~ Forever ~
by planetsolin
For disclaimers see part one
CHAPTER THREE
Xena had plenty of time to think about the evening over the next few weeks. Solan was settling in nicely at the Palace and she had taken to giving him weapons training in the afternoon. In spite of the boy's proclamation of wishing to kill her, he had not attempted to stick her with a sword when they dueled. Perhaps, in time, as Gabrielle had suggested, the lad would come to change his feelings towards her.
The Conqueror sighed as she rounded the corner and entered the throne room. The wedding was now only a few days away and there were many things to do. She was still welcoming the dignitaries from around her kingdom and word had reached her the day before, that representatives from Chin had arrived. The ornately decorated junks from the foreign land were loaded heavy with gifts from the eastern lands and anchored in the harbour just outside the city.
She did not look forward to the upcoming interview. Her spies indicated that it was Ming Tien and not his mother whom headed the entourage. Though it had been several years since she had last seen the boy she had no doubt that he was still arrogant and conniving. She did not trust the Princeling.
She forgot about the young man and turned her attention to the matters at hand. This morning she had appointments to see several of the individuals involved in the wedding and a smile nearly broke across her lips at the sight of the small round merchant by the name of Salmoneous.
The ambitious merchant had some how gotten under her skin. His fawning, though at times annoying, always ended up bringing a smile to her lips. On this occasion he and his connections had proven very helpful in securing for her all the various delicacies and items that she desired for the wedding.
"You're Majesty," Salmoneous gushed the instant he spotted the tall dark warrior. He bowed, taking her hand and gallantly placing a kiss upon it. It was a gesture that she allowed of no one but him and he was honoured.
"Salmoneous," she acknowledged his presence. "What have you brought me to look at today?"
"Your wedding garment," the merchant's smile broadened and motioned to an assistant who was standing beside him.
In a flurry the young slave whisked the parchment from around a large bundle and lifted an elegant looking garment that was hanging on a twig.
Xena stepped back to view the creation. She had been undecided as to what she would wear for the ceremony until the merchant had offered to take care of the matter. Against her better judgment she had agreed and now here was what he had chosen and she knew that she was not disappointed for the garments were made of the finest leather and silk that could be found in the lands.
"You have out done yourself," she murmured her appreciation and the rotund man smiled happily.
He was aware that the Conqueror had expected something similar to what the Queen would be wearing but he knew instinctively what would make the impressive Empress look her best.
"Thank you my Empress," the merchant was truly grateful that he had succeeded on his mission. "I knew that you wanted the focus of this special day to be upon the Queen, yet I also knew that your own beauty should not be disguised. In that regards I had my tailors create something that befitted your statute as Empress."
"I like it," Xena agreed. She had debated whether she had wanted to wear a gown or leggings and was glad that the small merchant had settled the question for her.
"As the whole Empire will like seeing you in it," came a mild sounding voice from the doorway and there was silence as everyone turned and looked towards the speaker. "I beg your forgiveness for interrupting but I could contain myself no longer."
"Ming Tien," the Conqueror acknowledged the small foreign dignitary who shuffled into the room, followed by his retinue of servants and advisers. The new arrivals bowed ceremoniously while the Empress waved her hand motioning for the others in the room to leave. There was silence as the room emptied.
"It is good to see you Mien Ting," Xena broke the ensuing silence. "My servants reported that you had arrived last evening."
"I would have come to pay my respects than but it was late and I thought it best to present myself at a better time," the Princeling explained away his behaviour.
The Empress made no comment. Contrary to what the Princeling said, she knew that he had not sent word of his arrival out of disrespect. Ming Tien hated her and only tolerated her rule because of his mother.
"How is Loa Moa?" Xena asked of her friend.
"She is of fine health," Ming Tien replied with a straight face, revealing none of the truth. "She asked that I present this gift to you as a sign of her affection and to express her happiness at your marriage."
The Chin Princeling motioned to a servant who hurried forward with a small box which he presented to the Conqueror. Xena looked at the gift for a moment before lifting the lid. Inside resting on a beautiful bed of spun silk was a black bone comb. A dark thought flashed across her features. She knew the significance of this gift.
The Conqueror turned and strolled slowly across the room to the window of the room and peered out onto the courtyard. Her eyes caught a glimpse of the blond haired Amazon, who would be her wife in the next few days, her swollen belly making all movement slow as she strolled side by side with Solan who was walking one of the horses. A small smile came to her lips. It disappeared just as quickly when she turned back to face the small Eastern man.
"Your mother's gift was very thoughtfully," she commented. "What did you bring me?"
Ming Tien smiled. "My junks are filled with only the finest silks and oils from the Eastern land, but for you and only you I brought a special gift." He clapped his hands and a small eastern woman in dark silk robes stepped forward. Her head was bowed but Xena could see by the shape of her face that though she was of an Eastern land she was not from Chin.
"I give you this slave, from the land of Japa," the Princeling said. "She is not only young and beautiful and a speaker of words, but also trained to give you pleasure in bed."
Xena stared at the young woman who glanced up with a shy smile on her ruby red lips. She was beautiful with liquid brown eyes and petite features, and at another time and place the Conqueror would have been grateful for such a gift. But her heart was completely consumed with the beauty and love of another small woman. Though they had never discussed the matter the Conqueror knew that for her to dally with another, no matter if it was only a casual sexual encounter, would hurt the bard and that was something she never intended on doing.
"As much as your gift is appreciated, it is also inappropriate for this occasion," Xena turned her pale blue eyes on the small Princeling.
"It may seem strange, but word has reached us that you are to be a mother," Ming Tien replied. "I am certain that your lovely bride would not begrudge you the opportunity to receive pleasure from another while she is incapacitated by your child."
"No, but I would begrudge myself," the Conqueror said firmly. "In a few days I will make a pledge to the world that I have already made to myself. Even though I am not bound by law, I am bound by the feelings I have to share myself with no one but my bride, from now and forever."
"That is a novel idea," Ming Tien commented with a hint of mirth, his manner almost condescending.
"Perhaps," Xena shrugged not caring what anyone else thought. As Conqueror, she could have anyone she wanted, at anytime, but she wanted only one woman. She had no desire to bed anyone else, no matter how beautiful they were.
Thankfully, the interview with Ming Tien ended shortly afterwards as the Princeling took his entourage and returned to his junk to wait for the day of the ceremony. When he departed he left behind the two gifts that he had presented to the Conqueror. Xena stared at the young Japa girl not certain what to do with her. It was as if the girl could read her thoughts.
"Why do you not wish me?"
"Because I have no need of someone of your talents," Xena replied, somehow not surprised that this slave could speak her tongue.
"Why is that?"
"By what are you called?"
"Akemi," the girl replied.
"Akemi, I already have someone that can give me what you can and more," the Conqueror shrugged.
"But I am a maker of poems, stories and music."
"I already have a scholar and a bard in my company," Xena was getting bored with this conversation. "You offer me nothing that I don't already have."
"What if I offer you more riches from a land ripe for the picking? With my help you can have it all," the Japa girl said a sly smile creasing her lips.
Xena was interested. She wandered back to her throne and sprawled into its comfort. "Tell me more." She was intrigued by what this girl would say.
"Japa, the land of my birth," the girl said. "It is filled with riches more beautiful and plentiful then any that can be found in the land of Chin. It is a land ruled by many and waiting for the one to come and conqueror it all. There are temples to the gods and rivers filled with gold and other jewels that befit someone of your statute. It is a land waiting for someone to come and feed upon its riches."
"And you think I am the one to do that?"
"Yes," the girl nodded her dark head. "On the journey from Chin I heard many stories of your greatness, warriors and civilians alike quake at the mention of your name. They say that you are the greatest ruler of all the Known World and the riches such as those in Japa deserve only someone as bold and mighty as yourself to be their possessor."
Xena listened quietly. The Japa girl had a tongue of silver almost better then her bard, and in another time and place she might have allowed herself to be seduced by the beautiful woman's words. But today she had priorities that went beyond those of which this foreign woman spoke. The Conqueror knew that in Gabrielle she had treasures that could not be replaced. Treasures that were better then anything found in the ground.
"No," Xena said not caring about the riches that she has just been offered.
"What?" the girl seemed surprised. A look of confusion crossed her face as if she had somehow misunderstood.
"I am not interested in conquering Japa."
"Why?"
"There are many reasons."
"It is because of this woman you are to take as your bride?" The Japa woman was shocked. She had heard so many stories of how easy it was to seduce the Conqueror. Ming Tien had told her on the journey of how simple it would be for them to entice the Empress into mounting a campaign into the Eastern lands. So far the Empress had expressed no interest. She wondered if the Chin Princeling had lied to her.
"She is but one of the reasons," Xena shrugged. It made no difference to her what this foreign woman thought.
"You are making a mistake."
"How?" Blue eyes captured the other woman's dark ones.
"Because there are others that covet the land of Japa," the girl retorted. "Others who will know how to use its resources of jewels and people, and they might then threaten the Eastern borders of your Empire."
"Perhaps they will," the Conqueror agreed her pale eyes narrowing. "But in order for them to get to Japa will they not have to cross through my Empire first?"
There was silence as the girl contemplated the Empress' words.
"Who filled your head with these things?" Xena asked her pale eyes still on the girl. "And why do you wish for me to Conqueror your homeland?"
There was another silence as the girl continued to return the Conquerors gaze. "Japa is ruled by a very evil warlord; one more evil then yourself. He makes all our lives miserable and our people wait for the day a saviour rides into our land to rescue us from that slavery. Ming Tien told me that you desired to conqueror all the Known World."
"Then you are not a slave?"
"No," the girl confirmed her suspicions. "I wished to offer myself in exchange for your help. Ming Tien presented me as a gift in hopes that I might persuade you to help my cause. I wish to overthrow this warlord and I wanted your assistance."
"And if I conquered your lands?" The Empress asked. "What would happen then?"
"I would rule it as your faithful and loyal representative once you returned here to the Palace."
"I don't think so," Xena shook her head. "I think your plan was to seduce me into helping you conquer Japa and then Ming Tien and you would oppose me together. Am I wrong?"
The girl did not answer, though a measure of shock rippled through her mind. She could not believe how accurately the Conqueror had guessed their plot.
"I am not a fool, and I will not take the word of someone who is not only a stranger but a friend to someone I consider an enemy." The Conqueror snarled. "Archius! Please see that this woman is escorted back to Ming Tien. I do not wish to have his gift foul my home."
"You will regret this," the small dark haired Japa girl announced with a hint of scorn. Xena turned to face the smaller woman, her blue eyes blazing dark.
"I don't think so," she turned towards Archius. "Please see that our guest is escorted out of the Palace."
Archius nodded and then motioned to the guards who quickly moved forward and grasped the girl by the arms.
"You will regret this," the girl repeated before being dragged out of the room.
There was a lengthening silence after the Japa girl's departure. Archius looked across the room to his mistress. He could see the frown that was burrowed across her brows. He approached with caution uncertain of the tall woman's mood.
"My Empress?"
"Yes Archius?" the Conqueror turned to the man.
"Are you certain of this decision?" the aide wanted to know. "Akemi speaks the truth. Japa is an unknown world but it has been rumoured to hold more riches then all the Known World together."
"That may be so," the Conqueror agreed. "But, I am not prepared to lead an army now. Gabrielle is in no condition to travel and I will not leave her here to bear our child alone."
"Perhaps the campaign can be postponed until after the child is born," Archius suggested.
"No," Xena was very adamant. "I will not leave Gabrielle and I will not have her drag our child across the world to be with me. The conditions of such a campaign would be difficult and not one I would wish to subject either of them too."
There was silence as the aide contemplated the Conquerors words and sad smile crossed the tall woman's face.
"Perhaps in another time before Gabrielle came into my life I would have jumped at the opportunity...." there was a pause as the blue eyes lowered briefly in contemplation before lifting again and squarely looking at her companion. "But since Gabrielle came into my life things have changed. Now obtaining more riches is not as important as ensuring the ones that I love, the ones who are apart of my life, are safe and happy."
Archius knew her words were sincere and he would not be one to try and dissuade her from her course. He watched as she opened the small box that had been offered from Loa Moa and noticed the hardening of the Conquerors features as she stared at the gift.
"There is something you can do for me Archius."
"Yes, my Empress?"
"I wish for you to send a trusted envoy to the Kingdom of Chin," Xena instructed. "I wish to learn as quickly as possible as to the fate of my dear friend."
"You think something is wrong?"
"Yes," Xena nodded lifting the delicate comb and turning it over in her hand, seeing the shape of its pointed fingers.
"Your wish is done, my Conqueror," the aide agreed and then scurried out of the room to do her bidding.
Ming Tien was surprised and affronted by the knowledge that the Conqueror had rejected his wedding gift. He had been certain that Akemi would be able to seduce the Empress with her words and offers. He had been young but not to young to understand how his mother and the Empress had come to be such good allies. It had disgusted him that they had shared the same bed but he had hoped to use that knowledge. Well, his plan had not worked and it was beginning to look like he would have to use his alliance with the Roman Emperor Caesar to defeat the Conqueror.
"Choi Ling!" he called for his trusted adviser.
"Yes, my lord," the aged warrior appeared from the top deck, bowing on his knees as he entered the stateroom.
"How many able bodied servants do we have with us?"
"Not quite five hundred, my Lord."
"Good," the Chin Princeling replied. "I want you to choose twenty five of the best archers."
The adviser nodded his head and listened attentively as his master detailed his plan. It seemed to him that what Ming Tien plotted was suicide but it was not his place to disobey. He was the Prince's servant and he would do what was asked.
Later that day an odd pair of women slipped into the city, waiting until nightfall before making their way through the city gates. Behind them came a small entourage of individuals, all dressed in civilian clothes, pulling wooden carts and leading an assorted array of farm creatures. They did not attract any undue notice as they were no different then the thousands of other citizens from across the land who had been pouring into the city in anticipation of the upcoming celebrations.
Callisto had coloured her naturally light hair dark, in order to match that of her taller companion. They were posing as sisters and part of a caravan from the eastern corner of the Empire. After landing their boat in a port three days journey south, they had traveled to the outskirts of the city where they had set up camp. After spending their days scouting the capital they were ready to enact their plan.
There were less then fifty of them and barely a force to be reckoned with, considering the amount of soldiers that were billeted in the city, but they were not dressed as soldiers and it was easy for them to blend in with the civilian population. On the day of the wedding they would be able to mingle with the rest of the crowd and get past the security and within reaching distance of the podium and the Empress.
Without a word, the small group separated into smaller pairs and disappeared into the teeming mass of humanity that was crowding the city. Each knew the job they were to perform. Those who survived were to return to the port where their boat was docked. Only then would they receive their reward.
Callisto and Altee moved off as a unit, neither really trusting the other, in spite of the fact that their goals were one and the same. Silently they moved through the city, towards a small Inn where they would stay until that fateful day.
Behind them came another caravan. This one was from the North of the Empire and with it were traveling merchants and others who had specifically come to celebrate the wedding of the Empress and the Queen. There were four individuals in particular who all shared the same destination.
Hercuba, Lila and her husband, Linus, had been the first to join the traveling merchant caravan, sensing it was better to travel in a group through the wilds of the country then in the small party. The same thought had been in Cyrene's mind when she had joined the caravan once it reached Amphipolis. She had been willing to travel alone if need be but Toris had persuaded her otherwise.
There had been a somewhat surprised moment followed by an awkward silence when the small party had learned that there ultimate destinations were the same. In the end it had been Cyrene, with her expertise as a hostess of an Inn, that had broken through the strain of that first meeting over a nighttime fire.
In the following days the two older women had come to be fast friends, though Cyrene at first had a hard time believing that Hercuba did not resent her for having a child that had grown up to be the Conqueror. Both the women understood that their trek across the country was perhaps the easiest part of their journey here.
Gabrielle looked across at her partner seeing the frown on the taller woman's face. Xena had been moodier than usual since returning to their private chambers, remaining mostly silent over their meal. It was not unusual for the Empress to be quiet but the bard knew the woman and knew that something was bothering her.
"Are you going to tell me what the problem is?" she finally implored, breaking the silence that had begun to lengthen between them.
"What?" Xena asked absently glancing up from the bone comb that she was staring at.
"Come on Xena, I know something is bothering you."
The Empress sighed. She had not wanted to burden the girl with her thoughts, especially not when it was so close to their wedding day.
"I fear I have problems in the Eastern part of my Empire."
"What kind of problems?" the bard was quick to ask.
"I don't know," Xena said. "What I do know is that Ming Tien appeared in court today with this gift, a present from his mother Loa Moa."
"But?" the smaller woman prompted when her companion fell silent.
"But she would not have sent me this if things had been alright," the Conqueror continued. "I fear that she has met with an unfavourable fate."
Gabrielle knew the importance of the Eastern woman in her lover's life. She had sometimes felt jealousy of what the two had shared, but she had come to terms with the realization that their relationship, like that of the one that Xena had shared with Cleopatra, had occurred long before her appearance in the Conquerors life.
"Do you want to postpone the wedding?"
"Why would I do that?" Xena was shocked by the suggestion and her blue eyes flew to the soft green ones that were looking at her.
"So you can go to Chin and find out if Loa Moa is all right." Gabrielle offered, her heart sinking at the thought that all the work that they had gone through in preparation for a wedding that might not now happen.
"No." The word was absolutely final. "Loa Moa and the rest of my Empire can wait Gabrielle. I refuse to put them before you or our child."
"But what if your friend needs you?"
"Then she will have to wait," Xena said aware that she was speaking the truth. From now on the whole Empire would have to wait. The bard and their child were more important. "But it does not matter. I fear that it is already too late."
Before Gabrielle could reply there was a knock on the door. Archius appeared at the younger woman's call for their visitor to enter. There was a tentative look on his face.
"What is it?" Xena asked already on her feet.
"Your Highness, I think the Queen and you should come immediately."
The man gave no hint to what awaited them and Xena held her hand out for the blond bard to take before they followed the smaller man out of their chambers and into the vast corridors of the Palace. Neither questioned the man in regards to the summons and later when they reached the front vestibule no more words were needed.
"Mom! Lila!" Gabrielle shouted before racing across the distance to embrace her family. Xena's heart leapt at the sight. She had been hopeful that they would come for her lover's sake and her hopes had been rewarded.
"Xena?" Another voice caught her attention and she turned slightly noticing for the first time another woman standing just off to the side.
"Mother?"
"Yes, Xena, it is me." Cyrene wasn't certain by the expression of the tall woman's face whether she was happy or not to see her.
"Cyrene!" Gabrielle too noticed the other woman and walked over to embrace her. She had prayed to the Gods that their families would all be united in the celebration of their marriage.
"What are you doing here?"
"I could not miss my only daughter's wedding," Cyrene replied honestly, thinking of the violent argument she had with Toris over traveling the long distance to the Capital. The boy was not ready yet to forgive his sister.
A proclamation had gone out across the Empire announcing the nuptials and calling for a day of celebration. Many of the villages that dotted the landscape had planned special events and town parties as part of the festivities. The party was to begin when the sun reached its highest point in the sky for by that time the Empress and the Queen would be wed.
"I'm glad," came the quiet and sincere reply. "When did you arrive?"
"We just arrived," Hercuba replied. "We came here while Linus went in search of rooms."
"You will all stay here, there is plenty of room," Gabrielle announced immediately.
"We did not know if we were welcome," Cyrene was honest and the taller woman was silent for a long moment, and the older woman thought she saw a flash of pain flit across the blue eyes that were staring at her intently.
"I know things have not always been good between us," the Conqueror said. "But you are always welcome in my home."
Silence reigned through the room. It had not been that long ago that those words would never have been spoken or accepted. But so much had changed and both women knew that change had occurred because of the bard's influence in both their lives.
"Archius!" The Empress called turning to the small man who was a silent witness to the reunion.
"Yes, My Empress?"
"Archius, this is my mother, and this is Queen Gabrielle's mother and her sister Lila," Xena made the introductions regaining her composure. "I want you to prepare some rooms and summon the kitchen that we will need a late meal."
"Yes, My Conqueror, it would be my pleasure," the balding man agreed before rushing off to summon the necessary servants.
"I never expected that they would come," Gabrielle admitted many candle marks later when the pair of lover's were once again alone in their private chambers.
After sharing a late dinner and conversation they had settled their families into several large guest suites in the Palace before returning to their own quarters. They had readied for bed but the excitement of their unexpected visitor's arrival made it impossible for them to go to sleep. Gabrielle was sitting on the bench by the window, staring out over the courtyard and into the city.
"You are happy?" Xena asked settling behind the bard and wrapping her arms around the smaller woman.
"Oh yes Xena, my life could not be any more perfect than it is," the bard sighed settling back into the warm embrace of her lover.
"I am glad." The Empress breathed sincerely.
"Are you okay with this?"
"Yes, otherwise I would not have extended the invitation."
"Are you glad Cyrene is here?"
"Yes." The Conqueror nodded and it was not a lie. She stared over the bard's golden head into the night, seeing the flickering of the few fires that still burned in the capital.
Meanwhile in another part of the city a tall blond woman paced restlessly through the darkened streets of the capital. She could taste victory and was anxious to complete the mission on which she had embarked. To nervous to sleep she had left her companion at the small Inn where they had taken a room. There were still a few minor details that needed to be completed before that fateful day when she would face her sworn enemy.
She found the leader of the mercenaries and together they had scouted areas where they could stow their cache of weapons until they were needed. Everywhere there were soldiers patrolling the capital and it was not an uncommon sight for individuals to be stopped and searched. They had heard in the taverns of the extra security that had been put in place for the nuptials and knew that they had to be cautious to avoid detection. They returned to their individual Inn's later without accomplishing their mission.
"What'll ya have?" the maid servant asked as the tall blond woman settled onto a bench at a table near the fireplace.
"Some bread and cheese and a mug of your finest ale," the woman replied tossing a coin onto the table to pay for her purchase.
"Aye," the servant nodded scooping up the money and hurrying to the kitchens.
It was too early for most guests to have their morning fare so the tavern was nearly empty save for a lone gentleman who was sitting at a table near the bar. He was looking at her with dark eyes and Callisto curled her lip in a snarl before turning her attention to the food that suddenly appeared on the table in front of her. No sooner had she taken her first bite into the bread when the man appeared, slipping noiselessly onto the bench on the opposite side of the table from her.
"What do you want?" the woman snarled. She was not interested in making idle chatter.
"I heard that you were new to the city," the man replied seemingly unperturbed by her behaviour.
"What is it your concern if I am?"
"Perhaps none," the man shrugged nonchalantly. "But perhaps I can also help you."
Blue eyes narrowed as they continued to stare at the man. "What help could I need?"
An evil smile broke across the man's lips as he nodded his head in the direction of the barkeep that was standing wiping the mugs clean for the days use. "My friend overheard some of the conversation you had with the tavern owner."
Callisto instantly racked her brain as to what she had said that would arouse suspicion. She had only asked the tavern owner a few innocuous questions regarding the layout of the city including the location of the wedding dais.
"I am here merely to do some business and help celebrate the Empress' wedding."
"A pity," the man clucked to himself, though it was loud enough for the woman to hear. "It is well known that this tavern is a common meeting place for those still opposed to the Conqueror."
Callisto remained silent, wondering whether the man was a spy for the Empress or if the God's had finally graced her with some good fortune. Though wary she decided to test the waters.
"What if I was in agreement to those other patron's, how is it that you might help me?"
The man smiled proud that he was a good reader of character. He had seen something in the woman the moment she and her companion had entered the tavern earlier seeking food and accommodation. He had watched her and had later asked questions. He had not been disappointed by the answers he had received.
"It is how we might be able to help each other?" the man said wickedly. "But first let me introduce myself. I am known by the name of Vargas."
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Ares laughed softly as he watched the goings on in the mortal world. Things were shaping up better than he had imagined and with limited interference from himself. He had thought he would have to intercede but it seemed that forces where coming together even without his intervention.
He had been careful to keep a low profile, aware that his Godly sisters were watching his every move, appearing uninterested in what was happening in the mortal world while secretly using his minions to keep tabs on those who were now in his favour. They were far inferior to His Chosen but they would help achieve his goal of getting her to return to him.
__________________________
In spite of the discussion that Callisto had with the stranger she was uncertain as to whether she could trust the man. For their next meeting she brought Altee who swore she could see true hatred in the man's heart for the Conqueror. Only than did Callisto agree to let the man help her and it was with some amazement that she than learned that there were others like herself who had traveled across the Empire to attack the Conqueror on her wedding day.
Vargas had a shop in the courtyard square where the wedding itself would take place and it was where he agreed to store the weapons that were needed until the wedding day. So late at night, while most of the city slept, Callisto and her mercenaries worked, stowing the swords and spears that they would collect while the ceremony was in progress.
While they worked in one area of the city, other forces were also at work. Ming Tien's trusted aide did the duty that was asked of him and with this own aides he scouted the city looking for positions where he could post his fighters without them being seen from the walls of the Palace.
The evening prior to the wedding ceremony he snuck his archers into position on buildings around the courtyard where the wedding dais was set up. It was from there that they would stay hidden until the trumpet sound that would begin the attack.
Meanwhile the occupants of the Palace were blissfully unaware of the activities outside the walls. Gabrielle spent the days leading up to the wedding by attending to her family and Cyrene while Xena continued to host the arrival of dignitaries from all parts of her Empire.
The Conqueror knew that she would be most vulnerable on her wedding day but she trusted Xenon and his security preparations to keep her safe. She could see the strong presence of soldiers on the streets. Each morning she conferred with the Captain of the Royal Guard. Her personal spies had been very busy, uncovering plots against her and many visitors to the city were captured and interred in the Palace prison.
She had hoped that her wedding day would be one of healing yet she was fast beginning to wonder if she was not making a mistake in making the affair so public. She could wed Gabrielle in the safety and privacy of the Palace, yet she had made a promise to herself to show the world and her Empire the importance of the bard in her life. She could not do that behind the walls of the palace.
"You are worried, My Empress?" Archius clearly interpreted the Conquerors somber mood.
"Yes," Xena sighed glancing up at the aide. She was seated on her throne, playing thoughtfully with the ebony comb that had been given to her as a wedding gift from Loa Moa. "I worry for Queen Gabrielle, each day Xenon and his troops uncover yet another plot against me."
The aide was momentarily silent. He knew of the woman's fear and he was not without his own worry. "I am sure all will go well."
"I only hope so," the Empress sighed, knowing that there was nothing she could change. She had done everything in her power to ensure that her bard would be safe on their wedding day.
"Perhaps you are suffering a case of cold feet," the aide suggested with a slight smile.
"No," Xena immediately shook her head. "If there is one thing I am certain about it is my feelings for Gabrielle and my desire to spend the rest of my life with her. It is strange but I have never felt this sure about anything before. It equals the power I feel when I step onto the battlefield."
"Than all will work out," Archius assured the woman.
Xena could only hope so, but there was still a measure of worry that she knew would never go away. It didn't matter how well she protected Gabrielle, the bard was still vulnerable. She reminded the bard of that later that night.
"Are you asking me if I want to change my mind?" Gabrielle stared at her solemn warrior.
"Yes, I guess I am," the Empress said with a heavy heart. There was sorrow in her eyes. "The moment you become my wife, your fate will be sealed. People will hate you because you are with me."
"Than they already hate me," the bard reasoned.
"No," the Conqueror shook her head. "Most people consider you my bed slave here against your will but when you take the vows to be my wife they will know that you are with me not because I make you but because you want to be."
"Good because I want the world to know that I love you," Gabrielle said proudly and the love in the green eyes sent the tall warriors heart soaring. She embraced the smaller woman, drawing her tightly against her body.
"Whatever happens in the future Gabrielle, please remember that I love you beyond anything else."
"I do my love."
CHAPTER FOUR
The big day had finally arrived and Xena paced nervously around the bed chamber that she had used to dress. Salmoneus had taken over with many of the minor arrangements and he insisted that it was bad luck to see the bride prior to the ceremony. And so alone she waited for the moment that the merchant would come to announce that it was time.
She paused in front of the long looking glass and studied her reflection. The merchant had persuaded her that he had the perfect outfit for the occasion and than proceeded to produce a set of black leather trousers. With the pants was a matching black leather, sleeveless shirt under which she wore a long sleeved high collared white silk shirt. Her sword was strapped to her side and over one shoulder hung a dark blue cape. Her hair had been left free. Grudgingly she had to admit that the man had been right.
Her thoughts turned to her companion as she wondered what the bard would be wearing. She had promised to marry the Queen before their baby was born and now at eight months the child was getting ready to enter the world.
A shiver racked her body and she was astonished that it was caused by the excitement she felt. It was a new feeling and pleasant. A radiant smile curved over her lips at the realization that she had never been happier in her life. She had the sudden urge to shout out her joy but she didn't. She was the Conqueror and such behaviour was not acceptable. The knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Yes," Xena called and watched as the door opened to admit Salmoneous. The moment he caught sight of the Conqueror he stopped, his eyes bulging in surprise at the sight of the radiant woman who stood there.
"What?" She demanded of the man who continued to stare at her. "Do I have something on my face?"
"No, My Conqueror," Salmoneous broke the spell and gushed. "I have never seen you looking so beautiful. Your face just shines radiantly. Love looks very good on you."
Xena blushed profusely and turned away in embarrassment. She had never received such a genuine compliment from anyone other than the Queen and it was disconcerting. She straightened her shoulders and allowed her Conqueror facade to drop over her features. She turned back to the man.
"Is it time to go?"
"Your horse is ready," the merchant answered regaining his composure. Xena was to ride to the market square where she would wait for the bard to arrive in a specially crafted carriage.
The Empress nodded anxious to get on with the ceremony. "Then let's be on our way."
The man smiled before following the tall woman through the Palace to the front steps where Argo, washed and groomed, was waiting. She nodded at the Palace Escort whose armour and clothing was clean and shiny. She mounted her horse and glanced at Xenon, the soldier whom she had asked to stand as her second.
"Are you ready My Conqueror?" the soldier asked with a smile.
"Yes," came the short reply. "I think if we don't get this over with soon I shall change my mind."
"I do not think that a possibility," the man laughed. He had only ever seen his commander this way in the presence of the Queen, who with a simple look or smile was able to reduce the fiercest warrior in the Known World to the likes of a youth with their first crush.
"No," the Conqueror agreed sheepishly. "If I were not to show up today I am afraid I would have to run and hide for the rest of my life, in fear of what the Queen would do to me if she ever found me."
The soldier chuckled at the vision of the tall, dark warrior running from the small blond woman. But he also knew that the Empress would never run, for that would be letting the small woman down and he knew that she would never do that. Without another word they lined up, with the Empress in the middle and the procession began.
Salmoneous watched as the mounted procession moved off before summoning the Queens escort who would be drawing the open carriage in which the blond woman would ride to her nuptials. Jason had been given the honour of driving the team of horses that would pull the carriage.
"How do I look?" Gabrielle asked, doing an awkward pirogue for all those who had helped her dress.
"Absolutely gorgeous," Lila exclaimed with excitement. "Xena will be overwhelmed."
"Thank you Lila," Gabrielle welcomed her sister's encouragement but her green eyes sought those of her mother's. It was important to the Queen to know what her mother thought. "Mother?"
"Lila is right, you are very beautiful," Hercuba smiled. The glow of her pregnancy only added to the beauty that naturally radiated off the small woman. Though she did not agree with this marriage she could see how happy her daughter was. She wished her husband had not been so stubborn and refused to accompany them to the capital for the festivities.
"Thank you," the Queen was relieved, knowing that her mother would be honest. She moved across the room and grasped the older woman's hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. "I am glad you decided to come, it means allot to Xena and me."
"I could hardly miss my oldest daughters wedding," Hercuba said surprised by the lump in her throat. She had not expected to feel so happy for her oldest child.
"I hope that you will consider staying until the birth of our baby," Gabrielle continued.
"We'll see," the older woman made no promises but surprised herself by considering the idea.
At that moment there was a knock on the door and the three women watched as the merchant stepped into the room. One look at the Queen in her long green robes with her blond hair drawn back in an elegant braid and he considered the Empress a very lucky woman.
"You look absolutely wonderful," Salmoneous exalted. "Your radiance is greater than anything the sun can produce."
"Salmoneous you need not flatter me, for I am sure that the Conqueror plans to reward you well for all you have done to make this day special for us both," the Queen answered smoothly.
"Getting the chance to help prepare this occasion and to see you both now, is reward enough," the merchant said graciously but Gabrielle knew otherwise and just smiled.
"Are we ready to go?" Like the Empress she was anxious to get this day over.
"Yes," the man clapped his hands gleefully. "The Empress has already begun the journey and your carriage is waiting for you now."
Gabrielle turned to her sister Lila and mother. "I guess it's time to get married."
The others nodded. They had arrived in the city with Linus only a few days earlier. Their father had refused to attend the ceremony, staying back on his farm. But they knew that even there he would not be immune from the celebrations that were planned for all across the Empire.
Though they had been welcomed into the palace, they had spent many candle marks wandering around the city as Linus had shown them the town to which he had been born. The city had been engulfed in a festive mood, with performers entertaining the crowds in many squares. From everyone joyous greetings had been called. It had been a welcome relief to know how happy these people were for Gabrielle.
This realization was only re-enforced by the trip to the newly erected wedding dais. The route of the matrimonial procession was lined with citizens all cheering and waving blue ribbons and cloths, symbols of the Conqueror and the Empire. The Queen smiled brilliantly and returned the waves, buoyed by the happiness that was directed her way. Before she had time to reflect on the nervousness she felt they were there in the market, winding their way through the crowd to the front of the dais steps.
Green eyes went to the top of the platform where her lover stood waiting. Xena looked beautiful and wild in her wedding costume and her heart thudded heavily in her chest. Jason climbed down from the carriage and opened the door to help her down to the steps. Once there she waited for her sister and mother to disembark.
Hercuba caught her breath at the sight of the tall dark haired woman who stood at the top of the dais waiting for their arrival. She was dressed splendidly in black leather with a white shirt and a dark blue cape slung over one shoulder. Her sword was strapped to her narrow waist. The breeze was ruffling her dark hair.
Callisto nodded silently to the Roman mercenaries who were gathered around her. One by one they had entered the square. In spite of their peasant garb, they had been thoroughly searched by the soldiers stationed at each entrance to ensure that they were not armed. Once inside amongst the other citizens they wandered casually over to the shop owned by Vargas where they retrieved the weapons that had been stored there. The blond Amazon smiled to herself aware that the Conqueror and the Queen would be caught completely off guard.
Gabrielle's complete attention was focused on her lover who awaited her. She barely noticed the presence of those who would be standing in a place of honour on the platform. There was Jason and Solan, Eponin and Ephiny on the side where she would stand and on the other were Archius and Cyrene, Salmoneus and Xenon. Her smile grew at the sight of the Innkeeper, happy that the older woman had also come to the capital to celebrate.
Finally she was there, standing next to her tall lover who held out her arm which she took before they walked together to stand in front of the Magistrate who would perform the ceremony. The base of the dais was guarded by a ring of soldiers and Amazons, many of whom had journeyed to the Capital to witness the marriage of their Queen to the Conqueror. Those who had remained back at the Amazon village would be celebrating the union well into the night.
People from all regions of the Empire, peasants and dignitaries alike, all crowded into the small market square, their eyes focused towards the couple on the dais; all eager to witness this union.
"To all those of you who have gathered here to witness the union of Gabrielle, of Potedaia, Queen of the Amazons, to Xena of Amphipolis, Conqueror and Empress of the Known World, they bade you welcome and thank you for sharing in their joy." The strong voice of the Magistrate echoed through the market square silencing the crowd. "If there is anyone who stands against this union or has reason for these two not to join speak now or forever remain silent."
Silence reigned over the court as no one dared to speak, aware that their words would be immediately silenced by the phalanx of military personnel who mingled amongst the crowd.
"Than let us continue," the brightly costumed Magistrate said glancing at the two women who stood before him. "In accordance with the laws of the land, Gabrielle of Potedaia, Queen of the Amazons we listen for your pledge to Xena."
The pair of women turned to face each other, their hands clasped together, green and blue eyes united in the love they were sharing. The small woman took a deep breath trying to remember the words she had written and practiced so often in anticipation of this moment. She stared at her companion and felt the warmth of her touch and all the nervousness and fear she felt disappeared.
"Xena, I remember the day we met as if it were just yesterday, so fresh in my mind is that first sight I had of you, so strong and so beautiful. I was drawn immediately to you, seeing the warm and wonderful woman that has captured my heart so completely.
"Each day I look at you and the love I feel grows only stronger. There is nothing more that I wish than to grow old with you, raising our child, watching you nurture it with love. I feel honoured that of everyone it is I that you have chosen to take as your wife, to hold and cherish, to protect and honour, too live with each day. I love you now and forever."
The bard fell silent and she noticed the glistening in the blue eyes that were looking at her. Xena was overwhelmed by the heart felt words of her lover and she allowed herself to lean forward and seal their union with another kiss. It was a loving and tender yet filled with the passion that was so much apart of the tall stoic Empress.
The Magistrate cleared his throat to gain the attention of the women. "In accordance with the laws of the land, Xena of Amphipolis, Empress of Greece and Conqueror of the Known World, we will now hear your pledge to Gabrielle."
"I never thought I would feel the way you make me feel; the way your smile lights up my heart, the way your touch both soothes my soul. Each night I lay down beside you honoured that you have chosen to love me; honoured that you have chosen to accept my love.
"Each day I wake happy with the knowledge that I will share it with you. Each night I hold you tightly afraid that you might disappear in the darkness for you are the greatest treasure that I could ever possess, the light that shines through my darkness. Without you I am nothing and I pledge my love to you now and forever."
"You may now seal your union with a kiss," the Magistrate instructed solemnly as he looked at the couple.
The Conqueror reached down and cupped the smaller woman's face between her large callused hands and the small woman automatically placed her own on top. For a long silent moment blue and green eyes met in a loving exchange and at that moment they were the only two people in the world that existed, the crowds that packed the market forgotten and ignored.
Having made the solemn promise the Empress leaned forward and sealed the moment with a tender kiss that brought tears to the small blonde woman's eyes. She had seen the tender side of the Conqueror so many times yet never once did she fail to be overcome with emotion by each display. She could see the love in the taller woman's eyes and her heart ached.
"By the power invested to me by the laws of the land, I pronounce you as one, joined together for all to see, for now and forever," the Magistrate's voice bellowed out and the crowd broke out into a spontaneous cheer.
Salmoneous turned too his people and signaled and in an instant there were small pops and suddenly the sky was filled with thin ribbons and strips of coloured parchment that fluttered harmlessly over the newly wed couple and the crowd.
Ming Tien glanced at his escort, bowing his head slightly before slowly turning and quietly slipping through the cheering crowd towards the nearest exit. He wanted to be far gone from the market before the fighting started but his progress was impeded by the crush of people that blocked every lane exiting the square.
Choi Ling glanced silently at his comrades and then nodded his head, signaling it was time for them to act. The signal went out to their associates perched on roof tops outside the market square. The archers slipped from their hiding places and raised their crossbows, their actions gone unseen by everyone whose attention was completely focused on the couple on the dais.
Xena was unable to stop the smile that broke out over her face. She was happier than she had ever been in her life, than she would ever be. This moment was her's forever and she would treasure it until her dying days. Still holding her partners hand she turned them too look out at the cheering crowd. Unable to hide her happiness she joined her companion in waving to those who were there.
Later she would turn these first few moments over in her head in an attempt to pinpoint where she had let down her guard. But in this supreme moment of happiness any threats to her and her lover were far at the back of her mind, and so it was her subconscious instinct that responded as the first charge of arrows rained over the dais.
"No," she screamed and stepped in front of the bard, just as the arrows sliced through the air towards them.
The Conqueror managed to grab two of the arrows and knock away another two but the fifth one found a target in her shoulder knocking her backwards. Her worst nightmare was happening and she looked down at the small flow of crimson that was beginning to spread into the cloth of her ceremonial robe.
"Xena?" Gabrielle cried in confusion her green eyes widening in horror as she saw the arrow sticking out of her companion's shoulder.
"Get down Gabrielle," the Conqueror hissed rousting the sleeping creature within her soul. Her eyes scanned the arena as she correctly detected the direction from which the pointed missiles had come.
In spite of her injury she was able to fend off the next wave of arrows. She had to protect Gabrielle and she would do so with her life. But she was still only human and with the third wave another arrow found its mark in her thigh and uncaring about the pain she snapped off the shaft.
Ephiny and Eponin saw what was happening and reacted at the same time. They jumped onto the dais and surrounded the embattled couple; their weapons were drawn even though they were powerless to do anything but shield their Queen with their bodies as chaos reigned.
"Charge," Callisto screamed above the roar of the crowd. The mercenaries drew their swords from beneath the volumous robes they had worn and rushed forward, slashing and stabbing their way through the terrified crowd that was now surging towards the exits in an attempt to avoid the coming carnage.
Xenon finally snapped out of his momentary paralysis and drew his sword, shouting for the rest of the Palace Guard to form a perimeter around the dais. They would be the line that separated the assassins from the Conqueror and her wife.
"You must retreat," Archius begged of the Empress but the tall warrior only snarled at the man and broke the shaft off of the arrow in her shoulder before drawing her sword. Her anger was completely unleashed and nothing would stop her until everyone involved in interrupting her marriage was dead.
"I want you to protect Gabrielle," she issued the short command to the Amazon's. "Get her into the Palace and lock the gates. Anyone who comes near her is to be killed."
Ephiny and Eponin nodded, aware that they were now responsible for the only important thing in the Kingdom. They each grabbed one of the Queen's arms and jumped off the podium into a waiting group of Amazon warriors who had gathered.
"We are heading back to the Palace," Ephiny instructed her subjects. Nothing more needed to be said as the Amazon warriors automatically formed a tight circle around the Queen and began pushing their way through the crowd towards the street that led up to the Palace.
It took a few breaths before the chaos cleared and the Conqueror and Royal Guard could see their enemy. Xena was startled by the number of enemy who had infiltrated the city. She could see by their weapons that they had been supplied by the Romans. Caesar! The bitter though pierced her mind before she jumped off the dais into the fray.
Those who dared to face the enraged Conqueror were quickly dispatched and with several quick swings and thrusts three mercenaries were sent to Hades. She paused, her eyes catching sight of the men perched on the roof tops of the buildings that ringed the square.
"Xenon!" She shouted to the Captain of the Guard who was fighting nearby.
The soldier dispatched his opponent before turning to his leader who was pointing upwards. He followed her gaze and saw the archers, a scowl forming on his lips as he recognized the soldiers as belonging to the Prince of Chin.
Without another word, he shouted to a group of archers from his own army who had been summoned and were quickly assembling to join in the fighting. Their commander instantly understood the commands and directed his men towards the roof tops. Soon an arch of arrows poured over the soldiers from Chin.
For the first time in their lives, Ephiny and Eponin were grateful for the crush of people for it gave them added protection from anyone who might try to bring harm to the Queen. The closer they got to the Palace the thinner the crowds became until finally they made it through to the Palace gates.
"Ephiny," Gabrielle finally recovered from the initial shock that had enveloped her. She shook off the hands that held her arms and turned to the Regent. "We have to get back there. We have to help Xena!"
The Regent hesitated, her first duty was to the Queen but the Conqueror had given her strict instructions. She looked at the smaller woman and saw that she was ready to charge back to the square in search of her lover. Ephiny looked across at Epinon seeing the concern in her grey eyes.
"Xena said...."
"I don't care what Xena said," Gabrielle was stubborn and the trait was beginning to show as she made a motion towards the gates.
"My Queen," this time it was Eponin who spoke. She had spent enough time with the Queen to know that she needed to offer an acceptable solution or the small blond would charge back into danger. "Will you stay here with Ephiny and me while the others go back and help the Conqueror?"
"No!"
"Gabrielle," Ephiny spoke again. "Xena can take care of herself. She needs to concentrate on the enemy and she can't do that with you there."
The bard was silent. It was as if Xena was there saying those words; the words that she had always spoke when the Queen had asked to join her in battle. It was something that the Empress did not want her to see or experience. Suddenly her shoulders slumped.
"Yes," she nodded, resigned to the fate of waiting for her lover to return.
The Amazon's breathed a collective sigh of relief. Ephiny immediately dispatched the extra Amazon's before turning her attention back to the Queen. "We must get you into the Palace now."
Gabrielle nodded and they turned only to be confronted by a tall dark haired woman dressed in brown leathers. The three women all felt the presence of evil radiate from this stranger and Eponin immediately raised her sword and charged the unarmed woman. Almost as quickly she was sent flying sideways against the open Palace gates, her neck snapping and killing her as she landed on the ground. The woman smiled with arrogance.
"Do you really think you can defeat me with your weapons?" The woman asked with a laugh.
"What do you want?" Ephiny spoke as she stepped in front of the Queen. She had witnessed the death of the strongest Amazon warrior and the woman before them had only lifted her empty hand.
"I want to repay the favour the Queen did for me," the woman laughed again, her face contorting in madness.
"This is a strange way to repay me for a favour," Gabrielle said stepping out from behind her Regent. She was not a coward and did not intend to let anyone else die on her behalf. "Who are you?"
"I am known by the name of Altee," came the raspy response and a twinge of familiarity wrestled inside the bard's brain. She had heard that name before yet she could not recall where. The woman saw the look of puzzlement cross the small woman's face.
"Of course you probably wouldn't remember me," the woman said harshly as if she suddenly realized that the Queen had not given her another thought. "But I was with Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt when she came to visit the Empress several seasons ago. I was the one who you had Cleopatra dismiss from her association. I was cast out of her court and onto the street."
Realization dawned on the bard's face as she remembered the incident that happened so long ago.
"I never asked that you be disciplined."
"No, but you knew that you had humiliated the Queen and she needed to do something to alleviate the shame," Altee continued an evil smile curving her lips. "I promised myself than that one day I would seek you out and thank you, for after I was turned out on the street I met an old coercer who helped me channel the black magic that already existed inside me.
"So here I am to show you exactly what I can do," the woman smiled and as she raised her hand again Ephiny stepped once more in front of the Queen.
The mercenaries fell as they were quickly overpowered by the soldiers from the Conquerors army, but they inflicted enormous damage in the process, killing as many of the Empress' soldiers before falling beneath the sword.
Xena fought relentlessly, the panther inside in full glory as the battle lust boiled over and surged full of energy through her taunt body giving her extraordinaire strength. Only when a few remnants of fighters remained did she pause, her blue eyes searching the square whose ground was now red from the life that drained from the bodies that littered the market.
She searched for the one responsible; the traitor from Chin whom she had taken into her home, the Princeling who had conspired with Rome against her. But he was nowhere to be seen. Instead all she saw was a vaguely familiar tall blond woman who emerged unscathed from the battle. Blue eyes met blue and Xena instantly recognized her opponent.
"You!"
"Yes, Xena, me," the blond woman cackled. "Finally we meet face to face, after all this time."
"You fought alongside the Amazon's with my army and than you conspired with Ares and Dahok to kill Gabrielle," the Empress said.
"Yes," the woman sighed with disappointment. "If was such a good plan, but than not everything works."
"No," the Conqueror agreed. "What do you want?"
"I want the satisfaction of watching you die," Callisto replied simply with a mad smile. However her words brought a harsh laugh to the Empress.
"You think you can kill me?"
"Yes," the blond woman replied with a cocky grin.
"Well, we will see," the Conqueror said with a sneer. "But I have one question, why have you got such hatred for me?" It was a question that the Empress always asked when someone confronted her with a personal vendetta.
"Do you remember Cirra?" the smile disappeared from the blond woman's face.
"One of many towns," the Empress said dismissively.
"Maybe to you," Callisto snarled. "But to me it was my home. A town where I lived with my family, but you destroyed all that when you came through the town with your army. You leveled the village. Do you know how many people survived? No you probably don't, so let me tell you. There were only two of us that lived, an old man and myself. You killed my family and now I am here to avenge their murders."
Xena was silent. She had destroyed many things in the early years of her reign. Her army had run wild, frenzied with the power of life and death that they held. It was only later that they had become more civilized and military like.
"It was a long time ago."
"Not long enough," Callisto shook her head. "And now you will pay, but before you do, I want you to know that you won't be alone. Right now as we speak a friend of mine is taking care of your new little bride, so perhaps you will go to Hades together."
"Gabrielle!" The Conquerors thoughts turned to her new wife and caused a wrenching emotion to tear through her gut.
"Yes, your precious little bard," the blond woman continued the smile returning to her red lips. "Now as we speak she is being put through her own torture, a torture that you are powerless to stop."
"No!" the Conqueror roared and charged the blond who laughed madly.
Xena was surprised by the strength of the other woman who shielded her swings with her sword. The clanging of steel on steel rang through the suddenly silent square as the two women faced each other in a fierce battle to the death.
Callisto was a more formable opponent than the Conqueror had faced in a long time and even though she was certain of victory she knew that she would have to be patient. This woman would not fall under the sword as easily as the others she had faced that day. But she knew that she could not be leisurely as she would have preferred her mind thinking on the safety of her partner.
"What's the matter Xena, are you worried about you little bard?" Callisto laughed hysterically as she parried another of the Conqueror's thrusts. "Or perhaps you have finally met your match?"
"It will be years before anyone can match me," Xena snarled and swung her sword with increasing power and speed, pushing the other woman backwards. Finally she saw her opening and before the woman could react she plunged her sword forward thrusting it deep into the woman's stomach, twisting it before pulling it out, dragging with it pieces of her insides.
Callisto's eyes went large and round, as she looked down at the wide opening in her midsection. It was as if she had never expected to lose. She dropped to her knees, the sword falling out of her hand as she clutched her stomach in a fierce attempt to stuff her guts back into her belly.
Normally Xena would have let her victims die slowly, but her thoughts were already elsewhere so today she had mercy. With a quick flick of her wrist the broadsword sliced through the air and severed the woman's head from the rest of her body. The Empress was already walking away by the time the headless torso fell forward.
Xenon watched from a distance, aware that the Conqueror was at her wildest. He was about to approach when he saw her turn and run in the direction of the Palace, her long strides quickly eating up the distance. There was an urgency in her actions that suddenly made him afraid. Without a second thought he followed his commander, unaware that serving her had become an automatic reaction.
Gabrielle fought for breath but it seemed to be a useless battle. She had watched Ephiny die slowly and painfully, an invisible force crushing the breath out of her lungs, until they had exploded, ripping her chest apart. The woman had laughed with amusement at the look of horror on the Queens face.
Altee had not wasted any time on relishing her victories. She knew that Callisto had no chance against the Conqueror, so instead of toying and playing with her victims she had dispatched them in a hurry.
"The Conqueror will not save you this time," the tall dark haired woman laughed with glee as she lifted her hand and flung the smaller woman against the Palace wall for the third time. The small blonde's body was becoming ragged as a doll, her limbs battered and broken from the abuse. "You should have left her a long time ago."
Gabrielle barely heard those words, for every part of her body was bruised. She knew that several of her limbs were broken and that blood was seeping from wounds that had been inflicted by the various rocks and sticks that had been thrown at her. Her head throbbed relentlessly, and she was beginning to drift in and out of consciousness.
Her wedding day; it had begun with such joy and happiness, and now her married life would end before she had a chance to call the Conqueror her wife. Tears dripped from her swollen eyes as she felt her body lifted and flung through the air once again, crashing into another wall and knocking her senseless.
"You better pray to your Gods," Altee laughed as she stepped up to the bard's crumpled body. She reached down and placed a hand around the small woman's slender neck lifting her into the air and holding her there. The smaller woman was powerless to fight back.
"Why?" Gabrielle wanted to know the source of hatred for she instinctively knew there had to be more. She clawed at the hands around her neck, desperate for some reprieve.
"No, it is more than that," Altee laughed in her piercing voice. "You see I have powers to look into the future; powers that will grow only stronger with time. I have seen into the future, a future that you and the Conqueror will also be apart. We will be great enemies. We will do battle and I will win."
"What does that have to do with me now?" the bard's voice was raspy. She did not understand what this woman was talking about. She seemed crazy.
"I will only win if you die now," the tall woman hissed. "Each day that you spend with the Conqueror, each day she grows stronger, each day you show her more and more humanity. Each day she learns more and more about peace."
"How can that be bad?" Gabrielle pleaded.
"Life is a karmic circle," the woman explained, her dark eyes growing darker. "Each life you live you learn more and grow stronger. This life the Conqueror was evil until you entered her life and showed her that she could have all the power with out the fear. If you live then she will change and her karmic circle will continue as is written."
"And if I die?"
"The Conqueror's heart will become blacker than before and I will reap the rewards in this life and the next," Altee said, remembering the scenes of glory that she had seen in the future that she had been shown. "What the Conqueror did in her past will be nothing compared to what I will accomplish."
"No," the word came out of the blonde's mouth in a whisper.
"Yes," the woman laughed and closed her hand, crushing the Queen's throat.
"I love you Xena," Gabrielle managed to whisper just before she slipped from consciousness.
"No!" The Empress screamed as she felt an overwhelming sadness fill her body. She stretched her stride barreling around the last corner before running through the Palace gates and into the front courtyard. She came to a halt as her eyes focused the tall woman effortlessly holding the shattered body of her wife.
Altee glanced up a smug smile on her lips. "Sorry Xena but you are too late." She said and laughed.
The Conqueror howled in pain and charged forward swinging her sword but she came up against an invisible wall which tossed her backwards like a rag doll. Xena lay for a moment trying to unscramble her brains before jumping to her feet and charging once more, only to have her body tossed backwards again, the laugh of the other woman ringing in her ears.
"So Xena, you have finally, met your match," Altee laughed, reveling in the knowledge that she would be able to accomplish what so many others had tried and failed. She shook the bard in her hand as if shaking a doll and then tossed the Queen to the side.
The Empress lay still for a moment, her mind trying to sort through what was happening. When she realized what she was up against she closed her eyes and tried to focus on the energy that she would need to defeat this opponent. She knew that she had to kill this strange woman before she could help Gabrielle.
Clearing her mind, she slowly rose, and calmly looked at the tall woman. She had matched wits once before with a coercer and it had been a painful lesson from which she had learned many things. One had been on how to survive and defeat anyone with similar powers.
Atlee looked at the formable woman who was now strolling calmly towards her. She would enjoy killing this warrior more than she had enjoyed killing anyone. She lifted her hand in the other woman's direction and flicked her wrist, but this time the Conqueror was not lifted or tossed aside.
The woman merely kept walking.
"It is better to know your enemy before you attempt to do battle," Xena said her lips curling in a snarl.
Altee flicked her wrist again but there was nothing, and the smile that once decorated her face now disappeared.
"Your tricks work only on those weak of mind," the Empress said her voice cold and hard. "But they are meaningless against someone who already knows the power that guides them."
The other woman paled. She had been too arrogant, her teacher had said, to quick to take the little that she learned and go out into the world. The old crone said she had more to teach but she had been too eager for revenge that she had not waited to complete the lessons. Now, in this moment she realized her mistake.
"To defeat someone with the mind, you have to go against someone with a weaker mind," Xena continued. "In that you have made your biggest mistake, I could not have done what I have, or accomplished anything if I had been born with a mind that could easily be swayed."
Without another word Xena plucked a knife from her boot and tossed it towards Altee who turned her thoughts to stopping the object, next came the other knife, wedding gifts from Gabrielle and the woman turned some of her magic to stop the other weapon. With some of the energy diverted, the Empress made her move, lunging forward and thrusting with her sword.
Atlee diverted more of her energy to protect herself and the knives wavered in midair. This time it was Xena who laughed, but it was cold and filled with anger. She could feel the other woman's energy beginning to drain and she closed her eyes for a moment to draw more of her own strength from deep inside.
Altee felt her hold against this woman begin to weaken and she summoned more of her energy and it became a battle of wills. But it didn't last long as the Conqueror unleashed her greatest weapon. The panther growled and the invisible force protecting the other woman collapsed allowing all three weapons to hit her simultaneously. The woman didn't have a chance and she fell to the ground in a lifeless heap with a knife sticking out of her forehead and her throat, while the sword was plunged deep in her belly.
Xena immediately rushed over to where Gabrielle was lying, dropping to her knees. Her eyes saw the damage that had been done and she knew that she didn't have to check whether the bard was dead. Her face was lifeless as she gathered the small blond woman into her arms and carried her across the courtyard into the Palace.
Xenon watched from a distance a heavy burden of sadness settling over his heart. He knew without asking that the Queen was as dead as her escort who lay scattered around the compound. Hades had paid a telling visit that day and many lives would be joining him in the underworld this night.
It had been a long day and it was far from over, Archius realized as he made his way through the silent Palace. Only that morning it had been bustling, a hive of activity, but now it was solemn, and filled with the mourning of death.
The battle had been short but costly and many people had lost their lives, most succumbing to the hail of arrows that had rained down on them before the archers belonging to Ming Tien had been overwhelmed. Like the rest of the city he was afraid of what would come after this day.
He entered the Conqueror's bed chamber quietly, aware that the Empress had not wanted to be disturbed. Word of the day's events had spread rapidly and now the Empire collectively held their breaths as they waited for what would come next. Everyone knew that the bard's death would have a resounding effect in the days and years to come.
The Empress was sitting on a stool beside the bed upon which the bard had been laid. Xena had not changed from her blood stained wedding garments. She just sat there staring at the chalk white and battered face of the one true person she had ever loved and for the first time in her life she didn't know what she would do next. She barely noticed when she was no longer alone.
"How many?" she asked not turning her gaze away from the bed.
"Many," the small man answered.
"Who?"
Archius shifted uncomfortably on his feet. He knew that evidently the Empress would have to learn the truth; he had just hoped that it would not be so soon. He swallowed aware that the woman was waiting for his response even though she said nothing.
Slowly and clearly he spoke the names of those who had been killed, many slaughtered by the arrows at the beginning of the assault. Xena listened not showing any emotion. She was beyond feeling. The devastation had been complete. Not only had Gabrielle died, but everyone else in her family who had come to witness their marriage. In fact, there were only three of them who had been on the dais that had survived. Jason and her mother Cyrene had also died in the rain of arrows, and her son, Solan had perished in the fighting, picking up a sword to defend the Empire of the mother he had not known. Even Salmoneous had died under the blade of a mercenary who had not cared who he slaughtered. Everyone she had ever cared about had been killed in one act of vengeance.
"What of Ming Tien?"
"There are soldiers searching for him even as we speak."
"When he is captured I want him brought to the Palace prison," the Empress said through clenched teeth. "I will deal with him personally and anyone who interferes with that will suffer the same punishment."
Archius nodded silently, aware of what justice awaited the Chin Prince when he was finally caught.
"The Amazon's are preparing to return to their village with their dead, they would like to take the Queen with them."
"No!" the single word burst from deep in the Conqueror's gut, her voice softening only slightly when she continued. "I wish for you to get the embalmer and have her prepared. I am taking Gabrielle to Amphipolis to be buried in my tomb."
"Yes, My Empress," the small man answered immediately, instinctively stepping backwards, away from the swirling anger that surrounded the tall woman. "Is there anything else that you need?"
"Yes, I want you to gather a group of dispatch riders as I have a petition that I want to be delivered to all the Generals commanding my armies."
"Yes, My Conqueror," the small man nodded and waited for a moment of silence before daring to speak once more.
"Now go!" She barked and the man flinched.
"Yes, My Empress," Archius bowed again before hurrying out of the room. He paused to take a breath once he reached the corridor only then aware that his legs were shaking.
Xena sat down at her desk and penned a dispatch which she would give the riders once they had been rounded up. She knew that by the time all the necessary forces were assembled she would have a plan in place to attack and defeat Rome. Already thoughts of how she would kill Caesar rolled through her mind. She would make it slow and tortuous; reminding him of everything he had taken from her.
Xena turned and looked one last time at her beloved. Tears pricked her blue eyes but she refused to give in to her emotion. She strolled over to the edge of the bed studying every line and curve of the woman's beautiful face.
"My soul cries with the knowledge that I will never see you again but I know that my heart goes with you to the Elysian fields where you will keep it safe and care for it just as you will care for the child that I will never see," the Empress whispered softly as she bent and pressed her lips against the cold flesh of her wife. "Rest in peace my love now and forever."
With that the Empress turned and walked away not looking back at her love.
Continued in part three