Disclaimers: See Chapter 1
Additional Note (Please Read): This tale is a companion with, Xena & Gabrielle: A Turn of Fate. If you haven't read both story's chapters preceding this one, you should do so now. Thanks to are my readers, especially my Beta whom is simply awesome. Enjoy! ;-)
The Conqueror & Ri,
A Twist of Destiny,
By, Ahkiken
Chapter 26: Isolation
Storming the halls of the castle, Meleager was in deep consternation over Master Eramus' possible lack of teaching methods for Ri. Unable to speak with the old tutor yesterday, because of the pressing missive from the united Amazons and the forewarning to his Generals, he decided to head for Eramus' study before the War Room confabulation. His ire was already provoked by the surprise scroll he'd received from the warrior women, and Meleager prayed he wouldn't channel it onto the man whose door he was standing in front of as he knocked lightly on it.
"Enter." Seeing whom it was that walked in, Eramus had high spirits. "Morning, Chancellor."
"Good morning to you also." He greeted.
The silence that followed made Eramus speculate Meleager's unexpected visit. "Has Ri finally come to her senses to yield an apologetic statement, orally and written?"
"No. She remains contemptuous."
Eramus sighed. "Pity. I was hoping Ri would see the error of her ways and correct it."
"Tell me, Master Eramus." Meleager declared. "Other than what happened six days ago, corresponding with Ri's despicable behavior, has she displayed any signs that your lessons were wasted on her?"
"Well, as I said, ever since our Lord went on progress in the beginning of this moon, Ri started to show rejection to my teachings." Eramus explained. "She'd challenge me after allowing her to express her opinions whenever I disagreed with her and provided constructive criticism."
"I recall you telling me that." Meleager conceded. "I agree that Ri's disposition has altered with the Conqueror's absence, but you haven't answered my question. Has Ri showed any signs that your efforts were wasted?"
Eramus began feeling like he was being interrogated by the Regent of the Realm. He'd informed Meleager that Ri was blatantly disobedient. What more did he have to elaborate?
"She exhibited spectacular prospects. I had-"
"Stop this dilly-dally." Meleager interjected.
Eramus was becoming baffled. "Chancellor, I don't understand what that would have to do with the facts of Ri's bellicose attitude."
"I'm not proud of her for arguing with you." Meleager moved closer to him. "However, I have been given a contentious account that benefits Ri's outburst."
"It's alright for her to arrive late and fall asleep during an important test, Chancellor?" Eramus inquired.
"No." He professed, countering, "Is it okay for a teacher to dismiss evaluating his prized pupil?"
"I have always appraised Ri on her performances in my class."
"How about in public?" Meleager asked.
Eramus began to sweat. "I had no need to do that. Ri still has a long way to go before she can claim the title of being a bard."
Meleager became irate. "You haven't seen Ri perform in the Audience Room, nor any other place in front of a crowd?"
"No." The response was simple.
With everything that had occurred in May's moon alone, the Chancellor's mood was highly unstable lately. The Conqueror's prolonged mission, his niece's deliberate insolence towards certain matters, Cicero's impending doom unless he was aided, and the Amazons' request for an open invitation to the Tribute ceremony, all swelled within his mind, causing him to be irascible. Meleager rarely condoned violence, but he wanted to thump Eramus.
"You have never viewed Ri presenting her stories for the denizens of the castle, yet you don't comprehend why she doesn't accept your so-called great tutelage! I should have you hung for giving me incomplete intel on Ri's studies! If I was her, I'd vituperate you as well!"
Master Eramus feared for his life. He strived to keep Ri in Corinth because of the money he was paid for tutoring her, plus he had grown fond of the storyteller and her congenital abilities. He didn't want to die for a surplus amount of dinars, or a prodigy he could proclaim he'd groomed.
"Forgive me, Chancellor." He begged. "I only have the upmost-"
"Idiot!" Meleager ignored him. "At this moment, you will write Ri a formal apology for the consumption of her Cronus with repetitive teachings and disregarding her aspirations. May the mercy god, Eleos, bestow some of his grace on us and allow Ri to pardon our misgivings."
"Yes, Chancellor." Eramus scrambled to start on it by gathering parchment and an inkwell.
Meleager was gravely disheartened. He caused Ri to be isolated in her chamber alone for nearly a half fortnight. He hoped to reconcile with her after mending Ri's current situation.
{C&R}
It was midday when Ri, who submerged herself entirely in her tub, broke the surface of water. Catching her breath with sporadic gasps of air, the petite woman peered at the clear liquid as it traveled down the ample breast that Tessa's mouth had probed. Ri hastily evaporated the memory, wiping the excess droplets from her eyes and face.
She was disappointed at herself for letting her sexual inhibition squander, so she could be subjected to the Lieutenant's lustful expertise while unraveling her own. The sensations were incredible and Ri wanted to surrender to the brunette who sucked her nipple, with the addition of stroking the apex between her thighs. The strawberry blonde didn't want to cease their activities and wouldn't have if not for remembering the Conqueror.
'It was easy for me to give myself to Tessa.' Ri sulked. 'Perhaps in Xena's world, I'll give into her too.'
The Conqueror was the first person Ri knew for sure she'd loved intimately. But if that was veracious, how could she willingly let Tessa kiss and touch her erotically? Why would she give provocation further by removing the strap of her shift to have more contact with Tessa's hand? When her mouth suckled the freed breast, Ri's hands acted on their own accordance, cradling the Lieutenant's head, enjoying the wet tongue caressing her.
Ri found herself ruminating on the events of last night again. Shutting her orbs, she tried to disassociate the memories from her mind, yet they lingered. The Lord of the Realm is who Ri desired to be with and felt welded to Tessa in friendship, nothing else. However, she'd be fabricating if she stated that she wasn't attracted to her. By declaring she was in love with her, Tessa opened Ri up to not only the chance of being loved, but the opportunity to enact on it also. Ri wouldn't delude her conscience, though. She wasn't in love with Tessa and wondered if the warrior of the Fifth Army truly loved her.
Ri's curiosity beseeched her to find out, but she dreaded to see Tessa now. What if Prince Lyceus and Chancellor Meleager's reservations, concerning Tessa wanting to bed her, were correct? What if it wasn't and Ri waived the Conqueror's love just to be engulfed by Tessa's prurient embrace?
'My Lord is where my heart lies.' Ri mused, exiting the tub. 'I'm affected by Venus' dark power of lust.'
Neglecting the sensual throbbing between her legs, Ri dried her hair and body before adorning another clean shift. Knowing she would be spending the whole day in her room once more, Ri picked up the leftover nut bread, took a few bites, and sat at her vanity table getting ready to comb her long damp tresses. A tap resounded on the chamber door.
Ri assumed it was her noon meal. "Come in."
"Afternoon, Lady Ri." Enya affirmed, walking into the room, along with three other women.
Greenish blue irises widened at seeing the sight of the castle's seamstress. "Enya, what are you doing here?"
"I'm to take measurements for your new wardrobe." The slightly older female disclosed. "Your trip to Athens demands it."
Ri had to clarify. "My travel to Athens has been postponed until a later date. Have you not been told?"
"Nonsense." Enya retorted. "Now stand up, please. We have to be quick, as Cronus is against us. You depart for the city of gold tomorrow."
"What?" Ri was shocked whilst Enya gently coaxed her out the chair. "There must be a mistake. Didn't the sentry in front of my chamber tell you that I'm to remain in Corinth?"
The women began looking at each other, puzzled by Ri's continuous bizarre questions.
Enya tittered. "Eh, what sentry? There is no one guarding your chamber, Lady Ri. The Chancellor apprised me to come to you immediately in order to have your clothes ready for departure. Shall we begin?"
"Today? The Chancellor sent you, today?" Ri queried dubiously.
"Yes. A tad off schedule, but now, nonetheless."
Ri couldn't believe it. She barely could hold in the merriment, joyful that Meleager had gained his wits and granted her rightful position to enter the Academy of Performing Bards, including becoming Aristotle's apprentice. She was hopeful this recent turn of the Chancellor's goodwill extended to her isolation being lifted as well.
"We're waiting on you." Enya avowed impatiently.
"Sorry." Ri snapped back to reality, raising her arms, so the seamstress' assistances could measure her length and width. "Let's begin."
{C&R}
A half candle-mark later, after Enya and her helpers left, Ri's chamber door opened very slowly. A head, that was covered with nicely combed strawberry blonde hair, peeked out the ajar door from side to side, making sure no Corinthian Guard was posted outside it. Gazing upon no one, Ri beamed, opening the aperture fully and closing it before walking the halls.
Her excitement knew no bounds as she strolled the corridors, wearing a sapphire chiton and black sandals, embracing freedom again. Ri's footing led her to the Conqueror's chambers. She wanted to thank Meleager for releasing her from the unfair punishment, but realized he was possibly at the War Room instead. Altering her direction, Ri decided to seek Iona, to let her know she was pardoned by the Chancellor and would indeed be going to Athens.
'I'll have to see all my friends today.' Ri thought a bit morosely. 'I leave for Athens the next morning.'
Looping a corner, Ri visibly tensed with fear. Standing just twenty feet away was General Draco and General Palaemon. Instantly frightened by the General of the Second Army, she stepped backwards, accidentally bumping into somebody that was coming around the corner too.
"Hey." The man grabbed Ri to keep her from falling.
Ri turned to face him and became worried when she noticed he was a Corinthian Guard. "Forgive my clumsiness. I was on my way to-"
"I know where you were going and where you belong."
Ri's features showed puzzlement. "Excuse me?"
"You're on your way to the Audience Room, right?" The guard asked.
"Huh?"
"You're the storyteller." He almost shouted, relinquishing her from his grasp. "You supposed to be leaving Corinth soon and you promised you'd give an encore in the Audience Room. That is where you are headed, correct?"
Ri was relieved, straightening herself steady. "Actually, I'm looking for a friend. I'm not certain I'll be able to tell another fable before leaving for Athens."
"Well, that'll suck. My son and daughter love your stories. They'd be happy to hear more." The guard noticed Ri's shining jewelry. "It's not glowing."
"What's not glowing?" Ri inquired.
"Your necklace." He confirmed. "The jade pendent glowed the day me and my comrade assisted you in Master Eramus' classroom. It burned like Tartarus when I touched it."
'It glowed.' Ri ruminated.
After awakening from her second vision, Ri didn't bother to check if it glowed or not. Instead, she quickly exited her tutor's class to see Joxer. Now she had confirmation.
Giving her sentinel-fan an apologetic smile, she said, "I'm sorry that happened and I am gladdened your children enjoy my tales, sir."
"The name's Avios."
"Avios." Ri phrased. "I will try to keep my word and entertain the denizens."
"Maybe you could recite a story tonight." He suggested. "There's a dinner taking place later in the Banquet Hall for the new guests that have arrived today."
"If the Chancellor grants me permission, I will happily do so. Farewell, Avios." Ri hastened to Joxer's apartment.
"Good day, storyteller." Avios replied, not remembering the pretty woman's name.
Continuing his patrol, Avios saluted the two Generals that were conversing in the hall while passing by them. When the Corinthian Guard was out of sight, Draco began their conversation once more.
"A dinner is set for the patrons now that Cassander and Leonidas are finally here."
"Screw that." Palaemon remonstrated. "What about the Amazons? Can you believe the gall they have for wanting to be a part of the Tribute ceremony for the Lord of the Realm."
"I'm unsure what to make of it." Draco responded. "The Chancellor delayed the War Room meeting until Prince Lyceus returns from the Agora with Lieutenant Hector. If we are lucky, the Regent will dismiss the Amazon's request and we shall hear no more of them."
"By Jupiter, I hope so." Palaemon assented. "I haven't met an Amazon, and I wish not to be in their company. From what I've been told, they are vile women. Savages, even by barbarian standards."
Draco cogitated on the Amazonian tribe of Siberia that he and other members of the Conqueror's fledgling army fought against. They were adept combatants; displaying skill, discipline, and capable of climbing trees with quickness. If it wasn't for the Conqueror's prearrangements of traps set for the Amazons, victory wouldn't have been achieved and the harlots would've won.
When most of the tribe was killed, the dark-skinned General witnessed the Conqueror and their Queen fight one on one. It was an amazing spectacle as the two women battled ferociously, until their future ruler of the Realm defeated her challenger, cementing her dominance and power in the eyes of her soldiers, including Draco.
"I wonder what the going rate is for an Amazon on the slave market?" Palaemon pondered aloud.
"A lot, from what I was told." Draco answered.
"Who informed you of such information?" Palaemon goaded.
"It doesn't matter." Draco pronounced. "You should focus more on recruiting troops for the Third Army than on the sale of Amazons. You are behind quota."
"Lieutenant Batius is taking care of that, but you have a point. I'll get on it also."
The cropped blonde General walked off, leaving Draco to ruminate on Ansem's proposal for dealing with the united Amazons in Greece. However, he still did not know what the High Priest's plan consisted of.
'I'll send a coded message if I don't receive a missive from him.' He thought. 'The Amazons are devising something, and if so, I might consider Ansem's concoction to eliminate them.'
{C&R}
The Conqueror's ship sailed the Cretan Sea, not much farther from the destination of Dia. Occupying her massive cabin, the Conqueror wore a black tunic covered by crimson armor that had golden chains interlacing from the front chest plate up to her shoulder pads, with a dark cape connected to it. Her legs were concealed in tight-fitting dark leather with intricate thin embroideries that was the same color as her armor.
She bent down to lace her black knee-high boots. Next, the Conqueror equipped her broadsword and the gold ruby-eyed Lion blade. The raven and silver-haired woman couldn't wait to test her new platinum weapon out. Though she was un-clear what lay in store for her, Glaphyra, and the one hundred forty-nine troops of the Sixth Army, the Conqueror anticipated on facing opposition from Brutus. If she didn't, she'd be thoroughly letdown.
The Lord of the Realm hadn't ever contemplated the changes in her attitude concerning another's life. A long Cronus ago, after Toris' death at the hand of Cortese, the younger Xena made a vow to herself and Meleager. A promise she tried her best to keep.
Many pyres are constructed for the deceased that died defending Amphipolis from the clutches of an obnoxious warlord and his men. I stand idle, holding a torch in front of Toris' pyre while awaiting the signal to light it aflame. He has a dinar atop his closed mouth to pay Charon for the ferry across the river Styx. My mother delivered a healthy baby boy and is unable to attend her eldest child's funeral. She cried hysterically once I shared the gloomy news to her, hardly competent to hold my young blonde-haired brother to her chest to feed. So I held her and him, letting my mother scream her rage to the gods, remaining quiet, not shedding another tear throughout the ordeal.
Anisa was relieved to learn that her son, Elius, had survived the battle. He's home now, alongside her, and his youngest sister, Elisa, recuperating from the injuries he'd sustained from Cortese's forces. I'd managed to save his life and others, but couldn't do the same for Toris.
The gods are laughing at me.
My mother isn't well enough to be here, but I am not alone tonight to take on grief. Other villagers are standing with me. Most are out to honor the fallen men, young and old, that lost their lives protecting the village. Some are just like me; preparing to set fire to their brothers, husbands, fathers, sons, and friends. I hear footfalls coming towards me, but I don't acknowledge the person.
"Are you alright?" Meleager asks.
I hunch my shoulders in a defeated posture. "Should I be?"
"I suppose not." He responded, touching my cropped black hair. "You snipped it shorter after the battle."
I nod in concurrence, remaining silent. I'd barely dodged the sharp edge of a sword that was aimed to behead me. My long hair got chopped in its place, so I decided to cut it shorter for Toris and the other deceased defenders' funeral, instead of leaving it ragged.
The quietness fills the air between us, but is broken when I inquire, "How is my mother and the newborn?"
"Your mother is resting after drinking the herbal tea I made for her. Your baby brother, Lyceus, is asleep also." Meleager announces.
"Lyceus?" I query.
My mentor smiles. "Cyrene named him before succumbing to the tea's effects. It's a name she wanted to give your older brother, but your father chose Toris instead."
My facial expression turns dark as I gaze at the funeral pyre Toris lies on. Soon, Toris' body will be ashes and I will never see his face again, other than in my memories, and already his voice haunts my mind, unable to cease seeing the scene of his death.
"You said he was your best pupil." I say. "Why couldn't he beat Cortese?"
"Toris was winning, until he got distracted." Meleager sighs. "When that leg-less man pulled you to the ground and he appeared to have gotten the better of you, Toris feared for your life. That brief moment of lost concentration gave Cortese the opportunity to mortally wound him."
I halt my tears from falling after Meleager's affirmation. I was the cause of Toris' downfall. If only I would have been more vigilant, he would've conquered Cortese. The guilt runs through me.
"It's my fault." I reply.
"No. Every warrior has to take responsibility for their own actions." Meleager's hand grasps my shoulder. "You saved many of lives today, Xena. If not for your arrival on the battlefield, I'm uncertain if Amphipolis would have been victorious."
Upon entering the village, the survivors of our physical contention with Cortese and his men gave me high praises. Stating how I showed up out of nowhere, defeating Cortese's warriors and killing the warlord myself.
"One must be marveled that the men you dismembered are still alive and in recovery."
"Good." I declare. "I vow to you and myself, I'll never take another life. Although he had taken my brother away from us to the Elysian Fields, Cortese will be the first and last person I'll ever kill, Meleager."
"Will you stop your training?" He queried.
"No. I will learn to disarm my opponents, incapacitating them." I turn to him. "You will teach me, won't you?"
"Yes." Meleager concisely answers.
I glimpse the pyres being lit ablaze and deduce that the funeral rites are underway. Moving forward to Toris' pyre, I toss the torch onto it and take several steps back beside Meleager, watching the flames consume the structure.
"Good-bye, Toris." I bid. "May the gods bless and keep you in everlasting peace."
"He'll be missed." Meleager asserts, wrapping his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him.
I lean on him, content that he's with me. "I love you, Old man."
"And I you." Meleager profess.
Together, we watch the smoke from every pyre become one as it rises higher into the sky in syndication.
Casting the sorrowful cogitation aside, the Conqueror tied her hair back, letting wisps dangle in front of her cerulean orbs, and clipped her chakram next to her Lion blade. Her ship would reach Dia by nightfall and the Lord of the Realm relished the unknown confrontation, departing the cabin to join her crew on the main deck.
{C&R}
A Roman Lieutenant groused to himself, hating that he had to inspect the port of Dia for a woman who seemed to have chosen not to come.
'This is fucking stupid.' Domitus ruminated. 'I shouldn't be out here!'
When Brutus commanded that one Legion could return to the encampment, Domitus and his men were selected to go. Nevertheless, Brutus ordered him and his Legion to stay, allowing Ginnacus to usurp his place.
"Fuck Brutus!" Domitus shouted, throwing a rock into the sea.
"Careful with your offensive words." Another Lieutenant warned, trekking to stand with him.
"You're going to tattle, Servius?"
"I wouldn't, but someone else might." He stated.
"I'm here because Brutus doesn't like my cooking. It's the dumbest reason to keep me in this torment; barely enough food, no whores, and not one sight of the Conqueror. Not one!" Domitus complained.
"You aren't the only person who thinks this charge is insufferable." Servius acceded. "I couldn't be nominated to go back because of volunteering to stay. So how do you presume me and my men feel?"
Domitus curled his lips in a frown, believing Servius was a fool for offering to keep lookout for the Conqueror. He, on the other hand, had every right to be relieved from the port. If Brutus was just going to let Ginnacus and his Legion return, he should've declared it when Servius was in the camp.
"We've been stuck here for damn near the entire moon. The Conqueror isn't coming, or else, she would've been arrived." Domitus surmised.
"Perhaps, she's not." Servius confessed. "However, we have our orders."
Domitus grumbled, turning towards the sea. These orders were asinine to him. They weren't to solely report the Conqueror's arrival and welcome her with open arms, but to impede her progress by attacking if she had less than a few vessels with her.
'I thought we were forming an alliance with her?' Domitus mentally questioned, he didn't want to die on this gods forsaken island.
He begun wishing he'd sided with Octavian or Antonius. Shit, even Markus Lepidus' status would have suited him. Better to live in exile than to likely die at the hands of a fearless woman. All due to Brutus disliking his culinary skills.
An inquiry piqued his brain. "Hey, Servius."
"What is it?"
"My cooking isn't terrible, is it?"
Servius quickly placed the optical scope to his eye, in hopes of catching view of something interesting, other than telling Domitus the sad truth.
"Is it?" He queried again.
"A ship!" Servius exclaimed.
Domitus felt glum. "You don't have to lie about seeing a ship, Servius. A simple answer would have been fine."
"No, a ship. It's heading right in our direction." Servius passed the instrument over to him.
Gazing through the scope, Domitus could make out the vessel sailing the vast water. "It's too far away. I can't make out if it's the Conqueror's or not."
"Still." Servius replied. "I'll send a rider to relay our findings to our Commanders. Chances are, we'll be doing combat tonight."
Servius spun on his heels, running to his men, as Domitus looked at the single ship again. If the Conqueror was indeed on the vessel that sailed towards them, it seemed the Fates deemed he'd die on this gods forsaken island after all.
To Be Continued...