While standing over the soldier she had just bested in battle, Xena lowered her sword and scowled at the man, taking in his appearance.
XENA
So where'd you get that outfit? You an actual Spartan, or did you steal that get-up from a real warrior?
The man scowled as he looked up at the warrior woman.
SOLDIER
I am a Spartan! I competed in a Marathon! When my commander saw we were being overwhelmed, he sent me to find a fall-back position. But on the way my horse was injured, and needed to be put out of its misery.
Argo whinnied at the topic as the man continued.
SOLDIER
I wanted your horse to finish my mission and get this treated.
The man winced as he moved slightly to motion to his back. Xena crouched and helped him turn to his side to find a large gash across his back.
XENA
It's just a flesh wound. I can dress it. You get that running from battle?
She helped the man stand and got a scowl in return.
SOLDIER
(Insulted tone) Spartans don't run.
XENA
Oh, I know. They fight to the death.
The warrior looked at his sword that was still laying on the ground as she took note of its condition.
XENA
Look at that it's completely clean without a single nick or scratch on it. Basically in perfect condition. Almost as if it's never even been used.
Her gaze returned to the soldier.
XENA
You're a deserter, aren't you?
The man scoffed at the question.
SOLDIER
No,
His eyes looked away from the woman as Xena took the action as a dead giveaway to what had happened as the soldier continued.
SOLDIER
I swear on my father's life.
XENA
Oh, a coward and a liar.
(Sarcasm) Your father must be proud.
Being caught in his lie, the soldier bowed his head in shame and spoke.
DORIAN
Fine I admit it. I abandoned my fellow men to be slaughtered while I ran. I'm a disgrace.
GABRIELLE
Everyone feels fear.
Xena glanced at the bard.
XENA
True…
She brought her eyes back to the soldier.
XENA
But if we all ran away from that fear, there'd be no home left to run to.
Xena extended her hand to the man.
XENA
It's not too late. You can still redeem yourself. Join us.
The soldier eyed the hand offered to him as he contemplated the dark-haired woman's offer.
SOLDIER
Join you?! Huh, against that army?! What can just the three people possibly do?!
The bard shifted to put less weight on her sore ankle as she looked at the warrior, giving her a small smile. She put her doubts of how they would manage such a feat out of her mind and decided to put her trust in Xena as she had so many times before.
GABRIELLE
Xena says she has a plan to stop them.
SOLDIER
You do?
XENA
I do.
The warrior woman smirked as she continued.
XENA
And you'll fit into it nicely.
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
It was sometime later as Xena, Gabrielle, and the soldier, who they had learned went by Dorian, walked along, the bard making idle conversation with their temporary travel companion to pass the time. All seemed quiet until, in the distance, Xena's sharp eyes caught a quick flash of light that she knew had to be the sunlight being reflected off a metal object. The warrior's senses went on high alert as she quickly figured out the metal object was most certainly a sword or some other similar weapon or armor. She chose to remain silent about the object for the moment while the trio continued on.
DORIAN
Xena, you still haven't told me your plans to stop the Persians.
XENA
(Flat tone) Oh, I haven't?
The woman stopped and in turn, brought Argo and Gabrielle in the mare's saddle to a halt as she handed Dorian Argo's reins.
XENA
Hey, I want you to take Gabrielle into the woods and keep her there, all right?
GABRIELLE
What is it, Xena? Did you see something?
Xena explained what she had seen.
XENA
It's likely the advance party I've been expecting.
GABRIELLE
I can still fight.
The bard tried climbing down from the horse but was quickly stopped as Xena held her in place.
XENA
No. I want you to get out of here.
GABRIELLE
But…
XENA
(Stern tone) Don't argue with me. You're in no position to fight. I'll explain later. Now go.
The blonde opened her mouth to insist that she was staying but saw a look in the other woman's eyes that she could tell meant there was no room for debate on the matter. So with a defeated sigh, Gabrielle took Argo's reins and trotted off as Xena moved to stand with Dorian.
XENA
Get ready for a fight, Spartan.
Xena reached to her waist and took hold of her chakram, before letting it fly. It sliced through several of the oncoming enemy soldiers' flesh before returning to the warrior's hand as the enemy fell. But with more of the invading army coming toward her, Xena hooked her chakram back in its place and drew her sword. Then, letting out her battle cry, she jumped forward with a flip and landed right in the middle of a group of soldiers. She swung and slashed with her blade as she fought single-handedly against the group, while Dorian stood back and just watched the whole scene.
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Still unhappy about being sent away, despite knowing fighting would be difficult in her current state, Gabrielle rode up a nearby hill as she sighed to herself about being left out of the action. Argo was nearly completely over the hill when the bard looked back toward where she had left Xena and saw the woman fighting the invading forces by herself, as Dorian just stood there. Scowling at the soldier leaving Xena to fight alone, the blonde turned Argo around and swiftly galloped back down to where the man was standing.
GABRIELLE
Dorian! What are you doing?! Xena needs your help.
The man just stood there, clearly too scared to move.
GABRIELLE
Hey, snap out of it!
Using her good foot, Gabrielle kicked at the man to get his attention. As a result, the soldier finally snapped out of his trance-like state and looked at the blonde.
GABRIELLE
Fight or take refuge! Standing here out in the open like this isn't helping anyone.
The man nodded in understanding as Gabrielle turned Argo to ride away from the battle once again as the soldier followed. They quickly moved to take cover amongst a patch of trees. As they drew close, the soldier ran ahead of the bard to get to safety. He suddenly stopped when he heard a painful cry ring out behind him as Gabrielle was struck from behind by an arrow, and she fell slumped forward in the saddle.
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Meanwhile, amidst the chaos, Xena continued to fight as she sunk her blade into yet another enemy. Blood sprayed onto the ground as she yanked the sword back out and let the soldier fall dead to her feet as she turned and carved her blade through another. The warrior woman quickly blocked an incoming strike before kicking the man away and cutting him down. But as his lifeless body to the ground before her, Xena's heart sank as her eyes happened to catch sight of Gabrielle in the distance, who at this point had nearly completely fallen off of Argo.
XENA
Gabrielle.
TO BE CONTINUED…