Shortly thereafter, King Therakles, the Princess along with the General sat themselves at the lavishly laid out table upon the open air deck, whereupon they joined the dinner party as Emperor Cyrillus spoke in a deep booming voice as he was wont to do, for after a few glasses of wine, the more inebriated he became the louder his voice grew in volume. "Ah, the Princess returns with her Royal suitor." he smiled light in heart, then noticing the look of disdain on his brother in-laws face. "I hope you two are getting better acquainted."
"Why I should say so!" General Cothos spoke up, and out of turn, taking up a glass of wine in his hand adding "I caught them, just now, embraced in a passionate kiss, in the garden."
Here the numbing feeling of shock and horror reflected in the couples eyes and hearts of King Therakles and Princess Gianna, who turned a deep shade of scarlet leaving them both choking on their wine a little out of shame. However, the Emperor only laughed assuaging all and any of their trepidations saying "Well then.., I see you are getting along together well." he said with a jovial laugh of amusement then he turned his attention to the sour face of the General telling him "Why the look of disapproval General Cothos?" he asked, bemused by the whole incident "For I can assure you.., when King Therakles marries my daughter and takes her as his bride, he will be doing much more than kissing her!"
"Father PLEASE!" his mortified daughter retorted sharply out of utter embarrassment, discussing her maidenhead at the table; all of which the others seated around her felt was most amusing as the sound of uproarious lighter echoed in her ears, all, save the laughter of the young King of Sparta.
"Now, now, there, there..," he spoke in her defense reaching for her hand saying "We must remember we should all take care when speaking of my prospective wife, the future mother to my children." here he paused for a moment gazing lovingly into her sparkling amber eyes adding with a devilish smile "But.., kissing is a great begging." his words bringing a sweet blush to her cheeks.
"Dearest daughter, I beg forgiveness, do not take offense with your poor father, for you are the apple of my eyes, the sweet spot of my heart, sad as it is for me to say, you are no longer a little girl anymore." he took in a deep breath exhaling saying "It is time for you to grow up, and start a family of your own and I, and your family, will no longer get to see you as much any longer, for you will be living here in fertile Greece, raising a Royal Family, as you have been groomed to do so by your mother, sisters, teachers and others." Now here she was horrified for a brief moment her father would say LOVERS. She praised the gods in silent, thankful prayers as she breathed a sigh of relief taking a deep sip of wine, sitting back, breathing calmly, as she closed her mouth and listened. For now the true matter of the meeting turned from marriage to the warriors favorite topic of conversation, WAR and what to do about the tyrannical Phillip II.
"Now, pray tell, what terrible news is coming forth from the north, what does the Athenians have to say concerning the threat of those Macedonians and their wretched king?"
Here Ambassador Lacuna answered quickly "The sole ally of Athens in the North of Thrace is the ancient city of Amphipolis, near Mt.Piagon, Phillip tried to take the port of Eion but the Thracian's have blockaded the harbor with their warships. So now he has set his builders to construct siege towers to try and take the city; which has been fortified for a thousand years"
Field Commander La Quint added "The mountainous region of Amphipolis is crucial, for there are several mines of silver and gold. If Phillip seizes control of those mines he would have enough funds to amass an army large enough to take over the world."
"I believe this sleeping wolf has awoken and has a thirst for power like we have never seen before in any King." Queen Sparta said in a clear calm voice, her heart racing at the thought of the battle she fought in against the army of Phillip."He must be stopped at all costs. For I am afraid if we take our time, he will TAKE the WORLD!"
"We are mobilizing 7000 troops and 400 of our warships to set sail in 3 days hence." Fleet Commander Vasha informed the Emperor.
"I know Phillip to be a skilled political ambassador, not one who is prone to the violence of War and bloodshed." the Emperor scratched his head saying "Before he became King he once told me 'there is no city wall that is impregnable, so long as you can slip a few horses laden with gold through the back door'."
"Be that as it may.., now that he has tasted a little bit of power his hunger grows stronger for more of it every day. Diplomacy and bribery will not work in this case." Ambassador Lucia Vega said then with a quick little smile she said "Sometimes the best ambassador is a Warship."
"As long as he keeps his army out of Greece.., but for the time being, after the brutal and total annihilation of Phillips last ally, Thebes, now completely destroyed and in ruins, I know our message of violence was well received. Therefore I am secure in the knowledge he will not commit any troops in the Peloponnese. Let him destroy Thrace, our hated enemy, as long as we can keep peace in Mother Greece, all will be well. Our trade, and harvest of grain and production of wine shall not cease." King Therakles stated boldly, his mind burden with many thoughts and concerns which come with ruling a mighty nation.
Emperor Cyrillus sat up straight in his chair putting his wine to the side not having yet touched his plate of food telling the Spartans "I have been entreated by the Illyrians, who wish me to commit a battalion of my Legionaries to shore up their eastern border with Macedon in a show of force to keep his ambitions out of any ideas of moving his army to the western frontiers. For any foreign incursions could prove costly to Rome as we begin to settle into the new Etruscan territories we have newly conquered. Ergo.., I will send my men and envoys to Illyria to secure the region. If we can keep him moving southward into Lydia and the Persian cities.., then let them give him a taste of the Assyrian brutality and violence of bloodshed in battle so that we may live in peace." smiling Cyrillus turned to Queen Sparta asking her "Will you go forth with your army and engage the Macedonians for a second time?" he asked then began eating a little off his plate.
"I desire nothing more than to do so, alas.., I am solely trained for fighting in the Themiscyran Division. Our fighting force will only engage in battle in the Peloponnese. For we women warriors are a highly skilled killing machine and we Themiscyran's are few and far between."
"Ah.., WAR! It is a many splendid thing!" the Emperor said giving a somber look in his eyes for he himself had not gone out in years to fight, and he missed the thrilling excitement of fury, rage and the rivers of blood pouring out into the earth from the violence of his own hands slicing open bodies, hacking off heads and limbs with sword, without fear of death only embracing destruction.
Here Queen Sparta and the Emperor's guests all noticed the far off distance in his eyes and they were all familiar with this look, so being a good guest, Queen Sparta changed the subject saying "My brother, our noble King appears to be the most happiest I have seen him in weeks!" she smiled glancing over at General Cothos sitting across the table from her and he gave her a smile back in return, but as she looked upon his face, handsome and rugged looking though he may be, she did not like him, though he was sexually alluring there was something about him Queen Sparta hated, though she, herself, did not know exactly what it was, so she continued with her conversation with the Emperor "At long last, after the countless, unworthy parade of royal maidens which I brought forth before him, whom were all found lacking, but here and now we.., perhaps, have found the ideal match in your beautiful daughter, my dearest Emperor Cyrillus, and of this I could not be more pleased" she said squeezing her brother's hand adding "Perhaps a marriage ceremony shall be performed in the coming weeks."
"Soon we shall see." Princess Gianna replied giving Therakles a little wink.
So it was the group, brought together for marriage and talk of war, made much discussion over their meal and the Spartans were delighted to feast upon the delicious plates of braised lamb stuffed with feta and spinach, seared pork in fig and grape sauce with wild rice and mushrooms, grilled prawns served in cherry sauce and cold boiled shrimp with garlic butter, pan seared swordfish marinated in wine and rosemary, and a succulent dish of chicken basted in butter stuffed with eggplant and mozzarella cheese. It was some of the finest foods the group had ever tasted and Lacuna, Lucia Vega, La Quint ad Vasha were delighted to be dining on the fine Roman cuisine once again. Queen Sparta and King Therakles ate themselves into a sated feeling of comfortable slumber as they feasted there on the deck of the great ship, the sunset far off in the western horizon casting magnificent hues of coral and amethyst in the low hung clouds in distance. Whereupon King Therakles invited the young Princess to come ashore to Sparta to see the vast fields, the groves, and vineyards, as well as the great city and the Royal Palace. So that she might get a better feel for his nation and countryside. All were eager for her to join them and even General Cothos looked excited to go ashore and explore Sparta and her many delights. However, when Queen Sparta turned herself to depart the Emperor held her back saying "Let them all go, but stay with me a little while longer, for I am in need of the honor of your presence a little further."
"Why I would be delighted." she answered sweetly bidding her brother and company farewell and she could see how this greatly displeased General Cothos and this filled her with a child like glee.
Here they waited as the small group disembarked then the two went and sat in the garden on a large silken couch close together as he held her hand, then the Emperor of Rome gave a serious look telling her "I am so glad you stayed behind, for I have something weighing heavily upon my mind, for I have a matter of grave importance to discuss with you, and you alone, for I need help and you are the only one I can turn to for assistance."
Now here Sparta's heart grew more rapid in its beating and she sat there in the stillness of the silence after his words and she wanted to know the meaning of this deep, dark secret of his so Queen Sparta vowed that she, herself, would do anything necessary to help him "Tell me Cyrillus, how may I be of service?"
"Why I should say so!" General Cothos spoke up, and out of turn, taking up a glass of wine in his hand adding "I caught them, just now, embraced in a passionate kiss, in the garden."
Here the numbing feeling of shock and horror reflected in the couples eyes and hearts of King Therakles and Princess Gianna, who turned a deep shade of scarlet leaving them both choking on their wine a little out of shame. However, the Emperor only laughed assuaging all and any of their trepidations saying "Well then.., I see you are getting along together well." he said with a jovial laugh of amusement then he turned his attention to the sour face of the General telling him "Why the look of disapproval General Cothos?" he asked, bemused by the whole incident "For I can assure you.., when King Therakles marries my daughter and takes her as his bride, he will be doing much more than kissing her!"
"Father PLEASE!" his mortified daughter retorted sharply out of utter embarrassment, discussing her maidenhead at the table; all of which the others seated around her felt was most amusing as the sound of uproarious lighter echoed in her ears, all, save the laughter of the young King of Sparta.
"Now, now, there, there..," he spoke in her defense reaching for her hand saying "We must remember we should all take care when speaking of my prospective wife, the future mother to my children." here he paused for a moment gazing lovingly into her sparkling amber eyes adding with a devilish smile "But.., kissing is a great begging." his words bringing a sweet blush to her cheeks.
"Dearest daughter, I beg forgiveness, do not take offense with your poor father, for you are the apple of my eyes, the sweet spot of my heart, sad as it is for me to say, you are no longer a little girl anymore." he took in a deep breath exhaling saying "It is time for you to grow up, and start a family of your own and I, and your family, will no longer get to see you as much any longer, for you will be living here in fertile Greece, raising a Royal Family, as you have been groomed to do so by your mother, sisters, teachers and others." Now here she was horrified for a brief moment her father would say LOVERS. She praised the gods in silent, thankful prayers as she breathed a sigh of relief taking a deep sip of wine, sitting back, breathing calmly, as she closed her mouth and listened. For now the true matter of the meeting turned from marriage to the warriors favorite topic of conversation, WAR and what to do about the tyrannical Phillip II.
"Now, pray tell, what terrible news is coming forth from the north, what does the Athenians have to say concerning the threat of those Macedonians and their wretched king?"
Here Ambassador Lacuna answered quickly "The sole ally of Athens in the North of Thrace is the ancient city of Amphipolis, near Mt.Piagon, Phillip tried to take the port of Eion but the Thracian's have blockaded the harbor with their warships. So now he has set his builders to construct siege towers to try and take the city; which has been fortified for a thousand years"
Field Commander La Quint added "The mountainous region of Amphipolis is crucial, for there are several mines of silver and gold. If Phillip seizes control of those mines he would have enough funds to amass an army large enough to take over the world."
"I believe this sleeping wolf has awoken and has a thirst for power like we have never seen before in any King." Queen Sparta said in a clear calm voice, her heart racing at the thought of the battle she fought in against the army of Phillip."He must be stopped at all costs. For I am afraid if we take our time, he will TAKE the WORLD!"
"We are mobilizing 7000 troops and 400 of our warships to set sail in 3 days hence." Fleet Commander Vasha informed the Emperor.
"I know Phillip to be a skilled political ambassador, not one who is prone to the violence of War and bloodshed." the Emperor scratched his head saying "Before he became King he once told me 'there is no city wall that is impregnable, so long as you can slip a few horses laden with gold through the back door'."
"Be that as it may.., now that he has tasted a little bit of power his hunger grows stronger for more of it every day. Diplomacy and bribery will not work in this case." Ambassador Lucia Vega said then with a quick little smile she said "Sometimes the best ambassador is a Warship."
"As long as he keeps his army out of Greece.., but for the time being, after the brutal and total annihilation of Phillips last ally, Thebes, now completely destroyed and in ruins, I know our message of violence was well received. Therefore I am secure in the knowledge he will not commit any troops in the Peloponnese. Let him destroy Thrace, our hated enemy, as long as we can keep peace in Mother Greece, all will be well. Our trade, and harvest of grain and production of wine shall not cease." King Therakles stated boldly, his mind burden with many thoughts and concerns which come with ruling a mighty nation.
Emperor Cyrillus sat up straight in his chair putting his wine to the side not having yet touched his plate of food telling the Spartans "I have been entreated by the Illyrians, who wish me to commit a battalion of my Legionaries to shore up their eastern border with Macedon in a show of force to keep his ambitions out of any ideas of moving his army to the western frontiers. For any foreign incursions could prove costly to Rome as we begin to settle into the new Etruscan territories we have newly conquered. Ergo.., I will send my men and envoys to Illyria to secure the region. If we can keep him moving southward into Lydia and the Persian cities.., then let them give him a taste of the Assyrian brutality and violence of bloodshed in battle so that we may live in peace." smiling Cyrillus turned to Queen Sparta asking her "Will you go forth with your army and engage the Macedonians for a second time?" he asked then began eating a little off his plate.
"I desire nothing more than to do so, alas.., I am solely trained for fighting in the Themiscyran Division. Our fighting force will only engage in battle in the Peloponnese. For we women warriors are a highly skilled killing machine and we Themiscyran's are few and far between."
"Ah.., WAR! It is a many splendid thing!" the Emperor said giving a somber look in his eyes for he himself had not gone out in years to fight, and he missed the thrilling excitement of fury, rage and the rivers of blood pouring out into the earth from the violence of his own hands slicing open bodies, hacking off heads and limbs with sword, without fear of death only embracing destruction.
Here Queen Sparta and the Emperor's guests all noticed the far off distance in his eyes and they were all familiar with this look, so being a good guest, Queen Sparta changed the subject saying "My brother, our noble King appears to be the most happiest I have seen him in weeks!" she smiled glancing over at General Cothos sitting across the table from her and he gave her a smile back in return, but as she looked upon his face, handsome and rugged looking though he may be, she did not like him, though he was sexually alluring there was something about him Queen Sparta hated, though she, herself, did not know exactly what it was, so she continued with her conversation with the Emperor "At long last, after the countless, unworthy parade of royal maidens which I brought forth before him, whom were all found lacking, but here and now we.., perhaps, have found the ideal match in your beautiful daughter, my dearest Emperor Cyrillus, and of this I could not be more pleased" she said squeezing her brother's hand adding "Perhaps a marriage ceremony shall be performed in the coming weeks."
"Soon we shall see." Princess Gianna replied giving Therakles a little wink.
So it was the group, brought together for marriage and talk of war, made much discussion over their meal and the Spartans were delighted to feast upon the delicious plates of braised lamb stuffed with feta and spinach, seared pork in fig and grape sauce with wild rice and mushrooms, grilled prawns served in cherry sauce and cold boiled shrimp with garlic butter, pan seared swordfish marinated in wine and rosemary, and a succulent dish of chicken basted in butter stuffed with eggplant and mozzarella cheese. It was some of the finest foods the group had ever tasted and Lacuna, Lucia Vega, La Quint ad Vasha were delighted to be dining on the fine Roman cuisine once again. Queen Sparta and King Therakles ate themselves into a sated feeling of comfortable slumber as they feasted there on the deck of the great ship, the sunset far off in the western horizon casting magnificent hues of coral and amethyst in the low hung clouds in distance. Whereupon King Therakles invited the young Princess to come ashore to Sparta to see the vast fields, the groves, and vineyards, as well as the great city and the Royal Palace. So that she might get a better feel for his nation and countryside. All were eager for her to join them and even General Cothos looked excited to go ashore and explore Sparta and her many delights. However, when Queen Sparta turned herself to depart the Emperor held her back saying "Let them all go, but stay with me a little while longer, for I am in need of the honor of your presence a little further."
"Why I would be delighted." she answered sweetly bidding her brother and company farewell and she could see how this greatly displeased General Cothos and this filled her with a child like glee.
Here they waited as the small group disembarked then the two went and sat in the garden on a large silken couch close together as he held her hand, then the Emperor of Rome gave a serious look telling her "I am so glad you stayed behind, for I have something weighing heavily upon my mind, for I have a matter of grave importance to discuss with you, and you alone, for I need help and you are the only one I can turn to for assistance."
Now here Sparta's heart grew more rapid in its beating and she sat there in the stillness of the silence after his words and she wanted to know the meaning of this deep, dark secret of his so Queen Sparta vowed that she, herself, would do anything necessary to help him "Tell me Cyrillus, how may I be of service?"
No comments:
Post a Comment