This story is set against the background of the Persian Wars fought between the Ancient Greeks and Persians which culminated at the sea battle between the Athenian fleet and Persian fleet at Salamis in 480 BC. But our story focuses on the events surrounding the Battle of Thermopylae which occurred earlier in that year. 

Some of the characters in the story are based on real people and most of the places named are real places that existed at that time. The Amazon tribe in the story is fictitious but is partly based on contemporary knowledge of tribes which may have been the basis of the legends surrounding these people from around that time in history. The tribe in the story is located in a region called Phrygia, which is in Anatolia in modern day Turkey. This is still predominantly a rough, hilly and sparsely inhabited region. Also of importance to note is that the Persians in the story are referred to as "Medes", which was what they were known as to the Ancient Greeks. 

Miku and Neru are a part of the Amazon tribe and are portrayed as novice warriors. Unlike the predominant Greek soldiers of that period which were heavily armored infantry known as Hoplites, Miku and Neru are Peltasts. These were lightly armored soldiers who were equipped with a light shield which is similar to those used by the Persians of that period and javelins of which each soldier would have carried several. They are missile troops whose method of fighting was to hurl their missiles at the enemy and keep their distance from their enemies simply by running away. Miku and Neru, however, are dressed in the best tradition of Hollywood portrayals of Amazons. That is to say they wear bikinis and not much else; which actually works quite well as real peltasts did not in general wear armor either.

Deep in the highlands of Phrygia (now known as Anatolia in modern day Turkey), there was once a tribe of warlike normadic horsewomen which were referred to by the scholars of Ancient Greece as Amazons. In the spring of 480 BC, this tribe, much like many of the Greek City States in the region were at the losing end of a rebellion against the powerful army of King Xerxes of the Persian Empire. Our story begins in the yurt (tent) of the War Chief of the Amazons. She is holding council with the remaining leaders of her tribe. They have been discussing what to do about the situation for most of the evening and have not arrived at a consensus as to what they will do next.

War-Chief Luka: Well Sisters, we've been at this for hours now and the moon is already high. Still we argue as to the course of action we should take. At this rate we would be overrun by the Medes and sold into bondage and still be arguing about what to do.
Sub-Chief Haku: I still maintain (hic) that we should head into the hills, disperse into little groups, and find some good liquor to drink (hic) until this whole thing blows over.
Sub-Chief Meiko: Amazons NEVER RUN (hic)! I say we fight them to the last woman like our (hic) "ancestors".  
Sub-Chief Haku: Only problem with that proposition (hic) sister (hic) is personally, I'm not ready to join our "ancestors" (hic). Especially, with the (hic) Summer Wine Festival just around the corner.
Sub-Chief Meiko: COWARD (hic)!
Sub-Chief Haku: Say that again when you're sober and ... (hic).
War-Chief Luka: ENOUGH! This isn't getting us anywhere. By the way, pass me whatever you two are drinking. High Priestess, you've been quiet most of the evening, perhaps you have some input? Divine inspiration perhaps?

The High Priestess, was a much older grandmotherly woman, bent over with age, but still had keen eyes which did not hide her cunning and alertness. But in reality, she was more than a little hard of hearing and needed to hold a cow horn to her ear whenever she wanted to hear what was being said. For most of the meeting though, she seemed to have been nodding off.

War-Chief Luka: (Putting the cow horn to the High Priestess' ears) HELLO ANYBODY HOME?
The High Priestess: (After she picked herself up from the floor). Dearie, you really didn't have to shout, I was listening into the entire conversation ...
War-Chief Luka: Of course ... well do you have a suggestion perhaps?
The High Priestess: Yes, actually I have ...

Luka, Meiko and Haku waited patiently for about 5 mins for the High Priestess to finish her sentence.

War-Chief Luka: ...and?
The High Priestess: That's the problem with you young people, absolutely no patience. Well what I was about to say before I was so rudely interrupted was that ... now what was I saying again? Oh yes! I remember. Remember to bring in the laundry before it rains. Yep that was it ...
War-Chief Luka: It's not raining ...
The High Priestess: It's not? Well, I'll be darned, the bones don't usually lie ... oh, yes I was saying we should send someone to consult the Oracles at Delphi.
Luka, Haku and Meiko: THE ORACLES AT DELPHI!
The High Priestess: What are you three deaf also? Here you can borrow my horn ...
War-Chief Luka: Delphi is several hundred miles away; across from the Aegean Sea and might I point out that the Army of the Medes is also between us and the coast? Besides, who's going to go? Not you for a start ... you'll have issues just getting out of this yurt. Those two can't as they're needed here. For sure I can't and we can't spare warriors to go on this type of expedition during wartime.
The High Priestess: Then let the Gods decide who we should send. They will give us a sign before morning ...

But actually they did not have to wait that long, as all of a sudden there is a loud crash coming from outside the yurt and the sound of excited yelling. Thinking that they were under attack the warrior women grabbed their weapons and rushed outside to see a shield being flung around like a frisbie across the central clearing in the village. 

As the shield flew across their front, it caught the rays of the moon and reflected the light into their eyes momentarily blinding the three warrior women. There's a glint in the High Priestess eye's but this did not come from the light reflected by the shield.

Neru: ARE YOU STUPID OR SOMETHING YOU COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEBODY!
Miku: But that's why I threw the shield and not the javelin ...

Sub-Chief Meiko: AND WHAT ARE YOU TWO IDIOTS DOING AT THIS TIME OF THE NIGHT?

Miku and Neru quickly snap to attention.

Sub-Chief Meiko: WELL?
Miku: It was a rat. MAAM!
Neru: No it was Haku's cat, (baka) ... MAAM!
Miku: ARE YOU SAYING THAT I CAN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CAT AND A RAT?
Neru: THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I'M SAYING YOU STUPID PIECE OF CRAP!
Miku: FYI YOU SMELL LIKE CRAP! And you're not wearing any underwear ...
Neru: FYI YOU ARE CRAP! And I'm wearing the same thing you are ...
Sub-Chief Meiko: Ah Hem ... You two do know that I'm still here right?
Miku and Neru: YES MAAM!

The High Priestess: THERE'S OUR SIGN FROM THE GODS! Those two will go to Delphi ...

Everyone looks at the High Priestess for a moment.

Neru: Delphi? Where is that?
Miku: Great we get to go shopping!
Sub-Chief Meiko: Are you serious? These two idiots will get lost the moment they lose sight of the village!

The High Priestess: The Gods never lie ... don't question the wisdom of the Gods!

War-Chief Luka: Right then, send them. Take care of it Meiko; I'm going to bed.
Sub-Chief Haku: (hic) Me too, now where's that other amphora of wine?

The High Priestess: I could do with a night cap just about now, hmmm where's my cup gone then?

And so they walk off leaving Meiko with the two girls still standing sharply at attention.

Sub-Chief Meiko: You, pick up that shield! Then go back to your yurt and pack for a long trip and meet me in my tent before the end of the hour. You'll need a change of clothes, your toiletry, a blanket and especially your weapons. NOW MOVE OUT!

When they returned to her, Meiko outlines to them their itinerary and makes them repeat it to her several times until she was satisfied that they had memorized it. This was important as they would not have a map. The route decided for them by Meiko was to head west to the coast; emphasizing to them the need to stay clear of Mede patrols and to find passage at one of the port cities on the Aegean coast. They were to sail to Athens and from there to head north towards Delphi.

Once she was satisfied that they would be able to at least make it to the Aegean coast, she then gave them a week's supply of food and most importantly money. This was handed to Neru rather than Miku who was still of the opinion that this was going to be a shopping expedition. Meiko then sent for the High Priestess who then briefed the girls as to what to do when they got to Delphi ...

Miku: OK, so we follow the road north from Athens and head to Delphi, by the way what kind of souvenir do you want us to bring back from Athens?

Sub-Chief Meiko: MIKU!

Miku: Oh don't worry, I'll bring something back for you too!

Neru: Shut up baka and listen!

The High Priestess: The Oracles of Delphi would be someone like me ...

Miku: An old bat?

Neru: (kicks Miku hard in the shin)

The High Priestess: You must present them with a suitable offering.

Sub-Chief Meiko: That's the money in the sewned up leather pouch that I gave you earlier. DON'T MIX IT UP WITH YOUR OTHER FUNDS!!!

The High Priestess: Then ask the Oracles for their Divination. Make sure to have one of the temple scribes record what she says. Bring the Divination scroll back here.

Sub-Chief Meiko: And make sure you come straight back here, don't you two be larking on some beach on the Aegean coast DO YOU HEAR ME! Oh, and the other thing that I told you to memorize - repeat that back to me.

Miku and Neru:  DO NOT CONSORT WITH MEN, MEN ARE BAD, MEN LEAD TO BABIES! KILL ANY MAN THAT LAYS A HAND ON ME!

Sub-Chief Meiko: Perfect. Ok, the sun's rising. Get going before it gets really hot. Try to come back before winter and remember we will be at our late summer pastoral camp at that time of the year.

So our two heroines embark on their epic journey. The whole tribe comes out to see them off. There are some teary farewells. 

Sub-Chief Haku: Think we'll ever see them again?

Sub-Chief Meiko: Probably, no one in their right mind will want to marry them. They're too lazy to be of any worth as slaves and too stupid for anything else ...

Sub-Chief Haku: You weren't crying were you? Your eyes are all red.

Sub-Chief Meiko: Nope. Unlike you, I didn't get any sleep last night.

Nevertheless, Meiko did sneak out of the village and caught up with the girls. As she had figured, the two of them had camped out under a tree out of sight from the village and had promptly fallen asleep. The girls then had to proceed on their journey with large red hand prints on their behinds. They did not stop again after that incident until after night fall.

The girls' journey to the Aegean coast was essentially uneventful. They did need to bypass some small Mede patrols, but given their nimbleness, that was not hard for them to do. They did, however, spot the tail end of Xerxes 200,000 strong army marching northwards for the Hellespont and Greece. A sight that they noted with some interest and excitement. After which, other than Miku talking about it incessantly to the utter annoyance of Neru they made it safely into a city called Pergamon. There they were able to secure without too much trouble, passage to Greece on a trading vessel laden with goods heading for the Grecian mainland. It wasn't a direct trip, as the vessel made numerous calls at island ports in the Aegean on its way. So it took over a month to get there. However, it was not an unpleasant trip as both girls were able to see many sights along the way that they would otherwise not have been able to see. And much to the delight of the crew, they enjoyed "skinny dipping" in their birthday suits, as being Amazons they were not shy about their bodies. However, any attempt at a physical approach usually ended with a rebuke that was executed with almost deadly force and the chant: "DO NOT CONSORT WITH MEN, MEN ARE BAD, MEN LEAD TO BABIES! KILL ANY MAN THAT LAYS A HAND ON ME!" 

Additionally, as it turned out, Miku never did quite find her sea legs ...

Miku: Are we there yet?

Neru: Yeah, I think so, the first mate said that Athens is just up ahead.

Miku: Oh good!

Neru: You don't look too well ... (and adds evilly) ... would you like a leek?

Miku: *barf*

Athens, however, to the severe disappointment of Miku was almost deserted due to the citizen's acceptance of the Themistocles Decree. There were a few Athenian soldiers left in the city to protect the city from looters, but other than those the city was essentially deserted. However, they were able to pick up a few supplies as well as directions for Delphi. So, despite Miku's protestations about looking for a souvenir shop, Neru dragged her by the hair to the city limits and they then headed northwards towards their destination.

The route they took was a major thoroughfare. At this time it was being used by troops heading northwards to fend off the on coming Medes and others heading south seeking refuge from the same. Before long, the two girls found themselves marching alongside a contingent of Spartans on their way to join up with their king, Leonidas. One of these, the leader of the contingent was a young Spartan named Diogenes. He was from a noble family, handsome and well educated. He was quick to notice that the two strange soldiers trailing behind them were actually female.

Diogenes: Hello! Where are you two ladies headed for on this fine summer day?

Miku and Neru: DO NOT CONSORT WITH MEN, MEN ARE BAD, MEN LEAD TO BABIES! KILL ANY MAN THAT LAYS A HAND ON ME!

An older Spartan soldier: (Laughing) Stay away from those two laddie, they'll kill you for sure if you lay a hand on them. They be Amazons judging from their accent and gear.

Diogenes: (Unperturbed by the old soldier's warning he approaches them) Come, come, I mean no harm.

Miku and Neru: DO NOT CONSORT WITH MEN, MEN ARE BAD, MEN LEAD TO BABIES! KILL ANY MAN THAT LAYS A HAND ON ME!

Miku and Neru raises their shields and lowers their javelins in a manner that cannot be mistaken for anything other than a willingness to do combat. Diogenes and the other Spartans are clearly impressed by this display of aggression. This was something that they could totally relate to. They cheer the two girls heartily. Salutes them by banging their spears on their shields and turn away to continue their march. The two girls follow them at a safe distance, watched over carefully by Diogenes. Otherwise the two groups have no further interaction till nightfall.

Looking at their store of essentially dry tack which comprised the bulk of their food supply, the prospect of roast meat was an irresistible temptation.

Old Soldier: Come along then, and bring your gear with you. There are wolves in these parts, it would be safer for you to camp with us as there's safety in numbers, besides which our campfires would be a deterrent and would keep you two warm, especially given the way you're dressed. This isn't Phrygia, it gets cold in the highlands of Greece at night. Don't worry, I personally guarantee that no man will lay a hand on either of you.

Cautiously, the two girls acquiesce and gather their scant belongings to follow the old man into the Spartan camp.

Old Soldier:  By the way, my name is Abraxas. And if I might ask, what be yours?

Miku and Neru tells him as he directs them to a vacant spot near one of the lit campfires. The other Spartans keep a respectful distance. Soon one of them passes a dish with a generous portion of meat and bread which the two girls fall upon as if they had not eaten in days. When they had finished eating, Diogenes approached them, stopping immediately the moment the girls reached for their weapons.

Diogenes: Hehe, you two really are Amazons aren't you? No worries, I mean no harm. I just wanted you to come over by the main fire and share in some songs and stories with us. We are after all, "comrades in arms".

Miku and Neru look at each other for a moment then decided that perhaps it might be fun to have others for company as otherwise they would have only each other to talk to which usually meant the two of them arguing until they fell asleep from exhaustion. So they spent the next hours laughing and joking with the Spartans and much to the Spartans delight, they even sung and danced for them. However, whenever anyone approached them too closely, they were immediately met with the phrase: DO NOT CONSORT WITH MEN, MEN ARE BAD, MEN LEAD TO BABIES! KILL ANY MAN THAT LAYS A HAND ON ME!

The Spartans thought it funny. They were not particularly put off by it, but they did respect the meaning and kept a respectful distance.

Diogenes: So, are you two part of a contingent sent by your Queen in answer to the call to arms of the Hellenic League?

He was met with a dumbfounded look. 

So he took pains to inform them that the Southern Greek states had formed an alliance to stop the Mede invasion, and that he and his contingent of 50 Spartans were on their way to join their king, Leonidas and other troops gathering at the Pass of Thermopylae where they intended to stop the Mede's incursion into the heartlands of Greece. The girls for their part informed him of their own mission to consult with the Oracles of Delphi on behalf of their tribe. As it turned out, the Spartans would be travelling along the same route for most of the way as Delphi was just to the south of Thermopylae. So Diogenes invited them to travel with them for at least until they reached the vicinity of Delphi. The girls after some discussion between themselves agreed. They were then allocated a place to sleep within the Spartan camp which was in the center of their encampment and Diogenes issued a standing order to his men and their retainers to keep a respectful distance from the girls.

Traveling with the Spartans actually slowed the girls progress, because unlike their portrayal in the movies, real Spartans were heavily armored. This, however, gave the girls ample opportunity to show their skills as unencumbered by heavy gear and armed with missile weapons (of particular note the sling with which both were extremely proficient) they were able to add to the evening feast with small game that they were able to kill whilst waiting for the Spartans to catch up with them. They soon earned the respects of the Spartans who adopted them almost like mascots.

However, all good things do end and when at last they reached Delphi, it was not without some sadness that the Spartans took their leave of the girls. So with a heavy heart, the two girls headed into the great temple complex of Delphi. On the other hand, they were happy that they were able to make it to their destination otherwise unscathed. They wasted no time in accomplishing their mission and headed straight to the building housing the Oracles. They were quite surprised by the Oracles themselves as rather than the old crones that they had expected, the Oracle Priestesses were for the most part, extremely beautiful young women.

Following the directions given to them months earlier by their High Priestess, they sought a divination which was duly recorded for them by one of the temple scribes. Delphic divination were often vague and theirs was no different. It read as follows:

Safe shall the wooden wall continue for thee and thy children.
Wait not the tramp of the horse, nor the footmen mightily moving over the land,
But turn your back and retire ye.

Miku: Well what's that suppose to mean?
Neru: Like I would know right?
Miku: So what do we do now? Head back? Like that's a long way to go and just so you know my feet are killing me.
Neru: We've got another problem.
Miku: What?
Neru: Meiko didn't give us enough money to buy our passage to go home.
Miku: Oh that's just great. You know, there's an entire Mede army between us and home if we have to take the land route.
Neru: Well may be if we fight with the Spartans and the other Greeks, and they beat them like they did in Marathon, we could then safely walk home?
Miku: You and I have never been in a battle you know. What if we get killed?
Neru: Well, if the Gods got us here safely so far, may be they'll get us back safely too?
Miku: May be we should ask one of the Oracles for advice?
Neru: May be not as we're almost broke and the Oracles don't do free divinations.
Miku: Talking about which, how much food do we have left?
Neru: Not much.
Miku: Well that's decided the issue then, let's go with the Spartans, at least they eat well!
Neru: Yeah, true. Plus they're only a day's march ahead of us and given how slow they move we can catch up with them in no time.

And so, without further debate, the girls gathered up their meager belongings and headed north out of Delphi to catch up with the Spartan contingent that was on their way to Thermopylae. When they caught up with them the following day, the Spartans greeted them with rapturous cheers.

Abraxas: I don't care what you two will do to me, but I'm going to give you both a big hug.

Miku and Neru: DO NOT CONSORT WITH MEN, MEN ARE BAD, MEN LEAD TO BABIES! KILL ANY MAN THAT LAYS A HAND ON ME!

Regardless, he hugged them both tightly despite their protestations, but just as promptly put them both down again with a big grin.

Abraxas: Aye, ye be our mascots. You'll bring us glory for sure.

Diogenes: So what made you two change your minds and follow us?

Miku and Neru: The food ...

Neru: And besides, the Medes are between us and home and the only way home is to help you beat their sorry asses.

Miku: And we can fight too you know, these weapons we're carrying aren't just for looks you know!

Abraxas: Aye, that's the spirit! Glad to have ye both aboard! Well don't just stand there, there's goat for supper, come get your share.

Several days later, they arrive at Thermopylae. A tall regal Spartan stood waiting for them. Given the reverence that their companions gave to this man, the girls knew that this could only be King Leonidas.

Leonidas: Well met Diogenes, trust you have had a safe trip?

Diogenes: Indeed my Lord. How goes it?

Leonidas: All things considered, not too bad. I would have preferred to give battle further to the south, but if I do that, Thessaly would go over to the Medes. Still this is good ground. Their numbers will avail them naught in the confines of this pass. We do have a weakness. There is a goat path that comes around the heights that leads behind us, but I've posted a thousand men there to hold the summit. That should prevent any nasty surprises.

So, how many were you able to bring with you?

Diogenes: Alas, only 50, but we did have two new recruits. Amazons would you believe?

Leonidas: (laughing) 50 Spartans and (looking over at the two girls) two teenage girls. Well we have in total 4000 here less the ones up at the summit. Whether that's enough or not tomorrow will tell. Look yonder, that'll be Xerxes' Medes. All 200,000 of them.

Diogenes: Only? Hardly enough as an appetizer! I do declare Xerxes does disappoint me.

Leonidas: (laughing) Still plenty to go around. Get your men rested. We will have a long day tomorrow. Xerxes means to do battle here and we must stop him here or die trying. Off with you then, see to your men and come see me for supper. We have some excellent Arcadian wine from one of our allies.

And so Diogenes take leave of the king and issues orders to Abraxas. The men settle down to rest from their march as retainers help them out of their armor and prepare the evening meal.

Abraxas: You two, for the next few days, stay close to me. Tomorrow, there will be a battle here and I know it'll do me no good to order you to stay away from the fighting, so instead, you'll be with me as my shield maidens and stay close by my side. We'll make it through this, don't ye worry lassies. Make sure you eat well and sleep well. Keep your weapons close.

And if you're scared (he says quietly), that's OK, because I'm scared too. Just don't show it.

He winks at them and points out a spot for them to camp. He then turned away to see to the rest of the contingent. Everyone begins to settle in uneasily. The mood is definite tense but many try to make light of it. But not the veterans. Most of those were sharpening their weapons and checking their equipment quietly; each lost in their own thoughts.

Miku: You awake?

Neru: Yeah, I can't really sleep.

Miku: Are you scared?

Neru: Yeah, you too I suppose?

Miku: Do you think we'll die here?

Neru: Don't talk about such things, it's bad luck. Don't go provoking Fate, baka.

Miku: If I die ... just want to let you know I love you ... just got to say these things whilst you still have a chance you know.

Neru: Yeah, I love you too. Now shut up and go back to sleep.

Abraxas: Get that line in order, sheesh, you're SPARTANS not a bunch of Athenians. You two, yes you (pointing at Miku and Neru) get behind the main line. You'll not last five seconds in the front. NOW EVERYONE MOVE IT! LEFT FOOT FORWARD, LOCK SHIELDS! SPEARS DOWN. STAY IN FORMATION.

Inspite of Abraxas' instructions, Miku and Neru shoulders their shield with their baldrics and head out some distance in front of the Spartans. Abraxas sees them but says nothing. He's seen how Amazons fight and these two, although rookies, definitely seemed to know what to do. The Spartan shield wall is silent except for the breathing of men. All eyes were on the approaching mass of Medes which literally numbered in their thousands. 

Soon enough, the front ranks of the Medes were within range of Miku and Neru's slings. They look briefly at each other and then let fly their deadly missiles. Without looking at the results, they retreated slightly and fired another salvo. The Medes archers were now within bow ranged and let loose. Rather than aiming at the girls they were concentrating their fire on the Spartans behind them. The less numerous Greek archers responded as best they could, with the girls out at the front still firing their pellets. They aimed now at the Mede archers with deadly accuracy.

The mass of the Mede infantry was now within charge range and with a loud cheer they surged forward towards the Spartans. Miku and Neru, hoofed it to the flank of the Spartans and towards the cliff walls and then around them back to safety behind the front ranks. The Medes, threw themselves against the Spartans like a flood. The Spartans were not even fazed. Calmly, and with only the exhortation of their commanders they steadfastly held their line, killing all those within reach of their spears. 

Miku and Neru kept themselves busy by helping to pull back the wounded from the front-lines and getting them a safe distance away. With all the shoving and heaving, fallen men were just as likely to be trampled by those on their own side. They also had to help pull back the dead to make way for others to fill their place. So by the end of the morning, they were covered in blood. None of it their own.

And so the events of the morning were repeated time and again throughout the rest of the day, until darkness fell and it was too dark for either side to continue fighting. Thousands had died or were wounded. There was almost total silence at this point, men were too tired to do anything else. The only sound was the moans of the dying and wounded. Eventually, orders were given to extract the wounded still lying on the field and to "dispatch" those for whom it was obvious there was no helping. 

Abraxas came up to the two girls, hugged them without saying anything then pointed them to the rear to get some food and rest. However, before they headed to the rear he says something quietly to them.

Abraxas: Now I know you two killed some of the Medes today. I suggest you don't talk about it. Now run along to the camp; get some food and sleep. Have one of the retainers bring up some food for me. I'll be standing guard here tonight.

It wasn't Abraxas' retainers who bought him his food but the girls. They stayed by his side for the rest of the night.

The next day was a repeat of the first as Xerxes threw more men into the narrow ravine of Thermopylae. All he succeeded in doing was kill off a lot of his men. The stubborn Spartans and their allies refused to be ejected from their positions in the pass. But, towards evening, Xerxes' fortune would change. A Greek defector hoping for a sizable reward, offered to show Xerxes a secret path around the Spartan's position. Soon after a Mede force was sent up towards the summit. After a brief skirmish the men who were supposed to block the path were brushed aside. A flood of Medes then followed and by morning they would be in a position to attack the Spartans and their allies from both their front and rear.

Leonidas was made aware of this by his scouts. He then made the only decision that could be made in order to save the bulk of the Greek army. He ordered his allies to make haste and retreat to the south whilst he himself and his 300 Spartans would hold the pass for as long as they could so that they would have time to get away. The allied commanders all knew exactly what that meant, and quietly said their farewells to Leonidas before heading back to their contingents to order their men to begin the retreat. 

Leonidas gathered the Spartans, explained to them what it was he wanted each of them to do and then defiantly told them: "Spartans! Tonight we will dine in Hades".

That withstanding, he then ordered the Spartan retainers to depart with their allies.

Abraxas: And that means you two also, so scram!

Miku and Neru: We're not leaving!

Abraxas: This ain't fun and games anymore. Those who stay here will never leave here.

Miku: Yeah, but our way home is that way (pointing at the Medes).

Abraxas: You'll ... (he pauses) ... well then spend a few moments to prepare yourselves to meet with (the Goddess) Diana. The Medes will be upon us soon and it will not stop till we are all dead or they are. And when the fighting starts, stay close to me.

And so it began.

Assaulted from both sides the Spartans were slowly being overwhelmed. Still they held stubbornly to what grounds they still held, making sure that for each inch of ground lost, the price would be in Mede blood. Eventually, Leonidas was struck by an arrow and felled. The few Spartans remaining with him knew that the end was upon them but still they fought on till none remained standing. The Medes spared none, dispatching even the wounded.

So what happened to our heroines?

Abraxas and the girls were pushed with the few survivors towards the steep sides of the pass. It was getting dark. The Medes were closing in all sides on the small band with murder in their eyes. Then as one they rushed at the remaining Spartans and the girls. Abraxas all of sudden turns towards the girls and shoves them, and not gently, onto the ground into a small depression between the floor of the pass and the sides. He then threw his wooden shield on top of them, and unlike the small shields that the girls have, the full sized Spartan hoplite shield was large enough to cover both girls. He then threw himself on top of the shield as the Medes mercilessly cut him down. He died without saying another word; his blood pouring out over the rim of the shield and drenching the two terrified girls under it. They were too terrified to even breathe.

There they stayed despite the discomfort until well after dark. There were looters around stripping the corpses of valuables. Peeping up cautiously, they carefully scouted out their immediate surroundings. All around them was the stench of death, the pitiful moans of wounded Medes and the rustling noises made by the looters. They cautiously crawled out from the depression and pressed themselves against the sides of the cliff hoping that they would not be noticed. They knew that if they were caught now, it wouldn't only be dying that they would need to worry about. Yet they looked at each other and silently reached a consensus. They reached down and with some effort started to pull Abraxas' body, which was still on the shield, away from the battlefield. No one paid them any attention as this type of scene was being repeated everywhere as survivors pulled their fallen comrades away from the field of carnage for burial. Miku, Neru and Abraxas' corpse easily disappeared into the night. Before long, they came across a horse which was standing over it's fallen rider. This animal they claimed and with some effort they hauled Abraxas body over the saddle along with his shield. 

They headed south on their journey to Sparta, only stopping briefly by a town to have the body of Abraxas' embalmed. They also had to take a longer route as they needed to stay away from the Mede army which was now also heading south in force towards Athens. The Medes would arrive in Athens to find it deserted but they still burnt it to the ground.

By the time they reached Sparta the leaves had begun to turn yellow. Still leading their requisitioned horse which carried Abraxas' body and shield, they asked around for directions to his home. Eventually they arrived at Abraxas' home. A Spartan woman in her middle years came out to greet them. She recognized instantly her husbands shield, but other than a small gasp she betrayed no other emotions. Instead she turned to her slaves and ordered them to recover Abraxas' body. When she turned around she found the two Amazon girls bawling their eyes out. It was the first time they had done so since Abraxas was killed.

Abraxas' Wife: Why are you two crying?

Miku: Because you can't ...

References: 

The Origins of War - Arthur Ferrill - ISBN 0-500-27427-4

Wikipedia: Battle of Thermopylae - [link]

Miku & Neru - Animasa swimsuit Diva edits modified by me originally for the Cave Girl stories
Shields and spears created by me in SketchUp 8

Shield graphic from [link]
Grass - BeamMan
MME - adult shader / diffusion 7
Backdrop - wallpaper from [link]
Pose / Lighting / Camera by me
Rendered in MMD 7.39
Post Effects Photoshop 7