The Chosen One

Chapter Four

By LoreliLee

Rating: NC17

Warnings: This story contains scenes of graphic consensual sex between a man and a woman. If you are under 18, find any of this offensive or if this is illegal where you live, please read something else.

Disclaimer: The characters of Ares, Artemis, Hera and a myriad of other Greek gods belong to Greek Mythology and also apparently to Universal Studios and Pacific Renaissance and this story is not intended to violate any copyrights held by MCA, Universal Studios, Renaissance Pictures or any other entity involved in the making of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys or Xena: Warrior Princess. (Even though Xena or and Hercules don't happen to appear in this story! <snicker>)

Author's Note: While this story is not a true sequel to Kalea, Dawn of the Dead, or Ransoming the Stone, it is a continuation of the story of the Amazons of Parnasis. You don't have to have read the other stories to enjoy this one. However, you should probably read Chapters One, Two, and Three. <g>

Hera laughed; the Peacock Queen was going to enjoy this. Ares was ignoring some of his duties to try to arrange things for himself. Sometimes her son was too much like his father. She thought back to the day when she realized her once favorite son was abandoning her in favor of a mortal.

She was in the watching room, studying some of her favorites, when she caught, out of the corner of her eye, Ares engaged in a serious conversation with a girl. He had been spending less and less time with her and she wondered why. Now she knew; though he never said it, it was clear he had powerful feelings for the little mortal! Hera tuned into the scene taking place on the battlements of his temple in Thrace.

It was one thing for Artemis to love and protect the Amazons. They were, after all, hunters and worshippers of the moon. It was quite another for the God of War to do so. It wasn't his job to protect mortals, but to use them to further the gods’ ends. This was not acceptable.

She knew she would have to do something. Between Zeus and his affairs both physical and metaphysical with mortals, she was bored, angry and though she rarely admitted it, lonely. Ares, no longer spending so much time at her side would have to be taught a lesson.

Two years before after watching the tryst on the battlements she had transformed herself into an old woman and paid a visit to the temple in Thrace. ‘This may take some time,’ she had thought then, ‘but I'm immortal and patient.’ Her plans, laid so carefully, were now, two years later, beginning to sprout their bitter fruit.

Tobias wiped the sweat off his brow. He dimly heard his mother calling him to eat. He petted the horse, which was pulling the plow and unyoked it. Time for lunch.

He entered the small house on the outskirts of Thrace. ‘Who'd have thought I’d be a farmer?’ In the two years since he’d lost Ileana he had become one. It was his way of cleansing himself. Of working so hard, he would have no time to hurt. It hadn’t worked. He still missed her, still thought of her each night. Still wished he had more faith in her and hadn't been such a fool.

He'd tried several times to see her, going back to Parnasis to give messages to the Amazons who came to market. They all looked at him with sad eyes. Four times, he had waited in their glade and four times she hadn't come. The fifth time he sent a message, Tyr came to him and told him as gently as she could, he shouldn't try again. Ileana wouldn't come, she was vowed. She had a new life, was very happy, and though she wished him well, wouldn't see him. After that, he hadn't tried again.

Now he spent his days plowing fields, planting seed, harvesting crops, yearning for a love he didn't have. ‘Two years and she's still an ache in my heart!’

"Tobias," his mother complained, "you work to hard. I’m worried about you."

"I’m fine," he explained patiently.

"You are not fine," she insisted slowly. "You need a wife."

"Mother," he retorted firmly, "we've been through this. The one I want doesn't want me. I don't want another."

"You're still young," she snorted derisively. "I'd like grandchildren."

He laughed. "Then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. I have no plans to marry."

"Really, Tobias?" His mother eyed him curiously, "Then why do you work so hard to build this farm? If you don't marry, don't have children, who will run it when you're gone?"

He hadn’t thought of that. "What do you suggest I do?"

"If you really love that girl, then try one more time. If she refuses you, then find another. It's not good to be alone."

"You've been alone since Father died," he pointed out.

"No," she refuted softly. "I had you to love."

Tobias sighed wearily. He knew she was right, but still . . . "Very well. I'll leave for Parnasis as soon as I finish plowing the last field. I'll try one last time. But if she says no again and I'm sure she will, I can't promise I'll find another."

Antiope sat on a bench in the garden. Tessa, she knew, was searching her father’s war room, the priests were in the temple with some warriors and the servants were busy, doing whatever it was they did. It was the perfect time. She slipped a little silver flute from the pocket of her dress and played two notes.

A beautiful vision appeared; dressed all in black, with a crown of peacock feathers. "Hello, Grandmother," Antiope greeted her.

"It's good to see you," Hera acknowledged. For two years, she'd been secretly visiting the child. When she gave Antiope the flute she warned her never to let anyone, especially her father, know of her visits. To her surprise and delight, the child had complied.

Antiope rose from the bench and ran to her. Hera kissed the girl on the forehead. "Why did you summon me?" she asked.

"Father's coming," the girl exclaimed excitedly. "Tomorrow or the day after. I heard the priests."

"Do you know why?" Hera inquired as she patted the child on her head and led her back to the bench.

"Something is going on," Antiope explained. "Something big."

"What is it?" Hera probed curiously.

"There's trouble in the West. It has to do with the Amazons." She spoke the word Amazons with so much loathing it almost made Hera cringe.

‘This child has so much hate in her,’ Hera thought. ‘She is so like her father, at least how he used to be. Now Ares spends nearly as much time with mortals as Zeus. He is learning to like them and that is dangerous to us all.’

Antiope looked at her Grandmother through veiled eyes. She wasn't under too many illusions when it came to her family. She knew Hera wanted something from her, knew whatever affection she bestowed it was always with an eye to what it would get her, but she didn’t care. Antiope hated everyone with one notable exception. She wanted only the love of her father, the God of War, and this she couldn't win. She didn't understand hate only begets hate, never love.

"The Amazons?" Hera repeated thoughtfully. She'd already put a plan in motion to cause them trouble. A plan that she was sure would provoke Ares and Artemis.

"Yes," Antiope confirmed. "I heard the priests and captain of the guards discussing it. Warriors are gathering in the west. They're harassing the Amazons and raiding the towns. Father isn't happy about it. He hasn't sanctioned it and you know he takes a special interest in the tribes in that region."

"Yes, I know," Hera admitted absently. Her eyes glittered with calculation as she asked, "Do you know what he’s planning?"

"No," Antiope confessed. "He still doesn't see me. If only he would talk to me. He doesn’t like me!"

"He is a fool," Hera spat. "He doesn't know what a treasure you are. What he's missing." She patted the girl’s hand.

Antiope almost purred. She was so starved for affection, even this, given grudgingly from a Grandmother who wanted to use her was acceptable. She inched closer to Hera. "Can't you talk to him? Tell him?"

Hera looked at the girl. At twelve she was already a woman in body, if still a child in so many ways. ‘And her soul! As black as night, as black as mine,’ Hera thought. "He won't listen to me," she demurred. "You know he is obsessed by your half-sister. He thinks of nothing but how best to have her."

Antiope’s eyes burned with jealousy as she shrieked, "And she hates me! For living here and being his."

"Now, child," Hera reasoned as she stroked Antiope’s hair. "We are agreed he will never have her. But she can be used. This is what I want you to do."

Tessa paced the war room restlessly. Ares was due tomorrow and she still hadn't found anything to tell her what was going on. If Ares caught her, had any idea of her snooping, he'd be furious. She looked at the empty desk one last time and then quickly left the room.

In the last two years, he had come to her bed less and less. She still saw him at least once a moon-cycle, if only to give reports of Antiope’s progress. However, their once vigorous and exciting sex life had greatly diminished. She entered her bedroom and looked in the mirror. She knew that though she was getting older, she was still attractive. The soldiers who served Ares made that abundantly clear to her, though none would dare to touch her. Still, Ares seemed more distant and less interested every time he saw her.

‘It’s that damn blond,’ she thought. ‘Ever since that night on the battlements, he's been different. If it weren’t for her, he would love me.’ That was when she realized she had fallen in love with him.

‘Damn,’ she thought. ‘This is no good.’ Tessa grabbed her cloak and left the temple headed for Thrace. She would go to the tavern and see her friend Elica, the soothsayer.

Tessa kept the cloak tightly wrapped around her face as she walked through town. The citizens of Thrace knew she was priestess of the temple and wouldn't dare harm her, but lately they had not seemed so fond of the God of War. She didn't want any trouble, nor did she wish to draw attention to herself. She went to the tavern hoping to find her friend.

She looked around the crowded room, but didn't see Elica. Still, sometimes the old woman would come, late in the day, after working the town square. Tessa sat quietly at a table in the corner prepared to wait.

Hera, having finished her talk with Antiope, went to find Tessa. Antiope would do her part, now she needed the redhead to do hers’. ‘The tavern,’ Hera thought. ‘That’s where she’ll be. With Ares coming . . .’ Hera transformed herself into an old woman and appeared in the very back of the tavern, startling a drunk.

‘Yes, there’s Tessa, waiting patiently,’ Hera thought. In the two years, she had known the girl as Elica; she had carefully nurtured their relationship.

At first, the redhead had been wary, cautious, giving little of herself or her thoughts. Still, Hera could read her as easily as Ares had once been able to. She could see the naked ambition, the burning need. She also saw how the more her son pulled away from Tessa, the more the girl wanted him. ‘Ares is a fool,’ Hera often thought. ‘He doesn't understand the way passion and love affect most mortal women. How easily, in a woman like Tessa, thwarted love can turn. He’s very good at manipulating mortal men, their hate and bloodlust,’ she admitted, ‘but when it comes to women, he doesn’t have a clue. Well, all the better for me. I know what to do with jealousy!’

Hera as Elica, walked slowly over to join Tessa at her table. "My priestess," she remarked, "you look sad."

"He's coming tomorrow," she explained. "And it isn't to see me."

"How can you be sure?" the old woman asked as she seated herself.

Tessa bowed her head with shame, "He told the priest to have all his captains gather for a meeting. He didn't tell them to request I prepare for him. They aren't even aware I know he’s coming."

"But surely!" Elica/Hera exclaimed. "You're his priestess."

"I am his daughter’s keeper," she complained bitterly. "Whatever I may have been before, that is all I am now."

Hera’s eyes were thoughtful as she inquired softly, "And you would rather be his lover?"

Tessa, her eyes full of shame and need, refused to meet the eyes of the older woman. "Occasionally he still deigns to touch me. But not nearly as often. He promised me a child!"

‘So that’s it.’ She had wondered what she could use to get the girl to do what she wanted. Well, this would work, possibly even better than what she had originally planned. "I can help you," Hera hinted.

"How?" Tessa asked eagerly.

Hera took a small pouch and laid it on the table. She opened it and withdrew a small charm on a leather thong. "This is a fertility charm. Place it around your neck. If he sees you when you're wearing it, he'll come to you and make a child."

"He’s a god," Tessa retorted impatiently. "How can you be sure it'll work?"

"It will work," the Queen of the Gods assured her.

Tessa took the necklace greedily. "Oh, but if he guesses, he'll be so angry." She dropped the charm. "I don't wish to die."

Hera picked up the necklace and placed it in Tessa’s hand. "He won't recognize it. If he asks, just tell him you purchased it in the square because you liked it. And it will work. Do you really want a child?"

"Yes," she confirmed desperately. "I do. I love him. I would do anything to be near him. A child would bind us."

Hera knew better. Ares, like his father Zeus, didn't care for his children or those who bore them. That was a mortal trait, not an immortal one. Still, it could be very useful.

"Then listen to me. Go to him tomorrow. Get him to agree to let you visit your tribe. After you are with him, you will have the seed of his child inside you. Stay with your tribe; refuse to return to Thrace. He won't be able to force you. By the time he comes to see you, you will be far enough along, he will be unable to stop it. You are the heir, are you not?" Tessa nodded. "He cannot touch you then. It would bring Artemis’ wrath."

Tessa shook her head. "But if I'm with the tribe, I won't be with him."

‘So she saw that did she? She is smart,’ Hera thought. Aloud she said, "At first, maybe not. But listen . . ."

Tessa’s mouth opened and her green eyes began to glitter with cunning as she listed to what Elica had in mind. It just might work.

The next afternoon, after the God of War had arrived and had his meeting, Tessa, dressed in a demure gown and wearing the fertility charm, knocked on the open door of Ares’ war room. "My lord?" she entreated from the doorway.

Ares looked up from the desk where he was going through some papers. Tessa stood just inside the doorframe looking almost deferential.

"Yes, Tessa, what it is?" he asked impatiently. "Is something wrong with Antiope?"

"Besides the fact that she suffers from your neglect?" She shook her head. "No, that's not it."

His dark eyes studied her intently. "What do you mean suffers from my neglect?"

She came into the room. "The child is begging for attention every time you’re here and you never go near her."

"I don’t like her," he confessed softly. "I know I’m supposed to, but I don’t."

‘That makes two of us,’ she thought. Aloud she suggested, "Well I do think you should try. She'll only get more and more hateful if she thinks every one hates her."

"That’s very insightful of you," he admitted with surprise. "Now what’s on your mind?"

"I would like to go home," she requested softly. "Not forever, just for a little while. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my tribe, my sisters, my mother."

He eyed her speculatively. "Since when did you prefer the forest to a city like Thrace?"

She lowered her eyes demurely and explained with longing in her voice. "Am I not allowed to be homesick? I have been here for four years and not once have I gone back for a visit."

‘What is she up to?’ he wondered. Still, she did look thinner and paler than the last time he had visited. "Very well. If you wish to go, you may. Antiope can survive without you for a few weeks."

"Thank you, my lord," she acknowledged demurely. "And will you please try to spend some time with her while I’m gone? She needs you."

He rose from the desk and stood in front of her. "And what about you?" he asked softly. "Do you need me?"

She raised her eyes to his. "It is my pleasure to serve you."

"That's not what I asked," he challenged. He ran his tongue over his lips while tracing her lips with his index finger.

"I’m afraid I don't understand the question," she murmured breathlessly.

He put his arms around her and pulled her close. With his left hand, he tilted her head back, the better to stare into her eyes. He could see the desire, that at least he could recognize. He observed something else in those deep green eyes, an emotion he couldn’t quite name. She pressed herself against him, the emotion in her eyes changing to hunger. She slipped her arms around him.

"It’s a simple question," he prompted. "Do you need me?"

"I always need you like this," she whispered into his neck. She pressed her body hard against his. She ran her hands across his back, lifting her face to his, wanting his kiss.

He smiled. Then he kissed her gently, his lips softly covering hers, his tongue flicking into her mouth. She kissed him back with urgency and passion. She ran her hands up and down his spine, her body molding itself to his, and rubbing demandingly against him. With a thought, he slammed the door of the war room shut.

He ran his hands up and down her back, her body shivered against him. His mouth left hers and kissed the soft skin of her neck.

She moaned his name; her hands began pulling at his clothes. "What's your rush?" he asked amused at her urgency.

"It's been so long," she breathed. "I've missed you."

"Then we should take it nice and slow," he teased softly. He began to undo the buttons on the front of her dress with leisurely haste. He brushed his lips lightly over her skin seeing the caress leave goosebumps in its wake. Slowly he undid all the buttons, and then he slipped his hands underneath the material to caress her bare flesh.

He bent his head to the firm mounds of her breasts, licked and teased her nipples until they were hard and peaking on her chest. He slid a hand down her body as he began to suckle. He heard her moan his name as his fingers began to probe inside her womanhood.

He slid his fingers out and kissed his way lower, finally kneeling at her feet, his mouth inches away from her sex. He pulled her mound to him and began to feast on her sweetness. He wrapped his arms around her thighs and felt her fingers in his hair pulling his head forward. He chuckled against her nether lips and stiffened his tongue, darting inside her warmth.

She moaned his name again and thrust herself forward. He found her bud and began to tease it with the tip of his tongue feeling it throb. She was arching, humping against him, her body on the edge of orgasm. He took that hardened nub of flesh into his mouth and sucked it lightly. She came all over his face spurting her juices in a huge spasm. He sucked them all down like the finest of wines and then wiped his dripping beard on her thigh.

He looked up at her, her body was shuddering and trembling but her eyes had an almost worried look to them. She could barely breathe, he suspected if he released her she would fall, and yet . . . she was reaching for him. Trying to do what?

"Ares," she panted. "I want . . . it's been so long . . ."

He chucked and for a moment, despite his own need for release he considered disappointing her. But what would be the point? And he still wasn't in the habit of refusing a willing woman.

He kept a grip on her as he rose from the floor and then with one hand shoved everything off the desk. He turned her and pressed her down, spread-eagled on the edge of the desk. Then slowly and leisurely he undressed rather than making his apparel vanish.

Her eyes watched him hungrily the need in them so naked it was like watching a soul in torment. Part of him liked that, enjoyed the power, but part of him was a little appalled too. Still, as he undressed for Tessa, he reveled in the look in her eyes,

Tessa wished he would hurry. She wanted him inside her, wanted the child Elica had promised would be created if they had sex now. As the moment lengthened she felt sure he would notice the necklace and kill her. The fear added a layer to the sex that had never been there before, an unpleasant terror of possibly inflicted pain.

At last, he was naked. Tessa couldn't help but gasp at his body. He was so physically beautiful he took her breath away. His chest so impossibly muscled, his belly so flat and hard. His erect organ stood straight out from his body a tiny drop of liquid glistened on the tip. She moaned with desire at the look of him and spread her legs wider.

Ares grinned wickedly and moved to stand between her legs. His shaft pressed against her belly. He bent his head and kissed her forcing his tongue into her mouth.

She wrapped one arm around him; the other was reaching for his erection to guide it inside.

Ares kept a grip on her as he felt her position him at her opening. Then as he felt the tip enter her warmth, he withdrew. "Not yet, Tessa," he murmured.

She moaned his name and panted, "Please? Do you want me to beg?"

He chuckled. "Won't help. Patience is a virtue, although apparently not one of yours." He pulled back and began to again suckle at her breasts. She was moaning and pushing against him, her hands once more reaching for him. He pushed them away and when they insistently returned, he pulled completely away from her.

He eyed her speculatively for a moment, his eyes raking her lush body, her quivering breasts with hard nipples, the dripping wet curls of her sex that continued to arch toward him as if in need of satisfaction.

Tessa froze, afraid that somehow he knew. But she watched as apparently whatever he saw reassured him.

He moved back to her, grasped her arms and with one hand and held them above her head. Then he began to again suckle at her breasts until she was moaning, writhing and panting. Then and only then did he release her arms and enter her.

She groaned his name as she felt his hardness fill her. He grasped her hips and pulled her tight against him forcing his organ deep within her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms now free around his neck.

He began to glide slowly in and out enjoying the feel of the hot wet flesh that surrounded his member. Losing himself for a moment in the tactile sensation of pleasure. He closed his eyes savoring the sound of her moans, the feel of her hands urging him on and the sounds their bodies made as they moved together.

Then he began to thrust harder, more urgently, his body craving release. He held her steady and pounded her into the desk as he felt her body begin to spasm around him. Her fingers were digging into his back and the pain mixed with pleasure. He felt his balls tighten and with one more powerful thrust, he came, grinding into her hard, letting his seed fill her. He waited for a moment and then withdrew. Suddenly he was bored with the whole thing. He had a lot to do, how had he allowed himself to get distracted with her?

He stepped back and began to dress, then impatient, waved his hand and thought his clothing on. When he looked, Tessa was still lying across his desk, her legs spread, her body still shuddering. Her eyes were glittering like emeralds.

"Is there a reason you're still here?" he asked in a mocking tone of voice.

Tessa swallowed hard, sat up and pulled her dress around herself and mumbled, "My lord . . . I . . ."

"Get out," he snapped.

Wordlessly she nodded and on unsteady legs got off the desk. She fumbled for the buttons on her dress only to find that it was now fastened. She turned back to him and said, "Thank you."

"It would be inappropriate for my priestess to wander around the temple half dressed. You WERE leaving, weren't you?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Shut the door behind you," he muttered. Then he began waving his hand to restore his desk to order.

Tessa slipped out the door, a sly smile that the god couldn't see on her lips.

Ileana stretched in the sun. It had been a good morning. She looked around at the five warriors who were with her and smiled. Three of them were just sixteen and on their first hunt. They had found some deer right away and Ishi had made first kill. ‘She’s going to be very good,’ Ileana thought. ‘A great hunter. I do hope she chooses Artemis. Ares would destroy her.’ At the thought of Ares, she sighed. She knew he would see him that night at a meeting with Queen Galea.

In the last two years of her life, Ileana had learned a great deal. After she returned from the Amazon encampment near Thrace, Galea and Artemis began her training in earnest. She was surprised to discover how involved the gods were in the business of the tribes. Amazed at how complicated and intertwined the lives of all the Amazons were and just how much went on behind the scenes to keep their lifestyle intact.

She learned from Galea how the Amazons encouraged the terrifying stories about them, encouraged men to fear them. Although strong warriors, they preferred not to fight. Preferred instead to live in peace, apart from men, not because they hated them, but because they loved and valued their freedom.

She learned more about the differences between the tribes. Jihilla’s served both gods as theirs did, worshipping Ares and/or Artemis. She learned some tribes served only Artemis, some only Ares, some others served minor deities and some, to her astonishment, no gods at all.

She sat in on council meetings where the business of the tribe was handled including training, hunting and defense. She sat in on regional meetings with Galea and other queens where ideas were shared, plans made and the world and the continual troubles discussed.

It was becoming increasingly apparent someone or something was driving the tribes from the North and South out. Since those tribes were small with varying degrees of worship, the gods did nothing to help. They claimed they couldn't interfere and were bound to let the mortals work out their own petty differences. Members of the tribes being displaced were moving to the East and West or melding into towns and cities. Some had joined Jihilla’s tribe and some Galea’s. Ileana was fascinated with the newcomers, learning new customs and new ways of fighting. With each influx of warriors, the two tribes grew larger, stronger and more diverse.

Where before it had always been harmonious within her tribe, now there were more petty conflicts. It had always been a delicate act, to balance two very different kinds of worship, now with many kinds, maintaining balance was more difficult. With peace, there was one less outlet for aggression. Aggression had been bred into them and without that outlet, the council was concerned for the future.

Still, Ileana had grown to love the tribe in a way she hadn't thought possible. Learned to treasure the responsibility of helping to mold lives and keep them safe. She was glad she had made her decision to stay and agreed to one day be queen. She would have been blissfully happy had it not been for the vow of chastity to Artemis.

She was no longer the innocent, emotionally stunted young girl who had vowed herself to the goddess. She knew what she had felt for Tobias was mostly a physical attraction. He was the first male of her own age she had ever known. Her body had responded to him, taking her brain with it, which she had made the mistake of thinking, as young girls do, was her heart. Over time, though she greatly missed Tobias’ friendship, the ache in her heart subsided. Leaving room for other feelings to grow and flourish.

‘Ares,’ she thought. She remembered the first time she had seen him again, after their last encounter in Thrace. It was a meeting with Jihilla and Galea to discuss some outlaw activity in the region. Ileana didn't know he would be at the meeting and when she entered the Queen’s hut, her surprise, at seeing him there, was evident. He, on the other hand, was the perfect picture of nonchalance. Leaning negligently against Galea’s throne, his arms crossed, his sword at his side: the very picture of a swaggering, male God of War.

She looked for some sign he was pleased to see her. She was gratified to see a flicker of interest light his eyes and a tiny smile cross his lips. She curtseyed to the two queens and then to him and took her place at Galea’s side, where she could no longer see him. She was surprised at the feelings just seeing him evoked. It had been three moon cycles since the last time and the time had been full and busy. She had thought of him sometimes, usually at night when she couldn’t sleep, remembering the feel of his hand on her face, the touch of his lips on her fingers. She knew he would come to her. She only needed to ring Diamedes’ bell. Every time she thought of it, she stopped herself. The temptation would have been extreme. She was vowed to Artemis, she knew she could not give in to her physical yearning.

After that day, she saw him frequently. He would materialize at meetings, speak his piece, and then vanish. Sometimes, when he thought she wasn’t watching, she would catch his eyes on her, catch a glimmer of his yearning. Each time she saw that look, her heart would lift and shift in his direction. The fact that he had feelings for her touched her in a way she didn't expect or understand. It was if as the more he wanted her, the more her heart yearned to answer him. She knew Artemis was concerned about this, but she was always careful to keep her distance and he to keep his. There was nothing in either overt look or stance to give away her feelings.

One night a few moon-cycles after their first public meeting she couldn’t sleep and went for a walk in the glade. The weather was beautiful and the moon was full. She ended up at the riverbank. She took off her moccasins and dangled her feet in the water, remembering so clearly her meeting there with Ares the night before her eighteenth birthday. Suddenly, she felt something she was sure must be his presence. "I bet you wish you had kissed me that time I asked you to," she hinted softly.

He laughed and materialized next to her. "How did you know I was there?"

"I just did," she replied shrugging her shoulders.

He laughed again. He sat down beside her on the riverbank and made his boots disappear. Like her, he dangled his feet in the water. "So, Ileana," he asked softly, "how are you enjoying your new life?"

She thought for a moment before she turned to him to answer. Her face took on a light of it’s own as she explained, "For the most part I love it. As Galea told me, the rewards are immeasurable. Still, even with all that, there are other things I miss."

He seemed to study her face intently. "What do you miss?"

She smiled sadly. "I miss our talks, even though you were not exactly yourself at the time," she teased. "And I miss, well," she shook her head. "I'm not exactly sure what it is I miss, I only know that it’s missing."

He didn't pretend to misunderstand. "It's a very important part of a mortal’s life," he mused thoughtfully. "Although to be honest with you, for me it has rarely carried more meaning than just a pleasurable escape or release."

"You don't think of it as physical love?" she asked.

He laughed softly. "Gods tend to view things differently than mortals, Ileana. I'd have thought you would have already learned that. When you have limitless time, certain things lose their meaning. Or maybe," he added thoughtfully, "there was never any reason before for them to have a meaning."

She studied his face. His dark eyes seemed far away, lost in thought, his mouth, usually grinning or scowling was pursed with concentration. His hair curled so softly across his cheekbones, she longed to run her fingers through it. He turned to face her, found her watching him and a slow seductive smile flashed across his features. His smile turned the whole force of his charm toward her.

She sucked in her breath as her eyes met his. She was struck anew by the beauty of his face. His lips so full and soft, so kissable, were waiting for hers. There seemed to be a flow of electricity running from his dark eyes to her blue ones. As she looked at him, she felt her face grow hot, warmth spread through her, her mouth started to tremble and her body, almost without thought, began to move toward his, toward his arms. For a moment as she drowned in the depths of his eyes, she could feel his feelings, feel what he felt when he looked at her.

She was grateful when he turned away breaking the contact. She knew then she would have broken her vow willingly, taken the punishment from Artemis willingly, anything to feel his touch. She knew then, the most intense physical longing she would ever know.

"Ares," she whispered his name as an endearment. "I wish . . ." she didn't dare finish the thought.

He turned back to her and traced the line of her jaw with his thumb. He admitted ruefully, "I have a habit of seducing without thought. In my defense however," he added lightly, "I do feel as though I'm the one who has been seduced." At her stricken look he continued, "Ileana, you don't like most mortal women of my acquaintance seem to have much artifice. You don't play flirtatious games. You are simply you, which is apparently enough to make me lose all sense of proportion." He laughed a laugh full of self-mockery and rose from the riverbank. "I think I shall go. I’ve already embarrassed myself enough for one night."

He vanished then, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

It was another six moon-cycles before she even had an opportunity for another private talk. She was grateful he stayed away from her when she was alone. In those few moments by the riverbank, she had come so close to trading everything she loved for passion. Now nearly every night she dreamed of being with him.

They met again at the Spring Renewal Festival. Ileana, now nineteen, was not entered in any events. With her increased responsibilities to the tribe, she and Galea decided she would be better off judging.

It was beautiful day and Ileana was watching the foot races. She stood at the finish line and waited for the final heat to be called. Tyr was at her side, laughing about something, when she felt his presence behind her.

"Happy birthday," he whispered in her ear.

"Lord Ares?" she guessed though she knew it was he. She was always careful, when in company to use his full title.

Tyr looked around but saw no one besides Ileana. Tyr looked at her friend and asked, "Did you say something? Is someone here?"

"The God of War is hiding behind me. I think he’s afraid of all the Amazons who are turning sixteen today," she teased with a laugh.

"Ileana, you will not speak of me that way," Ares commanded.

She laughed again. "Then show yourself. Do you want me to think you a coward?"

Tyr was mortified. How did she dare talk to a god like that?

Ares was clearly amused. He materialized next to Ileana, giving Tyr a shock. "Ileana," he murmured softly, "you are the only mortal I know who would dare accuse the God of War of being a coward and not expect to be punished."

"That," she announced with a beaming smile, "is because we both know better."

He chuckled. His eyes twinkled when he acknowledged, "You’re looking well. I’m afraid Tyr isn’t looking quite so happy to see me though."

"Lord Ares," Tyr mumbled shyly. "I am honored by your appearance."

Ares answered regally, "Thank you, child. And how is life treating you?"

"Very well," she replied. "I think I hear someone calling me. See you later, Ileana." Tyr trying not to run left the two together.

"What did I do?" he asked innocently.

Ileana smiled. "You were just being yourself. Big, handsome, wicked and of course, overwhelmingly male. She’s terrified of you, as are most that don't know you. Ares, do you have to be so devastatingly attractive? How many of my Amazons am I going to lose to you today?"

"Your Amazons, are they?" he repeated with a laugh. "I think I'll take twenty with me tonight."

"Twenty?" she echoed. "Can you fit that many in the temple? For that matter, though you be a God and are rumored to have extensive prowess, could you really handle that many in one night?"

"It might take me two nights," he mused stroking his goatee thoughtfully, "but I think I could handle them. And those rumors do not exaggerate."

"Well, then it is an excellent thing I'm vowed to Artemis. Somehow, I don't think I would have liked sharing." She tilted her head to look him in the eyes.

He shrugged in a manner as if to convey his confession of his flaws.

She laughed and then confessed shyly, "Still, if one is to love a god, one must accept the good along with the bad."

"And does one now love a god?" he asked.

"One is not completely sure," she replied, her tone light. "She rarely has the opportunity to see him."

"Ileana, I don't want to bring Artemis' wrath down on you."

"I know," she had answered, the yearning clear in her voice. "And I appreciate it. Still . . ."

He turned away from the crowd waiting for the last race and faced the woods. She turned toward him. He inquired softly, "If I were to ask you, to come with me now, to risk it, just once, while Artemis is busy, would you?"

She wanted to touch him so badly. The curls around his face just begged her hands to run through them. His lips called to her as his body called to her. "You know I can't. And it’s not because I don’t want to. But I can't abandon my sisters. I can't abandon the tribe. Ares, don’t you know? There is so much more involved than I thought. They are counting on me and well, I want to do it." She paused and then asked longingly, "Is there not some way for us?

"Are you saying you seriously wish to break your vow to her?" he asked.

He was studying her intently and yet she could see his astonishment as she replied softly, "Yes. If you can find us a way for us to be together, a way where I can still be Queen of this Tribe! Where Artemis won't fry me in Tartarus or take out her anger on you, then you’ve but to ask. But until then, I won't risk it. However I feel about you, I take my responsibilities seriously."

"Very well, Ileana," he conceded. "I'll try to think of a way. But you probably won't like it."

She looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

His face took on an almost feral cast as he answered. "It will likely involve something that makes Artemis angry enough to disavow you, without you doing anything to make her angry. It will be tricky, devious and I’ll probably manipulate many mortals into an unpleasant situation."

"Well that’s your job isn’t it? You're the God of War," she replied flippantly.

He had said nothing, just looked at her speculatively a thoughtful glint in his eye.

She stared back at him and revealed, "Every time I see you, speak with you for more than five minutes, it’s like a pain in my heart. I keep thinking, that somehow, I’ll get over this. That one day, I’ll wake up and you won’t be this constant ache. But it never happens. Each time I think I’m there, I see you and it just starts all over again." From the expression on his face, it was clear her words surprised and pleased him.

He asked, "Would you rather not see me?"

"I would rather spend five minutes in your company, even with twenty other Amazons around, than be without you in my life. As much as I ache, I know, at least . . ."

It had been a year since then. She had not had another opportunity to talk to him privately. He was still in and out of the village frequently, but he never stayed long. She would see him in meetings for a few moments and then he would vanish. Those brief moments made her want him more and more; her feelings, instead of decreasing by his absence, were increasing.

She rose from the grass where she had been sitting and remembering. Time to get the hunting party and the food back to the Village.

She returned to the village and when she went to join Queen Galea that night for the meeting, she was surprised to find Ares waiting for her outside the hut. "Good evening," she declared her eyes shining.

Ares studied her. He still didn’t understand what it was about her that made him want her so much. For two years now, she was never very far from his thoughts, so much so he made a point of staying away from her. Especially after that embarrassing display, he’d made of himself at the riverbank. He thought of his last private conversation with her. At least she seemed now to want him too, nearly as desperately as he wanted her. His desire for her had reached astronomical proportions. By the gods, she seemed to get more beautiful every day. Never having been much for self-examination, he refused to think about his feelings for her. He knew they were strong, knew they wouldn't leave him. Knew they were going to somehow cause all of them trouble. Still, soon now, if his plan worked, there would be a way for them to be together. Maybe once he’d had her, the ache in his loins would recede. "Good evening to you," he replied. "How was the day’s hunt?"

"Very good," she replied. "We got a few deer. Is Artemis here yet?"

He shook his head, "No and neither is Jihilla."

This surprised Ileana. She had been under the impression the gods were coming to discuss some internal issues involving the new additions to the tribe. "Jihilla is coming?" she repeated.

"She is," he confirmed quietly. "Are you getting enough sleep?" he asked.

She laughed. "That’s a funny question, coming from the God who wants twenty Amazons a night in his temple."

"I’m serious," he reiterated. "You look tired. Are you feeling all right?"

"I’m fine," she answered. Then with her eyes dancing she teased, "It seems odd for the God of War to care how an Amazon sleeps, particularly when he is not sleeping with her."

She was rewarded with a wicked grin. He challenged, "As long as she is sleeping alone, the God of War does not mind so much. Ileana, if you are having trouble sleeping, is there something on your mind?"

"There’s this dream I have. I’ve had it on and off since I was sixteen." Before she could explain any further, Queen Jihilla and her escort arrived. The god and the two Amazons entered Galea’s hut. Ileana took her place on Queen Galea’s right and Ares as usual took his place on her left.

Finally, Artemis arrived. "What took you so long, dear sister?" Ares sneered.

Artemis gave him an angry look and retorted, "I was checking on a rumor I heard. Jihilla, what do you know about the group of men who are living about five miles from your village?"

Jihilla shook her head and explained, "Nothing, goddess. I was hoping to get some information here. They are clearly warriors and they have been raiding the roads and towns for weeks now."

"Ares?" Artemis asked. "What do you know?"

"Very little more," he replied blandly. He moved away from the throne to face the two women and one goddess. He smiled wickedly at his sister and added, "They are not mine. I wouldn't sanction trouble with Jihilla not when her heir serves in my temple."

"And how is Tessa?" Jihilla asked. "It’s been long since we’ve seen her, although we get news every other week as was agreed."

"She’s fine," he confirmed. "She is even now, planning a trip back to your Village. She's doing a good job with Antiope, although I'm not sure if anyone can really handle that child." He paused and then added, "Those men are not my warriors and I want nothing to do with the trouble they're causing. What can I do to help?"

"Can you make them go away without fighting?" Ileana asked.

"For a warrior," he remarked with a laugh, "you are certainly loath to fight."

"And for a God of War, you often seem quite powerless when it comes to mortals and their petty grievances," she retorted with spirit. "Still, I do not wish to fight with you, Lord Ares. Goddess, from what you’ve heard, does it seem the men are trying to only harass or do they have some kind of plan?’

Artemis looked at her, "That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out. It seems as if their pattern is rather haphazard." She snapped her fingers and a map appeared in her hand. She placed it on a table near the throne. Ileana and Ares walked over to study it. The two Queens stayed where they were.

Artemis was pointing at various locations at the map and Ileana was nodding her head. "So they’ve gone here, here, here and here. All around this one area, but never in it?" Ileana asked. Artemis nodded. "It’s as if they are trying to clean out the entire area, leaving the center empty. Do you know what’s there?" Artemis shook her head. "Lord Ares, Jihilla? Does anyone know what’s there?" All of them shook their heads.

"Well," Ileana mused thoughtfully, "I suggest we find out. That must be where the answer is."

Three days later, Ileana found herself in company with several Amazons from her tribe and several from Jihilla’s in the woods near the troublemakers’ encampment.

It had surprised her neither of the gods had offered to make this trip. Each could, without being seen, have discovered everything so easily. Yet, they had demurred, saying only that it was up to the Amazons to protect themselves.

Ileana motioned her sisters to be quiet and crept forward, toward the encampment. She had spotted what she took to be the leader’s tent and thought she might be able to get close enough to hear what was going on.

She managed to sneak through the trees and get right behind the tent. ‘These men can’t be very bright to put a tent here,’ she thought. She put her ear to the material in hope of getting an idea of what they were saying.

"No I won't change my mind," demurred a deep rumbling voice from inside the tent.

"I want the Amazons left alone!" Ileana did not recognize either voice, although there was something vaguely familiar about the one who spoke of Amazons.

"They are in the way," the other man pointed out reasonably. "I’ll have to move them, by force if necessary."

"You won’t. I’ve told you before; you can go around them. You will not harm them."

"How can you expect me to clear a path from here to Thrace, without fighting the Amazons? They have villages and encampments everywhere."

"I don’t care how you do it, but you will not touch any of the Amazon tribes in this region!"

"My lord," then the leader’s voice became lower, the words indistinguishable.

Ileana had heard enough. The threat was larger than any of them were aware. Whoever these men were, they did have a plan. Whatever it was that was in the center of the circle must be very important. So lost was she in her thoughts, she didn't hear the sentry sneak up on her.

"What have we here?" the guard whispered.

Ileana was caught kneeling by the tent. 'If I can just turn and get him to duck down a little,' she thought.

"Why you’re a girl," he exclaimed with wonder. It was the last thing he thought before losing consciousness.

As the guard bent down to see her, she hit him on the head with the hilt of her sword. 'Never underestimate an Amazon,' she thought.

Quickly she dragged his limp body into the woods and tied him to a tree. She knew they would miss him, but not finding him would lessen the sense of alarm. A missing guard could have found something to attract his attention; an unconscious one would alarm the entire camp. She ran back to the other Amazons as quickly as she could.

"We need to go," she directed them softly.

Kori asked, "Why?"

Ileana shook her head and led the group a half mile away from the troublemaker's camp. She filled them in on what she had heard and guessed. "We need to see what they're protecting," she explained. "And why they need to clear a path for it. Whatever it is, the danger is a lot worse than anyone thought."

Kori suggested, "Why don’t some of us go to town and see if we can find out how many are in that camp? It looked to me like there might only be twenty men. But I suspect there may be other encampments around, where the balance of the men are hiding."

"Myla? Chrissa? What do you think?" Ileana asked.

They agreed. They would change from their Amazon garb in the morning to something less conspicuous and prowl the town looking for information. Ileana and Kori along with three of the Amazons from Jihilla’s Tribe would go to check the "circle."

The next morning Ileana led her search party toward the center of the "circle." The women crossed a dark forest and the second they left it, Ileana could feel a change. The land, which had been rich, fragrant, filled with life, was dry and parched. The plants and trees were dead. There were no animals or birds. If was as if a desert had sprung from nowhere. As the Amazons began to cross this dry, uninhabited area, to where Ileana guessed the center would be, even the wind seemed to vanish.

‘I don’t like this,’ Ileana thought. ‘I don’t like this at all.’ She paused for a moment, it was very quiet, and nothing stirred, no plant, no animal, and no wind. ‘It’s eerie.’

Then she saw it. She could have sworn it hadn’t been there, but now it was. A huge stone, like a tablet, rising toward the sky. She motioned to all but Kori to stay back. She and Kori walked to the stone to examine it.

Neither woman spoke as they came abreast of the stone that soared so high. It was very thick and pale rose in color, covered with writing on one side. On the other side was what appeared to be a drawing, but it was unlike any drawing Ileana had ever seen. She started to move closer to examine it, when Kori stopped her.

Kori whispered, "Don't go near it. Can you read the writing on the other side?"

Ileana shook her head. "What is it?" she asked.

Kori motioned her away and walked slowly to the narrow side of the stone. She seemed to be looking for something. Apparently, she didn’t find it on the one side, so she checked the other. She bent down and was examining a rune that was engraved near the bottom of the tablet when Ileana heard it.

It was a sound like the ground opening, a large crackle, and then the earth shifted. She looked at her feet, but there was no crack. Suddenly the sky grew dark and she heard the flapping of wings.

"Kori," she shouted. "Above us? What are they?"

"Ileana," Kori yelled as she began to rise, "run."

Ileana shouted, "Not without you. Come on."

The two Amazons began to run for their companions. By the time they reached them, the other Amazons were already fighting the winged creatures.

Kori and Ileana joined in battle. The black creatures were many. The five women kept killing them, but never seem to exhaust the supply. The creatures didn’t even put up much of a fight, simply pecking at them haphazardly. It was as if their job was to keep the women engaged in combat unable to flee.

Soon all five were exhausted, surrounded by black carcasses, but still they kept fighting. Kori shouted, "This is crazy. They don’t hurt us, don’t kill us, but they don’t let us stop. What do they want?"

"Us apparently," Ileana replied dryly. "The question is why?" She didn’t have to wait much longer to find out.

Ileana heard a noise like a thunderbolt and six men on horseback appeared. One, on a large black horse was dressed in crimson silks and wore a mask over his face. He, clearly the leader, blew a shrill whistle and suddenly the winged creatures vanished.

The five other men jumped down from their horses and easily surrounded and disarmed the exhausted women. The leader dismounted and swaggered over to Ileana. "Didn’t anyone ever teach you not to trespass?" he demanded.

Ileana stood her ground. She knew she should be afraid, but she wasn’t. She recognized his voice from the night before; he was one of the two men in the tent. The one who wanted to fight Amazons. "Last I heard," she retorted with sprit, "this land was uninhabited. If we're trespassing, we're sorry. We were hunting and got lost."

‘She’s a brave one,’ he thought. "You are trespassing. I am the owner of this land and those creatures you have been killing are my pets."

"I'm sorry," Ileana apologized formally. "We didn't wish to hurt them, but they left us no choice. They wouldn't let us leave."

He gestured at the air around them and declared, "It's their job to protect this place from interlopers."

She looked around at the barren, empty land, noting only a cave and the stone tablet in the center. "And why would that be?" she asked.

"I like my privacy," he conceded. "If you swear you won't come back, I'll let you go."

Ileana didn't believe him, but . . . "If you’ll return our weapons, we'd be happy to leave."

He shrugged. "When my men have escorted you out of this area and back to the forest, they'll return them."

She studied the eyes half-hidden behind the mask as she asked, "And what proof do we have your men won't kill us the second our backs are turned?"

"You have my word," he observed.

"And who’s word would that be?"

This had to be the Amazon he was told to expect. The one who had the relationship with the God of War. No one else would have dared to be so impudent given the circumstances. "I am Cartegena, lord of all you see and keeper of the shrine."

‘So that’s what this is,’ Ileana thought. "Whose shrine?" she asked.

"That is not something you need to know," he replied. "Now you can either trust my word and leave, or I can let my Mynocks come back and kill you. It’s your choice."

"We'll go," Ileana answered thoughtfully. It was too easy. She shrugged, if they had to fight his men, even without their weapons, she thought they could do it. "Thank you," she added, "for sparing our lives."

"Next time you won't be so lucky," he admonished her as he remounted his black stallion.

‘I don’t think there will be a next time,’ she thought. The five men led the five Amazons back to the dark forest. Once there, as promised, they returned the weapons. The Amazons looked to Ileana for direction. "Let’s get back to camp," Ileana ordered. "We can talk there."

Cartegena went to kneel by the stone monument. His men had gone back to their camp. He was alone. He placed a stone bowl on the ground and poured it full of wine. He intoned, "My Queen, phase one is complete."

Hera appeared to him as a face in the bowl. "Tell me."

"Yes, my Queen. The girl came. She saw the tablet. I sent the Mynocks to hold them. I told her my name and this is a shrine as you directed. Then I let them go."

"Very good, Cartegena. When it is time I will instruct you in phase two."

"Yes, my Queen. I live to serve."

Ares paced Galea’s hut. The Queen, sitting patiently on her throne, waited for him to say what it was he had come to say. Though she was surprised by it, she realized in the last few moon cycles, the two had formed an uneasy alliance. He had seemed to accept Ileana’s future lay with the tribe and not with him. She watched as he paced back and forth like a caged animal. "It was foolish to send her," he reiterated.

Galea explained patiently, "One does not send Ileana anywhere. She has a mind of her own. You of all people should know she would never let anyone else take a risk she was not prepared to take herself."

He stopped pacing long enough to scowl at her. "She is your heir! What if something were to happen to her? The future of this tribe would be imperiled."

Galea shook her head. "She cannot lead until she proves she can kill. If she doesn't go out in the world, that will never happen. And Lord Ares, I am not as young as I used to be."

Ares studied her face. She reminded him a bit of her mother, Bresia. Still, she was his granddaughter even if she thought she was his great granddaughter and he had grown fond of her over the years. He had noticed over the last few moon cycles, she was losing her eyesight. ‘She isn't well,’ he realized. ‘But she'll hang on until Ileana is ready.’ "I wish," he murmured softly.

Galea noted the concern in his voice. "She'll be fine. She's strong, smart, and skilled. She won't take any unnecessary risks."

"She'll get herself killed," he snapped with irritation. "She isn't prepared for this."

"My lord," Galea chided him gently, "we have prepared her as much as we can. She is not a child. We cannot protect her forever."

Abruptly he changed the subject, "How is Cyan? I haven't seen her for ages."

"She's dying," Galea informed him softly. "Ileana doesn't know and Cyan refused to let me tell her."

Ares was surprised. "Do you think Antiope should come see her before she goes?"

"No!" Galea softened her tone. "You have to know by now what that child is like. She hates her mother. Cyan long ago became resigned to it."

Ares nodded. "When are they due back?" he asked for the third time.

Galea sighed wearily. Sometimes, the God of War bore more resemblance to a petulant child than anything adult. "Two more days. If you are so concerned, why don’t you find them and check on them?"

"I can’t," he whispered. If his plan didn't work, if something went wrong, Ileana would die. He had already interfered significantly. Anymore and he was afraid Zeus would take notice and stop him.

Galea didn't pretend to understand. Still, "Ares," she asked gently, "can't you at least find her? Make sure she is safe?"

He could always before, with a thought, feel her heartbeat. He was bound to her in a way, even he, didn't completely understand. Even so, he had been unable to feel her for some time. He had lost her completely. This circumstance had brought him to Galea’s hut for word. Then suddenly, she was there again. He felt her heart beating very fast, but strong. A wellspring of relief surged through him.

He smiled at Galea. "She's fine. I'll see you in two days." Then he vanished.

Galea shook her head in wonderment. Artemis would never believe it.

Ileana insisted on waiting for Myla and Chrissa to return from town before discussing what had happened. She refused even to speak with Kori about it. She sat by the fire, rubbing her arms, wishing she could talk to Ares. She didn't want the others to know how afraid she was. That thing in the middle of nothingness terrified her. She wasn't worried about Cartegena, she was sure he was as much a pawn as she was. She knew; though she didn't know how, all mortals were pawns in this.

Finally, the two Amazons returned. As soon as they had changed from their "disguise" dresses into their Amazon garb, Ileana asked, "What did you learn?"

Myla and Chrissa exchanged glances. She wasn’t going to like this. "There are six more camps," Myla explained. "They are hidden well, some in the forest, some in the hills. These warriors are very good, very well trained, very well equipped. Each camp has at least fifty men, some in the hills maybe more. If they were to move on Jihilla’s Village . . ."

Ileana nodded. "It's what I expected. There is grave danger for all of us. The one we met today, Cartegena, he was in the tent last night. He is the one being told not to harm Amazons, though clearly he wishes to. Jihilla’s tribe must be warned."

"What else did you find out?" Chrissa asked.

Ileana exchanged looks with Kori. How much should she tell them? She explained about finding the strange stone monument, the Mynocks, and being let go.

"That makes no sense," Myla exclaimed. "Why would they keep you there just to let you go? What aren’t you telling us?"

"I believe I am supposed to carry a message," Ileana mused slowly. "Back to Lord Ares and Artemis. That’s why they let us go. But what he told me makes no sense to me and will probably make less sense to you."

And with that, the rest of the Amazons had to be content. The three from Jihilla’s tribe left soon after to go back to their village.

After Myla and Chrissa were asleep, Kori and Ileana sat watch by the fire. Kori whispered, "You didn't tell them what you saw on the stone."

"I don't know what I saw," Ileana replied carefully. "Do you?"

Kori shook her head. "That stone contains much power," she observed. "I think our gods have a lot to answer for."

"What do you mean?" Ileana asked.

But Kori refused to explain. She just sat and stared at the glowing fire a strange expression on her face.

After a while, Ileana grew restless. The moon was waning and the night was chilly. She grabbed a blanket and silently motioned at a tree. Kori nodded.

Ileana found a vine and climbed up to the crook of a large tree. She settled down to keep watch and pulled the blanket around her against the chill.

There was a sound like the whisper of her name and she knew he was there. "You shouldn't be here," she admonished softly.

"I wanted to make sure you were all right," he whispered in her ear.

"I'm fine," she whispered back. "Please go."

Instead, he materialized at her side. He looked at her, huddled inside her blanket. She looked frightened. "Your thoughts betray you," he murmured softly.

Ileana pulled the blanket tighter. She wished suddenly that it were his arms. "Ares, this is not wise or safe."

"I have to know," he paused and tried to read her eyes. "Do you still want to break your vow to Artemis?"

She looked at him wearily. "This is a strange time to ask such a question."

"Answer it," he commanded impatiently.

"Yes, I still want you," she whispered in a voice raw with longing answering the part of the question he hadn't asked. "So much so that if it were not for this blanket, I would already be in your arms. Now go, please, before either of us does something we will both regret."

"Thank you," he murmured and then vanished.

After he was gone, Ileana let herself tremble. She was so afraid, so afraid that he was somehow involved in this. Afraid from the moment she had heard the unnamed lord tell Cartegena not to harm the Amazons. Only two gods cared enough about Amazons to protect them, and this was not Artemis’ style. He had warned her that day at the Festival. Was all this somehow part of his plan? How many might die so the two of them could be together?

The next morning as the four Amazons began their journey back to the village Ileana was very quiet. Kori knew Ares had come to her in the trees. She could feel his presence from her long years of service to him. She knew better than to ask. Ileana never discussed the God of War with her; refused to discuss him since that day in Thrace. Still Kori worried.

The Amazons reached the large forest four miles from Parnasis at nightfall. Myla and Chrissa volunteered for first watch and Ileana agreed. She lay down and pulled a blanket over her head. Myla exchanged glances with Kori and she and Chrissa took to the trees to watch.

"Ileana," Kori inquired, "tell me what’s wrong. And don't pretend it is exhaustion."

Ileana pulled her head out from under the blanket. "Kori, my mother is dying. She thinks I don't know, but I do. I can feel the life leaving her even now. I don't think I'll make it back in time to say goodbye."

This wasn't what she expected. "Are you sure?" Ileana nodded. "You wish to go to her?" Again, Ileana nodded. Kori looked at her speculatively. There was a way. If it had been anyone but Ileana. The child wasn't good at deception. It was possible she didn’t even know. "There is a way to get you back. Do you want to go?"

Ileana nodded as her eyes filled with tears.

"Very well." Kori stepped away from her, away from the fire and whispered into the wind, "Lord Ares, I have need of you. Now."

Within seconds, he was there. "What’s wrong?" he asked. Kori had not summoned him since the day of the forest fight with Josiah, but his mind was always open to her call.

"Ileana’s mother is dying," she explained carefully watching his face. "She's afraid she won't make it back in time. Will you take her?" He didn't seem surprised to hear about Cyan, but did look surprised at the request.

He nodded. "Of course. Where is she?"

"Let me tell her." Kori went back to Ileana who was again huddled under the blanket. "Ileana," she announced softly, "Lord Ares will take you to Cyan."

Ileana lifted her head from under the blanket. "What?"

Kori explained, "Get up, he’s here and waiting."

Ileana threw off the blanket. "I don't want . . . that is . . . will the rest of you be all right? There will only be three of you. If a fight . . . "

Kori insisted, "We'll be fine. We're close to home and we can handle ourselves. Now go."

Ileana nodded and rose from the ground. Quickly she grabbed her bow, sword, and pack. She allowed Kori to lead her to where the God of War was waiting.

Ares saw the pain in Ileana’s eyes and knew her heart was breaking. He forced his face to remain dispassionate. He reached out for her hand, nodded to Kori and then the god and Amazon vanished.

Kori shook her head and went to sit by the fire.

Ares and Ileana were at her village in the blink of an eye. Their appearance, out of nowhere, startled all that saw it. Ileana nodded in thanks and then ran to her mother’s hut. Ares, torn between wanting to stay and being afraid to, took the easier path and dematerialized.

Ileana ran into the hut. Galea and Artemis were with Cyan, trying to ease her dying. If they were surprised at Ileana’s sudden appearance, a day early, they didn't show it. "How is she?" Ileana asked.

Galea shook her head. The queen exchanged a look with her goddess and the two left the mother and daughter alone.

"Mother, I'm here," Ileana declared.

Cyan opened her eyes. "I didn't expect to see you again."

"Mother," Ileana’s voice was a plaintive wail, "you should have told me. I wouldn't have gone. Don't you know how much I love you?"

Cyan reached out a hand to her. "And I you. But how could I keep you from your duty, when you love it so much?"

Tears fell from Ileana’s eyes. She grasped her mother’s hand and sat beside her on the bed. ‘So this is what being Queen is all about,’ she thought. ‘Duty warring with love, the greater good ahead of my own.’ With her free hand, she stroked her mother’s brow. "I'm here now. I won't go away again."

"How did you . . . " Cyan began. She couldn't finish the sentence. She was so tired.

Ileana gently squeezed her mother’s hand. "Ares brought me."

"Ares," her mother whispered his name. "I'm so sorry. I should have told you."

"Don’t try to talk. Save your strength."

"It's too late for that. It's time and I'm ready. But Ileana, you were so young, so innocent, I didn't want . . . I was afraid for you."

Ileana had guessed all this long ago. There was no need for Cyan to spell it out. "I know, Mother. I know you and the God of War were lovers. Since the first day I met him as a child. I know you thought he would destroy me."

"I was wrong. So wrong. I'm sorry." Cyan paused and got a far away look in her eye. "I was jealous too. When we would be together and he would speak of you. He would get a look on his face, I wanted that look for myself."

"Mother, let’s not talk of this. You've raised me with love and guided me in the right direction. Although I'll never know love between man and woman, nor the joy of having my own child, you and Galea have given me the tribe to love and protect. I'm grateful for that. Can't you see how happy that’s made me? This was the right choice."

Cyan looked at her daughter. Ileana was now glowing as if blessed by a heavenly light. "Are you sure?"

Ileana nodded, "To be Queen is my destiny. I was born for it. No matter my personal feelings, the tribe will always come first."

Cyan saw the truth in Ileana’s eyes and closed her own. "There is one last thing then, Antiope."

"What about her?" Ileana asked.

"She hates us, you most of all." Cyan paused to breathe laboriously and then continued slowly. "She only cares for her father, who will have nothing to do with her. Watch out for her, she will try to take all you love."

Ileana knew this was true. She had not seen her sister since that day in Thrace, but even then, she had known the depth of her loathing. "I promise to be careful."

"Trust Lord Ares, child," Cyan whispered with her last breath, then Cyan settled into death.

Ileana kissed her mother’s brow gently in goodbye. She took Cyan’s hands and crossed them over her breast in Amazon fashion. There was much to do, there would be time enough later to grieve.

Ileana drew herself up from the bed, threw back her shoulders, and left the hut. She went straight to Galea’s hut where she found the Queen and the two gods waiting. She nodded to both Artemis and Ares and announced, "She's gone."

Galea went to her. Ileana moved away and insisted, "There isn't time for grief. You need to know what we found." She took a deep breath and began to explain. When she got to the part about the stone, the two gods exchanged looks. They didn't seem surprised.

"Can you describe the drawing?" Ares asked.

"It's hard to describe," Ileana explained, "but I'll try. The drawing takes up the entire side of the tablet it’s on. It appears to be different things depending on which way you look at it. From one direction, it is a man, from another direction it is a woman. From a third way, it appears to be a giant creature of some sort, but one that is a mix of bear, wolf, and deer. Do you know what this is?"

"He said it was a shrine?" This question came from Artemis.

"Yes," Ileana answered. Then she asked impatiently, "If you know what this is, why don't you tell us? Why do you send us into danger without warning? I'm prepared to fight, but I can't fight what I don't know or understand."

Again, the gods exchanged a look. Artemis admonished her gently, "Ileana, we didn't know when we sent you what you would find. I know you wondered why we didn't go ourselves. There's a reason."

Ares continued, "Ileana, we can't see into that circle as you called it. It is a place of power, perhaps from even before the Titans ruled. And that tablet as you call it, is a thing of power. Our powers don't work there."

"And knowing this," she complained bitterly, "you sent us, unprepared, unwarned, using us as pawns to discover that which even you, our gods can't comprehend. What did you think would happen? Or did you just not care?"

"That is unfair, child," Galea chided. "They have their part to play as you do."

Ares could see the grief she was fighting, knew she was more angry about Cyan’s death, than about this. He told her gently, "Ileana, you are not thinking clearly. Our powers won't work there, how could we possibly learn any more than you? That place is dangerous to a god, but not necessarily to a mortal."

"And how could you really know that?" she argued. She turned to stare at him. Her eyes were cold when she asked, "Would it really matter to you or any of the gods if a few Amazons were to die in your service? I doubt it, not so long as your ends were furthered."

This was too much for Artemis. "It matters," she insisted. "Ileana, you are clearly grieving for your mother and not thinking at all. We shall discuss this in the morning. I think you should go to bed."

"You are both making a mistake if you think I do not see clearly. I see more clearly than either of you. There will be a war, and that monument, tablet; stone of power will be in the center of it. I don't think it's just a shrine. It is a being; it's just waiting for something to bring it to life. And I’m guessing that would be the blood of mortals. How many of us will have to die, so that you gods can live?" And with that, she turned and ran from the hut.

Ares and Artemis exchanged another glance. Ileana had guessed and guessed right. The question now was what would she do with the information?

Ileana ran into the woods. How could he do this? What was he playing at? How much of the future had he already laid out for her without telling her? Did he really expect she would lead her tribe to slaughter to be with him?

She reached the river a moment after he did. She saw him waiting. She turned to go in the other direction, but he was quicker and stronger than she was. He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. "No, Ileana," he directed. "I won't let you run from me. Listen to me. Now!"

Her body wanted nothing more than to melt into his arms, but her mind had a different plan. She kicked out at him, trying to fight her way free. He only held her more tightly. "Stop fighting me. I can explain."

She kept struggling, her arms battering his chest, her feet kicking his shins. She fought against his strength, but he was too strong and she was tired, grief stricken, afraid. Then her grief at losing Cyan overwhelmed her. She began to sob in huge loud bursts of agony then wracking spasms, which exhausted her. She stopped struggling and let herself lean against him. He was so warm and she was so cold. ‘I can't give in,’ she thought, ‘he's using me.’

He held her while she fought him, held her while she cried. Stroked her hair as the sobs wracked her body. When she finally stopping struggling and her sobbing ceased, he tilted her face to his. He didn’t know what he expected to find in her eyes. He knew she was angry, hurt, and confused. Her eyes were still cold to him. "Ileana, I swear, I didn't know what you would find."

"No, but you are involved. I know you are. I knew it from the night I overheard you in Cartegena’s tent. Telling him not to hurt Amazons. You changed your voice so I wouldn’t recognize it, but that was you, wasn’t it? Let me go!"

So that was it. She had guessed and was angry about that as well. "Yes, it was me. If I release you, will you promise not run, promise to listen?"

"Yes. I give you my word."

"Very well," he agreed as he released her.

She stood in front of him, facing him. Her eyes locked with his demanding answers. "Well," she challenged, "I'm waiting."

She was so incredibly beautiful and so angry. There was a time when he would have taken that anger and twisted it. Used it to make her his creature and further his own ends. Still, that time was long past. For now, he would simply tell her the truth. "You asked me to find a way," he explained. "That’s what I’m trying to do."

"I knew it!" she shouted. "Damn you, Ares, this is not what I want. I won't lead the tribe to slaughter to be with you!"

"That's not my plan." He raised one perfect eyebrow and asked sardonically, "Do you want to stand here and yell at me or sit down and listen?"

She stormed over to the riverbank and sat down. He stood above her for a moment, just watching the moonlight play off her hair, and then he sat at her side. He took her hand in his and explained softly, "I know how much you love your sisters. I know you would never allow anything, including me, to destroy their lives. Do you have any idea how many different plans I've thought up and thrown away? Ileana, this is not easy."

"For me either," she replied. "I learned tonight exactly what this has cost me. If it hadn’t been for you, Cyan would have died without me there. Did I thank you for that? No, of course I didn’t. I was too busy being angry. But Ares, what are you planning? I need to know!"

"As you guessed, Cartegena is working for me. But I learned with your news this evening; he must also be working for someone else. I swear I don't know whom, although from the things you describe, I have my suspicions. Artemis and I didn't know what you would find, we only knew we couldn't go there, see there. Ileana," he asked in a soft voice, "do you really think I would send you into life-threatening danger?"

His last words seemed to melt her anger. She lifted her face to his; the coldness was gone from her eyes. She reached up with her free hand to stroke his face. "You once called me a mass of contradictions," she murmured gently. "But I think it is you who are that. A God of War who does not want a warrior to fight."

"I don't want you to die," he admitted softly.

"Good. Then tell me your plan."

"Very well," he answered. He grasped her other hand and now held them both tightly in his. "You aren’t going to like it. On the other hand, if what you found is what Artemis and I think it is . . . Ileana, this is very serious. None of us may live beyond tomorrow."

"You’re scaring me," she murmured.

"I mean to. That stone of power could be exactly what you thought, a being more powerful than all the Olympian Gods combined. Artemis agrees with you, she thinks it will require mortal blood to awaken it. The question is whose and how many."

Ileana shivered. Ares released her hands and pulled her into his arms. He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head. She nestled against him, resting her head on his shoulder. He could feel her heart beating next to his, the warmth of her breath on his neck. He stroked the side of her face, turning it toward his. She was looking at him with such affection and longing. His fingers traced the line of her jaw, her lips, then tilted her face even closer to his.

‘He’s going to kiss me,’ she thought. ‘I want him to so badly. I need him to.’ She raised her mouth toward his, afraid to make the first move, waiting.

Suddenly he released her. "I won't do this!" he shouted. He rose abruptly from the riverbank and began to pace.

"Ares," she prompted, as she rose to join him, "what’s wrong? What is it? Tell me," she added urgently.

"I won't trade one night of passion for your death," he uttered each word slowly and distinctly. "I would rather fry in Tartarus for all eternity or never have you. Do you hear me Artemis?" he yelled. "I will not do it!"

All at once Ileana understood what was going on. "Artemis is afraid. Afraid I will let out what I know, afraid I will tell the other Amazons how you have used us. She told you, you could have tonight with me, without punishment, if you could make sure I would lead the Amazons against that . . . that . . . stone thing. You were to seduce me and use me again!"

He couldn’t say she was wrong. For a moment, he thought she would hit him or run. What she did next surprised him even more.

She came to him, threw her arms around his neck and whispered, "Don’t you see? This is the answer. If that thing is as dangerous as you say, I will have to fight it anyway. But maybe I don’t have to die. And after we were together, I would no longer be chaste. By her permission. She would have to release me."

He gently removed her arms from his neck and shook his head. "No, she will never release you. She will give you dispensation, and keep you, should you survive the battle. I asked for your release, knowing you would fight no matter what. It is tonight or never. But Ileana, it will not matter. You cannot win against that creature."

"How do you know? You say you don't know what it is. It must have a weakness. If it isn't yet alive, can't we stop it now? Destroy it now?"

"How? None of the gods can get near it. Only mortals. We are powerless when we get anywhere near the area it’s in."

"I'll think of something," she insisted. "We mortals are not nearly as dumb as you gods think."

"How well I know that," he replied with a laugh.

"Whatever plan you had, that’s over as of now, right?" He nodded. "So we are back to where we were before?" Again, he nodded. "Very well. This time, I will think of a plan." She placed her hands on his chest and added, "My plan won't involve killing."

He reached down and caressed her cheek. She grasped his hand and brought it to her lips. She kissed it and requested, "Promise me you'll stop Cartegena." She continued to kiss his fingers as she waited for an answer.

"I can't stop him, but we could use him," Ares muttered thoughtfully. "Stop it!" he added as she began to suck on one of his fingers.

She giggled and released his hand. "Ares," she teased flirtatiously, "would I no longer be chaste if you did kiss me?"

"If there was ever a woman more in dire need of kissing than you, I’ve certainly never met her," he replied.

"So kissing me wouldn't make Artemis mad?"

He shrugged. "I have no idea." He thought for a moment, stroked his beard thoughtfully and then added, "Maybe under the circumstances . . ."

"Then you had better at least kiss me now, while you have the chance," she answered. And she was back in his arms again, her face close to his, her lips waiting for his expectantly.

Gently, he pressed his mouth to hers, felt her body stiffen briefly, then melt against him. Her arms encircled his neck, her fingers, played with a curl of his hair. The kiss was sweet, a lover’s first. Her mouth was curious, hesitant and so soft. She opened her lips to him eagerly. His tongue flicked in, he heard her soft moan, and felt her body press to his. He could feel her stiffen again, as his need rose, then she pressed herself even more strongly against him. The kiss seemed to last forever, lingeringly long and sweet.

Ileana had never imagined anything could feel as wonderful as this. She pressed her body against him, feeling his heart beating, the warmth of his chest. She inhaled the scent of him, so different from anything she’d ever known. When his lips had first touched hers, her entire body began to quiver with intense sensations. Now her body tingled everywhere and it felt like there were a thousand fires raging through her. Her arms dropped from his neck, her fingers traced the hard muscles in his arms, then the line of his spine. She tried to wrap her arms around him finally settling around his waist. His tongue was in her mouth dancing with hers. Her entire body felt hot and aroused. She could feel too how much he wanted her and was pleased by it.

Suddenly she lifted her mouth from his and whispered in his ear, "Ares, she can't keep me if there is no fraud between us. If I tell her I chose this. If I tell her in keeping me, I will tell anyone who would listen of the bargain she made with you. That she offered up a virgin vowed to her, as sacrifice to the God of War, for a night of sex in exchange for shutting her mouth. She can't risk I will be believed."

He couldn't believe his ears. "You'd attempt to blackmail a god?"

"Why not? You could back me up. It's the truth."

"No," he refused pushing her away. "I won't risk it."

She studied his face and asked very softly, "Do you care for me that much?

It occurred to him he did. "Are you really willing to fight that thing?" he asked. She nodded. "Are you really willing to go to Artemis and blackmail her?" Again, she nodded. "Then Ileana, I have a better plan."

The next morning an apparently penitent Ileana appeared in Galea’s hut. She asked the queen to summon Artemis so she could apologize. Galea studied Ileana in the morning light before agreeing. The girl seemed different that morning, more self-assured, stronger, filled with purpose.

Reluctantly, Galea intoned the words to summon her goddess. Artemis appeared and was surprised to see Ileana waiting for her. She knew the girl and Ares had not been intimate, knew her brother had refused, in a gesture so unlike him, he MUST be besotted, to take advantage of the girl’s grief and anger. She knew the two were plotting something. Still, she needed the girl to fight the stone, needed her to remain dedicated to her. Only an Amazon would have a chance to beat the stone and only this Amazon had the skills required to lead. Zeus would never allow Ares to take her, not as long as she fought in Artemis’ name.

"Yes, child," Artemis declared, watching Ileana’s eyes, "you wished to see me?"

Ileana curtseyed. She knew she needed to be careful. Ares had warned her Artemis was very clever at reading minds. She took a deep breath and apologized, "I'm sorry for the things I said last night. Grief at losing Cyan overwhelmed me and I lost my ability to think."

"I understand," the goddess replied. "You are feeling better now?"

"Yes, goddess," she answered softly. "Lord Ares came to me by the river and explained things." Ileana faced Artemis and forced herself to stare straight into her eyes. "I understand exactly what you want from me."

‘She is brave,’ Artemis thought. ‘And smarter than I gave her credit for.’ "And what is it I want?" Artemis asked.

"You wish me to lead an army," Ileana proclaimed softly. "Both Amazon and others if they will follow, to fight the being."

Artemis nodded. "Yes, that is what I wish."

"I will agree to it," Ileana replied, "but there is something I wish in return."

‘So she thinks she can bargain with me, does she?’ Artemis returned the unflinching stare. "What is that?"

"After it’s over, if I survive, I wish to be released from my vow. I would still like to be queen and I know from Lord Ares, I do not need to be vowed for that." She turned to look at Galea. "You were not completely honest with me regarding the queenship, were you?" She turned back to Artemis and added, "Galea’s mother was not vowed to you and she was queen, nor was her mother before her or even Queen Kalea before that."

‘So that’s it,’ Artemis thought. ‘But Ares knows I will not release her. Surely, he must have told her.’ "I cannot do that."

"Why not?" Ileana asked quietly. "It is unlikely, given the little we know about what we will fight, that I will survive. Surely if I am able to beat the being, I deserve something. And goddess, it would be a terrible shame if I had to explain to our tribe how our gods are willing to use us."

Ileana heard Galea’s quick intake of breath, but her eyes still didn't leave Artemis’ face.

Artemis stared back at her. ‘A worthy adversary, indeed. So she thinks she can blackmail me? How far will she go?’ "And is it not your job to serve your gods?" Artemis asked.

"When what is asked is reasonable and just, of course it is," Ileana replied. "But what is a god entitled to ask? Would I fight and die in service to the Olympians? Of course, it is my duty and you have the right to ask it. But does any god have the right to manipulate us? To ask us not only to fight, but also to sacrifice ourselves without knowing why? Further, does one god have the right to offer up any mortal as a sacrifice to another god, without that mortal’s permission?"

Again, Ileana heard Galea gasp. She was sure that Galea didn't know what she really meant. She had phrased it carefully, so Artemis and Artemis alone would know. She could see in the goddess’ eyes she understood.

"Ileana, you are walking a very fine line between complete insolence and outright blasphemy," Artemis declared.

"Perhaps," she replied. "But I, above anyone else, have that right, given the present situation. Well goddess, do we have a deal?"

"I do not make deals," Artemis retorted angrily. "That's my brother’s area of expertise. But I'll think about your request, should you survive."

"That's not good enough," Ileana declared. "If you wish me to fight, to lead, then I must have a reason for surviving. I have no wish to die, but a warrior will always fight better if there is a strong incentive for living."

"And what of the tribe?" Galea asked quietly. "Are we not enough incentive?"

"Do not take her part!" Ileana shouted. "You don't have all the facts. Trust me when I say as devious and manipulative as Lord Ares can be, Artemis is the same. The goddess may appear gentler than her brother, but they are both more alike than different."

Galea couldn't believe her ears. What in the name of Zeus had gone on at the river? "Ileana," she admonished her sternly, "you should not speak of Artemis like that."

"I will speak of her in any way I choose." She turned to the Queen. "Galea, you don't understand and I can't explain, at least not now. I must ask you to trust me. To trust I know what I am doing." She turned back to stare again at Artemis. "Well goddess, what is it to be? Do I fight in your name and then receive a release of my vow or do I stay vowed and allow all of us to die?"

‘Ares said she would fight no matter what,’ Artemis thought. ‘Do I take his word or . . .’ Artemis stared at Ileana, trying to read her mind, her eyes. The blue eyes were ablaze with passion but her expression was implacable. ‘She means it; she will let us all die before she gives him up.’

"Very well," Artemis agreed reluctantly. "If you survive, I will release you. As for being queen . . ."

"You cannot choose the heir to this tribe without my consent," Galea declared. "I have already chosen Ileana."

Ileana turned to smile gratefully at her queen. "Thank you, Galea," she acknowledged softly. "I do wish to be Queen."

Artemis spat, "We will see about that, if you survive." Then Artemis vanished.

As soon as the goddess had gone, Ileana’s iron control left her. She began to shake and tremble. Galea came to her and put her arms around her. "There, there child, let it out."

Ileana began to sob in her arms. Galea stroked her hair gently, letting her release the tension. When Ileana had finally stopped crying, Galea sat her down and asked, "And what was all that about?"

Ileana smiled weakly at her, "I cannot tell you much, that is implicit in the bargain. Only this, Artemis is as capable of twisting emotion as Ares is. She is just subtler about it. But Galea, don’t you understand? If I survive, I will be free. He and I . . ." Ileana’s eyes lit up at the thought.

‘She’s fallen in love with him,’ Galea thought. ‘So be it. I should have known chastity was not for her. She has too much of her mother in her.’

Hera sat laughing in the watching room. ‘So the girl managed to blackmail Artemis, did she? Well, it won’t do her any good. Ares will never have her. Time for phase two.’ She changed herself into an old woman and entered Cartegena’s tent.

The warlord looked up to see the old woman and smiled. ‘Hera,’ he thought. "Yes, my Queen," he said respectfully.

Hera laughed and transformed into herself. She liked Cartegena; her disguises rarely fooled him. "It’s time for phase two."

He bowed his head. "Yes, my Queen. Tell me what you wish."

"I want you to personally take a group of twenty men to Thrace. The Amazon called Ileana, the one who visited the Braca Stone, will be there shortly. I wish you to capture her and take her to the cave near the stone. I want you to keep her prisoner there. And Cartegena," Hera added sternly, "make sure none of your men touch her. She is a virgin and needs to remain so for the sacrifice." Cartegena nodded. "I also wish you to have several of the groups from the mountains begin harassing the towns around here. I want Ares kept very busy for the next few days. Do you understand?"

He nodded. "Yes, my Queen. I live to serve."

Ileana ran to the temple outside Parnasis. She rang the bell and sat on the stone bench to wait patiently for "Diamedes." They had agreed it would be safer for him to appear in that form.

Ares, in his castle, had watched her verbal battle with Artemis. Had seen her succeed but was afraid for her. Artemis was angry, but he knew as well as she did, they needed Ileana. Still, he knew it might take some doing to make Artemis honor her word. He heard the bell and transformed himself.

She was waiting expectantly for him. Her face, when she saw him, even as an old man, lit up with such joy. He went to sit besides her. She touched his cheek gently and teased, "You know, I think I was always a little bit in love with Diamedes. He had such a gentle way about him."

He laughed softly and kissed her hand. "It is done then?"

"Didn't you watch?" she asked with a knowing look.

"I should never have told you," he retorted. "Now you'll always be afraid I'm watching every move you make."

"It'll make me feel safe," she insisted. She leaned against him. "Ares," she whispered, "do you think we can trust her?"

"I don't know," he answered. "But we'll have to at least for now." He put his arms around her, holding her close.

She rested in his embrace, wondering how she had not known the old man was he. She tilted her face towards his and whispered, "It’s a shame you can’t kiss me again."

"You're a desperate woman," he remarked with a laugh, "if you want to kiss an old man."

"I'm desperate for you," she whispered softly. "I love you."

He was astonished at how much it meant to him to hear her say those words. "Ileana, we must wait. At least now . . ."

"Yes, we have something to wait for," she murmured.

Antiope paced in her room. Tessa was gone; her father refused to come; now she had no one. She was alone and she didn’t like it. She took the silver flute from her pocket and looked at it. She wanted to use it, to summon her Grandmother, but Hera had said no. Not until she had put the plan into action. Antiope looked at the sky and saw the sun was high. It was time. She put the flute back in her pocket.

She took a deep breath and ran down the stairs, to the first floor and the throne room. She found the senior priest, Gaterious, and demanded, "I need my father."

The priest eyed the child with distaste. Antiope was tall, lithe, strong, a lovely body, and an even lovelier face, but the personality was dark. Even he could sense the evil in her. Still, she was his God’s daughter. "He's not here."

"I know that," she retorted impatiently. "But he needs to be here."

The priest studied her eyes. They were very like the God of War’s. He wouldn't like to see her in a rage. Softly he asked, "Why?"

Antiope willed the tears to fall from her eyes. "My mother has died. I can feel it. I want to see him. I want to see my sister!" She began to sob in loud angry bursts.

‘How can the child know this?’ the priest wondered. Still, she was half god. "I'll ask the soldiers to take a message to Parnasis to send for your sister. As for the God of War, I'll see what I can do."

Antiope nodded and ran back to her room. So far, so good.

Tessa sat in Jihilla’s hut waiting impatiently. As soon as she arrived back at the village, she was struck by all the changes. ‘Four years is a very long time,’ she thought. The village had grown and the size of the tribe had increased greatly. Tessa learned that while she had been in Thrace, training the God of War’s daughter, tribes from the North and South had been driven out of their encampments and villages. Many had joined Jihilla’s tribe and many had joined Galea’s. ‘Soon there will be only two tribes left in Greece,’ Tessa thought. ‘Hers and mine. But mine will be stronger. Mine will have the God of War’s child for an heir.’ She patted her belly protectively. Although it had only been a week, she could swear she could feel the child growing inside her. She was sure Elica’s charm had worked.

Finally, Jihilla appeared. Tessa curtseyed to her queen. "Well, Tessa," Jihilla asked, "what brings you back?"

Tessa looked at her queen. Jihilla never seemed to age, never seemed to lose her edge. "I was homesick," she replied softly, keeping her eyes downcast. "I wished to see my family."

"I see." Jihilla eyed the girl speculatively. She didn’t believe her for a moment. "You've picked a bad time to come home."

"What do you mean?" Tessa asked.

Jihilla explained about the trouble and the stone.

‘So that was what Ares was yelling at the captains about,’ Tessa thought. ‘No wonder he was so angry.’ "But Queen," she explained, "I am a warrior. I can help."

"Yes," Jihilla replied thoughtfully, "you probably can."

Ileana was drilling the warriors when the messenger arrived. Seventy-five Amazons, all skilled and strong, the best of the tribe. Each trained in sword, staff, bow, and ax, and each prepared to die to protect what they loved. ‘How many of us will have to die before this is over?’ she wondered.

Always before, when she had nothing to lose but her life, she was prepared to die. Now, when something, someone, was waiting for her, she was not so sure she was as willing to die. Still, she knew she would fight with all her strength, all her will, and somehow, because she wanted to so much, she would survive.

As she was drilling the women in battle formation, she received a summons to Galea’s hut. She wiped her hands and left Myla in charge.

"Yes, Queen," she said as she entered. "You wished to see me?"

There was a soldier, dressed in the uniform of Ares’ with her. "What’s wrong?" Ileana asked with concern.

Galea answered, "Antiope knows about Cyan. She has requested you come to her. In Thrace."

"Thrace? Didn't she want to come home?"

The soldier asserted, "She is home. She begged the priest to send for you." He paused and added, "Her teacher, Tessa is back with her tribe. We got the news too late to stop her. The God of War will not come and the child is alone."

Galea and Ileana exchanged a look. The soldier said, "I will wait outside." Galea nodded her dismissal.

After the soldier was gone, Ileana asked, "What do you think?"

"I don't know how she knew. I didn't send anyone, thinking she wouldn't care. This is very unexpected," Galea replied.

"If she wants me," Ileana reflected thoughtfully, "then I should probably go."

Galea shook her head, "Ileana, although I don't see how, I feel in my bones this is a trap of some kind."

Ileana acknowledged this with a nod. "But if there is even a chance of reaching Antiope. A chance of turning her back to us. Cyan warned me about her before she died, but I already knew. Still, she is my sister. There was a time, when she was little, when she loved me."

"I remember," Galea admitted. "She used to follow you around like a devoted puppy. Then she changed. Do you know why?"

Ileana shook her head. She had never understood it. "I have to go to her. I have to see one last time if we can save her."

"I blame Lord Ares for this," Galea stated.

Ileana laughed. "While it's very tempting to blame the God of War for everything, I don't see how this is his fault. Yes, she is his daughter, but you, of all people, should know you can't make someone feel what they don't wish to. While I don't respect him for abandoning her to his priests and priestess, I can understand it. Can't you see how like him she is? She has all of his worst faults and apparently none of his redeeming characteristics."

‘Well, at least the child, even in love, sees him with clear eyes,’ Galea thought. She insisted, "You are the only one who sees any of those redeeming qualities."

"That's not true," she protested. "He's been kind to this tribe and to Jihilla’s. He's protected our woods, our hunting grounds. The Amazons who serve him speak well of him. Yes I know he has no mercy on his enemies, but then," she added with a knowing smile at Galea, "neither do we."

Galea laughed and threw up her hands in surrender. "I will obviously not win this argument with you. Very well, if you're sure you wish to go?"

"I must. If there is even the smallest chance. Myla and Kori can train the warriors while I am gone. And Thrace is on the way to where the battle must take place anyway. At the moment, things seem to be in a holding pattern. No word from Jihilla, so . . ."

Galea nodded and Ileana left the hut to have a word with the soldier to arrange her journey.

Kori repeated, "I want to go with you."

Ileana shook her head. "I need you here. If something should happen to me, you are best suited to lead. I’m counting on you to keep the tribe safe."

"Ileana . . ." Kori whispered her name helplessly.

"Kori, I know," Ileana acknowledged gently. "I know. I'll be careful."

Kori embraced Ileana and asked, "Will he be there?"

Ileana gently removed herself from Kori’s hug. She didn't pretend to not know who "he" was. "No. The soldier said he would not come. And Kori, it wouldn't matter if he did. He hates her; she’s the part of him he hates in himself. Every time he looks at her, all he sees is naked, unadulterated hatred and rage. She has no conscience, no hope, only pain and anger. He doesn't wish to see himself that way, he never has."

The Ares Kori knew the one she served loved that kind of rage. Still she knew Ileana was right, he never saw himself that way, always insisting he was just doing his job. She had watched him kill and torture with enjoyment, even pleasure. Did Ileana know that side of him? She would be foolish to think it no longer existed, just because . . . "Ileana, if she is so like him, then this is twice as dangerous. I know you care for him, but . . ."

She looked at Kori with something like pity in her eyes. "Do you think I don't know? I know he does awful things, that he corrupts souls, that he has enjoyed watching mortals battle in his name, die in his name. I know he has allowed the slaughter of innocent children, encouraged torture, and inflicted pain. I know all this and I know he will never change. But Kori," her voice grew soft and wistful. "I love him anyway. Can't even the God of War have a heart? Have one place he can come to and allow himself some joy? He has been alone for so long. All the other gods despise him for what he does and yet, they couldn't survive without him. We couldn't survive. Diamedes once told me there can be no peace without war."

"Ares, you mean," Kori spat the name with intense loathing.

Ileana looked surprised, "You knew?"

Kori’s gray eyes clouded over. "I guessed."

"Yet you said nothing." Ileana replied, surprise still on her face.

"It was obvious to me, even then, he was falling in love with you. I knew it would only bring him pain. And," she added spitefully, "I wished that for him."

"You wanted him to hurt," Ileana observed with wonder. "Why?"

Kori shook her head. There was no answer she could give Ileana that the girl would understand. "It doesn't matter. Instead it appears you will give him joy."

"Oh Kori," she exclaimed, "don't you understand? Loving him gives me joy!"

Kori’s eyes filled with tears. "Child, please be careful. I know you think he loves you and maybe he does. But he is still dangerous. Do not let him twist your mind."

"He cannot make me do anything I don't wish to do. I am still the same woman who told him I wouldn't condone or accept cruelty in any form. He knows I'll fight, but I won't slaughter. And I will not lead to slaughter either."

Kori shook her head. "Ileana, just promise me you will be careful."

"Always," she confirmed. She hugged Kori one last time and left the village with Ares’ soldier. They would meet up with the rest of the contingent in Parnasis.

"Well I guess that’s it," Tobias repeated to his mother for the third time.

"Yes," she replied with amusement, "I guess it is."

He gave her a wry grin. "I know, it’s just . . ."

"Tobias, you'll never get to Parnasis if you keep standing here in Thrace."

He laughed. "I know. I wish I hadn’t finished that field today."

"Go to her. How could she not love you?" his mother asked.

He shook his head. "Mother, she has her reasons. And by her lights, her right."

His mother ruffled his hair lovingly. "Whatever happened, it’s two years now. Surely she will have forgiven you?"

He shook his head. "I'm not so sure. But I promised I would go, so . . ."

"Then go," she insisted with a laugh. "And bring home a bride."

Tobias shrugged his shoulders and went off to saddle his horse. He would ride to Parnasis rather than walk, though he knew he would have to wait at least one day in town before the Amazons came to market. Then he could send a message. He only hoped Ileana would come this time, but he was very much afraid she wouldn't.

End of Chapter Four

Return to Chapter Three - The Chosen One

Forward to Chapter Five - The Chosen One

Ares Stories

Story Index

Romance Down Under