<span style="font-size: 18px">Braxton felt his head clear and his strength return as the Amazon Queen repeated her barbaric demands that the men allow the Amazons to strip them of their clothing and added the threat that they would likely be fed alive to monsters if they refused. She had ordered Wendell to translate her words to the Englishmen. Braxton now stood firmly on his own and indicated to Wendell that he ought to convey the Queen's orders and threats to the rest of the men. <br/>
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With a heavy heart, Wendell turned to face the men and explained the situation saying, "Men, put away any notions that we are in civilized hands. We are captives. The Amazon leader (it might have been spiteful but Wendell decided not to identify her as a Queen, since she was not so civilized as Queen Victoria or any royal woman he'd ever heard of) desires us to be naked. Presumably to ensure that we have no weapons, but truly to display their power and attempt to shame us. Any who resist will be given over to monsters that will eventually kill the offender. Therefore, either remove your clothes voluntarily or do not resist if the Amazons strip you."<br/>
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Some of the men's faces became pale and they stood in place whilst others began to remove their clothes by themselves. Wendell turned to face the Queen. Then he began removing his own clothing.<br/>
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Whilst Wendell spoke to the men, Braxton had made a full recovery of his strength and wits. Perhaps not all of his wits for he turned to face Queen Rhene and gave her the same expression that he had given her and her attendant when they had earlier advanced on Wendell as Wendell had plead on the Englishmens' behalf. Braxton now saw his dear friend begrudgingly acceding to the Queen's demands and removing his own clothing, rather than have it forcibly taken from him. Wendell was a sensible fellow. It was the sensible thing to do, but Braxton wanted nothing of it.<br/>
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Braxton still stood in his now tattered shirt and his intact trousers. His expression of contempt to Queen Rhene somehow intensified. Calmly, but icily, he said to her, "~Strip me."</span>