Chapter 8

Down the Appian Way, men marched.

Their Armor was fully Roman in style. Though once hating Rome and Romans, the Empress preferred the Roman Armor to Greek as it was quick to produce on a large scale. That armor shined in the sun, plumes on helmets shifting in the breeze. That same breeze caused indigo cloaks to billow outward.

As always, scouts and flankers set out before the main force.

"There now Gisela." Sevastian patted his mount. "You will have time to gallop, now we must stand in show for the troops."

Here he sat, dressed in full Samurai regalia. Xena had told him many a time that a commander must look the part.

He could never hope to look the part as well as the Empress.

The curious of Rome had come to see the troops off. Many a Plebeian waving happily as soldiers marched past. It impressed Sevastian at how quick common people accepted Xena as their ruler. Still, farmers, merchants, and craftsmen desire stability and will flock to the banner of the one who provides it.

"With your permission my lord," prefaced Agis, "I shall join my army group."

"Very well, Agis, I suppose you could." A glance over at the former warlord who gave a bow upon horseback. Inwardly, Sevastian sighed. Fawning curtsies in his presence were here to stay.

A series of sharp cries sounded from his Amazonian Guards. His attention drawn to the Amazons passing in review.

Eponin, in command, gave the time honored Amazon Salute. Her hand balling into a fist to then strike against armor. In turn, Sevastian raised hilt of his sword to level with eyes before dropping that blade to one side. As she honored him, he so honored her, and Amazons for service to Empire.

Eponin's placement was reciprocation. Ephiny wanted Siri so Xena took Eponin. It was a good match. Eponin was Queen's Consort. Her position within the Amazon Nobility assured respect from the rank and file. As befitting an Amazon of her station, Eponin was a warrior of the highest caliber.

However, in command, she was green as any new recruit.

Much to be learned. Sevastian hoped that Eponin would be open to such learning.

Green Amazon recruits now marched by, heads turned as they locked eyes with him briefly. Once past his postion, heads snaped forward. These were dressed in basic leathers, having advanced through the first series of challenges on the path to become a warrior.

Their weapons were simple, pikes and staffs. More training needed to master advanced weapons like the Sword, Sais, or Composite Bow.

Then there was the matter of learning to ride a horse.

All in good time.

After the main Amazon force, those not chosen to become warriors passed. Solari was in command of this lot, she giving a salute, he returning it. These women represented the lower castes in Amazon society, but no less important to the tribe. They would be the hunter-gatherers, the carpenters, the healers, the tanners, the weavers, the metalsmiths, the teachers, and the farmers. Their leathers dyed in the various color of their station. Though not of the warrior class, they were still expected to learn martial skill. So, here they were, part of the army. Once in Greece, they would return to Amazon lands. Then the soldiers would trek on to Athens.

"See how they march my Lord, "Androdameia rode up. "Heads up, shoulders back, standing tall. They are rightly proud of what they have achieved."

"Indeed."

In the next moment Androdameia was gone, having quickly move to make way…

…for Ephiny.

And Siri…

"Queen of All Amazons, a pleasure." Sevastian dipped head low in respect while giving a bow. As the Amazons were marching past, he backed Gisela so Ephiny was in the lead. A clear act of deference to the Amazon Queen.

He noted Siri did much the same, only her placement was further back, her stirrup behind his.

Now the pecking order was set. Amazon Queen, Lord Commander, Amazon Commander.

"I must correct you Lord Commander." Ephiny turned head to look back at him; she clad in beautiful Amazon regalia, blonde curly tresses moving with each of Zephyrs breaths.

"How so?"

"I am no longer Queen of all Amazons."

Sevastian's brows rose at the news.

Ephiny smiled, seeing his confusion "I have proclaimed myself Empress of all Amazonian Tribes."

"Glad tidings then!" Shouted Sevastian, "Ephiny, all hail!"

Behind the trio the various lower Commanders, to include Meleager, took their cue and echoed Sevastian's words.

"I thank you for that, Lord Commander. I have taken Siri from you, to ensure my reign is long."

"No better choice, Empress." As he said the words, Sevastian noted the smirk on Siri's lips.

"I have head much of your ability to train, Sevastian. I trust you will do the same with these raw Amazon as you once did with my veterans."

"I shall do my utmost."

"Training is one thing," Ephiny counseled, "How they respond under pressure is another."

"As with all things, each according to her gift."

"I see… Fare well." Ephiny heeled her horse back and took her leave. Kind to do so, she wanting to give a private moment between himself and Siri.

"How I wish we were still on campaign." Siri sidestepped her horse next to Gisela. "As bloody and terrible as it was, my consolation would be to have you near."

Sevastian took a breath, tamping down emotion. Here, in front of the troops, was not the time, nor the place to display depth of feeling. He cleared his throat. "We shall see each other soon. This army will camp outside Amazon lands for a time."

"I shall miss you as Artemis does Orion!" Siri brusquely heeled horse away. "I have too grieved a heart to take a tedious leave!"

Off she rode at full gallop.

He straitened in the saddle. With much effort he pushed thoughts of Siri aside.

Duty must take precedence.

He sat in silence. Eyes scanning wagon trains guarded by Meleager's men. These men deserved his salute, for logistics is every bit as important to an army as soldiers.

Cheers sounded in the distance. Sevastian snapped head toward in the general direction of the shout. Yells from the troops rose in intensity.

A slight smile, it could only be…

She appeared over the rise, riding past the troops at full gallop.

Long black tresses whipping about, same as the royal cape of purple she wore. Burnished black leathers, high boots, and distinctive bronze cuirass gleaming in the sunlight.

Xena was a sight to see! Great Alexander himself paled when compared to the mistress!

From atop Gisela Sevastian leaned forward, bowing low, free hand moving in a series of flourishes as his Sovereign rode to him.

"No ceremony Sevastian, just your Empress, just your Xena."

Sevastian moved Gisela in such a manner that he was to the right and slightly behind the Empress. The stirrup of his saddle not ahead of Xena's own. Decorum must be maintained.

"There is a tendency," prefaced Xena, "Toward leniency."

Sevastian leaned in a bit, intrigued by her words.

"So, I shall be plain about what I expect. You will crush these Athenian traitors. Kill-them-all Sevastian along with the Roman pig who leads them. You will further exact my revenge by setting the Athens to flame."

Sevastian swallowed hard hearing that last.

"Ask it Sevastian." She ordered.

"Sensei," he began with supreme respect. "Does this include Athena's temple?"

Turning head back, she flashed a knowing smile. "Worried about your old friend, are you?"

"Forgive me Mistress for being… apprehensive."

A smile from Xena. "She will undoubtedly be interested in what exactly you plan for her city. Note Deshi, I said set the city to flame, if the fires reach her temple, then the fates will it so. If not, so be it."

"Your will is my command, Mistress. It will be done."

"Set thoughts of wrathful gods aside," she instructed, "Instead, direct your efforts to training Amazons on way to Athens." Another smile. "That will keep you busy enough."

"Aye," agreed Sevastian. "That it shall."

A full laugh. "Ah, Sevastian! You always tell me truth! No hollow flattery from you, unlike many in my court." She surprised him, by bringing her mount directly next to his. A further surprise when she clasped his gauntleted hand firm. "Words are easy, like the wind; faithful friends are hard to find."

Such was his sudden emotion at hearing her words, that Sevastian dipped head low.

"Mistress…" he rasped. "My unending loyalty is yours."

"I know." Xena released his hand. "Now, let it be recognized, by every citizen of empire, to every individual that I hereby grant you a rank above all others. Ride forth my Lord Protector of the Realm!" Her arm raised long elegant finger pointing east, toward Athens. "Bring my enemies to heel!

She watched as he straitened in the saddle.

"As thou wilt, Empress!" bellowed Sevastian before spurring his mount on at a furious gallop

A satisfied grin, which faded into a cold glare upon looking about.

"Your commander rides on, yet here you sit?"

Off they rode, this group of Amazons and Commanders. Leaving her alone, save for Gabrielle.

"You do that well."

"Before I ask what I do well Gabrielle, began Xena, we must hasten your riding lessons. The Palanguin you lay upon is far too slow."

"I don't see why I need be carried along by attendants when I can walk perfectly fine."

"Station Gabrielle, you are no commoner so you do not walk." Instructed Xena. "Now, tell me what I do well."

"Inspire." Answered Gabrielle. "With just words, look at the change you wrought in Sevastian."

"When wielded well, words have power, Gabrielle. As an up and coming bard, you should know that."

"All true what you said to him?"

"All true."

"You love him, don't you?"

Brows rose at that, Xena looking down at Gabrielle. "Yes," The question answered true. "He is like a brother to me" she expounded. "I love him as if he were my own flesh and blood."

Silence between them.

"Throughout my life, there has been one constant Gabrielle… Betrayal." A long sigh from Xena. "From Borias through to Marcus, from Darphus right on to Caesar and Pompey all betrayed me in one fashion or another." A bitter laugh. "And Lo! Gabrielle I only scratch the surface! There are many more…"

"…and yet…

"…The most unkind cut of all came from family."

"And…Sevastian," prodded Gabrielle. "He is loyal? That is why you have such depth of feeling toward him?"

"Yes. I didn't know it then, but I know it now. Loyalty is the greatest treasure a leader can gain."

Xena reached down, intending to pull Gabrielle up, frowning when she saw hesitation.

"Come on then!" Barked Xena. "You are quite safe with me."

Gabrielle clasped that strong hand and was effortlessly lifted. She settling behind, then wrapped arms round Xena.

Amazon Guards formed up round the Empress as she rode back into Rome.

"Rest up today Gabrielle. Tomorrow we begin the journey to Corinth."