Some of you may have already read chapter 5 however, I removed the chapter once I realized I accidentally uploaded the wrong version I had written. This is the correct version. Army Recruiting is broken down into 3 chapters, due to its length. Happy reading :)

Chapter 5: Army Recruiting, Part I

Xena arrived in the courtyard, her mouth dropping open in astonishment. There were at least 200 men gathered, eager to try out for recruitment. Ulysses walked outside and stood next to Xena, and all talking ceased. He was just as shocked as she was at the turnout. "This is going to take all week," he told Xena. Xena laughed in disbelief. Without any word from Ulysses, she began to walk in a straight line down the center of the courtyard. All the men moved to stand to either the left or the right of her. She eyed everyone briefly as she made her rounds.

"Alright, everyone listen up," Xena spoke loudly in her commanding voice. "By the end of the night, half of you will be back at home. I want to see your best skills put forth. Show us why you want to be in the best army in all of Greece." The men looked around at each other, silently giving nods of encouragement. Xena continued,

"Everyone, form lines with 10 people in each line, and hurry up!" The men scrambled to form lines, the loud clanging of weapons and armor filling the air.

"Men!" Xena's voice cut through the quiet of the morning, commanding attention from the assembled warriors.

"Today, we'll be testing your combat skills and your ability to follow orders. Each group will take turns sparring with another one. I want to see discipline, precision, and above all, teamwork. Understood?"The warriors nodded in acknowledgment, their faces set with determination as they prepared for the challenge ahead. Xena's words resonated with clarity and purpose, setting the tone for the trials to come.

"Remember, this is not about winning or losing," Xena reminded them, her tone firm yet encouraging.

"It's about proving yourselves as warriors worthy of joining Ulysses' ranks. Now, begin!" With a nod from Xena, the first group of warriors stepped forward to face the challenge ahead. As the clash of swords rang out like thunder, Xena moved among them with the grace of a predator, her eyes sharp and calculating as she assessed their readiness.

"Stay focused!" she called out, her voice cutting through the chaos of battle.

"Work together, anticipate your opponent's moves, and watch each other's backs!"

"Watch your footing!" she admonished one warrior, her eyes narrowed in concentration as she observed his technique.

"Keep your guard up!" To another, she offered praise for a well-executed maneuver, her voice ringing out with admiration. Ulysses stood at the edge of the field, his heart pounding with anticipation and admiration. In the field, Xena moved with the grace and ferocity of a warrior goddess, her every step showcasing her strength, skill, and unwavering determination. He couldn't help but be captivated by her presence, his eyes following her every step with awe and respect.

He had asked for her help with the tryouts, but he never imagined that she would possess the leadership and command she's showing. Her courage, her strength, and her strong commitment to excellence stirred something deep within him, igniting a fire in his soul that he had never felt before. Watching the trials unfold, Ulysses found himself drawn to Xena like iron to a magnet. In her, he saw not just a skilled warrior, but a kindred spirit, a soulmate whose passion mirrored his own.

The afternoon turned into the evening and the intensity of the trials only increased. Sweat beaded on the brow of every warrior, their muscles straining with effort as they fought for their chance to prove themselves worthy of joining Ulysses' legendary army. Once the stars twinkled in the sky, Ulysses raised his hand, signaling an end to the day's trials. With a voice that echoed with authority, he addressed the assembled warriors.

"Half of you have shown promise today," he firmly declared.

"But only the strongest, the bravest, and the most skilled among you will have the honor of joining my ranks. Rest now, for tomorrow brings new challenges and new opportunities to prove yourselves worthy of the title of warrior."

Ulysses went into the field and tenderly took Xena by the hand, guiding her back to the front of the courtyard. The men watched with fascination as the king led her by his side, their curiosity aroused about her identity and her relationship with the king. Regardless of her title or rank, they understood the importance of showing her respect if they wished to stay in the king's favor. The way he looked at her with such admiration and desire made it clear that she held a special place in his heart, and they knew better than to arouse his anger by showing anything less than utmost respect towards her. Despite her sweat and fatigue, she held Ulysses' gaze like a guiding star, her presence captivating him as never before. In that moment, Ulysses knew with certainty that he was deeply in love with her—for her fierce spirit, her unyielding courage, and her undeniable beauty. The staff members made their way outside with large pots and pans. While Ulysses and Xena strolled down the halls of the palace, Xena informed Ulysses that she was heading to the bath hall to soak her muscles. Ulysses held onto her hand tightly with his gaze locked with hers.

"You were amazing out there," he praised, pride clear in his voice. Xena smiled at him as her eyes sparkled with satisfaction. Ulysses gently ran his fingers through her sweaty hair. His touch was tender and affectionate.

"I'm glad to have you by my side," he confessed sincerely. He longed to tell her he loved her in that moment, but he decided to wait for the perfect time. Instead, he leaned in and kissed her tenderly.

"Enjoy your bath," he murmured softly as he reluctantly released her hand, watching her depart, longing to accompany her.

Once Xena's bath was done, she got dressed in a simple yet regal dress. As she brushed out her wet hair, there was a soft knock at the door. It was Zephyra.

"My lady, dinner is ready."

"Thank you, Zephyra. I'll be down in just a moment." Xena entered the dining hall and her eyes widened with admiration. The elegance of the room left her deeply impressed. She remembered Ulysses telling her he had a great cook, but she never imagined this type of presentation.

"It's nice, isn't it?" his voice came from behind her.

"More than I imagined," she replied. He led her to the seat at the other end of the table, as he sat at the head. Just then, the prince walked in. He had a look of horror on his face once he saw the seat Xena was sitting in.

"She is not the queen!" His voice was loud and commanding. The whole room fell still and silent, and the music stopped. Ulysses jumped up from his seat in an uproar.

"Xena is my guest and I will NOT tolerate ANYONE disrespecting her. You shall apologize at once," he demanded. The prince looked at Xena outraged, looking her up and down.

"Sorry," he muttered and stormed out of the dining hall, bumping Gabrielle violently as she entered. Xena got up from the seat and went to Ulysses.

"He's right, you know. If that seat is for the queen, then I have no right to sit there." Ulysses looked at her apologetically and pulled out the seat next to his chair.

"Then you will sit next to me," he said tenderly. The music started playing again, and the staff resumed their duties. Gabrielle took the seat next to Xena and asked how the recruiting went. Before Xena could reply, Ulysses praised her,

"Gabrielle, you should have seen her! She was amazing. Today was just the first day, and man, Xena tested all of their resolve." Gabrielle smiled at the king's enthusiasm.

"Yeah, Xena is pretty skilled on the battlefield."

"After dinner, we have to decide who will not be advancing," the king said.

"I have a few in mind that I'm ready to send home already," Xena added.

"I do too," the king said, laughing out loud. Gabrielle wanted to ask what had caused Telemachus' outburst, but the mood was too enjoyable to dampen it. Once the king saw everyone seated, he stood and spoke aloud,

"I want to apologize for your prince's behavior this evening. We all have our own personal adjustments to make. I hope this didn't dampen anyone's day. Now, let's feast." He held his cup in the air and said,

"To Ithaca." Everyone in the room held up their cups and exclaimed,

"To Ithaca," and they all began to eat.

Xena and Ulysses walked back to the courtyard hand in hand. Staff members carried outside two grand chairs. He led Xena to one chair, and she took her seat, with Ulysses settling into the one beside her. They both wore the clothes they had worn to dinner. Some of the men's eyes lit up as Xena's radiance captured them. The king stood, and all the men stopped talking, eager to hear what he had to say.

"I want to thank each and every one of you for trying out today. I kindly ask that you form one line, and one by one, you will stand in front of Lady Xena and I, and your fate will be determined." Nervous looks spread across the courtyard as they realized the moment of truth was near. The first candidate stepped forward with his chest puffed out in anticipation. After a brief moment, she declared,

"You stay." With that decision made, the candidate's face lit up with relief as he stepped back into line. The next man approached nervously as he awaited judgment. Xena and Ulysses exchanged a few quiet words. After a brief deliberation, they reached a decision, and Xena delivered the verdict. This process continued, one by one, as each candidate faced the scrutiny of Xena and Ulysses.

"You stay," Xena said firmly to one man, whose face lit up with relief and gratitude. To another, she said,

"I'm sorry, but you'll have to return home." Her tone was compassionate as she delivered the news. Ulysses stood behind her decisions, offering encouraging words to those who made the cut and expressing regret to those who didn't. As the last man departed, Xena and Ulysses exchanged looks of relief. It had been a long night of difficult decisions, but they were confident they had selected the best candidates to join his ranks.

"Congratulations, you all made it to day 2," he announced.

"Rest well, gentlemen," Ulysses added.

"We will see you in the morning." With those words, he signaled the end of the day's proceedings, allowing the men to disperse and find peace for the night ahead. The men exchanged relieved smiles and nods, grateful for the opportunity to prove themselves once again. Ulysses turned to Xena and extended his hand in a silent invitation. She took it without hesitation. They intertwined their fingers naturally with ease that spoke of their growing connection. As Xena's dress danced in the wind, they retreated into the palace, leaving behind the busy energy of the courtyard. Inside, the king turned to Xena smiling. His eyes reflected the exhausting activities of the day's events.

"I know you must be tired," his voice filled with genuine concern.

"I will see you in the morning. Goodnight, my lady." Xena returned his smile, a warmth spreading across her features. She leaned forward and captured his lips in a tender kiss. Pulling back, she met his gaze with affectionate eyes.

"Goodnight, my king," she whispered. His heart grew at the sound of those words, so much, that his chest began to ache. Yes, he knew he would make Xena his queen. Ulysses watched her disappear into her room and walked away, feeling like his life would finally be complete again after 20 long years.