Disclaimers: See Chapter 1

Additional Note (Please Read): This tale is a companion with, Xena & Gabrielle: A Turn of Fate. If you haven't read both stories' chapters preceding this one, you should do so now. A thanks to all my readers and followers, including my beta, Jinxie. Please, continue to enjoy. :-)

The Conqueror & Ri,

A Twist of Destiny,

By, Ahkiken

Chapter 37: Apparitions

The Lord Conqueror of the Realm sat adjacent to the convalescent soldier who suffered a devastating injury from a stray arrow that perforated his neck. After checking on the other wounded troops of the Sixth Army and their robust counterparts, she'd sought out Turel. Finding Gagius sitting beside the injured man and knowing Turel's detriment could prove to be fatal, she requested for him to depart the cabin to guarantee that the medic did an adequate job at stitching his comrade up. Under her studious examination, she was relieved to see that the physician had done marvelous work on him and he wasn't running a fever.

Certain that he would most definitely pull through, the Conqueror relaxed in the chair, allowing her ruminations to roam. She had already conceded that General Glaphyra was correct in her assertion regarding her wager of pitting one hundred forty-nine warriors against overwhelming odds. The gamble had paid off; routing Brutus and Cassius' Roman forces, but what if it hadn't? Suppose the dice rolled in a different manner and she became the conquered. Taking in consideration that she unceremoniously murdered a pompous slave who belonged to Cassius, and informed him about her arrival to Dia, the aged ruler rewarded them sufficient amount of Cronus to stage a triumphant victory over her by spending nearly a moon voyaging Neptune's oceans to inspect the safety of Greece's borders.

If Brutus had utilized every legion he'd conjointly accumulated with his brother-in-law, the results could've been in their favor, and the Conqueror, including her minuscule army, probably would've gotten crucified, or their heads removed to be impaled on pikes. And what would become of her Empire? She entrusted more than enough faith in Meleager to rule Greece and its provinces, as well as mentoring Prince Lyceus to suitably obtain the mantle to succeed him. Therefore her legacy for the Realm was secured, but what of her history? The Chancellor knew a great deal about her, however, that was insignificant compared to the Cronus she stayed in the Land of Pharaohs, and the ten years she'd spent across sea in Chin. Her life had irrevocably altered when she met Lao 'Ma.

Following the tragic events that occurred from Caesar's cowardly assault on her ship during the Conqueror's youth, she was rescued from slavers and granted a safe haven inside Lao 'Ma's palace. Within those confined walls, Lao 'Ma healed her imbalanced, mercurial mind, and her bruised body. Other than bestowing the chakram and the gift of meditation from using the Sacred Book of Life, she'd also taught the former Lion of Amphipolis unique techniques, whilst strengthening her heretofore repertoire by expanding on the use of pressure points.

She was the first female whom the Conqueror had fallen in love with and the second person overall. Marcus would forever carry the title of becoming her initial lover. If the cruel Fates hadn't set their lives on the horrendous course that afflicted them while on the journey from Egypt, she was ready to marry him and bare his child once they'd returned to her village. Her mother would've been ecstatic about their union, holding out hope to the gods that sooner or later her wayward daughter would relinquish her sword and the perilous life of a warrior.

Thus, the Conqueror would had never existed.

'Alas, matrimony and motherhood was not meant to be for me.' The Conqueror cogitated, again summoning a very loving memory that involved the ebony-colored man who'd enticed her romantically.

"I'm such a fool." I mumble to myself, entering my bedroom to change into another attire for the celebration that's being held in honor of me.

Petracles and Marcus walked me home, inquiring if they should linger for me, so we all could arrive together at the gaiety my mother decided to host. Nevertheless, I told them not to, because Marcus' presence had an annoying, yet interesting effect on me. In the duration of the travel to my residence, the Thessalian chatted about hailing from Thessaly and meeting Meleager in Aetolia amidst the hunting of the Calydonian Boar. I wanted to ask numerous questions apropos to the sporting challenge that Meleager wouldn't allow me to accompany him on, but becoming ensorcelled by Marcus, I couldn't find my tongue.

I'd obtusely gawked at him like an idiot!

Even when he'd evinced that a couple of hunters had perished by the dangerous animal and our mentor managed to slay the beast, with help from a huntress named Atalanta, I'd continuously stared, ruminating on his magnificent appearance. His facial structure appealed to me. Every so often, he would smile throughout the storytelling, causing his cheeks and lips to rise, affording me to espy those straight, white teeth. Marcus' skin color enticed my eyes to wander down to his opened leather vest just to be positive that the dark coloring covered all of him. The fact that he was a centimeter taller than me had added to the attraction, too.

Taking off the scabbard and my sheathed sword, I throw it down on the floor in tinged frustration. "I'm not attracted to Marcus! We've recently became acquainted, and I faintly know anything about him!"

Understanding my childish behavior, I chuckle and thank the gods that mother isn't here; I'm assured she would draw amusement from my loud outburst. Fortunately, or unfortunately, mother and Lyceus are at the tavern that she now owns, which is also where the festival is taking place. Composing myself, I finish undressing, and prior to wearing the blue gown mother has undoubtedly lain out for me, I appraise my nude features in the mirror. I'm far from vain, but have to admit that I look beautiful. Using my fingers to flow through my snipped hair, I ascertain new appreciation for the beauty I've been blessed with.

Glancing at the dress again, I make a decision not to wear it. Since this jollification is for me and my expertise as a warrior, I'll be clad like one. Slipping on my undergarment, I begin adorning a pair of black trousers and a fresh, grey tunic. Damn, where's a set of gauntlets when you need them? Marcus' forearms are garnished with two of 'em. Albeit, I have to stop dwelling on him. Perhaps we'll make good friends.

"Yeah... Friends."

Reattaching the sheath around my waist, I peer at my reflection and is satisfied with what I see. Next, I casually gait out of the house, trekking the pathway to where everyone is gathered for my unwanted gala. Consequent to reaching my destination, I notice numerous of jovial townsfolks walking in my mother's establishment. I'm really not in the mood for this. Why did I let Petracles coax me into coming?

"Hey, Xena." A familiar voice emits my name.

I tilt my head to descry Elius and his little sister, Elisa, the latter I haven't seen since she aided her mother to deliver my baby brother three years passed.

"Hello." I greet them both, in advance of bending to Elisa's level. "It's been a long while, Elisa. How are you?"

"I am fine." She responds shyly. "I'll be fourteen in a moon."

"Wow, you're growing fast. What are you planning to do once you are a grownup?"

"I..." She vacillates transiently. "I want to be like you."

Her declaration warms my heart. "Well, if your mother doesn't have a problem with training you in swordplay, I'd be honored to."

"Seriously!" The teenage brunette beams, and I nod my assent. "That would be great!"

"Don't get excited yet, Elisa. Mother still has to approve." Elius reminds her. "Speaking of mother, go see if she requires assistance in the tavern."

Elisa is ready to protest, but acknowledging that Elius wishes to have a private moment with me, I preempt her, "We'll be along shortly."

Reluctantly, she acquiesces and traipses away.

After Elisa is farther from us, I query her brother, "What's up?"

"I only wanted to be the first of many to say that you deserve this esteem today, Xena."

"Sadly, someone has beaten you to the punch." I tease, refraining from elucidating the same thing I've said to Petracles about not desiring to be extolled by the villagers.

"Petracles... I should've known." He smiles, distinguishing the mysterious individual. "Nonetheless, it's true. Everybody is aware of your determination and ability to maintain the safety of Amphipolis, not excluding the neighboring villages. My sister admires you... and I will follow you into the depths of Tartarus for saving my life on the battlefield against Cortese's men."

"You would have done no less for me or our fellow compatriots." We grasp forearms. "No debt is owed to me, Elius."

"It isn't repayment, Xena. It's simply a promise."

I accept his sincerity. "I'll hold ya to it."

Terminating the embrace, and juxtaposed to each other, we stroll to my mother's inn. Once indoors, the patrons recognizes me and commences giving a rambunctious welcoming address for my arrival. Concealing bashfulness, because of their reception, I curtly bow and spot my mother smiling at me whilst setting a tray containing cups of ale on top a table for its occupants. Receiving gratitude from the contributors, mother motions for me to come over, and preceding my steps to her, I gaze as she hoists Lyceus off of the floor. Carrying him in her arms, she meets me halfway.

"Glad you made it." She kisses my cheek.

"You were cognizant that if you'd hosted this gathering, I would show face." I smirk, returning the kiss and rubbing Lyceus' wheat-colored down.

"Well, you hadn't materialized at any of the other celebrations, I'd figured I'll accommodate this one." My mother professes. "You didn't disappoint."

I chuckle at her wise casuistry. "You're lucky I'd learned too late you were the proprietor. If I had apperceive that beforehand, I wouldn't have-"

"Xe. Xe. Xe." Lyceus interrupts for my attention, stirring a terrible remembrance of Toris' final words to me, and the way he couldn't enunciate my appellation, 'cause of death's grip on him.

"Lyceus, I asked you to cease calling me that." I react harshly, articulating, "My name's Xena. Xe-na."

"Xena..." His visage is filled with sorrow. "Missed you. Happy you come."

Mother's mien broadcasts disheartenment, and instantly I feel horrible. It wasn't his fault that Toris had fallen in battle due to my mishap. Although I'd inquired Lyceus not to pronounce that moniker for me, he has no idea what our deceased, elder sibling explicated, so lashing out at him was wrong.

"Xena!" Meleager announces, dissipating the wired atmosphere. "Thought I'd have to search for you. Good thing you popped up."

He resembles a mortal who'd vanquished the Calydonian Boar, decked in a burgundy, leather vest that's covering his tan shirt, with brownish pants.

I hug him tightly. "It is refreshing to have you back, Old man."

Meleager whispers, "I have a surprise for you, young lady."

"I'm looking forward to it." I affirm.

Disengaging, he turns to my mother and brother. "Thanks again, Cyrene, for hosting this shindig."

She grants him her complete engrossment. "You're welcome, Meleager."

Momentarily, I scrutinize their fleeting interaction, and wonder if there's something brewing amongst them. Maybe they're fond of one another and nothing major. Moreover, if there was a kindling romance between my mother and mentor, I'm convinced that they would apprise me of it.

"Meleager, Meleager." Lyceus' appendages extends outwards to him.

"Oh, I haven't forgotten about you, Lyceus." Meleager replies, and my mother passes the toddler into his arms. "Behold what I bought you from Aetolia and Thessaly."

Digging in his inner shirt pockets, he presents two miniature horses to Lyceus' delight. "Horsies!"

"Yup, yup." Meleager repeats, handing them to Lyceus. "The brown one is from Aetolia, and the white came from Thessaly."

Hearing the region where Marcus is native to, makes me consciously survey the enclosed environment for the handsome male. Sighting him in the corner conversing with Petracles and several others, I prepare to shake my nerves, choosing to be a part of the conversation.

"Meleager, can you watch Lyceus for a bit? I want to speak with my daughter alone." Mother states, hooking my concentration.

"Most definitely." Meleager concurs, tarrying Lyceus while he plays with the toy horses, pretending to make them gallop.

"Come." She avows concisely, and I trail behind her, fearing the topic she'll spring on me.

Trudging past the merry people who are enjoying themselves and offering their felicitations to me, we sit at an unoccupied table.

Getting comfortable, I try to anticipate the subject by proclaiming, "I apologize for my tonality toward Lyceus, mother. Notwithstanding, in my defense, I do constantly request for him not to call me that. I hate it, and you know why."

"I understand, Xena." My mother accedes, sorrowfully deferring to Toris' last phrases that I enlightened her of. "But Lyceus is merely a three-year-old, evidently he's not doing it to spite you."

"I'm mindful of that. Can you tell him..." I sigh. "I can't stand it, mother. Tell him I can't stand it."

"I will. Howbeit, if he continues to verbalize the nickname, will you be prone to berate Lyceus strongly, similar to how you've done recently?"

Wanting to rejoin that I wouldn't, I muse on her inquiry, perceptive that I'm unsure what I'd do.

My answer takes too long, and mother reprimands me, "You are an adult. Act like one. Chastising Lyceus every Cronus he unintentionally causes you to recall my dying son's ultimate utterance could invoke him to become scared of you. Do you want that, Xena? It's bad enough he hardly sees you."

"And that's my fault?" Her predication upsets me. "I am not to blame if you decide to stay in this tavern instead of coming home. By the gods, you essentially live here."

My mother is aghast. "I have to remain here some nights, Xena. Anisa is not qualified to handle all of the various customers who spends dinars on drinks, food, and their lodgings. After I accumulate more money to hire extra barmaids, and Anisa learns the business amply, I'll be home regularly. Until then, you can visit frequently. Heck, you could work here, and succor me with its success."

"It'll take me off my main focus." I debate, placing my profession as a warrior ahead of everything. "Besides, being a bar-wench isn't on my list of things to do."

"You halt that kind of language in my presence."

Sucking my teeth, I get ready to stand and leave the inn, but mother prevents me by grabbing my arm gently.

"Please, don't go. This assemblage of Amphipolitans are in attendance for your prestige." She avers, and though disinclined to do so, I reside in my seat to her apparent relief. "Anyway, I do not wanna discuss unpleasantries, Xena. The reason I chose having a secluded discourse with you, is because I'm curious why my gorgeous daughter isn't clothed in that splendid dress I'd laid out for her on the bed?"

"I am thankful that you've picked it as my apparel for this honorific occasion, but I've reconsidered putting it on. I'm a combatant, mother. We don't don fancy clothing like dresses and girly assortments."

Now, coinciding with my response, I internally brace myself for where this discussion is headed.

"Xena." My mother slowly intones, "You have exceeded the expectations of all your doubters, me included, by becoming an outstanding swordswoman. Your participation and skillfulness in sundry skirmishes is noted to be incredible, hence what this evening is relative to. In retrospect to these phenomenal accomplishments, don't you think it's a good Cronus to...perpend settling? Acquiring a husband to share your life with? Petracles still has his eyes on you, and Maphias seems like a suitable mate. He inquires for you a lot."

Insouciance for my mother's sensibility and her penchant to aspire the best for me, I fulminate sternly, "Attain a husband for what purpose, mother? To have him lay atop me for his pleasure? My gender dictates that any man I marry will own whatever belongs to me, and that's no better than slavery. No, thank you. I rather not have somebody trying to predominate what I can and cannot do. It's terrible enough that I have to tolerate it from you."

My mother is dismayed, but tries a weakened and disastrous attempt to persuade me otherwise. "What about children? Don't you want kids someday?"

"A child?" I prompt, laughing callously. "I didn't think you needed a husband to procreate. Whereas, where is yours? I know who mine and Toris' father was, and he's in Elysium, but what of Lyceus' sire?"

If the sound of a slap becomes heard, I'd have welcomed it. Perchance it would've saved me from observing my mother's wretched countenance. In lieu of a justified thrashing, or a rebuke, she just stares at me with a hurt expression, forcing me to feel the weight of the guilt that's churning in my soul. How dare I uncouthly probe mother about her personal affairs, indirectly implying she's a harlot.

"I'm sorry. I... My comment was out of line to-"

"For what it is worth, I am proud of you, Xena." She interjects, withholding her tears whilst arising out of her chair and departing. "May Mars continue blessing you."

"Wrong god to thank." I murmur to her retreating form, resting my head on the table in vexation with myself. "Why did I allow myself to be coerced into attending this sham of a veneration?"

"You look as if you can use a drink."

A cup is perched in front of me and I glimpse the amiable male with astonishment. "Marcus..."

Gazing at me, he beams his sexy grin, asking, "Is it all right that I join you?"

A knock on the cabin door disrupted the Conqueror's reminiscing of apparitions. "Enter."

The General of the Sixth Army opened the hinged barrier and stepped in. "I have an account of interest, my Liege."

"Report." She decreed, touching Turel's forehead for signs of pyrexia once more.

"I've spoken to the helmsmen concerning our current distance from the Corinthian Gulf, and he expounded that we should traverse the inlet by nightfall." Glaphyra purported.

"We are treading the Ionian Sea." Maintaining her ministrations on Turel, the Conqueror discerned it was late noon. "That's excellent news."

Viewing the tendering fashion that the Conqueror fussed over the soldier's flesh, Glaphyra started pondering if Gagius was correct about their Lord's affections for Turel.

"Anything else, General?"

The question jolted her to awareness. "No, my Lord. That is all."

Spinning on her heels, Glaphyra exited the room, shutting the door behind her.

To Be Continued...