Themyscira Destroyed

Herakles and his companions have camped outside Themyscira for a little over a month. Herakles and Theseus would visit within the walls to discuss methods of communication to other city-states. The first would be Athens where many scholars from other lands came to discuss and learn. I was nearly overwhelmed with excitement. Even my sister Antiope began to glow with not only joy but there was something else about her that changed.

One night, I saw Antiope and Theseus in the garden. She was smiling a peculiar smile. Theseus was speaking with her so close and Antiope seemed to enjoy it. Finally I realized that my sister was falling in love. She watched him intensely with desire and finally I saw my sister conquer him by shushing him with her lips upon his. I turned away feeling that I was intruding. As I turned I saw that I was being watched. Herakles was there standing and staring at me.

There is one other thing about Herakles that is not too well known accept from others who have actually seen Herakles and that is his smile. Herakles has this very strange and very attractive smile. His eyes seem to sparkle like stars. His full lips are strange and attractive…a crooked smile…and he seems to undress you as he stares without looking away…completely confident.

He approached me stating that perhaps Athens can be ruled with an Amazon Queen. Herakles said that he believes that Theseus and Antiope are in love. I was completely surprised. Is this the same sister who, only a few weeks ago, wanted to slaughter all these men? Herakles proposed that tomorrow we have a celebration in honor of not only our peace treaty but also the possibility of a union between Antiope and Theseus.

That night I spoke to Antiope. She was a different woman. We spoke of Theseus and she seem so thrilled at the very thought of him. She was like a child…she actually blushed. My sister was in love. She said that he was a man that she thought never existed and that she has chosen him. Then she surprised me. She said that Theseus has spoken to Herakles who has spoken of me. It seems that Herakles has eyes for me. Now I blushed. I found myself attracted to Herakles but I never gave it any further thought. Antiope have noticed me staring at Herakles at times and now she was going to find out for sure what was on my mind. She stated how handsome and muscular he is. She knew I enjoyed strength and that Herakles was practically the embodiment of strength. "Finally you can conquer strength, my sister, by bedding that very embodiment. What magnificent daughters you would have." That wicked since of humor Antiope has. Antiope always knew how to bring me to chasing her to shut that mouth. That evening we were like two little girls playing and laughing…our first childhood ever experienced.

That next night Theseus and Herakes' men brought barrels and barrels of wine in front of the entrance to Themyscira. Antiope and I announced the celebration and many Amazons met with the men. For the first time in years, Themysicra's gates were open, but only Menlanippe was against it. She said that she do not understand why she still feel ill at ease. I told her that I believe it is because we have secluded ourselves from men much too long and that it is time for us to finally join the outside.

There were bon fires outside the walls and men and Amazons laughing all around the city and there was a beautiful full moon to commemorate the moment of joy. I was on my balcony in my bedchamber…with Herakles by my side watching the celebrations. I had invited him there to privately view the festivities and to tell him how I feel about him. My feelings for him became strong and Antiope and I both agreed that it is time to think about perhaps having consorts.

Herakles offered me wine and our conversation was both exhilarating and enlightening when it came to speaking of destiny. I wanted to tell him that my heart compelled me to him that our destiny should be together. Start a new era of equality between man and woman. But as I began to speak, Herakles offered a toast to that very thought. How that confirmed my feelings. Herakles and I were meant to be. The Goddesses has brought me the man who will join my people and me closer to our goal.

The wine was sweet with a strange bitterness to it. I felt light headed and my sight began to blur. Then I saw Herakles. He had a strange smile that sent chills to me. Then I knew what was happening. My heart was racing so fast that I thought it would burst. My stomach cramped and legs became weak, could not stand. I tried to reach for a weapon, but there was none near. Herakles had betrayed me! It was too late. Herakles walked towards me and with a smile of satisfaction ended the pain with a strike of his fist.

In my darkness I heard the cries of my sisters. Even to this day, it chills me. I hear them cry out in pain. Smell the smoke of Themysicira being torched. I hear my name cried out in hope of salvation. I struggle in the blackness. I try with all my strength to move but my limbs are heavy and weak.

As I became conscience, I felt heavy manacles upon my wrist and neck. I am cold and naked…and I felt the pain of Herakles ravaging my body. I refused to scream out in pain as he forced his will upon me. I tried to fight him but with each struggle he tightens his grip around my neck so that I would nearly black out. Time moved slowly… and when he was finally done with me, he stood above me, dragged me closer to him and spat in my face with a smile of satisfaction stating that, "now I am a real woman". Herakles left with not only my pride and dignity but also with the symbol of the Goddesses trust in me…Gaea's Girdle.

My people, my sister, my city and my dream…all destroyed because of my ignorance. I did not listen to my Goddesses and now I'm being punished for it. I prayed that they would, at least, release my Amazons. I was willing to take my peoples punishment. I was willing to die for my sisters. Free me and let me release them from bondage, even if it cost me my life. This I prayed.

Just when I thought that my Goddesses had forsaken me, a strange glow appeared and a soft soothing voice. And I saw her. It was the Goddess Athena. Was I to be freed? I asked for forgiveness and I knew she would give it, but I also knew penance had to be paid…so be it.

Next chapter…Blood and Deliverance