Chapter 29
"It will all be over soon." she soothed.
"Scared."
Xena ran her fingers gently though the boy's hair, not wishing to touch his burned skin.
"Don't be." She replied soft. "Today you enter the Elysian Fields. No more loss, no more pain, only joy."
His breathing became labored as his body shuddered.
"Let go..." she rasped. "Those you love, they wait for you."
After a time, she stood, looking down at his corpse while tamping down the emotion which threatened to overwhelm her.
This boy, Acestes by name, the soldier who sat near her before the battle against the Persians now another of the many dead lying upon this field.
"It's my fault." she muttered, watching as Acestes was gently placed on a litter by his mates and carried away.
"No!" the hoplites surrounding her responded.
"It is entirely my fault." Xena said firm.
"No!" her men responded fervently.
"Hear me! I tell you, it is my all fault in failing to capture Caesar." Again her men voiced intense disagreement with her words.
"Let us form up and march to the pass. I know we can take these Romans." The nearest hoplite spoke. The men near shouted their support for his plan.
As much as she wanted to give the order, Xena knew better for a host of reasons. The pass was narrow, Caesar would have it heavily defended, and Gods only knew how many troops he had in defense. Helios was low in the heavens. Her army was worn from the day's fighting.
If they marched up that pass now, it would be a slaughter.
No, she would have to settle for a draw. She destroying the bulk of Caesar's Army, he having escaped.
"We must rest now," her voice uncharacteristically wavered, "live to fight another day, and there will be another day."
She turned, departing from her men, walking away in silence crossing the field littered with the dead and towards the multitude of tents arrayed with precision in their captured camp. Always precise, those Romans, everything laid out the same way every time they set up a bivouac. She'd ordered nothing touched no harm to come to the servants. However, every Roman soldier had been killed by her order.
Vengeance must be satisfied.
There was much to be celebrated. Roman legions destroyed, their camp hers. But without the capture of Caesar, her victory seemed almost Pyrrhic. Her men had fought, bled and died, without the consolation of seeing Caesar in chains.
Now more fighting was her only option.
Ducking down, she entered the tent in silence...Caesar's tent.
"Great Warriorness!"
Salmoneus fell to his knees, taking her hand in his own he kissed her fingers repeatedly. "Please tell them I work for you," Salmoneus referring to her commanders within in the tent. "I am your spy! Please I don't want to die! Don't let them torture me to get information on Caesar! I'll tell you anything you want!"
"Stop that!" Xena yanked her hand away, a look of momentary disgust on her features. "Salmoneus works for me." she said simply. No choice really, Salmoneus had forced her hand in declaring he was a spy in her service. She could have denied it, sent him to his death. No… He served her well.
In the silence which followed she placed hands on hips and looked about the space. Grand, like Julius' own ego. There stood his various armor sets upon presses. Lavish finishings everywhere, gold candle holders and oil lamps, elegant lounges on which to recline. Julius' desk with its shined hardwood and pure gold inlay alone looked to weigh as much as an elephant.
She sat in his chair behind the desk. Her commanders arrayed in a line applauded, thinking it some great moment.
Xena's cold look silenced them.
"Casualties?" she asked of Solari.
"Some 5,000 lost, 9,000 wounded."
"Our injured being attended to?"
"Yes, the healers work with great efficiency."
"Good." all watched as she propped one leg upon on Caesar's desk. Like her commanders, she had not yet washed up, dried blood and gore coated her from head to toe, bone flakes within the stands of her matted black hair.
"We will remain here until our wounded can be safely moved back to Alexandria. Solari, inform Cleon that I hereby appoint him to the rank of Commander, to replace Virgillus. Agis, have your men dismantle the Roman encampment, we leave nothing for Caesar to use. Solari see to it that all spoils found within these tents are, divided amongst the army.
"As you wish Empress," Solari bowed.
"Forgive me," Agis prefaced then cleared his throat as Xena's look turned deadly as she gazed at him. He wished he had held his tongue as Ares gift reigned within her.
"Yes?" she asked in a dangerous velvety tone.
It was too late; he must answer "What next?"
"We lick our wounds, and then move to pursue Caesar."
"You have defeated him."
Solari shook her head, looking down as Agis continued his blundering. This was not a time for questions.
"I have not defeated him." Xena retorted firmly, "As long as Caesar lives, final victory slips from my grasp."
"He and his army are without supply, would it not be wise to simply wait? He can do us no further harm and will eventually be forced to surrender."
"No. Caesar alive is too great a danger."
"But-"
"I will have him!" she yelled while standing.
While her commanders at least attempted to remain stoic. Salmoneus cowered back at hearing the venom in Xena's tone, seeing the anger on her face.
"I'll chase him across the African wastes, round the Mediterranean, even though the flames of Tartarus before I give him up!"
Silence from all within the tent.
"Do I make myself understood Agis?"
"Well and truly Empress."
"Out!"
All departed quick.
"Salmoneus get back here!"
He reappeared giving her a timid, yet hopeful smile as his hands nervously fiddled with his long blue tunic.
"You have done well. I thank you for service to the empire."
"Happy to serve your grandiocity."
"For a price." she responded while sitting again. "I suppose you have some... compensation... in mind?"
"Oh, valiant warriorness my greatest joy comes from just being able to serve you."
"Well, then go with my thanks and-"
"Now that you mention it..."
"Yes?" Leaning forward Xena placed her elbow upon the desk bringing up one hand, palm upturned to cup her chin.
"I've always loved the climate of Sicily such a beautiful island, with a large port and so many merchants engaging in commerce."
"You want Sicily?"
"Oh thank you, your warriorness! I gladly accept. You are as generous as you are great!"
He watched as one of her eyebrows quirked up. "As I don't yet own Sicily, your request... will need to wait. However, I do have another job for you in the time being Salmoneus. A position just opened."
"Anything of course!"
She leaned back in the chair "I like your attitude."
"We fall back to El Daba."
His newest second in command Gaius Suetonius Paulinus, looked at Julius questioningly as Caesar continued to use the looking glass to spy down at the Greek Army.
"Would it not be wise to remain in the pass?"
"If she were to attack it would be," replied Julius. "Xena is too smart a commander; she knows the advantage is mine here. If I had a better means of supply, I would stay, but we do not, therefore we must withdraw to El Daba.
"Why El Daba?" asked Paulinus
The city is a port, and Pompey can resupply this army by sea."
"We rely on Pompey?" Paulinus was amazed.
"We must," Caesar said wearily. Crassus having lost the sea battle against him. The failure today is due to Laevinus. His rushing my legions forward, counter to my explicit order has left us with no option but retreat. "Failures! Antonius, Crassus, Laevinus! All failed me!"
Caesar was silent a moment, thinking…
"Paulinus, I leave you and a small force here on this side of the pass. When Xena makes her appearance, use your troops to skirmish against the lead elements of her army. Retreat back in disorder; make it seem as if the army is collapsing, that will tempt her to pursue you to El Daba.
"But Caesar, Xena is a canny commander, will she take the bait?"
"I will leave some of my personal standards with you, use them in great show. Her hatred of me will drive her to give chase."
"Thy will Caesar."
Ephiny settled behind the desk.
A tired sigh, left her lips. How she would much rather be in bed.
There was still work to be done, reports to read and missives to send.
By the light of the taper, she looked over missives from Amazons in Ephesus, and in the sacred city of Brauron. Work on the temples in both cities was proceeding at a fast pace. In Ephesus, her Amazon's reported that well over 4,000 women hailing from across the eastern lands had come, all wishing to be inducted into the Amazon nation.
What Xena had promised, was becoming reality. The nation was being revived. Here in the sacred forest of Artemis, her people continued to labor, building a greater village than had ever been constructed by any Amazons in their long history. The death of Bremusa, Ephiny admitted, had broken the faction most opposed to dealing with the Conqueror and paved the way toward a better future.
Course, she would never admit that to Xena.
More news yet, evidently written in Siri's hand judging by the wax seal on the scroll. Truthfully, Ephiny did not know the woman and moreover could not place her. Eponin had spoke at dinner, seeming to recollect who Siri was, but only vaguely. Now Siri was the Chosen of Artemis and second in command of the Conqueror's eastern force.
Will she challenge me for leadership? Ephiny pondered while rubbing her tired eyes.
"You have done well, Queen of the Amazons."
Ephiny moved to quickly stand, Artemis' hands fell upon her shoulders from behind, pushing her back into her chair.
"Relax." Artemis walked away, sitting in the chair opposite the desk. "I am most pleased, with your leadership. Once fragmented tribes, learn to work, to live, and to grow together as one people. What I have always envisioned is finally coming to pass, a unified people whose nation stretches across the known world."
"But," Artemis leaned forward. "Despite all these successes, you are troubled."
"Yes." Ephiny shifted in her chair. "If Siri wishes to challenge, I will step down peacefully."
"You never wanted to be Queen did you?"
"No."
"That is just one of many reasons why you should stay upon the throne. Let me allay your fears, Siri admires you Ephiny, she has no interest in taking your place."
"But she is your chosen, by tradition-"
"Traditions are only a guide, not something to be written in stone and followed without thinking. Siri is my chosen, true but that does not entitle her to be queen. She is my chosen to aid her in the trials that lie ahead."
For a moment the two looked at each other in silence.
I say again, relax." Ephiny smiled a bit at her words causing Artemis to do so as well.
"Now to present business." the deity leaned forward, while adjusting her long silken robe. Ephiny had never been witness to the goddess being dressed as such. Usually Artemis was dressed in armor with weapons present. Whatever subject she wished to speak on must be of importance as it appeared the goddess was, well, dressed for slumber.
"There is a soul which needs Amazonian protection. A girl who is meek and mild, filled with compassion for others, yet she has such spirit within that she matches any Amazon. The fates themselves say she has a great role to play in the future. She must be allowed to fulfill her destiny."
"Who-"
"Her name is Gabrielle and right now she lies in the heart of the lion den of Rome. She is a slave, a condition I find abhorrent. My only consolation is her owner Iolaus is kind, just, and honest, a rare combination of qualities in a man.
"Iolaus and Gabrielle..." muttered Ephiny committing the names to memory.
"Many seek Gabrielle, to include bounty hunters, she in in a web of danger."
Bounty Hunters? More than one? Quite an expense to find one slave. Who would-"
"When Xena turns her eye to someone, they can hardly look away." Artemis smiled, "You...know...this..."
Ephiny slumped slightly in her chair, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
"I do believe the one you've chosen to be a better match."
"Don't tell her, she's got a big enough head already."
Artemis chucked.
"This must be done discreetly, and it requires your personal attention. Might I suggest surrounding Gabrielle with an Amazon guard? Many of those seeking the girl have little in the way of scruples."
"I shall see to her protection, personally, goddess. We shall rescue her and-"
No, we must not interfere by taking the girl that would have dire consequences. Just surround her with discreet protection to keep her from harm. Doing such will not only endear the nation to Xena but also reinforce that the Amazons are, above all else, loyal to her.
"Yes Goddess."
"Good, now leave be and go rest, you must travel in the morrow."
Artemis vanished.
Ephiny stood her mind on all that had just transpired.
Gabbing hold of the taper, she carried it into the bedchamber. Pausing a moment, Ephiny smiled seeing Eponin sprawled out on the bed.
The light of day was still far off from the looks of the eastern horizon.
To one side the coast, to the other the vast unknown sea. Around the ship he sailed on were 25 others carrying cargo as well as Amazons and the horses they had come to love so.
"Why aren't you asleep?"
Sevastain jumped At Siri's voice behind him, his reaction providing the helmsman some entertainment.
"Must you?" he said grouchily as her arm landed on his shoulder and she leaned against him.
"Yes." Siri shrugged while smiling down at him. Having her near, made it impossible for him to keep hold on to his bad mood. Sevastain allowed himself a small smile as he looked up into her eyes. Ever so slightly, he leaned into her. If she noticed his action, Siri chose to not mention it and did not move away.
"You haven't answered my question Polemarch."
"I don't think that title applies anymore, Siri. I'm not in charge of anything now."
"You are in charge of us Amazons, no higher honor than that."
"I would not dare to disagree." He said, not foolish enough to believe he was actually in charge. The Amazons obeyed is orders only because they wished to. Siri was really the one in charge.
"Wise... Still you avoid my question; you should be getting your rest."
"As should you."
"Yes, but I've had precious little rest since you promoted me to your second, you find innumerable ways to cause me worry."
Sevastian smiled recalling that as Xena's second, he got very little sleep.
"Are you sick?" she asked, he knowing the thought behind her question as many of the Amazons on board suffered from sea sickness.
"Siri, it is hot and humid in these climes. I find it difficult to sleep below deck." An excuse…
"Where that the case, I would think you'd slumber on deck, like these here." She gestured to the mass of Amazons sprawled out across every bit of open space. "No, Sevastian something else bothers you, and I know exactly that it is..." Her other arm rose, one long finger pointing to the ship immediately astern.
The one carrying the Empress of Chin, the honorable Lao Ma.
A sliver chalice was lifted from the tray it sat upon. In the silence it was set down on the side table by her camp chair.
"That will be all Salmoneus, go get some rest. Minya will show you were you are to be billeted." she moved to stretch out her long legs, keeping her eyes closed.
"Yes great Warrioress."
Long after he departed, she sat mulling over the state of play. She hadn't figured Caesar a coward. Still, as Agis had said clumsily, Julius was now without supply for the remainder of his army. She could take her time, maneuver through the pass, or skirt round the whole range. There was only one logical place Caesar could retreat to in this sea of sand and that was the little fortified port of El Daba. Problem was, she didn't have time. Reports had reached her stating a Roman fleet, flying the flag of Pompey had anchored at Heracleion, three leagues northeast of Alexandria. Caesar would have to wait, Pompey must be dealt with.
Taking chalice in hand, she took a sip of wine and wished she could find a way to be in two places at once.
She could scarcely believe what Autolycus had written. Caesar and Pompey allied together against her. That was something she never thought would happen, a mistake on her part.
Two Roman generals, allied with each other, fearful of little ole me. Xena chuckled at the thought.
"I'm glad you find letting Caesar escape amusing."
"This is new Ares, seeing as you never make an appearance unless I claim victory." she retorted without opening her eyes.
"Look at me chosen."
She did so, after a time.
"Rome." Ares said flatly, and then vanished.
"Rome?" She asked, momentarily quirking her head to one side before understanding dawned. "Gabrielle is in Rome."
The Amazon guard standing outside the tent paused to glance at each other at, hearing the Empress' triumphant laugh come from within.
