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DESPITE THE ROMANS By GENEVA Merala, the queen of Genoria, is faced with the total Roman takeover of her small realm. The arrogance of the Romans leads her to plan for the preservation of some of the Genorian way of life and some retribution for the Romans. This story takes place in approximately 100 A.D. (C.E.) and is another tale of the ancient women's realm of Genoria, situated on the shores of the Black Sea in Asia Minor. The story will stand on its own but some of my earlier tales of Genoria, eg. 'Myrine'; 'Good Relations'; 'Full Circle'; 'Power'; 'My Best Interests'; and 'Strange Dilemma', will give more details on this gynarchy, its history, customs and governance. START I suppose we were lucky that the Romans were at least going to give us a little warning rather than suddenly roll over us and crush us with their overwhelming military resources. This realm of Genoria had existed for at least a thousand years but over the last century and a half it had experienced closer and closer contact with the Roman Empire. I had been now informed that the relationship was to change and it looked like Genoria was to come to an end as an independent state. We had zealously struggled to maintain our independence over hundreds of years of conflicts with neighbours and we had even resisted the forces of Alexander, but this independence had been slowly eroded by contact with the Romans. Many of our ancient customs had been retained, but it had become more and more awkward to carry these out and now those that were left might have to be observed in secret. Faced with their vastly superior military power we had no choice but to submit but now I needed to plan what still could be retained, despite the Romans. I was queen of Genoria, and thus its head of state. Because of that, I would have to drop out of sight too, and do it voluntarily, hopefully on my own terms, before the Romans did it on their terms. It was likely that these would be much more unpleasant. The inside of a stinking Roman prison, probably followed by a discreet execution, were distinct possibilities. Or perhaps the Romans' taste would run to some grisly public execution to make an example of me and deter any future opposition. Being head of state, I was just too important for the Romans to allow to remain free. I had heard how Romans had treated some of the rulers of other states that they absorbed. At least, eith this little warning, I might have a little more time to pass on my knowledge of our ancient traditions and history to my daughters Terasa and Illissia, so that perhaps they would pass these to their daughters, they to theirs, and so on. This followed the tradition of what my ancestors, a long line of Genorian queens, almost unbroken, had done in the past. I sighed and shook my head slowly. Perhaps I was hoping too much. Accidents, laziness, apathy, convenience, all have their effect in the lapse, eclipse, or destruction of traditions, no matter how ancient. I had just had a visit from the local representative of the Roman Empire. Some weeks before, he informed me that he had been summoned further west, to Greece, for consultations. Gaius Marcus Sareno was actually an old friend, despite being a Roman. He and his family had been in Genoria for ten years now and I like to think we actually respected and liked each other. My late consort and I had even invited him and his late wife and family to dine and visit with us at my palace on many occasions. After his wife died we had kept up our friendship but now he had an unpleasant duty. He had asked for an interview with me soon after his return from Greece. Actually, his manner had been fairly apologetic but I knew his primary duty lay to the Roman Empire and Genoria, miniscule in comparison, was just one small state among many others that had felt the power of Rome. All other similar states that I heard of had essentially disappeared into its maw when confronted, overwhelmed might be a better word, by the Roman Empire. To give Gaius his due, he had earlier warned me that possible changes in the relationship of Genoria to the Roman Empire were being proposed and he suspected that was why he had been summoned to Greece. He had bowed to me formally. "Majesty, Queen Merala," he began, giving me my title. He had a written document with him and he started to read it. Its beginning words were full of flowery phrases but I knew by his face that something was terribly wrong and after the first sentence he put it down. "Majesty, I must offer my apologies. I have been here about ten years now and in that time you have always extended me the greatest courtesy and respect. In turn, I have tried to act as an honest and sincere intermediary between your ancient realm and the Roman Empire, its emperor and its senate. I have done that to try to encourage trade between us, to work for our mutual benefit, yet respecting the long history and customs of Genoria." He had sighed and hesitated, as if to gather his thoughts. "Majesty, I think we are friends and I will not insult you by reading this document, that attempts to put a diplomatic face on its demands, its naked seizure of power. "To summarize this document, I am instructed by my superiors to tell you that they now find the current relationship of Genoria to the Roman Empire unsatisfactory. The Empire now demands that absolutely all civil and military power should be vested in the emissaries and administrators of Rome, or their representatives. Accordingly they require that you relinquish all your powers, that your administration and small army be completely disbanded, and that you and your advisors all swear an oath of loyalty to Rome, its empire and its emperor. This is to be done by one month from now. Failure to do so will be regarded as hostility to the Roman Empire and treated as a warlike act." I had sucked air through my gritted teeth. It was as bad as I had feared. He shook his head sadly. "I personally regret this, Majesty. I have argued against this change in policy with army commanders and even senators and others but I was only one voice. If I had been in Rome I might even have tried to speak to the emperor. Majesty, Merala, we have been friends for a long time, I think, and I am anguished that I should be the one to present this insulting message." I was not able to answer for a whole minute. What he had said was not unexpected, but the hollow feeling of betrayal and of having failed to protect my country left me too desolated. He was looking at me and I saw anguish there too. With a sigh I rose from my throne, took his hand and clapped him on the shoulder. "My friend, you are an honorable man, but you are placed in an intolerable situation. This is bitter news for us but we cannot resist." Genoria really had no choice. I thought of what I had heard of Rome and its empire. We would have needed great strength to resist successfully, strength we did not have. I knew that various nations and tribes had resisted the Romans, but with mixed results, some successful, some disastrous for them. Resistance depended on military strength. About a hundred years before, the Parthians to the south of us had defeated a Roman army and slain its general, and more recently some German tribes to the west of us in some northern forests had wiped out three Roman legions. These were some successes but I heard that away to the west, at the other end of the empire in some island called Britannia, a tribe led by its queen had revolted unsuccessfully against Rome, and she had killed herself. I had heard of an unsuccessful Jewish resistance to Rome that left thousands dead. I had no choice. I straightened up and gave him my most queenly expression. "My old friend, please convey this message to your superiors. As they wish, my councilors and I will swear loyalty to Rome and I shall have proclamations posted and read out, that our ancient state is now to be totally subject to Roman laws and that I am abdicating the throne." I gestured round me. "I will vacate this palace at the same time. I am sure some Roman administrator or governor will wish to use it." Gaius Marcus tried to sweeten his most bitter of drinks. "Majesty, even though Rome will impose its laws and many of its customs, you should take some heart. They will want Roman gods to be venerated, and the emperor recognized as a god, as in the rest of the empire, but your local gods can probably be accommodated after a short time. I believe there is a cult of the ancient Babylonian goddess Ishtar here and I know there is a temple to her up close to the mountains. Provided observances there do not interfere with Roman observances, the temple and its rituals could continue with little trouble. Rome has accommodated or absorbed many local gods in the past." I let my bitterness show. "So our nation would be destroyed but the Romans would generously permit us our one goddess?" Gaius flushed at my sarcasm. "Majesty, you must try to save what you can." I let my voice soften. "My friend, I know you are trying to encourage me but this is a bitter time." With another apology he bowed and left. In several weeks or so he need not bow to me any more! I would have become an ordinary Genorian woman. What he said about saving our customs made me think about something that was a major part of the structure of our Genorian society. That was the existence of our books, which contained wonderful magic powers. These had been used fairly openly when Genoria was independent but since the coming of the Romans their use became very much more covert and casual talk of them was generally discouraged. We dared not give the Romans any idea that such powerful books existed. When he had left, when I recovered enough from the shock, I sat back to plan my next moves. What he had demanded was not unexpected. For well over a hundred years now, Genoria had been in contact with the Roman Empire. Our merchants were happy with the developing trade, and the citizens had felt the prosperity too. Life was easier than prior to the contact with the Romans. Roman money had helped expansion of our mining and farming. More and more Roman goods, especially luxury goods, had come into Genoria over the past years. With this, Genoria's merchants, and indeed the whole population, had done well in trade and finance, but along with this contact we had seen gradual introduction of Roman ways, customs and expectations, and their gods too. Worship of Ishtar, who had been the sole goddess of Genoria since the city's founding, had gradually fallen away with much of our population and we had seen the gradual erosion or changing of our customs and laws. I wished I had my mother, the former queen, to advise me but she had died unexpectedly some years before. So this was probably the end of more than a millennium of the existence of my small state! Empires had come and gone in that time and we were especially fortunate to have survived so long. Our legends told us that Genoria was founded by a group of disaffected Amazons who had founded a new state in a difficultly accessible region of the northern coast of what the Romans now call Asia Minor. Genoria was protected by mountains on the South and West, the sea to the North and swamps on the East. It had been set up as a gynarchy, that is, it was for women only, and was to be ruled by a hereditary queen. Men had been forbidden to enter it. Of course, we need children to follow us and for our women to become pregnant and bear children so our population could increase, men were still needed, but this was arranged by having men from neighboring tribes couple with our women, usually at each full moon at ceremonies at the Temple of Ishtar. This ancient building was situated up close to the mountains and the narrow pass over to the former lands of Ceradol, as they had been called before they were completely absorbed into the Roman Empire. Once that night was over the men were expected to leave Genoria. If they did not they were punished severely. Such unions produced male and female infants in about equal amounts and that is where another important facet of our customs came in. In fact, these were commonplace until almost my grandmother's rule. Being a society for women, only female infants were wanted and male infants were not desirable. That was where the magic book and its copies played their part. Thus, the queen, her head priestess and some others had access to certain scrolls, and later, the books, that contained strong magic deriving from the earliest days of Genoria. It was magic that could heal illness and injuries but, importantly for Genoria as a state for women, one spell in the book could be used on male infants to make them female. In this way too they could grow up as girls and play their part in Genoria, even to bearing children. In that way the founding principles of Genoria would be maintained. I personally had successfully administered the spell to over a hundred male infants since I assumed the throne. It also had spells to make women into men and even to reverse these, useful in emergencies, but by far the most widely used spell was that for boys to be made into girls. In fact any male, no matter his age, hearing the spell, even the one who read it, first began to shiver then fell deeply unconscious as his body changed over an hour or two into that of a female. All going well, he woke up in about a day and a half as a female. Genoria had been founded as a state for women only, but over the centuries our rigorous customs had become modified, first to allowing men to take part in a limited way as mates or partners of our women, then to taking minor parts in trade and our armed forces. But the greatest changes had come over the last century, when contact with the Roman Empire had caused much more wide-ranging effects. About all that was left now of our customs was the rule of a hereditary queen, the title I now held, helped by advisors who were also all women. Some families still had their male infants changed to girls, but now less and less frequently. The temple of Ishtar, set among fields up close to the wooded mountains that formed a barrier to other states, was barely used now. Once there had been about a dozen priestesses to supervise the observances, mainly to guide and help the Genorian women who went there to meet and couple with men from other tribes to get pregnant. Now only two or three priestesses were left to carry on the traditions. The growing popularity of marriage, usually according to Roman rites or modifications, and the introduction of Roman gods, had gradually eroded the old Genorian customs. My own conception had been more traditionally Genorian, coming from a union of my mother with an unknown male at the Temple, but after I became queen and wanted to have my own children I took a man as a consort. Actually our years together had been happy and we had two daughters without the help of the spell but he was killed in an accident some years back. Roman customs were based more on male power, and this had led to less emphasis on our Genorian women choosing to make their male children into girls. One factor that galled me was that Roman citizens were exempt from our laws, but we had been forced to accept this to avoid an earlier invasion by Rome. Now we had reached the fading of even these remnants of our customs. When I had my thoughts together I called my two senior advisors, Althera and Terobis, and told them the news. Like me, they too were devastated, but not surprised either. I had discussed the possibility with them many times over the past few years when I had seen how Genorian independence was being eroded. "What now?" Terobis asked, breathing deeply to calm herself. I sighed. "I think we will all be in some danger. I would be very surprised if the Romans left the three of us free or unrestricted. They will want to make sure that our citizens have nothing left of their former traditions that could at all threaten their rule, and a ruler like me who could be a focus for resistance. I think they will want me eliminated at least." Terobis's hand went to her mouth in shock." Majesty, we cannot let that happen!" "Yes, I want to prevent it too! But it will be difficult. Gaius Marcus is a friend and he will try to protect me, but he will be able to do that only to an extent. And then he could be in danger himself. "So, we will be required in about four weeks to swear allegiance to Rome but when that is done you and your families should all immediately disappear. Take new names and go into seclusion in the countryside. I believe you have taken precautions as I suggested some months ago?" "Yes, Majesty," they chorused. "My dear faithful councilors, my friends, then you should go, disappear from sight, as soon as is convenient after the ceremony. Tell your assistants to do the same." Over the last year I had suggested that both women set up alternative lives as proprietors of estates in the country under assumed names, and that they even think about taking male partners. In that way their move to the estates would raise no questions. I also hoped that all our citizens would be tight-lipped after the Roman takeover and not divulge anything. "What about you, Majesty?" asked Althera. "Thank you for your concern. I have made similar preparations as well. My daughters and I will, I hope, just disappear from sight. As you know, my consort died several years ago so there is just us three." Actually, I may have blushed a little. "I have also told you there is another man who has been paying court to me and he has a large estate on the eastern borders of my realm. As you both know, I have been spending some time there, although I keep myself well away from the view of his neighbours in case I am recognized. And, just in case, I keep my head well covered when I am at the estate and I wear rather plain robes. So I am disguised and as far as they know I am just a friend of his. I am sure all his neighbours are loyal Genorians but people can accidentally let information slip. I will keep out of sight as much as I can and try to live simply, perhaps even as his wife, and disappear from view. Both my daughters like him too so living there should not be a problem. " However, we will be required to pay public homage to the Roman Empire." I looked at them severely. "And we must steel ourselves to do that. We dare not give them any excuse, such as thinking they are snubbed but immediately after that we should disappear. We need to plan this carefully. Maybe we should set up a ruse, where it will look as if several important Genorians, including us, have slipped off to foreign parts. They may decide to search for us, but of course we should make sure we are not found." I thought for a minute about some possible schemes while they watched me anxiously. "Yes, a ruse or two would be a good idea but I have to think about it. There is another facet of Genoria that worries me more. That is our army. We originally had about two hundred women in it but there has been no need for that number since the Romans came. "One benefit of their presence! However, we still have about fifty warriors. These are all women, of course, and well trained. They would be willing to fight the Romans if ordered but that would be a waste of their lives and their sacrifice could not affect in the slightest the overall course of events. We would need an army of tens of thousands to properly resist. "So, I am going to immediately discharge these remnants of our small army. Fortunately, they all have alternative lives as ordinary members of the groups we call tables. I hope the women in these can shelter the warriors effectively. So, go now and do what you have to." I embraced them both. "Wipe these tears!" I scolded. "You must not show weakness! Remember our Amazon forebears!" When they had gone I called my six young personal attendants and gave them the same message. The girls were devastated, but they too had alternative lives they could easily slip into. All of these were free women. I mused that, in the past, some of the female attendants of the queens had been female slaves and certain of these had not even been born women. Instead they had been men who had trespassed into our territories. We had guarded our borders diligently. If caught, they were either sold away as slaves or were changed by the magic book into young women who then had to serve the queens for a year. If they had served well and had learned absolute obedience to their queens, the custom was that they were freed after the year but then directed to take their places among the women of Genoria. In that way too, fresh blood was added to our society as, like the other women, they too would be expected to visit the Temple of Ishtar and have children. But it was also several generations since that was done. These girls in my current retinue were all free women, servants, not slaves. Yet another of our customs that had lapsed. It was convenient having these girls. They attended me and helped me for many official and personal things, such as helping me bathe, dressing me in my elaborate formal robes and attending to my make-up for state events and other ceremonies, preparing my meals, caring for my clothes, running errands, and communicating with various minor state officials. Still, their work was not particularly onerous. Besides, I liked just having these young women around. I liked their vivacity and spontaneity. They also acted as my eyes and ears in the markets, telling me what my people were really thinking. I was absolute ruler, but it is a wise ruler who listens to the concerns of the population. Usually our custom had been that in the late afternoons of the warmer summer days I would rest in my gardens before my evening meal. My most important official duties were usually completed by noon and occasionally there were necessary but less pressing things in the early afternoon. One of my predecessors had built a pool in the garden and several of the girls, good swimmers, frequently enjoyed its use. Three of them, Barea, Kelenis, and Sephra were especially good swimmers. The girls liked to swim absolutely naked as there were no men to observe them. All Genorian women were known for their beauty, perhaps as a legacy of the magic book and these girls were no exception. I enjoyed seeing their lithe, slim bodies, their firm breasts and buttocks as they slipped effortlessly through the water without any self-consciousness whatever and played games with each other, happily splashing and laughing. I mused that they looked like nymphs or young goddesses. They were proud of their beauty. But today the girls were quiet and subdued and I saw an occasional tear. When my evening meal with my daughters was cleared away and most of the girls had been dismissed for the day and I went to a terrace in the palace and sat and stared out at the dark sea to the north until the sun set, apprehensive and thinking of Genoria and my own position. All of this was soon to pass but we would take enough precautions for the future, I hoped. Despite the Romans. Rome would add us to one of their Asia Minor provinces but, thinking in our past and the interlopers into Genoria who had been changed to women, I mused that it would give me some sort of satisfaction if some of the overbearing Romans could find themselves changed to women. That would have an interesting effect on their confidence and arrogance! But after thinking about it I shook my head. I might be able to change a few Roman men into women by some trickery using my book and so reduce some of their powers but the Roman Empire was too overwhelmingly big for the change to affect the overall scheme of things. Also, we dared not give them reason to suspect or blame us for any malicious acts or suspect we had access to magic. But still, their arrogance kept coming into my mind and I could not help thinking about ideas on how to punish or resist it. I was a little surprised but very pleased when I had a visitor just after the sun had set. It was Coreses, the man who I had been spending more and more time with. He was a widower, with two grown daughters. He had a secluded estate in the eastern hills above the city. He had not been born in Genoria, but in one of the former small kingdoms along the coast that had been earlier absorbed into the Roman Empire. I knew he was interested in me and I liked him, but I had not made up my mind how much I wanted our relationship to develop. I was feeling greater and greater affection for him and, if I had to abdicate and disappear, his estate would be a good place where to hide. He was horrified when I told him what Gaius Marcus had said but listened attentively as I told him the implications. "Merala, I would be very pleased to have you hide at my estate but don't you think this is the time for us to decide our future. I have asked you in the past to consider being my wife, or partner or consort." I had too many other things to be decided first, so I just stroked his hand and kissed his cheek. "You are right but yet....." I sighed. "Please have patience, Coreses, and just talk to me tonight." But when he leaned over and kissed my lips my resolve fell away and I rose, took his hand and led him to my bed. In the stress I needed the warmth of a male body next to me and physical release he would give me. However, he knew not to stay the whole night. My attendants were conscientious, responsible and close mouthed but they might accidentally let something slip and I did not want gossiping tongues giving out details of my personal life. My ill-defined and flickering thoughts of resistance coalesced and changed into a burning desire for revenge two days later. I was out walking in the streets with my daughters, moving between the busy stalls and bazaars and speaking to the women, saying a kind of farewell to those of our citizens who still regretted the loss of the old ways. I comforted many tears and many times I had a lump in my throat at the affection they showed me. There was a kind of shouting intruded above the usual noises and cries of the markets. When I looked in that direction I saw a group of young Roman soldiers coming the other way. It looked as if they had come from a Roman ship in the harbour. They were swaggering, shouting and laughing and spreading over most of the street, jostling and pushing the citizens. It looked like they had been recently disembarked. "It looks like a kind of mob," I cried to the stall keepers. "It looks like they are out to cause trouble. Better hide away everything you have for sale! " It was more Romans to pressure us, I thought, or just to make sure that any resistance to the transfer of power would be discouraged or snuffed out, at least to the satisfaction of the Romans. At my warning the stall keepers quickly scrambled to move their food, textiles, pottery, leatherwork and other goods from the street into their more sheltered shops as fast as they could, but some were too late and the men swarmed over the racks and carts and deliberately knocked them over, spilling the goods to the ground and trampling them. I tried to back into the entrance of one of the stalls to hide as well, but they had spotted both my daughters and me and they swarmed about us. Like all Genorian women, possibly because of the use of the spell on our ancestors over the centuries, we were known for our beauty and unfortunately that would attract their attention. I looked round but I did not see any centurion or other commander to keep them in control but it was even possible they had been told to act in a confrontational and aggressive way because of the impending Roman takeover. They surrounded us and started taunting us and came right up against us. My younger daughter Illissia was still a girl and she clung to my legs, frightened and crying. My older daughter Terasa had now developed into a young woman and she came in for insulting and pushing in a crude sexual way. Ignoring her protests then screams some held her arms while others rudely manhandled her, and two oafs even squeezed her breasts and pushed their hands between her legs. She was struggling violently and screaming out but that did not deter them. It seemed to encourage them. I tried to push through to her but soon many arms were round me, holding me too and fondling me and tearing at my clothes. I was humiliated but at least they gave no sign of recognizing me. One lout leered right in my daughter's face. "What's the matter? Shy are you, sweetie? But a big pretty girl, with nice tits like you have shouldn't hide yourself when you could have a nice big Roman get between your legs and shove a nice big Roman penis up into you. Or maybe you'd want it in your mouth? You'd like that, wouldn't you! I bet you'd really be hot stuff! Give us some weeks and then you could have all the Romans you want. But then it wouldn't matter if you wanted it or not, sweetie. You'd still get it." My daughters were distraught and I bristled at the men's insufferable behaviour and callous laughter. They were crowded about me too, and when one pressed my breasts I pushed an elbow into his face, making his nose bleed. His face contorted with rage. "Hold her!" I heard. "I'll show this bitch!" and I felt them put their arms about me, struggling to force me to the ground and things looked dangerous. Finally I saw a centurion standing near to the mob but he was laughing and making no attempt to stop them, even when I cried out to him. I knew then that they had been instructed to intimidate us. They had pushed me to the ground and had pulled my clothes off my shoulders, right to my waist so that my breasts were bared and they were even pushing up the skirt of my robes. "Good tits on this one too. Let's see what her cunt looks like!" one was shouting and I struggled more, trying to kick them off. Finally I heard a shouted command. "Stop! Unhand these women! The Roman Empire commands you!" The men suddenly released us, and sidled away from us, leaving me lying on the ground, shaken, and my girls in tears. Furious, I pushed myself upright as quickly as I could, pulled my torn robe over my breasts and down over my thighs and brushed the dust from my clothes. A queen should not be exposed or lying in the dirt. It was Gaius Marcus who had shouted. He was there with his son Publius. Gaius still had enough power and rank over the centurion and with another sharp command from Gaius the men slunk away but then sidled down the street, probably looking for fresh victims. I heard their voices rising again and I hoped that other women would be able to avoid them. The street by now was deserted of Genorian women as most had retreated into the shadows. I was still unsteady, trembling and upset, and I was glad of the support when Gaius and Publius ran to me and gave me their hands. Gaius was extremely upset too and shaking with anger. "Majesty, my deepest apologies for these louts. Unfortunately I am not their commander, I only have a moral authority, and that is getting less, otherwise these men would be on a rack and whipped within an inch of their lives. As it is I will make a strong complaint to their centurion." He looked at me, concerned, "Please, Merala, you are upset. May we accompany you back to the palace? We will protect you." My own citizens would have helped me but I was probably safer with Gaius Marcus and his son in case the ruffians tried to molest us again. "Thank you, Gaius Marcus. That is very kind of you." My daughters and I were still trembling with the shock and humiliation and I was glad of their support. All the way back Gaius kept offering his apologies but I knew I had been given a warning about the future. As the ruler in Genoria I had been safe. Now, with the ending of our state I would lose any power I had. I would be just an ordinary citizen to any of these Roman ruffians and I could be a victim again. I would definitely have to get out of sight. It had been my intention to disappear quietly with as little fuss as possible, but now I was furious. I would make the Romans pay bitterly for their arrogance and my humiliation. When we reached the palace gate, I thanked the men. "You are a good friends, I wish that more Romans were like you." Gaius had earlier told me that Publius had been in Rome for some education so had been some years since I had seen him. He had grown into a tall slim youth. "Merala," said Gaius, "there is another very important thing I have to warn you about. In fact I was on my way to warn you. It will affect your warriors, I believe there are about fifty of them? "Yes," I said warily. "They are in danger. You see, one of my concerns is that my people, the Romans, are fond of warlike games with gladiators. Perhaps organized bloodletting is a better description than games. I know that frequently, prisoners taken in Roman campaigns and wars are trained to be these gladiators. These unfortunates are made to fight each other in arenas just for the entertainment of Roman spectators. The fighting can be to the death so many are killed. I am ashamed of this as it is an unspeakably cruel fate to inflict on captives. It shows how callous my people can be." I could hardly breathe at his information and the danger it held. "Some Romans might think of that as a fate for your soldiers and I would be devastated to see them treated so callously. They are free women and do not deserve that. The people in Rome who arrange the gladiatorial combat may develop a taste to see women fighting and it does not help that Genoria has the tradition that its people are supposedly descended from the Amazons who were women warriors. Some men in Rome have heard of this and it has given them dangerous ideas. The Roman emissary, who will replace me, his name is Quintus Cornelius Norenis, he has been told of this. "Just be warned, Merala. I tell you this as a friend." When I got inside my personal quarters my attendants were horrified at my appearance and more so when I told them what had happened. "Let this be a warning to you all," I cried, my voice still unsteady." We will not be able to resist them so just make sure you keep away from them as much as you can." "I hate these Romans," one said. "They molested me too. " She began to cry. "Well, I have been thinking of some schemes and I have some things for you to help me with on the day I abdicate, but after that, you will have to just disappear! However, first, help me and my daughters clean up." I let my attendants strip off our bloodied and dirty clothes and gently wash us and dress us in clean, soft casual robes. After a meal I sent my daughters to bed but I was not ready and I sat brooding for some time over plans of revenge. These now had to include protecting my warriors. More fears were realized the next day. I had two Roman visitors. One was Gaius Marcus. He bowed as he usually did in formal occasions but the other man did not. In fact he looked at Gaius Marcus in contempt when he gave me yet another apology. This newcomer was an arrogant man, I decided, by his haughty, brusque manner. Gaius Marcus introduced the new man. "Majesty, this Quintus Cornelius Norenis, the new emissary from Rome. He has just arrived. He will replace me and oversee the transition when authority in Genoria passes to the Roman Empire. He will also become the governor of the city." Inwardly I felt dismay that we would have such a person to govern Genoria but I dared not show it and I tried to be diplomatic. "I welcome you to our small and ancient city, Quintus Cornelius. I hope your stay here will be to your lik....." He did not let me finish. "You are called Merala, I believe. You are queen of this.... overgrown village but your power here will soon be ended. I will expect total obedience to Rome from you and from all of your government. I mean former government. And I will make sure that happens! I will not tolerate any disobedience or resistance whatever! Yesterday I had a complaint from a centurion. You and your daughters deliberately provoked some freshly arrived Roman soldiers with your lewd conduct. That was also insulting to the Empire and it will not happen again! Do you understand?" I glanced at Marcus Gaius, He was biting his lip and obviously did not dare say anything. Quintus must have threatened him. Inside I was seething with anger at Quintus' interruption, his lies, his rudeness at ignoring my title and his oppressive manner but I held my temper in check to avoid giving him any more excuses. I would have to let him think I was cowed by his bullying. Perhaps he wanted to provoke me into some rash action but I could pretend to be conciliatory. I lowered my eyes and gave a slight bow. "Of course, excellency, my profound regrets. I will make sure that it does not happen again, and actually I have made a good start on preparations. So, for my abdication, my two senior advisors and I will swear our allegiance to Rome in about three weeks from now, as Rome has ordered. In fact, I have given orders for a great ceremony to be planned. That way the populace will see that Rome is now the sole authority. My serving maids and palace servants have already been given notice that their services will no longer be needed. "I and my two daughters will leave this palace after the ceremony and I will make sure it is left in good order for you and stocked with supplies. After that I will withdraw totally from public life and take up the life of an ordinary citizen in the city. I wish you success in your administration." I could see his manner changing. It looked like any resistance I had was gone and I was going to surrender to him meekly. A wiser man should have been suspicious at how easy it was going to be but that is the drawback of arrogance and overconfidence. I then pretended I had just remembered something. I was taking a great risk but I had now decided on revenge. The Romans were overbearing and dishonest, but I could lie and cheat and be as devious and even ruthless as any of them. The difference was that, like past Genorian queens, I did what I had to preserve my people and our customs. The Romans did these to expand their empire and power and take slaves. I needed first to set some bait using the information that Gaius Marcus had given me. "Oh, another thing, we have about four dozen warriors in our army. These are all women, as is the custom here, and are fully trained soldiers. They are skilled with all kinds of weapons but they too will be dismissed and ordered to take their places as ordinary citizens." Gaius Marcus frowned in surprise, but that had taken Quintus' interest. "Yes, your small army. I had heard of it but I wonder why you even had it. It is far too small to counter any invaders." "Yes, excellency, you are perfectly correct. You see, for the last hundred or so years since Genoria has been in contact with Rome, we have increasingly allowed Rome to protect our borders, not that it was necessary any way. Your 'Pax Romana' has eliminated any threat to us from our neighbours." I could see his arrogant pride swelling. "Yes, we Romans made peace, all the way from here to the Western Ocean. As a matter of fact, I had heard of your female warriors when I was reading about Genoria and I made more enquiries about them and I wanted to ask you about them." Better and better. He was eager to take the bait. He suddenly pretended an affable manner. "I have read they are skilled in the use of many weapons? The emperor actually might be able to use them, I mean, not in the ordinary army, but in ceremonial events so, could I suggest that we invite them to Rome where they will become special ceremonial guards, perhaps to the emperor? With them being women it should add a bit of an exotic touch to civic events and ceremonies in Rome. It would add to the prestige of Genoria as a new Roman province. They will be well paid too." In my years of governing I have acquired a skill in recognizing scoundrels and today it served me well. I flickered my eyes to Gaius to thank him for his warning. So my fears were justified. My soldiers' lives could be cruelly squandered in Roman arenas. They were used to danger and they knew that their duty was to the preservation of Genoria, but it was likely this man would use them to entertain the Roman masses in cruel and murderous games that would ultimately cost them their lives. I could absolutely not permit it, but my plans needed me to put out the idea of my warriors as bait. "As I am no longer the queen, or at least that will be the case in several days, my authority to command them will be gone. But I will speak to them and pass on your wonderful invitation. I hope I can persuade them that this is a great opportunity." When the two men had gone I began to set my plans to use Quintus' greed and arrogance. My next action was to go to a locked chest in my personal quarters, pull out my copy of the old magic book and make sure it was still in good condition. It was not the original but fortunately all of our recent copies still worked provided they still had their covers of human skin. I still felt some distaste at the thought of human skin but I had no choice. This particular copy was covered with the some skin of a criminal who had been executed some centuries back. The cover was still in good condition but I handled it with some distaste. I had been told that the criminal had been a woman, actually a queen in a nearby country who had planned to have her army invade our land. A Genorian raiding part had abducted her, and brought her back to Genoria where she was tried and beheaded. In some ways the woman had been remarkable. She had been a male, but an adventurer, and earlier had been convicted of heinous crimes in Genoria and as a penalty changed to a woman, and sold away as a slave. She had overcome that and through her determination and ruthlessness she had risen to be a powerful queen in her new home. At least in her death she had finally done some service to Genoria. I would keep that copy of the book with me but, in case anything happened to me, I decided that for Genoria's posterity more permanent records were needed. The book was in good condition but it would not last forever so I called for a mason and had her cut the words of the spells into stone tablets and I ordered these to be hidden away in the Temple of Ishtar. Perhaps when the power of the Roman Empire ebbed some of Genoria's heritage could be resurrected. Or perhaps some sympathetic explorer down the centuries would use them. The spell would need fresh human skin to work, but perhaps information on that could be passed down through the generations as well. The following day I had another visit from Gaius Marcus. As usual he gave me a bow. "Majesty, I came to see how your abdication arrangements were proceeding. I apologize for Quintus' behaviour yesterday. Can I be of any assistance?" "Thank you, Gaius Marcus, for warning me about Quintus. For the arrangements, I am hoping the plans for me to relinquish power will meet with Rome's approval. They are well under way and I have notices ready for posting about the ceremony. In fact I have given instructions to my palace staff to set them out this afternoon in prominent places. Most of my citizens can read, but for those who have adopted Roman ways and not learned to read I will have heralds and others go to our market places and read announcements." I was teasing Gaius Marcus a little. All Genorians were expected to be able to read but I knew that universal literacy was not the case in the Roman Empire. I went to a desk and pulled some papers from a pile, "In fact, here are the written summaries of the event and what I will say. I have even written them in Latin. I leave it to you to pass these on to your replacement, Quintus Cornelius Norenis. After that is over, I will trouble Rome no more." Gaius actually looked hurt. "Majesty, you have never troubled me." He emphasized the 'me'. "Unfortunately I cannot say the same for others but that is their fault, not yours. "I remember happier days, yes, those days when we and our young families would spend pleasant afternoons and evenings with each other. My son Publius enjoyed playing with your daughters." There was something about the way he said that but before I could ask he continued. "Merala?" he asked. "I warned you about the dangers to your warriors. but you seemed to want to encourage Quintus in his schemes. Don't you believe my warning?" "I will advise my warriors of the danger, but it will be their own responsibility as to how they react." He looked puzzled but I could see he did not want to enquire further, a good thing, as I did not want to lie any more to him. "And Majesty, that brings me to one more thing," he asked." My son Publius wishes to speak privately with you." "Your son? What about?" "It is a delicate matter. It will be better if he spoke to you himself." "You have done me many favours, Gaius, and I would be grateful to return these to you or your family. Then send him to me." He bowed and took his leave, leaving me with my thoughts. He had mentioned his son, and that made me think back to happier days. As I said, Gaius and I were old friends. I remembered the pleasant occasions when he has visited the palace with his wife and family. The older son, Publius, was about the same age as my elder daughter Terasa and they used to play together. I had been amused when I had seen Publius and Terasa playing happily with her doll collection. At one point she had even put some girl's clothes over Publius' tunic and he had posed in them. We had all laughed then but now I wondered. Could that be useful? That night there were more disturbances in the city and the following morning I had more reports of undisciplined Romans throwing over stalls in the market place and streets, molesting the citizens and even invading some private houses. The disturbances appeared to have been planned. Then I had another visit, not by Caius but his son Publius. He was a tall, but slim youth. "Majesty, I regret interrupting you. I am Publius, son of Gaius Marcus. I need to discuss something with you." "Yes, I met you the other day, in unfortunate circumstances. Publius, I thank you for your help. My daughters and I are very grateful. In return I would be glad to help you but please, be brief. This is a very busy and trying time for me." "I understand, Majesty. Queen Merala, first, I was born a Roman but I am appalled by the damage done these last nights and I want to warn you that this group of hooligans, perhaps the same ones who molested you and your daughters, will be out for even more mischief. My father stopped them before, but now he had been forbidden to make any further attempts to stop them. He asks me to tell you that they will still probably try to follow you and harass you. There is a serious possibility you could be injured. He advises you to take precautions. I agree. I remember pleasant days spent with you and your family. I would hate to see you injured or worse." The young man's concern and manner touched me. "Thank you for the warning, Publius. Saving me from that mob was another great favour your father has done for me. He is an honourable man." "But Majesty, there is probably another... uh... thing that I wonder if you can save." He was speaking more cautiously. "I have lived here for some years now first as a boy, then on my return from Rome. I like Genoria, and since my return I have been studying its customs, history and language. Majesty, I offer you my friendship and I would not betray any confidence." I wondered where this was leading. He started speaking more awkwardly. "But I have noticed that in Genoria there is a great preponderance of women and of female children born, I mean, compared to boys. You, majesty, have had two daughters, and your mother bore three children, all girls. I looked into the records of Genorian history and found her mother also bore three daughters. In fact, there appear to be very few male children born here. This is convenient for an ancient society like yours that was run for women but it is very unusual. In all other societies, all over the Roman Empire, male and female children are born in approximately even numbers." "Yes, that is convenient for us." He spoke even more quietly and softly. "I have heard it said that in fact the usual proportions of male children are born here, but that many are changed to girls. That allows you to plan your special Genorian society. I do not know how this is done, but that is obviously an important part of Genorian culture and you may want to save that too." What he said was true, but I could not admit it. "You have imaginative sources of information, Publius," I said airily. "I think it is just coincidence that in Genoria there are more girls. Or perhaps there is something in the water. Perhaps the goddess Ishtar is taking care of us?" He looked as if he was going to say something else but lost his courage when he saw how dismissive I had been. "As you wish, Majesty." He obviously recognized that the unusual Genoria population was something that I did not want to discuss. He bowed and left but after he had gone I sat thinking about his comments. He wanted something. Was he a danger to our customs, or could I use him? Had I been so dismissive that he was completely discouraged? I had more planning to do for the ceremony and its aftermath and that kept me busy, but several days later Publius again asked to see me. Somehow he looked more drawn and worried. "Majesty, I discussed Genoria history with you some days ago about the unusual relative amounts of births of girls to boys. You dismissed my comments but, actually for the sake of our families' friendship, I would like you to listen to me. Please, majesty," he pleaded. "Listen to me. I have searched through your archives and I found there is mention of a certain book being used to make male babies into females, even adultsinto women. Several instances are recorded." My blood ran cold. Publius knew too much. He must have seen my face as he held up his hand to quieten my protest and shook his head. "Majesty, please, I do not intend to let this be known or do anything that would cause harm to you. I admire Genoria and its long history. Its political system is unusual but you had an ordered society here when Romulus and Remus were still infants being suckled by a wolf, as the Roman legend goes. "Majesty, I can understand your reasons for keeping this quiet, but I have wondered if you can help me. I am getting desperate. If Genoria is to fall, I may have limited time to use the book." "You seem convinced there is a magic book. Any so-called magic book could be still only your imagination, Publius." "Yes, Majesty, I understand. But please, only you can help me." I saw disappointment, even a hint of despair, in his eyes. What he wanted was obviously very important to him. I wanted to help him but my nation, its customs and secrets came first. But I drew in a deep breath and took a risk. "Publius, that supposed unusual book in Genoria. I do not admit at all to its existence, but what was it you wanted to know about it?" It was his turn to take a deep breath. "Majesty, to put it bluntly, I do not want to live as a man any longer." He burst out in tears and I had to wait, feeling slightly embarrassed, until he composed himself. "I...I would like to live as a woman. I would like to be a woman. I had wondered if the same process that produced so many female children here could be applied to me. I mean, for you to change me." He began to cry. "Publius, why would you want to live as a woman? Men have more power and influence, well, at least in nations outside Genoria. Genoria is perhaps a very unusual state." I was watching him carefully as I spoke. I had to be able to trust him. Dejection, hope, embarrassment and many other emotions passed over his face. "Yes, majesty," he replied," I believe that rule by men was not the case in Genoria, especially in the old days. Women ruled, and even now, at least for a few more days, you, a woman, will have the power, as queen. But no, I am not interested in power. It is just that since a very early age I have not been interested in either war or fighting, or even rough games. It has been hinted I should marry a young woman but I have not the slightest wish to get married to a woman. " He screwed up his eyes, "Majesty, I feel I prefer men. You know what I mean." At this admission his face turned deep red. I saw distress on Publius' face, and I was sympathetic, but I had to make sure. "I did not think that was too unusual in Roman society. Maybe they learned that from the Greeks?" I immediately regretted my words." I am sorry, Publius, I should not have said that!" "No, Majesty, it is more than that. Being a woman should be part of my life." He shook his head." No, I am saying it wrong. I want it to be all of my life. When I was young I would play with my sister's dolls and even dressed in her clothing when no one could see me." He sighed. "I remember a time my family visited you, in happier days. One day we were playing and your daughter Terasa dressed me in some of her clothing. I felt slightly embarrassed at first, but I felt a growing happiness with how it made me feel. I lay in bed that night thinking of the pleasure it had given me and how right and natural it felt. Perhaps that was when I began to be really aware of my tastes." I still had to be cautious. "Publius," I asked, "look at me! You need to give me honest answers. All right, if you were to become a woman, first, you know that would cause a problem with your past identity? Essentially you would have vanished and that would bring some questions. A new woman would appear that too and that would cause questions. Are you prepared for that? What about your father?" "Majesty, I think he wanted a son who could take part in the government of the empire, like him, or in its military campaigns, but he accepts me and will support me. So, remembering some traditions of Genoria, even though it is to be severely changed, could you change me and allow me to find refuge here? Our family is quite well off. I was thinking that my father could purchase some farm in the Genoria hinterland and I could go there and live as I wanted." That was too like my own plan but I pretended to think about it and I kept my face blank. "So, Publius, you think you would want to live as a Genorian? To begin with, you would have to know our language." "I am aware of that. I have already started to learn it. That is how I am able to read old documents in your archives." I almost gasped. An idea was taking shape in my mind but I had to develop it before I agreed. Perhaps Publius could even play a useful part in my plans. "Publius, I will have to think about this. Please come and see me in two days." I saw his eyes take on some hope. "Thank you, Merala, Majesty," he said. "You are very kind." He bowed and left. He was now assuming I was going to help him, so I had to be cautious but that very night I had put together the inkling of plan. But there were still many details to fill in and put the threads all together. The following day I sent a message to Quintus Cornelius asking him to come and see me. This time he was accompanied by two tough looking men, centurions by the look of it, both dressed in their full military uniforms with armour and with swords swinging at their sides. No doubt he hoped to intimidate me but I gave no sign either of being offended or cowed. "Ah, Quintus Cornelius. I am so glad you came. I have been making plans for my relinquishing of power and I would like your comments, to see if they meet with your approval." It gave me some satisfaction that his face took a startled look. Perhaps he even thought I was being very amenable to his plans. "For the ceremony I propose to have a dais set up on the palace steps. The square below it should hold a large number of the Genorian people so that all will be able to see the changes in administration as they take place. I will first tell the people formally that I am relinquishing power. My two advisors will then kneel before you and swear allegiance to Rome, I will follow them in pledging allegiance and then I will introduce you to the people as the new governor of Genoria. After that we will stand back to give you the dais to yourself. I am sure then you will want to address the people and tell them of the benefits of being totally part of the Roman Empire. Quintus Cornelius, if I can confide in you, I know that some even hope to work towards Roman citizenship." "That is very acceptable. I am glad you are cooperating so well." "Genoria is a small nation. It would not be in our interest to resist. Also, there are many advantages to Genoria if it is properly part of such a large empire. "Oh, there is one more thing. You had expressed an interest in inviting my small armed forces, all women, to Rome to act as part of the emperor's retinue. Do you still wish to proceed with this?" The scoundrel could only just keep from licking his lips in avarice. He would be thinking of the money he could make selling my soldiers as female slaves and potential gladiators. "Yes, I wanted to discuss that with you. I am certain that they would be very welcome in Rome." "Well, I have been thinking. Their quarters are just a short distance outside the main part of the city. Perhaps they could come to the ceremony too? Can I suggest that they could come to the ceremony in a body with Roman soldiers? That would make a great show, your legionaries and the Genorian Guard, all proud soldiers of the Empire, all ranked and marching together. If they march together into the square after the ceremony it will be very impressive." I lowered my voice, as if I was sharing a confidence. "I have to tell you, Quintus Cornelius, I already proposed the idea of going to Rome to them, and they all agree. They will miss their friends here, but all are excited about going to Rome. After all, it is the centre of the world. And if they could act as guards for the emperor too? What prestige! So they are delighted. You know, many have already been practicing their Latin to communicate better and adapt in Rome." I almost had him hooked, but there were still details to be added. I stroked my chin, as if thinking. "I believe you have a newly arrived group of legionaries. They would be suitable. It would be a good introduction for them to Genoria." I passed him a sheet of paper. "Here are the directions to find my soldiers' quarters. They could go there oh, I suppose about two hours before the ceremony would be enough, and get their parade in order. About fifty of them would do. Don't you think that would make a great show? And once the ceremony is over my warriors can be embarked for the journey to Rome. "You will have suitable ships for that?" I had his total interest. "Yes, Melara, that will be totally suitable, and such a good idea. We have a ship that can quickly be fitted out the accommodate the women." I clapped my hands. "Wonderful! Then that is all going well, Quintus Cornelius. Now if you will excuse me, I have to check with various workers to make sure these plans are being followed." No doubt he had been thinking that once the transfer of power was complete, his men could easily overwhelm my women, chain them and hustle them to a ship in the harbour, ready for transportation. Now it looked as if I was even going to make it easy for him. I had several more facets of my plans to arrange but these were quickly arranged. First, I spoke to a group of carpenters and described how I wanted the dais and platform set up then I spoke to the women who fashioned royal robes and ordered two new gowns for myself and for each of my two senior advisors, Althera and Terobis when they swore allegiance to Rome with me. I decided on bright noticeable colours, golden robes for myself and flaming orange for my councilors. I also discussed my plans with three of my attendants. They had been with me many years and I trusted them implicitly. I gave the other three attendants another task, and they laughed when I told them about it. The last was to arrange another meeting with Publius but I did not invite Gaius. He was a friend, he had warned me and advised me about many things, but ultimately his allegiance was to Rome and I was not sure what his reactions would be to my plans. Publius stood in front of me, nervously twisting his hands. "Publius," I said, "you have explained your difficulties and I understand that you would like to become a woman. Such things were done in old Genoria. but I am not sure whether I can summon up the magic again." Then I had to be absolutely sure. "But, if I could change you, are you completely willing to live as a woman? You would be in a woman's body, and you would have to get used to many things about it, having breasts, wider hips, a smaller and weaker stature, and a higher pitched voice. Then you would have to wear women's clothing, and act convincingly as a woman to other women and men without being noticed. You would bleed monthly, like women do. You would do women's work, domestic work and perhaps raising children. "You see, I emphasize you would be a woman completely, and a beautiful one so you would have little difficulty attracting men. Do you want that? "You would eventually get to feel and think like a woman. I mean that you would want to meet men and they, in turn, would want your company, but more than that, they would be attracted to you and want to lie with you and couple with you. You would be attracted to them too. Being weaker, you would have to be careful of certain men. I suppose you could live apart from others, but I think it is more likely that like most women too, you would want these intimate relations with men and you would find pleasure in it." I wanted to be completely sure. "You are a man. I am sure that you are aware that your penis can swell. As a woman. would you want a man to put that in you, impaling you?" I saw his eyes grow big but then a faint smile appeared on his face. "So you could get pregnant. If you did, would you be prepared to feel a child growing in you for nine months, your belly becoming enormous and uncomfortable, then birth a child in pain like women do? You would have to suckle it at your swollen breasts, then nurture and raise it to adulthood. Oh, I suppose you could hide away so you are not in contact with any men, but Genoria history tells me that in the past new women like that have always wanted to play their full parts in Genorian society. I mean, to have children. "Yes, it would be best if you became part of Genorian society and abandoned all contacts with Rome and Romans, even your father. I suppose it is possible you could have your father arrange a life for you in Rome but you would be more protected here. You would actually have a better life here, although," I sighed, "It will depend how much Genoria changes over the years." I really did not want his father to get any idea of our book at all. He nodded. "I have thought about all of these and I am willing." " You have really thought about it?" But I looked at him and I saw the pleading in his eyes and I was convinced. I let my voice become more sympathetic. "All right, Publius, I will help you and these things will be arranged soon, so you should prepare yourself." Great relief came over his face but I looked at him severely. "However, as I am proposing to do you a great favour, in return, I want you to do something for me. I have a plan, that will allow you to realize your wishes, but it will help me too. So, the first thing, I advise you to set all your affairs in order. It's going to be as if you had disappeared. But you will be reborn as a Genorian woman. We will look after you and you should have no further part in Roman society. Also, absolutely do not discuss this with your father!" "I understand." He licked his lips nervously. "My ceremony of submission to Rome will take place in a few days. On that morning come and see me and I will give you more details and set things in motion for your change. For the present, as you will have to read some Genorian script, here is a sheet with Genorian letters and how they sound in Latin. That is very important. Practise these." I watched him as he went. I wanted to help him but, more importantly, he was going to be a tool in my own plans. Next, I called in the commander of my small army, Balcis. She was a tall, blonde, well muscled woman with the tanned features of an outdoor life. I knew I could trust her to do things efficiently. She actually looked puzzled that she had been called and that I said I wanted to confide in her and would need her help. She and I had not really been close friends but she was a loyal subject. She was a military person, accustomed to directness, straight talk and dealings. With the challenges ahead these were not suitable qualities for a ruler like me. At first her face was grim when I told her that the Romans had plans to take over Genoria completely, but her knuckles clenched and her face stiffened in horror and outrage when I told her my suspicions about what Quintus and the Romans likely had in store for her and her small force. "Infamy!" she cried. "Can any man stoop so low?" "Balcis, I have a plan to counter this. In fact, I have set it in motion. It is risky but if it works out, it will save you and your soldiers." "Thank you, Majesty. I think that if the Romans were sincere some of my soldiers would even feel honoured to become part of the emperor's guard, but only a few of them. Most have accepted the end of their military life and now look forward to joining their tables as simple citizens and even starting families. That is the custom anyway. They give twenty years of military service then take up civilian lives." He face twisted with fury. "But to be made gladiators, have to fight each other, even me, to the death, our numbers to be gradually whittled down, with a miserable death in the blood soaked sand of an arena just for Roman amusement? That would be an ignominious fate. Are the Romans so callous?" "Some are better than others. Gaius Marcus, who has represented the Empire here for some years, is an honourable man. But power breeds arrogance and contempt for the weak. We can see that in Quintus Cornelius. And remember, the Romans have a saying, 'Vae Victis'. I think that translates as 'woe to the vanquished'. We would have few rights left but I hope to give them something they will not forget. But it must appear so mysterious, maybe supernatural, that Genoria does not suffer any repercussions." "Something very mysterious, majesty?" I nodded. "Balcis, our army will have to disappear. Probably so will Genoria, but I want us," I pointed to her and to myself, " and all our citizens to survive and also hide away some of our customs for better days. I want to teach the Romans a lesson, one that will perhaps keep them in awe of Genoria and very cautious. So I need your help. I am going to make the Romans' greed and their schemes work against them. "So this is what I propose. As I said, I have already held out the idea to Quintus, but if you are unwilling, I will abandon the plan." I outlined my plans to her and watched her face go through various emotions then end with a malicious leer. "It is risky, majesty, but it will work if all goes according to plan. You only have to command me and my part in it, and that of your warriors, will be done." I gave a sad smile. "Well, Balcis, my time for command is growing to an end. Perhaps I should practice a more congenial, tolerant life. But would you and your warriors be willing to risk this?" "Majesty, you need not ask. My brave warriors are loyal and would be delighted and honoured to do this. They would risk all, even their deaths. But it would give me great satisfaction to shed some Roman blood." "You may get your wish on that too." I embraced her. She was taken aback by my action, I think, as queens of Genoria usually kept more aloof, but these were not the usual times. That evening in the palace I had an unexpected, but not unwelcome visitor. It was Coreses. We could relax in each other's company and I was growing fond of him. I thought of him often. "These are trying days, Merala," he asked. "How are you managing?" I looked into his soft grey eyes and felt a little hope and comfort. This was a man who made me feel safe and confident, things that had been lacking in the past weeks. I was in personal danger, my realm was in danger, my people were in danger but I wanted something of us to remain, despite the Romans. Would my schemes be successful? "Hold me, Coreses." I held out my arms and, as he came to me and put his arms around me, I allowed myself the luxury of crying. I was ruler, and I did not dare show my tension at the enormous stresses facing me with my daughters, my councilors, my attendants, Balcis or anyone else, but in his arms I could find some comfort and release. I felt him stroking me, my back, my cheeks, my hair and he pulled me to him. His male smell and strength were comforting and I nuzzled into the spot between his jaw and his shoulder. He wiped my tears carefully and kissed my wet eyelashes. "Coreses, I am well enough," I sniffed. "But it is a stressful time. I almost feel overwhelmed. I want to save as much as I can, but my plans depend on so many things. That is the trouble with elaborate schemes." I pressed my cheek to his. He was bearded, but the feel of his hair on my face was oddly comforting. "Could you just not leave, with your daughters? You can easily get to my estate and we can hide." I sighed. "No, and do not tempt me. Genoria is much more than just me. I still have a duty to this ancient realm and that must be done." I let my voice harden. "Also, I have to take revenge too. Genoria will be gone but these Romans must pay in some way for their arrogance." I told him about my encounter with the Roman soldiers and I felt him stiffen with anger. "Things like that must absolutely not happen! The Romans should be resisted and punished. Have we no pride?" I held him tighter. "Coreses, keep your anger in check. It will do no good to show it either. We are faced with overwhelming odds and cannot resist but I am taking steps for retribution." I released him from my clasp, but I took his hands firmly. "Coreses, my plans are developing." "Do you want to tell me about them?" I shook my head. "No, it is a stressful time but I can handle it." I stroked his strong hands and I looked into his eyes. I remembered what I had told Publius about men and women and I needed the same. He must have seen the indecision in my eyes but he lifted me up. I made some half hearted struggles but he was too strong for me and I allowed him to carry me through to my bedchamber and lay me on the bed. I started to protest, but he took some cushions and laid them at my back. "Just lie there and do not think of these things anymore tonight." Then he got up and poured some wine into two beakers and offered me one. "My love, Merala," he said, "You are one of the most wonderful and capable of women, but you are not a goddess and omnipotent. I am sure you are doing everything you can but I can share your troubles. Your name will go down in history." "Yes, as the last queen of Genoria." "No, for your bravery and queenliness." His steady confident masculine voice and the wine made me feel as if some of my cares were slipping away. "Coreses, do you want to know my plans?" But he held his hand over my mouth. "Not tonight, this night is just for us. But you will triumph, I am sure," and he put his arms around me again. His smell and his masculine presence felt wonderful and I kissed him on his lips moving to his face above his beard and then to his neck. He covered my mouth with soft kisses, moving to my neck and shoulders and he gently eased down my robes to expose the swell of my breasts and then kissed and teased my nipples and I felt them grow hard. I felt moisture between my legs. My need and my desire grew in me until I did not want to think of anything else and I pulled off my robes. "Coreses, make love to me, take me hard, use me! Make me lose myself." These were not queenly, imperious words or thoughts, but at that moment I only wanted to be a woman with a man. We slept together that night and when in its darkness we awoke, he made wonderful love to me again. But it was tender and compassionate love. I woke in a golden dawn, actually feeling at peace. I just wanted to leave everything and lie with him forever but, remembering my duties, I squeezed my eyes, took a deep breath and reluctantly rose from the bed. He rose too completely naked and ran his hands over my waist and hips. I was naked toobut I was proud of my beauty and my body, still firm after fifteen years on the throne and having birthed two girl and we pressed together. Still, there was work to be done, schemes to be carried out and retribution to be taken and I gently pushed him away "You will stay for a small meal with me, Coreses?" I suggested. We ate a small meal served by two of my attendants. The girls could barely suppress their giggles at finding me with a man and I had to half-heartedly scold them. They might tell, but my time as queen was rapidly drawing to a close. Soon it was close to the time to put my schemes in motion and I sent Coreses on his way with a kiss and an embrace. I also asked him to take my daughters to his estate and I hugged them too and wiped their tears. "All going well, I shall see you later today. If I am unsuccessful, then tell your own children how I struggled for our ancient land." Coreses shook his head and kissed me again. "No, you will be there to tell them yourself." The morning of my submission to the Romans turned out to be a beautiful day, but I fretted. So much depended on the timing being right. Still, I had no choice. Our submission was arranged for noon, but I had some final arrangements to confirm. The first to visit me was Publius. I was very relieved that he had come as he was crucial to much of my plan. I had wondered if he would change his mind but he was even more eager. I passed him a special copy of my book, one where I had written only one of the spells and I gave him his instructions. " You are to read this out. My commander Balcis will be expecting you. Do as she says. She knows of my plans and will help you. Then you are set, Publius?" He licked his lips nervously, "What you are doing for me, I will remember all my life. I thank you." I gave a bitter laugh. "I will remember it all my life too but let us hope that these will be long lives. That book has what you need. You have been practicing the sounds?" "I have learned them as if my life depended on it." "That sounds dramatic, but it probably does! And many other lives too. But I hope it will not come to Genorian lives being lost." I clapped him on the back. "I thank you, Publius. Oh, your father, does he know of your plans?" He shook his head. "I have told him nothing at all." "Good. I am actually sorry not to confide in him as he has been a good friend. Unfortunately he will lose a son too but his duties are the service of Rome, even with all its faults." I gently pushed Publius out the door. "Then off you go! Get to my warriors' barracks as soon as you can. Don't delay and make sure you are ready for the soldiers to arrive." Next I met with Althera and Terobis and we donned our new gowns, helping each other adjust them so that they hung properly. "These are very bright and noticeable, Majesty," said Terobis. "Don't you think they are too bright for such a sad day?" "All the better for us to be noticed and easily seen," I answered. "I want to hide away. These Romans frighten me," said Althera. " You are Genorian citizens and my subjects, right until I leave the throne," I scolded. "You will remember our proud history and you will do your duty to me, your nation and your ancestors and not disgrace them." I had spoken harsher than I should but I was feeling the tension. I let my voice soften. "Patience, Althera, Terobis, just do your part as I instructed. You have served both me and our nation well. This is one last time. Perhaps you will do one thing for me. I should be properly made up, as a queen should be but my serving maids, who usually help me, have been given other things to attend to. So could you help me?" "We would be honoured, majesty," said Althera and they helped me decorate my face, with red lips and gold and green shadows round my eyes as I usually had done for formal occasions. Finally they hung the dangling earrings of my office in my ears. I doubted if I would ever wear them again. "Thank you!" I said when they were finished. "Now, off you go, through to the back of the palace and check that everything is ready there then keep out of sight until I call you." As I had arranged with him, Quintus Cornelius came to me for a final check. "My troops are ready to march out to meet your warriors," he said. "Good!" I answered. "Now, they have the map I drew for them and directions to my soldiers' quarters?" "Of course. I passed it on," he said irritably. This was not a man used to being ordered, especially by one he thought was his inferior but he let it pass because of his greed and his plan to use my warriors as gladiators. "Good, it is important that all should go smoothly on such an important day. It should only take them an hour or so to march there. I have told my soldiers to expect your legionaries and welcome them. Oh, it will be a magnificent show! You see I even had new robes made for me? It is in honour of the day." I twirled and even posed so he could see them and the style and colour would be fixed in his mind. "And you have told them to all march back along the main road to the palace? Wonderful! That will allow as many as possible to see the military parade." "I have done that." "Oh yes, Quintus Cornelius, one more thing. There will be a young man at my warriors' quarters, a Roman, who will first read out a speech of welcome to your legionaries. It will be in Genorian, so could you order the legionaries to listen to that first before they assemble for the march back?" "A Roman?" "Oh yes, he is studying the Genorian language. He is interested in the history of our ancient realm. You know, it might be a good thing to hire him when you take power. He could act as an interpreter for you. My warriors will want to hear him speak too. They look forward to the melding of Roman and Genorian customs." He gave a slightly puzzled, slightly superior look but shrugged. "As you wish, Merala. But just make sure you are at the ceremony." "Of course. Now please excuse me, Quintus, I have some details on it to go over with my servants and others." My next visitors were three of my attendants, Barea, Kelenis, and Sephra. They were the youngest and the strongest and I knew from watching them at the pool that they were all strong swimmers. "Remember your instructions! " I said and I passed sackcloth covered bundles to them. "You are all ready then?" "Yes, Majesty," Kelenis grinned. "We are looking forward to this. " "That is good, but remember to not do anything until you see the signal. This is the last service you will do me. I thank you for all of it." Tearfully, we all embraced. My other three attendants had arrived. "All is in order?" I asked. "Yes, Majesty," said one. "Some farmers asked about it but we just said we were setting up temporary quarters for more Roman soldiers and needed something for their bedding. Actually some were angry at us providing materials for the Romans, but I showed them your written orders." "You have done well. Remember, as soon as your part is over you must go to your tables or your households as fast as you can. Stay there but I will remember your loyal services to me. I may not ever see you again, but, thank you." More tears and embraces. I closed my eyes and forced myself to breathe deeply. I was glad I had completely filled the morning with meetings and activities otherwise I would probably have been pacing the floors in tension. It was now close to the time and with a last look around my palace, the familiar surroundings that had been my home since birth, my stomach pounding, I called for Terobis and Althera to come to my quarters, and we did a last check of our bright new robes. I embraced them. "It is time!" Their stomachs were probably fluttering like mine as we stepped out of the main entrance to the palace and made our way along the steps to the platform and the newly constructed dais. I smelled the new wood and fresh paint and when I looked behind me I saw the large coloured sheets of fabric that I had ordered to provide a backdrop to our ceremony. They were draped in folds so that where one sheet ended and another began was not obvious. I looked down to the harbour and saw a Roman ship moored there but next to it there was a small but sleek looking boat with its bright red sails almost already set for departure. I looked over the buildings opposite the palace. All were decorated as I had ordered. There was an older building that had looked the worse for wear and I had arranged for a large coloured sheet to be hung over it to hide its decrepit structure, and more. I wondered if Quintus Cornelius would have it repaired or demolished. Eventually. There was a subdued roar from the crowd as we stepped forward and I saw apprehensive faces on some nearer citizens, even some tears. I also saw feral leers and smug looks on the faces of the Roman legionaries ranked before us. Quintus Cornelius was waiting for us, standing on the dais with the two centurions at his side. Their armour was fully polished and they even had put coloured plumes in their helmets. Quintus was in a fancy toga too. He looked at us with a smirk, strode to us, and we gave each other bows. Mine was full and formal. He barely bothered to bend his own head. "It is about noon," he said. "Let us proceed. I will stand on the dais and you will all come before me, kneel, bow your heads to my feet and swear allegiance to Rome. Make sure you say it loudly so that your people can hear." "As you wish, Quintus Cornelius." Gaius Marcus was standing at the side in his best toga. His face actually looked downcast and he was biting his lip. I listened as both my councilors knelt before Quintus and recited out their short statements of allegiance to Rome. They walked back to me, dramatically swirling the skirts of their bright robes and looked at me expectantly. Then it was my turn. I looked up to the old building opposite and I was ready. I stood on the dais, and looked at my people. I held up my hands and the muffled noise of the crowd died away. "Citizens of Genoria, these are changed days," I cried. "We are to be taken completely in to the Roman Empire, but we are assured that Rome will protect our future so it is time for me to abdicate, and for the ruling dynasty of Genoria to end." I slowly went to my knees and bent my head before Quintus. I was pleased that I heard some noises of protest, although subdued. I started to recite my abdication speech and my promise to give allegiance to Rome, but when I had finished I looked up again to the shabby old building opposite and I saw what I wanted. Then I stepped back to beside Terobis and Althera. I took their hands and squeezed. "Be ready! Any time now!" I whispered. Quintus turned to us with a gloating look on his face and, "You women will all stay there!" he commanded. "You are now prisoners of Rome!" Then he turned to face the assemble throng and held up his hands. I saw his face jerk in surprise and he stared up at the opposite building. There was a flash of flame then a roar as flames and dark smoke erupted from its windows. The covering sheet too caught fire The sudden conflagration had everybody's attention. We even felt the heat on our platform and the assembled citizens and legionaries began to run from the flames in panic. But I had expected it. I had earlier made a little mark to show the overlap between the sheets forming the cloth background to the stage and, still holding hands with my councilors, I slipped through it and we ran out through the palace. Three of Balcis' warriors were waiting in the courtyard at the back with horses saddled and ready for us. As fast as we could we pulled off our bright ceremonial robes and put on simple grey green ones like ordinary Genorian women would use and climbed into the saddles. I gestured to my councilors. "Go! As fast as you can!" But I rode hard the other way, escorted by the three soldiers, towards my army's quarters. Balcis was actually waiting outside, a look of grim satisfaction on her face when I arrived. "All has gone according to plan, Majesty. I think you'll be pleased." She led me inside. The floor of the largest room was covered with Roman soldiers lying sprawled together, all unconscious, and quivering as they underwent the drastic part of the spell, the rippling phase where their bodies would be transformed into women's. My own Genorian soldiers were looking on with a mixture of awe and amusement. "So you see the spell working," I laughed. "Have you ever seen it used before?" Balcis and some others shook their heads, but one of her warriors nodded. "Yes, it was my sister. She preferred the old ways and when she wanted to start a family she went to the Temple of Ishtar. She got pregnant but delivered a male child. So, a week later she contacted a priestess who came to her table and read the spell. The child was changed to a girl, but was unconscious more than a day." "Yes, these," I pointed to the Romans, "they will be unconscious well over a day as well. "Were any of your warriors affected?" "Yes, about ten of them. They must never have heard the spell before. They felt slightly dizzy and nauseous for some minutes but soon recovered." "Where is Publius?" I asked. Balcis pointed. "He is lying over there, but I should now say 'she'. I have to say that Publius spoke very clearly. He has learned Genorian very well. But some of the sounds are strange." " Yes, some date from the earliest times of our city and our language has changed. Did Publius realize what was happening?" Balcis shook her head. "Probably he did. He knew that something was going to happen but he did not realize it would affect others and by that time the spell was well underway on them all. Too late to change his mind! Some legionaries had looked puzzled when he started to shiver and they started to move to him- he must have shown the signs just a little earlier- but in a few seconds they began to feel the effects too, shivering more and more violently. When they saw that they began to panic but in a short time they were all sinking to the floor and unconscious." "Publius has done us a great favour," I said, " Take care of him, or her, as she will be. Just check that she is not having any problems." I told Balcis what had happened at the palace and she laughed. "I think there will be too much chaos back at the palace for anyone to come checking here right away, but just in case, we had better get on with the next part." At Balcis' orders the unconscious soldiers were pulled into a line and each was assigned one of our own warriors. They stripped the figures underneath until they were all naked. The spell was well underway and before our eyes the Roman soldiers were shrinking. Their bodies were taking on the proportions of women and the contours of their faces softening. I watched one as the penis disappeared and breasts grew on the chest. I was nervous in case we could be disturbed but by an hour later most of the changes had been completed. The legionaries now had women's bodies. I looked them over. "I think they will be attractive women, but they are a little spoiled by all the male hair. It will fall off in a day or so, but just in case, better get that off too!" I ordered. We had arranged for the materials to be at hand and my soldiers began to shave off all the male body hair from the unconscious figures from their chests, arms and legs, " They look much more like women now," I said when they were done. Two had worn beards but these too were shaved off as closely as possible. Next, the Genorian soldiers removed their own weapons, armour and uniforms and with a little more difficulty, forced these onto the unconscious figures. There was one more task, to help our ruse. It was a distasteful one but I had little sympathy for the legionaries. "See Balcis, you wanted blood," I said when they were done." Is that enough?" "They meant death for us. I have no sympathy. They will live to regret this day." When that was done the warriors donned the ordinary plain, dark red, green or brown Genorian women's working gowns and robes that they usually wore at their tables. Balcis wrinkled her face in amusement and smoothed down her new clothes. "I do not get much chance to wear robes like this. The long skirt feels strange so it will be quite a change for me. I'm usually in a short military skirt. I'm the commander and my army duties usually take up most of my time so I am in uniform most days." "Have you thought what you will do at your table?" "Well, I suppose my fighting days are over but I am used to organizing things and giving orders. Some of the women at my table have suggested I take on some kind of administrative position." "Just a word of advice, Balcis. Phrase any of your advice as suggestions, not as orders." I laughed. " I will have to get used to that too." By an hour we were done. All the Romans had now been dressed in the uniforms of my female soldiers. The last thing was to put most of the Roman uniforms, armour and weapons on a horse drawn cart and immediately afterwards three former warriors left to drive it up to a site in the mountains. Earlier, Balcis had ordered some of her soldiers to dig a large pit where the Roman armour would be buried. I threw my own bright gown and those of Althera and Terobis into the cart too. I shook my head. "A pity to waste such fine clothes, but I don't want them discovered. When they are in the pit, burn them then cover it over completely with soil and brush!" I ordered. "But you know what to do with the other ten Roman uniforms." I gestured to all the women. "My loyal subjects, I thank you for this. Our ancient city thanks you too but, I am sorry, our time is over. Perhaps in the future our distinct ways can be restored, or reformed, something that will not be a disservice to the ancient history of Genoria, but not just now. " For these," I gestured to the unconscious bodies. "Leave these new women here, so that the Romans can eventually discover them and do with them what they want. As men, they were crude louts, and bullies. Now I think many will find their destinies in arenas in front of cheering and jeering crowds as they shed each other's blood. A good fate for them! "My noble warriors, your tasks?" I shook my head. "You have no more, but I wish you long lives and happiness in your tables. Try to remember our great history and keep the memory of Genoria sacred. There is still the Temple to Ishtar up in the foothills. Help that as much as you can. If you decide to start families, you can use the Temple or perhaps you can choose a man as a partner or husband. It is your choice." "What about you, Majesty?" asked one. "Well first, can you help this young woman?" I gestured to the unconscious figure that was the former Publius. "Put her across my saddle, gently, and I will look after her. She's about to start a new life. "So, My own plans? I will disappear, I hope. I thank you for your service. Goodbye to you all, my loyal warriors. Do not try to find me." I warned. I wiped the tears from my eyes, spurred my horse and headed for Coreses' estate. It had been a day filled with a lot of tension and trial, and Genoria was gone, but I felt we had accomplished at least something. Mindful of the girl who had been Publius, stretched unconscious on the saddle in front of me I rode fairly gently and when I reached Coreses' estate two hours later he helped me lift her from my saddle and place her in the room we had prepared for her. I was exhausted with the busy day but that night Coreses and I slept together again and I let him make gentle love to me. My daughters and I watched the new woman carefully for almost two days and, starting from when she woke up, encouraged and comforted her through the first emotions of confusion, bewilderment, and perhaps even mild shock at finding her new female body. But, I am happy to say, in less than a day her emotions changed to wonder and delight, and my daughters and I started the careful process of guiding her into her new life, as a woman. Terasa and Illissia were wonderful and patient, and she was a very willing subject. Her happiness and confidence grew by the day and by a few months her appearance, mannerisms, tastes and interests were indistinguishable from anyone who had been born a girl. The spell had worked its wonders again, but I wondered about how long it would be until it could ever be used again. Epilogue From then on I was rarely in the city and at the few times I visited it I was well disguised, but from occasional reports I heard that Quintus Cornelius was soon dismissed and sent back to Rome in disgrace. He had been given the responsibility to take over Genoria but somehow, it seemed, he had let its queen and senior advisors slip through his hands. But what was worse, about fifty legionaries, almost fresh freshly arrived in Genoria, and who had been intended to intimidate the population, had mysteriously disappeared. On the other hand, some strange women were found, the remnant of the Genorian army, it was assumed by their uniforms, but these women were in great distress. They could howl and cry but could not tell what had happened as we had removed their tongues and I doubt if any knew how to write to tell their experiences. The ancient spell had made them all into very beautiful women and, regardless of the mystery surrounding them, they were chained, crowded into a transport ship and taken to Rome. I eventually heard that some were sold as domestic slaves, but most were impressed into a gladiator school. They turned out to be quite skilled fighters, but some visitor back in Genoria remarked how they fought with total disregard of their lives, as if they were broken. I heard that all died in the arenas within months. There was also the great mystery of where Genoria's queen and advisors had gone. One of the more sharp eyed Romans at the ceremony insisted that he had seen three women, apparently the queen and her advisors by their bright coloured robes, run across the wharf and climb on board a small ship in the harbour that had then set off. Quintus, desperate to find the three, had ordered a galley sent in pursuit. This easily overtook the small vessel but found it wallowing in the sea, its red sails slack and absolutely empty. That was another mystery. It looked as if the queen and her advisors had either just disappeared or slipped overboard and drowned, yet their bodies were never washed up. The Romans were perhaps relieved, yet just a little suspicious of the convenient disappearance. Actually, I had chosen Barea, Kelenis, and Sephra, the three best swimmers from my attendants. They had been hiding down by the harbour and, a few moments after they saw the flames, they had donned robes matching ours, and ran to the small ship. Then, as soon as the boat was past a headland and out of sight of any viewers in the harbour, the girls had removed their robes, wrapped them round rocks, thrown them overboard and then had swum to the shore, leaving the boat to sail on. The girls then made their ways to their tables. The other three of my girls had been responsible for the conflagration in the old building. I had ordered that just when I bowed to make my allegiance to Rome they should take it as the signal to light the oil- soaked straw we had put in the old building. The straw and the sheet covering the front of the building had flared up so fast that the girls were almost caught in the flames but in the confusion they then made their way to their tables or their households and they have essentially disappeared. There was the mystery of where the missing legionaries had gone. A week or so later a Roman search party found some of their soldiers' armour and clothing up in the woods near the pass over to Ceradol, with about a hundred paces separating them. Three of my warriors had actually had laid out the Roman clothes, armour and even weapons, as if the men had been heading to Ceradol but some mysterious force had struck them down and then the bodies inside had completely dissolved. That was yet another mystery to trouble the Romans. So, Genoria as a separate realm has almost disappeared but, for the great mysteries surrounding its ending, the disappearance of its queen and her two councilors into the sea, the disappearance of fifty Roman soldiers, why the women found at the Genorian barracks had their tongues removed, and how Publius had disappeared too, none of these have been resolved. I like to think the Romans will be very careful in further dealings. I heard that Gaius Marcus was given the position of governor. I heard that he was fair, I think, even sympathetic to the Genorian citizens, but his ultimate loyalties are to Rome so I have not attempted to contact him. Neither has Phenas, the name that the former Publius has chosen for herself. For myself? Perhaps I was not absolutely content, but things have worked out well. No longer being responsible for powers and authority left a strange void in my life but I could tolerate my new existence. It was better than the alternative. Rather than the challenge and the feeling of power of ruling a kingdom, I needed only to concern myself with my estate, my family and Coreses, who I have quietly taken as a partner in rites at the Temple. I too had decided I wanted a man by my side. Some months after my abdication I discovered that I was pregnant and eventually I delivered another child, a son. Raising a boy rather than daughters will be a new experience for me and it will be another thing to occupy my time. Maybe it will be the first time in over a thousand years, if ever, that a Genorian queen will have raised a son. Coreses is delighted and he will be a good father. I did not suggest that we avail ourselves of the spell book for our son and I feel that in some ways I have betrayed the spirit of my ancient realm, but times change. So, I watched with pride as my daughters and Phenas, my adopted daughter, grew to be beautiful women and they too chose partners. It disappointed me that none of them used the Temple of Ishtar, but that was their choice. It never failed to gratify me each time Phenas told me how happy she was with her change. I watch too, amused and curious and occasionally apprehensive, as my son grows. It is a new experience for me. But my children have all been well instructed in Genoria's history and I hope they will pass it on to their own children. Despite the Romans! END Note. Some of the later history of Genoria, set a millennium after this story, appears in my story, 'Helping the Goddess'.