Disclaimers: See Chapter 1

Additional Note (Please read): This story is tied in with, Xena & Gabrielle: A Turn of Fate. Enjoy!

The Conqueror & Ri

A Twist of Destiny

By Ahkiken

Chapter 4: Derivation

"Awe, yes. That was delicious." Meleager let loose a sigh, relaxing on the divan.

Also finishing the rest of her breakfast, the Conqueror had to agree. "Very well seasoned, too. I have to let Minya know she has outdone herself."

"I don't think I'll ever move from this spot here on your sofa, my Liege."

"Oh, you'll be moving." The Conqueror replied, cleaning her hands on a napkin. "You have the Agora to run."

Meleager sat up. "Okay, okay. How about making a deal?"

"I'm listening."

The Chancellor was happy to get a foot in the door for negotiations with his bored-looking Conqueror. "If you succor an older gentleman, who's traveled long and far, by adjudging the Agora today, I swear on the hammer of Vulcan, I'll have the Corinthian blacksmith craft out new horseshoes for Shadow."

She thought nothing of Meleager's terrible offer, but the Conqueror did think about going for a ride on the enormous, black steed once the evening god, Vesper, caused Helios to decline a bit.

Shadow had been with the Conqueror since her conquest of Athens after she lost her original warhorse, Nightmare, who was mortally injured during the Battle for Corinth. He was somewhat smaller than his predecessor, howbeit much more agile.

"Age has made you a horrible dealmaker. I'd anticipated on hearing that you would at least take care of the Agora cases for several days, if not a fortnight or a moon. I can always have the blacksmith mend iron for Shadow's hooves whenever I choose, Old man." The Conqueror pointed out.

"No wonder you predicated this was the beginning of punishment. I'll never give up another vacation again." Meleager lamented. "Fine. Six days."

"Deal." The dark and silver-haired Ruler accepted.

Joining hands in concurrence, the Conqueror got up off her sable couch.

"Leaving now?"

"The Realm never sleeps. Unlike you, I have to work." She ribbed. "Not only do I have to attend the Agora, but I also have to keep the confabulation with Brutus' Envoys."

Meleager arose to his feet as well. "Do you want me to accompany you during the conference?"

"That won't be necessary." The Conqueror embraced her Chancellor. "You go get some sleep. Meet back with me here prior to nightfall."

"Yes, Conqueror." Meleager looked at the mess that was on the table and it beckoned him to think of a little strawberry-blonde he favored as a niece. "Will Ri be along to put everything neatly in order?"

Not wanting to get into a subject that would consume more of her morning, the Lord of the Realm lied, "I gave Ri a few days off so she could work on her studies."

"Well, if you see her 'fore I do, tell her I said hello." Meleager responded.

The Conqueror inclined her head in acceptance of the request, and the Chancellor of the Realm smiled, taking his leave. The forty-three-year-old, blue-eyed beauty traipsed inside the bedchamber to add to her apparel. Deciding not to wear any chain mail, she buckled the greyish armor over her silver-colored tunic. Even though she no longer went by the moniker: Lion of Amphipolis, she still loved the design of the lion's claws that decorated the epaulets. Next, she fastened two chrome bracers on muscular upper arms and a couple of gauntlets on her wrists.

Strapping the double-sheathes around her waist, she filled one of them with a decorative broadsword and the second with her newly upgraded Lion blade, albeit she'd stopped from doing so to admire it. The sword was reforged from the platinum orbs that were being mined in Laconia. The Conqueror stared at the gold lion-headed hilt of the weaponry that had rubies to resemble its eyes. Notwithstanding that the blade was changed from its high-grade steel to a stronger, durable silvery-white metal, the lion's handle remained original since the day the people of Amphipolis had asked the smithy, Camus, to create it.

When she'd received it, the Conqueror was eighteen winters. She wouldn't ever forget holding the sword vertically, pointing to the heavens of Mount Olympus whilst the whole crowd cheered her name repeatedly.

['Xena, Lion of Amphipolis!']

'And they all had doubted me becoming a decent swordswoman, including my mother.' The Conqueror smirked, remembering the day she first used a blade, altering her life forever.

["Mother! Toris is playing with swords!" I shout, watching my older brother practice with the weapon alongside the other boys of the village.

They are being taught by an older man with brown hair. I want to learn, but my mother forbids it, which was grudgingly fine when me and Toris couldn't pick up a sword after she caught us eyeing our father's. We didn't even get a chance to swing it. She would needlessly go on saying that individuals with swords became a target. I can only humph at whatever that means. I guess it has a lot to do with our father.

He was a warrior, too, until one day, four summers past, he left to partake in a neighboring village's problem with bandits, and never returned home. I surmise she fear that will happen to us, whereas that's probably a load of crap, because I'm seeing my elder brother with a sword in his hand right now.

"Mother!"

"Xena, what are you on about?" My mother finally answers.

"Look." I gesture out the tiny kitchen window.

"Yes. A traveler is teaching them how to defend themselves." She replies flippantly. "His name is Meleager."

"Toris is among them."

"I know."

I'm confused.

"But you told us we couldn't." I whine.

I hate it when I do that, withal this is highly iniquitous.

"Sweetheart, come sit here." She brings me to the chair in the living room and begins proclaiming, "Xena, Toris is a grown boy now and that makes him an adult."

Toris is a man? A grown-up?

Whatever.

"He's free to make his own choices and, although I am against it, he chose to become a swordsman. To fight if need be."

"I want to, too."

"That's not happening, Xena." She rejects quickly. "All you do is read scrolls, ponder over maps of Terra... By the gods, you rather play with weapons instead of dolls. Why don't you focus on other things that fourteen-year-olds do? I hear that nice boy, Petracles, likes you. I'm sure you'll become fond of him as well if-"

"No!" Interrupting her can cause me a spanking, but I don't care as I protest, "I don't want a boyfriend!"

"Xena of Amphipolis, you calm that tone down with me." My mother rebukes. "You may not want a companion now, nonetheless, in the long run, you will."

"No, I won't. I'll never want one." I announce proudly.

My mother looks apprehensive. "Surely you don't want a female for a lover."

What? Is that even possible?

"No. I want neither a boyfriend or a girlfriend, nor any kind of lover." My mother's face resumes her normal appearance until I state, "I want a sword."

"I had enough, Xena. You will stay in this home and clean the dishes. When I come back from the market, everything better be cleaned or your butt is going to be in such a world of pain, you'll be begging for Pluto to come take you. Do you hear me?"

"Yes." I obey.

"Now get to it." She tells me in advance of going out the door.

Left with no alternative options, I sulk and watch her speak to my sibling, then to the old guy named Meleague, or something like that...

I don't remember his appellation.

Therefore, relaying what she needed to him, mother starts strolling to the marketplace. While soaking the plates and ceramic cups, I sullenly glare at Toris wielding his weapon clumsily.

"What an idiot." I scoff.

I love him dearly, but it should be me out there. If not with him, at least taking his place. My smoldering gander leave my inapt brother to gaze at the other trainees, realizing most of them are around my age.

"Unfair!" I yell, accidentally dropping and breaking one of the drinking vessels.

Mother is going to tan my hide browner than what it already is. Regardless, I decide to leave it there on the floor because I'm too pissed off to care. Almost done my chore, I espy Toris setting his blade down on the ground and come inside.

"Hey, Xena, I'm parched, can you... What did you do?" He asks me, looking downward at the cup I broke. "Mother's gonna whip you for sure."

"It was a mistake." I pout.

I hate it when I do that.

"You better get it up. Mother is gonna return soon."

"I'll get it up when I'm ready." I inform him, retorting, "Aren't you gonna pick your sword up off the ground? Better yet, you should leave it there; the titan Terra keeps it more steady than your own hands."

I laugh as I'm running cold liquid into a rinsed vessel for him.

Toris gets dejected, but to my dismay, he peps up. "You're merely jealous of me, Xena. I get to use a sword whilst you gape and fantasize."

Quicker than the fastest god, I splash him with the full cup of water. "Drink that, you jerk."

"Urgh! You stupid girl. Now I'll have to change. You best believe I'm telling mother." He threatens, ascending the stairs.

"So what!" I scream.

I'm in for it now. I've not singularly broke one of our cups, but I know Toris is going to act like I doused him before he started taunting me, and the floor's wet also. I'm getting a whipping for sure and mother won't ever let me near a blade. Why can't I use a sword as well? It's not fair!

This isn't how it is supposed to be.

Minerva apprised me when I was just six winters that I'm destined for more than greatness. That I would unite kingdoms. Build an empire. Nevertheless, it's all a little vague now, and perhaps I'm mistaken. No way the goddess of war and wisdom visited me.

Maybe it was purely a whimsical dream brought on by a foolish girl.

I glance outside again, noticing all the other pupils has relinquished their swords to wander off. The old man is alone. For how long, I don't know, but something in the back of my brain is screaming at me to take this opportunity before I lose it.

Letting the plate fall into the soapy water, I hesitate opening the door. I'll be in trouble if mother catches me, but recalling the wrongs I've already done, I will live for the moment. I am going to get it anyway when she comes back. How much worse can it be?

I run out the door, calling the guy who's teaching the younger males of the village, "Old man!"

He looks around and points to himself.

I nod my head. "Yea, you."

"Hey, little girl, I'm not an old man." He disputes.

I traipse in front of him and note that he's just a few inches taller than me. "I'm not a little girl. I am a young lady."

"Of course you are." He grins. "How old are you, young lady?"

"Younger than you are." I elude answering.

"Well, you are tall. I mean really tall."

I sense he is teasing me like the other villagers do.

"Don't make fun of me." I cry.

I hate it when I do that.

"I'm not. You're unique. I haven't ever met a girl as statuesque as you are." The older man clarifies.

"Me either. Nor has anyone else in Amphipolis. I... I get mocked a lot." I confess.

"People can be ignorant and simply make fun of others because of their own misunderstandings."

"Thanks for that." Immediately I am comfortable with him. "That makes me feel better knowing half the town's benighted."

"You are welcome." He smiles, sipping his drink.

I need to hurry. It's solely a matter of Cronus before my mother returns.

"May I use one of your swords?" I inquire nicely, straight to the point.

I must work on my diplomacy in the future.

"Um, I'm not positive that's a good-"

"Please." I plead.

His expression shows cogitation. "No, no. I'm sorry."

"Is it because I'm a girl?"

He sobers up. "What impels you to presume that?"

"There's no other females out here with you. Only my brother and numerous males." I justify my question.

"I'm not a sexist, if that's what you mean. Most girls don't like to learn about weaponry. They prefer toys and boys over a sword. You are one of a kind." Professing that, he begins to look thoughtful. "You're Toris' sister and Cyrene's daughter, Xani."

"It's Xena, Old man." I correct him.

"My apologies, Xena. I still can't. Your mother made it crystal clear I'm to train your brother and, 'to not let her fourteen-year-old daughter anywhere near these swords'."

I knew mother would cover all her bases when she'd spoken to him. I turn around crestfallen, choosing to try one more card.

The guilt trip.

In my saddest tone I could muster, I confide my biggest secret, "When I was six... I don't know, perchance it was a dream. Goddess Minerva came to me. She averred I was going to do incredible things in this life. That I would unite kingdoms during my quest of building an empire, while seeing wonders; not all good nor all bad."

Somehow I'm able to recollect Minerva's visit more clearly, and my voice loses the sad play-acting as I go on.

"The goddess told me most mortals will see me as a savior. Others will fear me and try to destroy my life. I'll be faced with obstruction, making it my goal to persevere. I will be met with heartache, but I'll find happiness as well; for pain and joy goes hand-in-hand." Spinning to descry him, I finish, "She ordained that my greatest weapon wouldn't be a sword, although I will have amazing expertise utilizing it, along with other innumerable weaponry. Instead, my heart and soul, together, will be the strongest weapon I'll ever wield. I'm fated to become mightier than anything formed from derivation."

With my monologue over, and feeling emotionally spent, I take a couple of steps towards my home, no longer caring.

"Hey, young lady."

A hand is laid on my shoulder. Turning my head, I see the old man.

"You had me going for a moment there, but your words caught me off guard. There's no way a teen of fourteen, whom doesn't fully know the world yet, could speak such truths concerning pain, joy, and most of all, life... I believe you were touched by the gods." He elucidates.

I am astounded. "You do?"

"It was the last part you revealed that coaxed me to accept your admission to be veracious. If you just wanted to get your hands on a sword, which I know you do, you wouldn't have thrown the part in about your heart and soul being your mightiest weapons." He asserts. "Come on. Let me show you some things whilst my other students are taking a break."

My dream is coming true.

I enthusiastically stroll beside him, marveling at the sight of so many swords. Although I'm thoroughly excited, my examination surpasses it as I mentally sort out the best steel amid the myriad dull, chipped ones. Spotting a suitable blade, I begin lifting it, and deduce how heavy it is.

No wonder Toris was having trouble.

"Get used to the weight first. Once you do, we shall start. I won't be able to teach you much today, but I promise to complete your training." My new teacher swears, picking his up, too. "Please, don't hurt yourself."

Smirking at him, I push myself to bear the heaviness. Soon enough, not disregarding my teacher's continuous coaching, the older man and I are swinging our blades almost at the same instant. I'm a bit behind, but I'm getting the hang of it while I follow his three-step instructions of thrust, block, and swing.

"When in battle against your opponent, make sure your confidence is higher than theirs."

Trying not to puff air, I brag, "Oh, I'll have no problem there."

"Don't be a braggart, young lady." He reprimands me. "Know that within yourself you are a stronger force to be reckoned with, but never tease or underestimate your challenger. Let them do that. The mind of a true warrior stays focused at all moments."

I retain what he says to heart and redouble my efforts.

A quarter of a candle-mark later, I am sweating and panting. Still, my hands are steady as I follow along with my mentor in perfect sync now.

"Hey, you're doing pretty good. A lot better than all my students, including your brother." My teacher acknowledges.

I bloom with pride, staying on task. The older man moves swiftly to my rear.

Back-to-back, he conveys, "In battle with allies, be attentive for their wellbeing, but don't be overtly aware of them."

"What? I don't get that one." I admit, remaining doing the three tedious steps.

He chuckles. "Be mindful of your comrades, however, keep your instincts on the fight. Have faith that your companions can handle themselves while watching out for them also."

"You mean... Remain connected to the battle and be conscious of everyone; my allies and enemies." I reply.

"Exactly. You're a bright young lady. Always remember, Xena, keep your friends close and your enemies far away from you."

"That sounds like the opposite of what you have just told me." I huff.

He affirms, "You'll get it when you are older. Let's take a break now."

I am relieved when he announces that. Holding onto the borrowed sword, I sit down on the ground, looking up at the old man drinking from his cup. Glancing in my direction, he renders it to me. I grasp it and curiously sniff the clear liquid.

"It's only water. I left the hard stuff alone when I was in my late teens."

"That must have been a long Cronus ago." I jest.

He sits down as well. "I'm twenty-seven. That hardly qualifies me as being old."

"Says the old man."

We both smile and laugh.

Afterwards, I start to drink the proffered water as my mentor proclaims, "If you are serious apropos to fulfilling your vision, Xena, in a real skirmish, know that one thing is real, and it's not fear. Fear's a choice. Danger is real, though. The danger of dying, but don't ever fear it, 'cause once you do, it's over. Your life will automatically be forfeited by it. Don't forget that."

Another lesson I'll keep in my cerebration. Thereon, all too soon, the older man's students has come back, and are staring at me.

One of 'em queries, "What's she doing here? Girls can't use swords."

It is the village idiot, Elius, compelling the others to laugh at me. I hate being laughed at!

I'll show him.

My clutch tightens around the handle of the blade as my teacher tells them, "You all may chortle and joke if you want, but she'll put all of you to shame."

He gives me a distinctive mien and I interpret it to be a signal to show off. Getting to my feet, I give the blade in my hand several twirls, observing the males as they gawk in awe. I can't believe I did it right without breaking my wrist or mishandling the sword.

Minerva must be blessing me.

I cease the twirls and prove I can take the mass of the weapon by thrusting it skyward. Holding it for what I feel is a plethoric amount of moments, I end my display with a downwards strike onto the ground and make a defensive pose. I feel like a warrior, until I peek at my mentor.

His visage is mystified, and he's shaking his head. By the goddess Clementia, I've already failed one of the warrior's rules by boasting my skills. Out of nowhere, my arm is seized and I'm descrying the most angriest blue irises.

"Mother." I gasp, releasing the sword.

"Don't 'mother' me. I've seen you already. I was standing here throughout the whole show you put on." She responds with rage.

I'm a simpleton.

I was terribly mistaken. The old man wasn't giving me a signal to broadcast my skillfulness, he was trying to warn me.

"What is this I hear about you breaking dishes and throwing water on Toris? You know he ran to get me, apprising me of everything. Good thing I met him halfway back from the market to see you holding that sword in your hand with my own eyes. So you can't deny it." She ripostes with my smug sibling standing beside her.

That's why Toris hadn't traversed out of our home to resume his practice. It doesn't take long to change clothes. Big pig went and squealed on me.

"And you, Meleager..." My mother turns her irate attentions on him. "I'd informed you to not let my daughter become a part of your training group, and to keep her away from your weapons, but you let her do it anyway. What were you thinking?"

"Forgive me, Cyrene, but your daughter has been touched by-"

"Greatness." I cut him off mid-sentence. "I'm really great."

I give him a look, imparting that what I've divulged earlier is our secret, hoping he don't misinterpret me the way I did him.

Unlike me, he understands, following up, "She's really, really great."

"It doesn't make a difference. She's never touching anything again. Come on, Xena. In the house, you go." She drags me along, and the gathering students snicker at me until our mentor hushes them into silence.

Our mentor.

I'm about to get the beating that no young life should endure, but somehow I manage to smile...

I have a mentor!

Whilst my mother pulls me farther away, I cheer, "Thank you!"

"You're welcome, young lady! And the name's Meleager!" He shouts.

Preceding my mother slamming the door, I blare, "Okay, Old man!"]

The young fourteen-winters-old female would go from being a misunderstood, backwards girl, to an unimaginable warrior who the entire town village relied on and revered enough to call the Lion of Amphipolis. The Conqueror withdrew herself from the reverie, because she didn't deserve that title anymore. Failing her hometown, she became a monster in pursuit of vengeance.

Sheathing the Lion blade, the Conqueror grasped another weapon she'd considered herself unworthy of; the chakram that was created from an unknown alloy of silver and gold with nine emeralds embedded in a circular fashion around the edges. Amongst the many gifts she was bestowed, the razor disc, and the devotion to meditation from using the Sacred Book of Life to boost her already immense prowess, were the two she'd forever cherish from her Asian lover, Lao 'Ma.

The Lord of the Realm placed a gentle kiss on the chakram in advance of clipping it on her right hip alongside the Lion blade. Thereafter, a knock came from the outside of her Chambermaid's door.

"Enter." The Conqueror gave the command.

Akemi opened the door and walked through. Her nightly attire was altered into a smooth, grey chiton that had a single strap crossing over one exotic shoulder. The chiton's length stopped below Akemi's knees, and black sandals adorned her feet. She also wore a Grecian hairstyle; the dark tresses were divided by two braids formed from both sides of her head to unite in the back, and held in place by an ebony clasp that was shaped like a grasshopper.

"I have finished my meal. I've come to fulfill the remainder of my tasks, my Lord."

The Conqueror pronounced an idea for her Chambermaid and the Agora, "You can recommence those later. I need for you to bring me the Prince of the Realm."

"As you wish, Lord Conqueror." Akemi bowed, prior to exiting the bedchamber.

To Be Continued...