Usual disclaimers apply.
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Chapter 49
"No." Giorgi was shaking her head, arms crossed over her chest still standing against one of the sick hut beds.
"I thought we made a wager," I entered the hut completely and handed Giorgi her dagger before handing Zivah hers as well.
"I was taken," Giorgi responded with a slight smile.
"Yep." I held up my hands in mock defeat. "That wound needs looked at, Giorgi. I don't want to see you lose that leg. I think you'll be a valuable member of this tribe."
"I agree," Mom's gentle voice came from the door of the hut while my warrior mother merely nodded to Giorgi.
"Gabrielle is right, Giorgi. We need to look at that. After what Melaina told us…" Mama trailed off and Giorgi finally nodded.
"Alright, I know when I'm outnumbered." She allowed Mama to help her onto the table before turning back to me. "Just remember that I owe you for this, Sam."
Chuckling, I nodded. "Understood."
Leaning against an empty bed in the healer's hut next to Mom I watched as Mama, Cesya, and Zivah began their examination of Giorgi's leg. Mama used a pressure point before cutting the boot off the warrior's leg. Seeing Mama take a deep breath I cringed when I saw the open wound and obvious infection.
"Zivah, go get the penicillin." Mama's directions were soft, but clear. "We're also going to need apple cider vinegar."
"I'll be back in as soon as I can." Zivah ran from the hut and Mama motioned to me.
"Sam, I want as many clean linens as you can find me and boil some water. I need to soak some of the clothes. I also need you to put the cutting knives in the fire."
"Mama?" My heart stopped at her pronouncement.
"No, little one," Mama's hand rubbed my cheek. "I just need them sterilized before I cut some of the flesh away. Giorgi will be alright."
Nodding I headed to the door to collect the clean linens. "Anything else?"
"A bladder and a small reed, like a straw." Mom's voice caused me to look at her. "We're going to need to drain some of that infection and I imagine a reed will allow it to continue draining safely."
"Okay," moving from the healer's hut I stopped for only a moment to look behind me. Mom and Mama were looking at one another and though their eyes met for only a second, I knew that they fit together perfectly. Vowing once more to myself to never allow them to sacrifice that bond, I moved quickly to do as my mothers said.
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Entering the house, I pulled off my boots and dropped them in the pile by the back door. Waving to Harry I headed into the front room and dropped on the couch next to Mom. Placing my head on her shoulder I sighed deeply. "Mama says not to wait dinner on her. That wound needs debrided again and she's not sure Cesya is up to doing it alone yet."
Mom put her mug of tea down next to her on the coaster and sighed. Bringing her hand up she stroked my cheek, "I thought as much. It's only been two days, but that leg…" Mom trailed off and looked at me gently. "I'm glad that your Mama was able to save it for Giorgi. Once she's recovered she's going to make a hell of a warrior for us."
"Yeah," I sighed heavily. "I still can't believe the pain she had to be in walking on that for so long. The wound was huge." Moving slightly, I put my head in Mom's lap and closed my eyes when her fingers began threading through my hair. "How did Mama know to put that vacuum thing on the wound with the bladder?"
"Xena has many skills," Mom deadpanned.
"Mom," I shifted a bit to get more comfortable on the couch and simply allowed myself to relish her touch. It wasn't often that we had such simple alone time but I was currently enjoying it far too much to move or get too serious in any type of conversation.
"Your Mama learned a lot on the battlefield, Sam. She also learned when we were in the future. She studied to become an EMT shortly after we arrived. She read and studied even harder when we found out I was pregnant with you. She wanted to make sure that we would never lose another child."
"Yeah," my eyes closed briefly and I allowed my mind to wander. If I listened hard enough I could almost catch the sound of the radio in the background or Mama's truck pulling into our drive. "Mom?"
"Yes?"
"Do you ever wonder what will happen to us, to the nation in the future?"
Mom's hand stopped briefly and then her fingers began once more. "I do," feeling a kiss to my forehead I smiled and relaxed even further. "But then I remember that I have this amazing daughter who will one day lead our nation and I know that everything will turn out alright."
"How can you be so sure?" I asked.
"Because I know you, Sam. I know us, our family. I have to believe, to have faith."
"And this is why Eli's teachings will survive," I said softly. "Because his main teacher is not just teaching her daughters with words, but showing them with her actions."
"MOM!"
The quiet was broken by Eve's bellowing and the sound of far too many feet on the floor. "I didn't do it!" Looking at my little sisters I shook my head and slowly sat up.
"Yes you did!" Zoe and Emily yelled back.
"I leave this to you, Mom." I quipped jumping over the back of the couch and up the stairs to my room before the mud covered, naked girls in front of me needed to explain the spare bits of parchment and India ink covering their bodies.
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Three weeks had passed since Rosa had led her tribe to ours. Giorgi's leg was finally towards the end of the healing process but Mama estimated she had at least another three weeks to go before all restrictions would be lifted. Giorgi wasn't happy about the situation but after being put on her backside more than once by Zivah and Mama as the infection was being treated, she'd decided to follow their directions.
Eve's birthday was upon us and I couldn't believe that she was going to be seven. It seemed like yesterday that I was being forced back in time to save her and change the past. Now that the future had been reset I wondered what would be next in our journey. I knew that the fate of the Amazon nation was still on my shoulders, but I also had a feeling that there would be a lot more to come before the future would truly be changed irrevocably.
Alex had joined Eve's group of friends and the girls were more often than not found in some sort of trouble or state of undress if not both. Rory had begun to refer to them as the tribe's nudists and I wondered if Eve would ever want to wear clothes on a permanent basis.
The twins gift had become stronger as they aged and according to them, Argo's twins would be their best friends for a long time. I was happy for Emily and Zoe but knew that my time to have Mavri with me was growing shorter and Mama's time with Argo as her main mount was shorter still. Deciding what I wanted to give Eve for her seventh birthday I approached my moms and was happy when they agreed with me. The only problem was getting the gift before Eve's birthday.
I had finally convinced Mama to let me use Auntie's traveling service and after a few negotiations we found ourselves at one of the largest horse sales in the known world. Well, our version of the known world which was a little larger than some people knew.
Looking at all the ethnicities of people around us as well as various foods and types of horses being paraded as well I wrapped my arm around Mama's middle and pulled her into an excited side hug. "This is great," I grinned up at her. "I mean it's great."
"At a loss for words, little one?" Mama teased.
"Yep." I let go of Mama and headed to a tent that had caught my eye. "No way," I turned to see Mama's reaction to what I had found and she merely chuckled and nodded. "I'd like two please," I ordered paying my coin happily.
Turning around I handed Mama her plate of ancient chicken lo-mein. Something that had been one of our favorites in the future. "This is great." I muttered using the chopsticks I'd been given by the man in the stall much to his delight and wonderment.
"It is good," Mama agreed digging into her own plate. "After this it's time for us to check out the reason we came, Sam."
"I know," as we walked around the event my resolve began to wane and even though I knew we had to do it, I didn't want to propose the idea to Mama. Finally reaching one of the huge corrals I spotted just what I had been looking for. A beautiful mare that could have been Argo's twin. She was obviously young and when I whistled she headed straight to me, her main and gait reminding me so much of Argo that I knew no words were needed for Mama.
"Well?" I asked looking into Mama's face as her hands gently examined the mare in front of us.
Mama merely nodded and I sighed in relief. No words had been spoken but we knew that this youngster would be Argo the second. Placing a halter on the animal, Mama then tied the colorful scarf we had purchased for this occasion to the halter. "You keep looking while I get this girl into our private pen."
"Okay, Mama. And Mama?"
"Yes?" Mama looked down and me and gave a half smile.
"You know I'm going to need help, right?"
"I know." Mama brushed her free hand over my cheek. "I think I may have a candidate already but right now work on finding Eve her gift.
Nodding I watched as Mama led the mare to the pen we had rented before beginning to walk again. Suddenly hearing the snap of a whip and the loud whinny of a younger horse I broke into a run flipping over the fence and landing in front of a huge man ready to strike the horse once more in anger. "What in the Tartarus do you think you're doing?" I demanded bringing the oaf to his knees by applying pressure between his thumb and first finger.
"Getting this no good horse to show for folks," he huffed as I let him go.
"You aren't going to get anywhere doing that to him," I protested knocking the man on his backside. Turning I inspected the horse in front of me. There was no doubt he would be a beautiful horse when treated with some care. His hooves were a little over grown and there was a nasty scare on his hind quarters along with a fresh cut. "How old is he?"
"About three years give or take," the man replied standing once more. "What's it to you?"
"What are you asking?"
"For this? I'll be lucky to get ten coin."
"Yeah, you will," I agreed. "So here you go," handing over ten coins to the man I pulled myself to my full height and stared into his eyes. "This horse is mine now and if you ever come towards him or try to touch him or hurt him again, I will kill you."
Seeing the man gulp he nodded, "Yeah, I believe you will. No worries, I made more coin off him than I thought I would. I'm leaving this place now."
"Good." I placed the halter I'd retrieved from my bag over the horse's head and tied our scarf to it before attaching a lead rope. "By the way," I stopped the man as he began to go. What is your name?"
"Lenux."
"Well, Lenux, I'd better never hear of your name anywhere near any type of animal or child ever. You'd best find another way to make money."
"And who are you to tell me that?" He demanded.
"My daughter," Mama's low timber caused him to look past me and shake his head.
"And you are?"
"Xena."
The man gulped again and nodded, "I understand. Glad to do business with you. I'll be leaving now." He practically ran from the enclosure as Mama shook her head at me.
"And this is?" Mama asked as her gentle fingers rubbed over our newest purchase.
"Isn't that up to Eve?" I asked.
"I guess," Mama shook her head at me again. "Come on, let's go get him cleaned up and see what color he truly is under all this dirt and matting. I want to sort up his wounds as well."
"He'll be a good horse for little bit, Mama. I don't know how I know, but I do."
Mama took the rope from me and put her free arm around my shoulders. "You don't need to convince me, Sam. I've had my eye on him today. Would have bought him anyway to get him away from that owner. The tribe can always use another horse, but you're right. This guy is special."
Mama and I had spent the better part of two hours cleaning up Eve's birthday gift and I knew my younger sister would be thrilled. The horse I'd chosen blazed like a copper penny in the sunlight with a black mane and tail. The black blaze down his nose and black tipped ears that pointed inward along with his black forelocks added to his appearance and I hoped she didn't want to name him Ares; for I knew the name would suit him like none other.
Leaving our new purchases in the paddock with two local teens acting as guards Mama and I moved to the other side of the venue. I hadn't been on this side yet, but knew Mama had and when we reached a smaller paddock I knew why she had brought me here. Seeing a large stallion with a halter and familiar scarf I looked at Mama. "He's five and has been a war horse. He already knows some whistle commands and he stood guard over his former over in the middle of a battle before the man died."
"You believe the story?" I asked.
"No reason to lie with the way I can ask a question," Mama shrugged as I laughed.
"Too true," I agreed. "I'm not even going to ask about your interrogation techniques. "Does he have a name?"
"His former owner called him Chernomor," Mama shrugged. "Won't come to it for me."
"That's because he needs a new name to go with his new family." I looked at my new horse and knew he could never replace Mavri, but that he would become a wonderful companion as I entered the next stage of my life. "He's beautiful," I whispered walking up to him and gently taking his halter. I've never seen markings like this, Mama, where is from?"
"Nearest I can tell he's from a coastal area of Russia. Has a lot of breeds in him but he's got stamina and will be a good riding horse. Very calm and balanced temperaments."
I continued to pet his white nose spotted with black and took in the rest of his appearance. It's like seeing something in a snow storm." I commented. His black legs were a perfect complement to his black mane and tail and his dark grey body perfect with black shadows throughout. A white undercoat did make him look almost like a stormy, snowy day and his white nose peppered with black and dark gray markings made him one of the most beautiful horses I'd ever seen. Taking the lead rope from Mama I jumped on the stallions back and found my seat. "Lead us back to our paddock?"
Mama shook her head but nodded grabbing the side of his halter. "He wouldn't even let me do that so easily," she quipped scratching behind his ears. "I guess he knows where he belongs."
"Yeah," I sighed heavily holding onto the stallion's mane. "You think Mavri will ever forgive me?"
"No more than Argo will forgive me," Mama sighed as well. "I think the twins may have to do a bit of talking for us with our horses."
"True," I relaxed as we walked and then sat up quickly. "Did you hear that?"
Seeing Mama nod she continued our slow pace towards the paddock though she was on high alert. We traveled in silence and after reaching our paddock and placing the stallion inside with his newest friends Mama nodded to me. "Stay here and keep the horses safe. I'm going to check out what we heard."
Nodding I pulled myself to sit on the paddock fence and watched while Mama gave the teens a few extra coins to continue to stay around the paddock with me. I knew she'd done it as to not draw attention to a lone girl guarding such valuable merchandise alone, but it still bothered me a little bit.
Turning around on the paddock I kept my senses alert but watched the three new additions to our family. Eve's stallion was a beauty and he moved with such grace that I knew he was a perfect fit for her. Haven was now almost ten and would be a wonderful first horse for Grace. Eve and Haven had grown up together but they had never had the bond she would need with her own horse and I knew this fellow in front of me would come to protect her with his life if need be.
Argo the second could have been a clone of our present Argo though so much younger. I knew, deep down, that Argo would understand Mama's need for a younger horse, but I also knew how much the change would affect everyone in the family. Horses and people alike.
I finally turned my attention to my new horse. Mavri was going on nineteen years and though he was still wonderful for day to day rides and had a few wonderful years left in him, I never wanted him to experience battle at his age. There was no need and I knew without a doubt that the beauty if front of me was meant to be mine. I somehow knew that he would be formidable in battle and yet make a wonderful family horse when I needed him only for transportation or companionship.
Feeling the presence behind me I slowly turned around and braced myself on the fence. "To what do I owe this visit?"
"It's been awhile, my little warrior. I figured since your warrior mommy felt confident enough letting you off her leash I might as well say hello."
"Uh-huh," I stared into the eyes of Ares and wished that I saw the familiar teasing twinkle I'd had from my Ares all those years ago. It was never present, yet I never stopped looking for the twinkle. "Why don't I believe that?"
"Trust issues," Ares stroked his beard and leaned against the fence. "Too much like that blonde mommy of yours if you ask me," he moaned looking at the horses. "Trouble's horse is made for her," he finally said. "And you'd better not let her name him Ares."
Laughing I looked down at him as he shrugged, "What? That animal is as magnificent as yours truly. Certainly unique if those ears are any indication." Ares said noticing the horses in-turned ears. "What other name would be perfect for him?"
"About any name you could think of, I suppose," Mama supplied coming up behind the god. "Anyway, it's up to Eve to name him."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Hands off your progeny. I am not stupid, Xena. Deceitful, conceited, hungry for power, yes. Stupid. No."
"And yet here you stand, alone, with my eldest child." Mama smirked as Ares sighed deeply. "I feel I should be hurt by that lack of trust, Xena. I'm not, but I feel I should be for some reason."
Turning from the paddock Ares took a step back and put his hand on the hilt of his sword, "I know there is time yet before Sam chooses Athena's successor, Xena. I come to offer a few words though. The games on Olympus are starting now and don't ever underestimate a god, a demi-god, or even a sub-par god who gets delusions of grandeur."
"Delusions of grandeur?" I asked Mama as Ares disappeared. "What, he's one with force now?"
Sniggering Mama pulled me off the paddock fence. "I doubt it, but it is fun to think about isn't it? Jedi or god who would win?"
"That's easy," I replied.
"Oh?" Mama's eyebrow arched as she looked at me.
"Princess Leia." I shrugged as Mama tugged my long braid. "Hands down the winner. Find out anything?" I finally asked as food was brought to the horses.
"Not really," Mama allowed the horses to eat while she and I watched in silence. "Something about a deal gone wrong, but something feels off about it. I've paid for the horses and I think it's time for Aphrodite to finish this compromise."
"Can we eat here first?" I asked. "I saw the most amazing stand…" trailing off at the look Mama was giving me, I shrugged. "What do you want from me, I am my mothers' daughter after all."
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I know this chapter is a little long even for me, but it had to be done. There is a method to my madness and I hope everyone enjoyed this bit of Sam.
Thanks again for all the PM and follows.