Chapter 9 begins

     In the weeks that followed Queen Sparta, true to her word, did bring forth many young, eligible women of royal and noble blood from the lands of Elis, Arkadia, Argolid, Messenia, Achaia, Lokris, Attica, Athens, Scythia, Dardina and Illyria. All of whom sought out the hand of King Therakles in marriage, many came baring more than just their pledge in troth. For each was more beautiful than the next and all were in close competition with one another for the affection of the King of Sparta, however of these women he only found sport and this left his sister Queen Sparta quite vexed. So it was her brother refused to commit to any of the princesses gathered their for his sake as well as their own. He would complain to Queen Sparta when she pressed him on the issue of his lack of interest stating "This one is too loud, this one is too plain, this one drinks too much, this one had an odor, or he would proclaim the last one had an unpleasing hair color, the next he did not like her smile, the other was too wanton, openly flirting with his guards, or too whorish, or too prudish, or too needy and always wanting constant praise and affirmations. King Therakles complained about two sisters whom he had seduced the first to his bedchamber then, having seen her out at dawn came back to his bed to find her place had been filled by her younger sister even while the blankets were still warm. Now of all this and the more lurid tales of the courtships only made her stomach turn, for it would appear to her and all her loyal countrymen that Queen Sparta was failing at the task of finding a suitable mate to bare a legitimate male heir to the the throne of Laconia. Deep in distress she relied on the hope of her last chance at a match with the arrival of Princess Gianna from Rome.

     It was at the end of the third week, when many suits had been put forth unto King Therakles in the courtship of marriage, unsuccessfully, so he did bid all the young and lovely ladies to return to their homes and he was truly glad to be rid of them, for the duties of Ruler of a Nation are vast, varied and plenty. So it was he set himself back on track to focus on matters of both State and Religious, for twas his duty and birthright. Whereupon dawn, the following day, Queen Sparta, having finished her morning military exercises at the garrison, sought out her brother for a further explanation of his rampant dissatisfaction with the women she had hand selected for his matrimony. So she found him at the Temple of Hera, wife of Zeus, goddess of marriage, where he had newly sacrificed a pure white lamb whose blood now stained its wool and the altar as her brother wiped the blade of his sacrificial knife on the back of the dead animal, here she called out to him. "Brother Therakles. My King, your Worship! My Liege!" she beckoned to him with her hand and a sweet smile "Come, will you stop a moment for a few words with me?"
     "Sister, dearest most beloved Queen, pray what words do require of me?" he asked with a gleam in his eyes.
     "Pray the truth of the matter. Will you not be open and honest with me, pray tell me the true reason you have thusly rejected each of these women.., whom have shown you nothing but love and affection, what is the real reason?'
     Here he paused placing the knife back in the small sheath at his side as he sighed "Dearest sweetheart, whom I so adore and worship, I, myself, am most humbled by your love and faithful guidance in this matter, for your attempts are most gracious to trouble yourself with the procurement of a bride, a mother to my heir.., yet it is true each one have certain charms and delights of the flesh..,"
     "However..?" Queen Sparta spoke that most hated word.
     "However.., when I gazed into the future at Delphi, as I have told you, I saw the face of my wife, the mother of my children, and I have seen her face a thousand times every night in my dreams when I am fast asleep. Of all the maidens brought forth, of her face I did not see." he said with a hint of sadness in his eyes.
     "There remains one woman I have yet to bring forth, for she is traveling across the sea and soon she will come and then we shall see." Queen Sparta said giving her brother a warm hug. Here this tender scene was interrupted when a messenger came post haste from the palace with news of great importance.
     "My King! My Queen!" came the breathless call.
     "What news do you bring forth so early this warm morning? Pray tell, catch your breath and speak!" Queen Sparta entreated the red faced boy.
     "The Emperor Gaius Cyrillus of Rome awaits the pleasure of your company aboard his ship moored at the mouth of the River Eurotas.Where Princess Gianna anxiously desires to meet with King Therakles and Queen Sparta to discuss the matter of marriage and the hopes of the establishment of a Universal Peace Treaty."
     "Excellent news!" Queen Sparta exclaimed her eyes clear and bright her face exuding a light of delight as she smiled "Come my brother let us away to the palace and don our robes of gold and splendor arrayed in our gleaming crowns for we shall present ourselves to our Imperial neighbor to the west, for we shall soon meet with the Emperor of Rome and see if his noble daughter is the woman of your foreseen destiny. Let us go together and see, for ourselves, my Great and Glorious King!

End Chapter 8

     "In the dark of night, in that cold hour..," he paused as his sister pulled her chair a little closer to him her eyes wide in astonishment as she listened intently. "I appeared before the Oracle who did entreat me to drink a bitter elixir; which felt like fire burning my insides, as we lit frankincense in the many sensors surrounding the temple, we lit seven candles placing them upon the altar; whereupon she did bind my left hand tightly with a clean linen cloth of white." he said rubbing his hand "Then taking a long thin spike of pure gold she did pierce my hand ever so slowly and painfully, the Oracle taking great care as not to damage the internal structure of my hand, my blood did drip down staining the cloth with pools of crimson as she in one swift motion pulled the spike out. As the cloth filled with blood she began to unwrap the bandage, now wet and sticky, the pain subsiding briefly, then she bade me hold the cloth over the flames of the candles flickering light as the smoke rose up. The Oracle instructed me to look deep into the grey cloud; which did roll, and turn over in, on itself. I did gaze, deeper and deeper, and then I went into a trance, I could see into the land of the gods whereupon I beheld visions of the future." he paused his voice trailing off in a whisper.
     "What did you see, my brother?" Sparta asked her face bearing the countenance of astonishment.
     Here he did not respond to her question only saying "At first I felt like my body was being taken apart by an unseen hand,  I felt comfortably numb as I sank down into the most relaxing state of euphoria. Now as soon as I encountered and accepted this tranquil peace I was instantly aware of the universe and my space inside it's soothing calmness, I myself was wrapped up in awe, this is when I felt a surge of immense force pulling me back together again. It was as if my mind, body and spirit were being rebuilt. And then it happened, I could see through the veil of time and space. Then it was at this point that I knew what it felt like to be a god." he said with a light of wonderment in his eyes that Queen Sparta, herself, had never seen before.
     "Pray tell me, oh brother, what did you see of the future?" she begged for an answer.
     "Of which I have seen, dear sister, I can never speak, to do so would break the spiritual bonds I have tying me to the gods, and then to give up their secrets would make me unholy in their eyes as well as my own." he replied averting his gaze from his sister's searching eyes."However, you yourself should go up to the Oracle and see for yourself. For now the secrets of the universe have been revealed to me and I feel all the power of the heavens flowing through me and the Oracle said that I am no longer just a mortal king. She said I had reached the highest state of divinity." and after his mind altering experience this is what King Therakles truly believed. For it was  the Fates and Destiny, not the god Apollo or Zeus, whom had revealed all that would come to pass and of this and himself Therakles was greatly pleased.
     Now Queen Sparta had trouble with this notion of her brother's, who thought he had achieved a god like state of being. Though she trusted in Apollo and Zeus, Queen prayed to the Unknown God to give her guidance, for she so hoped that her brother's divine vision was true, and not just a further manifestation of his growing insanity. So she gently held his hand talking in a calm clear voice telling him."Well then, my brother, if you have seen into the future.., than the surprise, I have been working on all these long weeks, for you is truly ruined." she sighed.
     "Let them come forth from distant lands, even still.., and I will choose a bride to take as my wife, if that is what will make you happy." King Therakles said kissing his sister upon the cheek.

More Chapter 8

     King Therakles looked over at his Sister Sparta who sat forward, leaning in, hanging on his every word as he spoke. Now normally he felt uncomfortable sharing the secrets he kept concerning his worship and the ancient rituals he practiced to be in closer communion with the gods, however, due to her new found enthusiasm for religion and out of the love he held in his heart for his twin, Therakles told her of the prophesy. For, true it was, he was obsessed with the Cult of Apollo and Artemis and the Mystery Cults of Hades, and so it was, he wholly believed that the gods know all things. So through his sacrifices he hoped to be granted access to power, and sacred omens, voices, visions and dreams, yet he was fully aware that the secrets of the gods are only given, with fore-warning to whomsoever they please. Thereby setting King Therakles to his eternal task of pleasing the pantheon of deities, sacrificing to them for protection and divine favor. So it was he set forth, daily, in his life trusting in the divinity of his priests and ephors to cast lots, and animal bones to interpret the meaning of his dreams, looking for guidance from his seers and soothsayers who relied on Nature for signs in the: stars, storms, lightning, thunder, the four winds, and eclipses of the sun and moon, as well as strange cloud formations and color of oak leaves. Such was the depth of his devotion and even to plot strategies of war he would slit open the bellies of animals, reading the gory spilling out of entrails looking for good omens to proceed.
     When it came to pass that the young king wanted to commune directly with the gods and goddesses he, like 1000's upon 1'000's of Greeks made the pilgrimage to Mt.Parnassus, just to the north west of Attica to meet with the Oracle of Delphi, where the gods spoke directly humans. "We arrived safely in Delphi in fair weather, with the warm sun on our faces, the ocean wind at our backs, whereupon, after having made the proper sacrifices and paying tribute in gold coins, I was summoned within that monumental Temple of Apollo, the columns towering above my head like a colossal forest of trees, the wooden roof, like a canopy, blotting out the harsh rays of the sun. There I spied, directly behind the golden altar, jagged rocks jutting up from the ground with a black hole like a cave in the center, where the young Oracle sat, half-naked, on a three legged chair made of metal set directly over the gaping pit; from which I beheld vapors, resembling invisible waves of flames, of unknown origin, perhaps the mouth of the gods itself, did waft up as the girl drifted in and out of consciousness, as she breathed in deeply the fumes which smelled of sulphur and brimstone. So it was I submitted my question to the Ephors, there that day, in that holy place as quite as a tomb, then in silence the Ephors of the temple, in black hooded robes, did approach with caution the Oracle, who sat, as if blind." For this was the most sacred place in Greece, where the voice of their gods spoke through the hidden veil between the world of the living and the dead, where reverence and silence were duly required to proceed with the ancient ceremony.
     "What, pray tell me! Of what question did you put forth unto the mouth of the lord, god Apollo?" Sparta asked overwhelmed with intrigue.
     Here her brother paused for dramatic effect, as he was a master storyteller having learned at the knee of Captain Amarra, who was sadly killed in battle when he was thirteen. "I asked her to tell me.., Will I die in Battle or grow old and elderly." Now, unknown to Therakles, this was very same question, asked of by their father King Vyakles, whom was told he would rule many years but would eventually fall in battle, the Fates seeing to it that he fulfilled the Oracle's prophesy.
     "What was the reply?" she waited on baited breath her heart racing palms sweating as she sat rocking back and forth a little in her seat.
     "Here I waited for what seemed like an eternity.., then, finally, she spoke, though it was in a foreign tongue to me. And there, for that moment, she was in silent commune with Apollo and she appeared intoxicated, in a trance, and I felt as if I were in a dream, then came the divine response in a language I did not understand nor recognize. So it was, I was brought before the Pythia of the Altar, the high priestess who could interpret the true meaning for me." here he paused further taking a long cool sip of water.
     "Tell me brother! Tell me!" she said anxiously.
     "Here is what she said to me.. 'The storm clouds of my mind shall be calmed only by the kindness and love of my people. My happiness will not be separated from me That I shalt be far from oppression, That fear shall flee in Terror from my thoughts, for Fear shall not come near me.'" then as he spoke further with the revelation a spark of fire rising in his eyes as he spoke with boldness "The Pythia said unto me 'Whomsoever gather together against me shall fall for my sake. No weapon that is formed against me can prosper and every tongue that rises up against me in judgement I shall condemn.' These are the words she said" King Therakles said with a sigh closing his eyes.
     To this Queen Sparta smiled her clear green eyes shining in the sun as she beamed with glowing pride saying "Blessed are we, your loyal subjects, your great and glorious people who love you and live to serve you shall praise all the gods and goddesses for this divine prophesy! Surely goodness and victories shall be your legacy as you rule over this nation in your ripe old age upon your throne surrounded, by your children and grandchildren!" Sparta proclaimed as she embraced him, kissing him upon the cheek again and again. "Your glory shall be achieved, NOT in the tumult of War, but, instead, you shall attain glory in your long life and the prosperity of your family that has yet to be! You shall lead a dynasty into the Eternity of History! In this you will find GLORY only a warrior could dare hope to dream to achieve, a LEGACY, TO RULE AS KING!" she reassured him for a warriors death on the battlefield was not, alas, set in the stars by the Fates for King Therakles "But surely, I feel, you have much more to tell me."
     "Well.., I.., being pleased with the prophesy, felt a surge of strong energy whirling around me as I  knelt before the altar, in the Temple of Apollo, when suddenly I felt like a man possessed, for I wanted to be able to hear the voice of the god, himself, for myself. So I paid, and prayed with, the Pythia to lead me in a sacred, secret bloodletting ritual, there in the darkest hour of the night, underneath the light of a pale blue moon and in the distant woods I heard the wind roar and the wolves howling."
     "What ritual my brother? What in the name of Hera did you do?" she asked the little hairs standing up on the back of her neck as an icy chill crept over her skin.

Chapter 8 begins

     So it came to pass, King Therakles and Queen Sparta were reunited, both so happy to see one another safe and sound, and his return was a great joy unto the people, whom, though they worshiped and loved their Queen, they all felt a little safer under the close, watchful eye and leadership of their King, for he was a man far better suited for ruling. For this is what they had been taught for generations, so that is what they believed. Now during his absence King Therakles had been sent disturbing, and distressing, reports of his sisters unconventional behavior and the rumors therein, a web of lies and half truths for that is what he hoped for in his beliefs, but King Therakles felt rest assured, and much better, seeing his sister waiting at the docks to greet him, dressed in her military uniform, bowing to him, then later professing her positive change in attitude towards her continued physical training, and her desire to turn away from the seduction of strong drink and the delights of the symposia; which was good in his eyes and this confession of hers, help to assuage his concerns and ease his mind a little, for his concerns for his sisters well being and welfare grew daily while he was away.
     Now, after her brother and his party had been given ample time that night to relax and unwind from their long journey, Queen Sparta arose before the sun the next day, in a show of love and affection towards him, and their gods.For she was seen going out through the city streets, to the all the temples, leading the sacrificial animals, bulls, rams, and lambs, behind her, whereupon she would slit their throats, with the aide of the priest and priestess, in blood sacrifice, upon the altars, in a faithful display. A show of thanksgiving, unto the heavens and the earth, for the safe return of her brother, the King of Sparta, whom she loved with all her heart and soul. Now when Therakles, himself, had heard of this holy religious act, upon waking, Therakles was well pleased, so he ordered one of the lambs, of her blood devotion to the gods, to be roasted and prepared for a private luncheon to be served to his sister and he alone, in the courtyard under the shade of the ancient olive trees amongst the flowering fragrant garden that warm late spring day. Word of the private meal was sent forth unto Queen Sparta, who could be found swimming naked in the cool waters of the river to wash away the blood of her sacrifice, where Syndra and La Vada sat sunning themselves on the shore, in the noon day sun, olive oil shimmering off their golden skin. Whereupon Captain Sinos, who had come to deliver the invitation, could not help but stare at the sinuous lines of Syndra's naked flesh, her firm large round breast, pink nipples erect from the chill of the sea breeze. Here Queen Sparta could not help but notice the distraction in his eyes as Captain Sinos stumbled with his words, so, to put a stop to this, Queen Sparta, herself, arose up out of the shimmering waters revealing the wet nakedness of her own fine voluptuous physique and as Captain Sinos stared at his Monarch, emerging from the waters like the goddess Aphrodite rising up out of the sea, long golden hair clinging to her skin, across her soft breasts and rounded hips, like ribbons of copper colored seaweed. "Captain Sinos!" she shouted out to him above the sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore "Close your mouth, lest the bees fly in!" here the three naked maidens laughed "Tell my dearest brother I shall prepare myself and arrive presently, for my swim in the river has made me quite hungry! Also tell King Therakles, I am so very anxious to see the gifts, and tales of his adventure, he has brought back for me!"
     Within the hour Sparta had freshened up, combing her long soft hair, dressing in a flowing dress of the finest silk dyed a bright shade of amethyst, thereafter she went out into the courtyard in bare feet leaving her golden sandals on her bed instead. There under the shade of the olive trees among the fragrant garden, in full bloom with red roses, white gardenia, sunflowers and the overgrowth of oleander surrounding the tall columns as the birds alighted in the trees with their ever present, and pleasant, tweets and chirping, the bees gathering their precious nectar from soft petals and orange blossoms, spiders waiting patiently for flies to visit their silver webs as ladybugs made proper meals out of the aphids invading the orange trees. Whereupon the two sat together once more, sharing a meal at each other sides, smiling with delight, the warmth of joy, everlasting, coursing through their veins, talking of a great many things. "Pray my brother tell me of the tales of your journey, but first.., show to me the presents you have brought forth from the nations for me, for I am as curious as a cat to see!" Queen Sparta said her eyes beaming with intrigue as she smiled enthusiastically.
     "Curiosity killed the cat!" he laughed.
     "Ah, but satisfaction brought it back! A cat can have nine lives, why so than can not we?" she retorted laughing at herself for a moment "No do not tease me! Show the gifts you have brought forth with which you wish honor me!" she said nudging him under the table with her knee.
      "Look.., see what I did bring." here he placed a large unpolished sapphire, the size of a robins egg, in the palm of her hand. "This is a present from the Queen of Argos, she bids you greeting and salutations.., and entreats you to visit her palace this summer for a chance to meet with her handsome and single sons.., upon the subject of, in a word MARRIAGE." he smiled with a little laugh.
     "Never! NO.., not those two hot heads!" she balked at the very idea, adding "For I have heard from the ladies at her court that her sons have all the warmth and charm of a pit viper!"
     Now here, having met the two young men in question himself, Therakles knew this rumor to be, indeed, a point of truth. "I did not say you would come, dearest, I only agreed to deliver her message and present."
    "What else have you for me?" she asked holding the gemstone in her closed fist and in doing so she felt it slowly warming in her hand, drawing heat from her body, then feeling a strange form of energy generated therein, and suddenly she began to feel a deep sense of calm. Then her brother set out a small box made of carved rock crystal where, set forth inside, were a pair of delicate earrings made of gold, rubies and emeralds created by a master jewelers hand from the lands of Judea. As she smiled slipping them into her pierced ears, her brother uncovered a rare mosaic bowl; which was hid under a small piece of cloth. It was made of yellow, white and black, hand blown, glass, inlaid with minute silver tiles resembling a serpentine pattern, coiled up on the inside of the bowl, crafted in the artisans works shops in Attica. Then he pulled out from a silken bag an exquisite necklace, a two foot strand of turquoise and gold beads from the royal craftsmen of the palace of Lydia. "Blessed are you among all the men of the Earth! You who love and care for your only sacred sister, showering me with these gifts with which you truly honor me!" here she jumped over onto his lap threw her arms around his neck and kiss him sweetly, quickly on the lips, resting her head on his shoulder inhaling his scent, saying a silent pray to her Unknown God offering up her love and thanks for the life and love of Therakles.
     "You are more than welcome, my sweetheart, my dearest darling sister." he gave her a little squeeze of the knee saying "Come let us eat, for I have so much to tell you of my adventure upon the sea."
     "Did you find calm waters, or did you find the waters treacherous, dangerous?" she asked sitting herself back down taking a sip of cool water as he began to regale her with the tales of his journey.
     "As we set sail for Argolid, Poseidon had been most kind to us much of the way, as our ship sailed across the sea, smooth as liquid silver, our spear fishers and sponge divers returning daily to our decks with bucketfuls of their silvery fresh catch, spilling them across our tables for our nourishment and consumption. I have found that Poseidon will give up his secrets.., but he does so grudgingly." he sighed then continued "For no sooner had we disembarked at Argos, where we had thus stayed one day and one night, we had ventured down to the shore of the Argolid Gulf, whereupon we made an offering to Poseidon, pouring out wine and olive oil into the ocean in hopes of being granted calm waters, but instead the sea had conjured up brutal storms, so we made our way to back to the edge of the cliff where sharp rocks cut at your ankles, I struggled to keep my footing as the wind howled past our ears, so violently we wondered, for a moment, if we would all be blown right of the cliff, as we looked close from the edge, where we dared gaze down at the crashing waves which the gales had churned up into a frothy sea foam of milky white waters."
     Queen Sparta stared wide eyed at the story. "Oh dear brother how I worried day and night for your safety, no matter how far you roam." she sighed heavy with relief "I am so thankful to the gods and goddesses for you sitting her now, next to me." she smiled sitting up hugging him tightly "Now tell me, for I have wondered these many long nights.., tell me of Delphi, the Temple of Apollo, the Ephors and the Oracle, and the most important part of your story. Tell me of her prophesy."
    

End Chapter 7

     Under the warmth of the afternoon sun the first phase of the competition began as follows: to test their skill with the javelin four large wooden barrels were arranged in the four sides of the arena, opposite one another, whereupon large watermelons were staked to the top, melons were used to substitute a human head; which in ages past real human heads, trophies of war, were used in the training, but now here in Greece this fell out of favor. The object was for horse and rider to race out and around the barrels with the reins in the right hand and the javelin in the left, the riders would score one point each time they thrust the iron tip down deep into the flesh of the melon as many times as possible on each go round. This was accomplished in two passes of the arena and by the end of each ride the floor of the ring covered with sand was scattered with the pink and green remnants. Now all did well in this event but it was Officer La Vada who won the round for she had an average of ten strikes per pass and by the time she went around the second lap much of the sweet melon was utterly destroyed, though this was only a training exercise La Vada was as proud of herself as if she had just splattered actual blood and brains on the ground.

     As the next event began Queen Sparta felt the twinge of pains, deep in her thighs burning like fire, as she had not been up in the saddle in many weeks and her muscles cried out with discomfort and fatigue would soon set in, even still she was just as fierce as she was competitive, and the adulations offered up by her adoring audience in the form of cheers, whistles and applause, filled her with the spirit of encouragement so Queen Sparta strove to do her best as a highly skilled and expertly trained warrior. However she did struggle a little in the first part of the second event; which was a follows: 12 poles made of birch,  about six feet high, with cantaloupes spiked to them, were arrayed in the center of the ring, representing a small column of soldiers, the objective was for each rider to sit up in the saddle with bow and arrow, WITHOUT holding on to the reins, this was an extreme test of the union between horse and rider, for they could only control the movement of the animal through little squeezes from the thighs and heel, as the rider sat twisting their upper body in the saddle, shooting off a rapid succession of arrows as they galloped around, at break neck speed, circling and sending out the deadly arrows into the poles and cantaloupes. Here points were double if a successful 'kill shot' pierced the melons. Now the average rider could get off 7 shots a minute, and Queen Sparta had a rough go of it, but once she settled into the rhythm of Saxet's gait she steadied her shooting stance as she felt at one with her steed again, making quick work of it, aiming all her arrows directly into the melons, all her shots were 'kill shots'. Now, not be out done by Queen Sparta who lapped up the praise from audience like a cat licks up milk, Officer La Vada finished off her last round standing up in the saddle shooting from atop the back of the animal, displaying her legendary riding skills and tricks. When she had finished with a confident smile shining upon her face Queen Sparta yelled out across the ring "Officer La Vada! Your horsemanship is unrivaled.., but no one likes a SHOW OFF!" here the young girls of the academy broke out in laughter and a hearty loud round of applause, yet evenso it was Queen Sparta who averaged 10 arrows strikes a minute and her quiver successfully emptied, so it was her Royal Person, and not Syndra nor La Vada, that won the second event.
     For the third event the riders dismounted, much to Sparta's delight for her legs now felt as though they were made of heavy marble and she stretched them out while the arena was cleared and the next target was set up in the dead center of the arena. Here a small round table was set out whereupon a honeydew melon was placed in side a small wooden box; which had a hole about the size of a fist in the middle of each side and top. Only arrows shot directly into the holes would count as points and each participant would walk around in a circle about 30 paces out from the target. Officer Syndra went first scoring 35 out of 40, Officer La Vada, blaming the angle of the sun in her eyes, only produced a score of 28, and it was our beloved Queen Sparta who scored 38 out of 40, much to the delight of the crowd, who dreamed of one day going off into battle with these gifted and highly skilled, brave warriors. Now as the fourth event approached Officer Syndra had something to prove, not only to the audience, but to herself, so she unsheathed her sword and took up her shield as the arena was cleared and the most favorite portion of the competition began, the close combat challenge.
     The fourth quarter of the event had only one prime directive, that was strip your opponent of their sword and shield and get them on their back for the death blow, however each must take care as not to shed any blood for this was meant only for practice, so this required a delicate balance of force and control and this took a special talent to practice the art of war, for which these three warrior women were well suited. So it began, Queen Sparta with the most points waited as Officers Syndra and La Vada fought it out, coming together in a violent clash with one another, shield on shield, as they locked swords, both sweating hard, spitting in each other's face, each warrior an immovable force to be reckoned with as the crowd marveled watching enthralled as the two strong women fought together with enormous energy like two wild tempest having met now intertwined, swirling together, kicking up dust and shouting insults at each other, until their movements took on a life of it's own, a forceful display of human physical nature, the sounds of clashing swords and smashing shields echoing through the amphitheater, as they engaged one another in a violent dance of weaponry. Wheretofore Queen Sparta was, herself, impressed and envious, for here they were fresh out of the academy, three years younger than she, dedicated to the military and their training, so here now Queen Sparta must rely on her superior fighting skills, and tricks, hoping her muscles still held on to there memory. A hush fell over the young cadets as Officer Syndra seemed to stumbled backwards briefly, at this Officer La Vada pounced like a tiger, leaping out to assist gravity in pulling her down, but in a heart beat, as fast as lightning, Syndra turned on her heel quickly as La Vada flew past, and not having anywhere to go La Vada fell with the weight of her body unhindered by Syndra who threw her sword and shield down at her side, leaping over, grabbing her opponent by the ankles and with great strength and a huge surge of adrenalin, she flipped La Vada on to her back winning the match. The crowd went wild as Queen Sparta felt her pulse quicken her mouth dry, palms sweating, so she remembered an old trick taught to her by her father, and to the crowds astonishment she went over to the sidelines taking a large jug of cold spring water, placed there for the consumption of the crowd, and slowly poured the contents of the 5 gallon container out over her head and entire body, armor and all, she counted to fifty, set the empty jar down feeling her body instantly jolted, chilled to the bone, and a rush of energy surged forth from her blood and Queen Sparta felt the well of strength contained within her was equal to that of ten men. Donning her helmet, she unsheathed her sword, took up shield and ran out to challenge Officer Syndra, whom, herself, was left weary from her recent bought having only minutes to rest. Though this did not weigh on Sparta's mind as Captain Sinos and her other guards watched on in wonder along with the cheering crowd. For now, gripping her sword of war, her faithful companion and friend, Queen Sparta felt a deep connection to her family, those two ancient races of Warrior Kings and Queens, and she suddenly realized, here and now, in this brief moment of time, facing a worthy opponent, Sparta could allow herself to channel, unleash, all the rage and anger she had for the state of her life, the loss of her father, the love she had for Captain Sinos that could never be expressed, and all those little things that ate away at her thoughts and kept her up at night, restless in bed, with no release. Now was her chance and it would be unto Officer Syndra she would offer up, through a fit violence, in a short, sudden release of energy, and furious fighting the crowd had never seen, for quickly, at one point, only a minute into the match, Sparta came at Syndra in such a brutal onslaught and attack, though she tried to fight her off Syndra felt the sharp shock of the flesh of her upper right arm being sliced as Sparta drew blood, and Officer Syndra, herself, not expecting the full force of this 'human hurricane' to come at her lost her footing, in the blood loss, and fell flat out on her back, the match was called, and even though she did not mean to slice open the flesh of her comrade in arms, this could be constituted as cheating, Queen Sparta emerged victorious over her competitors and was awarded a garland of daisies and wisteria for her hair.
     Now as Officer Syndra was escorted off the field to the infirmary for medical treatment all the witnesses to the days events climbed down over the railings and swarmed their victorious Queen showering her with hugs and kisses, surrounding her in a swarm of love and adulation. As she stood among  the young girls Queen Sparta spoke saying unto them "I have won my success with your encouragement and support! Now remember all that you have seen here today, stay diligent in your training and studies, and I shall return to you in summer for this years round of graduation, and one day, we will fight together, side by side, always faithful in UNITY, LOYALTY, RESPECT and HONOR!" here the smiling faces beaming with pride cried out in loud cheers and she looked at them with her bright green eyes saying "Now GO BOLDLY! By the glory of the gods and goddesses may we all prosper against our enemies and all those who oppose us!"
     Where after Officer La Vada and Queen Sparta went in to attend to their fellow friend, whom the Physician Traverios determined had sustained merely a flesh wound and, after having cleansed the gash with hot water and lavender oil, he sutured up the wound and instructed Queen Sparta to be a little more careful next time, and there would be a next time for Queen Sparta vowed unto herself, sending up prayers to the Unknown God for guidance, that she, herself, would go and train every morning at the garrison at sunrise, no more long nights drinking away her time, pining for the warmth of Sinos' lips and kisses. So Sparta apologized to her dear friend Syndra. "I lost myself in the moment, I did not mean to harm you thusly."
     "I shall wear the scar as a badge of honor!" Officer Syndra smiled proclaiming "For it is a great honor to be cut by the blade of My Royal Queen.., and today, my Queen, you seemed out for blood!"
     "Ha!" Officer La Vada laughed  in her familiar way saying "If Sparta desires blood.., you can be rest assured.., there will be BLOOD FOR SPARTA!" they all laughed at this accident/ incident when a message arrived from the Palace as Captain Sinos entered into the room informing those gathered there that the Imperial Ship of King Therakles had been spotted sailing up the River Eurotas. With this news a strange storm of excitement and anxiousness brewed up in her heart and mind leaving Queen Sparta feeling like she might faint or vomit.

More Chapter 7

     Now when Queen Sparta was alone with her three handmaidens, she instructed all of them to depart, dismissing them from the morning dressing routine for now she would perform the sacred ritual of donning her uniform and armor as if she were preparing to go off to war, for she had not done so since the battle of Thebes, this was a most holy and solemn occasion unto her mind, body and soul.
     "Go now!" she said ushering the young women to the door yelling at them. Then, speaking to her Guards, she said with all due enthusiasm "Send forth word to the Quarter Master of the Royal Stable, have my steed Saxet saddled and tacked with the accoutrement of War." she said directing her orders to Captain Sinos "I am to go out to the Steria for a demonstration, see to it that General Scotia and General Iona are notified of my arrival, for I shall prepare myself to depart within the hour! Make haste good Captain Sinos! The young cadets await."
     "Yes your Highness!" he answered in a curt fashion but of this Sparta no longer had the time, nor the want, to care.
     So she shut the door softly as she entered the bathing chamber to the left of her bedroom, whereupon she bathed herself in a cold, refreshing bath, scrubbing her face and body thoroughly with lavender scented sea salts, then she rinsed off the exhilarating mixture before rubbing sacred, virgin olive oil into her wet, naked skin. Then Sparta dried her body with soft white cotton towels, doing so with calm thoughts and deep cleansing  breaths. She was thankful she had recently been to the Bath House, having her body fully waxed, as this was the only part of her training regime she had kept up with over the last few months. Next she sat at her dressing table combing back her hair tightly behind her head, every muscle flexing in her forearms as she created little braids in her long hair. Then she opened up a small pot of black kohl whereupon she placed three fingers from her right hand into the grease paint smearing it from temple to temple as she closed her green eyes, opening them up again, gazing into the highly polished bronze mirror where her face now took on the appearance of a demon from hell, achieving this, desired, effect somehow transformed her posture, her confidence. Looking upon the fierce, and quite frightening, face staring back at her, Sparta felt invincible, fearless. Officer Sparta let out a loud cry, familiar to her troops, whereupon her guards, standing at their post outside her door and windows, pricked up their ears, their faces smiling for listening to her war cry did their loyal hearts good to hear.
      Donning her tight fitting white military tunic, Sparta calmly strapped on her breast plate, greaves and gauntlets, then slinging her quiver full of deadly arrows, and bow, over her shoulder, Sparta sheathed her sharpened cyphos on her right thigh. Taking in one last long, calming breath she took up her shield in her left hand picking up her helmet in her right hand. "Live to Fight! Fight to Live!" she exclaimed aloud then she called out "Captain Sinos open up the door unto me, for today I.., at long last, remember what it means to be a Warrior Queen!" here the old oak door was opened and Queen Sparta strode confidently down the corridors of the Palace her guards, four on each side, marched along with her their hearts swollen with pride, for they too had great concern over her ability to face the challenge of ruling an Empire as a Queen and not as magnanimously as her brother, King Therakles.
     Hence Queen Sparta rode out astride black Saxet, whom had NOT been kept from his daily exercise, fed fresh barley, apples, oats and hay, the stable grooms keeping the animal in fine shape. If only Sparta was as fit as her horse, her afternoon in the saddle might have gone a better way. Hence forth she galloped into the center of the arena, surrounded by the small amphitheater that could seat about 500 spectators, wherein stood cheering all the cadets of the elite military academy, young girls in ages ranging from 10 to 20, whom had been sent by their families to train for battle in the Themiscyran Way. This was only done so, as to insure the daughters of the next generations, as women, would have equal rights under the law, civil rights, normally, only guaranteed to free men. Whereupon completion of the strict discipline and curriculum would afford them certain inalienable rights as a warrior in service to the Nation. So it was, Queen Sparta rode out before them circling the arena radiant in magnificent splendor before her adoring admirers who all marveled in awe at the sheer sight of their Noble Warrior Queen, regaled in her uniform, helmet and shining armor, as they all gave hail sending forth their voices filling the air with shouts of well wishes and good cheer.
     General Scotia and General Iona were gathered there in witnesses to the display as Officers, La Vada and Syndra sat atop their warhorses, on opposite ends of the arena, waiting for Queen Sparta to accept her accolades in her own time, then she stilled Saxet's cantor, coming to a full stop in the center of the ring, speaking out in a loud rich clear voice that did all their earnest, little hearts good to hear. "My little Children! My brave cadets training for the Glories of War! I bid you hail!" here the crowd grew in voluminous cries of delight "I have come here today in the name of Our Great King Vyakles, Destroyer of Nations! My Father! Whom has gone to live on Mt.Olympus in eternal rest with Our Loyal Queen Thera! My Mother.Whom gave up her life in sacrifice to save the life of her husband, our departed King Vyakles., killed by the Macedon Army on the Thebean Plain" here she paused finding it hard to swallow as she spoke with great emotion. "For it did come to pass, by the might of our Army we have sent the forces of Phillip II, that Tyrant King, fleeing and have annihilated the population of Thebes! Killing off her people, and reducing that ancient city to dust and ashes, smoke, bones and blood!" here again the young cadets shouted out with great conviction at hearing the first hand account of the Siege of Thebes from the Queen herself. "Our Great King completed his life long task, a lasting achievement, a permanent testament, for he had vowed to protect this invincible nation, and her people, by the violence of his hand and give up his life if need be. For so it was the gods saw fit to take his life on the field of battle that day.., and through his deep well of courage and conviction he fought for the greater good of Sparta! Trusting in Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor!" louder voices and applause at hearing the motto of the Themiscyran Division.
     "You see how the people adore her?" General Scotia whispered to General Iona.
     "Queen Sparta not only resembles her mother in appearance, but also in speech.., it is quite eerie, the similarity between mother and daughter. It is as if Thera were here now before us, with the glow of youth upon her cheeks.., it gives my skin chills to see."
     Sparta continued "For it is a Warrior's Sacred, Solemn Vow to Fight, to Live and Die by the sword, hoping to achieve eternal glorification in the eyes of the gods and goddesses, as well as live on in the eternal realm of history itself! This can only be achieved by shedding our blood and giving up our spirit on the battlefield." here she began walking Saxet slowly around the arena, close to the young ladies looking them directly in the eye so all could see and hear. "Blessed are you, who have come here to learn, for you have all pledged your sacred honor to the study, and rigorous training, of WAR! For the Themiscyran Division is the last Military Corps of my Mother's Ancient Race. We are unique, unlike any warriors the world has ever seen! They called us AMAZONS! Warrior women of MYTH and LEGEND!" here laughter met her ears and the Queen, herself, smiled "But I tell you this, oh my sweet sisters in blood, WE are NO Myth! WE are No Legend! WE LIVE TO KILL! WE LIVE FIGHT!" now she had whipped the audience into a frenzy as her words filled their souls with excitement.
    "FIGHT! KILL! FIGHT!" the girls began chanting.
    "Oh my little Children! How it does my heart good to see your bright and shining faces, for I, myself, appear before you this day, for 'lo it has been too long since I have come to visit my brave young troops. For in truth, the death of my father has been difficult and I must confess, I, your Queen, have been filled with sadness, sorrow and grief. Thereby I have become lax in my diligent training, and fat with much eating and drinking. Pray, I have come to take up my sword and shield, bow and arrows to practice once again in full view, for your encouragement is what I sorely need, as I return to this arena where I, myself, have trained for ten years under the supreme leadership and command of General Iona and General Scotia. Whom hath brought forth many victories for Themiscyra and Sparta, whom both serving Queen Ethera and Queen Thera, the last ruling dynasty of Themiscyra, and serving faithfully the Laconia Throne, with distinction, intelligence and  bravery. Countless is the number of our enemies bodies that have been piled up high, their deaths brought forth unto them by the skill of weaponry, that killer instinct honed and masterfully crafted by these two legendary women, whom have both been like a mother to me since I was but a child of five." now all the cheers of adulation arose up for the Commanders of the Academy, those two old Generals, who stood waving in good hearted acceptance of their due praise. Then, as the crowd quieted once again, Queen Sparta moved to center stage shouting "Now, if you shall allow my honorable Officers Syndra and La Vada an hour, or so, of your time this beautiful, spring day, you shall wittiness a brief demonstration of our skills and later we shall tell tales of battle and blood and the Glories of War!" here she sat up in the saddle as Saxtet reared up on his hind quarters clicking his front hooves together as Sparta showed off a few of his tricks. "Let the Games begin!"
     So it came to pass the attendants of the training arena quickly set the arena floor with the various targets needed for the demonstration, for this was not merely done for sport but was serious training for the student to constantly hone the skills needed to aim an arrow, toss a javelin, cut and stab with sword, smash skulls with shield, all while mounted atop a 1000 pound animal whilst riding at break neck speeds. For the Themiscyran equine was a special breed, loving nothing more than to run, they could travel twenty miles before breaking a sweat. The result ending in the perfect addition of horse and rider which equaled a finely tuned killing machine. Queen Sparta felt the anxiousness arise in her stomach like fluttering butterflies and she knew by the end of the 4 events she would be quite sore and in dire need of a hot oil massage and a krater of wine.