The Dark Empire: The Divine Astarte Trilogy

The Dark Empire (Andaman Edition) The shield maiden shoved the captive down onto the sleeping platform. She pulled off her tunic, and tossed the young man a silver coin. "You are very fair, pretty one!" she whispered. The Great Queen of the Dark Empire was served by the cruel ranks of the Shield Maidens. Her foes were driven back by the sure and terrible darts and arrows of the merciless warriors. The men who were captured by the Maidens might die - impaled on sharp stakes. Others were unmanned by the daggers of the hellcats. Those who served them well became camp followers - and were rewarded by a silver coin by the insatiable women of the spear. Astarte ruled the Dark Empire. She was served by the cruel Shield Maidens. All men feared their swords. Thus it was in the days of the Dark Empire.