Under the full moon, the valley lay bathed in light as Hippolyta listened to the handsome man's proposal. Her eyes shimmered with intrigue, her astonishment plain to see. Even Heracles, usually silent and stoic beside her, showed a rare flicker of emotion.
Samael's proposal was simple and easy to understand.
In short, during the [Day of Life], the Amazons could ease their restrictions and invite men from the Greek World to visit them, pairing with suitable women of their tribe.
If the Amazons wished to ensure the quality of these men, they could set up trials—testing strength, intellect, and lineage—as obstacles to entry. That way, only the finest candidates would make it through.
For someone of high status, like the Amazon Queen, who naturally drew many suitors, the selection could continue even after initial trials. The Greek heroes who passed could compete in an arena, fighting for the right to be chosen by the Queen herself.
Any daughters born from these unions would remain in the Amazon tribe to strengthen their numbers. As for sons, there was no need for needless slaughter; they could simply be sent to their fathers to be raised.
This way, the Amazons would no longer have to raid for men, avoiding further hostility with the Greek city-states, and could instead forge new alliances through such unions.
"But men—will they really come to fight like beasts for women, especially under such harsh conditions?"
Though Hippolyta was shaken by Samael's daring and unconventional thinking, she still doubted whether it would work in practice.
Samael shot her a look of impatience.
"For thousands of years, from beasts to men, from men to gods, reproduction has always been the highest priority. Males fighting each other for mates has long been the natural order.
Come willingly? Hah. If the Amazons promote it properly, you should be more worried about whether your territory is large enough."
The Ancient Serpent paused briefly before continuing.
"As for harsh conditions—humans rarely value what they can get too easily. Give it prestige, make it seem unattainable, and those heroes will flock to you, desperate for the honor of entering Amazon territory and competing to become chosen seed. If you doubt me, ask Heracles."
The massive man beside him, sharp beneath his quiet exterior, nodded before Hippolyta could respond.
"Theseus is right. Conquering an Amazon woman is a dangerous dream shared by every Greek hero. Though this form of conquest is… different, even I can't deny its appeal. I'd wager most Greek heroes would feel the same."
Samael was unsurprised.
Bloodshed and lust had always been the twin fires that stirred a man's instincts—and the means through which they proved their strength and dominance.
To fight and triumph over other men, to subdue a beautiful and dangerous woman, and to revel in the glory—such temptation was irresistible, especially to heroes born restless.
It really did sound possible.
The more Hippolyta thought about it, the more absorbed she became. She pulled several sheets of parchment from somewhere and began pressing Samael for more details, eager to clarify her doubts and refine the plan.
"What if Themiskyra's defenses are figured out by those outsider men?"
"Simple. Move the [Day of Life] to a fixed island. There are plenty of such deserted isles in Oceanus. Transport eligible Themiskyra warriors there by ship. Greek men arrive on set dates to challenge them. Besides, those without skill or luck usually become sea-monster fodder on the way."
"Luck?"
"Never heard of it? Luck is a form of strength."
"Oh. But what if there are too many male infants? Sending them one by one would be a hassle."
"Once they're born—after nine or ten months—send them to the designated island and hand them over to their fathers. If you want girls, figure out some effective potions. Why are you asking me this?"
Samael rolled his eyes at Hippolyta, who looked like a curious student and was scribbling notes in a small book as she asked questions.
"And what if too few women conceive during the Day of Life?"
"How long does your Day of Life last?"
"Three days?"
"Too short. Extend it to about ten days. For women who go to the island to wait for breeding, pick those around fourteen to sixteen days before their next period. Their chance of conception is highest in that ten-day window."
"Period?"
"The monthly cramps and the regular bleeding from the birth canal."
Seeing the queen's blank expression, Samael realized he had been too optimistic. To actually implement this and raise the Amazon population they'd first need courses on sustainability and menstrual hygiene.
"All right. That's enough for now. I have urgent matters and must be on my way."
...
Before the woman with the tuft of hair could press further, Ancient Serpent cut her off. Hippolyta, eyes still lingering on the newly opened world, reluctantly withdrew her gaze. Samael then spoke up.
"Your Majesty, I've shown enough goodwill. So as agreed, after you release your sisters, keep your promise and free those captured men."
Ancient Serpent paused, then shifted tone.
"Of course, change won't happen overnight. If those stock want to bind with you, that's your business. Still, use them sparingly. Don't ruin them. A bad reputation could sink this island-breeding plan."
Hippolyta drew the great sword embedded in the rock. Seeing no one would stop her, the queen bowed slightly, placed her right fist to her chest, and offered a solemn salute to Samael, their leader.
"You are a magnanimous opponent and a great sage. Thank you for your instruction."
"Nonsense. I'm a follower of Athena. Solving problems with your head is a required course."
Samael's tone was blunt. He openly invoked their old rival who had embarrassed their war-god father, Ares, on several occasions.
"No wonder..." Hippolyta mused. She straightened, her gaze on Samael sharpening with aggression.
"If I had the chance, I'd drag you back to Themiskyra and make you help my tribe prosper."
"Then prepare to make Athens—and all of Greece—your enemy!" Samael shot back without mercy.
He was rushing to Arcadia. He had no patience for talk of destiny or for anything that smelled like more than friendship.
...