A couple of screams rang out as Xena held a human head that she had just pulled out of the bag that Joxer had given her. She held it up by a fist full of hair as the severed head somehow yelled.
JOXER
Hey!
Joxer reached out and took the yelling head from Xena and held it under his arm.
JOXER
Never pick him up by his hair.
Joxer fiddled with the head's hair for a moment.
JOXER
And he parts it in the middle.
Xena looked at the head as she recognized the face.
XENA
Orpheus?
The head looked at Xena.
ORPHEUS
Hey Xena.
Gabrielle looked at the head for a moment, unable to believe that she was looking at the renowned bard Orpheus. Or what appeared to be left of him, anyway. Although it didn't surprise her that he and Xena apparently knew each other. She was just glad that for once it was someone who didn't want Xena or her dead for one reason or another. Gabrielle ignored her thoughts on the subject for the moment as she focused on the current situation that they found themselves in as she and Xena spoke to Orpheus.
XENA
Bacchus did this to you, didn't he?
ORPHEUS
I thought you'd recognize his handiwork. Since we last met, I've dedicated my life to stopping Bacchus. For a long time, my music worked. But now, he's cursed me. He took my body, but left me as just a head, so I could see and hear all the evil he brings to the world. And now, as long as Bacchus lives on Earth, I will live in agony.
GABRIELLE
So it's been Bacchus that's been taking those girls.
ORPHEUS
Yes, and tomorrow night he'll turn them into full-fledged Bacchae.
Xena folded her arms across her chest as she looked at Orpheus and sighed.
XENA
And you want my help.
ORPHEUS
Look given our history I've hated you for a long time, Xena. And believe me, you're the last person I'd ask for a favor. But you're the only person who knows Bacchus well enough to do the job, so here we are.
XENA
Tell me you still have your lyre.
ORPHEUS
Thankfully yes. I've kept it hidden in town with my friend, Mellotus. He can play it while I sing.
XENA
That can work but knowing Bacchus, it won't be safe for long. Come on.
Xena began to walk away but stopped when Orpheus called out to her.
ORPHEUS
Not so fast, Xena. I want to remind you that innocent lives are at stake here. So maybe this time you'll be more careful.
Xena pushed aside the memories of what happened the last time her, Orpheus, and Bacchas' paths all crossed as she looked at Joxer.
XENA
Do me a favor and find a way to make him presentable, then we can leave.
Xena and Gabrielle walked away as Joxer looked at the head in his arms.
JOXER
Wait a minute. What did she mean, make you presentable?
Orpheus gave Joxer a blank stare in disbelief that he had to explain why walking around with a talking severed head was not the best idea.
ORPHEUS
(Sarcasm) She doesn't want me to look like you.
Once Joxer realized what Xena meant, he took Orpheus to try and disguise him to look at least somewhat normal as Xena and Gabrielle sat waiting for them to get back.
GABRIELLE
What was that all about?
XENA
A long time ago my army fought Bacchus. And on the final day of the battle, an innocent woman got caught between my army and his. The fighting was so intense that there was no way we could protect her, and she was killed. I'm almost certain that it was Bacchus who killed her.
Xena sighed as she looked out into the distance for a moment.
XENA
But still, Orpheus always blamed us both.
GABRIELLE
Who was she?
Xena returned her focus to Gabrielle who stood beside her leaning slightly on her staff.
XENA
Orpheus' wife.
Meanwhile, deep within a dimly lit cave, a number of wolves strolled inside a large corridor. After a moment, the animals gradually shifted and changed shape as they grew and rose to stand upright on two legs instead of four. Then the rest of their bodies began to morph into a completely different shape as they changed from wolves into women. They then stood before a large throne-like chair as an imposing figure looked at them.
?
Did you bring me the head of Orpheus?
One of the women spoke to the figure
Woman
No master Bacchus. He got away
The God scowled angrily as he looked at the women that he had changed into his loyal Bacchae.
BACCHUS
You fools! How could you let this happen?!
BACCHAE
He and his idiot companion were rescued... by Xena.
With the mention of Xena's name, Bacchus smiled an evil grin.
BACCHUS
Ah yes, Xena. It's been far too long. She must've taken Orpheus back to retrieve the lyre.
Bacchus stood from his seat as he began moving through the cave.
BACCHUS
Call the others. I have a little job for you.
Bacchus' evil laughter echoed through the cave as a large amount of his Bacchae began coming to him both in their human and wolf forms, all cackling and howling as Bacchus set his plan for finally getting rid of Xena in motion.
TO BE CONTINUED...