Chapter 3 - Pasts & Prophecies
Gabrielle had stolen away in a turret that was on the walls of the fortress. She leaned against the sill of the stone window, and she observed the beautiful sunset over Corinth. She loved the sunset, but she preferred to share them with her partner. Gabrielle released a faint sigh at her thoughts.
"How are you doing, Xena?" the bard murmured. She received no response in the silent turret. Then the wood door on the right opened, which made Gabrielle slightly jump. Gabrielle glanced over and offered a faint smile to the soldier that was making his rounds.
"Good evening, Queen Gabrielle." The soldier bowed his head then received a warm greeting back. He could tell the Amazon Queen wanted to be alone or else she wouldn't be in the turret. He slipped past and went through the left door; he continued his routine.
The young bard went back to the beautiful sunset, but she noted the dark clouds were coming from the north. She imagined it would rain tomorrow if not tonight. She was never much for rain. Again the right door opened but more gently than last time, and Gabrielle ignored it.
"Good evening, Gabrielle."
The bard straightened up at the familiar voice, and she turned to find Najara only a few steps away. She hadn't seen the dekarchos in some time because she was so busy now. Gabrielle didn't want to reveal anything to Najara so she warmly offered, "How are you, Najara?"
The dekarchos was pleased by the bard's invite to converse. She neared the small woman, who glowed a soft red in the sun's final rays. "I'm well. Yourself?"
Gabrielle nodded once then a second time after a moment. "The same." She turned back to the sunset while Najara leaned her back against the wall next to the window. She felt those wild eyes that were Najara locked on her, but Gabrielle wouldn't falter. "Corinth seems to be flourishing."
"It does," the soldier softly agreed. "I don't believe anybody would have guessed that the Conqueror would turn around." She hoped her words would weaken Gabrielle's new guard that she held between them. She'd made her mistakes in Egypt.
"Yes," the bard murmured, "she's come a long way." And it was true, Gabrielle was proud of it because she'd witnessed every struggle the Conqueror faced along the way. From the personal struggles to the political battles in the court, but the Conqueror never failed.
Najara kept her back against the stone wall. She observed the quiet city of Corinth from her slanted view through the window. It'd been awhile since she and Gabrielle had spoken. It'd been since Egypt really.
Gabrielle drifted back into her memories with the Conqueror's balcony. She especially loved those nights they'd drink tea, watched the sunset, and finally be greeted by the stars. Then the Conqueror would encourage Gabrielle into the bed where they'd make love for several candlemarks. Finally Gabrielle would drift into her peaceful dreamscape with her lover's heartbeat under her ear. Those memories faded away though when Najara's voice brought her back.
"The spies still elude her?"
The bard licked her lips, and she kept her focus on the last red rays. "Yes... we can't seem to pinpoint them." She inwardly grumbled and shook her head. "How can they just disappear?" Her lips thinned at her dark thoughts. "They're like ghosts."
The dekarchos pushed off the wall and stood beside the bard. She also observed the last moments of the sunset. "Some things are not meant to be found."
Gabrielle curiously peered up and showed her piercing green eyes. "You mean some people?"
The soldier shrugged and casually replied, "Either."
Gabrielle digested the simple word, but she looked back at the city. She then softly queried, "Why wouldn't these spies want to be found? I mean beyond the obvious."
Najara slightly grinned then tilted her head as the grin disappeared. "They'll be found... when they're ready to be found, Gabrielle."
Gabrielle swallowed at the words that left her with no comfort. She then met Najara's gaze, and they held it for several beats.
Najara felt the worry in the bard, and she assured, "You'll be safe, Gabrielle." She noticed how Gabrielle's furrowed her eyebrows so she added, "The Conqueror has good soldiers on patrol, and she's dealt with this before."
"I know," the Amazon Queen murmured. She then shifted away from the window with one back step. "I should go."
The dekarchos captured the bard by the arm. She held Gabrielle still and sincerely offered, "I'm sorry about... about what happened in Egypt."
Gabrielle tried to remain calm despite her internal alarm bells sounded. She forced a smile and nodded. "It's okay, Najara... it was just a misunderstanding."
"I do understand how you feel about the Conqueror." Najara hesitated on her next words, but she went forward with her choice. "I sometimes worry you're blinded by those feelings."
Gabrielle's stomach dropped then filled with a nervous sensation. "Trust me, I have plenty of people that keep me in line." She then chided, "Including you." She mentally groaned at her mistake because she was suppose to make a joke, not be so obvious.
Najara slotted her eyes briefly, but she settled down. She tried a new smile, and she mentioned, "We all know it'll wear off eventually."
Gabrielle dared to wonder what 'it' was that Najara meant. She didn't much like the trail of this conversation.
"I just want you to know I'll be there for you once it happens." Najara eased her hard grip on the bard's arm. "I care too much."
The bard really wanted to leave before she ended up doing something stupid like slugging the Conqueror's dekarchos. Although she suspected that her lover wouldn't have minded her to do such. "Thanks, Najara." She removed the hand on her arm. "I have to meet up with the Conqueror actually."
"Wait." Najara held the bard by the hip instead. She sincerely emphasized, "I do care, Gabrielle. Our relationship has always meant a lot to me. I've appreciate what you've done for me since I arrived here in Corinth." She dipped her head closer. "I want to thank you."
Gabrielle leaned back slightly, but she was surprised to find Najara drew her closer. It seemed to happen in slow motion, but sure enough Najara's red lips claimed hers in a tender kiss. The bard was at first too stunned to do anything then her anger overrode her surprise. She shoved the dekarchos off then she followed her body's response; her left hand came up and connected with Najara's cheek.
The slap echoed in the turret then was followed by the silence. Gabrielle stared coldly at the older, taller woman that'd crossed the line finally. The sting on her hand hardly matched the sting on Najara's cheek, which was turning obviously red.
Gabrielle pointed a finger at Najara and hotly yelled, "Don't ever do that again, Najara."
Najara touched her cheek, and now she was shocked. She lowered her hand and slightly darkened at the turn of events.
The bard ignored the dekarchos's look because it couldn't match her anger. She walked away and stopped at the left door. She coldly informed, "If you do that again, I'll be sure to pass along to the Conqueror your intentions." She grabbed for the door handle, but she stopped when the other door opened.
A soldier hurried into the room and quickly demanded, "Is everything okay? I heard shouting." He looked between the dekarchos and the Amazon Queen.
Gabrielle appreciated the soldier's prompt check, and she replied, "Everything is fine... now." She glimpsed at the dark Najara, but she didn't care. She focused back on the guard. "Thank you." She received a brief bow from the soldier, but she needed to go before her boiling temper worsened the situation. She marched down the wall and passed various wall guards, then she came into another turret. This one had a set of stairs so she quickly took them to the ground level and walked across the open grounds to the front of the fortress.
The bard wound through the fortress until she reached the ruler's office. She grabbed the gold handle, but she hesitated and lifted her freehand. She first knocked, received a call, and she entered the quiet office. She softly smiled and approached the warrior.
The Warrior Princess returned the warm smile and proceeded to roll up her scroll.
"I hope you're hungry," the bard mildly teased.
"Plenty." Xena tied the scroll and set it in the left basket. "My mother's cooking is my favorite."
"Oh I know." Gabrielle then realized her mistake and sighed. "Well it's..." She dropped her shoulders and mentally grumbled at herself.
The warrior came around the desk and touched the bard's shoulder. "It's okay."
"Do you get the hang of this?" the bard complained but in a good nature.
Xena smirked. "Most of the time." She released the bard then started for the door. "How was the sunset?"
Gabrielle peered up in slightly shock and asked, "You knew?"
The warrior shrugged and casually remarked, "I have my guesses." She opened the door for them and let Gabrielle pass first. She strolled down the lonely, torchlight hallway with Gabrielle. "I read an interesting scroll earlier today."
"Oh?" Gabrielle prompted.
"Yes, I see that you setup a Family Name Convention," Xena mentioned.
The Amazon Queen grew brighter at the topic, especially compared to her earlier mood because of Najara. "Yes, it took me several moons to prepare it."
"I can imagine." Xena headed down the steps, and Gabrielle remained at her side. "And the Conqueror has made it a law?"
"Yes," the bard replied, "just recently actually. We've started the process to record the people's family names. It will take a lot of time."
"It will, but I imagine it'll greatly help the realm overtime."
"That's what I'm hoping," the bard agreed.
Then a thought occurred to the Warrior Princess so she inquired, "What is the Conqueror's family name?"
Gabrielle placed her hands behind her back, and she slightly hung her head. She observed her brown skirt that floated over the breeze as they neared the open doors at the other end of the empty courtroom. "Xena Archyrenis of Amphipolis."
"Archyrenis?" the warrior softly echoed. "Archi means leader."
"Yes," the bard agreed. "And she combined it with Cyrene's name."
"Then the suffix 'is' represents the Macedonia Providence," Xena concluded. She found the family name quite creative. She had to give her alternate self some credit for creativity beyond just on the battlefield. "And yours?"
Gabrielle peered up at the starry sky when they came outside. She returned her focus to her new friend. "Gabrielle Heropoimenas of Potidaea."
Xena bit her lower lip then gently teased, "Quite a mouthful."
The bard laughed and shook her head. "It's several things all in one, I suppose." She noted the gates just ahead, but she explained, "For generations, my family have been shepherds."
"Poimen," the Warrior Princess concluded. "And the 'hero' for you father's name?"
"Yes." Gabrielle chuckled again and grinned. "That was Lila's idea. Mom use to call our father 'Hero' for short at times." She shrugged. "We thought it was fitting... and the 'as' for Macedonia."
"Of course," Xena agreed. She noted the guards were shifting to the iron gates so they could be opened. "I think it's very fitting."
"Thank you," Gabrielle murmured.
"Good evening, my liege," greeted a gate guard. "It's a lovely evening."
The Warrior Princess offered a faint smile to the guard's pleasant attitude. She figured the Conqueror wouldn't have done the same, but it would do well to lighten the Conqueror's darker perception. "It is. Thank you."
Gabrielle resisted from a laugh at the guard's stumped expression. She strolled out of the gates with the warrior and instantly was engulfed in the evening foot traffic. She again had a chance to enjoy the pleasant changes of the city. For some reason that made her think about the rebellion in Britannia. If Corinth was flourishing so well now then how could Britannia be complaining? She knew her lover would never favor one section of the realm over the other with policies and such. It was certainly true that the Conqueror favored the atmosphere and beauty of Corinth and Greece over the rest, but she would never deprive the rest of the realm.
"You're thinking too hard," Xena softly spoke.
The Amazon Queen rid of her thoughts and wistfully smiled at the warrior. "I'm trying to guess why the Britanni are rebelling."
"Any answer yet?"
Gabrielle only briefly remained serious, yet she realized the warrior was tormenting. She sighed and brought out a sad smile again. "I wish I knew. I pray Salmoneus can lend a hand."
"If he's the same as he was in my world, then he's rather resourceful."
The bard let out a few chuckles and nodded. "He's quite resourceful, yes." She walked closer to the warrior and gently inquired, "How different is your world from this one?"
Xena hesitated from a quick answers. She first scanned the Corinthians' faces and at how they regarded her with a variety of attitudes from good to bad. She then centered back on the innocent face that was Gabrielle. "Very different."
The former rebel leader bowed her head and dared to approach the topic. "Am I very different?" She crinkled her nose some then mentioned, "I only know what Janice has told me."
The Warrior Princess held her silence for several beats. She carefully composed her pending words then she finally spoke what was only true. "Gabrielle... my Gabrielle, she's faced much through her travels with me. She started out as a young woman looking for adventure with a broken warlord."
Gabrielle wistfully smiled at the painted picture.
"Gabrielle had a lot of ideals about love and the power of it, but she'd never experienced the darker side of life." Xena swallowed at the bitter memories of Callisto and Dahak.
The bard licked her lips and whispered, "She sounds naïve in the beginning."
"In some ways, yes but after several hard experiences she started to see there's a very dark, black side of life." Xena's eyes glazed over with harsh memories. "I thought I lost her there for awhile, but I should have been more confident. She found her balance and realized without the darkness there wouldn't be any light."
"That's very true," the bard agreed. "I had a hard childhood and plenty of times I've damned it." She sadly sighed but continued to speak. "Although if I didn't have the past I do, I don't think I could be ready to help the Conqueror as I have."
Xena peered down at the young, innocent woman that was indeed less naïve than Gabrielle was at her age. She showed a crooked smile. "I'm sure it requires plenty of patiences."
Gabrielle actually laughed and neared the warrior. "You can't imagine."
"Oh I can," the warrior promised. She picked up hints of the port because of the smell on the breeze. Gabrielle had mentioned that Cyrene's taverna was near the port area so she prayed it was close. Xena felt somewhat nervous.
Gabrielle touched the warrior's arm and asked, "When did you see her last?"
Xena knew Gabrielle was referring to Cyrene, and she bit her lower lip then whispered, "Far too long." There was a faint squeeze on her arm then Gabrielle's hold was gone. "Her name is Melpomene, right?"
"Yes, and the Conqueror usually calls her Mel." The bard shifted closer. "The Conqueror is rather fond of her... Cyrene and the Conqueror adopted her into their family, officially."
Xena's eyebrows hiked up at the news. She hadn't expected such openness from her darker self, who seemed rather closed.
Gabrielle saw the surprise, which made her grin. "Come on." She climbed the steps to Cyrene's taverna, and she entered first. She instantly smiled when her gaze met the taverna owner's gaze.
Cyrene stopped from her work and went around her bar. She first received a hug from the bard. "How are you, dear?"
"I'm well, mom." Gabrielle pulled away from the hug. "It's been awhile."
Cyrene lightly smacked her adopted daughter's side. "Yes, too long since you stopped by."
"I'm sorry." The bard chuckled though and stepped aside so that Xena had a chance to say hello.
Xena was rooted in place and stared at her mother as if she were a ghost again.
Cyrene put her hands on her hips and regarded her daughter. "Can't you say 'hi' to your own mother?"
The Warrior Princess broke from her daze, and she smiled tenderly. "Of course, mother." She moved in and drew her arms around her mother.
Cyrene was somewhat surprised by the public display of affection from her child. She noted that her patrons were watching them, but she didn't care. She warmly hugged her daughter back.
Xena tightly closed her eyes when her emotions rocked her. Then in a shaken voice, she whispered, "I love you, mother."
Cyrene was convinced something was wrong so she pulled back but still held her daughter's hips. She checked Xena's face and tried to decipher what'd happened. She only read warm, tender emotions in those bright blue eyes. "I love you too, little one." She brushed her palm over Xena's cheek. "Everything okay?"
The warrior took the hand from her cheek and whispered, "Everything is wonderful." She tilted her head and lightened the mood with a teasing question. "What's for din-din?"
Cyrene had wide eyes at the joke that she hadn't heard since Xena was a child. She never thought she'd heard Xena call dinner 'din-din' again. She crookedly smiled and replied, "Your favorite... Gabrielle mentioned you both would be by."
Xena mirrored the grin, then she nodded. She finally released her mother or at least the Conqueror's mother, who was now hers for awhile.
"Let's sit," Gabrielle offered in hopes to break the emotional spell. She held out her hand to Xena in a typical fashion that she'd always do with the Conqueror.
The warrior accepted the warm invite and was lead to a corner table. She took the seat that gave the best view of the entire taverna. She propped her chair back some and contently sighed.
Gabrielle leaned forward and softly mentioned, "You'll make Cyrene wonder. She's pretty sharp, you know."
Xena smirked and smugly replied, "I know because I inherited that quality from her."
"Along with a few others," Gabrielle shot back in a teasing voice.
Xena chuckled and laced her hands over top of her leather stomach. She was in her bronze armor that she always wore, and she seemed to glow in the candle and torchlight from around the taverna. Then her blue eyes were glowing but more from bittersweet emotions.
Cyrene soon came over with a mug of port and cider. She looked between the couple, but she studied Xena more as if trying to still figure out something. She put her hands on her hips and mentioned, "Melpomene will be here later."
"How is she?" Xena questioned.
"She's well and quite busy with her studies." The mother then glanced at her adopted daughter. "I believe Lila wants to stop by too."
Gabrielle brightened at the news, and she hastily asked, "With Sarah?"
"Yes, Auntie Gabby," Cyrene tormented. She chuckled at Gabrielle's glare, but she stepped back and promised, "Dinner will be up soon." She turned and hurried back to work.
Xena waited until her mother was far enough, then she remarked, "She looks well."
"Cyrene?" Gabrielle nodded then leaned back in her chair. "Ever since Xena... the Conqueror changed it's really taken a lot of weight off of her."
"I'm sure." The warrior sipped on the port and recalled how perfectly her mom could make it. She enjoyed the pleasant burn in her stomach that spread out over her body. She glanced into the full mug then back at Gabrielle. "You haven't told me about your past."
Gabrielle fidgeted with her mug and tried to find the right words. Then Xena stopped her fidgeting, and she peered over at the concerned warrior. She wasn't quite use to being able to read her lover so easily, but the warrior was more open. She considered whether the warrior was always like that or not.
"You don't have to," Xena offered.
"No... no." Gabrielle shook her head then gathered herself. It wasn't so much about bringing up the memories because it was getting easier, but it was the fact that Xena wouldn't like to hear how the Conqueror impacted her life so much. She hoped it would go over okay. "It happened when I was almost nine Helical Risings."
The warrior only nodded and mentally reminded herself that a Helical Rising was equivalent to a year. She settled back in her chair for a story no matter how cold.
Gabrielle tried to be the bard as she told her personal story from so long ago. She started by telling the Conqueror's campaigns throughout Greece and how it brought the Conqueror to her providence. At the time, the subordinate directly under Xena was Draco, and he commanded a few units that were in charge of rounding up allegiance from the smaller towns. Draco was never the most loyal soldier so he'd developed his own plans on obtaining the small towns' allegiances. And his first stop happened to be Potidaea.
Gabrielle covered her racing heart, yet she remained tucked behind the barn's corner. She listened to the cries coming from her house. She heard her father's yelling followed by her mother's piercing scream. The young girl debated whether to come out in the open from around the barn, but she lost her choice when the front door was kicked off its hinges.
An unkempt warrior marched out, and he yelled back at his partner to hurry up. He sighed, turned, and put his bloody hands on his hips. He hollered again to hurry it up.
The second soldier stumbled out because he was hauling Hecuba and little Lila. He cursed then tossed Lila at his partner. "Take her, will ya?"
The first warrior made a grab for Lila then picked her up. He tossed her over his right shoulder despite her tearful cries.
"Don't touch her," Hecuba warned to the soldiers.
"Come on, bitch." The second warrior drug Hecuba along.
Lila could only cry at her young age of five. She'd just seen her father slain back in the house.
Hecuba became daring, and she threw a punch at her opponent.
The soldier laughed, caught her slow punch, and shoved her onto the ground. "You're too much trouble." He withdrew his sword again, and it still held the blood of Herodotus on it. He raised his blade above the mother.
"Mom!" Lila cried out, and she extended her right hand.
Gabrielle hastily came around the corner of the barn when she saw death so near her mother. She only made it a few steps before it was too late.
Hecuba gripped the blade in her stomach, and she stared at the cloudy sky. She held the blade for her last heartbeats, then her hands fell to the ground.
The soldier extracted his sword, sheathed at his side, and casually strolled up to his comrade. "She wouldn't have been worth much to the slaver anyway."
The first warrior shook his head some then continued his march back to the town's center. "She could have brought in something, idiot."
The second soldier glowered and shrugged. "We got a young one." He peeked at Lila's red face and bared his dark teeth at the child. "Easier to train when they're young." He then laughed and continued with his comrade back to town.
Young Gabrielle stood still, but she was fixed on her mother's motionless body. She willed her weaken legs to take her to her mother. Slowly she went to her knees and touched her mother's face.
"Mom?" Gabrielle murmured. "Mom?"
Hecuba only stared at the sky with her glossy eyes.
The young girl shook her mother's shoulders and softly urged, "Come on, mom... wake up. Please." She shook her mother again but there was no response. Gradually her eyes traveled down to the open, bloody wound in her mother's stomach.
Gabrielle carefully touched the wound, which coated her hand red. She turned her hand over and stared at the warm blood that trickled down her fingers. She glanced back at her mother. "Mom?" She knew her mother wouldn't wake up, and she stumbled up onto her feet.
Gabrielle turned her head towards the house. She then thought of her father so she ran to the house. "Father?" she screamed, and she just made it to the porch. She stopped in the doorway and clenched the open frame of the door. She gathered her voice and yelled, "Father?" There was no response from in the dark house, and Gabrielle was petrified to enter.
Then Gabrielle's attention was grabbed by the small blood trail that crawled towards the door. It was a deep red and it pooled in the doorway, just near the girl's sandals. The girl backed stepped once then let go of the door frame, but the wood frame was left with a blood print. Gabrielle became more frightened than before, and she suddenly turned and ran towards the woods behind her house.
Gabrielle ran, and she ran for the rest of the day. She only slowed when she needed a breath or two. She followed the main road that traveled north-east from Potidaea, yet she feared to be on the road. She only stopped late at night and climbed into a tree. She'd often climbed trees as a child, and she hoped it would be a safe haven for a few candlemarks. She trembled and shook all night at the wolf howls. She was convinced they would find her, but she was safe for the night.
The next day, Gabrielle journeyed just before dawn. She would go between fast walks and runs because she didn't dare look back towards her village. She was convinced then that the raiders would see her. By sun high, she felt the onset of a deep hunger and the weariness from what'd happened. She also came upon another town that she wasn't familiar with at all.
Gabrielle came through the gates, and she was driven by her hunger. She noticed many of the villagers studied her because she was young and alone as well as quite dirty. She felt paranoid at their sharp stares, but she discovered the market, and the sights and smells of food lured her deeper.
Eventually the girl came upon a baker's stand, and she wanted some flatbread badly. She knew it'd fill her belly quickly and give her some energy too. She waited until the baker was busy with several customer, then she crept closer. Carefully she edged her hand near the baskets of flatbread, but suddenly her hand was stopped by a much larger hand.
"I gotcha, girl." The baker harshly gripped the child's hand and glared down at the small blond. He was met by fearful green eyes. He held her by the wrist and lifted her dirty hand from the flatbread. That's when he spied the dried blood on her hands. "My gods, where have you been?"
"What's going on here?"
Gabrielle took the distraction to her advantage and tried to break away from the baker. She was successful and turned, yet she crashed into another person.
"Stop her, Cyrene," the baker implored. "She tried to steal from me!"
Cyrene, a taverna owner, caught the child by her shoulders and stilled her from running. "It's okay, child."
Gabrielle was in fear, and she tried to move away but the sure grip held her.
"It's okay," Cyrene repeated. "I won't hurt you." She then eyed the baker. "Neither of us."
The baker scowled the taverna owner. "She's a thief, Cyrene." He pointed at the girl. "And she's got blood on her hands."
Cyrene was surprised so she quickly knelt down. The concern shined in her trusting blue eyes.
Gabrielle stopped her struggle when Cyrene's tender features were level with her.
"Are you hurt?" Cyrene quickly inspected the child's body, but she found nothing wrong. She assumed the blood came from somebody else. She noticed how the girl wouldn't say anything, which was strange. She hooked the child's chin with her index finger and held the girl's frantic green gaze. She then softly asked, "What's your name?"
Gabrielle wanted to run. What if the raiders show up here in this town too? She didn't want to be caught or killed. She stepped back, but the woman stopped her again.
"What's your name?" Cyrene gingerly touched the girl's cheek. "I'm Cyrene." She warmly smiled and softly added, "You're safe, I promise."
Gabrielle glanced about at the people, who watched them. She didn't feel comfortable until she looked back at Cyrene. Something about the woman's warm features and glow made her settle down. She very quietly whispered, "Gabrielle."
Cyrene had just caught the girl's name, but she smiled more at finally getting a response. "It's nice to meet you, Gabrielle." She then tilted her head. "Are you alone?"
"I..." Gabrielle felt the tears final strike her at those three words. She grabbed at Cyrene and tearfully explained in a rush. "I... I'm from Potidaea. They attacked my family."
Cyrene lost her smile then her heart broke when she realized what the child meant. She, like the rest of Amphipolis, had heard of the Conqueror's movements in the providence. She briefly closed her eyes and her only daughter's face flashed past her. She reopened her eyes and Gabrielle's stricken face came back into focus.
"They're dead... all dead," Gabrielle whimpered. She was stricken by her fears.
"Sssh, sssh." Cyrene felt everybody's eyes on them. She could tell they'd heard and understood that it was the Conqueror. Cyrene acted quickly, and she scooped up the girl. Once the small arms were around her neck, she softly promised, "You're safe now, Gabrielle. I promise you."
Cyrene decided it was best to get away from the townspeople. She tightly held the girl and hurried across the village to her taverna. She felt the warm tears on her neck, and Cyrene lost her reserve just when she entered her empty taverna. She sunk into a chair closest to the door, held Gabrielle closer, and the painful tears crashed over her.
From that day forward, Gabrielle of Potidaea took up residence in Amphipolis in Cyrene's house. Amphipolis was undoubtedly safe from any harm or attacks because of the Conqueror. The Conqueror had a long record for keeping Amphipolis safe from any enemies despite the Conqueror never showed her face in the town.
As for the scarred girl from Potidaea, she kept to herself but eventually through Cyrene and Toris's help, Gabrielle recovered. Each day meant another step for Gabrielle. For many Helical Risings, Cyrene was scared to tell Gabrielle that she had two other children other than Toris. She didn't want to explain that her only daughter was now the same woman that was ascending the throne in Corinth. The same woman that waged a bloody war against the Romans and would win without any regrets or guilt. The final straw for Gabrielle was when the Conqueror sent out a decree that outlawed the arts and philosophy. For gods' sake, the bards, artists, playwrights, and the like were now considered criminals.
Cyrene only revealed her secret when Gabrielle started to formulate ideas about undermining the Conqueror's rulership. Cyrene's confession seemed to strengthen Gabrielle's determination to stop the Conqueror and bring back the light that was once in Greece. All that Cyrene could do was stay at Gabrielle's side in hopes that if Gabrielle and the Conqueror met that she may be able to stop them from destroying one another.
Luckily, the future had turned out better than anybody truly expected. Gabrielle was able to reach the Conqueror in what many people claimed an impossible feat. Some credited Gabrielle with the changes in the Conqueror while others believed it was the Conqueror's choice to do it. Gabrielle claimed that they did it together, as a team, and she wouldn't claim anything else.
Gabrielle finished her story just when Cyrene's barmaid brought their dinners. She and Xena were quite hungry and looked forward to the wonderful meal.
Xena ate quietly, but she was putting her thoughts together after Gabrielle's story. Halfway through the dinner, she mentioned, "If she has changed as you say then the rebellion in Britannia isn't because they're unhappy."
The bard had been thinking the same earlier. She mulled over Xena's thoughts then nodded. "They may be unhappy to be ruled under foreign reign, I do understand that." She frowned and tried to think of other angles.
"Is there somebody in charge of each providence?" the warrior queried.
"Yes, there's an archon, who oversees the Britannia Providence." Gabrielle pushed her food around some then recalled the few details she knew from her partner. "The Conqueror said that the Britanni overthrew him, but she never said why. From what I've heard, he's a pretty fair and just man."
"What decent is he?"
Gabrielle bit her lower lip then shook her head. "I'm fairly sure he's Greek. The Conqueror only selects Greek archons because she trusts them the most."
"That could be a problem," Xena murmured.
"Maybe." The bard tilted her head and offered, "The archon and the state must respect a providence's culture. The groups are allowed to keep their religion, beliefs, lands, and so on. Xena thinks if those necessities are taken then the conquered people will revolt."
The Warrior Princess undoubtedly agreed. She set aside the topic because she wanted to enjoy the rest of the meal. She only said, "We'll work on it tomorrow."
The bard knew that meant to leave it alone for now. She was glad though because she'd spent plenty of time racking her head about the rebellion. She finished her dinner then the barmaid came to remove their plates. She then was pleased when Melpomene, Lila, and Sarah came through the door.
Gabrielle gathered a chair for her sister and after Lila sat, she took her niece into her arms.
Melpomene was excited to see her favorite, the Conqueror. She smiled brightly and rocked on her sandals while she stood in front of the seated ruler. "You're too busy lately."
Xena softly smiled at the young girl, who had plenty of energy. She could see why the Conqueror may have adopted the child because she seemed to fit into the family, except for the brown eyes. Otherwise Melpomene had long dark hair, a chiseled face, and already seemed witty. "I'm sorry, Mel."
"It's okay," the girl brushed off. "Are we still going for our ride tomorrow?"
The Warrior Princess didn't know about this, but she didn't falter either. "I promised, didn't I?"
Melpomene grinned and bobbed her head. "I can't wait. You promised you'd teach me jumping."
"I did," the warrior agreed. She then held out her hands in offer. "Come here."
Melpomene was pleasantly surprised when the ruler, now her adopted sister, scooped her up from the floor. She soon found herself across the ruler's lap.
Xena neatly held the girl then seriously asked, "How are your studies?"
Melpomene quickly rolled into the recent news of her studies from her tutor.
Gabrielle glanced at the warrior and smiled at how well Xena played the role. She focused back on her niece and sister. "How is everything?"
"Really well," Lila replied.
Gabrielle played with Sarah, who was drooling quite a bit. She used the bib around the child's neck to dry her. "I think she's preparing for a tooth."
"In a moon or so," Lila agreed. She stretched out her hand and played with Sarah's fast hands. "She's been a little cranky lately."
"That sounds like her mother," Gabrielle teased.
Lila huffed and muttered, "More like her aunt."
The bard softly laughed, but she lost her amusement. "Everything is working out okay between you and Cyrene?"
"They've been great," Lila insisted. "Cyrene has been helping so much."
The Amazon Queen smiled at the news, but she already figured that about Cyrene. "She took good care of me."
Lila sadly smiled, yet she was happy that somebody took her sister in after Potidaea was attacked. She would have never guessed it was the Conqueror's own mother. Many people, like Lila, would assume that the Conqueror's mother was a dark, evil woman since the Conqueror seemed the same. The truth was shockingly wrong though, but Lila was grateful for it just as Gabrielle.
Xena finished her conversation with Melpomene, and she directed a smile at Lila. "How are you, Lila?"
Lila was still getting use to the Conqueror, and she didn't expect the warm smile. She was slightly uncomfortable because she felt like the Conqueror could see through her. "I'm well. Yourself?" She rarely addressed the ruler by her first name despite she was allowed to do so.
"Busy but the same," Xena answered. She then glanced over at Sarah. "She's beautiful as ever."
Lila glanced at her child and softly smiled. "She gets most her qualities from her aunt."
The warrior devilishly smirked. "I'm sure they're all the best qualities too."
"Hey," the bard warned, but she softly laughed. "They are, thank you."
Xena gave a deeper grin than earlier and quipped, "She's certainly as blond as you."
Gabrielle now shot a glare at the warrior. She couldn't believe the remarks, yet she noticed Lila's grin. "And blonds are rare finds in Greece."
"I heard that's because brunettes are smarter," Melpomene cut in quickly.
The bard centered her dark look at the warrior, but asked Melpomene, "Did she teach you to say that?"
"No, I did," came Cyrene's voice from the side.
Gabrielle groaned and shook her head. "Mom, really."
"Well, at least you're a two blond family now," Cyrene teased. She winked at her adopted daughter, then she squeezed through the chairs. She set down a plate of nutbread. "Enjoy, ladies." She then hurried off to help her customers.
The group chatted more and shared the large loaf of nutbread that Cyrene had specially made. They soon became weary, and Gabrielle was ready to head back to the fortress. Xena was preparing to go too until she spotted an old face from her past. Xena instantly tensed at Najara's presence in the doorway.
Gabrielle saw Xena's cold stare, and she followed it to Najara. She instantly realized that Xena must have some history with Najara, and by the looks, it probably wasn't very good.
Najara spotted who she wanted, and she weaved through the tables until she was upon the group. "My liege," she greeted then focused on Gabrielle. "Queen Gabrielle."
The warrior tried to keep the edge out of her tone, yet she failed. "Yes, Najara?"
The dekarchos clapped her fist over her chest briefly. She then reported, "There's news that an Amazon party has arrived." She switched her attention to the bard. "They are requesting your presence, Queen Gabrielle."
The bard carefully handed Sarah back to Lila while she spoke. "When did they arrive?" She hadn't heard anything about her Amazons coming to the city.
"Just now." Najara placed her hands behind her back in a formal manner.
Gabrielle glimpsed at the warrior. "We better go."
Xena only nodded then helped Melpomene slip off her lap.
"Can I come?" Melpomene inquired.
"It's too late for you, Mel."
Melpomene sighed at Lila's words but replied, "Yes, Aunt Lila."
Lila softly grinned then glimpsed up at her sister. "Maybe your Aunt Gabrielle will introduce you to them tomorrow."
Melpomene perked up at the news, and she smiled warmly up at Gabrielle. "Can I, Auntie Gabby?"
The Amazon Queen softly laughed, however, she certainly promised to take Melpomene. She then kissed Sarah and her sister goodnight. She gave Melpomene a hug too. Finally Gabrielle went to the bar and said goodnight and thank you to Cyrene.
Xena also made her rounds of goodnight. She reminded Melpomene about the horseback lesson tomorrow. Then like Gabrielle, she said goodnight to her mother. She went to the front door where Gabrielle and Najara already waited for her. She followed the dekarchos out, then she placed herself between Najara and Gabrielle without thinking about it.
"I assume the Amazons are staying for the night," the warrior prompted.
"Yes, my liege."
Gabrielle touched her friend's muscular arm to get her attention. "I'll assign them some rooms, my liege."
The Warrior Princess almost faltered under the formal title. She caught herself and stoically responded, "Good." She redirected her attention to the dekarchos, and her face dimmed. "How many Amazons arrived?"
"There are six, my liege." Najara clenched her hands. She considered whether Gabrielle had told the Conqueror about the incident in the turret. She suspected not because the Conqueror would have run her through by now, or worse.
Gabrielle was most curious despite she didn't want to talk to Najara. "Do you know if Ephiny was there?"
"I do not." Najara didn't offer anything else. The tone she used was clipped and cold, which she never was like around Gabrielle.
Xena certainly picked up on it. She didn't know if this Najara was the same as hers once was or totally different. She would have to discuss it later with Gabrielle in private.
Finally they made it back to the fortress, and the gates were opened for them. Gabrielle immediately spotted the group of Amazons circled in front of the main doors. They were chatting away, but they all stopped when their queen came upon them.
Ephiny slipped past her comrades, and she brightly smiled at her queen and friend. "My queen." She bowed and the other Amazons mimicked her. She straightened up and quickly found herself in a powerful hug.
"It's so good to see you, Ephiny." Gabrielle released her regent and smiled at her. Then her attention was stolen by the low cough behind the regent. She peered around Ephiny, and her smile twisted into a grin. "Sonata."
Sonata chuckled and received a warm hug from her queen. She pulled back and teased, "It's been so long."
Gabrielle laughed and argued,"Only a moon or less." She then observed the new clothes that Sonata bore now that Sonata was an Amazon. She nodded and proudly stated, "You fit those leathers well."
Sonata nudged the queen with her elbow. "That's what I keep hearing from everybody else." She suggestively winked.
"Not everybody," Solari quipped from the left. She butted through and claimed a hug from the queen.
After the hugs, Gabrielle shook arms with the three Amazons that'd joined the party. She'd met them prior, and they were loyal Amazons to her. Xena followed Gabrielle's arm shake and greeted each Amazon, especially Ephiny and Solari. The warrior did hide her surprise well when she realized Sonata, Gurkhan's former wife, was also an Amazon. She couldn't image how that worked out.
Finally, the group entered the fortress and Gabrielle took her Amazons to the guest rooms. Xena separated and went to her office where she'd wait for Gabrielle's return. The bard guided her Amazons down the hallway and finally stopped by the guest rooms. She directed who to take which rooms, but she followed Ephiny and Solari into their rooms.
Ephiny and Solari absorbed the nice room that'd been Terreis last time they'd came to Corinth. Solari nosed around the large room while Ephiny sat down with Gabrielle on a sofa. It wouldn't be long until a soldier brought up their things.
"Not that I'm complaining but why the surprise visit?"
The regent relaxed back against the soft sofa. "Well there's a ceremony coming up soon."
"Ceremony?" the bard inquired.
"Mmmm." Ephiny tilted her head. "It's a very old tradition in the Nation, and we can't have it without the queen."
"Honestly," Solari interrupted, "Ephiny just wanted an excuse to escape from Artemisia."
Ephiny shot a glare at her partner, who took a seat on Gabrielle's other side. "Anyway." She focused back on the queen. "The tradition is performed only on the Summer Solstice."
"Which is soon," the bard granted. Now that she thought about it, the Summer Solstice was five days away. "Really soon," she murmured.
"Yes, that's why we came to get you. We wanted to send word, but I figured it'd be easier to just come get you ourselves." Ephiny grinned some and added, "You do need an escort."
The bard touched her forehead. She tried to fathom how quickly things were moving between the rebellion, her lover gone, the Warrior Princess here, and now this traditional ceremony. "Ephiny, I don't know..."
The regent lost her grin and became concerned. "What is it?" She touched the bard's knee.
Gabrielle lowered her hand to her lap. "I just don't know if I can go."
"Well they don't call it the Queen Ceremony for no reason," Solari joked, but she didn't laugh.
The queen was plenty confused, and she looked between the Amazons. "What exactly is this ceremony?"
Ephiny straightened up and took Gabrielle's attention better. "It's a very old tradition in every Nation... when there was more than one. In Amazonian culture there are four colored Amazon Birds for each season. Then there are twelve birds for each Helical Rising."
"Alright," Gabrielle murmured.
Ephiny leaned forward some and made better eye contact with her friend. "For each queen, the particular coloring and bird represent her reign. Many Amazons believe that by knowing what bird then we're able to tell how the reign will go... maybe even how long it'll last."
Gabrielle held curiosity in her eyes, but she listened carefully.
"The ceremony," Solari explained, "is held on the Summer Solstice because it's the longest day of the Helcial Rising. The idea is that the queen's reign will hopefully be the longest too."
"Okay," the bard murmured. "So what are these birds and colors?" She looked between her Amazons. "Which ones am I?"
Ephiny took the first question. "The seasons start with the spring, which is a red bird. The summer is a green bird, the fall is brown, and the winter is a white bird."
"That makes me red," the bard concluded.
Ephiny nodded then continued with the rest of the Amazonian folklore. "The twelve birds are also a cycle. The first bird is the eagle followed by the crow, vulture, dove, hawk..." The regent glanced at Solari for the next bird.
"Peacock," Solari helped.
Ephiny nodded then continued down the list. "Owl, duck, the falcon, goose, the swift..." She hesitated to cover the last bird, but at Gabrielle's interested gaze, she finished, "And the phoenix."
The bard shook her head at the last bird. "A phoenix is... mythological."
"Yes, it's the only mythological bird in the list." Ephiny leaned back into the sofa again. "It's the only mythological bird because the priests and shamans believed that no or few queens would be born on that Helical Rising."
"Have there ever been?"
Ephiny opened her mouth to reply, but she faltered. She exchanged a look with Solari then focused back on Gabrielle. "There never has been... until now."
Gabrielle went to speak, yet she realized that Ephiny meant her despite she briefly thought it was Terreis. She shook her head and whispered, "I'm a phoenix?"
"Yes," the regent replied, "you're a red phoenix." She shifted some and composed her next words. "Each bird, season or Helical Rising, tells a lot about the queen. For example, a queen born as a green bird we believe will bring prosperity to the Nation. Or a queen that's an owl will be a wise queen, but a queen that is a crow is more clever than anything."
Gabrielle found the folklore quite intriguing, and she dared to ask what hers meant. "And a red phoenix?"
"The red, spring bird means that the queen will help the Nation grow and expand." Ephiny paused for a beat and nodded at Solari to explain the phoenix.
"The phoenix," Solari started, "means the queen will bring rebirth to the Nation."
"Just like a phoenix," the bard concluded.
"Yes, but typically a phoenix queen only comes when the Amazons are in troubled times." Solari shook her head then sadly sigh. "We thought back when we fought the Conqueror that the phoenix queen would arise. The priests and shamans at those times called it a prophecy, but she never came to us."
"But why would a phoenix come at that time?" the bard argued. "The Nation isn't in need of rebirth but more of strength."
"Exactly," Ephiny agreed. She touched the queen's knee. "When Yakut did the research on the bird you fell under. She said it was the right time now. A phoenix queen would never come during a time of war, but she would come at a time of near death... maybe even after."
Gabrielle finally leaned back into the sofa and took in all the new information. She read both Ephiny and Solaris faces, but she asked, "How much do the Amazons believe in this folklore?"
"A lot," Ephiny replied. "It's never been wrong."
Solari slightly grinned and mentioned, "They're calling you the Phoenix Queen now."
"Oh gods," the bard muttered, and she covered her face with her hands. She removed her hands and glanced between the Amazons. "What is Terreis?"
"Terreis is a green owl." Ephiny then considered what Cyane's bird was during her reign. "Then if I recall right, Cyane was a white eagle."
The queen saw how those birds each fit the queens. She slumped back against the sofa, but she whispered, "We have five days until the Summer Solstice."
"You have to return with us," Ephiny insisted. "It's been our tradition since the beginning."
"Or else Ephiny will claim your throne," Solari joked.
The regent reached across Gabrielle and smacked her partner on the leg. She ignored Solari and focused back on the queen. "You'll travel back with us?"
"I..." Gabrielle faltered and only offered, "Let me know talk to Xena first." She pushed her bangs back. "Please."
Ephiny lost her insisting nature. "I'm sorry, Gabrielle. You're right." She shook her head. "Talk to her, please. We have two days before we would need to travel." She then stood up. "You should get some rest, Gabrielle."
The bard took her opening and got up from the sofa. "I am pretty weary." She smiled at Ephiny and gave her a quick hug. "Thank you, Eph."
The regent rolled her eyes at the nickname that always made her think of Janice Covington.
Solari quickly received a hug, then she and Ephiny walked the queen to the door. Solari opened the door, and she happily noted the soldier with her and Ephiny's things.
Gabrielle said goodnight then started down the hallway. She headed directly for the Conqueror's office. She wished it would be the Conqueror in the office, but she was grateful that Xena, like her lover, was quite forward about things. She hoped she could work out this business about the Queen Ceremony. It was certainly a surprise, yet Gabrielle realized she hadn't been to Artemisia in some time. She did need to go and check on the reconstruction. A trip to Artemisia seemed to be in the near future; the very near future.
Continued.