An Amazon in chains
Warmest of wishes oh mother of mine,
I have arrived in the environs of Sparta. I’m not overly fond of the place. As a sailor, I’ve often seen the travails of the slaves forced to the oars of some ships. Spartans keep Helots, it is a slave caste, as in many places some are treated well, others are merely chattel. I understand the constraints of duty, the necessity of responsibility, but ownership of another person seems like the antithesis of good government. I recognize that I may well be biased, for many would view me as ‘other’ and may harbor notions that I’m less thinking, feeling, and worthy of respect than those like themselves. Yet another reason I’m heartened to be graced with the gift of wit and claws your lineage has provided.
We have settled into a quite comfortable placed called the Leche Palace. It isn’t so much a palace as it is a very nice, and sizable estate house. Given what I know of father’s sense of urgency, I’ve wasted little time in searching for the amazon he’s sent me to release. On my survey near the city forums, I saw a woman warrior of some stature chained to posts and being publicly beaten and toyed with. Given her countenance I can have little doubt she is indeed the woman to be freed. I spoke with her briefly at a distance as I have learned to do, and it proved an interesting conversation.
She has been here (chained to the posts) for several days. She remains defiant and will not leave without her sword. It is my guess that her people value swords the way these Spartan’s value their shields. She thinks the younger king of Sparta, Idometus, may have it. I didn’t inquire as to why she is here; I can only guess it was fractious and a result of some pre-exiting conflict. I left shortly there after before I drew undo attention for loitering.
I spoke briefly with some locals and inquired after the residence of Idometus. With some luck, I managed to get one of them gabbing like a fishmonger’s wife. He was very proud of his young king and their defeat of the treacherous amazon. It seemed that my early guess was correct, though I get the impression that there is a good amount of boasting involved in the ‘defeat’ and it was either not clear cut or something dishonorable happened. Idometus lives in a charming villa not far from the hippodrome of Sparta. Your little name’s sake and I gave the place a look over and we spotted several interesting features, but sadly no sword on evidence. We may well have to take a more clandestine approach. With that information in tow, it was back to the “Palace” for dinner and sharing of information.
It seems my companions all have trials set by their various parents. There are always chores are there not, mother mine? Nicolos is seeking some rare skyborn metal fallen into the mountains. The giant Oroborous, is originally from Sparta he escaped as a Helot. He’s tasked with winning the respect of Spartans. No small feat based on how some seem to think of these Helots. Alex is seeking something arcane and thinks its possible the younger king might know something of it. Lady Thalia has been tasked with breaking the young king’s heart. That seems like a challenge, but I know nothing of Idominus, perhaps his is easily broken. We shared many thoughts on how best to proceed. Simple and complicated endeavors flowed like wine around the table until we retired. Just before I went up to our rooms a young runner of some sort came with a large bundle. He spoke briefly with lady Thalia. I try and not to actively over hear, but as you know and taught me, sometimes we can’t help our curious natures. It seems Oroborous has been bound for some sort of trial and the bundle was his pile of belongings.
I know not what the next few days will bring, but it certainly seems as if it will be anything but dull. I love you and will endeavor to be safe. I will write again soon, until then I remain your humble and dedicated son…
Gyasi