Read Black Legion: 03 - Warlords of Cunaxa for Free Online Page A

were now out of the dromon and stood near the edge of the landing platform to gaze upon the exquisite from of the great spire.
    “Prostitutes?” asked Glaucon, instantly spoiling the mood.
    Artemas sighed.
    “To some, yes, but the Anahita are much more than that. They train for a year before coming to Kashan to fulfil their contract. On some Imperial worlds, only one candidate is sent here each year. The competition is that fierce. Many of those here will be highborn princes, princesses or even the daughters of great warriors. To have served as Anahita is a mark of distinction; much like military service is to your own people.”
    A small platform arrived at the end of the landing area, and three women appeared. They wore exotic dresses that ran from their shoulders down to their feet. The fit was tight and showed off their beautiful figures. All three stepped off the platform and approached. They stopped in front of Artemas, bowing down so that their foreheads touched the ground. They waited for several seconds before standing.
    “Lady Artemas, we were notified by Lord Cyrus of your arrival. I have prepared a selection for your approval.”
    She lifted her hand as if to send her away, shaking her head gently.
    “No, that will not be necessary. I am not here for that, not today. We have more pressing concerns than simple pleasures of the flesh.”
    “Really, my lady? We have the finest...”
    Artemas cut her off bluntly.
    “No, I am here with my friends for relaxation and meditation. I assume the spire of wisdom is still functioning?”
    The three exquisite women looked to each other and then to Lady Artemas. Xenophon’s ears picked up a few of the quickly spoken words, and the idea of an area dedicated to the wisdom of the Medes interested him greatly.
    “Yes, my Lady, but it is rarely used now. I will contact them and arrange for a delegation to meet you. Is there anything in particular you would like to examine?”
    She shook her head politely to the three of them.
    “Thank you. I assume we have quarters?”
    “Of course. Lord Cyrus has arranged for the Imperial Apartments to be made available to you and your harem at the Pleasure House of Anahita.”
    “What?” Glaucon growled.
    Lady Artemas did her best to hide her amusement at the comments from Xenophon’s close friend. Even so, it was evident to the three women that they had done something wrong.
    “I apologise. We rarely use the common tongue of the Terrans. I meant your entourage. If you are ready, I will escort you to your place of rest and relaxation.”
    With a simple nod, the group moved to the side of the platform that functioned as a near silent elevator though totally exposed to the elements. Xenophon pondered this on the way, before remembering that they were inside a massive dome, and there were no external elements other than those created for the enjoyment of those inside. The elevator functioned much like those on spacecraft to move fighters and bombers from internal hangars to the main flight decks or launch platforms. It took almost a full minute for them to reach the ground. There were no roads of any kind, just a narrow path along which a series of silent, powered glass carriages carried groups of people from place to place. One stopped at their approach, and the door opened without a slight murmur of sound.
    “Please, step inside,” said the leader of the three women.
    Artemas stepped in first, closely followed by Xenophon and the rest of their entourage. It was spacious inside, and easily large enough for a group of a dozen people. Once seated in the ivory coloured seats, the woman spoke in the Medes tongue. The carriage shook slightly and moved off along one of the many gentle paths and away from the landing platform.
    “Where are we going?” asked Tamara.
    Lady Artemas pointed upwards to the higher levels of the massive structure ahead of them. They all strained to see the top, but it was impossible from this angle. The branches