THE DAUGHTER OF ARES: A Sequel Novel to Polyxena

By H. Allenger

After suffering a major defeat at the hands of the Greeks as a result of being betrayed by her male allied generals, in which she loses her queen and much of her army, as well as her one true love, the Trojan princess Polyxena, the Amazon commander, Antiope, vows to avenge the injury caused her. Follow her trail of vengeance as she embarks on a

• Language: English
• Publisher: Writers Book Fair
• Release date: Aug 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9781962313223

H. Allenger

H. Allenger earned a BA in public administration and an MA in International Relations. After thirty-one years with the Seattle School District, he is now retired and pursuing his true passions, which include archaeology, history, mythology, and writing. He currently resides in Seattle, Washington, and enjoys travelling the world.

Book preview

cover.jpgtitle.jpg

Copyright © 2023 by H. Allenger.

ISBN (Paperback) : 978-1-962313-23-0

ISBN (Hardback) : 978-1-962313-24-7

ISBN (eBook) : 978-1-962313-22-3

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author and publisher, except by reviewers, who may quote brief passages in a review.

Some characters and events in this book are fictitious and products of the author’s imagination. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Book Ordering Information

Writers Book Fair

99 Wall Street Suite 181

New York, NY, 10005, USA

[e-mail]

www.writersbookfair.com

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Author’s Forward

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

XII

XIII

XIV

XV

XVI

XVII

XVIII

XIX

XX

XXI

XXII

XXIII

XXIV

XXV

XXVI

XXVII

XXVIII

XXIX

XXX

XXXI

XXXII

XXXIII

XXXIV

XXXV

XXXVI

XXXVII

XXXVIII

XXXIX

XL

XLI

XLII

XLIII

XLIV

XLV

XLVI

XLVII

XLVIII

XLIX

L

LI

LII

LIII

LIV

LV

LVI

LVII

LVIII

LIX

LX

LXI

LXII

LXIII

LXIV

LXV

LXVI

LXVII

LXVIII

LXIX

LXX

LXXI

LXXII

LXXIII

LXXIV

LXXV

LXXVI

LXXVII

LXXIX

LXXX

Afterword

Author’s Forward

As the title indicates, this novel is a sequel to Polyxena , my previous work. Daughter of Ares would be more meaningful to the reader who has read Polyxena, for much of the dialogue, characters, and place names allude to it and reference it. I also deferred from giving descriptions of the terrain and cities which were given in greater detail in my earlier book. It is not essential however, and to those intrepid readers who attempt to try this book without having read Polyxena, I herewith provide a brief summarization so as to properly orient them to the setting and significance of what is written in the following pages. That should be sufficient to allow proceeding on this story with a full understanding of its relevance to the characters and plot, as well as its locations. Here is what happened before the novel Daughter of Ares begins:

After the funeral of Hector, Troy’s greatest warrior killed by Achilles, the city’s fortunes are at a low ebb. King Priam send his youngest daughter, Polyxena, as an envoy to Themiscyra, the city of the Amazons led by its queen, Penthesileia, to get them to enter the war against the Greeks in support of Troy. Polyxena accomplishes her mission, and Penthesileia agrees to assist Troy; she asks Polyxena to accompany her on their campaign. She assembles an army comprised of her Amazon warriors and an allied male component of Paphlagonians, led by a general named Boralis, and Pelasgians under the command of Lethus. With this force, Penthesileia plans to reconquer the cities that are now occupied by the Greeks.

As preparations are being made for the expedition, Polyxena strikes up a friendship with Antiope, who is second-in-command of the Amazons. They have an immediate attraction towards each other when they first meet, Polyxena being drawn to Antiope’s stunning beauty. As she describes it: Even Helen would have found serious competition in her. Antiope likewise takes an interest in Polyxena; they are seen in constant company, and this soon leads them into intimacy, which they engage in secretly at intervals throughout their time together. Here is how Polyxena defined their relationship:

Regarding Antiope, we continued to spend more nights together in blissful repose, always in my chamber by mutual consent, contented to be in each other’s presence and savoring the sweetness of our intimacy. She was so alluring, her body exquisitely shaped...and I readily concede that I possessed no compunctions in my admiration of her beauty. That was when I was with her, intoxicated by her sensuousness and overwhelmed by the attraction this held for me, yet at other times, when I was by myself and soberly reflected over this, I severely censured myself over what I considered my aberrant behavior, casting disparagement upon my abuses and feeling a sense of shame over this. Then I would see her again, and all my self-doubting and aspersions would vanish as I once more fell under her charm.

Such was the emotional turmoil in which I endured my relationship with Antiope, and yet, where I to have a choice over its continuance, I unquestionably would have preferred that this be so. That was the influence she exerted over me, the sheer appeal of it, pleasurable and insatiable, so that I was utterly seduced by it and in her captivity.

The Amazons embark on their campaign and retake the cities held by the Greeks. The first city, Ascania, falls to them without a fight, but they meet strong opposition at Otrea and Pedasus in which the infantry component of their army, the Paphlagonians and Pelasgians, suffer a disproportional heavy amount of the casualties, greatly upsetting Boralis and Lethus. Their relationship with Penthesileia becomes severely strained as a result.

Much alarmed over these victories, Agamemnon, Supreme Commander of the Greeks, sends the Myrmidons, led by Achilles, to put a stop to Penthesileia. They meet on a battlefield: Penthesileia plans to circle around the back of the Myrmidon army and crush them between her Amazons and the wall of infantry held up by her allies. She departs at early dawn with half her army to make her envelopment covering miles, leaving the remaining half with Antiope, who is charged with coordinating the defenses. When there is no movement on the part of the male allies, Antiope demands that they take up their position; Belarus and Lethus refuse to comply, saying they have had enough of taking orders from women. They depart from the field with their soldiers, leaving the defensive position undermanned. Antiope vows that their betrayal will be avenged.

Antiope sends out a courier to inform Penthesileia of the situation. The queen returns to draw up a new battle plan. Polyxena pleads with her to abandon her attack, informing her that Myrmidons do not fight as individual, but as a team, but Penthesileia has a numerical superiority and with mounted warriors thinks she can still win the battle despite of having lost her infantry arm. Her indecision is ended when the Myrmidons initiate the attack, to the surprise of all.

The battle rages, the Myrmidons having negated the advantage of the horses with their long spears and tight formations. Achilles and Penthesileia confront each other in hand-to-hand combat in which she is killed. Immediately upon hearing of their queen’s death, the Amazon force, demoralized and weakened, falls apart. Antiope rushes up to Polyxena’s tent and begs her to come with her, but Polyxena, torn between her love of Antiope and her loyalty to Troy places the greater value on the latter. She tells Antiope that her status as an envoy will protect her from harm. Both are in tears in saying their farewells. Antiope rides off with her surviving warriors while Polyxena is taken captive by Achilles.

It is at this point that the novel Daughter of Ares begins, on the eve of the Amazon defeat, as our heroine and her battered colleagues are licking their wounds around the campfire a safe distance from Achilles and his victorious Myrmidons. Antiope has lost it all, her queen, much of her army, and most painful of all, her love, Polyxena.

This is the setting for my novel, Daughter of Ares. I am hoping the reader will enjoy the ensuing pages and find them a rewarding experience.

H. Allenger

I

"A res! Grant me vengeance!"

So muttered Antiope angrily and repeatedly as she sat by the campfire with her companions, the remnants of the once great Amazon army. They had escaped from the battle they lost to the Myrmidons who were led by Achilles. Battered and depressed, their commanders assembled about the fire to assess their situation and determine what course of action they should take now. Many mourned the loss of their queen, Penthesileia.

She was degraded and humiliated in death, wept one of the gathered.

She was! said Antiope. But we can’t do anything about that now, Anaea, so stop your crying.

Penthesileia deserved better.

Stop it!

I can’t help it. I loved her so.

I said stop it! We need to move forward from this point on. It doesn’t do any good to keep belaboring the point. What’s our present disposition, Myrleia?

We are at one-third our initial strength, answered Myrleia. About three thousand of us, but only around two thousand horses left. Many of our carts were abandoned containing our equipment -our armaments and tents. We have only ten of them left – the rest have fallen into the hands of the Greeks.

We’ll have to live off the land on our return to Themiscyra. We may be able to replenish some of this stock at Otrea and Ascania. It won’t be easy going for us. I blame all this on the Paphlagonian general, Boralis. I should have killed him when I had the chance. Also his Pelasgian ally, Lethus. I promise to avenge Penthesileia’s death ---on them!

As she spoke, a sudden pang of deep remorse came over Antiope: a resurgent sensation of grief felt over her separation from the Trojan princess, Polyxena. She fought to maintain her composure, but her moist eyes revealed her pain. She said nothing more, yet in her silent sorrow made it evident to all present that her loss was deep.

You miss her, don’t you? Anaea said in an attempt to comfort Antiope.

I loved her, Antiope replied after some pause. More than you can know. I begged her to come with me, but to no avail.

What? I am speaking of our queen, Penthesileia.

Well, yes -her too. But I was thinking of the Trojan, Polyxena. She is a captive of Achilles now. That speaks for itself. I cringe when I think of how he might abuse her.

This did not go over well for the women present; many blamed their situation on the maneuverings of Polyxena; had she never come to Themiscyra none of their fortunes would have been so altered. But for Antiope, her pain was real as she recalled how desperately she pleaded for Polyxena to follow her and become an Amazon. They could have had a wonderful life together. In sadness, Antiope said nothing further and the meeting closed; each of the commanders returned to the areas where the remnants of their units were resting.

Two subordinate commanders, Anaea and Myrleia left the meeting to return to their own units gathered in separate campgrounds.

I loved Penthesileia, Anaea confided. I blame her death on the Trojan bitch, Polyxena. Had she never come to us, none of this would have happened.

Come now, Anaea, responded Myrleia. Penthesileia made the decision herself for us to come to the assistance of Troy. Our queen was not one to be easily swayed by others.

I think Polyxena cast a spell on our queen.

Based on what?

She was sent to us by the Trojan king, Priam. It was her mission to get us involved in his war with the Greeks. She succeeded in doing just that. I’ve never known our queen to succumb to the wiles of a foreign woman -she was too smart for that.

Also too smart to allow herself to be bewitched.

Perhaps not bewitched, but seduced by her attractive looks -and whatever story she conjured up to influence her. I hate her.

What I remember is that we all applauded and cheered when Penthesileia told us we were going to march against the Greeks. Our morale was sky high. That included you. We could not have known at the time that our allied generals would desert us. They are the ones you should blame for our defeat, not Polyxena. Antiope is correct in seeking her vengeance on them. She is second in command; it’s proper that she should assume leadership over us. Our laws decree this.

At least until the supreme council appoints the new queen.

True, agreed Myrleia. But I think it will select Antiope. She has proven herself an woorthy warrior; I know of nobody else that is as deserving.

Anaea realized that she would get no support from Myrleia in making any derogatory implications " towards Antiope and refrained from speaking more on the matter. By this time, they had reached their campsite and started to look after the soldiers under their command.

I think you may be envious of her good looks, said Myrleia before making her departure.

Who? The Trojan’s?

No. Antiope’s.

I would dispute that, although I admit she is blessed in that area. That cuts for a favorable image as a queen. People like that.

The morale of the Amazons was at a dismal low; many of them openly wept, but most bore their grief in silence. They mourned the loss of their queen perhaps the most; yet many also felt anguish over having lost their horses - mounts they had raised and ridden since childhood and had come to love dearly. Some of the women had to ride double in escaping the battlefield and would have to continue doing this on the trip back to their city, Themiscyra.

We’ve never been so thoroughly beaten before, Anaea said as she assessed the disposition of her warriors. It will take some time to recover from this.

Yes, replied Myrleia. But recover we will. And then we will take care of the allied generals who deserted us. Antiope will see to that.

I hope so.

Do you doubt it?

Anaea paused before answering, deliberating how much of her own distrust for her new commander she should confide in her colIeague. When she finally answered, she left Myrleia as uncertain as before they began their conversation over her true convictions.

We shall see, Anaea said.

II

It was on the second night of their retreat that Boralis was informed of the destruction of the Amazon army by Achilles and his Myrmidons. He took little comfort on hearing this, even though he knew such would be the result of his abandoning his ally on the day of battle.

Penthesileia was slain by Achilles, he told Lethus, in hand-to-hand combat. I am sorry about having to say that.

She met a warrior’s death, replied Lethus.

Yes, and there is a respect in that. I know I made things difficult for her, but we are men. Men do not take orders from women! We should never have been placed in such a situation where that happens. Penthesileia did not understand this. It was demeaning to my soldiers to see us put in that predicament.

True, agreed Lethus. But in this defeat, we have not achieved our goal in relieving the siege at Troy. We’re right back where we started, despite the losses we have sustained on this venture. Our own lands are again facing the threat of Agamemnon’s expansionary schemes.

He’s been trying to take Troy for almost ten years -and its walls still stand. When Troy falls, in another year, or ten years, or more, he’ll have expended his strength in the effort and will no longer be able to continue on his conquests.

Don’t you mean if Troy falls?

No. When Troy falls. I see it as inevitable. Now that we have failed in our mission, Priam’s supply line remains closed to him. He can only hold out for a limited time. How long? That’s anybody’s guess, but it will happen. Troy is finished.

You are more confident about that than I. But I agree with you; regardless of how long Troy stands, the Greeks will no longer be inclined to go on fighting in these regions. So yes, I believe, as you, that we don’t have to worry about losing our lands to them.

And that raises an interesting point.

Which is?

Themiscyra.

Themiscyra? gulped Lethus, surprised at the suggestion.

We have an opportunity to rid ourselves of the Amazon presence once and for all. It came to me as I contemplated our situation on this retreat. Even though we lost half of our force in the campaign, we left a far greater number of our warriors behind than did the Amazons. If they lost their queen in that final battle, their casualties must have been significant. I’m thinking maybe greater than ours. This means that Themiscyra is depleted of most of its population.

Penthesileia did bring most of her warriors on this expedition.

That makes it ripe for the taking. It’s almost as if the Gods willed this. We would be remiss if we did not capitalize on the situation now favoring us.

It may not be as easy as you make it appear. For one thing, by the time we get back, our own forces will be spent and exhausted -also demoralized over the fruitlessness of the venture we had undergone. It will take some doing to lift their spirits to engage in another military operation.

You underestimate their zeal once they are told they can keep as a personal slave any Amazon they capture. Think of it -to do with a wild woman whatever they like, with no accountability or check on their passion, and to exact revenge on the humiliation they have caused men to suffer. That is the kind of inducement that will inspire any man to apply the extra effort needed to overcome his shortcomings. I expect that they will welcome the challenge.

We would have to act quickly. I mean before the Amazons left from the battle manage to rejoin their sisters in Themiscyra.

Actually, I’m not that worried about it. They are horse soldiers; we are on foot. It’s unlikely we will beat them back. I am banking on our reserves left behind on this expedition to give us the strength level we need to wipe them out.

Can it be that simple?

You must remember that they have lost their queen. There will be a problem of securing a succession for the crown. This generally leads to a time of indecision and confusion, uncertainty when stability is peferred to conflict so that proper procedures can be implemented and acted on. Fortune does favor us under these conditions.

Speaking of a succession, my own guess is that they will select their second in command as their new leader. That would be Antiope.

Antiope! Bolaris blurted out. Damn that bitch! You’ve given me cause for concern. She threatened to exact revenge on us for our desertion.

Yes, she did.

Bolaris initially was clearly upset over the prospect of facing Antiope, but upon further consideration he rationalized that the odds of such an encounter happening were slim at best. For one thing, he did not know if Antiope survived the battle and, even if she did, that did not mean that she retained her position as second in command; her influence could have been severely diminished as a result of having suffered a defeat.

Damn that bitch! Bolaris repeated. Were it anyone else, I would feel more assured of victory over the Amazons. But in her, there is a determination we must reckon with. She may have the ability to hold her army together despite of having to lick its wounds.

If she survived the battle, responded Lethus. We don’t know this.

By the time we reach home, we should know. Maybe we should send out scouts to find out if she did, just in case. It would help to know what we are up against.

I see this worries you.

With good reason. She has always resented my presence on our campaign. I barely escaped her arrow when we refused to commit ourselves to that final battle. A woman like that can be very dangerous. You cannot underestimate the power that an iron will brings to a given situation -it is as if it offers a stimulus to energize the ordinary into greater endeavors. I tell you, Lethus, we must take caution against her.

I doubt if she has much of an army left to command. Perhaps we exaggerate the threat she poses.

All the more reason to scout out her situation. It would greatly ease my anxieties to know what we can expect in the future.

Supposing she still has a significant force in position. Will that cause you to change your mind about taking Themiscyra?

Bolaris gave some weight to the question, assessing the positives and negatives associated with it, and finally concluding that the odds favored his original intentions.

No, Lethus, he said. I am convinced we need to destroy it.

That’s what I wanted to hear, responded Lethus. You have my agreement that Themiscyra must be wiped out.

Then you back me on this?

Absolutely.

Good. So come what may, let Antiope feel our wrath.

III

Antiope summoned the surviving Amazons to a gathering before preparing to move out, when she noticed additional warriors came filtering into the campgrounds. At first, it was just a handful, and then quite a few more, until they numbered nearly one hundred.

I’m glad to see you managed to escape, she said to one of the leaders of the group.

Well, it wasn’t that difficult, the commander answered. They kept no watch on us -and did not even care what we were doing. We simply walked away once we felt strong enough to do so. Nobody bothered to stop us.

That’s the Greeks for you, interjected Anaea. It’s sort of a further humiliation for us, isn’t it?

In that they consider us women as not worthy of their efforts to apply appropriate security measures, as in the case of men, Antiope said. Even as prisoners, we have no standing with them.

A sure sign that they have no respect for us, said Anaea,

We battled them heroically. We deserve proper recognition for this, declared Antiope and then again addressed to leader of the group. Are there any more of you that we can expect to filter in here?

I believe so, came the answer. Many are alive but have injuries that prevented them from joining us. The Greeks did not stop us from treating them, although they offered no assistance in that regard, taking care of only their own wounded.

How bad are their injuries? Can they make it here in the next few days?

I don’t know. Maybe.

The question is -do we wait for them?

We should, replied Anaea. If there’s any chance at all of them recovering from their wounds, we owe it to ourselves to provide for their protection until we get back home. They may not be able to do this on their own.

Antiope hesitated: she did not like that suggestion as it meant further delays on their return trek.

I disagree, she said. I think it is crucial for us to arrive in Themiscyra before our former allies do. We do not know what they intent to do, but I suspect they mean to throw off the Amazon yoke we hold over them. We could be stuck here for days if we wait on our sisters.

You have no way of knowing this. It’s a conjecture on your part that belies our factual situation.

And what are those?

They sustained enormous losses. I don’t even think they have half of their strength left. And they are on foot! We still have our horses, at least some of them. If we ride double, we still will get to Themiscyra before they will.

Not if we delay our departure for days.

We’re talking about leaving our wounded sisters to fend for themselves, shouted Anaea. They will need help, else fall prey to the wolves, if not bandits or outlaws. We owe this to them!

Do not raise your voice to me! Antiope shouted back. I’ll not be treated with disrespect!

Anaea recoiled in fear over having overstepped her prerogatives, recognizing that she was coming close to committing insubordination. I’m sorry, she hastily retracted. It was out of my concern for our sisters that I lost my composure. I beg you consider this before making a harsh judgment on me.

I can appreciate that, said Antiope. But never forget that I command this unit now. If you object to this, you can voice your complaint before the council that selects the new ruler. Certainly I regret placing undue hardships on our sisters, but we are Amazons, hardened warriors not subject to emotions that would mitigate our iron will and determination. It is as an Amazon Commander that I place the security of our city above all else -and direct you to do the same!

Antiope quieted the assembly with her appeal. She understood that her declaration in effect doomed the remaining Amazons who would manage to escape captivity from the Greeks, something that did not settle well with her. Yet she strongly believed that a speedy return to Themiscyra was necessary in order to protect the place from possible destruction, an outcome that Boralis and Lethos would see to. She did not trust either of them; if she regarded them as treacherous, she had ample reasons for doing so. And she was bent on avenging their betrayal, an unforgivable transgression that deserved no mitigation or mercy.

Very well, Antiope said in conclusion. Make your necessary preparations. We move out at early dawn.

Anaea walked away from the assembly with Myrlaia, deeply troubled over what had transpired during the meeting. She was still upset over having lost her temperament in front of everyone, especially over her breach of courtesy towards her commander-in-chief, but she felt strongly that her position was just and that Antiope was endangering the lives of women she knew, and was fond of, and did not want them hurt further than they already had been. Myrleia sensed her unease and spoke first.

I’m sorry it ended that way, she said. I don’t think you deserved the put- down.

Was I wrong?

Over raising your voice at Antiope, yes. But over your defense of us waiting until most of our missing sisters are accounted for, I think not.

Then you agree with me.

I do.

I’m pleased to have you say so. It distresses me to think of the probably many badly wounded warriors left to themselves to find their way home. It’s so -so cruel to them.

Anaea was nearly in tears as she said this, and Myrleia was not unaffected by it as she had difficulty deciding how to proceed with her discussion. Her impulse was to back her commander in complying with her directive even though she horribly regretted what this meant to her missing companions.

I really don’t know what’s right here, Myrleia finally continued in a broken voice. The problem is we have no idea how many will come to us -it could be none. If so, then our waiting -for days- to receive what will never come could become a problem for us. Antiope may be right in saying we have to get back to Themiscyra before our, excuse the term, allied generals do.

Damn them! Penthesileia should have known better than to trust men. God, how I hate them!

They’re a despicable lot. One thing’s for sure: I will never put any trust in them again, for as long as I live.

Amen to that, said Anaea. Never again!

IV

The next morning, the Amazons stood in readiness to begin their march back. Their equipment had been packed tightly into the ten remaining carts, their horses gathered up, with each warrior standing beside them, and about five hundred doubled adjacent to a single horse. Each warrior carried the weapon of their choice; most of them armed with bows and arrows, but some with spears and others with battle axes and swords, all attired in their short tunics extending halfway down their thighs and their leather vests and greaves covering their lower legs. Most had their conical helmets and crescent shields stored in two of the carts to be quickly retrieved should their requirement arise. There remained the problem of what to do with the severely wounded, many of whom could only proceed on crutches or required assistance and had to be carried.

Antiope took note of these wounded warriors as she walked through the ranks, disturbed over what she believed numbered several hundred.

There are more than I had thought, she told Anaea. It’s as if they increased overnight.

You minimized their numbers yesterday, replied Anaea.

I must have.

What are we to do with them? They will need protection if we leave them behind.

You think me cruel for ordering this march, Antiope said in a weak voice that reflected her concern over the problem. Be truthful. Am I seen as uncaring -a callous bitch!- in demanding we move out?

Anaea hesitated in answering, not wanting to anger her superior.

Answer me! Antiope demanded.

Yes! Anaea declared. What did you expect me to say? I made my position clearly known to you yesterday. If we leave them now, their present condition being what it is, we will place an impossible burden on them. Many won’t make it.

Even as they spoke, several more Amazons appeared over the hillside, the latest to have filtered in from the battlefield, many limping and being borne by compatriots. The sight came as a shock to Antiope, deeply distressed over what she saw and now questioning the judgment of her action.

It’s a grim situation we see here. She muttered, her face ashen and teary-eyed. I would be heartbroken to be the cause of more deaths among our sisters.

What will you do to prevent this?

Perhaps I was too quick in my judgment yesterday. Certainly it was cold, devoid of the compassion I think Amazons should display when regarding our own. We are not well served if we lose many more unnecessarily. Why do you look at me that way?

I am pleased that you -that you still have some humanity in you, Anaea replied through her own tears.

Antiope remained torn between her strong conviction that she had to return to her home as soon as possible in order to protect it and her heartfelt concern over the anguish of the gravely wounded facing a life-threatening journey ahead of them. At last, she spoke out.

Select five hundred of our ablest warriors, those who escaped unscathed from the battle and are free of injuries. We will leave them here to provide an escort and protection for the wounded. They can hunt for the food needed and fend off any possible threat from criminals and marauders. The rest of us will proceed on our march.

A sense of relief came over Anaea, not unnoticed by Antiope.

I want you to command this unit, she told Anaea.

Gladly, replied Anaea. It is all I ever wanted.

You have earned it. I consider you my second-in-command now. I know I can trust you to carry out this mission.

Antiope rendered a wide smile to Anaea who appeared to swoon under its effect, delighted over what she saw as, if not an obvious promotion, certainly an increased responsibility commensurate with her assignment. She was still glowing when she rode among the ranks to select the warriors who would stay with her in providing an escort for the Amazons needing it. At this moment, Anaea hero-worshipped her leader, Antiope, and saw her as her true commander.

Having made the decision to divide their remaining force, Antiope passed the information on to her troops in a stirring oration to assure the acceptance of Anaea as their commander. Obey her as you would me, she told them in conclusion, and I shall expect to see you all in perhaps another three weeks. My own complement shall proceed as fast as we can to secure our city from potential harm. With that I bid you farewell. May Ares and Artemis look over you.

Antiope received a loud approval from both contingents, those proceeding forward as well as those who remained behind, and then led her warriors from the camp. In a way, having split her army greatly worked to her advantage in that she left the horses who were to be ridden doubled up with the group staying to care for the wounded. This meant her units consisted of one horse per rider, allowing increased mobility and virtually assuring she would get to Themiscyra long before her former allies. In total, her force consisted of approximately two thousand Amazons, most in fit condition without serious injuries to impede their progress.

Anaea watched Antiope’s force fade into the distance, sensing an uneasiness over whether she might not have overextended her abilities in accepting her command. I’ve never led such a large contingent before, she admitted to her subordinate, a svelte young warrior standing next to her. It’s intimidating -giving me a reluctance to issue my orders.

You’ll do all right, came her reply. Just tell us what to do we will see that it gets done.

I appreciate you saying so. You are?

Palla. I am leader of the Antelope squadron, one of your sub-divisions.

You appear to have come unscathed out of our last battle. How did you manage that?

I had my horse shot by arrows before even engaging in it, probably the first one to fall. By the time I got to my feet, I was some distance from the fighting. Then, as I approached the battle, I was confronted by our warriors running away from it and further hindered from entering the fray. I only admit this to you -it’s so embarrassing for me.

Anaea nearly burst out in laughter: she had established a bond with a heretofore unknown person who she took an immediate liking to. Life can be such a bitch, she responded. I truly grieve over your misfortune.

The comment evoked a chuckle out of Palla, who recognized that she would have an agreeable connection with her new commander. She peered into the eyes of Anaea, which exuded a warmth that was both satisfying and alluring, signifying to her that all was well. In this way, an enduring friendship had its beginning between the two women.

V

After a full two day’s march, Antiope’s force arrived at Pedasus, the city along the cliffs of a river with a formidable look to it. It was here where Boralis and Lethus sustained enormous losses in their previous encounter only three weeks ago. It seemed like ages ago to Antiope, a feeling much enhanced by the magnitude of the changes that had taken place since then. She noticed that the main gate to the city was open, indicating to her that its ruler would welcome her party; either that or he considered it greatly depleted from its former strength and no longer viewed it as a threat. She directed her warriors forward.

Inside the gate, Antiope was met by the monarch, who stood centered on the steps leading to the city’s most prominent structure, the royal palace. He was flanked by numerous advisors who provided a security escort for him as they were fully armored and armed. Antiope rode up the bottom of the stairs and dismounted her horse, and then walked up to greet her host.

You do us honor with this visit, the king spoke first.

It is I who am honored, said Antiope. I am grateful for your hospitality.

Word has come to us of your defeat, he continued. And of your queen’s death -slain by the great Achilles. Let it be of comfort to you that we sympathize with you and insist that you use our facilities to rest up and recuperate yourselves. My attendants will see to this.

I am indebted to your generosity.

Do not burden yourself with our present problems. We will discuss our future relations at our dinner tonight. Until then, clean yourselves up and rest. I shall see you then.

With that, the monarch turned around and walked up the stairway and into his palace. Antiope was met with several servants, both men and women, who led her to an adjacent building where her warriors would be bedded for the night. She was guided into a smaller room that contained a sunken tub for bathing and provided with towels for drying herself -a most welcome refreshment for her after their trek through the heat and dusty trails.

That evening, Antiope appeared at the palace dining hall with Myrleia and five of her primary officers; they were led to the main table where the king awaited them, sitting at its end. Antiope took her seat next to him.

I was remiss in not identifying myself earlier, the king spoke out. I am Nisarnos, lord of Pedasus. I welcome you to my table.

I am Antiope, presently the commander of our force -that is, until our council appoints a new queen for us. I am pleased to accept your invitation.

I was grieved to hear of the death of Penthesileia. It must have been most difficult for you -to bear such a loss.

We deeply admired her, or should I say, loved her. Yes, the loss was most painful.

We were told that Achilles defiled her in death.

This was not known to Antiope. She had fled the field when word came that Penthesileia was slain and knew nothing about what had transpired next.

What did you hear? she asked.

You do not know? Nisarnos reacted in surprise. I didn’t realize -forgive me, I did not mean to be so presumptuous.

No, tell me, Antiope insisted.

We heard that the Greek warlord, Achilles, after having struck your queen down, stripped her of the armor she wore and gazed lecherously upon her naked body. It was said that he was entranced by her physical beauty -and that he killed one of his own men for mocking him as having fallen in love with a corpse.

Antiope gasped, her eyes glaring in disbelief. This was far more devastating to hear than merely having her former queen slain in combat. Until this moment, Antiope was only aware that Achilles had removed Penthesileia’s armor, which was humiliating enough; she did not know about his enamored reaction over having done this.

How do you know this? she asked, her voice quivering.

Word came to us from the Greeks themselves. They were as much shocked over this as you; the news spread like wildfire, reaching us within a day or so.

Have you heard anything else?

What do you mean?

About the Trojan princess, Polyxena. Do you know anything about her?

Nisarnos thought the question strange, certainly as trivial in comparison to what he had just related to Antiope, and he hesitated as he tried to recall what, if any, information he remembered about her. All I can say about the Trojan woman is that she was taken captive by Achilles. I don’t think he harmed her, but I’m not sure. Why?

Antiope felt relieved in hearing this; she remembered Polyxena telling her that her status as an envoy of Troy protected her, that the Gods granted sanctuary to persons performing such duties.

I was just concerned about her safety, Antiope answered. She and I became good friends.

A costly friendship I would say, Nisarnos commented. Was it not this Trojan who talked your queen into coming to the support of Troy? Seeing the present results, it appears that has been a disaster for the Amazons.

Antiope held fast to her conviction that no coercion was needed to persuade Penthesileia; the queen had a mind of her own and rationalized her support of Troy as the appropriate step to take at the time. She was not going to place the blame on Polyxena.

I see you have no answer, continued Nisarnos. You do understand that the disaster is not just yours -that we also may pay a steep price in time.

What do you mean? asked Antiope.

We assisted you in getting rid of the Greeks at Pedasus. We believed you would permanently expel them from our regions. You failed in your mission, and Agamemnon will no doubt seek revenge on us for having done so. We placed our trust in your queen, and now we are placed in danger for having supported you.

Antiope understood the gravity of his situation; she marveled over how he was able to maintain his composure in relating his anxieties to her. In his place, she would have shouted out her contempt against the guests, perhaps even denied them any hospitality even if protocol dictated it.

I regret this, truly I do, she said. We did not expect this outcome. We were betrayed by people we thought were allies.

Yes, agreed Nisarnos. We heard about the Paphlagonians and Pelasgians walking out on your last engagement. But in truth, you can’t blame them. They bore the brunt of your previous battles, especially here in Pedasus -their casualties were considerable. I had a feeling even then that they would abandon your operation before it was finished. But to the issue at hand, how are we to appease Agamemnon’s wrath should he seek retribution?

You will have to manage that yourself, replied Antiope, knowing her words would be received in bitterness. A lot depends on how much time passes before he comes for you.

Meaning?

In a few years, we should be back at full strength again, at least if we unite our cities for such a cause as your city’s defense.

You suggest that you can assist us if we face an invasion from the Greeks.

If you ask for it, yes.

I do not think that Agamemnon will come for us in the near future, Nisarnos said, revealing some skepticism in Antiope’s statement. He remains occupied in his siege of Troy. You will pardon my doubts about your coming to our aid if he does. We know that you Amazons have a loathing for the male gender; that will deter you from assisting us.

Antiope felt as though Nisarnos read her mind, for she did indeed loathe him for questioning her good will even while acknowledging privately that his intuition was accurate.

Look upon it as a debt owed to you, she then said. We honor our debts.

Ah yes, the imposition of an obligation that overrides all other considerations.

It does. We are strongly committed to fulfilling our obligations, whether we like it or not. You can be assured of that.

It pleases me to have you say so, Nisarnos said. I would not call upon your support unless I was in dire circumstances; however, it is good to know it will be forthcoming if I requested it.

Let us hope that Agamemnon will be held up at Troy long enough to allow us to sufficiently recover from our present condition. I should tell you that we have split our army in two and that a second contingent, comprised of many wounded, will arrive at Pedasus in a day or so. Am I correct in trusting that you will see to them as you have to us?

Nisarnos did not appear enthusiastic over the news but understood his burdon. We will adhere to the protocols of hospitality, he said. The gods demand this.

I thank you for that, Antiope said.

With that, the business end of their discussion concluded, and the evening progressed in the pleasantries of tasty dining, small conversation, and entertainment provided by flutists and drummers. In all, it was an enjoyable change of pace from their previous days to the relief of everyone there, and remained a nice diversion from the grim realities that they knew faced them the next day.