Chapter 6
"As I see it," the Countess said, her voice rising imperiously, "the crutch of the matter here is the 'crime' of theft. However, if I were to say that these poor wretches were merely testing the measure of my security, at my behest..."
"But that's clearly not the case." The headman said wearily.
"Who are you to make that determination? If I say they were acting as my agents none can gainsay me, correct?"
"Countess, if I can-"
"You dare to doubt my word?" She huffed, eyes flashing.
"No, no, of course not." The headman rebutted hastily. "It's just that-"
"'Just' nothing! I say that these three were under my specific orders to attempt to do what they did. As far as I'm concerned that settles the matter."
"I am sorry Countess. But it's just not that simple. Even if the charges of theft were to be, um, 'rescinded', there is still the matter of endangering the child. Even assuming this was but a 'security assessment', the use of a child in such things is unconscionable. As far as can be assessed, he has no parents, no one to watch after him. The bottom line is that this is a situation that can't be allowed to continue."
"What would you suggest?" The Countess was listening.
"I, that is the village, might be willing to overlook the, ah, shall we say 'unconventional' approach these three have taken to 'security methods'; providing the child be given over to a stable environment conducive to good citizenship."
"So basically, if we offload the kid we get to go free?" Autolycus piped up.
"Yes." The headman said, scowling.
"I think it only fair that they talk it over, since it does concern them."
Taking the cue, Xena gathered the others over for a conference.
"So, what do you say?" She asked the kid. "Either you go to a good family or the gallows." Harsh, but needed.
Hesitating, the boy looked from the headman, to Autolycus, and back; unsure as to what he wanted to do. Sensing his reluctance, Xena addressed the headman.
"What kind of family would he be put with?"
"There's an elderly couple at the edge of the village. Their own children are raised and gone, but they still have a lot of love to give. They'd be willing to take him in."
Xena looked at the kid. "What do you say? A short life of sleeping with one eye open or a long one with something to show for it?"
"Would I get my own bed?" The boy suddenly asked.
Hiding a smile, the headman replied, "Yeah, you'd get your own bed."
That, it seemed, clinched it. Making his goodbyes, the kid left for his new life. The headman was even gracious enough to escort him to his new home personally.
Alone in the room, Xena, Autolycus, and the Countess let out a collective sigh.
"I think I'm actually going to miss the little squirt." Autolycus said, leaning against the doorjamb.
"It's not too late you know. We can still go and get him if you want." Xena replied drolly.
"I'm not going to miss 'em that much."
Meanwhile, the 'Countess' had become antsy.
"That's great. Can I please get out of this getup now?" Without waiting for permission, she began taking off her extravagant headdress. Where moments before there had stood the Countess, now there was just Xena's erstwhile sidekick Gabrielle.
"Good job by the way." Xena said, casting a laconic eye over her traveling companion.
"Thanks." Gabrielle was finishing up removing the last traces of her disguise. "Whew. This feels a whole lot better."
"So, it worked." Autolycus mused. "I have to hand it to you Xena. I didn't think this little scheme of yours would pan out, but you pulled it off."
"We pulled it off. If it hadn't been for your skill with disguises, Gabrielle would never have been able to pass herself off as royalty."
"Hey!"
"When you're in my line of work certain skills come in handy." Autolycus said with false modesty. "But even so, if you hadn't known the village headman here and set the whole thing up, well..." He trailed off.
"Colcok was glad to help. That old couple gets to feel useful again. The kid gets a good home. And the village gets another hand to help out."
"And I get my life back." Autolycus enthused.
"It was a win-win situation all around." Xena finished.
"Speaking of rounds," Autolycus opened the door. "To celebrate my newfound independence, how about we visit the pub? First round's on me."
"Sounds good."
"Oh, don't mind me..." Gabrielle threw out sarcastically. Xena laughed.
"When you're finished putting yourself together, you can meet us inside." She paused. "Unless your royal highness would rather not be seen mingling with the common folk."
"Har, har."
Still laughing, Xena and Autolycus made their way to the pub for some well earned leisure.
The End.