Chapter 12
Singing birds and bright sunlight awaken me from a deep sleep. Studying the morning sky with a lazy eye I sigh contently before pulling the blanket over my head. I'll just grab a few more winks, Xena won't mind. 'Xena'. the warrior never sleeps this late. What if she's gone? Immediately fear and panic seize me. Throwing the blanket aside I roll to my knees only to be stopped by an unexpected sight. Across from the long, dead fire Xena lays sound asleep, beside her a blanket gently raises and falls. A small tuff of hair poking from beneath it is the only sign of Lila's presents. Relieved to find my fears are unnecessary I slowly lower myself back to the bedroll. Satisfied all is well I pull the blanket back over my head and drift off to a somewhat peaceful sleep.
-------
"Joxer wake up." I hear Xena call as she gently shakes me.
"Wh...what?"
"We need to get going." she says raising and moving toward the rebuilt fire.
Wiping sleep from my eyes I notice more than a candlemark has passed since I first awoke. Stretching out the kinks I roll to my feet and join the women at the fire. As I drop to the ground next to Lila, the girl offers me a plate. "We saved you some breakfast."
"Thanks." I reply shoving a large piece of bread into my mouth.
While I eat Xena begins packing up our gear.
"Where are we heading?" I ask.
"Potiedaia." answers the warrior. "We need to get Lila home."
"You don't have to do that." insists the girl.
"I'm not going to let you roam the country side alone."
Lila's hands shoot to her hips. "I can take care of myself." she announces.
Watching the exchange I nearly chuckle out loud at Lila's definite gesture, there's no doubt she's Gabby's sister.
"This is not up for debate." replies Xena.
Approaching hoofbeats end the discussion. In the distance a small group of men ride into sight. I notice Xena slipping her chakram from Argo's saddle. Thought I'm surprised and a little concerned when she leaves her sword and breastplate behind.
Most of the men appear to be carrying simple axes and small bows. It appears to be more of a hunting party than a raid. As the group draws closer Xena steps forward to meet them. The lead rider heads straight for Xena and I realize the men are part of a search party. Before the leader's horse comes to a complete stop the man jumps from the animal and storms toward the waiting warrior. "Where is she?!"
Xena does not react to the threat in his voice. "She's safe."
Lila runs pass the warrior. "Father, what are you doing here?"
"I let one daughter chase after this 'woman', I'll not lose another one to her."
"I wasn't trying to follow Xena." answers Lila, apparently stunned by the suggestion
"You're right," growls the man grabbing her roughly by the arm. "you're coming home where you belong."
"Father wait you don't understand..." cries the girl trying to pull away.
Anger flares in his eyes. "I understand that this woman killed your sister. I won't let her have you too."
"Herodotus," begins Xena stepping towards him. "Lila wasn't trying to follow me, she just wanted some answers."
"She doesn't need to hear any of your lies! Lila get on the horse we're leaving."
"Father please."
"Get on the horse!" screams the near hysteria man.
"Not till you listen to me!"
Herodotus's face turns blood red as his anger reaches the danger point. Glaring at Xena. "You've turn her against me as well I see."
"I haven't turned her against you, she's just trying to understand what happened to her sister."
"What happened to her sister is you! You stole her away in the dark of night."
"I didn't steal her away. Gabrielle left of her own free will."
"You filled her head with all of your talk of hero nonsense! Why didn't you send her back?!
"She won't have stayed." answers the warrior softly.
"Lair!" growls the Farmer as he charges headlong at Xena. Effortlessly she sidesteps his attack. Breezing past her the man trips over a rock and crashes to the ground.
The other men have dismounted and are exchanging uncertain glances. Apparently they don't share Herodotus's desire to challenge the warrior.
Mumbling curses Herodotus shakes dust and dirt from his face. Starting to raise he pauses for a moment before reaching for a large piece of firewood lying nearby. Grabbing it he rolls to his feet with an angry grunt. Holding the wood as a club he faces Xena again. "I warned you about interfering with my family."
"I won't fight you, Herodotus." announces Xena.
"We'll see about that." Swinging the wood over his head the man charges.
Calmly Xena waits for the attack. Once more the man charges and once more he misses the agile warrior. "Herodotus, stop this before you get hurt."
"I'll stop when I have your blood." Again he charges with the wood held high.
"Father, no!" cries Lila jumping in front of the warrior as Herodotus starts to swing again.
The rest happens so quickly I'm not sure I've seen it all.
"Lila!" cries Xena lunging for the girl. Grabbing Lila in a smothering embrace she twists moving the girl out of harms way. As the warrior's body turns the wood slams into her bandaged shoulder. Releasing the girl Xena staggers back a step holding the injured shoulder.
"Murderer!" screams Herodotus slamming the wood into unprotected ribs with a sickening thud.
Gasping for air Xena drops to her knees clutching the battered ribs. As she falls I realize the blow must have landed on already bruised ribs.
"Xena!" Lila rushes to the warrior's side.
"Get out of the way!" orders Herodotus raising the wood for another blow.
"No, Father don't do this!" begs the girl.
The others are drawing closer, seeing the warrior fall has given them courage.
'No, no more.' This latest abuse of my friend is more than I can stand. Rage drives me forward, yelling like a madman I push Herodotus away. Before he strikes the ground my sword has cleared its scabbard. "Get back!"
One of the men steps forward as if to challenge me. "Get back!" raising the sword I step toward him. "I'll kill the next man that touches her!" The threat works after several uncertain glances they fall back.
Behind me Lila is helping her father to his feet. Angrily he pulls away from her gripping the wood tightly.
Though I can't turn to check I'm relive to hear Xena's breathing is steadier but she has made no effort to rise. Herodotus takes a step toward her.
Quickly I step in his path leveling the sword at his chest. "Back off."
Ignoring me he's hatred burns only for Xena. Will I be forced to fight him? The last thing I want is to hurt Gabrielle's father, but I won't stand by and let him kill my friend.
He moves to step around me and once again I block his path. Looking from me to Xena and back again I can see the anger in him. Finally he drops the wood. "Come Daughter!" Whirling he stalks toward the horses.
Breathing a silent sigh of relief I wait till he has reached the horses before turning to help Xena to her feet. Though she raises without complaint her face is pale and she sways unsteadily.
Lila follows her father for several steps then sudden turns and runs to stand before Xena. She stares at the warrior without saying anything, then without warning she hugs the warrior. Xena appears too stunned to respond. Releasing the large woman, Lila smiles up at her. "Read the scrolls."
"Lila!" bellows Herodotus.
Before Xena can reply the girl runs to her father. Quickly he pulls her up behind him, turning the horse to leave they pause to offer the warrior a final look. Lila is smiling while Herodotus offers a look of pure hatred. Then they are gone.
Once they are out of sight Xena staggers to the fire and drops to the ground leaning heavily against a nearby log. I sit down beside her. Staring at the sword still in my hand, I begin to shake at the realization of how close I came to killing. Resting my head against the weapon I try to shut out the images of Herodotus standing before me. Feeling a hand on my shoulder I turn to find Xena staring at me.
"You okay?" she asks.
"Yeah, I..."turning toward her I notice a crimson spot slowly spreading across the bandage covering her shoulder. "You're bleeding."
Lifting the bandage she shrugs. "Looks like a couple of the stitches broke. My medicine pouch is on Argo's saddle. Would you get it?"
Not bothering to answer I rush to retrieve the pouch. "Here." offering her the bag.
"Thanks."
Helping her remove the bandage I watch as she clears the wound before repairing the damage. Once finished she allows me to help rewrap the wound.
With the bandage securely in place she rolls to her feet and finishes packing.
"What are you doing?" I ask in disbelief.
"We need to get moving."
"Why? We don't need to go to Poteidaia now. What's the rush?"
"We've wasted most of the morning and I want to reach the river before dark."
"You need to rest." I insist.
"I've rested long enough, right now I need to ride." With that she pulls herself up into the saddle. "You coming?" Not waiting for a reply she turns Argo toward the road.
Shaking my head in frustration I jump into the saddle. "Yeah I'm coming."
Before I can draw close she kicks Argo into a trot, ending any chances of conversation. Forcing my mount to catch up I wonder how much longer she thinks she can run away from the pain. What's more I'm not sure how much longer I can.
Singing birds and bright sunlight awaken me from a deep sleep. Studying the morning sky with a lazy eye I sigh contently before pulling the blanket over my head. I'll just grab a few more winks, Xena won't mind. 'Xena'. the warrior never sleeps this late. What if she's gone? Immediately fear and panic seize me. Throwing the blanket aside I roll to my knees only to be stopped by an unexpected sight. Across from the long, dead fire Xena lays sound asleep, beside her a blanket gently raises and falls. A small tuff of hair poking from beneath it is the only sign of Lila's presents. Relieved to find my fears are unnecessary I slowly lower myself back to the bedroll. Satisfied all is well I pull the blanket back over my head and drift off to a somewhat peaceful sleep.
-------
"Joxer wake up." I hear Xena call as she gently shakes me.
"Wh...what?"
"We need to get going." she says raising and moving toward the rebuilt fire.
Wiping sleep from my eyes I notice more than a candlemark has passed since I first awoke. Stretching out the kinks I roll to my feet and join the women at the fire. As I drop to the ground next to Lila, the girl offers me a plate. "We saved you some breakfast."
"Thanks." I reply shoving a large piece of bread into my mouth.
While I eat Xena begins packing up our gear.
"Where are we heading?" I ask.
"Potiedaia." answers the warrior. "We need to get Lila home."
"You don't have to do that." insists the girl.
"I'm not going to let you roam the country side alone."
Lila's hands shoot to her hips. "I can take care of myself." she announces.
Watching the exchange I nearly chuckle out loud at Lila's definite gesture, there's no doubt she's Gabby's sister.
"This is not up for debate." replies Xena.
Approaching hoofbeats end the discussion. In the distance a small group of men ride into sight. I notice Xena slipping her chakram from Argo's saddle. Thought I'm surprised and a little concerned when she leaves her sword and breastplate behind.
Most of the men appear to be carrying simple axes and small bows. It appears to be more of a hunting party than a raid. As the group draws closer Xena steps forward to meet them. The lead rider heads straight for Xena and I realize the men are part of a search party. Before the leader's horse comes to a complete stop the man jumps from the animal and storms toward the waiting warrior. "Where is she?!"
Xena does not react to the threat in his voice. "She's safe."
Lila runs pass the warrior. "Father, what are you doing here?"
"I let one daughter chase after this 'woman', I'll not lose another one to her."
"I wasn't trying to follow Xena." answers Lila, apparently stunned by the suggestion
"You're right," growls the man grabbing her roughly by the arm. "you're coming home where you belong."
"Father wait you don't understand..." cries the girl trying to pull away.
Anger flares in his eyes. "I understand that this woman killed your sister. I won't let her have you too."
"Herodotus," begins Xena stepping towards him. "Lila wasn't trying to follow me, she just wanted some answers."
"She doesn't need to hear any of your lies! Lila get on the horse we're leaving."
"Father please."
"Get on the horse!" screams the near hysteria man.
"Not till you listen to me!"
Herodotus's face turns blood red as his anger reaches the danger point. Glaring at Xena. "You've turn her against me as well I see."
"I haven't turned her against you, she's just trying to understand what happened to her sister."
"What happened to her sister is you! You stole her away in the dark of night."
"I didn't steal her away. Gabrielle left of her own free will."
"You filled her head with all of your talk of hero nonsense! Why didn't you send her back?!
"She won't have stayed." answers the warrior softly.
"Lair!" growls the Farmer as he charges headlong at Xena. Effortlessly she sidesteps his attack. Breezing past her the man trips over a rock and crashes to the ground.
The other men have dismounted and are exchanging uncertain glances. Apparently they don't share Herodotus's desire to challenge the warrior.
Mumbling curses Herodotus shakes dust and dirt from his face. Starting to raise he pauses for a moment before reaching for a large piece of firewood lying nearby. Grabbing it he rolls to his feet with an angry grunt. Holding the wood as a club he faces Xena again. "I warned you about interfering with my family."
"I won't fight you, Herodotus." announces Xena.
"We'll see about that." Swinging the wood over his head the man charges.
Calmly Xena waits for the attack. Once more the man charges and once more he misses the agile warrior. "Herodotus, stop this before you get hurt."
"I'll stop when I have your blood." Again he charges with the wood held high.
"Father, no!" cries Lila jumping in front of the warrior as Herodotus starts to swing again.
The rest happens so quickly I'm not sure I've seen it all.
"Lila!" cries Xena lunging for the girl. Grabbing Lila in a smothering embrace she twists moving the girl out of harms way. As the warrior's body turns the wood slams into her bandaged shoulder. Releasing the girl Xena staggers back a step holding the injured shoulder.
"Murderer!" screams Herodotus slamming the wood into unprotected ribs with a sickening thud.
Gasping for air Xena drops to her knees clutching the battered ribs. As she falls I realize the blow must have landed on already bruised ribs.
"Xena!" Lila rushes to the warrior's side.
"Get out of the way!" orders Herodotus raising the wood for another blow.
"No, Father don't do this!" begs the girl.
The others are drawing closer, seeing the warrior fall has given them courage.
'No, no more.' This latest abuse of my friend is more than I can stand. Rage drives me forward, yelling like a madman I push Herodotus away. Before he strikes the ground my sword has cleared its scabbard. "Get back!"
One of the men steps forward as if to challenge me. "Get back!" raising the sword I step toward him. "I'll kill the next man that touches her!" The threat works after several uncertain glances they fall back.
Behind me Lila is helping her father to his feet. Angrily he pulls away from her gripping the wood tightly.
Though I can't turn to check I'm relive to hear Xena's breathing is steadier but she has made no effort to rise. Herodotus takes a step toward her.
Quickly I step in his path leveling the sword at his chest. "Back off."
Ignoring me he's hatred burns only for Xena. Will I be forced to fight him? The last thing I want is to hurt Gabrielle's father, but I won't stand by and let him kill my friend.
He moves to step around me and once again I block his path. Looking from me to Xena and back again I can see the anger in him. Finally he drops the wood. "Come Daughter!" Whirling he stalks toward the horses.
Breathing a silent sigh of relief I wait till he has reached the horses before turning to help Xena to her feet. Though she raises without complaint her face is pale and she sways unsteadily.
Lila follows her father for several steps then sudden turns and runs to stand before Xena. She stares at the warrior without saying anything, then without warning she hugs the warrior. Xena appears too stunned to respond. Releasing the large woman, Lila smiles up at her. "Read the scrolls."
"Lila!" bellows Herodotus.
Before Xena can reply the girl runs to her father. Quickly he pulls her up behind him, turning the horse to leave they pause to offer the warrior a final look. Lila is smiling while Herodotus offers a look of pure hatred. Then they are gone.
Once they are out of sight Xena staggers to the fire and drops to the ground leaning heavily against a nearby log. I sit down beside her. Staring at the sword still in my hand, I begin to shake at the realization of how close I came to killing. Resting my head against the weapon I try to shut out the images of Herodotus standing before me. Feeling a hand on my shoulder I turn to find Xena staring at me.
"You okay?" she asks.
"Yeah, I..."turning toward her I notice a crimson spot slowly spreading across the bandage covering her shoulder. "You're bleeding."
Lifting the bandage she shrugs. "Looks like a couple of the stitches broke. My medicine pouch is on Argo's saddle. Would you get it?"
Not bothering to answer I rush to retrieve the pouch. "Here." offering her the bag.
"Thanks."
Helping her remove the bandage I watch as she clears the wound before repairing the damage. Once finished she allows me to help rewrap the wound.
With the bandage securely in place she rolls to her feet and finishes packing.
"What are you doing?" I ask in disbelief.
"We need to get moving."
"Why? We don't need to go to Poteidaia now. What's the rush?"
"We've wasted most of the morning and I want to reach the river before dark."
"You need to rest." I insist.
"I've rested long enough, right now I need to ride." With that she pulls herself up into the saddle. "You coming?" Not waiting for a reply she turns Argo toward the road.
Shaking my head in frustration I jump into the saddle. "Yeah I'm coming."
Before I can draw close she kicks Argo into a trot, ending any chances of conversation. Forcing my mount to catch up I wonder how much longer she thinks she can run away from the pain. What's more I'm not sure how much longer I can.