I'd like to thank Arete for so many things! For her editing, her encouragement, her ear, the use of her character and especially because without her and Dangerous Games, I'd never have wanted to write about this! And thanks for Celtius <G> Thanks to AresVixen for reading everything I wrote even if it made no sense <G> And thanks to Laurissa for her wonderful feedback and her always generous encouragement! Thanks also to Ceallach, Lessa, Calee, Psam and Danae for the use of their characters!
This story is a sequel to Dangerous Games by Arete.
Please note: Where there are songs, you can click on the lyrics to hear the song. Please have a listen :) Music played a huge role in this story and I only used a few of the things that inspired me as I wrote. So I highly recommend listening to them If you'd like to download the songs before hand, or the complete song, click here
From the back of the tavern, dark eyes watched the couple. He couldn't understand it, why did she continue to return? What did she see in that farmer? He shook his head and took another drink. He'd seen her and her Amazon sister, Arete, on the road to Cyrus several times. He'd watched them both, contemplating. But in the end, it seemed that this one was the one to focus on. He owed both of them and one way or another, he'd see the debt repaid. He drained the mug and called for another.
They were being asked to perform, although he could tell she was protesting. The man rose gracefully and led her to the little makeshift stage by the fire. She sat with her back to the fire, which cast a golden tone over her pale skin. It also picked up all the red and gold in her long hair, and made it look alive with it's own inner light. The man, Celtius, picked up a small lyre and was soon plucking out a beautiful melody. He wondered briefly where this farmer could have learned to play such an instrument so well. But thoughts fled when her sweet, clear voice filled the room.
Listen to me I have
beautiful dreams I can spin you.
Dreams to linger within you......
Storybook from
Scarlet Pimpernel(see note)
He watched the interaction between them and wondered again what it was that a woman like her could find attractive in someone like him. He hoped that they'd stay and she'd sing again but after a little discussion, the blond farmer pulled her off the stage.
He watched as they called out good-byes and Celtius led her from the tavern. He had found out what he needed to, at least for now. He put some coins on the table and followed them out the door.
Six months earlier
"Are you almost ready to head out?" Arete asked them.
The morning was young and they wanted to get an early start. The farmers had come out to wish them well on their journey. Iolaus was going to be joining Sura and Arete for part of the trip. "I'm ready whenever you are," Sura said.
"Sura," Iolaus said quietly. "I think someone wants a private word with you."
She looked up and saw Celtius. She smiled as she walked towards him. "Hi."
"I wanted to thank you for everything and..." he paused, frowning. "No, that's not entirely true." He looked around. "Can we go somewhere quieter?" Before she could answer, he grabbed her hand and led her away. Once they were well away from the crowd, he stopped. "Can I ask you something?"
She withdrew her hand from his gently. "Of course," she responded.
"What was it like, the first time you had to kill someone?"
She gave him a sad smile, recalling that first time. That was the first time she'd seen Ares. The day her life had changed dramatically. "It all happened so fast. At first I wasn't even sure what was going on, I was in the middle of a fight. Afterwards, I was in shock. A lot of things happened to me in such a short time, I'm afraid it didn't totally register." She recalled realizing the blood on her belonged to someone else and the feeling of uncleanliness. She'd had those clothes burnt. "When it did, I was distraught. But someone forced me to deal with it and move on."
"Who?" he asked, a bit intrigued by her story.
"It doesn't matter," she still didn't want to discuss Ares with him. He knew a little about the events of the morning after Colten had been defeated. He vaguely knew that it had something to do with Ares but not the extent of the game Arete and Sura played nor their connection with him. She wanted to keep it that way. "It wasn't an experience I wanted to repeat, but I wasn't given a choice."
He realized she didn't want to discuss it further. "I didn't like the feeling either. It's not easy is it?" She shook her head. "But I did what I had to do and now it's time to move on."
She smiled at him, "that's all we can do. Think of all the lives you saved. You and the others were wonderful and brave. You're the heroes, not us."
"Never could have done it without you and Iolaus to give us courage. And Arete came just in time." His eyes twinkled as he added, "Especially seeing that she's better with a crossbow."
She laughed. "Oh thanks. Just not my choice of weapon."
He looked at her, his blue eyes serious again. "I don't know how to say good-bye."
"Then don't. Just say 'safe journey'."
"You know that's not what I meant. I just wish..."
"Please," she pleaded. This had been going so well. "I have to go, we've been gone from the Amazons too long and.."
"I know. Will you come back?"
She smiled softly, "I don't know. I can't make any promises." But the hurt look she caught in his eyes before he looked away was too much for her. She touched his arm. "I'll try."
"I guess I'll have to settle for that right now," he gave her a boyish smile.
She laughed lightly, then, impulsively, she hugged him. "You are a wonderful man."
She turned to leave when his voice stopped her, "Sura?"
"Hmm?" she turned back to him.
"You, Arete, and Iolaus have changed many lives here..."
"Celtius.."
"No, let me finish. I've had more adventure in the past few days than my whole life. Even if things didn't always turn out the way we expected. I'll never forget you."
She wasn't sure what to say to that. Then like a blessing, she heard Iolaus' voice calling her. "Thank you, Celtius. Take care of yourself."
"Safe journey, Sura."
She gave him a quick smile and walked briskly back to her friends.
Sura and Arete said good-bye to Iolaus a day from the Amazon camp. "Thanks," Arete said as she hugged him.
"We never could have defeated Colten without you," Sura also embraced him.
"Hey we made a good team, even if Arete was a little late in joining the party." Arete rolled her eyes at the blond man. "You two watch yourselves with Ares," he said in a serious tone.
"Yes, Iolaus," they replied in unison. Then they burst out laughing.
"Alright I get it," he too chuckled. "I guess if anyone can handle him, you two can."
"We've had enough practice," Arete said.
"Safe journey to both of you." Arete and Sura turned to leave as did Iolaus. But then his voice stopped them. "Sura?"
She turned back to him, "hum?"
"Remember what I said to Celtius in the barn that day? I think you'd do well to listen to that too."
She gave him a bewildered look. "What do you mean?"
"I saw you and Celtius together. Follow your heart, Sura." With that he turned and walked away.
The two Amazons traveled faster than they normally would have, due to the unexpected setback. They had sent a messenger to the Queen with a brief explanation, but they still needed to get back quickly and make a full report. They traveled in a comfortable silence, as the two were close and didn't need to fill empty space with talk. When darkness fell, they debated continuing through the night, but both of them were exhausted from the recent adventure. Sura still had a headache from being struck on the head. Luckily Arete's illness left no lasting effects, but she was tired.
"Sura, what do you think Ares will do?" Arete said a little later when they were sitting around the fire.
"Nothing, at least not for a while. He wants us to think he'll retaliate right away and when he doesn't..."
"He thinks we'll let our guard down," Arete picked up her thoughts quickly.
"Exactly. Oh, he might throw us little things here and there, again to lead us to think that's all he's planning. But it won't be, not if I know him."
"So it's a waiting game now?" Arete queried.
"Yep," Sura replied, poking the fire with a stick. "Now is the time to relax a little, although not too much because he might surprise us. But one thing about Ares, he is somewhat predictable in his thinking. A lot of men are. No creativity." They both laughed at that.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Why didn't you stay in Cyrus for?" Arete's green eyes focused on her face.
She looked up in surprise. "What? Why would I do that?"
"Sura, come on, it's me you're talking to."
She shrugged, "Responsibilities. We have to give our report to the Queen."
"I could have done that."
"Ree is there. She needs me and there are things to be done."
"Like what?"
She paused. "I don't know exactly but there are always things to be done. And anyway..."
Arete's light snort stopped her. "It's obvious you have feelings for him."
"It is?" Sura shook her head. "I don't know, Arete. He's so unlike anyone I've ever known."
"Then why are you here?"
"You want me to leave?" Sura joked with her.
"You know that's not it. But I want you to be happy."
"I am happy."
"That's not what I meant," Arete pressed her.
"I know." Sura looked into the flames for a moment. "I'm so wrong for him. And how in the world could I ever tell him about my past? About Ares? He'd never understand."
"How do you know if you never give it a chance? I didn't have much time to get to know him, but he seemed like a good man. Much stronger than I would have thought."
"He is. He's handsome, brave, strong, and honorable. He's also innocent and kind, gentle; before the fight, he had never seen anyone die, let alone kill." She laughed lightly. "What am I saying? It was only a kiss and here I am making something out of nothing! I sound like a fool, don't I?" Then she tried to change the mood, "No, don't answer that."
Arete laughed with her and took the hint. She knew Sura well though and she had seen Celtius around her. There was something there, something that would be good for her friend. But she knew that Sura would fight it all the way. And she knew why.
The camp was full of activities, as usual, when they got back. They went first to report to the Queen then Sura was instructed to go have her injury looked at, even though she insisted she was fine. So she went to the infirmary, too weary to argue.
"Sura! You're okay!" Therena's eyes were full of concern. Even though Sura was the one who should be concerned, since the girl was the one with her arm in a splint.
"Ree, what happened?" Therena was like a younger sister to Sura. Her mother, Miara, had been one of the first Amazons Sura had met, when she had just begun her service to Ares. Miara respected Sura's position in Ares' temple but she also showed Sura another way of life. She'd helped Sura when she'd left Ares' temple for the last time. Sura had joined with another tribe of Amazons, for various reasons, but they'd remained close.
She had been out scouting with Arete and Lessa when they came upon a scene that Sura wouldn't ever forget. When they had seen the bodies, the three of them were immediately on guard. Then Sura had realized that Miara was one of those bodies. She had hurried to her side and had been relieved to see she still lived. The man, however had been killed, and brutally so. Miara lived only long enough to tell Sura what happened and to extract a promise.
Miara had been leaving her tribe to be with her mate, when they had been set upon by a group of warriors. He had been killed immediately but it had given Therena enough time to get to safety. Miara had been torn between making sure her daughter was safe and helping the man she loved. Her indecision had cost them both, as she watched him be struck down, she herself had been struck from behind. She had begged Sura to find her daughter and had made her promise to take care of her. Then Miara had died in her arms.
Arete and Lessa had overheard and helped Sura search for the girl. Arete was the one who found the very frightened child. Therena wouldn't talk to any of them but Sura wouldn't let her out of her sight.
The three of them had built pyres and had given the Amazon and her mate a proper farewell. Tears had blinded Sura so that she had missed the blur coming at her. Therena had attacked her with a vengeance, hitting and kicking her until Arete and Lessa had pulled the little fury off her. Sura looked at her and saw the pain in Therena's eyes and knew exactly what had prompted the attack. Hadn't she felt the same way after her parents died? She had told them to let her go, fully prepared to let the girl take out her anger on her. "It's okay, she's just hurting; she needs an outlet. It's exactly how I felt when my parents were killed."
Arete and Lessa let her go and Therena ran at Sura again. But, to their surprise, instead of attacking, she just grabbed onto her and started crying. Sura lost her heart to the girl right there as she held the sobbing form, trying to comfort her.
After that Sura became responsible for a very confused, hurt, and angry thirteen year old. At first Therena, or Ree as she liked to be called, wouldn't let anyone else around her besides Sura, Arete, and Lessa. She only tolerated the other two. When Arete eventually gained Ree's trust, Sura begged her to help look after her. Arete had agreed, as she also understood what it meant to have no family.
That had been almost three years ago, and Ree had blossomed into a beautiful young woman. Unfortunately she wasn't the best fighter in the camp and often ended up in the infirmary.
Ree blushed. "I'm sorry, I tried! It's just that I can't seem to get some of those moves down with the staff."
Sura sighed. She would be a better fighter if she practiced but she seemed more interested in going into the nearest town and looking at the boys. "What am I going to do with you?"
"You or Arete could give me more private lessons?" She suggested tentatively. She knew she got more special attention than the others her age but she couldn't bear to let Sura down.
"We'll see. I think Arete and I are both too easy on you. I'll ask Lessa or Calee to help you. But I mean it Ree, this has to stop. You have to keep up."
Ree knew she was serious and she vowed to herself to try harder. "You didn't answer my question. Are you okay? I was told what happened, I was so worried about you!"
She smiled at her, never able to stay mad at the girl. "I'm fine. Now go take care of yourself."
Things continued on as normal in the Amazon camp. Only those closed to her noticed Sura's discontented state. She didn't really even know what was wrong with her but she was restless. If she was honest with herself, she'd felt that way only since the events in Cyrus. But if she admitted that, she'd have to admit that it wasn't Cyrus, but one man. And that wouldn't do. So she tried not to think of him, tried to stay away.
But when the Queen asked for a small group to go north on a diplomatic mission, she jumped at the chance, wanting to do something that would distract her. After some stern words to Ree and making sure Lessa and Calee both took her in hand with her training, she set off with Arete and Ceal. She told herself she was anxious because she wanted to help work out the peace agreement, not because they would pass Cyrus. Not because it would be so easy to see him.
"I think we should stop in that town that you two helped a couple months ago," Ceal commented.
Sura glanced sharply at Arete, wondering what she'd told Ceal. "We don't need to stop there. We still have plenty of light left."
Arete couldn't pass up the chance to tease her friend. "I think Celtius would be disappointed if he knew you'd come this way and you didn't stop and see him."
"Arete!" Sura protested.
"Who?"
"Just a friend who helped us while we were there," Sura mumbled.
Ceal looked at her. "Is he the reason you've been so distracted lately?"
"I haven't been distracted!"
"And defensive," Arete added, laughing.
"I'm not..." Sura stopped, hands on hips, and glared at the two. "This is not funny."
"You know you want to."
"There's nothing wrong with wanting to see him again," Arete added
Sura blushed because they were right, she wanted to. "Will you two stop?"
"Now what fun would that be?" Ceal said, walking ahead of them "Come on, I want to meet this guy."
Sura rolled her eyes. "This is going to be impossible!"
They walked to the inn first, to get rooms for the night. Arete and Sura were both welcomed with open arms by the townsfolk and the innkeeper insisted on giving them free rooms for the night.
Sura couldn't deny how much she wanted to see him. Not when her heart sped up at the mere thought. Sura excused herself when Ceal and Arete decided to get some food, ignoring their knowing looks. She walked outside, deciding she should probably ask if anyone had seen him, but reluctant to do so. She had no idea why she was so nervous. She'd never been nervous around men before, except sometimes around Ares but that didn't count. Well at least she could shop a little and not appear like she'd just come to find him. Maybe then she could casually ask the shopkeeper about him or his father. That was it; she'd buy a new sharpening stone and ask about his father. That wouldn't be obvious. She started towards the store then realized what she had just done and started laughing. "This is ridiculous," she said to herself. "What is wrong with me?"
"I'd say absolutely nothing," a voice came from behind her.
She turned so fast that she nearly lost her balance. "Celtius!"
He put a hand out to steady her. "Sorry. Didn't mean to startle you."
"You didn't...I mean I didn't think there was anyone around. I was just going to...."
"It's good to see you, Sura." His voice was soft as he cut her off.
"You too." She looked up into his eyes and suddenly she was glad they had stopped here, even if she'd never hear the end of it. He looked as handsome as she remembered, his blond hair slightly tousled by the wind, his blue eyes sparkling. "You look well." And she couldn't think of a single thing else to say. They both just stood there, Arete broke their revere.
"Sura? Oh, I see you found her, Celtius," Arete called to them. Sura tore her eyes away from his and watched Arete walk towards them. "So are you going to eat or are you going to go hungry? Celtius already agreed to join us."
Sura just stared at her friend while Celtius said to her, "If you don't mind, that is."
"I don't; do you, Sura?"
She gave Arete a look before smiling at Celtius. "Of course not. I'd like that."
"Good." Arete turned and walked back to the inn.
"I take it you met Ceal?" she asked as they started walking towards the inn.
"Yeah. I was helping Ileara and her son rearrange the cellars. She came down to tell me she'd seen you and Arete. I ran into Arete and Ceal in the tavern. They told me you'd gone for a walk."
That sounded odd if she thought about it since she'd been walking all day. "I was just going to buy a few things," she said as they entered the establishment. He led her to the table where her friends were seated and held out the chair for her. "Thanks." She gave him another smile, ignoring the look between Ceal and Arete. She'd be lucky if they didn't embarrass both her and Celtius during dinner.
Celtius left after they were finished with the meal, having to get back to help his father. "I'd like to see you before you leave," he'd whispered to her as he was leaving. She'd nodded and told him to come by early.
After she'd had enough teasing from her friends, Sura retired to her room. Her mind wouldn't be quiet and her thoughts kept wandering to Celtius and of all the events that happened the last time she'd been in Cyrus, which, of course, included Ares. She smiled at how they'd outmaneuvered him, but she did wonder if he'd calmed down any. He couldn't fault them with playing the game; after all, he'd taught both of them well. But she knew he would have to retaliate; he wouldn't let them 'get away' with pulling one over on him, his ego wouldn't let him. Sighing, she tried to get the thoughts out of her head and go to sleep.
When Celtius came by early the next morning, Sura eagerly accepted his invitation for a walk. They walked along in the early morning mist, talking quietly of many things, but again about how he'd felt after the fight and having to kill someone. He handled it better than she had her first kill. Sura was impressed again with his quiet strength.
They stopped walking only when they were unable to go further because the road was suddenly filled with pigs. Sura felt bad for the farmer trying to corral them but she wasn't going near the animals. Celtius had no trouble jumping in to help his neighbor and she just stood there watching in amusement while they got them back where they were supposed to go. Although she hadn't noticed the chill before, she did now that she wasn't moving. When they were finished Celtius walked back to her. He saw her shivering and he instinctively wrapped his arms around her to warm her. Which it did, on the inside as well as out. And that made her nervous. "I have to get back, they'll want to get going," she said as she pulled back a little. He said nothing but took her hand in his and started walking back.
"Next time, stay longer." He stopped a little distance from the inn.
"I don't know if there'll be a next time, Celtius." She hoped this wasn't going to be awkward.
But he just smiled. "There will be."
He pulled her to him again and she didn't protest. She liked the feeling of his arms around her. "Celtius?" She looked up at him.
Kiss me, she wanted to say. Now where had that come from? "Thank you for a lovely morning."
"It was my pleasure." Then as if he heard her thoughts, he kissed her. A gentle yet passionate kiss that sent her senses reeling. She gave a small sound of disappointment when he pulled back. As she opened her mouth to say something, he put a finger to her lips. "They're waiting."
She looked to find her friends waiting for her just inside the inn. She looked at him and just smiled as she turned and walked to Arete and Ceal.
The rest of the journey north was uneventful. They concluded their business quickly and headed home. They had only been on the road a day when the attack came. It was Ceal's warning that had the other two drawing their weapons. The battle, more of a skirmish, was over quickly. The men had been warriors and Sura knew she wasn't the only one who guessed who had sent them. Especially when the bodies disappeared.
"I think that gives us our answer," Arete said grimly.
"But that wasn't much of a challenge. What did he think to prove by that?" Ceal knew everything that happened in Cyrus and she expected something bigger. "Unless this was just a test?"
"Or a warning."
"I think he just wants to make sure we haven't forgotten him," Sura added. "And to let us know he hasn't forgiven."
Arete frowned, "That doesn't surprise me. His ego wouldn't let him let us forget anything. Like you said, Sura, he's predictable."
Sura started laughing. "You know he's probably listening," she tried to explain. "I'm sorry, but I can just picture his face if he heard that comment."
"He probably wouldn't appreciate it," Ceal said, smiling.
"No, he wouldn't," Arete was laughing too.
"Sorry. It really isn't funny because it just tells me he hasn't let it go."
Arete nodded, "Let's get going, I think we'll be safe for a while."
Over the next several months, Sura found more excuses to go back to Cyrus. Even though she continued to deny that there was anything more than friendship between her and Celtius, it was obvious to her sisters why she continued to go back there.
She never stayed for more than a couple of days though, afraid to stay longer. She did make herself useful to the villagers by helping around wherever she could, not being one to sit around. It was a peaceful life and it was a nice change for her whenever she was there. But it was Celtius who made her want to come back. He made her feel things she hadn't felt for a long time. It scared her because it was addictive. They could talk for hours and still never run out of things to say. Yet Sura never let things get too intimate, nothing beyond a few kisses. And she always avoided talking about her past. She didn't want to have to tell him anything about Ares, afraid of what he might think of her. He knew she was a warrior because she was an Amazon. But if he found out that she had once served Ares and in more ways than one, she doubted he'd accept that.
Sura was spending time with Celtius' sister, Jaela, when she found out about Celtius' lyre. He blushed when she asked him about it, but she insisted that he play for her.
She'd been thrilled to hear him play so well. Then she was persuaded to sing for him and Celtius was once again amazed at her talent. Her voice was one of the most beautiful he'd ever heard. From that day on, they spent hours playing and singing and the bond between them grew even stronger.
Storybook from
Scarlet Pimpernel (see note)
To hear the full song, click here
She watched Celtius as he finished the final notes of the song before turning to the crowd and acknowledging the applause. She loved to hear him play, and she loved singing with him. The people loved it too, even though it embarrassed her a bit.
His eyes sparkled when he looked at her. "Sura, you amaze me, you know that?"
She smiled. "Why?"
"Just because."
She shook her head and rolled her eyes. She was getting used to him doing that by now. He was always saying something like that and then when she asked what he meant, the answer was always the same.
"Come on," he grabbed her hand and led her off the little stage. "Let's get out of here."
She nodded, more than happy to spend time alone with him. They quickly left the tavern, neither noticing the man who watched them. Out in the street, Celtius pulled her into his arms and soundly kissed her. She pulled back a little breathlessly. "What was that for?"
"Just because." She gave him one of her looks then rested her head on his chest. He wanted to tell her the real reason, that he loved her. But he knew she'd probably run the other way if he did. He was sure she felt something for him, but she fought it. He didn't know why she was afraid but he'd be patient until she was ready. Even though every time she went back to the Amazons he wanted to beg her to stay. But he wouldn't do that; she needed her freedom. So much had happened since she came into his life. The best of all, of course, was the woman in his arms. The fact that she came back to see him, amazed him.
"Excuse me," a deep voice interrupted them.
Sura looked up at the stranger in surprise. Before she could say anything, Celtius pulled back and was shaking the stranger's hand. "I thought you'd left town."
"I started to but my horse went lame and it was better not to go on."
Sura crossed her arms and looked at the other man. He was about the same height as Celtius but he was much broader in the shoulders. Sura couldn't help but resent his intrusion. Couldn't he tell this was not a good time to just come say 'hi'? She wished he would just go away.
"Oh, I'm sorry! Sura, I'd like to introduce you to Garieus. Garieus, this is the woman I've been telling you about." She was surprised by that, considering she'd never heard of Garieus before.
Garieus took her hand. "You are all he talks about. But we've met before."
"We have?" She said as she pulled her hand away and looked at him closely. There was something naggingly familiar about him but she could swear she'd never met him.
"You never told me that," Celtius looked confused.
"I didn't realize it until earlier, in the tavern," he smiled at both of them. "It was a while back, close to Thebes and she was with another Amazon. It probably meant nothing to her, but it saved my wife and son."
"What happened?"
"We were on our way to visit relatives when our boy ran off. Teriesa went off by herself to look for him and by the time I found her, Sura and her friend had stopped these men from taking her and doing unspeakable things. They would have killed both of them if not for her help. I've been forever grateful. I just wanted to come and tell you that."
Sura vaguely remembered something like that happening a couple of years ago; she'd been with Arete when they saw some ruffians tormenting a woman and child. He was right in that if they hadn't stepped in, the woman would have been raped and who knows what they would have done to the child. She smiled at the man, sorry she'd been abrupt with him earlier. "Where is your family now?"
"They died of a fever about six months ago."
"Oh, I'm so sorry."
Celtius took her hand in his. "He's been wandering since then. He showed up a couple months ago and has been helping us ever since."
"A couple months?" Why had she not met him before?
"I still wander a lot. I like it here but I can't seem to stay still for long. I always come back though."
"Ah, I find myself irresistibly drawn here myself," she said as she gave Celtius a smile.
Garieus cleared his throat. "I can see I'm intruding." Sura looked back at him and for an instant she could have sworn she saw his eyes darken in anger. Then it was gone. "I'll catch up with you later, Celtius. Nice to see you again, Sura."
They watched him walk back towards the tavern. Sura wasn't sure what it was, but she got an odd feeling about Garieus. "Who is he?" she said as she started to walk away from the village, pulling Celtius along with her.
"Like he said, he's a wanderer. He's been teaching some of the men to fight." Sura raised her eyebrow at that. "Not a lot, just basics. He was a solider, you know. He also helps Father when I'm not there."
"You sound like you've gotten to know him well." She was curious about this, as Celtius had never talked about this man at all.
"Oh, I have. He's a good friend. And as you heard, he's suffered a lot."
"It's strange that you never mentioned him. I mean if he's been coming around for a couple months."
He shrugged, "Never really thought about it."
"Never thought about it?" She pulled her hand from his. "It sounded to me like he knew a lot about us. Yet I've never heard of him. I was a little surprised."
He stopped walking and took both her hands to stop her. "Sura, I'm sorry. I don't want to fight about this. I really never considered it that important. I can't help but talk about you, though. Besides our time together is so short as it is, there are better things to discuss."
She sighed. He was right; she was being silly. After all, it's not as if she told him everything. She put her arms around him. "I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me."
He smiled. "It's okay." He kissed her softly. "Sura?"
"Yes?"
"Did you mean what you said?"
"Yes. You're the reason I come back here, Celtius," her voice was low.
"I'm glad." He said no more because for now it was enough. He pulled back a little then took her hand. "Come on."
"Where?" she asked in puzzlement.
"Just come on."
She gave him a baffled look but did as he asked. Then he led her up a hill and paused. "Close your eyes."
She did as he asked and then let out a little shriek when he picked her up. "Celtius, what are you doing?" Her eyes flew open in surprise. "Put me down!"
"Nope," he laughed. "Now, hush. And keep your eyes closed. You'll see."
She buried her face in the crook of his neck. She couldn't believe he was carrying her; she felt a bit awkward. Finally he stopped and set her down gently, his arms staying around her so she didn't fall. "Can I open them?" she whispered.
"Yes."
She did and at first she couldn't make out much more than a valley with some shapes moving around. As her eyes focused, she saw a small band of horses, some of the most beautiful horses she'd seen. Then she saw them; two foals playing in the moonlight. "Oh! How precious." One was running and jumping in circles about the other. She smiled at the antics. "They are beautiful!" She kept her voice soft. The one who was standing still was pure black, while the playful one...dear gods, it looked exactly like her beloved horse she'd left behind when she'd left Ares. "Whose are they?" she asked in awe.
"No one knows. They showed up on Autriopes' land about a month ago. Garieus and Autriopes both have tried to approach them, but they won't let anyone near. Garieus says they're wild and should be.... what are you doing?"
"Shh!" she waved to him while she walked slowly down the hill.
"Sura, please. Garieus said the stallion attacked him."
She didn't even look back. "I'll be fine."
The horses looked up at the sound of her voice and they started to back away, the foals running to the far side. She stopped and waited, not moving. She felt Celtius behind her now and just grabbed his hand. They waited for a while until they went back to grazing. Then slowly she walked forward again until it looked like they were going to move again. Then she stopped again and sat down on the grass. "Come sit, they'll get used to us."
He sat behind her and put his arms around her. "You're crazy," he whispered in her ear.
She leaned back against him as she laughed quietly. They watched for a while, until the babies started to play again. Then the pure black one became bold and started to inch towards them, only to be nipped at by one of the mares. They both chuckled at that. "It's okay, little one. We're not going to hurt you."
Again all the heads snapped in their direction. The other foal snorted and then started towards them. Sura moved out of Celtius' arms and scooted forward a little. The foal stopped, not sure what to do. The other joined the first and they both watched her as she had watched them. She started talking quietly. The pure black one took another step towards her, his ears twitching back and forth quickly. She was thrilled that he might approach her so soon, but then both of the foals turned and ran as there was a loud noise at the top of the hill. The rest of the herd took off as well. Celtius was already at the top when Sura got up in irritation. Celtius' friend was back and they were talking. She walked up the hill, trying to calm her quickly rising ire. "What's going on?"
"I have to get back to the farm," Celtius' voice was resigned.
"What's happened?"
Garieus answered her, "It has to do with one of the cows. I'm sorry to interrupt again, but Jaela said it was urgent. He's the only one who can handle her."
Celtius just nodded, while watching Sura. He knew she wouldn't be happy.
Sura wasn't sure what to think about Garieus' story. But if Celtius was needed, then he had to go. But just how did Garieus know to find them here? "I see." She turned to Celtius making her voice light, "Well, go on. Don't worry about me."
"I'll walk you back."
"I can do that. I mean Jaela said it was an emergency."
Sura looked at Garieus in surprise. Of all the nerve, she thought. "I don't need anyone to walk me back," she said coldly to him. "I can manage on my own."
"Sura, I'm sorry."
Determined not to speak to Garieus again if she could help it, she turned back to Celtius. Her features softened when she saw the trepidation on his face. "Don't be. Go take care of what you have to. I'll be fine."
"Promise me you won't go back down there," he indicated to the band of horses.
She laughed, "Ah, you're no fun."
"I'm serious," he frowned. He knew she would do just that if he didn't ask her not to. She'd want to tame them all.
"Alright," she said, still grinning. "I promise I won't go back down tonight. Now go on."
"You sure?"
"Celtius," she said in exasperation. "Yes I'm sure. I'll see you in the morning?"
He was relieved that she wasn't mad at him. "Better believe it."
"Good. Tell Jaela hi for me."
"I will. Night Sura," he turned.
"Umm Celtius?" He looked back at her. "Don't I get a goodnight kiss?"
He looked a bit surprised, then he grinned and quickly complied.
"Let's get going," Garieus' voice interrupted them again.
"I'm really starting to get annoyed with him," Sura whispered in his ear before one last quick kiss. "Goodnight." Then she turned and headed back to the village.
The next morning she was surprised to find that Celtius not only wasn't at the inn, but he hadn't sent word either. She was a bit worried because he always seemed to be waiting for her in the mornings. She ate quickly and then went back to her room for her sword. She usually didn't carry it in town, feeling her daggers were enough and not wanting to draw any more attention to herself. Plus, if Celtius saw it, he might ask about the symbols. And that would lead to discussions she'd rather not have. However, today she felt better with it.
All seemed normal at the farm. She called out greetings to the farm workers and waved at Jaela. Sura didn't see Celtius so she walked over to his sister. "Morning. What happened last night with the cow?"
Jaela was a few years younger and she adored Sura. "Everything's fine now. I'm sorry it had to ruin your evening though."
Sura liked Jaela; she was a sweet girl. "Don't worry about it."
"One of the old milk cows was colicky so Garieus offered to get Celtius. He's the only one with the strength and knowledge to get her back on her feet."
"Ah, I see," Sura said, not really interested in colicky cows. "Where is he now?"
"I think they're eating."
"Oh. I guess they had a late night?"
"Not really. Celtius was out here feeding at the normal time," Jaela continued on, unaware of how her words were affecting Sura. "I think Garieus talked him into going to the village to get some stuff. That's why they're eating so late."
"They were in the village?" Sura cursed her voice for sounding so weak at that moment.
"He didn't come by?" Sura just shook her head. Jaela finally realized why Sura was asking all the questions. "I'm sure he wanted to. Something must have happened."
Sura looked away for a moment, willing herself to get a grip. He did have a life too. "I'm sure you're right. Besides, he was with Garieus, right?"
"Why don't we go inside?"
Sura forced herself to smile. "Sure."
Jaela talked to fill the silence while they walked to the house. Celtius' father greeted her outside the door. "Leaving already?"
"What? Oh no!" she laughed realizing she usually only had her sword when she left town. "I just felt better carrying it today." Jaela went into the kitchen while she chatted with him for a few minutes then she went inside. She was taking off her sword when Celtius and Garieus walked in. She looked up quickly to see Celtius smiling at her. "Sura! What are you doing here?"
She glanced coolly at Garieus as she set her sword down. Then she turned to Celtius. "I just came to visit. I didn't know where you'd gone off to and I wanted to make sure all was well." She knew her voice was a bit cold but she couldn't seem to help herself.
He looked at her sword then back to her. "You're not leaving are you?"
"No." She really wished Garieus would leave. "Celtius, can we talk? Alone?"
"Oh, sure. Will you excuse us?"
Garieus nodded while Sura walked out of the room, not waiting for Celtius. She stopped inside his mothers sewing chamber. Celtius closed the door. "About this morning.... I should have stopped by, I wanted to but..."
She shook her head, not really wanting to fight. "It doesn't matter."
He looked at her, confused. "Then what did you want to talk about?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to be away from Garieus." She felt better now that she knew he obviously had wanted to see her.
"I wanted to be alone with you." She looked up at him. "I missed you this morning."
He closed the distance between them in a flash. "I missed you too," he said before his lips claimed hers. "I thought you were mad at me."
"Oh no. I just...well... I mean I didn't know if something happened to you or what."
"I'm fine."
She still had her arms around him and she grinned. "I can feel that." Then they both laughed.
"Sura!" Jaela's voice came through the door.
She pulled away then he bade his sister to come in. Jaela opened the door, "Mother wants to know if you are staying for supper."
"Yes she is," Celtius answered for her. Sura just nodded.
"Okay. Will you two play that new song later? Please?"
Sura laughed. "You're terrible, Jaela! You know it's not finished yet."
"I know, but I love it."
"We'll see, squirt." Celtius answered her.
"Celtius!" they heard his mother yell from the kitchen. Sura grinned. It was just a normal day.
A few hours later, Sura decided to go back to town since she wanted to change her clothes and needed to send a message off. She walked into the room where she'd left her sword and stopped short. "What do you think you're doing?" She said incredulously. Garieus had her sword in his hands and was examining it.
He didn't even look guilty. "Nice sword."
"I'm very well aware of that," her voice was icy. She walked over and snatched it from him. "How dare you. Do you usually paw through other people's things?"
"I was just looking."
"At something you had no right to look at. No wonder...."
"What's going on here?" Celtius' calm voice stopped her.
"I was just admiring her sword."
"Sura?"
"What?" she snapped.
"Really, I meant no harm. It's just a masterpiece. It has a fine blade. In fact, I've never seen a finer one."
"And your point is?"
"Nothing. Just wondering how you came by something like that."
She glared at him, ready to let her temper fly. "That is absolutely none of your business. I can't believe your audacity! First you handle my sword, which by the way I do not let anyone handle, and then you don't even apologize for it? Now you are throwing out veiled accusations. I don't know who you think you are...."
"Sura, please."
"No, Celtius! This is ridiculous!"
"He was just curious about your sword, that's all. It's no big deal."
"No big deal? You have no idea what you're talking about."
"It's not like I was going to break it or anything," Garieus said.
She snorted, "You couldn't break this blade if you tried!" She stopped as she saw a smirk on his face. But then it was gone.
"Come on," Celtius took her arm.
But she jerked away. She didn't miss the look of alarm on his face as she stalked towards Garieus. But she was just retrieving her scabbard. "If you ever touch my sword again, I will give you a demonstration of how it works... up close. Got it?" She turned and walked out of the room. She could hear Celtius apologizing for her and that infuriated her even more. She walked out of the house, not intending to talk to him until she cooled off. Unfortunately he followed her.
"Sura.."
"Don't even talk to me right now."
He'd never seen her like this before and he was unsure what to do. So he just fell into step beside her.
Why couldn't he leave her alone? She really was trying to get her anger out before she did or said something she would regret. So she just walked towards town, taking deep breaths along the way to try to relax.
"What's going on in the village today?"
"What?" She looked down the road and saw a group of people around the inn. "I have no idea." She walked a bit faster. When they approached, the crowd parted to let her through. "What's going on?"
All she got for answers were whispers of 'courtier', 'king' and 'amazons'. She went inside the inn and was surprised to see a royal messenger from her Queen there. "Aliara? What are you doing here?"
"Sura, greetings from the Queen and your fellow Amazons," she saluted her.
Sura greeted her the same way, weary of the formal tone adopted. "What is happening?"
"Can we speak privately? It's urgent."
"Of course." She turned to Celtius, "I'm sorry, I have to talk to her alone. I'll be back in soon." She led Aliara to her room and closed the door. "What's so urgent?"
"The King of Corinth is coming through here tonight. The Queen wants assurances from him that our agreement still holds."
"And this involves me because....?"
Aliara handed her a scroll. "Read."
Sura scanned it quickly. She was to play diplomat again. Iphicles was headed this way and she was to meet him. She knew the King well so that wouldn't be any problem. She looked back at Aliara. "Why the urgency? Greeting Iphicles isn't the reason to send you all the way here, is it?"
"Yes. We're trying to avoid a war, Sura."
"War? Everything was peaceful when I left!"
"There is a new warlord who is stirring up trouble. He wants war with the Amazons to prove himself."
"A warlord? He must have a large army to upset our Queen like this."
"He does. And she doesn't know where he came from. She wants you to do whatever is necessary to get King Iphicles' to send reinforcements."
"King Iphicles will keep his word, I'm sure. We've never had any trouble with him before."
"And she wants to make sure it stays that way. She even sent some of your court gowns with me."
Sura was surprised; the Queen was very serious. "I see. You can tell her that it will be done."
Aliara left and Sura called for a bath and a maid. Her gowns needed to be pressed and she was going to need help with her hair. She went down to tell the innkeeper that they were to have a royal visitor tonight, which sent him into a panic. Iphicles' messenger arrived at the inn moments after Sura had given them the news. She tried to find Celtius but he'd disappeared. She asked one of the kids to find him for her since she didn't know where he'd gone to, and gave the boy a coin for his trouble. Then she went back up to her room. The sooner this was done, the sooner she and Celtius could be alone again.
She just got out of the bath when the maid knocked on the door. "Enter." Sura wrapped a robe about her then allowed the maid to have the bath taken out. She started drying her hair, knowing it would take forever. "What's your name?"
"Althea, My Lady."
Sura laughed, "none of that. I'm not a lady. Just call me Sura. Now help me decide which of these to wear."
"I like this one, My....Sura."
Sura looked at the burgundy gown. "That's always been one of my favorites. Okay toss those others wherever and have that one pressed please?"
"Right away," Althea raced out the door, almost knocking over Celtius.
"There you are! Where did you go?"
"You were busy so I was going back to the farm. And I wasn't sure if you were still mad at me."
"I'm not mad at you. I was furious with him." Truthfully, she'd pushed that out of her mind as soon as she'd seen Aliara. "I just needed to cool off."
"Well it looks like you don't need me hanging around anyway."
She didn't miss the tone of his voice. "You're wrong, I need you." She walked over to him and put her hand on his arm. "I'm sorry. Aliara had to give me the Queen's message in private. Apparently a lot has happened in the last few days."
"Which means you'll be leaving again." It wasn't a question, just a statement.
"I don't know. Right now all I have to do is get Iphicles' assurance that he'll support us. I don't plan to go anywhere."
"Do what you have to do."
"Celtius! Don't be like this! I'm trying to help avoid a war. What would you have me do?"
He sighed; he didn't know why he was acting like this either. The prospect of her comparing him to a king was a bit scary, yet he also didn't want to upset her. "I'm sorry. I wouldn't have you do anything else."
"Then please try to understand."
"I do."
"Okay. Then please hold me?"
That got a smile. "With pleasure," he murmured as she came into his arms.
"Thank you," she said. "I need you with me tonight. Will you stay and greet King Iphicles with me?"
"Is he that bad?"
She laughed. "No, he's a fine man. I just want you around."
He liked the sound of that. "Then I'll be here."
"Thank you."
"If I'm going to met a king, I should probably go clean up myself," he said.
"I have to finish getting dressed. This is all so silly! I know Iphicles will honor our treaty. But it's my Queens' order ." She sighed, "what a bother."
"I'm a bit nervous about meeting a king," he confided to her.
She looked at him and smiled, "don't be. King Iphicles is not at all your typical monarch. He's less formal than most and definitely less pompous than most of the so-called nobles of his court. You'll get along fine."
"If you say so. I think I'll still be nervous though. I won't know a thing to say."
She laughed. "Celtius, you are delightfully honest." Althea knocked on the door and Sura quickly kissed him then bid her to enter.
"Your gown is almost ready. I asked my sister to come help with your hair, she's much better at it than I am."
"Thank you, Althea."
"A gown?"
"Yes, the Queen insisted." She wrinkled her nose. "Like I said, what a bother!"
"I guess I'll let you get dressed."
"Be back in an hour?"
"Are you sure?"
"Don't think of backing out on me now. I may never forgive you if you do!" she said lightly.
He laughed and left.
"The King of Corinth? Here? And you get to meet him? How exciting!" Jaela couldn't believe that a king was coming into their little village.
"It's no big deal. So she tells me."
"No big deal? I wonder if he's handsome and romantic. I bet he is."
Garieus laughed from the corner. "He's handsome alright. I've never seen a better looking king. The ladies fall at his feet. I've seen it."
"Oh! Can I meet him too, Celtius? Please?"
"I have no control over that, squirt. Now if you want to see him, you'd better get ready."
"Okay!" she ran out of the room.
"So she wants you to be with her when she meets him?" Garieus said.
"Yep. So how do I look?"
"Fine," Garieus said, not paying attention to his clothes. "How well does she know this guy?"
"I don't know. She said she's met him before. What does it matter?"
"Just curious. She consorts with royalty a lot then?"
"I guess."
"Wonder who else she knows."
"What are you talking about?"
"She just must have met a lot of people in her life. Important people. Maybe even gods."
"Yeah so?" He knew she had indeed and it had always intrigued him.
"Well you know, women like her need excitement. She must thrive on this."
He looked at Garieus for a moment. "No, she thinks it's a bother. And what do you mean, 'women like her'?"
Garieus didn't want to push too far. "Nothing, really. Just that Amazons are known to be very independent. And it seems they live for battles and stuff. Excitement, you know?"
"Well I'm sure all that "excitement" can get tiring after a while," Celtius said a bit curtly.
"I'm sure you're right."
"I'd better get going." He smoothed his shirt into place. "This is as good as I get. Wanna walk into town with me?"
Garieus nodded. "Sure, why not."
"Jaela! Come on." His sister rushed down the stairs.
"Weren't you supposed to return in an hour?" Garieus pointed out.
He panicked. "It's not been an hour yet, has it?"
"Yes."
"She's gonna kill me."
Sura couldn't wait any longer. She didn't know what happened to him and she wasn't happy. She looked at herself one final time, admiring the braids that Althea's sister had done. Her burgundy dress gathered at the shoulders and under her breasts then fell in soft waves to the floor. She had no desire to wear any other jewelry but the Queen had sent some of her own gold bands and earrings. Sura couldn't refuse to wear the Queen's jewelry. They clinked together softly when she moved her arms and she hoped it didn't drive her insane.
"King Iphicles is almost here," Althea poked her head in the door.
"Alright, I'm coming." She made sure her dagger was in place and then she left the room.
At the top of the stairs she paused, amazed to see a crowd gathered. She took a deep breath, then descended the stairs. She was aware of the hush that came over the crowd as every head turned in her direction. She sighed inside, she usually didn't mind things like this but here, among these people, she felt stupid. She just wanted to fit in and this wasn't helping. The crowd parted to let her through as she heard commotion outside. Iphicles must be here, she thought, as she picked up her step a bit.
The light of day was starting to fade a bit as the party approached. She stood with the magistrate of the town to greet the King. He rode in the middle of the party but there was no mistaking who was the King. She had always thought he was a gorgeous man, but every time she saw him, he seemed to wear his power better and better. He dismounted and the magistrate hurried to met him, or more correctly to grovel at his feet. Sura stayed where she was, waiting for him to walk towards her. He looked up and caught her eye and smiled. She smiled back in genuine pleasure. Iphicles was her favorite monarch and it had nothing to do with how gorgeous he was. Well, maybe just a little.
She gave a deep curtsy as he approached her. Then she rose and made sure she wasn't smiling before she said, "Your Majesty, The Queen of the Amazons sends her greetings to our ally, the King of Corinth."
He took her hand and kissed it, as was expected. Then he surprised her when he laughed. "Sura, must we have such formality?"
She grinned. "Well, you know, they kind of expect it."
"I wasn't expecting such a lovely reception," he said looking her over.
"Dreadful isn't it?" she joked with him, knowing he meant nothing by it.
"More like a sight for sore eyes," he said as he kissed her cheek. "It's good to see you." He offered her his arm. "Shall we go inside?"
She looped her arm through his. "My pleasure, Your Majesty." He threw her a look and she tossed her head back and laughed again. Then they walked inside, Iphicles greeting people along the way.
They arrived in time to see her emerge from the inn. Celtius stopped dead in his tracks. He already thought she was beautiful but now....well she looked incredible.
Jaela gasped. "She looks like a princess." Then she turned as the riders approached the town. "Which one is the King?" She asked excitedly.
"The tall one, in the center." Garieus answered.
"He's so handsome. Look at him! I have to get a closer look!" Jaela walked forward, leaving the two men behind.
Celtius watched the king smile at her, watched her deep curtsy and saw him laugh. What was she saying?
"Well, I guess she knows him fairly well," Garieus commented when he saw him kiss her cheek.
Celtius said nothing. How could he ever compete with that?
"Sura! Wait!"
She paused when she heard Jaela's voice. "Hold on, Iphicles."
"Oh, sorry," Jaela said as she pushed her way through the crowd.
She almost fell when she finally reached them, but Iphicles reached out and caught her. Jaela gazed at him in adoration as Sura tried to hide her smile of amusement. "Jaela, is everything alright?"
"Huh?" she couldn't tear her eyes away from the king.
"I think we better go inside," Iphicles said as he walked into the inn. Sura pushed Jaela in after him and then followed.
"Jaela, where is Celtius? Is something wrong?"
"Celtius? He's outside, we were late."
"Who's Celtius?"
"My brother, Your Majesty."
"Jaela," Sura got the girl's attention again. "I want you to go outside and find him for me, okay? Then bring him back in here."
"But there are guards out there."
"Iph?"
"I'll tell them to let her back in with her brother."
"Thank you," Sura said to him. Then she turned to Jaela. "Bring him back and you can stay for dinner."
"You mean it?"
Sura nodded.
"I'll be back soon."
"So shall we get business out of the way first?"
She wasn't surprised by his directness. "Why don't we? I'm sure it won't take very long."
It took less than thirty minutes to conclude their business. Iphicles, as she knew he would, promised to aid the Amazons. He also agreed to send a messenger off that night to the Queen. "Shall we eat? I know they've prepared the best for you."
He groaned. "And here I thought I wouldn't have to do this tonight."
"Sorry," she laughed, "can't escape your kingly duties. Now if you don't mind, I will excuse myself for a little while."
"Oh? Have another engagement do you?" he teased her.
"As a matter of fact, I do." She stood when he did.
"So, I've been replaced, have I?" he said with a mock sigh of resignation. "This Celtius guy?"
"I'm afraid so," she said as she opened the door.
"Sura, you're blushing! I don't believe it. It must be serious."
"Iphicles! Don't you embarrass me, too."
"Wouldn't dream of it," he grinned at her. "Do I at least get to met him?"
She laughed. "Of course." She looked around, finally spying him because Jaela was next to him waving madly. "There he is." She started towards them and Iphicles followed her.
Celtius turned when Jaela poked him in the ribs. "Your Majesty," Jaela said as they approached.
"Nice to see you again. I see you succeeded in your errand," Iphicles smiled at the girl.
Celtius just watched the King through narrowed eyes. One of his retainers grabbed his attention for a moment and Jaela was gazing adoringly at him. What was so wonderful about him?
Sura, however, was looking at Celtius. Something wasn't right. She put her arm on his and smiled at him. "Hi. I was worried when you didn't show up. Is everything okay?"
"Yes," was his terse reply.
"So Sura, are you going to keep me standing here in anticipation?" Iphicles interrupted them.
She turned and forced a smile for him. "It's a thought," she said lightly and he laughed. "Your Majesty, this is Celtius. Celtius, King Iphicles of Corinth."
Iphicles shook his hand. "That's quite a long name; you can just call me Iphicles."
"Iphicles," Celtius nodded. "It's kind of you to grace our small village."
Sura was a bit taken aback by his tone. Iphicles pretended not to notice. "So you are the one Sura wants to abandon me for tonight, huh? Lucky you."
"Iph!" she hit him lightly. "Pay no attention to him."
"You will join us for supper won't you?"
Celtius nodded and Sura said, "We'll be there shortly." Iphicles took his cue and left them alone.
Jaela however had to gush some more. "Isn't he wonderful? He's so handsome and kind and strong. Did you see how he...."
"Jaela," Sura interrupted, "will you leave me and your brother alone for a moment?"
"Oh, okay." She left as she began to feel the tension between them.
"What was that for?" she said.
"What was what for?"
She looked at him a second then said, "Come with me." He nodded and she took him back into the room she and Iphicles had just left. She closed the door and turned to him. "Why were you so rude to Iphicles? He was kind enough to pretend not to notice but it was hard to overlook."
"I'm surprised you noticed. Everyone seems so busy fawning over him, I'm surprised anyone noticed anything else."
"What are you talking about?" She looked at him in amazement. "Alright, are you going to tell me what's going on?"
"Nothing's going on."
She sighed. "Then care to tell me what happened to you?"
"It just took us longer than I thought."
She took a deep breath, but she was getting very angry. "Celtius, I'm trying to keep my temper but you're not helping! I don't understand why you're behaving like I've done something wrong."
"Obviously you and 'Iph' know each other very well. It didn't look like you needed anyone around, especially not me. Garieus was right, you are obviously in your element here. And you're so 'friendly' with the King."
She looked at him, amazed. "I don't believe this! Good gods, Celtius! That you trust me so little....makes me wonder why I've been coming back here. If that's really what you think, then I'll be on my way in the morning."
One glance at her face and he realized how petulant he was being. "Sura, I'm sorry. Don't go."
"Celtius," she chided softly, "why would you think something like that? Iphicles and I have known each other for years. We're just friends."
"I don't know. I guess I just....well I mean why would you want me when you could have a King?"
She laid her hand on his arm and forced him to look at her. "I don't come back to Cyrus for a king or anyone else. I come back because of you."
He felt bad because he did know her better than that; it was just himself that he was unsure of. She was just so amazing, why would she want him? Especially when she looked like she did right now. "I'm sorry, Sura. Gods, I don't know what's wrong with me."
She smiled softly. "Did I mention how wonderful you look? You're quite simply the most wonderful man in the room."
"Me?" he laughed. "I couldn't possibly look as good as you. You are unbelievable." He put his arms around her and she hugged him. "I was so envious that you were with the King and I wasn't with you. I should have been here but I lost track of time. I was scared. I thought you might realize...." He paused.
"All I realized was how much I wanted you with me," she said quietly. Then she reached up and pulled his mouth down to hers.
Unfortunately the King chose that moment to walk in. "Oh! Sorry," Iphicles said as he stood there with a grin on his face.
"If you're really sorry, you'd leave," she said with a smile.
He laughed. "Yes, ma'am. But dinner is about to be served and we can't start without either of you."
Celtius let her go and walked to the King. "Iphicles, I wanted to apologize for.."
"No need," he said as he clapped him on the back. "Well, if you two are done for the moment, shall we eat?" he sighed dramatically.
"I'd still prefer it if you left but I guess I have no choice."
They all laughed and went out to supper.
"Sura, will you please sing for us?"
She elbowed Jaela. "Shhh. Not in front of..."
"Too late. I already heard. And I haven't heard you sing in some time." Iphicles smiled, knowing she hated being put on the spot like this. "I think I'd like that."
Sura sighed and then looked at Celtius. "It's up to you," was all he said.
"Iph, I'm going to get you for this!" she whispered to him. "But if I have to sing, you must hear Celtius play the lyre. He's exceptional."
"Ah, another reason he has your affection and I don't," he teased them. "I butcher music but I can appreciate it!"
She threw up her hands. "I give up!" Then she laughed and got up and performed a few songs with Celtius. Then she made the others join in one of the more popular songs. The rest of the evening was spent very pleasantly. After a proper amount of time had passed, she said her farewells to Iphicles. Messengers had been sent; his reinforcements would be at the Amazon camp within days. She'd done her job and she was pleased with how everything turned out.
"It looks like everything will be under control. I won't have to go back yet," she said to Celtius. They had retreated to her room, as there were many of the King's men still up and about.
"Good. I'm glad." He was more than glad, especially since he'd almost ruined things. He wanted to make them up to her. He couldn't doubt how she felt for him, not now, and that made him feel more secure.
They talked quietly for a while until she couldn't hold back her yawns. "I'm sorry," she murmured.
"I should get going," he stated softly as he got up. "I have to be up early to go with Father. I won't be back until midmorning."
"Okay. I'll see you then." She wanted to ask him to stay but this wasn't the right time. Instead, she just kissed him goodnight.
She tried to sleep through the racket of Iphicles and his retainers leaving but it was impossible. Instead she got up and said one more good-bye to him. Since she wasn't sure when Celtius would be back, she decided this would be a good time to practice. She grabbed her weapons and headed to an empty field close by. She warmed up then started to go through her drills. She felt the adrenaline rush through her as she moved onto more difficult moves. All her senses were heightened and attuned to her surroundings as she worked herself both mentally and physically. Then suddenly she drew her sword and turned. "You should never sneak up on an Amazon. It could be dangerous to your health," she said as she glared. "What are you doing here?" she asked sharply, not moving her sword from the intruder's neck. She'd heard him coming up behind her but waited until the last minute so she would surprise him.
If she wanted a reaction, she was disappointed. "I wanted to see if you could still use that weapon," Garieus replied.
She looked at him closely. There was something totally familiar; she just couldn't put her finger on it.
Suddenly he drew his sword and attacked. If she had been one second slower he would have struck her but she blocked him. He was relentless in his attacks and while she defended them easily, it wasn't half as easy to get in her own thrusts. She was very surprised that he fought so well. In fact, she couldn't remember the last time she'd had this well matched of a.......she stopped dead in her tracks. "Ares," she hissed.
Celtius watched in horror when she stopped. He thought for sure Garieus' sword was going to strike her, kill her. He was surprised she had stopped but even more surprised that Garieus threw himself off balance to reverse his swing so he wouldn't hit her. Sura took advantage of that and hooked her legs behind his and had him on his back. Then she stood over him with her sword at his throat.
"How dare you!" she was furious, both at herself and at him.
He pushed her sword away casually and sat up. Sura stepped back as he got to his feet. "What? You really didn't figure it out before now?"
She was mortified that she hadn't. She should have known; the signs were all there. Even as this mortal, he still had Ares' facial expressions, his eyes, his essence. She could kick herself! "What are you doing, Ares? What silly little game are you playing now?"
"Game? No games, Sura. I just wanted to give you a chance to save those you seem so fond of."
She glared at him. "What are you talking about?"
"You sister Amazons? The war? Sura, your brain is being muddled by this town. You used to be much quicker than this."
She really wanted to hit him but that wouldn't accomplish anything. Instead she clenched her fists by her sides and tried to control her temper. "I know about that. But that's taken care of. They have their reinforcements."
"Of course they do. But they'll be coming from the wrong direction and with the wrong information. See the warlord attacking the Amazons is mine. He does what I command. And he wants to wipe out the Amazons. I haven't decided if I'll let him do that or not."
She shook her head. "Why doesn't this surprise me?"
"I came to give you the chance to stop the slaughter."
"Why?"
"Why warn them?" He feigned ignorance.
"Ares," she gritted out, "just tell me what you want to tell me."
"You can warn them that the information they have is false, thus saving a lot of lives. It's what you want, isn't it?"
"You know it is. But what do you want? And why are you in Cyrus disguised like this?"
"I just wanted to see what drew you to this little pit of a town," he gestured around him. "And frankly, I just don't see it."
"You wouldn't," she muttered. "I want you to leave Cyrus alone, Ares. If this is your petty little revenge....."
He grabbed her arms. "Petty? Trust me, my revenge is hardly petty. This has little to do with it."
"This is getting old. Let me go, Ares, now!" He did and she shoved him away from her.
"I know you'll want to help them, so I suggest you leave immediately. I'll even give you a horse. You know one of those wild ones you so admired the other night. I brought them here."
"What? That's why the one looked like...." She stopped, unable to continue. She had missed her horse, more than she ever let Ares know. But that didn't matter now, he was up to something but she couldn't figure out what role the horses played in it. "What are you doing to this town?"
"I don't care about this hovel of a town, Sura. My plan has nothing to do with it. Now, are you going to go or sit and argue with me? I have all day. You, however, do not."
She wanted to stay and find out his motive but she knew he wasn't lying. This had to be part of his game with her and Arete. But if he was here and posing as Garieus, it meant his plans probably included Celtius, and she couldn't have that. "I'll go but I want you to leave here as well. Leave Celtius and his family alone. Got it?"
"Your horse will be ready outside of town."
"Fine. Don't think I'm thanking you for this, Ares." She started back towards town.
"You really don't have time for that, my dear."
"Don't 'my dear' me and I'm not leaving without my stuff." Or without telling Celtius good-bye.
Ares didn't answer just laughed as she ran back to town.
Celtius had watched the whole thing and while he couldn't hear, he knew that there were some harsh words exchanged. With a heavy heart, he realized he couldn't have done anything if she was threatened. She was the warrior; she would end up protecting him, not the other way around. Garieus had told him that morning that he knew what got a woman like Sura all worked up, that she needed a warrior to be happy. He wasn't sure why he'd listened to him, not after last night. Or why he let himself be talked into coming along to witness this. He didn't even think about how Garieus knew she'd be here or what she'd been doing. At first, they had both just stood and admired her. Her moves were as graceful as they were deadly. Celtius couldn't help but admire her beauty along with her skill. Then he realized that Garieus was probably doing the same thing and he turned to him, ready to leave but was surprised to find him walking towards her. That's when he realized that he couldn't have stopped Garieus, or anyone else that attacked her.
He followed her back to town. If he couldn't protect her, there was one thing he could do. He could be there for her. That's one thing she wanted from him, something he could easily give her. Still it was daunting, knowing that she really didn't need him.
She was out of breath as she ran up the stairs to her room and threw some stuff in her bag. She'd leave the rest here for now since she was planning on coming back. She threw open the door and ran straight into Celtius. She dropped her stuff and threw her arms around him. "I'm so glad you're here."
"What is it?" She was obviously more upset than he had thought.
"Everything. I have to go, I have to warn them."
His face fell. "You have to leave?"
She looked at him sadly. "I don't have time to explain. If I don't go, they could be slaughtered. I can't let that happen. I just got word that the information that the Queen and Iphicles received was false. They're heading into a trap. I have to warn them."
"That's terrible."
She caressed his face. "Please understand? I promise I'll be back."
He tightened his arms about her waist, pulling her closer. "I hate this but I understand. Will you be involved in battle?"
"I don't know. Probably. But don't worry Celtius. Nothing will happen to me."
"How do you know? You could get hurt, or worse."
"I won't. Just trust me."
"Come back to me in one piece then," he said. Then he kissed her, hard and almost desperately. She returned his kiss with the same emotion.
After too brief a moment, she pulled back. "I'm sorry. I have to go. I just had to tell you I'll be back."
"I'm holding you to that."
She smiled as she pulled out of his arms and grabbed her bag. "Take care of yourself. Oh, and promise me one thing."
"What?"
"Don't trust Garieus. He is not at all what he seems. I can't tell you anymore right now but again I ask you to trust me."
"I promise. I will take care around him."
"Good." She quickly kissed him again then turned and ran down the stairs and out to find the horse she knew would be there.
She had been half afraid he'd be waiting with the horse, but he was nowhere to be seen. The horse was a deep gray stallion. She didn't have time to stop and admire his beauty; she just jumped on and took off. She didn't know why he'd offered her the horse but she didn't care right now. She paced them so that she wouldn't exhaust him but she still moved on fast. She was relieved to get to the camp at the end of the following day. It was obvious they were preparing for war as there were patrols everywhere.
After she gave her report, which the counsel was a bit reluctant about, but they would take her words into consideration, she went to her hut. She hadn't spent much time here and it showed. Not that she was normally the neatest of Amazons but no one had cleaned for weeks. She found her heavy leather, knowing that she'd have to use it. She couldn't turn away from the battle now.
The next morning she was summoned again before the counsel. They found that indeed her information was correct and they'd warned Iphicles' forces. They'd have the advantage on the warlord, whose name was Sirollus. She went back to her hut, relieved to know Ares hadn't given her false information, just to get her away from Cyrus.
"Now would I do that?"
She stopped and quickly scanned the room and saw him lounging on her bed. "What are you doing here?" she said when she saw him.
"I came to get my horse back. And to see how grateful you might be for the information and the means to get it here in time."
She looked at him, trying not to admire the way his clothes hugged his beautiful form. "If you remember, Ares, I said I wouldn't be thanking you. This war is ridiculous! If you stopped it, then I might thank you. Otherwise, leave." She indicated to the open door.
He swung his long legs over the edge of the bed and stood up. "Now that might be worth it. But I'd want more than a simple thank you. From you and from Arete."
She moved inside and closed the door then stood there with her arms crossed. "This is all about that incident months ago, isn't it? Come on Ares, you practically begged us to do something. You wanted the game so badly. So what's the problem?"
His nostrils flared, the only indication of his anger. "You already know the answer to that. But now we're moving on. As I told you, the game isn't over until I say."
She walked to the other side of the room and leaned on the wall, adopting a casual stance. Then she tilted her head and studied him. Suddenly, she smiled. "Alright Ares. Let's play, shall we? You create a war to get me back here, away from Cyrus. That's pretty predictable Ares. So now what? Should I guess? I'd say you want to demand something of me to stop the war. No, you've done that. You will let the battle go but you'll try to make me feel guilty for letting this happen. Of course you want us to win now, don't you? To teach this warlord a lesson?"
"That's enough," his eyes were hard and black as night. "Sura, you may think you know me well but you forget yourself." He walked to her and put his arms up on either side of her, imprisoning her. "I am a god and I have had countless centuries to perfect strategies. Don't think you can outmaneuver me."
"You mean again?" She saw the tick in his check and decided that wasn't going to get her anywhere. "It's a tribute to you that we did," she said, appealing to his ego. She wanted him to slip, to reveal something. For truthfully this didn't make much sense to her. All that she had said, those were partial reasons but there was one driving force that she couldn't identify.
"Yes I did train you both well. And you had years to learn before you betrayed me, didn't you?"
"I had a good teacher . . . in all things." She ignored his latter remark. If they started discussing her leaving his temple, she'd never get anything out of him.
His gaze darkened even more, then he started laughing. "It won't work. My plans are my own. You'll know what I want you to know and nothing more."
She glared at him for a moment before she pushed at him and slipped under his arm. Since she wasn't going to learn anything, she wasn't going to stay and be mocked by him. She had things to do.
"Sura!"
She ignored him and opened the door. Only to have it slam shut, bruising her hand in the process. "Ouch!" She brought her injured hand to her mouth in a reflexive gesture. Only when she tasted the coppery taste did she realize she was bleeding. "Damnit Ares!"
"Oh don't be such a baby." He took her hand and raised it to his mouth. His tongue seared as he trailed her cut, healing it. She couldn't help shivering at the sensation. "Better?"
"Yes," she managed to get out. Why did he have to make her feel like this?
"Good." He let her hand go. "Then a reminder and a warning before I leave."
"Say it, then leave."
"Don't underestimate Sirollus. He might just surprise you. After all, those of you in this camp are not the only ones I've trained. And as for that, I must remind you that you are mine, no matter that you deny it. You may not be pledged to serve me anymore but you will always belong to me. There is something between us that you can never break. I brought you here and I'm the one who knows about your past."
She sighed. "As fervently as you believe it, I never belonged to you. I've only ever belonged to myself. Is that all?"
"Remember this as well. I always get what I want in the end." With that he was gone.
She walked to her bed and sat down, hating herself for being so upset by him. She wished with all her heart that she could ignore him and his words. But he was right about something, there was something between them, something she was powerless against.
"Can I come in?" Arete's voice called from the other side. When Sura agreed, she walked in. "The Queen wants an advanced party to go out to meet King Iphicles' men. She wants us to go."
Sura took a deep breath. "Okay when do we leave?"
"Soon. What's wrong?"
Sura gave her a bitter smile. "Ares was here."
"What did he want?" Arete's voice went hard.
"Oh, the usual. Threats, warnings, the whole 'you are mine' kick." She'd told Arete about everything that happened with Ares in Cyrus and now she told her about the latest piece. "I know it's because of Celtius that he wants me out of Cyrus. He won't say it and I'm not bringing Celtius to his attention anymore than I already have. He hasn't done anything to you, or nothing unusual has happened?"
"No. I mean the war effects us all, so I can't say it's directed at me or you for that matter."
"True." But it sure was convenient.
"But what can we do? Neither of us will stay out of the battle."
"Which he knows."
"So if there is a trap..." Arete didn't finish.
"We'll have to be extra careful. That's all we can do."
"Perhaps if we talk with the others, they can come up with something."
Sura agreed, knowing that even if they didn't figure something out, they'd have more eyes on the watch for trouble. They quickly found Psam, Danae, Lessa and Ceal. The four of them already knew about the previous trouble and were quickly filled in on the rest. None of them could come up with anything more but they would all be on the watch.
By noon, the advanced party of fifteen headed out, which included Lessa and Calee. Sura was with Arihar, the party leader, discussing the forces Iphicles promised to send so Lessa and Arete filled Calee in. They were able to get to the meeting place before Iphicles' forces and they set up camp. Not long before dusk the troops showed up, led by the head of Iphicles' army, General Solvius. The Amazons made their greetings to the general then Arihar, Sura and Lessa discussed strategy.
Late into the evening, Sura was getting extremely tired. Lessa elbowed her when she started to nod off. "You're getting soft, Sura." Lessa teased her. Sura rolled her eyes but couldn't stop her yawn.
"Sura, go get some sleep. We're almost finished here," Ari told her then turned back to the map she and Solvius were studying. Sura didn't hesitate to find her bed.
The next morning a light mist covered the land. The Corinthian army and Amazons were already up and making preparations for the battle. A messenger arrived from the Amazons saying that the rest of the forces would be arriving by mid-morning. Spies were reporting back to the General that Sirollus' Army was on the move, heading straight towards them.
Sura shivered as dark thoughts filled her head. People would die; some of her fellow Amazons might die. She hoped the battle would be over quickly, but who knew. The armies were almost equal in numbers, if the reports were right. She didn't know anything about this warlord or his army and that made her nervous. She liked to know what she was up against. How many young, innocent men had been lured in, how many would she kill today? "Stop this," she scolded herself. She shook herself mentally and went to find Arete, Lessa or Calee, not wanting to be alone anymore.
Shattered Dreams ©2000 by Surabufix/LAS except as follows:
Note 1: Storybook from Scarlet Pimpernel music by Frank Wildhorn Lyrics by Nan Knighton. Used without permission. Recording Lisa Navarre.
Standard Disclaimer: The characters of the Gods and Iolaus don't belong to me, they belong mostly to Greek Mythology and some to Universal, Renaissance Pictures, MCA etc. No copyright infringement intended, just having fun.