Untangling Aella

Chapter Ten

My new assignment wasn’t just a pain in my backside. It was absolutely brutal. Like cross-fit meshed with MMA whilst both being on anabolic steroids.

As I underwent my training on the athletics field outside our quarters, I looked at Phoebe, Valasca and Doris with longing. They were preparing for their events for the upcoming tournament. They would look at me making an absolute fool of myself and giggle to each other. When I sent them my fiercest scowl they all shut up. I mouth “Traitors” to them which immediately sends them back into a fit of giggles. Giving in, I reach out to them dramatically.

“Save me!” I pleaded with them from across the field.

Which only earns me the attending of the Android.

“Pay attention!” she yelled as she turned around sharply and began scolded me quite harshly.

I rolled my eyes and looked away like a recalcitrant.

To be honest, her lips were moving but all I could hear was “Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah!!!!”

Give me a break! Literally, a break. I was hella tired.

After I was informed of my mission by Hippolyte, I was given a rigorous regime of stealth exercises, fitness and education on Spartan history, customs and elocution. Talk about a Tiger Mom.

As much as I loved the history about Sparta or Sparti, I was being driven insane with this incredible work load. Droda’s biggest piece of advice – Amazonians had never met a near formible opponent like Spartan women. Like me, they were strong, tall, toned and statuesque. I would fit right in as one of their two Queens’ handmaidens.

“Now,” she said as she began pacing, “I want you to keep up your nightly training. Move around Themiscyra and get a lay of the land. Look for opening, try them out but refrain from being caught. Above all else, NEVER get caught.”

Taking on board Android’s statement to practice being incognito, of which I had done quite well of late. Best lesson I learnt? When in Rome, or in Themiscyra, do as the local do. I had my raven black hair swept back in a sleek and elegant ponytail. I wore my formal all white pants and shirt. Adding a bitchy, self-righteous scowls and I blended right in. Her recon tasks began small but now I was after a bigger prize – the silver tuna (because I so loved Home Alone).

A part of me was relishing snooping into Hippolyte’s possessions, one part curiosity and 2 parts part revenge if I were to ration out my reasons although any excuse would do. At least being undercover gave me a plausible excuse as to why I would be in her quarters.

I made my way up to her office. I had been brought in to be scolded a few times now to know that she was housed there. A few fishing questions to the other Amazons was enough for them to tell me bit by bit about her wing and how to access it. Hey, I was only doing my job, right?

Even though I had visited this building numerous times, it’s Parthenon like structure kept me in awe. Its beautiful clean lines and pure white outer structure mocking the fierce, heated and ruthless rhetoric that took place within its walls.

Walking around the structure I scope out open windows and I quietly entered through the front door. I wanted to see whether or not going through this door would draw much attention – good insight really. Surprisingly, no activity. I closed the door softly and proceeded towards the stairs. Only danger being that her office faced out onto the stairs. Her office door was opened and she was busy talking on the phone.

I snuck past Hippolyte as her back was turned.

I made my way quietly up the stairs, careful to tread lightly. Luckily my shoes cushioned sound and movement. Walking up towards the second flight, I heard two Amazons and hid behind a wall until they passed. Safely up the second level, the floor was empty, not an Amazon in sight.