. For I am excited and desirous to know what the future holds. WE shall make a six week journey together, to seek favor from Apollo at his temple. In hopes of good omens." he paused seeing no excitement in his sisters bright green eyes as she stood hands on hips in frustration, so he asked plainly "Or could it be.., you no longer have any interest in the mysteries of life, and our future together?"
      So it was, Religion was a sore subject between the two, and without hesitation his sister said in a judgemental tone "Oh you, and your sacred mystics, many of whom practice curious, dark arts, who pour over those books of mystery of whom you hang on every word they impart, seeking signs through blood sacrifice and burnt offerings. You busy yourself, night and day, focused solely on divining the future. Whereas my concern lies with the might of military victories here and now. You choose to console yourself, your grief, with your priests and ephors.., that is your choice, I choose to decide to console myself with my vast Army and War." she looked into his dark eyes stroking his newly grown beard, telling him "You live to worship, I live to fight." she gently smiled whispering "You have become obsessed with the Cult of Apollo and Artemis.., or can it be the beautiful young acolytes of the temple you find to your Holy delight?"
     "Oh, dearest sister, do not put my soul to torture, let us be of one heart and mind." he took her hand in his, her long copper colored hair blowing gently across her shoulders.
     "You rely too much on the intervention of the gods, my brother. I ask.., do not our citizens, each single one of them, man and woman, are they not able to show themselves as the rightful ruler, and owner, of their person, and do so, moreover, with exceptional grace and versatility? So, it is true, amongst our people, that so worship, and believe in the gods and goddesses, as we have all been taught.., then pray tell me, to whom do the gods themselves believe?"
     Her brother Therakles smiled sweetly with this reply."Why my dearest, darling, sweetheart, they believe in you." then he kissed the back of her hand.
     To which she continued on her discourse "Go on your journey, yet I will stay a little while, for you must go and satisfy the thirst you have for knowledge of the future, I can not concern myself with this mystery which compels you thusly. While I prefer to live in the time and events of now. I prefer to observe the sacredness of the present moment, my thoughts do not turn to the contemplation of signs and omens. Strange it is, you focus your thoughts upon divination, kneeling at the silver shrines of even the littlest goddess, spilling blood upon golden altars." Sparta sighed, for her worship was at the unadorned altar in the temple dedicated to the Unknown God, he was a Mystery Deity to the Greeks, unnamed, yet powerful, Over Lord of the Fates and Destiny. Without a huge following, save for a tiny cult loyal to his worship, and caretakers of his temples. So it was to him, that Sparta surrendered her prayers and cares and concerns for the future, trusting in his divine decision. All left in the hands of the God that she knew not, yet worshiped faithfully, so that she might live her life free of worry and regrets for the future and the past.
     Yet her dearest, learned brother, preferred for her to worship alongside him in the temples of his choosing, for the gods he worshiped were far more illustrious and glamorous, dwelling in their opulent golden temples; which Sparta saw as nothing more than earthly palaces for the gods and goddesses, and less as a pure, simple place to worship. So therein lie a great division between them, unspoken of until this very warm spring morning. For Sparta was made to suffer, for many years, her brothers jealousy and constant involvement in her  life, both spiritual and physical, yet she could not abide by her brother dictating to her the manner of worship, and to which god she should bow, or not bow down, before. So she defended her rights as a faithful servant to all the gods. "I beseech you to open up your ears and hear me, listen and learn, oh brother, for I shall not be afraid to speak openly the truth, for I can no longer hold my peace on this matter, for you so antagonize me with my constant failings" Queen Sparta paused sending up a silent prayer to the Unknown God, that he would allow her to select the best words to convey her oppression and displeasure her brother had created within her spirit, his negativity infecting her like a virus. Yet she did not wish for her speech to be ill effective with any verbal or mental abuse, for she loved her brother and would take a knife to the heart to save him. So she bade her token God to speak through her and loosen her tongue in such a manner as to edify and not to offend.

Chapter 5 begins

     So it was, Winter crept slowly from the Earth as Springs first breath blew in softly from the moist green hills and the Spartan plain was covered in a blanket of fresh fragrant flowers, the apple and cherry orchards in full bloom and the riverbanks had violets opening up from deep sleep like eyes. Whereupon the prophecy of Queen Sparta came to be fulfilled, for Thebes did fall in a timely and terrifying fashion, whereto fore the city lay in ruins.Word was sent out to every nation in the region, telling of the brutal destruction of the ancient city and all her inhabitants, former home to the elite Sacred Band of Thebes, whose warrior class was no more. Thebes was wholly and utterly consumed by the invincible Army of Sparta whose legions faithfully served their new King and Queen with Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor.
     Meanwhile, the Tyrant Phillip II of Macedon began cutting a wide swath through north western Thrace, where he pushed his army of 30,000 men all the way east, to the shores of the Black Sea. His goal was to control the trading and shipping routes, crush the Army of King Sunder, and assume total command of the vast gold and silver mines therein. Thus instilling much anxiety and trepidation in the aged monarch, who did not once, at anytime, even entertain the notion of suiting up for battle in defence of his country against this northern band of barbarians. Rather, King Sunder sent out his sons, whom, themselves, were weak and ill-effective as military leaders, leaving their soldiers disappointed and demoralized. So with this Phillip spent the whole of the Summer and Spring, that year, inciting riots amongst the slave and helot population, whereupon tens of thousands rose up against their overlords, turning over entire cities to Phillip peacefully, who obtained vast lands and structures, temples and villas at no expense to his soldiers. Thus with his ever growing horde of warriors, who lived only to serve him , Phillip was able to quickly seize control of a huge tract of territory in north eastern and western Thrace, from the Black Sea to the southern shores of the Danube; where he began harassing many of the cities and villages of Scythia, located on the northern border of Thrace. Now, Scythia was a long time ally of Sparta, should Scythia, the next target of Phillip, had at anytime reached out to Queen Sparta and King Therakles they both would have sent forth troops to aide and assist in the fighting, yet no word for assistance was asked for, so no assistance was given.
     So it was Peace and Tranquility had settled over the Peloponnese, for a little while at least, as Queen Sparta and King Therakles grew better accustomed to their new lives as ruling monarchs; of whom much was expected and required of them. From the moment they arose early in the morning nearly every moment of the day was strictly scheduled, regimented and followed to the letter, spending hours, upon hours, in meetings with heads of state, military leaders, emissaries, ambassadors and dignitaries from surrounding nations, as well as politicians, seeking favor, lawyers seeking leniency, the always dramatic Ephorate, the disabused Academia etc..., surrounded, from sun up to sun down, by an army of scribes and notari who recorded the lengthy discussions on all matters of official, legal or military nature. Add to this the constant presence of the contingent of body guards attached to the detail of the king and queen it was so overwhelming. Now the constant presence of these people was quite bothersome to Sparta, however, she did find it most fascinating that, serving in her new position as the queen, she was privileged to all the newest and latest information coming in from all over the region, she had even met with emissaries from as far away as Egypt, Jerusalem, Syria to the east and Gaul to the west. Even so, she yearned to return to life as a soldier, riding and fighting in the cavalry next to her officers in arms, many of whom did not return from the last battle, wherein, as her father, they gave up their sacred lives in service to the throne.
     Many did not return, for so it was 1000's of brave Spartans lost their lives, and those of high ranking officers were returned home for a military burial with honors, whereas those lower ranking soldiers were cremated, en mass, on huge bonfires, their ashes scattered by the four winds, as was the custom. Queen Sparta, herself, set out to honor the dead so she ordered acres of wildflower seeds to spread over the field of the dead, in a loving tribute to the fallen warriors who nourished the soil with their very blood, as was the ancient custom of her people. Queen Sparta had vowed to do her best to preserve her ancient heritage and the culture of Themiscyra. Now, after the warmth and rains had returned, she had come out, on a bright blue day, miles away from home to sit under the shade of a birch tree staring out across the field of new blossoms of pink, purple and red flowers that gently swayed in the warm spring breeze lifting the calming scent of lavender and gardenias above the quiet earth. Here on that placid morning five riders approached her position and Queen Sparta grew faint of heart as she saw it was her brother come to find her.
     "My King! Pray, do not tell me I have forgotten another meeting at the palace?" she said standing to her feet clutching a bouquet of Lilacs in her hand, her pulse racing, wondering what could bring him out so far away from home, this was distressing for the two of them had not been getting along very well in there personal life and she had strictly left the city this morning to get away from her brother, who looked troubled.
     "Sparta!" he said nearly out of breath from the long ride in the saddle as he eyed her body guards, led by Captain Sinos, whom were gathered down by a creek watering their horses. "I must speak to you at once!" stating only this, King Therakles grabbed her by the hand leading her off to a long line of juniper trees so that they might have a bit of privacy.