章 46: Bound by the Lasso of Truth [46]

Clark frowned suddenly, his expression becoming alert. He tilted his head slightly, activating his super hearing. Amid the forest's silence, he could unmistakably hear the sound of horse hooves approaching.

Gallop!

Clark looked at Diana, noticing she hadn't yet picked up on the approach.

"Someone's coming," he said, his voice low and careful.

Diana furrowed her brows, clearly intrigued. "How do you know that?"

Clark raised his hands in the air, trying to show he wasn't a threat.

"Special abilities."

Diana looked at him, confused, but before she could say anything, two Amazons appeared in the clearing. Both were mounted on imposing horses, and anger was visible on their faces as they saw Clark.

"A man on Themyscira?!" one of them exclaimed, her voice filled with disdain and surprise.

The other Amazon gripped her spear firmly, her gaze full of fury. "Diana, what's going on here? How does this man dare to step onto our sacred land?"

Diana raised her hand, signaling for the Amazons to stand down. "I'll take him to the queen. He is my prisoner. There doesn't need to be violence here."

The two Amazons exchanged glances, still clearly distrustful and furious, but lowered their weapons, heeding Diana's command. They had been sent by the queen to find Diana and now had to deal with the unexpected presence of a man.

"If he tries anything, we won't hesitate to end him," one said in a threatening tone.

Diana nodded, keeping her firm stance. "Understood. I'll make sure he is taken directly to the queen."

Clark remained silent, his hands raised, as Diana approached him, positioning herself behind him as if ready to escort him. He knew this was the best way to avoid a confrontation and perhaps gain some understanding from the Amazons.

Diana looked at one of the Amazons and nodded. "I need a horse. Let's take him to the queen immediately."

The Amazon nodded and dismounted, handing the reins to Diana. Diana gripped the reins firmly and mounted the horse with agility, then looked at Clark.

"Get on behind me. Don't try anything stupid," Diana said, looking at Clark distrustfully.

Clark nodded, showing he understood. He approached the horse and, with a quick leap, got on behind Diana, holding onto the saddle firmly but trying to keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing her.

The two Amazons exchanged glances again, still distrustful, but then both mounted the other horse together. One held the reins while the other kept the spear ready, prepared for any eventuality.

Diana gave the reins a gentle tug, and the horse began moving, leading Clark and the Amazons through the dense forest. The sound of hooves echoed among the trees as the group advanced toward the heart of Themyscira, where the queen awaited them.

Clark stayed silent during the ride, aware that he was in enemy territory and that any wrong move could be interpreted as a threat. He just observed the landscape around him, admiring the untouched beauty of the island.

Diana, meanwhile, remained focused, her eyes on the path ahead. Despite her suspicions about Clark, something about his presence piqued her curiosity. He didn't seem like the men her mother had always warned her about, but she couldn't let her guard down just yet.

As they rode, the group passed areas filled with statues and ancient monuments, reminders of past battles and a legacy the Amazons fiercely protected. Clark looked at these symbols of history and power, realizing how special this place was.

Finally, after some time, the group began to approach the grand city of Themyscira. The towering structures and marble spires gleamed under the sun, and Clark could see various Amazons watching them as they approached, their expressions ranging from surprise to disapproval.

Diana brought the horse to a stop before the main palace, where a group of Amazons awaited. She dismounted and gestured for Clark to do the same.

"You'll be taken to Queen Hippolyta. And remember, any suspicious move and they won't hesitate to act."

Clark nodded, carefully dismounting. "I understand. I'm just here to talk."

Diana gave a small nod, then gestured for the other Amazons to escort him. They positioned themselves beside Clark, ready to take him into the palace, with Diana leading the way.

Clark took a deep breath as he walked through the palace gates. He knew he needed to be cautious and was about to face one of the biggest challenges of his life—earning the trust of the Amazons and, most importantly, Queen Hippolyta.

Clark was led to the grand hall of the palace, where Queen Hippolyta sat on an ornate throne. Beside her stood Antiope, the general of the Amazons, watching the scene with a serious and attentive gaze. As soon as Clark entered, all eyes turned to him.

"Diana, who is this man, and how does he dare step on our sacred land?" Hippolyta asked, her voice firm and filled with authority.

"Mother, he introduced himself as Clark. He claims he arrived here by accident and doesn't intend to harm anyone," Diana replied, maintaining a respectful posture.

Clark stayed silent but discreetly activated his ability to read minds, focusing on Hippolyta. He immediately sensed the queen's thoughts—her desire to protect Themyscira at all costs and a deep-seated intention to eliminate any threat, including him.

'The presence of a man is an affront to our security... I can't allow this to continue...'

Clark swallowed, realizing the danger he was in. He knew he needed to do something to prove he wasn't a threat.

Hippolyta raised her hand, signaling for Diana to approach. "Diana, use the Lasso of Truth. Let's see if this man is really telling the truth."

Diana nodded and walked over to a nearby table, picking up the golden lasso. She then approached Clark, with an expression that mixed determination and slight reluctance.

"This is the Lasso of Truth," Diana said, looking directly into Clark's eyes. "Anyone bound by it is compelled to tell the truth. There's no resisting its power."

Clark looked at the lasso, feeling a chill down his spine. He knew he couldn't lie while under the power of that artifact. Even though he had good intentions, he couldn't deny that he feared what might happen if his answers weren't enough to convince them.

Jor-El interrupted his thoughts, his voice echoing in Clark's mind.

[Kal-El, remember, your mind is protected. The Lasso of Truth can't force you to do anything you don't want to. Trust yourself.]

Clark felt a wave of relief wash over him as he heard Jor-El's voice. He took a deep breath, relaxing a bit and looking at Diana with a calmer gaze.

"I just hope you trust me after hearing my answers," Clark said with a light smile, trying to project confidence.

Diana observed Clark for a moment before finally wrapping the Lasso of Truth around him. The Amazons around them watched in silence, observing Clark's every move, ready to act if he tried anything.

"Now, answer, Clark," Diana said firmly. "What is your true intention on Themyscira?"

Clark looked directly into Diana's eyes, feeling the lasso's power around him but with his confidence restored thanks to Jor-El. "My intention is only to see this place and learn more about you, Amazons. I have no intention of hurting anyone or causing trouble."

Diana continued to look at him, assessing his words. She could feel the sincerity in his voice, and the Lasso of Truth showed no sign of resistance or deceit. She then looked at her mother, waiting for the queen's reaction.

Hippolyta kept her gaze fixed on Clark for a few moments before finally speaking. "We'll allow him to stay, for now. But know this, man, you'll be watched at all times. Any sign of betrayal, and your life will be taken without hesitation."

Clark nodded respectfully. "I understand, Queen Hippolyta. I'll do my best to earn your trust."

Hippolyta gestured for the Amazons to release Clark. "Diana, you'll be responsible for him during his stay. Don't let him out of your sight."

Diana nodded, still holding a certain distrust in her gaze. "Yes, Mother. I'll make sure he doesn't cause any trouble."

Clark felt the lasso being removed from his body and sighed in relief. He knew this was only the beginning, but at least he had gained a chance to prove he wasn't a threat. He looked at Diana, who now stood beside him, and gave a slight smile.

"Thank you for trusting me, even if just a little," Clark said.

Diana looked at him, still serious but with a hint of curiosity in her expression. "We'll see if that trust is deserved, Clark. There's still much to discover about you."

Clark nodded, knowing he'd need patience and determination to earn the trust of the Amazons and show that his presence there wasn't a threat, but an opportunity for mutual understanding. He was willing to do whatever it took to earn that respect, starting with Diana and her mother, Queen Hippolyta.

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