General Zavtiolov was sick of meetings. Nothing ever seemed to be accomplished other than bickering and political bolstering. Politicians were a seedy lot. He had come to the conclusion years ago that his country would be better off without the bunch. The general couldn't begin to count the number of times he seriously considered leading a coup, and setting the Parliament on fire. It had become apparent that no progress in Ruritania would ever be made as long as the people were allowed to continue to elect ineffective, self-aggrandizing blowhards who were more concerned with stabbing their counterparts in the back than actually affecting any type of positive change.

Yet, for all the times that he had considered marching his army up the capitol steps, he had dismissed each plot. He could command the army, but without backing it would be a lost cause. The monkeys in suits had clout, and that could not be ignored. The situation in Kasnia had quickly become interesting to him. Militarily, the country was ripe for the picking. It would be easy to quickly conquer them, and convert their technological advances into advantageous capital gains for his own country. In his opinion, the Kasnians were weak. He scoffed at the idea that any rebel group within his borders would have lasted as long as the NKFR had.

He muttered, "That's what happens when you have woman at the helm. They spread their estrogen-based weakness on everyone around them." Leaning back in the leather seat in his office, he closed his eyes, vividly imagining what he could do with a little monetary backing and people with spines supporting his cause.

"You know, it is all possible."

The General instantly sat up at the strange voice coming from inside his office. His eyes shot open and he saw a dark-haired man sitting in the chair across from him. He was well-tailored, and exuded confidence.

"Who are you?" The General demanded.

"Someone who shares your vision."

"How did you get in here?"

"Does that matter? I am here now, and I think you and I have much to discuss."

"You have three seconds to tell me who you are, and how the hell you got in here."

The dark-haired man smiled. His grin reminded the General of the snakes in the government he had been forced to suffer for too long. But there was something infinitely more suave about this individual. He had an air of sorts. It was borderline arrogance, but the General got the distinct feeling that he was occupying the room with someone very powerful.

"General Zavtiolov, my name is not important right now. What is important is that I am about to help you achieve your goals. I have watched you for a very long time now, and I know that we both have the same ambitions."

The General narrowed his eyes, "I don't know who you are, but you know nothing about what my ambitions are."

"I disagree. Your country is well behind the curve. The politicians who are in charge do nothing to advance greatness in any aspect. I know that you would change that. I am offering my assistance to help you achieve your goals. I ask for nothing in return."

"No one ever offers free help."

The stranger shifted, crossing his legs. "As I said, we have similar goals. If you achieve yours, you will have helped me accomplish mine."

"Which is what exactly?"

"Allow me to enlighten you. I, much like you, believe that the strong should be in charge. The Kasnians are pandering their technology to undeserving parties. Why shouldn't Ruritania reap some of the benefit? I find it revolting that they have relied on a bunch of women to do their fighting for them. But I ask you, what are their true motives? Has it occurred to you that they see you the exact way you see them?"

"Meaning what?"

"A target. Do you think it coincidence that their troubles have occurred on the eastern border and nowhere else? It is the border that they share with you. Why hasn't the Queen suffocated the NKFR by now? I tell you that she allows this to continue on purpose. It is giving her the ammunition she needs to bring war to your doorstep."

The General gritted his teeth, and the stranger continued, "Think about how easy it would be to sell to her people. It would be so simple to blame the NKFR and their actions solely on your country. Imagine the story she could spin. Dissidents from your own populace wreaking destruction within her borders could easily justify her aggression in crossing into Ruritania. And with the state your government is in, you would be easy prey. Think about the allies she commands. By the time you got your politicians to agree on anything, you would have already been conquered. I am aware that certain parties within your own house have aided the NKFR. While the rebel group was expelled almost immediately, she could use this to her advantage. Are you prepared to bow to a woman?"

"I will do no such thing."

"You will if you sit back and do nothing. The politicians have created a mess, and failed to press their advantages when they had them. They cowered, when they should have conquered. And now you find yourself in the position to fix what they have done, and claim Ruritania and Kasnia for yourself."

The General sat back. "I'm listening…"

The stranger smirked, "I thought so. I am going to help you gain everything you have ever desired." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold coin. He slid it across the General's desk. The decorated officer picked it up. There was a set of horns on one side, and on the other he saw writing in a language he could not read.

Alindra struggled to grasp what was happening. She had left the capital with General Lebedev and their forces were pushing north to Veles. They were moving at a speed that had Alindra feeling a whip was at her back. But she knew what her purpose was, and it steeled her resolve to push herself and her sisters harder. General Urbov's plan for a double envelopment was a good one, and she was sure that her allies would be successful. But there was something still nagging at her conscious. What was she missing?

"General Alindra?"

The blonde Amazon looked up to see General Lebedev looking at her quizzically. "Sorry, did you say something?"

"You are distracted. That isn't good. What is bothering you?"

"I can't say. Not because I don't want to tell you, it's just that I don't know."

"I can't really work with that…" Lebedev chuckled.

Alindra smiled, but the sentiment didn't reach her eyes, or do anything to settle her mind. "I don't know how to really answer that either."

"Well, tell me what you do know. Maybe I can help you."

"We are missing something. Something I am sure I should be seeing, but I'm not. Who is behind all of this?"

"More than likely it is political. Guessing, I would say it is the Ruritanians."

Alindra pondered the answer. "Probably, but…"

"But?"

Alindra rubbed her wrists absentmindedly. "But, as I have said already…"

"You don't know. Well, trust your gut. If the answer is there, you will find it."

"Let me ask you something. What is the one thing you would refuse to leave behind if you suddenly had to leave your home or country?"

"My family."

"Other than them, is there a possession that you couldn't do without?"

"A possession? Nothing I can think of. Although, I was given a watch by my grandfather when I graduated from officer's school. It has great sentimental value."

"Is it something you would risk your life for?"

"Maybe. My grandfather passed away not long after. He meant a lot to me. But, it is just a watch. I have his memories to take with me wherever I go. What about you? Is there something that you wouldn't be able to leave behind other than family?"

"No. I am simple. I don't have many possessions, with exception to what I am wearing."

"Your clothes are hardly something to go back for."

Alindra smiled once again. "I didn't mean my clothes. My wristlets were a gift from someone special. I would probably go back for them. "

"A gift from someone special?"

"Someone that I admire and love deeply."

General Lebedev grinned. "Her name?"

Alindra started to answer, and then stopped. "Her?"

The other General chuckled. "I assumed. You come from an island of women. Really, it isn't a stretch to reach that conclusion."

"I suppose not."

"Is she here with you?"

"Yes, and no. She is not an Amazon."

"Now I am confused."

"I am Athena's champion. The wristlets were a gift from her."

"You are more than Athena's champion?"

"I am. And a gift from the Gods…" Alindra stopped the thought. Realization had hit her like a hammer to her skull. And the nausea began instantly in her gut. "This isn't possible…" she whispered.

"General Alindra?"

Alindra's face grew serious. "How far are we from Veles?"

"No more than five miles at this point."

"And the forces headed to Govarostok? Dimitrovo?"

"General Urbov should be almost settled with your friends in Govarostok. I would imagine that Shayera and Apanasenko have made the same time we have. They should be close as well to Dimitrovo. Why?"

"I need to get a message to them. Quickly. And I will need to get one to the League's representatives in the capital. How quickly can this be managed?"

"Technology in delivering messages is instant."

"Then help me. We have a serious problem."

Diana and Di were looking over the city of Govarostok. The city had taken a lot of damage during its' recent assault, but the inhabitants were going about business as usual, albeit with caution. At first, Diana was not sure that the Amazons would be welcome in the city. They were, after all, not Kasnians. And occupation of a city was a tricky thing. But her fears were allayed as the citizens lined up to greet both sets of forces. General Urbov had insisted, most wisely, that they been seen together, presenting a unified front. And the Amazons and Kasnian military had followed suit. When not making preparations, the two groups had intermingled some, with the Amazons demonstrating sword play, and the Kasnian division returning the favor with lessons in their own weaponry. They were not displaying hesistancy in their interactions. The Kasnian division knew the aide that the Amazons had provided, and were still going to give. The Amazons, in return, respected the determination of their allies.

Diana turned to her twin. "What will you do when this is all over? Have you given any thought to returning to the island?"

Di shook her head. "I think I will stay here for a bit. For obvious reasons I think you would understand."

"I do. But at some point, will you come home?"

"It really isn't my home."

"I disagree. You are an Amazon. My sister. It is just as much your home as it is mine."

"How do you think your mother will feel about that?"

"OUR mother would welcome you. As would I. Besides, I have become accustomed to having you around. We could spend time there together. "

Di laughed. "You want to spend time with me? Willingly? Who are you? Where is the real Diana?"

Diana playfully shoved the other woman. "Very funny. But I was serious in what I said earlier. You should consider it your home."

"Can I change the subject for a moment? I have been dying to ask you something."

"Of course."

"Why Shayera? How did this happen to you?"

Diana laughed. "She isn't a disease I contracted."

"I know, but, it's, well, it's Shayera. I don't get it."

"It's hard to say. It just happened."

"Bullshit. I need to know. I cannot even fathom having any type of affection for the woman, much less love. And how is the Green Lantern thing? Last time we talked in the Tower, he was a huge pain in your ass."

"He still is. In fact we came to blows prior to me coming here. Well, I hit him. Twice. He stretches the limits of my patience daily."

"You hit him? You have no idea how many times I wanted to do the same in my world, and Shayera wasn't a factor there. You break his jaw?"

"No. I knocked out a tooth though."

"Just one?"

Diana chuckled, "Yes, just the one. Shayera said the same thing. She was disappointed."

"I am too. Only one? That is hardly worthy of us."

"Did you just agree with Shayera? That is how it started with her and me."

Di scrunched her nose in disgust. "Gross. Don't even joke about that."

"I am glad you think it's gross. Keep it that way…" Diana winked at her twin.

But just as Di was about to reply, Genreral Urbov walked up to the pair. "Ladies, there is an urgent message for you." He handed a piece of paper over to Diana. The Amazon read the writing with Di leaning over to do the same.

Both women whispered, "Hera protect us…"

Just outside the city of Dimitrovo, Shayera was silently wondering how everyone else was faring. General Urbov was correct in his assessment of General Apanasenko. He was very likeable, and highly intelligent. He had littered Shayera with questions about Thanagar, the Amazons, the League, and everything else he could think of. He blushed bashfully when he admitted that he was a fan of the redhead. Apparently grown men had favorite superheroes just like children did. But he was polite, and Shayera didn't get any strange fanboy vibes from him. He had been respectful in their conversations, and she genuinely liked the man. And he was filled with interesting facts and stories about any subject she could imagine.

But now as he approached her, his face was grave. He stopped near, and handed her a piece of paper. Shayera looked at him quizzically, but quickly read. As she finished the last line, her stomach surged up to her throat.

Helena and Dinah were taking turns playing with the little Crown Prince. Audrey sat nearby in her room laughing at the trio. Her son was climbing up Helena's back, squeezing and squealing as Helena let him wrestle her on the floor. The toddler turned his attention to Dinah, barreling into her chest as she sat on the carpet with them. She allowed herself to be knocked over, all the while tickling the little boy. His giggles lightened the mood in the room. A mood that was soon to end…

Illiana Stilenko knocked on the door and entered at the Queen's beckoning. "I am sorry to disturb you all, but this just came through for Huntress and Canary. " She held out a piece of paper, which Helena quickly took. Scanning it fast, Helena dropped her hand to her side. "I need to send a message to the League. Where is your communications room?"

Canary sat up, placing the toddler on her lap. "What is it Helena?"

"We are going to need more than us to keep the Queen safe."

Not understanding why Helena had said that, but knowing that Helena was not prone to theatrics, Dinah whispered, "Go."

Helena exited with Illiana quickly, determined to garner the League's immediate assistance.

Alindra excused herself from the city and flew just outside its' borders to a forested area. Once she was sure she was alone, she touched her wrists and whispered, "Athena."

Instantly, in a flash of light, the goddess was at her side. Alindra stepped back glaring at her lover.

"How could you not warn us?"

Athena dropped her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper, "I'm sorry. I couldn't."

Alindra yelled, "You couldn't? Or you wouldn't? Do you realize how serious this is? How could you keep this from us? From me?"

"I am not allowed to interfere."

Alindra was pissed. "You can't interfere? Why have you done all that you have then?"

"In the hopes that it would keep you and your sisters as safe as possible."

"But you said nothing! Nothing!"

Athena pleaded, "I know. I couldn't. Please, Alindra. Please understand." Athena moved to be closer to the general, but the blonde stepped out of reach.

"Well I don't understand! How could you not warn us that Ares was involved? How long have you known?"

"I hoped you would figure it out on your own. I am forbidden to blatantly interfere. I did what I could."

Alindra lowered her voice slightly, her emotions battling between rage and shock. "It took me a while to work it out. The bookends were in the shape of horns. Ram's horns. That is his emblem. They were a gift to a man who was serving him. The Senator didn't know who he was serving, but he knew he was powerful. That is why he didn't flee the city. He didn't want his gift to be discovered! How could you not tell me? Do I mean that little to you?"

Athena's head shot up at the last words Alindra had spoken. "Of course not. You mean everything. But I have to abide by the rules of the Gods. Ares has not shown himself, and has not become physically involved. There was nothing I could do. There is nothing I can do."

"So you would let us go to our slaughter? You have a funny way of showing love."

Athena begged, "Please, Alindra, my hands are tied. What would you have me do?"

"Stop him!"

Athena felt defeated. "I can't."

Alindra railed, "Some of my sisters have died in this country. Died! And the Goddess of Wisdom stood by and did nothing. Is that what you would have happen? Is this the will of the Gods? To let the citizens of this country and her allies be led blindly down a path to ruination? All because you have some innate sense of loyalty to rules that would have your loved ones destroyed? It sickens me."

Athena reached out, tears forming in her eyes, "I love you. Please…"

Alindra jerked back disgusted, her own tears threatening to fall. "You don't know the meaning of the word. Do you know what I would do to keep you safe? Anything and everything. I would defy my Queen, my principles, the entire Amazon nation just to keep you from harm. Do you know why? Because that is love. Real love." Alindra's tone lowered and her hurt came rushing out. "Clearly I was mistaken in believing you felt the same way."

"That isn't true!" Athena's tears now fell. "I do love you. I did what I could. I couldn't do more."

The blonde general openly cried. "You have made that point crystal clear to me. Frankly I don't believe you." Alindra began to struggle to form words, and she barely managed, "I-I don't want to see you again. Please, leave me alone. I don't need that type of love. It comes at too high of a price."

Athena gasped, "Don't forsake me. I am begging you…"

Alindra whispered her response, "Why not? You did it to me." Alindra removed her wristlets and dropped them at the Goddess' feet. "Athena, how could you? How could you let me love you, knowing you were withholding something so important from me? I-I can't forgive you for this."

Alindra turned to walk away. Athena grabbed her arm, stopping the blonde. Alindra spun and lashed out, "You could stop me from walking away. But then, that would be interfering wouldn't it? And you can't do that."

Athena laid herself bare, "I don't want to let you go. I don't want to lose you. Please Alindra, I am sorry. Please, I am begging for you to understand."

"I understand that you have chosen not to act. But I also know that my sisters deserve better. I deserved more from you. Now, please, let me go."

Athena felt the weight of the entire universe crush her heart. Reluctantly she released her grip on Alindra. The blonde Amazon's eyes were red and swollen, and she stood for a moment, simply staring at the angelic beauty that had destroyed her faith. Turning slowly, she walked back to the city, revoking the gift of flight that Athena had bestowed.

Athena howled in grief, and the Earth shook beneath her feet. She dropped to her knees and buried her face in her hands, powerless to stop the sobs from racking her body. Within seconds she felt another presence behind her. Aphrodite knelt down beside her grieving sister and held her. Lovingly she stroked Athena's hair, and whispered in a language forgotten by all but the Gods, desperately trying to soothe the Goddess of Wisdom's soul.

A/N: So the "master" is revealed. What did you think? And the revelation came at a high price for Athena and Alindra. This was one of the hardest chapters to write. I really struggled with this, but I can't see Alindra reacting any other way to the news. I am going to duck behind my desk now, and wait for the rocks to be thrown. Thanks as always for the reviews. Please let me know how you reacted to this chapter.