Beginning of the end
Time passed. We Amazons had been in existence for more than twenty years. Men continued to hunt and ignore us and we finally walled and secluded ourselves from the outside world, ignoring our service to the Goddesses.
I remember that dreaded morning that would change the Amazon nation forever. The high priestess Menlanippe awakened with a dreaded warning from the Goddesses. Herakles will arrive to war upon us. We all have heard about Herakles. Mostly of tales told of him being the actual son of the King of the Gods and his legendary strength. But also of his destruction and overbearing attitude.
Menlanippe warned that we must be vigilant or our nation will be destroyed. Antiope and I prepared our selves. We had guards on watch night and day. We had watchers within the highest trees and coastal watches to give us time to prepare if they arrive by ship. Weeks went by and no word. On the twenty second day of the warning, a message from one of our warriors. A ship was spotted…an Athenian ship. We ascertained that King Theseus has accompanied Herakles on this venture. Athens. Athens was the very center of male domination. Many slave traders we ran into were from that very city-state. We knew this could be another senseless war to come.
It was my turn to lead the war party. Antiope wanted to join me, but I insisted she govern our city this time. As usual, I will try to reason with them, but Antiope stated that "why even try"? "Ever since our creation, never have a man listened to reason". "They prefer to spit in our faces and ravage our bodies". Aella, one of our mightiest warriors stated, "aye, I say we kill this lot as a warning to all!" My sister Amazons were becoming vicious due to man and something must be done soon or my Amazons will become no better than the men they wish to slaughter. I felt a cold chill within me when Aella stated that. What was worse, when I looked to Antiope, she was in complete agreement. I made it clear to both Antiope and Aella, that if I did not try to reason with these men, we would be no better than any barbarian.
Finally, the army of Herakles and Theseus were outside our walls, Herakles demanding to see me. Strange that he asked for me by name. He seems to take me as a personal enemy. We met at an open clearing outside Themyscira face to face and there our negotiations began. I stated that long have we Amazons wanted to lead mankind toward a better way of life, but he took it as a joke…a belittlement toward mankind. He stated that how dare we Amazons think that women could lead men. I never understood why men think that women are so much less than human. That women are meant to be equals.
Herakles stated that he was better and stronger than I and that is where I lost my patience. I stated that he is indeed stronger, but I was his better at wisdom and the art of war…and that is when he charged. I easily averted him and he clumsily ran into a tree. I couldn't help but giggle at such a seen and my Amazons openly laughed. Hoping that the laughter could become an opening of friendship, I pointed out to him to rethink his intentions, but he was angrier than before. He stated he was the son of Zeus and right before my eyes, he pulled a tree right from the ground…roots and all! I could not believe my eyes. He charged and I jumped to avoid it. I remembered the rumors of him being the son of Zeus, but I also remember his mother was Alcmene. And Alcmene was mortal and I pointed that out. Mortals make mistakes. And I butted him with the handle of my labrys. Before he knew it my sword was at his throat. I finally had it. I gave him the choice of surrender or death and I was more than willing to oblige…enough was enough!
Herakles looked in my eyes and saw the truth of what I stated. That women are meant to be equals. He smiled and announced to his men to stand down. The Amazons are worthy allies.
How surprised and overjoyed I was. My heart was flowing with glee that finally this was the beginning of glorious new future. That we Amazons finally have allies to join us in unifying women and men as equals.
What a fool I was!