The Betrayal: Women Rising, #1

By Leslie R Garcia

When the Amazons are blamed for attacks on Roman villages a want for their blood starts to fill the villager's hearts, but the Amazons are not aware of any attacks happening beyond their forest. For the last several years they have found a peace that they don't want to disturb.

 

Lena rules the Amazons accused of the attacks and the imposter is using her name to strike fear into their victims. When she finds out what has been done to her reputation she decides to do whatever it takes to regain her honor.

 

Ephy is tired of just barely surviving in a place that used to be filled with laughter and love. She decides she will no longer wait for death to slowly destroy her, she will go to it and go out swinging.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leslie R Garcia
• Release date: Jul 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9780578835440

Book preview

Preface

Iwatch as she struggles against them while they tie her up. They plan on keeping us alive as captives instead of another head on their wall. It started as a great day for me, my mother took me out to the forest so she could teach me to hunt. My mother, Clete, was a great Queen who was not only respected but loved. I loved to watch her in action, be it as a Queen, a mother, a warrior, or just a friend. She stood as tall as any man did. She was well-toned, had olive skin, and hair like a raven’s feathers. Her eyes were a piercing blue and her smile lit up the world around her. Her snarl scared men away. Any of the tribe would give their life for Clete without a second thought and she would do the same for them.

Clete did not wait for me to get away as she fought and killed five men before there were just too many. I took down only a couple trying to escape from the unprovoked attack. When I realized I wasn’t going to get away I sent a call in our native birds’ song, letting anyone nearby know that we had been attacked and now are being taken. I heard a faint reply, but no one came out of the trees to help.

My mouth was covered by a man’s dirty, smelly hand before I could try again. My mother was stripped of her weapons and chained up. She was tied to the saddle of a horse and forced to walk to their camp. I was tied up and thrown on the back of a horse. I watched as my mother held her head high and did not show any emotion. Swallowing my tears, I followed her example.

We made it to the small village occupied by the troops just after midday. The sun shone brightly above us as they pulled my mom behind them. I was removed from the horse and carried over the shoulder of one of the soldiers. They made their way to a building that was in the middle of the small village. I watched as they roughly pulled my mother in the same direction as myself. She did not give it her all during the fight, but she still wanted to remind them who she was.

When we made it into the holding area I was dropped to the ground as my mother was shoved into the room. I could only see these men as cowards as several of them forced my mother towards a wall. I watched them anchor her to the wall and with a smirk on their faces leave us in the room by ourselves. It took a few minutes before I found a way to get myself untied. As I worked the ropes off, I could feel fear taking hold of me. As the fear of what was going to happen took hold I looked into my mother’s eyes and let my tears fall. Her eyes told me to keep a hold of myself.

My mother was anchored in a standing position, her arms high above her head with cuffs around her wrists. Seeing that she wanted me to be strong I shook my head, wiped my eyes, and getting my emotions under control, I made my way up the wall. I wanted to see if there was any way I could get her out.

My mother shook her head, Child stop, there’s no use, these chains can only be opened with a key.

We stared into each other's eyes willing the other to do what was needed. After a moment of silence, I let my hand fall from the lock for the cuffs. I let myself drop to the ground with a feeling of defeat. Instead of giving in though, I tried to find a way to get the cuffs off the wall. After several attempts, I could find no way to help her get free. The prison walls were not well constructed, but they were built to hold.

Daughter you must find a way out for yourself. I need you to worry about yourself, not me. If you can find no way out, then you need to make it look like you did. She had determination in her eyes as she spoke to me.

Looking into her beautiful eyes I nodded my head as I said, I can do that Mama.

Moving from her I looked from wall to wall, hole to hole, and finally found a part of the wall that had a hole big enough for me to climb into but not big enough for me to get out of. Feeling some sense of relief, I pointed it out to my mother.

She looked to the door then to me, You climb in there and do not move or make a sound. I nodded. As I turned to get in, Lena, she whispered as she tried not to let her voice break. Gathering her emotions and thoughts she then asked something of me, Promise me...Promise me that no matter what you see them do to me you will stay there until our sisters come.

I could feel tears starting to streak my dirt-covered face as I tried to fight her. This promise was too much, But mother.

With a lovingly harsh tone and shining eyes, Promise me, Lena!

With a heavy heart, I nodded as my head fell, I whispered my reply, I promise Mama.

Wiping my eyes, I moved forward hugging her tight to me. I held on not wanting to let her go, knowing she was about to go through things I had only heard of in stories. I could feel her body stiffen as if I were hugging stone. I held onto her hoping and praying that we both would make it out of this alive.

After she took from the moment what she could she moved her body to shake me off, Our sisters are on their way. The lone bird call that could be heard said that she was the only one close to us and there were too many. The cowards sent about twenty men after just the two of us. She signaled that she would be back for us. As we walked through the trees, I made sure to mark our trail. She looked at me as if willing me to understand what was happening and what kind of plan we had. As I looked up at her I nodded, letting her know I understood. Do not leave this room until you see them.

Taking her in as she spoke, I could see the urgency in her eyes. The words she spoke came from not just my mother but my Queen as well. I could feel her readying herself for whatever was coming next. I promise my Queen.

As I finished stating my promise voices could be heard coming closer to the door. The language they spoke was not one I was familiar with. Usually, we learn the language of our people and the villages closest to us.

My mother looked to me, Now go, hide child before they come back in.

Nodding I turned from her and crawled into the hole. Grabbing stones and hay from the floor, I piled them in front of me. I was trying to get the hole to not look as big as it was. I was doing everything I could to camouflage myself from the intruders.

The door opened and two men came in. They spoke a language the villagers close to us used so I was able to better understand. One man looked much cleaner than the other. He stood prouder and had nicer clothes. The other was dirty, not well-groomed, and wore very plain clothes. Each of them had a smug look on their face as they strode into the room.

Where is the child? The cleaner one asked as the other searched.

Looking at the same holes he found one that looked big enough to fit me but wasn’t, Looks like she squirmed her way out sir.

As he struggled to stand back up from his kneeling position the other replied, No matter she will be found and sold into slavery, They laughed.

I hated the smiles on their cowardly faces. I wanted my mother, my Queen, to knock the smiles right off their faces. The one that seemed to be higher ranking stepped closer to my mother. He looked at her from head to toe as if she was something to be owned.

This one though won’t make a good slave. He laughed at his apparent observation of my mother. In reply, she spat in his smug face. I felt myself smile at her actions. The man wiped his face clean and with the same hand slapped her so hard her nose began to bleed. The blood ran quick as it went from her nose to her mouth, down to her chin, and continuing.

As she smiled at him her teeth were stained red, I can’t wait to see how they kill you.

His eyes seem to fill with fire at her statement. Finding no better way to deal with it he began to smack her. Hitting her several times in her face than punching her in her body. The unclean man stepped in and pulled the man back.

As the nasty one spoke his teeth showed, "Sir if I may, women like her don’t understand this type of discipline. They are not proper Roman women."

Pushing the lower-ranking man off, "Is that right? And what would you have me do?

The lower-ranking man’s smile grew, and I saw something in his eyes I have never seen before that day but would see many times in battles with men after that day. I felt my stomach turn with the glint in his eyes as he took my mother in again. He looked at his superior standing a bit straighter.

He looked from the man to my mother and licked his lips, I believe sir, you must break them before they will give you what you want.

The clean one smiled as the same lust filled his eyes, I would have to agree with you, soldier.

As they spoke my mother seemed to know exactly what they were talking about because her face went to a stoned expression. As she stood there, I thought she looked as beautiful as a statue of the great Goddess Artemis. I could feel myself trying to hold back any tears or noises as I watched.

The men began to cut off her armor. As each piece was removed, they touched each newly exposed part. As the last of her armor was dropped to the ground, I covered my mouth with both my hands. The higher-ranking man forced her legs open and started shoving her against the wall as he took his turn. His face in her hair as he forced himself into her. When he was spent, he dropped her legs and stepped back. My mother still showed nothing on her face.

As the other took her he smacked her hard several times. Grunting as he moved against her. Watching all this I felt myself becoming sick when I noticed the enjoyment found on their faces. He stepped back when he was finally finished and seemed satisfied by his actions. See sir, he was breathing hard, She isn’t even smiling.

I realized why he was the lower-ranked of the two. He was not a very smart man because he stood just a bit too close to her. With his last words, my mother kicked him right in his cock. He bent over in pain and yelled, You stupid wench!

Taking a deep breath, he pushed down the pain he felt. Standing straight up he moved towards my mother. He had the same fire in his eyes as his superior did before. Just then a man who was much cleaner walked in, What is going on here?

The higher ranking of the two answered, Sir we were just trying to get some information from the prisoner.

The new man shook his head, How can you do that with your cocks?

After he took control of the men and what was going on, I decided to call him commander. The next one I labeled Captain and the lowest would be a soldier. I was following my people’s ranking system, so I knew how to explain these events to my sisters.

I could see the fire in the Commander’s blue eyes, You morons! He pointed to my mother, That is an Amazon. She is not just any woman. She is trained to take this type of abuse and give you nothing! They both looked from their Commander to her.

With a shame-filled expression, What would you like us to do sir? The Captain asked of his Commander.

The Commander took off his cape and unsheathed his dagger, I will do it, the look he gave them made them seem to cower, Not. You.

He looked into my mother’s eyes and her face loosened, You should train your men better or they may lose their manhood to the next one they try to rape.

He looked back at them then to her smiling, It is so hard to find good help these days.

I could see a glint in her eyes that said she could play along. She would play his game as long as he liked. She would do whatever she needed to make sure my sisters got here before the men moved out. Well, your people have no discipline, so it is to be expected.

His smile faded as he looked at her, Your people disgust me. Your women walk around like they actually own something but they only live because we allow them to.

Her smile grew giving the essence of a growl behind her blood-stained teeth, If that was true then why do so many find their end to our legendary skills?

He gave a hard laugh, If they are so legendary how could we have captured you?

She attempted to shrug her shoulders, I let you. My daughter was with me and I needed to make sure she got away.

His playfulness fades quickly as he looked around the small room for me, What daughter? She laughed as the others looked like they were trying to make themselves disappear. He looked at them, Well?

The Captain stepped forward, It would appear, Sir, she got out of that hole there...Sir.

He pointed to one near my mother. He looked and although I could have hidden in it the hole was too small on the other side to climb out of. I tried to push through it a couple of times with no success. I moved on to try different ones after that.

He snapped his head back towards them, And you found that sending guards to look for her wasn’t the best action to take?

The man kept his eyes down, She is but a girl sir, she won’t get far enough without her mother.

The Commander was so angry he began to shake as his skin started to turn red, Once again these are not just women and girls. THESE. ARE. AMAZONS! Even at a young age, they know how to move through the forest faster than any of you bumbling idiots! The Captain stepped back in line with the soldier.

The Commander took a deep breath trying to calm himself. He took a moment to collect his thoughts and regain control of his emotions. Shaking his head, clearing his thoughts, he looked to his men again. No matter. This won’t take long; I just have to work faster.

I could feel the tears trail down my face from the things I have had to watch so far. I kept my mother’s promise though, keeping quiet as I watched it all happen. I watched as he turned and smacked her face out of rage. He then straightened himself and looked into her cold eyes. Now, I am going to ask you some questions. It would be in your best interest to answer them. He tried to sound diplomatic.

Clete smiled again, Or what?... You’ll kill me? She began laughing at her own words. All three men looked at her like she was crazy, but she wasn’t. She was distracting them. As they watched her face, she moved her leg to kick the Commander and got him in the head. He took a few steps back with shock showing plainly on his face. I will not tell you anything...I am Queen of the Amazons and I will not betray my people by telling you our secrets. Her stony expression showed again as pride filled her stance. She seemed to be taller than I have ever seen her at that moment.

We will see about that. With his dagger, he began to carve shapes into her skin. I watched as her hands clenched into fists. Her body tensed while her eyes looked forward and focused on what is in front of her. She did not cry out nor did she shed tears. She let him cut her body any way he wished as she stood in front of him naked and without shame. After what seemed like a lifetime, he left the room. The other two followed their leader with shame on their faces.

I could hear them just outside the door. Talking in their language. I kept my eyes on my mother and her bloodied body. Clete’s chest weakly moved up and down as she tried to stay alive. I could tell she was weak as she lifted her head to meet my gaze. She smiled and mouthed that she loved me very much.

I could hear shouting out in the village. Commands being given is what it sounded like. Just then I heard the door slam open and the Captain came into the room. What a waste. You would have been such a fun plaything. He shook his head then pulled a dagger from his side. Slowly he stuck it deep into the side of her neck and dragged it from one side to the other of her throat. He lifted her head as she let out her last breaths. She was defiant even then. Shaking his head again he let her head drop as he left the room. I watched as the blood poured from her throat and down her body soaking the ground beneath her.

I cried myself to sleep with that image burned into my mind. After a few hours of sleep, I was woken by yelling and screaming. The war cries of my sisters came through the walls. The door burst open and the Captain of our people came rushing in with several people behind her. I pushed down my barrier, pulled myself out of the small hole, and ran to her. She quickly picked me up and held me close to her. Her embrace was tight and reassuring.

She went to the ground and set me on her leg as she looked into my eyes, Did you see who did this? My tear-soaked face moved up and down slowly in answer. What would you like to do little one?

I looked at my mother then at my friend standing tall with a stern face I told her, I want to take their life.

Right. She stood up to look at the others behind her. Quickly she took over the situation. Giving orders to have my mother’s body returned safely to our home. She would have a proper Royal burial instead of letting any of these pigs get their hands on her again.

She went to her knee again, Who did this child? I gave the descriptions of all three men, making sure to let them know why I wanted all three. The entire army was killed except for those three men. We did not want anyone coming this close to our home again.

The three of them were brought to the same room as my mother. My sisters cuffed their arms in place then chained their legs together. A nail was used to hammer the chains into the wall. They would have no chance to fight back, our Captain made sure of it.

The armor they held so dear was removed from their bodies. The soldier pissed himself and my sisters laughed at him. I was too angry to laugh or smile. I wanted their blood as a sacrifice. They would learn to respect the legend of my people.

I looked at the one who first proposed to rape my mother, She said I must be strong and let no man have me as he wanted...You! You took that from her tonight. So now I will take from you what you value.

The chains rattled with his shaking. I grabbed his cock and slowly began castrating the man with my mother’s dagger. He screamed in agonizing pain as I did so. When I was done, I threw the appendage to the side and looked up at him. He was barely breathing but he was still alive. I then moved to the next man, the Captain.

I looked into his eyes, I may be just a child, but I am also the child of an Amazonian Queen. I motioned my Captain to lift me, I wanted to be at eye level with the man. As he did to my mother, I did to him, I moved the dagger from one end of the throat to the other. I held his head up as the blood ran from his throat soaking the ground below as my mother’s did. I watched as the signs of life left his eyes. I motioned to be put down. I walked to the Commander next and stared into his eyes. Hate shone through easily as he looked at me. I could see more there though. My mother was one who could easily read most anyone.

You were right to fear me and my mother, I could see that fear come through at how easily I read him. We are raised to protect the weak, our sisters, our brothers, our tribe, and our land. Even at only ten summers, I have now killed. You will suffer as she did but the three of you will die here together.

My Captain helped me with the letters that the people of the men would know. I began to cut much deeper than he did my mother. I wanted to make sure the leader died before anyone could help him, I also wanted him to suffer. As I made the last cuts I looked directly into his eyes. I carved my name, my tribe’s symbol, and my age into him. I did this so that anyone who saw his body would know that I, a young girl, killed him and his men.

~Chapter 1~

Lena

We watch closely from our perch high in the trees as she made her way through the forest that surrounds our home. Quietly we try to figure out why she was here. I watch as she walks slowly through the forest, making her way through the hanging branches and the brush. Her steps are determined and precise. She carries her weapons like a true warrior as she approaches stealthily to our camp. I watch knowing full well she has only gotten this far because I feel respect for her. She got past both front lines of scouts before anyone noticed. She may have gotten past the younger girls, but she will not get past my more skilled warriors unless I allow it.

My Queen, what are your orders? Another asks me. She is but fifteen, yet I can trust her with my life more than most.

I look from the woman to my young warrior, Let the villagers know to stay in their homes. The warrior nods as she moves to give the order. She uses the voice of the local birds to give the order. An eruption can be heard as all my best warriors spread the word. She pauses at the commotion to make sure no one sees her.

We watch as she makes it into our village and slowly approaches the first home. She looks inside through cracks in the shutters. Seeing a family, she shook her head moves behind the home. You can see her look around the village as she continues around the perimeter, searching for something. From our vantage point, we can see where she moves or plans to move next. What she is searching for none of us knows but she searches for it.

As she continues, she faces my home. My home is the largest place among the homes of the people. It is filled with mementos of all the previous Queens of this tribe. As Queen, my home is stationed in the middle of the village so that I am harder to kill. As a Queen though, I am the hardest to kill.

I see that I am to have a guest, so I must not be rude. I give a big smile to the young warrior, I will welcome her. She smiles at me knowing full well the intruder will lose her life if she does something against us. She walks around the home looking for a way in. The windows are shut and locked up. I smile as my playful side starts to come out. I leave the trees to make it to my home before she does. I patiently wait for the woman who dared enter our territory.

Ephy

As I slowly approach the Queen’s home the birds erupt into song. I pause to make sure no one sees me; I hope they do not warn the people of me as I make my way towards it. I steady my pace so that no one hears my movements. The last thing I need is to be caught before I can finish this.

I always thought the Amazons were supposed to be hard to find. I guess the myths exaggerated more than usual. Each footfall gets me closer to the door of the biggest home in the village. As I go by each place, I take a quick glimpse into each one. Inside families are getting ready for dinner.

Each step I take makes me feel like I am being watched. I look but am unable to find anyone who is looking at me. The feeling sends chills down my spine. I take a deep breath to calm myself before I do something stupid. Looking around, it would seem as if the village is closed for the night meal. With everyone inside it creates a disturbing quiet here. With how everyone is acting it would seem they are on a certain schedule; I could never live like that.

Shaking my head to focus, I take the last few steps to the door of the Queen’s home. I take one last look around wondering where all the warriors are. Just as in any other battle I take a deep breath to steady my heart, slowly I draw my weapon and focus on keeping myself as quiet as possible.

Lena

I hear her outside my door taking that breath to steady one’s self before the battle. I listen as she draws her sword readying herself for a fight. I take my breath too, not to fight but to welcome a very skilled woman. She rushes through my door with her war cry only to stop in her tracks at the site of me.

I smile at her, Congratulations, From my seat, I cross my legs and open my arms, You have gotten to the Queen, I shrug as I start to move my hands towards the table, But I must inform you that you only made that last stretch because I told them to let you.

She was still frozen with her arms above her head holding her sword. Finally, she let them fall to her side. Her hand loosened its grip on her sword, and she stares in shock as she realizes what I said. Still a little stunned she replies, So you could have killed me as I made it through the village, she paused as she pointed out the door, And most of the forest?

I keep my smile on my face as I sit back changing how I have my legs crossed then cross my arms, Well yes...Come now, we are not Romans, nor are we the arrogant men of the east, I can feel my smile growing as I give her the biggest smile, My dear girl we are Amazons, and those who get into our camp only do so because we allow them. I take her in as I speak. She is beautiful. I feel a piece of me coming back that I have not been felt in a long time. As I took her in, I could feel a more playful side coming out. I start to question if I could kill this woman if I had to. It is as if she already has a spell on me. She sheathed her weapon laughing a light laugh that I rather like.

And here I thought I had out-witted the Amazons.

I uncross myself, Better luck next time girl. As she made her way to my home, I had time enough to set the table for two; a bowl of soup to share with a woman who has adventure in her eyes. The only thing that keeps me from jumping into giving compliment after compliment is the question of why she is here. Why did she come here to kill me? That's why I take my time so I can find out.

I moved to the chair opposite of me, Now girl, sit with me and let us talk. I wish to know why you have decided to come to my village and attack me.

Her movements are slow and unsure. She sits and studies me. She looks at the food in front of her then back to me. She looks around her, taking a moment to gather as much information about me as possible without asking a question. I let her for a short time. I want to keep her on edge though.

I promise it is not poisoned. Taking the bowl of food in front of her, I take a bite, then do the same with the bowl in front of me. She looks from me to the bowl and back again. Finally deciding that everything seemed fine she took a spoon and dips it into the soup. She took a couple of bites as did I.

I look at her, Well girl?

"I wish you would not call me girl. It would seem that you and I are the same age." She retorts with a playful gleam in her eyes.

That is very possible. So, would you rather me call you woman then?

She smiles slyly and shakes her head, No dear woman, I wish to be called by my name, she chuckles at her answer not finishing with the information.

Well then if you wish to be addressed by your name you should tell me what it is.

I can tell the game she plays. Honestly, I do not mind. It has been too long since someone dared to willingly go against my wishes. Usually, I could give a look and they would give me what I wanted. This woman though has other plans. You’re right, but I’m not sure I can trust you with such sensitive information. Again, that smile is on her face.

Well, then you must be very wanted across the known world. I smile back at her.

Something like that, she smiles again then goes back to eating.

As we eat in silence, I hear the bird's call of the women filter through the window. I set my spoon down as I listen to their report. She was the only person who could be found. No army following and no horse to be found.

Beautiful song your birds have. I heard them erupt into it as I came in, she commented. I laughed at her shaking my head. Calming down I steadied myself to reply to my women. As I did the reply, I let them know to have my home surrounded as well as to let the villagers go about their normal business. When I finished my gaze went to her. Her mouth hung open and her hand froze between her mouth and the bowl.

Thank you for your compliment. I too appreciate the beauty of our birds. Though they sound so beautiful and fragile they are more deadly than any man or beast.

She was still a little stunned as she asked, So it wasn’t just birding I heard, you were giving commands?

I let my smile play on my face as I answered, Yes woman. Why do you think that we have survived for as long as we have? It’s not just because we can kick arse, but because we can be one with nature. She stared at me as if trying to get answers without asking the questions. I took a few bites of food as I waited for her to ask her question. It seemed though that she did not want to ask whatever it was. She stayed silent as she watched me.