Armageddon: Vengeance of the Destroyer
Part III
By Schawnyboi
Prologue
It was as if all the world had shifted and everything in it had aligned.
In all her life, she'd never felt such a tide of emotion.
This, Gabrielle reflected, was what it felt like to be in Xena's arms.
Chapter 1
The Forum had stilled. The great crowd given holiday to watch the procession of Empress into Rome, had now moved to other diversions.
Within the Temple of Mars, it was silent, apart from the hissing of the oil lamps.
Xena had bid Gabrielle to come to her, and the slave had found herself running, desperately wanting to be surrounded by those open arms.
The Empress was so staggeringly tall in comparison to her diminutive height that the bronze cuirass Xena wore was at the level of Gabrielle's head. No matter… she was happy to be held, so happy that tears of joy streamed down cheeks.
It was as if what had been long lost was found again.
Such an odd feeling. She and Xena had met but once, and then for only a fleeting moment.
"I tried to come to you, on the boat, I… at Piraeus…I…" the words came out in a rushed flow of verbiage punctuated by sobs. The walls had tumbled down and a rush of pent up emotion was released. "I tried to get over the rail and jump into the water…"
Xena remained silent.
"I…I don't even know how to swim." A small self-effacing laugh broke through the tears. "But…Iolaus…he held me back, told me you are evil…but you don't, I mean you didn't seem evil, least not when we first met, what I mean to say is—"
"Gabrielle…"
A shiver went through the slave at the way the Empress pronounced her name; Xena accentuating every syllable in a velvety tone.
"…It's okay."
Craning her head back, Gabrielle looked up, green eyes meeting the bluest of blue she'd ever seen.
The terrifying realization she had breached the rules of propriety caused the spell to dissipate.
She abruptly pulled away.
The Empress… was overwhelming.
Gabrielle fainted.
Xena rose up, looking gently down upon the little feather light woman held within her arms.
Siri playfully slapped Sebastian's hands away, continuing make small adjustments to the Roman armor he wore.
He happily endured her fussing over him.
Love does that to a man.
"Better, I should think." Siri announced while making sure the black cape he wore draped down his small frame just right.
Rising up to her full towering height she looked down, appraising him. On her lips, the slightest of smiles. Very few would have perceived that she was pleased. Amazons were a rough, tough, and very stoic bunch to those unfamiliar with their principles. Having been around them for a fair amount of time now, Sevastain could better decipher the minute cues indicating temperament.
Briefly, for Siri and Siri alone, he broke self-discipline and chanced a smile.
Behind the Amazon Siri, the last of Xena's most favored Governors processed out to the grand box overlooking the arena. Counted among their number were Mercer, Menticles, and Talmadeus. Sevastian understood that Meleager, had dared refuse the post of Governor of Italia. Xena, in her wisdom, had appointed him to the position of chief architect of the Greek Empire
Added into this mix processing past were several newly appointed Amazonian Commanders. The Majority would command units in the soon to be formed Amazon Corps but one, Solari would command one of Xena's regular Army Groups.
An Amazon, commanding a male Army Group.
Several, to include Talmadeus, and Mercer had raised objections to him about such an appointment. Sevastian had easily quashed such protests. It was a tough proposition to argue against the promotion of an Amazon when the Empire had been created by, and was ruled by, a woman.
Vidalus, the peculiar fellow who Xena had appointed Mayor Domo of her Palace in Corinth, was in his element. Under his inconspicuous direction, the impromptu show was moving without a hitch.
The Amazons in the Antechamber moved to brace at attention.
Siri knelt.
"Rise Amazon." commanded Ephiny.
Always one to follow decorum, Sevastian bowed low before he spoke. "Queen of all Amazons, a pleasure." Straitening, he dipped his head paying respect to Eponin as Queen's Consort.
Here around me" Ephiny's hands rose up indicating the structure surrounding them, "is an arena solely devoted to death. "I have been witness to much barbarism in the world of men, but this is far and away worse than anything I've yet seen.
"Roman decadence knows no bounds." Sevastian agreed, "I do believe even Epicurus would be overwhelmed by it all."
"Not decadence, Lord Commander of the Greek Empire, depravity." Eponin replied. "Here, within this stone monstrosity the beauty of combat has been reduced to its most sordid form. A drug used to mollify Roman rabble."
"I would not presume to debate you." It was not his place to engage in a dispute with the Amazonian Queen.
"Wise." Responded Eponin.
That remark nearly caused Sevastian to frown, learned stoicism kept him from it.
"Will you view the order of the course this day my Queen?" Siri asked hopefully.
"No."
"I pray you do."
"Siri. I will not view wanton slaughter."
"Necessary." Sevastian stated matter-of-fact.
"Does the end justify the means, Lord Commander?" Ephiny quirked her head to one side as she looked down at the man.
"It does."
"An extreme way to rid oneself of an enemy, surely a more restrained way to end the lives of greybeards could have been found?"
He had not wished to engage in debate. It now was impossible to avoid. Ephiny had called into question a command of the Empress. Xena ordered these Senators be executed in the arena.
"Extremism in the defense of Empire is no vice." He leaned in just a bit, looking directly up into Ephiny's eyes. "And moderation in the pursuit of the Empress' dictates is no virtue."
After a time Ephiny slowly nodded. "You are as they say Lord Commander, loyal. The Empress could not have selected a better second."
Both bowed low as Ephiny, with Eponin following, took her leave from the chamber.
Sevastian looked past the tall Amazon Guards and though the doorway leading out to the box. With the dignitaries in place, an anticipatory silence had fallen over the Coliseum.
"You appear nervous." Siri observed, her voice low so only he could hear.
"That noticeable is it?"
"To me, who knows you well, it is."
There was no deceiving Siri.
"I am a simple soldier of Empire, unaccustomed to theatrics; I fear I may not be up to the task."
"No simple soldier." Siri stated firm. "You are the Lord Commander of the Greek Empire and are more than equal to the task."
Looking past Siri, Sevastian saw a waiting Vidalus.
It was time…
"I believe I shall kiss you," Siri declared.
"Well, I…" he faltered, eyes darting round the small antechamber to appraise his colossal Amazon protectors posted near, this was the elite guard Xena had bid defend him with their lives should it be necessary.
Siri quirked one perfectly sculpted eyebrow upward as she regarded him.
"Propriety and discipline, um," Sevastian fumbled, "would dictate that… such, ah… such action is best left for a moment of privacy."
Playfully, she pushed him up against the wall of the chamber. Her right hand slid under his chin, fingers applying gentle pressure to tilt his head back. Bending at the waist, she lowered herself to touch her lips to his in what became a lingering kiss.
A slight clearing of the throat by Vidalus ended the moment of bliss.
"You see my noble Lord Commander…" Siri straitened, observing the silent Amazons posted round them. "Discipline continues unabated."
"So it does." Sevastian smiled up at her briefly. Stepping away, he fixed his continence for the spectacle ahead.
Gracefully, Siri strode round him to take a spot a step behind and to his right. A hand gesture from her and the Amazon guard took position around them, not only to the flanks, but ahead and behind.
Vidalus swept his right arm outward indicating the walkway leading to the box.
The sound of someone running up behind, caused the Amazons to draw weapons.
"Hey! Watch where you're pointing that thing! It's me!" protested Autolycus while raising his hands up high in a surrender gesture while looking down at the tip of the Amazon sword currently poking his chest.
"Just the spy." Siri said dismissive, causing the Amazonian guard to lower weapons.
"Just the spy…" Auto huffed indignantly while straitening his tunic. "Head of security for the Empire, more like."
Auto moved to draw Sevastian away from listening ears.
"While you dispose of the Senate, Autolycus prefaced in barely a whisper, "I have an opportunity to nab all those who supported Caesar and Pompey."
"Oh?" Sevastain crossed his arms over his chest.
"My plan is to have my men lying in wait, when they return from viewing the course this day, we shall have them."
"You want a clean sweep." Sevastian nodded. "Understandable enough. The Empress has approved of course?"
"Not exactly no." Auto fidgeted a bit on his feet.
"No?" Sevastian pressed, now vexed. "Why come to me without informing the Empress of your plan?"
"She is… indisposed."
"Indisposed?"
"Gabrielle."
"Gabrielle?"
"Sevastian," exasperation colored Auto's tone. "I am not going to disturb the Empress' reunion with that wee slave, no sane man would."
"Then you must wait."
"Who knows how long? We wait and some will slip from our fingers. The operation must begin here and now."
"And what will you do once they are in custody?"
"The same as was done in Athens. A warning to others not to defy the Empire."
Sevastian raised a hand, fingers scratching his chin for a moment as he pondered the next play.
Auto watched the High Commander, looking for any outward sign that the decision would be made in his favor.
"On my authority, round them up. Get what information you can. Trace every lead, right down to the last. "But…" Sevastian touched Auto directly in the chest with a finger to drive home his point. "Not one is to be put to death, not until the Empress—"
"Where will we put them all?" Auto moaned. "Sevastian-"
"Put them in the holding cells for the Coliseum, pack them in if need be."
"Sevastian!" Auto rasped, barely keeping his voice at a whisper. "We are talking about large numbers!"
"Only the Empress wields the power of life and death, not I."
"Yes, Lord Commander." Auto was clearly displeased but carried on, departing to make the necessary arrangements.
Sevastian returned to a waiting Siri and Vidalus.
"Is what he told you so grave that you need speak in whispers?" Siri inquired softly.
"A grave for some… Such is the business of Empire." Sevastain gestured to Vidalus, "Lead on." he ordered before Siri could press the issue further.
The group passed through the doorway on their way to the Imperial Box.
"He… is… adorable!" Cooed the Amazon Clete to her companion after the procession had passed. She sighed wistfully, "Oh if I could gain but one lingering hug from him, perchance a kiss! Is it too much to ask?"
Myrene gave her sister Amazon an amused look, a grin slowly forming on dark lips.
"What?" barked Clete after some long moments.
"You may well throw your back out, what with bending so low to kiss him. The hug, I would like to see, especially since our Noble Lord Commander only comes up to your…" Myrene dipped eyes of the palest blue downward to a certain part of Clete's anatomy.
"I can't help it if I'm tall!" Clete wailed. "I'm an Amazon! We are taller than everyone! Besides," she huffed, "I don't think he'd mind my height, seeing as how he is with Siri."
"I hear much talk of wanting hugs and kisses, but are you willing to challenge for him?"
Clete's shoulders slumped, the Amazon looking down at her boots. "No…. um…. Siri is… scary."
Myrene had a good laugh at Clete's expense. "Don't be downcast," She placated seeing Clete's anger. "I think most of our sisters would agree with your views on the Lord Commander. Like you, they are well and truly smitten. As for myself, I have only one dispute with him, something that cannot be overcome."
Clete was affronted by this, "He has done much to support our nation and has taught our warriors new fighting skills."
"All true, but yet the fault remains, and little can be done about it."
"What fault?" Clete was bewildered.
Myrene sighed dramatically, "Should be obvious, he is a man."
Clete snickered. "Taken on the whole, they are a loutish lot, these little men."
"True. That is why our Amazon way, though difficult, is superior. We choose our own destiny, freed from male domination. I tell you, I pity the women stuck in this male world. The benefits of our separation could not be more clearly demarcated. Make no mistake, we Amazons are unsurpassed, our dedication to rigorous training of mind and body—"
"Plus our martial discipline," an eager Clete continued. "Most importantly, our deep bond as sisters has made us strong. We bend to no man. Xena did what many men tried and failed, she conquered our nation."
"We take pride knowing that the Conqueror did what no man could." Myrene reached out to clasp Clete on the shoulder, "Out of that loss our nation rises again larger and stronger than before. Our warriors will be greater in number than the lights shining in the dark firmament above. Make no mistake my sister, we Amazons will command, and the world will bow to us."
"It is of Siri you speak? The Conqueror's order that she command the largest force of Amazons the world has ever seen?"
"Yes, though it will take time, the Chosen of Artemis will create a new order for the world, one in which we rule. But… I see something threatening on the horizon sister, something that may cause rancor between us."
"What?" Clete leaned in, keen to hear her mentor's thoughts.
"Siri carrying on with… him." She is calling into question our long held tradition where men are concerned.
"The ancient ritual." Clete knew well of this.
"Attend Clete." Commanded Myrene while dropping her hand away from the shoulder of the junior Amazon. "What is the ancient ritual?
Clete came to attention before speaking "The two months in which the elite of our people trek to the mountains neighboring the male only village of the Gargarians. They in turn, in accordance with their ancient custom go to the sacred place in the mountains to offer sacrifice to Artemis and her Amazons for protecting their village and to mate with us in secrecy. Shrouded in darkness, any Gargarian at random with any Amazon. Females that are born are retained by Amazons, males taken to the Gargarians. Each of their people adopts one child as his own, regarding the child as his son due to his uncertainty."
"How well you have expounded it."
Clete blushed at the elder Amazons praise.
"But now my sister," Myrene clasped Clete on the shoulder "Our Siri makes it known she has chosen Sevastian."
Such action on Siri's part will not be viewed favorably I fear." Clete looked down at her boots a moment. "It is a very prickly situation."
"Agreed." Replied Myrene, one that will not be solved here. Not by us."
Myrene set her stance, feet apart, one hand on the hilt of her sword, fingers of the other hooked into the belt round her waist.
Clete took this as her cue, following suit in the manner of the elder Amazon.
The guard was thus set.
Upon his entrance into the arena, horns blared, staccato notes reverberating over the marble of the Colosseum. As the Roman horde got to their feet, Amazons let loose the standard of the high commander, the fabric tumbling over the marble rail, unrolling to display a golden Rising Phoenix over the black X of the Empress name. All set upon a bloody red field.
The massed Governors in the box stood, each coming to attention, save Talamadeus, as the Lord Commander passed on his way forward to the railing. Sevastian may not have noted the breech in etiquette, but Siri had, and was none too pleased.
The gaudiness of it all stuck him as distasteful.
Above was a gilded fabric canopy of purple designed protect the occupants of the Imperial Box from the rays of Helios. Surrounding on all sides were acres of marble, painted in a riot of color. Evidently this grand box had been personally designed by Julius Caesar. His intent to use it in the victory celebrations after Xena's defeat. Looking round, Sevastian noted the irony of it all, Caesar put the cart before the horse.
As one, 50,000 people packed into the area raised their arms in the Roman salute as Sevastain laid hands upon the balustrade to look out at the mob.
Silence… The people waiting, anticipating, what he would do next.
All strata of Roman society were represented. Nearest the floor of the Arena, the wealthy Patrician class, though the place reserved for the Roman Senate was now occupied by Xena's newly minted Imperial Governors. On the next tier above males of Plebian class stood, higher up women, then at the very top those on the bottom of the class scale… slaves.
Sevastian raised his arm, returning the crowd's salute with great show.
After a breath, he shouted.
"Hail Xena!"
The crowd, as one, replied "Conqueror!"
"Hail Xena!"
"Conqueror!"
"Hail Xena!"
"Conqueror!"
The sweating mob hooted and clapped their hands with abandon as Sevastian lowered his arm and walked back to be seated in the grand marble chair. Amazons adeptly moved to surround him. Both behind and to either side, the warrior women stood confident, ready to protect Xena's Highest Commander, come what may. Truth be told, Sevastian found it to be a bit overwhelming, he still being unaccustomed to such display.
Siri took position near, placing a shoulder against the high stone back of the chair, leaning against it. Her manner being deceptively casual.
Sevastain observed the chair he sat in was inscribed with the name of Caesar. Though many men would be flattered to be in his place, Sevastian found no pleasure sitting in the chair of a defeated enemy. The Empress should be seated thus, she being the true architect of Caesars defeat.
When all was in place, Vidalus stepped forth, and after a flamboyant bow to the Lord Commander, walked to the railing to address the crowd. His voice so forceful in tone, and so theatric in measure it astonished all seated within the Imperial Box. Here was a man versed in ceremony!
"Civium!" Vidalus began in Latin while his arms opened wide, hands outstretched. He paused as various criers stationed thought the structure repeated his words.
"What does he say?" Siri asked, leaning over so far that her breath tickled his ear, the act momentarily driving Sevastian to distraction.
"Citizens…" Sevastian translated.
"Corpus einus Romam uicem suscipit tamquam membruim status Imperli Graecus De libro primo!"
Sevastian dutifully explained Vidalus' words to an impatient Siri who bent lower to better hear. "Her Imperial Highness welcomes Rome as a member state in the Third Greek Empire."
All the while, Sevastian watched the crowd, the dangerous throng, gaging their reaction at hearing it boldly proclaimed they were no longer in control of their destiny. Proud Rome laid low, her people now subject to the rule of a new mistress.
He needn't have worried, the people cheered with abandon.
"You are proven correct Lord Commander." Siri spoke.
"I'm pleased you think such, but do not know the reason."
She rose up to her full height to then smirk down at him. "How easily the sheep fall into line."
"It would seem the people accept Xena as ruler." Talmadeus leaned forward speaking the words so all in the box could hear over the cheering crowd.
Siri, who always regarded Talmadeus with deep distain, couldn't resist. "We can always count on your astute observations to enlighten us, Governor." She said dryly.
Those assembled in the Imperial Box laughed, all but Talmadeus.
"Siri be nice." Sevastian rasped, "He has a certain measure of pride."
"Typical man, she replied. "Much ego, but little to back it with." Her voice took on a dangerous edge. "I do not forget his plotting against you in India, nor do I forgive him for it. One word from you and he dies by my hand."
"I would not ask such."
"I know. However, I who love you, will protect you."
Sevastian took her hand and gave it a soft squeeze, before returning his attentions to Vidalus who had turned back to face him, a wide smile on his lips as a chant burbled though the crowd. Soon its volume rose to such a din that the very foundations of the Coliseum shook.
Romae Xena Imperatrix!
"What do they say?" Siri grumped, wishing she better understood the tongue of these odd little Romans.
"Xena, Empress of Rome." Sevastain explained.
Vidalus raised his hands up high, pleading with the crowd to allow him to continue. Finally, the multitude relented and he spoke once more…. "In honor of Rome becoming one with the Empire, Her Imperial Highness has decreed…"
The long pause by Vidalus created such anticipation from the huge crowd that in the silence one could have heard the clatter of a solidary copper coin hitting marble.
"…100 days of games!" Vidalus thundered.
The cheers of the 50,000 caused Sevastian's ears to ring.
Metal gates were slowly winched upward and water flooded the arena.
"Prepare to be amazed Lord Commander," Meleager said with pride.
Sevastain was not of a mind to indulge amazement. "I'm not given to surprises Commander, what—"
"Citizens!" Vidalus continued, "For your entertainment, we recreate the Battle of the Nile! You shall experience the defeat of Pompieus Magnus at the hands of Xena the Conqueror!"
Sevastain was apprehensive about dredging up anything involving the memory of Pompey. The old General had been popular in Rome. The crowd might react in anger to seeing a Roman being defeated.
The overwhelming roar of approval from the crowd assuaged his fears yet again.
"Everybody loves a winner!" Meleager chortled, "Be they Roman or Greek!"
Those in the box laughed at the truth in that statement. While Sevastain smiled, he was consumed with what was happening in the arena.
"I give you Namachia!" Vidalus cried out with all the volume he could muster.
The crowd once more voiced its approval.
"What is Namachia?"
"I do not know." Sevastian had never heard the term.
"Did you just admit to not knowing something?" Siri teased her voice only loud enough for the Amazons standing close to hear. "Someone find me a bit of parchment so I may record this moment."
An irritated Sevastian looked up at Siri. She in turn, smiled down at him serenely.
Though they sorely wanted to, the Amazon guard did not laugh; they being too disciplined to do so.
A touch of dampened linen…
Ephiny, Eponin, and the ever present Amazon guard stood amazed by the gentleness of the Conqueror.
"Out!"
At Xena's command, the group hastily took their leave.
Eyes of brilliant green popped open.
Gabrielle didn't know where she was. But here, before her, was the Empress!
She shakily attempted to rise from the cot.
"No." Xena used a hand to push her back into the mattress.
Gabrielle's eyes moved away, the girl clearly afraid.
"Look at me."
At the command Gabrielle had no choice but gaze directly at the Empress.
Dressed in an exotic Roman style with high boots and a green cape the Empress made for quite a sight. The light of Helios, streaming in the many windows caused beautiful tanned skin to glow. Long hair, black as night, flowed down over both back and shoulders.
Gabrielle was drawn into beautiful blue eyes.
"I'm mad at you."
"Huh?" Xena's brows knitted. "Mad… at…me?"
"Yes" Gabrielle replied simply, offering no further explanation.
Silence between them.
"Alright," drawled Xena "I'll ask it then, why are you mad at me?"
"Bounty Hunters."
"What about Bounty Hunters?"
"You sent them after me."
"Yes."
"You put a price on my head."
"Yes."
"You don't see anything wrong with that?"
"No. Found you didn't I?" Xena smirked.
Gabrielle frowned. "But—"
"I wanted you! I've torn the known world apart to find you! Now, at long last, I have you!"
"Yes Empress." Gabrielle replied meekly.
"No, no, no!" Xena stood to then pace back and forth. "Not Empress and Slave, Xena and Gabrielle!"
"Xena and Gabrielle?"
"Empress… Whispered Xena while crossing arms over chest. "From China, to the land of Egypt. From Persia to Rome. Greece, Britannia, Gaul, Hispania, India, they all obey…me.
Gabrielle shank back into the cot, watching wide eyed as Xena whirled round and stalked over to her.
"In that barn so long ago Gabrielle, why did you help me?"
"You were hurt."
"Yes, and badly. You bound my wounds, gave me food, a pair of boots." A smile appeared on dark lips, even offered me your cloak as protection against the cold."
"Not much protection, you were too tall for it then, more so now."
A small chuckle from Xena and a warm smile which faded just as quickly as it appeared.
"You helped a fugitive, Gabrielle. A condemned warlord on the run from bounty hunters. Just by appearances alone you knew I was dangerous. So again I ask. Why did you risk helping me?"
"You were hurt."
"And that Gabrielle, is why I had to find you."
"Have you ever seen the like!?"
"Never Siri"
"Now you know why the wooden floor of the area was removed." Meleager pointed to the gates. "The water flows in as it would a tub."
"All those passageways, what are they for?" Sevastain leaned forward, eyes scanning the structures normally hidden by the floor of the arena.
"Used as the staging area for the area, people and animals can be raised up though trap doors to appear before the crowd." Meleager explained.
"Incredible! Such ingenuity used in the pursuit of entertainment." Menticles took a long draught from his bowl of wine, his fourth already. Certainly the former General, now Governor, was getting into the spirit of the day.
"Will you taste some wine Lord Commander?" Asked Siri. When he attempted to rise, her hand upon his shoulder pushed him down into the seat again. She snapped her fingers, causing a servant boy to come near and deposit a gaudy roman styled chalice in his hand.
Sevastian was not normally given to drink except in special circumstances. Alcohol clouded the mind. Thirst caused him to indulge, taking a small sip of wine cut heavily with water.
"Look at the engraving." Siri urged after he took a draught. "What does it say?"
"Imperator Caesar," Pronounced Sevastain upon inspection of the cup held in his hand.
Mercer raised his own golden goblet in a glib spoof of a toast. "Hail Caesar!" he wailed comically, causing all round to laugh.
While he allowed himself a small laugh, Sevastian was impatient to get the killing of these senators over with. He motioned to Vidalus who came over and bowed low.
"How long will it take to fill this area?"
"Not long my Lord, you will see."
"Good, we must move with a degree of haste."
"My Lord," Vidalus smiled thinly, worried now that he had displeased Sevastian. "I assure you, the Senators will be dispatched with all possible speed."
"Then, with your will, go on."
Vidalus bowed low again and backed away.
After a time, the arena was completely filled. Too long a time for Sevastian. He was beginning to think Ephiny was correct, dispatch these senators with as little ceremony as possible. However, judging by the looks of the crowd, they were fully entertained, anticipating the show.
Massive gates opened and they revealed…
Ships…
Not full sized ships by any means, small craft designed to mimic their full sized cousins on the seas.
Sevastain leaned forward, motioned to Vidalus who then shuffled over. Like Salmoneus, Vidalus was a bit of a nervous sort.
"This spectacle, how did you manage this in such a short time?"
Sevastian's question caused Vidalus to briefly grin with pride.
"Lord Commander, all that you see here was planned by Pompey, via missives sent back to Rome. He wished some means to show the Roman people how he defeated Xena on the waves. He spent quite a bit of coin on the set pieces in this show.
"But how did you know of it?" As Sevastian asked the question he paused to adjust the makeshift Roman Armor he wore. Xena had said when in Rome, one must do as Romans. So as she wore Roman armor, so did he.
"The spymaster, Autolycus passed knowledge of the ships to me. Once I had them in hand, I simply followed Pompey's plan. Of course…" Vidalus clasped his hands together. "Things did not turn out quite the way the Roman expected. You see, Pompey was to be seated where you are now, and you…
Vidalus' eyes met his, then flashed upward to meet Siri's.
"Continue." Sevastian urged.
This was to be the means of your execution. Xena, yourself Lord Commander, and…the Amazons."
"We were to be on those ships." Sevastian now understood. Had Xena not won the day, the lot of them would have been carted back to Rome and executed in this area.
"Well… one out to three came to pass."
Both men looked to Siri who explained. "The Amazons are on those ships, just not the way old Pompey intended."
"What?" Sevastian was irritated at not knowing the plan in advance.
"With your pardon, Lord Commander allow me to explain. Based on past precedence, I felt the Empress would order the death of the Roman Senate. Thus I created this grand spectacle, repurposing these ships to our needs." Vidalus noted Sevastian's continence, "Have no fear Lord Commander, the Senators will be disposed of and in grand fashion."
Vidalus looked up at Siri anxiously.
"The Amazons are ready to ensure the demise of the Senate." Siri said firm.
At her statement the ever fidgety Vidalus relaxed a tad.
"How?" Sevastian grumped "Just tell me!".
"Look there."
Sevastian followed Siri's gaze. True enough, Amazon warriors stood poised to shove one craft into the water The ship, was perhaps a quarter of the size of a normal Roman warship. Course having towering Amazons around it made the small boat look even smaller.
The crowd roared with excitement as the two Amazon craft entered the water, to be followed by three others filled to the brim with members of the former Roman Senate.
Immediately some of the Senators jumped feet first into the water swimming with all they had in an attempt to escape. A chorus of jeers from the crowd greeted this act of cowardice.
Sevastian leaned forward in his chair now on edge, concerned that somehow these graybeards might slip away.
He needn't have been worried.
Amazon's stationed on the level of the first concourse let fly a wave of arrows. Soon dead bodies bobbed about on the water.
The crowd cheered the skill of archery displayed by the strange female warriors.
Sevastian let out a small sigh of relief.
"Now we see how real warriors stage an attack." Siri said proudly. The Amazons were maneuvering closer to the ships filled with senators. Here was the moment of decision, some of the men thought to resist, wishing to die with honor. Most fled, jumping feet first into the water.
Arrows soon found them….
"Cowards…" growled Siri, "No honor at all. Like all men, useless."
Sevastian looked up at her.
"Present company excluded, of course." She added hastily.
"Of course." Sevastian purred.
The lead Amazon ship, rammed one of the Roman ships, opening its side.
All-round the area, the crowd surged to its feet. Even the Amazons in the box cheered wildly for their sisters.
In classic martial fashion, the Amazons boarded the little boat. The men, these Senators were armed, though they had little prowess in using the weapons at hand. Too much politicking and too little training had left them without the means to defend themselves.
"Thank the Gods." Muttered Sevastian relieved that the…show…was nearing an end.
"Oh Sevastian," Siri rolled her eyes. "Duty need not be dreary, here we see the elimination of the Senate in brilliant order. We achieve more than the desired end. The Senate is dispatched, yes, but we also put the mob on our side.
"I concede your point." Sevastian looked back at the area, in moments the Amazons would complete the task at hand. Good. Truth be told, he wanted to leave this place, wanted to go back to Brutus' old townhouse and get away from the public eye.
He thought about that for a moment… being in the public eye…
As Xena would say… there was an opportunity here.
High time the Empire was introduced to the Amazon leadership. The Queen, Ephiny, was now known to the populace. Now was the opportunity to highlight an Amazonian Commander.
He stood.
Waving off the attempt of the others to stand, Sevastian raised his arm slow, placing on hand gently on Siri's left elbow. Prudent, Amazons do not take kindly to quick movement and, as a general rule, do not like being touched, by men.
Softly, he guided her round, to then sit in the chair he had vacated.
"Lord Commander I must protest! To give… her… the highest—."
"Certainly, I can do as I wish? I remind you Governor," Sevastian pointed directly at Talmadeus. "Siri has been chosen by the Empress to lead an Army Group. As such, she, outranks even you."
"He's gotta point there." Meleager took a long draught of wine.
For her part, Siri crossed her long legs femininely, then glared at Talamdeus, till the man relented and looked away.
The crowd, consumed by bloodlust, cheered as the last of the Senators fell.
"You must return the salute, Commander." Sevastian jerked his chin toward the balustrade. "Echephyle awaits your recognition for the actions of her Amazons this day."
"I am only-"
"You are the Chosen of Artemis, the highest placed Amazon in the army of the Conqueror, A Commander of Amazons, you have every right to stand for Xena and return Echephyle's salute.
"Yes, Lord Commander."
Rising from the chair, Siri strutted forward, her armor shinning beautifully, reflecting the rays of Helios, now directly overhead.
The crowd fell silent, though the Amazons let loose with a wild cheer at seeing one of their own in command over all in in the area.
Siri raised her arm in the Imperial Salute. At that, the crowd responded. Rising to their feet, the people hailed the Amazons in the area, and their Amazonian leader standing in the Imperial Box.
Discreetly, Sevastian took his leave. No reason for him to stay.
He had done that which his Empress ordered.
"I always pay a debt Gabrielle. As you once helped me, I now act in kind. You, are free." Xena then leaned forward. "Repeat it."
"I am… I cannot be free.
"You do not wish to be free?"
"I…." Gabrielle's voice failed her, she willed herself some courage. "I cannot in good conscience be free, while my sister is still held in bondage."
Gabrielle's breath hitched as she watched those blue eyes become cold.
"Setting terms, slave?"
"Just… just respectfully requesting."
Xena stood. "Rest Gabrielle, I require your presence at dinner this evening.
"Yes, Empress."
Turning Xena walked to the only door. A snap of fingers as she went through caused the Amazon guard to take up position.
One look at the Amazons, and Gabrielle knew she would be staying put for the duration.