I could tell, as soon as I felt the wrapping, what it was. It was always the same. Didn't it matter that I never wore them? That we lived in the South? That no self-respecting 12 year old would be caught dead with socks on, ever? Aunt Tilly never wore socks, said her toes needed to breathe. Ma always wears sandals or open toes, cause that's what my Da likes. Why then, oh why do I always have to get socks for Christmas? I think it bothers me most, now that I know Santa isn't real, that the people who raise me have so little imagination about what I might like for Christmas. I still have the ones from last year in the store wrapper. Truth be known, all the socks in my drawer were new. Ma rolled them up in tight balls. My sister, Sandy, and I would have sock wars in the house on account that socks didn't break anything and more importantly, we live in the South. No snow. So we put on winter coats, hats and mittens, mittens mostly for the handicap, and pretend to have snowball fights. Scoring is by number of direct hits or by socks remaining after one of us runs out. Not likely. Sandy got new socks too. But hers were girly, knee-high and pastel. It actually made sorting them out between bouts much easier, mine were all white tube socks, no seam. It wasn't a wonder to me till later, when you're twelve, its just a nuisance.
While we didn't want to seem rude, we each thanked our parents for yet another Christmas offering, and respectfully smiled when my Da told us there were children in the world that didn't have socks. Only, if he knew that, then why didn't he know that kids in the South didn't wear socks? Consequently, Sandy and I would retreat outside to conjure another sock game for the holiday. My Da liked to listen to sports on the radio and sometimes our games would correspond to the particular season. Christmas was football. One of us would be the Galloping Ghost and then we'd trade off, scoring touch downs and passing a doubled ball of four socks as our pigskin. Summer was baseball, which we could play inside if we used a whiffle bat, which actually was perfect. Ma's big Persian rug in the living room was our diamond and the adjoining dining room was the outfield. Pillows for plates and mittens for gloves. I would pretend to be Babe Ruth and point my homer toward the kitchen door at the far side of the dining room. Then, in our house, Spring meant golf.
Golf was never pretended in our house. It held a reverence over all other sports because Da claimed that our ancestors, the Scots, had invented the game. My Da caught me once golfing in my room with his prized putter and the requisite pair of socks. I took a couple to the back of my legs for the infraction. Every Spring, Da would dust of his clubs and shine up the heads till they looked like high price door knobs in some swanky speakeasy. There was one club in Da's set that never needed any polishing cause it had a fancy leather cover that protected it from the elements, his putter. Da said his clubs were a bequest to him after his Da had died. They were never to be molested and if I was lucky enough to be touched by the fates with the skills for golf, they would be passed down the line to me. So far, I had shown no particular aptitude for the sport, by his reckoning. I looked forward to the time when I got to tee up with my Da. In the mean, I confined myself to sock sports. Golf was suppose to be a family affair and we'd all go to the country club for a round. That meant Ma and Da would play eighteen while I washed balls in the grounds shack and Sandy baby sat Melaura Michelson, the three year old daughter of the other couple in their foursome. During club tourneys, they were known as the 'fearsome foursome'.
It was on just one of these ball washing days that a kernel of an idea started to form in my head. It was raining and all the golfers were in the 19th hole swigging gin and tonics. Sandy and I stole an empty bottle of gin one time from the kitchen trash. We each took a lick off the cap and decided all the grown ups were drinking Pine-Sol. All of the golf bags had been abandoned to line the wall of the grounds shack. Da's leather covered club was the only one with a special cover. This seemed odd and spoke volumes about my Da, but at the same time, a thought occurred to me. Why didn't they all have special covers? I got paid a penny for every two balls I washed. Mr. Macalhany, the grounds keeper, said that was generous. I thought it was practically slave labor until I saw one of the diapers Sandy had to change. I wondered what some one could get for a first rate club cover? As this thought festered in my head, I started to imagine club after club, covered with stark, white tube socks.
I started figuring in my head, how many clubs in a bag. Twelve, mostly. The exact number as in a fresh package of socks, six pair. First, there were three woods: a driver, number 3 and a 5. Then came the long irons numbered 1-4, then the short irons, 5-7. Most of the bags had a pitching wedge or if they were honest with themselves, a sand wedge. All that was left was the putter. The putter was a personal thing and the most valued club in the bunch. The putter was the covered one in Da's bag. Now, a fine set of Scottish clubs had different names altogether but still amassed twelve clubs, be it a brassie, spoon, baffy, cleek, jijjer or mashie. All were for striking the ball. I ran to the nursery and told Sandy I was going home for something and to cover for me. She was a good sister that way, willing to spin a yarn for me. By the time I got home, I was soaked to the bone. I toweled off, grabbed a package of socks, and went right back out into the rain. I made it back in record time and did the deed.
I went back to the ball washer to continue my fortune of pennies and to wait for the ensuing revelation. Da's saddle leather golf bag looked like a single candle aglow and topped with a brighter than white cotton flame. I was just finishing up with my third bucket of balls when I heard the conversations and laughter of the golfers, coming to retrieve their bags. Da was leading the group, a tumbler still in his hand. Everyone loved my Da's stories, especially when he was drinking because his brogue got real thick and he would be very animated. Stories seemed to spin out of him on the golf course, very different than at home where he was very patient and reserved. They all walked into the shack and halted behind Da as his story was cut off in mid-sentence by the sight of his bag. They all stood there for what seemed minutes. Da separated himself from the group and walked over to me. His face was expressionless, which started to give me second thought about just how brilliant I had been. He looked at me, brought his hand up to smooth my wet hair and said, "Brilliant." A smile creased his face and the rest of the group started clapping and fawning over his bag. I think Ma was embarrassed but always went the way Da did so she gave me a smile too.
Over the course of the next week, Sandy and I socked all the bags in Da's golfing posse. Sandy, socked all the women's bags with her pastel pretties. Saturday came around and we went to the country club as usual. As all the group got ready to tee up, I made my way to the grounds shack. Mr. Macalhany was waiting for me at the ball washer. He hadn't paid me for the previous week. He gave me a hand full of quarters and told me to go to the club house golf shop and buy a pair of socks. I looked at him quizzically but said, "Yes sir," and did what I was told. Feeling a little miffed at having to spend hard earned money on socks, I was determined to show my disdain. I stomped into the golf shop and bought the gaudiest pair of socks I had seen in my life. They were chartreuse with periwinkle polka-dots. That would teach him.
When I got back to the grounds shack, Da was waiting for me with Mr. Macalhany. Oops. I sheepishly handed the socks to my Da. He and Mr. Macalhany looked at each other and then back at me. Da's normally stern face melted into a puddle of laughter. Mr. Macalhany said, "Good show," and handed me a pair of brand new golfing spikes, my size. Da handed me back the socks and said, "Put them on." I did as he asked. When I pulled the last lace tight, I stood up and pulled my pant legs up to see the spectacle. From the shins down, I was the poster boy for Golfing Magazine. As I was deciding whether to laugh or cry, Da brought a small golfing bag from behind his back. As socks had always been the extent of my gift experience, birthdays only garnering a trip to the soda shop for a malted or Sunday, I was struck dumb with awe. The gesture was overwhelming and I didn't know what to do or say. Da smoothed my hair and said, "Go tee up, young man." The new shoes made me walk like a duck but I added a little bounce to make it seem natural. It was the first time in my life that made feel like a grown up. I was riding so high on my new found adulthood, I hadn't noticed the change in Da's bag. All the white tops were minus the old leather cover. In fact, the real oddity was a mismatched steal headed putter.
As a young boy, I hadn't realized the magnitude of the change. Later, after my Da had died and the clubs came to me, Ma said that he had been so moved by my gesture with the socks he had sold his prized putter to out fit me. I looked at the mismatched set of old clubs and thought if they had been good enough for my Da, They were good enough. I recently read that a Royal Dornoch set of clubs went for $85,000 at auction. Funny, mine were priceless.
Merry Christmas.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Gumball Machine
Use to be, that a quarter was a lot of money. Time was that every grocery store had a bevy of candy machines just inside the automatic doors. The one with the largest gumballs cost 25 cents. A multicolor collage of circular confections calling to children as they were dragged into the grocery store. Chores usually got me there. A dime here, a nickel there, for one thing or another, like pulling weeds. My favorite. So you would put your money into the slot and turn the key. A clicking and scraping would be illicited from the bowls of the glass fronted container. The whole level of gumballs would rise before dropping one down the shoot. If you weren't ready when you opened the metal flap to retrieve the golf ball size gum orb, it would escape to the floor. Not withstanding whatever process made and sent the gumballs to the distributor, or the persons hands that put it in the machine, the floor under the machines that was impossible to clean and the inevitable roll across the foot traffic covered floor, the five second rule was never applied because of the hard candy coating repelling any and all germs or microbes. Then, in it went. A bulging tumor in one cheek or the other. Doubly hard since it had been drying for months in the machine without a wrapper. Always got the cinnamon flavor that burned for the full five minutes it took to relieve the confection of all its sugar and subsequent flavor. The best 25 cent experience ever.
Regina's Magic Gum
Regina Mack was shy, least that's what her family said. Regina didn't think she was shy, just afraid, of every one. It was easier just to hope nobody talked to her. She would dress plain, eat by herself and play by herself at recess. Mostly, Regina wanted to be invisible, more than anything else in the world. She had even put it on her Xmas list for the last three years. It made her siblings laugh, which was just the kind of attention she didn't want. She was often teased at school and jeered on the bus.
To get away from her brothers and sisters, Regina liked doing errands for her mother. Regina's mother relied on her most of all her children because she followed directions and was not apt to distraction. Regina was not the curious type, wanting only to complete appointed tasks without incident or attention. She was on just such an errand today. Her list read: milk, eggs, grape jelly, and capers. Regina wanted to ask about the capers but kept her peace just the same. It was the right amount of groceries to fit in her backpack.
Regina walked softly, careful not to step on any cracks. This practice kept her eyes down and keeping her from eye contact with others. It also restricted her view of the surroundings. Within another step, new concrete filled her gaze. The rest of the sidewalk in this block was new and without cracks. She wondered why and saw the reason. There was a new store that had taken over the McCarty's Feed and Grain Emporium. It had a bright blue awning and oddly scribed lettering she couldn't read until she was smack dab in front of it. It was a second or two until she was aware she'd stopped. It was difficult to see through the window due to all the lettering. She moved her head from right to left trying to take all the gold brushed lettering into her full gaze. It read, Swami Keresh Maharishi Al Fuad's Curios, Homeopathic Aids and Magical Enticements. For a girl, who was not usually curious, this was more than even she was capable of ignoring. She looked down the street to the grocers and then back to the gaudy window. What would the harm be in looking, for just a minute, then she would go straight away to the grocers.
She pushed open the heavy, glass framed door and stepped into a dimly lit entry. As the door closed behind her, a gong peeled a steely welcome and notification of her presence. The carpet was a deep, plush purple. It made Regina want to take her shoes off. She was looking down a hallway lined with glass cabinets to the left and double archways to the right. She entered to the right, stepping into a showroom full of curious objects and rows upon rows of fancy bottles and box filled shelves. She would have missed him if he hadn't moved from behind the counter.
A strange little man in a crimson, satin turban glided across the floor to take her hand. He had a funny, scrunched little face without wrinkles that made it hard to identify his age and his waist undulated oddly under his oriental robe. Regina was taken aback by his forwardness but warmed to his touch when she saw no malice in his eyes. When she realized she was staring, she averted her eyes and retrieved her hand.
"Welcome, my dear, to our grand opening. We are happy to make your acquaintance. Would you like a tour or do you know what you want, my dear?" The little man said.
Regina was a little embarrassed by the attention but he seemed harmless enough and the smell of sandalwood and cinnamon filled the air with a cozy feeling of home. She didn't know what to say since she didn't know why she had really come in the first place. She recalled the mantra of her age and said, "I don't know."
"We are extremely good at guessing our clients needs, my dear. Give me your hand again and let us see if we can deduce yours," the little man said.
Regina turned back to him, offered the hand, and said, "Are you the Swami?"
The little man smiled and said, "No. I am Anji, the Master's helper. But here, let us see what your hand has to say." Anji closed his eyes and took a deep breath that he held for what seemed minutes then released it through smiling lips.
Regina was feeling very self-conscious and had decided, as soon as she could get her hand back, she would leave. It was what he said next that kept her stone still and fully attentive.
Anji said, "You want to be invisible. Very intriguing, very imaginative but not impossible. Wait here, we shall return in a moment."
With this, he turned and was quickly out of the room in a flap of fringed, chartreuse curtains. She wondered why he kept saying, "We" when he spoke. How had he known about wanting to be invisible? She hadn't even been aware she was thinking about it. As she started to ponder this further, Anji swirled back into the room. With both hands and a bow, he presented her with a blue leather bag with a blue tie.
Regina pulled the tie and looked into the bag. I was full of shiny, white balls. At first, she thought they were glass or stone but a scent ascended from the bag to fill her nostrils with wintergreen. "Is it gum?" Regina said.
Anji raised his head and smiled, "Yes! Very perceptive."
Regina mulled the possibility for but a moment, then sighed and said, "Sorry, I can't pay for these even if they worked. Invisibility gum? Really, Mr. Anji, I'm not stupid."
"Our most sincere of apologies, we did not attempt to trick you. The gum is genuine, we assure you. And, you don't know how much the cost will be, we assure you again. Suppose you offer us the equivalent of one bottle of capers," Anji said.
Regina, for once in her life, had too many questions, but remained speechless. All she could manage was, "OK."
Regina left the store and continued on to the grocers. In a trance, she replayed the experience over and over in her mind until she was standing outside her house. She dumped the food on the counter, minus the bottle of capers and gave her mother the change. When she got to her room and closed the door, she checked her backpack for the bag of gum. It was still there. Should she try one now? No, she would save them for special occasions. Was she mad? She had to try one to see if it really worked. She pulled a gumball out of the bag and rolled it around in her hand. It was cold and hard and smelled strong of wintergreen. She sat with it there for minutes. She finally came to her senses and popped it back in the bag. School. That would be the place to test them.
The next morning she followed her usual pattern, shower, breakfast, then set out for the bus stop. She hated the bus stop. Even the little kids teased her. She had a gumball warming in her hand. Should she eat it now? Was the bus really that terrible? That was a definite, yes. She popped it in her mouth and bit down hard. By the time she got to the bus stop, she was chomping away on a cloud of wintergreen. Everyone stopped in mid sentence and stared at Regina. Tommy walker was the first to break the silence, "You got gum Regina?"
"Er, yea," She said.
Tommy smiled his best smile and asked, "Can I have some?"
Regina fished the leather bag out of her backpack and gave him one.
"Thanks Regina," Tommy said.
Then a litany of can-I-haves followed until everyone at the bus stop was viciously chewing. For the first time, since she could remember, nobody on the bus bothered her. She made it to school without incident and went to her home room. The cloud of wintergreen had not abated and she was fearful that she would be called out by Mr. Graham, her teacher.
She sat down at her seat and pushed the gum to the roof of her mouth, so she wouldn't be seen chewing. This worked fine through the pledge of allegiance until the wintergreen started to burn the roof of her mouth. She rolled it to her cheek and gave it a fierce chew.
"Regina," said Mr. Graham. "Are you chewing gum?"
She knew what was next by heart, cause it was his usual taunt before the gum hit the trash can.
"I hope you have enough for everyone, Regina," said Mr. Graham.
"Actually, I do," said Regina.
She got the bag out of her backpack and started to pass out gumballs to the whole class before Mr. Graham could think of a new way to keep them from eating in class. By the time she was through, the whole room reeked of wintergreen. They each had thanked her and she got several looks of triumph as she had bested the teacher.
When recess came several kids from her class asked her to play with them. She wasn't sure what to say since this never happened. So, she followed along. At lunch she was called over to a table full of girls from her class. They all put their gum behind their ears. Regina followed suit and had a lunch full of giggles and girl talk. Second recess was the same as the first. She was in the middle of a herd, all smelling of wintergreen. When the school day ended, her classmates all said goodbye. She thought of going to the bus but decided instead to go to the Swami Keresh Maharishi Al Fuad's Curios, Homeopathic Aids and Magical Enticements.
When she got there, she stormed into the showroom, squishing into the carpet, and waited for Anji. A tall man in a green turban stepped from behind the curtain. "Ah, Miss Regina, we have been expecting you."
Regina said, "Who are you, where is Mr. Anji and who are WE?"
"So many questions Miss Regina. Are those really the questions that brought you here?" He said.
Regina plopped the blue leather bag on the counter and said, "These don't work. At all!"
"Really, Miss Regina?" He said.
"Where is Mr. Anji? I want my money back," Regina said.
The tall man smiled and said, "I'm sorry Miss Regina, Mr. Anji can't entertain you today and we have a strict policy about refunds I'm afraid."
Regina said, "But they don't work. I didn't disappear. Not once!"
The tall man said, "Really? Didn't you though? Didn't the shy, frightened Regina disappear today? No. I don't think a refund is in order but you may have a refill."
Regina thought for a moment. She hadn't been shy or frightened all day, in fact the attention she had received had all been positive. She stepped to the counter, "Please," she said.
The tall man refilled her bag from a box high on the shelf marked in strange lettering. He smiled and handed her back the bag, "No Charge."
Regina turned to go, then stopped at the door, turned and said, "Thank you. Please tell Mr. Anji thank you as well."
The tall man smiled and said, "Of course, Miss Regina."
Regina smiled and went home.
Swami Keresh Maharishi Al Fuad spun through the curtain and said, "Did you hear Anji? You are thanked." He opened his robe and a cobra uncoiled itself from his waist and slithered up to recoiled itself on a satin divan. A voice hissed from the throat of the snake, "I don't think we will be seeing the old Regina anymore."
"Nor do I," said the Swami. "Nor do I."
To get away from her brothers and sisters, Regina liked doing errands for her mother. Regina's mother relied on her most of all her children because she followed directions and was not apt to distraction. Regina was not the curious type, wanting only to complete appointed tasks without incident or attention. She was on just such an errand today. Her list read: milk, eggs, grape jelly, and capers. Regina wanted to ask about the capers but kept her peace just the same. It was the right amount of groceries to fit in her backpack.
Regina walked softly, careful not to step on any cracks. This practice kept her eyes down and keeping her from eye contact with others. It also restricted her view of the surroundings. Within another step, new concrete filled her gaze. The rest of the sidewalk in this block was new and without cracks. She wondered why and saw the reason. There was a new store that had taken over the McCarty's Feed and Grain Emporium. It had a bright blue awning and oddly scribed lettering she couldn't read until she was smack dab in front of it. It was a second or two until she was aware she'd stopped. It was difficult to see through the window due to all the lettering. She moved her head from right to left trying to take all the gold brushed lettering into her full gaze. It read, Swami Keresh Maharishi Al Fuad's Curios, Homeopathic Aids and Magical Enticements. For a girl, who was not usually curious, this was more than even she was capable of ignoring. She looked down the street to the grocers and then back to the gaudy window. What would the harm be in looking, for just a minute, then she would go straight away to the grocers.
She pushed open the heavy, glass framed door and stepped into a dimly lit entry. As the door closed behind her, a gong peeled a steely welcome and notification of her presence. The carpet was a deep, plush purple. It made Regina want to take her shoes off. She was looking down a hallway lined with glass cabinets to the left and double archways to the right. She entered to the right, stepping into a showroom full of curious objects and rows upon rows of fancy bottles and box filled shelves. She would have missed him if he hadn't moved from behind the counter.
A strange little man in a crimson, satin turban glided across the floor to take her hand. He had a funny, scrunched little face without wrinkles that made it hard to identify his age and his waist undulated oddly under his oriental robe. Regina was taken aback by his forwardness but warmed to his touch when she saw no malice in his eyes. When she realized she was staring, she averted her eyes and retrieved her hand.
"Welcome, my dear, to our grand opening. We are happy to make your acquaintance. Would you like a tour or do you know what you want, my dear?" The little man said.
Regina was a little embarrassed by the attention but he seemed harmless enough and the smell of sandalwood and cinnamon filled the air with a cozy feeling of home. She didn't know what to say since she didn't know why she had really come in the first place. She recalled the mantra of her age and said, "I don't know."
"We are extremely good at guessing our clients needs, my dear. Give me your hand again and let us see if we can deduce yours," the little man said.
Regina turned back to him, offered the hand, and said, "Are you the Swami?"
The little man smiled and said, "No. I am Anji, the Master's helper. But here, let us see what your hand has to say." Anji closed his eyes and took a deep breath that he held for what seemed minutes then released it through smiling lips.
Regina was feeling very self-conscious and had decided, as soon as she could get her hand back, she would leave. It was what he said next that kept her stone still and fully attentive.
Anji said, "You want to be invisible. Very intriguing, very imaginative but not impossible. Wait here, we shall return in a moment."
With this, he turned and was quickly out of the room in a flap of fringed, chartreuse curtains. She wondered why he kept saying, "We" when he spoke. How had he known about wanting to be invisible? She hadn't even been aware she was thinking about it. As she started to ponder this further, Anji swirled back into the room. With both hands and a bow, he presented her with a blue leather bag with a blue tie.
Regina pulled the tie and looked into the bag. I was full of shiny, white balls. At first, she thought they were glass or stone but a scent ascended from the bag to fill her nostrils with wintergreen. "Is it gum?" Regina said.
Anji raised his head and smiled, "Yes! Very perceptive."
Regina mulled the possibility for but a moment, then sighed and said, "Sorry, I can't pay for these even if they worked. Invisibility gum? Really, Mr. Anji, I'm not stupid."
"Our most sincere of apologies, we did not attempt to trick you. The gum is genuine, we assure you. And, you don't know how much the cost will be, we assure you again. Suppose you offer us the equivalent of one bottle of capers," Anji said.
Regina, for once in her life, had too many questions, but remained speechless. All she could manage was, "OK."
Regina left the store and continued on to the grocers. In a trance, she replayed the experience over and over in her mind until she was standing outside her house. She dumped the food on the counter, minus the bottle of capers and gave her mother the change. When she got to her room and closed the door, she checked her backpack for the bag of gum. It was still there. Should she try one now? No, she would save them for special occasions. Was she mad? She had to try one to see if it really worked. She pulled a gumball out of the bag and rolled it around in her hand. It was cold and hard and smelled strong of wintergreen. She sat with it there for minutes. She finally came to her senses and popped it back in the bag. School. That would be the place to test them.
The next morning she followed her usual pattern, shower, breakfast, then set out for the bus stop. She hated the bus stop. Even the little kids teased her. She had a gumball warming in her hand. Should she eat it now? Was the bus really that terrible? That was a definite, yes. She popped it in her mouth and bit down hard. By the time she got to the bus stop, she was chomping away on a cloud of wintergreen. Everyone stopped in mid sentence and stared at Regina. Tommy walker was the first to break the silence, "You got gum Regina?"
"Er, yea," She said.
Tommy smiled his best smile and asked, "Can I have some?"
Regina fished the leather bag out of her backpack and gave him one.
"Thanks Regina," Tommy said.
Then a litany of can-I-haves followed until everyone at the bus stop was viciously chewing. For the first time, since she could remember, nobody on the bus bothered her. She made it to school without incident and went to her home room. The cloud of wintergreen had not abated and she was fearful that she would be called out by Mr. Graham, her teacher.
She sat down at her seat and pushed the gum to the roof of her mouth, so she wouldn't be seen chewing. This worked fine through the pledge of allegiance until the wintergreen started to burn the roof of her mouth. She rolled it to her cheek and gave it a fierce chew.
"Regina," said Mr. Graham. "Are you chewing gum?"
She knew what was next by heart, cause it was his usual taunt before the gum hit the trash can.
"I hope you have enough for everyone, Regina," said Mr. Graham.
"Actually, I do," said Regina.
She got the bag out of her backpack and started to pass out gumballs to the whole class before Mr. Graham could think of a new way to keep them from eating in class. By the time she was through, the whole room reeked of wintergreen. They each had thanked her and she got several looks of triumph as she had bested the teacher.
When recess came several kids from her class asked her to play with them. She wasn't sure what to say since this never happened. So, she followed along. At lunch she was called over to a table full of girls from her class. They all put their gum behind their ears. Regina followed suit and had a lunch full of giggles and girl talk. Second recess was the same as the first. She was in the middle of a herd, all smelling of wintergreen. When the school day ended, her classmates all said goodbye. She thought of going to the bus but decided instead to go to the Swami Keresh Maharishi Al Fuad's Curios, Homeopathic Aids and Magical Enticements.
When she got there, she stormed into the showroom, squishing into the carpet, and waited for Anji. A tall man in a green turban stepped from behind the curtain. "Ah, Miss Regina, we have been expecting you."
Regina said, "Who are you, where is Mr. Anji and who are WE?"
"So many questions Miss Regina. Are those really the questions that brought you here?" He said.
Regina plopped the blue leather bag on the counter and said, "These don't work. At all!"
"Really, Miss Regina?" He said.
"Where is Mr. Anji? I want my money back," Regina said.
The tall man smiled and said, "I'm sorry Miss Regina, Mr. Anji can't entertain you today and we have a strict policy about refunds I'm afraid."
Regina said, "But they don't work. I didn't disappear. Not once!"
The tall man said, "Really? Didn't you though? Didn't the shy, frightened Regina disappear today? No. I don't think a refund is in order but you may have a refill."
Regina thought for a moment. She hadn't been shy or frightened all day, in fact the attention she had received had all been positive. She stepped to the counter, "Please," she said.
The tall man refilled her bag from a box high on the shelf marked in strange lettering. He smiled and handed her back the bag, "No Charge."
Regina turned to go, then stopped at the door, turned and said, "Thank you. Please tell Mr. Anji thank you as well."
The tall man smiled and said, "Of course, Miss Regina."
Regina smiled and went home.
Swami Keresh Maharishi Al Fuad spun through the curtain and said, "Did you hear Anji? You are thanked." He opened his robe and a cobra uncoiled itself from his waist and slithered up to recoiled itself on a satin divan. A voice hissed from the throat of the snake, "I don't think we will be seeing the old Regina anymore."
"Nor do I," said the Swami. "Nor do I."
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Mortal Combat
Cassandra pushed herself to fell another tree with her Mahaira, a short curved sword. Sweat poured down her bare upper body from hours of exertion. The Mahaira was the same length as the Spartan Xyili but was not double edged. In this Cassandra's sword was unique, having two sharpened sides. She had, from the start of her training as a child, seemingly instinctive command over weapons and fighting tactics. This on occasion put her at odds with her teachers and fellow students until she was afforded an opportunity to prove her ideas and skills superior. The results of this individuality separated her in a number of ways within a martial community based on group ideals and sisterhood over self. Cassandra was an Amazon. While her individual style earned her scorn and abuse as a child, her youth proved this as a means of besting her peers and teachers. But that was years ago, Cassandra was now in her twenties and though hated by some, she was feared and respected by all. Cassandra picked up an oiled chamois to wipe the sap off her sword. Felling trees strengthened her arms for the rigors of battle. Proof of this in battle were countless decapitations and lost limbs. One of the rising legends of Cassandra was she would leave a wake of body halves behind her in war. Cassandra laughed at this characterization because, more often than not, she would get her sword stuck in her opponent's spine. She took care of her weapon first then picked up a Strigil and went to work on herself. She made fast work of the sweat and wood dust, wielding the Strigil in the same manner she handled her sword. Bare from the waist up, like her male counterparts, Cassandra had clean, sharp feminine features hardened by lithe, long muscles. She had not yet bore any children, so her shoulders cut a strong V over her narrow hips. Cassandra stepped to the path, making her way back to the city. Tired as she was from her exertions her keen senses had not dulled. Somewhere to her left a twig snapped. Suddenly aware she was not alone, Cassandra slowed her pace and moved her weapon to her back so she could draw easily over her shoulder. It would be fast when it happened and she would not be spied upon. She bent to tighten the straps of her sandals, listening for any other signs of her voyeur. She could sense eyes upon her, then heard an uneasy shift of stance in the leaves. She vaulted from here position, a full body length before she hit the ground running. She stepped high so the underbrush wouldn't tear at her legs and slow her pace. She was close to where she thought she heard the noise when a man stepped from behind a tree. He was tall, well muscled and handsome, for a man. He stood for a second or two giving Cassandra time to draw her sword and come to a stop in front of him. Their eyes met, hers furious and molten, his calm and oddly unafraid. Before she could killed him, he went immediately to one knee and bowed his head before her.
Cassandra stayed her sword in recognition of a slaves posture and said angrily, "What are you doing here slave, lurking about in the shadows?"
"Honestly, it is you that brings me here, great warrior," he said.
Cassandra did not relax her posture and said, "Do you have a message for me? Who sent you forth? Who is your Mistress?" Cassandra shot these questions at him, knowing that no free man would dare enter the wood surrounding the Amazon city and that no slave would do so without the express wishes or bidding of his Mistress. "Show me your face slave and answer quickly, as my patience grows short."
The slave lifted his head to her without leaving his knee, for no man was aloud to look down on an Amazon warrior. "My name is Danos and I am here of my own accord Mistress," he said.
"That is a lie slave, you have no according of your own and you are forbidden from entering these woods! Who is your Mistress?" Cassandra yelled.
"Eudora is my Mistress. If I may explain, please Mistress," Danos said.
"It really matters not, slave, what your explanation is, you have broken our law and you will answer to me for the offense or to your own Mistress for your absence to commit the offense," Cassandra said.
Danos had not thought she would take this tactic. He would have to think fast to escape the fury of both women, difficult.
In the split second this occurred to Danos, in the distance, shod feet could be heard coming close to their location in the wood.
Witnesses, Danos thought to himself, perfect. As Cassandra looked back to the path to see who came near, Danos rose to his feet and struck. He dropped his loin clothe and stepped into Cassandra. His foot now behind hers he grabbed her sword arm and pushed. She behaved exactly as he hoped.
Cassandra turned back to Danos to see him come eye to eye with her. She was so surprised by this, that it was almost to late to stop his advance. She was falling backward, propelled by the grip on her arm and the greater weight of Danos. That did not make her helpless or at a disadvantage. She was trained for this kind of attack. She whipped her free arm under the arm of Danos, grabbed his hair and wrenched his head too the right. This move aided her shift in position, twisting their bodies as they fell. When they hit the ground, Cassandra was on top looking down on Danos. Instead of surprise in his eyes, she was again taken aback as he smiled and pulled her arm out from between them. This movement sliced a clean, long cut across his abdomen. Then he started screaming.
Eudora had asked specifically for Danos. When he was not to be found, her ire got up and she mounted a full scale search. He had been taking liberties of late during sex; assuming a dominant posture, speaking without permission and just generally upsetting the other sex slaves with accounts of his prowess and exploits with their Mistress. Many warriors had bid on Danos for sex due to his muscularity and comely features. The next generation of Amazons was always in the front minds of these warriors but they were still women and harbored petty jealousies and were always vying for advantage. Slave numbers were a matter of status, as were the number of children. Before that, however, age and number of campaigns were paramount. Eudora had many enemies and was sure that several of her sisters coveted this slave. Her thoughts were not unfounded but she had overlooked the mind of Danos himself in this drama. Men had only two purposes in Amazon society, for service and sex. Men were to have no mind of their own and most Amazons dominated their slaves so exactly, that a man's free will was never an issue. No slave had gone against his Mistress in years and then, the penalty was so severe, tales were told in the slave quarter for ages. Eudora thought about these things as she ran up the trail. A slave had seen Danos follow Cassandra into the training wood. She held no ill will for Cassandra and wondered what she was doing with her slave. It became apparent as she rounded the next glade of bushes.
Eudora halted her run, bunching the slaves behind her. Their they were, Cassandra on top of Danos. Danos was screaming for help and mercy.
Cassandra rolled off of Danos and leapt to her feet. She turned to see the surprised and shocked faces of Eudora and an entourage of her slaves. She knew instantly how this looked and was again surprised at the actions of this slave. She seethed with anger and flushed red. Danos scampered to his feet, bleeding from a shallow crease across his belly. He ran to Eudora and fell to her feet, "Please Mistress, protect me!" Danos cried.
Eudora looked from her slave to Cassandra. Not willing to accuse Cassandra outright, she searched for a way to engage her without the appearance of disrespect or challenge. This would of course be a matter for the Amazon Queen, Hippolyte. Eudora chose her words carefully, as Cassandra lowered her stance and flexed her right arm, sword in hand.
"What transpired here Cassandra? What are you doing with my slave," said Eudora?
"Things are not as they seem, Eudora, there is no challenge to your ownership here," said Cassandra.
"From the looks of my slave, that might be in dispute," Eudora said.
Cassandra could see that Eudora was upset but not wanting to initiate a conflict outright. Eudora was savvy and a sister, Cassandra did not mean her harm but would have to explain the situation to a safe conclusion. One that, hopefully brought forth the truth. Cassandra sheathed her sword and relaxed her stance to put Eudora more at ease, then suggested the only real course of action between two sisters in dispute.
"Let us bring this matter before the Queen, if you are agreeable," Cassandra said.
"I agree there is much here that is not known and should come to light with her wisdom," Eudora said.
With that, Eudora looked upon Danos, who had much to answer for. But, that would have to wait. She tore a strip of loin cloth from the nearest slave and gagged Danos with it. Slaves did not speak in matters of Amazon law nor would she be swayed by his pathetic cries. With that done, Cassandra and Eudora led the cadre out of the wood, en route to the Queens temple. A runner was sent ahead to prepare them for the ministration. Eudora gave Cassandra side long glances, hoping to divine any animosity or wrong doing. Trumpets sounded through the valley, calling all the sisters to gather at the temple and signaling the runners mission done. The sight of the group entering the city confines drew attention and signaled the portent of the trumpets. There was much debate about what the two needed the Queen for and what dispute there might be. By the time everyone had gathered, lots were being taken as to what the dispute would be and gossip went like wild fire throughout the growing crowd of women. The appearance of a gagged slave in their midst was proof to many what it was about, since no man was aloud at any enclave of warriors justice. Another blare of trumpets quieted the crowd and all turned to face the temple dais.
Hippolyte was the unequivocal leader, Queen, as ordained by Ares and Artemis. Her afternoon was interrupted by the summons slave. A matter of justice was needed and would fall to her wisdom. This was not the kind of task she relished. Disputes between sisters commonly were settled among themselves. If not, it usually came down to mortal combat and she hated the idea of losing a sister. She hoped this was not that kind of matter. She robed and set the golden ringlet crown on her head. Normally, slaves would dress her but she needed the silence and solitude before a matter of justice. A life would be in the balance. She strode from her private quarters in the back of the temple, entering the main room of the temple she turned and bowed her head to Artemis for guidance. She looked up to the sightless golden eyes of the statute and felt no comfort but confident no less in her own judgement. Slaves opened the heavy oaken doors, a slave on each side handed her the articles of office, a golden javelin and a golden war helmet. She took each as she walked across the dais and placed them on the arms of her marble throne. She sat down and faced the the crowd of women.
"Who calls a matter to be settled among sisters," Hippolyte boomed! She had a very confident voice and could be heard very clearly above the din of battle barking orders and troop movements. Everyone afforded her complete attention when she spoke.
"We do," Cassandra and Eudora said in unison, stepping forward. Two armored warriors dragged Danos forth behind the two.
"What part does this slave play, sisters. You know his presence is forbidden," Hippolyte said.
Eudora stepped forward and said, "If you please, Most Honored Sister, this slave is at the heart of the matter."
Hippolyte looked from the slave to the two sisters in front of her and said, "I know of no quarrels between the two of you, no past grievances, even as children, is this not so?"
This time, Cassandra stepped forward and said, "That is true, Most Honored Sister, we are sisters but seek your guidance so that we may stay that way. This slave has created the matter at hand and I felt you might best judge for us his portent, purpose and end."
That last word was summary from Cassandra and Danos had thought his actions wise until now. He felt no matter the outcome he would be killed. He had to be able to speak on his behalf. He would not be left out of this proceeding.
"While I am at odds with our customs, I think the only departure from our tranquility rests with this slave, as you say." Hippolyte looked directly into the eyes of Danos and said, "know this slave, no warrior will bear false witness against another and no sister will lie to another, for that is the bond of our society. If I allow you to speak, any perceived lie or false witness against a warrior will be your death. Do you understand?"
Danos nodded in the affirmative. Danos started to rise but was beaten back to the ground by his guards.
"You have no standing here, slave. As such you will stay on the ground with eyes down cast. Do you understand?" Hippolyte said.
Danos cast his eyes down and shook his head again in the affirmative. His gag was removed but he was left bound. He repositioned himself to sit cross legged, but with back straight and chest full. He knew he was pushing his luck but he had his pride, no matter the situation.
Hippolyte was no fool and recognized the pride in this slave. Many men had a hard time succumbing to the bond of slavery to women. It was not a mans usual relationship with the opposite sex, but he would submit. She would see to it. "Tell your story slave."
Danos started in, forming his story as he told it so it would not sound rehearsed or as a lie. "My name is Danos and I am a son of Troy.."
Hippolyte boomed, "you have no name here slave and it matters not where you come from, it gives you no honor or standing here!"
Danos collected himself. He thought that would warrant a rebuff and hoped it would not get him killed. He had calculated correctly. "I am slave to Mistress Eudora, sex slave. She vied for me over many of her sisters but won my service. I have been in her service for six months. In that time several other warriors have approached me for my favors." He stated this as a matter of fact, when actually only two had really questioned his ownership in that regard, when he was without his mistress in the marketplace on errands. None had forced the issue but he hoped jealousy was as feminine a fire as it was for men. "I had recently seen Cassandra eyeing me on several occasions and thought she was interested in me for the same reason. I am still a man despite my current situation and once had the pleasure of freedom. Her attention was not unnoticed and I attempted to create an opportunity to offer myself to her. I saw her heading to the wood and she looked at me with favor. My assumption was that she wanted me to follow. I waited for her to finish training then made an attempt to approach her. Her demeanor did not excite me to sex and she grew angry. I tried to withdraw but she drew her sword to wound me and then attempted to force herself upon me."
Eudora watched for any reaction in Cassandra as Danos spoke. It was a reasonable and plausible story. Cassandra was stone faced throughout the entire saga. Eudora was starting to consider this slaves voracity in the telling of his story. Eudora began to steal herself to the possible outcome if it was true. Mortal combat. She, like all Amazon warriors, was skilled in a number of weapons but she favored the javelin which would give her a reach advantage over Cassandra and her deadly Mahaira. She came out of her thoughts with Danos completing his story.
"I was favored by the gods that my mistress came looking for me when she did or surely I would have been killed or worse, " Danos said. The thought, however, that it was not so undesirable to be raped by a woman was what he actually meant. He had always found the tradition of rape in war very agreeable from his side and was sure that despite any cries or dissension from his conquests, that they had in the end, enjoyed his company.
Hippolyte eyed the slave, then looked to Cassandra. "Is his story true, sister?"
Cassandra didn't hesitate for a second, "No."
"I told you slave that your life would be forfeit if you lied, Guards?" Hippolyte called.
"Most Honored Sister, I am inclined to believe his story. I do not bear any ill will against my sister for wanting the company of this slave. It is the main reason I purchased him, but I also am fain to let him go for such a minor infraction of our sisterhood," said Eudora. She did not want to appear weak or that she couldn't control her slaves. She was not afraid of Eudora and became more confident as she spoke. "I am willing to forgive Cassandra and will punish this slave severely for his transgressions and wild assumptions.
Danos smiled inside, this was exactly the direction he wanted things to go. Both of his options now meant his life would be spared.
Hippolyte did not like this turn of thought in Eudora. She was too bonded to this slave. It would not go well for her or this slave. She knew Cassandra would not take the offense, despite the easy out. Hippolyte looked to Cassandra and said, "Do you wish the matter closed or do you stand by your honor?"
Cassandra saw no down side to this, she would not step down. But she did not wish too kill her sister over a matter of honor and still bore the brunt of blame on this slave. What was his purpose? Why this challenge to their system and their sisterhood. It was almost like he thought it was a game. No matter, it would be played out soon.
"I stand by my honor, Most Honored Sister," said Cassandra.
Hippolyte sighed and said, "Then its mortal combat."
Cassandra said, "Most Honored Sister, while I am not opposed to this judgement, it was not my sister who accosted me and gave reason to question my honor. I would rather suggest that the truth be tested by he who maligned it."
"If you are suggesting mortal combat with a slave, that is not our tradition. He is the property of Eudora. As such, it is she who is responsible for his actions. What reason do you give for this alternative," said the Queen?
With this, Cassandra turned to Eudora and said, "It would be my contention that the intellect of all slaves is not the same, despite the general behaviors of all men. I believe this slave to be hiding his intellect and using it for sport against us in this matter. If you hold to your training of this slave, then his voracity will be held by the gods in combat. I would rather keep our sisterhood than allow a slave to play us against one another as in a game. He has nothing to benefit other than his life as a slave, but we will diminish the sisterhood of us all by fighting over him."
Eudora considered this argument, looking for any cracks in the reasoning that might bear her ill will or make her look bad or as if she were backing down. She could see no down side and actually thought she might have a bit of advantage. The sons of Troy were ferocious warriors and were not to be taken lightly. "I will agree to this course, sister."
Inside, Hippolyte was jumping for joy. Cassandra had not let this slave have his way with their society. She did not fear for Cassandra but instead relished the idea of seeing her take him apart. "It is so. Son of Troy, you are challenged to mortal combat. The truth of your story to be decided by the favor of the gods and the weapons of war."
This was the outcome that Danos had wanted. He was a seasoned veteran of many campaigns but had been taken by overwhelming numbers and a clout to the back of his head, taken to Persia then sold to a slaver, who sold him to the Amazon woman. He had kept up his training in the secrecy of night and using hard labors to keep up his endurance and strength. While it was not ideal training, he was sure it would be enough to best a woman.
His bonds were cut and was aloud to stand. Eudora pulled a sword from the closest guard, then took Danos by the arm and walked him to the other side of the temple square. While they walked, Eudora spoke in hushed tones. "You are either the smartest or most foolish of my slaves. We shall see what the gods have in store for you, but know this; if you best my sister you will live but still be punished. That being said, Cassandra is skilled with her sword in both hands, though she favors the right. If you press her, get her to back up, she will fight unbalanced and you may find an advantage there."
Danos knew with this encouragement that he had Eudora's mind and confidence. He smiled and thought half the battle won. Eudora handed Danos the sword and said, "Drop the sword after the death strike. If you continue to hold it, we will consider it a challenge and you will be attacked."
"Yes Mistress," Danos said with a smile. He took some practice swings with the sword. It had excellent balance and felt like an old friend in his hand. He looked over at Cassandra and thought of his real reason for this whole mess. He was attracted to her, had been since one day in the market. He knew he had to have her. He knew ahead of time her silence might have to end in her death but slavery wouldn't hold his mind or appetites. He slapped the bare blade against his broad chest and pointed it back towards Cassandra in challenge.
Cassandra knew he was over confident. She could see it in the ease of his stance and the grin on his face. She would play with him before she killed him. He had earned as much time with her as she could spare. Her sisters would see that even sons of Troy fell to Amazon blades.
Hippolyte stood and descended the steps to the square. At moments like this she was a fellow sister and warrior, not a Queen. She raised her hand and said, "Begin."
Danos moved quickly to close the gap but Cassandra hadn't made a move or even drawn her sword. Would it be this easy? He decided to charge.
As soon as Hippolyte said the word, the throng of women pushed back to give the two room to to join swords. Also, none wished to be wounded by a wild stroke from the slave. Men wasted movement hoping that strength and force would win through. None were worried for Cassandra. She was their best with a sword and none feared her blade or prowess.
Danos ran and lunged for Cassandra. The point of his sword was within inches of her face when she moved. She spun at the last second and pushed him hard in the ribs, then backed into the center of the square. Danos saw her, then was falling and off balance. She moved faster than a man. He had thought that the hours of training might have slowed her, evidently not. He caught himself and turned to face her. She still hadn't drawn her sword, which perplexed him and started to anger him. This might be harder than he thought. He advanced on her again, more deliberately this time. She waited for his advance. He moved on her like a cat, his sword arm ready. The gap closed, she stood motionless. He slashed at her face, she ducked it and moved to her left. In frustration and without hesitation he back cut towards her middle, thinking she would not be ready so soon for another cut. She jumped back, forcing him to miss by inched again. And so went the dance, he would slash and she would evade. He started to breathe hard with the effort and sweat began to bead up on his chest. She moved effortlessly, pushing or shoving him in the opposite direction she went. It would be time soon for her to act. He lunged again giving it all his strength but no speed. She ducked under his arm, spun around and drew her sword from over her left should at the same instant and cut an "X" on his back in two blinding strokes. He arched with the pain, unable to see his wound, it was more of a surprise than crippling. He spun around only to meet her blade as it deepened the wound he had self inflicted earlier in the day. Blood flowed over the clean crease of the precise cut and a loop of intestine squirmed out. He howled in pain this time. That howl was cut short by another blinding cut that originate from over her left shoulder and followed through his neck to over her right. His head leaped from his body and made a sickening thud as it hit the white marble paving of the square. Blood arched from the stump of his neck splashing crimson over the marble in stark contrast. His body hung in mid air, as if suspended like a puppet in the market. She made a hard front kick sending the inanimate corpse backwards for three body lengths. She swept the crowd with a gaze of challenge, her eyes coming to rest on Eudora. She walked back to where Eudora stood and sheathed her sword. Her cut had been so fast, no blood clung to the blade and it was still freshly oiled from its cleaning earlier. She stepped to Eudora and eyed her evenly.
"I am sorry for the loss of your slave, sister. I will send you my best slave as a replacement," Cassandra said.
Eudora noticed that Cassandra wasn't even breathing hard. She extended her hands to Cassandra, who took them, and said, "Thank you sister, I am pleased that the gods favored you."
Hippolyte was happy with the outcome and confident that justice and honor was had by all.
Cassandra would be remembered for this fight in years to come as she took the position of Most Honored Sister. Sister to all women and more than equal to any man.
Cassandra stayed her sword in recognition of a slaves posture and said angrily, "What are you doing here slave, lurking about in the shadows?"
"Honestly, it is you that brings me here, great warrior," he said.
Cassandra did not relax her posture and said, "Do you have a message for me? Who sent you forth? Who is your Mistress?" Cassandra shot these questions at him, knowing that no free man would dare enter the wood surrounding the Amazon city and that no slave would do so without the express wishes or bidding of his Mistress. "Show me your face slave and answer quickly, as my patience grows short."
The slave lifted his head to her without leaving his knee, for no man was aloud to look down on an Amazon warrior. "My name is Danos and I am here of my own accord Mistress," he said.
"That is a lie slave, you have no according of your own and you are forbidden from entering these woods! Who is your Mistress?" Cassandra yelled.
"Eudora is my Mistress. If I may explain, please Mistress," Danos said.
"It really matters not, slave, what your explanation is, you have broken our law and you will answer to me for the offense or to your own Mistress for your absence to commit the offense," Cassandra said.
Danos had not thought she would take this tactic. He would have to think fast to escape the fury of both women, difficult.
In the split second this occurred to Danos, in the distance, shod feet could be heard coming close to their location in the wood.
Witnesses, Danos thought to himself, perfect. As Cassandra looked back to the path to see who came near, Danos rose to his feet and struck. He dropped his loin clothe and stepped into Cassandra. His foot now behind hers he grabbed her sword arm and pushed. She behaved exactly as he hoped.
Cassandra turned back to Danos to see him come eye to eye with her. She was so surprised by this, that it was almost to late to stop his advance. She was falling backward, propelled by the grip on her arm and the greater weight of Danos. That did not make her helpless or at a disadvantage. She was trained for this kind of attack. She whipped her free arm under the arm of Danos, grabbed his hair and wrenched his head too the right. This move aided her shift in position, twisting their bodies as they fell. When they hit the ground, Cassandra was on top looking down on Danos. Instead of surprise in his eyes, she was again taken aback as he smiled and pulled her arm out from between them. This movement sliced a clean, long cut across his abdomen. Then he started screaming.
Eudora had asked specifically for Danos. When he was not to be found, her ire got up and she mounted a full scale search. He had been taking liberties of late during sex; assuming a dominant posture, speaking without permission and just generally upsetting the other sex slaves with accounts of his prowess and exploits with their Mistress. Many warriors had bid on Danos for sex due to his muscularity and comely features. The next generation of Amazons was always in the front minds of these warriors but they were still women and harbored petty jealousies and were always vying for advantage. Slave numbers were a matter of status, as were the number of children. Before that, however, age and number of campaigns were paramount. Eudora had many enemies and was sure that several of her sisters coveted this slave. Her thoughts were not unfounded but she had overlooked the mind of Danos himself in this drama. Men had only two purposes in Amazon society, for service and sex. Men were to have no mind of their own and most Amazons dominated their slaves so exactly, that a man's free will was never an issue. No slave had gone against his Mistress in years and then, the penalty was so severe, tales were told in the slave quarter for ages. Eudora thought about these things as she ran up the trail. A slave had seen Danos follow Cassandra into the training wood. She held no ill will for Cassandra and wondered what she was doing with her slave. It became apparent as she rounded the next glade of bushes.
Eudora halted her run, bunching the slaves behind her. Their they were, Cassandra on top of Danos. Danos was screaming for help and mercy.
Cassandra rolled off of Danos and leapt to her feet. She turned to see the surprised and shocked faces of Eudora and an entourage of her slaves. She knew instantly how this looked and was again surprised at the actions of this slave. She seethed with anger and flushed red. Danos scampered to his feet, bleeding from a shallow crease across his belly. He ran to Eudora and fell to her feet, "Please Mistress, protect me!" Danos cried.
Eudora looked from her slave to Cassandra. Not willing to accuse Cassandra outright, she searched for a way to engage her without the appearance of disrespect or challenge. This would of course be a matter for the Amazon Queen, Hippolyte. Eudora chose her words carefully, as Cassandra lowered her stance and flexed her right arm, sword in hand.
"What transpired here Cassandra? What are you doing with my slave," said Eudora?
"Things are not as they seem, Eudora, there is no challenge to your ownership here," said Cassandra.
"From the looks of my slave, that might be in dispute," Eudora said.
Cassandra could see that Eudora was upset but not wanting to initiate a conflict outright. Eudora was savvy and a sister, Cassandra did not mean her harm but would have to explain the situation to a safe conclusion. One that, hopefully brought forth the truth. Cassandra sheathed her sword and relaxed her stance to put Eudora more at ease, then suggested the only real course of action between two sisters in dispute.
"Let us bring this matter before the Queen, if you are agreeable," Cassandra said.
"I agree there is much here that is not known and should come to light with her wisdom," Eudora said.
With that, Eudora looked upon Danos, who had much to answer for. But, that would have to wait. She tore a strip of loin cloth from the nearest slave and gagged Danos with it. Slaves did not speak in matters of Amazon law nor would she be swayed by his pathetic cries. With that done, Cassandra and Eudora led the cadre out of the wood, en route to the Queens temple. A runner was sent ahead to prepare them for the ministration. Eudora gave Cassandra side long glances, hoping to divine any animosity or wrong doing. Trumpets sounded through the valley, calling all the sisters to gather at the temple and signaling the runners mission done. The sight of the group entering the city confines drew attention and signaled the portent of the trumpets. There was much debate about what the two needed the Queen for and what dispute there might be. By the time everyone had gathered, lots were being taken as to what the dispute would be and gossip went like wild fire throughout the growing crowd of women. The appearance of a gagged slave in their midst was proof to many what it was about, since no man was aloud at any enclave of warriors justice. Another blare of trumpets quieted the crowd and all turned to face the temple dais.
Hippolyte was the unequivocal leader, Queen, as ordained by Ares and Artemis. Her afternoon was interrupted by the summons slave. A matter of justice was needed and would fall to her wisdom. This was not the kind of task she relished. Disputes between sisters commonly were settled among themselves. If not, it usually came down to mortal combat and she hated the idea of losing a sister. She hoped this was not that kind of matter. She robed and set the golden ringlet crown on her head. Normally, slaves would dress her but she needed the silence and solitude before a matter of justice. A life would be in the balance. She strode from her private quarters in the back of the temple, entering the main room of the temple she turned and bowed her head to Artemis for guidance. She looked up to the sightless golden eyes of the statute and felt no comfort but confident no less in her own judgement. Slaves opened the heavy oaken doors, a slave on each side handed her the articles of office, a golden javelin and a golden war helmet. She took each as she walked across the dais and placed them on the arms of her marble throne. She sat down and faced the the crowd of women.
"Who calls a matter to be settled among sisters," Hippolyte boomed! She had a very confident voice and could be heard very clearly above the din of battle barking orders and troop movements. Everyone afforded her complete attention when she spoke.
"We do," Cassandra and Eudora said in unison, stepping forward. Two armored warriors dragged Danos forth behind the two.
"What part does this slave play, sisters. You know his presence is forbidden," Hippolyte said.
Eudora stepped forward and said, "If you please, Most Honored Sister, this slave is at the heart of the matter."
Hippolyte looked from the slave to the two sisters in front of her and said, "I know of no quarrels between the two of you, no past grievances, even as children, is this not so?"
This time, Cassandra stepped forward and said, "That is true, Most Honored Sister, we are sisters but seek your guidance so that we may stay that way. This slave has created the matter at hand and I felt you might best judge for us his portent, purpose and end."
That last word was summary from Cassandra and Danos had thought his actions wise until now. He felt no matter the outcome he would be killed. He had to be able to speak on his behalf. He would not be left out of this proceeding.
"While I am at odds with our customs, I think the only departure from our tranquility rests with this slave, as you say." Hippolyte looked directly into the eyes of Danos and said, "know this slave, no warrior will bear false witness against another and no sister will lie to another, for that is the bond of our society. If I allow you to speak, any perceived lie or false witness against a warrior will be your death. Do you understand?"
Danos nodded in the affirmative. Danos started to rise but was beaten back to the ground by his guards.
"You have no standing here, slave. As such you will stay on the ground with eyes down cast. Do you understand?" Hippolyte said.
Danos cast his eyes down and shook his head again in the affirmative. His gag was removed but he was left bound. He repositioned himself to sit cross legged, but with back straight and chest full. He knew he was pushing his luck but he had his pride, no matter the situation.
Hippolyte was no fool and recognized the pride in this slave. Many men had a hard time succumbing to the bond of slavery to women. It was not a mans usual relationship with the opposite sex, but he would submit. She would see to it. "Tell your story slave."
Danos started in, forming his story as he told it so it would not sound rehearsed or as a lie. "My name is Danos and I am a son of Troy.."
Hippolyte boomed, "you have no name here slave and it matters not where you come from, it gives you no honor or standing here!"
Danos collected himself. He thought that would warrant a rebuff and hoped it would not get him killed. He had calculated correctly. "I am slave to Mistress Eudora, sex slave. She vied for me over many of her sisters but won my service. I have been in her service for six months. In that time several other warriors have approached me for my favors." He stated this as a matter of fact, when actually only two had really questioned his ownership in that regard, when he was without his mistress in the marketplace on errands. None had forced the issue but he hoped jealousy was as feminine a fire as it was for men. "I had recently seen Cassandra eyeing me on several occasions and thought she was interested in me for the same reason. I am still a man despite my current situation and once had the pleasure of freedom. Her attention was not unnoticed and I attempted to create an opportunity to offer myself to her. I saw her heading to the wood and she looked at me with favor. My assumption was that she wanted me to follow. I waited for her to finish training then made an attempt to approach her. Her demeanor did not excite me to sex and she grew angry. I tried to withdraw but she drew her sword to wound me and then attempted to force herself upon me."
Eudora watched for any reaction in Cassandra as Danos spoke. It was a reasonable and plausible story. Cassandra was stone faced throughout the entire saga. Eudora was starting to consider this slaves voracity in the telling of his story. Eudora began to steal herself to the possible outcome if it was true. Mortal combat. She, like all Amazon warriors, was skilled in a number of weapons but she favored the javelin which would give her a reach advantage over Cassandra and her deadly Mahaira. She came out of her thoughts with Danos completing his story.
"I was favored by the gods that my mistress came looking for me when she did or surely I would have been killed or worse, " Danos said. The thought, however, that it was not so undesirable to be raped by a woman was what he actually meant. He had always found the tradition of rape in war very agreeable from his side and was sure that despite any cries or dissension from his conquests, that they had in the end, enjoyed his company.
Hippolyte eyed the slave, then looked to Cassandra. "Is his story true, sister?"
Cassandra didn't hesitate for a second, "No."
"I told you slave that your life would be forfeit if you lied, Guards?" Hippolyte called.
"Most Honored Sister, I am inclined to believe his story. I do not bear any ill will against my sister for wanting the company of this slave. It is the main reason I purchased him, but I also am fain to let him go for such a minor infraction of our sisterhood," said Eudora. She did not want to appear weak or that she couldn't control her slaves. She was not afraid of Eudora and became more confident as she spoke. "I am willing to forgive Cassandra and will punish this slave severely for his transgressions and wild assumptions.
Danos smiled inside, this was exactly the direction he wanted things to go. Both of his options now meant his life would be spared.
Hippolyte did not like this turn of thought in Eudora. She was too bonded to this slave. It would not go well for her or this slave. She knew Cassandra would not take the offense, despite the easy out. Hippolyte looked to Cassandra and said, "Do you wish the matter closed or do you stand by your honor?"
Cassandra saw no down side to this, she would not step down. But she did not wish too kill her sister over a matter of honor and still bore the brunt of blame on this slave. What was his purpose? Why this challenge to their system and their sisterhood. It was almost like he thought it was a game. No matter, it would be played out soon.
"I stand by my honor, Most Honored Sister," said Cassandra.
Hippolyte sighed and said, "Then its mortal combat."
Cassandra said, "Most Honored Sister, while I am not opposed to this judgement, it was not my sister who accosted me and gave reason to question my honor. I would rather suggest that the truth be tested by he who maligned it."
"If you are suggesting mortal combat with a slave, that is not our tradition. He is the property of Eudora. As such, it is she who is responsible for his actions. What reason do you give for this alternative," said the Queen?
With this, Cassandra turned to Eudora and said, "It would be my contention that the intellect of all slaves is not the same, despite the general behaviors of all men. I believe this slave to be hiding his intellect and using it for sport against us in this matter. If you hold to your training of this slave, then his voracity will be held by the gods in combat. I would rather keep our sisterhood than allow a slave to play us against one another as in a game. He has nothing to benefit other than his life as a slave, but we will diminish the sisterhood of us all by fighting over him."
Eudora considered this argument, looking for any cracks in the reasoning that might bear her ill will or make her look bad or as if she were backing down. She could see no down side and actually thought she might have a bit of advantage. The sons of Troy were ferocious warriors and were not to be taken lightly. "I will agree to this course, sister."
Inside, Hippolyte was jumping for joy. Cassandra had not let this slave have his way with their society. She did not fear for Cassandra but instead relished the idea of seeing her take him apart. "It is so. Son of Troy, you are challenged to mortal combat. The truth of your story to be decided by the favor of the gods and the weapons of war."
This was the outcome that Danos had wanted. He was a seasoned veteran of many campaigns but had been taken by overwhelming numbers and a clout to the back of his head, taken to Persia then sold to a slaver, who sold him to the Amazon woman. He had kept up his training in the secrecy of night and using hard labors to keep up his endurance and strength. While it was not ideal training, he was sure it would be enough to best a woman.
His bonds were cut and was aloud to stand. Eudora pulled a sword from the closest guard, then took Danos by the arm and walked him to the other side of the temple square. While they walked, Eudora spoke in hushed tones. "You are either the smartest or most foolish of my slaves. We shall see what the gods have in store for you, but know this; if you best my sister you will live but still be punished. That being said, Cassandra is skilled with her sword in both hands, though she favors the right. If you press her, get her to back up, she will fight unbalanced and you may find an advantage there."
Danos knew with this encouragement that he had Eudora's mind and confidence. He smiled and thought half the battle won. Eudora handed Danos the sword and said, "Drop the sword after the death strike. If you continue to hold it, we will consider it a challenge and you will be attacked."
"Yes Mistress," Danos said with a smile. He took some practice swings with the sword. It had excellent balance and felt like an old friend in his hand. He looked over at Cassandra and thought of his real reason for this whole mess. He was attracted to her, had been since one day in the market. He knew he had to have her. He knew ahead of time her silence might have to end in her death but slavery wouldn't hold his mind or appetites. He slapped the bare blade against his broad chest and pointed it back towards Cassandra in challenge.
Cassandra knew he was over confident. She could see it in the ease of his stance and the grin on his face. She would play with him before she killed him. He had earned as much time with her as she could spare. Her sisters would see that even sons of Troy fell to Amazon blades.
Hippolyte stood and descended the steps to the square. At moments like this she was a fellow sister and warrior, not a Queen. She raised her hand and said, "Begin."
Danos moved quickly to close the gap but Cassandra hadn't made a move or even drawn her sword. Would it be this easy? He decided to charge.
As soon as Hippolyte said the word, the throng of women pushed back to give the two room to to join swords. Also, none wished to be wounded by a wild stroke from the slave. Men wasted movement hoping that strength and force would win through. None were worried for Cassandra. She was their best with a sword and none feared her blade or prowess.
Danos ran and lunged for Cassandra. The point of his sword was within inches of her face when she moved. She spun at the last second and pushed him hard in the ribs, then backed into the center of the square. Danos saw her, then was falling and off balance. She moved faster than a man. He had thought that the hours of training might have slowed her, evidently not. He caught himself and turned to face her. She still hadn't drawn her sword, which perplexed him and started to anger him. This might be harder than he thought. He advanced on her again, more deliberately this time. She waited for his advance. He moved on her like a cat, his sword arm ready. The gap closed, she stood motionless. He slashed at her face, she ducked it and moved to her left. In frustration and without hesitation he back cut towards her middle, thinking she would not be ready so soon for another cut. She jumped back, forcing him to miss by inched again. And so went the dance, he would slash and she would evade. He started to breathe hard with the effort and sweat began to bead up on his chest. She moved effortlessly, pushing or shoving him in the opposite direction she went. It would be time soon for her to act. He lunged again giving it all his strength but no speed. She ducked under his arm, spun around and drew her sword from over her left should at the same instant and cut an "X" on his back in two blinding strokes. He arched with the pain, unable to see his wound, it was more of a surprise than crippling. He spun around only to meet her blade as it deepened the wound he had self inflicted earlier in the day. Blood flowed over the clean crease of the precise cut and a loop of intestine squirmed out. He howled in pain this time. That howl was cut short by another blinding cut that originate from over her left shoulder and followed through his neck to over her right. His head leaped from his body and made a sickening thud as it hit the white marble paving of the square. Blood arched from the stump of his neck splashing crimson over the marble in stark contrast. His body hung in mid air, as if suspended like a puppet in the market. She made a hard front kick sending the inanimate corpse backwards for three body lengths. She swept the crowd with a gaze of challenge, her eyes coming to rest on Eudora. She walked back to where Eudora stood and sheathed her sword. Her cut had been so fast, no blood clung to the blade and it was still freshly oiled from its cleaning earlier. She stepped to Eudora and eyed her evenly.
"I am sorry for the loss of your slave, sister. I will send you my best slave as a replacement," Cassandra said.
Eudora noticed that Cassandra wasn't even breathing hard. She extended her hands to Cassandra, who took them, and said, "Thank you sister, I am pleased that the gods favored you."
Hippolyte was happy with the outcome and confident that justice and honor was had by all.
Cassandra would be remembered for this fight in years to come as she took the position of Most Honored Sister. Sister to all women and more than equal to any man.
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