Chapter 3 - To Corinth!

Queen Cyane stood up when Janice stalked into the meeting hut with Ephiny behind her. "Welcome, Janice."

The archeologist only gave a cold nod.

Ephiny slipped up against the wall where there were several other officials in the room.

Janice took in the scene of the eight Amazons at the wood table. She counted seven council members running down the sides of the table but the queen was at the head of the table.

"You may sit if you wish, Janice." The queen held her hand towards the seat at the other end of the table.

"I'm fine thanks," curtly replied the archeologist.

Cyane decided to start the meeting with an explanation. "As you all know, Janice was found within our territory… unconscious, burned, and with cuts. She has since healed and also been taught the sword thanks to Ephiny and Master Eponin." She stopped and studied the tense archeologist. "Now she wishes to be on her way. Janice?"

Ephiny licked her lips and the Amazon beside her, she noticed, was very interested on what was about to be said this morning.

Janice Covington grasped the top of the chair that she stood behind. She'd spoken in many conferences in her past but this was quite different. Still she reached in for her confidence and began speaking. "I am not from here… I'm not from this time. I am a stranger… to everybody and everything. I was brought here by Alti." She hesitated when the meeting hut filled with a din of chatting.

Cyane held up her hand for silence and everybody obeyed.

"The only way I can get home is by getting the Conqueror's scepter that she has. To do that, I need to go to Corinth."

The queen dipped her head some but she asked, "And do you have a plan, Janice?"

"I wouldn't say a concrete plan but I have some ideas… I won't know until I get there."

The council members began talking amongst themselves then one spoke up louder than the rest.

"How can you be sure you'll find this scepter?"

Janice slightly grinned. "I doubt Alti went through all this trouble just to get rid of it. She has it."

"And do you realize who Alti is… what the Conqueror is capable of?"

The archeologist slowly nodded. "I do."

"You should be fearful of them," stated an older council member. "They are not to be taken lightly."

Janice huffed. "You want to know something?" She straightened up from leaning against the chair. "I am fearful of the Conqueror… of Alti, just like you all." Her eyes searched all the faces of the Amazons then she loudly stated, "But the difference between me and you, is that my fear gives me courage to face them and not hide." She squared her shoulders as every Amazon in the hut called out in protest. She inhaled sharply and spoke very loudly over the chatting. "There is a famous quote from my time…." When the Amazons went silent at her voice, she continued. "It was said by a… bard from Britannia known as Edmund Burke. He said that all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

There was a loud clamor of voices in the meeting hut at Janice's words.

The Amazon Queen ordered everybody silent then she took the floor. "And what would you have us do, Janice? Should I send my three hundred warriors to Corinth to battle legion after legion of hoplites? They do not call the Conqueror the Destroyer of Nations for no reason."

"I don't ask that," refuted the archeologist, "that would be suicide. I am asking you to help me stop Alti… she is just as much of a threat to the Conqueror as she is to us."

"And the Conqueror protects her," reminded a council member. "To stop one you must stop the other."

Janice now flashed a grin. "Not if you can separate them."

"How do you expect to do that?" challenged the queen.

"If that scepter can bring me here then it can take me further into the past." The archeologist's eyes were lit up by an idea. "I can travel back to when Alti and the Conqueror first met… and stop Alti."

"This is absolutely ludicrous!" called out a council member.

Then a lone figure in the corner behind the queen stepped up by the queen. "If you go back to when Alti and the Conqueror met and change history, the affects could be devastating."

Janice's gaze settled on the shaman by the queen's side. "I think I rather take my chances."

Yakut held up a hand at Janice to hold her tongue. "Even if you kill Alti before she met the Conqueror, the Conqueror will still rule the known-world… with or without Alti." Her hand dropped to her side again. "The only difference is that the Conqueror will be even more ruthless than now. She will not have Alti there for insurance so instead she'll make her own… one death after another."

"Then the Conqueror is fated to be the ruler?" questioned a council member.

Yakut nodded her head. "She is fated to be the Conqueror… it is her karma in this lifetime."

That was a big help, mentally complained Janice, who was trying every direction to come up with a reason why the Amazons needed to help her.

"You're running out of ideas here, Janice." The queen's dark brown eyes returned to the small woman at the other end. "You must accept that certain things are destined in this world."

"I won't accept that I'm meant to be here," argued Janice. She threw up her hand for a second and demanded, "Give me a contingent of Amazons to help me get the scepter."

The Amazon Queen shook her head. "I will not needlessly endanger Amazons' lives for a vain chase for a scepter. You have no plan, you have no knowledge of where this scepter is, and you have no power against Alti. You're walking into your own grave."

Ephiny could tell how desperate her charge was to work this out. Something in Ephiny gave in and she stepped forward, next to Janice. "My queen, my sword has always been the Nation's but I ask that I may escort Janice safely to Corinth." She heard several council members' murmurs. "We can at least safely escort her to there if nothing else. It would seem Janice's own fate is to face the Conqueror and Alti… with or without us."

Queen Cyane slowly sighed as she had an internal struggle. She saw the council members didn't seem to be disagreeing with the offer, especially since it came form one of the best warriors in the Nation. She let out a huge sigh then gradually nodded. "Your wish is granted, Ephiny however you must take five other competent Amazons with you. You will take Janice as close to Corinth as possible without endangering your lives. All six of you are expected to return safely."

Ephiny solemnly nodded because she knew this was all that could be done for Janice. It wasn't much but maybe it was a start. "Thank you, my queen."

"This meeting is dismissed then." Cyane remained still in her chair as everybody filtered out of the hut. She finally got up and made her way to the door as well.

Janice remained still and quiet beside Ephiny, her head slightly hung down and her grip tight on the top of the chair. Her anger wasn't helping her and she knew it but she couldn't believe that this Nation was so scared. She straightened up just as Yakut came near them. "Thanks for the help, Yakut," shot the angry archeologist.

Yakut stopped next to Janice. She stared at her with a worn, saddened face then without a word she walked by and left the hut.

Ephiny and Janice were the only ones left.

Ephiny stepped closer and lightly touched the small woman's bare shoulder. "I'm sorry, Janice."

"No." The archeologist shook her head then lifted it. "You did more than anybody else, Ephiny. Thank you."

Yet the Amazon felt as if she failed despite she was able to provide Janice with some protection. "Come on, we'll do some sparring to work that temper off."

Janice ran her fingers through her hair. "Christ… I think you're starting to figure me out, Eph."

Ephiny snorted as she made her way out of the hut. "Gods strike me dead now."

Janice laughed and playful swatted her keeper. "Hardy har har."

The pair found their way to the sparring fields and practiced for most of the day. It wasn't until mid-afternoon that Solari showed up from finishing patrol duty. She caught the tail end of the practice between Janice and Ephiny but when the pair neared her, she could tell Janice was worn out.

"I'm sorry about this morning," offered Solari.

"You heard already?" inquired Ephiny.

Solari just nodded then peered down at Janice. "I would like to escort you to Corinth."

The archeologist now smiled at the offer. "Thank you… that'd be great, Solari."

The Amazon mirrored the smile back. "There are already many other Amazons that wish to take you. I am sure that Ephiny will help you select them."

"How many?" interjected Ephiny.

Solari stared up at the cloudy sky as she did a quick estimation. "I'd say at least fifty." Her head bobbed a few times. "Right around there."

"Wow," murmured the shocked archeologist.

"There are many behind you." Solari clasped Janice's shoulder. "Unfortunately there isn't much we can do without the queen's word."

"I understand," softly spoke Janice.

"I do have one concerned," started Solari, "The people of Corinth may think you're Gabrielle."

Ephiny's eyes widened at realizing this. "I didn't even think about that."

"Damn," muttered Janice. "That could cause a stir."

"Yes," confirmed Ephiny, "as many people saw Gabrielle. They would take you for her instantly."

"Damn it," hissed Janice.

Solari held up her hands. "Now wait, there may be a way to stop that… at least not catch their attention." She lowered her hands to her side. "It may help if we change your hairstyle, Janice… maybe the color too. At least you won't look exactly like Gabrielle other than your facial features."

"And height and eye color and-"

"We get the point," cut in Ephiny. "But Solari is right, at least this way the people really won't recognize you. Once you're up close and personal with the Conqueror that'll be another thing."

"And you're just in luck." Solari beamed a huge smile. "I happen to be great at cutting hair and coloring it."

The archeologist eyed Solari very suspiciously. "Just what did you have in mind? I'm funny about my damn hair."

"Solari is good with hair," promised Ephiny. She then grabbed a lock of Janice's strawberry hair. "Besides you could do with a change it looks like."

"Hey!" Janice yanked her hair free. "Want me to pull on your curls, Eph?" She glowered up at the Amazon.

Ephiny shrugged and smirked.

Janice turned back to Solari. "Fine. Just don't make me look dumb."

Solari smirked but it was Ephiny that said it first.

"You're already that."

Janice suddenly yelled and came at Ephiny.

The Amazon was prepared and she jumped away with her hands up. "Now who helped you this morning, Janny?"

The archeologist was seething, her eyes were slits and her teeth bore at the Amazon.

Solari covered her mouth with her hand as she chuckled at the pair. She pulled her hand away and licked her lips but kept every comment behind her mouth. She cleared her throat though when Janice took a menacing step towards Ephiny. "Maybe we should start getting you ready, Janice. The sooner it's done the sooner you can head off."

This seemed to stop the archeologist. She straightened up to her short height and nodded at Solari. "Alright."

The two Amazons and Janice started back to the village but Solari spoke up first between them.

"We need to stop at the healer's hut. Eilis has some paste that I can use to change your hair color."

Janice gave Solari a dangerous look. "What color?"

"It'll make your hair blonder."

The archeologist tilted her head. "Why not just use lemons?"

"Lemons?" repeated Ephiny.

Janice laughed as it struck her. "I forgot, Ancient Greece doesn't know about citrus fruits."

"Citrus fruits?" Solari shook her head. "We have grapes, apples, pears… figs."

"No, citrus fruits are lemons, oranges, limes, or grapefruit." Janice ran through her educated mind then further explained. "They come from Chin but they don't make it here for some time."

"Oranges?" murmured Ephiny as if she knew the word. "It sounds familiar."

"It's possible some royalty has them," argued Janice. "Just not the common people or much of the upper class."

A dramatic exhale came from Solari. "Probably the Conqueror has had them."

"I'll be sure to ask her when I meet her," joked Janice.

Solari grinned at the joke. She then spotted the healer's hut just ahead so she said, "Stay here while I get the stuff." She hurried ahead while Ephiny and Janice waited for her.

"What's this stuff she's using anyway?"

Ephiny shrugged. "I don't think even Solari knows."

"Nice," muttered Janice.

Solari jumped down the last step but both her hands carefully carried the jar of something. "Alright, let's go to my hut."

"Lead the way then," offered Janice.

The band continued their trek to the opposite side of the village. They eventually ended up in Solari's hut and Ephiny took a seat while Solari worked her magic. She'd seen the hair color change trick once before but the hairstyles were Solari's specialty.

Solari grabbed the second chair by Ephiny and placed it in away from everything. "Sit here," she ordered. As Janice got comfortable, Solari put the jar down on the table next to Ephiny then went into the washroom.

The archeologist turned her head to Ephiny and caught the huge smirk. "What?" she bit out.

Ephiny chuckled, shook her head, and kept her silence for safety reasons.

Janice rolled her eyes and twisted her lead to the right when Solari arrived with two short blades. She instantly swallowed.

Solari placed one blade down by the mystery jar. She came behind Janice and wiped the small blade across her skirt. "Any requests?"

Janice turned her head sidelong as she tried to gauge Solari's seriousness.

"Yeah," spoke up Ephiny, "Shave it all off."

Janice glowered at her keeper but she ordered, "Wait." She stood up and lifted her sheath strapped over her head. "I think I'll need to be comfortable for this." She threw the sword in sheath at Ephiny.

The Amazon neatly caught it and carefully lowered it to the floor by her feet. "Chop away, Solari."

An audible groan left the archeologist but she was ready.

Solari held the blade up over Janice's head yet she hesitated as her mind worked out a mental image of a haircut style. She suddenly grinned wildly and began.

Janice quietly whimpered then closed her eyes when she saw a clump of hair fall before her eyes.

Solari tilted Janice's head to the right and continued carefully cutting the hair away. She occasionally would stop, walk around to the front, judging things, and continue her cutting. After half a candlemark, she stopped for a long moment and carefully judged the style. She realized she needed to balance it just a bit better so after a few more trimmings she had it perfect. "There."

Janice slowly opened her eyes but she didn't want to see yet. She decided instead to gauge it off of Ephiny's reaction.

Solari stepped out of the way.

Ephiny had a clear view. She blinked the gaped. "Sweet Artemis." She glanced at her friend. "You're going to color her hair too?"

"Yup."

"It's that bad huh?' complained Janice.

Ephiny smirked. "You'll see."

Solari came over to the table and grabbed up the jar. "Okay, its easiest if your hair is wet, Janice. Go in the washroom, I filled up a bowl with water."

The archeologist nodded in understanding. She went into the washroom.

Ephiny grinned at her friend. "It looks good, Solari."

The other Amazon winked. "Thanks… I've always had a knack for this." When Janice came back with wet, not dripping, hair she signaled her to sit again. She had the jar open and placed it in Janice's lap. "Hold it."

The archeologist sighed and cupped the jar in her hands.

Solaris's hands were already coated in the white paste material. She quickly began working it through Janice's hair. Occasionally she would stop and get more of the paste until she was satisfied that Janice's hair was well coated in the stuff.

Janice lifted the jar to her nose and the powerful, burning smell made her jump back some. "Wooo."

The Amazon laughed and teased, "Now you know how I feel right now." Solari finished up then quickly moved away so she could get some fresh air. "Just let it sit for a quarter of a candlemark."

Janice eyebrows tied together as she stared at the two Amazons by each other. "Quarter of a candlemark?"

The Amazons exchanged glances.

"Just stay there until I tell you," commanded Solari. She then decided she needed to clean her hands so she vanished into the washroom.

"Eph, can you take this damn jar."

The Amazon chuckled, came over, and collected the offending object from the stranger. She put the lid back on yet made sure to push it away too.

Solari came back out of the washroom then came up behind Janice. She took a deep gulp of air and held it while she reached up with her thumb and index finger. She easily pulled some of the paste away from Janice's hair so she could note the color change. "Not much longer."

Janice blew at her nose to get the smell out. "I hope not. This stuff is retched."

Solari moved away but not without a laugh. "The dyes they use for hair is much better than this stuff."

"I bet." Janice grumbled and drummed her right hand against her knee. She suddenly realized that Melinda would be struck dumb when they see each other again. At the thought of Melinda, Janice became grim and wondered what the tall southerner was doing right now. She inwardly grunted, as if Melinda is even alive right now, she chided mentally.

Ephiny was bent forward and staring directly at Janice. She read the flickering emotions across her charge's features and she could only guess what it was all about. She knew they weren't good thoughts going through the archeologist's mind.

"Alright," broke Solari's voice through the silence. "Go wash it out of your hair."

Janice was more than happy to do that as she hurried to the bathroom.

"There should be a small towel there too," called Solari. She then knelt down beside her friend and whispered, "I'm worried about her making it."

Ephiny licked her lips but her eyes were locked on the washroom entrance. "Me too."

"She can't beat Alti, Ephiny… it's impossible."

Ephiny was biting her lower lip as she finally gazed over to her friend. "She doesn't have to beat her… just get around her so she can go home."

"Not the way she's talking, Ephiny. She wants to stop the Conqueror and Alti."

"I know," murmured the worried Amazon.

Solari suddenly stood up when Janice came out of the washroom with the towel in hand and drying her hair still.

The archeologist pulled the towel away as she approached the Amazons. "Alright, how does it look now?" She straightened her hair out until it felt comfortable.

"Wow you're as blond as you are dumb," joked Ephiny. She was suddenly attacked by a damp towel in the face.

Janice pointed a dangerous finger at the Amazon. "I really hate you some times."

"And love me at other times," tormented Ephiny. She tossed the towel onto the table.

The archeologist didn't argue but she didn't agree either. "Alright Solari, what's your opinion?" She knew this would be an honest one.

Solari stepped up to the stranger and smiled happily at her. "You look hot, Janice." She thoroughly enjoyed the blush that crept down Janice's face and over her neck. She played with Janice's damp, blond hair.

Ephiny sat back and enjoyed the scene. She actually liked the new style a lot as Janice's hair was a soft blond, her bangs were still there. The rest of the style was short in the back yet longer compared to the front in a cropped, v shape. She finally pushed her body out of the seat and come up to Janice. "You don't look like such a kid now."

The archeologist had her hands on her hips. "Are you done, Eph?"

"Never," promised the Amazon.

Janice rolled her eyes as her hands fell from her sides. "Seriously, how's it look?"

Ephiny let out her smile that she'd been holding back the entire time. "You look real good, Janice."

The archeologist was playing with her hair more but she halted and smiled back at Ephiny. "Thanks… Ephiny."

Solari suddenly reached behind and unsheathed her sword. She held it in front of Janice then tilted it until she felt Janice could see her own reflection.

The archeologist reached up to steadied the blade then she saw the hairstyle. She laughed at the immense change as she didn't just look older but like another person. "Looookin' good!"

Ephiny and Solari laughed together at the stranger's smartass joke. Solari sheathed her sword expertly as Janice faced them now.

"We should work on who to take," seriously stated Ephiny. "Then maybe tomorrow we can get the queen's approval to go."

The archeologist nodded her agreement.

Ephiny turned to her best friend. "Who volunteered to go?"

"Well…." Solari picked up the chair that Janice had been using earlier. "Here." She held the chair out to Janice.

Janice took the chair by the ladder back side and carried it to the other one.

"Go sit down," offered Solari to Janice and Ephiny. As they sat down, Solari took the time to sweep up the mess with a bristle broom that'd been in her washroom. "So far I've heard from Amarice."

"Too young," countered Ephiny.

"The princess wishes to go," informed Solari. She swept the hair towards her front door but hesitated and looked at Ephiny.

"Terreis?"

Solari smirked at her best friend. "Well what other princess would I be talking about?" She opened her front door and pushed the hair out.

"Who's Terreis?" inquired Janice from across Ephiny.

Ephiny glanced at her charger. "She's from Melosa's Nation… she's Melosa's sister."

"Melosa?" tried Janice.

Solari turned back after closing the door, broom in hand. "Ephiny, Eponin, and I are from Melosa's Nation."

"I thought this was the only Nation left?" countered Janice.

"It is," explained Ephiny, "but this Nation is a mix between Queen Melosa's and Queen Cyane's… this is all that remains. Melosa and Cyane joined forces in the last battle against the Conqueror… we barely survived and Melosa was killed."

"At the time Queen Cyane didn't have a princess selected so Princess Terreis took that position when the Nations joined." Solari went into the washroom but when she came out she added, "Most of Queen Melosa's Amazons are behind you, Janice."

"How many are there?" inquired Janice.

"At least half the Nation," explained Ephiny.

Solari strolled over and sat on the foot of her bed, her feet just dangling off. "Queen Melosa raised her Nation with an iron fist. She taught us never to back down from a fight."

"Queen Cyane isn't the same?" tried Janice.

Ephiny negatively shook her head. "Queen Cyane believes in diplomatic affairs first then war." She gazed at her best friend. "Who else has offered?"

"Let's see…" Solari held up her hand and ticked off each finger as she said the names that stuck out. "Eponin, if she could. Velasca. Callisto. Vara. Medora. Tanya. Calandra. Otere. And plenty of others." She dropped her hand to her lap.

"Callisto?" squeaked Janice. Two questioning Amazons stared at her. "Is she a tall, white-blond that's really skinny?"

"That is her," agreed Ephiny. "Why?"

The archeologist shifted uneasily in her seat. "I've read a scroll about her… she hates Xena but it never mentioned her being an Amazon. She was actually a warlord."

Solari's face was twisted by confusion and staring at Ephiny.

Ephiny shrugged but stated, "Callisto is a competent Amazon and an accomplished warrior. She came to the Nation when we saved her from slavery. Her home was destroyed by the Conqueror seasons back, her family killed."

Janice was biting her lower lip because she knew this was definitely the same Callisto, well almost. She figured it was best to remain on the topic at hand. "So who should we take?"

"Well if we take the princess we can't take Velasca."

"Why's that?" questioned Janice to Solari.

Ephiny smirked. "They don't get along at all. Velasca was Melosa's adapted daughter and Princess Terreis argued with her sister about adopting her. Melosa ignored her and took in Velasca."

"Their personalities just don't click," explained Solari. "Well the princess seemed more adamant about going compared to Velsca."

"Then she goes," agreed Ephiny.

"Callisto?" questioned Solari. When Ephiny nodded her head she tried, "Vara?"

"One more." Ephiny leaned back and offered, "Otere?"

"She's quick and she's fast," reminded Solari, "Almost like me."

Ephiny chuckled and nodded her head.

"So you…" Janice pointed at Ephiny then at Solari, "and you, Callisto, the princess, Vara, and Otere?" She suddenly shot up from the chair. "Let's go see Queen Cyane." She tried to move out but Ephiny's hand caught the back of her leather skirt and yanked her back.

"Not so fast, Janny. We need to check with them first."

Janice exhaled dramatically then snapped, "Let's go ask them then."

Solari bounced up onto her feet. "You heard her, Eph… Ephiny."

Ephiny quickly stood up and pointed a finger at her best friend. "And don't you start with me too!" She picked up Janice's sheathed sword and slammed it against Janice's chest, which effectively knocked the wind out of Janice. "Let's go."

Janice put the sword over her back and shifted closer to Solari. "Nice job, Solar." She made a hasty retreat after her jest.

Solari narrowed her eyes at Janice's back and hurried after the pair.

By the next day in the early afternoon, Janice and her volunteer band of Amazons were starting their journey out of the gates of the Nation. Ephiny was in charge of the party with Solari's help. They all rode horseback as it was much faster than a slow march. At first, Janice absolutely refused to ride a horse until she was green in the face at the thought of being so high up off the ground. Finally Ephiny basically threw the archeologist up onto one of the mares and threatened her to ride it. Although later on Ephiny found herself giving Janice a crash course in riding horseback but it was sufficient enough to get them to Corinth.

It was early evening and Ephiny ordered the party off the road and into clearing by a small stream. The other night she'd selected what Amazon to do what job during the camp setup and breakdown. Janice was amazed about how efficient and knowledgable the Amazons were about making and breaking camp. A part of her wished she could steal them all and take them back to Greece for her archeological digs.

Right now though, Janice was down by the lake and relaxing on top of a cool rock by the shore. She occasionally would bend down, pick up a stone, and throw it as far down the stream as she could. She sensed a crunch of a tree branch, which made her turn sharply in the direction. "Hey, Eph."

The Amazon smiled as she approached her charge. "Any room?"

Janice understood what the Amazon meant so she scooted over and patted the rock. "Sure."

Ephiny sat and propped her boots up against the rock. She too grabbed a few stones and idly tossed them into the stream. "Have you thought anymore about what you plan to do?"

"Not really," confessed archeologist. "I'm just going into this blind." She shook her head then roughly threw a stone. "I have no idea what this time is like or what I'm up against. I'll just have to assess things as I go."

There was a long silence with Ephiny's head bent down in thought and Janice still throwing some pebbles.

"Have you considered not doing this?" Ephiny peered up at her charger.

Surprise immediately filled the archeologist at Ephiny's question and somewhat confession. "Ephiny, there's nothing here for me. I'm a stranger… in a… fuckin' damn strange time." She grunted and tossed another stone.

"Maybe so but maybe…." The Amazon shrugged the rest of her sentence off.

"Maybe what?" urged the archeologist. "Maybe I'm meant to be here?" She now sensed a smooth stone in her hand so she tried to skip it this time, which actually got the stone across to the other side of the stream. "This isn't home for me, Ephiny."

The Amazon sighed and lightly touched the bare knee next to hers. That got Janice's attention on her. "It could be home."

Janice stared at her keeper for some time as she tried to decipher what the Amazon was getting at with this conversation. "What is it? Seriously, Ephiny?"

The Amazon removed her lingering touch then confessed, "I couldn't stand you when I first met you." Despite Janice's grunt of agreement she continued explaining. "And I know you feel out of place… a stranger." Her crystal amber eyes held Janice's for the first time. "But you're not a stranger to me."

Janice's emotions instantly formed a lump in her throat, her eyes watery at the Ephiny's words. "Thank you," she whispered. "You've done a lot for me when all I've done is complain."

Ephiny brushed back her curly locks that were in the way. "I'll admit you're good at that." She mirrored the grin on Janice's face but she lost it just as quickly. "You'd make a great Amazon though… once you got that temper thing worked out."

The archeologist laughed and smiled at the Amazon. She lowered her head down while playing with her short hair for a second. "I have to try to at least, Ephiny because if I don't… then it'll haunt me forever." She met Ephiny's worried gaze. "I know I don't know what I'm going against, I know the odds will kill me, and I know this is just plain stupid but I have to try."

"I know," whispered the Amazon. She collected Janice's hands into her own. "Just don't risk your life… too much." At Janice's curled grin she kept going. "You do have a home here too." Ephiny released one of her hands and gently touched Janice's right cheek. "And you do at least have one friend you can count on."

The archeologist was surprised by the Amazon's tenderness growing through. She slightly leaned her face in, her eyes glowing, and she caught Ephiny's hand that was on her face. "Eph?"

"Yea?"

"I know I'm blond but… are you hitting on me?"

The Amazon cleared her throat and quietly answered, "You're too much of a pain in the ass for me, Jan." She saw that beautiful smirk she'd come to love on Janice's face now.

"That's what I like to hear." Janice straightened up and put space between them. Her breathing was labored with how close she was to the Amazon.

Then something caught Ephiny's sharp hearing and she quickly dissected herself from Janice just as Solari showed up.

Solari paused at seeing the pair on the stone, so close. She nervously pushed her hair back behind her ear and came closer to them. "Dinner is almost finished."

Ephiny got up and faced her best friend. "What is for dinner?"

Solari remained poised on the small hill top. "Rabbit stew and flatbread."

"Mmmmm," rumbled Janice happily.

Solari grinned at the archeologist's excitement about dinner. "Hurry up you two." She turned and vanished in the tree line.

Janice came up beside her keeper. Well she's a friend now, mentally corrected Janice. She placed her small hand on Ephiny's mid back and whispered, "I think Solari is better suited for you."

"You think so huh?" Ephiny's amber eyes were light and teasing. "Wait, I heard a rumor." She started the trek to camp.

Janice went along and also gave a curious look about this rumor. "Which was?"

"Something about Solari being called… Solar."

The archeologist suddenly played dumb and tried very hard to think about this. "Now who in hell gave her that name?"

"I can not even begin to imagine," chided the Amazon.

Solari saw the pair finally returned and she already had their food ready. "Here, Ephiny." She handed the bowl over with the flatbread neatly on top. She then held up Janice's while saying, "Enjoy… Janny."

The archeologist had the flatbread in one hand and she pointed it at the Amazon. "Watch it, Solar." She stomped off and sat beside Ephiny. When she got comfortable, she realized Callisto came over and sat beside her. Janice did everything she could to not let it bother her less she'd get indigestion tonight.

Callisto was no fool as she detected the uneasiness in this stranger. "Let me guess, I killed your ancestor's husband or something."

Janice choked on her spoonful of rabbit stew, a piece of meat lodged in the back of her throat.

Ephiny put her bowl down the ground and smacked Janice's back hard to help her.

The archeologist finally had it under control but her face was bright red and nobody was sure if it was from the choking or embarrassment. She was suddenly handed a water skin from Ephiny, which helped sooth the last of the tickle in her throat. When she gave the skin back, she gazed at the thin blond beside her. "It wasn't exactly like that…" At seeing fiery eyes on her, she hastily added, "Well maybe a little like that."

Callisto showed a toothy smile suddenly. "You can be honest… honesty is the best policy. Don't you think?"

Janice peered down in her half eaten bowl of stew then lifted her gaze again. "Nothing and nobody are as they seem… I've come to figure this out lately."

The Amazon now had a softer smile and she leaned closer. "I like you, Janice Covington." She straightened up while saying, "Maybe you do stand a chance against the Conqueror and Alti." She dipped her spoon into her stew. "I know I certainly didn't."

Janice's jaw flexed and loosened at Callisto's quiet submission. She decided there wasn't much else to say at this point so she went back to eating her meal.

The night went on quietly as everybody chatted around the campfire. Janice listened to many old war stories about the Conqueror and Alti. She found them as informative as much as horrifying. She had that sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach at the ruthlessness of the Conqueror yet she would not stand down. If she had any opening to getting back to 1940, back to Melinda then she would take it. She understood that she and the Conqueror were linked through their karma yet Janice realized too that the Conqueror was a completely different person compared to Melinda. The current state of her karma was much different than that of the Conqueror's and she wondered if it wouldn't be like throwing gas on fire when they meet face to face. Better yet it would be a bomb dropping, concluded Janice, who was now resting on her back in a bedroll and thinking over tonight's stories. As she lay there, staring at the beautiful stars, she wondered if Alti truly knew what she was doing or just running blind into this just as much as Janice. Tomorrow around midday, Janice figured she would discover what was fated.

Early the next morning, the party broke camp early with six well rested Amazons and one moody archeologist. Ephiny found herself again forcing and arguing Janice up into the saddle of the mare. Ephiny was able to talk her into it by reminding Janice that it was only a few more candlemarks to the Corinth then the horseback ride would be over. That seemed to win Janice over thankfully, for Ephiny's sake.

True to Ephiny's word, they made it to Corinth and pulled off the paved road that led directly into Corinth as Ephiny was fearful of troopers spotting them. She led the party up a hill and stopped on the crescent just within the trees. She dismounted her mare and signaled for everybody else to do the same. She then turned to Janice and ordered, "Follow me."

The archeologist obliged and followed Ephiny through the tree line but she also noted Solari and Callisto following suit.

Ephiny's body was turned to Janice but her eyes were gazing out over the great city of Corinth.

"Holy… shit," rasped Janice as she absorbed the ancient city right before her eyes. She couldn't believe it at all. She'd never seen anything like this nor could she, until now. "There's the Temple of Apollo." She pointed at it as she recognized it even though she'd only seen it in ruins. Suddenly something caught her attention and she stepped closer to the edge of the steep hill. "Is that… that's fuckin' impossible."

Ephiny followed her friend's line of sight. "The Conqueror started the project as soon as she became the ruler. I believe she'll succeed too."

"That's impossible," repeated Janice. "The Corinth King, Periander, tried to build the Corinth Canal but failed… miserably."

Ephiny folded her arms over her chest. "Yes, he failed and instead built a-"

"Diolkos," simultaneously finished Ephiny and Janice.

Ephiny smiled at her friend and nodded. "The Conqueror does not accept defeat very well."

"I can tell." Janice was dazzled by the Conqueror's persistence to build the famous Corinth Canal that would connect the Aegean Sea and Ionian Sea. Such a project required a lot of money, a lot of labor, and plenty of time. It was a feat that many past rulers tried and failed each time, even the great Julius Caesar. "If she completes the projects then…"

"Then Corinth will grow in power from the ships that don't have to go around the Peloponnese Peninsula," finished Callisto. "Even I have to admit, the Conqueror has a great vision."

"She's intelligent and clever," agreed Solari.

"Over here…." Callisto pointed off the right where there were a lot of people milling around. "That is the marketplace."

Solari pointed next at a magnificent building with the largest pillars that were built into a hill side. "That is the Conqueror's. She lives there."

Janice noted how the front of the building faced out over the city and harbor, which must have been the most beautiful view. So maybe Ephiny wasn't joking about the Conqueror's choice of Corinth over Athens. There was also a magnificent square in front of the Conqueror's temple like home. "Is that the square where…."

Ephiny understood the unfinished question. "Yes, it happened there… it all happens there."

The archeologist's head slumped some as she shook it.

Ephiny touched her friend's small shoulder. "Its best you get into the city before it gets later. Hopefully then you'll find a place to stay for the night." She turned back to the city in the snug harbor. "I suggest staying closer to the port. There are many taverns and inns there." She then paused and gave a hidden signal to Solari and Callisto. After the two Amazons left she returned her attention to the archeologist. "You must lean to control your tongue while you're here, Janice. The Conqueror has eyes and ears everywhere and if she catches wind of you then you can be guaranteed a spot in her prison until judgment. Once you're in the hands of the Conqueror there is nothing… nothing anybody can do to help you."

Janice let out her held breath then nodded. "I understand."

"Let's go back… I have some things for you." The Amazon guided her friend back to the party but directed Janice to her horse. Ephiny fished around in her saddlebags then produced a leather pouched that was tied off. "This is fifty dinars that we've all contributed for you."

Janice saw how the Amazons were gazing at her and she quickly held up her hands. "I can't." She stepped back.

"Yes you can and you will." Ephiny stepped forward and pulled Janice's hand down. She put the pouch in her cupped hand. "You can't eat otherwise. You can't find somewhere to sleep. So you must."

The archeologist sighed then relented with a sad nod. She easily tied the pouch next to her other one on her right side. The other pouch she already had contained her extra bullets for her gun.

"Then keep this on." Ephiny was whirling around from her saddlebags again with a dark cloak whipping around. She brought the cloak around her friend and clipped the Amazon feather at the neckline. "It'll help hide some things. You may want to get a change of clothes as well to blend in better."

Janice slowly nodded then quietly asked, "What about my things back in the Nation?"

Ephiny faltered at the question yet she sadly smiled. "I will keep them with me." She leaned her head down closer to Janice's and whispered, "Incase you decide to return."

The archeologist peered up into soft amber eyes, which made her smile. "Thanks, Eph."

The Amazon ruffled her friend's short, blond hair then said, "Its time." She directed Janice through the trees and back to the cobble road that led down the hill and into Corinth. "Follow the road and it'll take you right to Corinth… into the marketplace first."

Janice stared at the road that was quiet for now. Right, follow the little yellow brick road… to the Conqueror's house, inwardly grunted the archeologist.

"Be safe, Janice." The Amazon moved in for a long hug.

Janice squeezed her friend tightly and willed some strength. "Thank you for everything, Ephiny." She withdrew but didn't break the embrace. "You're the most amazing friend I've ever had."

"I try," teased the Amazon. She leaned in and placed a kiss to Janice's cheek. She broke the embrace then forced her body to move away from her friend. She was close to the forest's edge yet she stopped and looked back at Janice. "Janice?"

The archeologist was already on the road and she hesitated too so she could gaze back at her friend.

"I once heard a quote from a famous philosopher named Plato." At Janice's coy, teasing grin she continued and stated, "He said 'We are twice armed if we fight with faith.'" She then held up her hand in a wave and called, "Good luck, my friend." Then with that she diminished into the woods.

Doctor Janice Covington straightened out her cloak, checked her sword under her cloak, and caught a glimpse of her gun strapped to her right boot. "Well Covington, history doesn't get any better than this… when you're making it. Maybe I should skip on my way down," she joked to nobody but herself. Instead she calmly continued the trip down the road into Corinth with each step bringing her closer to her fate.



Continued.