Excerpt 1: Spy Training
Chapter 24.
Theodora and Macedonia stood side by side, sweeping through a series of dance stretches. “You must engage men directly,” Macedonia said. “This is not so easy for some women because it involves confrontation. But you must learn how to oppose a man and to let your opposition strengthen your position with him.”
“What does that mean?”
“There are three basic roles to any relationship,” said Macedonia. “A master, a servant, and a peer. These roles are very defined among men, but with you, he will always assume himself the master. The world has taught him this and now you must teach him otherwise. Put a man in conflict, and he’ll work his way out, one of their great strengths, but you’ll use it to your advantage. When you learn what drives each man, you must challenge him on his ground. You’re to become the impetus,” she said and pulled out of the dance stretch. She turned to Theodora and lifted her chin. “If he is arrogant, doubt him. If he is ignorant, correct him. If he worships you, command him. If he is timid, embolden him. If he is judgmental, discredit him. If he is broken, console him. If he is withdrawn, ignore him. If he is a dreamer, inspire him. If he is irritated, pester him. If he is demanding, deny him. If he is threatening, turn and face him,” she said. “Too many women challenge men as the servant, using anger without power, and a powerless woman will eventually falter. Men are prepared for confrontation, and so too must you be. And when he responds to your opposition, you will remain composed, unflinching, and assertive.”
Theodora sighed and asked the inevitable question. “But what if he becomes violent?”
“Then he seeks authority over you, Theodora. If he strikes you, stand tall and dare him to do it again.”
That wasn’t the answer Theodora was looking for.
“Remember, we’re speaking about a man with whom you’ve established some level of trust and rapport. He’ll be a friend, a relative, or lover. If that man should turn against you, if he should strike you, you must confront him immediately.” Macedonia repeated herself, but slowly. “Stand tall and dare him to do it again. The power of violence is not the violence itself, but whether you accept his sole authority afterward. And you will not accept it. With each blow you defy him. His authority is collapsing, even while he believes he’s enforcing it.”
“And if he kills you?”
Macedonia stepped in close again and grabbed Theodora’s robe. “Then let this be your burial shroud. Wear it proudly. If you desire power, Theodora, then you better know the price. You go all the way. The wellspring of all power in this world comes from a willingness to face death for your own autonomy in this life. That is the covenant. No person or nation has ever risen without facing this brutal and powerful truth.”
Theodora stared back at Macedonia, stunned, feeling the weight of her mentor’s lesson more heavily than normal.
Macedonia continued. “And why should women fear death? We stare death in the face to bring life into this world, and we do so willingly. So, tell me, which is the better burial shroud? The one you wear now, or the one you’ll wear as an old woman who feared death and died anyway? Because I say that a woman who dies on her feet never really dies.” Macedonia blinked and glanced above Theodora as if she saw something there. “She is swept up from the earth in a magnificent gale, and she’ll leave this world sovereign.” Macedonia reset her eyes on Theodora. “An unconquered woman.”
Unconquered.
The smaller of the two Theodoras heard the word. She circled her thoughts around it. But like a wolf drawn in by a bright and mesmerizing fire, she feared to go any closer.