WONDER WOMAN : THE ENEMY OF MY ANCESTOR
PART 4
The council chamber was a testament to Amazonian heritage and authority, tall columns carved from pale marble, each etched with scenes of Amazonian triumphs and tribulations, rose to a vaulted ceiling painted with constellations sacred to their people. Above the throne at the far end of the chamber, an enormous mural depicted the goddess Athena guiding the Amazons to their island sanctuary, her watchful gaze a constant reminder of their divine origins. Around the chamber's edges, ancient banners swayed slightly in an unseen draft, their vibrant colors muted by centuries of use.
"You allow too much, Diana!". Gloria's voice cut through the murmurs. She stood tall, her hand resting firmly on the pommel of her sword.
"We cannot allow a man's actions to lead us to war. If we choose to throw away our peace with Olympus, our people will suffer!".
Diana stepped forward, her voice calm but resolute, "You would see all of Themyscira under the heel of the gods, Gloria. We spilled blood for our independence, and we will do it again if necessary".
"Your flattery is wasted. I was there when Ares razed our homes and our sisters fell by the thousands! You speak of fighting for independence but you won't even return what isn't yours".
An older Amazon from Diana's side rose to speak, her weathered face hardened with years of battle. "Our honored ancestors watch us, Gloria. And this is what you would have them see? From birth, an Amazon is trained for one purpose: to do battle, no matter the cost!".
A third voice chimed in from Gloria's side, sharp and cutting. "You are Pandora, clutching something you do not understand. This man, this curse you've brought—you will plunge all of us into chaos!".
The room erupted into heated arguments, voices overlapping as factions formed in the inner circle of the Amazons. "Enough!". Hippolyta's voice rang with the authority of millennia, silencing the chamber. She rose from her throne, her dark eyes sweeping over her subjects. The firelight glinted off her golden crown, and her presence demanded absolute respect. "Your passion honors our ancestors, but let us not forget ourselves. Thank you for your counsel, my sisters. See that we are prepared for the invasion while i decide our course".
The queen's subjects departed from the chamber and returned to their posts, for the first time in its history, the Themysciran population completely mobilizes, awaiting the enemy. Diana stood at the center of the chamber, her heart heavy with the uncertainty of the future, as she turned to leave, Hippolyta's voice once again broke the silence, calling her name with authority.
"Diana".
"Yes, mother?".
"Seek out Alexa, tomorrow we will release Leandros and then imprison him. Before i decide if i condemn this man to Apollo's wrath, i wish to speak with him first".
"As you wish, mother".
Gloria stood at the chamber's entrance as Diana left, her posture rigid, eyes narrowed in suspicion. She had heard the exchange between the queen and the princess. It is then that she made the decision, should Diana succeed in her task, Leandros will be vulnerable in his imprisonment. And should the queen make the mistake of sheltering him from Apollo. Gloria will kill him and save Themyscira.