Chapter One

Northern Turkey, c800 BC

The forest was surprisingly silent tonight as quiet figures slipped through the trees, ignoring the drenching rain that pored in sheets. The partially hidden moon reflected off their armor, giving them a glowing, otherworldly effect. They moved swiftly through the night until they reached their intended destination.

A large rock lay in a small clearing, surrounded by beautifully crafted statues and carefully tended flowers. The figures stepped out from the woods, their faces illuminated now by fires burning around them-unaffected by the rain as none fell in the clearing.

"Is this it? Are we here?" A young girl of sixteen whispered excitedly to the taller woman next to her. The woman sighed and nodded, growing a bit impatient with the somewhat hyper girl. "Yes, child, we are here." She tossed her long blue hair over her shoulder and began to wring it out. The girl smiled happily and began to head towards the rock, only to be pulled back by the blue-haired woman. She gave a severe shake of the head to the youth, and suddenly bowed, dropping to her knees. The girl looked up and quickly did the same. A lone figure had approached the rock, her head bowed in reverence.

She walked with a slight limp, an injury lingering from long ago. Her hair fell to her waist in golden waves, and her silver eyes suggested wisdom beyond her years. Leather and mythril armor covered her lithe body, leaving nothing to the imagination, for this was how her people dressed for many years. A long sword was hanging from her waist, the handle engraved with a language now forgotten, and a bow was on her back. A silver crown sat upon her head, its simple delicateness a stark contrast to the warrior who wore it. She was Thora, Queen of the Amazons.

She fell to her knees and offered her prayers to the Rock of the Light, or more so, the goddess said to favor that rock. The Amazon women, who fully believed in its mythical powers that aided them in battle, revered the Rock. Once a year, they came to worship and offer their prayers, their wishes. Thora knew the prayers of her warriors. They prayed for victory, for strength, for honor, and so did she, usually. But this year, her request was different. There was something she had wanted for many years, something she would never dare tell a single soul. Thora wanted an heir. A daughter to love and train and raise as her own. But, it was impossible for her to bear children, old battle injuries attesting to that.

The six women remained in that position, on their knees, for nearly an hour. At times one of them would cry out in earnestness, but Thora's voice rose above them all. Sweat beaded her forehead as she prayed, and continued to pray long after her warriors were done. Finally, the blue haired woman approached Thora, and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"My queen, the hour has grown late. We must return." Thora's head slowly rose and she blinked several times, unaware of how long she'd been. She stood and looked around, almost believing that her child would have appeared by now. But, the clearing was empty, save the Amazons. She nodded slightly, blinking rapidly to hold back tears, not wanting to show weakness before those who admired her. She had prayed so earnestly, she could almost feel the little girl in her arms as she had prayed. With a sigh, she turned and began to walk slowly back into the forest, not seeing the small patch of roses that seemed to radiate a golden glow.

They slipped into the trees, save the young girl, who stood behind them, her eyes fixed on the roses. She drew her sword, her hands shaking, as she approached them.

"Ariel! You must keep up with the rest of." The blue haired Sephora stood, her hands on her hips, the disapproving look in her eyes evaporating as she followed Ariel's gaze. She let out a quick whistle, and the other women reappeared, trailed by Thora. Ariel stood closest to the flowers and jumped when they rustled. Trying to make up for her skittishness, she bravely pushed aside the blossoms with her sword. What she saw made her drop the sword in shock, for in the center of the roses, lay a small girl.

She had been sleeping peacefully, a small smile on her little face. Now she opened her eyes drowsily at her little nest being disturbed, the light of the fire reflecting off of them, making them sparkle a dusty gold. She sat up and smiled sleepily up at them, her eyes crinkling slightly- apparently unaware of the dumbfounded state of the women staring at her.

"Hewwo!" She stood up and waved at them. The women stood, still in shock, as Thora pushed through them, trying to see what was going on. The minute she saw the child, she fell to her knees, her hand on her heart. The little girl pouted slightly at the lack of response, and stepped gingerly over her flowers to stand in front of the kneeling queen. "No frwownin!" Thora broke into a smile, once again blinking back unshed tears, as the little girl hopped forward and wrapped her arms around Thora's neck.

Thora smiled and lightly tapped the little girl's nose, taking notice of the tiny blue diamonds on her face. The little girl was.different. "What's your name, luv?"

The little girl screwed up her face, like she was trying to remember something important, before beaming up at the golden-haired queen.

"Bewwa!."