GENERAL COPYRIGHT/DISCLAIMER: Xena: Warrior Princess, Callisto, Joxer and all other characters who have appeared in the syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess, together with the names, titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fan fiction. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices. NOTE: All works remain the © copyright of the original author. These may not be republished without the author's consent.
REDEMPTION STORY
CHAPTER 2
Theodoras listened as the guards went from cell to cell bringing the nights meal. As he tried to calm his heart that was pounding in his chest, he played everything over in his mind. Soon if all went according to plan, he would be out of this cage that had been his home for the last 6 months. And soon he would be able to get her out and to safety. That is IF it wasn't too late. The last time the guards had gone into her cell, all he could hear were their grunts and laughter as they violated her. She uttered no sounds at all.
Her cries and screams had been slowly dying down to mere whimpers the last couple of days. Today however was nothing at all. "Please, by the Gods, let her still be alive!" he begged to himself.
As he thought about how he and the others had heard her pleading for help, her screams piercing the stagnant air every day. And how she would cry softly after the brutes left her cell, his blood boiled with rage. He would make sure they all paid for what they had done to her. His Queen. His Callisto.
The cell door beside him clanged shut. Shaking him from his thoughts. This was it! He waited with the small piece of chain in his hand, hidden behind his back. The new guard was the one bringing the food tonight. Perfect, for he was young and inexperienced. He would be careless and an easy target.
The young guard stuck the key into the door letting himself in. As he walked toward the corner of the cell to set the plate on the bench, Theodoras made his move. Grabbing the guard around the neck with the chain, he twisted it until the life was choked out of his victim. Reaching down, grabbing the keys and relieving the dead guard of his dagger, he quickly opened the door and started releasing the rest of the men.
Callisto's cell was on the end of the row. He ran as quickly as he could and with shaky hands opened the door. What he saw stopped him cold in his tracks. There on the floor in the corner, bound by chains on her legs and arms was a pale, emaciated woman who only bore a faint resemblance to the beautiful blonde warrior he last saw when they were brought here. Her body was naked, save for a piece of filthy cloth around her and her hair was matted with dirt and blood.
Her eyes looked right through him, soul-less faded, brown orbs. Not the bright, fire filled eyes he knew. These were the eyes of one who had given up. No will to live was left there.
He made his way to her, not knowing if she even acknowledged he was there. "Callisto?" She made no response. He knelt beside her and took her face in his hands, caressing her cheek. Her skin felt so cold. The rage inside him was joined by sadness and pain. He pulled her to him and rocked her as tears ran down his face. His Queen, his beautiful Warrior Queen. They would pay, oh yes, they would suffer pain like they have never imagined!
The men would have taken out most of the guards by now and have the boat ready for their escape. He set to work breaking the chains. Then picking her up and cradling her to his chest he hurried out of the cell and down the hall to the main gate, and freedom. As planned, the men had left him a sword by the door. A smile crossed his lips as he past several dead guards. The bastards! May they rot where they lay!
Just as he was nearing the gate, the head guard jumped him from behind. Struggling to maintain his footing and not drop Callisto, he turned quickly, hoisting her over his shoulder and before the guard knew what hit him, Theodoras drove his sword all the way through him and gave it a hard twist. The guard fell with a thud, blood pouring from his wound. Quickly he ran for the boat.