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By Rebecca Weinstein

Seventeen-year-old Regina Kanellis's life seemed like it was back on track after a devastating tragedy...until she was uprooted and relocated halfway around the world to Rhodes, Greece. When Regina and her cousin Kostas explore the temple ruins one day, they vanish. They find themselves in an unfamiliar place with people whose dress and speech are alien. Once the teens overcome the language barrier, they discover that they've stepped back in time. When Regina learns that she is destined to become the Amazon queen, she must come to terms with her past and find the inner strength to complete the trials that lead to coronation. Not everyone is happy about Regina's destiny, and that makes Regina wonder...what happened to the last Amazon queen?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebecca Weinstein
• Release date: Aug 16, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466124400

Rebecca Weinstein

R. Weinstein lives in central New Jersey with her husband, daughter and two pesky rabbits, Cream and Double Stuf. When she isn't writing, she can be found painting, cooking, or at her day job: teacher, moderator, and coach.Visit the Nashoga Fan Page on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Nashoga-Book-1-of-the-Redstone-Series/147811008613786Books on Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0050WSCQWePublishing Consortium:http://epublishingconsortium.com/modules/profile/userinfo.php?uid=152

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Amazon

by R.Weinstein

Published by

Summertime Publishing Company

on Smashwords

Copyright © R. Weinstein, 2011

All rights reserved.

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank my writer's groups, including the incredible people at WD forums and Monmouth Writers group, and especially Paul and Vonny, for their input and support. Without which, the creation of this book would not be possible.

I would also like to thank my husband, who put up with my many late, sleepless nights writing, editing, and all around fretting about this book.

This book was five years in the making, but sometimes, it feels like a few thousand.

Chapter 1

THE QUEEN

A scream broke the tranquil night.

It came from a straw hut, the second largest in the village. Plain on the outside but ornate within, it was like no other. The floor was not dirt like the rest but covered by bear fur. A large pagan altar, decorated with candles, incense and small wooden gods took up one side of the hut. Masks, spears, animal pelts and woven tapestries hung on the walls. The queen’s bed, a low frame of ash filled with straw and covered in fox and beaver fur, much different from those of the common tribeswomen that were mats of straw and rawhide, lay on the other side of the hut.

The queen writhed in pain. With every new piercing pain she wailed, moaned and then sobbed. An attendant knelt lovingly devoted by her side. She held her head, tried to comfort her by stroking her long, brown hair, and swabbed her forehead with a damp cloth, but to no avail. Silently she wiped away the queen’s glistening tears, only for them to be replaced with more. And yet, she still swabbed. The queen’s attendant had to do anything that would comfort the queen, however little.

Unlike many tribes, courts and kingdoms, the Amazons did not inherit the throne through kinship. The queen would have to appoint a new leader before she died. Guided by the gods, the new leader was picked for her bravery in battle, strength, love for her people, and her wisdom. But the queen had not made her choice yet, and it did not look as if she would be able to, as she was too weak to speak.

FLIGHT 2424

Regina Kanellis woke with a start. She blinked as her eyes adjusted to the light. She had momentarily forgotten where she was. She looked around. Her reflection stared back at her from the airplane's window on her left. Her lapse in memory melted away. She frowned as she checked her watch. Still four hours to go until Athens. From there it was another short flight to Rhodes.

She had fallen asleep almost the moment that she had boarded the plane in New York. Regina shivered and pulled her flannel shirt close around her. To her right, a businesswoman in a tan blazer and skirt had also fallen asleep not long into the flight. She glanced down at the woman's reading material, folded in her lap. Business Weekly. No wonder she had fallen asleep.

A perky flight attendant in a blue form-fitting suit was nearing her row with the snack tray.

Coffee, tea, or soda, sir? she heard the attendant ask the man in the row in front of her. Maybe she would have some tea to calm her, put her back to sleep, or to even warm her up. The cart stopped at her row.

Miss? Would you like something to drink?

Yes. I’d like some tea with sugar and cream. Thank you. Regina glanced at her neighbor, wondered if she would want something to drink when she woke up, and wondered if she would be disappointed that she had been passed over by the attendant while she had been asleep.

A turquoise and silver bracelet jingled on her wrist as Regina reached for the steaming cup the attendant handed her. Then the attendant continued on, and Regina turned back toward the window to look out. She strained her eyes to peer out into the night, but far above the ocean, there was nothing to see.

Regina focused on her reflection in the window. Her hair had become slightly messy while she slept. She tousled her long, dirty blonde locks until she was satisfied that she didn't look like a complete monster. Then she wiped under her green eyes where her mascara had run in her sleep. She took the last big gulp of tea, put the empty cup back on the tray and reached under her seat for a blanket. The woolen blanket was warm but it itched her chin.

Well, you can’t have everything. At least it’s warm.

She turned again toward the window and spent much of the long flight tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable. When she finally did get to sleep again, her dreams were tormented and full of woe.

After the exhaustively long plane rides and the much needed, albeit tormented sleep, Regina was looking forward to seeing her cousin. Lugging two duffel bags almost as big as she was, she navigated down three crowded flights of stairs to the baggage claim area. As she waited next to a carousel that squealed, desperately needing oil, she thought back on the dream she had during the flight. It was the same one again. It was always the same. The house, the man, Comanche.

One of her overstuffed suitcases popped out of the chute and clanged down to the conveyor. She squeezed in between a businessman shouting into his cellphone in Greek and a woman trying to corral her two squirming toddlers. Regina managed to haul the heavy suitcase off of the carousel and then spied the other one. That one she caught at the last second before it turned the corner to go around the carousel again. She gave it a yank and placed them both on her rented cart. Then she wheeled her way through customs to pick up Comanche.

Comanche was her three year old German shepherd mix that she had saved from a kill-shelter. Regina saw him looking so desperate for a good home and fell in love with him immediately. They had been inseparable from the start. He was a wonderfully good watchdog; he would bark at anyone who stepped five feet near the house. Comanche was also very affectionate with Regina and her parents. He loved to sprawl out on the sofa at night and watch television with them, and often would fall asleep with Regina or her dad scratching him between his ears.

Regina got through customs with not too much trouble and went to collect her dog. She talked through the crate door to him as she waited for the clerk to check out her paperwork. She smiled as he handed it all back to her and then wheeled the luggage cart and Comanche’s crate away. Suddenly, he started to bark and Regina stopped. She stooped down and peered in at him.

Manchers, what’s wrong? Regina wiggled her fingers at him through the crate door.

She heard a familiar voice answer her question in Greek. He smells me is what’s wrong!

Regina quickly stood up and spun around. A muscular, dark-haired boy of eighteen stood not far away with his hands shoved into his jean pockets and a smirk on his face. His brown eyes danced with excitement.

Kostas! Regina bounded into her brawny cousin's arms. Her Greek Mode, as she liked to call it, kicked in like second nature as she greeted him in his native language. I couldn’t wait to see you again! It’s been way too long, you know.

"I know, but with work and university, it’s been tough getting over to the States. But now you’re here. Which is way better anyway. Kostas released her and shouldered her two duffel bags. You're almost as tall as me."

Yeah, but I think I'm done growing. Don't you grow any more. I hate looking up at you! Regina sighed. She really thought that he had grown taller since the last time she saw him, but then again, she always thought that.

Let’s go home. You look exhausted.

Regina nodded, and followed Kostas to his truck with Comanche's crate and the luggage cart in tow.

Regina shivered as they stepped outside.

It's a little cold for spring, no?

Kostas nodded. Just the past few days, but it's sure to warm up tomorrow. It's supposed to be twenty.

Regina gaped. Twenty?

Celsius, remember?

Oh, that's right. Regina giggled.

A little over an hour later, they pulled up to Kostas’ house in silence. The house was bright white with a terracotta colored roof, like so many of the Mediterranean homes. It was a two floor villa on the northern outskirts of Lindos, a tourist town on the south-eastern shore. Kostas turned the engine off and then turned to look at Regina.

Mom and Dad are still at the museum, so you’ll have a while to unpack and get settled before they accost you with a million questions.

Great. Can’t wait, Regina said with a smirk.

Kostas went to the bed of his old blue Toyota pickup. The tailgate groaned as he dropped it down, and then he opened Comanche’s crate.

Hey there fella! Haven’t seen you in a while! he said as he ruffled Comanche’s ears. Comanche licked Kostas’ face and hands and then leaped from the bed of the truck to greet Regina. She stood up from hugging Comanche and looked at Kostas. She took in his strikingly handsome features. He had come into his own since the last time he had visited.

What?

You’re just more handsome every time I see you. For my cousin, that is, she said with a laugh. I bet Auntie's chasing away all the girls.

They both laughed and then carried her luggage into the house and up the stairs to the guest room.

Mom tidied it up a bit this morning. Kostas led the way into the guestroom, a sparsely furnished room with a twin bed, dresser and a closet. A weather-worn stool stood next to the bed as a makeshift nightstand and a rocking chair sat on a threadbare rug next to the window. The room had not seen a visitor in quite some time.

Kostas placed Regina's bags by the closet. There are towels in the hall closet if you want to take a shower. I’ll be in my room working on my history paper.

Thanks. I could use a hot shower, Regina said.

Regina unpacked her bags while Comanche paced the room. She put her clothes in the drawers and closet and then unpacked her duffel bag. She had put all of her most precious things in there for the trip. She pulled out the first ball of bubble wrap. It was a tiny porcelain donkey her parents had bought her when they had vacationed in Mexico. It had a fancy colored blanket on its back and wore a bright yellow sombrero on its head.

Regina had been only ten, but she remembered walking in a popular tourist area where there was a Mercado in the street. Hundreds of vendors lined the sides of the street. Farmers with fresh fruit, fishermen with that morning’s catch and artisans with hand crafted goods hawked their wares from their stalls. Street musicians played guitars and sang while little children laughed and ran with their tiny dogs.

She remembered seeing a small shop on the corner; the red rays of the setting sun glimmered and danced on something in its window. She tugged on her mother’s arm and dragged her away from the turquoise bracelet she had been bargaining for. She pulled her to the store window where a crystal pendant of a donkey had caught her eye. From far away it looked very pretty, but up close did not. Regina changed her mind about that pendant. To the left of the pendant was a little porcelain donkey with bright colors and a sombrero on his head. Regina loved it. She begged her parents to buy it for her. After much pleading she had convinced them that this was the only thing that would remind her forever of their trip together. Three thousand pesos later, it was hers. She cherished that donkey.

Regina put the donkey on the dresser and looked down at the bracelet on her wrist. She ran a finger over one of the silver beads that had melted slightly, remembering ...

She unwrapped several framed pictures of her friends and her parents. These she placed on the dresser too. She also unwrapped a little crystal box in the shape of a heart that had her sixteenth birthday etched into the top. It was a birthday gift from her father. Regina hesitated, holding the box, hearing a slight tinkle inside as it shifted in her hand. She clutched the top of the box. Maybe this time she would look inside. Regina changed her mind and placed the box next to her parents' picture.

When she was all done unpacking her things she put her luggage into the closet and went down the hall for a shower. She grabbed a towel along the way. Regina turned the water way up and waited for it to warm. She undressed and then stepped into the steamy shower, heaving a sigh of relief. The hot water felt all too good on her aching back. She stretched and then stood there for five minutes, doing nothing but letting the hot water pound on her back.

A knock on the door and a muffled greeting of some sort brought Regina back to reality. She had been drifting off in her own thoughts. Quickly she washed, got out and toweled off.

She frowned. She had forgotten to bring clothes in with her. Her hair dripping, Regina opened the door a crack, peeked through, then ran to her room unnoticed in her towel. She threw on a t-shirt and shorts.

Someone knocked on her door.

Come in, Regina said. The door opened. Kostas peered in at her from the doorway.

I just wanted you to know that Mom and Dad are home and Mom’s started dinner. She’s making spanakopita because she knows you love it. He stuck his tongue out at her and retreated to his room. Regina slipped her shoes on and went downstairs with Comanche, ready for the coming inquisition.

Chapter 2

JOURNEY TO CANACCAS

Pains like knives cut into the queen's abdomen, and although they were few and far between, she asked the tribe’s medicine woman, Sul, what was to become of her. The queen met with Sul in the quiet solitude of her regal hut. She sat on her bed, waiting for Sul's insight.

Sul shook her head slowly, her mahogany hair framing her wrinkled face. The feathers in the black bird mask atop her head swayed with her movement.

This is not good.

Queen Leyva reached out to her, touching her shoulder.

Is there nothing you can do?

Sul looked grave. She closed her deep, brown eyes and thought for a moment. You have the wasting disease. It will eat you from the inside. The only thing I can do is make a paste that will lessen the pain.

And then?

Sul looked away from Queen Leyva. She couldn't face her. Not with news like this. She wrung her hands together and shook her head, her feathers swaying again.

You will die.

Leyva knew it was much too soon for her to die. She was only in her twenties, but the medicine woman told her that she must pick a descendant. Leyva had fought in many battles, made tribe-impacting decisions, but none were so important as this. It took several days for the queen to accept her fate, but she did with the help of her closest friend, Maya. Maya told her that she could take her place as queen if that was her final wish.

Perhaps I should consult our priestess, to see what the gods say to do. You are my greatest friend and ally, and although you are strong and wise, I do not know if it is the gods’ wish for you to lead the Amazons.

Maya, the captain of the guard with the body of an Olympic athlete, bowed her head in acquiescence. It was the only time that the dark-skinned brunette would have been shorter than her queen. Only a few years older than she, Maya had known Leyva since she was born, and the two had been inseparable.

My queen, you are right as always. If it is the gods’ will for me to guide the tribe, then I will do my best and I can only hope that I will be as good a queen as you.

Maya's statement brought tears to Leyva's eyes. It was still difficult for her to think of her impending death. Her tears started to brim over, but before she could fall apart completely, she hugged her dear friend. Leyva squeezed her tight.

That means a lot to me.

Two weeks later, the queen was still unable to choose her successor. She had consulted Boneen, the priestess, as well. Boneen, in turn, had performed a cleansing ritual on the queen, and the two of them fasted and prayed for three days, awaiting an answer from the gods. On the second day, Boneen set a large fire using only the wood of the rare Yua tree. This sacred fire produced long wisps of blue smoke that the priestess could then be able to divine, but she had found nothing. At sunset on the third day, the queen was no nearer an answer. Neither she nor the priestess had been given any visions from the gods, and the gods had not spoken to them either.

Boneen put the fire out and then folded up her prayer mat in silence. Her thin, nimble hands rolled the mat quickly. She then stood, her headdress nearly touching the roof of the hut, and put the mat on a shelf lined with incense, bones, and small idols.

Leyva banged her fists on the floor in frustration.

I do not understand! How can it be? Will no one lead our tribe when I am gone?

I think I understand. Boneen knelt beside her. Even when kneeling, she was a whole head taller than Leyva. She placed a hand on the queen's shoulder. Her eyes, like a deep, cold pond, almost seemed to see right through Leyva. No response from the gods does not always mean that we won’t have a new leader. The gods need more from you before you die. Take an offering of yearling lamb to the temple in Canaccas. There you will find your answer.

Hesitant at the week long journey to Canaccas, but somewhat relieved that she might at last have an answer to her problem, Queen Leyva agreed. She chose her traveling party and then packed for the journey. Maya, Karina and Arba, two of the youngest and best warriors were also to go with her, as was Terrat, a young girl who was studying to be the next medicine woman. Leia, Maya’s second in command, was to stay at the village, should any trouble arise while they were away.

The party secured all of the supplies needed for the trip, strapping the bags to their horses. Leyva leaned on the fence of the corral. Her white stallion nuzzled her from the other side.

I'm sorry, Peg, you must stay behind this time. She gave him a loving pat before mounting another horse. Peg stomped his feet indignantly but she did not change her mind.

They set out on