By daviderlEmail davideml@bellsouth.netCharacters
Rating PGDrama
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"Old Woman, you said you had a vision. So tell me of this revelation." "I see changes, many changes. Changes for the good. Changes for the
bad.
Hear me and heed -- Your Friend - is - Your Enemy - is - Your Friend." "Old Woman, that makes no sense at all! Don't tell me riddles. Say
something
I can understand!" "I can only say what I see. It is up to you to interpret the meaning." "Then go away! Your vision is nothing but a fool's distraction." "As you wish, My Queen, as you wish." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "My Lord, we have done it! We have captured the Barbarian Bitch!" "That is excellent news, but at the cost of how many lives?" asked King
Belos. "None, My Lord. The Bitch was betrayed by her own lieutenant. He now
calls
himself Jobyna the Terrible." The king laughed a short contemptible laugh, "A barbarian name if I
ever
heard one. And what was his price?" "He asked only that he and his army be allowed to leave the kingdom in
peace." "Yes, I am sure that is his desire. You will dispatch spies to follow
and
watch this departing army of barbarians. I do not trust the word of a
traitor." "It shall be done, My Lord." "So when shall we see this Barbarian Bitch?" "Soon, My Lord. The soldiers should be entering the city gates as we
speak." "Have her brought to me as soon as they arrive. I wish to see for
myself
this Bitch who has battled my army and caused my people so much fear
and
panic." "It will be done, My Lord." As the messenger backed away, from the corner of his eye he saw a
petite
woman with green eyes framed with golden blond hair. Bowing in her
direction
he said, "My Queen." And continued backing from the Throne Room. King Belos looked to his left and the smile on his face broadened into
a
grin. "Wife," he said, almost laughing. "You are just in time, we have
captured
the Barbarian Bitch who calls herself a Warrior Princess. She should be
here
soon." The queen leaned down to kiss her husband on the cheek. "I heard the
excitement, and wondered what it was. How is it that she was caught? I
have
heard that she is like the wind, that nothing can touch her." "It was her own men who did the deed for us, a deceitful group to be
sure." After a short wait, several soldiers entered the room, each one with a
length of rope tied to a different part of a dirty, beaten and
blood-stained woman. A rope around each wrist, each ankle and her
neck.
With each jerk of the ropes Xena staggered, struggling to stay on her
feet. As they approached the king, she was struck from behind and knocked to
the
floor. She slowly regained her feet and stood to her full height. She was
taller
than most, and even though injured and bleeding, she stood as though
she was
the sovereign, and not King Belos. Her eyes were full of murderous rage, and her lips carried a
contemptuous
sneer. Her expression was full of hatred and loathing as she stared into the
eyes
of the king. Then slowly her gaze shifted to the woman at his side. As
their eyes locked, the Queen was both fascinated and repulsed by the
disgust
that assaulted her. The guard struck again, this time to the back of her knees, and again
Xena
was driven to the floor. "You WILL bow down to King Belos and Queen Gabrielle!" he roared, and
struck
her a third time. Finding his voice, King Belos ordered that the Barbarian Bitch was to
be
shackled by the arms and legs in the most secure cell of the dungeon.
Her
fate would be decided when he had time to reflect on her punishment. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "My Husband, I must confess, that woman frightens me." "As well she should," he said laughing. "She frightens everyone, even
me,
although I wouldn't want anyone to know it." "But -- at the same time she fascinates me." "My Dear, THAT is the Seduction of Evil. You would do well to stay
away
from her, she has only malice in her black heart." "What will you do with her?" "I haven't decided. She has to die, obviously, but I don't know
whether to
have her hanged or beheaded. I was thinking about stoning, but there
are so
many who would want to throw stones that it would be impossible to
control
the crowd." "Does she really have to die?" "My dear Gabrielle, of course she has to die. She has killed hundreds,
maybe
even thousands over the years. It is a fit and just punishment." "But wouldn't she suffer more by spending the remainder of her life
locked
away in a cell?" "Perhaps, but the public cries out for vengeance. Even though I am
king
there are some things that the public must be permitted to demand.
Every
good leader know this." "But surely knowing she is locked away would satisfy their lust for
retribution." "Wife, in many ways you are still as innocent and as naive as the day
we
wed. No, they clamor for blood, for the blood of the Barbarian Bitch.
Although . . . ." "Yes?" Queen Gabrielle asked hopefully, "You have an idea?" "Possibly. Rather than an execution, a public flogging every ten days
or so
may please them." "Not too many lashes, I would hope." "Not too many - not enough to kill her, but enough to satisfy the
crowd. I
would say a hundred or so." "So many? I was thinking maybe ten, or fifteen." Laughing again, King Belos replied. "How little you know about these
things!
The people would not stand for such an inadequate punishment. Children
are
given ten lashes for being disrespectable. " "But . . . ." "But, nothing. I don't understand your concern with this woman, or her
punishment. You have never shown an interest in these kinds of things
before." "It is hard to explain, My Husband, but as you have said, I am still so
innocent of so much that goes on. If I am to serve as a real queen
shouldn't
I be attentive to everything that happens?" "Somehow, I think your interest has less to do with affairs of state
and
more to do with your fascination with this evil woman." "Yes, you are correct, of course. But if I may -- I have been your wife
for
five years, and they have been happy years for me. But a queen needs to
know
more than the gossip of the Royal Court. When you met me I was just an
ordinary peasant girl who read from her scrolls to children. . . ." "And good little stories they were." The king interrupted. "Yes, good stories -- but simple children stories. One day I would
like to
write about things that interest men and women, not just children. And
I
feel if I can understand what it is that made this barbarian woman so
evil
and murderous then I will not be so naive. Surely there was a time when
she
was not a cruel, heartless person." "I don't think it would be a good idea for you to be anywhere near this
beast. You don't realize how malevolent she is. No, My Wife, I forbid
you to
go near her." "But I will be outside the cell, and she is shackled within. How can
she
harm me?" "With her evil eyes and her foul mouth and her poisonous ideas. You
heard
my words - I forbid it. This discussion has ended. She will be flogged
with
one hundred lashes in three days." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As the Queen slowly descended the wet, slippery stone stairs to the
lowest
level of the dungeon, her heart beat furiously; not because she was
disobeying her husband, but in anticipation of seeing the bloodthirsty
monster manacled behind the strongest of iron bars. Not wanting to be seen by her, Gabrielle stopped in the shadows but
within
view of the cell. Quietly she stood and watched, waiting for her eyes
to
become used to the darkness. The only light was from sputtering torches near the cell that cast a
weak
light onto the crumpled form. For a long while neither woman moved,
then
slowly the prisoner raised her head and cocked it to one side,
listening.
And with great difficulty from her many injuries and the weight of the
chains that held her, she stood up, staring at the darkness that hid
the
Queen. "Surely, she can't see me," Gabrielle thought to herself. "She can't
know I
'm here." For a longer time, Xena only stared, then with hate and contempt in her
voice, she said, "I know you're there! Your heart beats loud enough to
wake
the dead. I can smell the fear that drips from your armpits. And your
sweet-smelling womanly perfume offends my nostrils. Come closer, into
the
light, let me see you." Paralyzed with fear and unable to draw a breath, Queen Gabrielle wanted
to
run away, back up the stairs, but couldn't move. Xena suddenly jumped at the bars, clanging her chains against them and
let
out a blood-curdling, deafening war cry. And then followed it with a
cruel,
mocking laugh. At the horrific noise, the spell was broken and the Queen turned and
ran
back up the stairs, slipping on the slimy stones, and tripping on the
hem of
her gown. She ran until she had reached the safety of her room, the
horrendous laugh of the evil woman echoing in her ears. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At midday, on the third day after her capture, Xena was dragged from
her
cell and chained at the wrists between two posts, each arm stretched
out and
up until her feet barely touched the sand. King Belos gave the signal to begin, and with each lash the crowd
roared its
approval. With each crack of the whip, blood stained the coarsely
woven
rags that covered her. By the 30th stroke, the rags had been ripped to shreds and she stood
naked
to the whip's cutting tip. Her back, arms, legs, belly and breasts -
all
were slashed and bleeding. By the 50th her strength and resolve failed her and she slumped down,
with
only the chains on her wrists keeping her from falling to the ground.
It
was at this point that Queen Gabrielle left her husband's side, she
could no
longer watch the spectacle. As she hurried away, trying to keep from
vomiting, she wondered just who was the barbarian. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Is it over?" The Gabrielle asked as her husband entered her bedroom. "For now. The woman isn't as strong as she pretended. She passed out at
80
lashes, but I think the crowd was pleased, nevertheless. And now my
dear
wife, it appears that seeing the Bitch finally getting what she
deserved has
aroused me, and exceedingly so. I think now would be a fitting
conclusion to
this day's amusement." And for the first time Queen Gabrielle did not share her husband's
passion,
or pleasure. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Despite herself, Gabrielle found herself once again descending the
stairs to
the dungeon that held the lacerated and bloody prisoner. This time she
walked to the door of the cell and was stunned at the sight of Xena's
bleeding body, her wounds left untreated. "So much blood! Is there no one to treat her cuts?" Gabrielle asked the
Captain of the Dungeon Guard. "No, My Lady. She will live, or die. No one has given orders to tend to
her." "Then if there is no one to treat her, I will. You will bring clean
rags
and water. This cell will be washed out and clean straw will be
provided.
Now open this door." "I'm sorry, My Lady, I cannot. The King will have my head if you are
harmed." "Harmed by what? This unfortunate wretch that lies dying even as we
speak?
She is unconscious and you have more than enough guards to protect me.
Now
do as I say." Fearful of the king's wrath, but not daring to disobey the queen, the
Captain opened the cell door and stationed a half dozen guards with
spears
inside. Fresh water, rags and straw was brought. Gabrielle knelt down beside Xena, not knowing where to begin. Soaking a
rag
with water, she gently began to wash the dried blood and sand from
Xena's
shoulders and back, carefully, so as not to cause renewed bleeding. Three times the bucket of bloody water was replaced with clean water.
When
she had finished with Xena's back, buttocks and the back of her legs,
Gabrielle instructed guards to make a pallet with the clean rags and
straw,
and then gently turned her over. As she began to wash away the blood from her face, Xena suddenly awoke,
but
with the tips of the spears threatening her, she lay still, but her
eyes
flashed fire. Gabrielle continued to clean the side of her face, then softly tried to
turn
Xena's head to wash the rest of her face. But Xena was not cooperative,
keeping her head rigid. Gabrielle leaned over to reach the far side of
her
face. She then proceeded to wash and rinse the front of Xena's body,
and
arms and legs, being particularly careful with her severely lacerated
wrists. When she was done she ordered the guard to bring more clean water and a
ladle. But when she offered the water Xena wouldn't drink. "You are very stubborn, aren't you?" Gabrielle said to her. So she
poured
the water slowly over Xena's lips, and despite herself, Xena found
herself
drinking. Four times Gabrielle filled the ladle, and each time it was
emptied. Looking around Gabrielle asked the Captain, "Where are her clothes?"
"They were shredded by the whip, My Lady." "Then I will get her something of mine. I will return shortly." When Gabrielle returned to the cell, she found that Xena had been
shackled
to the wall, with chains so short that she was even unable to touch her
mouth, which had mysteriously acquired yet another cut, staining her
teeth
red. "What is the meaning of this?" Gabrielle asked the Captain. "The King's orders, My Lady. When we entered the cell to take her to be
flogged, she fought us, so the King commanded that she be held with the
shorter chains." "Open the door." As she entered the cell, Gabrielle set down a basket
she
had brought, and then unfolded a blanket she also brought. "Since I have nothing that will fit you, this will have to do." She instructed a guard to cut a slit in the center of the blanket, then
slipped it over Xena's head so the front and back of her was covered. "I brought food, but since you are unable to eat by yourself, I will
have to
feed you." From the basket she first took a bunch of purple grapes, but once
again,
Xena's mouth was firmly set. "You might as well eat, because I'm not leaving until you do." Reluctantly, Xena allowed Gabrielle to put a grape into her mouth and
slowly chewed it up and swallowed it. But there was no look of
gratitude,
only a stony stare. When the grapes were eaten, several small tart apples followed, then
goat
cheese and lastly, bread. When the food was gone, Gabrielle gave her
more
water. After the meal neither woman spoke but only looked at each other.
Gabrielle
put Xena's hair behind her ears and said, "With the proper clothing you
would be a beautiful woman." Xena replied, "And with the proper weapon, you could be dead!" Sounding braver than she felt, Gabrielle said, "I suspect you could
kill me
with no weapons at all." "Why are you doing this? Just so I'll be stronger for the next
flogging?"
Xena asked bitterly. "No. I don't approve of flogging. But my husband, the King has decreed
it.
I do it to gain your trust. I want to know what has caused your heart
to be
so black. I want to know why you found it necessary to kill so many
men,
women and children." "I have NEVER made war on women and children." Xena spat out. "Lies!
All
lies!" "If you say so. I must go now, but I will return tomorrow." "Guard!" Gabrielle said, "I am leaving this water and ladle for the
prisoner. Do not take them away." "But My Lady, the King said nothing that can be used a as weapon was to
left
near her." "Are you so afraid she might beat the rats to death? The ladle and
bucket
stay." As she left the cell and it was closed, Gabrielle broke off several
strands
of her long golden hair then wrapped and tied them around the lock. "I will be here tomorrow, and if these strands are broken you will
join the
prisoner in her cell. Do you understand me?" Bowing his head, the guard answered, "Yes, My Lady. It will be as you
say." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next day Gabrielle brought more food, clean rags and medicine for
Xena's
wounds. She was pleased to see the strands of her hair hadn't been
tampered
with. When she entered the cell, she saw that Xena had drunk the water and
managed
to maneuver the bucket to relieve herself. Gabrielle instructed the
guard
to unshackle one of Xena's hands." "But My Lady, I was told to keep her chained at all times." "So how am I to clean her wounds if her back is against the wall?
Unchain
her at once!" Without protest, Xena turned her back to Gabrielle. She saw that the
cuts
had oozed, soaked into the fabric and then dried. Slowly Gabrielle
poured
water over her back until the dried blood was softened and she was able
to
remove the blanket. After washing her back again Gabrielle said, "I see infection is
setting in,
I was afraid of that. I brought medicine, but it will sting some." Gabrielle poured the medicine into her hand and as gently as she could
applied the healing liquid. Although Xena neither spoke nor flinched,
Gabrielle could feel her muscles tighten from the burning liquid. When
she
finished the back side of her, she repeated the process on Xena's
chest,
belly, arms and legs, and wrists. Passing the food basket to her, Xena was allowed to feed herself with
her
one free hand. When she had finished eating, Xena asked, "Am I supposed to thank you
for
making sure I am healthy enough for another flogging?" "No, I told you before I don't approve of flogging, but I am not that
--
naive. I don't want your insincere thanks." "Then what to do you want from me?" "I want you to talk to me. I want to know you, to understand why --
how you
became the monster they say you are." "They say I am a monster? Good! Then they fear me. I know you fear me,
don'
t you?" "Some, but not as much as I did when they first brought you in. You
said you
didn't make war on women and children. Then why do they say so?" At first Xena didn't answer but only stared at Gabrielle. Then slowly
she
said, "In war things happen. Fires rage out of control, soldiers strike
at
anything in the heat of battle. A leader can't be everywhere at once.
Women
and children died, but NOT at my command!" "But how did you -- WHY did you become so cruel, so brutal?" For a long time Xena looked at Gabrielle, then slowly put her free hand
up
to be reshackled and turned her face away, refusing to answer. As the guard remanacled her, Gabrielle ordered more water and a
separate pot
to be left in the cell. "Do I have to wrap the lock again?" She asked the Captain. "No, My Lady, the barbarian is properly confined, there is no reason to
enter her cell." Gabrielle returned the next day and again washed Xena's cuts and
reapplied
the medicine. She brought fruit, bread and cheese. But because Xena
still
refused to say much, Gabrielle found herself doing most of the talking.
She
talked about living in the palace as a queen, about how much she liked
to
write stories, about how the king only ocassionally included her in the
administration of the kingdom. Everyday Gabrielle returned to Xena, and each visit became longer until
she
was spending half a day or longer there. Eventually Xena talked to
her,
answering her questions. "There was a time that I was just like you, young, carefree, innocent.
But
one day a warlord and his army came to our village. It is called
Amphipolis,
have you heard of it?" "I may have heard the name, but that's all." "The men of the town were afraid to face them, and ran away to the
hills and
forests. But not me. I was able to convince some to fight for our
village.
We eventually were able to fight them off and they left Amphipolis
alone.
But during one of the battles my younger brother, my dear Lyceus was
killed.
My mother never forgave me for that. She was a coward like the rest of
them!
So I left Amphipolis, but I swore never again would it be attacked. And
I
began to make war on villages I heard had supported the warlord. One
thing
led to another until . . . ." "I'm originally from Poteidaia, have you ever heard of it?" "Doesn't sound familiar." "It's really a nice little village - vineyards, small farms, good
people." "Well, either there wasn't enough there to be worth my time attacking
it, or
it was too far out of the way." "Thank the gods for small favors. I should be going, the king is
beginning
to wonder where I have been keeping myself. But I'll be back tomorrow." "I'll be here." Xena answered with a small, cynical smile. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "It appears that most of your cuts are healing up nicely." Gabrielle
said as
she examined Xena's back as she applied the healing liquid. "I think
the
little bit of olive oil I added is helping a lot." "After eight days of treatment, I would hope so. How much longer are
you
going to massage my body with your medication?" "As long as I think is necessary ... There is something I wish to ask,
but
you don't have to answer if you don't want to." "Ask." "I couldn't help but notice that from the indications on your body, it
appears that you have had a child. I was wondering about it." For a long while Xena didn't answer, but from the look on her face,
Gabrielle could tell she was not comfortable thinking about it. At last Xena said, "There was a time when I was at war with the
centaurs.
And I found I was expecting. I wasn't happy about it, but Borias was
overjoyed." "He is your husband?" "Husband? Not hardly! I wasn't about to be tied down with a husband,
even
though more than once he told me he loved me. But he wasn't as
enthusiastic
as I was about battling the centaurs, and he eventually turned against
me to
join with them. When my baby was born, somehow he managed to get back
to me,
but was killed in the attempt. In a moment of weakness, I allowed him
to see
his son just before he died." "You had a son! How wonderful!" "Well, I didn't think so. Since Borias had joined the centaurs, the
war
with them wasn't going well, and I knew we couldn't win. So I made a
deal. I
would give them the son of Borias, who they all loved, if my army and I
could withdraw without retaliation. They agreed, and we left the area." "How sad you had to give up your son," Gabrielle said with tears in her
eyes. "Do you cry all the time like that?" Xena asked. "I'm afraid I do. My husband says it's a sign of compassion and
kindness.
Why? Don't you ever cry?" "Never! Soldiers consider tears to be a sign of weakness. To control my
men
I learned to control my emotions. Rage and mercilessness is what they
respect, not tears and kindness." "I still think it's sad you gave up your son." After a few moments Gabrielle said quietly, "I have to leave now, but
I
shall return tomorrow." As the guard rechained Xena's wrist, Gabrielle asked him, "Can't you
lengthen the chains just a little, just so she can drink and relieve
herself
without struggling? Then you can take away the deadly ladle you are so
concerned with." "I suppose it wouldn't hurt anything, My Lady, to lengthen her chains a
bit."
"Thank you. I won't forget this." The next day Gabrielle brought two baskets. "Here," she said handing one to the Captain of the Dungeon Guard,
"Fresh
fruit for you and your men." Bowing in thanks, he opened the cell door for her, unshackled one of
Xena's
wrists, and then left to divide the food with his men. "See? A little sweet oil makes things go so much more smoothly." she
said to
Xena, who had already removed her blanket so Gabrielle could apply the
medicated liquid. "I was never above using bribes when it suited my purpose." Xena
replied. When Gabrielle returned the next day her attitude was much different.
Instead of her usual cheeriness, she was somber and silent. When Xena finished eating with her free hand she put her fingers under
Gabrielle's chin and lifted her face to look at her. Gabrielle's eyes
were
glistening with yet unshed tears. "Tomorrow's the flogging day, isn't it?" Xena said. As the tears ran down her cheeks, Gabrielle nodded. "I wish I could
talk my
husband out of allowing it to happen, but if he discovers I've been
here . .
. ." Xena wiped the tears away but they were only replaced with more. Then a sound was heard, a muted twanging. Suddenly Xena's fist shot
out
toward Gabrielle, but even before her reflexes let her throw herself
away
from what she thought was a killing blow, Xena was holding an arrow,
caught
only a hand's width from Gabrielle's breast. "By The Gods! Assassin!" Gabrielle yelled out. Immediately the guards
fanned
out looking for whoever had fired the arrow. "Someone wants you dead." Xena said showing her the dark tip of the
arrow.
"Poison." Recovering from the shock, Gabrielle instructed the Captain of the
Dungeon
Guard to take the arrow to the king, and to tell him exactly what had
happened. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "You are telling me that even though I had forbidden it, you have been
spending your days with this Barbarian Bitch!" The king asked angrily. With her head bowed, Queen Gabrielle admitted that she had. Trying to control his anger, King Belos looked at Gabrielle, then at
Xena,
who was standing before him, chains on her ankles and wrists. Turning his anger to the Captain of the Guard he demanded, "And You!
How
could you have allowed this to happen?" "My Lord, there were guards with spears present. If I thought the Queen
was
in any danger . . . ." "So what do you call this?" The King demanded, holding out the arrow. "But My Lord, the arrow didn't come from Xena, she caught it in flight.
She
saved the Queen's life!" King Belos looked around again to see if there was anyone else to shout
at.
Everyone was looking down, fearing to meet his glare, hoping to avoid
the
king's wrath. Looking back at the Captain he asked, "And what of this assassin? Have
you
found him?" "No, My Lord. But we found the short bow that was used to fire the
arrow. It
was at the top of the stairs." King Belos closed his eyes for a moment. "Well, it's obvious a personal bodyguard must be provided for the
Queen. If
I can find anyone trustworthy enough." Then looking at Xena he said, "And you, Barbarian, what do you have to
say
for yourself?" "Her name is Xena." Gabrielle whispered to him, but he ignored her. Xena met his stare but remained silent. "While I do appreciate the fact that you saved the Queen's life, you
WILL
answer me. What did you hope to accomplish with this act? A pardon?
Your
freedom?" Xena's eyes flickered to Gabrielle then back to the king, but didn't
reply. With no patience left, King Belos added, "You can answer me, or I can
have
your tongue cut out so you will never speak again." Xena's eyes jumped from Gabrielle to the king, and back again, and
again.
Her self confident attitude was changing to one of confusion and
uncertainty. "I -- I don't know." Was all she could say. "That is no answer. I warn you." The king said. "Because -- because . . . ." Xena focused on Gabrielle, locked eyes with her, and found she had to
blink
to keep Gabrielle's face clear, tears were starting to blur her image. "I -- I could not let her die. She -- I mean, I . . . ." And for the first time in over a dozen years tears began to run down
Xena's
cheeks. "I could not let her die, because -- because I love her!" Slowly Xena went to one knee, her eyes lowering to look at Gabrielle's
feet,
showing the proper respect for royalty. "My Queen," she said in a husky, quivering, emotional voice, as her
tears
puddled on the floor. King Belos, confused at this unexpected turn of events, didn't know
what to
say. Seeing a movement, he looked to see Gabrielle go to Xena, tears
running
down her cheeks as well. Kneeling down to her, Gabrielle's hand lifted Xena's chin so she could
see
her face, and speaking so that only Xena could hear, she whispered,
"And I
love you." Taking Xena by the shoulders, she stood her up and wiped away the
Warrior's
tears. As she turned from Xena to look at the king, Gabrielle said, "My Lord,
I
have found my bodyguard. It is Xena, this Warrior Princess." At first there was only stunned silence, then slowly the guards,
attendants
and others in the throne room began to murmur, which grew louder and
louder
until King Belos roared that everyone was to leave. When only he, Gabrielle, Xena and the Royal Guards were left, King
Belos
said to Gabrielle, "You can't be serious. I told you this barbarian
would
poison your mind. You disobeyed me time and again. Perhaps I should
have you
flogged as well! I will not tolerate such disrespect!" Gabrielle bowed her head. "If that is you wish, My Husband, you may
have me
flogged. I will take the one hundred lashes." Realizing the empty threat he made in anger he replied, "Of course I
won't
have you whipped. But WHY? Why did you have to associate yourself with
this - this . . . ." "My Husband, she is NOT the evil monster everyone says she is! I'm not
saying she hasn't done wrong, that she hasn't done terrible things, but
in
some ways she is as much a victim as those she fought against." Not believing his ears, the king was speechless. Finally, "Wife, how
can
you say that? You don't know of the atrocities she has committed. You
don't
know about the many villages sacked and burned. You . . . ." "But My Husband, the Old Woman, the Seer, told me of her vision. She
said
there would be changes. She said 'My Friend is My Enemy is My Friend.'
The
assassin must be someone who is trusted, otherwise how could he have
gotten
so close? And she had to be speaking of Xena - what other enemy would
stop
an arrow that was only a hand's width from my heart?" "You don't really believe the rantings of that old woman, do you?" The
king
asked, searching for an argument. "But didn't she once tell you that you would wed a Writer of Scrolls, a
Teller of Tales?" "How do you know of this?" "My dear Husband, don't your remember? We were married less than three
days
when the Queen Mother went to her deathbed. I attended to her those
many
days she lingered. And she told me many things - things a new queen
should
know about the Royal Court." Smiling shyly, she continued, "And things a new bride should know to
please
her husband. She spoke of many things, perhaps more than she should
have,
but still . . . " Before the king could answer, the Captain of the Palace Guard
interrupted. "My apologies, My Lord, but we have just received word from the outer
provinces. The warlord who calls himself Jobyna the Terrible has sacked
two
villages and appears to be heading in this direction." "Jobyna!" Xena exclaimed, her voice and temperament suddenly cold and
hard.
"May he choke on his own filth!" Ignoring the outburst, King Belos said to his guard, "Assemble the
soldiers.
We must ride out immediately. Tell them to prepare for battle. We will
strike as soon as his army is sighted." "You won't defeat him like that." Xena said. "I trained those men. I
know
them. They are fanatics, they don't know fear. They believe dying in
battle
will assure them a place in the Elysian Fields." "So you are saying we are doomed even before we meet them in battle?" "Not necessarily. I can tell you how to defeat them." Xena said. "You can? And why would you do that?" "Do you think I hold any love for them? After they drugged me, and beat
me,
and turned me over to my enemy? You say I am a murderous barbarian,
but you
should know I am also vengeful and unforgiving. Show me a map and I
will
tell you how to defeat them. But if I do, I have one request." "What is it?" The king asked suspiciously. "I want to see the traitor Jobyna's head on the top of a post." Smiling slightly, King Belos said, "Maybe I will have him flogged." "Then I ask to be the one brandishing the whip." King Belos looked into Xena's eyes, trying to decide if she was to be
trusted. Deciding he would take a chance, he instructed a guard to
bring
maps from his War Room. When the map of the region was laid out, Xena was allowed to approach
the
table, dragging her chains, to look at it. "Show me the villages Jobyna attacked." The king pointed at two small circles. "What is this?" "It is a lightly wooded area." "And this?" "A grassland used for grazing. Here is a swamp, here are the vineyards,
and
this is the farming area surrounding the city." The Throne Room was quiet as Xena studied the map. Finally she said,
"There
is another village, here, that he will attack next. Unfortunately,
there is
no time to save it. But its sacrifice will give you time to prepare.
This is
what you must do -- You will put archers in the trees, here and here.
You
will send a small squad, about 20 or so soldiers to engage Jobyna's
army.
Then they must break off and retreat, leading them through the woods
where
your archers wait. When all of Jobyna's men have passed the archers
will
shoot the last five or six horses, NOT the men, but the horses. Fire
tipped
arrows would be best, if the wind is right. This will cause the horses
to
panic and stampede. "In the clearing ahead you will have your men dig as many pits as they
have
time to. Make then as big around as a man and waist deep. Make sure the
pits
are well camouflaged. When the stampeding horses stumble into the
holes, the
men will be thrown and will be exposed. Have more archers stationed
there.
And only when they have run out of arrows do you want to have the
swordsmen
and spearmen attack. Tell them to show no mercy, because if they do,
they
will die." "You have done this before." King Belos stated. "A few times. But don't wait too long. The more pits that can be dug
the
better your chances of success." Making the decision to follow Xena's plan, the king ordered that she be
returned to her cell. "But, My Husband," Gabrielle protested, "I have chosen her for my
bodyguard." "Just because she saved your life, and has given us a battle plan
doesn't
mean she is completely trustworthy. I can't take the risk, not yet." "Then I must accompany her to her cell." "Why do you say such things?" "My Lord, an assassin still runs free. Right now there are only two
people I
know for sure I can trust, that I feel safe with. You, my dear Husband,
and
Xena. And you will be leaving to battle this Jobyna. If Xena is put
in her
cell, that is the only place I can go to feel safe." King Belos turned to Xena. "Is my wife's confidence in you deserved?" "To save her life I would die without hesitation." "If, when I return, I discover that you have harmed her in ANY way,
your
punishment will be so great, so painful, and so cruel, you will beg me
over
and over to end your life." "I would expect nothing less." Shaking his head, and hesitant to do so, the king reluctantly ordered
Xena'
s chains to be removed. "You and Xena will remain in your room while I am gone. You will lock
your
doors. You will stay away from the windows. Guards will be posted in
the
hall. And Xena will taste your food before you eat. Do not, and I
repeat, DO
NOT disobey me this time!" Breaking with the Royal Court's code of behavior, Gabrielle rushed to
embrace him, took his face in her hands and kissed his lips. "Thank you, My Husband. You will see you have chosen wisely. My heart
tells
me that Xena loves me almost as much as you do." Caressing her hair and smiling gently, King Belos replied, "I do love
you,
Gabrielle. I only hope you are right about this barba -- about Xena." Looking over the top of Gabrielle's head, the king said to Xena, "Her
life
is in your hands. You would do well to remember my words. They are a
promise, not a threat." With final parting words, King Belos left Gabrielle, Xena, and six
trusted
guards. "I guess the first thing we should do is find you some clothes."
Gabrielle
said. "No, the first thing we will do is go to your room and lock the door.
Then
we can get me some clothes." Bowing in jest, Gabrielle answered, "Yes, My Warrior Princess." But led
the
way to her bed chamber. Looking around Xena commented, "Nice room. Lots of space. Good
mattress,"
she said as she bounced on the bed. Looking through her clothes, Gabrielle was having a hard time finding
something that would fit Xena. She finally found a wool and linen dress
that
looked like it would almost fit her. "I'm sorry it's so short, but it's the best I can do until we can have
some
made for you." "That's okay. I like my legs to breathe." Gabrielle ordered supper for them, but Xena wouldn't let her eat until
she
had tasted each item, and then made her wait just in case any of it was
laced with a slow-acting poison. After the meal Xena talked about the battle King Belos and his soldiers
were
riding toward. "It will probably take them three or four days to reach the open
field,"
Xena was saying. "Figure another day to dig the pits and get them
ready, and
get the archers in position. Another day or two before the actual
battle,
which should be over in less than a quarter of a day. Another few days
coming back. Ten days at the most, and you husband will be back in your
arms, and you in his bed." Xena added with a grin. Gabrielle gave a small self-conscious laugh. "I don't know why, but I
still
get embarrassed whenever anyone talks about Belos and me ... you know,
even
just hinting about it. I mean, I know everyone does it, but I still
feel
funny." "Don't worry about it, some women are just like that, but since you
brought
it up . . . " "I brought it up?" Gabrielle interrupted, laughing. "Whoever. Anyway, as I started to say, since you and the king have been
married for so long - where are the children?" Gabrielle then grew serious. " I was pregnant, twice. But both times I
lost
the baby." "Oh. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked." "No, I'm glad you did. No one has ever let me talk about it before."
Tears
dampened her eyes as she spoke. "The first time was about a year after we were married. The king was so
happy, and of course, so was I. But we were out riding, he was doing
some
hunting, and my horse was startled by a wild pig that seemed to come
out of
nowhere. I was thrown and ... uh ... and I lost the baby. I think is
was a
boy, but no one ever said." Xena sat next to Gabrielle and put her arm around her, letting her
silently
weep. Wiping the tears away, Gabrielle continued. "I got pregnant again, I
don't
remember, a year, maybe a year and a half later. But I was sick, very
sick.
Chills, fever, I couldn't keep anything down. Eventually I got so weak
I had
nothing for my baby, and the gods took her away. I was going have a
daughter. I know my husband wanted a son, an heir, but I wanted a
daughter
so much. . . . " Overcome with grief Gabrielle could only hold onto Xena and sob. She
eventually cried herself to sleep. Xena gently stretched her out on the
bed
and covered her. As Gabrielle slept, Xena began a thorough examination of the room,
looking
for secret doors, loose stones in the walls, testing the locks and
hinges.
To her satisfaction, all was secure. As night fell, Xena let the room darken, leaving the candles unlit.
Standing at the window and looking out over the city, Xena thought
about the
odd turn of events of the day. "A half a day ago, had I been standing in this very spot, I would have
been
out of this window and over the city walls before anyone missed me."
She
thought. Then she turned to look at the darkened form that was Gabrielle. "But
now, I
wouldn't leave, I couldn't leave, if my life was to end tomorrow
morning,
not even if I was to be flogged. How strange that things should turn
out
like they have." Walking slowly to the bed Xena lay down next to Gabrielle, sleeping on
her
side. Xena curled up her body to match Gabrielle's, put her arm over
her,
kissed her cheek, and allowed herself to fall asleep. When Gabrielle woke up the next morning, Xena was sitting on the edge
of the
bed. As Gabrielle started rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Xena moved
her
hand and began to gently wash her face with a soft linen cloth, wet
from a
copper bowl filled with water. Xena then offered her water from a
silver
ladle. Xena next began to feed Gabrielle the large juicy grapes they both
seemed to
love so much. After Gabrielle had finished eating, she sat up on the bed, and Xena
went to
one knee, her head bowed. "It is now my place to serve YOU, My Queen ... My Lady ... My Love."
Xena
said quietly. Gabrielle placed her hand on the top of Xena's head, running her
fingers
through the long black hair. "There are two things I think you must know." Gabrielle said as she
raised
Xena's head, looking into her deep blue eyes. "First, in my private
chambers, you are not to kneel or bow down to me, and you are to call
me
'Gabrielle.' That is my name and I expect you to use it. And secondly
--
your hair is absolutely filthy! I think it's time you had a proper
bath."
She added smiling broadly. "As you wish, My -- Gabrielle." Xena answered with a smile of her own. Gabrielle instructed the guards to drag in her large copper bath tub
from
the Bathing Chamber. "If we can't visit the rest of the palace, then we
will
bring what we need in here." She said to Xena. "And then after your
bath I
will have my dressmaker come to take measurements so she can make you
some
proper clothes. As Xena sat in the tub, Gabrielle poured bucket after bucket of hot
water
over the Warrior. She then added scented oils and began to shampoo the
dried
blood and dirt from Xena's hair. "I don't think this is proper behavior for a queen." Xena said in mild
protest. " I CAN wash myself, you know." "When I am finished with you, you can return the favor, then we will be
even." After both baths, Gabrielle had her dressmaker come. "Nothing too tight, or too long." Xena requested. "Should the occasion
arise, I need to be able to move freely. And nothing too bright, I
should
blend in, not stand out." Laughing, Gabrielle said, "No matter where you go or who you are with,
you
will always stand out. But she is right, Dressmaker, she should not
outshine
the Queen." "While we are waiting for you new clothes, I guess I should tell you
about
some of the rules and codes of conduct that will be expected of you
when we
are in public. I already told you to call me Gabrielle when we are
alone
together, but when there are others present you should address me as
'My
Lady' or 'My Queen.' You should stand behind me on my right side since
I am
right handed. That way if I need to hand you anything you will right
there
to take it. You are not to touch me at any time, unless of course
there is
danger of some kind and you need to do so to protect me. And you need
to
keep your head up to watch everything and everyone, so you are not to
kneel
or bow down, even if the king enters the room." "I think I know how to guard someone." Xena said, "But if that's the
way you
want it, I have no argument." "These are not my rules, they have been handed down through the years.
It's
the way things are done." "Like I said, whatever you want." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next few days were quiet, too quiet. There was no word from King
Belos
about the battle with Jobyna. Gabrielle and Xena were confined to the
one
room. As large as it was, it was still only one room. "By the gods! I really hate this! I can't even walk into my own garden.
I
feel like I'm a prisoner!" Gabrielle complained one afternoon. "Yes, you're certainly right. This certainly is not a cell fit for
humans." As she realized what an insensitive remark she just made, Gabrielle
couldn't
apologize enough, "Oh, Xena, I'm so sorry I said that. You must think
I'm
the most inconsiderate, unfeeling, coldhearted . . . ." "Of course I don't." Xena interrupted. "I know what you mean. My
problem
with us being locked in here is that I know there is an assassin
roaming the
halls of this palace and I can't try to find out who it is." "Well, once Belos returns, he'll find out who it is. Trust me, I know
my
husband." "I'm glad you feel that way. It's good to know there is someone you can
trust no matter what." "Actually, I have two people I know I can trust completely, my husband
--
and you." Xena's smile expressed more gratitude for the comment than any words
she
could find. As the days slowly passed their time alone was only interrupted in the
early
morning when food was served, and when the king's advisors and
consultants
brought parchments for Gabrielle to read over and to sign. Even with
the
king gone, the obligations of running the palace and the village had to
be
dealt with. Consequently, most of their time was spent just talking to
each
other. Gabrielle talked about her childhood, and growing up in Poteidaia; and
about
the chance meeting with her future husband (he was not yet king so he
spent
his time traveling the countryside, and almost ran over Gabrielle when
she
spooked his horse as she suddenly appeared out of nowhere - running to
pick
the season's first wild berries. Xena would not talk much about her past after she left Amphipolis, but
didn'
t mind telling Gabrielle about her parents and two brothers during the
earlier, and happier days of her youth. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Gabrielle," Xena said one morning after breakfast, "Didn't I hear you
say
something about a Seer living in the palace? Since we don't have
anything
else to do, why don't you summon her. I'd kind of like to get a look at
her.
Maybe she has some other predictions to tell us." "That's a good idea. Maybe she knows how my husband is faring." As the old woman entered the room, Xena saw she carried a walking stick
that
she held in front of her, moving it back and forth. "She has been blind since birth," Gabrielle whispered to her. "She
claims
because of that she can see things others can't." The old woman approached Xena, and as she got close to her she put out
one
gnarled, arthritic hand, her palm facing outward. Nodding slowly and
smiling faintly, she appeared to be confirming an unspoken thought. She
then
moved her hand to the side until it was centered on Gabrielle's breast.
Her
smile got wider, exposing yellow-stained and broken teeth. "Just as I saw," She cackled "Just as I knew." "Knew what?" Gabrielle asked, then whispered to Xena, "Sometimes she
doesn't
make much sense; she is really getting old." "Smoke. Smoke and coal and embers. Untainted essence and smoke." "See what I mean," Gabrielle whispered again. "Makes no sense at all." "Hey!" Xena barked. "What in Tartarus are you talking about?" "You! Your heart. There was a time not so long ago when it was as black
as
coal, but it has warmed, like the embers that comfort your feet on a
cold
winter's night. Warmed by the purity of gentleness that is My Queen.
Two
life forces, entwining and blending as the smoke from two separate
fires,
until you can no longer tell one from the other." "Do you know what she's talking about?" Xena asked Gabrielle. "I think so. You, old woman, you are excused." After the Seer had gone, Gabrielle absently walked to a window, the one
that
looked out over the Royal Gardens, her favorite view. Xena gently
guided
her away from the window to the bed and sat with her on it . "Well?" Xena asked. "Do you believe in The Fates?" "You mean the ones who control everyone's destiny with some great big
loom?
I don't think so, that seems kind of impractical to me." "Then you don't believe things happen for a reason?" "Naw. Things happen because we make them happen." "Oh. Well, I do. I think there is a reason for everything that happens.
I
don't always know why, but I think the Fates control at least some part
of
our lives." "So what's that got to do with what the old woman said?" "Everything. She said your heart used to be black as coal, but it has
warmed, thanks to my gentleness and, I guess, my compassion for you.
And she
said our two life forces were joining, as if we were meant to be
together.
Can't you feel it?" "I don't know about things like that. It's never made much sense to
me." "But what about your feelings for me? Didn't you think it strange how
quickly your feelings changed from hate and loathing to love and -
and
devotion?" "I never thought about it. It just happened." "I think it happened for a reason. When I first saw you I was terrified
when
you only looked at me. And that first time in the dungeon, I was just
as
horrified. And even the first few days when I treated your cuts I was
scared. But then the fear just seemed to vanish and somehow I knew I
was in
no danger." "Why DID you come down to tend to me and give me food and water? I
expected
to die before the ten days had passed." "I don't know why. I was just drawn to you. Belos told me it was the
Seduction of Evil, but I don't think that was it. I believe we were
Fated to
be together, and since you couldn't come to me, I had to go to you." Xena was silent, not used to thinking about mystical things like life
forces, and Destiny, and the Fates. For the rest of the day neither said much. Xena was trying to make
sense of
her feelings, trying to sort them out and understand them, something
she
never bothered to do before. She usually just went with her gut
feelings,
but this time it was different. Gabrielle was content to leave Xena alone so she could think about what
she
said to her. She was just glad that Xena was there. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "My Lady! I have news! My Lady!" Both Xena and Gabrielle were instantly awake, dawn was just beginning
to
lighten the sky. "What do you want?" Xena yelled out Gabrielle hurriedly changed from
her bed
clothes into something more appropriate to be seen in. "It is the King! We had just gotten word that has been wounded in
battle and
is being brought to the palace in a wagon. He should be here by
midday." Gabrielle started to throw open the door, but Xena was there to push
her to
one side before the door was opened. When she saw it was one of the
palace
guards she recognized she allowed Gabrielle to speak to him. "How badly is he hurt?" Gabrielle asked. "I have no way of knowing, My Lady. The messenger only said he was
wounded,
I think he said a stab wound to the side." "Then you will get a fresh horse for the messenger and instruct him to
ride
back to find out all he can, and then come back here. The royal
Physician
will need to know how bad his wound is so he will know what medicines
and
what treatment will be needed." Before the guard could answer, Gabrielle turned to a second. "You will
inform the members of the Royal Court of the king's injury, but assure
them
that he is alive and will make a complete recovery." Turning to a third, she instructed, "Make ready the King's chambers.
Make
sure there are extra blankets, plenty of fresh water and clean cloths.
Your
King is especially fond of pitted dates; make sure they are in good
supply
by his bed." Turning to Xena, she said, "It looks like our bed chamber exile is
over. I
will personally prepare the medicine for my husband, the same as I used
for
your cuts. Now is when I will need your eyes and ears for protection." "I'm impressed. You've suddenly become a real, governing Queen." Xena
said. "When the King is well and in the palace, his word is law. Now, it is
my
word that rules. This is not the first time I've had to govern in his
absence. But thank you for the compliment." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When the king was brought into the palace he was unable to walk and was
near
unconscious so he was carried in on a stretcher. Gabrielle had him
taken
immediately to his bed. With Xena's help his clothes were removed and
the
Physician began to wash out the stab wound with the potion Gabrielle
had
prepared. Examining the wound the Physician assured Gabrielle that nothing vital
had
been cut, and his weakness was due mainly to a loss of blood. "Don't any of the King's men know how to slow down a bleeding wound?"
Xena
complained as she made her own examination. "They should have
cauterized it
right away." "I think they may have been afraid to do something wrong. His subjects
love
him, but they also fear him. He does have a bad temper sometimes."
Gabrielle
answered her. "He'll live, but he won't be up for at least two months." The Physician
reassured them. King Belos was unconscious or asleep for the better part of four days.
On
the fifth day he was lucid enough to talk. "So how was the battle?" Was Xena's first question. "Speaking barely above a whisper, Belos replied, "It could have gone
better.
My archers, the ones with the fire arrows, were reluctant to shoot the
horses. They killed the riders, but the horses didn't stampede as they
should have. Fortunately, they were still chasing my men into the open
field
with the pits. But because there was no panic, only the first dozen or
so
horses fell. Of course there was much confusion, but in the end, most
of
Jobyna's men were killed. . . ." "What about Jobyna?" Xena interrupted. "He died an inglorious death with arrows in his back as he tried to
escape." "So how were you wounded?" Gabrielle asked. "I did a foolish thing, the very thing Xena warned me about -- I tried
to
show mercy. There was a young boy, no more than fourteen or fifteen
years. I
was about to run him through with my sword, but the pleading on his
face
made me hesitate. And in that instant, he got me instead." "Did this young boy have a scar above one eye running up into his
hair?" "Yes he did. Do you know him?" "I know him, all right. That was Caspero, Jobyna's son. Did you kill
him?" "No, he got away." "Then you can expect him to return in a few years, with an army, and
looking
for revenge." Barely whispering now, King Belos said, "Then I will prepare for him."
And
he fell back asleep. As night began to fall Gabrielle and Xena sat beside the king's bed.
Gabrielle had another one brought in so she could stay at his side
throughout the night. Even though she and Gabrielle had shared the large bed before, Xena now
insisted that she would be more comfortable with just a straw mattress
on
the floor. And she would be less visible if an intruder were to sneak
in. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ By the end of the first month, the king was able to sit up and resumed
running his kingdom. Xena continued to be at Gabrielle's side. And even though he still had
his
questions about Xena's trustworthiness, he decided she was more
valuable
watching over the Queen than in the dungeon, for the time being. By the beginning of the third month, King Belos was almost completely
healed
and it was almost as if he had never been wounded. And it was then
that he
decided he had to determine exactly what was to be done about Xena. Despite her value as a battle tactician, and as Gabrielle's bodyguard,
she
was still considered by many to be a murderous barbarian who's single
episode of flogging was not punishment enough to compensate them for
the
death of a husband or son at her hands, or at her army's. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Xena, we have a problem with you. For more than two months you have
been
living in the palace as a free woman. There has been much unrest and
dissatisfaction among my subjects. Some say the floggings should
continue.
Others want your head mounted on a post at the city gates. In good
conscience I cannot ignore the rumblings of the people. They have good
reasons to want you dead. On the other hand, not only did you save the
life
of the Queen, but you provided a valid battle plan against Jobyna. So
the
question is -- What should we do about it?" "My Lord," Xena answered, "Since it is the people who want 'justice,'
then
maybe I should go out and face them. Let them decide my fate." "No! Xena you can't do that. They will kill you! You know that!"
Gabrielle
protested. "Gabrielle, My Lady, there is no other way. We both know it has to be
done.
They are your subjects, and you can't ignore them, not if you are to be
the
kind of queen that they know will do what is right, no matter what." "Xena's right, Gabrielle, it has to be this way. Guard! Spread the
word, at
midday tomorrow Xena will face her accusers on the portico of the
palace." As the guard bowed and left the throne room, Gabrielle did also, in
tears,
running up the stairs to her bed chamber, After a quick nod to King
Belos,
Xena followed Gabrielle up the stairs; her place was still at her side. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At midday King Belos and Queen Gabrielle walked out of the palace onto
the
portico at the top of the broad stairway leading up to the palace. Xena
was
in her usual place just behind Gabrielle, on her right. "Hear me!" The king shouted to the crowd. "Xena, the Warrior Princess,
the
one many have called the Barbarian Bitch, has volunteered to face you,
to
let you judge her concerning her crimes against you." As King Belos stepped back, Xena walked from behind Gabrielle to the
center
of the portico, standing four steps away from the stairs leading down.
As
she looked out over the crowd of several hundred people, she could hear
the
mumblings and mutterings gradually growing louder. Then someone shouted
out
that she should be hanged. Another yelled for her head. Another, then
another called for flogging. As the crowd grew louder, the individual shouts were drowned out by the
single incoherent roar of the mob. Then someone threw a stone that hit
Xena
in the shoulder. Another stone bounced off her right leg. More rocks
were
thrown until Xena involuntaily backed away. This was more than Gabrielle could stand. Unwavering, she walked toward
the
hail of stones, and then deliberately walked into the path of a rock
that
hit her in the forehead just above her right eye. As though hit with a club, Gabrielle fell backward, to be caught by
Xena.
As blood poured from the wound down into her eye, Gabrielle struggled
to
stand. But when Xena tried to wipe away the blood, Gabrielle pushed
her
hand away. "Help me to stand. " She commanded. As Xena complied, on quivering and
unsteady legs Gabrielle walked to the edge of the portico. Silently
she
stood there for all to see the blood running down her face to drip off
her
chin and soak into her gown. The crowd was stunned into silence at the
sight
of their beloved queen wounded and bleeding. In the meantime, King Belos had ordered two guards to go into the crowd
to
capture the man who threw the stone. "There are many of you who have called for the death of Xena!" She
finally
said. "I can understand why you wish this to happen, for it is true
that she
and her army have caused many deaths and much destruction throughout
our
land. But if that is so, then why have I heard no cries for the death
of
Ares, God of War? For if anyone is to blame for the death and bloodshed
War
brings, is it not Ares?" Wiping blood from her eye, the Queen continued, "And when the crops
fail
because of a lack of rain, or from flood, no one curses the name of
Demeter,
our Goddess of Agriculture." As she wiped her eye again, the guards were dragging the man up the
stairs. "Bring him to me." The queen demanded, and the guards threw him down at
her
feet. "Please forgive me, My Queen." The man cried. "I didn't mean for the
stone
to hit you. In my anger and despair over the loss of my two sons at the
hands of Xena's army I was trying to stone her, not you. I beg your
forgiveness!" Gabrielle looked down at the man for a short while, then said to him,
but
loud enough for the crowd to hear, "Since it was Xena you wished to
stone,
then it is her forgiveness you must beg for." Looking over her right shoulder at Xena, she then stepped aside so Xena
could better see the man. Speaking to the crowd as well as to him, Xena said, "Striking a member
of
the Royal Family, even by accident, is punishable by death!" "Please," the man said as he started to weep, "I have a wife and three
daughters. Without me, they will have no one to provide for them. I am
all
they have, and they are all I have. Oh, Mighty Xena, in all humbleness,
I
beg you, I plead for your forgiveness." Seeming to ignore the man's pleas, Xena continued. "While I lay
bleeding in
the King's Dungeon after my flogging, no one but the Queen would tend
to me.
It was She who nursed me back to health. And in doing so, she found
something in me she felt was worthy of her mercy, her forgiveness, and
her
love. I can do no less for this pitiful man as she did for me without
dishonoring her." Looking down at him, she said, "Go back to you wife and daughters." As the man started to kiss Xena's feet in appreciation, she added,
"Before I
change my mind." Bowing to the King and Queen, he half stumbled as he backed down the
stairs
to his waiting family. Now that the crisis was over, Gabrielle could no longer stay on her
feet,
but as she fell, Xena was there again to scoop her up and carry her
into the
palace. King Belos walked to the edge of the stairs and shouted to the crowd.
"It is
over! Return to your homes and your fields and your vineyards!" When he entered the palace, Gabrielle was sitting in one of the chairs
in
the entrance hall to the Throne Room, and Xena was kneeling down as she
wiped the blood from her face while the Royal Physician hovered around
helplessly. As the king walked up to them, Xena handed the cloth to the Physician,
stood
up to meet him, and nodded slightly. "My Lord." King Belos looked at Xena but didn't speak. In her eyes, instead of the
hatred and rage that was there when she was first brought to him, he
saw
respect and loyalty. In the king's eyes, Xena saw forgiveness, and acceptance. The king put
one
hand on Xena's shoulder and squeezed it gently. "Later," he said as his
eyes
flickered to Gabrielle and then back again, "we will talk." With another slight bow, Xena replied, "As you wish." As the king turned to one of his advisors, the running of the kingdom
still
vital, Xena picked up Gabrielle and walked to the stairs leading to her
bedroom. Gabrielle's arms were around her neck, her head on the
Warrior's
shoulder. Looking up to watch them, King Belos was satisfied that he would never
again
have to be concerned with the safety of his Queen. And he was surprised at the unexpected wisdom of his wife, who, just
five
short years ago, was but a naive, yet enchanting young woman -- a
Writer of
Scrolls, a Teller of Tales. {Continued in "Barbarian... Queen... Assassin"}
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