Usual disclaimers apply.
Chapter 36
I took in the scene before me and smiled. Mama and Mom were walking I hand in hand, Eve in her carrier on Mama's back. I walked a bit in front of them, turning to walk with them as we got closer to Ady's house. I hadn't seen them this relaxed with each other since coming back in time and I was thrilled to see the familiar gestures, looks, and touches they were giving each other.
"Sam, over here!" I saw Ady waving from a small house near us. Running over to her, I waited for my parents to catch up.
Ady smiled, "I'm glad you could come, Mom wanted to get to know you better."
Mama smiled. "We'd love to get to know your family better too, Ady."
We'd shared a nice dinner with Ady and her family. I was sad to leave, knowing that I'd once again have to leave a new friend. Walking back to the inn, I took Mom's hand in mine.
"Everything okay Sam?" She asked.
"I wish I could tell Ady that I'm leaving. It's hard losing another friend."
"I know Sammy, but it's just something that happens when you have the type of life we do."
"Yeah, just another reason to love the life on the road." I replied sarcastically.
"Sam," Mom squeezed my hand. "I know it's not easy, but it won't be this way forever."
"Right, because the gods are suddenly going to stop messing with us. Ares has been messing with Mama since she was 15, now you're added to the mix. I can't wait to see what they have in store for me other than the time travel trip." I let go of her hand and ran into the inn. Reaching our room, I opened the door and threw myself on the bed. I had no idea why I was suddenly so angry, but I knew that every time it was time for us to go back on the road, I felt this way.
I felt the bed dip and a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Want to talk about it little one?"
"Since when do you do the sensitive chats?" I teased.
"I have many skills."
Turning on my side, I allowed Mama to put my head on her lap. "I don't know what's wrong, I feel so angry every time we have to travel. I'm tired of it happening, it's almost like the anger has a mind of its own."
"I understand that." Mama responded. "I also understand about the road Sam. I know you don't enjoy it, and I promise you that we'll figure out something more permanent when this mess with the gods is over." She looked deep into my eyes, "But for now, your place is with us, no matter where we are. Just remember that."
"I'll try Mama."
"And Sam?"
"Yeah, Mama?"
"Don't ever forget that we love you."
I smiled and reached up to hug her. "I love you too Mama."
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We were up early the next morning and my parents had finally told me of the plan to ride to Aaron's camp. Mama and I had gotten the horses ready after breakfast and I was thankful for the extra fur Mama provided for me to put over Mavri's saddle, rather than under it. She winked at me showing me how to secure it and I figure she'd had to use this method of padding growing up as well.
We were finally heading out of Pylos and I took one final look back. I knew I'd never see Ady or her family again and wished it was easier in this time to keep in contact with people. Shaking the feelings of sadness from me, I hurried Mavri along to keep up with Mama and Mom.
We'd had an easy ride so far and had stopped about a half hour from Methoni. Eve needed a snack and my bottom needed a break. Walking around and enjoying the view as the coast became more prominent, I suddenly felt the tingle that meant Ares would be arriving. However, when nothing happened, I ran towards Mama.
"Mama," I began.
"I know little one, here," she began to put Eve's carrier on me. She and Mom made sure it was secure before putting me on Mavri once again.
I had just gotten comfortable when I felt the ever present tingle become stronger. I looked at Mama and noticed she stiffened for a few moments before continuing to give me directions.
"If it seems like your mom and I are losing this battle, I want you to go to Methoni and ask for Aaron's camp. I've spoken to Aaron already and you can trust him. Trust no one else no matter how nice they seem."
"I understand Mama, but what about you and Mom?" I asked watching as Mom whispered in Eve's ear before handing her off to Mama.
"If you have to go alone, know that we'll be there as soon as we can. Don't worry, we'll be fine Sam."
I held back the tears that threated to come and squared my shoulders. "I understand Mama." I smiled as Mama whispered in Eve's ear and handed her to me.
Placing her in the carrier, I shifted my weight until we were both comfortable. Mom put Eve's bag over Mavri's saddle horn and reached up to take my hand. It was then that I saw the shimmer in front of me. Holding Eve tightly, I watched as Mama drew her sword and Mom her sais. They turned together as a woman wearing a golden helmet became visible.
"Athena," Mama's voice was low as she acknowledged the intruder.
"Xena." The woman's red hair stuck out from under her helmet and her golden outfit shown in the sunlight. She made a formidable picture even without her weapons drawn.
"Give me the child." She commanded.
"We've been over this, I am not giving you my daughter." Mama responded.
"I will take her Xena, no one else needs to die." She waved a hand toward Mom and I watched in horror as Mom flew backwards and landed hard on the ground.
Pulling herself up, she picked up her sais and glared at the goddess. "You'll have to do better than that Athena."
"For the goddess of wisdom you aren't very bright." I said before I could stop myself.
Her blue eyes traveled to me and she stared for a moment before speaking. "And whom might you be child?"
I smirked. "Someone who knows that nobody worships you in the future. In fact, where I come from, people think that Olympus, the gods are merely myths told by ancient Greeks to explain the unexplainable."
"Sam, enough!" Mama commanded never taking her eyes off Athena.
"It's the child's fault if it's like that," she hissed.
I laughed and ignored Mama's directive. "Not on your life Athena." I kissed the top of Eve's head before continuing. "Two gods were left in my time, neither tried to harm Eve, ever. Your twilight of the gods became a self-fulfilling prophecy."
She moved towards me and I felt Mavri shift under me. Steadying him, I knew striking at her would be suicide, still I prepared myself for the inevitable.
Mama stood in front of us, sword drawn. "Leave them alone Athena, they are of no use to you."
Athena gave a cold smile. "I beg to differ with you Xena. The little one heralds our doom, the older one, is intriguing." She looked at me again. "You have the power of the gods about you child."
I nodded at her and put my hand in my boot retrieving Ares' dagger. "Your lovely brother gave this to me a while ago. Maybe, he's not as neutral as he claims, since I'm here to help Eve."
She glared at me, but still did not advance. "There's more to you than one of Ares' gifts."
"Sam, be careful." Mom admonished moving towards me.
I grinned placing the dagger back into my boot, "Oh, you mean this?" I tried to sound more confident than I felt as I pulled my hair back and showed her Aphrodite's mark. "I'm Aphrodite's chosen Athena. War and Love have chosen me. Do you really want to mess with that before you know more?"
"Then tell me child, tell me all of it."
"She's not telling you anything else Athena." Mama once again got between the goddess and Mavri. "She's said enough, the rest, well, you just might want to talk to your brother about how freely he hands out daggers to little girls."
Mama was baiting the goddess and I gulped knowing a fight would be starting soon. I felt Mavri shift again as Athena moved Mama out of the way and walked toward me once more. Mom's hand was now on my boot and she looked up at me. "Remember what Xena told you Sammy." She whispered as I nodded.
"Come now," Athena cooed as she advanced, once more throwing Mom out of her way once again with a wave of her hand. "Tell me what I want to know."
"And ruin the surprise, I don't' think so." I answered trying to channel Mama. Athena's eyes flashed and as she closed in on me, Mavri reacted. Striking out, he reared and came down just missing the goddess.
Fire danced in her eyes as she drew her sword. "Answers can wait." She stated raising her sword to strike Mavri. Mama's sword came down first, blocking Athena's strike. I backed Mavri up and headed for the tree line, still watching as soldiers of Athena joined in the battle.
Feeling soldiers behind me, I gave Mavri the signal and he kicked back. I heard a crunch as they hit the trees behind us. Grabbing Eve tighter with one arm, I held onto my staff with my free hand. I knew I couldn't do much in that position, but I wasn't going to let anyone get to my sister without a fight.
I turned Mavri back toward the fight just in time to see several of Athena's soldiers be taken down by my parents. I was scared beyond belief when I noticed the goddess and her soldiers systematically going after my parents.
Watching a shower of blood come from where Mom had just fallen, panic overtook me as I turned Mavri and headed for Methoni at a full gallop only sparing myself a brief backward glance to my mothers, who were now lost in the sea of bodies behind me.
Urging Mavri on, I heard Eve squealing in delight as we galloped toward Methoni. Finally slowing Mavri, I realized that nobody was chasing us and managed to calm myself somewhat. Not knowing if my mothers were alive or dead, I only knew that I needed to keep Eve safe now. It was up to me to get her to Aaron and I wasn't about to fail.
"Okay Evie," I began. "Time for us to get to Methoni and find that camp. Now, you don't want to say anything about where Mom and Mama are, we don't want to scare people. Okay?" Evie squealed and looked up at me from her position. I had put her forward in the carrier and she was loving every minute of it.
"Oh you are so my sister." I stated. "You love riding as much as Mama and I do. Did you know that I was riding before I could walk, just like you?" She clapped her hands and I continued. "I got Mavri when I was three, and when I was six he was finally old enough for me to ride. Aren't we lucky to have a Mama that can help us with that?"
Evie squealed and clapped again and I urged Mavri to a trot as I continued my nonsense chatter with my sister. I knew that the longer Mom and Mama were missing, the more likely the chance was that they wouldn't return. Sitting up straighter, my mind flashed to the plan I'd been told about that morning. Kissing Eve on top of her head I sighed. "Don't worry Evie, I'll take care of you." I said as I once again gave Mavri his lead much to my sister's delight.
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Eve and I reached the outskirts of Methoni in good time and I slowed Mavri to a walk as we walked through town. Finally seeing what I was looking for, I hollered. "Hey, Kid!"
A young girl turned and looked at me with a grin on her face. She had just pocketed an apple without the apple vendor seeing it and strutted toward me.
"You yell?" She asked.
"Yeah," I grinned at her. "How would you like to earn a couple of dinars?"
"What do I have to do for it?"
"Show me the way to Aaron's camp."
"The peace and love guy?" She asked laughing.
"That's the one." I responded tossing her one dinar. "There's two more in it for you, if you'll show me and an extra one if you can pretend you've never seen me."
She looked at the dinar in her hand and put it in her pocket slowly. "You got yourself a deal. You and that invisible horse of yours." She winked and I put my arm down, removing my foot from the stirrup. She easily was pulled behind me and gave me easy directions to Aaron's camp.
Sliding off Mavri, she waited as I fished the dinars from my pouch. Handing her the promised three, she saluted me and scampered back towards town. Sighing, I kissed the top of Eve's head once again and began the slow walk down toward the beach and Aaron.
Entering camp, I was surrounded by small children. Eve began to clap and squeal at all the attention and I grinned watching her.
A tall boy with freckles suddenly stood in front of Mavri, stopping my entrance. "What do you want?"
"Who are you, the guard for the camp?" I countered.
He blushed, "Nah, just curious."
I shook my head. "I'm here to see Aaron. My mom was here yesterday."
The boy scrunched his brow and then smiled. "The warrior lady on that beautiful blonde horse?"
I nodded. "That's her, but now I really need you to take me to Aaron." I instructed following the boy as he headed to a tent a short way off.
"He's in there," the boy pointed to the tent.
"Thanks." I held tightly onto Eve and managed to dismount Mavri without too much difficulty. Grabbing my staff, I entered the tent to be stopped by an older lady with gray eyes.
"Can I help you?"
"I need to speak with Aaron now." I responded noticing a man with dark hair and a beard surrounded by people on the far side of the tent.
"And why do you need to see him dear?" She asked as I began to walk toward him.
"That business is mine." I answered trying to move around her.
"Well at least let me take the child from you." She smiled and reached out for a now crying Eve.
"She's fine, thank you." I finally moved past her and stood on the outskirts of the throng of people. Eve began to scream and sign down, drawing all eyes to us. Sighing, I removed her from the sling and turned her to face me. "Not yet Evie," I whispered.
The man stood and nodded to the people at his feet. Some quickly exited the tent while others simply moved to the far side of the tent before he then invited me to join him. Sitting, I allowed Eve her freedom and the crying stopped.
"Sam?"
I nodded. "Yes, I believe you spoke with my mother yesterday."
"I did. Where is she?"
"She and Gabrielle got held up on the road. They'll be here shortly." I studied him for a moment before speaking again. "How did you know who I was?"
"You look too much like Xena for you not to be her daughter."
Eve crawled onto my lap and began to sign my milk at me as she cuddled against my neck and I figured she was overdue for her morning nap.
"Do you have any milk?" I asked. "I need to feed my sister and get her down for a nap before we talk."
He smiled at me and the same woman that I asked to get out of my way approached as he waved toward the other side of the tent. "This is Vera, she can take care of your sister as we speak."
"Thank you for the offer, but no." I shifted Eve in my arms. "I will take care of my sister."
He nodded and quietly said something to Vera. She, in turn, nodded and headed toward the large table a few feet in front of us. "In that case, she will bring you milk, and your sister can nap here while we talk."
"Thank you."
I sat on a large pillow as Vera brought me a mug of milk and a small skin. Thanking her, I tasted the milk and finding nothing wrong with it, poured the milk into the skin and offered it to Eve. She glared at me and signed 'my milk' once again. "I'm sorry Evie," I whispered. "Mama's not here, this is all I have."
She whimpered for a moment, but eventually drank the milk I offered her before slipping into sleep. Placing her on the blankets near me, I got comfortable as snack was offered to me. I waited until I saw Aaron eat from the same plate before helping myself.
He nodded and I watched as followers approached him asking questions or simply to talk. I suddenly wondered if this is how cults began, but shook the thought from my head as I began a conversation with Aaron.
"You were a follower of Eli?" I asked putting down my now empty plate and glass.
He nodded. "Yes, I decided that I needed to honor Eli by taking his path and showing others."
"So you and Rubyn don't see eye to eye?"
He laughed and his hazel eyes grinned at me. "Xena asked me the same question yesterday. No," he finally answered. "Rubyn twists Eli's teachings to gain for himself. I choose to live the way of Eli's teachings."
"Peace, love, forgiveness." I said quietly.
He looked surprised. "You know the path?"
I smiled. "I may not choose to follow the path, but I know it. I also know how important the path is to those that now follow it." I glanced at my sister. "And to those who will follow it in the future."
"How can you be so certain she will follow the path of Eli?" Aaron too was watching Eve sleep.
"I have my ways." I responded.
He laughed once again. "Even if you didn't look so much like your mother, I would know you were her daughter. That was her answer to my question as well."
I shook my head and smiled at the ground. "Wait until you meet Gabrielle." I said. "She, more than anyone, understands the path of Eli. She'll be the perfect teacher for Evie."
"I have heard much of Gabrielle," Aaron began. "She truly followed Eli's path when she allowed Ares to kill him."
I nodded. "Not everyone understands that. I know it hurt her to allow that to happen. She wanted to protect him." I sighed. "Sometimes, following any path is hard. Eli's path more so when you know you have the skills to help, yet choose to do nothing."
He looked at me for a long moment. "How old are you?"
"Ten."
It was his turn to shake his head. "So much wisdom for one so young, your mother must be proud of you."
"Yes, both of my mothers are I think." I smiled at his look of confusion. "Xena and Gabrielle are my mothers."
"I'm not sure I understand, but that's okay. Rest now," he instructed as he stood. "I have a class to teach. I will speak again with you later."
I nodded. "Thank you." I watched him go and then lied down next to Eve. I was tired as well, but didn't allow myself to fall asleep. It was now my job to protect Eve and I wouldn't let her or my moms down.
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Feeling movement next to me, I opened my eyes and sat up. Eve was awake and trying to pull herself up using me as a support. Grinning, I stood and helped her up. She grasped my fingers and put her arms above her head. I slowly began to walk, allowing her to do the same as she began to babble and squeal in delight.
"Your sister seems to have enjoyed her nap."
Vera was back and I nodded. "She always enjoys her nap. I imagine she's a bit hungry though. Do you have some soft foods she could eat?"
"Of course we do. Are you sure you don't want me to take her?" She had stepped in front of us and I immediately picked Eve up and put her on my hip.
"I'm fine. Eve is my responsibility until our parents get here." I answered. "If you could help with the snack, that would be great, otherwise, I'll find it myself." I tried to move around her, but she blocked my movements.
Sighing I moved back and tried to go the other way once again blocked by Vera. "Please get out of my way Vera."
The woman shook her head. "Aaron told me to keep an eye on the two of you. You shouldn't be expected to take care of one so young. There are a lot of children in camp, you go play and let me take care of your sister."
I took a step back again and mentally kicked myself for leaving my staff by the pillows. "I said no, now please help us with the food or get out of my way. I don't want to hurt you, not in this camp."
"And what could one so young do to me?" She asked, her gray eyes beginning to harden.
"You'd be surprised." A low voice said from the entry of the tent.
We turned and I broke into a grin. "Mama!" Moving towards us, she reached us easily and scooped us into a hug. Taking Eve from me, she kissed her on the cheek before pulling me back into a hug and kissing the top of my head. "I am so proud of you little one."
I smiled up at her and noticed the recently stitched cut above her eye. "You okay?" Looking around, I felt my heart drop and I began to shake as I noticed the blood stains still on Mama's leathers and body. "Where's Mom?"
She placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "I left your mom in our tent with Aaron. She needed the rest, but she's fine."
"And you?"
"I'm fine too," she answered.
I looked at her closely and nodded. "Uh-huh, sure you are." I ran to the far side of the tent and picked up my staff and bags. "Let's go find Mom, I can't wait to see how fine she is."
"Smartass," Mama muttered.
"You should know. After all, I am my mothers' daughter." I commented, putting my arm around her waist as she began to walk with a small limp from the tent.
Sighing, I noticed the large, stitched cut on her thigh and the bruises in the shape of slender fingers around her neck. "You're sure you're alright?" I asked my voice quivering.
"I'm sure little one," she answered as we walked into a small tent.
I stopped short as Mama walked toward Mom. She was sitting gingerly in a chair looking paler than I had ever seen her. Blood was still caked in her hair, giving it the illusion of being a dark red and she winced each time she tried to move.
I moved toward her and without thinking gave her a hug, "Mom, I was so worried." I pulled back when I heard her gasp.
"Did I hurt you?" I asked taking in her other injuries. Her lip had been split, and she had a newly stitched cut down the side of her arm. "No Sammy, I'll be okay."
"Are your ribs broken?"
She shook her head. "Xena says they're just bruised."
I nodded and waited until Mama sat down in the chair next to Mom. Eve screamed and reached for the food on the table, breaking the tension in the tent.
"I guess this one is hungry." Mama stated.
"She just woke up from her nap."
"A little late for her morning nap." Mama looked at me.
"She didn't sleep on the ride here," I laughed. "She loved galloping by the way. Clapped and giggled the whole time."
Mom groaned. "Another horse lover in the family, great." She teased.
Mama began to feed Eve as the tent flap opened again. Aaron entered with Vera and I immediately put a hand on each of my mother's shoulders.
"I thought perhaps the children could go with Vera while we talked." Aaron said quietly.
I approached him before either of my mothers could say a word. "We thank you for the offer, but Eve and I will be staying here. Now, stop trying to give us to Vera." I glared at him. "And if she ever tries to take Eve from me again, I'll forget that you're following the path of Eli in this camp."
He stepped back and I watched as Vera's eyes threw daggers at me before leaving the tent in a huff.
I stared up at Aaron, neither of us moving for what seemed forever.
"Sam, come here please." Mama's voice was low and I slowly turned and headed toward her. "Next time, let us handle that."
I nodded. "Okay Mama."
"That was a good threat though." She smirked.
"Don't encourage her Xena," Mom admonished before giggling. "Though it was a good threat." She confirmed.
I grinned as Mama handed me Eve and pointed to the pillows on the ground. "You two play and stay out of trouble while we talk."
I put Eve on the pillows and turned back to my moms. Saluting, I grinned. "Playing and staying out of trouble ma'ams, yes ma'ams." I teased before lowering myself next to Eve and pulling one of her toys from the bags I still carried.
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Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter.