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.

Chapter 18 begins

     Dawn the next day, Queen Sparta awoke early, going out with her brother to the temple complex for the morning sacrifice. She then met with Brittas, Captain of the Palace Guard, along with King Therakles concerning the matter of Synos. King Therakles, himself, being more than eager to agree to send the young man packing back to the military, so glad to be rid of him was Therakles that he promoted him to the rank of Major, as he was quite anxious to get him away from his dearest sister. Queen Sparta, herself being quite relieved her plan of deception was going so well, naturally, as she had imagined it would be. However, moments after Major Synos departed, word came for the King and Queen to meet with their Councilors of State at the Halls of Council immediately, where disastrous news came sweeping in over the region. Leaving that, ever so brief, moment of sweet happiness Sparta had allowed herself to feel to be completely, and utterly, dissolved like honey in hot water as all was soon revealed.
     Firstly, a great tragedy had befallen the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, where that sacred religious center thrived for hundreds of years, a holy place among all cultures where pilgrims would travel to worship in the immense temple coming from as far away as Phoenicia, Egypt, Persia, India and Gaul. For Artemis the goddess, herself, was recognized by many religions as the mother and nurturer of humankind. There at the temple was stored up a vast treasure of votive offerings, a trove of riches, exotic metals and exquisite jewelry, crowns of gold, weapons of silver. This all came to an end, just days before, during a violent thunderstorm that blew in west from Egypt. The storm lasted three days, and as many nights, ravaging the vast temple complex with its 60 foot high columns towering upward to the sky, sitting upon a hill overlooking the shimmering bay where the massive structure, the gleaming white marble temple, shown bright in the sun and could be seen from nearly ten miles out at sea, was struck by lightening, over and over again, the flashes of blazing heat illuminating the hundreds of painted statues along the frieze of the building. Whereupon the intense heat and flames setting the ancient temple ablaze and the moment the raging inferno reached the marble pediment and vast wooden roof structure the building was burned to chalk dust and ashes.
     This information was ill received and especially devastating to Sparta and Therakles, whose ancient ancestors, the scattered tribes of Themiscyra, whom had erected  the temple to Artemis on the site of a sacred grove, hundreds of years ago, was now, according to reports, reduced to a heap of ruins.
     "I, myself, feel in a cold state of devastation by this terrible news." Queen Sparta spoke her voice clear and loud above all those gathered there. "I remember traveling there.., only last year.., where I, myself, set forth on my adventure of worship on my last pilgrimage to the sacred house of Artemis." she exclaimed recalling."For when I saw that holy temple; which towered above my head reaching towards the clouds, all the wonders of my eyes had ever beheld, paled in comparison and were left in the shade, for the sun, itself, has never shown down upon its equal.., outside the Temple of Zeus in Olympia." she shared her true feelings on the matter.
      "How, by the grace of the gods , could this have happened?" King Therakles said beginning to pace back and forth as Queen Sparta remained perfectly still upon her throne listening to all with an open heart and a perceptive mind.
     "What more.., pray tell, my learned council." Queen Sparta said in a loud voice with a look as serious as the grave saying "Why do I have the feeling there is much more tragedy in store.., or have I finally reached my breaking point of madness?"
     Here among those many ambassadors and agents of council kept their mouths shut, however it was Ambassador Lacuna who opened up her mouth, saying. "Secondly, my King and Queen.., there is distressing news from our trade partners in Caria, for King Mausolus has been assassinated and chaos reigns in the region."
     "Well.., that was bound to happen." King Therakles said unfazed by the revelation "It would appear his social experiment, his idea of a  multi-cultural Utopia has failed."
     "Yet, King Mausulos was worshipped as a god by his subjects." Queen Sparta said shocked by this turn of events, as the kingdom of Caria was a favored trade partner with the whole of Greece.

    "Be that, as it may.., it would seem the extreme taxation of his people to fund his monumental buildings and the construction of his grandiose tomb to house the body of himself and his sister/wife Queen Artemesia, proved to costly and has ultimately cost him his own life" the messenger relayed more information to those gathered together there in the hall, waiting on baited breath for more news. "There are rumors that Queen Artemisia, his wife and sister, had a portion of her brothers ashes, still warm from the cremation ceremony, having his remains mixed in a jug of wine and spices, whereupon she drank the elixir so that there flesh, brother and sister, husband and wife, could be mingled together one last time." 

     "Have you any GOOD news to impart?" King Therakles asked disgusted by the tale, his stomach churning at the thought of a man who could marry his own sister, making her his incestuous queen, lording over his people, enslaving his citizens to unfair taxation and extreme poverty, Therakles could see now this god-king was murdered in cold blood for many good reasons.
     "Not that I am aware of." came the stone faced reply "Due to the upheaval in the region of Ephesus and Caria, Emperor Cyrillus sends word he will be returning in 7 days time after he visits the Oracle at Delphi."
      Here the doors to the council hall were thrown open by another messenger out of breath panting excitedly "There are, now, two envoys back from Athens,  here outside."
     "Send them forth with their message and answer." Queen Sparta said sitting up straight, her heart racing. "What news of you?" she asked her eyes wide, clear and bright.
     The Spartans were informed that the Athenians have refused to commit any land troops to defeat King Phillip and take back the gold and silver mines. Now with the region of Caria to the south of Thrace the Macedonian Army is pushing down into the region. Athens offering only to support the Spartan troops with food and weapons for the siege of the city. The Nation of Sparta and her wise rulers refused, themselves, to commit any warrior troops to the conflict in the region, instead they ordered their Generals of War to send forth 25,000 soldiers to the northern borders with Macedon where 40 new garrisons were to be constructed to house the Army, all to insure any attempt at incursion into Greece by the Macedonian King would cease and desist.
      This was a very bad day leaving Queen Sparta worried about the future, however her brother, King Therakles, was not concerned in the slightest for he had been given the gift of foresight, though his sister, Queen Sparta, could not be so sure as he. For her mind was dully troubled and she had no appetite for lunch that day, so she retired to her bedchamber complaining of a headache and a sour stomach, whereupon the Physician Traveros was summoned forthwith. Escorted by her guards, excluding Synos, who was happy to be back in his military division having been promoted to the rank of Major, just as Sparta entered her quiet room she was met by a companion of General Cothos, whom had sent him forth with a letter. Her pulse quickened as her heart raced, she sat herself down on her large soft bed and read the following:

     Your Royal Excellency Queen Sparta, I offer up my sincerest apologies for any offense I may have caused to you in my over zealous fraternization with the dancers, I was only amusing myself in your absence, and I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn you had departed. Whereas I beg of you to allow me to see you once more again, tonight, perhaps. As to our wager let us try again some other time, for one sweet kiss from you would be of the purest delight.

     Greatly pleased by this Queen Sparta would use this information to her advantage, letting the General believe she was, indeed, angry with him out of jealousy, so she sent back her own letter saying she was still upset that he had embarrassed her in front of her friends and loyal subjects refusing to see him for several more days. This was an effective delay for it was Queen Sparta's full intention of leaving a fresh corpse of her victim, so, upon Emperor Cyrillus' return he could see with his own eyes General Cothos laid out on a cold slab of marble in the crypt beneath the Temple of Hera. So it was, after five days of ignoring General Cothos at all costs, Queen Sparta sent out another message to him, inviting the General to go out riding once again asking him to meet her at the Royal Stables where she would teach him to ride her war horse, Saxet, the very next morning. With this General Cothos found it hard to sleep that night, so excited was he at the prospect of meeting once more, alone, with the beautiful Queen. As he lie in his bed staring up at the ceiling a rush of feelings of nervous anticipation filled up every fiber of his being, Yet, alas he, himself, never knowing this evening would be his last chance to sleep and dream for by this time tomorrow he would be stone cold dead free from life and breath.
   
     

Chapter 17

     Queen Sparta stood beside the shimmering pool her pulse racing, she felt a sharp pain in her heart as if it were breaking, Taking in a deep breath Sparta tried to relax but she was too tense as Synos appeared before her standing at full attention saying "How may I be of service to you? My Queen."
     "At ease Captain, you may stand down, for you are not on duty, and I wish to speak with you on a matter of great importance." she said peering into his dark eyes that seemed so sad as the light of happiness faded fast. "Come let us sit together and speak as friends, like we did long before I became your Queen."
     "As you wish." Synos said as his heart sank, his palms sweating as the two went, sitting themselves down on a long marble bench under the moonlit shade of the palm trees, a gentle breeze lifting her hair cascading around her shoulders.
     "Listen to the words of my mouth, hearken to the thoughts of my mind." Sparta said wanting to take him by the hand, but she refrained from touching him, as he sat there calmly beside her, she trying her best not to be overwhelmed with the pain of a love she could never possess telling him "The force of emotion between us is tearing me apart and it is too much of a strain for my heart to bear. I care for you deeply, as I have cared for no other. Yet.., I believe, in the full flush of wisdom, it would do us both a service if we were to part company.., I ask you to give up your position and return to your military division." she said plainly showing no emotion in her countenance.
     Here Captain Synos sat perfectly still for a while, as if he had been transformed into a statue, while this news washed over him like a freezing cold rain "I do not understand?" he finally managed to speak a few words as he looked at his Queen in utter disbelief.
     "Synos.., it is not good for us to be so close, as I must move on, and take a chance at marriage. I do not wish to inflict anymore pain upon your heart and mind, for I, myself, cannot bear to see you suffer." she paused taking his hand squeezing it saying "I promise you I shall not EVER be wrath with you, nor shall I ever rebuke you. For my Love for you will remain.., everlasting. This proving a most Sacred Covenant of compassion between us. So remember this promise I have made unto you, who has loved me through many trails and tribulations. As you have loved me with all your heart, mind, body and spirit. My kindness shall not be separated from you when you leave my service." here Sparta's stoic facade was wholly broken as her own words caused a few tears to well up in her green eyes. This was not something she wanted to do, to send him away, however, in order for her plan of deception to work against Cothos, she had to send him back to the military, having no no other choice in this action of the matter. Seeing the pain she was intentionally inflicting upon him, Sparta felt a hard lump, like a stone, in her throat as she tried to speak her words now came uneasy. "This Covenant of Peace and Love shall never be removed. You shall be kept, always, from oppression. Let the words of my mouth sink down into the depths of your soul, let my thoughts fill your heart with understanding." Sparta gave a little sweet smile as tears streamed down her pink cheeks while Synos sat motionless staring up at the cold and distant moon, for he could not bear to look at her, his mind racing as he felt the emotions of anger and humiliation curl up in his heart. "Synos.., I fully realize you must be very angry, as I am angry at the Fates who have conspired to keep us apart in marriage. Yet it is good that we are angry. Anger is a gift; which enables our eyes to be fully open. Yet let not our hearts be closed to the compassion of Wisdom and Understanding. For we can never be together in matrimony and I wish not for each of us to suffer unduly under the burden of our unfulfilled love."
     "No." he spoke softly.
     "No?" she asked uncertain.
     "NO!" Synos spoke boldly as he faced her directly taking her hands in his saying "I swore an oath of allegiance to serve you! Upon PAIN of DEATH!. I have vowed to protect you, with the blood of my life, to keep you safe, so that no harm should ever come your way. I ask of you, oh Great Queen, how can I resign my commission in good conscience. If I leave.., you, yourself, will be left to suffer alone, I will not allow this to happen. For though I can never possess you as my own.., I am, even still, made well in the light of your precious Love." he said in a gentle voice full of loving kindness "Do not send me away, dearest friend of my youth. For I understand that it is good for you to seek out a husband and create a family." he confessed then with a look of panic in his eyes he entreated her thusly "But please.. I BEG OF YOU! Let NOT it be Cothos, any man but him!"
     "No, Synos.., you must go! Though it causes me more pain in my heart, and my world, than you will ever know.., you must go. For in the fullness of time.., all good things must end. This is beyond my control." she replied wiping away her tears.
     At the thought of his departure from Royal service, Synos felt a nervous wave, a strange disturbance in his entire being, followed by a cold numbness flowing through his veins like a river of ice and snow. He felt his eyes watering and he gave Sparta a grief filled gaze looking as if he had just received news that he was dying. "I do not know what to say, nor even how to begin to respond.., yet I can say that my heart is breaking, my bones are frozen, I cannot stop shaking. I feel like my mind has just been made drunk, as if I have been overcome by strong wine, a rare vintage of the blood of the grape, that I have been found unworthy to drink." here his words came in desperation, he pleading "PLEASE! Sparta, I do not wish to leave your service. I am here only to protect you! If anything should happen to you, in my absence, I would never be able to forgive myself, nor would I even wish to live. Do not send away."
     "Synos, you must learn to forget me and move forward with your life, for you, yourself, must take a wife, someday soon, whom I will show grace and favor, always. For in my own life.., I must find my own way, without your guidance."
     At this Synos felt the urge to lash out at her verbally and try to provoke her to jealousy telling her "Well then.," he said coldly "Perhaps your friend Syndra would be a fitting bride." with this he hoped to challenge her to rage against the very idea, but Queen Sparta was too clever, she would not be baited.
     "Yes." she smiled sardonically "Syndra would make a fine wife and mother, your children would be beautiful, strong and healthy." here she gave a sympathetic look saying "Yet suffer me a little, bear with me this burden a little longer before you take your leave. Let us part as friends and not as enemies.
     "If you wish for me to go, forsaking my solemn duty and sacred vows to protect you.., then I shall leave." he said with a heavy sigh of defeat
     Here Queen Sparta set her will like iron forged in fire as she sat up straight looking at him face to face "Synos, you misunderstand, completely, for I do not WANT you go.., I NEED you to go.., for the sake of my fragile sanity. I will explain all to my brother, our King, he will have you reassigned and can give you a promotion for your service to the throne, if you wish, so that you may go in peace and live your life without me."
     "Live my life without you?" he pondered the very thought churning up the bile in his belly "Is that an order? You are commanding me to leave your service? Over this? This foreign general? I know you do not love him. You CANNOT! He is so far beneath you, he belongs at your FEET, not in your BED! For you are a wholly perfect, god-like being! He, COTHOS is a truly flawed CREATURE!" his voice became loud in tone and emotion.
     "No one is perfect! Only the gods and goddesses are. You must take care to remember I am a Queen, my responsibility is to my nation and to provide my heir to the Laconian Throne. No matter who I marry, or however many children I have.., without you, I will ALWAYS be alone." she reminded him.
     "Do not ask this of me Sparta. Do not send me away." he pleaded a third time.
     "My decision has already been made. It is beyond my control, as I have clearly stated. Our lives are ruled by the Fates, and so we must, ALL, obey."
     Slowly Synos stood, looking like a dead man standing before her, staring down at his beloved Queen in silence, appearing pale and lifeless as if he suddenly transformed into a ghost "Very well, My Queen, as you wish, so I shall obey." then he turned from her gaze, his head bowed down as if in defeat, the sounds of his footfalls fading from the courtyard. Queen Sparta held her head in her hands as she began weeping. Then she heard the familiar, motherly voice of Lucia Vega, who had been eavesdropping on the lovers conversation "Sparta, are you alright?"
     "No, not in the slightest." she looked up wanting to collapse into strong arms of the old warrior "Please.., forgive me, pray, tell my friends, and your honored guests, that I have been summoned back to the palace. For tonight nothing is worse than this pain in my heart. For I have been given a heavy burden of Love to endure.., so I must go now to suffer alone."

End Chapter 16

     Whereupon, as Captain Synos vanished behind the curtains departing back into the dimly lit house filled with the pleasant sound of music and laughter, Syndra began speaking but Sparta could not hear a word she said for her mind was driven to distraction as she pictured a vision. In which she found herself with Synos running away together, hand in hand, escaping all the noise and prying eyes, going down to the riverside where they would strip off each others clothing, swimming naked in the cool blue waters under the light of the full moon.
     "Sparta!" Syndra shouted to her friend "Are you even listening to me?"  her Sparta set her full attention back upon her concerned friend "Tell me., Sparta." Syndra continued regaining the Queens focus "How can you say you care more for Cothos, than our dearest, bravest Synos? For it is plainly clear, to everyone around, the love that flows, and grows, between you both. Surely this passion is most powerful, pure and raw."
     "And painful." Sparta answered almost with a whisper in a voice as small as a bird, a stabbing ache in her heart, her stomach churning. "By the Fates I have been born to Rule a Nation, I am a Queen. Synos is not, nor can never be.., Royalty."
     "And General Cothos?" La Vada spoke up and out of turn "Neither is he!" she added while Lucia Vega sat back quietly listening, intrigued and entertained by their discourse.
     To which Queen Sparta replied in defiance "He IS a high ranking member of an Imperial Family!" she shouted continuing to defend him, much to her friends chagrin.
     "By MARRIAGE! Not BIRTH!" La Vada responded loudly in vexation.
     Here Queen Sparta let out a loud sound of exasperation throwing up her hands exclaiming "ENOUGH!" she cried out then with a deep sigh and a roll of her eyes she spoke calmly "Please.., dearest friends of mine.., my mind grows weary of this conversation and I see.., now, I must address this situation, once and for all." with a serious look she gave La Vada and Syndra an order. "Go now, depart from my company, send forth Captain Synos to join me presently, for I must speak with him directly.., ALONE!"
     "Yes, My Queen, as you command, so shall we comply and obey." the two young Captains leapt up with excitement etched upon their faces as they stood erect, letting down their silken dresses; which clung to their bare, wet skin of their long muscular legs. Whereupon Syndra and La Vada, along with Lucia Vega, departed her side going back to the party. Whence it was decided between Syndra and La Vada to openly flirt with Cothos, whereby to lead him to the temptation, by seduction showering him with compliments, sweet affections and stolen kisses. Only to demonstrate to Queen Sparta what a truly salacious and lascivious creature the foreign general really was.
     But orders from the Queen come first, so La Vada called out across the room to Captain Synos for all gathered there to hear. "Captain Synos." here he looked up from where he sat quietly feeding one of the dogs a bit of left over roasted chicken as the Hetairai did their very best to distract him from his loneliness.
     "Yes?" he answered giving Cothos another severe look of disparity.
     "Go forth out to the courtyard, Our Queen requests the honor of your presence." La Vada said glad to see the spark of light of love in his eyes as he jumped to his feet with a broad smile of satisfaction upon his beaming face as he pushed, hurriedly, past the musicians and naked dancers. The mighty heart of Synos raced as he stepped out into the warm spring night the moon shining down its silvery light upon his beautiful Queen , whom he dreamed of having as his wife.
      

Chapter 16 continues

     Here Lucia Vega, herself being much older and wiser than the three young women combined, gathered up her long flowing gown sitting herself down beside her guests soaking her feet and long legs in the pool, speaking along with them in the same ancient foreign tongue.
     "General Cothos, from my own understanding and direct dealings with him, is surely a loyal soldier to the Throne of Rome. Though.., that is not to say he is wholly ambitious, for ambition is like the breath of life to him. Here me now, therefore with wisdom and understanding." the older warrior turned ambassador, whom had know Sparta's mother, Queen Thera for decades before Sparta was ever born, spoke out of love and respect for the daughter of Queen Thera and King Vyakles. So it was with care and delicate tender mercy Lucia Vega expressed her opinion without alienating Sparta from the truth. Pushing back her long white hair, the wise aged ambassador, former Commander of the Themiscyran Division, opened up her mouth letting her words pour out like an avalanche coming down the mountain. "He is a seeker of social status, born to a wealthy merchant Roman family, the second son of his father, Cothos was said to be, by many who knew him, to be a wicked child, filled with mischief. He lost his father at an early age whereby his older brother inherited the wealth and status of his father, leaving Cothos to join the army to try to make a name for himself. However, as a soldier Cothos was best known for his off color humor, swordsmanship, gambling and.., dancing." she paused as her speech was interrupted by the gasps of her guests.
     "Dancing?" the three young women said in unison as this seemed quite strange to their warrior state of mind.
     "Yes, yes, I know. Well it appears, now, he wishes to try his hand at horsemanship, under your close instruction, Sparta." Lucia Vega added teasing her a bit.
     "Tell me Lucia.., you knew my mother better than any of us here.., do you suppose my mother and father would approve of the General?"
     "I can not, and will not, base any opinion  on supposition. So, therefore, I am unable to speak for the dead." the old woman shook her head as she bowed in remembrance of her departed friends.
     "Then speak for yourself." Sparta gave a serious look asking "Do you approve of General Cothos?"
     "I can honestly say, without hesitation, my answer is NO." Lucia Vega sighed then with eyes as clear and bright as two stars she said to her "However.., you, yourself, are Queen of this Nation, let not your own opinion be swayed by others. For you are wise, and a word the wise is sufficient."
     "Yes, yes, but confess the true reason you do not like him." Queen Sparta pushed the question further.
     "There are many reasons.., However you seem to require an explanation and so you shall have one, but it is important to note that I will speak of this, truthfully." Lucia Vega, a most sagacious councilor, turned to her Queen explaining "General Cothos is a braggart and a boaster, he is a lover of adventure and advancement. As for his military career, he was awarded his commission as Captain, he did not EARN it through military skill or prowess. It was his older brother that was left to do his best to keep Cothos out of trouble, paying off his many debts and covering up the many scandals that plagued him. His brother going so far as to bribe many members of the commanding officers, finally securing the rank of Captain for his brother, whom, somehow, while stationed at the Royal Palace he caught the eye of Princess Priscilla, sister of Emperor Cyrillus, whereupon, by marriage to her, he was again awarded the rank of General." Lucia said shaking her head in disgust. "Yet, wait there is more..," she said with a little laugh of her own disbelief  "As for those military campaigns he regaled us with endlessly.., well, he was not fully accurate in his rendition of the tales. For, in truth, the vast territories gained by Rome from the Etruscans in the north, were taken, not by force or violence, and seized with little to no resistance from Etruria. It was through the threat of Roman aggression at the borders when many citizens of the villages and cities abandoned their homes, choosing to flee to the safety of their larger cities up in the mountains.Whereby, it is only through total and utter capitulation, by the Etruscans, that the vast majority of land gained by the Romans was taken. It is only through these extreme acts of cowardice by Etruria that Rome has now tripled in size." here she sighed again her political mind focused on growing concerns for the future and Romes new influence in the region. "Now, Emperor Cyrillus sends forth his legionnaires to Illyria to suppress and quell any threat of Macedonian incursion along the border. Leading me to believe that once his soldiers get settled into the country.., they will never leave, thereby occupying lands from the Mediterranean all the way to the Danube.
     "Even if that is so," Queen Sparta replied "I am certain the Romans will be splendid allies and good neighbors, for we must be united against any threat from Phillip and his intentions on ruling the world." Sparta paused thinking of the future. ''Our King shall, by marriage, cement our alliance with Rome, whatever comes we shall all face the future together. Our Armies, Our Imperial Navies, merging as a combined force of hundreds of thousands united against Phillip, FOREVER. We must all think of the future."
     "So.., you have thoughts that include the General in future plans of marriage, for some political gain?" Syndra spoke up "Forgive my impudence, my dear friend Sparta, of whom I have the greatest love and admiration, but I must say this does not sound like something you would ever think to do, this is not like you. Your behaviour seems out of character and I wonder if this foreign general has practiced some sort of witchcraft upon you, for you seem somehow not yourself, in this matter of love. You must see.., this man is completely wrong for someone of such a regal and noble bearing as yourself.".
     "Politically..," Ambassador Lucia Vega digressed to her favorite topic "It would prove far better for you to marry one of the princess of Argos or Acadia. Why even the King of Illyria himself is need of a new wife as his present one can not carry a child to term. Whatever your choice in marriage it should be later in life, wait five more years, then wed whomever you like. Though you should limit your selection to exclude any man born to a common family." she advised her to which Queen Sparta did not reply, only gazing down at the reflection of the ancient moon shimmering in the clear water with a sad look of despondence in her eyes. For she had set her heart on marriage years ago, but it was Captain Synos whom she could envision as her faithful husband and she his loving wife.
     "Sparta?" Why will you not answer?" Syndra asked as her question fell on deaf ears as the Queen was lost in a deep peaceful thought. Here Syndra reached out with her toe in the water gently nudging her leg when La Vada said.
     "She is thinking about Synos." La Vada announced knowing well her dearest friend, for she had seen that familiar look in her eyes many times when she was a young cavalry officer pining away for officer Synos.
     Now it happened, perchance, that Captain Synos, himself, had wondered where his Queen had disappeared to, so he set about the house going from room looking for her, when he heard, through an open window, his name being spoken. So he went over to the open window, he being concealed by the white linen drapes billowing up in the cool breeze, as he looked out into the courtyard where he spied, very close by, the four women sitting at the waters edge relaxing and speaking together in their secret language, though he understood his name clearly when it was spoken. Here his heart felt raw as he saw clearly the sad look of loneliness upon Sparta's sweet face as she heard her friend speak his name again. So filled with love sickness was she for he. His first natural reaction, as a man, was to go to her side, and hold her tight to give her heart comfort and ease. However Synos knew his rank and place, for his station in life was far beneath royalty and this one fact would always keep him down and bound to the laws of tradition. She was a Queen, high upon her pedestal, he was merely her acolyte, worshipping on bended knee, at her feet ,eternally.
     Here, in order to make his presence known Captain Synos cleared his throat the sound sending the women sitting  up straight, pricking up their ears. "Queen Sparta. Forgive my intrusion on your privacy, I have only come to see if you are in need of anything, some refreshments perhaps, as your audience asks after your disappearance. Perhaps you are in need of my assistance." Captain Synos asked in the confident manner of a military man.
     "Why Captain Synos!" she turned her head "I did not see you standing there." she gave a warm smile her eyes lighting up at the sight of his handsome face. "Please, dearest Synos.., you are here as a guest of Lucia Vega, you must try to relax, for you are not on duty. My watchmen are posted at the doors. I am well, though I thank you for your concern. Please trouble your heart not with my comfort, for I am well." she lied through her smile. "Go back inside, enjoy the entertainment, for the women dance for you, the single men's, enjoyment." she said instructing him to leave her presence.
     To which he only said, as his heart grew cold as a stone "As you wish my Queen. I shall leave you alone."
     Here after his quick departure there was a moment of dreadful silence that hung in the air as the sound of the crickets chirping became louder and louder, her friends giving her a disapproving look. "Sparta, why will you not even consider the love you have for Synos?" La Vada spoke up.
     "Do not even begin to speak of it to me! I CAN NOT BEAR IT." Queen Sparta exclaimed.
     "No!" Syndra defied her Queen. "You said speak as friends, so let me speak as such and I pray, to Hera, you will here." Sydra said as she watched the cheeks of her Queen grew red.