Chapter 38
"Our line is solid outside the gates."
Sevastain looked to Meleager. "The Romans?"
The old commander shrugged. "No force has been spotted."
"Odd." Sevastain let out a breath. "Siri, take your Amazons—"
"And scout for the Roman foot soldiers." She walked away.
"Is it just me or is she upset?" Meleager asked offhand.
"Not at you." Sevastain replied. "To the present situation, report Commander."
"As you well know," Meleager prefaced. "After much fighting, the town is ours."
"Well and good. What about the citadel?" Sevastain asked.
"I took the liberty of ordering the sailors to haul down the main mast of one of our ships. We will use it as a battering ram to get the gates open."
"Good, see to as quickly as you can. We have Caesar surrounded, and-"
"Lord Commander!"
Sevastain stopped speaking, looking to the approaching runner.
"The Empress' ship is docking."
"Meleager," Sevastain clasped the man's arm. "Continue preparations to batter down the gates."
"Yes, Lord Commander."
The servant Felix had made the discovery. The Great Julius Caesar, dead.
"Oh, mighty Caesar!" Mattius wept.
"You are the highest ranking among us Mattius, what are your orders?"
Mattius looked to the other officers. "As you say Proclus, I am the highest ranking and I say…"
"We surrender."
The various captains stood shocked, but Mattius noted that none voiced opposition.
Fires raged through El Daba, the dead in their thousands littering the streets. Romans, Greeks, and the innocents caught between the two.
Such was war, though he wished it were not so.
Sevastian waited, nervously tapping his fingers against one leg as Xena's flagship glided into the berth. His side hurt terribly, the vestments he wore wet with blood. While he was wounded, the matter at hand took precedence over injury.
A gangplank was pushed into place. As he watched, Sevastian reflected there had been so many screw ups on his part that he'd be lucky if Xena didn't kill him here and now for his ineptitude.
With purposeful step, the Empress walked down the gangplank followed closely by two Amazons who nearly matched her in height. One he recognized, Solari, the other a member of the Imperial Guard that he could not immediately place.
As Xena strode toward him, the crimson cape she wore billowed out. Her brown leathers almost looked to be of Roman design, fitting as with her victory at El Daba, she now laid claim to Rome.
Sevastian took a breath, then moved to kneel, lowering his head until it touched his upturned knee.
"Get up."
Though he was in ever increasing pain, Sevastain was determined to remain stoic.
One of the Empress' eyebrows quirked up, he took it as his cue to begin the report.
"Mistress, the Romans have been pushed back through the town to the citadel and are hold up behind its gates." He watched as her eyes flicked to the fortress, then back to him. The men outside the gates are prepared to hold against-."
"Caesar?" she asked curtly
"Within the fortress as there is no means for him to escape. Your ships surround El Daba by sea. Your army surrounds it by land."
She turned, walking rapidly away Amazons in tow.
"With me, commander," at her call Sevastian moved to follow.
As they neared the fortress gates, Xena drew her sword, preparing to lead the battle against Caesar personally. Only there was no battle to lead, the gates stood wide open and before them stood a smiling Meleager.
"Empress." The old commander moved to kneel.
"Rise." her order stopped him well before his knee touched the ground.
"Report."
"The Romans within the fortress have surrendered. What is left of their force is lined up in the court yard. Meleager knew her next question. "Caesar, is in the upper tower."
Xena immediately strode into the fortress' courtyard, paying no mind to the motley group of surrendered Romans.
Sevastain moved to follow. A touch on his shoulder stopped him.
"I do not know how this will play out." Meleager said cryptic.
"What-?"
"Go see and you will understand."
Kicking the door open Xena strode into the space. The Roman commanders deciding it best to kneel as she entered.
None in the room dared speak as she regarded the corpse.
Sevastain, entering the room last, noted the sneer on Julius' lips the look of contempt in his glassy eyes. Even in death, he seemed to be taunting her.
Being in Xena's presence for so long a time, Sevastain had some small understanding of the minute cues which indicated her temperament. He watched, as her free hand clenched into a fist, the other tightened on the hilt of her sword.
"Spineless! Unwilling to face the consequence of your actions!" she thundered with rage. With ease, Xena flipped the table over between her and the corpse. "Try to deny my revenge!" The blade held within her hand lashed out, decapitating Caesar's corpse and cutting clear through the wood of the chair back behind.
"I shall be avenged!" Grasping the severed head by the hair, she strode to the balcony and flung it over the edge. The Roman soldiers below scattered when it landed in their midst.
"There is your Caesar!" she yelled while pointing with bloody sword. "Look at him now!"
All behind remained silent, watching as the Empress laid one hand on the rail, bowing her head.
"Commander…"
Sevastain was instantly by her side.
"Take his miserable corpse, nail it to a cross, and prop it up beside the main gate for the vultures to feast upon." She did not look at him as she spoke. Instead she gazed out at the Roman force approaching from the South. "Put his head on a pike and place it over the gate.
"Yes mistress." Sevastain chanced a glance out into the far distance. Squinting a bit to see better he was shocked to see Siri and her Amazons riding ahead of a Roman force.
"Now Commander." Xena rumbled low.
"With a quick bow, he walked back into the turret room. Pointing to the Roman officers, he silently bid them take hold of the headless corpse and follow behind him.
The Via Appia was clogged with thousands fleeing the slowly advancing German barbarians. As far as the eye could see both ahead and behind masses of people plodded, attempting to reach Rome. Among those traveling the road was the entire household of Iolaus.
Looking down, she watched idly as twenty or more men hefted a wagon over to clear the road. As it was now on its side, she could see the broken wooden axle which had halted its progress.
Gabrielle closed her eyes, clutching her arms round the woman in front all the tighter.
Nicdice glanced over her shoulder and couldn't help but be worried at seeing Gabrielle with eyes shut tight.
"Gabrielle, you okay?"
"I've never been on a horse before."
"Gabrielle you take care of horses." Nicdice was astonished. "You've never once ridden?"
"No, I… I'm scared of heights."
Nicdice laughed.
"We are high up!" Gabrielle justified snappily.
"It's quite alright." Nicdice soothed.
"No it's not! I'm sure all you Amazons see me as a weak, scared, little peasant."
"Gabrielle, everyone has weaknesses and fears." as she spoke, Nicdice maneuvered the horse they rode upon round another overturned cart.
"What are you afraid of then?" Gabrielle asked testily.
"Part of our training as Amazons involves learning to climb the tallest of trees and move stealthily above the forest floor. We learn to jump from limb to limb without making a sound."
"Oh gods!" Gabrielle groaned, hugging Nicdice tightly again, the Amazon not minding it one bit.
"Wait! You mean you—"
"I too am deathly afraid of heights." Nicdice confessed.
"But you climb high in the trees!"
"Yes, but that doesn't mean I'm not afraid. Gabrielle, having fear is not a curse. The reason the gods gifted mortals with fear, was so we would use discernment in our daily lives. That way we don't foolishly rush into situations."
"Is it not foolish to jump from tree limb to tree limb?"
Nicdice chuckled. "Yes."
"Then why do it? Just stay on the ground."
"Because we Amazons must learn certain skills to defend our land from invaders" You see, I am still afraid of heights, but my sisters have helped me to control my fear. The key Gabrielle is not letting fear control you."
"Yes." Gabrielle pulled away, sitting up a bit "I will try my best to not let fear rule me."
Me and my big mouth… thought Nicdice, missing having Gabrielle close.
Moments later, the Amazon smiled as Gabrielle hugged her tightly once more.
"You looked down," said Nicdice knowingly.
"Yes…. Hey! It's not funny!" said Gabrielle at feeling and hearing the Amazon laugh softly.
"It takes time Gabrielle, little steps."
Screams rose from behind.
"Another panic?" asked Gabrielle.
At first Nicdice believed it was. The crowds on the road had been panicky, easily spooked into fits of mindless running. Several times, Iolaus had ordered the entire household off the road entirely until the terror abated.
This time there was reason for the terror.
The line of refugees was under attack by German marauders.
"Hold on tight Gabrielle." The words barely spoken by Nicdice before Ephiny rode up.
"Keep her safe."
"Yes my- Ephiny."
Gabrielle bristled. "I'm not helpless you know!" In turn she received a look from Ephiny which spoke much as to the Amazon's thoughts on the slave defending herself.
"My Queen." Eponin said soft. "If we fight, we shall certainly break our cover as peasants."
"I cannot stand by and allow innocents to be hurt."
"You know I agree, I just mean to remind you of the ramifications of this decision." Eponin counseled.
"With me!" Ephiny shouted while spurring her horse on.
Both Nicdice and Gabrielle watched as the warriors formed up riding forth to attack the Germans.
"They have no weapons!"
"Amazons can fight without weapons," replied Nicidice with confidence.
"But—"
"What…" Iolaus rode up. "…are they doing!?"
"Fighting the Germans" Gabrielle responded.
"A good way for them to end up dead!" Despite cries to stop, Iolaus spurred his horse on to join the fight.
"Paulinus took the Conqueror up on her offer to rule Carthage in exchange for agreeing not to lead troops against us." Siri explained.
"The Empress is…" Sevastian blinked as his eyes blurred a bit. "…a master of…
"Mistress…" Siri corrected.
"Siri, not every male reference is distasteful. I merely state that The Empress is most skillful in pursing both war and intrigue. Besides, Mistress really doesn't fit."
"It certainly does!"
"A Mistress of war and intrigue?" he shook his head. "That just sounds odd."
"To a man."
"Right..." Sevastian drawled without looking up at the Amazon standing near. His attentions were on the discussion that was occurring between Paulinus and Xena. The Roman Commander kept glancing at Caesar's headless corpse nailed to a cross, then upward to the head on the pike over the gate.
"You will be glad to know that we found your horse "Lord Commander."
"Hurt?" he asked as sudden wave of dizziness hit him.
"No, she is fine; Meleager took her to the stable."
Sevastain found himself short of breath. "Siri, perhaps I could sit a moment." He staggered on his feet slightly. Her arm wrapped round his torso, steadying him.
"You are wounded!" Siri felt the dampness of his under vestments and after having pulled her hand away saw blood upon her fingers.
Sevastain collapsed against her.
Ahead one of the many gates into Rome loomed.
Nicdice sighed in relief.
"Do you believe the Germans will sack Rome?"
Nicdice was left in a quandary at Gabrielle's question. Either she could try and soothe Gabrielle's fears or be truthful. The Amazon decided, honesty was the best choice. Gabrielle was sweet, kind, cheerful, but no fool.
"I believe they will."
"So we only have temporary safety, before the battle reaches us."
"It would appear so." Nicdice replied softly. What attacked us was only a small scouting group; the main force must be moving near.
Ahead, both women watched Iolaus hand a cloth sack to the guard captain the contents within causing the man to smile wide.
A bribe, given to ensure his household would not be turned away at the gates as so many others had. Thousands of people were camped as squatters, being unable to gain entry into the city, and unwilling to turn back toward the advancing barbarians. Maneuvering his horse round, Iolaus gestured and the wagons trundled forward, followed by the Amazons on horseback.
Once within the gates, the Amazons looked past the chaos surrounding them, awed by the grandeur of Rome.
"I gotta hand it to the Romans; they certainly know how to build." Ephiny could only nod as the group passed through the Forum of Rome with its many temples and basilicas painted in a riot of colors.
"Gabrielle, what is that?" asked Nicdice.
"That is the great Flavian Amphitheater, where much killing occurs."
"Killing?"
"Yes, the Romans adore blood sport. Criminals are executed, animals killed, and the gladiators fight to the death upon its wooden floor. Tens of thousands cheer madly, loving the butchery."
"Gladiators fighting to the death, you say." Nicdice smiled, her rearing as an Amazon causing her to be enamored with the idea of single combat.
"Yes, most are slaves but some who are free are so renowned that their sweat is made into perfumes worn by many in the aristocratic classes.
"Ugh." The Amazon crinkled her nose in disgust. "Do these Romans allow women to be gladiators?
"Yes," Gabrielle replied from behind. "Glaciatrix as the Romans say."
"I'd like to have a go at that!"
"No!" Gabrielle hugged Nicdice tight. "It's so very dangerous!"
Nicdice smiled "You have gone then? To see the combat?"
"No. I can't bear to watch. I much rather prefer the Circus Maximus where the Master's horses race. Even there, some killing occurs as the races are uninhibited. Any means may be used to win even if it results in the death of your opponent."
"I like Rome!"
Unseen by the Amazon, Gabrielle rolled her eyes in annoyance as the townhouse came into view.
Iolaus said not one word, until they reached the townhouse on the Capitoline hill.
"I would speak with you." He brushed past Ephiny, she knowing the ruse was up. Catching Eponin's eye she gestured, her beloved nodded in understanding.
Past the many servants they walked. Ephiny looking round at the bustle of activity; furniture being uncovered and rooms open for cleaning.
"Close the door."
Ephiny did so, and then stood silent as Iolaus moved to sit behind his desk.
"It appears I am surrounded by wolves in sheep's clothing."
"Sir." Ephiny took a small step forward.
"Do not tell me anymore lies!" Iolaus yelled. "I am Greek and as such know of Amazons! Even if I did not, I can plainly see you are more than you appear! Now tell truth!"
"We are Amazons." Ephiny admitted soft.
"I am glad that you chose to be honorable and tell me the truth."
"Sit, Amazon."
Ephiny did so, in one of the plush chairs opposite Iolaus' desk.
"Why are you here Ephiny?" Before she could reply, Iolaus spoke again, "If that be your real name."
"It is kind Iolaus." For a moment she was silent, Iolaus thinking she was considering what was best to reveal.
"We were sent by Artemis-"
"You insult my intelligence!"
"I know full well what it sounds like." Ephiny leaned forward "We were sent by our goddess to protect Gabrielle."
"Protect her from what?"
"From the bedlam quickly enveloping Rome."
"So…" Iolaus was mocking, "Mighty Artemis cares so much about a lowly slave that she commands her Amazons to act as a guard.
"You know the reason..."
Understanding dawned and Iolaus was incensed. "She will not have her!"
"She will, our goddess has foreseen it."
"I will never allow—"
"Would you dare raise your hand against fate?" asked Ephiny.
"Out! Iolaus rounded the desk to stand in front of Ephiny, "Out with the lot of you!" He pointed to the door "I shall never allow Xena to have the girl."
Ephiny slowly stood, to look down at him. "I am afraid that will not be possible. We stay."
"You forget I am the master here and as such you obey me."
We obey our Goddess and the Conqueror."
"Xena the bloodstained letcher is more apt! You Amazons should be ashamed to have thrown in with such evil!
"It was the only way we could save—"
"Out!" Iolaus walked to the door to throwing it open. What was on the other side, gave him pause.
Two armed Amazons. Grabbing the door again, he quickly slammed it shut catching the two off-guard. Before even Ephiny could react, Iolaus had drawn his blade.
Ephiny crouched into a ready stance. "Do not do this," she implored. "I would regret having to harm you."
The door to the chamber was smashed open, Iolaus found himself surrounded. "I will gladly die, to prevent Gabrielle from being held by Xena."
"Does the thought of what is best for Gabrielle's motivate you, or does your hatred of the Conqueror spur you to do this." Asked Ephiny.
"She has hurt me in every manner possible. I will not allow the same to happen to Gabrielle!"
Ephiny pointed to Iolaus and both Amazons began to advance.
"Have you asked Gabrielle for her thoughts on the matter?"
"I…" Iolaus faltered. "She is just a girl, she doesn't understand how evil Xena—"
"Stop!"
All within looked to Gabrielle.
"I must face her."
"Gabrielle I have never been forced to remind you that you do as I say-"
"You had no need, it was understood."
"Gabrielle..."
"Where shall we run to next? Xena will not be stopped, she will continue to pursue. I can no longer bear the burden of disrupting so many lives. I must go to her."
"You know not what you do!" Iolaus set the sword down knowing the situation hopeless, his action causing the Amazons to relax. Walking round the desk, he slumped into the chair.
"I have no other choice than to allow it." Iolaus looked to Ephiny. "I took you in, and here you betray me."
"Were there some other way," Ephiny replied. "Know I would have taken it."
"Cold comfort, Amazon." Replied Iolaus.
Sevastain would be out for some time. The result of a heavy dose of Willow bark tea laced with Valerian and Chamomile.
"I do not understand why he chose not to tell that he was wounded!"
"That is not his way."
"Yet another example of the male ego." Siri pronounced with surety.
Xena smirked slightly as she ran the bone needle and thread through the skin, pulling the gash closed. Having already thoroughly cleaned the wound with vinegar infused with hop leaves. When she finished stitching, a poultice filled with crushed garlic and cloves would be placed over the wound.
"Amazons have no ego?"
Siri looked down for a time, and then nodded. "True, we can be a bit proud."
"A bit?" Xena asked teasingly, adding a wink for good measure.
The Amazon smiled thinly.
"With him…" Xena continued to close the wound. "…. It's always about duty; a result of what has been was ingrained within by the eastern masters."
"But nature must obey necessity." Siri argued. "He should have paused to have attention given to his wound.
"No, those of the east believe unwaveringly in obedience, to fulfilling duty to a superior first. A code, which tells that what touches us most closely, should be last served."
"Fine," Siri huffed. "But answer me this, Why did he not seek care after the battle?"
"I did not dismiss him and therefore Sevastain remained, even though injured."
"Ridiculous!"
"Is it?" Xena asked while gesturing for the Siri to hand her the poultice. Once it was in hand, she placed it against the wound. "Everyone has a code they live by, to understand his is to understand him."
"Here..." She stood, sliding an arm under Sevastain, lifting him just off the surface of the table. "Run the linen round his chest, to hold the poultice." When Siri had finished, Xena gently removed her arms, allowing him to lie fully on the table again.
"That is all that can be done for now." The Amazon watched as the Empress walked to a side board, to wash her hands in the basin of water.
"And you Empress?" asked Siri, "Do you have a code which you live by?"
"Yes."
Xena offered no further explanation as she dried her hands on a square of linen. Turning she appraised her commanders, Agis, Meleager, and Siri.
"Siri, you are elevated to second, look to our deportment, see to it that the army is camped, scouts placed. Allow the men to celebrate our victory tonight.
"Meleager aid the villagers of El Daba, help them recover from the devastation wrought by this battle."
"Agis, you will ensure our wounded as well as those of Rome are cared for, use every bit of space in this citadel to billet them."
In the silence which followed, Xena paused a moment to don her gauntlets. "Siri, chose one of your Amazons to ride forth and deliver a missive from me to Cleon at El Alamein."
She stepped toward the table, looking down upon Sevastain. His breathing was shallow, face ashen. Images Lyceus came forth, of him lying dead on a table in mother's inn. She was forced to close her eyes in order to stem the overwhelming sadness which flooded through her. "You will make clear to all that the Romans are to be treated as honored guests, hostilities having ended."
"Yes, Xena." Meleager replied soft, speaking for all in the room.
"After sunset, we meet aboard my flagship, to plan the next move, dismissed."
With eyes still closed, she listened as they filed out, all except one...Siri.
"You... are... dismissed."
Siri tried not to waver, but under the scrutiny of those blue eyes she quietly acquiesced to Xena's will and backed towards the door."
"He will be in the lower tower. I shall order Amazon guards placed to protect the one you love."
"I do not-"
Blue eyes pinned Siri with their intensity.
"I've seen the way you regard him, yet you stubbornly refuse to enlighten him as to the nature of your feelings. Now, should he die, you will never get the chance. Think on that Amazon."
"Out!"
A visibly shaken Siri departed.
Xena leaned over to gently slide her arms under Sevastain, lifting him with ease.
"Not like Lyceus..." she whispered, voice wavering due to emotion roiling within.
Carrying him, she walked out of the chamber.
"Oh noble commander…" Solari said soft as the massed Amazons dipped their heads, eyes filling with tears which quickly spilled onto cheeks.
"The grief I see is catching." Xena forced a slight smile. "Have cheer, for though he is pallid, Celesta has not yet claimed him. Come Solari and bid some Amazons to follow, for you shall need to set a guard round him."