Amazons Loyal to Artemis
The Amazons were loyal to the moon goddess Artemis. From my perspective, they were no different from the goddess's hunting dogs. So, suspicion was inevitable. Why were they on Naxos Island of all places?
-Secret Book. They might have found Endymion's location.
-Don't judge hastily. We don't know yet. But the Artemis cult has been searching for Endymion for a long time, so some success wouldn't be surprising. Of course, it could be coincidence. Or they might have business elsewhere on Naxos. Still, it felt too convenient.
"Not exactly thrilled to see them…."
"Same here."
Atalante seemed to feel the same. No wonder—halfway estranged from the goddess Artemis, she must find the Amazons uncomfortable.
"Atalante. Better head below deck."
I had her slip away first, then assessed the situation. We were disguised as a merchant ship, anything attention-grabbing stripped away—like Zeus's sword, tucked into the Secret Book's maw.
"Aitos, what's our best move?"
"Hm… The Amazons are all elite warriors, so avoiding conflict is wise. They'll see us as merchants and demand tribute."
The Amazons' trade was plunder. Unlike pirates, though, they considered the victim's plight somewhat. They set up at key land or sea points for tolls, same for chance encounters. Pay up in cash or goods, and they wouldn't kill you.
"Hmm…."
As I pondered, Aitos pressed eagerly.
"Of course, Your Excellency's might rivals the heavens—brushing them off would be child's play. But to pass as merchants, our hold's full of miscellaneous cargo we don't need. Hand it over, buy our safety. Smartest play."
"What've we got?"
"Pottery, silver platters, herbs. Rare as hell to islanders, unlike the mainland. Perfect for Naxos-bound traders."
Not bad. Aitos had an eye for detail, surprisingly.
"Fine. We'll pay the toll. You handle negotiations."
"Leave it to me. I'm seasoned at this. Won't disappoint."
Aitos was pushing his skills harder lately. Desperate ambition, huh.
Whoosh—
As our ship cut through waves toward Naxos, sure enough, an Amazon vessel approached. They looked easy pickings, ripe for a shakedown. Why did everyone—pirates, Amazons—only think of robbing others? I itched to smash them, but with our mission, we'd play nice.
"Halt!"
The deck pirates blanched at the shout. Someone muttered worriedly.
"Captured as prisoners? We're done for…."
Amazons usually took money and let you go, but sometimes they took captives. Those meant death. Why? To breed. The men serviced multiple Amazons, then got slaughtered like pigs. Fleeting pleasure, miserable end.
"Oars horizontal!"
Aitos's order rang out. Oars dipped at angles pulled in level—no intent to flee.
Soon their ship closed, grapnel ropes flying. Whoosh. Whoosh. Impressive aim from afar, hooks biting true.
Lightly armored Amazons dashed the precarious tightropes over.
"Whoa!"
Like sea swallows. Legends said they trained in martial arts from childhood, worth a hundred men—no exaggeration.
"You lot! Kneel!"
Pirates dropped fast at the roar. Damn, Amazons were all beauties. Toned builds, like college athletes back on Earth. They only took handsome men, so their daughters turned out stunning too.
"Who's the captain here?"
The apparent leader asked. I nudged Aitos with my elbow. He rose reluctantly.
"Honored warrior women, favored by goddess Artemis. I am Aitos, captain of this vessel."
"Know what tribute we Amazons deserve?"
"Of course. Hunters of sea and land monsters—you merit utmost respect."
Amazons justified extortion as pay for monster hunts. They did group hunts to hone skills occasionally, but mostly this racket.
"You know manners. How many aboard?"
"Fifty-three total."
"Three Athenian owl silver coins per head. Goods of equal value accepted."
"Naturally. Honored to aid Amazon heroes."
"Hohoho."
Aitos's smooth flattery amused them into laughter. Pirates hauled pottery and silverware topside; greed lit their eyes. Excuses aside, bandits through and through.
"Fine haul. Trading to Naxos?"
"Yes."
"Best turn back."
Leader advised genially, pleased with loot.
"Why? This fool doesn't understand."
"Our queen leads troops there. On important business—don't rile her."
I froze, eavesdropping prone. What? Amazon queen on Naxos? Why? Had they pinpointed Endymion?
"Grateful advice. I'll heed it."
Aitos groveled masterfully. Boats arrived; they loaded spoils. Smooth end in sight. Plus vital intel—not bad. Pottery and platters? Who cares. Prime pirate loot was already Secret Book-bound, gold bars included.
"Safe travels."
Aitos bowed deeper as they prepared to leave. But fate twists.
A sharp cry from their ship.
"Wait!"
Clear, valiant voice. A red-haired warrior shot skyward.
"What the—?"
My jaw dropped. Vast gap between ships, yet she leaped it. Possible? Her arc peaked precisely over us, halting midair before landing lightly.
"Gasp."
Awe stifled breath. Unfathomable skill—leaping afar, hovering descent. Beyond my imitation.
-No ordinary woman.
Instant wariness. I eyed her covertly. Secret Book spoke first.
-Peleus, you don't grasp human beauty yet, but isn't she stunning? Other Amazons look like seafood now.
Even the Secret Book, clueless on humans, recognized peak allure. Only two beauties it praised: Atalante and Helen. Goddess-rivaling looks required.
This redhead matched.
-Indeed. If she's a phoenix, the rest are hens.
Exceptional power and beauty—surely a famed Greek-Roman myth hero.
Her arrival tensed the once-relaxed Amazons. Leader asked tensely.
"Lady Hippolyte. Why come to this lowly ship full of men?"
Hippolyte?! Ears perked, identity confirmed. Hippolyte—sister to Amazon queen Penthesilea, royal. In history, paired with Heracles, tragic end.
"Am I some pampered princess? I'm an Amazon warrior too. Men are weak prey to take anytime. Why not?"
"True, but…."
"I'm twenty-four. Lived as warrior, no husband yet. Craving a child. Perfect—ship full of men. Time to pick a groom?"
Chilling from an Amazon. "Marriage" meant bedding, then death.
"I understand, Lady Hippolyte. No objection. But you're noble—unlikely gems among these rabble."
"Pearls hide in mud sometimes. None? Fine. Line 'em up. I'll choose."
"As you wish."
Leader, once lenient, turned savage.
"Stand straight! Quick! All in line, no stragglers!"
Drill sergeant vibe. I lined up, worried for Atalante. Seemed hidden below.
"All here?"
"Yes, Lady Hippolyte."
"Hmm… Warrior life sparked curiosity about bed sport. Anyone here worthy for tonight?"
Hippolyte strode arrogantly, appraising.
"Pity. All look rotten fish."
Amazons giggled, mood lightening. Leader stayed stiff—knew her nature.
Like a general inspecting troops.
"Hear me. I seek a husband. Virgin, beauty unmatched—honor to bed me."
Athenians forbidding women streets would gawk.
"Worthless lot—when else embrace such beauty? While you gasp beneath me, feel conqueror's thrill. Step up if brave."
Sane man avoids Amazon brides. But fools exist. Dazed by her allure, a pirate hand shot up.
"I'll volunteer!"
Old sea dog. Aitos shook head nearby. Youthful lust or desperate gamble from slavery?
Result? Swift.
Slash!
Hippolyte beheaded him. Plop! Head splashed cheerily. Body stood, hand raised. Gush—blood fountained.
She recoiled, frowning at potential splatter.
"Know your place."
Shocking—not the death, but unseen draw. Far stronger than thought. Avoid clash.
Then, unluckily, eyes met.
"Hmm?"
She smiled bewitchingly. War goddess incarnate.
"Hohoho. See? Pearls in mud."
Graceful steps to me.
Shit, tangled.
"Your name?"
"Why know a lowly merchant's?"
"Must know my tonight's groom's name?"
Damn luck. She coyly brushed my bangs.
"No slave brand on your forehead. You're their master, then. Hohoho, no peasant—face handsome too."
Brain raced. Captured? Death. Draw sword? Her strength daunting, numbers too.
Best way out?
Suddenly, silver hair popped from below.
"No!"
Atalante. Eyes widened. Hidden safe—why emerge?! Before reproach, she nocked arrow at Hippolyte.
"Don't touch that man!"
Furious beyond reason.