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.
     

End Chapter 18

     As the shadows of the morning sun crept across the forest floor General Cothos and Queen Sparta stood up together, she adjusting her tunic, he fully erect trying his best to quell his desire. The blushing Queen walked over toward Saxet, gathering up his reins, leading the massive beast to the General who did his best to calm himself in that anxious moment.
     "Are you quite confident in your abilities to ride alone?" Queen Sparta asked peering at him with her sharp green eyes.
     "Yes. I am." he answered staring up at the war horse towering above him "I will take the reins, my Queen, for there is no fear in my heart." he spoke boldly his pulse quickening, palms sweating.
     Whereupon Queen Sparta watched as the Roman foreign General climbed up in the saddle, mounted high up on her horses back, and she did, indeed, hand over the reins as Cothos settled himself, and his nerves, so far above the ground as he gazed down at the beautiful Grecian Warrior Queen. "Now, just take your time, go nice and slow." she instructed him further "If he becomes to hard to handle just give a hard squeeze with your knees and he will stop his pace immediately." Queen Sparta lied.
     "Allow me to demonstrate how well I bring this beast under the command of my absolute control." he boasted as the General was wont to do.
     "Show me!" she shouted with an eager smile, her heart racing in extreme anticipation. General Cothos felt proud and powerful there up in the saddle as he gave a his Queen a little wink, as horse and rider trotted off beside the rocky stream. "Very good Cothos!" Queen Sparta encouraged him.
     "Are you impressed?" he asked prideful.
     NO! Queen Sparta thought but lied to him again saying "Oh how strong and handsome you look astride my steed." here she paused as he turned the animal around his back to Sparta, whom had been preparing for this exact moment for weeks. Then, in less than a heartbeat, the fateful event was set in motion as the deceitful Queen of Sparta called out in a loud clear voice yelling "Saxet!" here her horse pricked up its ears hearing its masters voice as Sparta let out a long, high pitched whistle, a secret signal to her steed to unsaddle the unwanted rider, a tactic used on the field of battle if an enemy soldier tried to steal one of the Themiscyran warhorses. Here Saxet responded, instantaneously, galloping off at high rate of speed kicking up its back legs trying to buck Cothos off his back. Cothos let out a short loud shout frightened and terrified trying to do his best to stay on, squeezing tightly with his knees; which caused Saxet to lurch forward rearing upwards, then leaping in a flash over the shallow stream. In a panic Cothos felt himself slipping, for he could not stay in the saddle, as he was launched over the massive stallion as it lowered its head sending Cothos crashing down to the hard earth where he landed, face down, in the water amongst the sharp rocks a stream of his fresh red blood staining the running waters.
     "Cothos!" Queen Sparta shouted out, her heart leaping up in her chest in excitement, as she witnessed the much hated Roman did not respond, nor did he make even the slightest movement of his body. DEATH!? Queen Sparta shouted in her head, racing over too survey the bloody scene while Saxet stood staring over from the opposite side of the shore as his master inspected the lifeless body. Sparta approached slowly, inch by inch she crept up on her victim, whom had suffered grievous injuries; his right pelvis shattered, his left femur snapped like a twig, the bare bone protruding from his upper thigh, blood gushing from the gaping wound, several of his ribs fractured, right lung collapsed, wrists broken. However, to Queen Sparta's shock and horror, she observed as she rolled him on to his back, the hated Cothos was very much still ALIVE!
     "Sparta." he said in a soft whisper just barely breathing, his body enveloped by a sharp sudden shock of excruciating pain.
     "Cothos!" she cried out as she knelt down beside him in the cold water cradling his head in her arms "I do not know what happened." she lied "I am so sorry! Saxet must have become frightened." she said lying to him further pretending to care.
     "Am I going to be alright?" he said grimacing with every word as he felt like he was being stabbed in the lungs every time he spoke. "I can't feel my legs." he said as he lay there soaking wet in the cold water his body going into shock from the terrible trauma.
     "Oh by the gods, it looks bad." she informed him she, herself, pleased to see him suffer, alas he was not yet dead and so the violence of the blood began to flow from her cold heart to her brain with malice aforethought. "Close your eyes, do not look down at your broken body." she said calmly knowing her guards would soon be upon the scene having heard the screams during the commotion.
     "Sparta.., why are you waiting" he gasped in disbelief "Why will you not summon your men and hie me to your physicians?" he begged to know the answer as he felt an icy wave descend over him like ice melting in the sun, his breath coming in short hot pants, his head filling with a horrible pressure and chilling dread.
     "I do not wish to leave you like this." ALIVE she thought
     "I will not survive if you do not get help." he cried out as the rush of pain reached every fiber of his being, his face turning a whiter shade of pale with each drop of blood lost as Queen Sparta looked down seeing the white of the bone among the pools blood streaming from his flesh in rivers of crimson and scarlet staining the pure mountain water as it flowed onward through the valley. Off in the distance Sparta heard the fast approaching hoof beats of her mounted guards, she could not see them but soon her men would be upon the bloody scene.
     Queen Sparta looked deep into the terrified eyes of her victim "Cothos." she paused bringing her face close to his, their lips nearly touching, as she whispered. "My mind is not like your mind. I do not think the same way that you do. For I can see into the future and it does not include you. Everything I have said to you has been full of deceit. My love for you.., is a LIE! You WILL NOT survive." she smiled, much like someone consumed by madness might do. Here is when he realized as he watched a bizarre expression of joy come upon her face as if she were truly enjoying his suffering.
     "Help me Sparta!" he begged of her yet again.
     "No." she said coldly as her once calm and caring voice of concern changed in an instant, her former beautiful radiant face now was cast in dark shadows of pure evil. His heart turned as cold as snow as he realized he had been totally and utterly deceived by her close affection and now he understood, for himself, that, indeed, her love was a lie as he lay there dying. "I will not help you Cothos." she paused peering in his dim eyes making sure he could clearly see her face as she revealed the truth of the situation."Emperor Cyrillus has commissioned your execution, for you pose a threat to his throne, and thereby have made yourself as an enemy to Rome." she said as his mind raced with many thoughts of confusion, rage, fear and eternal death. "For The Emperor and his men hate you.., almost as much as myself. Oh you odious, incestuous creature." Sparta whispered her breath coming hot from her lips. "Yet die easy.., for your son Aristicus will be brought up in the Palace of the Emperor, the boy will inherit the throne, and I, myself, will teach the boy to ride, as I have promised you before, For I am a Royal Queen, I always keep my promise. So I have promised Cyrilus I would kill you myself.., and so I have a nation to run and my promise to my ally to keep." her she bent forward and gave a him a little kiss then she smiled and simply said "I hope you will forgive me for this.
    "Never!" he shouted with all his might but his voice only came out as small as a hurt bird's complaint.
     "YES!" she smiled sardonically "I am required to bring you to your DEATH!" her in one swift motion, as fast as a lightening strike, she opened up the palm of right hand pulling her arm back, then with one forceful thrust, using all her enormous strength, Sparta used the palm of her open hand to smash his nose deep into his skull. The warrior Queen could feel, and hear, the breaking of bone, the snapping of cartilage as it shattered in splintered fragments deeper into his brain, and in that rapid moment of violence and blood all the pain engulfing his broken body fade away from existence as General Cothos of Rome closed his eyes for good. Sparta stared down at the results of her rage, the warm blood gushing from the space his nose used to occupy and so it was, Cothos was no more, separated from the land of the living, crossing the gulf in that dark realm of peace and rest. So it came to pass, the most reviled General Cothos was DEAD, his head in the hands of the murderous Queen, as her guards approached quickly filling her ears with shouts of confusion and many questions. Finding there Queen holding the battered and bloodied body of General Cothos in her arms weeping uncontrollably. For though she had accomplished the brutal act of political assassination she still had the final act of her clever play of deception to unveil.
     "Get help at once! There has been a dredful accident!" she looked up at her stunned sentries through a river of  convincing tears.

Chapter 18 continues

     Queen Sparta and General Cothos proceeded out of the stables leaving the Palace grounds, riding close in the saddle as they went through the forest trail, to the east, in the foothills of Mt.Parnon, followed a short distance behind by her mounted guards who were instructed to keep at a slower pace as to give their Monarch a little bit of privacy. The morning air was hot and humid leaving their skin sticky with perspiration as the sun arose shining its radiant light through the lush canopy of green chestnut trees, the leaves rustling overhead in a gentle breeze the coolness of the shady forest was a welcome respite from the heat there in the dark shadows of the towering black pines.
     Here they chatted a little, their conversation unheard by her men who trailed behind their Queen like a pack of dogs following their leader. She, being ever a gracious host, pointing out various plants and animals indigenous to the region to her guest, as the birds were chirping in the trees all 'round as her horse went down the path; which led to her parents tomb. General Cothos was taken aback by the impressive structure for it was a magnificent Temple of the Dead housing the mortal remains of that Legendary couple King Vyakles and Queen Thera, the last of the Amazonian Queens, as the Themiscyrans were known by the Greeks and Romans.
     "I come back here, sometimes.., when I need to be alone with my thoughts and talk with the spirits of my ancestors." she said as they slowly meandered by the marble columned structure, not stopping to commune with the dearly departed.
     "I, myself, often visit the grave of my wife, my dearest princess.." he sighed "I often find the pain from her loss is a strain to hard to bare, my heart aches.., oh if I could just see her face once more."
     Queen Sparta smiled to herself saying a few sympathetic words of understanding as she felt him grip her waist tighter, he having no idea she would send him to see his dead wife in spirit form, once she had separated him from the land of the living, then he could see Princess Gianna's face again. "Come let us away from this somber place and off to the open plains!" she said giving a little kick of her heels sending Saxet galloping off at a high rate of speed, the wind coming fast across their faces, the trees a blur as they raced faster and faster, leaving General Cothos hanging on for dear life, his heart and pulse ever quickening. Saxet's hooves kicking up a cloud of dust as her team of guards urged their steeds onward to try and catch up. The pair headed down into the green valley flying past the vast groves of orange and olive trees as they flew across the ground, going quickly out in open sun, as her mount opened up its mighty lungs and with a swift surge of energy picked up its pace even faster now causing General Cothos to grip ever harder with his thighs, trying his best to remain in the saddle. His pulse racing, fearing he would fall crashing down to the hard earth at any moment, but Queen Sparta was a master rider and was in complete control of the beast.
     Now after she let Saxet open up to his full stride for a little while longer then she eased the pace up and the timid General was thankful for it, for he was terrified sitting their behind her, though he spoke not a word of his discomfort to her. Though he had to admit, to himself, it was extremely thrilling  to go riding with the Queen, for he had only ever traveled at that high rate of speed from the safety of his chariot. So it was, after an hour or so, exploring the verdant countryside the pair took a brief respite beside a cold mountain stream shining like a ribbon of liquid silver sparkling like a mirror for the sun. General Cothos was glad to be back on Terra Firma once again as he jumped from off the giant horses back the muscles of his inner thighs cramping up, his eyes red from the dust and pollen.
     "Let us rest here and have a little nourishment and bit of water." she said as Saxet, thirsty from his strenuous exercise, went over dipping his head low drinking from the clear stream. Queen Sparta retrieved a saddle bag from the animals gear, producing two little silver cups engraved with lions filling them up with the cool refreshing water for them to partake, the two taking a moment to relax. "Wait, there is more." she smiled reaching her hand in the large leather pouch  as she knelt down on a patch of soft green grass by the shallow, rocky stream. Whereupon the Queen spread out a small red cloth setting out a wedge of warm blue cheese, fresh figs, a small jar of black and green olives stuffed with garlic and two large oranges. All of which she shared with the General, whom was happy to receive this little meal, never knowing it would be his last. "There you are." she smiled watching him eat, her green eyes focused sharply upon him as they sat together unseen and and unheard by her guards who were taking a little break of their own in the woods a short distance away.
     "It is so beautiful here." he marveled looking up at the towering snow covered peaks of the mountains flanking the valley, rich with endless fields of wheat blowing in waves, like the ocean, in the strong winds coming down from the shady foothills. He took in a deep breath. "The air is so pure and clear. So quiet and peaceful, what a wonderful place for anyone to live. It is a fabulous life you lead here in Greece, I could easily imagine myself residing here as well." General Cothos spoke plainly positioning himself a little closer in proximity to the radiant Warrior Queen, whom, though dressed as if for battle, in her military uniform her skin was soft, her cheeks rosy, her lips were full, moist and pink, her eyes shining like two bright diamonds.
     "You would leave your home in Rome to come.., and stay with me a little while?" Queen Sparta replied leaning her head on his shoulder, lightly stroking his thigh, enticing him as she tilted her chin upward her lips so close to his, staring deeply into his dark eyes, her breath coming hot with the scent of oranges. Yet before he could answer her question she parted her lips licking them slowly, offering her sweet pink tongue; of which he eagerly kissed with unbridled passion and she tasted like wild honey.
     "Ah..," the General sighed taking a breath. "The delights of your mouth are a joy to my mighty heart." he said gazing at her lovely face and he realized she was far more beautiful and alluring than any woman he had ever known.
     Queen Sparta smiled as if she could read his mind as she kissed him again as passionately as he, closing her eyes imagining it was the lips of Synos that she was kissing, so that Cothos would believe the lustful thrusts of his rough tongue were actually giving her pleasure. Whereupon the passionate General became overly excited running his hands across her back embracing her tightly holding her against his hard, muscular body.
     "I want to hold you close, skin pressed against me tight." she said quoting something Synos would always tell her, she paused letting General Cothos slip his hand over her breasts as he attempted to slide his free hand up her inner thigh with his long fingers.
     "Let me taste you." he whispered in her ear as he lifted up her red tunic.
     "Cothos.., we must wait, for another day." she smiled seductively pushing his hand away. "Come to my bedchamber tonight for we should be together." she said licking his finger then as she slipped it from her mouth she said with a look as serious as the grave saying "First.., you must prove that you can bring my war horse under your dominant control and then.., I shall be secure in the knowledge that you can dominate over me with the force of your will alone. For my father always said.., the sole proof of power lies in a commanding will."
     "I CAN and WILL, bring you under submission." he replied with a devious smile. "Of this I shall PROMISE you!" these words he sealed with a kiss.
     "We shall see." she laughed with glee.

More Chapter 18

     On that fateful morning Queen Sparta arose, just as dawn was breaking, she stirring from her rest. Whereupon, alone without the service of her maidservants, she bathed her body, anointing her flesh with the sacred oil of her people, combing back her long hair into little braids gathered at the nape of her neck with a red ribbon as if she were preparing to go out to war. Donning her military uniform, greaves, gauntlets, along with her full kit of armor, including her weaponry. Doing so she calmly cleared her mind of all thoughts, save only for the pure focus she had on the subject of taking the life of her victim, for the murder of General Cothos would serve as her sacred sacrifice to the Unknown God, whom she worshipped. For in Him she found great favor, whereas she knew Zeus, Poseidon and Apollo would not appreciate, nor care for human sacrifice. However, deep in Queen of Sparta's heart, there in the stillness of her eternal soul, she knew it was truly Destiny who cared, and the Fates; which forever hover over her, and in this she felt alive. In this promise of hope, and peace of mind, shining in the bright light of the the Unknown God's Love and Protection. He, that Supernatural Being, serving as a mighty guardian, the God without a name, the God without a face. This was an overwhelming connection Sparta felt with the Universe, from deep inside her hungry spirit, for she felt tied to this feeling, and she knew being entwined with the awe inspiring energy she could feed off of, Sparta felt she could be made pure in Faith, Hope, Love and Grace. For she so believed the Power of the Universe could belong to her, alone, so she would make this sacrifice, for in doing so she knew what she was doing was right, this would serve to ease the conscience of her mind.
     Setting forth, unescorted by her sentries whom she commanded to come out in one hour, Queen Sparta went into the Royal Stables where she, herself, groomed, fed and watered her war horse, Saxet, mucking out his stall like a servant. The Royal Lady being not afraid of menial labor. Then she tacked up her steed in full battle regalia leading him out to the nearby arena of the Steria Military Academy where she found no one else about so early that late warm Spring day. Here she mounted up, putting Saxet through his many paces of precision drills and exercising. The horse and rider working in unison together the human communicating with the beast through subtle commands by the movement of feet, knees, thighs, along with little clicks and whistles from her tongue. Sparta felt the thrilling rush and memories of combat in her mind gearing herself and her horse up to a keyed state of extreme level of energy and a keen sense of heightened awareness.
     As Queen Sparta continued on with her military exercises practicing her shooting skills with bow and arrow, her marksmanship with the javelin etc... General Cothos awoke from a deep, restful sleep he, himself, being anxious with anticipation of his his meeting with the ravishing Queen, whom he had just been dreaming of just moments ago. Upon implicit orders of the Queen a lavish and delicious breakfast was sent forth for the General and his Roman delegation whom all sat in the Great Hall of the Palace feasting upon delicacies of roasted figs in honey and cinnamon, sweet honeycomb, baked goat cheese covered in toasted almonds, lashings of crisp bacon and cold boiled shrimp marinated in garlic and butter, grapes, watermelon, wheat berry bread in raspberry sauce, with fresh squeezed orange juice and red wine mixed with mountain spring water and spices. This was all served up to the General, who adored being treated like royalty, along with his fellow Romans, who delighted in listening to the excited Cothos, whom kept speaking endlessly, happily talking with his men about his forth coming date with the glorious and gracious Queen. All were intrigued and pleased to hear his confident bragging and boasting of what he intended to do to the Queen, privately, and all the lustful ideas he had in store for the lovely Sparta, for the Roman delegates found his lurid tales most entertaining.
     Now, one hour or so later, Queen Sparta returned to the stables, hot and sticky with beads of sweat on her forehead and chest, where she came upon her victim, the now full-bellied General Cothos smiling with radiance and a gleam in his dark eyes. Whereto fore, seeing the Warrior Queen astride her black steed resplendent in her battle dress, her massive war horse clad in his armament, a golden breast plate and bronze greaves the saddled fitted and filled with weapons of war craft the smell of leather, hay and fresh manure hung heavy in the early morning air. "My Queen!" Cothos hailed her "I am so pleased to see you and be here with you now this glorious day." he said in a loud cheerful voice.
     "Good morning General Cothos!" Queen Sparta responded with a convincing, warm smile of her own but in her heart she felt as cold as the winter snows. "Forgive my delay as I have been out training Saxet in the arena presently."
     "I am quite impressed and overwhelmed at the sight of you dressed as if you are bound for battle!" he exclaimed taking in the menacing sight "Why, any warrior having to face such a fearsome sight would find the experience to be most terrifying. I am thankful to the gods that our two great nations are allies and not enemies on the Warpath."
     "High praise, indeed." she replied pleased with his observation of opinion.
     "I must ask of you.., my brave Warrior Queen, will you allow me to ride out on Saxet, as you have made mention of in previous conversations?" Cothos inquired with all the excitement of a child that is about to receive a special sweet treat.
     "Perhaps..., we shall see." Queen Sparta responded dismounting "Yet first we must see if you are able to master an exercise of trust with the animal." here she paused  producing a small curved pick from her saddle bag "You must be able to demonstrate control and mastery of your fear. For this is a dangerous creature, capable of crushing a mans skull with one kick. Though you can not focus on this as you attempt to clean the sand and dirt form each of its hooves." her words were met by a pale look that came across the Generals face and he grew uneasy as his stomach churned. "It is easy as it is simplistic, allow me to demonstrate." hence Queen Sparta walked over to the towering beast standing next to its fore leg, where she bent at the waist reaching out for the horses ankle which she lightly touched saying "Saxet, lift" and upon her command the horse did obey, gently lifting then resting its hoof in her hand as she gingerly cleaned out the debris, quickly proceeding, making it look it so easy "Now, you have a try." she said handing over the tool as the Roman stood there motionless, tense and nervous unable to relax, for he feared upon his approach the massive black stallion would kick him in the head, or ribs, causing his body terrible injuries.
     "Well now.., let me see." he hesitated trying to calm his rapid breathing, the beating of his heart ever quickening its pulse, a rush of blood falling from his face to his feet. Suddenly as the General took one nervous step towards Saxet the beast reared up swaying its head letting out a loud snort from its powerful lungs as if in disgust. General Cothos felt sore afraid as he jumped back, but he knew in order to work his way into the Queen's bed he would have to be brave and swallow his fear and gain the trust of the creature.
     "Saxet down!" she commanded and the horse again returned to a state of calm as Cothos tried again "Good boy." she turned her attention back on her victim telling him "Go on." she encouraged him as she held tight to Saxet's reins, instructing Cothos to take a deep breath to quell his nerves , clear his mind of all trepidation. "Now, slowly, with the utmost confidence in your dominance, approach his hind quarters and do as I have shown you." Queen Sparta said watching and waiting in anticipation. "No harm shall come your way, my horse will not hurt you, I can assure and promise you of that." here Cothos remained still taking his time "Trust me Cothos, all will be well." she gave a sweet convincing smile asking "You do trust in me Cothos? Do you not?" her she waited for his most important reply.
     "Implicitly my Queen!" he answered truthfully.
     So, gathering up his courage and the gripping the pick in his hand, Cothos did as instructed trusting in the Queen of Sparta's guidance completely. Taking in a deep relaxing breath, slowly he approached, inch by inch he stepped closer to the steed, doing his best to replicate the demonstration of the Queen. Cothos stood at the side of the horse facing away from the animal, he carefully bent forward reaching out for the horses ankle, saying in a calm clear voice "Be a good boy Saxet, lift." he said lightly tapping its hind leg but the horse did not budge even a fraction of an inch.
     "Okay, now try again, but be more forceful in your tone, this is just an animal you are a highly evolved human being, now show your dominance." Queen Sparta informed him.
     "Very well," Cothos took another deep breath 'I can do this!' he said to himself. Here he repeated the same procedure yet this time he spoke boldly commanding the animal saying "Saxet! Lift!" he exclaimed gripping its leg and here, to the Generals shock and surprise, the animal obeyed lifting up its hind leg resting his giant hoof in the palm of the Generals hand. Gently with great care he cleaned out the clumps of dirt impacted in the animals hoof, being delighted he overcame his fear and was no longer frightened. "I did it!" he exclaimed grinning from ear to ear.
     "I had no doubt." Queen Sparta added "Now go finish the rest and we shall be off."
     "Yes I shall!" he said enthusiastically making quick work of his duty ecstatic he had gained the trust of the animal and had escaped injury, whereby impressing Queen Sparta, along with the gathering morning crew of groomsmen, who were shocked to see the Roman there in such close proximity to their beloved Queen.
     "Success! Dearest Cothos! Success!" she smiled going over to him embracing the General tightly to her bosom kissing him softly, lightly upon the lips ever so briefly. Then she climbed back up in the saddle "Now, I want you to come with me. Jump up behind me and we shall go out together to the trails first, so you may become accustomed to the height and experience of being so high up in the saddle. Then we shall see if you are ready to go out on your own with this powerful animal." Queen Sparta smiled charming her victim to accompany her, she being thrilled all was going so well according to her plan of deception. So it was General Cothos, with some assistance from a stable hand, climbed up sitting himself squarely in the saddle behind the deceitful Queen of Sparta, wrapping his hands around her tiny waist, his heart exceeding in measures of joy and bliss, never knowing within the next three hours he would be killed.