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."