Gabrielle watched from the crowd as Xena was taking away. Once she was out of sight, Gabrielle stood back up and left to try and find Xena. As she walked through the building she found a small holding cell that contained some of the slaves that had been sold off. Xena who was inside walked over to the bars as she saw Gabrielle coming over.
GABRIELLE
(Whisper) Xena we need to get you out of here.
XENA
(Whisper) I don't think that's a good idea.
GABRIELLE
(Whisper) I told you I didn't like this. And now someone actually bought you to do gods only know what to.
XENA
(Whisper) Look I know this isn't what we planned but I still think this is our best shot at stopping these guys.
GABRIELLE
(Whisper) You can't seriously still expect me to just stand by and let someone actually enslave you? Xena we'll find another way to help these people.
Xena was about to continue trying to convince Gabrielle that things weren't as bad as they seemed, when someone else entered the holding area. Gabrielle and Xena looked over and saw the man who had bought Xena heading their way. Gabrielle was about to walk up to him, but Xena covertly grabbed her wrist to stop her. Gabrielle already knew what Xena was going to say so she just stayed put. The man reached the cell as Xena let go of Gabrielle and stood looking at him with an intense look in her eyes. He briefly smirked at Xena as he looked at Gabrielle.
MAN
I can see you really wanted this one. Then again she did seem quite popular amung the crowd didn't she?
GABRIELLE
Perhaps we can strike a deal of some kind for her.
MAN
Sorry but I'm quite happy with what I've got. Now if you'll excuse me I have guest to entertain.
He looked Xena up and down and smiled.
MAN
I'll send someone to bring you to my quarters shortly.
He walked away leaving the area. Gabrielle looked back at Xena.
GABRIELLE
I really don't like the look he was giving you.
XENA
Don't worry about that I can handle myself.
GABRIELLE
I know. But still this whole thing...
XENA
Gabrielle let me ask you something.
Gabrielle waited for Xena to continue.
XENA
Do you trust me?
GABRIELLE
What kind of question is that? You know I trust you with my life.
XENA
Then don't worry everything will work out just fine. Plus I'm fairly certain that he's the one in charge around here. So actually me getting close to him might actually work in our favor.
GABRIELLE
Just make sure he doesn't get too close.
Xena smiled as she lightly squeezed Gabrielle's hand.
XENA
Okay you should go. Try looking around and see what you can find.
GABRIELLE
Okay. I'll find you later. Please just be careful Xena. I love you.
Gabrielle walked away, looking back at Xena just before she left. Some time later a couple guards came and got Xena. They brought her to the largest house in the area. They brought her to what was apparently the slave quarters, shoving her inside the large room as they shut and locked the door from behind them as they left. Xena looked around seeing a number of other people in the room with her. Clearly other slaves that this man owned. One of them was a timid looking woman who picked up some clothes from a bed as she walked up to Xena.
WOMAN
You should put this on before the master returns.
Xena took the clothes and looked at them. Though to be honest there really wasn't much there in the way of actual fabric. She rolled her eyes as she saw that ridiculously revealing outfit.
XENA
(Thinking to herself sarcastically) At this point why bother having me wear anything at all.
Xena walked behind a screen and changed her clothes. As she walked back out in her new revealing outfit the same woman who gave her the clothing handed her a robe to put on over it. After putting that on too Xena sat on one of the beds in the room.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) This guy really doesn't waste time dose he?
Not long after a couple guards arrived to fetch Xena. They escorted her to what was obviously the man's bedroom. Once inside they walked her to the middle of the room then went and stood by the door as one of them shut it. Xena stood silent as she heard the man who bought her coming in from a small room off the bedroom. He walked in and stood gawking at Xena's body.
?
Mmm such an exquisite woman.
He walked over to table and poured some wine into a cup and brought it over to Xena.
?
Here you are. This will help you relax a bit.
Xena took the cup looking at the liquid inside.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Yeah I'm sure it'll do more than that.
Xena brought the cup to her lips just enough to taste it and then covertly spit it back.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Just as I thought he definitely put something in this.
Xena pretended to drink until the man turned his back to do something. Then Xena quickly dumped the wine into the plant next to her before he turned back. Then she acted as if she had just finished drinking. Then man smiled as he took the cup and put it on a table. He took her hand and lead her over to his bed.
?
Now you just sit here for a little bit.
He pushed Xena's shoulders down forcing her to sit at the edge of the bed. He then stepped back a bit and looked at her.
?
So how bout telling me your name.
Xena told him some name she pulled out of thin air. Obviously not wanting to reveal her actual name in case he had heard of her.
XENA
Gabriella
She decided not to go with the literal first name she thought of which was actually Gabrielle for unsurprising reasons. So she opted changed it a bit instead of wasting too much time on something that would've seemed odd to not answer right away. The man smiled at her.
?
What a fittingly beautiful name for an even more beautiful woman.
Xena had to fight to not roll her eyes. The man took her hand and kissed it gently.
?
You may call me Master Tobias.
XENA
Yes Master.
Tobias swiftly grabbed a tight hand full of Xena's hair as raised her head to look at him. He spoke in a far more firm voice than he had been as he looked at Xena.
TOBIAS
I believe I said for you to call me Master Tobias. Or was I mistaken.
Xena pushed down her pride. Knowing that she was going to have to play along if she and Gabrielle wanted to take down this monsters empire.
XENA
No Master Tobias. Forgive me it won't happen again.
Tobias smirked as he roughly released her.
TOBIAS
Good be sure it doesn't.
Tobias reached for his belt as he began to undo his pants.
TOBIAS
Now why don't you lay down like a good girl and we can get started.
Just as he was about to reveal himself there was a knock at the door. He made an annoyed growl as he rebuttoned his pants and answered the door.
TOBIAS
What?! I'm busy.
GUARD
Apologies sir but there are some matters from today's auction that need your attention.
Tobias sighed as he began to walk out. Then he turned to the guard.
TOBIAS
Stay here and keep an eye on her until I get back.
The guard saluted showing that he would his obey orders and Tobias walked away. The guard idlely walked around the room a bit. Every so often glancing at Xena as she still sat silently on the bed. Xena saw a sinister smile come across his face as he walked over to the door and peaked out then shut it as he turned his attention back to Xena. She could tell from the look he was giving her that he clearly had the same intentions for her as Tobias.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Okay I'm not even playing along with this one.
A loud ruckus could be heard from down the hall. A number of guards a long with Tobias burst into his room. And what they saw took them all by surprise. Tobias smirked as he saw one of his guards on the ground with his face a bloody mess and Xena's foot on his throat as she stood over him.
TOBIAS
I knew that there was something special about you.
He motioned for Xena to back off which she did as he walked over to the guard.
TOBIAS
Stand.
The guard quickly got to his feet.
TOBIAS
Now what made you think it was okay to try and take something that belongs to me.
The guard stuttard not knowing what to say as he watched his boss walk over and pick up a dagger. Xena watched as the guard began to plead for his life. But it was clearly in veign with Tobias ruthlessly grabbed the man's hair and in one quick motion sliced his throat. Crimson flowed from the cut and his mouth as he gagged and chocked on his own blood. His eyes were wide with fear as his last moments were spent looking into the cold gaze of his employer. Tobias let go and the guard dropped to his knees and then fell face down on the floor as he died with blood beginning to pool under him. Tobias looked at the other guards.
TOBIAS
Remove this trash from my room and have someone come clean up the mess he made on my floor.
The guards did as he said as Tobias looked at Xena.
TOBIAS
Perhaps a change in plans is in order here. It would appear that there's more to you my Gabriella than meets the eye.
Xena could see the man was now thinking about something other than his original plan for her.
TOBIAS
Yes I'll leave you be tonight. I want you fresh for tomorrow. I believe I may have found another more lucrative use for you. But I'll have to see exactly what you can do.
Tobias called a guard to escort Xena to her own private room for the night and warned that If anyone tried anything he would personally see to their punishment. And with that Xena was brought to a fairly nice room and locked in for the rest of the night. Xena layed on the bed as she breathe a sigh of exhaustion. But unable to sleep she got up and went to the window. She looked out at the compound as she thought about how much these people needed to be gotten rid of. As she looked out she saw someone walk into view. She let out a quick whistle to get their attention. Xena smiled as she saw Gabrielle look up and smile back at her. Xena motioned for her to stay there for a moment as she quickly grabbed a piece of paper and wrote her a little note. Just letting Gabrielle know that she was okay. She decided not to tell her about what Tobias and that guard tried. Figuring she was completely fine and that nothing actually happened, Xena didn't want to worry Gabrielle more than she already was. Xena finished and dropped the note out the window to her. Gabrielle read the note and smiled up at Xena as she shook her head in mock disapproval when she saw the fake name Xena had chosen to go by knowing exactly why she would pick that name. Knowing she couldn't stay, Gabrielle waved a little so no one would see and walk away. Xena stayed by the window watching Gabrielle until she left her sight. Then feeling a lot more at ease after seeing Gabrielle, Xena went to bed. Meanwhile Gabrielle walked back to her temporary house that she was staying in while she was there.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Gabriella. Good one Xena. Good one.
Morning came and Xena was brought to a room that was where the slavers kept their weapons. Tobias was waiting for her with a sword on his waist. He smirked as Xena was brought in with a couple of guards.
TOBIAS
Good morning Gabriella. I'm sure you're wondering what we're doing here today.
XENA
Yes Master Tobias I am.
TOBIAS
Well based off what I saw from you last night, I believe I may have found a more fitting use for you here.
Tobias drew his sword and flipped in in his hand so he carefully held the bladed side. He held the sword out for Xena to take.
TOBIAS
Don't go trying anything foolish now. My guards will kill you before you even know what happened.
Xena could've taken him out right there but with so many innocent people being held there she knew that staring trouble this soon would only result in more casualties than she wanted. Which if she could help it would be none except for the slavers themselves. So she simply took the sword and waited to see where this was going.
TOBIAS
Now you are going to have a little fight against a few of my guards. One at a time of course. And based off your preference I will determine if I want to put you in my battle arena. You see a woman fighter such as yourself is sure to draw quite a bit of attention. And for me more attention means more profit. So how bout we make a deal. Should you impress me today. I will give you the opportunity to fight for me in my arena. And let's just say that if you manage to do well enough and survive your time as one of my fighters, you will receive a prize that certainly any slave would covet.
XENA
And what may I ask would that be Master Tobias?
TOBIAS
Simple my dear Gabriella. Your freedom.
TO BE CONTINUED...