Chapter Three

Invasion

Day One.

Gabrielle entered the tent where Xena was, yet again, was studying the maps Ares had provided.

"Well?" Xena asked without looking up

"The rafts are ready. And the barbarians are getting anxious to cross the sea. They are tired of waiting for Ares' return. And I am too."

"Then let's do it. Give the orders to start loading the rafts."

"Without Ares here?"

"I don't need him to tell me how to launch an attack. That's why I'm his general. And that's why I have made you my second in command. So, about the lieutenants you have chosen - trustworthy? Capable?"

"I believe they are. I made sure they were Thracians, especially loyal to Ares. And they seem to have forged a positive harmony with the barbarian chieftains."

"You've done well, not that I'm surprised."

Day Four.

"Any word from Ares?"

"Not yet. But I'm not worried," Xena answered. "What's this about the barbarians being unhappy?"

"They're unpredictable. Most of them are just happy to overrunning the villages, killing, raping, what little looting there may be. But some of them are looking for more challenging enemies. They want to fight against more than 'farmers and goat herders'."

"They will get their wish soon enough. My advanced scouts report that there is a large contingent of Viking warriors not three days away. The problem is that they are coming by boat."

"Yeah, that's another thing. There are so many small rivers and streams, many too deep to wade across, that it's been hard to keep some of these 'farmers and goat herders' in front of us. Some of their tactics are similar to the ones the barbarians use. So far it's not a serious problem, but just an annoyance."

Xena thought for a few moments then said, "Have a third of them drop back, maybe a half day's walk. Then tell them to advance again. I think those that have slipped through the line won't be expecting them. But make sure that the ones longing for a battle are at the front. Might as well take advantage of their aggressive natures."

"It will be done!"

Day Eight.

"What is this I keep hearing about our rafts being destroyed?"

"It couldn't be helped," Gabrielle said. "The Viking warriors were using the wider rivers to slip past to get behind us, especially at night. Their boats are made just for such things. So I had several rafts lashed with lengths of rope between them, and stretched across the deepest parts of the rivers, and when they would become entangled in them, I would have archers shoot fire-tipped arrows. Most hit the Viking boats, but some of the rafts would catch fire as well."

"Okay, just so long as I know why. I suppose when winter comes and we finally abandon this land we can build more rafts – or walk across the ice, as I've heard of it being done."

"Ares?"

"Not yet. I would have thought he would make an appearance to let me know how things are progressing with the enchanted chain."

"And to maybe want to know what kind of progress we're making?"

Day Thirteen.

Darkness had fallen. There were many casualties on both sides. By unspoken truce each army collected their dead by the light of flickering torches, often aiding each other in identifying who was Viking, who was barbarian, and who was Grecian. Sometimes only by rinsing the blood from faces or clothing could one be identified.

"This was NOT a good day for us!" Xena complained. "Ares should have been here! Another day of lightning like today will be the end of us. It topples trees to block our advances, forcing us to move into unfamiliar fields and meadows, only to be met on all sides by the enemy."

"I agree," Gabrielle said. "I knew our countrymen pray to Ares or Zeus just before battle, but I had no idea the barbarians were so superstitious. Even though I try to tell them different, they believe it is the work of the avenging spirit of Germania, who followed them and strikes them down if they falter or weaken in battle."

"Well, I guess we both know it has to be this Thor. Which in my mind means we are nearing something, some place that is sacred to the Vikings. And if this sacred place is anything like all the other temples and shrines I've come across – there is much gold and silver to be plundered."

"So in other words I should let it slip that the riches we are after are within our grasp."

"Exactly. And they will have to fight twice as hard, and take twice much ground, and kill twice the number of Vikings. And you might let those barbarians know there are many women to be taken as slaves."

Day Fifteen.

"We have been doing better," Gabrielle reported. "But there still are too many of our men being killed. They are finally getting used to fighting against men wielding axes in both hands, but it is taking a toll."

"Any other news I'd just as soon not hear about?"

"These Vikings don't believe in taking prisoners. It's just 'Kill them all!' Which is exactly what the barbarians believe. Unfortunately even the few prisoners we have taken are becoming a drain on our food supplies. Plus, even though they are chained together, having to guard them takes men from the battles."

"I had hoped to get information from them, but it seems they would just as soon die as say anything about anything."

"I know we can't just release them, so what are we going to do with them?"

"To be honest, I don't know. Other than killing them where they sit, I can't think of what else to do."

"Xena! You know we can't do that! It would make us no better than – than the barbarians."

"Well, I suppose we could turn them over to the Germanics, let them do what they will with them."

"You know exactly what they will do!"

"If you have a better suggestion, then let me hear it. Otherwise, give the order."

"I'll give it, if that is your command, but I do it under protest."

"Duly noted."