Shadows 03 Greek Shadows by K C West

Author:K C West [West, K C]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Google: ax9cPgAACAAJ
Amazon: 0979412080
Goodreads: 6191204
Published: 2013-09-14T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Queen Leeja told me that we would travel to a grotto for discussion and meditation. I soon learned, however, that when an Amazon queen travels, she takes an entourage.

At least a dozen heavily armed women from the main camp joined us on our ride into the hills.

We stayed on horseback until the ground grew too steep; then we hiked, leading the horses the rest of the way. My legs were accustomed to long walks, but my shoulders, arms, and back soon protested the extreme exertion required to reach this hidden retreat.

And my butt. Jesus, I couldn’t even begin to think about how I’d sit down again. My thoughts drifted to Kim and the journey she was taking. She hadn’t been on a horse in years. We were both going to have sore bodies when we got to our destinations.

All the physical effort was worth it, though. The grotto must have been the equivalent of an Amazon day spa. It was a collection of small caves and stone corridors that wound labyrinth-like through one side of a mountain. Thermal pools sparkled in the available light as though they were festooned with stars from the Milky Way. Vent holes in the ceiling brought in fresh air and expelled the smoke of fires, maintaining a nearly constant temperature throughout the stone facility.

When we arrived, half of our contingent remained with the queen and me to unload supplies and walk through the rooms, while the other half threw down their supplies, ripped off their clothing, and dashed naked and frolicking down some stone steps to a partially-hidden lagoon.

Queen Leeja noticed my astonishment at the noisy, off-duty crew. “You may swim down there at any time, Dr. Curtis.”

“Thank you, but the absence of swimming attire has me a little concerned.”

Leeja seemed amused by my comment. “You don’t need to be shy around us. We are all women, are we not?”

“I’m just not quite as uninhibited as I once was, Your Majesty. And I’m still wondering why I’m here cavorting with Amazons in the first place, though you’ve been most gracious to me so far.”

“Ah, yes. You have questions and uncertainties about your role in all of this.” Her dark eyes focused on me with what appeared to be a hint of mirth. “Why don’t we relax and enjoy some of the comforts of this tranquil place before we get into such deep discussion. The water in the lagoon is cool, but exceedingly invigorating.”

“Maybe I can manage that a bit later.” I looked around for a diversion. “Didn’t you say the private pools down those corridors are heated by warm springs?”

“Indeed.” She chewed on her lower lip. “In fact, you have given me a wonderful idea. Come, we’ll relocate to my favorite one and have a private soak. I imagine your muscles must ache after your trip.”

I rotated my arms and shoulders and grimaced. “I’ll admit to a twinge or two.”

She spoke with two of her staff in whispered tones. After a quick salute, they rushed down the corridor.

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