The Wounded Amazon

By D. E. Loxwood

Two young Messenian women and a young Spartan man arrive in Periclean Athens. Beautiful and feminine, Lena hopes to find a wealthy, handsome and cultured husband. Kallia, athletic and amazonian, hopes to win renown, and the heart of a beautiful young woman. Alexandros, violent and aggrieved, is tasked with sabotaging the peace negotiations between Athens and Sparta through selective assassination. This is the fourth novel in the "Sunset on Sparta" series and assumes familiarity with the previous three. Please start with, "Heart of The Messenian" available with this publisher.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D. E. Loxwood
• Release date: Mar 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463181515

Book preview

MAP

1. TETHRIPPON

The hippodrome formed a natural boundary for the city of Sparta to the south, extending about eight-hundred paces across the valley on the western side of the Eurotas River. In the middle year of the eighty-third Olympiad, nearing the end of eighteen years of intermittent warfare between Sparta and Athens, two four-horse chariots drove along one side of the racecourse. They drove so close to each other that, as they approached, an observer might imagine they formed one team of eight horses. They were not racing, but all the same, the horses were at a steady gallop.

The chariots themselves were little more than a platform on wheels with a frame—the racing chariots used in the games at Olympia and at other events—either the two-horse synoris, or in this case, the four-horse tethrippon.

There was a wooden barrier running along the middle of the hippodrome, and markers either end of the course for the turns. The driver of the chariot with the inside running was a shaven-headed eighteen-year-old youth of average height, but wide and solidly built. Like the older driver of the other chariot, a tall, slim man of about forty-five, he wore a tunic tied high at the waist, holding separate reins in each hand controlling the outer horses either side. His right hand also held a whip. However, at this point both charioteers were driving their teams with moderation with only the occasional flick of the whip.

Both men stood upright on the chariots, this being regarded as a mark of the charioteer’s skill, only allowing their knees to bend slightly, and using the rail at the front of the chariot’s frame to steady themselves as the wheels carried them over rougher areas of the course and at the turns. Sand was laid down on the track each day, but it did not take long for furrows and little pits to form.

Four helot men, slaves of the charioteers, stood fifty paces before the starting line, waiting for their masters to finish to take charge of the teams. To the side of the starting area, two women and a small child stood watching as the chariots receded down the track.

The shorter of the two women was Kalliope, thirty-seven years old, still a beautiful woman, her uncovered hair tied up at the back, brown but with a hint of gold under the bright sun. Her full length tunic and cloak were in matching shades of red. The other woman was her friend, Naobe, seven years older than herself, her clothing more functional and less stylish, tall and lean, her face worn, dark hair streaked with grey.

Stay near me, Thaoma, Naobe said, reaching over to take hold of the five-year-old child by the shoulder. Thaoma wore a simple undyed piece of cloth wrapped around her reaching down to her knees, and she was barefooted.

I like horses, the little girl replied.

I know you do, but you have to be careful, Naobe said.

You are such an old lady, Kalliope said, with a smile.

Naobe frowned, but nevertheless released her hold on her daughter. Kalliope, I never intended to have a child, but now I have, she’s precious.

Of course she is, but our children’s lives are in the hands of the gods. There’s nothing we can do about it. You don’t see me fretting when Alexandros races in the chariot.

I’m only grateful I didn’t have a son, although I’m sure that’s not the way Nikanor sees it.

Kalliope laughed. At least you’ll have someone to keep you company, and look after you when you’re old. A son, as I see it, is a mother’s gift to the state. When I handed him over to the agoge as a little boy, he was already lost to me. Boys die in training, Naobe, or at the end of it they become soldiers who may never come home from battle.

They watched as the two chariots made their turn at the further marker. Even though they were far from full pace, the manoeuvre involved great skill maintaining their own balance on the chariot while controlling a four horse team, with another so close the horses’ flanks would even bump against each other.

Chariot racing is more dangerous that warfare, Kalliope. You should use a slave. If I had a son, I’d never risk him.

You never achieve anything if you don’t take some risks, and besides, getting him away from the agoge from time to time is good for him.

The older woman nodded.

He’s a good boy, Kalliope said, as if answering an accusation from Naobe. It’s just that he needs excitement. If he isn’t getting it, he starts looking for trouble.

Naobe nodded again.

Kalliope frowned. "I’m sure the stories are exaggerated. She paused. A horse with no spirit has no value for a trainer, she continued, as if Naobe had contradicted her. It’s the same with boys. I know his father was the same. Kimon told me stories about himself when he was young. He was very difficult and hard-headed, always fighting the older boys, and then he became the greatest warrior in the world. It’ll be like that with Alexandros. Kalliope was silent for a moment, watching as the chariots approached them. So all the more reason for this, Kalliope continued. And Arkesilaos is so good with him. I think the influence of an older man in his life to guide and calm him will make all the difference."

As the chariots thundered towards the turning marker near them, Naobe glanced around her to see that Thaoma had strayed away and was standing facing the chariots as they advanced.

Come back here at once, Naobe shouted out.

The small girl responded by placing her hands on her hips.

With the chariots making the turn around the mark only ten paces in front of the small girl, the sand kicked up by the horses’ hooves sprayed over her and Naobe ran over to her daughter. The girl glared up at her mother, but nevertheless, knowing the punishment that was coming, held out her hand. Naobe took hold of it, leaned down and bit her thumb hard. Thaoma did not cry or call out in pain, and followed her mother back to Kalliope.

She’s another one who loves excitement, Kalliope said, laughing. How you produced a daughter like that, I’ll never know. She’s not like you at all.

I can’t explain it either, Naobe said, looking down at her daughter and shaking her head. Thaoma met her mother’s eyes coolly, as if studying her and calculating her next opportunity for rebellion.

That’s where it’s different with Alexandros and me, Kalliope continued. Even though he’s a boy, I understand him. I used to be the same.

Naobe turned back to Kalliope, and nodded.

I was only short, like Alexandros, Kalliope continued. But I found out from an early age that the other girls would always follow me. It didn’t matter if it was dangerous or forbidden, they’d just follow. And I know what you’re thinking. It wasn’t because I’m related to the king. He has closer relatives that people walk all over. It’s just the way I have about me, and Alexandros has it too. He’s a born leader. It’s in his blood.

The two women continued their conversation, and the charioteers completed another lap. As they rounded the marker near the starting line again, keeping the horses well within themselves, Alexandros turned his head to Arkesilaos.

Race to the finish?

Arkesilaos grinned back, and without warning, flicked his whip over the hindquarters of his team. Almost in the same instant, Alexandros did the same, and within moments the chariots were hurtling down the course at full pace. Both men bent their knees to absorb the bumps of the track and made repeated uses of their whips. Alexandros’s team was a little behind the other when they reached the end of the course, but close enough so he was able to maintain the advantage of the inside running. As they emerged from the turn, they were level. Alexandros glanced ahead of him to the finish, grinned, and tugged on his left rein. His horses veered slightly. Instinctively, to avoid the horses of the two teams entangling with each other, Arkesilaos pulled on his own left rein so his team veered away. Then, turning his head towards the finish, he understood the reason for Alexandros’s manoeuvre.

With the two women deep in conversation, Thaoma had again wandered on to the track to watch the horses approach. However, this time they were racing full pace to the finish, with no intention of turning as they had in previous laps. Arkesilaos realised the danger and began yelling and waving with his right arm for Alexandros to turn back towards the centre of the track.

Alexandros met his competitor’s cries with laughter, maintaining his course.

At the last moment, with Naobe’s frantic screams reaching his ears, Arkesilaos jerked on the left rein so his team veered away.

From their vantage point the women could see Thaoma standing, without comprehension, as the two teams charged towards her, an unbroken line of eight horses. Even Kalliope stared in horror as the little girl disappeared between the two chariots. As the chariots passed, Naobe ran out behind them and to her daughter who stood, covered in the sand kicked up by the horses.

A moment later, Kalliope was with her. Look at that, Kalliope said in amazement, pointing down to the ground. That mark is from the hoof of Alexandros’s outside horse. Look how close it came to her. What skill, Naobe.

He could have killed her, Naobe replied desperately, clutching her daughter to herself.

She’s perfectly all right. Don’t you dare go making an issue of this and spoiling this for Alexandros.

But Kalliope, you saw what happened, Naobe replied.

You’re always making something out of nothing, Kalliope retorted. She was never in any danger, but it was your own fault anyway. You have no control over that girl.

Afterwards, their teams back in the hands of their helots, Arkesilaos and Alexandros walked back towards the two women. Arkesilaos had an arm around Alexandros’s back, and from the beaming smile on the youth’s mouth, it was apparent to Kalliope and Naobe that Alexandros’s manoeuvre had won him the race.

There’ll be competition for you at the next games, Arkesilaos, Kalliope called out as they approached.

No doubt, Arkesilaos replied. But he won’t have the advantage of a small child wandering out onto the track.

Arkesilaos rubbed Alexandros’s shaven head. That was a clever move, boy. I’ll be more watchful next time.

One day, Arkesilaos, Kalliope said proudly, I’ll win at Olympia and I’ll be the first woman ever to have my statue there.

But Mother, Alexandros said, in surprise. I’ll be the driver. It’ll be my statue.

Arkesilaos laughed. Your mother’s right, boy. It’s the owner who wins the olive crown. But never mind, It’ll never happen anyway, He glanced at Kalliope with a slight smile, at least, not while I’m still training teams.

Alexandros continued to frown at Kalliope. Mother, when I win, my name won’t be remembered?

Not at Olympia, Alexandros. But I promise you, if you win for me, I’ll have a statue of you made in Sparta.

Hmm. Then I’d prefer to have my own team.

Of course you would, boy, and one day you will, Arkesilaos said. But first, learn how to be a driver. There’s no better preparation.

Alexandros glanced at his mother and then back at Arkesilaos, and nodded while Naobe rubbed vigorously on her frowning daughter’s head to shake the sand out of her hair.

2. THE LOVERS

Five days or more of walking or riding from Sparta would take a traveller to the northernmost part of the Peloponnese. A short ferry trip could then take the traveller across the Korinthian Gulf at its narrowest point and less than a morning’s walk eastwards along the coast to the city of Naupaktus. Occupied by Messenians who had rebelled from Sparta eighteen years earlier, Naupaktus was a fortified city built on a small mountain descending right into the Gulf. At the same time as Alexandros and Arkesilaos raced their chariots in Sparta, three young people walked along a narrow track, leaving behind them their homes and the temples of Naupaktos, the road meandering away from the coast through farmland and orchards.

The sixteen-year-old Lena walked a few paces behind her older sister, Kallia, and Kallia’s male friend, Dymnos.

Lena’s brow was furrowed in irritation. The day was warm, and sheltered by the trees and the higher ground to their left, very little breeze reached them. Therefore she sweated under her stylish but full length tunic and cloak. She had been told by her mother to accompany the other two, where her inclination had been to stay at home under the shade, writing poetry. Additionally, she found the two walking ahead of her even more annoying than usual.

While she and Kallia were close and devoted sisters, and the physical resemblance was very strong, it would be impossible to mistake the one for the other. Both were tall, shapely and well built, Kallia just a little taller, of a height with Dymnos. Both were black haired, although Lena’s hair was long and wavy, combed carefully, Kallia’s short, straight and unkempt. Both had naturally dark complexions, although Kallia was noticeably darker from frequent exposure to the sun. Both girls were beautiful, with attractive faces, well shaped lips and wide eyes, with the difference that Lena carried herself with an awareness of her beauty, and Kallia with either ignorance or indifference. Everything about Lena spoke femininity, her clothing selected for the matching colours, her belt tied to display her body curves, her way of walking graceful and alluring. To Lena, Kallia was more like a boy, the muscles on her legs and arms taut, not at all as a woman’s should be. Out in public with Kallia, Lena was in a constant state of embarrassment. There was the way that her sister dressed, the same tunic every day. Scandalously, it barely reached below her knees, and not for the purpose of revealing her lower legs, and attracting admiration, but only for functionality, to allow her more freedom in her active lifestyle. Even today, accompanying Dymnos, a young man her own age, Kallia had not bothered to change, her tunic dishevelled and even bearing marks of dust and dirt. She carried a long wooden bow, wearing a quiver over her shoulder with arrows. Like an Amazon, Lena thought. How she hoped they would not encounter anyone on their journey.

In contrast to her sister, Dymnos was, for once, neatly dressed. Lena was accustomed to seeing Dymnos and Kallia together—they were constant companions, and had been since they were young children, Dymnos usually taking not much more care with his clothing than Kallia. It had always been as if Dymnos were the junior partner, Kallia the bolder, faster, and stronger, and until this year, when Dymnos had finally caught up, also the taller. They had always wandered around, and even out of, Naupaktos together with unusual freedom, well known to the whole population. Kallia’s parents showed a special trust in both of them, partly, perhaps, from their understanding of their daughter’s dominance in the partnership.

On the previous day, Lena had seen Dymnos walking alone with her father, Amiantos, and now, combined with the way Dymnos was dressed and the fact that for once Lena had been asked to accompany them, she realised that something between them had changed.

It further annoyed Lena that Kallia seemed oblivious to any of this. As they walked ahead of her, Dymnos, normally quiet in Kallia’s company, allowing her to take the lead in all things, was even more subdued than usual. Kallia, in contrast, was particularly animated, talking continuously, telling a long story about an adventure they had experienced recently that Lena knew nothing of, laughing and taking hold of Dymnos’s arm at important points in her story.

If you hadn’t heard the bear and warned me, I’d have walked right into it, Kallia said loudly to Dymnos.

No, Kallia, I think you heard it too, Dymnos protested.

Kallia glanced behind her at her sister. That’s not true. I was so scared when I saw it, I nearly pissed myself. He was standing on his hind legs, he was huge, even taller than you, but you were so brave.

I wasn’t brave at all. I was more scared than you.

Well, if that’s true, then it was even more courageous, because you didn’t show your fear at all. I was going to fire an arrow at it, but thank the gods, you stopped me. It would have been far more dangerous if I’d wounded it.

I don’t think that’s what happened at all, Kallia. You were the one who told me we should try to bluff it.

Kallia glanced back at Lena again, a brief lowering of her brow indicating an annoyance with Dymnos for refusing to take any credit. He raised his hands as high as he could, she explained to Lena, and we frightened the bear away. It was his idea. He’s just so protective. No girl would ever need fear anything with Dymnos around. She squeezed Dymnos’s arm affectionately.

Lena scowled back at her eighteen-year-old sister, annoyed at the way, as it seemed to her, that Kallia was making a fool of herself.

Look at her, Dymnos, Kallia said with a grin. She looks like she’s swallowed vinegar.

Dymnos glanced round briefly, but long enough for Lena to notice the uneasy expression on his face.

Well, I didn’t ask to come. I’ve got better things to do, you know, Lena rejoined.

Kallia laughed, and gave Dymnos a playful punch in the shoulder. She means helping our mother. I’ve never known such a dutiful girl. And she’s so pretty. Look at her all in pink and blue. She’s so much prettier than me, don’t you think?

Dymnos did not answer, glancing at Kallia and back again at Lena.

As their path brought them to a clearing in the forest, a trickle of water down the side of a cliff face feeding into a small waterhole, Kallia took hold of Dymnos’s arm. We’ll just stop here for our picnic, Dymnos. I want to show Lena something.

Why here? he asked, showing signs of irritation. There’s a much better place for our picnic ahead.

There’s a pool here, and more room. We can have our own games. Lena can be our audience. She turned to her bewildered sister. This is where Dymnos and I practise archery. He’s really very skilful now, far better than I am.

No I’m not, Dymnos protested.

Kallia, however, ignored his protests, and led him to the centre of the clearing. You can have your shots first, then I’ll have mine, and we’ll see who’s better.

Kallia overcame Dymnos’s embarrassed reluctance in her usual overbearing way, requiring Lena to watch as he loosed five arrows in quick succession, in the direction of a tree at the edge of the clearing. Two of the arrows struck their target.

Excellent, Dymnos, that’s a difficult target. I’ll do my best, but I think you’ve already got me beaten.

Dymnos looked uncomfortably at Lena as Kallia ran off to retrieve the arrows. As she returned she looked curiously at the faces of her two companions.

My turn now.

Kallia took a long time aiming each arrow, in the end only once hitting the target.

He’s an excellent shot, Lena. There was a time when I could sometimes beat him. She turned back to Dymnos. I want to wrestle now. Get ready.

To Lena’s horror, Kallia removed her tunic and stood naked to the waist, wearing only an undergarment wrapped around her hips and between her legs. She unstrapped a sheath on her thigh with a dagger in it and dropped it to the ground.

Kallia, this isn’t decent in front of Dymnos.

Kallia laughed. Don’t be a child, Lena. There’s no shame in it at all. She reached out to Dymnos’s tunic and began pulling it down, paying no attention to Dymnos’s ineffectual attempts to resist. However, when Kallia went to pull at his undergarment, this was too much even for Dymnos.

All right, Kallia, I’ll wrestle you, but at least let me keep my loin cloth.

Kallia laughed at his embarrassment. Dymnos, I’m not ashamed, why should you be?

Kallia, you shouldn’t be doing this, Lena protested.

You’re so narrow minded, Lena. I thought better of you. If we were two boys wrestling, you wouldn’t question it.

But you aren’t two boys. What if someone sees you?

Kallia laughed again. Dymnos is a handsome young man, look at him. His beautiful body, should be admired. There’s no shame in it. That’s why athletes compete naked.

Lena glanced at the embarrassed Dymnos and frowned. Of the two standing before her in their underwear, their legs and upper bodies exposed, despite her words of praise for Dymnos, Kallia was certainly the more impressive. Of the same height, Dymnos body was formed of straight lines, slim waist and hips, thin arms and legs, narrow neck with almost nothing in the way of muscle definition. Kallia, on the other hand, was statuesque, with broad shoulders. Her breasts were small but well formed, with small dark nipples. Her waist was narrow, her hips wider, her thighs strong and shapely. The muscles on her arms, legs and stomach were well defined, although not bulky in a masculine sense. The nondescript ordinariness of Dymnos’s appearance contrasted with Kallia’s startling Amazonian beauty.

The two crouched facing each other, their arms outstretched. As their hands gripped each other’s arms, with surprising ease Dymnos turned Kallia and grasped her round her waist, his body pressed against her back. Kallia struggled for a short while before Dymnos pushed her to the ground.

Kallia jumped to her feet, grinning. Good move, Dymnos, you had me locked up. There was nothing I could do.

They joined battle twice more and each time Dymnos was able to put Kallia to the ground.

At the end of the bout, she smiled at Dymnos and put her arm around his shoulder, her hand grasping his chest and squeezing it. Dymnos turning his head to her and frowned.

Lena, he’s a lot stronger than he looks, and he’s so skilful. I’m in awe of him. When we were young I could always beat him, but now he’s grown as tall as me, it’s always the other way round.

Always? Surely you don’t still wrestle each other alone, Kallia, Lena demanded in shock.

Not since we were children, Dymnos interrupted.

You liar, Kallia said laughing. We wrestle whenever we can. Nothing could be more natural. She turned back to her sister. He’s surprisingly strong, Lena. With Dymnos by her side, a girl would never have anything to fear.

Dymnos began putting his tunic back on, Kallia watching him with her hands on her hips.

Aren’t you going to dress? Lena demanded.

Kallia looked at her sister in surprise. It’s really hot. Dymnos has completely exhausted me. I’ll just bathe and come back and join you. Dymnos can help you prepare the picnic.

Kallia picked up her tunic and dagger, winked at Dymnos (unseen by her sister), and walked over to the pool at the base of the cliff about twenty paces away. Once again Lena was shocked when, at the edge of the pool, Kallia unpinned her underwear and stood completely naked with her back to them, before wading into the water.

Lena glanced at Dymnos who stood next to her watching Kallia.

Don’t look at my sister, she said sharply.

Dymnos turned to her quickly. I’m sorry, Lena, I was just embarrassed.

Well I should think so, but all the more why you shouldn’t stare at her.

No, no, I didn’t mean embarrassed by Kallia, I meant…

You meant what? Lena asked in puzzlement, after a moment’s silence.

Dymnos faltered. By you. By being alone with you.

But we’re not alone. What are you talking about?

Lena glanced towards her sister, who was sitting in the shallow water facing them, immersed up to her waist in the water, looking at them curiously.

Lena, I always find it hard to talk when I’m near you.

What? Why should you? Lena asked, uncomprehending.

Again Dymnos seemed to struggle for words. I’m so worried what you might think of me…that’s what I meant.

Well of course we all like you, Dymnos. You and Kallia are so natural together—too natural for my liking.

Kallia? No, Lena, you aren’t understanding me. I talked to your father yesterday.

I know you did. And did he say it was all right?

Yes, Lena, he gave me permission.

I knew he had. That’s why I had to chaperone you today.

You? No Lena, Kallia is here as the chaperone. Didn’t you realise?

Lena stared at Dymnos, still failing to understand the implication of his words. I don’t understand, she said finally. Why should Kallia be a chaperone?

You Lena, and me. That’s what I talked to your father about.

You and me? What are you saying? Lena again glanced towards her sister who was still immersed in the water, staring back at them. But that’s impossible, Lena said, in final realisation.

Why is it impossible? Dymnos asked, a hurt expression appearing on his face. You’re already sixteen years old. My father has very good land. It’ll be mine when he dies.

But what about you and Kallia? Lena remonstrated.

Dymnos glanced towards Kallia in the pool and frowned. We’ve always been friends, there’s nothing else.

But Dymnos, Lena said, beginning to collect herself, I’ve never even thought of you that way. How could I? You’ve always been with Kallia.

Why do you think I always come to visit her?

Lena gasped. Do you mean you were with her to see me?

Dymnos nodded. He turned his head towards Kallia, who was now standing at the edge of the pool up to her knees in the water bent over and splashing water over herself. Kallia looked back at Lena and Dymnos, and it was apparent that she was delaying returning to them to enable Dymnos to finish his suit to Lena.

Lena looked at Kallia, her finely sculpted, dark complexioned body fully exposed, making not the slightest effort to cover her nakedness. Kallia, get dressed, you’re disgusting, she called out.

What are you talking about? Kallia called back. Why should I hide my body from my sister?

From Dymnos, she shouted back in frustration. She turned back to him. By the gods, Dymnos, stop staring at her.

Dymnos turned back to Lena. I’m sorry, Lena, I didn’t mean to. But about what I was saying to you…

I don’t know, Lena said abruptly. I’ve never even thought about it before. How should I know?

Oddly, Dymnos seemed almost relieved by her response, as if it were more than he had hoped for. Can I visit you, Lena, and court you?

Lena looked into Dymnos’s face seriously, perhaps for the first time in her life. He looked back at her with an expression she was unable to read. Was it that he was so lacking in self-confidence that he expected rejection? He was neither handsome nor ugly, a very ordinary looking youth, far from the kind