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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment