~ Forever ~
by planetsolin
For disclaimers see part one
CHAPTER FIVE
Solan and Cyrene were laid to rest next to her brother Lyceus in the family tomb. Toris remained distraught and angry, but he dared not confront the Empress, all too aware of the dangerous mood which encompassed his sister. He had only seen her this way once before when their brother had been killed.
Gabrielle's body was interned in an ornate sarccophus in the tomb that Xena had chosen as her own burial chamber in a hill just outside of Amphipolis. It was a peaceful place with a pool in the adjoining chamber. The Conqueror had a special hole carved in the cavern wall and in it she placed the precious scrolls that her bard had written. They would stay with her love into eternity.
She spent one final night with her departed Queen, lying on the ground in the tomb and listening to the trickle of water as it fed the warm pool in the adjoining chamber. The days following the ambush had been filled with activity and the Conqueror had purposefully kept busy, unwilling to give herself any time to think. But now alone in the darkness she was unable to stop her thoughts or prevent the tears that filled her blue eyes.
In one fateful day she had lost everyone important in her life, and even though she knew that taking revenge on those responsible would not bring her loved one's back, she knew she could not let this massacre go unavenged.
She sighed. She was more tired than she had ever remembered being, yet sleep was as elusive as was the happiness she sought. She closed her eyes and briefly thought about the long journey here from the capital.
The surviving Amazons had accompanied her as far as Amazonia, before taking their Regent and Weapons' Master bodies back to their village. She had continued on to Potedaia where she had delivered the bodies of Hercuba, Lila and Linus.
Herodatus had been inconsolable and she had remained stoic against the abuse that he had hurled at her. She could understand his grief for he had lost his entire family. It was only when he had insisted on keeping Gabrielle's body that she had finally intervened. The bard was hers.
There had been no ceremony and her military escort had left her alone once the sarccpohus had been placed in the tomb. She had been left to remember the short time that they had spent together; the happiness and love the small woman had brought to her life; the child that they had eagerly looked forward to raising. So much had been lost.
Xena closed her eyes; she had no interest in giving an audience or attending to any other government business. At this moment she did not care about anything. She had lost the only reason for her to live. She could not eat or sleep, only wishing for death to consume her so that the sadness in her soul would end.
"I never thought I would ever see this." An amused voice cut through the silence of the cavern. "The great Xena, Empress of the Known World and Conqueror cowed by the loss of a woman."
"What in Hades do you want?" Xena barked at the God of War who suddenly appeared before her.
"Nothing," Ares said with a shrug. "Is there something wrong with an old friend popping in for a visit?"
"You are not a friend," the Empress snarled. "You never have been and we both know that."
"Oh, that really hurts," the man put his hand to his chest. "How can you say that after all we have shared?"
"What we shared was the desire for power," the tall woman snorted. "I no longer care about wealth or power. None of those things can bring a person love."
"Love," Ares laughed. "You are beginning to sound like Aphrodite. Love is for weak people who base their lives on emotions. You are much better than that. You are strong and until that little blond came along you were invincible."
Xena moved with incredible speed, grabbing her sword from the sheath on her back. With one swift move she was standing with the weapon pointed at the Deities throat. Her face was contorted in rage.
"Her name was Gabrielle," she snarled, her nostrils flaring in anger. "And I forbade you to speak of her again."
"Okay, okay," he shrugged with a lazy smile. He could see that his tactics were working. "But it's not like you can't find others willing to warm your bed."
"Enough!" the dark haired woman shouted.
"Yes, Xena, give into that rage," he hissed softly, feeling the anger radiate from every pore in her body. "If you let those who did this to you get away then they will win. Caesar will win. Do you really want to admit that someone as weak as that defeated you?"
The Conqueror felt her blood boil. It was churning in her veins and her eyes narrowed into thin slits revealing only the paleness of her eyes and then suddenly it all disappeared and the woman dropped her sword arm and the God of War realized smugly that he had achieved his goal.
Ares was right. Caesar had been the author of Gabrielle's death and she could not allow him to go unpunished. She knew only to well that he would be attempting to take advantage of her borders in this time of uncertainty. She would not let him have the satisfaction of reveling in his victory.
By the time dawn cracked the morning sky, the Empress was up and ready to go. As much as she wanted to linger she knew that there was much for her to do. She allowed her hand to lovingly caress the intricate carvings of the burial coffin; each a symbol to commemorate a life tragically cut short. It was all that remained of the wonderful, compassionate and loving woman the Queen had been.
"I do not know what the future holds, or the sacrifice that I will have to make," Xena said softly. "But know that I do this for you, for the love that you gave me, for the short time that we were able to share."
With that the Conqueror bent and placed a kiss on the sarccpohus before turning and walking away.
_________________
Artemis and Aphrodite both felt the loss of the gentle woman who had tamed the Conqueror. The blond Goddess especially missed the flashing green eyes and the love she felt every time she was in the bard's presence.
"I wish there was something that we could do," Artemis lamented, surprised by how much she missed the small blond.
"There is," Aphrodite answered the question that had been spoken out loud. Artemis turned to look at her sister, aware that they were responsible for the young woman's death. They had conspired to bring the bard and Conqueror together and it had worked beyond their wildest imaginations.
"What?"
"The Fates are in control of the past, the present and the future."
"We are forbidden to interfere," the Goddess of the Hunt interrupted with the reminder in a hushed voice; as if afraid someone might overhear their conversation.
"Than what is the fun of being a Goddess?" Aphrodite asked logically.
"We are talking about the Fates," Artemis shook her head. "Zeus has forbidden us to go to them."
"Yes," the Goddess of Love nodded her blond head. "But what if someone else does? What if the Conqueror speaks with them?"
"No," the other woman hissed, alarmed by the suggestion. "Who knows what Xena would do if she came face to face with the Fates. Besides you know what is written can not be undone."
"That is not true," Aphrodite disagreed. "We up here exist in an immoral state, for us nothing can change but for mortals it is not the same. To cut one string of interwoven lines can change everything."
"But what if the wrong line is cut, won't chaos result?" Artemis wanted to know.
"No one knows for sure," the Goddess of Love sighed. "No one has ever attempted to challenge the Fates or change the course of history."
"Than why are we talking about this now?"
"Because we both can see the future," Aphrodite replied. "We know that even as we speak the Conqueror's heart is once again beginning to harden and this time there will be nothing to save her or those whom she faces."
"No," Artemis shook her head. She did not want to think of what they were contemplating. "We must wait and see. Perhaps the Empress will surprise us."
Aphrodite looked at her sister and knew that she was hoping for something that both knew would never happen. Gabrielle had been Xena's savour and without her there was no telling what atrocities the Conqueror still had in her. There was only one way to convince her sister.
"If we don't do something it won't take long before the Conqueror goes after your chosen people."
The words struck hard at the other Goddess and she paused in her pacing to stare at the blond Deity. While the bard was alive she was assured that the Amazon's would live peacefully on their land. Now she wasn't certain who the Empress would turn her anger on.
"Don't let Ditey scare you," the low voice interrupted their exchange and both women turned to look at the tall dark haired God of War who suddenly appeared. "The Amazon's are safe; the Conqueror has a treaty with them."
Artemis eyes narrowed as she considered this new argument. She shook her russet hair and looked back at her sister. "We don't know what will happen?"
"Father will refuse to accept this," Ares snorted, feeling like he had the upper hand.
"Father doesn't need to know," Aphrodite replied with a shrug as if it was no concern to her whether Zeus found out or not.
"Perhaps not, but he will know because I will tell him," the God said with an evil smile.
"I don't think so," Artemis interrupted. She knew that if Ares was all for letting the Conqueror continue on her path then her chosen people were in jeopardy.
"And who is going to stop me?" Ares asked raising his dark eyebrows with barely concealed amusement.
"Father does not yet know of how you conspired against him," the Goddess of the Hunt replied. "I am sure he would be most interested to learn how you were going to help Dahak enter the world and overthrow Mt. Olympus."
The God of War stared at his sister through dark narrowed eyes. "You wouldn't dare." He did not like to be threatened.
"Yes, I would," Artemis declared. She as well as the other Gods on Olympus knew that their survival had been the result of the Conquerors intervention. It was with this realization that she made her decision. "It is only because of Xena that we are still here. I think it is time that we reward her for defeating our enemy."
Aphrodite smiled and clapped her hands gleefully while Ares only snarled. He knew that Artemis was true to her word. She would go to Zeus and expose his alliance with Dahak. He could not afford to incur the wrath of his father more then he already had. He knew Zeus would not be lenient towards him if he were to learn of his traitorous action. He knew the only way to win this battle was to get to the Conqueror first. With a snarl he disappeared in a flash.
"He's up to something," Aphrodite remarked and Artemis nodded all too aware of the way her brother tried to deceive everyone.
"Yes," the other Goddess nodded, wondering if she would be able to get to the Conqueror in time.
_________________________
Archius paused once he reached the door of the throne room. He glanced at the solemn faced soldiers on guard but neither returned his gaze. They were like statutes of stone, moving only if the situation warranted their intervention. They would be of no help to him if the Empress chose to vent her rage upon him. Fortunately he was there with good news. With a deep breath he cautiously stepped through the door into the next room.
He paused, allowing his eyes the opportunity to focus and see in the dimness of the room. They finally found the one he sought and his heart ached as it did every time he looked into the face of total loss and sadness. Since returning from Amphipolis the Empress had remained alone in the throne room, mourning the loss of the one who had made her life worth living, taking neither food nor drink as she prodded her revenge on those who had destroyed her happiness. He worried for her health. Each day her tall frame grew gaunter, her blue eyes more unfocused. He wished there was something he could do but he didn't know how he could help.
He approached her slowly, making certain that she was aware of his presence. She looked up at him yet the blue eyes were glazed and the features limp and pale. Looking at her now it was hard to believe that this was the woman whom the entire known world feared.
"My Conqueror," he interrupted her solace and harsh blue eyes pinned him in place.
"What is it?" In spite of her gaunt appearance her voice was as vibrant as ever.
"I have news, Ming Tien has been was captured."
"Where is he?" the Conqueror demanded to know, the blue eyes becoming alert.
"The guards have just locked him up in the Palace jail."
Without another word the Empress stood up and strolled out of the room, leaving the smaller man to follow in her wake. She had waited for this day and now was intent on exacting revenge for what the Princeling had done to her.
The jailers were not surprised to see the Conqueror. They scurried ahead of the stone faced woman, unlocking the doors that led down to the large cell where they had placed the prisoners.
Xena could not remember how long it had been since she had been down in the bowels of the Palace. Her iron rule had been so complete that those who had attempted to oppose her had not lived long enough to be imprisoned. She waited as the jailers opened the door before stepping in to the cool dank cell. It smelled of decay. The cells guests rose as the Empress strolled down the steps. They had never seen anything so fetal.
The Conqueror came to a halt at the bottom of the stairs and looked over her prisoners with a cold hard stare. There was no emotion on her face and nothing to tell the others what she was thinking.
She was clutching something tightly in her hand.
"What did you hope to gain by becoming a traitor?" It was a logical question.
Ming Tien straightened his slender shoulders but the woman still towered over him. His normally pristine appearance was disheveled and dirty from the many days they had spent in flight from the Conqueror.
"It is not right that a foreigner rules over the land of Chin. For centuries we have governed ourselves and then you barbarians come and pillage our riches."
"Perhaps if you had not been so weak then we barbarians wouldn't have been able to pillage your lands," came the acid reply. "Besides I let your mother rule her people."
"For a per cent age of all our wealth," the Princeling said with a scowl.
"There is a price to pay for everything," the Conqueror shrugged.
"Yes, Xena there is," Ming Tien actually smiled. "Until now you have not learned that lesson have you? But now you see and feel what everyone under you sees and feels each day you rule."
The Empress tensed as the panther started to prowl around inside. The creature was loose and those who had betrayed her would pay for what they had done to her.
"Chin has been ruled by members of my family for many centuries," the Princeling continued unaware of what the tall woman's silence meant. "We were here long before your people left the caves in which they used to dwell and we will continue to be here long after your people are nothing more then dust on the ground."
"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust." Xena said softly taking a step towards the small man. There was no emotion on her face or in her words. She raised her hand and looked intently at the object that she held. "Do you know what this is?"
She held it out for the young man to see.
"A woman's hair comb," the man sniffed.
"Do you remember where I got it?" the Conqueror asked next.
"Of course," the Princeling answered with a scowl. "It was a wedding gift from my mother."
"Yes. It had a special meaning for the both of us and she gave it to me for a time when I might need to use it. When it had served its purpose it was to be returned."
"Pity, you might as well keep it, she has no use for it anymore," Ming Tien said.
"Oh? Why is that?" Xena wanted to know and watched as a sly smile broke across the young man's face.
"Loa Moa met with an unfortunately accident just prior to my departure from Chin."
"I thought as much," the Conqueror nodded. "But I would still feel bad for not doing as she asked." There was a pause and a cold smile touched the Empress' lips. "So I have decided to send it back with you when you return to Chin."
The man's slanted eyes narrowed, uncertain he had heard correctly. "You are sending me back to Chin?"
"Yes," Xena said.
"Than perhaps you have learned a lesson in all this," the Prince said arrogantly.
"Oh yes, I learned many lessons in this tragedy, the foremost being that I should show no mercy towards my enemies," the Conqueror agreed, her lips curling into a snarl.
She acted than before the Princeling had a chance to realize what she said. With one swift strike Xena plunged the comb into the side temple of the small man, stepping back to watch as his eyes grew large before rolling up in his head. He crumpled to the ground without another word spoken.
"Oh, Master, Empress of the Known World, I thank you for releasing me from servitude to the Prince," Akemi exclaimed, throwing herself at the Conquerors feet. "Please show your greatness and forgive me for being to naïve and innocent to know the truth."
Xena looked down at the begging woman with disdain, and quickly stepped from her reach. She did not want to be soiled by the touch of someone who had participated in causing the death of her Queen.
"No," the Empress said.
"I did not know what I was doing," the small Japa woman continued to beg for mercy.
"You knew," Xena shook her head, slowly removing her sword from the sheath on her back. "I can see the knowledge in your eyes and I will not be taken in by it again."
"No......" the woman's pleading was answered by the swift justice of the Conqueror's sword as it sliced cleanly through the slender neck, severing the dark head from the slim body which fell forward onto the ground.
There was silence as the Empress turned her attention to the only remaining prisoner. Choi Ling had been a loyal servant to the Chin Princeling and now he stood erect waiting for his fate to be decided. He expected his life to end as harshly as those of his companions.
"Do you have anything to say in your defense?" Xena asked the man coldly.
"I will not beg for mercy," Choi Ling replied evenly. "Ming Tien was my master and I served him loyally."
"Even though as a professional soldier you surely must have known that his plans were suicidal?"
"I am but a servant trained to do as my master wishes whatever the consequences."
"Well, now you have a new Master," the Empress said harshly. "I will spare your life if you swear your fidelity to me."
The soldier was thoughtful for a long moment. He had once been a faithful servant of Loa Mao before being given to the boy by his mother. He had not always agreed with the Princelings decisions but it had not been his duty to counsel the young man only to act on his wishes. He knew that now he was being given a choice that had not been offered before. He could join his Master in the next world or live to serve another.
"I will swear to serve you faithfully until the end of my journey here on earth," the professional soldier said knowing that this was something that his old Master Loa Mao would have wanted him to do.
"Good," Xena nodded without emotion. "Your first duty as my servant will be to take this scum back to China and show the people that the death of Loa Mao has been avenged. Then in the absence of a true heir you will take her position as regent of all the land of Chin. I expect you to lead as Loa Mao would and for that you will be accountable to me."
The man bowed, accepting his new fate and without another word the Empress turned and walked out of the cell.
________________________
Loris reached the capital before the new moon. He had received the dispatch from the Conqueror and turned the army over to his second in command. Within the candle mark he had already been on the road to the capital. Switching horses and taking on food at the various military posts along the way he had been able to cover the distance in record time, arriving in the capital late into the night.
"How is she?" he inquired of Archius as the aide greeted him in the vestibule of the palace. The small man had been advised of the General's arrival and had hurried to greet the soldier. They had been by the Conquerors side from the beginning.
"Not doing well I am afraid," the palace staffer was honest. "For many days she took no food or drink and than for a long while she drowned her agony in spirits."
"And now?" Loris was unable to hide the grimace that crossed his face.
"She sees no one and takes only enough nourishment to keep her alive," Archius said. "She is but a shell of her former self."
"I was afraid of this," the General sighed remembering a conversation that he had shared with the Empress several seasons earlier. "Allowing the bard into her life has only weakened her."
"No!" the smaller man barked angrily. "Gabrielle gave the Empress back her soul. The Queens death is a tragedy for not only the Conqueror but for the whole Empire."
The General stared at the other man. It was obvious that the bard had captivated not only the Empress but also the palace staff. "Perhaps I should report immediately to the Conqueror."
"The Conqueror is presently unavailable," Archius thought of the tall dark haired woman whom he had helped to bed several candlemarks earlier. "You have time to clean up and take some food and rest. I will send someone to fetch you when the Empress is ready to speak with you."
General Loris was perturbed. He had rushed across the country under the impression that the Conqueror was anxiously awaiting his arrival, yet here he was and now he was told to wait until summoned. But there was nothing he could do so he simply nodded and retreated to the military barracks for something to eat and a nights rest.
"It is good to see you my cousin," an older soldier rose from a table and crossed the room to the door where the General stood.
"Cousin." Loris extended his hand and shook the man's hand.
"What brings you here?" Liam was a long time member of the Palace guard and knew that it had been many seasons since the General had last been in the capital. He motioned to another soldier to fetch the younger man some food as he escorted them to a vacant table.
"I was summoned to see the Conqueror," Loris replied, lowering his large frame unto the bench. "I have no idea why she wishes to speak with me."
"Since that day we have seen little of the Empress," the soldier replied with a sigh.
"Tell me cousin, what exactly happened?"
The veteran soldier was silent as a plate of bread, cheese and fruit was deposited in front of the General. A cup of mead wine was located and then the two men were left alone and the older soldier related a first hand account of what happened that tragic day.
Later that night as Loris lay in the cot that he had been given, he tried to imagine the events of what he had been told. He knew that the Conqueror would have fought viciously to protect her loved ones. He knew as only an old friend could, how the loss of her lover and child would tear the very fiber of the woman. He closed his eyes wondering what the morrow would bring.
Xena woke from her slumber. It was not yet dawn but still she swung her legs over the edge of the bed closing her eyes in an attempt to alleviate the throbbing pain in her head. She could smell the stench of stale mead and wondered if there would ever be a time when she wouldn't need to drink herself into a stupor to find sleep. But it was only when she was drunk that she could forget the pain that continued to threaten to overwhelm her.
She glanced around the bed chamber. Everywhere there were small signs of the bard. There were quills and parchments on the table by the window. There was a vial of her favourite scent on the shelf next to the hairbrush which still held strains of golden hair. There were pillows and throw rugs and little trinkets that Gabrielle had so enjoyed collecting. The bard had wanted to make the place feel like home and she had done a good job, only with out her presence it was empty.
She stood up and walked into the wash room, taking a pail of cold water and pouring it over her head to sober her senses. She knew she could not continue to follow this path. She knew that there was only one way she would survive and that was to bury her soul in fighting.
A maid servant entered the room bearing a tray of fresh fruit and cheese which the Conqueror merely looked over without touching. She had no appetite for food.
"Is there anything that you wish for me to do this day?" the timid woman asked quietly. All the servants had noticed the dramatic change in the Empress since the bard's death and they knew to tread lightly around the dark haired woman.
"No," Xena shook her head and started for the door. She paused on the threshold and turned to the servant. There was no expression on her face to indicate what she was thinking. "On second thought, I want you to remove everything that belonged to the Queen. I want you to get rid of it, burn it or whatever; I don't want to see any of it when I come back here."
"Yes, My Conqueror," the maid bowed feeling an ache in her heart. She watched as the tall warrior walked out of the room and then glanced at her surroundings, unable to prevent the tears that clouded her eyes. The Queen had made the palace a home and now she was to remove everything with the woman's print on it. She knew in her heart that it would not be long before things were back to where they had been before the small woman's arrival.
Archius was already in the throne room by the time the Empress arrived. The small man had made it a habit to be up before the woman, using the time to prepare everything for her arrival. He knew that to do so would make his life easier. He turned as the door opened and bowed respectfully when he recognized that it was the Conqueror.
"Is there anything that I need to know?" she asked without preamble. Gone were the days when their greetings were pleasant and familiar, now their conversations were perfunctory and strictly business.
"Yes, General Loris arrived late last evening," the aide replied.
"Than send him in," she barked before slumping into her chair.
"Yes, My Empress." Archuis 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. He glanced at one of the soldiers stationed by the door.
"Hurry and fetch General Loris."
The guard nodded and moved quickly down the corridor. They had worked in the palace long enough to remember the Conqueror of old. Though the Empress had not been violent, they had sensed a change in her demeanour. None of them wanted to be the first to test the woman's patience.
General Loris had just finished taking his morning meal in the mess when the Palace guard appeared. He immediately followed, for in the few candle marks that he had been in the city, he could feel the tension and the fear that had been absent not long ago.
Loris was startled by the appearance of the Conqueror. In a matter of weeks she had changed from the strong vibrant person who instilled fear with merely a look to someone who looked like a shell with nothing inside. The vibrancy was gone, replaced by a hardness. The look in the woman's blue eyes sent a shiver down his spine.
"My Conqueror," he greeted with a respectful bow. He had heard all the details of that day so many weeks ago. Many had been killed and he knew that his old friend would be looking to seek revenge.
"I am going to kill Caesar," Xena announced without preamble. "I want you to be there when we march my army into Rome and lay ruin to the city. I warned Brutus but it seems he had no influence. It is time now for me to act."
Loris remained silent aware that what the Conqueror was saying. He knew by the look on her face and in her eyes that she was out for revenge. This was not the normal lust to conqueror but the look of someone who wanted to annihilate. He was suddenly more afraid then he had ever been.
"I want you to gather as many troops as possible without leaving our borders vulnerable," she moved over to a map and pointed to a region along the coast. "I want you to gather enough ships to carry ten thousand troops. We will utilize the vessels from Chin."
Loris listened silently as the Conqueror outlined her plan. The hardness in her voice matched the seriousness of her face. It was several candle marks later when the Empress sent him away to start preparing for the invasion.
"Has she been like this the entire time?" Loris inquired of Archius when he met the smaller man in the hall outside the throne room.
"No," the aide shook his head. "For the first while she remained closeted in her room, neither eating nor drinking anything but mead. I fear she is living but she is no longer alive."
The General nodded in agreement. The woman that he had just taken a meeting with was not the Conqueror of old. He knew that she would rampage through Rome's empire and lay waste to everything in which they came in contact. Back at the military barracks he summoned his cousin once more.
"Come walk with me," Loris invited the man. He knew that he needed to be careful about who heard what he was about to say. They strolled through the Palace courtyard, through the gates and into the city.
"What is it you wish my friend?" Liam asked of the General.
"I have just come from an audience with the Conqueror," he sighed heavily. "She wants me to form a large army in which to march on Rome."
"That is not surprising," the Palace guard said. "It is no secret that Caesar was the author of the attack which killed the Queen."
"Yes, but this army will have instructions like no others," the General told his cousin. "Before she fought to conqueror but this army is to be formed to vanquish completely. She wants Rome's empire and the city itself destroyed."
The older soldier nodded grimly. He had been with the Conqueror a long time. He had fought with her through earlier battles and knew how vicious the woman could be. He did not doubt what made his cousin so afraid now.
"I sense you do not feel comfortable with her decision?" the veteran guard invited his cousin to speak his thoughts.
"No, I do not want to be apart of senseless murder, which is why I appeal to you," the General said bluntly pausing to look at his cousin.
"If you have a favour to ask, just do so cousin?"
"It is traitorous and if we are found out we will be killed," Loris said his eyes searching the older man's face.
"I am your servant," Liam said assuring the General of his loyalty.
"I would like you to under take a mission of secrecy," he informed the man. "I would like you to take a message to the Roman General Brutus for me."
The soldier nodded and listened quietly while his cousin outlined his plan.
"If we are able to remove Caesar than perhaps we can avert the carnage that is facing us."
The Palace guard nodded. Within a candle mark the soldier had in his pouch a letter from Loris to the General of the Legion of Rome. Without a word to his comrades he took his mount and slipped out of the Palace grounds and then out of the city.
Time had no meaning for the Conqueror who focused only on one goal. She did not allow her mind to dwell on anything else. She watched from her Palace as an army camp grew up outside the city walls. She went out to the parade grounds to watch the soldier's train often joining in on the exercises.
When she found some soldier lacking she made certain that the man knew it and many of those she came into contact needed to visit the healer for wounds that the Empress had inflicted.
On Mt. Olympus the two Goddesses grieved.
"I can not stand aside any longer," Artemis said after watching the Conqueror mead out a particular brutal punishment to a man who had failed to move fast enough. In a flash she disappeared.
Xena was in her bed chambers intent on changing leathers and washing the blood from her body when she felt the unearthly presence. She grabbed her sword which was always nearby and swung around to face the russet haired Goddess of the Hunt.
"What do you want?" she snarled. She had no love of anyone from Mt. Olympus.
"I come in the hopes of persuading you to call off this madness," Artemis said. "Gabrielle would not have wanted you to avenge her death in this manner."
"Gabrielle did not wish to die but she did," the Conqueror said harshly. "Do not expect me to listen to your humble pleas. You could have saved her. You could have protected her but you chose not to, so do not come to me now and beg for a favour."
"We could not intervene," the Goddess tried to explain, though she knew her arguments would fall on deaf ears. "You must know that we can not interfere with what had been written."
"Than you all must live with the consequences," Xena said without emotion and the Goddess knew that the woman was beyond persuasion. The Conqueror threw her sword on the bed and marched into the bathroom. Artemis knew she could follow and continue her plea but she knew that there would be no dissuading the Conqueror from her course of action. With out another word she disappeared in a flash of light.
_________________________
After his defeat in the North, Brutus had been recalled and reassigned to an army protecting Rome. He knew that Caesar had suspicions that he had betrayed him and so now he was where the Roman Senator could keep a close eye on him. It was just as well for this new assignment afforded him the ability to interact with other members of the Senate. What he was learning through private discussions surprised him. Caesar was not as popular as he had been led to believe.
It was not unusual for his military scouts to capture a spy from the Greek Conquerors Empire but the spy's request to speak with him came as a surprise. The older man was brought to the command tent for interrogation.
"He claims to have a message for you from Loris, General of the Conqueror's army," the taller of the two Roman guards that had captured the spy spoke up.
"Is this true?" Brutus asked.
"Yes," Liam nodded withdrawing the small parchment scroll he carried from his cousin. He handed it to the Roman General and waited expectantly as the man cracked the seal and read what was written inside.
"General Loris requests a meeting at the full moon," Brutus spoke out loud revealing the contents of the message. He knew that was only several days away. His eyes narrowed, wondering if this was some sort of trap.
"The Empress does not know of this missive," Liam answered the unspoken thought. "If she were to find out than we would both be killed as traitors."
There must have been something in the soldier's voice that told the Roman General that this man's words could be trusted. He nodded.
"You will escort us to the meeting place," Brutus told the messenger and then turned to his own guards. "Make sure this man is given water and food and keep him under guard at all times."
The escort nodded before taking the soldier out of the tent leaving Brutus to wonder about what was brewing in the Greek capital. Could there be a plot under way, orchestrated by Loris, the conqueror's oldest and most trusted General? He was more then curious to find out.
_________________
General Loris was uncertain whom he could trust, so he chose a small escort of soldiers who were connected to his family. He knew it was dangerous to take them into his confidence and worried that one of them would reveal his plan to the Empress for some reward. To ensure that didn't happen he did not reveal to them the true intentions of the trip that he was taking out of the capital.
He managed to come up with a good excuse to leave the city, telling the Empress that he wished to visit with members of his family whom he had not seen for many seasons. Xena agreed, and he was aware he was only allowed to go because she knew of his mother's ill health.
It took four days to reach the meeting point and he was not surprised to find the Roman General already camped in the small meadow he had chosen for a rendezvous. He instructed his escort to make camp at the outer perimeter. Soldiers from opposite armies eyed each other warily, their weapons ever ready in case they were needed. The two Generals met alone half way between the two camps.
"Greetings, Commander." Brutus broke the silence between them.
"Greetings."
"Your message came as a surprise to me," the Roman confessed.
"As sending it came as a surprise to me," Loris admitted. "I had never thought to betray my friend but I realize that some times one must take a stand in which they believe."
"Tell me more." Brutus encouraged.
"The Conqueror at this moment is gathering an army of size and strength that it would be able to defeat the Roman Legions with little trouble."
"If you are so certain that you would be victors then why are you here?"
Loris sighed. "I would not if I knew that Xena would just conqueror your nation as she has done so many others, but I fear this is not the case. Her hatred of Caesar is such that she has intentions of laying waste to the entire Roman Empire and its people. I have stood by her through many things but I will not murder innocent people."
Brutus was silent as he absorbed this information. The Roman spies in the Capital had not managed to get any reports out to them because security was tighter then it had ever been. He was certain that the only reason these men had managed to get through the border was because they were trusted members of the Conquerors army.
"What is it you propose?" Brutus asked.
"That you kill Caesar," Loris said bluntly which caused the man to laugh.
"If you wish to prevent this war why do you not kill the Conqueror?"
"Because I know of your ambitions to take Caesar's place," the General revealed his thoughts. "Caesar is less popular with his people then Xena. You must realize that it is your Leader who put your people in this position. He knew how important the Queen was to the Empress and yet she was specifically targeted and killed. He must have known that this would result from his actions."
Brutus knew that Caesar had always wanted an all out battle with Xena. He had been trying to provoke the Empress on many occasions. The murder of the Queen had been the final straw. He thought of the dissension among the senators in Rome and how public opinion had turned against Caesar. This might be the excuse he needed to convince them to help him topple the ambitious Senator. His eyes narrowed.
"How can you guarantee that with Caesar's death Xena will not attack?"
"Because it is Caesar at whom her anger is now focused. She cares nothing for Rome itself."
Brutus was thoughtful. "I will have to think about this."
"I had concluded as much," Loris bowed. "We must return or our absence will arouse suspicion but if it is necessary to contact me, do so through the Amazon's. They are the only ones that Xena still trusts."
Brutus nodded and the two Generals parted ways; one with his mind filled with thoughts of opportunities and the other wondering if he had made a grave mistake in being traitorous to his friend. But then Loris realized that nothing of the woman he knew in Amphipolis remained. Any part of that woman had disappeared the moment that Gabrielle had died.
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Xena had no reason to suspect Loris' betrayal. She trusted him as much as she trusted Archius so she had no reason to question his journey into the countryside. He had not been home for many seasons and she knew that his mother was in ill health. Yet something nibbled at the back of her senses.
She was lying in her bed when Ares came to visit. He wanted war and he knew that if Loris' plan worked than Xena would have no reason to fight the Roman's. In his head he envisioned a massive and destructive battle and his blood coursed hotly through his immortal veins.
"Urgh!" Xena jumped out of bed and grabbed for her sword which was resting next to her pillow. When she had rolled over she had found the God of War lying there in bed next to her. "What do you want?"
"No hello for an old friend?" He asked impertently.
"You are no friend of mine," the Empress repeated an earlier mantra.
"Xena, Xena, Xena," Ares shook his head sadly as he rose and climbed out of bed. Wistfully he wished that he could have remained, to rekindle the passion that they had once shared. But since the Empress had come to know the little blond bard he had not been welcome in her life, let alone her bed. "I gave you all this and still you remain ungrateful."
"You only showed me what I could take," Xena retorted. "I was the one who used the sweat and blood of my army to gain what I have."
"Yes, and how comfortable and trusting you have become of those who have been with you so long," the God of War replied negligently.
"What are you talking about?" Blue eyes narrowed. She knew not to trust the God of War but even so she was curious.
"Even as we speak your most favoured General is meeting with Brutus, Commander of the Legion of Rome."
"Loris would never betray me." She disputed the claim but her senses were alert as she thought to the nervous way the General had acted prior to his departure.
"Xena, Xena, Xena," the God shook his long dark mane. "There was a time when you trusted no one; did the bard soften you so much that you no longer see the danger when it is standing next to you?"
The Empress was silent. Her mind working ferociously to discount the War God's claims yet suspicion began to grow. On the surface Loris' request had been nothing more than what he asked, but a seed had sprouted in her brain and she was beginning to question her own judgment of why he suddenly needed to leave the capital.
"Guard!" She screamed and immediately the door to her bed chamber opened and a sentry stepped in. "Fetch me Archius, now!"
The soldier bowed and then hurried away to do her bidding. Ares laughed, surprised at how easily he had been able to manipulate the tall, dark warrior. His lust grew but his desire for war and blood was stronger, he could smell blood and it excited him.
Archius was roused from his slumber by an anxious looking soldier whom he immediately recognized as a member of the Conqueror's personal guard. He glanced out the window to see that it was still dark and he wondered what crisis had occurred to have him summoned. He dressed hastily and hurried after the soldier to the Empress' bed chamber.
"You summoned me," the aide bowed respectfully as he entered the chamber. Xena had donned a robe to cover her nakedness.
"Are you privy to the reason for Loris' absence from the capital?" The Conqueror asked bluntly.
"He said he wished to visit his family," the small man sputtered wondering what was going on.
"I have reason to believe something else," the tall woman replied her nostrils flaring. "I wish for you to go through the barracks and find out if anyone knows anything."
"Yes, My Conqueror," Archius bowed and hurried to do his bidding. There would be no waiting for the day. When Xena asked for something done, he knew better then to wait. What he found down at the barracks upset him. He had no desire to make his report to the Empress yet he knew she expected it.
"What did you find?" Xena demanded of her aide when he requested an audience with her.
"No one knew anything, though apparently six horsemen accompanied him," the balding man answered. "Apparently his cousin Liam has been missing for eight days and no one seems to know where he has gone."
Xena was silent as she contemplated this information. "What are the names of those who accompanied him?"
With each name the Conqueror's anger and suspicion grew. Each soldier who had accompanied the General was related to him in some manner. It was reasonable to assume that they would wish to visit their families as well, but there could be another ominous reason. She knew that Loris' clan was loyal to each other and if there was a betrayal he would surrounded himself with those he could trust.
"I wish for you to send a scout to Amphipolis with the message that his leave has been revoked and that he is needed back in the capital; chose a rider from the Daris family."
"Yes, My Conqueror," Archius said and then ran to do her bidding. Within the next candle mark a rider had been dispatched on his mission.
The small man watched as the horseman guided his mount through the Palace gates and out into the city. He knew the reason that the Conqueror had chosen someone from the Daris clan was because they were enemies of the family to which Loris belonged. Only their promise of fidelity to the Conqueror had made them comrades. There would be no way that he would not report the truth to the Empress.
Loris and his escort returned to the capital without knowledge of the Empress' suspicion. He continued about his command duties as if nothing was amiss while he waited for some word from his Roman counterpart. Ares watching from a top Mt. Olympus could not help laughing gleefully as events began to converge towards a destructive end.
Xena remained aloof from her General. She said nothing about the fact that her scout had not returned with the Generals entourage. It was possible that they missed each other on the trail. She would bide her time until his return before rendering judgment. If he suspected anything Loris showed nothing.
It was several days after the General's return that the messenger returned to the Capital and requested an audience with the Conqueror. He was escorted to the throne room while the Empress was summoned.
"My Conqueror," the soldier bowed respectfully.
"What have you discovered?" Xena asked with out preamble.
"It has been many seasons since General Loris has returned to his home," the man reported. "His mother was afraid that I was there to advise them of his death."
"Thank you." The Conqueror said simply dismissing the man, who bowed and silently left the room.
"Archius!"
The small man appeared in the room. He was standing just outside the door in anticipation that he would be summoned. Since that night that the Conqueror had drawn him from bed he had carried with him a sense of dread. The Empress had been unusually calm but it was a deceptive facade, for he could see the brooding in the back of her pale eyes.
"Loris lied to me," she stated simply. "He did not go home to visit his family."
"Perhaps he had other urgent business," the aide suggested hopefully.
"Are you defending him?" the Conqueror whirled on the man. "Perhaps you know more than you are saying?"
"Never, My Conqueror," the man dropped to his knees. "I am your faithful and loyal servant."
"Just don't forget that," the dark haired woman replied. "Where is Loris now?"
"He is on the exercise grounds."
"Good, I want you to come with me," Xena said quietly. "I want you to see what happens when people I trust are disloyal."
Without a word the small man followed the warrior. He glanced at the guards who trailed them. Everyone was on edge. The Conqueror had not harmed anyone since the death of the Chin Princeling but they could feel the violence burning just below the surface. No one wanted to be the one to open the cage and let the panther loose.
Loris had just finished demonstrating a sword technique to one of the recruits when he saw the Empress walking in his direction. He saw the stoic expression on her face and the burning intensity in the blue eyes and a shiver raced up his spine. He glanced at those who had accompanied him on his mission and felt afraid. Slowly one by one the duals ended as everyone turned to watch the Conqueror approach.
"You lied to me," Xena said simply when she came to a halt in front of the General.
"What......"
"NO!" She hissed and in one smooth motion drew her sword. She glanced around her and motioned for a young man to come to her. Loris swallowed hard as the boy did as he was summoned. The boy was his young cousin. The Conqueror grabbed the boy by the throat and started to squeeze, her blue eyes on the General.
"Tell me the truth or he will die," Xena snarled and the General knew he could not let the innocent boy die for him.
"I met with Brutus, Commander of the Legion of Rome."
"You betray me!" It was not a question and unconsciously her hand squeezed tighter around the boys neck. Frail youthful hands grasp at the strong arm but the struggling boy was unable to fight the woman's strength.
"No!" Loris disputed the claim. "I know of those in the senate who wish to rid themselves of Caesar so I appealed to him, to do so and prevent a war between us."
"Are you so naive to think that Caesar's death would deter me from invading Rome?" The Conqueror asked ignoring the gurgling sound that was starting to come from the boy's throat. "I thought you knew me better than that Loris. I not only wish to destroy Caesar but all of what he represents. I want to make the people that brought him to power to pay for supporting him. I will not rest until all of Rome lies in ruin."
With that she closed her fist, snapping the boy's neck and instantly killing him. She let the youth drop in a heap unto the ground, and cast the boy a hard look before turning her attention back to her General.
"You have betrayed me and now you and your entire family will pay." she snarled. "Show your weapon."
Loris knew that this would be a dual to the death. He had one last chance of saving his people and that was to kill the Conqueror. He withdrew his sword and heard the sound repeated as those loyal to him prepared to rebel on his behalf. He did not try to dissuade them, aware that if he were to lose than they would be put to death anyway. Those unfailingly loyal to the Empress also drew their weapons but she held up her hand and motioned them back, an evil grin coming to her lips.
"I will handle this myself," she said with an eerie joy as she released the panther from its cage.
The fight was hard and fierce and blood ran thick onto the ground. Those not wishing to die that day moved back in order not to be mistaken as someone who opposed the Empress while those who thought they had a chance to defeat the powerful warrior advanced as one.
Loris had hoped that they would be able to overwhelm the Conqueror but he had seen her fight and within a few minutes knew that she had not lost any of her prowlness with a sword. He fought with all his ability as did those of his family but there was no stopping the animal that they faced. One by one they were cut down, their blood pouring onto the earth, making it red. She seemed larger than life and when they thought that they were getting the upper hand she would fight back fiercely and kill more of her enemy. Finally there was only the two of them left, their bodies splattered with the blood of those who had fallen.
There were no words between them as the Conqueror advanced on the last man standing. Loris fought valiantly but was no match for the warrior who was empowered with the strength from the God of War. A few quick thrusts and his sword when flying through the air to land amongst the dead bodies that littered the ground.
"What no begging for mercy?" Xena asked coldly as she stepped towards him her sword rising. The General didn't flinch when the tip of the sharp sword punctured the skin of his neck. He knew that he was going to die.
"I beg for nothing," the man said quietly. "I have served you loyally from the day that you formed the militia to protect Amphipolis from Cortez. I will go to my death bravely and proud, but perhaps a little sad that I did not have the strength to oppose you earlier."
"You are not without your own sins," the Conqueror snorted. "You knew that as long as you stood at my side you would have more than you ever would have otherwise. Once a warrior always a warrior and we know that all warriors eventually die at the end of a sword."
"Does that include you or are you exempt?" Loris asked contemptuously.
"No, someday, I will meet my end," the Conqueror answered honestly. "Some day I will meet someone who will be younger and stronger and will send me to the Underworld, but until such a time I will continue to reign. Say hello to Hades for me."
With that she thrust the sword forward, plunging the sharp blood splattered blade right through the man's neck. The General dropped to his knees as blood flowed out of the wound. The Empress could have been merciful and killed him instantly but instead she let his life drain from his body. After many minutes the General could no longer hold himself aloft and he fell forward into the ground.
The Conqueror glanced around at the others who had witnessed the scene.
"Is there anyone else who wishes to defy my authority?" She glanced around at those soldiers gathered but silence reigned. "No, than let this day be a reminder to all what happens to those who think of betraying me."
Without another word she turned on her heel and strolled back to the Palace.
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Meanwhile back in Rome, Brutus was having an easy time presenting General Loris' plot. There were many in the senate who believed that Caesar had become to powerful and that he was serving only his needs and ignoring them.
"Are you certain that this is not a bluff?" One of the older senators asked. Like many he was not anxious to go to war with the Conqueror yet he was skeptical enough to consider that this plot was a ruse to put them off guard.
"I can only go by my own impression," the Roman General replied. "And in my opinion the man was sincere."
"Than why does he not kill her?" Another grey haired senator asked the most logical question.
"Because it would only serve to invite Caesar to invade Greece and General Loris has no desire for any conflict, besides he knows of our desire to rid the Empire of Caesar," Brutus argued. There was much muttering between those gathered, until Cassius rose to speak for one and all.
"We agree," the man announced their decision. "When do you propose to assassinate Caesar?"
"The Ides of March would be an appropriate time," the General replied. He was glad that the senators had listened to him, but he hoped he had not made a mistake. He trusted the honour of his enemy and counterpart for a General rarely risked treachery unless he believed in what he was doing.
CHAPTER SIX
"We must do something," Aphrodite lamented to her sister as they watched the events in the mortal world unfold.
"I tried," Artemis sighed. "She has no use for us. She will not listen."
"Perhaps she will if we tell her what she wants' to hear," the Goddess of Love replied and the other Goddess looked thoughtfully at her sister.
"We can not intervene."
"Not physically," the Goddess of Love replied and with a snap of her fingers she disappeared in a flash.
Xena lay alone in the darkness of her pallet, the battle lust still coursing through her veins. She had attempted to take a lover, but she was unable to stand the presence of another body in the bed that she had once shared with the bard. She had tried to erase the image of the smaller woman but her companion didn't have the right smell or feel. In the end she had kicked the woman out of bed. She did not want to be alone yet she could not stand to be anyone who was not the woman she loved.
She rose and donned her robe before strolling across the dark room to the balcony which overlooked the courtyard and the city. There was once a time when she used to stand there watching and waiting for the Queen to return from a shopping trip to the market. But tonight all was dark except for the few fires and lanterns that burned. Tears smarted in her eyes as she felt the pain of loss. She knew that when the bard had died she had lost any capacity to love again. There were moments when she wished that she had never met the bard.
"Is that what you really wish?" a soft voice whispered in her ear.
"Yes," Xena responded automatically. "Love is sweet but it is also bitter."
"You are angry," the voice acknowledged sadly.
"Yes," the Conqueror ground out between her teeth. "I should have let those criminals kill her like they were going to do that day at the lake."
"Really?" the voice asked. "Would it have been better to never have known the gift of love?"
"Yes," came the stoic response.
"Xena, Gabrielle gave you so much, it must hurt her to hear you now. What will you say to her when you see her?"
The Empress snorted. "Gabrielle is in the Elysian Fields and I will never see her again. I have too much blood on my hands."
"Perhaps," the voice agreed. "But you know the dead can hear the thoughts of the living. Is this what you really want her to know?"
There was silence and the tears that had not come began to stream down the tall woman's face.
"No." It was whispered so softly that it was barely legible yet it also seemed to echo loudly in the still dark room.
"What would you tell her?"
"Sorry."
"Sorry?"
"Yes," the dark head bobbed. "Sorry for not protecting her and keeping her safe. Sorry for being a person that was hated so much that some people would do anything to destroy me and all those around me."
"And if given the chance to live your life again would you do it differently?" The voice wondered.
There was silence as the warrior considered this question. "What does it matter? I can not go back and undo what is done."
"That is not true."
"What are you saying?" The sadness of the warrior was twinged with hopefulness.
"The Fates," came the answer. "The past, the present and the future; one string intertwines with others, when one is changed all are affected."
"It is impossible to change the past," the Conqueror scoffed.
"Is it?" the voice queried. "How will you know unless you try?"
"Why did the God's not just protect the Queen?" Xena wanted to know.
"We are not allowed to interfere," came the response. "We can advise and suggest, direct you on a path, but you must take the steps on your own. Your future is determined by your past and all is in the looms of the Fates. It is your one chance to change what has been; your only chance to see the Queen again."
Silence reigned for a long time as the great warrior contemplated the words that had been spoken. Slowly she turned to the dark room.
"Why are you doing this Aphrodite?"
The Goddess slowly appeared out of the darkness. "You were a cute couple." The woman laughed and then sobered. "I don't like to see a love as great as yours be left unfulfilled. Gabrielle did not deserve to die. She deserved happiness and a long life."
"Yes." The Conqueror agreed.
"Than do something about it," Aphrodite prodded. "Show how great your love for her is."
Xena said nothing only nodding her head in agreement.
"Aphrodite?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
"Anytime warrior babe," the Goddess said with a smile and in a flash she was gone.
Xena returned to her bed then and though her mind raced with the words that the Goddess had spoken she was finally able to close her eyes and sleep peacefully for the first time since her wedding day.
_____________________
Brutus waited for his co-conspirators to speak. He had just imparted on them the news that he had received by special messenger earlier in the day. According to his spies, General Loris had been killed by the hand of the Conqueror for betraying her.
Cassius stood up. "This will make a difference, but it should not change our plans."
"But killing Caesar now will not guarantee us against a war with the Conqueror."
"No, but with Caesar out of the way we can approach the Conqueror on our own and sue for peace," the senator reasoned. "Remember what has brought us all here together in the first place, our hate of Caesar and his policies."
There was silence as the conspirators contemplated what had been said. It was true. They were all here for the sole purpose of removing Caesar from power. If they acted now while he felt secure they would be able to accomplish their mission.
"Than our plans for the Ides of March remain," Brutus spoke for the first time since he had told them the news.
Cassius turned to the General and spoke for all them gathered in the room. "Yes."
_________________________
Archius was already in the throne room when he was summoned to the Conqueror's bed chamber. The whole Palace had been on edge since the brutal murder of General Loris and his family. At the Conqueror's command the bodies had remained on the ground where they had fallen for two days and than placed on the dais in the middle of the market square for the whole population to see what happened to those who considered betraying the Empress.
He hurried through the Palace at her summons not anxious to stir her anger lest he feel the blunt of it. He knocked on the door and was immediately bid to enter which he did, his head bowed respectfully.
"You summoned me My Conqueror."
"Yes," Xena said absently. "I have urgent business that will take me away from the Capital for I don't know how long. In the interim I want you to attend to government affairs in your usual efficient manner."
"Yes, My Conqueror," the man hastily agreed. He glanced up surprised to see the dark haired warrior dressed in her traveling leathers. Though he was caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events he did not show his feelings. "I will advise your escort."
"No!" the Empress barked harshly and than softened her voice. "This is something that I must do alone."
"But....." the man began to protest but was interrupted.
"No buts," Xena said. "There is something of grave importance that I must do alone."
"Yes," the man acquiesced to her wishes.
Xena glanced at the small man, his bald head bent in respect. She crossed the space that separated them and put her hands on his slumped shoulders. She felt his muscles tense beneath her touch and took a harsh breath, aware that everyone was in fear of her now.
"Archius, look at me." She demanded and the man complied. "I know that for most of our acquaintance I have been a difficult person to please. I want you to know that your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. If I do not return I leave all this in your hands to do as you see fit."
The aide felt confusion and it showed on his face. He searched the dark haired warrior's features but he could read nothing of her intentions. If he had not known better he would have assumed that the Empress was off to end her own life, but that was not in the woman's character.
"Do not fear my friend," the warrior counseled. "All will reveal itself in good time."
With that the woman turned and retrieved her sword. The anger was gone, replaced by a peace and acceptance that he had never before seen in the woman. He wondered what this was all about yet he was smart enough not to ask. He watched silently as she strapped on her sword and chakram, following her out of the Palace to the front steps where her horse was already saddled and waiting. Xena silently climbed atop the huge mount and turned to look at the small man.
"Goodbye Archius." Was all she said before clicking her heels and guiding the creature out of the Palace grounds.
Xena did not know where to begin her search and automatically she found herself leading her horse through the market, pausing by the dais that had been erected. It was a place where she had experienced her greatest joy and her deepest despair. She looked at it for a long time before moving on to the outskirts of the city
"You deserved more Gabrielle, more than an angry warlord with hate in her heart and if I succeed in my mission you will have everything that you deserve. Sleep well my love."
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Caesar was quite pleased and brimming with pride and opportunism. All his dreams were finally coming to fruition. His spies had reported the death of the Conquerors finest General and than her odd disappearance. He had broken his enemy and in a short while he would announce to his fellow senators and countrymen that he would be declaring himself Emperor of Rome. This day was to be the best of his life.
Brutus waited with the others in the senate chambers. Caesar had commanded an audience and as he had predicted to his fellow countrymen, would pronounce himself Emperor. Already the vast Legions of soldiers of the Roman Empire had been summoned to prepare themselves for deployment. Caesar had every intention of taking advantage of the unexpected absence of the Conqueror.
The muttering and quiet murmur of conversation fell silent as a door to the room opened and Caesar entered the chamber. He was wearing an elegant white robe with gold trim and those there bowed their head in acknowledgment and respect as the dark haired man made this way to the front of the room where the podium was located. He turned to face those assembled and raised his hand.
"Today on this day, the Ides of March, I announce to you the elevation of myself to the status of Emperor of Rome and the known World."
A hush fell over the room as the senators listened to the arrogant man's exaltation of himself. A few reached inside their robes to clutch the handles of their daggers. They would let the man have his last oratory. They were no longer impatient for they knew that by the end of the day their world will have changed.
Finally Caesar fell silent, his face beaming with confidence and joy. Like the God he proclaimed himself to be, he descended the steps of the podium into the gathering of senators to receive the accolades that he felt he deserved.
"Caesar." The senator bowed.
"Cassius my good friend." The new Emperor greeted and opened his arms when the man moved to embrace him. He felt a sharp pain and looked down at his stomach from which the hilt of a dagger protruded. He glanced up at the dark eyes of his oldest friend but before he could say a word he was embraced by another senator who thrust another dagger into his abdomen.
"No." He whispered hoarsely as his pristine robes became red with his escaping blood. He turned to his trusted General.
"Brutus?" there was a question in his eyes. He did not understand. How could a day that was supposed to be the first of a brilliant future turn so bad?
The General said nothing as he stepped up to the man, withdrawing his own dagger from his belt and thrusting it into the newly proclaimed Emperor. He felt the dying man cling desperately to him and then slowly go limp.
Brutus stepped back and Caesar fell to the marble floor. No one moved to give him assistance and he was alone in death. He tried to call out for help yet words could no longer form on his mouth. He struggled to keep his eyes open aware that if he gave into sleep he would never awaken but the pull of Hades was too great for him to fight. With a sigh he closed his eyes and moved onto the next world.
___________________________
Xena traveled without direction. She knew that the Gods who were watching over her would direct her to the place she needed to go. She barely noticed when she entered a forest that looked different than any she had ever found. Ahead, nestled in a small grove was a weathered shack. She dismounted.
"Argo, my greatest friend," the warrior took the creatures bridle and looked directly at the horse. "You have served me well, and for that I release you to live out your remaining days free to do as you wish."
She laid a kiss on the horse's nose and then proceeded to remove the saddle and bridle, dropping them on the ground. The horse looked at the woman before turning and galloping away. Xena watched as the animal disappeared into the fog that was beginning to shroud the place. Only then did she turn and walk towards the hut.
"Does she know everything?" Artemis asked of her Godly sister.
"No, but the Fates will tell her."
"But there..."
"Is no assurance that the future will change the past," Aphrodite finished for her sister who nodded. "That is the difference between us sister, you think like a warrior while I believe in the power and strength of love. What is meant to be will be regardless of the circumstances."
"I hope you are right," Artemis sighed, worried that they had tampered with something they would no longer have control over.
Xena moved steadily towards the open door of the hut, only to have her path impeded by the sudden appearance of an angry looking God of War. The Conqueror stopped and faced the man.
"What do you think you are doing?" the man demanded.
"I am going to change the past," Xena replied calmly.
"Do you really think you have the power to do that," Ares scoffed. "You are mortal Xena, and your strength comes from me. I can take it away in a minute."
"Than do so and leave me alone."
There was silence as black and blue eyes silently battled one another.
"Do you realize that you may not get what you most want?"
"How do you know what I want?"
"I know you."
"You know nothing about me," the woman retorted. "You molded me after yourself, disregarding who I am."
"After all this time are you finally gaining a conscious?"
"I am finally doing what I need to do," Xena replied. "Now step out of my way."
Ares was angry. He tried to bait the woman but her mind was closed to his entreaties. She had always been stubborn and for once that quality served her well. She listened for a few more minutes and than merely stepped around the God of War.
"You will regret this Xena." He warned.
"How can I regret something anymore then I already do," came the stoic reply before she stepped through the door and into what was beyond.
It was dark with only a few candles on the stone walls lit to illuminate the area. Xena knew that the exterior of the building was but an image to discourage interlopers. In the middle of the cavern sat a loom from which a rainbow of fine threads evolved into an intricate pattern. Some were intertwined and some disappeared. Some were long and some were short.
She stared at the shimmering strings mesmerized by their glow. Even as she watched some disappeared and she knew that those had passed onto the next world. Finally she noticed the three women standing behind the loom. She knew without asking that the old one dressed in black represented the past, while the young one dressed in white presented the future. It was the middle one, an adult of undetermined age dressed in a strange combination of colours that was the present.
"I am told that you are the ones to speak with in order to change the present," the warrior broke the silence aware of the almost lifeless eyes that were focused on her.
"The past can not be changed, the present is what it is, only the future has yet to be determined," the old woman spoke.
"I do not believe that," Xena did not accept the explanation.
"It is true," the middle woman said. "Each one of these threads is a life and as you see many are entwined for some would never exist without the other. Sometimes one life begins only when another ends."
"You only have a choice with your future," the smallest child continued. "Each decision you make changes the pattern of the design."
Xena stared at the threads. "Which is my life?"
The present pointed to a particularly strong thread. She traced its path and noticed how many threads converged along her path, and how many disappeared because of their encounter. She knew with out being told that these were the unfortunate souls who had met their fates at the hands of the Conqueror. She did not understand how many lives she had affected until now when she saw her whole life as merely a thread.
"What if I were to cut the thread?" the Empress asked.
"There is no guarantee that your life will be different."
"No certainty that your future will be as it is."
"No bond of where you will be in the present."
Xena was silent as she contemplated the shimmering threads which continued to lengthen and end even as they talked.
"Who it is that decides when life begins or ends?"
"You choose your own destiny." The Fates said in unison. "Your life depends on the choice of others, the future determined by your choices. Only the present is undecided."
Xena looked at the three women who continued to work the loom even as they spoke. Everywhere in the world people were making choices that determined their fate and the fates of others. Lives entwining not by chance but by the choice of decisions made.
She studied the threads again, trying to figure out some choice that determined her fate. She knew the event in her life and she could see how the colour of her thread changed at that point. Her decision to stand against Cortez was the turning point. She noticed another particular thread and a puzzled expression stole over her face.
"You have a question?" The Past asked already knowing the answer.
"Whose thread is this?" she asked pointing to a strong thread that briefly entwined with hers at the beginning and than again at the end.
"Gabrielle, the bard from Potedaia."
Xena was stunned.
"You do not remember her," the Past answered the unspoken question. "You were so wrapped up in your choice to defend the world that you ignored her the first time you met. She was but a face, one of many who passed through your life."
"But how could I have not seen her?"
"You were so consumed with the knowledge of the strength that you possessed. Your mind was already in the future so that you missed what was there for you in the present."
"Do not be mistaken," the Present continued. "One choice may change your future but the present continues to present choices from which you must make, and from them your future is born."
There was so much for Xena to absorb yet there was only one thing in her mind. There was only one way she could change the present and that was through erasing the past. It was as if the Fates could read her thoughts.
"Do not be naive," the future spoke. "You erase the past and change what was, will also change the future. Some of what you know will be the same but some will be different."
"What they are saying Xena is that you cut the threads as you are thinking and there is no guarantee that you will ever meet Gabrielle." Ares appeared at her side. "There is no guarantee that you will become the Conqueror of the Known world. No promise that you will not die at the hands of a warlord."
Some things with be the same yet others different. The words continued to echo through her head. She knew what they meant. She could sever the threads but there was no promise that anyone she knew or loved would know or love her.
"Are you willing to take that chance?" Ares whispered in her ear. "You not only may lose your Empire but you may also lose the possibility of ever meeting your bard."
"I have lost her already," the Empress said quietly as she turned blue eyes towards the God of War.
"At least now you have the memory of loving her," the God of War prodded.
"If by never meeting her, ensures that she might have a chance to live a long happy life than I would gladly sacrifice all that I have."
With that she lifted her sword and brought it down slicing the glimmering threads which crumbled to the ground. In a swirl of sound and light she and everything she knew disappeared in a flash.
Continued in part four