an-this is my first conqueror story so please be kind. as with all my stories xena/gabrielle is the pairing. I hope you enjoy. any feedback welcome.
The petite blond was out with a group from her village of Potadeia. Their ages ranged from late teens to in their early twenties and one twelve year old which was her dark haired sister and an elder. They were considered just beyond kids and so they had been volunteered to help round up the stray sheep. There was an illness going around the village and most of the shepherds were ill and the young people had been volunteered. It was not something that the young girl just on the verge of womanhood ever liked to do but she was of the age that you did what you were told.
Her ears thought that they picked up a noise out of place but before she could really think about it a voice caught her ear. It was her little sister who was so skittish about everything it wasn't even funny. She had hoped that her mother and father would have let her go by herself but oh no. For some reason they both had to go. "Gabrielle?" Her name was spoken by her sister Lila once again. There was a tugging on her top and she turned to regard her younger sibling. "Are you listening to me?"
The noise sounded again and before Gabrielle could respond to her dark haired younger sister men were jumping out of the bushes. They had spears, swords, maces and whips. All the villagers had were their own two hands and a sudden fear. For some reason though the blond found a courage that she had never felt before. She took the lead and never wavered as a spear was pointed right at her heart. "Take me! Let the others go!"
That brought a laugh out of the lead man. He had an almost clean shaven head and feathers down the middle of his scalp. His eyes were so dark that they were almost black. He and the other men were dressed in clean black leathers and had chest armor on. These men were definitely well organized and well led. Once again the man laughed and reached back to one of the men that stood off to his side. Without having to say a word the lower ranking man knew that he wanted a whip so that he could teach the simple village girl a lesson.
The blond slunk back toward where the rest of the young villagers were being held at bay by several men with their spears end to end. Lila was making a little chirp of a sound and tears were already flowing down her face. The man that had handed the lead man the whip took a hold of the young girl and ripped her blouse down the back and spread it to reveal the soft smooth skin underneath. For a moment the lower ranking man rubbed his hand across the back loving the feel.
"Get out of the way or get hit." The man in charge barked at him. Slowly the lower ranking man bent down so that his body was no longer between the girl and the man in charge. Even slower he pulled back the whip and took a moment to savor the look of utter fear on his innocent victim. Before he could pull the whip forward it was being taken from his hand. He turned around ready to strike out at the person that had taken his weapon from him only to stop and his eyes nearly came out of his head. He dropped down to one knee and managed to squeak, "General."
A tall dark haired woman stood dressed in black leather that had armor across her breast and bracers and arm bands as well. On her head was a helmet not unlike what the romans would wear but with a dark purple feather going down the middle. She tossed the whip back to the man and glared at him before she went to the young girl standing still with her back to her. Without a word the man that had been holding her let go and took two cautious steps back.
A lustful look was upon her face as she looked the young girl up and down. It disappeared as she looked at the rest of the group. "Take all of them to the ship. Make sure you chain them all up real good. I don't want anyone escaping like last time." Her voice was deep and the tone made it nearly impossible to obey. The tall woman turned her attention back to the blond that still stood before her now face to face. "In case you haven't heard of me my name is Xena."
Though the name was familiar and terrified Gabrielle beyond words she still turned around as she heard her name shouted several times. Lila was yelling for her and reaching for her as she was being dragged away and it was breaking her heart. She took one step toward her sister when she felt her long blond hair being pulled and she let out an audible yelp. Her head was whipped around roughly and she had to grab her half of a shirt to keep it from falling to the ground. Her green eyes managed a glare somehow.
"Ooo." The tall dark haired warlord took in the look that the girl was giving her. It was something to have someone even somewhat defy what the warrior said and it intrigued her. "Seems like we have a little troublemaker or at least someone with a little backbone." Xena pulled the girl closer and her ice cold blue eyes made the green ones glare even more. "And a little fire. I like that cause that means I get to break you like I'd break a horse."
Eyes grew wide at that. Gabrielle had thought that she was going to be captured and sold like the rest of the young people that she had been with. But this was Xena, the conqueror of nations. This was the most feared warlord in Greece that even Hercules had gone up against and had not defeated. He had deterred her but had not defeated her. If she could get by Hercules what chance did someone that was from a little sheep village have?
"That's better." Xena loosened her grip a little on the blond girl. Young. I like 'em young. That way I can train them to act how I want them to act. The warrior, now that the girl was showing a bit of fear, turned her attention to the men that were still standing around. To the one closest to her she said, "Take this one to my quarters." Her eyes were like ice daggers as she added, "If anyone touches her I will personally make sure that they will never have kids again."
That statement made Gabrielle swallow hard several times. She instinctively wrapped her arms around her chest partly to keep her now torn shirt on and partly to give herself some measure of comfort. Though she was afraid for herself before she was now really afraid now that she knew that she was going to be the personal property of Xena. Her mind went out to her sister. I'm sorry, Lila. I tried. I really did try. Maybe I can talk to Xena… Her mind trailed off thinking how stupid and naïve that probably was.
The man that grabbed her by the shoulder smelled of stale ale and his teeth were half rotten. It made the blonde's already queasy stomach churn. The thought of getting onto a ship was making her even queasier though she realized that there was not water big enough for a ship for at least a day away making her heart sink even further if it was possible. The man shoved her forward and she stumbled almost falling to the ground. Somehow she managed to stay upright and though felt like glaring just kept her eyes on the ground and walked to where she was pushed.
The same deep husky voice echoed behind her as Xena barked order after order. There was something about the woman that Gabrielle hated to admit that was intriguing. Her reputation was one of ruthlessness and everyone knew that she was working her way up to being in charge of all of Greece. But that was just rumors of those that had been attacked by her army. Even though she was an inexperienced girl she also knew that people told their tales to make themselves look better.
Gabrielle braved just one last look over her shoulder. One of her men had not reacted as fast Xena had wanted him to and got a back hand across the face that sent him sprawling to the ground about ten feet from where he had been standing. Green eyes almost came out of her head once again as she marveled at the strength in the woman. It was definitely something to behold to see a woman in charge of all these men and to see the fear that she instilled in them.
Certainly instilled fear into the young blond. Of course Gabrielle had only traveled to a handful of neighboring villages and had never been gone longer than overnight. Her parents were usually quite conservative with her and her sister. That's why today had been so surprising. It was quickly turning into a nightmare as she was being shoved onto a tall wild looking horse. That was something she never really had experience with either and finally her nerves had enough. She leaned over and threw up all over the man that was accompanying her.
The blond winced as a hand was flying at her face. Before contact could be made she heard a crack and turned to see a familiar figure on a somewhat tall blond horse. Though Xena terrified her to no end she had to admire her choices in horses. The soldier was pulled away from her as the whip that the warlord had sent his way had wrapped around his wrist and he was pulled roughly to the ground. The man quickly stood up holding his wrist.
"I thought I told you the consequences for harming one little fair hair on that girl." Xena strode up to the man. He looked up with fear and an apologetic look on his face. The warlord never had cared for remorse after the fact. "You have no control. If you have no control you can't be in my army." Gabrielle watched in horror as a whistle came from the tall dark figure seated up the horse. The horse then reared up and came down front hooves upon the man's skull and there was the sickening sound of a melon being thrown against a brick wall.
Gabrielle almost fell off her horse as the horror of what she had just seen reached deep down into her very soul and she felt a little tear rip its way through it. Once again she felt like vomiting but managed to keep her guts inside out of fear from what the cruel woman would do to her. Her green eyes tried not to meet blue ones as she surely would lose it if she had to look into such cruel and cold eyes. Just breathe, Gabrielle. Just breathe.
Xena made a motion and two men came over and pulled the lifeless body out of her way. They just left him leaning against a tree and the blond felt her soul tear a little more. For some reason she blamed herself for that because she could not control her body. The all too familiar figure of the warlord was in Gabrielle's peripheral vision. The husky voice sounded again and it caused her to look up. "I'm sorry you had to see that. While I enjoy breaking my little pets in for personal use I hate when they have to see me discipline my men or the effects of war."
Taking a deep breath to help steady her nerves that were now totally shot she let the words sink in that she had just heard. The tone was affecting her more than the words. While still deep there was something truly softer about the warlord. It surprised her but then again it could all be a part of some sick plan to break her. Though young she had been at the inn when she saw a man with a slave use similar tactics to break the woman's spirit.
The tall dark haired warlord reached out a hand to touch the girl and was surprised when there was no flinching. That must have taken a great deal of control. Of course I just stomped a man to death for not having control. Smart. Very smart. I'm going to enjoy breaking this one. The skin under her fingers surprised the warlord at just how soft it was. Damn she is young! "What is your name and just how old are you?"
Green eyes blinked at the warlord finally finding the strength to look her in the eye. There was an intelligence that Xena could see in those green eyes though the girl was obviously quite young. It took several swallows and several deep breaths before a sweet innocent voice rang out. "M-my name is Gabrielle." It took more deep breaths before she could will herself to keep speaking. "I'll s-soon be sixteen." Her shoulders slumped as she knew that this was all just probably a formality and the warlord would lump her in with the others or worse keep her.
Xena looked her up and down not believing what she was hearing. She looks younger than that. But she seems younger so yeah I think she'll still do oh so nicely. She took the stuttering in and something happened that usually didn't happen to the evil woman. Her heartstrings tugged just slightly when she looked at her. Dangerous! Very dangerous. She cleared her throat as if that could push the feeling she had away. "Not as young as you look. So, Gabrielle. Do you have any special skills I should know about?"
Gabrielle thought quickly. Her parents had basically just had her help around the house. What would someone like her need with a girl that cooks decently, keeps house, and was told she was worthless almost every day? The girl shrugged her shoulders continuing to think. "W-well I was in charge of taking care of the house a-and my sister." A flash of memory and she hoped it was something that would be useful. But would it be to an evil warlord? "M-my sister used to like my stories."
A dark eyebrow shot up at the admission. Storyteller eh? Haven't had one of those in camp in a long time. Might just be helpful in keeping up morale. Need that if I'm going to finish conquering the rest of Greece and maybe more. A fourth is not enough. It's all or nothing. She kept her blue eyes steady on green ones. There really was something behind those eyes. Maybe she did have the imagination a storyteller needed. "You'll have to tell me one of your stories. We've got a long voyage ahead of us."
The storyteller thought about it. She's being really nice to me. Do I dare ask for something in return? Or should I just count my blessings. But Lila. I gotta find out about my sister. The young girl sat a little taller in the saddle and reached way deep down inside to find courage she didn't even know that she had. "I've never told my stories to anyone but my sister. She's only twelve. She was with me. Is there any way I could find out how she is doing or what you intend to do with her?"
Well, well she's becoming almost brazen. Not one stutter. Perhaps she'll be different than the others. Perhaps. "Well you will be telling me a story. You, my lil bard, are going to be my personal slave." Green eyes widen once again. Good. I can shock you. That will come in handy. "As for your sister and the others well I first will sort through them personally and see which ones can become useful to me. The men will either fight in my army or will be sold or if totally useless shot. As for the women most will be sold. No matter age I can always get a price for women."
"S-sold?" Gabrielle didn't even want to think of the other thing. But her young innocent mind just could not let go of the word 'shot'. At least she said the women would be sold. But Lila is so young. She'd never survive being someone's slave. Her eyes took in the tall dark figure as they had begun to ride steady on their horses. I'm not sure that I can handle my new master. The thought made her physically ill but by some grace of the gods she managed not to get sick again.
"Relax." Xena was enjoying this very much. She had not had someone so young to play with in the longest of times. Not that she was all that old as she had just turned twenty five. Had it really been ten years since Cortese? That warlord never knew what hit him. For some reason she once again found herself reaching across and putting a steadying hand on the young back. Wow she has muscles. Wonder what kind of housework she did. "If you tell me enough good stories I'll spare your sister."
Talk about pressure. Whoa! But if I can at least get Lila near me I can help her out. Gabrielle eyed the warlord. But who exactly is going to help me? If I didn't know better I'd think…but that's only between… She sighed heavily as all of a sudden it seemed that the weight of the world was on her young shoulders. "All right. Can I please have the first night to think of some stories you might like? Most of mine were directed toward a younger crowd." The bard managed a sad smile.
If I didn't know any better I'd swear she was a negotiator. That could come in handy once she matures some. Although there is already something about her that says she is older than her years. "You've got a deal. You know usually I just tell people what to do and when to do it. You are one lucky girl. I hope you realize that." She turned from the girl not waiting for a response as she rode ahead. A whistle from the warlord and there was a man on both sides of the young blond.
Lucky? Is she serious? I just fell into the clutches of the most ruthless and vindictive warlord I've ever heard of and she calls me lucky? Of course I could be in the others place. They might be sold or worse. A shiver ran up and down her spine which told her just how much her back was hurting. They had only been riding for a little while and already her knees, back and hips hurt. She had only ridden a horse one other time. The horse had been frightening as a dog had barked and then the horse had reared throwing her off.
Her eyes kept watch of the dark haired woman. She led with ease. The men practically fell over themselves to do as she wished not that she blamed them especially after what had happened to the one man. That sound still echoed through her head. That was one thing that would forever haunt her. This entire day would forever haunt her she was sure as she was sure that Xena would soon tire of a silly young girl especially after she had educated her properly.
The smell of campfires caught her attention and for a moment most of her thoughts of the day's horrors and what the future might hold were put on hold and she lost sight of Xena as she was surprised to see a camp and not a ship. Her eager young eyes took in sights that she had never seen before. So this is what an army camp looks like. Wow! There were twenty campfires that she could see but she knew she could not see the end of the camp. There was another smell that she had not ever thought she would smell in a camp like this. Soap.
Gabrielle's eyes searched for the tall dark woman not that she really wanted to see her but at this point she knew she had no choice. She was the only thing besides Lila that mattered until...Until when? Until this dark woman grows tired of playing with you and throws you away? Until you can escape? Yeah right. That will never happen. Why do I feel so defeated before I even try? Suddenly something changed inside the young girl. There was a fire instantly in her eyes that wasn't there before.
"You girl." A deep voice from her right startled her from her thoughts. She hadn't even realized that they had stopped riding and they were now outside a very big tent. There were beads and blankets over the entrance way. "I was told to tell you to wait in there for the general. You'd do wise to maybe get yourself cleaned up before she shows up. She likes her little girls clean." A very evil laughter came from the young man.
The fire in her eyes faded slightly as Gabrielle was now wondering what her first night in captivity held for her. Her naïve mind still had no clue just what could go on between two women. Potadeia was a very conservative village. Except for the few stories she heard when she snuck out at night at the inn she was totally clueless about how the world worked. She was going to find out and she was going to find out quickly.
Slowly she dropped to the ground her entire body aching. Slowly she managed to walk to the tent that had been pointed out. When inside there was already another girl not much older than herself sitting at a table. She scanned the room quickly and saw a pile of pillows which she assumed was a bed. There was a large table and there was a fire. The rest was weapons and some foreign looking objects which actually the blond liked. She made her way over to the girl and held out a hand. "My name is Gabrielle."
The young girl with curly dark hair looked at the hand and looked then at the blond. She never took the hand only stared blankly at the other girl. "Satrina." The young girl stood up and nodded to the basin on the table. There was soap and some linen. There was also a clean outfit on the table. "You're the one that's replacing me." The blank look never left the young girl's face. Gabrielle would have thought having freedom would be a good thing or was that what Xena would do? No. "Goodbye."
Gabrielle stared after the girl wondering what was going on. Her head shook trying to get a grip on the day's events. She made her way over and poured the warmed water into the basin. Looking around to make sure there was no one around she took off what was left of her shirt and let her skirt drop to the ground. She scrubbed herself liberally and was grateful to finally feel clean. Instantly she was a little cool and made her way to the fire to warm up.
Just at that moment Xena and two of her top men walked in. Hands went to covering her naked form and a redness went throughout the young woman's body. "Leave." The two men never questioned only obeyed. The warlord made her way to stand in front of the bard gently making her move her arms. "Well there are some ground rules you're going to have to learn." The warlord leaned in and kissed Gabrielle on the lips making the young girl squeak. "You are mine and I'll do with you as I please."
Xena left the girl and picked up a whip. Green eyes widened and she instinctively covered her body up once again and turned her back on the warlord. "I said you will do as I please." Gabrielle only stood there her entire body shaking. Fear had gripped her as the bard knew that surely some kind of torture with the whip was forthcoming. "You will do what I want when I want. You have to learn that even if it's the hard way." The warlord pulled her whip back readying it with evil intent.