{"id":1134,"date":"2015-12-06T07:14:48","date_gmt":"2015-12-06T13:14:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=1134"},"modified":"2015-12-07T07:20:24","modified_gmt":"2015-12-07T13:20:24","slug":"ephiny-and-the-new-princess-part-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=1134","title":{"rendered":"Ephiny and the New Princess – Part 3"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ephiny and the New Princess<\/span><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 3<\/span><\/p>\n

Ephiny stood in the great hall with Gabrielle and Airlea, an Amazon priestess, who had stayed with her.\u00a0 Terreis died shortly before the healers could arrive and Ephiny stayed with Gabrielle while Eponin stayed with the Conqueror to figure out what happened.\u00a0 Eph now felt awkward in the presence of the Nation\u2019s newest princess, and wondered how the others would react to the news knowing some would not take the news very well.\u00a0 Old tensions were bound to flare up, and some would even speak conspiracy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry about your friend, I wish I could have known her better,\u201d Gabrielle stated, finally breaking the silence between the two of them.\u00a0 Eph turned to face her and knew she had to talk, and not let her gaze drop.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, its strange now, but as I think about it, I think she knew this day would come,\u201d Eph said recalling the events of her friend\u2019s life.\u00a0 Eph had tried for several seasons to pursue Terreis as more than a friend, but was pushed away at every turn despite the fact they both liked each other, or so Eph thought.\u00a0 Nor did Terreis ever challenge Valaska when she rose up to be the next in line.\u00a0 Terreis always tried to keep things light and fun, never serous, living for the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe told me something while we were talking about you, she knew you and Eponin would be lovers, and get married.\u00a0 She also said she was alone that night, said you\u2019d understand,\u201d Gabrielle said to a shocked Ephiny.<\/p>\n

Ephiny could barely hide the shock of the words recalling what happened that night so long ago.\u00a0 She had gone to try to woo Terreis one last time only to be told she had someone else inside.\u00a0 The rejection hurt a lot and led her to discovering that Eponin had been trying for years to get Eph to notice her.\u00a0 It also had been the beginning of their relationship.<\/p>\n

\u201cExpains a few things,\u201d Eph finally said, glad that Eponin wasn\u2019t here for that bit of news.\u00a0 Perhaps Terreis knew more than she ever said to anyone.\u00a0 Eponin and the others walking in interrupted any further thoughts and realized from their faces the news was bad.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can confirm the arrow used was Centaur, and the tracks appear to be Centaur in the general area where the arrow was most likely fired,\u201d the Conqueror said holding up the arrow as Eph felt a burning anger at the Centaurs.\u00a0 \u201cHowever, I\u2019d like to keep this information quiet until we have confirmation of the shooter.\u00a0 An arrow isn\u2019t evidence as anyone can get a Centaur arrow, or Roman, Greek, or even one of yours for this type of work.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to have some time for my men to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eph glanced over at Eponin who was looking back at her.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t hold this information forever,\u201d Eph finally spat out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t have to, but if this happened on Amazon soil to one of my men you would want time to figure out who did this,\u201d Gabrielle said forestalling any further protests from Ephiny.<\/p>\n

Eph thought about that for several seconds allowing her anger to quell for a second and think straight and realized Gabrielle was right.\u00a0 If this happened in the Nation she would want time to figure out the real culprit before people started slinging around arrows and cutting heads off.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine Xena, really,\u201d Gabrielle said as the Conqueror had walked up to her and checked her over much more thoroughly this time.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but you\u2019re a target now, especially as the highest ranking Amazon here,\u201d the Conqueror said looking down at Gabrielle.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, yeah, forgot about that,\u201d Gabrielle finally said, scratching her nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to visit the temple of Artemis,\u201d another voice said, as they looked over to see Airlea, the priestess of the group standing there and having forgotten she was with them.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like for you to be there as well princess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ephiny had no problems but looked over at the Conqueror and Gabrielle who appeared locked in silent conversation about something when the younger woman\u2019s shoulders finally slumped in defeat.\u00a0 She looked up at the Conqueror with a slight smile on her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, I\u2019ll take the guards,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Amazon guards as well, we\u2019ve lost one princess today, we don\u2019t want another one,\u201d Eponin stated, determination in her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cAutolycus,\u201d the Conqueror said, and Eph watched a handsome man appear from the shadows of the room, with dark hair, moustache and dark eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI need as much information as possible about this, its possible the Centaurs are responsible, or only one, hmm, let me think about this for a bit.\u00a0 Go and so your search, I\u2019ll have my thoughts worked out by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course Empress,\u201d Autolycus said, and then melted back into the shadows of the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe King of Thieves works for you?\u201d Eph asked a bit surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hire the best,\u201d the Conqueror said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd he\u2019s one of the best to gain information.<\/p>\n

Eph nodded her head in agreement as the myths of Autolycus extended to even the Nation. \u00a0One rumor stated he could get into Mount Olympus without being noticed, which was probably just a fabrication but impressive anyways.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on ahead to the temple, I\u2019ve got something to work out,\u201d the Conqueror said to Gabrielle.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Eph said, as they headed out of the palace and towards the temple.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Ephiny looked around at the temple, unsure she\u2019d ever get back to Cornith and view the temple again.\u00a0 It was large, beautiful and well built, a testament to their patron goddess and something she never thought to see in Cornith considering the history between the Conqueror and the Amazons.<\/p>\n

\u201cBigger than I expected it to be,\u201d Eponin stated entering as well and looking around.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe temple complex in Cornith is quite extensive here.\u00a0 If Cornith receives visitors from around the Empire then they need a place where they can worship their god or goddess.\u00a0 We even have several of the more obscure gods and goddess here as well,\u201d Gabrielle said to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t think the Conqueror would have allowed that,\u201d Eponin stated bluntly.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was persuaded to see the benefits of such a complex,\u201d Gabrielle said with a smile.<\/p>\n

Ephiny understood that Gabrielle didn\u2019t say, the complex had been her idea and she was the one to do the persuading.\u00a0 She looked back at the altar seeing the similar designs on the tapestries which hung on the wall.\u00a0 A priestess appeared dressed in a good Amazon outfit surprising Eph again.<\/p>\n

Airlea and Gabrielle made their way\u2019s over to the priestess and spoke quietly with each other.\u00a0 Eph took a moment to look over the guards who had accompanied Gabrielle to the temple.\u00a0 Each appeared alert and ready, and carried themselves as warriors.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, do you have a name?\u201d Eponin asked one of the nearest guards breaking the silence between them.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaleamon,\u201d the man replied.\u00a0 \u201cHead of the Royal Guard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoyal guard, shouldn\u2019t you be guarding the Conqueror or something then,\u201d Eph asked unable to stop herself from and earned a few chuckled and looks from the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Empress doesn\u2019t need our help with normal assailants and such,\u201d Paleamon stated.\u00a0 \u201cWe guard the \u2018Little One\u2019 there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eph noticed that the way he said \u2018little one\u2019 was more as a term of endearment rather than anything else.<\/p>\n

\u201cA slave with her own guard,\u201d Eponon said.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe much more than that,\u201d Paleamon replied quickly, much quicker than Eph expected.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t let her appearance fool you, she can fight like the rest of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe can fight?\u201d Eph stated, surprised at that comment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Empress taught her how using a staff, the Little One won\u2019t pick up a blade,\u201d Paleamon replied back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would have thought the Conqueror would have taught her how to fight using a sword, not a staff,\u201d Eponin stated as Ephiny was too shocked at the fact a slave would know how to fight.<\/p>\n

\u201cHappened shortly after Drafus tried to overthrow the Empress about six seasons ago now,\u201d Paleamon said back to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Eph said as she thought about what she had been told before looking over at the figure in question who.\u00a0 A flash of light had everyone on guard and she noticed as her eye\u2019s refocused that Gabrielle had assumed a warrior stance even as Eph had a hand on her sword ready for anything except for seeing Artemis standing in front of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see you\u2019ve finally come to grace my temple,\u201d the goddess said looking at Gabrielle.<\/p>\n

\u201cArtemis,\u201d Gabarielle said, bowing to the goddess in front of her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you have more respect than Xena,\u201d Artemis said.\u00a0 \u201cGood to see her attitude hasn\u2019t worn off on you too much.\u201d\u00a0 Artemis then turned towards Ephiny and Eponin.\u00a0 \u201cTerreis understood, and is being rewarded in the afterlife.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe knew?\u201d Gabrielle asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, some of it, and the more important parts,\u201d Artemis answered.\u00a0 \u201cAnd, I\u2019d have taken you as my Chosen, however it seems that your path lies on a different road, or should I saw with someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you know that then why make me a princess of the Amazons?\u201d Gabrielle asked, her voice confused.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour path might not be what I wished, but any path you take will affect the Amazons, and for that I needed to be part of your life,\u201d Artemis said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you couldn\u2019t take me as your Chosen, that must mean someone else did,\u201d Gabrielle reasoned slowly.<\/p>\n

Eph looked over at the goddess who seemed to have a closed expression, as if she anticipated this question.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat information, well, it isn\u2019t for me to say,\u201d Artemis said, then smiled at Gabrielle.\u00a0 \u201cFor now, follow your heart, it\u2019s never let you down.\u00a0 You have my blessing as princess of the Amazons, you\u2019ve always had my blessing and mark.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eph watched as Artemis touched Gabrielle on the forehead before disappearing once more before turning to the others who appeared unfazed by what happened despite a goddess appearing before them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, should have seen that one coming,\u201d Paleamon said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Eph asked, wanting his insight before coming to a conclusion, especially considering few people would have seen the goddess outside the Amazon priestesses.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, a person like her, to be able to stand up to the Empress it takes a lot of courage, especially someone who is the daughter of Ares,\u201d Paleamon said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHad Gabrielle ever been inside other temples?\u201d Ephiny asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I\u2019m aware of, but then Amazon priestess\u2019 are rare in that they don\u2019t care about slaves.\u00a0 The Aphrodite\u2019s priests really take that one to heart, don\u2019t want any slave in their temple,\u201d Paleamon said.<\/p>\n

Ephiny gave it some thought, and thought Artemis had given Gabrielle a clue when she said follow her heart.\u00a0 She had an impulsive thought.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like to stop at Aphrodite\u2019s temple, if we have time.\u201d\u00a0 Eph had a feeling the goddess wouldn\u2019t mind Gabrielle stopping by despite the priest.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre we ready?\u201d Gabrielle asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhenever you are princess, thought, I\u2019d like to stop and see the temple of Artemis if you don\u2019t mind,\u201d Ephiny said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know of nothing, though why do you want to go there?\u201d Gabrielle asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I\u2019d drop by and thank her for Eponin, I\u2019m not sure when I\u2019ll get another chance to see a temple of Aphrodite,\u201d Eph said ignoring the raised eyebrow of Eponin and continued looking at Gabrielle who merely shrugged.<\/p>\n

They made their way over and Eph now had to get Gabrielle inside the temple if what she expect was the truth, it might be the only way.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you dome in with us,\u201d Eph said to Gabrielle, trying to think of a way to her inside.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019ll make me feel better to know where you are, we\u2019ve already lost one princess, I don\u2019t want to lose another one.\u201d<\/p>\n

She watched the group think about that as Gabrielle thought about it as well.\u00a0 Despite everything Eph noticed that the young woman still had some insecurities about things.<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d Paleamon said suddenly agreeing with Ephiny.\u00a0 \u201cIt will be easier to guard you inside the temple than outside, and if anything happened to you the Empress would be most displeased.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Gabrielle said, as it seemed Paleamon had said the magic words to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Eph said, leading the group up the stairs and into the temple which was, surprisingly, empty at the moment.<\/p>\n

She thought she felt a slight stirring in the air but dismissed it as quickly before looking around at the drawings on the wall.\u00a0 More than a few made Eph blush a bit and some she had a feeling were impossible for a human.\u00a0 Footsteps alerted her to the presence of someone else, as the priest came walking over to where they were and she wondered what he might say when he saw Gabrielle.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Amazons, I bid thee welcome to the temple,\u201d he said, spotting Gabrielle and his entire demeanor changed almost at once.\u00a0 \u201cI afraid that slave are not welcome inside the temple.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eph knew that all the Amazons bristled at the way the priest spoke to Gabrielle due to the fact she was now a princess of the Nation, but doubted that information would even make him change his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think she stays,\u201d Ephiny said suddenly as the others looked at her as if she had gone crazy.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt goes against the laws of this temple, set forth by Aphrodite herself,\u201d the priest replied giving Ephiny doubt such a thing had ever been said, let alone by the goddess.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally, by Aphrodite herself?\u201d Ephiny questioned as she thought of an idea and hoped she was right.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, I am the high Priest of her temple here in Cornith, her greatest temples,\u201d the man said boastfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you know about Chosens?\u201d Ephiny questioned raising an eyebrow at the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut of course I do, are you saying you\u2019re the Chosen of Aphrodite, an Amazon.\u00a0 I highly doubt it, Artemis maybe but defiantly not the goddess of love,\u201d the priest said making Eph wonder how he got his job.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you also are aware it only takes the Chosen saying the god or goddess\u2019 name for them to appear to them,\u201d Eph said watching the man huff.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what it means to be a Chosen,\u201d the man said impatiently.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019d like you to meet Aphrodite\u2019s Chosen,\u201d Eph said pointing over at Gabrielle and hoping she had heard Artemis correctly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer, a slave, you must be joking,\u201d the priest said chuckling slightly at the thought.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll not suffer the disgrace of having a slave to be Aphrodite\u2019s Chosen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s for you to decide,\u201d Eph said shaking her head before looking over at Gabrielle who had a look on her face she had not seen before, humiliation.\u00a0 She felt bad and really hoped she was right.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll wait outside,\u201d she heard Gabrielle say quietly.<\/p>\n

Ephiny saw Gabrielle turn and start to heed out of the temple dejected.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought the priest of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, you\u2019d have more compassion,\u201d Eph said disgusted with the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter, I speak for Aphrodite in this temple,\u201d the priest said haughtily even as Eph tried to think of a way to stop Gabrielle.<\/p>\n

\u201cGabrielle, stop!\u201d<\/p>\n

End part 3<\/p>\n

Continued in part 4<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ephiny and the New Princess by AJ Marks Part 3 Ephiny stood in the great hall with Gabrielle and Airlea, an Amazon priestess, who had stayed with her.\u00a0 Terreis died shortly before the healers could arrive and Ephiny stayed with Gabrielle while Eponin stayed with the Conqueror to figure out what happened.\u00a0 Eph now felt […]
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