Sorry it took so long to update. This section did not want to be written. I
had to rewrite it over a dozen times (and, yes, I am serious) before it
made me happy. This section is based off of a story told in Wonder Woman
(Second Series) Annual #1. Also, let it be known that from the beginning of
"A New Beginning" (the current section of this work), the majority of the
stories told are retellings from a version of Wonder Woman. However, I am
still introducing characters, many of who are characters that I created,
and their introductions cannot be found in a comic book. Again, everyone
else owns what they own and I own what I own. Any comments, concerns, or
questions, please e-mail me.
*****
Part III
Years passed and the Amazon nation flourished within the confines of their island home. They spread their borders to the Caucasus Mountains, and all along the Black Sea. Several settlements were even made in Turkey. Their nation grew in intellect and trade. Through the years, many Amazons set sail from their island home and traveled to other parts of the known world. They left in hopes of spreading peace and love. More often than not, however, the Amazons were met with cold, hard rage. Despite the Amazons' attempts the men of the world refused to turn towards the way of peace. Instead, the men looked to them as though they had committed a crime. After all, a woman should not be allowed to rule over herself; she could never be intelligent enough for that. No, a woman's place was serving the man that owned her. The Daughters of Gaea did not take kindly to that idea. They continued to preach their message of peace, and with each turn the men of the world dealt them a hard blow. Many of the Amazons that set sail from their island home in effort to spread their teachings of peace and love never returned. Many were taken prisoner by the men they sought to teach, and later sold into slavery. Several of those that managed to return, returned only for their burial. It soon became that the Amazons found themselves hunted in the world of man. Out of safety for themselves, they withdrew back to their borders. They built great walls around their cities for protection, and they learned the art of war quickly. Though the Amazons still sought to teach peace, they often found themselves fighting to defend their own peace.
The day was gorgeous. A small Amazon troop rode along a worn road on their trip home. Having achieved an easy victory over their opponents on the southeastern border of their nation, the Amazons were blessed with a fair spring day as they returned to their capitol city. Aware as always of their surroundings, the Amazons chatted lively about their quick victory and the celebratory feast that awaited them at home. Their leaders, the noble queens Hippolyta and Antiope, led the troop along the winding dirt road. All seemed at peace.
"Look ahead of us, Sister." Antiope said, pointing along the road in front of her. "What do you make that out to be, Sharp-Eyed-One?" Antiope looked to her sister and then returned her gaze to the darkened spot ahead of them.
Hippolyta squinted her eyes towards the horizon in attempt to make out the distant spot. "It appears to be riders on horseback, Sister. They do not appear to be a threat, but we should pass them with care. Though they will surely have to be crazy to attack a fully armed Amazon troop!" Hippolyta exclaimed.
"How many are there, Sister?" Antiope asked, as the riders were not yet close enough for her to make them all out. Hippolyta squinted against the horizon again as she tried to make out the figures ahead.
"There are two horses, Sister. They have three riders; two share one horse. I cannot make out much more for they wear hooded cloaks that cover most of their features. I cannot make out if they are armed. As I said, let us be careful in passing. We should keep on our guard." Hippolyta gave a signal to her troops, quieting their chatter and putting them back on their full guard. They rode along the road in silence as they approached the dark figures.
The Amazons neared the three travelers, both queens looking directly at them as they trotted close and then past. "Amazons! Hold! Please!" An aged and cracked voice called after the Amazons as they passed by. Hippolyta and Antiope slowed their horses and turned back to the travelers. The Amazon troop slowed to a stop behind their queens. Quickly, the travelers approached the head of the Amazon troop, keeping a safe and respectful distance from the Amazon Queens.
"Forgive my impertinence, Oh Noble Ones!" The aged voice said again as its owner slowly bowed its head. The Amazon Queens coolly appraised the outsiders before them. An aged man, not the speaker, rode one horse and remained a respective distance from the Amazons. On the other horse, a young girl about the age of thirteen sat behind the aged speaker. The speaker herself was an old woman cursed with a terrible leprosy. She quickly told the Amazon Queens her reason for seeking them out.
"I am Hypsipyle," the old woman said, "the former queen of the island of Lemnos. This child is my daughter, Phthia. We have been searching for you, Oh Noble Queens, for many months. I have come to beg your assistance in fulfilling a prophecy." Hypsipyle relayed the tale of her life to the Amazon Queens, coming to the point of why she sought the Amazons. "In Nemea, Calchas, former crewmate to Jason of the Argonauts and the man now traveling with my daughter and I, found me and told me that the gods ordered me back to Lemnos to see 'a great truth.' However, the prophecy stated that I must return with a warrior queen so that the lesson may be learned. So you see, Oh Noble Queens, we must return to Lemnos, but according to the prophecy, a warrior queen must accompany us."
Antiope introduced herself to the fallen queen and offered her services on their return to Lemnos. Hippolyta, however, was unhappy with Antiope's decision to journey to Lemnos. The Amazons and their charges continued their journey to their capitol city, stopping only to camp for the night. Within the shared tent of the Amazon Queens, Hippolyta addressed her concerns with Antiope.
"I do not like this, Sister. It does not bode well."
"Hippolyta, you are being foolish. A sister needs our help! Men have ravished Lemnos and it is now the Amazons' turn to clean up after them!" Antiope stated angrily. "Do not worry, Sister. We will arrive in Themyscira tomorrow. Once a ship is prepared, I will take my charges to Lemnos and then return home. There is no need to worry, Sister. I will be gone but a short while."
"Aye, Sister, I know. However, I fear for what this 'prophecy' may foretell. This man that traveled with Hypsipyle and her daughter.he was once of the crew of Jason. Though he may be aged, he may still cause trouble. Sister, you must think!"
"Aye, Hippolyta! I think! Had the one time servant of Jason continued on with us, then I would worry more over him. Fortunately, he was not needed for the prophecy and returned to wherever he came from. Do you think that I have not thought of this possibly being a trap? I have, that is why I will be taking a small troop with me instead of traveling alone. Do not worry, Dear One. All will be well. The goddesses will allow nothing to happen to us. Remember, my love, we Amazons are immortal after all."
"Only if we are not mortally wounded, Sister. You would do well to remember that." Hippolyta gave her sister a serious, but worried look. Rolling her eyes she said, "By the goddesses, Antiope, you can be so exasperating! Go then, but be careful, Beloved. Were anything to happen to you, my love, my life would surely end!"
Antiope hugged her sister as she said, "Do not worry, my Darling, I will be well. I shall return to you safely with my sister Amazons and the prophecy. I promise, Beloved." She kissed her sister on the cheek before returning to her former position. Slyly she looked to her sister out of the corner of her eye. "Besides, Dear One, even if I were to die on this journey, which I will not, I know full well that you would continue on as though it never happened."
Hippolyta looked to her sister with bemused shock. "Nay, Sister, I would turn your private chambers into a sauna for myself and whatever attractive male I decide to conquer." Hippolyta's grin could not be easily hidden, as Antiope looked again to her sister. Slapping her playfully on the arm, the two sisters laughed hysterically at their joke.
Upon arriving in Themyscira, Antiope ordered a ship readied. A few short hours later, a small crew of Amazons along with Antiope, Hypsipyle, and Phthia found themselves sailing for Lemnos. The trip was uneventful. No storms plagued their journey as Aeolus sent gentle winds to usher them to their journey's end. As the Amazons sailed for the fabled city, Hypsipyle told the Amazons of the beauty it claimed. So enthralled was she by the attention her Amazon companions showered on her, that she did not notice the loneliness of her child, or the fear that she hid.
"What are you doing, Little One?" Antiope asked sweetly as she approached Phthia.
Phthia looked up from her the rope she played with atop a pile of covered cargo. "Nothing, Oh Mighty Queen. I merely pass the hour until we arrive in Lemnos."
Smiling, Antiope stood before Phthia and watched her as she played with the rope in her hands. "You do not seem too excited about journeying to Lemnos. Your mother is ecstatic, she tells great tales of the beauty of Lemnos. Yet here you sit, playing with a piece of rope. You must have heard all of your mother's stories before, though."
"Aye, Mighty Queen, she told me often about Lemnos when I was younger. Though not until Calchas found us had it been mentioned in some time. I used to wonder what Lemnos was like, and what it would have been like to be a warrior princess. I suppose now it is possible that I will know. Maybe my Mother's people wish her to reclaim her throne, that is what she has thought, I think perhaps hopes for. Our life in Nemea was hard. There was no chance of delicacy. From before the time that I could walk, I helped my mother in our small garden. We fought for our very existence. Now we journey to Lemnos where who knows what will happen to us. My mind reels from the possibilities. There is a knot in the pit of my stomach. I am afraid.afraid of what we might find in Lemnos. I do not wish to go there." Phthia lowered her head in shame as she finished speaking.
Antiope's gaze saddened as she listened to Phthia speak of her concerns. Kneeling beside her, she spoke softly, "There is nothing to be afraid of, Little One. I promise you, you and your mother are under the protection of the Amazon. We will allow no harm to come to you. You need not be afraid. Whatever Lemnos holds for you, Child, it will be for the better, I am sure." Smiling, she continued, "You will no longer have to work so hard to survive. You will be taken care of and I am sure that you will make a fine warrior. But first, let me show you how to tie that knot you are attempting." Antiope said as she sat on the covered cargo next to Phthia. Taking the rope in her hands, she began weaving the rope masterfully. With each turn of the rope, Antiope explained to Phthia the operation necessary to tie the knot. Patiently, she watched and helped Phthia to learn. Soon, Phthia mastered the technique. "There! You see, it is not difficult at all, Little One!" Antiope laughed as she hugged Phthia.
"Thank you, Noble Queen!" Phthia's face beamed with her accomplishment as she laughed along with Antiope.
"Dear One, you need not use such formality! We are friends now, yes? My name is Antiope. You may call me that if you like."
"Thank you, Antiope! You are a wonderful friend!" Pausing, Phthia thought. "Would you.would you show me how to spar with a sword, Antiope? I have never had anyone to teach me."
"Aye, Little One. Gladly! Every woman should be able to defend herself against the evils of men!" With that Antiope found two swords with which to teach Phthia. They practiced on into the night as Hypsipyle began her tale again.
Days later, the Amazons found themselves off the coast of Lemnos. Anchoring their ship a short distance from the coast, a party of Amazons ventured onto the island. Hypsipyle, with Phthia at her side, led the Amazons to the gates of the city of Lemnos. As the Amazons approached the darkened gates, a harpy appeared from behind the walls and charged them. Archers were quickly brought forth and their arrows found purchase within the harpy's breast. As the Amazons ensured the death of the harpy, they wondered as to the meaning of the omen it foretold.
Turning from the carcass of the scavenger, Antiope followed the former queen and her daughter through the gates of the city. Upon entering, the Amazon discovered why the harpy took refuge in Lemnos. The ground was littered with the bones of corpses, the flesh having been peeled off by the dead harpy and its one time companions. The once glorious land of Lemnos, the city of legend, was nothing but ruins. The beautiful architecture that had once awed Jason of the Argonauts was no more than dust. Hypsipyle, greatly anguished by this discovery, cried out as though she was in pain. Falling into the arms of her daughter, her old heart, unable to bare the shock of the site before her, burst. Lowering her mother's body to the ground, Phthia wept as the Amazons looked on astonished.
Months later, Antiope and her Amazons returned to Themyscira sorrowfully. They had each been excited over journeying to Lemnos, a nation they had thought to be much like their own, but each Amazons' hopes and dreams had been crushed upon seeing the state of the city, and then the death of one of their charges. The prophecy they had gone in search of now hung in the air as a stale reminder, a bad omen of things to come.
"Antiope! Thank the goddesses you are home safe!" Hippolyta cried in greeting to her returning sister. Meeting half way in the great hall of the palace, Hippolyta embraced her sister. As they embraced, Hippolyta noticed the grieving Phthia standing in the doorway. Pulling back, Hippolyta stared at Phthia before returning her gaze to Antiope. "What has happened, Dear One?" She whispered. "Where is Hypsipyle?" She lowered her voice even more, sensing the truth before being told. Hippolyta's eyes were full of concern.
Sadly, Antiope looked from Phthia to Hippolyta before speaking. "Come, Sister. There is much to tell. Come, Phthia, a chamber has been prepared for you. My sister and I shall take you to it." Together, the three women walked down the corridor to the wing housing the personal quarters of the palace's inhabitants. After ensuring Phthia was comfortable in her chambers, the two sister queens journeyed to the chambers they shared. Once inside their chambers, Antiope related the tale of her journey to Lemnos. "The only thing I do not understand, Sister, is the lesson that was supposed to be learned. Everyone was dead."
"Perhaps the lesson, Dear Sister, is found in the deaths. The women of Lemnos killed each other. Perhaps the lesson can be found in that knowledge. I think perhaps it is an omen. An omen to warn us of what may become of our nation should ever we quarrel as they. What I am concerned with is the girl. What shall we do with Phthia?"
"I wish to adopt her, Polly." Antiope said straightforwardly. "There is plenty of room here in the palace, and I believe she would make an excellent Amazon! The goddesses have already blessed her with a quick wit and skill! During our journey, I sparred with her a bit and she has picked up the use of a sword quickly! With a little intensive training, she will make a fine Amazon warrior! Besides, with the death of her birth mother, Sister, Phthia is all alone in the world. She has no one save us."
Hippolyta eyed her sister warily. On their journey to Themyscira, after their first meeting with Phthia, she seemed to be a most agreeable child. She was very intelligent, and Hippolyta had instantly liked her. "I think that is a wonderful idea, Sister! You will make such a perfect mother, Beloved! Ha-ha. Who knows, perhaps someday we shall both have children!" Together the sisters happily departed their chambers to find Phthia. As they told Phthia the news of the desire of adoption, and she quickly accepted, a proclamation was sent out through out the Amazon nation. That night, a feast was served to welcome their new sister and daughter.
*****
Part III
Years passed and the Amazon nation flourished within the confines of their island home. They spread their borders to the Caucasus Mountains, and all along the Black Sea. Several settlements were even made in Turkey. Their nation grew in intellect and trade. Through the years, many Amazons set sail from their island home and traveled to other parts of the known world. They left in hopes of spreading peace and love. More often than not, however, the Amazons were met with cold, hard rage. Despite the Amazons' attempts the men of the world refused to turn towards the way of peace. Instead, the men looked to them as though they had committed a crime. After all, a woman should not be allowed to rule over herself; she could never be intelligent enough for that. No, a woman's place was serving the man that owned her. The Daughters of Gaea did not take kindly to that idea. They continued to preach their message of peace, and with each turn the men of the world dealt them a hard blow. Many of the Amazons that set sail from their island home in effort to spread their teachings of peace and love never returned. Many were taken prisoner by the men they sought to teach, and later sold into slavery. Several of those that managed to return, returned only for their burial. It soon became that the Amazons found themselves hunted in the world of man. Out of safety for themselves, they withdrew back to their borders. They built great walls around their cities for protection, and they learned the art of war quickly. Though the Amazons still sought to teach peace, they often found themselves fighting to defend their own peace.
The day was gorgeous. A small Amazon troop rode along a worn road on their trip home. Having achieved an easy victory over their opponents on the southeastern border of their nation, the Amazons were blessed with a fair spring day as they returned to their capitol city. Aware as always of their surroundings, the Amazons chatted lively about their quick victory and the celebratory feast that awaited them at home. Their leaders, the noble queens Hippolyta and Antiope, led the troop along the winding dirt road. All seemed at peace.
"Look ahead of us, Sister." Antiope said, pointing along the road in front of her. "What do you make that out to be, Sharp-Eyed-One?" Antiope looked to her sister and then returned her gaze to the darkened spot ahead of them.
Hippolyta squinted her eyes towards the horizon in attempt to make out the distant spot. "It appears to be riders on horseback, Sister. They do not appear to be a threat, but we should pass them with care. Though they will surely have to be crazy to attack a fully armed Amazon troop!" Hippolyta exclaimed.
"How many are there, Sister?" Antiope asked, as the riders were not yet close enough for her to make them all out. Hippolyta squinted against the horizon again as she tried to make out the figures ahead.
"There are two horses, Sister. They have three riders; two share one horse. I cannot make out much more for they wear hooded cloaks that cover most of their features. I cannot make out if they are armed. As I said, let us be careful in passing. We should keep on our guard." Hippolyta gave a signal to her troops, quieting their chatter and putting them back on their full guard. They rode along the road in silence as they approached the dark figures.
The Amazons neared the three travelers, both queens looking directly at them as they trotted close and then past. "Amazons! Hold! Please!" An aged and cracked voice called after the Amazons as they passed by. Hippolyta and Antiope slowed their horses and turned back to the travelers. The Amazon troop slowed to a stop behind their queens. Quickly, the travelers approached the head of the Amazon troop, keeping a safe and respectful distance from the Amazon Queens.
"Forgive my impertinence, Oh Noble Ones!" The aged voice said again as its owner slowly bowed its head. The Amazon Queens coolly appraised the outsiders before them. An aged man, not the speaker, rode one horse and remained a respective distance from the Amazons. On the other horse, a young girl about the age of thirteen sat behind the aged speaker. The speaker herself was an old woman cursed with a terrible leprosy. She quickly told the Amazon Queens her reason for seeking them out.
"I am Hypsipyle," the old woman said, "the former queen of the island of Lemnos. This child is my daughter, Phthia. We have been searching for you, Oh Noble Queens, for many months. I have come to beg your assistance in fulfilling a prophecy." Hypsipyle relayed the tale of her life to the Amazon Queens, coming to the point of why she sought the Amazons. "In Nemea, Calchas, former crewmate to Jason of the Argonauts and the man now traveling with my daughter and I, found me and told me that the gods ordered me back to Lemnos to see 'a great truth.' However, the prophecy stated that I must return with a warrior queen so that the lesson may be learned. So you see, Oh Noble Queens, we must return to Lemnos, but according to the prophecy, a warrior queen must accompany us."
Antiope introduced herself to the fallen queen and offered her services on their return to Lemnos. Hippolyta, however, was unhappy with Antiope's decision to journey to Lemnos. The Amazons and their charges continued their journey to their capitol city, stopping only to camp for the night. Within the shared tent of the Amazon Queens, Hippolyta addressed her concerns with Antiope.
"I do not like this, Sister. It does not bode well."
"Hippolyta, you are being foolish. A sister needs our help! Men have ravished Lemnos and it is now the Amazons' turn to clean up after them!" Antiope stated angrily. "Do not worry, Sister. We will arrive in Themyscira tomorrow. Once a ship is prepared, I will take my charges to Lemnos and then return home. There is no need to worry, Sister. I will be gone but a short while."
"Aye, Sister, I know. However, I fear for what this 'prophecy' may foretell. This man that traveled with Hypsipyle and her daughter.he was once of the crew of Jason. Though he may be aged, he may still cause trouble. Sister, you must think!"
"Aye, Hippolyta! I think! Had the one time servant of Jason continued on with us, then I would worry more over him. Fortunately, he was not needed for the prophecy and returned to wherever he came from. Do you think that I have not thought of this possibly being a trap? I have, that is why I will be taking a small troop with me instead of traveling alone. Do not worry, Dear One. All will be well. The goddesses will allow nothing to happen to us. Remember, my love, we Amazons are immortal after all."
"Only if we are not mortally wounded, Sister. You would do well to remember that." Hippolyta gave her sister a serious, but worried look. Rolling her eyes she said, "By the goddesses, Antiope, you can be so exasperating! Go then, but be careful, Beloved. Were anything to happen to you, my love, my life would surely end!"
Antiope hugged her sister as she said, "Do not worry, my Darling, I will be well. I shall return to you safely with my sister Amazons and the prophecy. I promise, Beloved." She kissed her sister on the cheek before returning to her former position. Slyly she looked to her sister out of the corner of her eye. "Besides, Dear One, even if I were to die on this journey, which I will not, I know full well that you would continue on as though it never happened."
Hippolyta looked to her sister with bemused shock. "Nay, Sister, I would turn your private chambers into a sauna for myself and whatever attractive male I decide to conquer." Hippolyta's grin could not be easily hidden, as Antiope looked again to her sister. Slapping her playfully on the arm, the two sisters laughed hysterically at their joke.
Upon arriving in Themyscira, Antiope ordered a ship readied. A few short hours later, a small crew of Amazons along with Antiope, Hypsipyle, and Phthia found themselves sailing for Lemnos. The trip was uneventful. No storms plagued their journey as Aeolus sent gentle winds to usher them to their journey's end. As the Amazons sailed for the fabled city, Hypsipyle told the Amazons of the beauty it claimed. So enthralled was she by the attention her Amazon companions showered on her, that she did not notice the loneliness of her child, or the fear that she hid.
"What are you doing, Little One?" Antiope asked sweetly as she approached Phthia.
Phthia looked up from her the rope she played with atop a pile of covered cargo. "Nothing, Oh Mighty Queen. I merely pass the hour until we arrive in Lemnos."
Smiling, Antiope stood before Phthia and watched her as she played with the rope in her hands. "You do not seem too excited about journeying to Lemnos. Your mother is ecstatic, she tells great tales of the beauty of Lemnos. Yet here you sit, playing with a piece of rope. You must have heard all of your mother's stories before, though."
"Aye, Mighty Queen, she told me often about Lemnos when I was younger. Though not until Calchas found us had it been mentioned in some time. I used to wonder what Lemnos was like, and what it would have been like to be a warrior princess. I suppose now it is possible that I will know. Maybe my Mother's people wish her to reclaim her throne, that is what she has thought, I think perhaps hopes for. Our life in Nemea was hard. There was no chance of delicacy. From before the time that I could walk, I helped my mother in our small garden. We fought for our very existence. Now we journey to Lemnos where who knows what will happen to us. My mind reels from the possibilities. There is a knot in the pit of my stomach. I am afraid.afraid of what we might find in Lemnos. I do not wish to go there." Phthia lowered her head in shame as she finished speaking.
Antiope's gaze saddened as she listened to Phthia speak of her concerns. Kneeling beside her, she spoke softly, "There is nothing to be afraid of, Little One. I promise you, you and your mother are under the protection of the Amazon. We will allow no harm to come to you. You need not be afraid. Whatever Lemnos holds for you, Child, it will be for the better, I am sure." Smiling, she continued, "You will no longer have to work so hard to survive. You will be taken care of and I am sure that you will make a fine warrior. But first, let me show you how to tie that knot you are attempting." Antiope said as she sat on the covered cargo next to Phthia. Taking the rope in her hands, she began weaving the rope masterfully. With each turn of the rope, Antiope explained to Phthia the operation necessary to tie the knot. Patiently, she watched and helped Phthia to learn. Soon, Phthia mastered the technique. "There! You see, it is not difficult at all, Little One!" Antiope laughed as she hugged Phthia.
"Thank you, Noble Queen!" Phthia's face beamed with her accomplishment as she laughed along with Antiope.
"Dear One, you need not use such formality! We are friends now, yes? My name is Antiope. You may call me that if you like."
"Thank you, Antiope! You are a wonderful friend!" Pausing, Phthia thought. "Would you.would you show me how to spar with a sword, Antiope? I have never had anyone to teach me."
"Aye, Little One. Gladly! Every woman should be able to defend herself against the evils of men!" With that Antiope found two swords with which to teach Phthia. They practiced on into the night as Hypsipyle began her tale again.
Days later, the Amazons found themselves off the coast of Lemnos. Anchoring their ship a short distance from the coast, a party of Amazons ventured onto the island. Hypsipyle, with Phthia at her side, led the Amazons to the gates of the city of Lemnos. As the Amazons approached the darkened gates, a harpy appeared from behind the walls and charged them. Archers were quickly brought forth and their arrows found purchase within the harpy's breast. As the Amazons ensured the death of the harpy, they wondered as to the meaning of the omen it foretold.
Turning from the carcass of the scavenger, Antiope followed the former queen and her daughter through the gates of the city. Upon entering, the Amazon discovered why the harpy took refuge in Lemnos. The ground was littered with the bones of corpses, the flesh having been peeled off by the dead harpy and its one time companions. The once glorious land of Lemnos, the city of legend, was nothing but ruins. The beautiful architecture that had once awed Jason of the Argonauts was no more than dust. Hypsipyle, greatly anguished by this discovery, cried out as though she was in pain. Falling into the arms of her daughter, her old heart, unable to bare the shock of the site before her, burst. Lowering her mother's body to the ground, Phthia wept as the Amazons looked on astonished.
Months later, Antiope and her Amazons returned to Themyscira sorrowfully. They had each been excited over journeying to Lemnos, a nation they had thought to be much like their own, but each Amazons' hopes and dreams had been crushed upon seeing the state of the city, and then the death of one of their charges. The prophecy they had gone in search of now hung in the air as a stale reminder, a bad omen of things to come.
"Antiope! Thank the goddesses you are home safe!" Hippolyta cried in greeting to her returning sister. Meeting half way in the great hall of the palace, Hippolyta embraced her sister. As they embraced, Hippolyta noticed the grieving Phthia standing in the doorway. Pulling back, Hippolyta stared at Phthia before returning her gaze to Antiope. "What has happened, Dear One?" She whispered. "Where is Hypsipyle?" She lowered her voice even more, sensing the truth before being told. Hippolyta's eyes were full of concern.
Sadly, Antiope looked from Phthia to Hippolyta before speaking. "Come, Sister. There is much to tell. Come, Phthia, a chamber has been prepared for you. My sister and I shall take you to it." Together, the three women walked down the corridor to the wing housing the personal quarters of the palace's inhabitants. After ensuring Phthia was comfortable in her chambers, the two sister queens journeyed to the chambers they shared. Once inside their chambers, Antiope related the tale of her journey to Lemnos. "The only thing I do not understand, Sister, is the lesson that was supposed to be learned. Everyone was dead."
"Perhaps the lesson, Dear Sister, is found in the deaths. The women of Lemnos killed each other. Perhaps the lesson can be found in that knowledge. I think perhaps it is an omen. An omen to warn us of what may become of our nation should ever we quarrel as they. What I am concerned with is the girl. What shall we do with Phthia?"
"I wish to adopt her, Polly." Antiope said straightforwardly. "There is plenty of room here in the palace, and I believe she would make an excellent Amazon! The goddesses have already blessed her with a quick wit and skill! During our journey, I sparred with her a bit and she has picked up the use of a sword quickly! With a little intensive training, she will make a fine Amazon warrior! Besides, with the death of her birth mother, Sister, Phthia is all alone in the world. She has no one save us."
Hippolyta eyed her sister warily. On their journey to Themyscira, after their first meeting with Phthia, she seemed to be a most agreeable child. She was very intelligent, and Hippolyta had instantly liked her. "I think that is a wonderful idea, Sister! You will make such a perfect mother, Beloved! Ha-ha. Who knows, perhaps someday we shall both have children!" Together the sisters happily departed their chambers to find Phthia. As they told Phthia the news of the desire of adoption, and she quickly accepted, a proclamation was sent out through out the Amazon nation. That night, a feast was served to welcome their new sister and daughter.