Part I

As it always happened this time of year, Miranda began to think back to her own Initiation and her early years at the Temple. It gave her delicious chills to remember the exact moment she became owned and devoted the rest of her days in service to Ares the God of War. Unconsciously her hand drifted to her 'mark'.

FLASHBACK (5 years ago)

Arcana woke in a pensive mood. She needed to choose someone to replace Tempest as the Keeper of the Chalice. The unexpected turn of events forced her hand to hasten training at the Temple.

Pushing past these thoughts, she prepares herself to join everyone at the river. Each morning begins with a cleansing ritual at the Phragean River before everyone is dispensed to their assorted duties at the Temple. The newer members, most in their late teens attended classes in etiquette, dance, culinary arts and progressed into areas using their gifts to honor Ares. Few gain knowledge in the practice of magick and other arts of healing.

Arcana watched idly judging which girl would be suited best to particular tasks.

She noticed one girl stood off to herself facing away from the others. Tall and dark hair flowing. Arcana recognized this as Lady Miranda. She had been on the island early in youth and proved to be a stubborn student and proud of it. Now at nineteen, she still had much learning to do.

Arcana felt the air change around her and knew that her Master was present.

"She is the one." "Miranda, my Lord? That girl is willful, rebellious and defiant. I think her royal blood makes her all the more arrogant."

"My choice is final! I want her. Make sure she is ready by time of High Offering." Ares' tone left no room for discussion.

"Yes, Lord Ares." Arcana stood with her eyes downward sorry for questioning her Master.

"She is not ready to submit easily, My Liege." she remarked carefully.

"I know."

Arcana shivered hearing the evil amusement in Ares' voice as he took his leave.

The Priestess made her way down to the water's edge, calling out to Miranda.

"Report to the inner courtyard after the morning meal."

Lady Miranda gave the High Priestess a blank stare.

"Why?"

Arcana's eyes narrowed. "You WILL be in the inner yard."

Turning, she left the younger woman to ponder her words.

****

Miranda paced the courtyard impatiently. She couldn't fathom why the High Priestess had singled her out. She done nothing wrong that she could think of. 'Nothing I got caught at' she smirked to herself. 'Doesn't matter, I'll deny whatever it is.'

Passing one of the large statues of Ares, the raven haired girl ran her hands over the cold marble. Brazenly, she stopped and caressed the area representing the heavy bulk of his groin.

"You're curious as to why I asked you here."

Adopting an air of defiance, Miranda slowly turned to face Arcana.

"You didn't 'ask' that I come. You demanded. And I've done nothing."

"Actually, dear, you're being given an honor."

Miranda wasn't sure she liked Arcana's condescending tone. True she was the High Priestess of Ares, but she wasn't that much older, maybe 5 years.

"Oh, I am, am I?"

Arcana was a little perturbed and getting more so by the young woman's attitude.

"But first, I think you need to remember your place and show me the respect I am due. You're disdainful and apparently think little of those in position above you."

Flashing blue eyes, regarded the High Priestess. "I am here to serve Ares, not play nurse maid to a bunch of whining gossiping girls" Miranda huffed.

"I see you continue to forget yourself."

With a quickness that didn't seem possible, the auburn haired Priestess had Miranda in a firm grip and was bending her over one of the stone benches gracing the courtyard. Snapping a branch from overhead, she stripped it efficiently while a knee in Miranda's back was holding her in place.

Discipline was by far one of Arcana's least favorite duties and usually left that up to JaZelle, her right hand in command who didn't mine handing out punishment. Knowing that she had to have this insolent girl ready at Ares demand, she was going to make sure she knew what wouldn't be tolerated.

"You are here because Ares wills it, but there are things you are going to learn, girl. The first being you will do as I say!"

Shifting so that she was standing to Miranda's side, she flipped up the scanty robe baring the ivory backside and long legs. Arcana proceeded to make her point known by applying seven hard strokes with the thick branch spread from the curve of buttocks downward. Red welts immediately appeared on the pale flesh.

"I warn you now" Arcana continued "If I am not pleased with your training, neither will our Master be."

Miranda tried to remain immobile in her vulnerable position, letting the pain from the stripes course through her.

"You were chosen by Lord Ares himself for your new position. I expect you to act accordingly."

Miranda smiled. Through the throbs running deep decorating her body, she smiled.

Part II

Candles lit the stone walk way lighting the night. The flickering flames continued into the Ceremony Chamber until they formed a circle casting an eerie glow on the large slab of marble situated in the middle of the room.

Miranda observed the proceedings with a quiet dignity. These past weeks of training had been the hardest thing she had ever had to endure. Dancing classes, endless hours listening to instructors drone on about proper protocol, the sanctity of the Temple, proving oneself to be an asset in service to Ares. The girl had nearly gone mad just trying to pay attention. She felt there were no worries, no tests to pass because she had been chosen. Only lessons worth perking up for were the ones teaching the finer arts of seduction and pleasure. Apparently it was in the best of interests to know that type of thing when worshipping the God of War.

A light breeze danced across the candles throwing their luminescence across Miranda's form. Raven tresses flowing, she was beautiful. Her gown, gossamer light, was crafted in silk of the palest lavender overlaid with a shift of deep purple. Cordelia had indeed outdone herself creating a garment worthy of gaining the affection of a God.

As Miranda was being presented for a distinct role in the Temple as Keeper of the Chalice, her initiation was to be held in secret, separate from those of her fellow candidates. This was Ares wish. Arcana and JaZelle had seen to the preparations themselves to their Masters specifications. And JaZelle had no doubt as to following those exacting standards as her hindquarters could attest.

It was time. Miranda was filled with nervous excitement. She had already spent the required time for meditations (Boring time spent in contemplation of her fingernails.) As stone doors closed behind the three women, the jittery feelings intensified making her wish she had taken more time to find out what the ritual entailed. The butterflies in her stomach dove for cover upon first glimpse of the glorious visage of Ares standing casually before his throne. The young woman's breath caught and held in fascination. The carved rendering did no just to the awesome beauty and power of this dark Lord.

"Lost your manners, little girl, or have you learned nothing of how to greet your Master?"

A muscle twitched in Arcana's jaw. 'By the Gods, now the girl couldn't even follow simple instruction.'

"On your knees!" she hissed at the immobile novitiate just as JaZelle was shoving her down.

Ares looked on amused knowing the Temple's High Priestess wasn't happy with his choice but there was something about this blue-eyed beauty that he knew would bode well. And if not, there was all the fun he could have breaking her in.