Chapter 9 - Face Me

Very slowly she moved her head to the right to stretch her neck then to the left yet she didn't open her eyes. When the back of her aching head touched the rough surface behind her, her hallow eyes started to reveal themselves. The first thing she took in were the six women standing before her, three on the right and three on the left. They all bore ready weapons, dressed in leathers, and over their faces were distinct and beautiful wood masks.

The Conqueror's upper lip curled at seeing the six Amazon guards and her head lowered to the weight she felt on her wrists and ankles. She swiftly brought up her arms to test the well engineered chains' tension and they sounded in minor protest against her great strength. This was absolutely impossible for her to be in an Amazon jail when just earlier she'd gone to sleep in her bed. That was her last memory or at least she was fairly sure of it.

For a heartbeat she studied her simple attire, which was only her leathers that covered her upper body, torso, and turned into a skirt around her upper thighs. These were standards leathers for battle and typically armor fit snuggle against it all. The leather straps on her broad shoulders were slightly moved off but she ignored that for now.

The jail hut was rather small and made of wood, including the heavy wood door between the six Amazons, but every part was reinforced with metal. The door also had a small window with metal bars but that was the only source of natural light. There were a couple of lit torches hooked to the walls but those were far from her reach. The Conqueror was anchored to the wood beam on the floor and the beam was bolted to the floor quite precisely. She currently sat on a sturdy wood bench that had no back but the wall behind her.

The Conqueror was suddenly enraged and she gave a powerful struggle against her chains so that she stood up now.

The Amazon guards all reacted accordingly as the four with spears lifted them and took aim. The other two with swords each took a menacing step forward. No Amazon spoke as their stances and weapons said plenty to the dark ruler.

The Conqueror bared her teeth at them and growled, "Where is Queen Cyane?"

The Amazons did not answer but remained poised and ready to attack not that they were fearful of the Conqueror's threats.

When the Conqueror didn't receive any response, her eyes narrowed more and her tone grew deeper. "I want to talk to Queen Cyane… now!" For a beat she tried her chains again yet failed.

The six guards knew there was nothing the dark ruler could possibly do so one by one, they returned to their positions along the wall.

The Conqueror wasn't too thrilled with this, her expression furious but she too knew she held no control over these Amazons. With gritted teeth, she slowly sat down but her burning eyes scanned over each guard.

The Amazons had no fear of the ruler as they were specially selected for this particularly duty. Their masks even helped them to feel slightly distanced from the ruler's dangerous looks.

The Conqueror settled on the bench and as she waited for some form of communication, she ran through her memory. She didn't recall any of the required trip it would have taken her to get to the Amazon Nation. She couldn't think of seeing any Amazon when she was last awake. She admitted, secretly, that these Amazons had out smarted her for once and it would be only this once after she was free.

It wasn't for another candlemark, since the ruler woke up, that the heavy door opened by an outside guard. After the guard stepped aside, the Amazon Queen sauntered in with a stoic expression. Her face was hard and her eyes frozen at seeing her greatest enemy ever.

The Conqueror suddenly leered at seeing Queen Cyane before her. She quickly stood up and took a menacing step yet she was cut short right in front of the Amazon Queen.

"I see you've finally awake after two days," drew out the Amazon Queen.

If the Conqueror was dumbfounded by the amount of time she'd been unconscious, she certainly didn't show it. "It's been a long time, Queen Cyane." Her lips pulled into an amused grin.

"Not long enough though," charged back Cyane. She stood still, a breath away from the dangerous ruler, and her arms folded over her chest. "I'm informing you, Xena of Amphipolis, you will be put on trial for your crimes against the Amazon Nation. You will submit to Amazon justice for your crimes." With that, she started for the door with a rap on it.

The ruler sarcastically laughed. "Queen Cyane, I thought you more intelligent than that. I see the seasons have inflicted your intelligence."

The Amazon Queen waited a beat in the now open doorway but she smiled back at the ruler. "Conqueror, I believe it is your intelligence that has been… softened." She held out a hand to the ruler and amusingly stated, "It is you that is chained in the Amazon Nation." With a satisfying smirk on her face, she disappeared from the jail hut and a loud boom of the door followed her.

The Conqueror was grinding her teeth however that was the only indication of her irritation. She returned to sitting on the bench and went into deep thought about what could have happened, what is happening, and what will soon come to her. Eventually she found herself leaning back against the wall, her eyes closed, a grin on her face, and a content feeling washing over her.

It wasn't until the following morning she was awakened abruptly by freezing water in her face. Her eyes flew open and her anger vibrant before the idiot that did such to her.

The guard that'd carried out the duty was quite satisfied at doing it but nobody but her knew that since her mask hid her face. She exited the open jail door with bucket in hand and nodded to somebody on the left.

The Conqueror had wiped the cold water from her face and pushed her bangs up. Just as she finished, her head lifted to meet the view of a small blond limping into the jail. She'd been waiting for the rebel leader to surface and it made her grin.

"Good morning, Conqueror," greeted the rebel leader.

The dark ruler imposed by standing up to her full height and her cold eyes down on the younger woman.

Gabrielle didn't crumble under the intimidation act but instead she tried to smile at the irony between them. "Sorry for the rude awakening but...." Her smile slipped into a fine grin. "Nobody is keen on shaking you awake."

The Conqueror grunted then stated, "Saying my title always works."

"True," allowed the rebel leader. She limped her way off to the right then stopped and faced the ruler again. The entire time she sensed those burning blue eyes of the ruler on her. "Your trial begins at Helios high today."

The Conqueror cocked her head to one side because she knew this wasn't just an information session from the young rebel, she had some other purpose too.

Gabrielle studied the curious eyes high up. "I'm here to explain to you how an Amazon trial works." She turned and limped to the other side of the jail.

"Especially since you're an expert… with being an Amazon and all," coldly joked the ruler.

The bard smirked up at the tall, dark woman before her. "I've done my homework… I know how things work." She then hesitated and cleared her throat. "The Amazon that is prosecuting for the Nation goes by the name of Velasca." Gabrielle noted how the ruler's eyelids were slitting at her.

"Which means I need somebody to defend me," logically concluded the ruler. She knew exactly where this conversation was going now.

"Yes," quietly agreed the rebel. "Nobody in the Nation wishes to defend you."

The Conqueror grunted and she was highly amused. "So you volunteered."

Gabrielle tilted her head then offered a grin. "I did." She turned and hobbled back across the jail. "The Amazon Nation is prosecuting you for the deaths of Queen Cyane's elders in her original Nation and for assaulting Queen Cyane." She was staring at the floor but now peered up. "They're not prosecuting you for the wars or any deaths during the wars as those fall under the acts of warfare and diplomatics."

"And what exactly makes Queen Cyane think that my army will not be marching over the Amazon Nation in the near future?"

Gabrielle knew she would hear about this and she'd already thought out her answer ahead of time. "Let's say that nobody in Corinth will be missing you." She slightly adjusted her weight on her walking stick. "You are here for the duration, Conqueror."

The Conqueror's jaw was set as her mind worked out how any of this was possible. She knew she'd get the pieces of the puzzle together soon enough.

"So," started Gabrielle, "I've heard everybody else's version of what happened that day you attacked the queen and her elders." She stepped closer but not too close. "I want to hear your version."

The Conqueror slowly let a joking smirk form then she laughed. "Don't bother, rebel." She waved her off then sat down on the bench. "I believe you've claimed enough reputation off of my name and history."

A surge of anger rushed the bard's body and she quickly limped up to the dangerous ruler.

The Amazon guards were not prepared for it as they quickly stepped forward with spears and swords at the ready.

Gabrielle ignored them as she had enough courage to override her fears. She met those steel blue eyes with her own furious ones. "Listen to me, you are not the Conqueror here… you are just another human here and you will be tried then you will be sentenced and last… you will carry out that sentence. There is no army here and there is no army coming." She stopped for a beat so that it'd soak into the ruler's mind. Then quietly and slowly she stated, "I am your only hope at beating this."

The Conqueror seemed unmoved and her eyes a dead blue.

The rebel leader kept her surge of confidence so she ordered, "Now tell me what happened that day."

The ruler straightened her back out and signaled the bench while offering, "Have a seat."

The guards exchanged looks as the rebel leader took a grateful seat beside the dark ruler.

"I could easily kill you," mentioned the Conqueror, who watched the rebel take a spot beside her.

"You already tried that," remarked Gabrielle, "and it didn't work." She was rewarded by an amused grin from the ruler.

"My next chance I will be sure to execute you myself."

The bard was chilled by the Conqueror's idle remarks but she never showed it. She wouldn't give into this mind game. "If you get another chance," reminded the leader.

The Conqueror leaned in towards her enemy and murmured, "Ooo I will."

Gabrielle held her gaze and didn't falter. "You're detouring from the topic at hand."

The tyrannical ruler exhaled loudly then leaned back into her original position. "It won't do you any good."

The bard shrugged. "Let me judge that. Go on."

The Conqueror again sighed yet it almost seemed to have a touch of sadness behind it. She glanced away from the rebel then back at her. "I'd just returned from Chin."

Gabrielle dipped her head in acknowledgement; she was carefully listening and images formed before her imaginative mind. She tried not to flinch when the ruler told her the gory details of it but she'd asked.

Eventually the Amazon guards returned to their posts in the jail. They decided the ruler wasn't any danger to the rebel even though that seemed so far fetched. They were baffled by the ease at which the two enemies spoke as if the events from a moon ago never happened.

"So," interrupted Gabrielle, "by then you and Alti were… close, right?"

The Conqueror's features returned some frustrations. "Yes."

The bard licked her lips while she was in consideration of the past events. "Was Alti powerful then?"

The Conqueror tilted back some so that she had a better view of the smaller woman. "Compared to now, no but she certainly had powers then." She could almost see the rebel's mind calculating something.

"Hmmm," mumbled the bard. "And she wanted Cyane and the elders dead so she could have their blood?"

"Yes," simply answered the ruler.

The bard's head was dipped down, her lips neatly pressed together, and her brow tight. She suddenly stood up with her walking stick balancing her on her weak legs. "I need to see to something." She started to walk off but the rattling of the chains made her stop and peer over her shoulder.

"You won't find the answer you want," stated the Conqueror, "it was… my hands."

Gabrielle shrugged, said nothing, and tapped on the door. When she left the jail cell, she started across the village and made a beeline for the temple. She made the slow journey up the steps then into the temple, which at first seemed empty. Eventually she was greeted by the shaman of the temple.

"Welcome, Gabrielle." Yakut bowed her head in respect then smiled when she lifted her head. "What brings you here?"

The rebel diverted her attention from the beautiful painting of Artemis and smiled at Yakut. "Do you have some free time?"

"Of course, let's go to my office so we can sit." The shaman escorted the outsider through the side of the temple and into her office. She let Gabrielle sit then she took her chair behind her desk. "I can tell you're puzzled by something."

"I am," agreed the bard. "Its about the Conqueror and Alti."

Yakut suspected as much and she leaned back in her chair.

"I was curious if there's any possibility for Alti to…." Gabrielle couldn't quite phrase it right but she tried, "For her to control the Conqueror at all?"

The shaman truly considered the question and ran through her shamanism teachings. "Alti cannot control the Conqueror's karma when it is her own."

"That's not exactly what I'm asking." Gabrielle sighed as she tried to rework her words. "What I mean is can Alti influence the Conqueror at all? Either on a spiritual or mental level."

Yakut now realized what the rebel was trying to construct. "It is possible that Alti greatly influences the Conqueror on a spiritual level so that she acts a certain way."

"Do you think it's intentional on Alti's part?" tried the bard.

Yakut shook her head. "No shaman has control over another human's spirit when they are alive." She leaned forward then stated, "However what is possible is that since Alti and the Conqueror have karmas on similar paths that they feed off each other."

Gabrielle digested this information and it was rather encouraging. "Is this common?"

"Very much so," answered the shaman. "A shaman can easily influence a person's karma in a certain direction."

The rebel narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "How soon can that influence begin?"

"As soon as they meet," replied the shaman. "It is instantaneous and is almost permanent especially over time."

"Do you think Alti could have built some link between her and the Conqueror?"

The shaman sighed and leaned back into her chair. "It is possible but I can't be sure."

"Is there a way to find out?" challenged the rebel.

Yakut slowly nodded.

"If there is a link," charged on the bard, "can it be broken?"

The shaman quickly realized what Gabrielle was trying for and she exhaled. "It is possible," she relented, "but there's no guarantees." She tilted her head at the outsider. "I am not as powerful as Alti, Gabrielle."

The rebel suddenly had determined features. "There has to be something you can do, Yakut."

The shaman was jarred by the similar words she'd heard not so long ago. Her head fell forward, her eyes closed with many thoughts in mind.

"Yakut, please try."

Yakut slowly lifted her head and saw the mirror of Janice Covington asking for help. She'd already refused Janice the first time and now Gabrielle's very descendant was left brutalized by the dark ruler. She suddenly stood up and stated, "I will see what I can do, Gabrielle." She stepped around her desk as Gabrielle rose up.

"When will you try?" The rebel limped along side the shaman.

Yakut knew she would require the queen's authorization but she also knew the queen's response ahead of time. "I will try now."

The bard brightened at this news. "Thank you so much, Yakut."

Yakut only dipped her head and prayed to Artemis that this was the right thing to do. She followed Gabrielle out of the temple, down the steps, and through the village to the jail hut. When she came upon the jail hut, the two Amazons at the door stepped in her path before the door.

"You are not authorized to the see the prisoner," informed guard on the right.

The shaman was slightly taken aback.

"You must speak to Queen Cyane," further added the Amazon.

"She's with me," argued the bard.

The Amazon switched her attention to Gabrielle. "And you are not the queen."

This wasn't exactly something Yakut felt like taking up with the queen. So instead she stepped closer to the Amazon and murmured, "Who guided her mother to the Amazon Lands, Karis?" She gave a challenging look. "Was it the queen?"

The guard swallowed and glanced at the other guard. She relented by stepping back to the jail door. After she opened the door, she stepped aside and let the pair pass.

Yakut hesitated and turned to the rebel. "Wait here… I must do this alone."

The bard wanted to argue, her mouth already half open, but she stopped herself. She nodded then backed away from the door.

The Conqueror knew exactly what this new visitor was by the way she dressed. The headdress particularly gave the Amazon away more than anything else. She was amused by how these shamans seemed to attract to her like bees to honey.

Yakut stood before the ruler and for the first time had truly absorbed her striking power. "I am Yakut, I'm the sh-"

"Shaman," finished the ruler. "And you're not here for a social call, are you?"

The Amazon shaman swallowed as she gathered her internal strength.

"This has to do with Alti," tried the Conqueror.

Yakut didn't reply and stepped forward with her hands slightly lifting.

The Conqueror sensed a threat so she stood up quickly, her chains sounding out. "Try coming closer."

The guards were prepared already having detected the tension when the shaman first entered.

Yakut ignored the warning and came closer to the ruler, she found herself in the ruler's moving space.

It happened too fast for anybody to really recall what'd happened but somehow the Conqueror had ended up on her knees. Her head thrown back, mouth open in a silent scream, and Yakut's hands pressed against her temples. Yakut stood like a statue, her eyes closed, and her features twisted tightly.

The Conqueror was numb to her body and paralyzed all over. Her mind was swarmed by things she couldn't understand and it was overwhelming. Her heartbeat was going fast like a lightening bolt strike then suddenly her heart ceased for an instant. Then sensations struck her hard again and she could breathe once more.

Yakut's hands were removed.

The Conqueror's right hand shot up and caught the shaman by the neck. She was growling while standing up and lifting the shaman up.

Yakut gasped and struggled against the solid hand on her neck that were crushing her wind pipes.

The guards were already in action. The guard that was the fastest had given a thrust with her spear, which inflicted the Conqueror's right shoulder.

The Conqueror's hold on Yakut wasn't broken for a few heartbeats then her world quickly spun.

Yakut suck in her last small breath yet she watched in amazement as the powerful ruler lost control and collapsed to her knees again. Her feet touched the floor and she stumbled back when she was released.

The guards pressed forward quickly and separated the shaman and ruler.

The Conqueror dizzyingly watched the guards then everything went black as there was a sharp pain up her right side.

Yakut was bent forward and gasping for air. She lifted her head but still was bent over and she stared at the Conqueror passed out on the floor.

Five of the guards worked together to lifted the unconscious ruler and throw her onto the bench. The sixth guard rushed to Yakut's side while shoving her mask back. It was the same guard that'd used her spear to subdue the ruler, the blood on the tip of her spear.

"Are you okay, Yakut?"

Yakut offered a confident smile to her savior. "I am now. Thank you, Solari."

Solari sadly smiled and touched the shaman's shoulder. "What happened?"

The shaman straightened out her headdress then inhaled happily. "Alti had established a connection between her and the Conqueror over time. I broke it."

Solari glanced at the ruler then at Yakut again. "Isn't that risky? I mean, won't Alti detect it's been broken?"

"It's possible," slowly agreed Yakut, "but I doubt it especially since Melinda is there."

"I hope you're right," murmured the Amazon. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine, Solari." The shaman gave an appreciative smile. "Now I do believe the rumors about you being swift."

Solari had a gloating grin. "They were never rumors."

Yakut softly laughed then touched Solari's arm for a heartbeat. "I should go. Thank you again, Solari."

"You are welcome." Solari tapped on the heavy door.

The shaman gave a polite nod to Solari then left the jail. She was instantly greeted by the concerned rebel.

"What happened?" urged Gabrielle. She hesitated for a beat as she took in the red mark around the shaman's neck. "Are you okay, Yakut?"

Yakut heard the jail door close behind her. She finally nodded. "I'm fine." She came closer to the rebel. "The Conqueror and I didn't… see eye to eye."

The bard snorted while shaking her head. "Well don't feel left out."

Yakut faintly smiled then she lost it. "I managed to break the connection."

Gabrielle was thrilled, her face lit up. "So there was one?" At the shaman's nod, she pressed forward. "And it was a strong one?"

"Yes but it is gone." Yakut clasped the bard's left arm and signaled her to walk with her. "There is a catch though."

"What is that?"

The shaman peered over at the rebel then turned away. "Atli will reestablish it easily when they meet again."

"Can't it be stopped?"

Yakut stopped walking and faced the outsider. "There is only one way to do that in this lifetime."

Gabrielle read the shaman's disheartened features and it dawned on her. "Alti has to be dead." She swallowed hard when Yakut gave a brief nod. "And the Conqueror isn't exactly keen on getting rid of her best asset."

"Remember Gabrielle," started the shaman, "Alti is also the Conqueror's greatest enemy." She exhaled deeply then changed the topic. "I should go as I have much to do at the temple."

"I understand." Gabrielle offered a warm smile. "Thank you, Yakut."

The shaman reflected the smile at the outsider. "You're welcome." She took one step but gazed back at the rebel. "I will see you at the trial this afternoon… I look forward to your stance, Gabrielle." Then with that, she continued back to the temple.

The bard was taken aback by the shaman's words having expected every Amazon against the Conqueror. She shrugged it off then decided she would go first see how Cyrene and Melpomene were doing. Plus, she wanted to update Cyrene on what was happening with the Conqueror or rather her daughter.

Cyrene lifted her head and smiled when Gabrielle entered the guest hut. She saw the worn expression on the younger woman's face and knew exactly why too. "The trial hasn't even begun, Gabrielle."

The bard sighed and mutually agreed. She took a seat at the desk before asking, "Where's Melpomene?"

Cyrene had her back to Gabrielle now as she busied with making the bed. "Taking a quick bath."

"Ah." The rebel now picked up the faint sounds of splashing from the washroom. "The trial starts at Helios high… will you be there?"

Cyrene paused when she came to the foot of the bed but she faced the bard. "I don't think so." She continued finishing up with the bed however she spoke as she went along. "I'm not sure I'm ready for that, Gabrielle."

The rebel leader clearly understood how Cyrene felt. "I know," she murmured, her gaze to the floor. "How is Melpomene doing?"

"She asks often about Janice," gently responded the older woman. "You haven't heard word from Melinda yet?"

Gabrielle exhaled deeply and shook her head. "I'd expect to hear something any day now."

"I hope so," agreed Cyrene, "I hope she made it in time too."

"I'm sure she did," stated the confident bard.

Cyrene eyed the young woman just as she finished with the bed. She then came over and knelt down in front of Gabrielle. She carefully collected the bard's hands into her own. "I know this is hard for you, Gabrielle."

The rebel snorted and stared down at her laced hands with the Conqueror's mother. "I don't know why I'm doing this, Cyrene." She finally met the grey-blue eyes that studied her. "She crucified me and here I am trying to save her from getting crucified."

"Maybe what Janice told you has some merit in your heart then," suggested Cyrene.

"Reforming the Conqueror?" Gabrielle sarcastically laughed. "Could she really do that, Cyrene? You know her better than anybody else."

"I thought I did," sadly admitted the mother, "but my daughter is truly the stranger."

"I wish it is only that," murmured Gabrielle, "and that she's not a monster." Her emotions surfaced. "I asked the shaman, Yakut, to break a connection that the Conqueror had with Alti."

Cyrene was puzzled by this information. "What kind of a connection?"

"I'm not exactly sure but I think to some degree it's influenced her to act as she does."

"It's not an excuse," reminded Cyrene.

"I know," relented the bard. "I think though its part of the explanation… we'll see." She didn't want to voice her hopes about what the broken link between Alti and the Conqueror may or may not do. She simply had to wait it out and see if there was any noticeable shift in the dark ruler or not.

Cyrene patted the young woman's hand, the young woman that'd very much filled some of the gap in her heart when Xena left her so long ago. She rose up and turned her head just as Melpomene came out wrapped up in a towel. "Feel better, dear?"

Melpomene had a bright smile yet it wasn't quite as magnificent as both Gabrielle and Cyrene had seen it in the past. "A lot better."

"Here are your things." Cyrene picked up the clothes from the top of the dresser and handed them to the child.

"Thank you." The girl happily took them then disappeared back into the washroom to get changed.

Gabrielle brushed her hair back some then quietly asked, "Do you think you'll see the Conqueror, Cyrene?"

The mother faced the rebel yet she didn't answer right away. "I have to… at some point but I'm not ready yet."

The bard remained silent despite she understood.

"I will though," promised Cyrene. "She and I have been putting it off far too long."

"She'll be furious when she finds out that you've sided with me," reminded the concerned bard.

"And she can thank herself for that," remarked the annoyed mother.

Gabrielle sadly smiled but lost it slowly. "I should get ready." She stood up on her weak legs with her cane to help her. "What will you do today?"

"I'll spend some time with Melpomene… I think she could use it." Cyrene ended the conversation there as the child came back into the room. "You ready?"

The girl nodded a few times as she approached the women. "Are you coming with us, Gabrielle?"

"No, sweetie." The bard neared the child, a smile revealing itself. "I have other engagements."

"You mean with the Conqueror," clarified the sharp child.

Gabrielle quietly sighed but nodded her head. "Yes… with the Conqueror."

"I heard the Amazons talking… saying that the Conqueror will be hung."

Gabrielle exchanged looks with Cyrene but returned her focus to the child. "It's too early to tell yet, Melpomene."

"You're going to stop it," stated the girl.

The bard bent forward and heavily leaned on her walking stick. "I'm going to try, yes."

"Why?" argued Melpomene, "Why would you? She hurt you a moon and a half ago."

"She did," slowly agreed the bard. She wasn't sure how to explain it to herself much less to young Melpomene.

"Did you forgive her?" inquired the curious girl.

Gabrielle exhaled deeply then answered, "Almost, Melpomene… almost."

"Why? She took my sister from me… I won't ever forgive her for that."

"I know, Melpomene but you have to see beyond that." Gabrielle bent forward more even though it hurt her legs greatly. "If I didn't forgive her, Melpomene then I will become consumed with anger and hatred."

"Like the Conqueror," summarized the thoughtful girl. "I don't want to be like the Conqueror either."

"Then you must learn to forgive her, Melpomene but it takes time so don't push yourself."

Melpomene nodded her head and watched as the rebel leader straightened up as much as her body would allow her.

Cyrene held her hand out to the young child. "Come on, Melpomene."

The girl smiled at the older woman that was becoming very much like a grandparent to her. She laced her hand through Cyrene's, took a step, stopped, and quietly said to Gabrielle, "I hope they don't hang her." Without another word, she left the hut with Cyrene in tow.

Gabrielle watched the door closed and she muttered to nobody, "I hope they don't either." She shook her melancholy away and decided it was best that she see to the guards at the jail before the trial. She made the slow journey through the village and approached the jail just as the door was being opened. She was surprised to see the guards flowing out of the jail with the Conqueror between them. She then became shocked to see how woozy acting the dark ruler was acting. She stepped up to the group but an outside guard stopped her quickly.

"You're not allowed any closer."

The rebel's expression was cold, hard but her focus on the disoriented ruler. "What's wrong with her?"

The guard sighed but explained, "She's been drugged so that she won't cause any problems."

"What?" exclaimed the furious bard. "I can't have her half out of it at the trial."

The guard held up her hands. "I'm sorry… it was the queen's orders." She lowered her hands again. "You'll have to take it up with her."

"Just great," snapped Gabrielle. "Can we just get her there?"

The Amazon nodded then signaled the escort to take the Conqueror to the center where the trial was being held outside.

The bard let out an aggravated huff however she followed them there as fast as she could go. She would certainly take this up with Queen Cyane later on as soon as she had a chance. She needed the Conqueror to be there mentally if any of this would work out at all. Just maybe she could take this to her advantage though.

When the group found themselves in the square where the trial would unfold, Gabrielle wasn't surprised to see the crowd of onlookers. She absorbed how everything was setup with a table in front that was lined with elder Amazons, who were the council members. She and the Conqueror stood off to the left while Velasca and the queen were to the right. The jail guards were lined up behind the Conqueror and the rebel, prepared for any attacks or threats. Behind them, there was a sea of Amazon heads, who came to listen.

While the council members were preparing themselves, Gabrielle had a moment to determine just how drugged the ruler was by talking to her. "How do you feel?" She murmured up to the ruler. When hazy yet chipped blue eyes lowered to her, she shivered. "That good huh?"

The Conqueror's hands were tightly bound by short chains and her ankles manacled with short chains. She slightly swayed while softly replying, "They used rauwolfia on me."

Well the Conqueror wasn't complete out of it, concluded the bard.

"It's ironic don't you think?" murmured the ruler.

Gabrielle peered up with a perplexed face and she didn't like that smirk on the ruler.

"You're defending me from death when I want to kill you."

The rebel leader cleared her throat and her quick wits didn't fail her. "Next thing you know you'll start giggling, Conqueror."

The tranquilized Conqueror held her loose tongue especially because her enemy was called away.

The bard and Velasca stepped up to the table where the council members were sitting. Gabrielle tried to remain calm even though she was growing nervous about this trial. She didn't have exact plans set out on how to defend the dark ruler especially when the odds were so against her but she was going to try.

The head councilor explained the procedures of the trial to Gabrielle and Velasca then she asked if there were any questions. When neither woman asked, the head councilor ordered them to return to their charges who they were representing.

The Conqueror peered down at her representative. "So have a game plan?"

Gabrielle sighed at the amused tone the ruler had with her. "No," she confessed.

The Conqueror snorted and was beyond amused at this point not that the tranquilizer helped her state.

"You know, I'd hate to admit this," started Gabrielle, "but you're more bearable when you're high."

"And to think you're going to argue to Queen Cyane why I shouldn't be."

Gabrielle's head quickly whipped up when she realized the Conqueror had overheard her and the Amazon guard's earlier argument. Before she could say anything the head council member stood up and spoke out to everybody.

"We are here to begin the trial for Xena of Amphipolis," she announced to the large crowd that was going silent.

The Conqueror bent towards Gabrielle and muttered, "Not that Amphipolis likes to lay claims to me."

Gabrielle blinked and stared up at the suddenly chatty ruler. "Having you tranquilized is a bad idea." She realized she was talking while the trial was starting and she needed to be focused.

"Xena of Amphipolis, you have been charged with the slaying of the following Amazons...." The councilor paused and lifted an unrolled scroll then recited eleven names one by one. She lowered the scroll and loudly added, "You are also charged with assaulting Queen Cyane." She cleared her throat when there was only silence echoing back to her. "We will begin this trial with a recant of the events that day and what led up to it." She held her hand out to the queen, who stood by Velasca. "My queen, since you are the only survive and witness of the events, you have the floor."

The Conqueror let out an audible exhale.

Gabrielle controlled her urge to roll her eyes at the ruler's reluctance to take the trial seriously. She chalked it up to the tranquilizer too.

The Amazon Queen stepped up before her Nation, council, the rebel leader, and her long time enemy. She held her position strong as she retold the tale of Xena the warlord that rode in fresh from Chin. Her story held every detail about Xena, Alti, and herself that led up to the events on that horrific day.

When the queen was finished, the Conqueror bent over and muttered, "She missed one detail."

The bard curiously peered up at the dark ruler. "Which was?"

"I didn't kill that young Amazon," answered the ruler. "I only killed the ten council members."

Yes, only ten mentally chided the bard. Gabrielle was going to ask more but figured it could be saved for later. She had her suspicions about what'd happened in the past. She could only wonder why the Conqueror never told her in the first place earlier today.

The queen bowed to the council members then returned to Velasca's side.

"Now," started the head councilor, "we will begin the questioning process of the trial. First we'll begin-"

"Wait," interrupted the rebel hastily. She limped forward some but not too far.

"What is it, Gabrielle?" inquired the patient councilor.

The bard mentally prepared her argument but it was still on a whim. "I would like to hold off on this part of the trial."

"What?" barked Velasca, who stepped up to the bard. "You haven't prepped the Conqueror enough?" Her cold stare bore into the rebel that was standing up for the ruthless ruler.

"I actually can't," shot back Gabrielle but her attention went to the council. "As you can see," she called out and held her left hand out to the ruler. "My charge is drugged."

"That's to keep her sedate," shot back Velasca. "She's a threat to everybody."

The Conqueror's eyes were narrowing at Velasca and despite she was drugged she still sensed something out of place.

"Incase you haven't noticed," retorted the bard, "she's manacled, weaponless, and has six guards on her heels. There's not much she's going to do."

"So you say," barked back Velasca, "but she's dangerous with or without weapons."

Gabrielle now faced the frustrating Amazon. "Well then we should make this even." At Velasca's challenging look she gave her sly reply. "Queen Cyane should be just as drugged."

The crowd of Amazons cried out against such demand from the outsider.

The rebel expected such so she faced the masses and pointed at the ruler. "Look at her, will you!" She dropped her arm and said, "If this is truly such a fair trial as I've been told then the Conqueror should not be drugged so that she can properly defend herself." The crowd settled down finally, which let Gabrielle turn back around. She examined the councilors, who were whispering amongst themselves.

"You can't seriously be considering this," urged Velasca hotly. "The Conqueror is dangerous when she isn't sedate."

The head councilor held up her hand for silence. She then calmly stated, "Gabrielle is correct when she said this is a fair trial and as such, we cannot allow in good judgment for the Conqueror to be in such a state while the trial is proceeding." She sighed then nodded at Gabrielle. "You will speak to your charge and explain to her the situation. If she at all endangers anybody during the trial then we will have to take other measures. Is this clear, Gabrielle?"

"Perfectly," answered the bard. She then tilted her head and cautiously asked, "Can I request that we continue the trial tomorrow? By then the drug should work its way out of her system."

The head councilor leaned to her right some and studied the drugged, swaying ruler in the background.

"This is ridiculous," snapped Velasca, "you're endangering Amazons' lives if you don't drug her!"

The councilor's head shot up at the angry Amazon. "Do you lack confidence in the guards performing their duties, Velasca?"

The Amazon's temper quickly deflated at the turn of the table.

The head councilor called out, "Who is the head guard for the Conqueror?"

The guard in question stepped out of the line and made herself known.

"Approach the table," ordered the councilor.

The head guard bowed her head then marched up to the council's table. When she was close, she reached up and pulled her mask back to display her striking features and amber eyes.

"Ephiny," warmly greeted the head councilor.

"Councilors." The Amazon bowed her head then straightened up again.

"Velasca is questioning your capabilities of handling the Conqueror should she get out of line." The council leaned back in her chair as she knew she was going to enjoy this conversation. "Do you believe you and your guards are competent enough to handle any situation that may arise?"

Ephiny held her back straight, her expression strong, and pride flowed from her. "I am highly confident, councilor." Her infuriated eyes darted to Velasca then back to the councilors. "I have the best Amazons at my side."

"And I have every confidence in your leadership, Ephiny." The councilor nodded and stated, "I am satisfied then. Thank you, Ephiny."

"My pleasure, councilors." Ephiny bowed, pulled her mask back down and returned to her post behind the ruler.

"There you have it, Velasca." The elder Amazon leaned forward again then forced smiled. "Are there anymore… concerns?"

Velasca exhaled and placed her hands on her hips. "No, councilor."

"Fine." The councilor gave her agreement to Gabrielle's idea. "Tomorrow we will begin at Helios high again when the Conqueror is no longer sedate." She tilted her head at the outsider. "See that she is ready, Gabrielle as I won't have anymore patience to show."

"Of course, councilor," gave in the bard but she had a hidden grin at her success.

Velasca was grinding her teeth at the loss for today.

"We will convene from here," the elder loudly ordered, "beginning tomorrow at Helios high. The trial is dismissed for the day." With that, she stood as did the other members.

Velasca faced her rival and chewed out, "Don't count on being so lucky later, rebel." She spun on her boots and marched off to meet the queen.

The bard was shaken by the idle threat as she knew it certainly was one. She let out a small, held breath then went back to her own charge.

The Conqueror stared at the small, hunched woman before her. "I'm amazed… your tongue helped me for once."

Gabrielle smirked and shook her head but she turned to the guards. "You will see to her?"

The head guard, Ephiny, stepped forward and dipped her head in acknowledgement.

"Don't care to join me in the cell?" taunted the evil ruler.

The rebel returned to her smirking features. "I think I've seen too much of you as it is."

"Do stop by later," offered the Conqueror as if she were a very bored soul.

Gabrielle half grinned then limped off in the opposite direction.

"Let's go, Conqueror," ordered Ephiny from behind her mask.

The tall, dark woman gauged her guards but she'd have later to play with them when she was more up to par.

Gabrielle was away from the crowd of Amazons and making her way back to her guest hut that she shared with Cyrene and Melpomene. She needed some rest plus some time to clear her head out. As she went, she turned over Velasca's threat and wondered if it warranted any merit. Gabrielle figured she had to be over analyzing Velasca and instead was getting too pumped up about the future of the trial. At least the Conqueror's drug state gave her an advantage of more time to prepare.

For the afternoon, Gabrielle lay in her bed and simply stared at the ceiling or the back of her eyelids. She never really slept since her mind was vigorously working out the trial. Some questions surfaced in the middle of it all so that eventually led her to leave the hut and show up at the jail by late afternoon.

The jail guard almost sighed at seeing the rebel. She'd expected much so she had the door open by the time Gabrielle was close enough.

Gabrielle pleasantly smiled at the two Amazons then entered the jail a few paces.

The Conqueror had her eyes closed yet they slowly revealed at the presence before her. "Missed me already?"

"Like the cross you tied me to," remarked the rebel.

The Conqueror ran her tongue along the back of her teeth; she suddenly leered at the younger woman. "I saved your cross… for later."

Gabrielle tried to ignore her enemy's head game so she shrugged. "Well I guess you and Caesar have something in common." She slightly jumped when the dark ruler sprung up to her feet in an angry fury.

"Do not compare me to him!" hotly yelled the furious ruler.

The guards in the cell tensed as the ruler fought against her chains. They stepped forward once so that they made some point.

Gabrielle was holding her breath, her body chilled by the cold blue eyes digging into her.

The Conqueror's chest heaved up and down as her body suppressed the earlier drug due to her rage. It wasn't so much that the rebel compared her to the dead Julius Caesar but that she was reminded of her time on the cross. Her rage surged in defense more than offense that such a young woman that didn't know her history could poke her so easily and so perfectly.

Gabrielle swallowed, her gaze faltered for a heartbeat but she lifted it again. "I apologize." She actually felt guilty about her earlier comment, which was an incredibly odd feeling considering things. She sensed too that it wasn't so much the comparison but something much deeper than that.

The Conqueror had been hunched over but now she straightened her back out. She regarded the honestly apologetic rebel and was inwardly grateful for the apology but she'd never admit that. Finally she took two steps back then sat down.

The guards pulled back with their weapons relaxed.

The bard exhaled then a quiet tremble rippled through her body. She didn't dare take another step just yet. "I came to talk about the trial."

"What do you want to know?" coldly replied the ruler.

Gabrielle brushed some her hair back then answered, "You mentioned that the queen was wrong about a detail."

"Yes." The Conqueror leaned back against the wall. "I never killed the young girl that fell from the tree."

The bard's eyes narrowed. "But she said-"

"What I told her," cut in the ruler. "When they found the dead Amazon, I told Cyane that I killed her that doesn't mean I really did."

"Okay then how did she die?"

"It's not about how… its who." The Conqueror folded her arms over her chest. "Alti killed her to cause the distraction because Alti knew I wouldn't be able to get that close to any Amazons without them being cautious."

Gabrielle processed the new information then shook her head. "And I'm sure Alti will show up for the trial and claim that she did it." She heard a low snort from the ruler's direction. "I will have to think on that one." Her glazed features centered back on the ruler. "Do you mind if I ask you about some things?"

The dark ruler tilted her head to the side as she noted the fine sheen of perspiration on the rebel's forehead. She concluded it must be from standing on her weak legs but it was the exact opening that she wanted too. "Sure, I'm not going anywhere." She scooted down on the bench some. "Sit."

The bard hesitated for a beat then decided it couldn't be too risky. As she neared the ruler slowly she heard the guards close in too. She sighed heavily when she connected with the bench, it was a relief. Once she was situated, she started the conversation with open ended questions.

The Conqueror gave brief answers and wouldn't provide details unless Gabrielle started probing her. She could tell what the rebel's idea was for the trial and it was an interesting perspective however it didn't change the facts. After some length of time, she could tell that the leader rebel was well spent from all her thinking plus the standing at the trial today.

Gabrielle was silent for several heartbeats because she'd taken in so much information today. Her head bobbed a few times then she quietly stated, "I think that's a start for me." She focused on her counterpart. "I believe Queen Cyane starts tomorrow."

"Again?" retorted the aggravated ruler.

"This is different." Gabrielle toyed with her walking stick. "Velasca and I question her back and forth."

"I see," murmured the ruler.

The bard tried to relax now that she had a better game plan for the trial. She didn't feel so much at a loss as earlier before so her shoulders weren't as tense and her nervous calmer. "I should go... dinner will be soon." When she glimpsed out the small window in the door, she saw the setting rays of the sun.

"Don't care to join me for my dinner?" taunted the ruler.

Gabrielle shot a smirk at the Conqueror. "You'd be left starving then." She chuckled more to herself than anybody else then she climbed up to her feet. She took a limping step away.

"You shouldn't turn your back on me, rebel."

Before the Conqueror's menacing words could register into Gabrielle's mind, she suddenly felt cold metal wrap around her throat then her body was thrown back against the heated body of the powerful Conqueror.

The Amazons reacted in fluent motion together as they quickly pushed forward with weapons at the ready. They couldn't act though with the rebel caught in the Conqueror's dangerous grasp.

Gabrielle heaved for air as the chain tightened across her throat. She instinctively wrapped her fingers around the chain to stop its crushing. Her walking stick fell to the floor, which meant her legs lost their extra support so they started to give way. Now her body pressed harder against the chain because of her weight.

"Learn to be more careful," hotly whispered the Conqueror to the delicate ear below.

"Let her go!" ordered the head guard, who stepped forward.

The Conqueror met the Amazon's masked gaze. "Let's try something else, shall we? You open that jail door or this chain gets a little tighter."

Ephiny wasn't sure what to do, her eyes lowered to Gabrielle.

"Don't do it, Ephiny," rasped Gabrielle. She quickly choked when the Conqueror yanked the chain hard. "If you kill me now, Conqueror then you won't have any insurance to get out of here."

The ruler chuckled, her body shaking the smaller one against hers. "I didn't conqueror half the known-world because I'm stupid."

"Exactly," whispered the gasping bard, "so are you going to keep running from your past?"

The Conqueror's temper fired up at the challenge set in front of her. "My past has made me stronger."

"So has mine," rasped the bard, "but I also take responsibility for it too." She tried to pull the chain away from her throat some but with no success. "Why do you think I stood up in front of you?"

"As I recall correctly, you also escaped your punishment."

The bard closed her eyes and tried to calm her raging heartbeat. "An unfair punishment for representing the people… that was a punishment for… a… murderer."

"A crime according to my laws," hissed the ruler.

"Why is it a crime?" challenged the gasping bard, "Because… because the truth is that you've become the very thing you tried to… to stop." She heaved for air but her throat was caving in slowly.

"You know nothing," growled the Conqueror. She started to tighten the chains to stop the rebel's cutting words.

Ephiny stepped forward as the situation was spiraling downward.

Gabrielle shook her head at the Amazon. She would win this battle with the ruler no matter the costs. "I do know… know one thing." Her eyes opened for a second then closed against the pain. "When I was young... this warlord destroyed my village… my parents dead and sister enslaved. I escaped my father's… burning barn just as she and her army left." She stopped for a beat to suck in some air, her body now shaking but she wouldn't give up. "I wondered the countryside… for days until I entered a small village called… called Amphipolis."

The Conqueror's rage was slowly draining at hearing the story that she was captured by so deeply. Her eyes were glazed by the mental images of the young girl's childhood.

Gabrielle's air increase from the light withdraw of the chain. "I was starving by that time… I went to the market in town and came upon a food merchant." She opened her eyes as the dark spots in her vision were finally gone. "I stole a loaf of flatbread but the merchant caught me." She paused for an intake of needed air. "Just as he was about to take me to the constable a woman stopped him and paid him for the bread."

The Conqueror's manacle chains loosened more around the rebel's throat.

"She owned a local tavern so she took me in, fed me… clothed me… and her oldest son also became my brother." Gabrielle swallowed her surfacing emotions. "I had a family again." She touched the loose chain around her neck. "Do you know who took me in, Conqueror?"

The ruler's heart was pounding in her ears at the realization. She was overwhelmed and all she could do was whisper, "My mother."

The bard licked her lips then softly added, "You see, we're not that much different expect for one glaring fact." She now wrapped her fingers around the loose chain. "I have faith, Conqueror while you had yours but you lost it the day that Caesar shattered it. You never shattered mine and you never will."

The Conqueror snapped out of her reverie and swiftly tightened the chain again but not as strongly. "You want me to take responsibility for my actions here with the Amazons? Then we'll make a deal."

Gabrielle's eye stung from not just the pain on her throat but her legs as her feet scuffed the wood floor. She was barely able to hold up her body's weight with her weak legs. "What's… the deal?"

"If you win this trial then you return to Corinth with me to take responsibility for your rebel faction." The dark ruler's lips were near the rebel's as she breathed out her defining offer. "If you lose and I'm sentence to death then you must die too." Her lips curled into a grin as she teased, "A little incentive to encourage you to try harder."

"What if… you're sentenced but not to… death?"

The Conqueror's grin spread wider. "Then I will uphold the sentence, you will remain here until it's complete, and then you will return with me for yours." Her head came a bit lower so that her warm breath moved over the rebel's ear. "I will take into consideration your work with the trial."

Gabrielle's eyes started to roll back up into her head, her legs finally giving out from her. "I agree… you have… my word."

"Excellent." The Conqueror gave a rough jerk of the chain then taunted, "And you have mine." She suddenly lifted her shackled hands with her chains rattling in protest.

Gabrielle coughed for air as she collapsed onto the floor. She was on her knees that flashed hot pain up her body so she slumped onto her side and her hands balanced her as best as they could.

The Conqueror stared down at the fallen rebel. "Nasty having broken legs, isn't it?" She kicked at the boots that were apart of the mangled legs.

Gabrielle yelped when the Conqueror's kick caused pain to flash up her legs.

Ephiny was shaking with fury at the display and treatment to the outsider but especially at the fact she couldn't do anything. "Gabrielle?" She signaled her guards to engage the Conqueror as she rushed to the rebel.

Gabrielle coughed and shook her head at the Amazon. "I'm fine." At hearing the Conqueror's laugh from above, she tried to stand up but it was slow progress.

The guards closed in on the dark ruler and one of them tried to get the ruler with a spear.

The Conqueror ducked quickly but her hands were even faster. She caught the spear between her hands without so much as a scratch. She snapped the poisoned spearhead off from the shaft and snarled at the Amazons. "Try again." She dropped the spearhead so she could prepare for a second attack.

Gabrielle wasn't so happy with the events so she hurried her pained body to move faster. Ephiny's hands were touching her shoulder and elbow but she was only hindering her. She climbed up onto her raging legs and took a step back in front the ruler much to every Amazons' surprise. "Stop," she hotly ordered.

"Get out of the way, Gabrielle," commanded the head guard.

"No," argued the rebel.

The Conqueror was still despite her hands were up.

"She's not an animal," reminded the disgusted bard. "Don't treat her this way."

Ephiny's eyes widened and she yelled, "She just tried to strangle you, Gabrielle!"

"I know this," barked back the bard, who was wheezing on her shaky legs. "She gave her word to stay."

The Conqueror was carefully listening to this interesting turn of events between her makeshift protector and the heated Amazon.

"And her word is nothing here," yelled Ephiny, her eyes flashing like fire. "Move out of the way."

"No," snapped back Gabrielle. Sweat was starting to roll down her neck and onto her back then over her temples from the pain she was enduring. "If her word is not good enough then trust me, Ephiny."

Ephiny was grinding her teeth as she needed to teach the prisoner a lesson for such actions. Yet she knew there was no way around Gabrielle either without causing some harm.

"Please, Ephiny... don't step down to her level."

Ephiny could almost strangle her sword hilt but she swiftly waved the guards off, who hesitated to back off at first. "Then you have my word, Gabrielle as long as the Conqueror doesn't cause anymore harm to anybody."

Gabrielle shut her eyes as she swooned from the pain. "Thank… you." Then she lost her surge of strength and started to crumble to the floor.

Ephiny hastily acted yet came up short within a long stride. She watched in absolute wonderment at the scene before her.

Gabrielle leaned heavily against the Conqueror's strong hands at her waist that kept her from hitting the floor again.

The Conqueror had acted so involuntarily and caught the small rebel with complete ease. She guided the rebel back onto her feet then she slightly hunched over so that her long arm could scrape up the walking stick.

The bard gratefully received her stick then leaned heavily on it when the hand on her right hip slipped. She gained some balance then twisted her head up to the Conqueror and her thankful eyes met the ruler's.

The Conqueror was captivated by the rebel's caring gaze and all she could do was give a brief nod before she backed away.

Gabrielle broke the trance too then limped away into Ephiny's waiting presence.

The head guard was awestruck yet she directed the rebel leader out of the jail before anything else went nutso. She'd had enough for one day and she wasn't ready to see the Conqueror become anymore gentler than she had in that unexpected moment.

When Gabrielle was out of the jail with Ephiny at her side, she paused and whispered, "Thank you again."

Ephiny reached up and pushed her mask back. "You shouldn't have risked your life that way, Gabrielle."

The bard shook her head then softly murmured, "If she wanted me dead she would have done it this morning." She noticed that Ephiny refused to question what'd happened towards the end, which she was glad about too. "Plus now that she knows Cyrene is here… she'll have a lot to think about."

"I think so," gently agreed the Amazon. "She didn't know that her mother took you in, did she?"

Gabrielle licked her lips and peered up at the Amazon that was glowing from the setting sun. "No, I don't think so. She seemed fairly shock by the information."

"I'd say," relented the Amazon. She reached over to touch the bard's irritated neck. "You should see Eilis, the healer."

Gabrielle shook her head. "I'll be okay."

The Amazon grunted then teased, "I see where Janice gets her stubborn attribute."

The rebel leader rolled her eyes at the Amazon. "Be careful what you say… Eph." She quickly tried to get away before the Amazon could threaten her back.

Ephiny stood still, a smirk on her face, and her eyes bright. "Next time… Gabby," she murmured then she turned to order the door guard to open the jail. Just before the cell door open, she pulled her mask back over to hide her chiseled features.

Gabrielle made it back to her hut even though it was dinner time. She was happy to find nobody in the hut so she just made it to the foot of her bed and she sat roughly down on it. She threw her walking stick onto the bed then broke down crying with her face in her hands. All her hatred for the Conqueror broke loose and exploded to the top in a hungry rage that racked her heart. The hatred pooled in her eyes over and over then smeared her cheeks and coated her hands with salty, acid tears. And by the gods, Gabrielle finally found a sense of peace when her shattering sobs healed old, bleeding wounds.



Continued.