Based on a portrait created by Pink Rabbit Productions
*1*
"Where to?"
"The harvest festival. Need to buy gifts." I nod; she needs help carrying them back. We've made this journey before.
"Does Solari know?" The guard commander is her successor as she is Gabrielle's.
"Yes."
We're going to the village on the river, where men and centaurs dwell, ruled by Tyldus the centaur king. There's peace between them and us, aided by treaty and marriage, though old concerns remain.
To allay fears, we carry plain staffs and hidden knives instead of crossbows and swords. The walk is uneventful, the sky clear, the temperature comfortable.
Hercules told of their activities. Solari and Valesca are examples of their paradox. Solari returned and became part of the nation; Valesca returned and tried to take it over. We offer this puzzle to Artemis.
Ephiny and I visit every merchant area; she buying items we can't create. The last site is a potter's shop. The portly owner studies us; we study his wares. Pots, jars, and plates neatly occupy the building's space.
"Miladies," he hesitates, "may I assist you?" Apparently he's done business with women fighters. Some have tempers which snap at the slightest insult. We, though, aren't them.
"I'm looking for drinking tankards," Ephiny says, "do you have any?" He shows her his efforts; she chooses two. "How much?" A small white owl, Pallas?, briefly lands on her left shoulder. She unaware of its presence.
"No charge--if I may ask a favor." We look at him as if he were mad. Still, he seems non-threatening despite his bulk.
"You may," she replies, "My friend and I, however, may decline." He grins.
"I wish, good lady, to paint your portrait." I smile at her slight blush. Modesty? Humility?
"Why?"
"It's one desire I've always had. To be sure, I've painted stylized images of people. What I want to do now is paint someone as he, or she, really is. I prayed for help and Athena answered." We politely step outside.
I tell her of the owl's appearance. "If the goddess of war approves," she sighs, "who am I to object."
He's overjoyed when she tells him: "I'll pose for you." Immediately, arrangements are made; five sessions over two weeks' time.
He's courteous, respectful, and irritating. Like a weaponsmaster training fighters, he puts her through numerous positions wearing various outfits and expressions. He's never satisfied.
"Milady, look towards me--not your friend." "Milady, those leathers will never do." "Milady, a smile please."
There's no doubt of his talent; unfortunately, he has no idea what he wants. She's gracious and accommodating in his presence; moody and upset in mine. I dread her asking me to spar after these encounters; her pent-up frustration defeats me every time.
A quiet week passes after the last meeting. We're curious about the potter's progress. Ephiny decides to show him just who his model is. Solari leads a group to bring him and his drawing back.
She whistles. Five warriors come; four surrounding and one guiding a hooded figure grasping a covered package.
They approach a raised throne where Ephiny sits; I stand at her right. Sister amazons gather; torches and bonfires illuminate this outdoor scene.
"My regent," the guard commander announces, "we bring you the potter and his work." Ephiny rises, leaves the platform, approaches the sightless man. He senses her and cringes. She softly laughs; removes the sack. He gasps; is his illusion her reality?
"Now you know who posed for you. Pray your effort was worth my time." She unwraps the drawing, stares at it, motions me over. "What do you think?"
It's her. Caught in transition. Wearing a royal mask, she carries an air of authority. A sense of hard-won knowledge; perhaps a touch of haughty pride. But offsetting them is a hint of uncertainty. Realization that she rules only with the bard's consent. She's not quite a queen.
"He's drawn you well."
"I agree." She dismisses the escort, save for Solari who joins us, addresses the man. "Now you know how I felt," Ephiny's tone is gentle, "Now we're even."
"Milady," he stammers, "I never meant…" A raised hand stops his words.
"I know. Eponin trains us through similar methods. Go with her; she'll help you prepare for feast."
"What of the painting…" Solari rewraps his gift.
"It'll be safe," Ephiny declares, I lead him away.