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 and Artemis 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.
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 do not have to have read the other stories to enjoy this one. However, you should probably read Chapters One and Two before reading this. <g>
Ileana tossed restlessly on her cot. She knew she should sleep. It was very late and tomorrow was her eighteenth birthday. She had spent that day with Tobias. He had been so sweet, picking wildflowers for her, telling her to see him after the vowing ceremony; he had a gift for her. Not asking her choice, waiting for her to tell him. Only she couldn't, because she still didn't know what she was going to do.
All her friends had found it easy to decide their futures: Danair had chosen Lord Ares. She was to be a protector of the tribe. Tyr was so committed to Artemis she was considering going to her temple.
‘But what of my future? I must choose tomorrow. Diamedes has eased many of my fears about serving the God of War. I know I have the skills he requires, but will he ask for more? If he does . . .’
She thought back to her sixteenth birthday and to Tessa. She now understood Tessa’s pointed comment about a treat. Part of her was disappointed the God of War hadn't chosen her on that day. She knew what she felt when she was near him was a sexual attraction, potent and strong. She knew in that respect, she was not immune. She thought him physically beautiful. She just wasn’t sure if she could care enough about him to want him with her heart. She knew she couldn't give herself to him without that. And if she couldn't care about him, could she serve him in all the ways he expected?
Which brought her to Tobias. ‘Well, I might as well admit it,’ she thought. ‘Even if I won’t tell him. I think I love him. I know I want him. But he hasn’t so much as kissed me, or even tried to. I wish . . .' She knew she wouldn't make the first move. There was Artemis to consider.
Galea had been urging her for weeks to revoke her vow to Ares and choose her goddess. She swore Artemis could protect her should the God of War be angry. She knew, without being told they expected her to be the next queen.
‘But I don't want that,’ she realized. ‘I want to make love with Tobias. Can I still serve Lord Ares if I give myself to him?’ Her thoughts continued to circle the issue, knowing that somehow the answer would not be to her liking.
Ileana got up. Sleep was now impossible. She dressed as quietly as she could and taking her sword, went for a walk in the moonlight. The village was quiet. Every one was sleeping. She knew two Amazons were camping in a nearby glade and some were making a pilgrimage to Thrace to get news of her sister.
‘Maybe if I sit by the water, I can meditate an answer.’ She left the village and walked to the glade where a small stream ran. The moon was full lighting everything in her path with a ghostly glow.
Ileana sat on the bank of the stream. She took her moccasins off and dangled her feet in the cool clear water. It tickled and made her giggle. Then all the conflicting thoughts raced through her mind at a dizzying speed, confusing her.
The God of War, brooding in the woods nearby heard her giggles before he saw her. He raised his eyes and there she was. She looked lovely and young sitting there innocently playing with the water. Her hair sparkled in the soft light. An aura of beauty seemed to surround her. He watched her with a yearning he didn't understand and couldn't explain.
It had started out so clear and simple. She would make a perfect leader for his armies. He would have her trained and then when she was old enough, he would possess her body AND her soul. When had it all changed? When had he gone from wanting her to kill for him to simply wanting her? Yes, she was beautiful, but so were other women, some even more beautiful. What was so special about this little one? It was true; she had a good mind, but then, so did many others of his acquaintance. She wasn’t afraid of him and that was rare. She could make him laugh with real mirth and that was an even more rare trait, but still . . . When had she stopped being that Amazon, that girl, and become Ileana? What was it about her that drew him like a moth to a flame?
He knew he should go. That he should leave before he did something he would regret, but he felt rooted to the ground. As he watched her, she shook her head and her long blonde hair fell wildly around her face. Suddenly she stiffened as if she was in pain and then she began to cry. Sobs wracked her body as if they would never end.
In his present state of confusion, Ares knew he shouldn’t go to her but he couldn't seem to abandon her either. Risking Artemis’ wrath, he thought himself closer to her. He made sufficient noise as he came out from behind a tree so she would know someone was there. He guessed she must be in agony. She hadn’t even bothered to draw her sword.
He went to her. His voice was almost a whisper as he asked, "Ileana, tell me what's wrong."
She whipped her head around in shock. Surely, it couldn’t be, but it was. She thought she had never seen a sight more beautiful or more terrifying. The God of War dressed as always in black his sword at his side, his face a study in contradictions at once angelic and demonic. She swallowed hard. Had he known somehow that she was thinking of him? "Lord Ares," she mumbled through her tears. "Why have you stayed away so long?"
That surprised him. It was the last thing he expected to hear. "It hasn’t been so long," he remarked slowly. "Last time it was eight years, this time it’s only been two."
She forced herself to meet his eyes and asked, "What have I done to make you stay away?"
This was even more surprising and he knew he was unable to stop his surprise from showing. "What makes you think that?"
She lowered her eyes. In another, it would have been flirtatious; in her, it was simply embarrassment. "You said I was a chosen one, and yet you’ve never chosen me."
He didn't pretend to misunderstand. "Ileana," he commented gently, "you're almost old enough to choose for yourself. I know if I ask, you'll come to me, but is it what you really want?"
"You don’t want me," she wailed. Fresh tears fell from her wide blue eyes.
Ares raised his eyes to the heavens. "Ileana, I want you. But I won't force you. I want you to come to me willingly. Because you want to." As soon as he said it, he knew it was true.
"Make love to me," she whispered. She jumped up from the riverbank and tried to throw her arms around him.
It took all his self-control to hold her at arm’s length.
"Listen to me, Ileana," he directed softly. "I'm not known for my
self-restraint especially when it comes to a willing woman. But I won't accept
you under these circumstances. Tomorrow if you come to me in front of your
entire tribe, I will accept. But not this way and not now."
It was clear from her expression that she didn't understand. Her eyes widened and her brow furrowed with puzzlement as she asked, "What's wrong with me? Why won't anyone kiss me?"
He demurred softly, "Ileana, nothing's wrong with you. You're very beautiful. Any man, mortal or god, would be pleased to kiss you."
"Then kiss me," she wailed.
For a moment, he considered it. But he thought she would regret it and feel as if he had taken her choice from her. He wanted her, but realized in that moment that it was with a passion that required a match in her. A match he didn't believe existed. "I won't," he argued slowly. "Ileana, I will not be coerced into making this decision for you."
"What am I to do?" she moaned helplessly. She put her face in her hands in a gesture of utter hopelessness.
He loosened his grip on her arms and touched her hair gently. "Follow your heart," he whispered. He lifted her face from her hands and gently cupped it in his own hands. He stared into her beautiful eyes and with a generosity no one who knew him would have believed possible said softly, "I don't let anyone back out on a vow to me. But I promise you this, whatever you decide, I will accept it. Even if you choose Artemis. I release you from your vow, Ileana. You're free to choose."
"Lord Ares, I didn't ask," she stumbled over the words. "I didn't mean. I don’t know what I want!" This brought a fresh spate of tears.
‘Damn,’ he thought. Carefully, gently, he released her face and took her in his arms. He held her as he would a crying child. His desire for her was now tinged with a tenderness that surprised him. "It will be all right, little one," he murmured as he stroked her hair. "Just let it out."
She lay her head on his shoulder and let the tears come. This was a side to the God of War she hadn't expected. No one, not even Diamedes, had told her he was capable of compassion, kindness, or tenderness. ‘If it wasn’t for Tobias,’ she thought, ‘I could serve him willingly. He has set me free. I don't have to serve him or anyone.’ She lifted her tear-stained face to look into his eyes. The expression she surprised there was one of warmth and affection. ‘He cares for me,’ she thought. ‘Not just as a warrior, but as a person, a woman.’ She reached up with tentative fingers to touch a curl of his hair, but he batted her fingers away.
Instantly his eyes turned unreadable and his mouth hard. He would not let her use this against him. He asked coldly, "Are you quite finished crying now?"
His tone shocked her. ‘I must have misunderstood,’ she thought. ‘He doesn’t care. But for a moment there, I could have sworn.’ She sighed and wiped her eyes. She admitted softly, "Yes, I think so."
"Good," he answered. He released her from his arms, far less than gently than he had held her. He stood there, staring at her, his eyes dark, one hand on his hip, the other on his sword. "Ileana, I'll see you tomorrow." His eyes searched hers for moment, looking for something, he wasn’t sure what, only that he didn't find it. Then he added, "I'll honor any decision you make. No recriminations and no reprisals."
"Yes, Lord Ares," she affirmed solemnly. Then he was gone.
Artemis couldn't believe her eyes or ears. Her brother, the amoral and despicable God of War, had been noble! How extraordinary for Ileana to have brought that out in him. It might almost be worth it to give her up, just to see what she could make of him. Clearly, she had the potential to bring out what little good he had in him.
On the other, she would make a magnificent queen. Artemis didn't intend to let Ares know she had been a witness to the little love scene. To do so would be to admit not only eavesdropping, but also the same temptation to pay Ileana a visit in violation of their pact. ‘Besides,’ she thought, ‘no harm seems to have been done. He might even have helped me.’
She was wrong. Ileana had made her decision when the God of War had set her free. She would follow neither god nor goddess, but her heart. She would go to Tobias.
Ileana ran back to the village. She quickly packed a few pieces of clothing, her bow, and her sword. She was so eager to find Tobias it didn’t occur to her that her mother would worry when she found her things gone. Or that perhaps Tobias might not be quite as eager to see her as she was to see him.
She ran to Parnasis as fast as her feet could carry her. She knew he was staying in the stable; he had a new horse and wanted to be near it. She ran into the stable calling, "Tobias, I need to talk to you."
"What in the world? Ileana?" Tobias grabbed for his clothes to cover his nakedness. Unfortunately, the young blond girl who was with him at the time didn't do the same.
Ileana took in the scene and realized what she had interrupted. An icicle encircled her heart as she turned and ran.
Tobias dressed quickly. If he had only known, he would have never . . . As he left the stable, he found the pack of clothes Ileana had dropped in her haste to be gone. ‘She was coming to me,’ he thought.
He began shouting her name, waking the townspeople. He looked everywhere, but she was nowhere to be found. It didn't occur to him to check Ares’ temple. Instead, he went into the woods, although he’d been warned many times not to come to the village unannounced.
Ileana ran straight to the temple. She pushed in the door shouting, "Diamedes? Diamedes are you here?" The room was empty. She went to the garden. He wasn’t there either. She found the bell and began to ring it.
Ares, who was now in Thrace with Tessa, dimly heard the sound of her bell inside his head. ‘Damn, what the . . .?’ he thought. Then he realized what he was hearing. He rose from the bed.
Tessa asked, "What is it, my lord?"
"I'm leaving," he informed her.
"But, my lord," she interjected. "We were about to . . ."
He ignored her and vanished.
Ileana waited on the stone bench in the temple garden. Only once before had she rung the bell. She had waited quite a while before Diamedes had appeared on that day. She hoped it wouldn't take him so long this time.
Finally, Diamedes appeared slowly walking toward her. She jumped up from the bench and ran to him. He looked old and tired and she was suddenly sorry she had summoned him. "Diamedes, where were you? You look awful. I’m sorry. I need to talk." Then she burst into tears.
Diamedes/Ares led her back to the bench. ‘Why is this child always crying at me?’ he thought. He asked, "Ileana, what's wrong?"
"I am such a fool," she chided herself through her tears.
"What’s happened?" he inquired.
She sniffed and whimpered, "I saw Lord Ares tonight. He released me from my vow and told me to follow my heart. So I did, but it didn’t turn out how I expected."
"Tell me, child." What had she done? If she had gone to Tobias and he had hurt her! He would kill the boy.
She wouldn't meet his eyes. "I packed my things and went to find Tobias. He was staying at the stable. He was with another woman! He doesn’t love me!" Sobs wracked her body.
Ares again cradled the crying girl in his arms. ‘So that’s it,’ he thought. ‘Man or god alike, when we cannot have whom we want, we take second best.’ He stroked her hair gently. He knew he could ease her mind, tell her Tobias did love her, was simply trying to forget her and ease his frustration in the arms of another. Only if he did that he would be sending her right back to the boy and he didn't want to. "Ileana, if he truly loved you, he would have waited."
She raised her eyes to answer defiantly. "I thought he did. I thought I loved him. I was going to give up everything for him. The tribe, my family, everything."
He studied her face. ‘Yes,’ he thought, ‘she does believe that.’ He suggested, "Child, he isn't worthy of you. Better to have learned this now than later. Afterwards."
She didn't pretend to misunderstand. "I would have given myself to him. I don't wish to spend my life without love."
"You have chosen then?" he asked. He knew the answer; she had chosen the boy over both him and Artemis. Were she to choose him now, it would be as second choice.
She looked embarrassed. "I had intended to leave and be a wife. I don't want to be queen. Now I guess I'll serve the God of War."
"No," the shout tore from him like a great pain. "He will not want your service if it is because you feel you have no other choice."
Her eyes were bright with more unshed tears. "Diamedes, I am sworn!"
He pushed her away and refuted angrily, "You said he released you. Ileana, whatever you do from tomorrow on, you must do because you want to. He wouldn't want you to go to him because you are hurt and angry."
"Then I am doomed." More tears fell from her eyes. "I have nowhere to go and no one to serve. The tribe won't want me if I don't serve a god."
"The tribe will want you," he demurred gently. "Perhaps your queen will give you some extra time. Maybe if you explain what happened she will allow you to wait to make a decision."
"Do you think she might?" Ileana asked eagerly. "If not, could I stay here? With you?"
He wiped away her tears with gentle fingers. "You cannot stay here, child. This is no place for an Amazon. Your place is with your tribe either in battle or in the village."
"What am I to do?" she implored him hopelessly.
"Go home, child," he urged. "Go back to the village. In the morning, tell your queen what happened. Ask her to allow you to wait. I'm sure she'll understand."
"But . . ." Ileana protested.
"No buts," he objected firmly. "It's very late nearly dawn. You must go."
Ileana rose from the bench. Diamedes looked exhausted. "I'm sorry I bothered you," she apologized.
He rose from the bench. "You didn't bother me, child. I'm concerned about you." He walked her to the gate. "Ileana, try not to worry so much. It will be all right. I promise you."
As Ileana walked away, she wasn't so sure. She didn't think Galea or Artemis would be happy with her at all.
Ares watched until he could no longer see her. He knew then that he had lost the gamble, lost the prize. Only Ileana was no longer a prize, no longer a pawn in his game with Artemis. She was not another Amazon warrior to be used; she had turned into a living-breathing woman.
Tobias knew he shouldn't be in the woods, but he had to find her. ‘She must love me,’ he thought. ‘She must have decided to run away and be with me instead of choosing a god. She must be so hurt and angry. She doesn’t understand. She doesn’t know how much I love her. Why did I?’ But he knew why. He was sure she was going to choose service to Ares and he knew the God of War wouldn't allow their relationship to flourish.
"Ileana," he whispered. "Ileana, I’m sorry. Please, please, forgive me."
"Who goes there?" a voice called in the darkness. "You're on protected land. Another step and you'll die."
A voice he recognized! "Tyr? Is that you? It’s Tobias."
Tyr flew down from a tree as if she had wings. Tobias had seen her and the other Amazons do it before, but it always amazed him. "Tobias, what are you doing here? You’re lucky it was I on watch. Some of the others might have killed you."
"I have to find Ileana. Now!" he whispered urgently.
"She’s probably sleeping," Tyr replied. "You know tomorrow is her birthday."
"She’s not." How to explain! "She came to the stable to see me. She saw . . .Tyr; we have to find her. She’s out here alone somewhere, upset, angry, hurt. I’m worried about her."
Tyr studied Tobias in the beginning of the dawn. He did seem worried. "She hasn’t passed this way. It’s a big forest, Tobias. You're not safe here. You're too close to the village. I can't leave my post to take you there and you can't wander here without risk."
"I have to find her. I need to explain . . . to . . . Damn. Tyr, we have to find her!"
"You have found me," Ileana said. She had seen them and quietly crept up on them.
Tobias turned to look at her. She was gorgeous, standing there with her sword in her hand, her bow at her back. Every inch the Amazon warrior. Her long hair flowed loose to her waist, but her blue eyes, always so warm and welcoming before, were now red-rimmed and cold and distant. ‘I have hurt her badly,’ he thought. ‘The last thing I ever wanted to do.’ "Ileana, let me explain."
"There is no need," she remarked as she sheathed her sword. "Tyr, go back to your post. I'll escort Tobias to town."
Tyr looked at her friend and nodded. She flew back up her tree.
"Ileana, please talk to me," Tobias begged. She shook her head and began walking toward town. He had no choice but to follow her. "Ileana, please."
"No, Tobias. It was my mistake. You have every right to live your life as you choose. I assumed too much." She turned to look at him and added, "You won't be allowed in the village again."
"I love you!" he shouted.
She stared at him, the hurt in her eyes apparent. "I don't think so," she debated sadly. "Any way, it doesn't matter. Tomorrow I go to serve Artemis. Love between a man and a woman is not for me."
"Ileana, please," he moved to stand beside her. He reached for her hand and she pushed it away. "Please let me explain."
"There is no need," she commented softly. "I understand all too well. You are a man. You take what you want when you want it. It is why we Amazons have chosen to live without men. We are not bound by conventions and we can control our emotions and desires."
"That is not! Damn!" He tried to pull her into his arms. He knew if he could get her to listen, he could explain. She wouldn’t come near him. He tried once more, "Ileana, I love you. From the first moment I saw you! That girl in the stable meant nothing."
It was the wrong thing to say. "That pretty much proves my point, doesn’t it?" she retorted coldly. "When women love it means everything. But with men . . . Tobias, just let it go. Let me go. I start my new life tomorrow. I thank you for your friendship." They were now at the edge of town. "It's good to know it's possible for men and women to be friends. We will not meet again. Goodbye, Tobias." She turned to leave.
"Wait," the plea and pain in his voice touched her heart one last time. "I know you hate me now. Ileana, please know this, I love you. If you ever need me, if I can ever be of help to you, you have but to ask. I told your Queen once, if ever I could perform a service for her, I would do so. I make you the same offer."
"Thank you," she replied graciously. "I will remember." Then she was gone.
Tobias stood there staring at the empty space that had once contained her and felt his heart break.
Ileana went to the queen as soon as she returned to the village. Dawn had just risen in all its beauty and it was very quiet. She could hear the birds singing in the trees. When she arrived at Galea’s hut, she found the queen already up.
"My Queen," Ileana requested solemnly, "may I speak with you?"
Galea nodded. "Please, child, come in."
Ileana entered the hut; it had been many years since the last time. The Queen gestured toward some pillows on the floor and Ileana sat down. Galea took a seat next to her, rather than on her throne.
She studied the girl’s face. She was clearly upset about something. "Tell me, child, what's made you rise so early?"
"I haven't been to bed yet," Ileana explained.
"I see," the Queen commented. Artemis had already told her of the meeting by the stream between the girl and the God of War. "What's troubling you?" she prompted.
Ileana spilled out the whole story. Her meeting with Ares, Tobias, and her fear that she would have to leave. Her desire for love warring with her need to serve. The words tumbled out randomly all her feelings and her concerns. Galea listened intently. Her eyes widened when Ileana mentioned what she had told Tobias about serving Artemis. She put a hand on Ileana’s arm and asked, "Child, are you sure?"
"No, I'm not," Ileana mused slowly. "I just wanted to hurt him like he hurt me."
"I see," Galea remarked thoughtfully. "You don't wish to serve Artemis?"
"A part of me does," she confirmed. "But a part of me also wishes for the other. It was so easy for Tyr; she has a true calling. I have no quarrel with Artemis, but I don't feel I can make that vow with my whole heart. I don't wish to be chaste! Will she punish me?"
"Oh, child," Galea stroked Ileana’s hair. "The goddess doesn't punish for honesty. But are you still, that is?"
"I have never even been kissed!" Ileana exclaimed with disappointment.
The Queen had to smother a smile. The poor child was so confused by her body; she didn’t know what she wanted. "Ileana, as long as you are chaste, even if you don't wish to be, you may still serve the goddess."
"And if I should choose to serve and no longer remain chaste?" Ileana inquired quietly.
Galea’s face was stern and solemn. "That would be punished."
"So my only choice," she wailed, "is no choice at all."
"Listen to me," Galea directed patiently. "You have been raised to think for yourself. The calling of a young healthy body is strong. You allowed yourself to be emotionally if not physically seduced by Tobias. Unlike many of your Amazon sisters, you have been given the offer of the gift of love. However, as you learned tonight, it is also a curse. You said yourself; men do not control their needs. They are not as strong as women are in that arena. You do have a choice."
Ileana stubbornly refused to see what was in front of her. She asked, "What is it?"
Galea spelled it out for her. "If you wish to serve Lord Ares, you may. You know he wants you, both as a warrior and as a lover. No, child, don't give me that innocent look. I know. While this would never be my choice, it is open to you. I cannot tell you it would be easy. The God of War can be a hard master."
Since Ileana still did not speak, Galea added, "Or you may choose to serve Artemis. You would stay here and one day you could be queen. No, child, do not interrupt. It is my wish and hope for you. Artemis, in her own way, is just as hard a master as Lord Ares. There would be no more Tobias’, never again."
Neither of these were choices she wanted to hear. "What would you do?"
"You already know what I chose," Galea declared. "I am Queen."
"And if I do not wish to be queen?" There, she’d said it.
"Not wish to be queen?" The thought had never occurred to Galea. "Why would you not wish it?"
"I don't wish it!" Ileana rose from the pillows. "At least, I didn't wish it before." She began to pace the hut. "What's it like to be queen?"
A visage of serenity settled over Galea’s features. "It's the most wonderful and difficult thing I have ever done. To be queen, one must weigh the consequences of every action. See the truth about every Amazon. First and foremost, protect our way of life and all our lives. It's a hard job, but very rewarding."
"It's like battle," Ileana mused thoughtfully. "When you fight, you must always know where everyone is, friend or enemy. You must constantly be on guard to protect yourself and others."
"Yes," Galea agreed. "It is a little like battle. There is so much more to it than that. You say you wish the gift of love. Well, as queen, you can love all your sisters. And they will love you back."
"It’s not quite the same thing," Ileana retorted.
Galea laughed. "No, child, it is not. In many ways, I suspect it's far more satisfying. And you are much less likely to get your feelings hurt."
Ileana paused in her pacing. "And you believe I would be a good queen?"
Galea rose from the pillows to stand beside her chosen one. "I do, child. Not only do you have superior fighting skills, but also a strong and loving heart. You are intelligent and most of all you think and question. Yes, child, you would make a magnificent queen someday."
Ileana searched Galea’s brown eyes, expressing finally, her greatest fear. "And I would not have to leave?"
Galea shook her head. "No, you wouldn't."
"Very well," Ileana declared. "Then I have chosen. I will vow myself to Artemis at the ceremony. Do you think Lord Ares will be very angry?"
Galea tried to hide her relief and pleasure. She knew she shouldn't have forced Ileana to choose. Knew Ileana was torn and might one day regret the decision, particularly when she learned Galea hadn't been completely honest with her. Still, as Queen she knew she had to secure the succession. Someday, Ileana might have to do something similar and if she did, then she would understand. She commented, "Probably. But as you said, he released you. He cannot complain if you choose differently."
Ileana left the Queen’s hut with her decision made. She felt as if she had aged ten years. The lessons she learned overnight were hard and cruel and a part of her, her innocence, had died with the learning. She went to her mother’s hut.
Cyan was surprised to see Ileana. She had noticed the missing apparel and weapons and was worried. "Ileana," she asked. "Where have you been?"
"Making a decision," Ileana replied. She smiled at her mother. She knew Cyan would be relieved when she learned of her choice. "Mother," Ileana inquired, "do you still see Lord Ares?"
Cyan had dreaded the day they would have this conversation. Still, she had learned never to lie to her daughter. "Not since Antiope left. Why?"
"I just wondered. Was he . . . that is . . . when you . . ." Ileana paused and took a deep breath. "I guess it doesn’t matter now. I've chosen Artemis."
Cyan’s eyes widened. Ares would never allow this! He had invested so much in her. "Ileana, I know this is what Galea wished, but are you sure? The God of War will be . . ."
"No he won’t," Ileana assured her. "He released me from my vow. He might be angry, but he won't be vengeful. He promised."
Cyan’s eyes opened even wider. "You saw him?"
"Yes." Ileana yawned. "I didn’t get much sleep last night. I think I'll rest before the ceremony."
"Fine," Cyan urged. "I’ll wake you in time to get ready."
Ileana nodded. Cyan was amazed; for Ares to release her something must have happened. When Ileana was sleeping, Cyan ran straight to the Queen.
Kori and Artemis were already there. Cyan curtseyed to the goddess. The Queen asked, "She told you?" Cyan nodded.
Kori inquired, "Do you think he means it?"
Artemis declared, "I'll make sure he does. He's not the only one with power. Besides, there was something in his eyes when he looked at her. If he is at all capable of love, then he feels it for her. Although why or how it happened I don't know."
Kori kept silent. She alone knew of Ileana’s meetings with Diamedes and she had guessed, long ago, the priest was Ares. She had kept the secret. She guessed from the questions that he asked, when he came for his progress reports that in her estimation he was falling in love with the girl even if he didn't know it. She was glad. If nothing else, it meant he would protect her.
"It doesn't matter how or why," Galea suggested. "Only that he does. But goddess will it be enough? Will Ares really give her up?"
"I do wish you wouldn’t talk about me behind my back," the God of War complained petulantly. "It’s very rude," he added as he materialized in the hut. He looked at all the women gathered and asked innocently, "Am I too early? Or perhaps too late?"
Artemis looked at him with distaste. "Always have to make an entrance, don’t you, brother?"
"Now, now, dear sister," he sneered, "no need to take that tone with me. Apparently, you’ve won the prize. Shouldn’t you be jubilant?"
‘He seems in a very good mood,’ Artemis thought. ‘Yet, clearly he knows whom Ileana has chosen. What is he up to?’ She queried, "And what prize is that?"
He arched one perfect eyebrow as he remarked lightly. "Ileana, of course. You have your next Queen with the added bonus of a warrior thrown in. What could be more delightful? You shall have to thank me later."
Artemis just stared at him. "Thank you? For what?"
He stared back, a wide grin easing across his mouth. "For releasing her of course. If I hadn't, she would have chosen me. Ah, but then you knew that, didn’t you? Artemis, you really should bathe more often. I could smell you in the glade last night."
This was too much for the goddess. "You played that little scene for my benefit?"
Ares lounged nonchalantly against the Queen’s throne. He crossed his arms over his chest and said, "Of course. It has been obvious for quite some time the child thought she was in love with that boy. Apparently, he didn’t want her, so she chose you. But Artemis, beware of Amazons bearing gifts. I doubt she chose you with her whole heart. Still, I guess it’s better to be second choice than no choice at all."
Artemis continued to stare at him, disbelief plain on her beautiful face. "And you no longer want her?"
He almost seemed to be enjoying himself. His grin widened as he suggested, "In order for a warrior to be dedicated enough to serve me, I would need to be first. Anything else would get her killed. Besides, I'm a god of honor. I won't go back on my word."
"And you'll stay away from her?" This question came from Galea.
"I didn't say that," he retorted with a wicked smile. "She still bears my mark and my favor. Besides, should there be any trouble, wouldn’t you prefer the God of War on your side, rather than against you?"
"Is that a threat?" Artemis asked.
"Not at all," Ares murmured innocently. "But the times are changing. The town is growing. Soon they'll want more room to hunt and to farm. And this village is in the way."
"Ares," Artemis spat, "you will not touch her or this tribe. Or
so help me, I'll bring the wrath of Zeus down on you."
"Me?" he repeated with a shrug. "I don't force women. Ask Cyan, ask Kori. There are always plenty of willing women. I don't lack for companionship. My interest in Ileana is purely professional."
"Professional?" Kori asked.
He turned to stare at Kori. "Yes. I went to a great deal of trouble to have her trained to be a warrior. This will be quite useful to all of you, now as well as later, after she becomes Queen. But in order for her to be ready, she needs some field experience. After all, she is still untested in battle."
"No," this was from Cyan. "She will be killed."
"I think not," the God of War insisted. "She is very skilled. If you like, I'll be happy to test her sword skills myself. She defeated me once, odds are she might be able to do it again."
"You let her that time. You will not take my child."
"Calm yourself, Cyan," Artemis commanded. Then she turned to her brother. "Ares, what do you have in mind?"
"There is a little trouble brewing near Thrace. Nothing major, a few outlaws are harassing an Amazon camp near there. Many in the camp have been ill with fever, but Artemis, surely you already knew this?" He grinned evilly at her. "Or have you been so busy here you've stopped paying attention to the others who worship you?"
"I'm aware," she remarked stiffly. ‘Damn him, he always knows exactly what buttons to push.’ She asked, "What do you want?"
He made his request in a soft voice. "Kori, Ileana and maybe a few others would make a trip to Thrace to help. It’s been two years since Antiope has seen her sister. I’m sure she’d like a visit."
"And besides the chance to see her sister, you would expect exactly what from Ileana?" Kori inquired.
"Why to clear the outlaws out of the woods and to protect the Amazon encampment until they are well." he answered blandly. "By all accounts the outlaws shouldn't give any real trouble to skilled warriors like yourself."
"If they're so pitiful, why don’t you do it yourself?" Artemis prompted.
"For the same reason you don’t," he retorted. "We're not supposed to meddle in matters like that. Survival of the fittest and such. You know how Zeus feels about too much messing in mortal lives."
‘He has me there,’ Artemis thought. She turned to exchange looks with the Queen. The worst thing was Ares was right. The child did need seasoning, did need to be tested in battle. She had to be able to protect the tribe if she was going to be an effective queen.
Galea nodded. She too understood the situation. "Very well," the Queen agreed. "After the ceremonial feast, Kori, Ileana, Myla and Chrissa will prepare for the journey. They will leave tomorrow morning."
"Thank you." He bowed to the Queen. "You won’t mind if I don’t stay will you? There doesn’t seem to be anything in it for me. And I’m sure there’s a willing woman just waiting for me somewhere." Without getting an answer, he vanished.
"Is he really gone?" Cyan queried.
"I think so," Artemis said. "It doesn't matter. I'll make sure he keeps his word. But Galea, Kori, please warn Ileana. I don't believe he will attempt to seduce her physically, he can be counted on to keep his word there, but he will try to tempt her in other ways."
"How well I know," Kori admitted. "I'll warn her. She's as much a daughter to me as she is to Cyan. I'll protect her with my life."
The ceremony of dedication to Artemis went off without a hitch. Ileana dressed in a long robe of soft white cotton. She wore a wreath of feathers in her hair and her bow on her back. She knelt at the goddess’ feet and swore an oath of loyalty. The goddess raised her up, kissed her brow, and replaced the feather wreath with one of silver and gold. "A blessing on you," Artemis conferred gently. If Ileana was surprised the God of War wasn't there; she didn't show it.
Only Tyr, her best friend and witness to her meeting with Tobias, knew something had changed. Tyr tried to talk to Ileana, but her friend avoided her. After the ceremony and before the feast, the Queen invited Ileana into her hut for a private talk. Artemis was waiting.
Ileana curtseyed to the women. "My goddess, how may I serve you?"
‘Stay away from my brother,’ Artemis thought. Only she knew the girl would never seek him out. Ares pursued her and not vice versa. She proclaimed, "I wish to express my pleasure you’ve chosen to serve me. And to make sure you understand what it entails."
"Yes, my lady," Ileana confirmed. "Total devotion, spiritually, physically, emotionally."
Artemis nodded. "Yes, all that. And more. I know from Galea that you have a friend. Tobias?"
Ileana shook her head and then shrugged. "I will never see him again. I said goodbye to him last night. He’s probably on his way back to Thrace by now."
"I see," Artemis observed. So that was Ares game. The boy lived in Thrace. ‘He thinks he can use the boy to hurt Ileana or to make me hurt her.’
"There will be no other," Ileana affirmed quietly. "I understand the terms."
"Very well," the goddess acknowledged. "Now there is another matter. There is some trouble outside Thrace at an Amazon encampment. Kori has all the details. You and a few others have been chosen to go and help."
"But I thought I was to stay here," Ileana exclaimed in a panic.
"Yes, child," Galea soothed in a calming tone, "I know. But our sisters need our help. Must we not send the best we have? They would do the same for us. And if you wish, you can also see your sister."
"Antiope?" Ileana thought for a moment. "I would like to see her, but what about . . . I have no wish to see Lord Ares. I am sure he is angry with me."
"If you wish to see your sister, I am sure we can arrange it so as not to disturb him," Artemis conceded.
"Then I'll go speak with Kori. Unless there is something more?"
"No, child, you may go," Galea agreed. After Ileana left Galea looked at Artemis. "Ares thinks the child will break her vow if she sees Tobias."
"Yes, he does. But he’s wrong. I have looked in her heart and she will not waver. Ares may be in love with her, but he doesn’t understand her sense of honor. Oh yes, my brother is in love with her, despite his little nonchalant act earlier. I know him well enough to know what I saw in his eyes was real. She will not break her vow of chastity with Tobias. No matter how much she thinks she loves him."
Ares sat in his castle in the highest tower watching the Amazons and his sister. He hadn't known she was in the glade, but from the conversation he overheard he guessed. So, Artemis thought he was in love with Ileana. That was interesting, but not very useful. He knew he wanted the girl and somehow he had let her slip through his fingers. At the moment, he supposed it didn’t really matter. She was lost to him. Still, he thought with some measure of satisfaction, if he couldn’t have her, no one else could either. He had no doubt she would honor her vow to Artemis. His sister was wrong if she thought he didn’t understand Ileana’s sense of honor. He understood it only too well. It was part of what made her so damned attractive. For now, he would concentrate on wooing the warrior, rather than the woman. He sent a message to his priest in Thrace to prepare for his arrival in two days.
Antiope knew something unusual was happening. Tessa was behaving differently. Tessa usually slept late and had a leisurely breakfast. Then the two of them would go outside for exercise and practice. This day Tessa was up early and running around the temple like a chicken with its head cut off. ‘Ares must be coming,’ she thought. ‘It’s the only reason Tessa would bother like this.’
At ten years of age Antiope had grown tall and strong. She could use a full size sword and bow and was very proficient. She had studied these skills more carefully at the temple than she ever had in the village. However, except for the first day, the day she arrived, she hadn’t seen her father at all. She knew he came to visit Tessa at night, but he never came near her.
"Tessa," Antiope shrieked, "what’s going on? Is Father coming?"
Tessa stopped what she was doing to look at Ares’ daughter. Gods, she was a mess. Ares would kill her if the child weren't presentable. She went to Antiope. "Yes, he is. He'll be here sometime today. We should get you cleaned up and changed."
"I don’t want to change!" Antiope insisted.
‘No, of course you don’t, you little brat. Anything to make my life a living hell. Tartarus would probably be easier than taking care of you.’ She prompted, "Now Antiope, don’t you want to look pretty for your father?"
Antiope had found Tessa’s mirror and knew no matter what she did to herself; she would never look pretty. While her father’s features made him handsome, to her eyes, they made her plain. However she said, "What will you give me?"
"If you don’t get dressed nicely," Tessa opined, "your father will refuse to see you."
A calculating look sprang into Antiope’s dark eyes. If Tessa had been paying closer attention, she would have seen the God of War’s eyes staring back at her. "He never sees me anyway. Why should this time be different?"
"I don’t know," Tessa debated softly. "But this time it is. He specifically instructed the priest to instruct me to have you ready for guests."
"Guests?" Antiope repeated. "Who else is coming?"
Tessa shrugged. "I don’t know. But if we don’t get you cleaned up, we’ll never find out, will we?"
Antiope saw the wisdom of this and allowed Tessa to pour her a bath. After she was clean, she put on the new dress Tessa had bought her. She ran to Tessa’s room to look in the mirror. ‘Not so awful,’ she thought. Tessa was just finished dressing and as usual looked beautiful. ‘Not as beautiful as Ileana,’ Antiope thought, ‘but good enough to catch father’s eye and keep it for a while.’
Antiope had no illusions about Tessa’s feelings for her. In that, she was like her father. She could read the ambition and ruthlessness in the redhead. But that was all right with her. As long as she got what she wanted, she wouldn’t stand in Tessa’s way.
Tessa was wearing a new dress too. She pirouetted in front of the mirror. ‘Yes,’ she thought, ‘I do look good. Whatever it was that took Ares away the other night, I'll knock it right out of his head.’ She heard the sounds that heralded his arrival. ‘How did the child look? Presentable.’ "Come, Antiope," she directed. "It’s time to see your father."
Tessa and Antiope arrived in the throne room the same time as the God of War. He seemed to be in a good mood. He was talking with the priest who was walking him to his throne. As soon as he was seated comfortably, he motioned Tessa and his daughter over. "Antiope, how big you’ve grown," he remarked.
"It's good to see you, Father," she declared. She kept her eyes downcast, waiting for some sign of approval or affection from him.
"Yes, I imagine it is," he muttered absently. "And Tessa, you're looking well. Apparently service here agrees with you."
"Yes, my lord," she acknowledged. She raised her eyes to his, but found they were looking past her, rather than at her. In a moment, she knew why.
Four Amazons were being ushered into his presence. Tessa watched as the four women entered the throne room. At least three of them evinced surprise at seeing him there. But the fourth, the blond, Ileana did not. ‘So that’s why he’s come back,’ Tessa thought. ‘Because she was coming.’
Ileana wasn't surprised he was there. She had half expected and half feared she would see him. She wasn't sure if she could look at him, speak to him, without extreme embarrassment based on the things she had said and offered at their last meeting. Especially since she had chosen to vow herself to Artemis. She was sure he would think her an indecisive fool and she realized quite suddenly that she wanted him to think well of her. She was sure, if he thought of her at all; it would be with distaste and probably relief to be rid of her. Though Kori had warned her he would not give up, she couldn't for the life of her figure out what he could possibly want. She was an eighteen year old Amazon with a broken heart. What could she possibly offer the God of War? ‘Well, there's nothing to be done about it,’ she thought. ‘I am here and must attempt to behave like an adult.’
Kori was furious. ‘He promised! Damn him. One day, Ares, one day.’
Antiope couldn’t believe it. Ileana, looking more beautiful than ever. And taking her father’s attention. ‘That’s why he’s here,’ she thought. ‘Not to see me, to see Ileana. I swear, one day.’
Ares could feel the swirl of turbulent emotion all around him. ‘All these angry women,’ he thought. ‘If I could only harness one tenth of that energy, no army of mine would ever lose.’ "Antiope," he announced. "Look who’s come to see you."
Ileana walked toward the child with open arms. "Antiope, it’s good to see you. You’ve grown so tall."
Antiope looked right through her as if she wasn’t there. She evaded her attempted hug and ran to stand by Tessa.
Ileana ignored the snub and went to Tessa. "Hello, Tessa. It’s nice to see you. I always wondered what you chose to do with your life."
Tessa nodded to her in greeting. Her green eyes glittered as she divulged, "As you can see I serve Lord Ares. I am priestess here and teacher of your sister."
"Well, she apparently likes you better than she likes me." Ileana turned from the girl and went to kneel in front of Ares.
"My lord," she acknowledged. "My sisters and I are here as you requested. If you'll tell us the plan of attack, we will be off."
"Certainly," he confirmed. He rose from his throne and lifted her from her knees. "Don't ever kneel to me again," he hissed in her ear. "You don't serve me, but my sister." To the assembled he announced, "I’m sure you must all be tired and hungry after your travels. I can offer the hospitality of the temple for the night if you wish it."
Ileana exchanged glances with Kori. It would be rude not to accept. "We would be honored," Ileana conceded.
"Good." He turned to the redhead and commanded, "Tessa, please have some rooms prepared and make sure there is food for a feast."
Tessa gritted her teeth and simpered, "Yes, my lord. At once." She left the throne room, seething.
‘What does that wimpy little blond have that I don’t?’ The servants, sensing her mood, were quick to jump on her every order.
Ares led the four Amazons to his war room. He showed them a map of the area and explained where he thought the outlaws were hiding. Ileana took one look at the plan and exclaimed, "But that’s crazy. Why would they hide by the river when there's a perfectly good cave nearby? It’s much easier to protect. Are you sure they aren’t there?"
Ares knew perfectly well that was exactly where they were. He glanced at Kori over Ileana’s head and nodded as if in thanks. Kori had a strange look on her face, if he hadn’t known her better, he would have thought it was pity. "Well, I haven’t actually gone there to look. It’s possible they are there."
Ileana was amused. ‘Testing me are you?’ she thought. She inquired, "Do you know when the outlaws usually attempt to attack the encampment?"
He watched her face carefully as he responded. "First light."
"So we go at midnight," Ileana mused thoughtfully.
"Why midnight?" the God of War asked.
Ileana gave him a knowing look. "If they’re striking at first light, they’re sleeping at midnight. I’d much rather try to trap them in the cave than have to fight them on an open field."
He raised one perfect eyebrow and commanded, "Explain."
Ileana did. Her plan was simple, but elegant; a smoke bomb in the cave and then capture the outlaws one by one as they left it. Ares had to work very hard not laugh as he listened to it. It should work and with minimal risk. The four Amazons thought they could do it alone, although he told them there were about twenty men in the group. Myla and Chrissa would check the cave later that night. If the men were hiding there, the Amazons would attack the next night. They would use the temple for their base of operations, rather than the Amazon encampment. This would help with the element of surprise. Ileana was not in favor of that, but the rest of the group voted her down.
After they were finished discussing the operation, the women requested a chance to rest before dinner. Ares agreed but asked Ileana to remain behind.
‘Well, I suppose I'll have to have this conversation eventually,’ she thought. ‘Might as well get it over with.’ She took a deep breath and murmured, "My lord, you wished to speak with me?"
He stood for a moment staring at her. She didn't seem nervous. He knew anyone else, male or female, who disavowed him, would be frightened, but not her. She seemed almost disinterested, as if she would accept whatever fate awaited her. He didn't feel from her even the slightest hint of a sexual attraction, despite her unprovoked and tear-ridden requests to the contrary on the riverbank. Was it only two days ago? The silence lengthened as he tried to read her eyes. She met his stare calmly, her stance relaxed, almost at ease. "Ileana, I meant what I said."
"Thank you, Lord Ares," she replied. She dropped her eyes, she found looking at him difficult. He was still the most beautiful man she had ever seen.
He came to her, so close they were almost touching. She could feel the heat his body generated; smell the scent of him. She knew then that he did want her, even if Galea hadn't told her, she would have now been able to tell.
He noticed the change in her eyes; they were suddenly warmer, softer. "You still wear my armband," he remarked softly. "Does this mean you don't hate me?"
"Hate you?" she repeated with a soft laugh. "I couldn’t hate you. You've been kind to me and more compassionate than I deserve. I have disappointed you, I know. And for that, I'm sorry. Do you wish your armband back?"
"No," he muttered his voice rough. "I wish . . . "
"My lord," she whispered suddenly very curious, "what do you wish?"
"It is irrelevant," he replied angrily. She had the most damnable ability to make him lose control. His anger at himself made his voice harsh. "You have made your choice. Now you have to live with it."
"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I didn't mean . . . that is . . . why does this always happen when I'm alone with you? I try to say the right thing and inevitably, something else comes out. It's as if I am cursed!"
He laughed. His anger dissipated with her confusion. She was affected by him. "Ileana, most women, when alone with me, don't wish to talk. You, however, wish to talk continually." He paused then added lightly, "Well, since you're vowed to Artemis, that's probably best, isn't it?"
Now she laughed. "Yes, I suppose it is. Do you think it's possible for a mortal girl and a god to be friends?"
"Friends?" He stared at her with speculative eyes. Could she actually like him? "It would certainly be a novelty for me," he mused slowly. "I don’t have any friends."
"But surely," she suggested, "you must have some. You have brothers and sisters. Don’t they . . . Aren't you?"
Her innocent earnestness surprised the truth out of him. "Ileana," he replied his voice heavy with self-loathing, "no one likes the God of War. I am a necessary evil. Even Zeus and Hera don’t like me. After all, does one like the gray of winter? Does one like the howling winds? They are just as necessary as war, but you wouldn’t keep them around as a pet. The truth is none of the other gods like me much."
Ileana’s eyes opened wide in disbelief, "But that’s so unfair! They give you a job and then when you do it well, they dislike you for it. Why that’s the same as hating a fire because it burns. Or hating darkness because it covers the light. There can't be peace without war."
"Diamedes taught you well," he pondered thoughtfully.
She looked surprised for a moment. "You know about, well of course you would. He is your priest."
He smiled gently "Yes, I know. He seems to have given you a very different view of me than most have. I'm glad you seem to understand things so many others don't."
He was still very close to her. His eyes, she noticed carried a pain she doubted many others had ever seen. It was a pain she understood. The same pain she felt whenever Antiope looked at her. She reached up with her fingers to touch his face. He caught her hand before it reached her target and held it.
The touch of his hand on hers was like a charge of lightening through her veins. She swallowed and stated, "We'll be friends."
"I'm not sure I know how," he debated. He held her hand for a moment longer, then released it.
"Then I'll teach you, in the same way that Diamedes taught me," she mused thoughtfully. "With stories."
"And will you teach me to dance?" he asked.
Ileana looked embarrassed. "He told you, did he?" Ares nodded. "I don't think you need to learn to dance. I suspect you already know."
He grinned wickedly, resembling more than ever the God of War she had been warned about. Not the lonely god she had briefly glimpsed. "Yes, little one, I do. Why don’t you go get some rest? It’s going to be a long night."
She turned to leave, took a step, and then turned back to him. "Ares," she said with something like longing in her own voice, "I didn't know. If I had known, then maybe I would have made a different choice."
She left the room then, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
Ileana awoke in a cold sweat. She had the dream again. A sword, a beautiful sword calling her name. Only this time the dream had been stronger, clearer. She knew, without knowing how she knew, the sword was real. And Ares had it.
She glanced at Kori. She was still sleeping. Myla and Chrissa were in another room but had reported, before they went off to bed that the reconnaissance to the cave had gone well. The outlaws were there and tomorrow night the women would strike. ‘It shouldn’t be too difficult a mission,’ she thought.
She rose from the bed, there would be no going back to sleep now. She dressed as quietly as she could and decided to look around the temple.
This temple was more like a castle than the simple temple outside Parnasis. It had turrets and battlements as well as several floors with bedrooms and workrooms and studies. She had no idea where anything was, so she decided to explore.
She started on the ground floor, orienting herself by using the throne room and the war room. There was the kitchen, empty now; just glowing embers in the fireplace. Next to the kitchen was a huge dining room, big enough to feed two hundred soldiers. Off the dining room was a large forge, where skilled workers made weapons. She knew this temple was like a second home to Ares, nearly as large as his castle.
That seemed to be the rooms on the first floor. The second floor had many closed doors, she knew some would be bedrooms and she didn’t want to disturb anyone, so she climbed to the third floor. Only two rooms here, one she knew was his bedroom and the other? The door was open a crack, so she pushed it in a little farther. ‘I shouldn’t be snooping,’ she thought. As she entered the room, she realized it was an armory. The walls were lined with shields and swords, spears and armor. Any kind of weapon she could name and some others she couldn’t even begin to guess at. She saw a crossbow hanging on the wall and went toward it.
"It’s beautiful, isn’t it?" he opined. Ares stood by a window, looking out at the night.
"Ares, I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have. That is . . . " she shrugged her shoulders. "I couldn’t sleep."
He turned from the window and gazed at her. He smiled. "The bow is lovely. Would you like a closer look?"
She walked over to it. "I’ve never used a distance weapon. I prefer to look my intended victim in the eye."
"Not too bloodthirsty are we?" he asked with an amused smile.
She shook her head. "It’s not that. Kori told me once; I should only fight for what I’m willing to die for. If I’m willing to die, I must also be willing to kill. It seems somehow cheating to kill from a distance."
He nodded in understanding. "In other words," he confirmed, "you want to make sure your victim is as willing to die as you are."
She looked at him with surprise. "I didn’t think you'd understand. I haven't yet killed, but I know I will. Still, I have no wish to kill someone who isn’t as willing to die as I am. It doesn’t seem right."
He came over to stand close to her. He tilted her chin up so he could look deeply into her eyes. "Ileana, I want you to promise me something."
She stared back at him, her blue eyes studying his face. He seemed to have aged, if that were even possible, within the few hours since she’d last seen him. Gently she agreed, "If it’s within my power to grant, I will."
"It’s within your power," he requested slowly. "I want you to promise me if it ever becomes a choice between killing someone you don’t think should die and saving yourself, you'll save yourself."
She shook her head. "How can I make that promise? How can I know what I'll find when I go into battle?"
"Promise me you won't die a foolish death because you didn't think the man with the sword at your feet was willing to die. Promise me," he repeated insistently.
"I can't," she argued. "I won't promise to kill anyone who comes near me in battle just to ease your conscience."
"Conscience? You think I have a conscience? You think that’s what this is about?" He laughed bitterly. "Hardly that, Ileana. Do you remember Diamedes once told you men with swords rarely have the brains the gods gave them? Well, it’s true. I know. Most men you'll meet in battle are, at heart, cowards. They will swagger and rail and fight, but if you get the drop on them, they'll beg for their life. And then turn around and stab you in the back. I mean it, Ileana, promise me you'll protect yourself. Otherwise . . ."
"Otherwise what?" she asked. "What will you do? Turn me into a toad?"
"I do not do magic tricks!" he roared. Then he laughed. "I can see where this is going. Promise me you'll be careful."
She smiled gently. "That I can promise. But Ares, I don't enjoy the thought of killing, not even a deer, though it be necessary for survival. I will kill if I must, but I would much prefer not to."
"Go to bed, Ileana. It’s very late."
"Yes, my lord." She gave him one last searching glance and then left. However, she didn't go back to the bedroom she shared with Kori. Instead, she climbed up another flight of stairs to the battlements to look at the town. She strode to the edge and looked at the sleeping city of Thrace. ‘Somewhere down there is Tobias,’ she thought. ‘I wonder what would have happened if I had waited until morning to arrive at the stable?’
She knew she would have given herself to Tobias, left her tribe and attempted to make a life with him. She imagined their life in Thrace might have been happy. He a carpenter, she making a home, maybe having children. But it would have been a waste. She knew that now. ‘I may be in love with him,’ she thought, ‘the ache in my heart is proof of that, but that was not the life I was born for, raised for.’ As much as she cared for Tobias, she knew now her Queen and Diamedes were right. 'I am an Amazon, born to fight, born to rule.' She tilted her head to look up at the sky. The moon shone brightly and there were thousands of stars.
Ares stayed in the armory for some time after Ileana left him. He walked among the weapons and armor touching first one item and then another. For once, the caress of cold metal, the feel of sharp edged killing arms, did nothing to calm his turbulent emotions. Even examining the special items he'd received from Hephaestus, those extraordinary tools of destruction just waiting for the right warrior, didn't help. Finally, he gave up and went across the hall to his bedroom.
He entered to see Tessa waiting in his bed. She appeared to be asleep. He looked at the redhead as she lay naked and thought, ‘Always so willing, always so eager to please me.
Suddenly she opened her eyes and rose from the bed. She walked to him and asked seductively, "And what is my lord’s pleasure this evening?"
"No talking," he commanded as he grabbed her roughly about the waist and pressed his lips to hers. She opened her mouth to him, her entire body. ‘Too damn willing,’ he thought with contempt.
He threw Tessa down on the bed covering her body with his. With a thought, his clothes were gone. He continued to kiss her, brutally now, his mouth pulverizing hers. His tongue pushed insistently into her mouth, his lips crushed hers. She matched his passion, her arms went around his back, and her legs spread open beneath him.
He pulled his mouth from hers and looked at her. Her eyes were soft with emotion. Instead of pleasing him, it irritated him. He began to roughly fondle her breasts, as he watched her eyes. He rubbed her nipples until they hardened and she began to moan. Now he released them and slid one hand down between her legs. He found her opening and teased it. She moaned his name and opened her legs wider. Still, her eyes were soft, though now beginning to glaze with passion. Still, they were the wrong eyes.
He removed his fingers from inside her and thrust his rigid shaft into her instead. She arched up into him, her arms tightening around him.
He closed his eyes and began to pound into her. He tried to lose himself in the pleasures of the flesh, in the hot wetness of a woman, any woman. He stroked her hard, his chest crushing her to the bed, his movements frenzied, powerful enough to raise bruises on her thighs. He felt her legs go around his waist. Her fingers pressed into his buttocks urging him on. He slammed into her for what seemed an eternity. Every stroke a testament to his frustration. Each thrust an attempt to find an antidote for his confusion.
She was moving beneath him, grinding herself back at him. He reached down between them, found her bud, and stroked it as he continued to hammer her. She gasped and then spasmed around him. That was finally enough to offer him the release he so desperately sought. He felt his testicles tighten up and then with one final thrust he shot his seed inside her.
She moaned his name as a long sigh as he collapsed on her. He was panting harshly, his forehead slick with sweat.
Tessa stroked his hair and eyed him speculatively. She wanted to believe she had incited that much passion in him, but somehow she didn't think she had.
Ileana wasn't sure how long she had been sitting and thinking on the battlements. Suddenly she heard footsteps. She thought she recognized the tread. "I hope you don’t mind," she murmured softly. "But I couldn’t go back to sleep."
He stood staring at her back for a long moment. Even from behind, she was incredibly lovely. Her body was muscled yet lithe. Her hair shone in the light of the moon. However, more than that, there was an aura around her, a purity that even he would never be able to corrupt.
He walked to her slowly. He stood behind her, his breath whispered against her neck as he murmured her name.
She stayed still and silent her face turned to the heavens. She could feel the heat of his body as he stood just inches from her. Could feel the warmth of his desire. All her thinking had led her to another conclusion; Ares did feel something for her. She had not imagined the warmth in his eyes. It was real. The conclusion surprised her as much as it dismayed her.
He said her name again, in a voice so soft, and to her ears, so filled with longing, it nearly broke her heart.
Then he just stood there behind her saying nothing. It was as if he was waiting for something. Waiting for her? But she had no more choices to make. She had nothing she could give him. Except maybe this . . . "Ares," she asked tentatively. "I have only been vowed to Artemis for two days. Do you think?"
He laughed bitterly. "There are some things even I cannot undo."
She turned to look at him. Her eyes searched his handsome face. "I have heard that gods have the power to go back in time. To change things."
He raised his expressive eyebrows and his eyes widened with surprise. He cocked his head and said consideringly, "Yes, that's true. Unfortunately, we're not allowed to use that power very often. Zeus gets a bit testy about it. And especially not in a case like this."
"A case like this?" she repeated.
Now his expression became bitter and his mouth twisted into a grimace. "I was so sure you'd make a great warrior I did everything in my power to assure it. I sent you Kori and when that didn't seem to be enough to turn you toward me, I became a priest to teach you myself."
Before she asked, she wondered why she had never guessed, "Diamedes?"
He nodded. "Yes, that was me. And what happens? You become everything I had hoped you would be but you choose to serve the one god that precludes me from having you. And to make it so much more ironic, it's my own fault. One of the few times in my life that I do something noble, and it backfires on me. I can just imagine all the other gods on Olympus having a good laugh at my expense."
"Ares," she breathed his name like a prayer. Though his words were coated with bitterness and his tone full of self-loathing, she could hear what he hadn't said. Could see the pain in his eyes. She knew then, that he would never speak the words, probably would never even admit them to himself. He would hide his feelings from himself and the world, viewing them as a weakness and hating himself for them. Still, they existed and they were touching her heart in a way she hadn't guessed was possible.
"I lied to you about Tobias, too," he continued, the loathing in his voice even stronger. "When you came to me as Diamedes, I told you he didn't love you. It isn't true. He does love you. He was just trying to forget you. Men, as you have pointed out on more than one occasion, are not very good at controlling their baser desires."
She sucked in her breath. Tobias loved her after all! Still, as she gazed at the god before her, his dark eyes naked with pain and a yearning he couldn't express, it suddenly didn't seem quite so important. "Are you sure I can't unvow myself?"
Again he laughed, the sound like glass breaking. "Oh yes, I'm sure. Artemis won't let you go. She wants the tribe. Surely you knew how important it was to her?"
"Yes, I did. But I never dreamed . . . I didn't make that vow with a whole and free heart."
"It doesn't matter. If you break your vow to her, her punishment would be swift and terrible and I could do nothing to stop it."
"Even if it was with you?" she asked quietly.
"With me?" he repeated. He studied her eyes carefully. The emotion in them was part confusion and part concern. But there also seemed to be something else. Something that . . . "That would probably make her even angrier than if you went to Tobias. She's not very fond of me at the best of times."
Her eyes widened. "I don't wish to go to Tobias." She reached out tentatively to brush an errant curl of hair that framed his face. His grasped her hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed the fingers lightly, his lips soft, and his goatee rubbing against her skin. She felt a hot fire begin to flow through her veins and knew suddenly what she had thrown away. She closed her eyes and reveled in the feel of his mouth on her skin. He turned her hand over and began tracing the lines on her palm with his tongue. She moaned his name softly and opened her eyes.
He saw her look of yearning and desire and was finally satisfied. He released her hand and stroked the silken skin of her cheek. "We'll be friends," he said lightly. "We have no other choice."
She shook her head. "I'm sorry, Ares. What have I done to us?" she asked rhetorically.
He chuckled; but there was no bitterness in this laugh. "I'll miss you."
"What do you mean? Will Diamedes no longer answer his bell? Perhaps you could come instead?'
He smiled wickedly. "You don't mind the deception?"
She grinned. "Well, truthfully, it does prove you're every bit as manipulative and devious as they say. On the other hand, it does seem to have had some unexpected benefits."
His dark eyes filled with regret. "Ileana, we could have had so much fun."
Why had she listened to Kori, her mother, and the queen? Clearly, they didn't know this side of him. "We still can," she flirted with a coquetry she didn’t even know she had. "We just have to be more careful what kind of fun we have."
"You will not mock me," he commanded as his dark eyes flashed.
Her eyes widened, then she saw his mouth was twitching as if to hold back a smile. "Very well, I shall not mock you but I am not afraid of you either. What can I do with you?"
"You can practice your sword," he retorted with another wicked smile. "Do you still think you can beat me?"
Her sword was in her hands in seconds. "Only if you promise to play fair."
"But I'm the God of War," he protested as his sword appeared in his hand. "I don't understand the concept of fairness."
"We shall just have to see about that!" she retorted with laughter as she began to parry his thrusts.
Tessa, who had followed Ares up the stairs and eavesdropped on the conversation, watched the swordplay for a moment before leaving. ‘I can't believe he wants that blond brat. Still, he can't have her. What a fool she was to choose Artemis over him. So I’m second best, am I? We’ll just see about that.’
Kori rose early to find Ileana gone. She dressed quickly and went downstairs to the throne room. Kori was relieved to see Ares on his throne taking petitions from some warriors. She looked to him and he pointed toward the garden.
Kori walked out the temple door and found Ileana watching Tessa and Antiope train. Ileana looked tired, but happy. "Good morning, Kori," Ileana called from the bench where she was sitting. "Come join me, this is quite interesting."
Kori turned to look at the redheaded woman and the dark child as they practiced with swords. Antiope was very good nearly as good as the girl training her. "She will out-pace her teacher soon."
Ileana nodded. "Yes, I know. It’s amazing isn’t it? Not only does she look like him, she fights like him too."
‘And how would you know that?’ Kori asked herself. She looked at Ileana and inquired, "So where did you go so early?"
Ileana’s eyes remained firmly fixed on her sister. "I came out to sit in the garden. It’s so lovely and quiet here. Not at all what one would think you’d find in a temple of the God of War. And then they came out and I’ve been watching."
‘That’s not all you’ve been doing,’ Kori thought. ‘You’ve spent some time with Ares, I’ll wager. If he has touched you.’ She took a deep breath and challenged, "Ileana, about Lord Ares."
Ileana turned to her a look on her face that Kori had never seen before. It was as if a frozen pond had descended on her blue eyes. "What about him?" she repeated coldly.
Kori stared back pain in her gray eyes. "I know from experience how charming he can be. And how seductive. You must be careful of him. I know he allowed you to break your vow to him, but he never gives up easily."
"I don't think this is your concern any longer. Your service to him where I am concerned is over." At Kori’s look of surprise she added, "Yes, he told me he sent you to teach me. Kori, he’s not quite the monster you, Galea, or Artemis would like me to believe. I suppose I always knew that, but I let myself be convinced otherwise. Anyway, it matters not. What’s done is done."
"And just what has been done?" Kori inquired with concern.
Ileana laughed. "Nothing you need be worried about. I am as chaste as I ever was. He won't touch me, no matter how much I beg him to."
"Ileana!" Kori exclaimed.
Ileana laughed again. "Kori, really. Ares is a god of honor; even you admit that. I made a bargain. He made a bargain. I would just as soon never talk about this again."
Kori nodded. Her faced was lined with concern as she declared, "One last thing and then I promise to drop it. Ileana, even if he never touches you, he can tempt you in other ways. He is like a dog with a bone when he gets an idea in his head. And his idea has always been for you to lead an army in his name. He may have agreed not to make love to you, but he did not agree to drop that idea."
Ileana laughed again. "And I am such a wooden-headed little idiot I would do anything he asks? Really Kori, do you give me no credit? You, Galea, and Artemis say you wish me to be queen, but then you act as if I have no mind, no will of my own. You spent years teaching me how to think. Do you believe just because I like him that blinds me to his faults? Honestly, sometimes I think you don't know me at all!"
Now Kori laughed. "Do you know, I think this is the first time you've ever talked back to me. Ileana, my dear, I think you’ve finally grown up."
"Well it’s about time," she grumbled as she rose from the bench. "After all, I am eighteen."
"Where are you going?" Kori asked.
Ileana gave her a knowing look. "To get some sleep. I've been up for hours and suddenly find myself quite tired. I'll see you later."
Ileana had the same restless dream. This time she saw the sword clearly. It had a jeweled hilt and seemed to be made of liquid silver. It was the most beautiful sword she had ever seen. And it kept calling to her. She wanted to take it, but someone, she didn’t know who, kept saying no, don’t take it. She awoke, once again, in a cold sweat, to find Kori standing over her, looking worried.
"Child," Kori asked, "are you all right?"
"I had the strangest dream," she explained.
"What about?" Kori queried.
"A sword. I’ve dreamt of it before, but this time . . ." She shook her head to clear it. "What time is it? How long have I slept?"
"It’s getting late," Kori remarked. "Almost time for dinner. And then . . . "
Ileana nodded and got up from the bed. "Yes, the outlaws. Hand me my clothes, will you? And Kori, do me a favor, stop calling me child. I’m not one anymore."
‘No, I don’t suppose you are,’ Kori thought. ‘Whatever has happened between you and the God of War, it has changed you. But it seems, for the better.’
Three hours later, the four Amazons, and the God of War were about to start their assault on the cave. The women had no idea he was there, cloaked as he was in his powers of invisibility.
Ileana’s plan worked perfectly. Myla threw two smoke bombs into the cave and one by one, the sleeping men came out to be captured by the Amazons. After fifteen of them were bound and gagged, their leader staggered out of the cave. He was smarter than the rest of his men and prepared for a fight. Ileana had him on the ground within seconds. She hadn’t bothered to draw her sword. She simply kicked him in the groin.
The God of War laughed. ‘Her favorite move.’
"Lord Ares," Ileana called, "I know you’re here. What would you like us to do with the captives?"
Had he materialized? No, he hadn’t. How in the world was Ileana able to feel his presence? He shrugged and then appeared next to her and asked, "Are you sure the cave is empty?"
She looked at the outlaw leader lying on the ground and alleged, "I think so. This one's a coward. Let’s ask him." She picked the leader up off the ground and holding her sword to his throat asserted, "Anyone else in there? Tell me the truth or so help me, I’ll slit your throat."
It was clear he believed her. "No one else. I was the last. Please don’t kill me."
"Hardly seems worth it," she muttered as she dropped him and wiped her hands on her skirt.
‘She is magnificent,’ Ares thought. "So, Ileana," he asked, "what do you think we should do with them?"
"Let me confer," she commented with a small smile. She went over to Kori, Myla, and Chrissa and talked softly with them for a moment. She returned to his side and murmured, "My personal preference would be to kill them all as an example to any whom would trifle with Amazons. However, I was voted down. The others think we should take them to town and let the God of War decide how best they should be punished. What do you think?"
Ares laughed evilly. ‘Oh, she would have made the perfect consort. The trouble we could have gotten into!’ "I think that’s a fine idea. Only one problem, you forgot to bring a method of transporting them, didn’t you?"
"Did I?" she repeated with a laugh. She whistled three times and suddenly a horse and wagon appeared. "Did I forget to mention we borrowed a few of your soldiers and this wagon from your stable?"
Ares laughed again this time from joy. "Ileana, you do have the most interesting way of solving problems."
"Thank you," she declared with a curtsey. "I trust you'll take the captives to their punishment? My sisters and I should be going to the encampment to let them know the trouble is over."
He bowed to her. "As you wish. Will you be stopping in Thrace again before you return to your home?"
"Unlikely," she demurred. "As soon as the camp is healthy, we will need to go back straight-away. But thank you for your kindness and your help. It will not be forgotten."
Again, he bowed to her. Then moving out of earshot of the others he whispered, "If you ever need me, just ring the bell at the temple. I'll come as quickly as I can."
She nodded and then she and the others were gone.
Ares did not return to the temple after that night or for many weeks. Both Antiope and Tessa, for different reasons, suspected the problem was Ileana. Tessa knew him well enough to know he would be haunted by the memory of the non-tryst on the battlements. As for herself, she was determined to use the time to make headway with his daughter.
A week after Ileana and Ares had come and gone, Tessa was brushing Antiope’s hair. For once the child was sitting still and allowing it. "Antiope," Tessa asked, "do you miss your father?"
"How can you miss someone you never see?" she retorted bitterly. "I thought it would be better here. The Queen said he asked me to come. He wanted to supervise my training. But I see him even less now than I did before."
Tessa’s eyes widened. "You'd see him in the village?"
Antiope, noting her interest, declared slowly, "I wasn’t supposed to. He used to visit Cyan a lot. The two of them seemed to go at it like weasels at least once a week. But sometimes, I'd sneak in the hut and listen to them talk. He sure liked to talk to her."
"What did they talk about?" Tessa inquired curiously.
"Ileana, of course," Antiope grumbled. There was such bitterness and jealousy in her tone; it was as if a dark cloud had entered the room.
Tessa took a breath and asked, "What did they say about her?"
Antiope nearly spit the words. "How pretty she was, what a good warrior she would be. Once Cyan begged him to release her from her vow to him, but he just laughed. He used to say he hoped the daughter would be as good at pleasing him as the mother."
Tessa had to bite her lip to keep from screaming. She knew he had other lovers. Still, to think he would be with that old hag once a week, when he could have been with her. "What else did they say?"
‘She’s so transparent,’ Antiope thought. ‘She wants to know about Ileana because she’s jealous. Stupid cow!’ "He used to tell Cyan what he was going to do with Ileana once she was old enough to serve him. In detail. Of course, I didn’t really understand most of it, but sometimes he would show her. Practice on her." ‘There, that ought to make her split a gut,’ Antiope thought spitefully.
It didn’t. Tessa knew she was skilled enough to keep Ares sexually satisfied. What she wanted to know was what he actually planned for the blond brat. "Did he ever say what he intended to do with her tribe?"
‘So that’s it,’ Antiope thought. ‘She wants to know about his other plans.’ Antiope replied, "He said once he thought she could lead an army. I’m not sure where he thought the army would come from or where it would go, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t an army of Amazons."
"Hmm," Tessa murmured. ‘So he wants her to have an army huh? We’ll just see about that.’ "Antiope, come look in the mirror. Doesn’t your hair look pretty?"
The child grimaced at the sight of herself. ‘I look too much like him to be pretty. But someday, he will notice me.’ The ugliness that Antiope saw reflected in her mirror was only a reflection of the ugliness she saw in her soul. In truth, she was quite lovely; her flawless features a feminized version of her father. But her heart was such a black thing; all she saw was the ugliness.
End of Chapter Three
Return to Chapter Two - The Chosen One
Forward to Chapter Four - The Chosen One