This was the gorgeous spectacle that greeted our adventurers as they were led by Pylea and her young warriors through the staring crowd of Karnadamains.
They paused at the bottom of the steps to make their best bow, yet they did not attempt to kneel as the amazons were doing.
The queen looked them over leisurely for a full minute, then she slowly extended her arm and lowered her sceptre towards them; as she raised it again, Pylea and her followers stood up.
“You are welcome, strangers, to our court,” she said, in that clear, penetrating voice, so distinct yet so coldly smooth. “Approach, young chief,” she added, pointing to Ned, who slowly went up the steps until he was a few feet from the lions and leopards; then he prudently paused.
“We have not beheld a man like you before. You are young and strong and, we hear, can fight. We are pleased with you.”
Ned bowed and blushed deeply.
“You have a request to make to us. Reveal it without delay.”
Ned cleared his throat, and, in the most flowing terms at his command, said that, having seen her greatness and been blinded by her glory and majesty, he was more than satisfied, and would fain take his departure, with his followers.
Her majesty frowned as she listened to this request, and when it was finished, she said in the some even tones—
“That may be, stranger. But many of my warriors require husbands, as they will be widows presently.”