Gabrielle groaned as she began to regain consciousness. Her head throbbing from being hit from behind earlier. She knew she must've been out for a while based on the position of the sun outside the window of the building she was in. Now it was late in the day and the sun would be setting in a few hours. She shook off her groggyness as she heard a voice that reminded her what happened before she had been incompassitated.
VALASSCA
About time you woke up.
Gabrielle sat up slowly as realized her hands and feet were in chains as she looked at Valassca sitting in a chair.
GABRIELLE
Where are we?
VALASSCA
An old building ao the edge of the village. No one comes here anymore so I wouldn't bother trying to yell for help.
GABRIELLE
Why are you doing this Valassca? I thought we were friends.
Valassca scowled.
VALASSCA
You really are a fool Gabrielle. I've never liked you. I simply tolerated you because I had to.
Gabrielle was quiet for a moment as she gathered her thoughts. Then she came to a very unsettling realization.
GABRIELLE
So you're the one who's been trying to kill me aren't you?
VALASSCA
Not directly but yes. I've had a handful of others helping me.
Valassca pulled out a dagger and began idly fiddllng with it.
VALASSCA
But thanks to Xena, you proved far more difficult to get rid of than I originally thought. So I finally decided to take matters into my own hands. After all as that saying goes, if you want something done right you have to do it yourself.
Gabrielle scowled, unintimidated by valasca.
GABRIELLE
Then why didn't you do it already? I was unconscious for hours, you had plenty of time and opportunity to kill me during that time.
VALASSCA
Simple I wanted you awake and aware of my victory over you.
GABRIELLE
Your victory?
Then Gabrielle remembered what she had heard Valassca saying before she passed out.
GABRIELLE
Wait a minute I remember you saying something about taking back what I stole from you. What did you mean? I've never taken anything from you.
VALASSCA
Oh but you have.
Valassca stood up and walked towards Gabrielle. She stopped and crouched down in front of her as she placed the dagger under Gabrielle's chin lifting her face to look at her. As Gabrielle looked into Valassca's eyes, she saw nothing but anger and hatred.
VALASSCA
(Angry tone) You stole something that should be rightfully mine.
GABRIELLE
I swear I don't know what you're talking about.
Valassca sneered as she backhanded Gabrielle across the face.
VALASSCA
Then allow me to refresh your memory.
Gabrielle shook off the hit and watched Valassca as the Amazon stood up and she walked around the small room as she continued to speak.
VALASSCA
If you recall Melosa was queen before you.
GABRIELLE
I remember.
VALASSCA
Well if you follow the proper lines of succession after her, Valassca's daughter was next in line. But once she died it should have meant that it was my right to inherent the role as queen. That is until Melosa's foolish offspring gave you her right of caste before she died. It put you, an unexperienced, non blood born Amazon right in line for the throne. So after Melosa was killed, you automatically took her place as queen.
GABRIELLE
Instead of you.
VALASSCA
(Angry tone) It should've been mine!
Valassca angerly struck Gabrielle hard across the face again. Gabrielle scowled at Valassca.
GABRIELLE
(Angry tone) So that's what this whole things been about?
VALASSCA
(Angry tone) You're damn right that's what it's about. You took what should rightfully belong to me.
Valassca stepped back as she began to think of what to do next.
GABRIELLE
It's not like I asked for any of this you know.
VALASSCA
No but you were more than happy to accept the role.
Gabrielle could see Valassca seeming to become even madder by the second as the vengeful Amazon stood there glaring at her.
VALASSCA
And if that wasn't bad enough, you're almost never even around. And did you think to leave me, the person best qualified for the position, and who should be queen in charge while you're gone? No! Instead you pick Ephiny. Someone who doesn't even want the role. So while you're busy being Xena's little sidekick, Ephiny's ruling as queen and I get nothing. But all that ends today.
GABRIELLE
Do you really think that Xena and the others won't notice that I'm missing? Especially after all of your failed attempts to assassinate me.
VALASSCA
Oh I'm not too worried about Xena. Kai should be dealing with her as we speak.
GABRIELLE
(Angry tone) So Xena is in trouble, but it's because of you.
VALASSCA
I needed her out of the way.
GABRIELLE
(Angry tone) Why would Kai help you?
VALASSCA
I guess like so many others she doesn't like Xena. I think she found out what an evil person Xena was and wants revenge for the despicable actions Xena committed against the Amazon's in the past.
Gabrielle tried to stand and run but the shackles around her ankles caused her to trip and fall to the floor. Valassca smirked.
VALASSCA
Do you really think you'll be able to get anywhere like that? You're as foolish as ever Gabrielle.
Gabrielle sat there as the situation fully sunk in. Valassca, someone Gabrielle thought was her friend was actually a mad woman driven by a lust for power to the point of pretending to be an ally until Valassca got the opportunity to kill her. And not only was Gabrielle's life in danger, but Xena's as well. Gabrielle tried to think of a way out of her predicament. But with herself being tied up, Xena apparently being held of by Kai and no one knowing where they were. Gabrielle's future did not look good.
SKYLA
Huh I wonder where they all went.
CLOVER
I know it's odd that we haven't seen them in hours.
SKYLA
(Joking tone) Well you know how Xena and Gabrielle are. I bet they went off for a little lovin'.
CLOVER
Normally I'd assume that, but I haven't seen Kai in awhile either.
Skyla thought for a moment.
SKYLA
Huh now that you mention it you're right. I don't think I've seen Valassca around either.
Skyla looked at Clover with a worried expression on her face.
SKYLA
You don't think they're in some kind of trouble do you?
CLOVER
Normally I wouldn't but with the fact that trouble seems to follow Xena and Gabrielle around. Plus with the mysterious attacks on Gabrielle,...
SKYLA
They all might've been attacked by whoever's behind it.
CLOVER
That's my thought.
SKYLA
We better get the others and start looking for them.
CLOVER
Only Iris and Fauna. We don't know if anyone else might be behind their disappearances.
SKYLA
What about Ephiny and Amarice? I know we don't know them as well, but they are Xena, Gabrielle and Valassca's friends. I'm sure we can trust them.
CLOVER
If you think so, fine we'll round them up too. Let's go, I don't know why but I have a bad feeling that we have better hurry.
SKYLA
Good it's not just me then. I just hope they're all okay.
Skyla and Clover hurried off to gather the others and begin their search for Xena, Gabrielle, Kai and Valassca. Completely unaware that Valassca and Kai were not only behind Xena and Gabrielle going missing. But the ones who have set in motion the plot to kill Gabrielle.
TO BE CONTINUED...