Gabrielle held on to the saddle horn and silently sat there as she tried to ignore how uncomfortable the fresh bandages around her ribs were. They had been put on after Xena had her looked at due to her noticing the other visible cuts and bruises all over Gabrielle's body. So after being tended to, Gabrielle was giving some food and was giving some spare clothing until hers were cleaned, dried and given back to her. She watched as they rode by the peaceful scenery that she would typically take full advantage of getting to see, but giving her current situation, taking in the sights was the furthest thing from Gabrielle's mind. She didn't know how long they've been traveling when she decided to try and see if she could figure out a way to get away from her new captors.
GABRIELLE
So you said we're going to Olympia?
XENA
Mm.
GABRIELLE
Can I ask what for?
XENA
Business.
GABRIELLE
Ah.
There was some more silence until Gabrielle spoke up again. This time asking what she really wanted to know.
GABRIELLE
You still think I'm a spy or something, don't you?
XENA
That remains to be seen.
GABRIELLE
So what are you gonna do with me?
XENA
Haven't decided yet.
GABRIELLE
I don't suppose letting me go is an option, is it?
XENA
What do you think?
GABRIELLE
Maybe? I mean, what use could you have for keeping me around. I'm sure you've got your hands full enough already without adding some random farm girl to your list of things to worry about.
Gabrielle glanced back at the woman behind her with a hopeful look in her eyes and got a very unamused expression in response.
GABRIELLE
Or not.
XENA
(Sinister tone) You know if I were you, I'd be careful with what you say. After all, if you're so concerned about my work load I could just get you out my hair right now.
Gabrielle swallowed nervously.
GABRIELLE
(Nervous tone) No, that's okay. I don't mind sticking around for a while. For as long as you'll have me, really.
XENA
Good to hear.
The two returned to their silence as they and the rest of the traveling arm continued on their way. The sun had just begun to set when a half asleep Gabrielle found herself nearly falling off the horse when Xena brought the animal to a stop and swiftly dismounted from behind Gabrielle without warning. With a quick, startled yelp, Gabrielle quickly wrapped her arms around the horse's neck as she felt herself slipping from the saddle.
LEONIDAS
My that certainly is an interesting way to ride.
The large man chuckled as he walked up, seeing Gabrielle in her precarious position of hanging off the horse with her arms wrapped around its strong neck sideways with one leg stuck on the saddle as the other dangled above the ground.
LEONIDAS
Would the little lady like a hand?
GABRIELLE
No, thanks, I got it.
Gabrielle attempted to pull herself up but failed miserably as she just barely managed to keep herself from falling off completely.
LEONIDAS
Are you sure? Because it looks like you're having a little trouble getting down safely there.
Gabrielle grumbled as she tried to pull herself up again, but then felt the pain of her unhealed ribs shoot through her as the pain forced her to lose her grip and head straight for the ground. But as Gabrielle felt herself slipping, a moment later she found herself being caught in a pair of large arms.
LEONIDAS
Easy there little one. I got ya.
He smiled and gently put Gabrielle down, letting her stand.
GABRIELLE
Um, thanks.
He gave Gabrielle a pat on her head before turning away and walking over to where Xena stood watching everyone dismount their horses and lead them towards the stables that laid just outside the city. Meanwhile, Gabrielle stood looking at the city gates. She had never seen such a large settlement with her own eyes before. Though she had imagined traveling to such places many times as she would long to see what adventures layed outside the borders of Potidea. However, seeing it this way was certainly not something that Gabrielle had quite expected. Her thoughts again brought her to worry about what was happening to her mother, sister and the rest of those taken from her village. It had only been about a day and a half since the village came under attack. And now there Gabrielle stood, unsure of just how far away from home she was. Her whole world turned upside-down, and now she was being kept in the presence of the Conqueror. What would happen to her as a result, Gabrielle had no clue. But if the stories about the Conqueror were true, she knew her fate likely wouldn't be good.
LEONIDAS
I believe we've arrived a bit later than we had anticipated, my lord.
Xena glanced up at the sky at the slowly setting sun.
XENA
I guess we'll just have to wait until tomorrow to deal with this then.
LEONIDAS
Shall I have the others begin setting up camp?
Xena looked around at the area that they were at.
XENA
Nah. We have a whole city right here, so I see no reason for us to bother making camp.
LEONIDAS
You know he won't be happy when he gets word that you've marched half your army right into his city when you're supposed to be having negotiations.
Xena smirked.
XENA
Exactly.
Gabrielle walked into the tavern along with the Conqueror and a good handful of her army. She watched as everyone who was already inside stopped what they were doing, and all eyes turned to Xena. Whispers could be heard as several people hastily made their way out of the tavern, all the while given the Conqueror a variety of unhappy looks that ranged from fear to anger to just plain uncomfortable.
LEONIDAS
(Joking) Never needing to worry about finding a table, just one of the many advantages to being with the lord Conqueror.
He gave Gabrielle's shoulder a pat as Xena gave him a disappointing glare which sent chills down Gabrielle's spine but went mostly ignored by Leonidas.
LEONIDAS
Well, shall we go grab a seat?
The man moved forward and soon there were several large round tables moved near one another as the bulk of the army all sat eating and drinking their fill as they carried on multiple conversations amongst themselves.
XENA
Here, eat something.
Gabrielle found a plate of food being put in front of her as she sat beside the Conqueror, who insisted she sit there. She looked at the dark haired woman who casually leaned back in her seat as she took a bite of her own food before taking a long drink from her mug of ale. Gabrielle didn't say anything as she ate her fill and watched the others for a bit.
LEONIDAS
We have quite the interesting group, don't we?
Gabrielle looked over her shoulder as Leonidas walked over and sat across from her and Xena.
GABRIELLE
I guess so.
The man took a drink from his mug before holding it up slightly.
LEONIDAS
A drink?
GABRIELLE
No thanks. I'm not much of a drinker.
LEONIDAS
Cider? This place has great cider.
GABRIELLE
Um sure, I guess.
The man shouted to one of the severs to bring over a mug of cider, and after a minute one was placed in front of Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
Thank you.
Gabrielle looked at the young server, who smiled before walking off and continuing her work. Gabrielle sat quietly, eating and drinking her cider as she listened to the others at the table talk.
LEONIDAS
What time did you want to meet with Petrodes?
XENA
Probably early to mid-morning. I'd rather get this crap dealt with sooner than later.
LEONIDAS
Do you still want me with you?
XENA
That's the plan Leonidas. For some reason, Petrodes doesn't respect that a woman can become as powerful as I have without a man pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
LEONIDAS
Then why bother having me there at all? You can easily get him to see things your way.
XENA
Because it's the politics of it. Obviously I can just go in and knock him around with no problem, but in the end it would likely only cause more of a headache than it's worth. I'd rather take this city while it's still intact, then have to rebuild it from a drawn out battle. And there's enough resources here where just leveling or torching the place would just be too big a loss. So as much as I don't like it, dealing with Petrodes is our best option here.
LEONIDAS
(Joking) Sounds like tomorrow should be a fun day then, my lord.
Leonidas stood up and stretched out as he yawned.
XENA
(Sarcasm) I'm looking forward to it.
LEONIDAS
In that case I think I'll turn in early tonight.
He then looked at Gabrielle, who was still sitting there quietly as she picked at her meal.
LEONIDAS
Where's she staying tonight?
Xena shrugged casually.
XENA
My rooms plenty big enough for two. I'm not sure if it would be a good idea to have her room with the men.
LEONIDAS
True. Especially after most of them have been drinking and haven't seen a woman for a good while.
Xena raised her eyebrow.
LEONIDAS
Well, aside from you my lord.
Leonidas smiled at Gabrielle.
LEONIDAS
Well goodnight. Sleep well, little one.
With that, Leonidas finished his drink, and left the table as he headed upstairs to one of the rooms that they had rented for the night. A bit later, Gabrielle had finished eating and Xena decided that it was getting time to get some sleep before dealing with what she knew would be a headache the next day.
XENA
Come on.
Xena stood and went to the stairs that lead to the bedrooms. Gabrielle sat there, unsure of if she should follow the notorious Conqueror up to her own private room where no one else would be around. After all, who knew what such a terrifying person might do to someone while in what Gabrielle assumed was a somewhat inebriated state after seeing the woman consume a few large mugs of ale.
XENA
(Impatient tone) Well.
GABRIELLE
(Nervous tone) Well, I, um...
Xena let out a somewhat irritated sigh.
XENA
Look I'm going to bed. So I would highly suggest that you come too. Because I highly doubt you wanna be the only woman around a large group of drunken soldiers who a lot of have been eyeing you since you showed up in my camp.
Gabrielle looked at the others who were now in various stages of drunkenness and suddenly felt very uncomfortable with being left alone with a group of drunken soldiers who she assumed likely didn't have much respect for women normally, much less when they were under the influence of alcohol. So after weighing her options, Gabrielle decided that should anything happen, she would likely have a better chance against one woman than a whole group of men. Even if the woman was the Conqueror of Greece. So she stood up and walked over to the stairs. The Conqueror gestured for Gabrielle to go up ahead of her and Gabrielle did as Xena followed her up the stairs and lead her to their room.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) One bed.
So um...
Xena moved to the bed and began removing her boots and other various accessories that she wore.
XENA
Yes?
GABRIELLE
Where am I supposed to sleep?
Xena paused in her actions and looked at Gabrielle for a moment before looking at the large bed that was more than big enough for two. Then, before Gabrielle realized it was coming, a blanket hit her in her face after being tossed her way. She pulled the blanket from covering her face to see Xena finishing removing her boots and laying back on the spacious bed.
XENA
Pick whichever spot on the floor you think looks cozyest.
Gabrielle stood there for a moment, relieved that the Conqueror didn't seem to have any interest in taking advantage of her. At least not that night, anyway. But then again, Gabrielle honestly didn't know what to expect from the woman. And if anything, that was probably one of the things about the whole situation that scared her the most. As Gabrielle stood there contemplating what to make of the woman, Xena turned to her side and blew out the candle that was lighting the room. As the room went dark, Xena got comfortable and closed her eyes.
XENA
We're getting up early so I suggest you get to sleep instead of standing there staring at me.
Gabrielle sighed to herself as she got down on the floor and covered up. After shifting a few times to find a comfortable position on the hard floor that didn't bother her injuries, Gabrielle layed there in the darkness for a bit, just letting everything from the past couple days wash over her. Then, too mentally and emotionally tired, Gabrielle drifted off. Her dreams taking her back home to the days before she had been abruptly pulled from the only life she'd ever known. Something that she wasn't sure she'd ever be able to return to. After all now that she was being forced into staying with the Conqueror, Gabrielle was certain that it would only be a matter of time before something truly horrible would happen to her. One way or another.
TO BE CONTINUED...