They joined the caravan. First, they made sure Raven's face was covered so as not to arouse suspicion. No use in rousing suspicion. Then, Viktor explained everything. Raven barely listened as Viktor told his story. "I was deep undercover," Viktor said as he rode his own camel. "I only communicated with Hippolyta and Artemis."
"How?" Raven asked, a numbness stealing over her body. Her one friend, her only friend, was nothing more than a spy.
"Slaede's puny city isn't as secure as he thinks it is," Viktor smirked, "for the last year, Artemis has been able to sneak in and out with ease at least two times a week."
"Don't forget the tunnel system no one ever bothers to guard," Damyan added from behind Raven.
Viktor glared at him before agreeing, "He's right. There are so many hidden passages throughout the city. Some lead right to the tunnels beneath the palace."
"So, anyone can just break in at any time?" Raven frowned.
"No, you have to know where you're going or you'll get lost," Viktor said. He then smiled. "I'm really glad that you're okay. What were you two thinking?" he glared at both Damyan and Jhon. "Killing Raven was part of no plan."
"I was thinking, I wanted to avenge my grandfather, father, and mother," Damyan answered.
"I was just being a good friend," Jhon said.
"What changed?" Viktor asked. "You seemed hellbent on ending the life of Slaede's sorceress."
"I got to know her," Damyan replied softly, his breath brushed across Raven's ear, and she shivered. "I realized, I'm not the only one who sees Slaede as an enemy."
Viktor nodded. "So, your plan is to bring her into Themyscira, hostile territory? How do you two plan to explain the appearance of Slaede's sorceress to Hippolyta, Diana, and Jason? You know Jason will try to kill her."
"I won't let him," Damyan said. Raven nearly jumped when she felt an arm snake around her waist. The arm belonged to Damyan. He pulled her tight against his body, a movement that didn't go unnoticed by Viktor.
"Uh-huh," Viktor said, not convinced.
"We'll figure something out by the time we reach Themyscira," Jhon smiled at Raven. "Don't worry."
"Well, you might want to figure something out soon," Viktor said.
"Why?" Jhon asked.
"Because we're approaching Themyscira," Viktor pointed ahead. Raven squinted against the harsh glare of the sun. From the top of the dune, she could clearly see Themyscira. "I'd say should be there before the sun sets," Viktor said. "That gives you at least three hours to come up with something."
Themyscira wasn't anything too spectacular. It was nothing more than a tent city with a large gate made of wood, decorated with iolite. From what Raven could see, iolite strands were threaded throughout the city. She began to feel ill the closer they got to the city. "Are you okay?" Damian asked softly from behind her. Viktor looked over at her in concern.
"Uh…yeah," Raven answered feeling beads of sweat form on her forehead. "Just a little dizzy."
"Here," Jhon reached up and handed her a skin of water.
"Thank you," Raven said before drinking the water.
"Don't worry," Damyan whispered so softly, that Raven barely heard him. She felt a hand wrap around her waist. "I'll keep you safe."
The entire caravan entered Themyscira without fanfare, only, instead of using the front entrance, Damyan, Viktor, and Jhon entered elsewhere. "I have to report to Diana," Viktor said as his camel lowered herself to the ground.
"Are you going to mention…" Jhon's voice trailed off as he pointed to Raven.
"No," Viktor smiled, "I'll save that honor for you two."
Damyan ordered Aelfred to kneel, and Jhon helped Raven down. "Uh-oh," Jhon looked over Raven's shoulder. "Damyan," he called as he adjusted Raven's saree over her hair.
"Oh, come on," Damyan swore.
Raven turned to see what had the two boys worried. A very pretty girl with long, flowing blonde hair and bright blue eyes sprinted to the two boys. "Damyan," the girl greeted, throwing her arms around Damyan's neck. Raven felt a shocking rage fill her chest.
"Hi, Cassie," Damyan groaned, gently shoving the girl away from him.
"I'm here, too," Jhon waved.
The girl, Cassie, paid Jhon no attention. "What were you thinking," she demanded, "running off like that?" Raven looked down at the ground as soon as she saw Cassie's head turn towards her. "Who is this?" Cassie demanded.
"A friend," Damyan answered, placing Raven behind him. Raven pursed her lips and kept her head down.
"A friend?" Cassie scoffed. "Seriously? You made a friend?"
"Yes," Jhon folded his arms, "she's a friend."
"Well, does your friend have a name?" Cassie asked.
"She does," Damyan answered, "but it's none of your business."
"You know the rules, Damyan," a deep voice spoke. Raven lifted her head just so to see a male standing a few feet away. The male was as tall as Damyan but had less muscle definition. He had dark hair with a white streak in front and equally dark eyes. His face looked rough like he'd been in many battles. "All newcomers enter through the front."
"She's fine, Jason," Damyan said through gritted teeth. "She's with me."
"I don't care that you vouch for her," Jason glared. "Either she follows protocol, or she leaves. Those are her only options."
"What if I vouch for her?" Jhon asked hopefully. Jason gave Jhon a blank look. "Yeah, I figured," Jhon muttered.
"Damyan," Jason gave him a narrowed look. "Who is she?"
Raven looked into Damyan's turquoise eyes. Damyan gave her an apologetic look before squeezing her hand comfortingly. Raven faced Jason, Cassie, and the crowd they'd inevitably drawn and slowly withdrew her saree. In the direct sunlight, her hair shone purple, and her eyes were very violet. "What the -!" Jason exclaimed before withdrawing his swords. "You brought Slaede's whore!"
"Don't call her that!" Damyan exclaimed, brandishing his own weapons. Cassie quickly backed away, grabbing her own sword. Several other bystanders followed suit, flashing spears, swords, and daggers.
Damyan pushed Raven farther behind him, and Jhon stepped forward. "Has she enchanted you two?" Cassie demanded angrily.
"You want to her, you go through us," Damyan said.
Jason replied, "Fine by me." He readjusted his swords and charged at Damyan.