Saqira Ijja, an Amazon exile in disguise.

“Bitch.” You mutter under your breath in defiance at the Amazon queen who disappears into the shadows followed by the sound of a heavy door closing.

Looking over at the priestess who remains still, you prepare yourself to be tortured, hoping the fates will miraculously grant you some way of escape. Surprisingly, she doesn't move towards you, but instead goes to the direction of where the sound of the door came from. Moving more like a hunter than a priest she swiftly, silently and cautiously looks around, making sure the queen has really left. Once done with her reconnaissance, she turns and swift moves towards you, as if time is of the essence.

“In Pluto's name what is going on?” You demand.

The mysterious hooded figure places her finger on your mouth to silence you. “Quiet Roman.” She orders and leans over whispering in a foreign accent, “If you wish to gain your freedom you will keep your voice down.”

Remaining silent for now, you wonder if this is some Amazonian trick or not. She pulls down her hood, opens up the robe and stripping it off places it underneath the table.

“By Venus.” You sarcastically mutter looking her over, astonished that she is even more beautiful than the queen. “Is every woman in this place descended from Helen of Troy?”

“We don't have time for games.” The gorgeous woman curtly retorts as she begins to search the edge of the heavy table you are bound too. “Where is the release latch?” She mutters to herself.

Confused, but pleased you might be freed, you can't help but closely examine her figure. Her build is every similar to that of the Queen; tall, exceedingly beautiful, with long dark hair and a stunning athletic yet curvy and well proportioned figure. This Amazon, however, is younger, maybe in her mid twenties, and unlike Marpesia's olive Greek skin, her complexion is dark, a creamy golden brown, similar to a fair skinned Nubian. Her accent, hazel eyes and gracefully sharp facial features with high cheek bones, is not fully Nubian, however, and you guess she maybe partially Berber or Egyptian in heritage.

She wears a simple brown, above the knee skirt, wrapped around her waste which is secured by wide leather belt. On the belt hangs a belt pouch and a well worn scabbard holding a long dagger of simple design. Her wrists are protected by leather bracers and a large scarf woven in some tribal pattern is wrapped around her neck. A tan strip of cloth that support her breasts with shoulder straps is all she wears on her torso, which provides a very fine view of her firm abdomen and ample cleavage.

Getting your focus back from this distracting sight you ask, “Who're you?”

“My name is Saqira Ijja.” She whispers while still searching for a lever. “I'm a former scout in Marpesia's army, but now am in exile.”

“Got it.” She utters to herself before you can reply. Straightening up, while keeping hold of the lever, she looks down at you and waits.

“Well?” You ask, when Saqira doesn't release you.

“You're Gaius Vikare, of the Roman colony?” She inquires.

“Yes.” You answer, a bit confused about her intentions.

“Are you from Rome herself?” She continues her questions, “Do you have the means to go back there?”

“I am from Ostia.” You decide to risk telling her the truth. “The main port of the Eternal City. And yes I have some wealth, being of equestrian rank."

“Good,” she looks around checking the room again, “then I have a bargain for you, Roman. I will free you in, and guide you from the Queen's lands, in exchange if you swear by your gods and your good name that you will take me safely to your colony and there buy me passage back to Rome with enough extra coin to establish me in your city.”

You examine the African beauty carefully, she doesn't seem to be lying, but reading a woman is always a dangerous gamble.

“You wish to flee?” You ask. “But why should I pay such a ransom to someone who has been exiled by her own people?”

“Yes, I wish to flee, and only in Rome will I be safe.” Saqira looks around, “We do not have time for this! The real priestess, and all the Amazons selected to mate with you, could be here any moment.”

“I will be quick, but you will answer my questions.” You insist.

Giving a frustrated sigh she relents. “I'm wanted for treason for standing against the Queen's chief adviser, the evil witch Bizia Magissa. The very priestess I impersonated to sneak into this chamber.”

“Why can you only be safe in Rome?” You add.

“Both the Queen and her witch have had a portent, a vision, that destruction comes from your city. It's the only place the insane Bizia wouldn't dare follow me too.” Again Saqira looks nervously over her shoulder. “We're out of time. Do you agree to my ransom price or not?”