Early morning on Themyscira (Paradise Island)...
I’ve never felt my heart beat so fast. By the gods, I’m so excited! This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. A chance to prove myself. A chance to bring glory to my Amazon sisters. A chance to finally be free!Practically every Amazon was up by now. The whole island stirred with warrior women engaged in various contests and mini tournaments. Last minute sparring and games of skill before the big event.
Near the feminum mines, roughly three dozen Amazons took part in a game of archery among the huge boulders. Dressed in light, casual tunics, each woman tried to get the highest score.
Up next was the Queen’s oldest daughter, Diana. She tensed her tall, curvaceous body and outstretched the longbow in her skilled hands. Dazzling blue eyes locked onto the bulls-eye over 900 yards away.
I cannot wait, Princess Diana thought as she lined up the feathered arrow with the target.
If I win the sacred tournament it will change everything. Not only will I be able to return Steve Trevor to his homeland but I can share my gifts with those in need and be of help where I’m needed most. She felt her tan skin tingle.
I’ll be able to see the outside world for the first time.
I know I can win. I just know it!The Amazonian Princess let the arrow fly. It raced through the air with a muffled whistle and made a light thud as it reached the small painted target.
<“Bulls-eye!”> Diana’s teenaged sister, Drusilla, exclaimed. She grabbed onto Diana’s arm and pointed straight ahead in the far distance. <“It landed perfectly dead center. That’s the fifth arrow today!”>
All of the Amazons cheered and a few whistled while Diana smiled and handed the longbow to Drusilla so she could take her turn.
<“Daughters, I need to speak with you,”> a serious voice called out from behind the merriment.
Poised and regal with her golden scepter in her right hand stood Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons. Her long, dark purple robes kissed the rocky ground while she waited for her daughters to come to her.
<“What is it, Mom?”> Drusilla asked jogging up first.
<“We were practicing before the big tournament,”> Diana added, having walked up behind her.
<“That’s what I’ve come to talk to you about, Daughter. So... I’m assuming you’ve already heard the news?”>
Diana took the quiver full of arrows off her back and nodded. <“Yes, Menalippe told us. That the gods decreed we have a contest like no other. One in which the winner will return the American pilot, Steve Trevor, back to the outside world.”>
The oldest princess broke eye contact with her mother and added, <“I look forward to taking part in the tournament.”>
Hippolyta clenched her teeth a bit then stated matter-of-factly, <“That won’t be happening, Daughter.”>
<“But Mother, the contest is open to any Amazon that wants to participate,”> Diana explained. <“Why can’t I be allowed to--”>
<“--I will not send one of my daughters to be corrupted in “man’s world”. You do not know what it is like. The other Amazons can handle the task.”>
<“That’s not fair, Mother,”> Diana said in a raised voice. <“I should be--”>
<“--You need to start preparing for when you take my place as queen.”> Hippolyta added in her own raised voice, <“That is what you should be doing.”>
Drusilla had seen this happen many times before and the raven-haired teen tried to calm the argument down. <“Maybe we should all go back to the stables. I think a ride on horseback might do us some good right about now.”>
But Drusilla’s older sister and her mother ignored her gentle prodding.
<“We’ve talked about this, Mother,”> Diana said, her eyes locked with her mother’s. <“My role as queen is centuries from now. All I want is a chance.”>
<“No, Daughter.”>
<“This may be my only opportunity,”> Diana pleaded, her singsong voice cracking.
The Queen replied loudly, <“I said no.”>
<“I’ve waited my whole life for something like this,”> the oldest princess passionately replied. <“The gods know how I’ve prayed and prayed! I want to see the outside world, Mother... whether you like it or not.”>
Hippolyta was red faced now and clearly losing her patience. <“As your mother and as your queen I forbid it!”>
Diana tried to respond but Hippolyta lifted and slapped the tip of her scepter on the ground. <“Not another word, Daughter. You are forbidden from entering the sacred tournament. My decision is final!”>
Diana’s eyes welled up. She stood there silently.
The Queen calming down a bit, gestured up ahead with her golden staff. <“I want you two to go to the royal chambers. You both need to get fitted for the ceremonial garments.”>
<“No,”> Diana replied in a stressed voice. <“If I can’t be allowed to enter the competition, then I don’t want to have to watch it. I’d rather go to the summer palace until the sacred tournament is over.”>
Hippolyta threw her hands up and sighed in frustration. <“Fine... do as you wish, Daughter.”> The Amazon Queen turned around, walked away in heavy steps, snapped her fingers and said, <“Drusilla, come with me.”>
Princess Drusilla made eye contact with her older sister then quickly followed her mother towards the royal palace.
~*~