REMEMBERING

On a fine mid-summer's evening not all that long ago, in a remote, little-travelled-to village in the hills of modern-day Thessaly, several women gathered at the home of Xenia Praedes, a woman somewhere in her thirties. Around the neck of each woman, proudly hanging from a black cord, was a pendant bearing a circular object crossed by a simple, single narrow oblong object. Women from another time long, long ago, would instantly have recognised the symbols for chakram and warstaff.

In a room illuminated only by lamplight, the twelve women sat talking quietly and drinking coffee.

Melina Myxonos, probably somewhere in her late teens, after disposing of a sweet almond cake, turned to Andromache, one of the older women, saying "Andromache, tell us again why we come together every mid-summer."

Andromache Poladon, like Xenia, somewhere in her thirties, quietly placed her now-empty cup on the table, taking a long moment to look around the room into the face of every woman present. In her eyes was a mixture of fierce love and pride.

Nodding slightly to herself, the gentle summer evening breeze flowing through the open door weaving through her hair like a lover's fingers, she quietly began.

"My sisters, our heritage is a long and proud one. For centuries beyond count we, and others like us, have gathered together to remember that heritage, to honour it, and to rejoice in it."

She paused to gaze with love at a tall, slender eight-year-old with dark hair and luminous brown eyes.

"In turn, we will pass that heritage on to our daughters, who in turn will continue to pass it down."

Her voice raising slightly, she continued proudly and joyfully.

"For we are the descendants of the Amazons! Once long, long ago, surrounded in the mists of a time deemed legend by most, there lived a tribe of women unlike no other. They were fierce warriors and wise women, mystics and wielders of magic. In that time of long ago, they were feared by many, for they were free and subservient to no one. Yet one man alone knew them well, and loved them. As cherished friends and valued allies in battle."

Her face creased into a warm, gentle smile now.

"He himself is now thought of as a figure from myth, but once he stood tall and strong, to defend those who had none to defend them against the caprices of the gods of that long-ago time. Hunted always by one who hated him above all other living beings, he was never swayed to do anything but protect and defend, and he fought many, many battles. Our sisters from that time rejoiced in his friendship, for there had never been another like him."

She paused, her eyes looking inward, but still she smiled warmly.

"He was the strongest man to ever live. He was half-man and half god. He was Hercules." She ended simply.

The very utterance of the name seemed to fill the room with the sweetest of scents from summer flowers in full bloom. It was a name inescapably, for them, tied to never-forgotten ideals of integrity, honour, compassion and fairness.

The other women in the small house were also smiling for joy at the re-telling of something they never tired of hearing.

Proxenia Glauca turned to a woman sitting quietly in one of the room's corners, her face hidden in shadows and by the long hair half-covering her beautiful face.

"Artemisia, you're the keeper of tales. Tell one of the stories. Please."

All eyes now turned expectantly to the woman so addressed.

The woman in the corner, Artemisia, slowly stood and walked gracefully towards the centre of the room. Her long, golden hair fell softly to her slender waist as she came to sit in the chair by the table which had been vacated by one of the other women.

For a long moment she simply sat still, her face raised to the caress of the still-gentle evening breeze. Her clear blue eyes gazing out into the deepening night, as if by so doing she could pierce the very veil of time and legend itself.

Slowly she smiled. Taking a deep breath, she began...

CHAPTER 1

The coming of spring.

Ah, my sisters, the very lightness of the air proclaimed the season of rebirth. Fresh, inviting scents danced on warm breezes. Trees, resplendent in their new, lush and verdant finery swayed gracefully, their rustling leaves playing the most natural of all music. Out on the wine-dark sea, dolphins leaped joyously, playfully greeting the new season.

And in the very heart of the Rhodope Mountains of Thrace, in a large, rambling village protected by its natural defences and the vigilance of its warriors, the Amazons raised their heads, eyes closed to the bright sun, to drink deeply of the freshness swirling in the air around them.

It had been a long, hard winter, and they were more than ready to celebrate its passing for the new season, full of promise.

Out in the fields, women tilled the soil, coaxing it to yield its fruit. Some Amazons were to be seen down at the river, doing washing chores. Yet others - in fact, quite a few others - were in the clearing behind the village, training and honing already finely-tuned battle skills, for the Amazon way of life did not come cheaply.

TiaLessa's short sword sang through the air on its way to pierce a tree trunk with deadly accuracy; Lessa could both hand-wield and throw the sword with equal skill. Hebea and Kendaa, Cleavules and Skeezix, Riordon and Lady Pegasus circled each other in pairs, thrusting and parrying with well-used war staffs; Amphalia, Khyra, Innocent and Ceallach were taking turns testing their skill with their chakrams. Other Amazons, including Manto, Antares, Bluetopaz and Keleos were engaged in hand-to-hand combat practice.

In spite of the need to maintain and improve their skills, laughter rang out often from the inhabitants of the clearing, for they all rejoiced in the talents that ensured their freedom.

Elsewhere, at the other end of the village, perhaps seventeen young girls were being drilled under the watchful eyes of Princess, Calico, TabuMinstrel and Carriebaby. Here there was less laughter, because of the need to impress on the young ones the never-ending need for vigilance and accuracy. Amazon survival depended on the learning of these skills.

And yet... And yet, in the midst of such a glorious, promise-filled day...something else hung in the air. Something nameless.

Apollena, the Amazon Queen, stood in the doorway of her hut, her face thoughtful. Her eyes moved slowly and intently over the village, as if physical sight could make tangible the cause of her nagging sense of unease. After a long while, she sighed deeply and returned indoors, still vaguely troubled by something she couldn't name.

That sense of unease was to grow and spread through all the Amazons over the coming days.

That night, however, the Amazons put all cares aside as they prepared and enjoyed a celebration meal to honour Demeter and the coming of the new season.

The rhythmic beat of drums spilled out into the warm night air, and joined sporadic bursts of laughter as the entire village gathered in the communal hut. This particular night, they had a visitor. Joxer - a man who was habitually itinerant by nature.

He was well-meaning, but to many of the Amazons he presented a somewhat buffoonish appearance. They nevertheless liked and tolerated him. Cleya especially liked him. No other Amazon contested her loudly-stated desire to sit next to Joxer, and her sisters smiled fondly to see her so happy.

Before the meal began, Storm, having been elected this year's kherukhaina, stood and raised her arms. In the ancient Dorian tongue she cried "Ye paion, ye paion!" This call for silence was instantly obeyed.

In the ensuing quiet, she continued:

(With thanks to Aristophanes)

There was a long period of silence, broken only by the crackling of the fire, while the Amazons took Storm's injunction to heart.

When Storm again took her seat, cheering and cries of exultation broke out. The meal could now begin.

Orlena, sitting next to Chandra, drank some ale before saying with a smile, "I've looked forward to this night all winter."

Chandra remarked with a grin, "I know. You did nothing but grumble all the way through winter, especially every time you got snow in your boots while you were on guard duty."

Her sister shrugged easily "Frostbite isn't one of my favourite things."

Some time later, further along the length of the table, Calee was arguing with Castalia and Manto.

"I tell you they definitely WERE lion tracks," she told the other two. Castalia was openly scornful, while Manto gave her a sceptical look.

"If there was a lion nearby, then it can't have been too hungry. None of the livestock was touched."

Calee shook her head and sighed in frustration. "I know what I saw!"

Laughing a little, Castalia picked up a piece of bread and dipped it in the remains of her meal. "Well, whatever it was, it's gone now, thank the gods. I don't need to pull extra patrol duty."

As if those very words were a signal, several Amazons stood and slowly walked from the gathering, on their way to collect their weapons. For they were the night patrol. TiaLessa, Tnemesis, Riordon, Wayfarer, Ayla, ForgetMeNot and Alcyone exchanged good-natured jokes with their sisters as they moved to the door, skirting the several dancers now moving with lithe movements to the beat of the drums.

Passing Kendaa, Lessa reached out and slapped her on the shoulder. "Lucky you! Getting to sleep the whole night away."

Kendaa laughed. "Don't give me that! You know you love night patrol! And anyway, I'll be relieving you in the morning. Early."

Lessa rolled her eyes. "SUCH a hardship!"

Riordon came up behind Lessa and cheerfully shoved her forward. "Out with you! We'll be here all night if you don't get a move on."

Lessa grinned at her equally-tall sister, "And your point is...?"

Riordon's hands went to her hips as she remarked casually "The point of my spear will be in your back if you don't start moving!"

All three laughed as the other two moved on. As Laurissa made to pass the end of the table, Amphalia slyly stuck her foot out in front of her.

Laurissa adroitly avoided it. "That wasn't very nice. What if I'd fallen and broken something?" She said with a mock frown.

Amphalia waved her hand airily. "Just testing your reflexes!" she grinned.

Laurissa grinned wickedly, "We'll see whose reflexes need testing tomorrow afternoon in the clearing. You haven't used a sword for months!"

Her sister was laughing now - and ruefully having second thoughts about her prank; Riz was one of their best sword-wielders.

On the other side of the table Tnemesis was passing RobinsNest.

"Save some of that bread and meat for me, will you? I'll be hungry when we come off patrol in the morning."

RobinsNest looked up at Tnemesis, observing dryly, "Fine. Just don't expect me to beat this ravenous hoard away if they take it in their head to finish it off."

Wayfarer, coming up behind Tnemesis, laughed. "Perish the thought! If need be we'll just raid the bakehouse."

Ayla and Alcyone were quietly arguing among themselves as they headed out the door. "I did not fall asleep during dinner!", Alcyone hissed at Ayla.

Her sister regarded her sceptically. "Really? Then what were those snorts I heard? And you would have rolled off the bench if I hadn't jabbed you in the ribs," Ayla asked with raised eyebrows.

"I was just resting my eyes, I tell you! You know I've drawn four night patrols in a row!"

Before Ayla could make a suitable rejoinder, ForgetMeNot hurried up to them and wrapped her arms companionably around both her sisters' shoulders. "So? Ready for another thrilling night of boundary-walking?" she asked cheerfully. ForgetMeNot always seemed to have limitless energy, an energy that was the envy of many of her sisters.

The festivities continued well into the night, but gradually the women began to seek their beds.

Joxer was assigned a sleeping space in the cattle shed, much to his disappointment, for all night he had been single-minded in his pursuit of Cleya, who did nothing to discourage him. But when he tried to lead her out into the beckoning warmth of the night, Hebea and Carriebaby appeared on either side of their sister.

"I don't think so," Hebea told him, her face determined.

Cleya made to rise in protest, but Carriebaby's hand on her shoulder forestalled her.

Joxer laughed nervously at the sight of the Amazons' grim faces. "I only wanted to take a walk with her!"

Carriebaby smiled with deceptive gentleness. "You can take a walk with her in the morning. Before you leave," She said pointedly.

Joxer threw his hands up in defeat. "Alright, alright! You Amazons! You don't trust anyone, do you?"

Hebea smiled a little. "Oh yes, we do. You just haven't earned our trust yet." With that enigmatic statement, she slowly walked away.

Gradually torches were doused and silence settled over the village. A new moon hung in the luminous sky, shining down on a peaceful scene.

With the coming of morning, that peace would be rent apart.

CHAPTER 3

Dawn. Heleos was just beginning his daily journey over the nearby mountains, sending explosive shades of orange and yellow before him. The deep blue of the night sky was giving way to the colour of early morning.

The Amazons habitually rose early. In the home shared by Amphalia, Khyra and Kendaa, all three inhabitants had risen some time before. Kendaa had already left to relieve Lessa from patrol duty. Amphalia stood in the open doorway, arms folded, enjoying the early morning quietness and the fresh scents emanating from the surrounding trees and bushes. A low mist still hung on the ground, but already the air held the promise of another warm day.

Khyra still sat in her sleeping place. She pushed long, dark hair back to reveal a face wreathed in puzzlement, and took a deep breath.

Amphalia heard her and turned. "What's wrong?"

Her sister made a small, worried gesture. "I...don't know. I'm not sure. But something IS wrong."

Now it was Amphalia's turn to frown. Unfolding her arms and moving closer she asked, "What do you mean?"

Helplessly, Khyra shook her head, rising to stand facing Amphalia. "There's something terribly wrong. I can *sense* it. I don't know what it is, but..." She stopped, unable to give name to what she was feeling.

Amphalia was becoming concerned. Among the Amazons, Khyra was one of the few who had the Seeing. There were times she could see things the others couldn't. Things that were yet to happen. Sometimes that inner sense warned her of danger in time to avoid it. And Amphalia knew from long experience that they had better heed whatever warning Khyra's Seeing was giving.

"Get dressed. We've got to tell the Queen."

Out on the perimeters of the village, the dawn watch was relieving the night patrol.

Cleavules, Imzadi, Hebea, Keleos, Kendaa, Orlena, Fayee and Azhure were waiting for the night patrol to report in, after which they would depart in pairs to seek their own patrolling territory. They were quietly talking among themselves, some leaning against trees, some sitting on the ground, and a few sitting on fallen tree trunks.

Yawning and stretching Azhure said "I could have done with another hour or two of sleep."

"Well, you were practically the last one dancing last night," Fayee said with an amused glint in her eyes. "You seemed like you had unlimited energy then!"

Always given to teasing, Imzadi added, "You nearly sent Alcyone flying out the door with one of your moves!"

The others laughed quietly, and then turned as one as Therese and Ayla emerged into the clearing.

Orlena raised a hand in greeting, asking "Anything to report?"

Therese shrugged, "Not really. But..." She hesitated.

Ayla continued, "We did hear something. Sounded almost like a war cry, a long way off. We went looking, but didn't find anything unusual."

"Probably a night bird," Therese surmised.

Hoisting her bow, Azhure nodded, "Thanks. We'll keep an eye out just in case." Uneasily she added, "I've had this feeling..." Impatiently she shook her head to rid it of unwanted demons.

For some reason, they all suddenly felt cold, as if a shadow had passed over the sunny clearing. For the mystic, wisewoman strain was strong among the Amazons.

"Well, good hunting, sisters," said Orlena as she and Azhure moved off to their own territory for the day, while Ayla and Therese waved a sleepy farewell to their remaining sisters and headed off to seek their beds.

Not long afterwards, ForgetMeNot and Alcyone walked out of the bushes to give their report to Imzadi and Hebea. They had encountered nothing unusual during the long hours of their watch.

In an even shorter interval, Lessa and Riordon came off their watch to join the remaining four.

"Well, that was a dull night," Riordon observed wryly. "Nothing to disturb our peace at all, not even a wandering pig."

Cleavules grinned at her sister, "At least you didn't have to wear yourself out!"

Riordon smiled wickedly "Thank you very much, I was worn out quite enough with this one," she indicated Lessa "doing push-ups half the night through."

Kendaa was grinning as she lifted herself away from the tree she had been leaning against, and picked up her war-staff, "Well, we're off. See you all later."

Keleos cheerfully waved "Enjoy yourselves, and if you find any nice men out there send them my way!" as Kendaa and Cleavules, also carrying her war-staff, headed off for the day.

Cleavules called over her shoulder, "If we find any nice men, we'll be keeping them, sister. Find your own!"

This left Fayee and Keleos to wait for the arrival of Tnemesis and Wayfarer. Riordon and Lessa waited with them, so they could walk back to the village with the other Amazons.

Time passed, and then more time. The four remaining women continued to talk in a desultory fashion.

Finally, her face registering some concern, Fayee said quietly "This isn't like Tnemesis or Wayfarer. They're never late."

Keleos stood, picked up her bow and moved closer. "We'd better go looking."

Riordon and Lessa accompanied them. All four Amazons were now treading warily and held their weapons ready for use.

Almost two hours later, after searching the entire area that had been the patrolling territory of Tnemesis and Wayfarer, the four Amazons agreed the alarm needed to be given. Under no circumstances would any Amazon desert their post.

Tnemesis and Wayfarer were missing.

CHAPTER 4

Keleos and Fayee began their watch, now on full alert, while Lessa and Riordon took off at a run for the village.

Entering Apollena's chambers, the two Amazons were surprised to see their Queen in earnest conversation with Khyra, Amphalia and several other Amazons. Grim faces met grim faces.

"What is it?" Asked Apollena alerted by the look on Riordon and Lessa's faces.

Lessa said "My Queen, Tnemesis and Wayfarer are missing. We've searched their patrol area, but could find no trace of them."

Apollena's face hardened. "And so it begins," she said.

Riordon and Lessa exchanged confused glances.

"What's wrong?" asked Riordon in a flat voice.

Their Queen indicated the Amazon with black hair and haunted blue eyes. "Khyra has had a Seeing. It's not clear yet, but it seems we're facing some sort of danger. You two get to your beds. If we're to deal with whatever is to come, we'll need all our warriors well-rested and fully alert. If anything changes, I'll send for you."

As Lessa and Riordon left, Apollena turned back to Khyra. "Can you See nothing else? Anything that might help us know what it is we face?"

Helplessly, Khyra shook her head. "No, my Queen. There hasn't been anything since early this morning."

Apollena sighed in frustration. "Alright. But if *anything* comes to you, I want to know - immediately."

Khyra nodded. "Of course."

Ceallach had been standing silent and thoughtful for some time. "If Tnemesis and Wayfarer are missing, is there any reason to doubt that perhaps more will follow?"

Unwillingly, Apollena shook her head. "No. I want two of you to ride out to the perimeter and warn the present patrol. Ceallach, you and BrightOne go. And quickly."

Both named Amazons bowed briefly.

"At once, my Queen," said BrightOne, as they turned and left.

"As for the rest of you," Apollena looked around at Khyra, Amphalia, Kheata, TabuMinstrel, Jaclynn and Antares in turn. "Tell all your sisters to be alert. No one is to leave the boundaries of the village alone. Everyone is to pair off with another. I don't want anyone else to go missing."

It didn't take long for word to circulate throughout the Amazons that something was amiss and that they were on full alert - against they knew not what. The laughter of the night before was forgotten as they prepared to face whatever danger awaited them.

Cleya and Joxer were walking near the vegetable gardens when Jaclynn and Antares caught up with them.

"Cleya!" called Antares.

Cleya hastily released Joxer's hand and turned to her sisters. "We were just walking," she told them.

Jaclynn smothered a smile. "We have to talk. Now."

Joxer watched as the three Amazons moved away a space to talk quietly, if somewhat urgently.

Cleya turned to regard Joxer for a moment, before all three walked back to him. "I'm sorry. Two of our sisters are missing, and we...have reason to believe there will be trouble. I have to go."

She saw the look in his eyes and added "I'm sorry."

Joxer shrugged cavalierly, as if it didn't matter. "Fine. But you won't mind if I stick around?"

Cleya smiled shyly, while Antares said "No, of course not. Just make sure you stay out of our way."

"No problem," said the gangly man cheerfully.

By late morning, the village was on full alert. Even the women working in the fields now carried weapons with them. And with good cause. Late that afternoon, Chandra and Laurissa disappeared after they went to the river to bathe.

No one had seen anything unusual in the time leading up to their going.

The next morning, the Amazons awoke to discover BrightOne had been taken during the night.

Now they could all sense as if it were a tangible thing the dark cloud that had come to encircle them.

There were many nightmares that night. Children awoke crying out in fear, while some older Amazons awoke with a start from dreams which had harboured nameless horrors.

Amphalia and Kendaa were torn from a deep sleep by Khyra's distressed cries. Amphalia shook her awake. "Khyra! Wake up, you're dreaming!"

With a sharp cry, Khyra came awake, breathing heavily, eyes wide. Kendaa handed her a ladle with some water. "Here, drink this."

Shaking her head, Khyra waved it away. "I've got to see the Queen."

"Why?" Amphalia asked.

"Because I know who's doing this to us."

Amphalia and Kendaa said in unison. "Who?"

Her face pale, Khyra said "Hera."

Kendaa's eyes widened in surprise, closely followed by fury. "Hera," she uttered through clenched teeth. Kendaa's hatred for Hera was well-known among the Amazons, although she had never told any the reason why.

Pulling on her clothes with urgent movements she said "Khyra's right, the Queen needs to hear this, now."

CHAPTER 5

In the morning, Apollena gathered all the warriors who weren't required to be on guard or patrol duty. She told them what Khyra had told her during the early hours of the morning.

"My sisters, it seems we're facing a danger unlike any we've faced before. We have, apparently, offended Hera and are to be made to pay for ... whatever it is we've done. If our sisters continue to be taken from our midst, we may even be fighting for our very survival." Pausing, and looking down at the grim faces raised to her's, Apollena took a deep breath.

"We're going to need help, so I'm sending for Hercules and Iolaus. Lady Pegasus!"

Lady Pegasus stood forward. "Yes, my Queen?"

"Fly, winged one. Fly swiftly to Hercules. Tell him the Amazons need him, perhaps as never before. Bring him back here as quickly as you can."

Lady Pegasus bowed briefly. "As you ask, Apollena. It will be done. I'll be back with Hercules as soon as possible."

The other Amazons parted to let her pass.

Apollena hadn't finished. "Hebea, RobinsNest and Harmony!"

All three named Amazons came swiftly forward.

"Gather all the young ones and place them in the communal hut. There's to be a twenty-four hour guard around them. Three sisters, no more. We'll need all we can spare for defence."

Hebea nodded, but asked "What about sentries at the entrances to the village?"

Their Queen replied quietly, "If who...or whatever is doing this can get past the patrols, then I doubt our sentries will keep them out. However, make sure sentries are posted at the entrances."

RobinsNest nodded. "We'll take care of that before the young ones are gathered. It may be our more urgent need right now."

Harmony looked to her Queen. "RobinsNest and I will start gathering the little ones, while Hebea sees to the sentries. That way, we'll save a little time."

Apollena nodded her assent, but the three warriors had already turned and were heading quickly out through the curtained doorway.

Down in the Chalcidice, some distance outside the town of Stagira, three men were walking along a road alternately laughing and talking about the hunting trip they'd just enjoyed.

"You know, Iolaus, I thought that pig was going to follow you up that tree!" said a jovial man who stood of middle height between the smaller blonde man he had just addressed, and the tall, golden-haired man with clear blue eyes who walked easily on his other side.

The blonde hunter, Iolaus, laughed in a musically high-pitched tone. It was obvious he enjoyed a good joke. "Thanks a lot, Axman! I didn't see you trying to turn it away from me!"

The tall man, the demi-god Hercules, was now laughing in some amusement too. He couldn't help teasing his friend, "Iolaus, I really think you might be slowing down. I was sure that little pig was going to take a slice out of your leg."

Iolaus did his best to look hurt. "Hey, Herc, I didn't see you doing anything to divert it!"

The son of Zeus grinned. "How could I? I was too busy trying to beat off its mate."

Hercules's best friend narrowed his eyes. "And that took SO much energy, didn't it?"

Hercules nodded serenely, his golden hair moving gently in the warm spring breeze. "Absolutely. It was trying to devour my foot. With great determination."

They all laughed.

Axman said "So, are you going to stay on in Stagira for a few days?"

Iolaus looked a question at Hercules.

"I guess we could stay for a little longer. There doesn't seem to be a pressing need for us to be anywhere else right now," Hercules shrugged.

The bright mid-morning sun shone down on them as they continued on towards the town, which could now be seen emerging from the warm morning haze.

Hercules saw her first. In the distance but coming fast. As she flew closer, her white wings beating steadily in the sunshine, he recognised her.

"Lady Pegasus!"

Iolaus and Axman drew to a halt besides Hercules as the winged Amazon gracefully came to earth before them.

"Hercules!" she cried in great relief. "I've been searching for you for two days!"

The urgent tone in her voice had already alerted him. "What's wrong?"

She was exhausted, but drew in deep breaths of air. "Queen Apollena asks that you come. We need your help."

Iolaus asked, "What's happened, Lady Pegasus?"

"Our sisters - they're being taken. We don't know how. Whoever it is, they're getting past our patrols. They leave no tracks. But Khyra had a Seeing; it's Hera. She's taking revenge for ... we don't know what."

Hercules's face had changed. "Hera," he bit out. "She never gives up," he added in disgust. He knew that whoever or whatever was abducting the women must be extremely powerful to be able to get past the Amazon defences.

Turning to Lady Pegasus, he said "We'll come."

CHAPTER 6

Dawn, almost three days later, saw the three men and the winged Amazon moving down the track that led to the village. Around them, the woods were quiet. Apparently nothing moved, yet Hercules knew they were being watched. He slowed his pace somewhat, as did his companions, so those who watched could see them clearly, even if they might not have yet seen Lady Pegasus, who had taken to the air and was now soaring over and ahead of them.

They were approaching the main entrance to the village when four fully-armed Amazons appeared out of nowhere to confront them. Grim faced, Nuance, Therese, Astraea and Nanaea stood ready for battle. But as the three men came closer, their relief was tangible.

Nanaea immediately lowered her sword. "Hercules! Thank the gods you could come," she said quietly.

As the women gathered around them, Axman looked on somewhat in awe. He had long known of the Amazons; known that they were held in fear by some, wariness by others, admiration by still others. No one willingly tangled with an Amazon. To do so was to court a very rapid reprisal, which could be deadly.

And yet, face to face with them, he thought they were magnificent. Both battle-hardened and beautiful in a way he had never seen in other women they were, nevertheless, mortal like any other. Yet they carried within them something as intangible as a fresh spring breeze. Something honourable and clean, wild and untouchable. Axman found himself instinctively liking them.

Hercules was deep in conversation. "How many have been taken now?"

Nuance's voice held impotent anger, "Too many. Every morning we wake to find more missing. And even during the day they're being taken. They're coming right through our defences; they're taking our best warriors, and we don't know how, or even who they are."

Hercules and Iolaus glanced at each other. Iolaus only said, "Trouble, big-time."

The son of Zeus sighed. "Yes. I don't like this." He looked at Astraea. "Alright, take us to Apollena."

The Amazons, except for those on guard duty, and their Queen were gathered in the centre of the village.

The women parted as Hercules and his companions walked to the centre of the group. Not a few of them looked with longing at the son of Zeus and the two hunters.

"Apollena," Hercules greeted the Queen.

She looked at him in relief. "Hercules, Iolaus, it's good to see you. I just wish the circumstances were better."

Hercules introduced Axman. Apollena greeted the hunter kindly and thanked him for joining forces with them to try to help.

Looking at the three newcomers in turn, and struggling to say words which were bitter gall, the Queen of the Amazons said, "We are...besieged."

"So we've been hearing," replied Hercules grimly.

He would have continued, but was interrupted by the arrival of Manto, who ran straight to the Queen, her long hair flying in disarray behind her.

Without preamble she gasped, "Riordon and Amphalia have been taken!"

Cries of dismay and anger rose as Manto continued, "We were to relieve them on the northern perimeter over an hour ago. When they didn't report, Khyra and I went looking for them. All we found were their weapons!"

She held up Amphalia's whip and Riordon's sword for all to see.

Kendaa, her face set in cold fury, having just came off night patrol, moved forward to stand beside Manto. "We've checked the entire area. There's some disturbed earth at the spot where we found their weapons, but no tracks. It's as if they've vanished into thin air."

Hercules's head went up. Thoughtfully he reflected, "If Hera's responsible, it would be easy for her to arrange their disappearance."

Iolaus aired his own frustration. "There must be some tracks somewhere...something that gives them away. Something they've overlooked or left behind!"

Princess shook her head tiredly. "Nothing, Iolaus. It's as if one minute they're there, and the next instant they're...gone."

Antares added, "They're even taking them from their homes in the middle of the night. And the women in the beds not four feet away from them don't get woken; there's no sign of trouble, no disturbed bedclothes..." She shivered. "Gods but it's eerie."

Hercules raised his hands. "Alright. Is there any particular area they're being taken from?" Again, negative replies came from all directions.

In some frustration he asked, "Any indication of the direction they're being taken to?"

A defeated silence greeted him.

Until one voice spoke from the back of the crowd. "North. They're being taken north."

It was Khyra, her eyes huge in her pale face.

Hercules turned to her. "What do you mean?"

Slowly, she moved forward until she was standing before Hercules and Apollena. They could see she was close to exhaustion; the Seeing drained its recipients.

"I saw them. They were all taken north."

Hercules and the two hunters exchanged confused looks. "When did you see them?" Hercules asked.

Khyra turned to Hercules. "I've had another Seeing."

Hercules's eyes encouraged her to continue.

"I saw some of Hera's henchmen take them. They were overpowered before they had any chance to react. But...," she seemed near tears.

Gently, Hercules asked "But...what, Khyra?"

Tears now ran down her cheeks. "Some of our sisters were with them, helping them."

Cries of shock and outright denial greeted these words.

The tall man with the golden hair and luminous blue eyes could hardly believe his own ears. Amazons never broke their loyalty to their sisters; it was unthinkable.

Suddenly it seemed to him as if the temperature had dropped considerably, the warm sunshine notwithstanding. The flesh on the back of his neck crawled. Grimly he returned his attention to Khyra.

"Are you sure?"

Weeping in earnest now, Khyra cried, "Something's been done to them; they've been changed. I felt...they were empty; they've been emptied of who and what they are. And I heard Hera laughing."

Hercules's hands were on his hips, his face wearing a look of such anger that even Iolaus's eyes widened.

"Could you see where they were being taken?"

"A cave. A large cave. It's well-hidden, but can't be that far away, even though we haven't been able to find it yet."

Iolaus was frowning as he asked, "Could you find the cave for us now, do you think?"

Regretfully, the tearful Amazon shook her head. "No, I only saw the cave, not the way there."

Hercules nodded slowly, battle readiness not far from the surface. "Alright. Then we have to find it. And soon."

Ayelet remarked, "We've searched the area thoroughly. With no tracks, nothing to go on..." She shook her head in frustration.

Hercules looked at the taut, tired faces of the women surrounding him. He nodded slightly to himself. Once, many years before, they had been embattled. He'd helped them then. And he'd help them now.

"Don't worry, we'll find your missing sisters. We'll stop this," he told them gently, with a slight, reassuring smile.

Without surprise, Hercules saw Iolaus and Axman move to flank him on either side, their faces mirroring his own determination.

All eyes centered on the son of Zeus, relief mixed with awe now settling on the faces of the Amazons.

CHAPTER 7

Time was indeed running out. In spite of the formidable Amazon defences and the fully-armed search parties that went out heading north throughout the day, Azhure, Manto and Nanaea disappeared late that afternoon.

Hercules watched it happening around him with disbelief and growing frustration. And above all, with anger. This wasn't the first time Hera had tried to destroy the Amazons. Like him, they held a special place in Hera's hatred.

No one had much sleep that night.

Towards morning, Hercules drifted into an uneasy slumber, only to be torn out of it just before dawn by loud cries coming from one of the nearby dwellings.

Hercules was up and running in seconds, and was quickly joined by the two hunters and many of the Amazons.

It was Khyra. In the pre-dawn light, her face was ghostly white as she emerged from her own home.

Her voice shaking, she told them "They've taken Kendaa and Cleavules!"

Hercules couldn't believe it. "You saw it?"

"No! While I was asleep...the Seeing!"

Iolaus had the feeling he was still asleep and it was all a nightmare. "What exactly did you See, Khyra?"

"They only headed off to relieve the night patrol a little while back. They hadn't even reached their own patrolling territory before..." Wretchedly she continued, "Riordon and Amphalia helped Hera's henchmen take them".

Hercules lowered his head, and ran his hand through his hair.

At the same time, Melissande came running, shouting "Carriebaby's gone too!".

The demi-god's head came up abruptly, his eyes filled now with the light of battle. He turned to Apollena, "That's it. We go after them. As soon as there's some light."

In reply, the Queen of the Amazons unsheathed her sword and turned to the other women. "Arm yourselves, my sisters! Full battle dress! We leave at first light!"

Fussing with his armour, Joxer moved to stand in front of the Queen. "I'd like to offer my services, Queen Apollena."

Apollena surveyed him, from the ill-fitting armour to the awkward and somewhat dangerous manner in which he was waving his sword around. Axman ducked just in time to avoid being sliced across the arm.

Diplomatically, the Queen said, "Thank you, but I'd like to ask a particular favour of you. Would you stay here and stand with those guarding our little ones?" She looked over to one side.

"Cleya will also be standing guard," she added with not even the trace of a smile.

His face stern, and almost standing at attention, Joxer nodded solemnly.

"It will be an honour to stand with the Amazons!"

The first golden rays of the sun had begun to climb above the horizon when Hercules, the two hunters and the full fighting force of Amazon warriors, led by their Queen, left the village heading north. Determination was written on every face.

Kheata, Innocent, Skeezix and Amuse took up their positions as forward scouts, and over an hour had passed before Skeezix and Innocent came running back through the forest.

"We found some tracks! About a mile or so up ahead," Innocent reported.

Hercules stared thoughtfully into the distance. "They're getting careless."

Skeezix's eyes were as cold as ice as she added, her bow held at the ready in her hand. "Yes, they are. We were being watched by several of our sisters."

She shivered. "And something else..."

Hercules was frowning. "I don't like this. Day after day, Amazons go missing, virtually in front of your very eyes, with no trace. Now...it's as if they're leaving clues." He was shaking his head. He didn't like it at all. If Hera was involved, then...

The tall man's agile mind started making connections as his eyes absently scanned the surrounding and silent forest. He began to come up with an answer of sorts that he definitely didn't like. Absently, he turned his gaze on his two friends, and all the Amazons standing on full battle alert.

What if Hera was trying to kill two bird's with one stone? What if she thought she had found a way to destroy both the Amazons and himself? Hercules knew the queen of the gods had long sought to be revenged on him for freeing the Amazons from her service so long ago. With not a small degree of disgust he thought Hera would be overjoyed if she could destroy the Amazons for what she saw as their infidelity, but not before she used them to kill him.

His mind was thinking furiously. No, not destroy...Hera was enslaving the Amazons; forcibly returning them to her service. His stomach churned sickly at the very thought, but his eyes turned the colour of glacier ice.

It was no coincidence that the day following his arrival, everything was suddenly pointing the way to the missing Amazons.

Before the day was out, he was certain, he would be fighting for his life.

CHAPTER 8

Barely minutes later, AMuse and Kheata came back at a full run.

Leaning on her war staff, Kheata drew in a deep breath before reporting.

"There's a cave, not that far from here, half way up a hill. It's well-guarded. Both Hera's henchmen ... and our sisters."

AMuse was sheathing her sword. "But we've found a way through the forest that leads up behind the entrance to the cave, so we should be able to come at them with some degree of surprise."

Several of the Amazons moved forward, already drawing their weapons. Harmony said, quite calmly, "I say we take them now. Before they have the chance to take any more of us."

Ayelet moved to join her sister, her sword drawn. "Yes. And claim our sisters. Better they should die than..." She left the rest of the words unsaid, but several other faces reflected Ayelet's anguish.

Ceallach moved to stand in front of Hercules and Apollena, her grey eyes cold, "It's time we put a stop to this." She drew her weapon and stood ready to face whatever lay before them. One by one the Amazons moved to stand closer, weapons ready for battle.

Hercules looked at them. They were magnificent. Courage was written in every one of the faces surrounding him.

"Alright. We go now. But wait for my signal."

Kheata and AMuse led them quietly up the hill so that they were behind the cave and it's guards.

At Hercules's signal, Fayee, Antares, Imzadi and Bluetopaz raised their bows and let loose their arrows. The four henchmen guarding the cave fell without a sound, while Iolaus and several Amazons took care of the three enslaved women warriors, making sure they slept soundly - but safely - for a while.

Carefully, the force moved down to stand at the entrance to the cave. From what they could now see at close quarters, it was a large cavern more than a cave. Silently, they began to make their way inside.

CHAPTER 9

Hidden by the natural barrier of rocks around the front of the cavern, Hercules, the two hunters and the Amazons crouched down and surveyed the scene before them.

Several Amazons were moving freely about, apparently engrossed in sorting weapons, while Hera's minions could be seen engaged in a variety of tasks around the cavern, particularly towards the farthest end. Down that end stood a stone platform. In it's centre was a large rock. It was what sat on that rock that caught Hercules's attention. A large crystal, irregular in shape, pulsating with a sickly green radiance.

Hercules was in no doubt that the crystal had something to do with whatever had happened to the abducted Amazons. Every part of his god-sense told him it was a thing of unmitigated evil.

Silently, Ayla reached out and caught Hercules's attention. Warily, she pointed. CarrieBaby, Cleavules and Kendaa were still captive. And they had seen what their enslaved sisters and Hera's minions had yet to see - Hercules, the two hunters and the Amazons noiselessly entering the cave.

The three sat with their backs against the left wall of the cavern. Bound hand and foot and gagged, the look in their eyes told what their mouths could not; they had seen the fate that awaited them if the rescue attempt failed.

The band advanced into the cavern. Hercules, in the lead, straightened to his full, daunting height as he noiselessly came up behind two of his stepmother's minions. His face reflected his rage as he brought his hands up and smashed their heads together.

Almost as one, the enslaved Amazons and the remainder of Hera's henchmen turned to face the intruders. Gathering up weapons, they began to advance.

The battle was joined.

Moving to confront three Amazons and three of Hera's servants, and without taking his eyes off them, Hercules yelled over his shoulder, "Use defensive moves with the Amazons! Be careful, but don't fight to kill!"

Princess, moving to face Tnemesis and Wayfarer, her warstaff held ready, called back "They look like they're out to kill us!"

As he ducked a spear thrust and whirled to avoid a sword, Hercules called back, "Just...be careful! We want to save them, not kill them!"

TabuMinstrel, sending a well-aimed kick at one of the minions, while determinedly grabbing at the business end of Manto's spear, yelled "Tell THEM that!"

Iolaus and Axman were fighting side-by-side against Chandra, Laurissa and several of Hera's servants.

"This is not good!" Muttered Axman, as he nimbly ducked the chakram Chandra had just sent spinning at his head.

Iolaus, taking a flying leap to take out two more minions, and desperately avoiding Riz's sword as it sought to separate his head from his shoulders, yelled "Tell me about it!"

The enslaved Amphalia, Riordon, Manto and Azhure had five of their sisters cornered until Apollena, Hebea, RobinsNest, Melissande and Innocent broke away from the main battle to even the odds. The battle was hard, and many of the Amazons took wounds while in turn trying to avoid wounding their bespelled sisters.

Harmony and Astraea had moved to confront an enslaved Nanaea and two of Hera's servants. Their warstaffs moved against the three with a strength born of desperation, as they were being steadily herded towards the end of the cavern.

"Don't hurt Nan!" cried Harmony, delivering a jarring blow to one of Hera's minions with the business end of her warstaff.

For an instant Astraea dared turn her attention to her equally beleagured sister. "Don't hurt her? She's trying to do me serious bodily harm!" she yelled as she yet again ducked and whirled away from Nanaea's viciously flying whip as it lashed out at her.

Slipping on some sand, Harmony cursed, but seconds later was hauled to her feet by Ayelet, who had seen their need and came to help them.

"About time you showed up!" Harmony told her.

Ayelet grinned humourlessly. "I never could resist a good fight," she grunted as she thrust her sword with deadly aim at the nearest of Hera's servants.

Hercules was fighting three of Hera's henchmen and trying to keep two bespelled Amazons at bay when he quickly glanced over at some new activity to his left.

Two henchmen had hauled Kendaa to her feet and were dragging her towards the platform containing the glowing crystal.

In between well-placed hits and defensive movements, Hercules saw Kendaa look towards him, almost as if in slow-motion. Her eyes held the absolute defiance her mouth couldn't scream. Bound, she nevertheless writhed in the hold of her captors. She was going to her fate struggling all the way.

Sickened, Hercules returned his full attention to the fight before him. "I've got to stop this," he muttered desperately to himself.

Dual punches sent two of the henchmen upwards to meet the roof with disintegrating force. A swift sideways kick sent the third minion to make a hole in the cavern's wall. A determined shove sent the two Amazons, Wayfarer and BrightOne backwards onto the ground.

He caught sight of a large net lying quite close to Carriebaby and Cleavules; a plan of sorts began to form.

"Iolaus! Axman!"

Both hunters were engaged in their own battles, but they still indicated they'd heard him.

"What?" yelled Iolaus, ducking Tnemesis's sword as it came towards his chest.

Already sprinting, Hercules yelled back, "The net!" He didn't have to say more.

Axman and Iolaus began pushing the Amazons fighting them towards their free sisters, who also understood what was needed. Slowly, they began to form an outer circle around their bespelled sisters, and sought out and engaged the henchmen.

As Hercules reached the net, he glanced again at the stone platform. What he saw widened his eyes in horror.

Kendaa stood rigid between her two captors, her eyes closed. From head to foot, she was immersed in a sickly, pulsating green light, as Hera laughed long and hard somewhere above them.

Hercules roared "No!" in denial of something he couldn't stop. But it was too late. The tall blonde Amazon's eyes were opening.

She was lost.

Hera's minions were undoing her bonds.

Just then Iolaus and Axman reached Hercules.

Iolaus was grimacing from a wound he'd taken to the shoulder. "This had better work!"

Breathing hard and picking up one end of the net, Axman added "Yeah! They don't intend to give up any time soon!"

As they moved into position and prepared to throw the net, Hercules heard Hera scream, "Kill him!"

He looked up and saw that Kendaa had picked up a discarded sword and was heading purposefully in his direction, closely followed by the now-enslaved Cleavules, whip in hand. The look on both their faces was chilling.

They were running out of time. Hercules yelled "Now!" and as the free Amazons made way, the net flew to land on top of all the enslaved Amazons, except for Cleavules and Kendaa.

Iolaus and Axman made sure the net was secure around the bespelled women, while their sisters began in fresh earnest to lay into Hera's henchmen.

Hercules turned to face the expressionless Cleavules and Kendaa. He knew only too well from fighting beside them in other battles that they were two of the fiercest, most formidable warriors among the Amazons. Moving forward, he confronted them.

Kendaa wasted no time. In a rapid, practised movement, her sword went up to come slicing down in a vicious arc towards Hercules's neck. In an equally swift move, the demi-god's foot came up and kicked the sword from her hand. It went flying through the air to embed itself in the floor of the cave.

At the same time, Cleavules' whip lashed out and wrapped itself around his right forearm. Wasting no time of his own, Hercules tugged hard; the whip left the Amazon's hand.

The blonde Amazon took advantage to land a kick of her own on Hercules's chest.

He grunted in pain, even as Cleavules began to draw a dagger from the belt at her waist.

Grimly Hercules muttered, as he reached out and grabbed Kendaa's wrists tightly, "Alright you two, this ends now."

The enslaved Kendaa, however, had other ideas. Now quite close to Hercules, she brought her knee up in a sharp move meant to incapacitate him. Just in time he whirled to avoid what would have been a devastating blow.

"I don't think so," he told the blonde Amazon, who remained completely devoid of expression.

With a quick movement, he shifted his hold so that she was held against his body, his left arm wrapped around her, her arms imprisoned against her sides. Before Cleavules could react and drive her dagger into him, in a lightning fast move, he knocked the dagger from her hand and had her similarly held against him.

The sounds of battle were slowly diminishing around them as Hercules made his way to the stone platform, the two furiously struggling Amazons in tow.

Coming to a halt, the tall demi-god cast a grim look upward. "Not this time, Hera. Not these women."

Then he turned his attention to the still-glowing crystal while Hera, realising his intent, screamed a futile and enraged "No!"

But Hercules's foot was already lashing out.

The crystal met the distant wall with a blinding flash and explosion that rocked the entire cavern.

Hercules suddenly found himself supporting Kendaa and Cleavules, who had both sagged down against him. Gently, he lowered them to the floor where they lay still, but thankfully breathing.

He looked around him. The henchman had disappeared; the Amazons beneath the net were as still as the two women in Hercules's care. Carriebaby still lay bound against the cavern wall, so Hercules went to her.

Crouching down beside her he gently removed her bonds, and helped her to her feet. Quietly, indicating the others, he said "You were lucky."

Equally as quietly, her eyes haunted in a pale face, she replied "I know. Another few minutes and..." Wordlessly they hugged, Hercules's arms enfolding the Amazon and holding her close; Carriebaby more than grateful to feel genuine human warmth after the horrors of the last hours.

Sounds - largely groans - had started issuing from beneath the net. Iolaus looked over at Hercules, who nodded, so he, Axman and the Amazons began freeing the occupants of the net.

Hercules and Carriebaby turned to the two Amazons lying on the stone platform. They were beginning to move.

Kendaa's green eyes were open, but she lay staring blankly up at the ceiling, while Cleavules was moving feebly and trying to sit up. Hercules gently helped her to stand. She looked at him, doubt in her eyes. "I..."

But he smiled and shook his head. "It's alright." They hugged too, the big man's arms drawing her close against him in reassurance.

Carriebaby was looking with concern at her still-prone sister. "Are you alright?"

At last Kendaa's eyes moved to regard her sisters and the demi-god. They helped her to her feet. Like Cleavules, she looked up at Hercules, deep regret in her eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but the son of Zeus forestalled her. "No, there's no need."

She reached out to grasp his arm, saying in a low voice, "There's every need."

He shook his golden head, saying with emphasis "No. There's not." Then she was being warmly hugged too, Hercules's chin resting lightly on her head.

The four of them went to join all the others.

The formerly enslaved Amazons were slowly coming back to themselves. One by one they too lined up to hug their rescuers in gratitude.

Without a backward glance they all left the cave, although Hercules spared a few minutes to seal it. There was a strong stench of evil about the place, and he wanted to make sure it would never again be used for ill purposes.

It was a quiet, exhausted group that made the trek back to the village.

CHAPTER 10

That evening, after wounds were dressed and cleaned, the weary Amazons and hunters sat down to a thanksgiving meal. By unanimous consent, it was held outdoors around large fires and under a sky filled with the brilliant, clean light of countless stars.

After they had finished eating, calls went out for Ceallach to tell the story, in the traditional ancient Dorian form, of their strange battle against the forces of the queen of the gods. The Amazon way of life had been preserved, but it had been a close thing. Once more the caprices of the gods had lashed out at the Amazon women, and once more they had prevailed, with the aid of the son of Zeus. Ceallach was up to the telling; among the Amazons her skill as bard were legendary.

It was a tale worth the telling and worth preserving.

Later still, TabuMinstrel stood and made her way to stand in the light of the largest of the bonfires. Her crystal-clear voice, as sweet as the finest Thessalian honey, was raised in a melody that was at once a lament and a celebration. Her sisters, Hercules and the two hunters sat silent and awed before the power and beauty of her music.

For some time afterwards, the only sound to be heard was the crackle of the fires as they consumed the dry wood gathered from the forest; the sweet scent of the leaves of various trees permeated the village as they too burned. Smoke drifted lazily upwards into the still night.

Gradually, quiet talking resumed. The evening deepened, and groups formed around the fires.

Tnemesis sat with Storm and Bluetopaz. For a long while she stared moodily into the heart of the fire. Bluetopaz noticed and quietly said, "It's over, Tnem. We're all free. Hera will never destroy us."

Tnemesis turned dark eyes to her sister. Equally as quietly, she replied, "But she won't ever stop trying. She hates us as much as she hates Hercules."

Throwing a twig into the heart of the fire, Storm looked at them both, a small smile on her face. "Yes, she'll keep trying to destroy us, but we are the Amazons, my sisters. We are who we are, and no one will ever take that from us; not Hera, nor any of the gods, nor any mortal."

Somewhere close by, drums started beating in an age-old rhythm known only among the Amazons. Some started chanting in time to the beat; a wild, free sound, while others, Fayee foremost among them, were getting to their feet and beginning to dance around the fires with strong, lithe, almost sensual movements that had Iolaus's, Axman's and Joxer's mouths falling open in admiration.

ForgetMeNot and Ayla hauled Innocent and Azhure to their feet and dragged them into the dance.

Riordon, Lessa, Harmony, Astraea and Lady Pegasus needed no such encouragement. They were up and moving with lithe, graceful movements, their short skirts flying around them as they danced.

Kheata stood and stretched, saying "Gods, but I need to dance away the unclean feelings!" as she joined her now rapidly-moving sisters, her hair flying out wildly around her as she danced.

Alcyone, Hebea and RobinsNest joined the drummers, the increased sound and beat of the drums now a compelling invitation to the Amazon women to move and somehow express the untamed wildness that always pulsed in their hearts.

Antares and Melissande were standing watching the activity and quietly talking when Amphalia and AMuse ran up to them and dragged them into the dance too.

"You're not sitting this out!" Amphalia told them, a wide, joyous smile on her face, her eyes sparkling in the firelight.

As they went AMuse cried passionately, "Dance, sisters! Rejoice in our freedom!. Embrace this night when we celebrate defying and defeating Hera!"

Melissande had caught the beat of the drums and was moving with sinuous, graceful movements, her eyes closed. Softly she said to herself, "Yes, I dance for our freedom." Her eyes opened, exultant, and her proud war cry went ringing out to join the rhythmic beat of the drums and the chanting of her sisters.

ForgetMeNot and Ceallach danced lightly past, heading in the direction of the hunters. An equally enticing smile on both their faces, they reached out and pulled Iolaus and Axman into the circle of dancers. "About time you two stopped staring and joined us!" ForgetMeNot told them. At the same time, Cleya was hauling an entranced Joxer to his willing feet.

Jaclynn, Carriebaby and Wayfarer were sitting quietly, sipping from mugs of ale, and watching their sisters. Carriebaby smiled, her eyes half-closed as her head moved in time to the drums. "Why don't you join them? You know you want to," said Jaclynn.

Carriebaby shook her head, her long hair falling carelessly into her eyes. Pushing it back, she shook her head. "It's enough to just be able to watch it and enjoy it."

Sitting next to her, Wayfarer nodded slowly, her face pale and tired in the flickering light from the fires. She had been one of the first to be enslaved. "I don't think I want the drums or the dancing to ever stop. I need to drown in it."

Just then, Fayee, Innocent and Khyra danced up to them.

"Up! Up and join us! Dance away the shadows! Cast them away!" cried Fayee, a wild gleam in her eyes.

Innocent and Khyra reached down and grasped Wayfarer's and Carriebaby's arms, pulling them to their feet. "Come and join your sisters! Now is the time to throw Hera's hate for us back in her face! We've defied her and won! Isn't that worth celebrating?" cried Innocent.

Smiling, Jaclynn stood to join them, as the number of encircling dancers grew even larger.

Therese, Princess and Castalia had linked hands and were spinning in a wild threesome, long hair flying out behind them, close to where Apollena sat proudly watching all her sisters give release and banish that which had gripped them for so long.

The queen didn't remain sitting for long. Ayelet and Nanaea ran up to her and had pulled her to her feet before she had time to protest.

Laughing, Ayelet cried, "Join us, my queen! Celebrate our victory with us!"

"Come, dance with us. We all need to wash away Hera's hold," Nanaea smiled, her eyes warm.

Nodding her head, Apollena smiled in return and willingly went with them, adding her own graceful steps to the sinuous movement of those already dancing.

Now into the wild dancing melee came Keleos, Skeezix, Imzadi, BrightOne, Nuance and Orlena. Running into the inner circle of dancers, close to the central fire, they came, bearing a long flowing length of material above their heads. Swiftly they ran, in and out of their rapidly-moving sisters, the length of white silky material weaving with them. The chant they sang as timeless as their race.

"Rejoice, rejoice in that which is our's!
Be swift of foot, sure of heart.
Celebrate that which we are.
That which none may take from us!
For we are the Amazons, daughters of countless mothers!
Demeter, Artemis, Aphrodite, Selene, hear us! Bless our race, confirm our strength,
For we are the Amazons. We belong to none!"

In contrast, now came Chandra, Calee, Azhure, BlueTopaz, Cleavules and Laurissa bearing swords. They walked among the dancers, who gave way, almost as a stately procession, and took up positions among the outer ring of dancers. Once in place they began an intricate dance of their own, weaving their swords with stunning, graceful precision.

Hercules sat watching all the movement around him, a gentle, thoughtful smile on his face. He was tired, but content. The Amazons were safe, for now. And he had yet again thwarted Hera's insane and unceasing quest for his own death. He and the two hunters would be leaving in the morning, but for now he was pleased to be able to sit back and enjoy the almost primal music and dancing of the Amazon women. It stirred something deep within him.

Idly, his eyes moved over the gathering, until movement at the edge of the firelight caught his attention. Kendaa had turned her back on all the activity and was quietly moving away into the dark night. As he watched, she was swallowed in the depths of the forest. Hercules stood and slowly went after her.

He found her some distance away from all the noise in the village, standing staring up at the three-quarter moon, one hand placed against the trunk of a large tree. Her face was bleak.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

She turned to regard the tall man standing quite close behind her.

Shaking her head slowly and taking a deep breath, she replied quietly, "Talking isn't going to take away what I'm feeling."

Hercules nodded in understanding, but was otherwise silent, encouraging her to continue. Eventually she did, finding the words.

"I thought after all this time I'd gotten over it; that it was done with. But Hera...she's so determined to destroy us. She'll never give up, will she? She hates us almost as much as she hates you."

The son of Zeus hadn't missed the subtle change of subject. He wasn't about to let her off so easily. Blue eyes glittered in the clear moonlight. "Have you ever told them?"

The tall, blonde Amazon looked up into his eyes. "No. It's best left in the past." Shrugging, she added, "And really, all we have is our present, isn't it?"

It was Hercules's turn to shrug. "Yes, but we carry our past with us. It makes us who we are." He smiled a little, "It might help if you told them; it might ease the pain. You've been carrying it for so long."

Kendaa, laughed a little, a mirthless sound, "No. At least, not now; not yet." Sighing she added, "Gods, but I feel unclean! I'll never be able to clean myself of Hera's stench."

"Yes you will. You've done it before."

Hercules moved to stand behind her. Strong-gentle hands reached out to massage her shoulders.

They were silent for a while, each occupied with their own thoughts.

At length, Kendaa asked, "Hercules, how do you think history will remember us?"

The tall, golden-haired, blue-eyed man who was also half-god looked out into the surrounding darkness.

Thoughtfully he said, "Perhaps as people who just tried to live the best lives we could with what we had; people who kept trying against all odds."

Smiling now, he looked down at the Amazon woman, "Come on, let's go back. I haven't seen such spirited dancing in a long while!"

Kendaa looked up at him and slowly smiled. "Thank you, Hercules. For so much," she said softly.

Gently, and somewhat playfully, he nudged her with his hip "Always my pleasure."

For a long moment they regarded each other, until Hercules, suddenly unsmiling, slowly leaned down to cover her lips with his. For a long moment they stood silent, his arms wrapped around her slender form, holding her close; her arms around his neck, hands tangled in his hair.

They parted reluctantly, eyes meeting in a bitter-sweet acknowledgment of what was and what could never be.

As cloud covered the moon, the two figures walked slowly back towards the distant beckoning light of the fires.

CHAPTER 11

"And so, my sisters, it was Hercules and his friends who helped preserve the Amazon way of life. Again and again, Hera struck out at our sisters from that long-ago time; again and again they defied her and stood their ground, and the son of Zeus stood side-by-side with them. And tonight, as on every mid-summer's night we, their descendants, come together to remember."

Artemisia had come to the end of the tale. Slowly, she looked around at the other occupants of the room and smiled, her clear blue eyes warm. "Until next year, my sisters."

The other women slowly came back from the place Artemisia's story had taken them. In each one's eyes, an indomitable, proud spirit leaped.

It was now the early hours of the morning, and they were surrounded by a silent stillness that seemed to reach out and embrace them. Even the breeze had died down. But the flavour of Artemisia's tale was still with them as they stood and hugged each other, before one by one quietly, slowly, walking out into the dark night, taking with them as a precious seed the memory of their shared identity.

As long as the tales were told, there would always be Amazons.