Anteros was enjoying the change in his social status that came with being a proven warrior. Although he'd only been in one battle, the fact that he killed at least two enemies and likely saved the life of his unit's sub-commander, elevated his standing considerably.
Men and women he didn't know congratulated him. Loja, after giving him another lecture about skill versus luck, promoted him. She stressed that it wasn't her choice to promote him but she was obligated to follow military tradition. Having killed his first enemy in battle, his promotion was automatic. He was still the lowest rank in his unit but the extra silver coin he would get each month was welcome.
The Amazon military was on high alert. For nearly more than a month, units would stay on patrol for several days straight. They would return to the city, resupply and immediately return to their patrol. Amazon civilians that were still able to fight were joining the patrols to increase their numbers.
Incursions by innocent trespassers and bandits were not uncommon and were no cause for alarm. The innocent were ignored or sent on their way depending on their route. If they were not on a path toward the city, a patrol would simply keep an eye on them to see that they passed through. If they headed toward the city they would be confronted and directed out of Amazon territory.
Rarely did innocent trespassers resist.
Bandits were another matter. The Amazons had no fondness for those who would murder, steal, rape, and take slaves. If they were foolish or unlucky enough to be found in Amazon territory, there was no warning. The Amazons would ambush them and kill as many as possible.
It was common knowledge that bandits were considered fair game in Amazon territory, and bandits seldom risked entering.
The recent incursion alarmed the Amazons. The intruders weren't bandits but soldiers. It had been generations since enemy soldiers had invaded Amazon territory.
After weeks of increased patrols and no sign of the enemy soldiers, the high alert was lifted. It was assumed that the enemy had only been testing the strength of the Amazon defenses. After the decisive Amazon victory, it was hoped that this enemy had learned that the price of intruding on the Amazons was too high.
Anteros was glad to hear that after a full month he would finally get a day off. He hadn't seen Lorissa in all that time. Although he'd had the opportunity to be intimate with all of the other members of his unit, it wasn't nearly as relaxing or pleasurable as spending time in the bed of a woman that wasn't listening for the snap of a twig or looking over her shoulder for a hidden enemy. Although his comrades each took their turn in seeing that he ejaculated once daily, it was rushed and their minds were elsewhere. Anteros knew that Amazon men were expected to ejaculate at least once every day and that failure to do so could actually cause pain. He was feeling some pain despite his daily relief.
When he arrived at the men's barracks he saw that he was not alone in his fatigue. All of the cots were occupied and many were sleeping on the floor. Anteros threw his gear on the floor and was soon sleeping also.
Anteros woke to the sound of a female voice. "Everyone wake up!"
It was Mistress Lien's assistant, Kyra. She was in the men's barracks. That wasn't forbidden, but highly unusual. The women usually didn't intrude on the men's one sanctuary.
"I'm sorry for intruding on your domain, but evening is near and you all have duties to perform. There are women waiting to welcome home their brave soldiers. Please come to me and I will give you the name of your mistress for the night."
The men started to rise and formed a line in front of Kyra. She read each man's assignment from a long list. She looked and smelled delicious in her low cut, shear, white frock. She was wearing jewelry and perfume. The warriors in the field didn't use either. It was nice to see a woman making an effort to look her best again. Anteros started wishing that it was Kyra he would serve tonight.
"Welcome back, Anteros," said Kyra with a bright smile. "Your mistress tonight is Vesta."
"Miss Kyra, I don't know her. Where may I find her?"
Kyra quickly scanned down her list then glanced at a man that already had his assignment.
"Crius, will you kindly direct Anteros to the home of Vesta?"
"With pleasure, Miss," he answered with a respectful nod of his head.
Crius waved his hand to summon Anteros closer and said, "Don't dawdle, Boy. Come with me."
Anteros had to walk quickly to keep up with Crius as he walked out the door.
Anteros estimated that Crius was fifteen to twenty years older than he was. He remained silent and said nothing to the older man. Crius clearly outranked him both social standing and in military rank. If Crius wanted him to speak, he would initiate the conversation.
"I don't mean to seem rude, Anteros, but I must keep my reputation," Crius said with a chuckle.
"What reputation is that, Sir?"
"Of being surly to novice warriors! Surely you don't expect me to treat you as a real warrior?"
Anteros felt he must defend himself and offered, "Sir, I killed several enemies in my first battle."
Crius laughed. "Everyone knows that but you've been in only one battle. You'll be a real warrior when you've survived a score of battles and killed a dozen enemies."
Anteros said nothing. He couldn't compare his exploits to that of a warrior that had been serving for at least 10 years.
Crius didn't really want to demean Anteros. He was simply doing some good natured taunting. He saw that Anteros didn't understand this and decided to change the subject.
"So you are serving Vesta tonight?" Crius asked, knowing full well that he was.
"Yes, Sir."
"You will like her. She is a very nice woman."
"Can you tell me about her, Sir?" Anteros, inquired. He got no answer so he added, "Please?"
"As I said, she is a very nice woman. What else can I say?"
"Anything you can tell me would be appreciated, Sir."
