The Amazon Prince: a fairy tale
Once there was a newborn baby, abandoned by his Spartan parents. Left out in the winter snow, the baby seemed doomed to the freezing weather. The Spartans rivals were the Amazons, and the Princess of the Amazons was passing by, when she saw the baby. She took one long look at the baby, then looked at Sparta from the distance. She looked back at the baby, and despite realizing he was a Spartan, took pity on him. She picked him up, and looked at him, face to face. The baby was delicate, weak, but beautiful. Knowing how helpless he was, the princess decided to call off the attack she was leading, and take him with her to her Island home, Themiscyra. She knew that many out-of-island males, (referring to the people who were not Gargareans nor any other Scythian tribe males born there,) traditional shouldn't be welcomed to their all-women island, but she also knew that it wasn't good to leave him there to die. So she took him, hoping that there could be an exception, and maybe get him to live there if he was lucky. When she got to the island, she present the baby to her mother, Queen Hippolyte II. “Mother, I have found this baby in the snow, and he looked so cute but so weak, that I could not bear to let him freeze near the edges of Sparta.” The queen got up from her throne and sighed. “Katiari, you cannot bring an out-of-island male here, especially if they could be a Spartan.” The princess brought him closer to the queen. “Just look at him, mother. Does he look dangerous to you?” The queen tried to explain the risks, but the princess explained further, reminding her that Spartans reject the weak and delicate children, mainly the boys. He would have died if it were not for her. The queen took a look at the baby and thought it through. Seeing how helpless he was, she asked if the princess knew who the father was, and when she said no, the queen took pity on him, but not as much as the princess did. “Very well, but he's your problem now.” The queen said. The princess was filled with joy, upon hearing this, and hugged the baby close to her chest. So, seeing him as her son now, she named him Laurentius or Lars for short. As Lars grew, he remained a slim, but beautiful boy. By the time he was eight years old, his hair grew longer, and his mother would often brush it. He wore a toga chiton gown and belt, which his mother made. He would often play and hum with the birds of the island. He even enjoyed cooking, flowers, singing, and learning about cultures including Amazonian. He knew he was a boy, and he was fine with that. Soon the entire island knew his name, and would refer to him as a prince. By the time an Amazon daughter would turn eight years old, she would begin training in combat and schooling. Among them was a girl named Parthena, who happened to know Lars. Parthena was the daughter of one of the soldiers who was with the princess when she found him. She wished to one day become a great warrior, possibly inspired by her mother, and was even shown to be quite loyal, especially towards the prince. While she was training, one day, Lars approached her. He was expecting her to be available to play. “Sorry. Lars, I'm beginning combat training. Maybe some other time.” He understood and walked over to the blacksmith’s workshop.Inside was not only the blacksmith but her daughter too. Her name was Cora, she was the last child born in Themiscyra before the Gargareans, the man tribe that fathered Amazon daughters, went extinct. She had an interest in things out of Themiscyra, possibly because her mother would often remind her of her father. Lars soon went into the workshop and met up with Cora. Impatiently, her mother recognized him, as he and Parthena had been there before. “Prince Lars, came to if she's available? She hasn't turned eight years old yet. By the way, sorry about Parthena, and her time for her training.” Lars’s attention turned towards the blacksmith. “It’s alright.” He said. Cora showed him her spinning tops. “Were you thinking of playing these, or did you bring your dolls again?” Cora asked this because they were the most common things they did. Lars would sometimes bring dolls, which neither Cora nor Parthena had. “The tops.” He said. After going outside, Lars and Cora began to spin the tops, and watch if they would knock each other over. Once they fell over, Lars and Cora started again. A couple of times, one did knock the other over. Soon Parthena finished her training for the day and approached them. “I'm surprised you didn't bring your dolls this time.” She said to Lars. He looked at her, in her toga tunic. “You know I don't bring them everywhere I go.” He said. “I know, but you’ve been doing it a lot this month.” She said, as she got a top, and decided to play. As they spun the tops, they watched and waited to see who's top would get knocked down first. Cora’s top got knocked down first, and then Lars’s. Cora looked at Parthena. “So what do hope to do when you finish your training? Are you going to become a warrior and slay a werecat?” Parthena smiled when she heard Cora. “Maybe.” She replied. Lars readied his top, wanting to spin it again. “Are you ready, strong fingers?” Cora asked Parthena, also wanting to spin hers again. “Yes, I am.” Parthena replied as she readied her top. They spun the tops, they watched and waited to see who's top would get knocked down first. This time, Parthena’s top got knocked down first, and then Cora’s. “Wow, you’re getting better, Lars.” Parthena said, before she noticed what looked like a ship in the distance. Meanwhile, back at the palace, Queen Hippolyte and Princess Katiari were talking about Lars. About how he had never encountered another non-animal male, about how he doesn't know he's adopted, and about if there should be a male version of the Amazon right of passage for him. The queen was aware that because the Spartans killed off the Gargareans, Amazons were now endangered of becoming extinct. So the princess was suggesting whether to add a right of passage for fathers of future daughters, and Lars should be one of them. After a long argument, they were interrupted by the sound of a horn. The horn was a warning of an attack. They looked from the balcony, and saw that the Spartans were invading Themiscyra. Some civilians were running, some were fighting. Worrying about Lars, Princess Katiari began to run to find him but was stopped by her mother. “You stay here. I’ll send one of our guards to find him.” “No, I can't wait.” the princess said to the queen, before running towards the entrance. She ran down the stairs, and made it to the ground floor. Her mother stopped her again, this time grabbing her. “I will not risk losing you.” The queen said. The princess pleaded with her, but the queen insisted that the longer they argue, the more likely he will die. Suddenly, two Spartans came in. The queen let go of her daughter, telling her to run. As she did, one of the Spartans killed the queen. When the princess heard this, she slowed down, and turned her head, and she saw filled her with fear and sadness. She was about to exit when a voice called out, “Mother!” It was Lars. He ran towards her in fear into her arms, unknowing about the Spartans inside. One of them saw him running towards her, and quickly came over to check him out, grabbing him from Princess Katiari. “A boy?” After examining him, the Spartan dropped him, and got mad. He began yelling at the other Spartan, about how he failed to find out everything about the Amazons, and that this was not part of the plan. A group of Amazon guards came and shielded Katiari and the prince. Another group arrived and came from behind the Spartans, and ran them out of, and away from, the palace. A few more Spartans appeared, and informed the other two that they were too many Amazon warriors to fight. So the Spartans were forced to retreat. When Katiari asked Lars if he was hurt, he told her that he wasn't. “I was playing with Cora and Parthena, when the Spartans attacked. We panicked and ran. I’m sorry none of us fought back.” His mother sighed. “I think running was the right decision. Being brave isn't the same thing as getting yourself into trouble. It's when you take risks that are worth taking. Many were unprepared and unarmed. To be brave, you have to do smart things.” She hugged him and was glad that he was safe. However, her mood changed when he asked about the queen, reminding her of her death. She told him that his grandmother was killed by the Spartan that grab him. Upon hearing this, Lars started to cry. After the memorial of Hippolyte, Katiari became the new queen. The guards begged forgiveness for failing to arrive to save her mother in time, and asked what her first order was. She saw the prince looking sadly, into the distance. She excused herself to the guards, while she decided to comfort him. She placed her hand on his shoulder, getting his attention. “Why would they kill grandmother?” He asked. “The Spartans are a fierce man tribe who believe that war and dominance were all that was worth living for. You see, in the world of man, some people believe that the world of matriarchy is... unnatural. The Spartans are some of those people.” Prince Lars knew that the Amazons were a part of the world of matriarchy, and understood. Although he was still unhappy, as he began to weep. So the new queen hugged him tightly. “I miss her too. You actually had more of an effect on her life than anyone on this island, including me.” Lars looked up at her and asked, “Was it because I was born a son instead of a daughter?” “More than you know.” She said to him. She told the guards to start setting up ideas on an Amazon right of passage for males, then told Lars she was going to make sure he passed. Over the years, Queen Katiari found a method of a right of passage she liked, and started preparing Lars for it. While the woman’s right of passage included an obstacle corse, a very far swim, bows & arrows, and spear throwing, the male’s right of passage would be a little safer. Such as gymnastics, brain games, running while carrying eggs, sewing, and wrestling. Additionally, they would also require you to first speak the four Amazon Commandments: 1. Honor your mother and grandmother; 2. A warrior must fight for compassion, peace, and love; 3. Never purposely lie; 4. Honor the matriarchy. After the tests, they would have a ceremony where the queen would honor and present them as an Amazon citizen. However, the queen didn't think that was enough since the women were given gauntlets at their ceremony, while the males didn't yet have anything to be presented with in theirs. So she tasked a blacksmith to make an amulet necklace for Lars to wear, to represent his welcoming as an Amazon male.The queen began preparing the prince in ways, such as teaching him a few methods of wrestling, where he would use his opponent’s weight to his advantage. Another way she prepared him, was to improve his balance in egg carrying while walking on his toes while blindfolded. He was also taught a few ways of gymnastics, improving his flexibility and balance. When he was taught how to sew clothes and fabric, he was surprisingly better than the hired tailor. By the time he was sixteen, he felt ready for the new male right of passage. Although much has changed by that time. There were no more children on the island. Cora was now an official blacksmith, and even wore a black one-strip toga tunic and short gauntlets, representing her profession. Parthena had just finished her right of passage, and was now a muscular Amazon warrior, as she wore a long-sleeved tunic with bronze and silver armor and gauntlets to represent it, though normally didn't wear an Amazonian-Scythian helmet. Lars was now attempting right of passage, and he decided to wear a white toga chiton gown with a cloth around his neck as he usually did, and a thin forehead necklace. He passed gymnastics with his acrobatics, flexible legs, and balance. He was able to craft a pare of Scythian trousers and a toga tunic. He was able to finish the run that involves carrying an egg. He was able to prove his smarts in the brain games. Wrestling was the hardest, despite choosing his opponent, but he still managed to pin her. Although, the queen was not feeling well. So she had to delay the ceremony that finalized the acceptance. It was no surprise that no one pointed out that Lars was adopted, for it was considered disgraceful to judge the Amazon Royal Family, adopted or not. So fearing the outcomes of what would happen, people said nothing. That is until a few days after right of passage tests, when an old woman, who had nothing to lose, revealed that he was a Spartan. At first, he didn't believe him, claiming, “How dare you!? My mother told me I was blessed because I was born a male. Why do you claim I’m the enemy?” The old woman claimed that she was there when the queen first brought him to Themiscyra, but Lars was still not convinced until his mother requested him to come to her at the palace. There the queen, who was still sick, was sitting on her throne when Lars came. “Lars, you know I’d never lie to you. I just decided not to tell, but I've been hesitating to tell you this for so long. Sixteen years ago, your grandmother made me lead a mission to spy on Sparta, as rumors claimed that Sparta was going to attack Themiscyra. We were supposed to spy from a distance, without being seen, but everything changed when I saw an abandoned weak baby in the snow. I knew that boy wouldn't last long. So I took him in and nurtured him to health, and he survived. That baby was you. You’re adopted.” Lars was stunned to hear this. “I know, but I still love you, my son.” Lars ran away into his room. That night, Lars thought about what the old woman and Queen Katiari told him and began questioning himself. Over the next few nights, he would curl up into a ball, wondering if his life was a lie. Though he also felt that it couldn't be a lie, since it would be against the commandments. Soon as days went by, he decided to go to the oracle of the island. The oracle was known for her wisdom and foreshadowing, giving advice and guidance to those who were in need, for many years. Lars was now one of those in need. “Lars, do you seek guidance for who you are? Perhaps you found out about something you did not want to know, and are in doubt because of it.” Lars sighed and explained. “I found out that I’m actually a Spartan, and I'm not sure if I belong here. I know the Spartans did awful things, but was it for a good reason? Did the Amazons do something to them first? Did my real family secretly want me, or is my place here? What I'm trying to say is, where do I belong, and who am I really?” The oracle remained calm and said, “In order to find out where you belong, and find the right family, you must travel to Sparta. However, you must be careful. Sparta can be unpredictable, but if you stay there long enough, you will find yourself. Go take a boat, and make sure you know the way.” Lars was unsure if he should make the journey or not, knowing that the Spartans killed Queen Hippolyte. So he left to think about it. The next night, Lars finally decided to take the oracle’s advice and guidance. So he got a map, snuck over to the harbor, and approached the nearest sailboat the royal family owned, but when he got on the boat, he heard a voice. “Where are you going?” It was Cora. She happened to be walking nearby when she saw him enter the harbor. Lars explained everything to her, from him being a Spartan that was adopted by the Queen, to the oracle explaining that he would have to travel to Sparta to find out where he belongs. Cora was stunned when she heard that he was adopted as a Spartan baby, even shouting, “You’re not even a Scythian?!”, but surprisingly, she offered to go with him when he told her about the journey. “Why do you want to go to Sparta?” Cora sighed and explained, “I’m fifteen years old, and one of the only Amazons alive to have met their father. He died when I was four, but I remembered he use to explain to me about how the Gargareans lived and about the world of man. I really want to see it up close and personal. Maybe it would bring back memories.” Lars took pity on her. He never met her father, but he knew that the death of a family member was always unbearable. “Very well. Hop in.”As soon as Cona entered the boat, Parthena noticed them while she was on patrol. As they began to set sail, she ran as fast as she could to try to stop them. As a warrior, she promised to protect the Royal Family and her people, even if that meant keeping Lars from leaving the island. She dove into the water and swam after them. She was able to grab the boat, but the wind made the boat gain speed, and she was unable to bring it back to shore. Lars and Cora pulled her up and explained everything, including that Lars was adopted. “I’ve known that Lars was an adopted Spartan for years. My mother told me when I was little. She was there when the Queen found him, but the reason why I never told you two, was because we were afraid that would be shaming the Royal Family. Since Spartans were the enemies.” Cora was stunned that Parthena knew Lars was a Spartan, but both she and Lars understood. “As an Amazon warrior, it's my job to keep you safe, adopted or not. I would die for you, Lars.” After a moment of silence, Lars said, “I grant you permission to join. I don't know if I apply to the royal family, but I do know you can keep me safe during the journey.” Parthena smiled. “With that order, you saved me from abandoning my post.” It was the first time the three of them had been together at once in a long time, as they sailed onwards, leaving the island. As they crossed the open waters, they passed the island where the Gargareans used to exist before they went extinct. Cora explained that her father was the only survivor of the attack. “He and other Gargareans would make weapons and armor for the Amazons in exchange for sons. After he became the only one that survived, Queen Hippolyte took pity on him. Since her daughter decided to keep a son a month earlier, she figured it was time to break traditions and let him live with my mother for the rest of her life. He taught the woman he loved everything about being a blacksmith, and up until that point, they were only allowed to be with each other for a few days per year.” Both Lars and Parthena felt she was lucky to have met and lived with her father, even though he died when she was four. “Of course, they never told me that Lars was adopted, but that's fine.” She said as they kept sailing along. By the time they made it to the mainland, it was morning. They had taken turns steering the boat throughout the night, as two slept and the other steered. Parthena was the one steering when the boat when she docked it at the beach. Parthena took down the sail, then began to carve a face and symbol on the boat, naming it after the third Amazon queen, Hippolyta I. When Cora and Lars awoke, she told them they arrived even though it was already clear. Lars saw and walked up to a bird, excepting them to fly onto his finger, but they flew away instead. “The birds here are not like the ones that live in Themiscyra.” Partathena said to him. “They’re not used to people coming close to them. Also, things may be a little topsy-turvy for us.” Later, the three of them had bought food from a stand, when they began to look around the village near the beach, and saw that Parthena was sort of right. Many of the workers were men, including soldiers, marketeers, fishermen, and blacksmiths. The women they saw were either bakers, craftswomen, weavers, or stay-at-home mothers. Many of the men wore toga tunics, while many of the women wore toga gowns. What everyone else thought was normal, Lars, Cora, and Parthena thought it was strange. “Are you sure this was a good idea?” Parthena asked Lars. “No, but if the oracle suggested it, then perhaps we’re on the right path.” A child and his father walked passed them, when the child saw them. “That woman’s wearing armor.” He said while pointing at Parthena. His father looked at her and the group and saw what he was talking about. “Those are Amazons. A matriarch tribe from the tribal-state of Themiscyra. Their way of life is a little... “ Before the father could finish, he took a closer look at Lars. “I didn't know men lived on the island.” He said to him. Lars said nothing, as he just looked at the child. He had never seen another male one before. Cora spoke. “Actually, we don't call male Amazons men, we call them males or sons. Also, while he was raised by Amazons, he’s technical a Spartan.” The word Spartan got everyone’s attention. “Maybe the Amazons will have a peace treaty with Sparta.” Suddenly, a panic happened. People thought this was an actual plan, instead of something by chance. They assumed the worst, all ran indoors, while the three of them stood there, unsure how to react. Even the soldiers ran indoors in fear of the thought. Soon, only Lars, Cora, and Partathena were outside. “Was it something I said?” Cora asked. “I guess they don't want to know what would happen if the Amazons and Spartans worked together.” Lars said. They decided to move along. Out of the village, they went, and through the hilly plains, they went. They passed many creatures they only heard about but had never seen before. Out of the plains, they went, and through the forest, they went. They saw trees and trails they never even imagined. They found a river and followed it, they did. The landscapes and ferns made it more beautiful. They went up a steep hill, and away from the river, they went. When the night was getting close, they found a nice flat spot to set up camp. They built a fire, and sat close to it, as the sky became dark. Thinking about what Cora said, Lars couldn't help but wonder. “Why didn't the queen I call mother give me to the Gargareans?” He asked himself. Though he didn't expect a response, Parthena did. “My mother said that you were so weak and maladjusted, that sending you there would be a mistake. Her words, not mine.” After some silence, she asked Lars if she could ask something. When he said yes, she asked, “What if you go to Sparta and your real parents are dead or don't want you.” Lars sighed. “The oracle said that I would find out where I belong if I go to Sparta. She’s never specific about her predictions, but maybe that's because it's better to see for themselves. Besides, based on what she said, they could still be alive. I worry about them not wanting me, but I also hope that they do.” Parthena sighed and smiled. “I understand. I guess I would feel the same if I was adopted and just found out. Just know that I will always be on your side, always.” Lars looked at her and smiled. At that point, Cora came up in between Lars and Parthena and put her hands on their shoulders. “I support you too, both of you. After all, I did introduce you two to each other.” “True, though, my mother knew him first.” Parthena replied. “Two six-year-olds and one five-year-old.” Cora said. She patted their shoulders and sat back down, then there was peaceful silence, other than the relaxing popping of the fire. The next morning, they kept going on their journey. The hills, the rocks, the trees, they passed them all. Soon they found a sign pointing toward the path to Sparta, and that was the way they went. Scythians had no written language, but they still knew how to read other languages even though they somehow didn't know how to write them. After several hours of walking, they finally could see Sparta, but Parthena stopped, and made Lars and Cora stop too. “If I go with you further, and the Spartans see me, they'll likely see us as a threat. I’m sorry.” Cora was disappointed, and tried to say something, but all that she was able to say was the word “but”. Lars then asked if was leaving because she was wearing Amazon armor. “Yes, and I'm doing it to protect you. Cora has a higher chance of letting you survive than you, because of how she's dressed. If you live, you'll see why.” Lars looked at Sparta, then looked back at Parthena. “If you can find a different outfit that won't risk getting you killed, will you return for me?” “If I can.” Parthena replied. She promised this, and they said their goodbyes as she was given the map and left.After Parthena left, Lars and Cora came closer to Sparta. They came closer and closer, until Lars stopped, and made Cora stop too. Lars looked at the city near them, feeling nervous. He was afraid about what he would find out. “No turning back now.” Cora said. Cora saw Lars sit down, and he told her why he was nervous, as he began to breathe heavily. Cora patted his back. “I'm nervous too. You may not be able to handle it as well, but I’ll be coming with you. I’m your wing-woman.” Lars got up, feeling a little better, but not by much.Suddenly, footsteps were heard, and a group of Spartan warriors arrived and surrounded them. Most of them pointed their spears at them, but the one Spartan, that didn't, came closer, walking towards Cora and Lars. “Who are you, and what brings you here?” He asked. Lars told them everything important, from him being a Spartan raised by the Amazon royal family, to the oracle telling him to come to Sparta. “Is that so? I am the royal advisor for the king of Sparta.” The Spartan said. He trusted Lar’s claim, realizing that he was the boy the king ran into in Themiscyra. “The king had to rethink everything he knew about the Amazons, and he does not like false information.” “Maybe we can teach you, and you might present a peace treaty.” Cora said. The advisor and the other Spartans just looked at her. “Is that your slave?” The advisor asked Lars. “She’s my friend, and I agree with her.” He said. The advisor thought for a moment, then said “Maybe we should discuss that with the king. I swear, boy. You look just like him when he was younger, except he wasn't very slim but more muscular. Come, follow me.” So they did. They followed the advisor into the city, and soon towards the throne that of which the king was sitting. When Lars saw him, he was surprised to see that he had some familiar features to the Spartan that killed Queen Hippolyte II. He backed up a few steps, as the advisor explained to the king that he was the same boy from Themiscyra. He also explained that Lars was one of the many Spartan babies abandoned for not meeting health, physical, and mental requirements. Cora looked at Lars when she heard the advisor say, “He could even be your son.” The king took a closer look at Lars, then he looked at Cora, and then back at Lars. “I did have one son, though it was believed that he would never meet the expectations of life. Tell me, boy. Do you have any physical abilities, strength or skill?” Lars took a deep breath, and decided to show him some of his acrobatics, doing a double cartwheel, then a handstand backflip, followed by a backflip, then a front split, followed by a roll, and lastly a handstand flip. “Perhaps we were wrong about you, and the Amazons.” The King said, before telling Lars that they might be father and son. Lars was stunned to hear that he was his father, while Cora took it well. “So you are a prince.” She said to him. Lars backed up in fright. His seemingly real father understood his reaction. “I know what it's like to lose a loved one. You lost your adopted grandmother to me, and I lost my wife to an Amazon. Yes, I am the Spartan you ran into the other day, and thinking back to that day, I may have gone too far, and I’m sorry. Perhaps her people and my people have both made mistakes. Maybe you can teach me about the Amazons, and what we got wrong about them.“ “Does that mean you expect him, and will get a peace treaty?” Cora asked, after kneeling. “Yes. Also, what is your name, slave?” “Cora, and I'm a blacksmith. Amazons don't have any slaves.” The king took that as an example of what the Spartans got wrong. “Hopefully when you explain everything about the Amazons while learning about our way of life.” He said to Lars. Lars calmed down, and came closer, taking deep breaths. “I swear, I will harm any more Amazons, including their queen. I’m sorry for killing her mother.” Finally, after hearing the part about the queen, Lars felt like he could trust his father. Even though she wasn't his real mother, he still loved her as if she was. “I’m sorry that an Amazon killed my real mother. I hope none of us will kill any more of each other, especially my adoptive mother.” The King smiled and stood up. “Come. Let's get you properly dressed.” Soon, Lars and Cora were now dressed in Spartan clothes. Lars wore a red tunic, a red cloak, a necklace, braided hair, and ankle guards; while Cora wore a peplos gown, a belt, and a headband. Neither of them felt comfortable in the clothes, but the king said that they would get used to it. “The first thing you should learn about our people is how we dress, if we're not soldiers.” He said. The soldiers would wear tunics, bronze armor, ankle guards, and large bronze helmets with crests on top. Lars looked at the soldiers, then looked at the women near them. “This kind of feels topsy-turvy.” Cora said. Lars agreed though the king said that they would get used to it. “Tell me about Themiscyra.” The king said. Before Lars could say something, Cora began to walk but tripped on her gown. She began to lose her footing and fell over, but someone caught her, a young man about her age. He asked her if she was alright. The king approached them and said, “Just so you know, Galen, she's an Amazon blacksmith. She brought my long-lost son here.” Galen looked a Cora, and she looked at him. “Are you harmless?” He asked. “No. I'm Cora.” She said. She asked him if he was Galen and he said yes, before letting go of her. “Sorry. I'm not used to wearing this.” She said while showing her gown. The king decided to leave them alone, and take Lars somewhere else. He put his Lars’s back, and told him to come and have their discussion someplace else. As days passed, Lars had told his father much about the Amazons, and what was true or false about them. First off, He told him the Amazons weren't Greeks but Scythians. He also explained why the Scythians invited trousers, to protect their legs while horseback riding. One time his father asked him if it was true if some things he thought were unnatural really happened in Themiscyra, such as male goats being able to produce milk or something, and he said things such as, “Not outside of the Amazonian nor Gargarean roots.” When asked what really happened if Amazon boys were born, he claimed they were given to the Gargareans, unless they didn't know who the father was. Although things had to be changed after the Spartans killed them off. The king acted like he regretted it, and said that the only reason why they were wiped out was to make sure the Amazons couldn't be with the men they loved once a year and therefore could have children. Lars even said that boys were now raised to be feminine, as the girls were raised to be masculine, and he was the first to be raised this way. He also said that once an Amazon woman passed the right of passage, she gets her gauntlets and is officially declared an Amazon resident, and the queen wanted males to earn amulets. His father showed him Spartan games, sports, and weapons. In exchange, he explained to him about Amazon games, weapons, and even ships. His father explained that Spartans fought to expand and prove honor to their people by doing whatever it takes. The king also revealed that Galen was the advisor's son and that he was just two years away from completing his training, for Spartan men would train to become warriors even if they won’t be. The king even showed Lars the hot springs. He told him about Spartan slang, such as éla meaning “let’s go”, and Lars told him about Amazon slang, such as man tribe meaning “patriarchy”. Lars and his father kept explaining more and more about the Amazons and the Spartans to each other, day by day, and during activity after activity. Meanwhile, Parthena decided to take a long detour to explore more cities and locations. As she traveled, she thought about Lars and Cora but mostly Lars. She thought about what he said. “If you can find a different outfit that won't risk getting you killed... “ She along the way, she noticed a village in ruins, then farms in ruins. She ignored this and moved on. One night, back at Sparta, the king was busy doing something and requested that Lars go with the advisor to the hot springs. So the advisor took him and Galen there, and when they got there, they all undressed and got in. While they sitting in the hot springs, Lars looked around and sighed. “Is it true the Amazons are interested in women?” The advisor asked. “Some are, and some aren't. It feels like a dice roll.” Lars replied. “So are there any you’re in love with?” The Advisor asked. Lars’s heart skipped a beat. He wanted to answer the question, but when he tried to say something, it felt like an invisible wall was keeping the words from leaving his mouth. “We won't judge you. Is there someone special there you’re in love with?” The advisor said.Meanwhile, Cora was passing the entrance to the hot springs, when she heard Lars and the Advisor. “Yes, she’s also one of my best friends!” “Is she beautiful?” “I think so. She’s also brave and strong, and cares for others.” Cora knew exactly who Lars was talking about. She dashed through the entrance and began jumping with joy. “Yes! I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!” No one in the hot springs was wearing anything, and they just stared at her, but she ignore this. “May I come in?” She asked. “Sure.” Lars calmly said. Cora undressed and jumped into the hot springs. “I’m proud of you.”She said while hugging him. Many of the people in the hot springs either stared or left, but the advisor just guessed Cora was who Lars was talking about. “What?!” They both shouted. “No, her I only like as a friend.” Lars said. “It feels like he's my brother.” Cora said. A few more people left the hot springs, as Lars said, “It’s my other best friend, Parthena.” Lars said. “Maybe we can have a double wedding, I can be your best woman and you my best male!” She shouted in excitement, as even more people left.She then asked Galen if he had a wife, but before he could answer, Lars pulled her back. “Calm down, Cora. What’s gotten into you?” Cora sighed and sat down lower and lower until the water was up to her neck. “I'm sorry. Parthena and I lost touch with each other after Queen Hippolyte II died, but you were always there for both of us. You kept me updated, and based on what you said, and what I finally saw, it felt like you had more than a best friend relationship.” She sighed again, then said, “Truth is I only told you one of the reasons why I joined you. My father died when I was little, and my memories of him are fading. I feel that if I met someone that reminded me of him and my mother's love, my memories of him would live on.” “I'm sorry to hear that.” Galen said to her. He then told her that he lost his mother when he was little, and at seven years old his life became even harder. When a Spartan turns seven, training begins, and for boys, it was brutal. The girls might have had it easier, but not by much. “Sometimes, I feel like I'm not meant for these people.” Galen said as a tear came out of his eye. “I'm glad you understand.” Cora said. They both smiled and blushed, before Galen, meaning to ask if she had a husband, accidentally asked, “Do you have a wife?” At first, he was ashamed of what he said, but Cora giggled, and jokingly said, “No. Do you have a husband?” As Galen giggled and said no, Lars watched and felt joy for his friend, but Galen’s father pulled his son out of the water, refusing to let him be in love with an Amazon. As Galen took a step, he fell into the water, onto Cora, and accidentally kissed her. “Sorry. I slipped and fell.” To his surprise, Cora not only understood, but she didn't mind. As the Advisor took his son out of the hot springs, they dressed and left, leaving Cora and Lars alone, with Cora having feelings for Galen, and Lars being unsure what to think. Meanwhile, Parthena had just made it to the sailboat called Hippolyta I, and had even bought paddles in case the wind was blowing the wrong way, but by then, she was starting to have thoughts about turning back. She thought about their journey, then remembered the people’s reaction of the possibility of the Spartans signing a treaty with the Amazons, and the island of the Gargareans, and the ruins she passed. She looked at the village nearby, and began to worry. She remembered what the people at the village were wearing. She took one last look at the sea, before turning around and going to the market, and buying a toga chiton tunic. The next day, after Lars showed the king how well he could balance on a log, he explained that some parts of the road in Themiscyra might get slippery when wet, usually on the hills. The Amazons would often use this to their advantage against attackers going up hill, especially during the day time when invaders are most likely to come. “Is there anything else I should know about the Amazons?” The king asked. Lars had by that time told him about the building types, the military styles, the false information and rumors, the different types of clothes, and even the animals they never hunt. So Lars replied, “Other than the fact no clothes are required to swim or relax in the springs and ponds of water, I think I just told you everything important.” “... then it seems you’re no longer useful.” The king said. Suddenly, the king ordered the guards to grab Lars. “What are you doing? I’m your son.” “That may be true, but you were never raised to be a Spartan, and because of your flaws, you were never given a name and you were cast out. Those man hunters then somehow found and instead of killing you, they took you in for some reason.” The king knew that Lars would be willing for a father figure, and figured that since he might be his son anyway, he would pretend to bond with him, and pretend to feel sorry for killing people, to get him to reveal the flaws of the Amazons and their tribe, and that he never once planned on signing any peace treaties with anyone, especially them. “Take him away to the dungeon!” The King shouted at the guards. So they did, as Lars felt used and betrayed. The person he called “father” didn't want him, and already he wished his mother was near, even if she wasn't his real one. That night, while Lars was in the dungeon, Cora was somewhere else, and had not only heard about what happened to him, but heard the guards were now looking for her too. Tired of wearing her Spartan clothes, she found her toga tunic and gauntlets and changed into them. As soon as she sat down, she heard a voice. “I didn't Amazons had togas.” It was Galen. “It’s fine. I'm not going to turn you in, I promise. I'm sorry that my father and the others are looking for you. Maybe I can help you escape, and you get help.” “I can't go back without Lars.” Cora said. She explained that if she did, she would be forever shamed for not even trying to protect or help the adopted prince at the right time, including attending him to the Spartans and getting him into trouble. In other words, she felt stuck trying to run away, knowing that she was a much better blacksmith than she was at combat. “Even if you take me to him, we'll never be able to leave the dungeon.” She said. Both agreed that it would be heavily guarded from the inside.As they left the building, Galen asked what she was going to do. “I might live the rest of my life running and hiding until I find a new place to call home, then win it’s people’s trust and hopefully free him.” Galen didn’t think that was a good idea, for there was no place for her to go. “Even if you find a place, how would you convince all of its people to to save the adopted son of Themiscyra?” While Cora was answering the question, Parthena had made her way into Sparta, and was now looking for her and Lars. She noticed Cora talking to Galen, but could barely hear them from the distance. He then picked up a sword from a stand while telling Cora an idea of a distraction, but Parthena, not being able to hear this, thought he was going to hurt her. She then quickly picked a spear from the stand next to her, and charged at them. She pushed him down, and as she pointed the spear at him, Cora stopped her. “Wait! Parthena! He’s on our side. He wants to help Lars. This is Galen, and his father's the king’s advisor. I heard king used Lars and threw him in the dungeon. Galen was just suggesting how to free him.” Parthena pointed the spear away from him but wasn't sure to trust him until he told them how felt about the Spartans treating their children. “I’ve seen how people who aren't Spartans treat their children with love and support, while Spartans from the day they were born were treated with disrespect and abuse because they believed that love was a form of weakness. Though I often question this belief for many reasons.” Parthena brought him up to his feet. “Now that we have Parthena by our side, we now have a better chance of freeing Lars.” Cora said hinting that she was a warrior. Parthena sighed and asked if he knew exactly where Lars was being kept in the dungeon. Meanwhile, Lars was in a dungeon cell, crying and wondering why he trusted the king. Was it because he never had a father figure? Maybe. Was it because he didn’t know himself that well? Maybe. Was it because he didn’t know where belonged? Maybe. He did know that the Spartans fought with honor, but for discipline, obedience, and power, while Amazons fought with honor, but for compassion, peace, and love. So what made him still cast aside? What made the king, his father, still want to harm the Amazons? Do they destroy all that they think is weak? That was what it sounded like. He felt used and misguided by the king, his own father lying to him, but he remembered the Amazons, and their queen, who decided to raise him her way, the way Amazons would have raised their sons if kept. He began to wish he never left Themiscyra.Suddenly, Lars heard voices coming from the small cell window at the top of the wall behind him. He looked and heard a familiar voice, asking if his window showed the right cell. A shortish-long-haired person looked down at the cell, and after getting a closer look, he saw that it was Cora. As soon as she said that it was the right one, and told Lars not to worry, then came to the window, Parthena and Galen. Lars looked at Parthena, feeling that it was good to see her, but seeing Galen, he didn't know if he could trust him. Parthena was also excited to see him and admitted to him that while she still didn't trust Galen, she also felt that he would be useful for providing information about the Spartans, both on Sparta and their fighting methods. She also felt that if Cora trusted him, then it must be worth it. Lars noticed that Parthena had a spear, and remembered that Cora was a blacksmith. “Cora, have you worked on window bars like those?” He asked. Cora checked out the bars on the window, and told him they could be bent or broken if they were hot enough. The only problem was none of them had torches. Lars turned around and saw a torch, and next to it were the keys to his cell, possibly placed in front of the cells knowing that the prisoners would go insane trying to reach for it even though they couldn't. He then ask if they had anything long such as a spear. “I have this spear. Why?” Parthena asked. “I'm thinking of using it to reach the key, then leave the cell to get the torch before the guards get here.” Parthena gave Lars the spear, and using two hands, he used the spear to reach and get the keys. After he used the keys to unlock the door, he grabbed the torch, but went back into the cell, because he knew it was too risky to leave through the usual way. He held the torch close to the window bars, and while at first, nothing happened, in time the bars slowly melted enough to become loose. When it looked loose enough, Parthena kicked the bars, causing them to break off the window.Parthena helped Lars out of the window and brought him outside. “Did the Amazons tell you that our king only had one son, and abandoned him in the snow, and was that you?” Galen asked him. Parthena answered the question. “Our queen, Katiari, was just a princess when she did find Lars in the snow as a baby, and if her mother knew that if your was his father, she would have forced her to give him back to the father, as Amazons had always done with their sons at the time.” “Mother always told me that because since I was a son, and nobody knew who my father was, I made an impact on the royal family, including my grandmother.” Lars knew about the giving back to fathers policy, though after the deaths of the Gargareans, the Amazons, knowing that the Gargareans were the main Scythians who agreed to be their fathers, knew they had to make some changes. Lars explained everything about how boys would now be raised to be feminine, and the girls were raised to be masculine. “That’s a little topsy-turvy, but I still think we should warn the Amazons about the upcoming invasion.” Galen said. “I know about the king and why he does this, oh, and tell the Amazons I'm not a threat.” They left Sparta, and on the way to the boat, Galen decided to explain why the king was doing all of these bad things. The king, along with his Spartan followers, was obsessed with superior over the weak and survival of the fittest. Spartans were supposed to be the strongest warriors in their world, and he believed that every city he saw as weak must be taken over or destroyed. The king felt that the Scythians, including the Amazon and Gargareans, were weak and dishonorable, especially the Amazons’ goal to fight for compassion, love, and peace, and the Gargareans’ goal to fight for hope, courage, and peace. He wanted everything to be perfect, from the people to the knowledge. He also believed that the weak held the biggest threat in large numbers. So he would spread discipline, obedience, and power with every attack before they had the chance to fight back, yet he still relied on knowledge of those places and their people. The knowledge affects his plans, and if one flaw in the knowledge was shown, then he believed that the plan would go horribly wrong, even going as far as forcing the army to retreat due to one hint of false information, because as far as he knew, everything he learned was wrong. Luckily, Galen explained that it usually took a few days to plan before an attack, but they still had to hurry. They took the quickest way to the boat, and continued to move forward with little to no time to waste. They sped walked and sped walked, understanding that running would just cause them to stop to rest, and they had to get to the boat as quickly as possible. Finally they made it to what they assumed to be the right boat. So Parthena checked and saw the carved face and symbol of Hippolyta I, revealing that it was the right boat. It wasn't long before they set sail, and even used their new paddles if the wind wasn't blowing in the right direction or if they weren't going fast enough. After hours of moving on open waters, they finally made it to Themiscyra. Galen thought it was interesting that the Amazon tribe blinded Scythian culture with Greek elements, particularly the clothes. The people who were soldiers and guards wore Scythian armor, with helmet looking different based on their role, and the ones who weren't wore Greek clothing, such as togas. He even saw an Amazonian mother with a baby, which Lars, Cora, and Parthena found to be odd, since Cora was the last born child, and none of the other Scythian tribes agreed to become fathers to Amazons, at least as far as they knew. Although, they didn't think it was worth worrying about at the moment. So they walked to the palace.Some Amazons stared at Galen, but were unsure if he was a threat or not since he was with Lars, Cora, and Parthena. The staring continued as they made it into the palace. Queen Katiari was sitting on the throne, so sad that she was looking down on the floor, and sighed a few times. When Lars saw her, he approached alone. When he came close enough for her to notice, she looked up and saw him. She began to stand up, but she was nervous about the way he was dressed, as he was still wearing his clothes from Sparta. So held back her feelings, and could only hope for the best, or fear the worst, as she said quietly, “Lars, the oracle told me why you left. Did you find out where you belong?” “Yes, the right family, it was here all along. I’m a son of Themiscyra, mother.” Understanding what he meant, she let her feeling out and smiled, then tightly hugged him, with tears of joy. She then took a look at him, and sniffed. Lars hugged her back, and said, “I'm sorry for leaving. I’m sorry for all that came after.” They looked at each other with joy. “I'm guessing things didn't go well in Sparta. I'm sorry about that, but I'm just glad you're back.” She smiled at him, and hugged him again, and rubbed her hand on his, as he hugged back.Feeling that they’ve waited long enough, Cora, Galen, and Parthena approached her. The queen saw them, and when they were close enough, they kneeled before her, showing her that they mean no harm. “Forgive me for interrupting this reunion, but we bring Galen of Sparta, while I have little trust for him, the blacksmith Cora and Prince Lars have hope that he’s on our side.” Parthena said. She then told her that he and Lars have something important to warn her about. She released Lars, and they both told her everything, from being used by the Spartan king to his motivations and plans. “I see.” The queen said when they were done. “Laurentius, according to Amazonian traditions, if we had known your father the father was the king of Sparta, I would have been forced to give you back to him, even though we were enemies as sworn as we are with evil werecats. However, when found you, I didn't he was, and my mother took pity on you since if just left you in the snow, you would have died. You may be an Amazon by blood, but after I was allowed to keep you, I saw you as an Amazon son, my son. Things even changed after the Gargareans were whipped out. The last one never would have been allowed to live in Themiscyra, if it weren't for you. There was even a baby born on the island a few days ago, and even if his father never died, the boy would have been still allowed to be kept because of you. You made a bigger impact on this island more than any Scythian could have.” Lars felt uplifted as he felt accepted upon hearing this. Queen Katiari asked Galen if the there would be any way to delay the Spartans attack, since she needed time to prepare. “Well, the King does like to wrestle, as well as making bets. Although, he has been known to go against his ways of perfection when he loses, to say the least.” She asked him if the king would be willing to wrestle an Amazon before he could start an attack, and make a bet on it. When he told her he would, she told a messenger all of the important information and sent her to Sparta. Later in Sparta, the king was in a meeting, planning the attack. His advisor thought that the Amazons kidnapped his son. He told them every part of his plan, leaving nothing out, including reminding them he used his son, and his need for a father figure. Just when he was about to end the meeting, a group of Spartan soldiers brought the Amazon messenger to him. “My king, we bring a messenger from Themiscyra. She claims she has a message for you and your advisor, and it's from their queen.” The king held his hand out, excepting a scroll. “It’s a verbal message, nothing written, I just tell you by memory.” The messenger said. The king put his hand down, and sat down as he listened. “We heard you were going to attack us, because the advisor’s son ran away and sided with the Amazons, and your son, Prince Laurentius, escaped and warned us. The queen now knows you know about structures and lifestyles so it would be easier to destroy our homes and people. However, she is willing to make a bet. You will challenge your son to a wrestling match, and if he wins, you call off the attack and never attack Themiscyra again, but if you win, we will let you attack but won't fight back, and we will be your slaves. Said by Queen Katiari.” Most of the Spartans didn't know how they felt about they heard. The king thought it would be easy to beat Lars, but thought it was odd that they were using the slim and trusting son of his. He was stunned that he was able to escape, but still thought it wasn't a challenge. So he accepted the bet, gave the messenger a written message, not understanding how Scythians couldn't write but could read, and then sent the her back onto her horse, and back to Themiscyra. The messenger returned, and she read the message scroll to the queen and Lars, who was now in a white toga gown. “Queen of Themiscyra, as the king of Sparta, I expect your bet. My maladjusted son, whom my wife and I abandoned, may have gymnastic abilities, but that can never compare to my strength and skill in wrestling. I let my guard down when he caused me to question if those stories of your kind were true, but now I know everything about the Amazons, and nothing is going to confuse me to force me to retreat. You should have chosen one of your strongest soldiers instead, but it's too late. My advisor and I will come alone, with two flags, black for lost and white for won, and when one waves, my soldiers will attack. You've been warned.” The queen wasn't worried, but Lars was. He began to breathe heavy, since he was nervous. So the queen put her hand on his shoulder, and brought up an amulet attached to a webbing necklace. “I was going to give this to you at your ceremony, but I think for now you need a conference boost.” She put it around his neck, then hugged him tightly. “Whatever happens, you'll always be a son of Themiscyra to me. Just remember that wrestling style I helped teach you. He weighs more than you. You may have an advantage.” Once the queen released him, he touched and felt the amulet, feeling a little better but by much. The queen understood this and sighed and smiled, figuring that he needed to get his mind off his worries. So she put her hand on his shoulder, and asked, “If you could add to the commandments, what would they be?” Lars gave three suggestions: 5. A Male Amazon must cherish his children; 6. Husbands must help their wives if needed; 7. Honor the husband and wife your paired with. He felt even better, after this, especially when he was wished luck. Two days later, a fleet of ships came to the island’s waters, but stayed put, as the king and his advisor came on land with some of his guards, where they met the queen and her guards. They took up the hill, and into a building, where they went up the stairs and reached the next floor where Lars and a few others, including Cora, Galen, and Parthena. The advisor saw Galen and asked why he ran away and why he was on the Amazon’s side. “You’ve been under-supportive of me, and I feel like I don't belong in Sparta, and after I met Cora, I began to question what I knew about the Amazons. All Spartans care about is proving themselves to be powerful. Maybe the false rumors started to keep people away from them and see them as bad when the Spartans are even worse than any of those portrayals. “ “You dare put Sparta to shame, Galen?!” The advisor said.“Enough.” The king said. The advisor opened his mouth to say something, only for the king to tell him that the sooner he beats Lars, the sooner they attack the island and take the Amazons as slaves. The king stepped into the wrestling circle. After Parthena kissed Lars, and Cora patted his back, he took one last look at his adoptive mother before stepping into the circle as well. Soon they were told they needed two pins to win, and then they began to wrestle. At first, it seemed as though Lars was going to lose, since the king was stronger and heavier than him, getting the first pin, but then he began to use the king's strength and weight against him, allowing him to take him down and pin him. With the score tied, it felt like a good time for some people to worry, with only one pin left to win, but it had to continue. The king tried to take his son down, but his agility and clever thinking allowed him to wear down the king, making it even easier to bring him down and pin him. He did pin him, the pin needed to win.At first, it seemed that it was time for the Amazons to celebrate winning the bet, but the king refused to admit defeat, and stole a sword from one of the guards. “That match was unfair! The boy didn't even use his strength during the last two rounds! I demand a rematch! This time, a fair fight!” In anger, he pointed the sword at Lars, and despite losing the bet, refused to leave until he would get a rematch. The Amazonian guards tried to fight back, but the Spartan guards stopped them. The advisor grabbed Galen’s arm and tried to take him back, against his will, but Cora stopped his father and took him down, causing him to release him. “That’s enough!” The queen shouted, stopping the fight. “Listen. Prince Lars beat you fair and square. You’re just not used to his style. You were so focused on strength and skill, that you forgot about quickness and cleverness.” The king didn't like what he heard and refused to believe her. So he tried to strike Lars down, with the sword, only for Parthena to throw her sword and hit him. The king then backed up in pain, and fell off the building to his doom. After the Spartans left, seeing no reason to continue the attack now that the king was gone, the Amazons knew that they would never return. Lars was nevermore seen nor saw himself as a Spartan, and Galan chose to side with the Amazons because he felt better treated, especially by Cora. Therefore, both Galan and Lars stayed. Lars gave the amulet back to Katiari, until his ceremony. Galan began training from Cora for his right of passage, becoming the second male to do so, after Lars’s ceremony, and during that ceremony, Katiari presented her son's amulet and placed it back around his neck. He was then deemed an Amazon citizen, and he felt accepted, especially after learning the impact he had on Themiscyra. He even had an impact on Parthena, who became engaged in marriage to him, and because of him, she would become the next queen if Katiari’s time would come. By just being there for his people and his family, the prince made an impact when he wasn't trying, and made an impact when he was trying.
chanyhuman