The Survivor (Eve Duncan #30)

“Which was very unconventional. The Romans didn’t like them. The Greeks particularly wouldn’t have approved. They liked both their men and women to dress in layers. Also, the men didn’t wear undergarments and if women rode horses, they would expose themselves. Another excellent reason for them to invent the use of trousers. Not only that but the barbarian women and men wore the same garb. They also fought and worked at the same tasks. In the Greeks’ eyes that meant they were attempting equality. Heaven forbid that would ever come to pass.” She shrugged. “But the artists found the way the Amazon women dressed to be exciting. They found everything about them exciting. The way they moved, the way they interacted with their horses and other animals. Look at that vase with the warrior with the eagle on her shoulder. It’s no wonder the Romans found Silvana so interesting.”

“You said that the Greeks didn’t like their weapons, either?”

“They found them unusual, but they became accustomed to them. The Greeks said the Amazons were the first to use iron weapons.” She pointed out a battle-ax, then went down the line to indicate a bow, a quiver full of arrows, knives, spears. “They preferred light weapons whenever possible. Even their armor was as light as they could make it while still maintaining strength. It was simpler since they used horses whenever they could as part of their weaponry. The Amazon women were magnificent horsewomen, and they took wonderful care of all their animals. By the time an Amazon reached the age of four, she was responsible for the care of her own pony or horse and also helped with the care of the herds. If the child appeared to have a special medical or training talent, she was given extra rations and respect from the elders. If she showed a remarkable empathy with the animals, she was considered exceptional.” She led Riley down another aisle. “Here’s the chest armor used by the gladiators in the arenas, together with the leg braces. You’ll see they’ve never been used. I heard that Silvana never looked at them again after she had them put in these special cases.”

“She was fortunate she never had to,” Riley said.

“No one could call her fortunate. But she survived those arenas. And she lived through a very bad time.” She paused. “And she gave all these island people a chance to have a better life. I admire her for that.”

“So do I,” Riley said. “These villagers on the island are hardworking and extremely well educated. Thanks for showing me a little of what Silvana went through out on those steppes.”

“It was probably one of the best times of her life. I wouldn’t mind living on the back of a horse riding through the wilderness with my sisters.” She grinned and turned away. “But maybe that’s another lifetime. Now we’d better go have lunch with Bailey, so Tashi won’t yell at us.”

“You’re back!” Bailey ran to meet them at the door when Maya and Riley walked into the suite fifteen minutes later. Her face was flushed with pleasure as she reached out to hold Riley’s hand. “We’ve just finished making the stew and while it cooks, Tashi said I could do a sketch of you, if you don’t mind?” She turned to Maya. “Would it be okay? I don’t think they’re going to stay long. I’d like to have something to remember them by.”

“It’s entirely up to Riley,” Maya said. “It would make Bailey happy if you wouldn’t mind sparing ten minutes or so. She’s very quick.”

Riley shrugged. “If you like. It really doesn’t matter.”

“Sit down. I’ll get you a cup of coffee.” Maya disappeared into the kitchen.

Riley smiled at Bailey. “Though I don’t know why you think we won’t be staying long. Your mother just showed me some wonderful Greek vases with beautiful ladies riding fantastic horses. This entire place is very interesting.” She was looking around the apartment, which was charmingly decorated in a colorful Asian/modern fusion. She gestured to some sketches on the wall. “Did you do all these? They’re very good. I’d be happy to join them.” She watched Bailey take out her sketchbook, sit down on the floor with legs crossed, and begin to sketch. “But I’m sorry that I don’t have a horse to ride like that lady on the vase.”

“That doesn’t matter,” she said absently. “I can draw a horse anytime. All I have to do is go down to the stable. But people are almost always different and special once you see inside them. I don’t think Mama would have brought you if you weren’t special.” She was drawing swiftly. “I think maybe you’re like Mr. Cade who knows how to fix things.”

“Where did you get that idea?” Riley asked. “Cade and I are very different.”

“You can’t fix things?”

She thought about it. “Well, I’ve been trained to heal sick people. I guess you could say that’s a form of fixing things.”

“Sure it is.” Bailey looked up with a brilliant smile. “Fixing is fixing. I knew Mama wouldn’t bring you unless you could help.”

“Stop chattering and finish your sketch, Bailey.” Maya was back with a cup of coffee. “You and Tashi promised to feed us lunch.” She handed the cup and saucer to Riley. “Sorry to waste your time. I guess you’ve discovered Bailey can be very driven when it comes to any idea she gets into her head.”

“She doesn’t mind,” Bailey said. “Did you know she heals people sometimes?”

“Yes, I’ve seen her do it very recently,” Maya said. “But she’s not here to do that. We have other, more important things that need doing. Have you finished the sketch?”

“Yes.” Bailey got to her feet. “Thank you for allowing me to sketch you, Riley. If it’s all right with you, I will hang it on the wall. Anytime you come back you’ll see it and know I’ve been thinking about you.”

“What a lovely thought,” Riley said. “And I hope we can come back to see you many, many times.”

“Me, too.” Bailey smiled and turned to leave. “Now I’ll go help Tashi. Thank you again for my sketch, Riley.” She ran out of the room.

Riley frowned. “You didn’t have to be stern with her, Maya. She wasn’t being pushy.”

“No, she was just being Bailey, and that means appealing and persuasive and thoroughly adorable. It also means she could charm the birds from their perches. It’s hard to say no to her.”

“She didn’t ask me for anything but the sketch.”

“Yet.” She made a dismissive gesture. “And I’m not saying she’ll demand anything else. It’s only that when she sees something wrong that has to be fixed, she works until it’s done. I just know how difficult it is to say no to her.”

“I can see that. Who would want to?” Riley frowned. “Why are you making such a big thing about this?”

“Because that absolutely sweet child who could break your heart is also the most stubborn individual on the planet. When she focuses, she never loses control, and once her decision is made, it never wavers. Your only way out is to distract her.”

Riley gazed at her in disbelief. “You’re joking.”