Chapter 4

"Sit." Xena pointed to a stool.

Gabrielle looked to the seat and then looked back while crossing arms over her chest.

After a pained eye roll, Xena relented. "Please?"

Gabrielle sat. "Why did you send an old palace panderer to speak with me?"

"Panderer?" Xena quirked an eyebrow.

"Yes, Vidalus."

"Did he speak clumsily?"

"No, Majesty, he spoke to the point. What the Empress desires, she shall have."

"No, no, no!" Xena advanced on Gabrielle. "What you want you shall have!"

Though unnerved by the sight of the Empress looming over her, Gabrielle remained resolute. "My freedom!" she pleaded, "To live the life I chose!"

"Freedom…" Xena scoffed.

"Love cannot flower unless freely given."

"Spare me your platitudes." Xena scoffed. "In my experience, people give love to a ruler like they pay taxes. I am not loved for myself; rather those who shared my bed hoped for position and power. A smirk on beautiful lips, "I know, I have done the same."

"How cold and ruthless."

"You are learning Gabrielle." A momentary smile appeared on dark lips.

"There was no need to kill Perdicus."

"What's done is done." Xena was frustrated the girl would not let go of the issue!

"He was a good man!" Gabrielle was incensed at the Empress' cavalier attitude.

"Then have no doubts, Hades will see he reaches the fields in the underworld."

"He need not have been sent to the underworld!"

"So say you! I disagree!" Xena barked. "And my will rules supreme!"

Anger took hold of Gabrielle's tongue. "I've seen what you are. You're spoiled and vengeful and bloody!"

"Spoiled? That's a new one." Xena gave Gabrielle a glib smile.

"You cannot touch my heart, cannot bribe me with favors. The only love I will give is that of a loyal subject to her Empress."

All humor dissipated as Xena straightened to her full daunting height. "Very well then… I command you return with me to Greece. There you will be my lady-in-waiting. You will be in my presence every day of your life!"

The commanding aura radiating off the Empress compelled Gabrielle to take a knee before her.

"Then we will see…" rasped Xena.

Gabrielle gazed up into cold blue eyes

"Then we will see…"

"Do we bash the door down?"

Sevastian gave the Amazon Guard Captain an exasperated look. "No Androdameia, we knock."

The townhouse was like many in the wealthy districts of Rome, thought Sevastian while balling his hand into a fist to pound on the door. Front rooms were shops, the living quarters behind. Those shops had hurriedly closed when he and the Amazons appeared. As the home was being surrounded by the guard, the occupants elected to close all the shutters, round the house

"Now can we bash it in?" asked Androdameia after a moment had passed.

"No." Sevastian noted her look of disappointment when they both heard the bar lifted and the latch being worked.

"Why do you darken my doorstep?"

Sevastian remained stoic at Iolaus' question.

"May we enter?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"No." Androdameia spoke.

"Then, enter." Iolaus moved out of the way. "The sooner I know the reason you are here, the sooner you will be gone."

In walked Sevastian, surrounded by no fewer than two dozen Amazons. The sight of the female warriors caused several servants to gasp with fright then scurry away. The warriors separated, moving into rooms to check their contents.

"While I am displeased at your being in my home, I will not be rude." Prefaced Iolaus. "Something to drink perhaps?"

"No." Sevastian studied the man. Short like he was, dressed not as a wealthy Patrician, rather as a man understood hard work. Worn brown pants and boots, a simple green shirt, untucked.

"I have come to inquire about a slave named Lila."

"What of her?" Iolaus asked guardedly.

Inwardly, Sevastian was glad Iolaus chose an honest course and not stupidly attempted to deny the girl was a member of his household.

"The Empress wishes her freed."

"Does she now?" Iolaus chuckled. "Lila!" he called out while slowly raising an arm.

All eyes turned to a woman dressed in a beautiful gown the color of the firmament above. As she sashayed toward them. Sevastian quickly surmised she was a slave no longer.

"As you can see, lackey…" Iolaus paused to give the insult more effect. "… She is not a slave. In fact, she is pledged to be my wife."

"Glad tidings then!" Sevastian refused to acknowledge the insult. "The Empress, and Gabrielle, will no doubt be pleased."

"What of Gabrielle?" asked Lila.

"She is well." Replied Sevastian flatly.

"That's it?" Iolaus placed hands on hips.

"I shall take my leave." Sevastian dipped his head out of respect to Iolaus and his soon to be wife." Turning, he began to quickly make his way to the street.

"Lord Commander!"

Halting, he smiled knowingly. Turning he was not surprised to see Lila working her way through the Amazon guard. The warriors were not keen to assist, none moved out of the way to make the smaller woman's trek towards him easier.

"Please," she clasped her hands together in entreaty. "Please… I would treasure any news of my sister."

"She has been freed."

He watched as happy tears tumbled down her cheeks.

"When can I see her? My lord, when?" Lila's words were rushed, excitement coloring her tone.

"That is beyond me."

Her joy muted. "Will you put in a word to the Empress? To allow me to visit Gabrielle?"

A pause…

"I will."

A flood of relief on Lila's features.

Sevastian turned and continued his progress out to the street. The Amazons moving quickly to shove curious bystanders out of the way. With a step up, he was soon in the saddle. Taking reins to hand, he glanced round to see the Amazons staring at him.

"What?" he asked mildly.

As leader of his guard, Androdameia spoke. "Lord Commander, why do you allow disrespect?"

"Iolaus."

"Yes!"

"Would you rather he give me spurious flattery?" Sevastian leaned in a bit toward Androdameia, motioning for the other Amazons to draw nearer. After all had maneuvered horses closer, he continued. "In truth, I appreciate his honesty."

"Why!?" The Amazon Clete blurted, unable to contain her curiosity. "Apologies Lord Commander, she looked down, ashamed by her outburst.

"Quite alright."

At his words, she looked back up and smiled at him. A smile her sisters would tease her about later when they were away from the ears of outsiders.

"Take it from one who knows" Sevastian raised a hand using one finger to tap his chest for emphasis. "When you hold power, many sing your praises publicly, while ridiculing you privately. Fawning courtesies fall from men's lips effortlessly. Iolaus has such depth of character that he cannot bring himself to lie, even in a trivial honorific. It is refreshing to know where he stands. Even if it be in hatred of Empress and Empire."

The Amazons pondered his words, many unconvinced.

"Come then, let us report to the Empress, then I should like to see how the training of new Amazon recruits is progressing."

"And see Siri…" whispered Myrene to Clete as the group rode the streets of Rome.

"Ah… Sevastian… Your wisdom exceeds most mortals. I can see why Athena covets you so." Long beautiful fingers dragged across the pool of water. The image of Sevastian and her Amazons dissipating.

Leaning back against the tree, she enjoyed the beauty of the woodland surrounding her. Around her trees soared upward, each greater in girth and height than the pillars of the greatest temples. The rays of Helios filtered down cutting swathes of light into the darkness of the forest floor.

This was her true home, not Olympus.

She heard the call. Unwilling to leave this idyllic place, the goddess deciding to bring the one calling to her.

A snap of fingers

Ephiny appeared.

For a moment the Queen was disoriented. Quickly, she fell to one knee before the Goddess of all Amazons. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath. "Greece…" Ephiny exhaled. "How I missed you my mother."

Artemis allowed the Queen some moments to luxuriate in the beauty surrounding them.

Not wishing to leave the goddess waiting, Ephiny moved to speak. "Great Goddess—"

"Artemis will do, we know each other well Ephiny."

"There is unrest amongst your people."

"Siri and Sevastian."

"Yes."

"Rise."

"This is not unexpected. Said Artemis as Ephiny gained her feet.

"If we could know some reason?"

"You ask the gods to explain themselves?" A smile played on Artemis' lips.

"No…" Ephiny fumbled. "I… just… Our tradition in this matter being flouted. Well…Yes."

The goddess laughed at the circuitous route Ephiny took to say she desired an explanation.

"Then, because I love you, I will enlighten as to my reasoning. First however, I wish you to do all you can to encourage the relationship between Xena and Gabrielle. Shouldn't take much," Artemis conceded while stretching out one long leg. "Even though strikingly opposite, those two are drawn to each other."

"Why?" Ephiny asked. "Why are they so… intertwined?"

Artemis shrugged "The Fates never give reasons for their assertions, Amazon. On with Siri and Sevastian. This is an opportune moment for my people."

It was clear Ephiny did not follow.

"What if Xena fell in love with Gabrielle?"

"Not if..." snorted Ephiny, "She is! Stubbornness won't allow her recognize the fact."

"And if Gabrielle fell in love with Xena?"

"Much the same. Though I sense in Gabrielle unease. It was one thing to idolize Xena from afar, now she sees the totality of the Empress, flaws and all."

"Then reassure Gabrielle that you still stand with her, come what may."

"Nudge her toward love, then?"

Yes…" Artemis raised a finger cutting off Ephiny before she could voice more questions. "Do so with the understanding that the girl must make the choice freely. That she understands the darkness within Xena, yet chooses to still love."

"Will the love of Gabrielle drive that darkness away?"

"No my child, it will only temper it. Without the pain of her past, Xena is no longer Xena."

Ephiny nodded slowly. "But—"

She fell silent again seeing Artemis' raised hand.

"I know, Siri and Sevastian. Tell me this Queen. What if Xena wishes to proclaim her love of Gabrielle to the Empire?"

"You mean, marry her?"

"Yes."

"Well within her right, she is the Empress, though many would be disappointed."

"Many men…" added Artemis with a broad smile. "Men with ulterior motives."

"Quite so." Ephiny grasped what Artemis was insinuating. The man who wedded Xena would never hold power, but he could take pride that his child would rule the Empire.

"So there we are… unless…?" Artemis locked eyes with the Queen, drearily hoping that Ephiny would understand.

"Siri and Sevastian!" cried Ephiny. "You want them to have a child, to have Xena recognize that child as her heir!"

"A girl, trained by the Amazons, creating the new order of the ages. One in which Amazons rule."

"By the gods! Exclaimed Ephiny. "May I live to see it!"

"Now that you know bury this secret away, Tell no one. Understand?"

A bow from Ephiny, "Yes my goddess."

"There is more, you may not wish to hear it, but it must be said."

Ephiny took a step closer, her interest peaked.

"The Amazon nation enters a time of trial. You will face many a challenger to your throne, especially if you proclaim yourself Empress over all the tribes."

"Should I not take that course?"

"It is the right path to unify all Amazons."

"Will Xena allow it?"

"One never knows with Xena, but I believe she will." Artemis raised her hand pointing a finger directly at the Queen. "Always remain loyal to Xena, never give her cause to doubt your fidelity or Amazon nation will pay dearly."

"Understood." In your honor, I will defeat any and all challengers to the throne."

"No."

"No?"

"Siri will. Let her be your champion."

"My goddess! I must protest!"

"Many will challenge!" Artemis sighed, pausing a moment to moderate her tone. "Ephiny, you cannot guide the Amazon nation if you are battered and bruised from fighting off claims to the throne. Perceived weakness will only cause more challenges to rise. Let Siri my chosen, an Amazon who is devoted to you and the nation, fight in your stead."

"The Conqueror has need of her training Amazons." Ego caused Ephiny to make one last effort to fight on her own.

Artemis winked at Ephiny in understanding. "No fears, I shall assuage Xena. She will release Siri from her duties for the duration.

"Yes my goddess." Ephiny was crestfallen at Artemis backing Siri. Pride was at stake.

As always, Queen of all Amazons, I give counsel only. You must choose your path. Know this, I need you Ephiny! I need you to do that with you do best! Lead my people!"

"Yes, goddess. Ephiny smiled bolstered by the confidence Artemis had in her ability.

"Good."

A snap of fingers, and Ephiny was gone.

Silence returned, save to the beautiful sounds of the living forest.

Stretching out a hand, Artemis smiled gently while encouraging the fawn to come to her. It did happily, hobbling forward to nuzzle her hand. Within that same hand acorns miraculously appeared, the fawn devouring the wonderful treats. "Do not worry." Said soothingly to the doe ambling closer. "Your little one is safe."

"Now, let it work…" Artemis whispered, having done all possible to align events in her favor.

If it went well, Ares downfall was assured.