C h a p t e r 2
Argo galloped along the well-worn road at a steady, though slower than usual pace. Had her Mistress been riding she would have stretched to full stride. Often she had felt Mistress raise in the saddle and lean forward, encouraging her to exercise powerful legs to their fullest. No matter how hard she ran Mistress always seemed ready to go just a little faster. Ready to push them both to their limits. It was during those times she and Mistress seemed to be as one. Sharing a unique bond between horse and rider. Mistress had not pushed her hard for sometime and she was ready for a chance to prove herself. It appeared she would not get the chance today.
For at the moment the Talkative One rode in Mistress's place, with a young one seated behind her. Before the Talkative One joined them Mistress had never allowed anyone else to ride her. Argo did not dislike the Talkative One, she was just so noisily and nervous. Even when the Talkative One rode with Mistress, the mare could still feel her nervousness. Seldom did the Talkative One ride alone, which was fine with Argo. She was just too fidgety. At least she did not yell and scream as she had the first time she rode alone. Though the Talkative One was getting better, she still lacked Mistress's skill. There had been the time when Mistress was ill and the Talkative One had wanted to ride alone. She had followed the Talkative One's commands but her actions did not seem to please the woman. Besides, the Talkative One was so clumsy, she had even fallen off during a simple leap. Mistress would never have done that. If Mistress wished for the Talkative One to ride, then she would allow it. as long as it did not happen too often.
Earlier Mistress had tied her to a tree, stroking her mane in the way she liked. As Mistress rubbed the golden mane she spoke softly in the horse's ear. Argo knew this action well it was Mistress's way of letting her know she would be away for a while. Then she and the Talkative One disappeared into the woods, leaving her. Much daylight had passed before the Talkative One returned with the young one and without Mistress. Untiring the reins, the Talkative One leaned in close, whispering in her ear. "All right Argo we've got company. So you behave yourself." Argo whinnied softy. Satisfied with this reply the Talkative One climbed into the saddle, pulling the young one up behind her. There was no sign of Mistress as the Talkative One urged her into the clearing and down the road.
+
Nearly two candle marks later, Gabrielle slowed Argo to a trot as a village came into view. Riding the large warhorse was not her favorite activity. Though even Xena had admitted she was getting better. Of course, it helped when Argo cooperated, as she was doing now. Yet, Gabrielle suspected it would have been a different story if the child had not been with her. She had been somewhat amazed to find Argo had a soft spot for children. 'Just like her Mistress.' thought the Bard with amusement.
Villagers cautiously slipped from their homes for a look at the approaching rider. "It's Joia!" squealed a small girl as she sprinted toward them.
Gabrielle pulled Argo to a sudden stop as a woman ran forward grabbing the Bard's leg. "JOIA!" she cried, releasing the young woman and reaching for the child.
"Mother!" sobbed the child, falling into waiting arms.
A man appeared from the crowd wrapping his arms around mother and child. Looking up at Gabrielle he said a heartfelt, thank you. Without waiting for a reply he turned back to his family.
Gabrielle smiled at the tearful reunion. After a moment she slipped off of Argo, happy to have her feet on the ground again. Several of the villagers surrounded the Bard, greeting her cheerfully. Many thanked her as they shook her hand or affectionately slapped her on the back. Some just wanted to touch the young woman, as though she held some special power. Suddenly the crowd in front of her parted, revealing the largest woman she had ever seen. The woman was taller than Xena by several inches and would easily have made three of the warrior in width. At the moment this mountain of a woman was raptly approaching, with her arms spread wide. Overwhelmed by the woman's size the Bard stood frozen for a moment. Then the realization struck, the woman was heading straight for her. She tried to back up a step, but found herself boxed in by the crowd.
Before Gabrielle could come up with an alternate plan ample arms wrapped around her, pinning both arms to her sides. The woman snatched her off the ground as though she were a small child. Gabrielle suddenly found her feet dangling and the breath being squeezed from her body.
"Thank you, oh thank you!" sobbed the woman as she cradled the bard like a rag doll. "You brought our little Joia back. Thank you."
Gabrielle tried to reply but could not find enough air to form the words.
"Agathe," said a small almost frail looking man, as he placed a hand on the woman's large shoulder. "Wife, she didn't fight an army of murders, just to be squeezed to death by you. Let the poor girl up for air."
"What..." Agathe replied. "Oh! I'm sorry." she gasped as the realization of her husband's words set in. Dropping Gabrielle as though she were suddenly too hot to hold.
The Bard, who had not expected the sudden release, felt her knees buckle as her feet connected with the ground. She would have fallen on her backside, if the woman had not caught her by the arms. As the pressure on her lungs was released Gabrielle inhaled with a loud sucking sound, drawing a roar of laughter from the villagers. She felt her face blush for a moment before joining in the laughter.
"I'm sorry, little one." Agathe laughed. "Sometimes I forget my own strength."
"That's all right." Gabrielle assured her. "No harm done." Smiling warmly at the gentle giant, while trying to rub some feeling back into her left arm.
"Gabrielle!" called a young male voice from behind her.
She turned toward the approaching young man, and recognized him from their earlier visit to the village. "Septimus." she said, smiling warmly as he took both of her hands in his.
"You made it."
Gabrielle laughed. "You sound surprised. I told you we would, didn't I?" Leaning forward and playfully scowling at him. "You didn't doubt me now did you?"
Septimus dropped his eyes for a moment as if ashamed that she had guessed his thoughts. 'Didn't think a couple of women could handle it, huh?' she thought, but aloud she said. "Hey, there was nothing to it. Xena and I just waltzed in. I grabbed the girl and Xena kicked butt." There was a gleam in the Bard's eyes as she spoke.
Septimus laughed. "I'm sure she did." Looking around, he asked. "Where is she?"
Gabrielle waved her hand as if dismissing the question. "oh, don't worry she'll be here shortly." Leaning forward and winking at him. "She's just 'cleaning' up." Septimus joined her in the laughter that followed. "Besides," Gabrielle added. "she'll have to walk back so it will take her awhile to get here. Don't worry though she'll be here. Xena always comes though."
+
Light began to filter through the darkness, slowly stirring Xena's consciousness to life. A hazy fog of jumbled thoughts assaulted her senses as she fought to focus on the light. Of all the thoughts and feelings racing through her mind, pain was quickly becoming the strongest. It felt as though every fiber of her being ached. Taking a deep breath to settle her thoughts she was rewarded with a stabbing pain in her right side. Gasping she fought back the sudden wave of nausea and darkness threatening to over take her again.
After a few minutes the nausea passed. Finally, certain the darkness would not win, she tried again to clear her thoughts. Taking a shallower breath, she held it for a moment than released it slowly. No surprises this time. Another slightly deeper breath and the pain in her side subsided to a bearable throb. 'Ha,' she thought. 'Guess this means I'm not dead.' Then as an afterthought. 'Not yet anyway. Wonder what else is broken?'
As if in answer to her question, her shoulders and arms began to ache as though they were being pulled from their sockets. Forcing her eyes open she was hit with another wave of nausea as sunlight blinded her. Allowing herself a few more minutes of controlled breathing, she slowly opened her eyes again. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she realized she was in a large meadow. Ropes bite into her wrists, pulling stiff arms up and outward. Fighting the dull throbbing in her temples she turned her head to the side and slightly upward, confirming what she already suspected. The ropes were secured to two large posts one on either side of her, the large woman in a standing position. Trying to reposition herself to relieve some of the tension on her shoulders, the Warrior became aware of the ropes, which secured her ankles to the posts. "Oh wonderful." she groaned. "Well at least my feet are on the ground." Not really encouraged by the small consolation.
Closing her eyes the Warrior began a mental check of her battered body, attempting to locate the more serious wounds. There was a dull throbbing in her head and her lip was swollen where Zared had struck her. In fact, the entire left side of her face ached. Swelling had made it difficult to open her left eye. Dried blood from a large cut over her right temple matted her hair, causing it to stick to the side of her face. Numerous cuts and bruises covered her body, where various weapons had struck her during the assault. None appeared life threatening, at least not at the moment. Finishing her check she was certain at least one, maybe two ribs on her right side were broken. The left side was sore, but appeared to be intact. Her left arm ached, but not with the numbing throb of a broken bone, probably just a sprain. A large gash on her right thigh stung, fortunately it was not deep. In fact, the bleeding had slowed to a trickle as it began to clot. From her limited examination, the Warrior determined there was no internal bleeding, just bruising. "Bruised but not broken." she mused to herself, cringing slightly at the pain in her ribs. "Well not too broken at least."
Opening her eyes once more she began to survey the situation. There were two more posts located just to her left, but no one else was in sight. Snorting sarcastically at the posts. "Looks like I may have company." Tilting her head upward she tried to estimate how long she had been unconscious. As she stared at the sun, a large fluffy white cloud caught her attention. Watching the airy cotton ball float across an ocean of blue, she had the nagging feeling she was forgetting something...or someone. Before she could come up with an answer another wave of nausea struck. Once it had passed she turned her attention to the surrounding terrain. Rolling hills stretched out in front and to the right of her. While forest loomed behind and to her left, she noticed the area did not look familiar. 'It must be located on the opposite side of the cavern. Away from the path Gabrielle and I used this morning.' she surmised.
'Gabrielle. Where was Gabrielle?' She cursed herself for not thinking of the bard sooner. Xena's mind began racing through the jumbled memories in her aching head. They had been in the cave. Zared and his Followers were there. There was a fight. Gabrielle had released the girl and they were trying to escape. She had stopped. Why did she stop? Xena fought to calm her scattered thoughts. Taking a deep breath, she grit her teeth against the pain in her side. 'Must focus.' She told herself. Images slowly took form, becoming clearer this time. Someone had blocked the Bard's path. It was a man, a man with a sword. Had he killed her? The Warrior strained for an answer. 'No. No, I killed him.' Clearly now she saw the image of the Follower falling to the ground with her chakram lodged in his chest. Followed by the memory of Gabrielle and the girl slipping through the cave entrance. 'She's safe.' Xena thought allowing herself a small sigh of relief.
Her relief was short lived as her thoughts turned to Zared. Where was he? Why wasn't he here taunting her with his victory? Had he gone after Gabrielle? What if he caught her before she reached the village? Even with the villager's help would the bard be able to hold them off? What would he do to her?
Glancing at the ropes dangling from the posts next to her, a chill ran down the warrior's spine. Were they waiting to hold Gabrielle as they held her now? Xena shook her head, trying to remove the grim image of her best friend being staked out and left for dead. Immediately she regretted the action, as a new wave of pain and nausea assaulted her. 'No!' She screamed to herself. 'I must stay awake. Must get free, Gabrielle needs my help.' The warrior tried to ignore the throbbing in her head. Straightening powerful legs she jerked hard on the rope holding her left arm. The rope refused to give. Pain shot through her head from the jolt. Darkness closed in on her again. 'No!' She screamed inside. 'No...no...n...' As she slipped back into the darkness it gripped her, refusing to let go.
Argo galloped along the well-worn road at a steady, though slower than usual pace. Had her Mistress been riding she would have stretched to full stride. Often she had felt Mistress raise in the saddle and lean forward, encouraging her to exercise powerful legs to their fullest. No matter how hard she ran Mistress always seemed ready to go just a little faster. Ready to push them both to their limits. It was during those times she and Mistress seemed to be as one. Sharing a unique bond between horse and rider. Mistress had not pushed her hard for sometime and she was ready for a chance to prove herself. It appeared she would not get the chance today.
For at the moment the Talkative One rode in Mistress's place, with a young one seated behind her. Before the Talkative One joined them Mistress had never allowed anyone else to ride her. Argo did not dislike the Talkative One, she was just so noisily and nervous. Even when the Talkative One rode with Mistress, the mare could still feel her nervousness. Seldom did the Talkative One ride alone, which was fine with Argo. She was just too fidgety. At least she did not yell and scream as she had the first time she rode alone. Though the Talkative One was getting better, she still lacked Mistress's skill. There had been the time when Mistress was ill and the Talkative One had wanted to ride alone. She had followed the Talkative One's commands but her actions did not seem to please the woman. Besides, the Talkative One was so clumsy, she had even fallen off during a simple leap. Mistress would never have done that. If Mistress wished for the Talkative One to ride, then she would allow it. as long as it did not happen too often.
Earlier Mistress had tied her to a tree, stroking her mane in the way she liked. As Mistress rubbed the golden mane she spoke softly in the horse's ear. Argo knew this action well it was Mistress's way of letting her know she would be away for a while. Then she and the Talkative One disappeared into the woods, leaving her. Much daylight had passed before the Talkative One returned with the young one and without Mistress. Untiring the reins, the Talkative One leaned in close, whispering in her ear. "All right Argo we've got company. So you behave yourself." Argo whinnied softy. Satisfied with this reply the Talkative One climbed into the saddle, pulling the young one up behind her. There was no sign of Mistress as the Talkative One urged her into the clearing and down the road.
+
Nearly two candle marks later, Gabrielle slowed Argo to a trot as a village came into view. Riding the large warhorse was not her favorite activity. Though even Xena had admitted she was getting better. Of course, it helped when Argo cooperated, as she was doing now. Yet, Gabrielle suspected it would have been a different story if the child had not been with her. She had been somewhat amazed to find Argo had a soft spot for children. 'Just like her Mistress.' thought the Bard with amusement.
Villagers cautiously slipped from their homes for a look at the approaching rider. "It's Joia!" squealed a small girl as she sprinted toward them.
Gabrielle pulled Argo to a sudden stop as a woman ran forward grabbing the Bard's leg. "JOIA!" she cried, releasing the young woman and reaching for the child.
"Mother!" sobbed the child, falling into waiting arms.
A man appeared from the crowd wrapping his arms around mother and child. Looking up at Gabrielle he said a heartfelt, thank you. Without waiting for a reply he turned back to his family.
Gabrielle smiled at the tearful reunion. After a moment she slipped off of Argo, happy to have her feet on the ground again. Several of the villagers surrounded the Bard, greeting her cheerfully. Many thanked her as they shook her hand or affectionately slapped her on the back. Some just wanted to touch the young woman, as though she held some special power. Suddenly the crowd in front of her parted, revealing the largest woman she had ever seen. The woman was taller than Xena by several inches and would easily have made three of the warrior in width. At the moment this mountain of a woman was raptly approaching, with her arms spread wide. Overwhelmed by the woman's size the Bard stood frozen for a moment. Then the realization struck, the woman was heading straight for her. She tried to back up a step, but found herself boxed in by the crowd.
Before Gabrielle could come up with an alternate plan ample arms wrapped around her, pinning both arms to her sides. The woman snatched her off the ground as though she were a small child. Gabrielle suddenly found her feet dangling and the breath being squeezed from her body.
"Thank you, oh thank you!" sobbed the woman as she cradled the bard like a rag doll. "You brought our little Joia back. Thank you."
Gabrielle tried to reply but could not find enough air to form the words.
"Agathe," said a small almost frail looking man, as he placed a hand on the woman's large shoulder. "Wife, she didn't fight an army of murders, just to be squeezed to death by you. Let the poor girl up for air."
"What..." Agathe replied. "Oh! I'm sorry." she gasped as the realization of her husband's words set in. Dropping Gabrielle as though she were suddenly too hot to hold.
The Bard, who had not expected the sudden release, felt her knees buckle as her feet connected with the ground. She would have fallen on her backside, if the woman had not caught her by the arms. As the pressure on her lungs was released Gabrielle inhaled with a loud sucking sound, drawing a roar of laughter from the villagers. She felt her face blush for a moment before joining in the laughter.
"I'm sorry, little one." Agathe laughed. "Sometimes I forget my own strength."
"That's all right." Gabrielle assured her. "No harm done." Smiling warmly at the gentle giant, while trying to rub some feeling back into her left arm.
"Gabrielle!" called a young male voice from behind her.
She turned toward the approaching young man, and recognized him from their earlier visit to the village. "Septimus." she said, smiling warmly as he took both of her hands in his.
"You made it."
Gabrielle laughed. "You sound surprised. I told you we would, didn't I?" Leaning forward and playfully scowling at him. "You didn't doubt me now did you?"
Septimus dropped his eyes for a moment as if ashamed that she had guessed his thoughts. 'Didn't think a couple of women could handle it, huh?' she thought, but aloud she said. "Hey, there was nothing to it. Xena and I just waltzed in. I grabbed the girl and Xena kicked butt." There was a gleam in the Bard's eyes as she spoke.
Septimus laughed. "I'm sure she did." Looking around, he asked. "Where is she?"
Gabrielle waved her hand as if dismissing the question. "oh, don't worry she'll be here shortly." Leaning forward and winking at him. "She's just 'cleaning' up." Septimus joined her in the laughter that followed. "Besides," Gabrielle added. "she'll have to walk back so it will take her awhile to get here. Don't worry though she'll be here. Xena always comes though."
+
Light began to filter through the darkness, slowly stirring Xena's consciousness to life. A hazy fog of jumbled thoughts assaulted her senses as she fought to focus on the light. Of all the thoughts and feelings racing through her mind, pain was quickly becoming the strongest. It felt as though every fiber of her being ached. Taking a deep breath to settle her thoughts she was rewarded with a stabbing pain in her right side. Gasping she fought back the sudden wave of nausea and darkness threatening to over take her again.
After a few minutes the nausea passed. Finally, certain the darkness would not win, she tried again to clear her thoughts. Taking a shallower breath, she held it for a moment than released it slowly. No surprises this time. Another slightly deeper breath and the pain in her side subsided to a bearable throb. 'Ha,' she thought. 'Guess this means I'm not dead.' Then as an afterthought. 'Not yet anyway. Wonder what else is broken?'
As if in answer to her question, her shoulders and arms began to ache as though they were being pulled from their sockets. Forcing her eyes open she was hit with another wave of nausea as sunlight blinded her. Allowing herself a few more minutes of controlled breathing, she slowly opened her eyes again. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she realized she was in a large meadow. Ropes bite into her wrists, pulling stiff arms up and outward. Fighting the dull throbbing in her temples she turned her head to the side and slightly upward, confirming what she already suspected. The ropes were secured to two large posts one on either side of her, the large woman in a standing position. Trying to reposition herself to relieve some of the tension on her shoulders, the Warrior became aware of the ropes, which secured her ankles to the posts. "Oh wonderful." she groaned. "Well at least my feet are on the ground." Not really encouraged by the small consolation.
Closing her eyes the Warrior began a mental check of her battered body, attempting to locate the more serious wounds. There was a dull throbbing in her head and her lip was swollen where Zared had struck her. In fact, the entire left side of her face ached. Swelling had made it difficult to open her left eye. Dried blood from a large cut over her right temple matted her hair, causing it to stick to the side of her face. Numerous cuts and bruises covered her body, where various weapons had struck her during the assault. None appeared life threatening, at least not at the moment. Finishing her check she was certain at least one, maybe two ribs on her right side were broken. The left side was sore, but appeared to be intact. Her left arm ached, but not with the numbing throb of a broken bone, probably just a sprain. A large gash on her right thigh stung, fortunately it was not deep. In fact, the bleeding had slowed to a trickle as it began to clot. From her limited examination, the Warrior determined there was no internal bleeding, just bruising. "Bruised but not broken." she mused to herself, cringing slightly at the pain in her ribs. "Well not too broken at least."
Opening her eyes once more she began to survey the situation. There were two more posts located just to her left, but no one else was in sight. Snorting sarcastically at the posts. "Looks like I may have company." Tilting her head upward she tried to estimate how long she had been unconscious. As she stared at the sun, a large fluffy white cloud caught her attention. Watching the airy cotton ball float across an ocean of blue, she had the nagging feeling she was forgetting something...or someone. Before she could come up with an answer another wave of nausea struck. Once it had passed she turned her attention to the surrounding terrain. Rolling hills stretched out in front and to the right of her. While forest loomed behind and to her left, she noticed the area did not look familiar. 'It must be located on the opposite side of the cavern. Away from the path Gabrielle and I used this morning.' she surmised.
'Gabrielle. Where was Gabrielle?' She cursed herself for not thinking of the bard sooner. Xena's mind began racing through the jumbled memories in her aching head. They had been in the cave. Zared and his Followers were there. There was a fight. Gabrielle had released the girl and they were trying to escape. She had stopped. Why did she stop? Xena fought to calm her scattered thoughts. Taking a deep breath, she grit her teeth against the pain in her side. 'Must focus.' She told herself. Images slowly took form, becoming clearer this time. Someone had blocked the Bard's path. It was a man, a man with a sword. Had he killed her? The Warrior strained for an answer. 'No. No, I killed him.' Clearly now she saw the image of the Follower falling to the ground with her chakram lodged in his chest. Followed by the memory of Gabrielle and the girl slipping through the cave entrance. 'She's safe.' Xena thought allowing herself a small sigh of relief.
Her relief was short lived as her thoughts turned to Zared. Where was he? Why wasn't he here taunting her with his victory? Had he gone after Gabrielle? What if he caught her before she reached the village? Even with the villager's help would the bard be able to hold them off? What would he do to her?
Glancing at the ropes dangling from the posts next to her, a chill ran down the warrior's spine. Were they waiting to hold Gabrielle as they held her now? Xena shook her head, trying to remove the grim image of her best friend being staked out and left for dead. Immediately she regretted the action, as a new wave of pain and nausea assaulted her. 'No!' She screamed to herself. 'I must stay awake. Must get free, Gabrielle needs my help.' The warrior tried to ignore the throbbing in her head. Straightening powerful legs she jerked hard on the rope holding her left arm. The rope refused to give. Pain shot through her head from the jolt. Darkness closed in on her again. 'No!' She screamed inside. 'No...no...n...' As she slipped back into the darkness it gripped her, refusing to let go.
