A Chronicle of Lindross

[Ian]

About time I posted something in here! ;)

This actually goes back 15 years, though it was edited & modified slightly about 10 years ago. I first wrote it as an assessed piece in an English Language course at college, though the bare bones of the story had been kicking around in my head & in a few notes since the mid 1980s. It isn't a "story" as such; like the title says, it's a chronicle, a collection of legends handed down through the generations, and may or may not be an accurate representation of the events described.

I must point out that, despite the chronicle describing the downfall of a socialist/feminist republic, it is not intended as a political commentary. The important event was the fall of the chosen system, not the system itself, and what that ultimately led to.

It begins with an introduction by Felicia, High Priestess of the Amazons, who gives a bit of background information, and then the chronicle itself starts. It's in three chapters, plus an Appendix (mentioned in the introduction) which adds some extra information & points out some discrepancies in different versions of the legends.

So, I'll post the introduction and chapter one tonight, and the rest over consecutive nights.

[Ian]

Introduction
The following pages contain the first complete written collection of the legends surrounding the founding of the planet Lindross, and of the events which led to the formation of the first tribes of Amazons.

When I first decided to bring together all the various legends and myths surrounding Linda and her family, I little realised the size of the task that lay ahead. I and my priestesses have spent four years travelling to all parts of Lindross and Zanna, visiting every known Amazon settlement, and discovering a few we never knew existed, in order to gather as much information as possible.

As is often the case with tales handed down verbally from one generation to the next, some points have become blurred, some may well have been forgotten, and some tribes, and even different villages in the same tribe, told the same story differently. In cases such as this, where there were several versions of ostensibly the same story, I have opted, perhaps wrongly, for the most common version, but have added a section after the main body including all the points on which there was a discrepancy. In a few cases, a point or incident was only included by one group of Amazons, and in such cases the point is omitted from the main body but included in the appendix.

I have chosen to write the legends in the form of English spoken by Amazons among their own kind, as this is how they would be told to a young girl by her mother or older sister. This also gives the narrative a constancy, as the material it contains was originally taken from many sources, for example Linda's own diaries, which were written in a form similar to this, whereas later Amazon fragments used several different forms. In keeping with this, wherever the words of Linda or any of the early settlers are quoted, they will be given in 'Amazon English', even though these women will actually have spoken 'modern' English. If the narrative does not always flow, or some points seem to be missing or quickly passed over, I apologise, but this is a collection of legends, not a formal history, and legends do not always join together cleanly or go into every detail. The following is as complete as I can make it.

This, then, is the tale of the life and times of the goddess Linda, her sisters, and the early days of Lindross. I sincerely hope that all who read it will come to a deeper understanding of the ways and roots of my people.




Felicia, daughter of Salya,
High Priestess of all Amazons.

[Ian]

Concerning the Coming of Linda and the First Days of Lindross

It was in the great darkness before the dawn of Lindross that a great ship, whose name is lost in the mists of time, did set forth from the planet of our foremothers, which is called Earth. Aboard this ship were women, six hundred, thirty and seven in number, of many races of Earth, and the number of each was thus: of the British, two hundred, fifty and two; of the Americans, ninety and six; of the Swedes, four score and nine; of the Norse, four score, of the Danes, three score and one; of the French, thirty and nine; of the Germans and the Australians, each ten.

The names of these women are, in the most part, lost to us, but the names of the leaders of each race are known, as they were great women of their peoples in those times. Of the British, Anne Davis, Linda Ross and Caroline Marsh were the leaders, with Linda's sisters Varella, Limara and Camilla. Tamara Vickers and her sister Aretha led the Americans, Agnetha Lindqvist the Swedes, Kïrsti Johannsson the Norse and Ursula Mølby the Danes. The leader of the French was named Françine Paradis, with the Germans led by Jütta Röth and the Australians by Carly Jensen.

It was the wish of these women to establish a society of women on a planet as yet uninhabited, though in a star system where four planets had in recent times been colonised by men and women from Earth. These four, which the colonists had named, in order of their founding, Narvella, Farna, Europa Nova and Verley, were friendly worlds, at peace with one another and with all other worlds, yet our foremothers sought another place. It was their wish to separate themselves from their home planet and all other worlds whereon people from Earth had settled, as they believed that only through the way called Socialism could they attain the life they desired, and that way was not followed on Earth or any other colonised planet.

Socialism is little known in these times, but it is told how, in the deep past, many races and nations on Earth practised it, and how it declined and fell from favour. This fall from favour was the reason for the founding of our planet, as our foremothers desired a place to live the life denied them elsewhere, and to determine their own destiny.

So it came to pass that the great ship came to rest on the chosen planet, on a fertile plain between two great rivers which flowed to the ocean. The planet was a goodly place, green and fertile, with much thick jungle, rolling hills and great snow capped mountains. The land was broken in three great masses, two to the north and one to the south of the planet, and the greatest of these, being that on which our foremothers landed, was in area far more than if the remaining two were joined as one. This place, one of those in the north, became the land first settled by our foremothers and their children. The first settlers viewed the planet from the skies, and did find many other areas of land, far less in size than the great three, some of these were clothed in jungle, some had rolling hills, some barren moor and some bare rock. These lands to this day have no name, nor does any person, Lindran, Amazon or Sistrian, dwell thereon.

This, then, was the manner of the coming of Linda, and the day of her coming was, by the reckoning of Earth days, the thirtieth day of June in the year two thousand, two hundred and nineteen. The days of Lindross are reckoned from that day, and in the beginning that day was counted the first day of the first month of the first Lindran year. Not many years thereafter, however, it was decided that Lindran days should be alike to the days of the other planets, and so it was that from thenceforward, even to this day, the first day of Lindross became the thirtieth day of the sixth month of the first year.

The colonists built them houses near the sea, close to the place whereat they landed, and were contented in themselves. Soon came there other women to this new world, which had as yet no name, to share in the life of the colonists. Some there came from Earth, and yet more from the other four planets, the most part from Narvella as that planet was ruled as a monarchy, which was an evil in the eyes of the socialists. Hence the village of the colonists grew larger, and larger still, and some grew ill at ease therein and did take their children far from the city, for such had it by then become, and found a place of beauty far inland. This was a green and pleasant place, bounded west and south by hills, north by the greatest lake on the planet, and open eastward to the sea. This new village had a clear sky for the whole year save a few days, thus was it named Clear Sky, which name remains to this day.

The population now being much increased, the first colonists held counsel among themselves to decide how best to govern the planet. The principles of their socialism were opposed to all power being held by one woman, as it was felt that all were equal, but Linda and various of the colonists saw that there must needs be a body of authority to ensure that all women were regarded alike wheresoever they chose to dwell. Anne Davis, eldest of the colonists, took the view that as her group, the British, were originally the largest, they should govern, but few there were which would agree with her.

'You speak as a child,' said Tamara Vickers, eldest of the American leaders, 'there are now more of my people here than yours.'

'It is not just for one people to rule over all others in such a world as this.' Limara Ross, Linda's sister, said in agreement.

There was much support for her words, then said Linda to those gathered:

'Sisters, let us no longer quarrel among ourselves, there is a way to settle this matter swiftly and easily. I propose that we form a ruling council, and that its members be those of us who led the groups of our peoples here. All we are women well known and respected by our sisters, and if all races are represented, none can have just cause for worry or complaint. What say you, sisters?'

And all those gathered gave voice in agreement with their sister Linda.

Thus was the Council formed, and its members were: Anne Davis, Linda, Varella, Limara and Camilla Ross, Tamara and Aretha Vickers, Agnetha Lindqvist, Kïrsti Johannsson, Ursula Mølby, Françine Paradis and Jütta Röth. Caroline Marsh and Carly Jensen were among those which founded Clear Sky, and elected to remain there, acting as ambassadors of the Council for the sisters in that area. Once founded, it fell to the Council to decide on a name for their planet and capital city, and as the planet was open only to women, they chose to name it Femina. No men were permitted to land there, the only males allowed being the children of the sisters. Linda, her sisters, and many others of the population were worshippers of Isis, goddess of Motherhood, and this belief led them to name the city Isissia, as therein was built the only temple of Isis on the planet at that time.

Over the next five years the planet prospered and more sisters came there to live, but then there came a time when many women wished to live on Femina and were refused, for they had men whom they loved and wished to bring with them. There were in the Council some, including Linda and her sisters, who also wished the laws to be changed and men allowed onto the planet, but these were at that time a minority, until Linda one day addressed the Council.

'Sisters,' she began, 'for the first time since we twelve gathered together as a council, five years ago almost to the day, there is dissent and murmuring among us. I ask you all, would it be such an evil thing for us if we were to permit men to live among us?'

'In truth it would,' said Aretha, 'and you, who have been exploited so by men, should know this. We are happy here; we have all we need, good land, warmth, clean air, peace; what more could a woman ask?'

'A woman could ask for love,' Françine spoke sadly, 'for it is a thing I have not known these past ten years, and I cannot find it in me to love another woman as you do, Aretha.'

Aretha spoke not, but smiled towards Agnetha with much tenderness in her eyes.

'A woman could also ask for children,' said Jütta, envious of those of the sisters which had children, 'for if we do not have children, we have no future.'

There were many murmurs of agreement after Jütta's words, but none would speak openly, neither one way nor another, until Anne stood before the Council, and stern was her face and hard her voice.

'Sisters,' said she, 'let us have no more of this. We made the laws, and they must stand, else we must fall. Men are evil, we have no need of them, not even to produce children, and we will not have them on Femina while I live. Those are my final words on this matter, and I will hear no more of it from any of you. Now, if there is nothing further to discuss, perhaps I may go to my bed, the hour is late.'

At these words Linda rose, and many there were which feared her as she appeared to them that moment, for she seemed greater in stature than was normal, and she was a tall and stately woman at any time, as were her sisters. In her eyes was the fire of one who is filled with righteous indignation, and Anne shrank from her.

'We are equal here,' said she, 'and none, not even the eldest among us, may say "I will have no more". You speak the words of a blind fool, Anne. Jütta has the right of it, as has Françine. Truly, as you say, we have the ability, the skills, to produce children without touching or even seeing a man, indeed, many sisters have had children thus, but that is not the point. Indeed, there is a fact you have neglected to mention, that being that many of us have sons. What is to become of them when they reach manhood? Do we kill them? Or expel them from the planet?'

'Of course not,' Anne responded, her voice now sounding cracked and aged, 'that was not my meaning at all. I referred only to the idea of men from outside Femina coming here.'

'But what difference is there?' Ursula asked, having two sons herself.

Anne could not find a reply at once, giving Linda chance to continue.

'There is none. A man is a man, wherever he may come from, and I have known in my life men enough to be sure of that! As to my being exploited, Aretha, I must have missed that! Nothing I ever did for or with a man was against my will, and most gave to me much pleasure. I say to you all that we should open Femina to any who wish to come here, for if we do not, I fear for the future of our world. We should also change the name, as Femina will no longer be suitable.'

Jütta moved that the Council take a show of hands on Linda's idea, this being the way they came to decisions among themselves, and all were agreed. All save Anne, Aretha and Agnetha were in accord with Linda, and henceforth the laws were changed, and the planet became open to all. The change of name gave the sisters many hours of thought, before they decided to honour their sister Linda, whose wisdom had prevailed, and name the planet Lindross, also agreeing among themselves, without her knowledge, to name the continent in which they lived Linda.

The great lake near to Clear sky, and one smaller, though still great, north west from Isissia, they also named in honour of her, calling the larger Lake Linda and the smaller Lake Ross. Anne was opposed to these names, but the other sisters reminded her that in times long past, socialist governments on Earth had the habit of naming towns and cities after great socialists, so the Lindrans were simply following a long established socialist tradition.

The new world of Lindross, now open to men and women from all other worlds, began to trade with her five neighbours, as a sixth planet, given the name Denval, had been founded three years after the founding of Lindross. Many were the benefits of this trading, both to Lindross and to the other worlds, as Lindross was bountiful in timber but possessed no great deposits of metals or precious stones. Great were the skills of our foremothers in the weaving of cloths and the making of glass, which skills brought much wealth to Lindross, as those of other worlds desired to wear garments of Lindran cloths, and to possess items of Lindran glassware.

In time, as the trading between planets grew apace, many Lindrans desired to visit the other five worlds, but the laws of the Council forbade this, while permitting Council members to travel wheresoever they wished. Linda and her sisters felt in their hearts that this was wrong, but they were a minority among the Council, and therefore unable to defeat such laws. The Council also ruled that, of every dollar earned by any Lindran from foreign trade, three score cents and five must be given up to the Council "for the good of the planet". Again Linda and her sisters opposed this, and again their number was not sufficient to prevent the law from coming to be.

On one issue did Linda and her sisters agree with the others of the Council, and this was the issue of a common language. As trade increased it came clear to the Council, and many Lindrans, that a common language, at least for trading, would be to the good of all. Lindross had been an open planet two years, and each group of Lindrans carried on trade in their own tongue: English, French, German, Swedish, Norse or Danish, and many traders on other worlds were troubled at this and made mention to the Council, saying:

'We cannot trade easily with your world, for we know not from one day to the next which language those who trade with us will speak. We of the five worlds have made agreement one with another that all trade will be done in English, this being the tongue most widely spoke among our peoples. Will you not agree to do likewise?'

Then spake Anne to the traders, saying:

'This we will do, for it is wise and to the good of all people. We will make new laws that all Lindrans must speak in English when they trade with those of other worlds.'

And nine sisters of the Council agreed among themselves to do this, but Agnetha, Kïrsti and Ursula agreed not with their sisters, wishing to use their own tongues whensoever they desired. Nine being greater than three, the laws were made as Anne had given word, but the three reasoned one with another, saying, though they spoke not in English but in their own tongues:

'This we will not do. Let us therefore leave this place and find for ourselves a new land, and a new life.'

[Ian]

Concerning the fall of the Council

So it came about that Agnetha, Kïrsti and Ursula gathered their people unto them and built them a ship to sail the seas to a new land, and the land which they chose was that other great land in the north of the planet, named by the colonists West Island as it lay westward from Isissia. The ship was built of timber and driven by the wind alone, as the Scandinavian sisters had elected to leave all machines behind them and return to a pure, natural way of life. These sisters elected also to cease all relations with those in Isissia and Clear Sky, and this was the manner of the first breaking of the Council.

The nine which remained elected to continue as a council of nine, Anne and those which supported her rejecting Linda's wish to bring her elder daughter, Marinette, onto the Council, as this would remove Anne's majority. There began to grow much displeasure among the people of Lindross concerning the laws passed by the Council, and Linda and her sisters were much troubled at their hearing of this. They wished only good for the people, and were dismayed by the tales told them by men and women of the city and elsewhere, but always were they defeated in Council should they strive to change matters for the better.

Much wealth was entering Lindross, gained through trade with other worlds, yet few beyond the Council were wealthy, nor was much to be found in shops, even in Isissia itself. Linda had since her early days believed in socialism, and knew much of its history on Earth, which knowledge troubled her, for she could plainly see the likeness between Lindross and the great socialist states of old Earth. In those, however, much wealth was used in building up large military forces, yet Lindross possessed no such forces, for many of the Council were of a pacifist view, as were much of the people. When next the Council met together, Linda spoke her views, saying:

'Sisters, long have I followed the path of socialism, for I believed that it was a way of great benefit to humanity. Still do I believe this, yet all around me I see not a world of equal men and women, but a people depressed and angry, and I know from my studies of socialist republics long past that Lindross is on the same downward path as they. Socialism, we all believed, would work this time, on a new world, in a new society, but we were wrong, and we should admit such to the people. In history it is shown that only free democracies have flourished as we wish Lindross to do, and I believe that this is the way we must go if we are to avoid revolution.'

'Sister Linda,' said Anne with much anger, 'your words are evil to my ears. You have been corrupted by your travels to other worlds, and by studying histories which must have been written by capitalists, if it be true that democracy is told as greater than socialism. It is true that food and many goods are insufficient, but there have been poor harvests these few years past, and we have not the technology which other worlds possess. If we had not opened our world to outside influences, we would not have such problems. Our socialism has been diluted by these outsiders, and it is all your doing.'

'Are your eyes so clouded by dreams,' said Linda, 'that you see not the real world? Look about you! Our people have no food, no money, and no confidence in we who govern them, and over whose actions they have no influence. Were this planet a democracy, we, or whomsoever the people elect to govern them, must answer to the people for our faults, and if they have not confidence in our rule, then may they elect another government to serve them. That way is our future, and along that path we will go, be it sooner or later, in peace or with violence, and those who choose to stand in the way will be crushed.'

The sisters of Linda were in accord with her, but the other five were angered at her words, and some from that moment counted her an enemy. This kept they close to themselves, saying only openly that her views were not to the good of the Council.

'The good of the Council is not the issue,' Varella said in support of her sister, 'but the good of the people. I say to you that the people need to see a leader, one woman with whom all people, not alone our own, may become accustomed, and know that she represents Lindross. Many of other worlds have told to me of their confusion in regard to Lindross, as they know not who all we nine are, and therefore cannot be certain that she with whom they speak is one in authority.'

'What you are proposing is heresy,' said Tamara with horror in her voice, 'for we believe that no one woman should have power over all others.'

'I am proposing no such thing,' said Varella, 'simply saying that we need one person to represent Lindross in the eyes of all people. We do not need to dilute our socialism to that extent. None of us wish for a monarchy such as Narvella, Farna and Denval have. I and my sisters are of the view that our future lies as a republic, having a single head of State, for those reasons I have given, and a government elected by, and responsible to, the people.'

And Linda, Limara and Camilla were in accord with her, but again the others murmured among themselves and sought for ways whereby they might cast Linda alone, if not her sisters, from their number.

This meeting of the Council ended soon after Varella had spoken the second time, and no change was there in the lot of the people, but many of the people spoke in support of Linda and her sisters, but spoke ill of Anne and those of her faction. After many weeks and months of unrest among the people, the Council were troubled, fearing the revolution of which Linda had spoken, and did summon her before them. Then spake Anne, as the eldest among them, saying to Linda:

'There is much anger among our peoples, and it is the view of the majority of our number that you are the architect of this, and that by these means you plot to usurp the authority of the Council. This we will not allow, and we proclaim that from this moment you are expelled from the Council of Lindross. Your sisters may at present remain, if they so wish, but must align themselves with the majority.'

Thus did the second breaking of the Council take place, for Linda and her sisters sat no more among the Council of Lindross, and they felt great despair concerning the people. Then did Linda lead her sisters, their families, and those which loved and followed them, far from Isissia into the forests west of Lake Linda, the company being, in number, one hundred and twelve. And the day upon which these things occurred was, by the reckoning of Lindrans, the fourteenth day of the third month, which is called on Lindross Lim, in the year after founding twelve. This, by Earth reckoning, is the fifteenth day of March in the year two thousand, two hundred, thirty and one, and also Linda's birthday, she that day reaching two score in years.

Now Linda had long known that several of the Council desired to rid themselves of her, and had gathered unto her a score of women much like unto her in stature, to protect her from any attack. She knew the Council to be of a pacifist nature, but some which followed their way were not above the use of violence to achieve their ends, so she prepared for that day she hoped would not come. Those women she chose were, alike to Linda and her sisters, taller by far than most women, and in the most part fair of hair and face. Strong they were, yet slender, and graceful in their movements, and none feared to fight for those things they held most dear, being truth, justice, freedom, and the homes and families they loved. Many, on seeing these women, despised them, for Linda's women feared not to carry weapons openly, which was an abomination to those of the pacifist majority, yet those there were among that majority which spoke peace yet used violence against those which opposed their views.

Some, in remembrance of ancient legends of Earth, gave to Linda's women the name "Amazons", for their size and warlike nature, and though the name was doubtless given in jest, Linda and her sisters were minded to use it when they reached their forest home, and Amazons we remain to this day.

After the leaving of Linda and her people, the Council were of the mind that the people would cease their protests and accept whatsoever the Council declared. They were wrong. The protests of the people grew into revolt, and the Council, fearing for their lives, called on Linda to protect them. This she did, the Amazons arraying themselves in a cordon around the Council chamber while Linda spoke peace to the people, and ere long the mob began to disperse and return to their homes, as Linda had requested. This done, she and the other Amazons returned to their home in the forest, and Linda never again came nigh to Isissia, nor did any of her sisters.

'This shall be the last time I or any of we Amazons shall give aid to those who oppress the people,' said she, 'for from this time our way shall be to protect the people from oppression, and not alone Lindran people, but any who are downtrodden by those in authority over them, if they should ask our help. In the forests shall we live, and it is to the forests that any which seek our aid must come, and we shall make this known to all people.'

So it was that Linda and her people came to dwell in the forests, where Amazons live still, even today. And for some short while there was peace among the people of the cities and towns of Lindross, yet, ere a year had passed since the leaving of Linda, the unrest once again began to grow. Many were those of the people which gave voice to their anger in the streets, calling upon the Council to ease their lot, or to resign from office. Neither of these would the Council do, and they passed laws forbidding gatherings of the people save by their command and authority, yet still the people cried out against them, and always peaceful were their gatherings.

Then did the Council order that those leaders of the people which they knew of be taken and cast into prison, hoping by this act to show their authority, yet an act of folly it was. The people were much angered at this, and that revolution of which Linda had prophesied came then into being, and the time of this was five months and a year from the leaving of Linda. And the Council feared for their lives and hid themselves, though few there were which would give them shelter, and gave forth word that from that day was the Feminist Republic of Lindross given over to the people, and that the people alone must determine the future of the planet.

Thus came the fall of the Council of Lindross, and the leaders of the people gave forth a proclamation that they would ask of the whole people, of all races, Lindran, Amazon and Scandinavian, what manner of rule they would have. Many among the leaders wished for a monarchy, but were of the mind that the most part of the people would elect to have a President, as Europa Nova and Verley had at that time. After the first vote, a second would then be taken for a government which would serve the people, and not be served by the people, as was the case of the Council. So it came about that, when the people had given their vote one way or another, though not those Scandinavians which sailed to West Island as they gave no answer, three score and six of every hundred head of the people desired monarchy.

Now this was great joy unlooked for to the leaders of the people, though much favoured by them, and at the first they knew not to whom the crown, though as yet they had no crown in aught but name, should go. Those there were which said one of their number should take it, but soon were they ruled against, and it became the view of the most part that Linda should be queen, and word was sent to her of this. Soon came there word from the forests of Linda's answer, and to the dismay of many she had declined the honour, having given word never again to set her foot within Isissia. In her stead she offered her sister daughter, Davina, daughter of Varella, a fair and gracious woman of a score and seven years, and the people gave reply that she should be their queen. Thus came the line which rules Lindross even to this day.

[Ian]

Concerning Amazons and the death of Linda

Now, as they settled in the forests, the Amazons at the first lived as one tribe, in a single village, for their number was small, being but one hundred and twelve, and of that number three would return to Isissia, being Davina, the man she loved, and their child. Soon others came from the cities and towns of Lindross, being of like mind with Linda and the Amazons all in respect of fighting, and for the most part alike to them also in stature and appearance. Thus did the tribes of the Amazons begin, for Varella, Limara and Camilla took unto them their families and those close to them, and established new villages in other parts of the forest.

These new villages grew, as did Linda's own, and the sisters devised a way of showing to which village an Amazon belonged, this being a cord of a certain colour, worn around the woman's ankle. At the first, it mattered not around which ankle the cord was worn, but in time the tribes agreed one with another to wear their own cords upon the right ankle. The colours which the sisters chose were: for Linda, pale green; for Varella, pale pink; for Limara, pale yellow, and for Camilla, golden brown. If a woman wore upon her left ankle a cord, this was seen as a sign to all others that she loved some person, and the colour of this cord told what manner of person she loved. A white cord was for a man, a black for a woman not of the Amazons, and one from the four tribal colours for a lover from the Amazons. A woman with no cord around her left ankle had no lover, but this was, and still is, a rare sight, as Amazons are much valued as lovers.

There came then a day when Linda was hunting in the forests close by her village, and with her was her elder daughter, Marinette, and her younger, Kashka. Now Marinette was alike to her mother in all ways, and many there were which could not tell the one from the other from as near as ten paces, for the years had weighed not heavy on Linda, though she was by this time fifty years and eight. Marinette was most fair to look upon, and her skills at arms and in the hunt were second only to her mother, yet no man had known her, nor would any, she declared, save he which could best her in battle or the hunt, and such a man she had not yet seen in all Lindross.

As fair as was Marinette, yet more fair of face was her sister, and it was said of her that in all Lindross there was none so fair as Kashka, daughter of Linda. Rare among Amazons was she, for while her mother and sister, and most all others of her people were graced with hair of pale gold, Kashka alone had hair black as night, yet soft and shining as purest silk. Again, while the most part of Amazons had eyes of blue or green, the eyes of Kashka were of a brown as dark as the soil on the shores of Lake Linda. In one way alone was Kashka like unto her sister, that being that she also had never known a man, though not by her wish, as the men of the village desired her not in spite of her beauty. Skilled in magic was she, the most of all Amazons, yet no less was her skill in battle or in the hunt because of this, rather the one enhanced the other, and she was High Priestess of Isis for all her people.

Now it came to pass that, as these three went about their hunt, Kashka espied a rider far distant among the trees. She spoke of this to her mother and sister, and they all could see, as he drew nearer, that it was a man not of their village, and a man clad in bright raiment and girt with a great sword. As he came to the clearing wherein the women stood with their horses, he drew his own steed, and a great and noble beast it was, to a halt and dismounted, bowing before Linda.

'My Lady,' said he in a voice deep and rich, 'I am called David, a warrior of the tribe of your sister, Lady Camilla, and I bring grave news of her.'

'Rest a while ere you speak further,' said Linda, 'for you have ridden far indeed if you come from Camilla. Kashka, my younger daughter, will see that your horse is watered.'

When David was rested, and his horse watered and tethered close by those of Linda and her daughters, Linda asked of him his news.

'Our village was attacked,' he said, 'by warriors not of our world, and by some of our world who count Amazons as enemies, being those which regret the passing of the Council. Our warriors gave battle, and I myself slew twelve, before the enemy fled into the forest, with some from our warriors giving pursuit, but many fell from both sides. When I returned to the village I saw Lady Camilla borne to her house by several warriors, and she seemed to my eyes as one dead. Our village has a skilled healer, yet your sister's wounds are beyond her skills to heal fully, and it seems only a matter of time ere she departs this life. This is why I rode to you, for no skimmers or skycycles were remaining in fit state to drive after the battle, and I am our village's best horseman.'

'In truth a great horseman,' said Linda after a short silence, 'and a magnificent horse, the like of which I have not seen for many a year. We will ride with you to my sister, for Kashka is blessed by Isis with many powers, and it may be that she can heal Camilla. But may I ask you, how did you know that I was, in fact, Linda?'

'Lady Camilla spoke often of you,' David replied, 'and also of how your daughter Marinette was so alike to you, and of Kashka's rare beauty and black hair. Also you are in appearance much alike to my Lady Camilla, so when I saw you three together I knew it could be none other than Lady Linda and her daughters.'

Linda replied that she wished not to call herself Lady, and that none of her tribe addressed her thus, but David told her how it was the custom among the tribe of Camilla to ascribe to the head of each tribe the title of Lady, as a mark of honour. Aside from that, he also told her, as she was kin to Queen Davina, she and her sisters had the right to be so honoured, and Linda was surprised at this, as it was a thing of which she had not before thought. She took counsel of her daughters on the matter, and gave word thereafter that she accepted the title.

And Linda said also that all those in direct line from herself and her sisters should be so honoured, and having settled the matter she and her daughters and the warrior David mounted their horses and began the journey southwards to Camilla's village. The journey was a new one to Kashka, as she had travelled only to Varella's village in the east and Limara's in the west, and never had she travelled more than a half day on horseback. This journey was one of a full week, which is on Lindross six days, and that by riding at the gallop as long as could be done without harming the horses, and resting but briefly.

Soon David took his comlink and spoke with his sister, Valya, in their village, which was now within communications range, telling of Linda's coming and asking after Camilla.

'She lives still,' came the voice of Valya, 'but for how long, who can tell?'

'And what of the enemy?' David asked of his sister.

'Those of Lindross are in the most part slain, those of another world have returned whence they came, mayhap to recover their strength for another attack. What strength bring you of Lady Linda's tribe?'

'But three, I fear,' said David, 'Lady Linda and her daughters; Lady Marinette, she who is most like to her mother, and Lady Kashka of the black hair, she which is High Priestess. What strength are our own people?'

'We have but a score in full health, and a number wounded but a little, about another score. None others of our tribe are fit for a fight, and three further, even though one of them be Lady Linda herself, are not like to save us if the enemy attack in strength a second time.'

Then spake Linda to her daughters, and the result was that Marinette was sent with all speed to their village to raise such an army as she could and fly to Camilla's village. The tribe had only the one aircraft which could carry a number of warriors, and that only a score and five, so the others would fly by skimmer, which craft were not so swift, they beginning the journey the first of all. Kashka said that she would ride to Varella or Limara, but Linda forbade her, saying that her skills were needed by Camilla and her tribe. Marinette could contact the other tribes from Linda's village, and if able to come they were, then would they do so.

Thus Marinette turned to the east of north, while the three others continued south, riding at such a speed that one watching could not tell if their horses were riding on solid ground or flying above it, so blurred were the legs of the beasts. And always David's mighty steed led the way, and the fire of war was in his eyes. Always in the heat of the day they rested, travelling at a walk and leading the horses if not halted to eat and drink, and always at night rode they at speed, and thus reached the village of Camilla in five days and five nights. This ride is remembered in story and song, and still told by the tribes of Camilla and Marinette on feast days.

Valya bade Linda and Kashka welcome as they entered the village, and she led the way to Camilla's house, which lay at the eastern end of the village. Marinette and her army had reached the village two days before, and had arrayed themselves so as to defend against an attack from any direction. Four score and eight was their number, and all were girt with sword and clad in armour. Few there were which carried energy weapons, as there had been on Lindross little need for such, or indeed for weapons of any kind, until this time. The Amazons had made for themselves swords and armour, which weapons were sufficient against such opponents as Lindross provided, and many felt these would suffice for all time. But there were those which feared attack from without Lindross, and these Amazons traded goods with other worlds in return for energy weapons. The most part of those warriors of Camilla which fell in the battle fell to energy weapons, ere the enemy drew near enough to allow battle to be given with swords.

Linda was much troubled at sight of her sister Camilla, who lay as one dead on her bed. Pale as death was she, for much blood had she shed from her many wounds, and she moved not, nor was any sound of life heard from her. Tears came then into the eyes of Linda, and no words could she speak.

Then came Kashka to her mother-sister, and kneeling by the bed she made supplications to Isis that Camilla be restored to life. Naught could be seen to change. Then did Kashka invoke the most powerful magic known to her, and made motion to those gathered to leave the room, that she be alone with Camilla. This did Linda and Marinette do, and Kashka again invoked her magic, and so it was for many hours, until it seemed to those without that mayhap both Kashka and Camilla had departed this life to be with Isis, for no sound was there to be heard from the room. Then came Kashka to the doorway, and the change in her caused many to gasp in horror, for all life seemed to be gone from her, and Linda ran to her, bearing her up lest she fall. White was her skin, and she had the look of one beyond four score years, though her age was but a score and six years. Then did David and his sister Valya bear Kashka to their house nearby to give her rest and food, while Linda and Marinette entered the room of Camilla.

Camilla lay still and pale as she was when first they came to her, yet open were her eyes, and she spoke to her sister, though as one from afar was her voice.

'Linda,' said she, though Linda could barely hear her words, 'I am glad of your coming. Would that it had been sooner, and we two may have ended together in glory of battle, yet it may be the best this way. Do my daughters live?'

'I know not,' said Linda, 'for I thought not to ask.'

'I know,' said Marinette, 'for I made enquiry when first I arrived. Lara fell at the first attack, Julia during the pursuit in the forest. Their names will not be forgotten, rather they have won renown as great warriors, for Lara slew ten and Julia fifteen ere they fell.'

'Then the tribe of Camilla ends this day?' Linda asked.

'No, not so,' said Camilla, her voice fainter still, 'for Julia has a daughter, a child of barely ten years. I give you leave to name one to lead the tribe until such time as Celina reaches womanhood. Now, I go to be with my daughters.'

And so saying her eyes closed and she departed this realm, and Linda and Marinette wept for their kinswomen Camilla, Lara and Julia. Then they bore Camilla's body from the house and laid her to rest in a tomb which her tribe built for her, and with her lay her daughters. And the swords of Lara and Julia were buried with them, but the sword of Camilla was given to Celina as a sign to all that she now led the tribe of Camilla. Then was it proclaimed by Linda that the greatest living warriors of the tribe, David and Valya, would hold the tribe until the day of Celina's womanhood. And all those of the tribe of Camilla bowed before Celina, and she told all those gathered, of both tribes, that she would not take unto herself the title of Lady until her womanhood, and that those governing in her stead should be addressed as Sir David and Lady Valya. And the eyes of all were on Celina as she spoke, then came the voice of Kashka from David's house.

'Beware, the enemy is upon us!'

And the people were thrown into confusion, and many knew not what they should do, but those of the tribe of Linda rallied behind Linda and Marinette and drew their swords. Then Celina held aloft the sword of Camilla, saying:

'To arms, warriors of Camilla! Let the two tribes be as one this day, and let us together make battle with the enemy such as will be told to Amazons till the end of time.'

Then David and Valya held aloft their swords in accord with her, and all their warriors did likewise, and some of the warriors of Linda took to their skimmers and, bearing energy pistols, sought to engage the vanguard of the enemy ere they reached the village. This they did in the forests north by east of the village and, the enemy being unprepared for such an attack from the air, many of the vanguard fell. The skimmers having little fuel remaining, for they had not taken on further since reaching the village, returned thence after that attack, and, as the enemy drew nigh to the village, full battle was joined.

Now the full tale of this battle may be told elsewhere, but here it is sufficient to tell how, after about an hour of fighting, with many enemy fallen, yet few Amazons, there came from the north the combined forces of the tribes of Varella and Limara, some two hundred in number, and the enemy were slain every one. And it is told how Linda slew two score of the enemy, and her daughters also each two score, and that David slew thirty and his sister Valya thirty and six, and Celina, wielding the great sword of Camilla her foremother, slew ten by her own hand, one for each year of her life.

Thus was the battle of Camilla's village won, and though none knew from whence came that enemy, never again was their like seen on Lindross. And it came about not long thereafter that David and Valya sought the counsel of Celina, Linda, Varella and Limara, and decided among themselves to leave Lindross, for none there was in the tribe which had not lost kinfolk in the two battles. The place to which they chose to go was an island on the seventh planet, Zanna, which had been founded five years before. This island was named Ezna, in the province of Aviva, and was clothed for the most part in forest alike to that on Lindross, and those of Camilla knew that they could live happily there, far from the memories of Lindross, though they would take with them the remains of Camilla and her daughters.

This was the beginning of the Amazons on Zanna, and the end of the tribe of Camilla on Lindross, for none there were of that tribe which would stay. Then did Linda choose to honour her elder daughter Marinette, and the manner of this honour was that she be given her own tribe, to replace on Lindross the tribe of Camilla. Thus did Marinette leave the tribe of her mother, taking with her several of those warriors which fought close to her, and their families, and established her tribe in the village of Camilla, wherein she won the glory for which she was so rewarded. And still she had known no man, yet now did she know which man she desired.

And it came to pass that, four years after the tribe of Camilla left Lindross, and Celina now having reached womanhood, David returned to Lindross in search of his heart's desire. And it was in the village wherein he had lived that he found Marinette, whom he had loved since first he saw her, and she loved him, for he was a man who could best her in battle. Though she had slain more of the enemy than he in the battle, she knew in her heart that, had his mind not been part concerned with protecting Celina, he would doubtless have bested her total. Thus was the beginning of the line of Marinette, which continues to this day.

In this manner did the five tribes of Amazons come into being, and in time Amazons from the four tribes of Lindross joined their sisters of the tribe of Camilla on Zanna, and their number spilled over from Ezna Island onto other parts of Zanna. And on Lindross, Amazons of the four tribes sailed to the third of the great areas of land, that in the south, and named it Southlands. And about this time also came there word from Isissia that all those of the Council had died, and the Amazons were reunited with the Lindrans, but Linda remained true to her word and never again returned to that city.

In the year, by Earth reckoning, two thousand, two hundred, seventy and eight, the seven worlds signed a treaty of Alliance. The purpose of this was to provide each world with the protection of the six others, an attack on one being counted an attack on all, and to break down all barriers to free trade and the free movement of people from one world to another. And this was counted a great day by the Amazons as it increased sixfold their opportunity to engage in battle, which way had by that time become, as it is to this day, the most important thing in the life of our people.

So did the Amazons prosper, and the Lindrans also, and it came to pass that one day, when Linda had reached ninety and three in years, there came word from her kinswoman Queen Davina that an emissary from West Island had come to Isissia. This emissary was none other than Ursula Mølby, the last surviving member of the original Council, save Linda and her sisters, and Ursula had come to Davina to say that the enmity between their peoples was at an end, and that she wished the Sistrians, for by this name were they now known, to become full citizens of Lindross. This request Davina granted with a glad heart, but Ursula declared that the Sistrians would not leave West Island, nor would they give up their primitive way of life.

Now Linda was glad at this news, and sent word to Queen Davina her sister-daughter, asking that Ursula might be brought to her village, but Ursula had departed ere Linda's request reached Isissia. Then did Linda call unto her her daughters Marinette and Kashka, her sisters Varella and Limara, and Celina, head of the tribe of Camilla, and these five came to her with heavy hearts, knowing that Linda was making ready for her death.

'Daughters, sisters, kinswoman,' said she when all had gathered in her house, 'our people have prospered these last years, and the five tribes are strong. I must soon depart this realm and join my beloved sister Camilla, yet ere I leave you all I would see certain laws made concerning Amazons. Kashka and I have laboured many days and nights in thought of these things, yet few there are, for I wish not our people to be enslaved unto law as are those of other worlds. This, then, is the Law of the Amazons.'

She arrayed the pillows on her bed to give her more comfort ere she spoke again, and faint was her voice, as one from afar.

'The name Amazon may only be borne by a woman, for thus was the way of the Amazons of ancient legend. The men of the five tribes may be called Warriors of the tribe to which they belong, but may not use the name Amazon.

'The leadership of each tribe shall pass from mother to elder daughter, save that the elder daughter desires not to lead, or is unable for some cause, in which case the younger shall inherit, or if there be no other daughter, the daughter of the mother's next oldest sister. The title of Lady shall be held by all kinswomen of the leader, to the child of a first cousin, but only the man which loves the leader shall be given any title, that being the title of Lord. If the daughter of a leader desires to become a priestess of Isis, then she must choose which path to take, for she who is a priestess shall not inherit the leadership of any tribe.

'An Amazon girl will attain womanhood on her twelfth birthday, and from that day she may inherit land or titles, and all that is the due of a woman, even to the leadership of her tribe. If so entitled, she may take to herself the title of Lady only when she attains womanhood, and not until that day.

'The naming of our people should not be alike to that of other Lindrans, as we are a race apart, therefore we have decided that family names shall no longer be used. From this time a woman shall take the first name of her mother to be her second name, so my daughter Kashka shall henceforth be called Kashka Linda, and her elder daughter shall be called Ariana Kashka. The name of Ross, in Amazon use, shall die with me.'

Then did Linda call her kinswomen close unto her and, after kissing each in turn, her sisters firstly, then her daughters and finally Celina, she departed this life and ascended into heaven as a goddess. Kashka her daughter thus became first among Amazons as leader of the tribe of Linda, and she decreed that the mortal remains of Linda be entombed in the room in which all now stood, and it was done, the remainder of the house being torn down.

Now Kashka was High Priestess of Isis for all Amazons, but she gave word that from the day of Linda's death a new temple would be opened for the worship of the goddess Linda. Those which still desired to worship Isis would be permitted to do so, and Kashka would act as High Priestess for both goddesses, but such was the love of the Amazons of all tribes for Linda that the worship of Isis soon fell from favour. Ere a month had passed since the death of Linda there was not one to be found worshipping at the temple of Isis, which building was turned over to the service of Linda, and in time became the greatest temple of Linda in all Lindross.

Since Linda had declared that none could be both tribal leader and priestess, Kashka gave to her firstborn daughter Ariana the leadership of the tribe of Linda, in order that she herself may devote her life to the service of her mother, and her second daughter Felicia became High Priestess upon the death of Kashka. Many of the line of Felicia have followed her in the temple, including she which is High Priestess today and shares the name of her foremother.

Thus was the Amazon race begun, and today Amazons are to be found in all parts of Lindross and Zanna, and in most other Alliance planets, even in high government. The goddess Linda ever watches over our people, protecting us and, through the High Priestess and her priestesses, guiding us. In return we honour and worship her, and keep sacred the forest around her tomb, which is called the Sacred Forest, and to be created Lady or Lord Warder thereof is high honour indeed, being second only to the High Priestess. The honour is given only for great deeds in battle, and few there are which win such honour, from within or without our race.

These are the legends of Linda, the heritage of the Amazons and all those of other races which worship her, which are told from mother to elder daughter, and from elder sister to younger, and have been told thus since the days of Ariana, daughter of Kashka. May the reading of them have come as a great light to all, Amazon or other.

MAY LINDA'S LOVE BE ALWAYS WITH YOU.
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[Ian]

APPENDIX

The following is a list of points which are, as I stated in the Introduction, points only told by some tribes or villages, or points on which the legends differ between tribes. There are also some notes which I have included to give further information, but which would perhaps have seemed out of place in the preceding legends. I hope all this helps!

Felicia


Some villages of the tribe of Camilla tell that the name of the ship was Astral Voyager XII, but there is no documentary evidence to support this. The Astral Voyager class were, however, used by the colonists of some of the other Alliance planets, so the tale may well be true.

It is known that Linda had once been a well known model, hence Aretha's remarks about exploitation, but had become a nurse and had received many awards for her work with the terminally ill. Varella and Camilla were doctors and Limara an actress. Anne was a politician, Caroline a professor of Social Science, Tamara and Aretha journalists and Françine a model. The occupations of the others are not known, though it is believed that Jütta was an opera singer.

Although Isis was worshipped in ancient times as a deity controlling such things as healing and raising the dead, it is for her primary duties as goddess of fertility and motherhood that she was worshipped by the colonists. There are temples to her in some parts of Zanna, and her worship is still widespread on Lindross, though today only among the Lindrans, as Amazons worship Linda and Sistrians the Sun.

It is told in some accounts that Linda interrupted Anne's tirade, saying that her histories told that free democracy was more successful than socialism, not necessarily greater, and that she still believed socialism to be a better way and hoped that someone, somewhere, sometime, would show that it could be a success. This is not told by all tribes, however, so it is not given in the main body of the legend.

It is not recorded anywhere when the first attack on Camilla's village took place, but assuming that David rode from the village at the same speed as he rode back, it must have been five, or possibly six, days before he reached Linda. The motive for the attack remains a mystery, there was no warning or threat, but it is possible that the tribe of Camilla was chosen because it was, and still is, the smallest of the tribes. Some versions tell that Linda wept, after the second battle, at such loss of life, but said that the enemy, whom we now know to have been the Delkans, sworn enemies of the Alliance, (and almost every other life form in the galaxy) had forfeited their right to mercy by attacking without warning or provocation, as it was an act totally without honour. As is now known, however, it was typical Delkan behaviour.

Some of the tribe of Marinette tell that Celina was in fact eleven at the time of the battles.

There is some dispute among the tribes as to exactly when Kashka gave up the leadership. Some say it was as soon as she had declared Linda a goddess, others insist that it was not for several weeks afterwards. There is no record anywhere of the exact date.

The tribes of Camilla and Limara hold that the name of Kashka's daughter was in fact Arina, not Ariana, but the majority support is for Ariana. The tribe of Linda, after all, should know the true name of their foremother, and Varella and Marinette support us.

There are no records of Felicia's appearance, but it is said by my own tribe (Linda) and that of Marinette that she was very like her mother, having black hair and brown eyes, while Ariana was the more usual Amazon with silver blonde hair and blue eyes. I myself take after my foremother in that I too have thick black hair and dark brown eyes, it must run in the name!

The rank of Lady Warder of the Sacred Forest was created by Kashka's younger daughter, my namesake and direct foremother, and may be given as an honour to a great warrior of any race and either sex. The current holder of the post is an officer of the Alliance Starfleet, Commander Sir Peter Young, the greatest warrior the Fleet has ever known, and coincidentally the father of my youngest daughter, Kashka. He is obviously known as Lord Warder, and is empowered to take my place at any Amazon ritual with the exception of the consecration of a new temple and the induction of a new priestess.

NB Mention is made in the legends of the coloured anklets worn by Amazons to denote their tribe. Today these are much more complex, having woven cords of different colours representing planet, tribe, region, village and, on Lindross only, family. In addition, priestesses have a silver cord woven in, Ladies and the High Priestess a gold one. These are woven into intricate patterns and each woman has her own unique design. The tribal colour of Marinette, not given in the legends, is royal blue. These anklets are only worn by Amazons who have attained womanhood, the tying of the anklet being the climax of the ceremony of attaining womanhood, begun on a girl's twelfth birthday and lasting two days.

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