I enjoyed meeting Goliath. I wish I had had more time with him. Maybe I could have spoken with him about his desire for revenge. Maybe it would have made a difference.
Even before the ink dries, I know that is most likely untrue. While there are those lucky to have followed a different path like my warrior princess, there are those that can't manage to release the anger and hate.
If it was not for an infant or Hercules beginning the path, Xena might not have been ready to continue on the path we continue to walk today.
As with so many of our adventures, we couldn't help everyone. Goliath was lost to his own hate and need for revenge. Had he only seen what the war truly was about…
The worst aspect of it all was how Goliath had, in a way, sacrificed his family so that Xena could live. It was because she lived her friend sought revenge.
Xena places a hand upon my arm shoulder. Soon her surprise will be ready. Now if we can only get word to Eve and have her return home…
I know why Xena placed her hand upon my shoulder. We both have regrets. We both wish we could have done more. But there's something we all have to remember.
We can be there for the ones we love. We can be there for complete strangers. But it's up to the individual to make their own choices.
There is one more thing before I regale you with the tale. We all have regrets. We all have anger. It's how we deal with that makes all the difference in the world.
I just wish so many had learned what I've had to learn. Whether it's with those we've battled or my soulmate, some things you have to let go and live your life to the fullest.
THE GIANT KILLER
Walking through a graveyard as the tale of battle was told was not something Gabrielle enjoyed. She respected their beliefs, but walking amongst the bones of giants was a little disconcerting.
Cryptic. It was a specialty of the warrior princess. Even after becoming intimate, Gabrielle was faced with deciphering what her traveling companion was attempting to say.
Life Gabrielle could understand celebrating. In some ways, she could understand celebrating death, depending on how someone died. And there was always the need to honor those who had lived before us.
Scorch marks that indicated a battle with Zeus, the king of the gods. It, along with the sensation they weren't alone, were making Gabrielle want to leave.
It was definitely the live ones Gabrielle was worried about as suddenly she was staring up at a giant. Luckily, it turned out to be Xena's friend Goliath.
After witnessing the awkward exchange, Gabrielle decided it was partly due to her presence. She excused herself. She couldn't help mumbling as she did so about Xena not telling her the friend was a giant.
Unfortunately, Gabrielle found herself in trouble not long after leaving Xena. Why was it trouble always found her? It's not like she enjoyed being rescued.
This time, it was a stranger who attempted to come to her aid. Gabrielle only hoped Xena wouldn't be too long with her friend.
As if Xena had sensed she was in trouble, Gabrielle was grateful to watch as the warrior princess fought to free her. She was even more grateful when Goliath made certain they were not the enemies.
While Gabrielle was grateful for the intervention and freedom, she was worried about the others. She had a feeling Dagon was not to be trusted.
After listening to him over dinner, Gabrielle's gut was telling her he definitely wasn't to be trusted. In fact, she took a chance and confiscated some food for her new friend. It didn't go unnoticed by Xena.
How could anyone accept how Dagon thought? It was removing people that were there lawfully. It meant enslaving them unless they moved on or did as those preying on them commanded.
Xena apparently felt the same. She could no longer stomach Dagon's company and wanted to make certain Goliath knew exactly who he was working for.
As for Gabrielle, it meant she could attempt to speak with David and the others. Perhaps she could sneak the meager food she had stolen.
David was like a majority of those they met upon their travels. Gabrielle had wanted to thank him. Now, she had to explain all about how Xena was no longer the monster people knew her to be in the past.
So David was a writer, mostly of psalms. Being a writer meant he should have realized things aren't always as one puts to paper. Or that things can change. That reality isn't what is always placed upon parchments.
The one time of story Gabrielle excelled at was the truth. This truth would be how Xena would have a plan. She would be the one to free David and the others.
The escape story would have to be written with haste. The jailer had discovered the escape plan. It meant certain death for David and the others.
Gabrielle had meant to save David. Instead, she managed to save the others, but condemn her new friend to death. She couldn't allow for that to happen. She had to, literally, stick her neck out for him.
It was not a sensation Gabrielle liked. Awaiting the blade to encounter her neck was akin to when she had been in the stocks in the dungeon. Or was it during those trials for Morpheus? Or hanging around waiting for Xena to save her from Callisto? Too many times already the bard had faced danger.
As was Xena's way, the warrior princess arrived in the nick of time. The familiar sound of the chakram flying in the air was most welcomed to Gabrielle.
It wasn't organized, but it was an escape. The horn sounding caused Gabrielle to halt momentarily. Had Xena made progress with Goliath? Had he seen the light? There would be time to discover the answer.
Introductions were made. The people of Abraham? Gabrielle was more than interested in discovering more about them. At least David now enjoyed the bard's great escape story.
After tending to the wounded, Gabrielle went in search of her fellow bard. Part of her wanted to speak to Xena. She knew her warrior princess was troubled with having her friend fight on the wrong side of good.
Soup was always inviting, especially on a cold night, not just after battles. As Gabrielle listened to David, in a way, he reminded her of Xena.
While not a true fighter like the warrior princess, David had fought valiantly. The thing that reminded Gabrielle of Xena was how he would rather give others credit then take any for himself.
And like what Gabrielle did for her warrior princess, she wrote a tale of David's heroics. While neither wanted the acclaim, the bard knew others would be more than grateful to hear of such deeds.
Warrior poet? It had a ring to it. Gabrielle doubted a similar name would ever be associated with her. All she cared about was continuing to fight, either with staff or words, for the greater good.
The entrance of David's betrothed was awkward only because Gabrielle had not known she existed. It caused her to look stupid.
The good thing was it caused Gabrielle to wander. She came across her warrior princess. Had Xena been awakened by the storm? Or had she even attempted to sleep whatsoever?
It was once again Xena's conscience that was keeping her awake, not an impending battle. After hearing the missing details, Gabrielle could understand why.
Xena owed Goliath everything. Because of her, Goliath had lost his family. Now, he wanted his revenge. The only way to achieve that was to bargain with the devil for Gareth's whereabouts.
The moment Xena took Gabrielle's hand, everything seemed ok. It wouldn't last as soon there would be a battle. It would mean Xena would face her old friend one on one.
But for the moment, Gabrielle could offer her soulmate a touch of comfort. Had they been alone in a cave, campsite or inn, perhaps she could offer more comfort. Even if it meant snuggling together the entire night.
Morning came, as it always does. Goliath was ready for them. It meant a battle between unevenly matched armies and a battle between friends.
Retreat was the only solution. As soon as they had made it to the cave, triage began. Gabrielle's actions were automatic. Too many times she'd already had to play nurse and doctor.
As they tended the wounded, they had to turn to how to defeat Goliath. The helmet was a mighty obstacle. But there was another issue. Who was to strike the deadly blow?
At first Gabrielle thought Xena couldn't bring herself to strike the blow. The bard should have realized her warrior princess would do what was necessary for the greater good.
And when David made certain he was the one to strike the deadly blow, Gabrielle couldn't wait to write the tales. It would not just be of David, but he would be the one who would the focus of the story.
After watching Xena sneak away, Gabrielle was informed David wanted to see her. Had she been avoiding him? In a way, she had. But not for the reason he thought.
While it had been surprising David having a significant other, it would never have happened between bard and David. After all, only one held the bard's heart.
One God. It wasn't the first time Gabrielle had been introduced to the concept. It remained completely foreign as she knew Ares had interfered twice with her soulmate. There was also how Hades had needed help on two occasions. It was all the bard had ever known.
David was a true poet, of that there was no doubt. Gabrielle was honored to have him recite a psalm that he hadn't even written down.
Once again, it was time. There was one problem. Instead of being sunny, the sky was full of darkness. Their plan wouldn't work if the weather was to continue.
The fact Goliath had made his own choice wasn't much of a comfort. Gabrielle could see how it was affecting Xena in those baby blue eyes. Losing a friend was never easy. But to have it play out this way was nearly too much to bear.
Watching as the game of cat and mouse took place was unnerving. Gabrielle had faith in many things, but watching as David took on Goliath caused her faith to falter.
It was as if a higher power caused the clouds to part and the sun to burst forth. It was exactly what was needed. David's throw was on target.
Gabrielle knew Xena needed a moment. Another friend had lost his life. While Goliath had been on the wrong side, it didn't make it any less painful.
Hopefully, when they were sitting around the campfire, Xena would turn to the bard. She would confide in Xena just how much her heart was breaking.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Xena could smell the smoke. She could smell the blood. She could feel the heat from the fires. It was all part of the battle that had raged on so many years ago.
It wasn't the full tale Xena regaled Gabrielle with. For the moment, she couldn't face that part. It would be difficult enough when she saw her old friend, face to face.
It was a little easier explaining why the bodies were never buried. It was a unique custom. It was one Xena could respect.
Had it been seasons since Xena had seen Goliath? It didn't seem that long ago. Or did it seem longer? Time was a funny thing, especially when so much pain was involved.
Gabrielle couldn't understand what there was to celebrate. Mourning was the easy part. But celebrating the lives of the ones we love was the most important thing. It kept their memories alive.
The change of subject wasn't unwelcomed by Xena. It was easy to explain how the marks were most likely made. Were they natural lightning bolts or had a giant angered Zeus?
Understandably, Gabrielle was nervous. If it was nearly any other giant, Xena might have been tentative as well. Her old friend was one of the decent ones.
Seeing Goliath for the first time brought back so many memories. Xena maintained her stoic expression. It helped to witness how nervous her bard was.
It wasn't long after their pleasant exchanges that Gabrielle wandered off. As always, Xena hoped her bard would not find trouble. Or have trouble find her.
So, Goliath was selling himself out. Hopefully it was for a good cause. Xena wouldn't judge him. But she had to attempt to warn him against following the path of vengeance. After all, that was what had led her to the path of evil she had been on.
For now, it didn't seem like Goliath would listen to her. Xena might have continued, but something informed her Gabrielle was in trouble.
A fight always got the blood pumping. Xena would act first to protect her bard. When Goliath appeared informing their tentative new allies she was with him, it helped ease tensions momentarily.
Xena would accept the hospitality of the Philistines. However, there was something about Dagon. Was there something familiar she recognized from her warlord days? Or was it in her nature to not trust anyone?
After hearing how Dagon referred to the people, Xena grew uneasy. She even had to request that David's head was bandaged.
A dinner invitation. It was one way to discover more about the man who was taking prisoners and being so hostile. Not that Xena wanted to subject herself or Gabrielle to the man.
Hunting? That was their big crime? Xena knew some lands were sacred, but was that any reason to imprison or worse? Worse would be slavery or death. The warrior princess' initial instincts appeared to be correct. And she was grateful Gabrielle was stealing food to feed those imprisoned.
An offer of employment? No thanks. Xena knew she needed to have a conversation with Goliath. After all, there were those that needed her help. Like the men Dagon was attempting to enslave.
The first words out of Goliath's mouth were asking if King Saul would pay more. Didn't he understand what was at stake? It wasn't about the information Dagon claimed to have or the pay he received. It was fighting for the greater good.
Hatred was blinding Goliath to the fact money wasn't everything. That there were innocent lives involved. That it wasn't right to play with them, even though one was guilty at having left one's family defenseless.
Hopefully Xena's words would inform Goliath if it came down to it, she would choose innocents over him. After all, she owed Goliath her life, not the lives of others.
Xena's timing was nearly off and Gabrielle nearly lost her head. It was a scramble to free the prisoners and escape. There were some injuries, but they made it to encampment where King Saul greeted them.
The people of Abraham? It wasn't something Xena was completely familiar with. She figured it had to do with the one God. Perhaps even with the friends she had once reclaimed the ultimate weapon for.
David apologizing wasn't necessary. Xena understood. The tales of her warlord days far surpassed those her bard was attempting to spread. Perhaps one day she would be greeted instead of hated.
Goliath was on his way. He'd already destroyed two outposts. Xena knew time was fleeting. It was up to her to face her old friend. It could mean taking the life of someone who had sacrificed his own family to save hers.
Suicide wasn't what Xena would call it. She knew what few knew. Every giant had a weakness. A blow between the eyes could take Goliath out.
Fighting on the wrong side was the only way Xena could justify what she was doing. Not that it was wrong. It was taking the life of a friend. One who knew how she felt and refused to change his ways.
After discussing the challenge and how to kill Goliath, Xena needed a moment alone. The storm that was raging outside was not unlike the emotional storm raging within.
While Xena knew she was fighting for the greater good, it didn't mean her heart wasn't breaking. It didn't mean her soul was aching.
Just when she needed it the most, Xena's soulmate appeared out of nowhere. No, it wasn't the thunder that was keeping the warrior princess up.
Relating the entire story was difficult, especially now that Xena was committed to killing her friend, if necessary. Even at her evilest, someone had taken care of her. She owed Goliath everything. Yet, she didn't owe him the lives of innocents.
Gareth. There was a giant Xena hoped one day to run into. As Gabrielle took her hand, giving her the comfort she didn't deserve but needed, the warrior princess vowed to do what was necessary. She knew she'd have Gabrielle's love and understanding.
Battle. It was something Xena had once lived for. Now, she did it when absolutely necessary. A battle between herself and Goliath was one thing.
When Goliath did arrive, it was revealed he was prepared for her. What Xena and the Israelites were not prepared for was Dagon's men attacking.
Luckily, as Xena faced Goliath, Gabrielle was telling the Israelites to run. There was no option but to retreat. There were too many Philistines.
If it weren't for the salt, Xena might not have escaped. As long as Goliath had the helmet, he would be nearly impossible to defeat.
Xena had been too late to save Jonathan. It meant there were grave consequences. In fact, it changed everything. It meant the Israelites would need a new leader with King Saul already in poor health.
Healer mode for both Xena and her bard. Gabrielle asked the million dinar question. What were they to do now? They would have to make Goliath take off his helmet.
Gabrielle didn't understand why it couldn't be Xena who killed Goliath. While there was that part that didn't want his blood on her hands, this was about the Israelites. This was about who would be their leader.
When David came to her and said he needed to strike the blow, it made it only minutely easier to setup Goliath. After all, it was still Xena's plan that would cost the giant his life.
Xena owed Goliath one more talk. When she found him pledging to avenge his family's death, she knew what his response would be. But she had to continue to try.
It was true. Xena could have easily killed her friend. But she didn't want to. She didn't want anyone being killed. The fact Goliath hadn't anything to do with the surprise attack had been clear. But why couldn't he see that it meant he was fighting on the wrong side?
It came down to one thing. Goliath had the promise of knowing where Gareth was. It continued to be about revenge. Xena could see it now. Her friend was too hardened by hate and revenge.
The main target. Xena was almost always the main target in a battle. But to be the main target of her friend was killing her inside. It would be the last time in a place of remembrance they would meet.
The weather was not as Xena had hoped for. Luck or help from whatever power David believed in would be necessary for their practiced plan to work.
Gabrielle asked how she was doing. All Xena could say was that if everything worked out she would have lost a good friend. The fact he made his own choice didn't make it any easier.
Xena was the general in this battle. She would engage if necessary, but it was up to David to fight. It was difficult, but the warrior princess offered encouragement and direction.
As if some kind of intervention, the clouds disappeared and the sun shown brightly. David's aim was true. Goliath fell to the ground. The Israelites managed victory.
But at what cost? Goliath called her name. Xena hastily was beside him. Would Goliath see his family on the other side? The warrior princess hoped with everything that he would. For now, his battle was over. Gareth would, one day, be taken care of.
The thoughts of the dead. Xena had too many of them. But today was for Goliath. He had been a good man who had been scarred by hatred. She would forever choose to remember him as warrior, but more importantly as loving husband and amazing friend.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Xena didn't want to stop. She wanted to ride all night. Once again, she had had to make the impossible choice. It was for the greater good. Yet, it had cost her an amazing friend.
Gabrielle was exhausted. She wanted to stop. But she knew this was one of those times when her soulmate might not be able to stop. That she would need to distance herself from the pain once again inflicted by making the touch decision.
Finally, Xena decided they'd traveled far enough. Thanks to the Israelites, they had travel rations and wouldn't need to cook anything.
It meant making a camp and snuggling by the fire. It meant Argo could roam free. It meant Xena would have to face her emotions, ready or not.
Gabrielle went about her usual. She made certain everything was ready as Xena brushed Argo. She wasn't certain how she wanted to approach her soulmate.
Gone were the days when Gabrielle had to worry about comforting her soulmate. It was more about how to best comfort Xena. Sometimes words worked best. Sometimes a gentle touch was all that was needed.
While the pain Xena was experiencing was surreal, it was not along the lines of when the warrior princess had dealt with leaving her son behind, without informing him of his true parentage.
Gabrielle chose to sit beside the fire on their shared bedroll. While to some it would appear they were separate, they actually slept next to one another. The only time they would separate was when someone shared their camp.
The bard couldn't help but think of David as she unrolled her scroll. This was her personal diary. As much as she wanted to place the details of the story to parchment, she wanted to place her personal thoughts first while fresh in her mind.
The sound of parchment being unrolled didn't surprise Xena. She knew Gabrielle was waiting for her. Until the warrior princess was ready, her bard would do what she did best which was to capture a story and place it on parchment.
Xena wasn't certain when she would be ready. It was nearing the midnight hour. Though the nights grew longer, she still needed to attempt to sleep before too much longer. Her bard definitely did as Gabrielle required more sleep than the warrior princess.
Brushing Argo was therapeutic. Not as therapeutic as being with her soulmate. Still, Xena continued to make certain the mare was brushed and given a few treats David had made certain to pack for Argo.
After a gentle pat to Argo's hind end, Xena knew it was time. Slowly, she made her way to where her soulmate was waiting for her.
Her shadow fell across the parchment, though Xena suspected Gabrielle had heard coming. At one time, the warrior princess could sneak up on the bard. While still true at times, now Gabrielle nearly always knew when Xena was near.
Gabrielle waited for a moment for Xena to speak before making certain the ink was dry on the parchment. It was incomplete, but she could finish it in the upcoming days. Wherever their travels would take them.
"I should have told you." Xena once again found herself saying similar words. It wasn't keeping the fact she had a son from Gabrielle.
Still, it was something Gabrielle should have known. The problem Xena still had was trust. Even knowing the bard was her soulmate and reason for living, she could not bring herself to volunteer information until it was necessary.
There were so many things in Xena's past. There was her time as a Valkyrie. There was her time in Jappa. There was her time in Chin and a debt that could never be repaid. Those were just a handful of things the warrior should have told Gabrielle about.
"I understand." Gabrielle patted the spot next to her. It took several heartbeats before Xena complied. "While I may be upset when I discover things about your past, I'm beginning to understand why you aren't forthcoming, even to me, about them."
Xena blinked several times. She wasn't certain herself why she couldn't discuss certain things with Gabrielle. How could her soulmate know?
"It's not about trust." Gabrielle sought out Xena's hand as the warrior princess was maintaining her distance. "You trust me with your life. You proved that when you battled the poison Callisto inflicted you with."
Uncertain of how to respond with words, Xena wrapped her arm around Gabrielle's waist. It was the physical contact each needed desperately.
"You've lived a life unlike anyone in the known world." Gabrielle felt her soulmate stiffen. "From the daughter of an innkeeper, to one of the most hated warlords to ever pick up a sword, to one of the greatest champions of the innocent, you've lived several lifetimes in one."
Leave it to Gabrielle to be poetic as she described Xena's life. It was as the bard said. Not many had fought on both sides. Not many had survived the battles the warrior princess had. Not many had a soulmate traveling beside them.
"There's also the fact you attempt to push the darkness to the furthest recesses of your mind." Gabrielle felt Xena's grasp around her waist tighten. Her head instantly was leaning upon her soulmate's shoulder.
This moment in time reminded Gabrielle of another conversation. It was so much more emotional, but it was still Gabrielle understanding what Xena had experienced.
"I just want you to know that whenever the darkness rises to the surface, I'll always be there." Gabrielle felt their bodies sliding to the ground.
Without effort, Xena made certain both were covered by blankets. Gabrielle's head was now upon her chest. Their hands were intertwined.
"I remember when you knocked sense into me." Xena could still feel the hit her soulmate gave her. "It was necessary. And there will be times when it's necessary in the future."
There was silence between them for the longest of moments before Xena continued. "I wouldn't be able to do what I do without you by my side."
A contented sigh escaped Gabrielle as she snuggled in more against her warrior princess. While they had made love, Xena was terrified.
Terrified of what? One day the darkness inside her would be too great for Gabrielle to counter. That she would need to settle in one place as the fighting, bloodshed and loss of life would become too great.
It was a terrifying thought. One that would keep Xena up the entire night. And continue to haunt her as they made their way to their next unknown adventure.