Barbarian . . . Queen
Chapter One
"Old Woman, you said you had a vision. So tell me this revelation."
"I see changes, many changes. Changes for the good. Changes for the bad. Hear me and heed -- Your Friend - is - Your Enemy - is - Your Friend."
"Old Woman, that makes no sense at all! Don't tell me riddles. Say something I can understand!"
"I can only say what I see. It is up to you to interpret the meaning."
"Then go away! Your vision is nothing but a fool's distraction."
"As you wish, My Queen, as you wish."
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"My Lord, we have done it! We have captured the Barbarian Bitch!"
"That is excellent news, but at the cost of how many lives?" asked King Belos.
"None, My Lord. The Bitch was betrayed by her own lieutenant. He now calls himself Jobyna the Terrible."
The king laughed a short contemptible laugh, "A barbarian name if I ever heard one. And what was his price?"
"He asked only that he and his army be allowed to leave the kingdom in peace."
"Yes, I am sure that is his desire. You will dispatch spies to follow and watch this departing army of barbarians. I do not trust the word of a traitor."
"It shall be done, My Lord."
"So when shall we see this Barbarian Bitch?"
"Soon, My Lord. The soldiers should be entering the city gates as we speak."
"Have her brought to me as soon as they arrive. I wish to see for myself this Bitch who has battled my army and caused my people so much fear and panic."
"It will be done, My Lord."
As the messenger backed away, from the corner of his eye he saw a petite woman with green eyes framed with golden blond hair. Bowing in her direction he said, "My Queen." And continued backing from the Throne Room.
King Belos looked to his left and the smile on his face broadened into a grin.
"Wife," he said, almost laughing. "You are just in time, we have captured the Barbarian Bitch who calls herself a Warrior Princess. She should be here soon."
The queen leaned down to kiss her husband on the cheek. "I heard the excitement, and wondered what it was. How is it that she was caught? I have heard that she is like the wind, that nothing can touch her."
"It was her own men who did the deed for us, a deceitful group to be sure."
After a short wait, several soldiers entered the room, each one with a length of rope tied to a different part of a dirty, beaten and blood-stained woman. A rope around each wrist, each ankle and her neck. With each jerk of the ropes Xena staggered, struggling to stay on her feet.
As they approached the king, she was struck from behind and knocked to the floor.
She slowly regained her feet and stood to her full height. She was taller than most, and even though injured and bleeding, she stood as though she was the sovereign, and not King Belos.
Her eyes were full of murderous rage, and her lips carried a contemptuous sneer.
Her expression was full of hatred and loathing as she stared into the eyes of the king. Then slowly her gaze shifted to the woman at his side. As their eyes locked, the Queen was both fascinated and repulsed by the disgust that assaulted her.
The guard struck again, this time to the back of her knees, and again Xena was driven to the floor.
"You WILL bow down to King Belos and Queen Gabrielle!" He roared, and struck her a third time.
Finding his voice, King Belos ordered that the Barbarian Bitch was to be shackled by the arms and legs in the most secure cell of the dungeon. Her fate would be decided when he had time to reflect on her punishment.
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"My Husband, I must confess, that woman frightens me."
"As well she should," he said laughing. "She frightens everyone, even me, although I wouldn't want anyone to know it."
"But -- at the same time she fascinates me."
"My Dear, THAT is the Seduction of Evil. You would do well to stay away from her, she has only malice in her black heart."
"What will you do with her?"
"I haven't quite decided. She has to die, obviously, but I don't know whether to have her hanged or beheaded. I was thinking about stoning, but there are so many who would want to throw stones that it would be impossible to control the crowd."
"Does she really have to die?"
"My dear Gabrielle, of course she has to die. She has killed hundreds, maybe even thousands over the years. It is a fit and just punishment."
"But wouldn't she suffer more by spending the remainder of her life locked away in a cell?"
"Perhaps, but the public cries out for vengeance. Even though I am king there are some things that the public must be permitted to demand. Every good leader know this."
"But surely knowing she is locked away would satisfy their lust for retribution."
"Wife, in many ways you are still as innocent and as naive as the day we wed. No, they clamor for blood, for the blood of the Barbarian Bitch. Although . . . ."
"Yes?" Queen Gabrielle asked hopefully, "You have an idea?"
"Possibly. Rather than an execution, a public flogging every ten days or so may please them."
"Not too many lashes, I would hope."
"Not too many - not enough to kill her, but enough to satisfy the crowd. I would say a hundred or so."
"So many? I was thinking maybe ten, or fifteen."
Laughing again, King Belos replied. "How little you know about these things! The people would not stand for such an inadequate punishment. Children are given ten lashes for being disrespectable. "
"But . . . ."
"But, nothing. I don't understand your concern with this woman, or her punishment. You have never shown an interest in these kinds of things before."
"It is hard to explain, My Husband, but as you have said, I am still so innocent of so much that goes on. If I am to serve as a real queen shouldn't I be attentive to everything that happens?"
"Somehow, I think your interest has less to do with affairs of state and more to do with your fascination with this evil woman."
"Yes, you are correct, of course. But if I may -- I have been your wife for five years, and they have been happy years for me. But a queen needs to know more than the gossip of the Royal Court. When you met me I was just an ordinary peasant girl who read from her scrolls to children. . . ."
"And good little stories they were." The king interrupted.
"Yes, good stories -- but simple children stories. One day I would like to write about things that interest men and women, not just children. And I feel if I can understand what it is that made this barbarian woman so evil and murderous then I will not be so naive. Surely there was a time when she was not a cruel, heartless person."
"I don't think it would be a good idea for you to be anywhere near this beast. You don't realize how malevolent she is. No, My Wife, I forbid you to go near her."
"But I will be outside the cell, and she is shackled within. How can she harm me?"
"With her evil eyes and her foul mouth and her poisonous ideas. You heard my words - I forbid it. This discussion has ended. She will be flogged with one hundred lashes in three days."
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As the Queen slowly descended the wet, slippery stone stairs to the lowest level of the dungeon, her heart beat furiously; not because she was disobeying her husband, but in anticipation of seeing the bloodthirsty monster manacled behind the strongest of iron bars.
Not wanting to be seen by her, Gabrielle stopped in the shadows but within view of the cell. Quietly she stood and watched, waiting for her eyes to become used to the darkness.
The only light was from sputtering torches near the cell that cast a weak light onto the crumpled form. For a long while neither woman moved, then slowly the prisoner raised her head and cocked it to one side, listening. And with great difficulty from her many injuries and the weight of the chains that held her, she stood up, staring at the darkness that hid the Queen.
"Surely, she can't see me," Gabrielle thought to herself. "She can't know I'm here."
For a longer time, Xena only stared, then with hate and contempt in her voice, she said, "I know you're there! Your heart beats loud enough to wake the dead. I can smell the fear that drips from your armpits. And your sweet-smelling womanly perfume offends my nostrils. Come closer, into the light, let me see you."
Paralyzed with fear and unable to draw a breath, Queen Gabrielle wanted to run away, back up the stairs, but couldn't move.
Xena suddenly jumped at the bars, clanging her chains against them and let out a blood-curdling, deafening war cry. And then followed it with a cruel, mocking laugh.
At the horrific noise, the spell was broken and the Queen turned and ran back up the stairs, slipping on the slimy stones, and tripping on the hem of her gown. She ran until she had reached the safety of her room, the horrendous laugh of the evil woman echoing in her ears.
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At midday, on the third day after her capture, Xena was dragged from her cell and chained at the wrists between two posts, each arm stretched out and up until her feet barely touched the sand.
King Belos gave the signal to begin, and with each lash the crowd roared its approval. With each crack of the whip, blood stained the coarsely woven rags that covered her.
By the 30th stroke, the rags had been ripped to shreds and she stood naked to the whip's cutting tip. Her back, arms, legs, belly and breasts - all were slashed and bleeding.
By the 50th her strength and resolve failed her and she slumped down, with only the chains on her wrists keeping her from falling to the ground. It was at this point that Queen Gabrielle left her husband's side, she could no longer watch the spectacle. As she hurried away, trying to keep from vomiting, she wondered just who was the barbarian.
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"Is it over?" The Gabrielle asked as her husband entered her bedroom.
"For now. The woman isn't as strong as she pretended. She passed out at 80 lashes, but I think the crowd was pleased, nevertheless. And now my dear wife, it appears that seeing the Bitch finally getting what she deserved has aroused me, exceedingly so. I think now would be a fitting conclusion to this day's amusement."
And for the first time in many years, Queen Gabrielle did not share her husband's passion, or pleasure.
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Despite herself, Gabrielle found herself once again descending the stairs to the dungeon that held the lacerated and bloody prisoner. This time she walked to the door of the cell and was stunned at the sight of Xena bleeding body, her wounds left untreated.
"So much blood! Is there no one to treat her cuts?" Gabrielle asked the Captain of the Dungeon Guard.
"No, My Lady. She will live, or die. No one has given orders to tend to her."
"Then if there is no one to treat her, I will. You will bring clean rags and water. This cell will be washed out and clean straw will be provided. Now open this door."
"I'm sorry, My Lady, I cannot. The King will have my head if you are harmed."
"Harmed by what? This unfortunate wretch that lies dying even as we speak? She is unconscious and you have more than enough guards to protect me. Now do as I say."
Fearful of the king's wrath, but not daring to disobey the queen, the Captain opened the cell door and stationed a half dozen guards with spears inside. Fresh water, rags and straw was brought.
Gabrielle knelt down beside Xena, not knowing where to begin. Soaking a rag with water, she gently began to wash the dried blood and sand from Xena's shoulders and back, carefully, so as not to cause renewed bleeding.
Three times the bucket of bloody water was replaced with clean water. When she had finished with Xena's back, buttocks and the back of her legs, Gabrielle instructed guards to make a pallet with the clean rags and straw, and then gently turned her over.
As she began to wash away the blood from her face, Xena suddenly awoke, but with the tips of the spears threatening her, she lay still, but her eyes flashed fire.
Gabrielle continued to clean the side of her face, then softly tried to turn Xena's head to wash the rest of her face. But Xena was not cooperative, keeping her head rigid. Gabrielle leaned over to reach the far side of her face. She then proceeded to wash and rinse the front of Xena's body, and arms and legs, being particularly careful with her severely lacerated wrists.
When she was done she ordered the guard to bring more clean water and a ladle.
But when she offered the water Xena wouldn't drink.
"You are very stubborn, aren't you?" Gabrielle said to her. So she poured the water slowly over Xena's lips, and despite herself, Xena found herself drinking. Four times Gabrielle filled the ladle, and each time it was emptied.
Looking around Gabrielle asked the Captain, "Where are her clothes?"
"They were shredded by the whip, My Lady."
"Then I will get her something of mine. I will return shortly."
When Gabrielle returned to the cell, she found that Xena had been shackled to the wall, with chains so short that she was even unable to touch her mouth, which had mysteriously acquired yet another cut, staining her teeth red.
"What is the meaning of this?" Gabrielle asked the Captain.
"The King's orders, My Lady. When we entered the cell to take her to be flogged, she was able to fight us, so the King commanded that she be held with the shorter chains."
"Open the door." As she entered the cell, Gabrielle set down a basket she had brought, and then unfolded a blanket she also brought.
"Since I have nothing that will fit you, this will have to do."
She instructed a guard to cut a slit in the center of the blanket, then slipped it over Xena's head so the front and back of her was covered.
"I brought food, but since you are unable to eat by yourself, I will have to feed you."
From the basket she first took a bunch of purple grapes, but once again, Xena's mouth was firmly set.
"You might as well eat, because I'm not leaving until you do."
Reluctantly, Xena allowed Gabrielle to put a grape into her mouth and slowly chewed it up and swallowed it. But there was no look of gratitude, only a stony stare.
When the grapes were gone, several small tart apples followed, then goat cheese and lastly, bread. When the food was gone, Gabrielle gave her more water.
After the meal neither woman spoke but only looked at each other. Gabrielle put Xena's hair behind her ears and said, "With the proper clothing you would be a beautiful woman."
Xena replied, "And with the proper weapon, you could be dead!"
Sounding braver than she felt, Gabrielle said, "I suspect you could kill me with no weapons at all."
"Why are you doing this? Just so I'll be stronger for the next flogging?" Xena asked bitterly.
"No. I don't approve of flogging. But my husband, the King has decreed it. I do it to gain your trust. I want to know what has caused your heart to be so black. I want to know why you found it necessary to kill so many men, women and children."
"I have NEVER made war on women and children." Xena spat out. "Lies! All lies!"
"If you say so. I must go now, but I will return tomorrow."
"Guard!" Gabrielle said, "I am leaving this water and ladle for the prisoner. Don't take them away."
"But My Lady, the King said nothing that can be used a as weapon was to left near her."
"Are you so afraid she might beat the rats to death? The ladle and bucket stay."
As she left the cell and it was closed, Gabrielle broke off several strands of her long golden hair then wrapped and tied them around the lock.
"I will be here tomorrow, and if these strands are broken you will join the prisoner in her cell. Do you understand me?"
Bowing his head, the guard answered, "Yes, My Lady. It will be as you say."
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The next day Gabrielle brought more food, clean rags and medicine for Xena's wounds. She was pleased to see the strands of her hair hadn't been tampered with.
When she entered the cell, she saw that Xena had drunk the water and managed to maneuver the bucket to relive herself. Gabrielle instructed the guard to unshackle one of Xena's hands."
"But My Lady, I was told to keep her chained at all times."
"So how am I to clean her wounds if her back is against the wall? Unchain her at once!"
Without protest, Xena turned her back to Gabrielle. She saw that the cuts had oozed, soaked into the fabric and then dried. Slowly Gabrielle poured water over her back until the dried blood was softened and she was able to remove the blanket.
After washing her back again Gabrielle said, "I see infection is setting in, I was afraid of that. I brought medicine, but it will sting some."
Gabrielle poured the medicine into her hand and as gently as she could applied the healing liquid. Although Xena neither spoke nor flinched, Gabrielle could feel her muscles tighten from the burning liquid. When she finished the back side of her, she repeated the process on Xena's chest, belly, arms and legs, and wrists.
Passing the food basket to her, Xena was allowed to feed herself.
When she had finished eating, Xena asked, "Am I supposed to thank you for making sure I am healthy enough for another flogging?"
"No, I told you before I don't approve of flogging, but I am not that -- naive. I don't want your insincere thanks."
"Then what to do you want from me?"
"I want you to talk to me. I want to know you, to understand why -- how you became the monster they say you are."
"They say I am a monster? Good! Then they fear me. I know you fear me, don't you?"
"Some, but not as much as I did when they first brought you in. You said you didn't make war on women and children. They why do they say so?"
At first Xena didn't answer but only stared at Gabrielle. Then slowly she said, "In war things happen. Fires rage out of control, soldiers strike at anything in the heat of battle. A leader can't be everywhere at once. Women and children died, but NOT at my command!"
"But how did you -- WHY did you become so cruel, so brutal?"
For a long time Xena looked at Gabrielle, then slowly put her free hand up to be reshackled and turned her face away, refusing to answer.
As the guard remanacled her, Gabrielle ordered more water and a separate pot to be left in the cell.
"Do I have to wrap the lock again?" She asked the Captain.
"No, My Lady, The barbarian is properly confined, there is no reason to enter her cell."
Gabrielle returned the next day and again washed Xena's cuts and reapplied the medicine. She brought fruit, bread and cheese. Because Xena still refused to say much, Gabrielle found herself doing most of the talking. She talked about living in the palace as a queen, about how much she like to write stories, about how the king only ocassionally included her in the administration of the kingdom.
Everyday Gabrielle returned to Xena, and each visit became longer until she was spending half a day or longer there. Eventually Xena talked to her, answering her questions.
"There was a time that I was just like you, young, carefree, innocent. But one day a warlord and his army came to our village. It is called Amphipolis, have you heard of it?"
"I may have heard the name, but that's all."
"The men of the town were afraid to face them, and ran away to the hills and forests. But not me. I was able to convince some to fight for our village. We eventually were able to fight them off and they left Amphipolis alone. But during one of the battles my younger brother, my dear Lyceus was killed. My mother never forgave me for that. She was a coward like the rest of them! So I left Amphipolis, but I swore never again would it be attacked. So I began to make war on villages I heard had supported the warlord. And one thing led to another until . . . ."
"I'm originally from Poteidaia, have you ever heard of it?"
"Doesn't sound familiar."
"It's really a nice little village - vineyards, small farms, good people."
"Well, either there wasn't enough there to be worth my time attacking it, or it was too far out of the way."
"Thank the gods for small favors. I should be going, the king is beginning to wonder where I have been keeping myself. But I'll be back tomorrow."
"I'll be here." Xena answered with a small, cynical smile.
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"It appears that most of your cuts are healing up nicely." Gabrielle said as she examined Xena's back as she applied the healing liquid. "I think the little bit of olive oil I added is helping a lot."
"After eight days of treatment, I would hope so. How much longer are you going to massage my body with your medication?"
"As long as I think is necessary. There is something I wish to ask, but you don't have to answer if you don't want to."
"Ask."
"I couldn't help but notice that from the indications on your body, it appears that you have had a child. I was wondering about it."
For a long while Xena didn't answer, but from the look on her face, Gabrielle could tell she was not comfortable thinking about it.
At last Xena said, "There was a time when I was at war with the centaurs. And I found I was expecting. I wasn't happy about it, but Borias was overjoyed."
"He is your husband?"
"Husband? Not hardly! I wasn't about to be tied down with a husband, even though more than once he told me he loved me. But he wasn't as enthusiastic as I was about battling the centaurs, and he eventually turned against me to join with them. When my baby was born, somehow he managed to get back to me, but was killed in the attempt. In a moment of weakness, I allowed him to see his son just before he died."
"You had a son! How wonderful!"
"Well, I didn't think so. Since Borias had joined the centaurs, the war with them wasn't going well, and I knew we couldn't win. So I made a deal. I would give them the son of Borias, who they all loved, if my army and I could withdraw without retaliation. They agreed, and we left the area."
"How sad you had to give up your son," Gabrielle said with tears in her eyes.
"Do you cry all the time like that?" Xena asked.
"I'm afraid I do. My husband says it's a sign of compassion and kindness. Why? Don't you ever cry?"
"Never! Soldiers consider tears to be a sign of weakness. To control my men I learned to control my emotions. Rage and mercilessness is what they respect, not tears and kindness."
"I still think it's sad you gave up your son. I have to leave now."
As the guard rechained Xena's wrist, Gabrielle asked him, "Can't you lengthen the chains just a little, just so she can drink and relieve herself without struggling? Then you can take away the deadly ladle you are so concerned with."
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt anything, My Lady, to give her a little more slack."
"Thank you. I won't forget this."
The next day Gabrielle brought two baskets.
"Here," she said handing one to the Captain of the Dungeon Guard, "Fresh fruit for you and your men."
Bowing in thanks, he opened the cell door for her, unshackled one of Xena's wrists, and then left to divide the food with his men.
"See? A little sweet oil makes things go so much more smoothly." she said to Xena, who had already removed her blanket so Gabrielle could apply the medicated liquid.
"I was never above using bribes when it suit my purpose." Xena replied.
When Gabrielle returned the next day her attitude was much different. Instead of her usual cheeriness, she was somber and silent.
When Xena finished eating with her free hand she put her fingers under Gabrielle's chin and lifted her face to look at her. Gabrielle's eyes were glistening with yet unshed tears.
"Tomorrow's the flogging day, isn't it?" Xena said.
As the tears ran down her cheeks, Gabrielle nodded. "I wish I could talk my husband out of allowing it to happen, but if he discovers I've been here . . . ."
Xena wiped the tears away but they were only replaced with more.
Then a sound was heard, a muted twanging. Suddenly Xena's fist shot out toward Gabrielle, but even before her reflexes let her throw herself away from what she thought was a killing blow, Xena was holding an arrow, caught only a hand's width from Gabrielle's breast.
"By The Gods! An assassin!" Gabrielle yelled out. Immediately the guards fanned out looking for whoever had fired the arrow.
"Someone wants you dead." Xena said showing her the tip of the arrow. "Poison."
Recovering from the shock, Gabrielle instructed the Captain of the Dungeon Guard to take the arrow to the king, and to tell him exactly what had happened.
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"You are telling me that even though I had forbidden it, you have been spending your days with this Barbarian Bitch!" The king asked angrily.
With her head bowed, Queen Gabrielle admitted that she had.
Trying to control his anger, King Belos looked at Gabrielle, then at Xena, who was standing before him, chains on her ankles and wrists.
Turning his anger to the Captain of the Guard he demanded, "And You! How could you have allowed this to happen?"
"My Lord, there were guards with spears present. If I thought the Queen was in any danger . . . ."
"So what do you call this?" The King demanded, holding out the arrow.
"But My Lord, the arrow didn't come from Xena, she caught it in flight. She saved the Queen's life!"
King Belos looked around again to see if there was anyone else to shout at. Everyone was looking down, fearing to meet his glare, hoping to avoid the king's wrath.
Looking back at the Captain he asked, "And what of this assassin? Have you found him?"
"No, My Lord. But we found the short bow that was used to fire the arrow. It was at the top of the stairs."
King Belos closed his eyes for a moment.
"Well, it's obvious a personal bodyguard must be provided for the Queen. If I can find anyone trustworthy enough."
Looking at Xena he said, "And you, Barbarian, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"Her name is Xena." Gabrielle whispered to him, but he ignored her.
Xena met his stare but remained silent.
"While I do appreciate the fact that you saved the Queen's life, you WILL answer me. What did you hope to accomplish with this act? A pardon? Your freedom?"
Xena's eyes flickered to Gabrielle then back to the king, but didn't reply.
With no patience left, King Belos added, "You can answer me, or I can have your tongue cut out so you will never speak again."
Xena's eyes jumped from Gabrielle, to the king, and back again, and again. Her self confident attitude was changing to one of confusion and uncertainty.
"I -- I don't know." Was all she could say.
"That is no answer. I warn you." The king said.
"Because -- because . . . ."
Xena focused on Gabrielle, locked eyes with her, and found she had to blink to keep Gabrielle's face clear, tears were starting to blur her image.
"I -- I could not let her die. She -- I mean, I . . . ."
And for the first time in over a dozen years tears began to run down Xena's cheeks.
"I could not let her die, because -- because I love her!"
Slowly Xena went to one knee, her eyes lowering to look at Gabrielle's feet, showing the proper respect for royalty.
"My Queen," she said in a husky, quivering, emotional voice, as her tears puddled on the floor.
King Belos, confused at this unexpected turn of events, didn't know what to say. Seeing a movement, he looked to see Gabrielle leave her seat and go to Xena, tears running down her cheeks as well.
Kneeling down to her, Gabrielle's hand lifted Xena's chin so she could see her face, and speaking so that only Xena could hear, she whispered, "And I love you."
Taking Xena by the shoulders, she stood her up and wiped away the Warrior's tears.
As she turned from Xena to look at the king, Gabrielle said, "My Lord, I have found my bodyguard. It is Xena, this Warrior Princess."
At first there was only stunned silence, then slowly the guards, attendants and others in the throne room began to murmur, which grew louder and louder until King Belos roared that everyone was to leave.
When only he, Gabrielle, Xena and the guards were left, King Belos said to Gabrielle, "You can't be serious. I told you this barbarian would poison your mind. You disobeyed me time and again. Perhaps I should have you flogged as well! I will not tolerate such disrespect!"
"If that is you wish, My Husband, you may have me flogged. I will take the one hundred lashes."
Realizing the empty threat he made in anger he replied, "Of course I won't have you whipped. But WHY? Why did you have to associate yourself with this - this . . . ."
"My Husband, she is NOT the evil monster everyone says she is! I'm not saying she hasn't done wrong, that she hasn't done terrible things, but in some ways she is as much a victim as those she fought against."
Not believing his ears, the king was speechless. Finally, "Gabrielle, how can you say that? You don't know of the atrocities she has committed. You don't know about the many villages sacked and burned. You . . . ."
"But My Husband, the Old Woman, the Seer, told me of her vision. She said there would be changes. She said 'My Friend is My Enemy is My Friend.' The assassin must be someone who is trusted, otherwise how could he have gotten so close? And she had to be speaking of Xena - what other enemy would stop an arrow that was only a hand's width from my heart?"
"You don't really believe the rantings of that old woman, do you?" The king asked, searching for an argument.
"But didn't she once tell you that you would wed a Writer of Scrolls, a Teller of Tales?"
"How do you know of this?"
"My dear Husband, don't your remember? We were married less than three days when the Queen Mother went to her deathbed. I attended to her those many days she lingered. And she told me many things - things a new queen should know about the Royal Court."
Smiling shyly, she continued, "And things a new bride should know to please her husband. She spoke of many things, perhaps more than she should have, but still . . . "
Before the king could answer, the Captain of the Palace Guard interrupted.
"My apologies, My Lord, but we have just received word from the outer provinces. The warlord who calls himself Jobyna the Terrible has sacked two villages and appears to be heading in this direction."
"Jobyna!" Xena exclaimed, her voice and temperament suddenly cold and hard. "May he choke on his own filth!"
Ignoring the outburst, King Belos said to his guard, "Assemble the soldiers. We must ride out immediately. Tell them to prepare for battle. We will strike as soon as his army is sighted."
"You won't defeat him like that." Xena said. "I trained those men. I know them. They are fanatics, they don't know fear. They believe dying in battle will assure them a place in the Elysian Fields."
"So you are saying we are doomed even before we meet them in battle?"
"Not necessarily. I can tell you how to defeat them." Xena said.
"You can? And why would you do that?"
"Do you think I hold any love for them? After they drugged me, and beat me, and turned me over to my enemy? You say I am a murderous barbarian, but you should know I am also vengeful and unforgiving. Show me a map and I will tell you how to defeat them. But if I do, I have one request."
"What is it?" The king asked suspiciously.
"I want to see the traitor Jobyna's head on the top of a post."
"Smiling slightly, King Belos said, "Maybe I will have him flogged."
"Then I ask to be the one brandishing the whip."
King Belos looked into Xena's eyes, trying to decide if she was to be trusted. Deciding he would take a chance, he instructed a guard to bring maps from his War Room.
When the map of the region was laid out, Xena was allowed to approach the table, dragging her chains, to look at it.
"Show me the villages Jobyna attacked."
The king pointed at two small circles.
"What is this?"
"It is a lightly wooded area."
"And this?"
"A grassland used for grazing. Here is a swamp, here are the vineyards, and this is the farming area surrounding the city."
The Throne Room was quiet as Xena studied the map. Finally she said, "There is another village, here, that he will attack next. Unfortunately, there is no time to save it. But its sacrifice will give you time to prepare. This is what you must do -- You will put archers in the trees, here and here. You will send a small squad, about 20 or so soldiers to engage Jobyna's army. Then they must break off and retreat, leading them through the woods where your archers wait. When all of Jobyna's men have passed the archers will shoot the last five or six horses, NOT the men, but the horses. Fire tipped arrows would be best, if the wind is right. This will cause the horses to panic and stampede.
"In the clearing ahead you will have your men dig as many pits as they have time to. Make then as big around as a man and waist deep. Make sure the pits are well camouflaged. When the stampeding horses stumble into the holes, the men will be thrown and will be exposed. Have more archers stationed there. And only when they have run out of arrows do you want to have the swordsmen and spearmen attack. Tell them to show no mercy, because if they do, they will die."
"You have done this before." King Belos stated.
"A few times. But don't wait too long. The more pits that can be dug the better your chances of success."
Making the decision to follow Xena's plan, the king ordered that she be returned to her cell.
"But, My Husband," Gabrielle protested, "I have chosen her for my bodyguard."
"Just because she saved your life, and has given us a battle plan doesn't mean she is completely trustworthy. I can't take the risk, not yet."
"Then I must accompany her to her cell."
"Why do you say such things?"
"My Lord, an assassin still runs free. Right now there are only two people I know for sure I can trust, that I feel safe with. You, my dear Husband, and Xena. And you will be leaving to battle this Jobyna. If Xena is put in her cell, that is the only place I can go to feel safe."
King Belos turned to Xena. "Is my wife's confidence in you deserved?"
"To save her life I would die without hesitation."
"If, when I return, I discover that you have harmed her in ANY way, your punishment will be so great, so painful, and so cruel, you will beg me over and over to end your life."
"I would expect nothing less."
Shaking his head, and hesitant to do so, the king reluctantly ordered Xena's chains to be removed.
"You and Xena will remain in your room while I am gone. You will lock your doors. You will stay away from the windows. Guards will be posted in the hall. And Xena will taste your food before you eat. Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT disobey me this time!"
Breaking with the Royal Court's code of behavior, Gabrielle rushed to embrace him, took his face in her hands and kissed his lips.
"Thank you, My Husband. You will see you have chosen wisely. My heart tells me that Xena loves me almost as much as you do."
Caressing her hair and smiling gently, King Belos replied, "I do love you, Gabrielle. I only hope you are right about this barba -- about Xena."
Looking over the top of Gabrielle's head, the king said to Xena, "Her life is in your hands. You would do well to remember my words. They are a promise, not a threat."
With final parting words, King Belos left Gabrielle, Xena, and six trusted guards.
"I guess the first thing we should do is find you some clothes." Gabrielle said.
"No, the first thing we will do is go to your room and lock the door. Then we can get me some clothes."
Nodding in jest, Gabrielle answered, "Yes, My Warrior Princess." But led the way to her bed chamber.