Chapter 10

"Lesothenes, the fleet will make port at Capri."

The old Admiral dipped head, acknowledging the order.

As she rested hands on rail, Xena took in the sea air while listening to Lesothenes deep baritone voice bellow orders. Signal flags fluttered in the breeze. Her order being passed to the ships of the fleet. The course change done with precision by her triremes.

Capri was a beautiful island filled with lavish Roman Villas.

A smirk on dark lips…

It would do Gabrielle good to get on land again.

Xena reflecting that patience had never been one of her virtues.

A tired huff as she sat. After hours of feeling on display, she was finally, and happily, alone. Hands rose, long fingers massaging temples. The Amazons of the southern tribes had peppered her with questions and then fawned over her every word.

It was exhausting.

Xena once told her that being a chosen had downsides.

Now Siri understood what the Conqueror meant.

A flash...

Immediately she moved to kneel.

"Sit, Chosen." Commanded Artemis.

Siri's heart sang at the sight of her goddess. Artemis was perfection!

"You are troubled." Artemis moved to sit in the chair opposite. Burnished leathers of gold shone in the light of tapers.

"No, Goddess." Siri replied instantly. In turn she received a droll look.

"Remember, I know your heart, Chosen. You cannot, hide what you feel."

"I…" Siri looked down at her lap.

"It is just us here." Artemis stretched out long legs, crossing boots. "Though difficult, put emotion to words."

"My only use is to kill." Siri did not dare look up, fearing she had angered the goddess.

"I see." Artemis said gently. "Explain."

A deep breath, a moment of silence, then and Siri mustered the courage to continue. "As of this night, I have slain threescore who dared challenge. I have killed more Amazons than Xena!"

"Such Hyperbole! My dear chosen, we both know that is not true."

Siri allowed shoulders to slump forward "I know…" she breathed. "As one who loves our people, it pains me to send to many on to the Land of the Dead. Warriors who –"

"Freely chose to challenge and accepted cost of failure." Artemis interjected.

"Yes, Goddess."

"I doubt I need remind you, had any of those challengers been successful, you would be in the Land of the Dead. Still," considered Artemis, "introspection is a good attribute. You have examined action and feel compassion for your adversaries."

"How long will it go on?" Siri raised head to gaze at Artemis, "please forgive my impertinence Goddess, but I must ask. How long must I continue the grim task of killing those who challenge?"

"As long as it takes." Artemis tone booked no argument.

"Understood."

"I bid you to be of good cheer, Chosen. Though difficult to see the result of your achievement in the moment, your actions are saving the Amazon Nation from civil war. Hundreds, if not thousands of Amazon's owe you their lives Siri. Think on that."

This news did cheer Siri, the Amazon sitting up in her chair.

Artemis leaned forward, beautiful ginger hair falling about her shoulders. "Yet, there is more good tidings, Siri." A smile from the Goddess, "Attend Chosen."

At once, Siri rose up, to then kneel before Artemis.

A finger slipped under Siri's chin.

Now Siri fully beheld the emerald eyes of the goddess. Her breath caught as she stared into the depths of those mesmeric eyes.

"You will see your beloved again, Siri."

"Sevastian…" the name spoken on s wisp of longing breath.

"When you do, you will take him to Patras at the foot of Mount Panachaikon for the festival of Laphria."

"Yes, my goddess." Whispered Siri.

"There, in the sanctuary of my temple, all will be prepared for you."

"Prepared?" Confusion shone on Siri's striking features.

Artemis, smiled, Truly, Siri was a beauty rarely equaled in the world of mortals.

"You, my Chosen, will conceive a child who will become the greatest of all Amazons."

Artemis vanished.

Siri remained kneeling, mouth agape, mind reeling due to what the goddess had revealed.

The cacophony of weaponry hitting the floor caused many a spectator in the courtroom to cover ears.

On and on it went, as all manner of gear fell into an ever-growing pile.

Apollon Kallidis was sweating profusely as he watched the pile of arms. This man, Kallidis, was the chief magistrate of Bisanthe in the Provence of Thrace. As such he was the ultimate authority in this part of Northern Greece.

Slowly, a hand rose, one gauntleted in midnight black leather. Placed over the leather, on one finger of that raised hand, shone a stunning gold ring with diamond inlay. The centerpiece of this magnificent ring was a rarity of all rarities, a vivid blue diamond. Some said the color in that diamond perfectly matched the eyes of the Empress. Befitting, as the wearer of this ring represented of the Empress. As such, the one who sported this ring was feared as the Empress was feared. This exquisite, terrible, ring granted the bearer sway over all things, to include life and death. Death symbolized on the ring by a diamond inlay of a skull with crossed bones beneath. The sight of that ring, glimmering evilly in the light, filled Kallidis with dread.

Sevastian lowered his hand after the crash of weaponry ceased. "It would appear Kallidis, that you have much to answer for."

"Great Lord Protector…" Kallidis fidgeted before the bar. "These…the… weapons are only for our town militia." A timid smile from the man.

Sevastian rose from the chair, taking time to adjust black lamellar armor. Lastly, he ensured the Katana Xena had gifted him was properly affixed. Behind the Lord Protector stood Mari. Amazons under her command finding cache after cache of weaponry in town. Behind Mari commanders, Eponin, Meleager, Cleon, Agis, and Allistair.

Walking down the steps to the bar, Sevastian smiled.

The smile had its intended effect, Kallidis relaxed.

"How well you have explained it Kallidis!" Sevastian clapped the man on the back. He turned head to briefly glance at the commanders. "Bisanthe certainly has a well-armed Militia!"

Mauri's eyes shone with incredulity at his words. Amazons do not do subterfuge, mused Sevastian, facial features betraying her thoughts.

"Yet…" Sevastian turned back to Kallidis, his voice jovial, "My mind is troubled by questions, perhaps you can enlighten me further?"

"Of course, Lord Protector."

"Of course, of course you will, my Lord Magistrate!" Sevastian said with chipper singsong inflection, while wrapping one arm about the man's shoulders.

"I will answer all questions truthfully." Kallidis stated fervently.

"I am glad to hear it, for men lie for many reasons." Sevastian dropped arm from Kallidis' shoulders then leaned in speaking conspiratorially. "You…" he poked Kallidis in the chest. "You, must guide me through the dark veil of lies. Together, you and I, shall find the flickering light of truth."

"I will guide you true, Lord Protector."

"I take heart in that Kallidis." Sevastian eyes, glanced upward to the mob packed into the gallery above. "So, upon your -oath- as Magistrate, tell me true, why do many townsfolk speak with such… unique accent?"

"Unique?" Kallidis said cagily.

"Yes." Answered Sevastian while pacing a few steps away. "You see, I have been to many a place, and heard many an accent, but the one from Attica is quite unique. Is not Attica home to beautiful Athens?"

Fresh drops of sweat dribbled from Kallidis' brow.

"Further," continued Sevastian, "How odd, this peculiar accent is confined to the menfolk in town."

"With conflict…" Old Kallidis, paused, swallowing hard.

A patient, and encouraging smile from Sevastian.

"With, conflict. Many have moved from… other… places." Kallidis finished.

"Ah! How well you have expounded it Kallidis!" Sevastian clapped hands together. "But just men, they brought no family?"

"In time, their families may yet join them."

"Be they soldiers, or peasants?"

"Peasants, Great Lord Protector."

"I see…" a pause, "They dress odd, these peasants." Sevastian paced to and fro in front of Kallidis, "Not normal garb, more of a mishmash of garments better suited for fighting."

"Perhaps stolen from the site of a battle? Peasants do pick over fields of battle once the fighting ends"

"Logical, Kallidis." Sebastian halted, then clasped hands behind back. "But, I've more questions yet. The livery is notably Athenian and so is the silver they hold."

"Yes."

"Forgive me Kallidis," Sevastian tapped ring on the wooden bar, the sound of metal on wood loud in the silent chamber. "I do not recall any recent battle fought by Athenian soldiers."

"There…Well, there must have been one." Kallidis eyes darted from Sevastian to the line of Commanders, then back to Sevastian.

"Ah, then produce one of these Athenians Kallidis," Commanded Sevastian, "so that I may enquire about this battle."

"I…would not…know any."

"Then produce for me, the enemy these Athenians were fighting, surely some survived?"

"I fear none did, if they did, they have not come to Bisanthe

"A pity." Skepticism now appeared in Sevastian's tone. For a moment he looked to Eponin expectantly. A slight nod, from her and then an inconspicuous gesture to the Amazon guards in the chamber.

"A mysterious battle, fought by Athens, in which no enemy soldiers survived?"

"Anything is…is… possible."

"I also note how these peasants carry Athenian silver. I wonder…" Sevastian raised a hand fingers, absently scratching his chin. Kallidis eyes locked on the evil ring worn by the Lord Protector. The diamonds in the skull sparkling menacingly. "…shall I call on the peasants of Bisanthe to explain before the bar the spot of battle? Perhaps they will lead me to the site where both clothing and sliver was pilfered?

"Peasants…" Kallidis cleared his throat. "…often have a poor sense of direction."

"I see a pattern here Kallidis," Sevastian walked away from the Magistrate, "Peasants from Athens, dressed in livery from Athens, with weapons from Athens, and holding coin from Athens."

"Lord Protector —"

Kallidis breath caught when Sevastian turned round. The Lord Protector no longer jovial, his eyes cold, his manner that of a predator. "Oh be careful, my dear Kallidis," warned Sevastian. "With what you say next."

"I tell truth!"

"Lies! Every word from your lips has been a lie!" yelled Sevastian. His hand went to his blade clasping the hilt, yet not fully pulling the Katana from its sheath. The bit of exposed blade gleamed in the light.

Kallidis stumbled backward in terror, an Amazon spear in the back forced him to the bar once more.

Above the mob in the gallery became unsettled by the sight of Amazon warriors blocking exits. All understood they would not leave the chamber unless the Lord Protector permitted it.

The unsettled murmuring in the gallery silenced by Sevastian's raised hand.

"Tell me what I want to know Kallidis." Sevastian sheathed his sword, hand releasing the hilt. That same hand beckoned the court scribe forward. "Names, Kallidis. Give me the names of the -peasants - who betray our Empress."

"If I refuse?"

A tacit admission of guilt.

"I kill you, and everyone else! Then I set this town alight! A fitting end for traitors!"

Those in the gallery cried out in fear. Again, they fell silent at the sight of Sevastian's raised hand.

"You would kill the innocent with the guilty?" Yelled Kallidis. A desperate move, designed to place those in the gallery on his side.

"Not I, Kallidis, you!" Assured Sevastian. "You will cause the death of innocents! By not aiding me in rooting out treason!"

All in the courtroom watched as the high Lord Protector, took blank parchment, quill, and inkwell from the scribe. "But…" Sevastian smiled a most unfriendly smile. "No innocent need come to harm, because on this parchment, in your own hand, you will give me the names of those I seek."

Amazons grabbed Kallidis by the arms, forcing him into a chair.

Sevastian walked round the bar to set parchment and ink down on the table before the Magistrate. "Names, Kallidis, give me names."

"Now!" yelled Sevastian when the man hesitated.

After dipping head a moment, Kallidis set quill to parchment.

"And Kallidis…"

"The old Magistrate looked up."

"In your writings, spare no detail as to how these – Peasants – came to be in the fair village of Bisanthe."

"It's not funny!" grumped Gabrielle.

Xena moved hands up in a gesture meant to placate. "You must relax Gabrielle, trust me when I say, this good ole girl…" A loving pat on the neck of the cart horse by Xena, "Will treat you well."

Gabrielle did her best to relax. "I shall never learn the art of riding." She groaned.

"Never?" asked a smiling Xena. "It appears you have won half the battle."

"How?" whined Gabrielle.

"You are in the saddle, are you not?"

Gabrielle rolled eyes. "I've managed to get on and off without falling, tis a far cry from riding."

"Then, let us set you to riding."

Gabrielle, took a nervous breath.

Xena could not stop the laugh which bubbled up as she watched Gabrielle.

"It's not funny!"

"Here you are, relaxed in caring for horses, but spooked to ride. You must admit, as to why I find your situation entertaining?"

"So it is." Agreed Gabrielle. "I'm a slave, I take care of horses, not ride them."

"Was a slave." Corrected Xena.

"Was a slave." Repeated Gabrielle.

"Better… Now sit up in the saddle." Instructed Xena. "When you desire the horse to move forward, first squeeze with your butt, then your thighs, then your calfs. When your horse moves forward relax and follow the motion with your seat."

"My butt or my seat?" Gabrielle pressed lips together, holding back a giggle.

"Your seat…" Xena let out a pained sigh. "You butt is attached to your back end; your seat is the saddle on your horse. Move with the motion of the horse. It's called riding Gabrielle."

"Thank you for clarifying." Gabrielle couldn't stop a giggle. "I've now heard the Empress of the Known World say, butt, twice."

"I have half a mind, to slap the butt of this horse and set her and you off."

Gabrielle was horrified. "You wouldn't!?"

"Shall I instruct you as to how to stop?" A grin upon Xena's dark lips

"Yes, please."

"When you wish to stop, quit riding, sit straight, tighten your tummy and lean back, if she still does not stop, squeeze the reigns in your hand."

A deep breath from Gabrielle.

"To it then." Ordered Xena, "I wish to see you riding."

Gabrielle did as bid, the old horse ambling forward.

"Good! Good!" encouraged Xena "Now stop."

Gabrielle managed to bring the horse to a stop.

"Now we learn how to turn."

Xena casually sauntered up to stand next to Gabrielle.

"When you wish to turn, close the leg in on the side of the horse. So, should you desire to turn left, close your left leg into the left side of the horse. Your other leg, should be relaxed and out. While doing so lean forward slightly and turn shoulders in the direction you wish to turn.

"Much to remember." Gabrielle muttered.

"In time, it shall become instinct." Assured Xena. "Now, attend Gabrielle. Start riding, turn left, then right, then stop your horse."

Gabrielle took a moment to build courage. Then set off…

"Well done, Gabrielle!" Praised Xena after Gabrielle had done all maneuvers correctly. Even going so far as to perfectly end with horse were she began, next to where Xena stood.

"You know?" Began Gabrielle.

"Yes?"

"Normally when I'm around you, I look up and you down at me."

"Uh-huh?"

"Here, upon this horse, I finally am able to gaze down at you whilst you look up at me."

"Enlightening Gabrielle, is there a point beyond the obvious?"

"There is…" Gabrielle paused.

Xena raised one hand fingers rubbing the bridge of her nose. "And that is?"

"Looking down at me or up at me, you are beautiful."

"Why, Gabrielle." A gorgeous smile from Xena, "How very sweet of you."

Gabrielle dipped head to hide her blush. "I… I thought of you often after our meeting in the barn that cold winter night."

"Did you now?"

"Yes, I like all Greece, heard of your many exploits. Bards telling tales of battles won, enemies laid low, and of vengeance for those who wronged you." A pause from Gabrielle. "In all that time, I… I worried about you." A laugh, "Imagine that! Me, worried about Xena, the Conqueror?"

"I am glad for it, Gabrielle. Glad that you hold concern for me." Xena offered a hand, which Gabrielle took as she dismounted.

A crook of a finger and the drover to whom the horse belonged, came to take the reins.

"Might I borrow your horse, for the next fortnight? Asked Xena as Gabrielle looked on. "She shall be well taken care of, having a place in my stables."

"Of….of…" The man stuttered out of fear of the imposing woman towering over him. "…course."

"Good." A flick of Xena's wrist and a gold coin flew into the air to be clumsily caught.

"Though she be old" said Xena of the horse now in her keep. "You have shown her good care. I shall do the same."

"Thank… you" The man fell to knees in Gratitude. Never had he seen an actual cold coin.

"Get up." Ordered Xena, "and I shall see you again in a fortnight."

An awkward bow of respect and the man was off, jumping with glee as he raced across the field.

"It takes so little, to bring much joy." Observed Gabrielle.

"It took a gold coin." Retorted Xena.

Gabrielle shook head, "In time, as he retells the tale of meeting the Great Empress, to family, to friends, to grandchildren, the weight on the coin will lessen. More and more he will accentuate the kindness you displayed."

Xena quirked an eyebrow. "He will remember the coin."

"So say you, I disagree."

"Oh?" Purred Xena. "You dare disagree with your Empress?"

"Yes." Gabrielle blinked, unsure of where this conversation was going.

"Punishment is in order."

"Punishment?!" cried Gabrielle.

"Indeed." Said a serious Xena. "Therefore, I command you go with me to the Blue Grotto."

"Wait, where?"

"The Blue Grotto." Repeated Xena. "They say it is most spectacular this time of day."

"Um…."

"C'mon then, Gabrielle to your punishment."

A further gesture from Xena and a military groom took the reins."

"Now where were we Gabrielle?" Xena draped one arm round Gabrielle. The two strolling up the road leading to Villa Jovis. The Palace was once owned by Tiberius."

"Blue Grotto."

"Right."

"What-?"

"You will see." Said Xena.

"You are sure he is of no future value?"

Autolycus shrugged, "Interrogated, tortured, interrogated again, tortured again. He is of no use."

"Very well then." Sevastian gestured with one hand.

The rope snapped taut, the end of it in a noose round Kallidis' neck.

Gasps from the gathered townsfolk as Kallidis swung from the gallows.

"Walk with me."

Autolycus followed Sevastian, right up the steps of the magnificent town home once owned by Kallidis. As the two mounted the steps, Amazons to either side of the grand entrance snapped to attention.

"I know there are more traitors to be found."

"True." Autolycus admitted. "We've pulled on one thread, the whole tapestry will unravel given time. My men are already on the move to neighboring villages. With the help of your troops, we shall round up all who dared challenge the Empress."

Sevastian sat, gesturing for Autolycus to do so as well. "I want all these traitors to march with this army to Athens."

"For what purpose?"

"To make a clear point to Domitius Enobarbus that the game is up."

"As you wish," Autolycus was silent a time. "Why the show?" he asked.

"The show?" Sevastian leaned back in his chair.

"The –trial- of Kallidis, there was no need." Asserted Autolycus." "You could have just handed him over to my men for interrogation."

"Justice must be seen to be done." Answered Sevastian. "Our actions rounding up traitors will be accepted by the populace."

A nod from Auto, "I hear the German force on the borders has dissipated."

"As expected."

"Expected? How so?"

"The plan was to have his hidden army rise up, when I moved against the Germans. Enobarbus, hoped to catch this army unaware. We have put an end to his plan. Now we must round up the rats before they can flee to Athens."

"Enobarbus position is hopeless then?"

"Yes. Though he may hide behind the walls of Athens, forcing a siege."

"Be costly to have to take Athens by siege."

"I think I may be able to convince him to leave Athens."

"How? Or is this the place where you say something like – leave that to me."

Sevastian smiled, then shrugged. "Leave that to me."

Autolycus shook his head. "So be it then. I do have other news."

"Oh?

"The girl nearly rules, she entirely reigns."

"You speak of Gabrielle?"

"Yes Gabrielle!" Autolycus fist hit the arm of the chair. "The Empress is at that Gabrielle's beck and call! Do you know, our Empress is on the Island of Capri. She neglects Empire to frolic with Gab-"

"Ah, ah, ah…" Sevastian raised a hand. "Cool your tongue, Autolycus. Your passion will be your undoing."

Autolycus fell silent, though his eyes fairly blazed with anger.

"Ours not to reason why, ours but to do and die."

"But!"

"It is not our place, to question the motives of the Empress." Sevastian leaned forward, daring Auto to continue.

Autolycus fell silent.

A flash of light from within the room caused both men to stand.

"I would speak to you alone, Lord Protector."

Sevastian took a shaky breath as Autolycus made a hasty exit.

The moment Sevastian dreaded had arrived. Before him stood…

…Athena.