More Chapter 20

     Whereupon King Therkles, attired in his regal robes of crimson, sat upon his temple throne directly behind the main altar in the Temple of Hera making his royal edict known. Having called for all the priests and priestess from all the temples of worship along with each and every acolyte in service to the holy divinities, with all the scribes and scripture notari, including the Physician Traverios and many members of high ranking political status accompanied by their own lawyers, by order of the King. All called bearing witness to this most unusual and unprecedented ceremony of both great religious and legal significance.
     The King of Sparta elucidated further on the issue in the presence of all the men and women assembled there in the early morning light, the sun beams casting long shadows streaming over the towering columns gleaming bright white, illuminating the massive marble statues of Hera and her husband Zeus, the sunlight bringing a radiant glow to the face of the young Grecian King. Who sat above the people with his sharp eyes and glimmering golden crown of oaks leaves, looking himself much like a god, a purely holy, unearthly being. Synos gazed up at King Therakles, who sat across from him, as he stood in front of the altar feeling the weight of the stares of the people and the glare of the sun on his back and shoulders. Synos had returned to Sparta that day as a Major in the Army, suddenly he was made a General, by order of the King, and now would serve as the Prince of this new Blood Covenant, he entering, peacefully, without fear of reprisals or any apprehensions of threat of derision. For, though he was incredibly nervous, palms sweating, heart racing, Synos knew he would now undergo a strange metaphysical, religious transformation, doing that which his fathers had not done, nor their father's fathers.
     King Therakles called for Synos to be draped in fine linens of purple and gold by the young virginal acolytes in service to Hera. A garland of sacred oak leaves and grape vines was quickly fashioned and placed upon the head of Synos signifying a crown. All watched in reverent silence, save for the distant scream of eagles overhead circling high up in the clear blue sky, as Therakles stood erect standing now at the center of the white marble altar facing Synos and the ever growing crowd of spectators as the Physician Traverios approached slowly, in his hand a ceremonial knife that was, in fact, one of his surgical scalpels, long thin and sharp as any sword. "Make the incision." King Therakles spoke softly then addressing the crowd he shouted loudly "Let my Royal Blood flow! This is my blood of which General Synos will drink!"
     A gasp came up from the audience as Traverios laid the blade against the bare flesh of their King's inner arm, just above the wrist. As Therakles made a fist of his left hand he felt the sharp prick of pain as his physician sliced open an inch long gash, opening up his skin letting the blood flow freely from within, Traverios taking care not to puncture a vein or artery. There in an instant a scarlet stream of blood poured forth from the wound and gathered up in a golden chalice held steady by Synos, whom was made to drink of when a good amount of the crimson liquid filled the bottom of the cup. Doing his best to drink down the thick, sticky substance, the life blood of his Sovereign Royal King. Yet Synos thought it odd how the blood left a sharp toxic taste of iron on his tongue. Here he felt the warmth of it slide down his throat into his empty stomach and it was easy going down his throat, traquilazoma.
     As King Therakles was tended to by his physician, who wrapped the superficial wound with thin white strips of clean linen in order to staunch the bleeding. Synos suddenly felt ill at ease feeling as if he were going to be sick and he felt faint in the morning heat. However, as King Therakles gazed upon him from directly across the altar, with a glorious, radiant peaceful smile upon his face, Synos immediately relaxed all the tense muscles of his body, quieting the storm cloud of thoughts in his head, an elation sweping over him in a wave of incredible lightness of being, almost feeling as if he were now, somehow, floating just above the ground, his heart the weight of a feather, his mind clear and still as a tomb. This was due to the intoxicating effects of opium placed in to the cup before the ceremony.
     King Therakles gazed upon the shining face of Synos and he, himself, felt a huge sense of relief feeling a little bit closer to having his sister, the Queen, home safe by his side, divorced from the grip of sadness and the heavy burden of undue guilt. So, taking in a deep breath, he spoke in a loud clear voice that did every ones heart good to hear. "General Synos, you have taken my blood by the consumption of your mouth in the presence of all those gathered here today. Let it be known, and written of, that General Synos has entered this Blood Covenant in true faith in the laws I so decree, and by allegiance to the Laconian Throne with valor through eternal displays of Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor. I hereby issue forth a new proclamation established through this Royal Blood Covenant that I declare before all the World! General Synos shall now be entitled with the rank of Prince in the Royal Houses of Sparta and Themiscyra. Whereby the Royal Blood of two great Nations now flows freely through his veins. I now declare you Prince Synos of Sparta, in service to the Laconian Throne." King Therakles gave a great look of solemn divinity over at him saying to him "Unto you, Prince Synos, I shall bestow Mercy and Forgiveness for all past transgressions, so that you might walk upright in my laws, obeying my voice, so set this seal of wisdom and understanding in your heart and mind. So that you, now, being blood of my blood, through the consumption by your lips, have become one with my body and spirit for all time." here Therakles paused and shook the hands of Prince Synos then turning his attention on the gathering mass he spoke directly to the crowd saying in a voice as loud as any thunder "Let it NEVER be said that Prince Synos is not of Royal blood. For even as I impart this wisdom to you, establishing this New Blood Covenant, the heritage of my ancient lineage courses through his veins even as it flows through mine own." the crowd remained hushed in awe of the scene then King Therakles continued admonishing all the spectators "Let it be known to all the nations, by this blood covenant; which binds us together, I shall set forth the Royal Decree before all the gods and goddesses, all the presidents of all the kingdoms, all the governors, and all the kings and princess, the generals, the captains of all the armies and navies. Of whom shall be consulted together, bidding their fraternal respect and honor that which I have established by my divine authority. And be it known that all shall swear by affirmations in the positive, standing firm on this decree. So be it, that whomsoever shall let it be known from this day forward, be they the rulers, or their citizens they rule over, that they shall recognize and establish in their minds and legal doctrines that General Synos shall now be elevated to the elite status of Prince Synos of Sparta. This sacred rite has been performed in this holy place. So let it be written that there shall be a curse upon anyone who petitions against this proclamation in any court or house of worship. Let anyone who wishes to raise up their contentious voice to any god or goddess, or any man, save only me, let them come and decry my decree before my judgement and I shall cut them up into little pieces and feed them to my dogs."
     An uproarious burst of cheers and applause sprang up from the enormous crowd as Synos turned to face the throng of well wishers chanting his name and he, himself, felt as noble as any king. Prince Synos saw the golden Royal Chariot pull up in front of the steps as the crush of citizens parted, making way for the new Prince as Therakles whispered in his ear. "Go now to Queen Sparta, alone in your chariot. Go to her, establish in her heart and mind your Princely Royal Status, tell her all is well. Bring her back to the Palace for the Emperor arrives soon and she must be made whole again.., for my happiness solely depends on it." the look of grave concern returning once again to his sad eyes.
     "I shall do all that is required, my Liege. For I, myself, cannot have any happiness or peace of mind, nor heart, while we have been kept apart" Prince Synos paused then over the roar of the crowd he gave his Monarch a self determined smile "Queen Sparta will be returned home, safe and secure, no harm shall come her way, rest assured oh King, all will be made well again."

Chapter 20 begins

     Twelve hours later, as dawn arose in a robe of golden splendor, Major Synos found himself anxiously awaiting an audience with King Therakles after a long hard ride from his garrison in the north. As he paced back and forth nervously in the great hall he wondered why he had been summoned back to the Royal Palace, further adding to his concern and confusion was the fact that there were no guards stationed outside the Queens bedchamber. His pulse quickened as his heart raced a terrible sinking feeling filling his stomach as his palms began sweating and he felt the flush of fever on his brow.

      "Major Synos!" came the relived cry of the Spartan King who entered alone looking exhausted as if he had not been able to sleep. "I see you made no delay in your arrival, you must have been riding in the saddle all night, of this I am well pleased." 

     "Yes my King, yet pray tell., why have you called for me so urgently?" he asked his eyes sharp and focused on the face of Therakles.
     "You have been summoned on a matter of great importance." the King paused laying a hand on the distressed Major broad shoulder telling him "Queen Sparta has gone missing, of her own free will."
     Major Synos gave a shocked look of deep concern asking of him "What has transpired here to make her abandon the Palace and her responsibilities to her Nation?"
     Therakles paused then with a heavy sigh he said "There has been a most unfortunate accident, General Cothos is dead." here there came a silence followed by an explanation by the King of all that transpired from this tragic event, bringing him up to speed. Shocked into silence Major Synos sat himself down in the presence of the King for the news was so overwhelming. "Somehow our Sparta had become quite smitten with the Roman General, why it is beyond my comprehension, however since this tragedy has occurred my sister blames herself for his death, by allowing him to ride her war horse, thus causing him to lose his life. She was left in a terrible state of horror and grief. So it has come to pass that she has appeared to have gone quite mad with despair, feeling guilty for this tragedy." he rubbed his temples the pain in his head growing stronger as he, himself, sat next to the mortified Major whose face turned as white as the wool of a sheep. "I have sent out droves of men to search for her all throughout the city and the surrounding countryside, all to no avail. It is as if she has just disappeared from off the face of the Earth, we are unable to locate her, nor anyone that has even seen our troubled Queen." There came a long pause of hesitation to respond on the part of Synos who now felt sick to his stomach. "I shall be honest with you further, for we two, as men, have not always seen eye to eye on a great many things, chief among them is your close relationship to my sister the Queen. I know for a fact  you and she would often meet somewhere in secret during your years at the academy, keeping your relationship hidden from the eyes of our disapproving society."
     "Because I am unworthy of her love and affection for I am not Royalty." Synos said in disgust for even though his love for Sparta was pure and true he was a common man and not elite enough to be able to receive the Queens affection being seen by all as unworthy of her love.
     "Synos, I pray of thee, if you have any love left in your heart for Sparta, do not forsake her. Go, without delay, bring her home safely to me, and you will be the blessed hero of a grateful nation and all her people." he said giving Synos a look of grave worry and concern. "I pray you speak openly and honestly with me when I ask of you.., do you still have any love left in your hard heart for my sister now?"
     Whereupon, for the first time in his short life, Synos opened up his mouth and let the truth come spilling out. "I love Sparta NOW and FOREVER!" he replied feeling a great weight lifting up from his heart and mind then he pledged from the depths of his soul "I will go and bring her back safely.., for there is a secret meeting place we two shared where we could go and be.., together."
     Now the thought of Synos being alone with his beloved sister made the King furious with anger, however, yet again, his concern and worry far exceeded his anger and frustration in the matter, so he spoke plainly "I have feared this all these years., and now, to hear your secret love to be professed in truth sets my nerves on edge.., however, I shall overlook your indiscretions for though it pains me to hear you have been deceiving me all this time.., I now require only one thing from you.., and that is to have my sister back home safe with me, where she can be surrounded by the people that love her dearly, and that, I see, includes you too." King Therakles said taking in a deep breath then he added in a calm clear voice "I can promise you this much, Synos. Bring our sweet Sparta out of the dark abyss of sadness and madness and I shall issue a decree and give you a new commission as a General in my vast Army."
     Major Synos sat there for a moment staring at the King "I am not concerned with a new commission or rising up in rank." he paused then peering into the worried Kings tired eyes he said "I will do as you ask.., however, I, myself, require only one thing."
     "Ask of it, and you shall be given whatever your heart desires." he replied eager to get the Major on his way without delay. "Pray tell what is it you desire of me?" he asked as his heart seemed to skip a beat as his stress grew larger in capacity.
     "I am seeking out your blessing, and approval, to take your sisters hand in marriage, if Sparta will still have me." now here, in what seemed like an eternity, Major Synos waited anxiously for the King to speak.
     Hereafter King Therakles gave a look of shock as if he had just been slapped across the face then he said softly in a voice as small as a bird "Marriage?"
     "Yes." whereupon the impatient Major stood to his feet pleading his case "I will take the commission of General as you have so generously offered, thereby establishing myself in a higher ranking in the military and society making me better suited to marry our Queen."
     "You, yourself, Synos.., you are not ROYALTY!" King Therakles reminded the common man.
     "Yes, 'tis true, I have no royal bloodline coursing through my veins, I have not been given the divine right to rule by our gods.., as you and she. Yet, under these dire circumstances perhaps you will be willing to overlook this flaw in my being." here he paused then knelt before his King "Allow me to return her safely into your loving arms, unharmed and secure, but I beg of you, if Sparta will take me as her devoted husband, please find some way that we can be together, let me live in the light of her love and I will provide for her protection and pure affection forever and ever." he proclaimed his eyes watering a bit full of emotion.
     King Therakles knew not what to think, say, or do as many thoughts raced through his mind as he sat there staring up at the determined man who had betrayed his trust many times over concerning the matter of his sisters virtue. "How shall this.., can marriage ever come to pass?" he asked unable to see a way to freely allow Synos to wed his Royal sister.
     "Oh Therakles you, yourself, are a wise and clever King. You can do anything." Major Synos reminded him.
     King Tharakles gave this situation deep thought then incredibly an idea suddenly sprang to mind. "Perhaps there is a way that will allow this marriage to take place and be accepted by our society."
     Hope and Faith leapt up in the tortured heart of Synos as he exclaimed "Whatever it takes my King, but let us not make haste, nor any further delays, for the heart and mind of our Great Queen is at stake."
    "Come let us away to the temple of Hera, for we must summon the priests." he said jumping to his feet.
     "How shall our task be accomplished, pray tell me." Major Synos begged to know.
     "There shall be a blood letting ceremony." he replied eyes wide.
     Now Synos knew the King to be deeply involved with the great mysteries of the their religion, but Synos was not as religious and superstitious as he. Yet being hard pressed to fulfill his desire of a Royal wedding in Holy Matrimony, he agreed to obey his King, doing whatever was necessary to marry his beloved Queen Sparta,.Who now was sleeping peacefully in the depths of the dark cave curled up in the warm, stolen cloak taken from the Roman Princess, who, herself, now was beside herself with worry. So it was King Therakles and Major Synos made their way through the empty city streets arriving at the vast temple complex where both the priest and priestess were surprised to see their monarch and his soldier there so early in the morning.
                                                                                                                   

End Chapter 19

     So it came to pass, the Emperor Cyrillus sailed west leaving behind the disasters and bad weather in the east being now only two days away from arriving back in Greece, Queen Sparta spent her time isolated in her bedchamber, refusing all food, water, medicines and company. King Therakles was sorely grieved by this dire situation and his future wife, Princess Gianna,did her best to console and advise him on the matter. Thereafter in the middle of the second day of Sparta's mourning, the beautiful roman royal lady took it upon herself to go and seek out a private audience with the Queen, in order to provide a little comfort, sustenance, solace and forgiveness. She, herself, did not actually believe her chances for speaking with the Queen would be in her favor and Princess Gianna was somewhat shocked when the door was opened up to her and she was allowed to enter by the guards.
      And strange it was to enter into that darkened room, where the drapes and shutters were closed tightly against the blazing Mediterranean sun, the room was hot and humid, the stale air reeking of the strong scent of old wine, the atmosphere feeling more like a tomb than a room fit for a royal person. Here at her feet she had to be careful where she stepped for the floor was covered in the shattered remnants of furniture, dozens of broken amphora and drinking vessels of glass, the stench of stagnant water and dead flowers wilting in there vases. As for the Queen, she herself looked like a phantom or specter, dark circles under her tear stained eyes, face as pale as the moon, hair a mess, breath rancid, lips as red as blood. The once radiant and vibrant Queen now appearing half-dead. Princess Gianna wanted to cry witnessing this dreadful sight. For this scenario was much like the same as when she had gone to comfort General Cothos when he was deep in mourning for his dead wife, the irony of the situation was not lost on the princess who sat herself down at the foot of the bed for Sparta had destroyed all the chairs and therefore there was no where else to sit.
     "Forgive my appearance and the condition of my bedchamber, dearest little Princess, fear not my moods of despair and anguish, for I can assure you, no harm shall come your way." Sparta said as she sat herself up in her massive bed brushing back the hair from her face.
     "I have come to inquire if you require my assistance in any way shape or form, my dearest Queen, for I myself am well practiced at the art of suffering." Princess Gianna said with the light in her eyes of youth and hope.
     "Be assured I am better practiced at the art of suffering than you, though the pain of being alone does sting and pulls me closer to the brink of insanity." Queen Sparta spoke reaching out touching the young woman's hand as she noticed the Princess was carrying a small basket.
     "If it pleases you, dearest Queen, allow me to beseech to at least open up the window for a bit of fresh air, for the sake of your health.., for it does smell like a stable in here." she urged her further.
     "The sunlight hurts my eyes and burns my skin, for I am left a wretch beneath the scorn of all things made." Sparta said setting her head in her hands.
     "Perhaps then you would not be opposed to a little sweet treat I have made, just now, in the kitchen of the Palace." here Princess Gianna offered up a little bread roll made from oatmeal, walnuts, honey and cinnamon still warm from the oven and dripping with butter.
     "They smell delicious Princess." Queen Sparta replied still without the joy or warmth of a smile. "But alas, my only nourishment comes from the bitter bile churning up in my stomach.., though you could sneak me in a little wine, for the benefit of my peace of mind.."
     "King Therakles will not allow this, for you must first be nursed back to health and well being. Will you not at least allow your maidservants back in to clean up this mess.., and perhaps bathe and properly groom you, so that you may be a bit more comfortable in your grief. Surly your skin has become so dry and flaky, itching all over as if your skin has begun to crawl?"
     Here at these words Sparta realized she had begun to scratch her arms and she did indeed need a bath to cleanse her body and conditioners and perfumes for her hair and skin, along with a neat and tidy room, but that would defeat the purpose of her act of deception. "Soon.., it will no longer matter." she said alluding to her own suicide.
     "Please, oh Queen, do not waste away by this.., accident! Cothos was a good man, in your eyes, but he was not good enough to destroy your life by his untimely and unfortunate demise. Weep not for the dead, dear Sparta, for they can feel no pain. Let the spirit of Cothos go to be with his wife in the afterlife," she implored once again. Here she went over taking a comb from off the long table, not destroyed in the tumult of Sparta's rage, softly and gently she sat their combing out the knots from the ends of the Queens long copper blond hair.
     Queen Sparta stared over at the beautiful young woman with clear flawless skin, pink cheeks, bright eyes, flowing silken raven tresses, smelling of jasmine, her skin glistening in the flicker of the oil lamp hanging from the ceiling. "It is good of you to come here.., and I hope, one day, you can find it in your heart to forgive me." she said as she began weeping.
     "It was an accident only! Nothing more." Princess Gianna said helping to make the Queen a little more presentable.
     "Nothing more?" she asked in a whisper as tense as wire.
     "Nothing more." she replied smoothing out the monarchs long hair.
     Queen Sparta breathed in a deep sigh of relief for she had achieved success, for it was true she was well practiced at the art of Love, Suffering and War, yet nonetheless,our clever Sparta was far better practiced at the cunning art of Deception. However, there was still one more part of her plan that needed to come to fruition. So she acted quickly "You know.., perhaps it would be good for me to eat a little morsel of food." she said "For I am starving." now this was the truth for she had been using this time as chance to fast for atonement to the gods for the murder she did commit with malice aforethought, hoping for a little godly forgiveness.
     "Yes! Pleas! Eat!" Princess Gianna exclaimed delighted to have a good result.
     "Oh.., but where is my own hospitality? Here Princess have a little drink of this fresh goats milk and ginger." Queen Sparta said offering up a cup of the potent elixir prescribed by her physician. "There you are, you drink this and I shall have a bite to eat."
     Shortly thereafter as the two sat together Princess Gianna was well pleased as she observed Sparta bathe herself and anoint her body with aromatic perfumed oils, now as she did this Gianna helped to straighten up a bit by moving all the broken furniture to one corner of the room, however Sparta still refused to allow the drapes or shutters to be opened. Then, in a matter of ten minutes from the time she took her first sip of the intoxicant, Princess Gianna became very lightheaded and she sat back down on the bed with the aid of Sparta, who was now dressed, fresh and ready for the next phase of her play of deceit. "Rest now my pretty." Queen Sparta said as she slipped the cloak and dress off of the unconscious young woman.. Disguising herself as Princess Gianna, leaving her asleep under the covers of her own bed, Queen Sparta, with the little basket in hand, hood pulled up over her head covering her face, she slipped out unrecognized right under the watchful eyes of her guards, who did not know they too were being deceived. Escaping the Palace grounds, and free to move about the city undetected, Queen Sparta walked out towards the foothills of Mt.Parnon where she disappeared into the mouth of a deep dark cave, a place she knew well a place where she would often meet Synos in secret when they were both still in the military academy.
     It was not until some three hours later when it was discovered that Queen Sparta had gone missing after having purposely given the young Princess a little morphine. Anger quickly overtook the King, but his concern for his disturbed and deeply troubled sister outweighed his outrage and he sent forth search parties to locate the Queen. And, were it not for the interceding of Captain Brittas, all of the Queens body guards were in jeopardy of losing their lives. By sundown the situation grew more dire and stressful for the Queen's brother who realized he had no other to choice than to summon the one person who might know where to find her. That man was Major Synos, for many times he and Sparta had disappeared together and no one ever knew where they came or went from or to, and so the King had only one thing to do "Send out my command to the Northern border, I order Major Synos to return to the palace at once, tell him nothing of this matter, let me be the one to explain. For I am in need of my sister to be home, secure and safe and I have faith only in him in this matter."

More Chapter 19

     Dawn the next day,Traverios the physician stood outside the door of the Queen's bedchamber where he had been summoned by King Therakles who was deeply concerned by his sisters disturbing behavior. Here the two worried men were intently listening to the evening report from the new Captain of the Queen's body guard as he informed then thusly "Queen Sparta has been in a shocking state of grief which leaves her crying and screaming all through the small hours of the night. She is prone to outbursts of rage whereupon she has destroyed nearly every piece of furniture in her aggravated condition. It has come to pass that the Queen has viciously and violently attacked all her maid servants, so much so, the Queen has dismissed all the girls for their own safety. She will take no food, nor water, only insisting on amphora, after amphora, of wine to be brought forth unto her. And when she finishes one off, she smashes the vessel upon the wall or floor. How a woman can possibly consume so much strong drink, and survive, is beyond my comprehension."
     "She is Themiscyran." King Therakles said with a heavy sigh, not knowing his sister was pouring the wine down the drain of her marble bathtub, as he listened further.
     "When she called for wine.., the last time, and I, myself, did refuse the Queen, for the sake of her health and well being, whereupon hearing this, she did unsheathe her sword and threatened to cut off my head if I refused her again. We, her loyal soldiers, are deeply concerned for the happiness of our beloved Queen, for it seems to have died along with the general , of whom we are not allowed to speak his name, lest she fall deeper into the numbing abyss of despair."
     The mind of the King was sorely trouble as he crossed his arms, Traverios shook his head "Let us go in and see for ourselves as she rests now." Sparta's brother said as he, himself, slowly opened up the old oaken door carved with the signet of a lion upon it, whereupon they entered into the dimly lit room where there strewn about the cold stone floor were the remnants of her chairs and tables in shattered and splintered bits of wood, shards of terracotta pottery sticky red wine staining the rugs. However, Traverios noticed the Queen had not destroyed the long table containing her jewelry, cosmetics and perfume oils, nor had she shattered the vases of fragrant, pretty flowers, other than those items her room was a disaster area.. Here amongst the debris they found Queen Sparta sleeping peacefully under a mass of blankets and pillows, her hair a disheveled mess, here lips stained scarlet by the blood of the grape, she being partially naked, asleep and dreaming. Traverios sat down upon the bed setting his leather pouch full of medicines, potions and elixirs next to him. Suddenly Sparta stirred from her rest rolling over, slowly opening up her bloodshot eyes, still in her full mode of deception saying, as she sat up reaching out for her physician "COTHOS!" she shouted loudly throwing her arms around the neck of  the stunned doctor "You have returned from Hades for me, take me back there with you, impart to me that sweet kiss of death and we shall be together forever." her she wrapped her arms around him kissing him full on the lips like two lovers embraced in a kiss.
     "Sparta!" King Therakles shouted out as Traverios did his best to resist, pushing her off of himself.
     "Rest easy my dear, this is only a dream, a waking dream, a trick of your mind, for I, myself, am Traveros your trusted, long suffering, physician come to beseech you sweet lady to eat." he said in a calm soothing voice which did her heart good to hear.
     "All I require is more wine.., so that I might die." she fell back in bed. "I have no need for food.., for I no longer have any appetite for life."
     "Dearest friend, do not speak thusly, come sit up, I have a potion to help easy the chaos of your mind." he said offering up a small cup  "Drink this." and so she did drink down the mixture of goats milk, ginger, honey and gall and the elixir was sweet, easy going down her throat.
     Here she noticed her brother now standing at the foot of her bed and she said to him "Oh my dearest brother, my King, bless you for coming to meet with me, now at the time of my dying."
     "Say this not, dearest sister for you are not dying! You are very much still alive.., but you must eat a little food for the nourishment of your body and soul."
     "It is beyond my control, for I do not deserve to live, so come let me die in peace, entreat me no more to eat and be merry again, for I have grown weak and weary, and I, myself, have no desire to survive this tragedy." she said tears welling up in her eyes, ever the master showman fooling even her own twin brother into believing she was actually grieving for a man she despised.
     Here is when the morphine rose into her bloodstream and she took in a deep calming breath as she raised the blanket over her head. "You shall live to see another day sweet sister." Therakles said as he lie down next to her in bed pulling back the covers from her face. "May grace be with you, mercy and peace." he kissed her forehead gently "For I beseech you, great lady, you are going to have to get through this. For Our Nation, and all of her people, are depending on your strength and courage at this moment in your life. Be not as a stranger to Happiness, open up your heart to her and let her back in, take her joy with you where ever you go and faithfully keep it warm." he smiled putting his arm behind her head as he cuddled her tight to his body.
     "Love is strange." she whispered before falling fast asleep in her brothers comforting arms leaving the two men even more concerned for the sanity of the Queen then when they had first come in.
 

Chapter 19 begins

     "My King! My King!" came the worried voice of Captain Brittas as he rushed out to the palace courtyard where Therakales was entertaining princess Gianna regaling her with tales of his various war exploits as the two rested on a soft thick blanket strewn with silken cushions, enjoying a light lunch under the shade of the ancient olive trees the green leaves providing a welcome refuge from the harsh sun.
     "Calm yourself Captain." King Therakles answered not appreciating the sudden interruption "What on Earth is the matter? Is the city on fire? Are we at war?" he said in a joking manner not wanting to upset or worry his guest, nor make her uncomfortable.
     "My Lord!" the old warrior panted "There has been a tragic accident!" he paused, face red, trying to catch his breath.
     "My sister!? The Queen?" he gasped, eyes wide, panic rising in his voice.
     "No! No! Our Queen is safe, unharmed." here Therakles breathed a sigh of relief "However..," Brittas paused gazing solemnly over at the young Roman Princess.
     "Is it my father?" her voice arose in a panic fearing the worst.
     "No! Your father, the Emperor is well." he bowed his head and said in a soft voice "It is your Uncle, General Cothos.., he has sustained fatal injuries while out horseback riding with Queen Sparta."
     This shocking news was met with wide-eyed silence then King Therakles stood to his feet saying "What has happened to our most honored guest?"
     "Queen Sparta invited General Cothos to go out riding early this morning. He was attempting to ride Saxet, on his own, for some unknown reason. Somehow.., he was thrown out of the saddle, whereupon he fell, face first, on the sharp rocks of the mountain stream. Alas, he could not survive the grievous wounds to his body; which now lies in the crypt beneath the Temple of Hades."
     "Where is my sister? Pray tell me how fares our Queen after this tragedy?" Therakles demanded to know, his stomach churning, thoughts racing as Princess Gianna leapt up to her feet not believing the news she was receiving.
     "Queen Sparta is inconsolable with grief, her lamentations coming in torrents of tears. For, even though this was a most unfortunate accident, she bears a tremendous amount of guilt and this tragedy has utterly devastated our great lady. So overwhelming is her grief.., she will not leave his side."
     "Will not leave" Therakles asked confused.
     "The crypt, my Lord. She is now, as we speak, on her knees beside the body of Cothos, she refuses to allow the priests to perform their sacred duties to offer the rites of passage to the dead."
     "We must go to her at once!" Princess Gianna shouted she, herself, overjoyed by the news of her Uncles death, something she had been praying daily for ever since the night he tried to rape her.
     "Yes at once!" here King Therakles, Princess Gianna and Captain Brittas raced off in the Royal Chariot down to the vast temple complex where they hurried over to the long narrow staircase that led down into the house of the dead. King Therakles paused at the entryway turning to Princess Gianna saying "I do not feel a noble woman, such as yourself, ought not go down to this place where we prepare the dead for the afterlife."
     Princess Gianna gave an impudent look up at him sating "You, King Therakles, are not yet my husband. I serve only my father, the Emperor. I, am now, the highest ranking member of the Roman elite, here in Greece, and so I shall do as I please. Now your dearest sister and most beloved Queen is desolated, and I, myself, am sorely grieved by this sudden loss of life.., however, it is Sparta who has fallen in love with Cothos and now her heart is broken. As we can all clearly hear." her words were interrupted by the echos of Sparta's crying and lamentations which issued up from the dimly lit subterranean chamber. So loud and sad were her cries it sounded like a sort of somber music to their ears.
     So it was, together they went descending down the stone steps as the flicker of oil lamps filled the cold space with shadows of light and flames which cast an eerie glow against their faces. There the trio beheld the broken and bloodied lifeless body of Cothos laid out on a marble slab, as the priest and priestess stood at the back of the chamber where Queen Sparta sat up on her knees her head resting on the chest of Cothos, whose face was bashed in, he being virtually unrecognizable. "Summon the Physicians, incant the spell which can call up the dead!" she shouted in a rage of fury.
     "Sparta." came the calm still voice of her brother as she slowly raised her head "My dearest darling.., come. There are no potions, nor medicines we can give to revive him now. There is no magical spell which will resurrect the dead." here he came closer seeing his sisters face, her eyes blood red, cheeks stained with hot, bitter tears, her face as white as the sail of a ship, her lips quivering as she tried to speak. But her speech was wholly shattered by the disastrous turn of events, she, herself, unable to speak coherently. "Ssh, ssh, there, there, my sweetheart." King Therakles said kneeling beside her wrapping his strong arms around her pleading with her to leave the dead in peace. Whereupon Sparta pushed him off of her as she prostrated herself at the feet of Princess Giaana begging for her forgiveness, vowing to have her horse Saxet slaughtered and served up for dinner to appease the wrath of the Roman delegation and the family of the Emperor.
     Here Princess Gianna was so touched and absolutely thrilled to see her most hated uncle had suddenly been killed. "No, my dearest Sparta." she tried to console her, kneeling down with her, taking her hands in hers saying "This was a fateful accident. I, nor my father, will be wroth with you. I am only thankful you, yourself, were not injured." Gianna embraced the devastated Queen to her bosom tightly as she stared over at the body of her despised uncle as a thrilling joy filled her heart with a lightness of being she had not known in ages.
     "Oh, surely, the Emperor will have my head and nullify our treaty for a unified peace between our two nations!" Sparta bellowed.
     "It was an unfortunate accident Sparta!" King Therakles reminded her.
     "Cothos! My Love!" she shouted throwing herself back upon his corpse his wet blood staining her hands and lips as she wrapped her arms around his torso as she kissed his chest, his bloodstained flesh turning her lips crimson red.
     "Come away Sparta!" King Therakles ordered her as a deepening worry filled his mind. "We must allow the priests to perform the holy rites to prepare Cothos for the grave. Let not Cothos hesitate to cross the river Styx, let him find rest with the dead in the Palace of Hades.
     When Sparta heard the name Hades she became even more agitated in her distress as she grabbed her brother by the shoulders, and with a serious dreadful look she cried out "I should go with him, for I no longer wish to live, I do not belong here in the land of the living." her lies kept coming and her performance was a masterpiece of showmanship, for she was so believable in her distress that she had even started to convince herself that she was truly devastated. Here her plaintiff wails left her to collapse in the arms of her brother for her breaths came quick and fast as she fainted. King Therakles felt a pain deep in his heart as he could not bare to witness his sister suffer for this was now a torment to all his senses and Gianna began to shed real tears of sympathy for the Grecian Queen.
     So it was, gently with great care and tenderness, King Therakles lifted up his sister up into his arms cradling her next to him as she rested her head upon his shoulder, then he nodded to the priests to begin the last rites in service to the dead man. Here, in silence, save for the weeping of Gianna the group made their way back up the narrow stairway and just as they were about to depart Princess Gianna hesitated turning back to gaze upon the horrific, glorious sight of the broken body of General Cothos, and for the first time, in a long time, she felt a great warmth of elation rise up in her heart as if she had dwelt in darkness for years and now had finally come out into the light to feel the sun upon her skin. "Goodbye Cothos, may your soul rest in peace." she said softly then slowly she turned following behind her future husband, whose mind raced with grave thoughts of concern for the sanity of his sister. Whom he feared could quite possibly lose her mind through this tragedy and he suddenly wished Major Synos was here so he could assist in the consolation and care of Queen Sparta, who was now in a dire mental state of sadness, swallowed up by depression and guilt.
     "Do you think Queen Sparta can ever overcome this event" Captain Brittas asked as they put her aboard the chariot to get her back to Palace as soon as possible.
     "Only the Fates can know." he sighed trying to understand the situation more clearly in his mind wondering why she had allowed Cothos to mount her steed in the first place.