Gabrielle and Xena stood inside the large tent with a number of high raking Amazon's. Including the council members Luna and Gianna who were among Gabrielle's supporters. Gabrielle wasn't quite sure what to say. Battle and strategy wasn't exactly her strong suit. And she certainly didn't know how to win a war.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) What am I supposed to do or say here? They're all just sitting there waiting on me to make a move. Come on Gabrielle think. There's too much on the line to panic now. But what do I do?
Xena knew that Gabrielle wasn't very skilled in this sort of thing. Sure she was smart and could talk her way out of just about anything. But battle strategy and fighting just weren't where her talents layed. Xena could tell that Gabrielle was trying to figure out what to say in this situation. As everyone looked at her, Gabrielle spoke as she tried to think of what she should do. All the while doing her best hide just how uncomfortable and terrified she really was about the whole ordeal that she and her allies now found themselves in.
GABRIELLE
First I'd like to thank you for your support with this and know that I don't take any of what happening lightly. You have my word that I want to end this as quickly and as painless as possible.
LUNA
That's what we want too my queen.
The rest of the group agreed. One of the women gave Gabrielle the details of what they knew about the enemy forces.
GIANNA
Based on intel, the first wave of their army is riding towards our western front. We also have word that it's possible for a frontal assault as well.
GABRIELLE
Do we know how big their army is as a whole?
LUNA
We don't have the full numbers. But it doesn't look good. They out number us at least two to one. They possibly could have up to three times our fighter's.
GABRIELLE
How do they have so many? Are there really that many people who think I'm responsible for what happened?
GIANNA
Everyone has their own reasons for fighting my queen. Some that may not even have anything to do with the secret village, Nevaea's murder or the sacred trees destruction.
XENA
You know how fast anger and hated can spread Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
True. Unfortunately we've seen it far too many times already.
GIANNA
Well that's what we're facing here. I'll admit that the odds aren't in our favor, but we stand with you my queen no matter what.
LUNA
Yes. We await your command.
Gabrielle quickly looked around as she tried to think of what to do. Xena put her hand on Gabrielle's shoulder as Gabrielle looked at her for a moment and then knew exactly what she was going to do.
GABRIELLE
Yes well I find that in life it's good to have those around you who may have strengths in areas where you might be lacking. Or those who you can enhance your knowledge of things. Which is why while battle strategy isn't something I excel at I do know a brilliant strategist and fighter who I know can lead us to victory. And we have her right here.
The other women in the tent looked at one another for a moment as Gabrielle continued.
GABRIELLE
Xena.
Everyone looked at Xena who stepped forward.
GABRIELLE
From this point on, everything that you want to discuss about this war you can tell either myself or Xena.
The other women agreed to Gabrielle's wishes to have Xena second in command. A number of them were familiar with Xena's abilities on the battlefield and knew just how useful she would be in winning the war. So after Xena took charge of the meeting, everyone but Gabrielle and Xena left to prepare to head into the fight.
XENA
Nice move. I knew you'd figure out a way to handle that.
GABRIELLE
I'm just glad they were okay with you taking charge.
XENA
They trust your judgment Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
At least that's something. I still can't believe just how much the other side out numbers us by.
XENA
We can't focus on that right now. Besides you heard me before. Their numbers don't mean anything when it comes to who's right.
GABRIELLE
Does being right really matter anymore Xena? Who knows how many people are gonna die.
XENA
I know.
Not long after Gabrielle and Xena left the tent. After everyone heading into battle finished getting ready, Gabrielle and Xena lead their allies out of the camp as they rode towards the enemy. Gabrielle gripped her staff tightly as they reached the top of a hill that overlooked a large field and forest. As Gabrielle looked out she could see what she assumed was the enemy army advancing from the other side of the field.
XENA
There they are. It's time Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
I know. I'm ready.
Gabrielle took a deep breath as she entered queen mode.
GABRIELLE
Make the call when you're ready Xena.
Xena drew her sword and raised it in the air. Signaling for everyone to get ready. As she did, a number of archers lined up and held their bows drawn. After waiting for the enemy to get closer, Xena swung her sword down through the air as she gave the go ahead for the attack to begin. When she did, the archers released their bowstrings and let a hail of arrows fly. The projectiles flew in an arch and rained down on the front of the enemy Amazon's army. Taking down a good number of the front line. And with that first attack, the war officially began as Xena, Gabrielle and all of the Amazons that had come with them from the village charged forward with the rest of their allies into the battle. Argo galloped down the hill carrying Xena and Gabrielle into the fight. Once close enough Xena grabbed her chakrum and launched it towards a group of enemy Amazon's, cutting off the blades of their spears as it flew by bounced off a rock and came back to Xena. She brought Argo to a stop as she caught her weapon, let out her battle cry and vaulted out of the saddle and flipped forward. Landing on her feet in front of the horse as she blocked an incoming sword attack with her own. Gabrielle got down from Argo and the mare hurried away from the fighting until she was needed again. Gabrielle ducked out of the way of an incoming strike. She spun and swept out the legs of her attacker with her staff. As the woman layed on her back she sneered at Gabrielle. She clearly knew exactly who she was as she called Gabrielle a traitor to their people and mockingly asked if Gabrielle was going to kill her like she had killed Nevaea.
GABRIELLE
I didn't kill her!
The enemy Amazon ignored Gabrielle as she kicked Gabrielle back and sprung back to her feet. She lunged at Gabrielle, who quickly brought up the bottom of her staff into the woman's jaw and knocked her back.
GABRIELLE
I don't wanna fight any of you. Just stop.
The enemy Amazon just yelled as she thrust her spear up towards Gabrielle. Gabrielle was able to dodge and quickly followed up with a heavy swing of the end of her staff across the side of the enemy Amazon's head and knocked her unconscious.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Damn it. I don't think any of them are gonna listen to anything I say.
Xena yelled as she kicked back an enemy and swung her sword, cutting down another that was attacking her.
XENA
Stay close Gabrielle.
The two stood back to back as they fought off the opposing enemy forces. Spread out across the battlefield a number of their friends were fighting hard as well. Clover brought her battle axe down into an enemy as Skyla and Amarice took down their own opponents. Aways from their location Kai jumped down from a tree onto an enemy, taking the Amazon out. As an arrow flew by and just grazed her arm, leaving a cut. Kai was not amused and changed the archer with an angry yell. Meanwhile Ephiny blocked a strike with her sword and pushed her opponent way as she followed up with her own offensive attack. Iris and Fauna picked off the enemy from the back line with bows. As Valassca drove her own blade in an enemy. Even the council members Luna and Gianna were in the battle giving instructions where they thought they were needed. Everyone did their part as they fought off the opposing amazon army. As the fighting continued, an infuriated Alanis stood over looking the battle as Nova walked over to her.
NOVA
Gabrielle actually has more supporters than I would've thought.
ALANIS
Fools. All of them. They allow that title of queen to cloud their better judgment. Gabrielle will pay for what she's caused.
NOVA
Yes.
Nova walked away as Alanis stood there for a moment. While in the shadows a figure moved away from watching the two with an ominous laugh.
TO BE CONTINUED...