More Chapter 15

MORE CHAPTER 15     So it was Queen Sparta and General Cothos met each other in the courtyard of the Royal Palace under a canopy of bright stars in the full fresh fragrant evening, sitting together at a small table set with succulent dishes of braised beef and roasted vegetables, delectable treats and sweets. The couple smiled at one another their faces bathed in the warm glow of the flickering oil lamps there in the lush gardens in the dappled moonlight filtering down through the leaves of the ancient olive and orange trees heavy with fruit in the dark boughs. Here the calming sound of crickets chirping, bull frogs croaking out a chorus of mating calls could be heard on this late Spring night. Queen Sparta, being an excellent hostess, dismissed her small staff of servants and wine bearer, preferring she, herself, to serve, by her own hands, her most honored guest, General Cothos who was most impressed. Whereupon the Queen, desirous of more privacy, ordered her night watchmen to remain posted at the opposite end of the courtyard, affording the couple the opportunity to speak freely and openly with each other.
     Here she inquired after his stay at her palace, concerning herself with many questions as to his level of comfort and pleasure, as well as that of Princess Gianna, along with his small party of companions. Of whom he, himself, assured the gracious Queen that he, and all his company, were over joyed with the food, hospitality and accommodations, having no complaints that would necessitate any more extravagance of luxury.
     "Have my servants, and staff, provided for your comfort, having treated you well?' she asked her face all a shimmer with a light dusting of powder made of gold on her cheeks in the glow of candlelight.
     "Most assuredly." General Cothos spoke, a smile of delight upon his face, as he gazed upon the Queen who, now out of her military riding uniform, attired in a more softer, genteel manner, wearing a long silken gown flowing down, sweeping across her long legs, her soft shoulders bare, a belt comprised of tiny golden rings around her little waist, her breasts full, a long thin necklace draped deep into her cleavage, her eyes lined in black, lips of ruby red, wearing glimmering jewels of gold and emeralds, being adorned in her golden crown of stars in splendor, much like the goddess Venus come down from her heavenly abode to sit and talk with he, a mere mortal, who belonged only at her feet.. Once more General Cothos gave a bright smile of supreme satisfaction having unto himself the living presence of Her Royal Highness, Queen Sparta. "Of all my time in Greece I am most pleased."
     "You find my homeland to your liking, I am glad to see." she said sweetly pouring out a small glass of wine of her dinner companion.
     "I find Mother Greece is as beautiful, charming and mysterious as her people. I can confess.. I shall be sad of heart, and troubled of mind, when I find I must eventually say goodbye, and return home to Rome." he paused with a sigh then added "Though I shall be happy to see the face of my dear boy. I miss him so." General Cothos lamented.
     "I am sure he misses you more that you will ever know. Though.., perhaps one day, when your son is older, you should return with him to my Palace and I will teach him how to ride, just as I have tried to teach you." she gave a little laugh.
     "What a splendid idea. So it is, we have a promise made between us to live up to." he agreed as this notion was much to his liking.
     "To your son Gaius Aristicus!" Queen Sparta said lifting her glass in a salutation of respect for his child.
     "To Aristicus!" General Cothos took up his wine saying "He is such a good little boy, only nearly the age of one, he is so curious and alert, sweet natured and gentle of temper.., just as his mother was." here Queen Sparta instantly noticed and recognized a sudden pall of sadness sweep over his face,
     "I have heard only great and glorious words of praise of Priscilla." she said softly, reaching over touching his hand gently with a sympathetic look of understanding in her green eyes.
     "How I loved her so." he sighed grasping her hand tightly his heart heavy with twinges of grief even still.
     "May I just say to you, dearest Cothos.., the love you have for Priscilla can never be taken away from your heart and mind. For true Love is Eternal, it can never die. Though we, as humans, must, someday, give up our lives.., the Love we make and create goes on forever, living a life of its own in the hearts and minds of those who can never forget us. Remember her, cherish her memory."
     Here there was an ever so brief moment of silence as the words of her mouth filtered through his mind as he closed his eyes hearing the pulse of blood in his ears the leaves rustling in the soft breeze overhead.
     "Please." Queen Sparta continued "Let me ask of you something I have asked of all my friends."
     "You may ask of me any question you like tonight." he said smiling sweetly trying to forget the trouble of his mind as he poured out the Queen another portion of wine.
    "What are you most passionate about? What is it about your life that makes you eager to get up each fresh morning to live your day and enjoy it to its fullest potential?" she asked sincerely taking a small sip of wine.
     General Cothos paused to think about this most excellent question. "I.., myself, have a vast array of passions, my military career, the expansion of Roman territories. Yet, first and foremost.., I am most passionate about the care and welfare of my son. For I must, as his father, ensure, by any means necessary , he is brought up with the finest education and military training. For Cyrillus has no male heir, and my son Aristicus may be called upon, someday, to rule over the Roam Nation."
     Now upon hearing this statement, Queen Sparta was a little astonished that he would be speaking openly of the line of succession of Emperor Cyrillus, but she kept this to herself saying only "You live your life for the care and benefit of your son and heir, this is a most honorable endeavour to be so impassioned with.., as was my own father and mother, King Vyakles and Queen Thera." she sighed.
     "To the noble profession of all dutiful Mothers and Fathers, everywhere." here they each held up a glass taking a sip of wine in a brief moment of reflection as the fine conversation continued in its forward progression. "Pray tell me, Queen Sparta, allow me to ask of you, yourself, what is your greatest passions in life?" he asked eyes wide waiting for her reply.
     "Of my life, I can honestly say, without hesitation, I have only one true passion, however.., I have thousands of desires." here she erupted with the sweet sound of laughter.
     "Well then, of what shall I choose to inquire after.., your Desires.., or your Passion?" General Cothos replied inching his chair a little closer in proximity to the Queen
     "It is not a question of what you might ask.., but rather, how I decided to answer." her gentle laughter and soft voice filled his senses as she gave him a little wink saying "I shall tell you, first, of my one true passion in life. For to speak of my, non-virtuous, desires would take all night."

Chapter 15 begins

     It was nearly three hours later when Queen Sparta retired to her private bedchamber, after many long hours in meetings and discussions with her various chiefs of council concerning important matters of state. Whereupon she, being received by her maid servants, Queen Sparta relaxed comfortably as she was soon pampered by the young women, who hurried to undress and bathe the tired Queen for her dinner engagement with the handsome foreign General.
     In doing so the maids imparted all the secrets and gossip they had overheard eavesdropping on the soldiers of General Cothos, who, himself, had returned from his riding lesson complaining of many aches and pains. Whereupon Captain Brittas, hearing of this, entreated them all to take treatments at the baths and spa of the palace, where the men were found to discuss much.., as to the 'close nature' of affection displayed between the General and the Queen. He was overheard boasting to his men 'I am confident I shall be inside the Queen's bedchamber by the nights end.'. Now such talk and speculation was, of course, completely unacceptable, rude, brazen as it was unwise, defying all common courtesy. However Queen Sparta, ever playing the part in her act of deception, scolded her ladies, dismissing his words as well as defending him, telling them "General Cothos is a guest in our Nation! He is the Uncle of the Roman Princess Gianna, whom is engaged to marry my Brother, she will soon be Queen Consort of King Therakles.., but more than this, General Cothos is a man, first and foremost. So, be not ignorant in your understanding of men, for they are all alike, in one respect, they are most desirous of those things they can never posses, which leads them to boast and brag among themselves." Queen Sparta said with truth making her point clear. "Women should not take offense, where none is given. Yet, even more so than this, General Cothos is a brave and noble leader, in lifelong service to Emperor Cyrillus. So have some discretion ladies, let not your speech bare any ill words of contempt for him, and let us all speak no more this.., these rumors and idle gossip. For gossip is for old men and women filled up with regret and bitterness." here the Queen paused giving a warm smile "For I tell you this, my lovely ladies. Above all this I have spoken of him, General Cothos.., is now, unto me, a welcome friend." her she received a cool cautious look of concern and care for true it was, in the hearts of her servants, they did not respond well to Cothos feeling uneasy and uncertain of his intentions for their young Queen, whom could easily be misled by the charms and affections of an older man, he being far more sophisticated in the ways of the world than she still in grief for the death of her father King Vyakles. Here, sensing immediately their disapproval of her statement Queen Sparta asked "Is it not the truth that you, who are here with me now, only live to serve and obey my commands?"
     "Yes, oh Great Queen!" came their quick response in unison, all pledging once more their solemn vows of allegiance to the Laconian Throne swearing to give up their lives, if need be, to protect her and keep her from harm of any kind , be that of the body, or heart, or mind. To wit they again cautioned Queen Sparta in the matter of her new friendship with the foreign born General.
     "He is my friend, good ladies, and will soon, by marriage, be a part of my Royal Family. My dear friend Cothos  is .., quite pleasing company for me, for in my trouble spirit I have grown restless.., he has given my heart ease. Of this, we all should rejoice and praise the gods, for I now find myself.., HAPPY!" she smiled lying through her teeth, but Sparta was well pleased her ladies had taken the time and courage to speak, and were audacious in their concern for her well being. "Now, I am most anxious of heart and spirit for tonight!" she squealed, feigning delight instructing them thusly "Bring forth my green silken gown from out my wardrobe, fetch my fine golden belt and bracelets, my emerald earrings and my crown of stars, oh and my sandals of gold. Comb my hair and weave the braids with a few strands of pearls, and black kohl for my eyes, and red pigment for my lips.Oh and tell my gardeners to set out more bouquets of flowers! I want roses, gardenias and jasmine in every vase in every room! Oh and I can not forget my perfume!"
     So it was with great excitement as the women flitted about her much like a hive of bees buzzing around their Queen, as the sun set over the mountains in the west, a bright blanket of stars covering the black sky as a full moon slowly rose up over the river, filling the courtyard with its heavenly light.

End Chapter 14

         Cothos asked a simple question "Do you enjoy your role of new leadership?" he looked over at Queen Sparta with fresh beads of sweat upon her brow, her long braids cascading down her back as they walked along the dusty trail, white billowing clouds overhead gently blowing west in the bright blue sky
         "Life is never easy, there is work to be done." Queen Sparta replied quoting her father, King Vyakles, whom she still ached in her soul to see his smile once again. Here General Cothos instantly noticed, and recognized, a soft stroke of sadness in her green eyes.
         "I must tell you, that I, myself, am completely amazed by your presence, for you are like no woman, NO ONE, I have ever known!" he said, hoping his complements would help her cope with this sudden sadness. "So beautiful, and powerful in your authority over those your rule. You, who, with deep emotion and a delicate heart, are so dangerous and deadly. I can see how the vast numbers of your Army and Navy admire you and worship at your feet, willing to sacrifice their lives at a moments notice. Such devotion, it does my heart good to see." he smiled.
     "Unity, Loyalty, Respect, and Honor." Queen Sparta said quoting her mother, Queen Thera, "This is the creed we live our lives by. For we are just as willing to give up our lives for each other.., this is our sacred devotion, the protection of our land, and all her people, from the lowliest slave to highest of the oligarchy." she continued in their discourse.
     "I, myself, have no experience of Royal Authority, but I can only imagine the difficulties of ruling a nation, so highly favored throughout the World." he added.
     Queen Sparta sighed as a warm breeze swept across her face, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand, she thought for a moment remembering the long conversations she had with her dearly beloved father. So it was recalling the words he spoke, she imparted the wisdom of King Vyakles unto General Cothos who, himself, held to the understanding of the knowledge gained  Sparta spoke saying "I have, through the hands of the Fates, selflessly agreed to shoulder that heavy mantle of leadership, bravely casting aside the ease and comfort of apathetic indifference. In exchange for a life of service and sacrifice." Queen Sparta paused staring off across the fertile plain then continued. 'Leadership requires character, common vision and caring. Then, and only then, unparalleled leadership can thrive. There must be, at its core, an unyielding resolve, passion, perseverance, courage, along with empathy, that empowers us, as a nation, to expose and defeat the darkest parts of humankind by any means necessary and with violence by our own hands if need be. It is only through  great Compassion and sheer Resilience, in the midst of Fear and Uncertainty WE, as a Nation, uphold Integrity and embody virtues of altruistic service. For my brother, King Therakles and I, have a brighter vision of the future and we have the passion to make our vision a reality."
     "These are admirable qualities in a natural born leader." General Cothos commended her.
     "I have been born and bred to live my life by a code of honor, never to be stained by a desire of personal or material gain. For when tragedy arises, when circumstances call for Sacrifice.., then we Sacrifice." Queen Sparta spoke but of this Cothos had no personal knowledge, nor had he understanding, she was speaking of sacrificing him. "We, as noble rulers, give our warriors strength to move forward through the tumult of War. Our Royal Throne has built a relationship with our Army and Navy on a strong foundation of TRUST.., a trust, so PROFOUND, that even the possibility of Death can not severe its hold. General Cothos said nothing, thinking for a moment about his own situation , oh how he wished Emperor Cyrillus would extend this sort of Trust and Unity to himself, but well Cothos knew how the Emperor hated him. "Yet, you, yourself, General Cothos, you are a highly successful military man, well respected by your great Emperor." the Queen lied, telling him "You, now, through marriage, are a member of a Royal Household, you are the blessed father to the nephew of Cyrillus, who speaks in such high regard of you.., who ARE a leader of men. You should know well of what I speak."
     "Yes." he paused his face turning a little pale, for he could not believe Cyrillus had said anything good about him. Of course the Emperor had not, but he had no inclination that the Great Queen Sparta would be lying. So he took in a deep calming breath, licked his lips and said "I, in my country, am a man of authority. Having under me legions of soldiers. Yet still, my duty is to uphold the laws, not create or enact them. Nor will I ever govern like Royalty. However, when I say unto one of my warriors, to one I say, go and he will goeth, and to another come, and he will cometh, to where ever I so desire. And to my servants I say, do this and that , and they doeth any task I require of them. So as you see, there exist certain limitations to my authority." he sighed deep in his heart wishing he cold be king.
     "All of which you speak does not seem to be very satisfying to you. If you were to be given more power.., do you believe you would rule wisely?" she asked plainly
     General Cothos remained silent with many thoughts of his mind colliding together like a sudden storm of thunder, and clear as day the cunning Queen could see the flames of devious ambition alight in his eyes.
     "Alas, the Fates have conspired against me." Cothos sighed as the stables drew nearer in sight. "If only I were of noble birth.., I would pledge my troth to you, beautiful Sparta, and take you as my wife." here he paused bowing to kiss her hand.
     Queen Sparta only smiled, feigning delight, holding back her contempt as she played her part in the act of his deception, as she leaned in to give him a kiss upon the cheek, whispering in his ear. "Come, visit me again tonight. I would like to have a private dinner with you in the courtyard underneath the stars in the moonlight, for we have much to discuss." 

More Chapter 14

     Twenty or so minutes into his lesson, that hot, humid Spring day, late in the afternoon, Cothos practiced his posture, verbal commands going through the gaits of the animal, walking, trotting, cantering, galloping to Queen Sparta's satisfaction, for he proved to be an apt student, so it was she felt comfortable heading outside of the ring with him for an open ride.
     "Very good General!" she shouted across the arena proudly "Now let us go out for a ride through the country side."
     Thereafter Queen Sparta, General Cothos, along with her mounted body guards, all rode out together going down through a narrow trail deep in the woods at a slow pace, in shade of the oak leaves; which provided a bright green, welcome escape from the suns harsh rays, there in the dappled light, the scent of junipers heavy in the air as the birds could be herd calling to each other in the towering trees. Cool and dark came the forest breeze upon his face and the foreign born General felt more at ease with each  moment spent in the company of the Queen. As the small group of riders made their way down into a lush green valley, where vast fields of wheat blew gently in waves as groves of ancient olive and orange trees stood tall, here the riding party began to quicken the pace of their steeds, who were anxious to get in a good run out in the open plain. Racing at full speed the Queen and her men tried to out pace each other in the saddle as they flew along the country side kicking up dust and dirt as General Cothos was soon found to be left far behind. For, though he had ridden a few times before in the distant past, life in the saddle was not of his custom, here and now, speeding along so dangerously, so quickly, left his heart and pulse racing faster than the horses own pace, as the wind came whipping across his face. Cothos was trying to keep up, but still he was a little afraid, so he held back a bit on the reins not allowing his mount to gain a lead. Here he noticed ahead as Captain Synos glanced back at him, laughing under his breath.
     Then there came a sudden sharp excruciating pain radiating from his legs to his spine, as Cothos felt a tightening in his muscular thighs; which burned with a searing, stabbing pain, cramps locking up his muscles like clenched fists of fire. Such was the agony he cried out, halting his horse in its tracks, leaping from off the horses back  "My legs!" he shouted out after the Queen and her guards, whom all turned heading back for him "Cramps!" he shouted walking in a peculiar, jumping motion hopping from foot to foot seemingly unable to keep still.
     "I thought as much!" Queen Sparta called out to him knowing his body was not condition to acclimate easily to the saddle. Here she brought Saxet to a standstill, dismounting, to come to the foreigners aid, extending him a hand telling him. 'Come, you must walk off the pain."
     "How embarrassing" General Cothos said wincing his eyes watering a little. For he was in agony, he tried to breathe more earnestly, his sweat was if it were great drops of blood falling to the earth.
     "Just walk it off, do not stop moving or the cramps will only get worse." she said trying not to laugh and giving her guards a serious look so that they would also hold their tongues. "Be not troubled, this is only natural." she said putting an arm around his shoulder "We ourselves have been riding since we were but children of five, you are new to this activity and.., it is my humble prayer to the gods that you have many more years to spend with us here, in my country." the Queen spoke flirtatiously.
     "May your pray be answered.., and thank you, all, for not laughing." he said giving her guards a friendly smile of shame and it was Captain Synos who gave the General a look of disgust mixed with contempt.
     "Have your men take our horses back to the stables Captain Synos!"  as she too noticed his disapproving look, here Captain Synos gave a concerned gaze now to his beloved Queen. "Yes, Captain, you heard me verily. Go, leave us alone. It is only a mile or two back to the Palace so.., this gives my most welcomed guest, and myself, a chance to get better acquainted with one another. We will have a nice long walk, and we can talk with each other and share our thoughts. I will be perfectly safe. Of this I can assure you, my good Captain."
     So it was, Captain Synos did as instructed, ordering his men to return to the stables with the two horses. However, he waited for Queen Sparta and General Cothos to begin their late afternoon stroll while he rode behind the pair, trailing the two on his mount, just close enough that he could keep them both in plain sight, but not so close enough to hear their conversation. Queen Sparta noticed him following along behind them but she did not dissuade Captain Synos from his path, for this was not the moment she would strike. Queen Sparta would have to bide her time a little longer before she would take the hated Generals life.
     "I must say how much I admire you so, but pray I must know just one thing." Cothos turned standing upright feeling a little lighter in pain as he walked slowly beside the Queen.
     "Yes, dearest Cothos, you can ask of me.., anything.." Queen Sparta smiled sweetly taking him by the hand.
   

Chapter 14 begins

     So it came to pass Queen Sparta sat atop her black war horse, Saxet, the animal being eager to go out for his afternoon exercises as he was a pure bred Themiscyran equine who loved to run. However, impressed as he was with the Queen's enormous mount, the General was quite displeased and disappointed with the horse she had chosen for him. For it was a much smaller, more docile breed as he noted sitting atop its back. Queen Sparta seated in her saddle towered over him and cold it was there in their shadow. So small in stature was his horse, compared to the mighty Saxet, General Cothos thought it would be no different if she had saddled up a donkey for him to ride. The expression on his face could not hide the embarrassment of his mind.
     "Why.., General Cothos." Queen Sparta said looking down at him "You look, somehow., displeased."
     "Well..," he paused looking up at her there in the presence of the many stable boys, groomsmen, along with the Master of the Stables he continued. "it is just..,"
     "Yes, go on, pray tell me, what is the matter?" she inquired with a look of great concern upon her face.
     "My mount, is.., so much smaller than your enormous steed.., I feel, here next to you, like a child sitting upon a little pony." he protested with a pout.
     "I see." Queen Sparta shook her head saying "You are unhappy." here she quickly threw her right leg over the back of the saddle dismounting instantly, then she grabbed both reins of his horse handing them over to the Master of the Stables instructing him thusly "Unsaddle the horses! It would appear I have an unwilling student who is not prepared to understand and LISTEN and LEARN!" here she turned her back to the shocked General as she started to walk away.
     "NO!" General Cothos called  out to her, realizing he had caused great offense to the young Queen, whom had taken time out of her busy schedule just to teach him to ride. "I apologize Queen Sparta! Forgive my consternation. This horse will be just fine." he smiled hoping the Queen would not abandon him.
     Slowly she turned, the stern look of dissatisfaction still upon her lovely face. Then she opened up her mouth saying "I have only one question for you.., General," she paused for dramatic effect "Do you trust in my abilities of instruction on this matter?"
     "Of course! Absolutely. I trust in you implicitly!" General Cothos replied truthfully.
     "Do you believe I know what I am doing and in my capabilities to teach?" she asked further.
     "Yes, your Highness, most definitely!" he re-stated.
     "Very well then.., let your instruction thus begin." she said climbing back up in her saddle once again telling the relieved General "A new student must begin with a smaller, calmer breed, this is one we use to pull our chariots, they are far more easy to control then our highly strung Themiscyran horses of war. Yet be forewarned, even though your mount is smaller it still weighs nearly 1,000 pounds, indeed any horse is quite capable of taking your life if you do not ride correctly and take your lessons seriously." the Queen explained.
     "I understand.., yet I have one question. Will I, myself, have a chance to ride Saxet at some point in time before I return home to Rome?" he asked eagerly.
     "We shall see how you progress in your training, though be not ignorant in your understanding, for bringing a horse like Saxet under control takes a very stable hand and an iron will. Horses recognize strength and appreciate the command of a steady hand rooted in confidence. The sole proof of strength is a commanding will. You see our war horses are raised to always recognize fear, terror and danger, all the while never succumbing to it. Just as any good warrior should be. For horses, of any breed, sense fear immediately and if fear dwells within your heart for them, than you will succumb to the domination of the animal.., and you could end up either flat on your back unconscious, or dead in your grave. Be not afraid dearest General, and you will win the day." Queen Sparta smiled calmly handing him back the reins. "This is a good horse and you are a fine man, but it is only natural to a have bit of fear in your heart, this is human nature, for you are about to experience a situation in which you may have no control over. So, in order to be a proper horseman you must let go of any doubt and always remember, and never forget, this is just an animal. You MUST demonstrate, through supreme unshakable confidence, your DOMINION over it !" she said climbing back up in her saddle leading General Cothos out to the adjacent riding arena located behind the palace.
     Here Queen Sparta rode out to the center of the small circular arena dropping her reins in her lap, clasping her hands behind her back for a bit of showmanship. The  young Queen proceeded to bring her horse through its paces; walking around once, trotting around twice, then going into a full gallop at a breakneck speed, all without the use of her hands. She, through years of practice, being able to command the animal with little clicks and whistles from her tongue and using the pressure of her thighs and heels to move the horse in any direction, right, left, side to side, forwards then backwards, it was an incredible display of the union between horse and human. The demonstration of her skills left the General in awe of both horse and rider. Then she awed him further, his heart racing, as he sat watching as she, somehow, picked up her feet as the horse trotted around the arena, gripping the saddle with both hands firmly using all her upper body strength she moved her legs up behind her so that her feet pointed towards the sky as she rode around standing on her head high up in the saddle, those around viewing the display cheering and bursting into applause.Now, as if that was not enough, Queen Sparta bent her body at the hips, bringing her feet to rest on top of the saddle, as she stood, arms out to her side for balance as she rode around the arena standing perfectly erect with a smile as bright as the sun.
     "I am AMAZED!" Cothos shouted  his eyes wide with delight.
     "Put your faith in me General Cothos! As you can see, I know of what I speak!" Queen Sparta laughed.
     "Teach me! My Queen, TEACH ME!" he replied enthusiastically, so enthralled by this magnificent, incredible woman was he, the likes of whom he had never known. For every moment he spent in the Queen's company, he learned more and more about her and the amazing facets of her personality.  Everything he knew of her left the General more and more intrigued.
     So it was her cunning scheme was working as she drew him in closer and closer, General Cothos now trusted her implicitly, never knowing that his trust would be betrayed and he would be deceived. "Come." said the Queen "We shall begin in the arena with a few basic instructions, then we shall ride out to the trails in the thick forests, that is if your thighs do not become too cramped and sore.., and you are still willing." she said bringing Saxet up close to him.
     "Why Queen Sparta." he smiled up at her "I am ready, willing and able!" the General replied with a wink of his eye.
     "And so am I, General Cothos.., so am I." she said with a mischievous laugh.

End Chapter 13

     After the departure of the Athenian delegation there were a few more moments of heated discussion on the matter amongst the Spartans, who were all greatly agitated by the new request for additional troops. While the King and Queen debated several issues pertaining to this new brewing crisis, General Cothos could not help but stare in awe, listening intently to every word Queen Sparta spoke, as she commanded the room with her strong voice and magnificent presence. For he was completely enthralled, and intrigued, watching the Queen in her full glory of power, ruling over her Generals, War Councilors and Ambassadors as she sat upon her throne, dressed in crimson robes and her riding attire, her hair pulled back into long copper colored braids exposing the flesh of her neck, with broad shoulders, large breasts, a tiny waist, well rounded hips, a firm and fruity back side he wanted to take a bite out of like a nice juicy peach. Exceptionaly firm, muscular thighs, long legs he wanted wrapped around him. The enamored foreign General felt a hot stirring in his blood as he gazed upon Queen Sparta's supple skin, her sweet pink lips, bright green eyes , she herself, commanding the pure physical presence of a powerful ancient goddess. The Spartan Queen appeared to him, and he felt deeply she was more likely, a true divine creature than a human being.
     "Until we have our reply.., we must wait to decide." she sighed "Until then.., gentlemen and gentlewomen," Queen Sparta stood to her feet saying "We have other matters to concern ourselves with, for my brother, our King and I, have his wedding ceremony to plan and , as for myself, I must part company from you now, for I have scheduled a riding lesson for our fine Roman General.., Cothos!" Queen Sparta called out to him, and bade him to approach her throne "Come, let us go together as new found allies, so that I might show you a bit more of our glorious and peaceful countryside. We shall have a nice long ride together." she said taking his hand as he bowed to her graciously, she giving him a seductively flirtatious warm smile.
     So it was, the troubling news from Athens she put at the back of her mind, as for now, the Queen's plot to assassinate the unsuspecting General moving to the forefront of her thoughts once again. Whereupon Queen Sparta, along with her body guards, among which was Captain Synos, seething, cursing under his breath an air of jealousy about him., nonetheless, Captain Synos, along with his men escorted the Queen and her General Cothos to the Royal Stables. So that she might select an appropriate horse that was tame and gentle enough for him to ride. For so it was, Cothos was an inexperienced rider, not yet capable of bringing a massive, vicious  war steed, like Saxet, under full control. To allow him to mount an unruly steed would be unwise, unsafe and perilous to the health and well being of General Cothos, whom Queen Sparta had expressed her adulation for, to all, and any, who would listen. For out of Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor, they all believed her wholeheartedly. For what man or woman would ever dare doubt the word of their brave and noble Queen?

More Chapter 13

     "During the onslaught of vicious fighting," the Athenian began "While defending the walls of the city, one of our highly effective archers got off a sure shot, hitting King Phillip in his right eye.., however, he was, somehow, able to survive, being now blinded."
     "BLINDED! In one eye! Hurrah! May the gods be praised!" Queen Sparta exclaimed a bright radiant smile upon her face.
     "Being that King Phillip has been so grievously wounded.., it is rumored he has withdrawn from taking the field of battle himself, for he no longer has any perception of depth or distance, making any attempt at accuracy during combat nearly impossible. Our Generals tell us that Phillip now has taken to setting up a small encampment on the hillside above the arena of battle, overseeing in the fighting, but not participating. Leaving his army, which grows in number daily, some 100,000, wreaking havoc throughout Scythia and Thrace."
     "How is it he amasses such great numbers of troops?" King Therakles asked with a furrowed brow and pursed lips.
     "King Phillip, as he goes from village to village, city to city, he offers up a wealth of gold and silver coins to the citizens, so that they are giving up their cities peacefully without one ounce of resistance. Whereupon the men are given money, along with Macedonian uniforms of War and weapons. They are forced to be conscripts for his Army.., or die. Many of these new soldiers are from the depths of poverty and poorly trained , now being well fed, and clothed, well taken care of, it easy to see how they offer up to him Loyalty, easily following his lead. Why, Phillip took four cities in one day with his bribery's." the old man paused then continued. "It has also come to pass that King Phillip has taken a fifth wife, Olympia, whom has, unlike his other brides, has given birth to a son, Alexander."
     "Alexander.., the heir to King Phillip's throne." King Therakles said growing more distressed by the minute.
     "Our spies tell us he is a sickly child, we pray that he does not survive, for his mother is a deeply disturbed individual, prone to violence." the elder statesman added.
     "You have given us much to think about." Queen Sparta said sitting back tapping her fingers on the armrest of her carved oaken throne. "Go, return to your masters, impart our words with greetings and salutations from our Royal Court." here the three dignitaries bowed to the King and Queen of Sparta, leaving the room under an uncomfortable silence. Whereupon as soon as the doors were closed behind them they heard the room erupt with the voices of angry men filling the chamber, all the voices save for one, General Cothos, who had been standing at the back of the room, waiting patiently for his riding lesson with the Queen.
     

Chapter 13 begins

     Quickly then the Queen and King of Sparta called their Chiefs to the War Council, the din of their concerned voices, loud shouts, echoing off of the thick stone walls of the noise filled chamber. For the news from the Athenian delegates was quite troubling. Queen Sparta, herself, glared down at them, flames of anger flickering in her eyes. From her royal throne, seated next to her brother, she spoke in a loud, clear voice quieting all the people in the large room gathered together there.

     "This new request.., is completely UNACCEPTABLE!" she hissed back at the emissaries who tried not to look directly in her eyes as an spoken rule.
     "The fact remains.., the city walls have fallen, Amphipolis is over run with the Macedonian Horde. The mountains overtaken, the mines and her slave population are now fully under the control of Phillip and his army." one of the elder statesmen spoke up.
     "It is too late to send forth our troops now." King Therakles replied.
     "We require additional troops, more than the 7,000 on offer, to re-take the city and seize back control of the gold and silver mines." the Athenian retorted.
     "Re-take the city, occupied by 30,000 well armed and well fed Macedonian soldiers? This sounds like a Thracian and Athenian problem now; which, ultimately, requires a Thracian and Athenian solution." the young King said re-stating his position.
    "The addition of 25,000 Spartan warriors shall tip the balance of power in our favor." another of the emissaries explained.
     "This was not our agreement!" Queen Sparta shouted her face growing red with frustration as her scribes seated next to her on the floor took down every word of the meeting. "And now you say our troops will engage in the land battle ALONE, whilst the Athenians sit safely aboard their ships, snug in the harbor, supplying our troops with food and water. All the while my men will fight and die for an Athenian Ally; which lies in the Kingdom of Thrace, Spartans hated Nation. No.., what your masters ask of, is in a word, INSANE!"
     "Did not Athens send forth her troops in support of your campaign against Thebes, Allies of the King  Macedon, did not our men give up their lives for your Spartan cause?" the elder statesman questioned the Queen.
     "First of all.., the destruction of Thebes was mutually beneficial to BOTH our nations. We sent a clear message and answer to Phillip! Whom, now, would not DARE to set even one of his horses hooves in the Peloponnese! Secondly.., Athens only sent forth a few thousand men; which is all that was required, no more,  no less! Thirdly!" Queen Sparta stood to her feet stepping down and standing in front of the aged Athenian dignitary saying "You over step the boundaries of your limited power. Who are you to question Royalty?"
     "Now, then..," King Therakles said in a calm tone hoping his sister would sit back down "let us say, hypothetically, if we supplied the land forces Athens requires, what does our Great Nation of Sparta profit?"
     "Half of the mines out put, for decades, will be delivered into your treasury." here, with this information, the Athenian diplomatic corp, gathered in the court of the Crimson King and Queen, were astonished to hear, as the response, much laughter filling the hall and the lungs of the Greeks.
     "No." King Therakles answered.
     "No?" the emissary asked.
     "No!" Queen Sparta shouted in his face her hot breath upon his cheek. Then she gave a look as serious as the grave saying "You look confused, or perhaps this is just a natural trait. Go, tell your masters the lives of our warriors are more precious than any amount of gold." here she retreated back to her seated position upon her throne as her brother spoke further on the matter.                                                                        
     "Alert your generals.., for they must commit 15,000 land troops combined with our 25,000 in a united offense against the Macedonians. If they do not agree to this pact, then Athens will be left on her own."
     "Verily I shall deliver your message, however, before I go, there is a bit of good news to report from the front lines." the Athenian, whom had traveled back and forth between nations many times, spoke up with a little wicked smile.
     "GOOD NEWS!? Why that is something we hardly ever hear from you!" Queen Sparta quipped to the amusement of herself and her war councilors. "Go on then, shed some light on the situation.