Ares moved carefully toward the ranks. He listened to the chatter as it became words and thoughts more clearly.
"And so… we will be given the province," a woman said. "A province without interference from Baal…"
Ares began to smile with satisfaction. Mortals….so naïve' No God would ever keep that promise and he should know….least of all Baal. His suspicions were correct. There was no love lost between these mortals and Anath. They had an agenda. Most likely desperate for a reprieve from some hardship imposed upon them, they had agreed to fight for Anath. He continued his stealthy exploration of Anath's army. It was far more rag tag than it appeared in the distance. He was certain that in order to hold positions in multiple locations; the goddess had spread inexperience throughout her forces. That made sense from her tactical point of view, but it also gave the God of War a distinct advantage. The more experienced warriors were also more likely to see the flaw in the goddess's tactics and that made them ripe for the picking.
Ares wandered off a bit into the forest. "Aphrodite," he beckoned.
The goddess appeared with a look of amazement and disgust. "What am I doing HERE?"
"Good to see you too, Sis."
"Wasn't sure I'd see you again," she admitted.
"I need your help."
"YOU… You need my help?....Ares if this is about Xena…"
He rolled his eyes in frustration. "Would you just listen, please?"
She extended her palms to the sky, "Listening…"
"I need you to go into the ranks over there," he motioned to the army just beyond the tree line.
"Yeah…..okay, Ares?....I knew you were crazy….but now you've gone INSANE."
He huffed in exasperation. "I don't want you to fight…I want you to talk."
"You seem to be chatty enough…..why me?"
"Ummmm….LOOK, Aphrodite…."
"So?"
"Look….I can't ask Gabrielle…they'll know her instantly."
The goddess turned her back to her brother and contemplated his suggestion. "What do you want me to talk to these heathens about?"
"I want you to convince them that following the Greek God of War is a better bet…."
"What?"
"Listen….Aphrodite…I have to get them to fight each other."
Aphrodite shook her head. "You want me to trigger a battle?.....Ares! I am the goddess of love….I'm not Artemis… for Zeus sake…"
Ares cocked his jaw to one side. "I thought you wanted to help Gabrielle?"
"That's not fair," Aphrodite whined.
"Well, you know what they say, Sis… all's fair in Love and War….that's you and me…and we're about all that's left."
"Fine," she grumbled. "What do you want me to say?"
He gestured to the rear of the swordswomen. "See that tall woman?"
Aphrodite smacked her own face with both hands in frustration, "Tall woman? Seriously, Ares?"
He let out a forceful sigh, "The one in the middle with the breastplate that is different."
Aphrodite nodded, studying the woman in the distance. "Why don't I just cast a love spell?"
Ares shook his head and ignored his sister's suggestion, "I want you to tell her that the Greek God of War will protect their province…that he is amassing an army to march on Phoenicia."
"Are you NUTS? - you don't even have an archer…"
His jaw tightened. "Just go and start talking… find out why they want Baal out of their province…and then make the overture."
"Where are you going?"
"I need to get something."
"You are not seriously going to leave me here….ALONE?"
"Aphrodite… you will be fine… I will be back before you even get to tell her about ME."
He was gone….
"Great…" the goddess sighed. She snapped her fingers and looked over herself. "Ugg…warrior fashion is so passé." She snapped her fingers again stilling the moment so that she could pop in next to the warrior without arousing suspicion.
The woman was talkative for a warrior, "Droughts…floods…all this just to force us to build temples to him," the warrior spouted.
"Well," the goddess chimed in, "What makes you think he'll keep his promise?"
The warrior kept her gaze forward. "Why wouldn't he?"
Aphrodite gave a hearty laugh, "Haven't met too many gods, have you?"
Now the warrior turned. There was a distinct expression of anger in her eyes.
"I'm just sayin'…" the goddess said feeling the heat of the warrior's gaze.
Suddenly the warrior seemed to get a distant look in her eyes.
You know..she's right…these gods…immortals…what do they know about death…destruction? He doesn't care…think about Anath…. Oh…yes….she fled …fled when that warrior appeared….ahhhh…..
The warrior shook her head with some force. Ares stood in the tree line gloating. It was working.
"What's wrong with you?" the goddess looked at the warrior with a sense of aversion.
"Why do you think the goddess fled? ….In the Amazon village."
Aphrodite was unsure what the warrior was referring to, but even she could add one plus one, "Xena…"
Ahhh yes…voices swirled in the warrior's head like a whirlpool sucking her own thoughts into oblivion. Xena…. Xena….back from the dead…killer of gods….she was afraid….gods…you can't trust gods…remember...she left you there…left you all….
"You know," Aphrodite said as she played with the sheath at her side, "I heard Ares is getting ready to attack Phoenicia."
"I heard Ares was dead," the warrior laughed.
"Oh no," the goddess said with confidence, "You know he was Xena's lover."
Ares….Ares will defeat Baal….she's right….you should follow Ares…anything for the warrior princess, everyone knows that…..
"Why would Ares want to help us?"
The goddess thought about the answer for a moment. The pause lingered as she struggled to find a believable answer when Ares appeared before them.
"Because," he looked at the warrior with steely resolve, "Greece is mine. My right. My dominion. Anath and Baal have overstepped for the last time…..I care nothing for Phoenicia…only for his demise."
It made sense. The warrior could still hear faint voices echoing in her mind, calling her…telling her to follow Ares…
"So, you defeat Baal and you leave us alone."
"That's right. You have other Gods - I have no quarrel with them. Greece is mine.....and I have the warrior princess on my side."
It was clear that Anath feared this legendary warrior, whatever the reason. "Can she really kill Gods?"
Ares wasn't certain if Xena had regained that power, but that made no difference here, "She killed my sisters, my brothers to protect the messenger…"
"Her daughter," the warrior said to herself.
"Yes." He circled behind the warrior and placed his strong hands on her shoulders; leaning into her he breathed his words, "Do you think she will do less for her grandson now?"
The warrior stiffened and Ares felt a sense of ego and strength momentarily return to him. "That's right," he said in a hush, "Together we will take them…by force…"
The warrior released a cry and a swath of her ranks surrounded her.
"We are changing course," she announced. "Ares will lead us… for Greece… for Phoenicia…death to the lightning God!"
"I hope you know what you're doing," Aphrodite whispered and she was gone leaving the God of War to realize his plan.
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Chapter 29 - Weapons or Words
Xena hardly slept. She drifted off once or twice but she didn't want to miss another moment. Few people could imagine the truth of the warrior's heart, how vulnerable, how compassionate it truly was. It was even more so when she was in Gabrielle's presence. It always had been that way. Gabrielle had fallen asleep quickly, drained emotionally from the last few days. So much had happened, so much revealed to her and so much still to face. Xena didn't want to leave her. She held her and inhaled the scent of the bard's hair and lost herself in her own memories. She wished again that they had never been separated. Time had been cruel to them both. Here they were in this time…grandparents. Gabrielle should have been raising small children of her own. Xena tried to shake off that thought knowing that this was their family. Still, watching Gabrielle with Gabriel, holding them now, she wished in her heart that Gabrielle could have that experience, not only emotionally but physically.
The warrior stirred knowing the time to set off on her mission was approaching. She maneuvered as gingerly as she could, trying not to disturb the bard.
"Xena?" a sleepy voice called as a hand reached for her.
"It's all right, Gabrielle…go back to sleep."
"Are you leaving?' Her grip tightened on the warrior's arm.
"Not yet. Soon…….Sleep……I promise I will wake you before I leave." Xena kissed her on the forehead and pulled gently away.
The warrior began packing up the last few things she thought she might need. She saw a scroll on the far table. It was partially unraveled and she picked it up. She lit a candle on the side table and held the scroll close enough to allow a faint glow to illuminated the words. The ink appeared new. This was something the bard had written recently.
Xena,
I wait every day. I think I will wake and find you here, that somehow this was all a dream; a nightmare. I am so sure in my sleep that you are holding me. It's as if I can feel you there. But then, the light begins to break, just slightly. I reach for you, but you are not there. I rise early now, before the sun touches the trees. There is nothing to linger for; no touch… no warmth without you here to wake me. All these years….all these seasons. I miss you more every day that passes, never less.
How am I supposed to fight this battle without you? Lucifer? Gods? I can sense them. You taught me so much. How to listen. I can hear sounds between raindrops. I can sense hoofs at a field's length. I can wield weapons. But….I am not you, my love. I am not the protector. In truth I am just a bard. Just a woman who fell in love with a warrior. Just a person lost without a piece of her soul. How can I protect them?
I am so afraid. And only you could understand that. This fear I have. I am not afraid to die. Even now, I welcome it. Just to be with you….but Eve, Gabriel…..I cannot leave them. I cannot allow harm to come to them…I know you would want me to… to protect them. What if I can't? How could the Gods abandon us? Eli? Why would they take you from me, from us? To atone? This anger, it burns as hot as my fear swells. I know I must let it go now. I don't know how to do that without you either. I am so out of balance. Time cannot seem to alter that reality.
Xena…I wish you could hear me. I need you. If only you could answer. I love you…eternity was supposed to be a blessing now it feels like a curse, an eternity without you. There has to be a way to fight them, but how?
I love you, Xena. I miss you. I need you…..
Xena's hands trembled as her tears fell. She looked over at the beautiful woman she had loved for more than a lifetime, "Gabrielle." She placed the scroll back in its home and walked toward the bed.
"Gabrielle," she called tenderly, tears still slowly falling across her cheeks.
Gabrielle loosened her grip on the boy and turned to the warrior. She struggled to pry open her eyelids and squinted to bring Xena into focus. "What's wrong?" Gabrielle asked wiping the tears on Xena's cheeks.
"I have to go."
"Xena…."
"Virgil will be waiting."
"What is it?" Gabrielle searched the warrior in the dim light for any clue that might explain these tears.
"It's all right, Gabrielle…I just don't want to leave."
Gabrielle closed her eyes and gently kissed the warrior. "I know."
Xena stood and steadied herself. "I will see you in a day or two, Gabrielle."
"I know." Gabrielle propped herself on her side and watched Xena finish fastening her breastplate.
"You know," Xena said straightening the armor, "Your gift has always been words."
Gabrielle was confused.
"They have always been your greatest weapon, not the staff or the sai."
Gabrielle looked at Xena curiously. "I doubt my words will deter Anath…much less Lucifer."
"Don't be so certain," Xena said as she headed toward the door. "You could disarm heaven itself, Gabrielle, if you wanted to." The warrior smiled at the bard.
"Xena?"
Xena pivoted back, "Yes?"
"I love you."
"I know. Take care of our daughter." Xena began to leave and then turned back a final time. "I love you too, Gabrielle…always."
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Chapter 30 - Back to the Battlefield
Virgil kissed Eve and slowly let go of her hand. Xena was at their door. He opened it and saw the imposing figure before him.
"Morning," he greeted the warrior.
Xena's face twisted its acknowledgment. "Virgil…"
He took one look at the warrior's face and decided to make himself scarce. "I'll get the horses saddled."
"Fine…I'll be right there."
Eve looked at her mother knowing that something was weighing on her mind. "Mother?"
"Eli came last night."
"Eli?" Eve felt her knees grow weak.
"We were right," Xena said. "But Eve…."
"What is it?"
"I don't know…not exactly. Just keep them close to you."
Eve understood and it sent a shiver up her spine. "If I have to, Mother..I will…"
"I know. "
"Are you worried about Gabrielle?'
"No… I am just being cautious. Gods and demons, prophets and angels are a dangerous mix. That's all."
Eve knew that was true. "Just be careful, Mother."
Xena's face contorted a bit trying to hold back a smile. "We'll be fine. Been though much worse."
"Like death."
"Mmm..for one..."
Eve giggled and hugged her mother goodbye.
Virgil was already to mount his steed when Xena entered the stables. "Everything all right?"
"Sure." Xena said.
She mounted her mare and looked across at Virgil. "They'll be near water, Virgil, and we'll need to make the water our ally."
He nodded his understanding. "Any idea where to look…"
"Some…yes."
Ares stood in the middle of the river bank and watched feeling exhilarated. The sound of swords clashing, metal scraping on metal, was almost deafening. For most it would have been unsettling, frightening, but for the God of War it felt like air…just filling him, finally. He had managed to convince a good number of Anath's best warriors that following the Phoenicians was a mistake. He cackled with delight as a large woman flew in front of him and landed in the river. Arrows littered the ground almost like leaves at the turn of the seasons. He stepped over bodies, some alive and groaning - others clearly cold. He made his way to the warrior that first grabbed his attention. She was tall and lean, muscular and agile. He stood before her contemplating. She was beautiful. She was strong. Her auburn hair fell just over her shoulders and her eyes seemed to change from brown to green from moment to moment. He imagined she had mesmerized many a man, many a warrior; but she was no Xena. She would serve his needs, however. She clearly commanded respect and he would need that if they were to progress toward Baal's territory.
"They are on the run," he said.
"They'll head to meet up with Anath in the Northern Territories," the warrior explained.
"Fine by me," Ares said. "We are heading east….gather your troops," he ordered. "This….this was just a play date."
"Anath will come," she called to him.
"I'm looking forward to it."
Xena and Virgil rode for hours in silence. The warrior was determined to keep her focus on what might lie ahead. She ran through strategies in her mind. She replayed old battles, considered ways in which to use nature itself. No matter how hard she tried, Eli's visit was haunting her. It was something he said. One thing Xena knew was that EVERYTHING Eli said had a meaning. She just wasn't sure what he meant.
She slowed the mare to a trot and Virgil followed suit. "What is it?" he asked searching the woods around them.
She looked forward studying the tree line ahead. "You and Eve…." She said allowing the thought to trail off a bit.
"Yeah?"
"Is it because of how sick she was……I mean….that you haven't had any other children?'
Virgil was stunned, not because he found the question intrusive. He was more than a bit surprised that this would be on the warrior's mind now. "No…not really….maybe at first. Some things just aren't meant to be, I guess."
"So you would?'
"Of course," he said.
Xena considered his answer and changed the subject. "Over that tree line," she pointed.
"How do you know?"
She smiled at him and raised an eyebrow, "Some things, Virgil… you just know… "
He shook his head and snarled a bit, "Yeah, if you're YOU."
She laughed. "Look…" she instructed,
Virgil looked closely now. Some of the trees seemed to have lost their tops. "What in the…"
"Catapults…" the warrior explained.
"But who?"
"I don't know that….but whoever it was they did battle….only one way to find out…. Come on…"
They rode at a steady pace for a short while before Xena began to slow their progression.
As the river came fully into view, the sight of bodies, of blood, of broken weaponry and broken dreams engulfed the warrior princess. It was a sight she had learned to respond to with a coolness that sometimes felt eerie even to her. But, now, after so much, she felt her senses overload. Death was an unsettling sight but it also came with distinct smells and subtle sounds. She stopped and scanned the scene, attempting to quell the emotion within. This is one thing she would be happy to never see again. It was the reality that she so desired to protect those she loved from and yet somehow it always spilled into their lives. Her silence spoke volumes.
"Xena?" Virgil looked at the warrior princess and saw her expression. He had seen that only once before on the warrior - many years ago. They had entered a small village following Livia's trail. The ground then was littered and the sky dotted by innocent men and women hanging helplessly on crosses. It was an abominable display of disrespect for life and it had twisted the warrior's senses in a way that she could not hide her disgust. "Xena?" he prodded carefully.
Xena closed her eyes for less than a second, filling her lungs with air as deeply as she could. Her jaw tightened and her body became rigid. She did not speak only moved to begin their descent to the river. Her eyes scanned the display before her examining every minor detail. She was not concerned about attack. She wanted to know what had caused this; who had caused this.
"What happened here?" Virgil asked. "Too far out for Romans."
"It wasn't Romans," she steadied her mare and dismounted. She bent over and picked up an arrow perusing it with her fingers. "It wasn't anyone."
Virgil made his way to her side. His eyes scanned the long line of carnage. "What do you mean?"
Xena sighed. "There was no assault……they fought each other…look…"
Virgil had, indeed, become a savvy fighter. He may have had his father's sense of humor, but he possessed what Joxer has always longed for; keen senses and exceptional coordination. He learned a great deal about assessing a situation and much of that he learned from his short adventures observing the warrior princess. He looked closely at the position of the women warriors that lay about them. It was evident. They often seemed to face one another. He moved to view the distance. There was no evidence of tracks approaching them. Somehow these warrior women had turned on one another. "Why?"
Xena kept walking. She was hoping she would find some injured, perhaps a voice to reveal the events, but there was little to be heard but some faint moans of women crossing the edge of life into death. She fought to still the shudder she felt rising. "Ares…."
"Ares? What?…….Xena…Ares hasn't been heard from in…………You've got to be kidding - now we have to deal with Ares too?"
Xena bent over and attempted to comfort a young woman as she clung desperately to life. The woman could not have been more than 18 or 19 full seasons. Her hair had a slight red tint to it and it fell softly below her shoulders. She looked up at the warrior princess. Her eyes gaining some strange comfort in the expression in the steel blue that seemed to convey deep understanding and compassion. Xena fought her own tear. This slight woman now in her embrace, she reminded the warrior so much of Gabrielle when they first met. Such waste. All this violence. Xena smiled. It was soothing to the young woman. She could scarcely have been a warrior. Xena took a deep breath, "Close your eyes," she tenderly instructed. "There is nothing to fear….close your eyes, child." The young woman grasped Xena's hand and complied allowing herself to slip into the realm that awaited her.
Virgil watched Xena. Instinctively he knew what the warrior was thinking. He could see the resemblance as well. Let lifted his fingers to the bridge of his nose and pressed with force attempting to understand all this senselessness himself. Xena laid the young woman back down gently and as her eyes began to follow their physical response to this transition, Xena carefully and lovingly closed them again. She stared at the lifeless form before her for a moment and rose to her feet.
"He must have summoned the furies."
Virgil looked at the warrior. "I don't…"
"It's all right Virgil…..he's on our side…..I think I know what he's planning."
Virgil was beyond confused. Ares had been missing in action since before the warrior's death. It was common knowledge that the God of War had slipped into a deep madness. But, he knew Xena and Gabrielle and if anything could force the God of War to resurface it was Xena's return.
"Now what?"
"We follow the plan."
"What plan?"
Xena finally turned to Virgil and looked at him with a motherly expression, placing her hand on his shoulder, "We return to our family…..this is done."
"Aren't you worried that…"
Xena bit her bottom lip and rolled her tongue against her cheek. "We have other things to worry about. If I'm right…and I know Ares, he has bought us some time. Assassins are more likely right now, Virgil. Gods can be brash….Lucifer….Lucifer can be subtle."
Virgil felt his body tense. "You think they are in danger."
"Not immediately……..Besides, Virgil……..Gabrielle and Eve can handle just about anything Anath throws at them. Lucifer won't react……..he's smarter than that………….but I still think we should move quickly."
Virgil agreed. As the mounted their horses Virgil turned to Xena. "Can I ask you something?"
Xena returned his gaze and nodded her permission.
"Why Gabriel?"
Xena exhaled with some force as they began to move. "Virgil…." She considered her answer, "This is no ordinary family." He looked at her. This he knew but he still could not understand what his son had to do with all of this.
Xena chuckled and shook her head, "He is no ordinary boy."
"What does that mean?"
"Well, Virgil….I don't exactly know…Eli was a bit unclear…"
"Eli?"
"MMMmm…….see what I mean?"
"You saw Eli?" he said.
"Not really that surprising, Virgil…..he did return me from the dead….twice."
Virgil shook his head, "He's just…"
Xena stopped her horse, "Virgil….he is anything but just a boy. You know that. Eve…Eve isn't like other women….and Gabriel…well…..he is the product of all the same things….love and forgiveness. Forgiveness few could understand."
Virgil looked at Xena. "Just trust me, Virgil…..you'll never really understand… I don't…..you just have to learn to accept it." With that they continued their journey back.
Xena let her thoughts roam. She was not certain of much at this moment. She was certain there would be more battles, more threats. She was aware that danger surrounded them all. Mostly, she was relieved to be going back to Gabrielle. That young woman on the riverbank struck something deep within the warrior. She needed to see the bard. How could there be anything left to say after all these years and all that they endured? But, there was…so much left to say, at least for her. Somehow she would have to find a way to tell her, tell the bard what she had always struggled to put into words. And she was determined that this time they would prevail…what Eli said… "Love your children…" they would this time. Somehow….
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Chapter 31 - What We Fight For
The village was humming as the Amazons prepared for the trek to the south. Gabrielle was outside cooking breakfast when Lysandra came up carrying a small basket full of goose eggs, herbs and vegetables.
"Honestly, why do you do this?" the Amazon asked.
"Do what?" Gabrielle inquired going about her task and accepting the basket with a nod.
"You're an Amazon Queen."
Gabrielle smiled at the young woman, "Oh, Lysandra…I guess this is just who I am, Amazon Queen or not," she lightly touched her friend's hand. Gabriel poked his head out of the hut.
"Good morning, sunshine," Gabrielle greeted. "Why don't you run over and get your mother?"
The boy stretched and yawned before looking at his auntie with some concern.
"I promise… no eating until you get back…"
He smiled and began a halfhearted sprint away, still a bit groggy from his sleep.
"Lysandra," Gabrielle said as she mixed some herbs in a bowl, "stay… have breakfast with us."
Lysandra could not hide her pleasure at the offer. Catching her own reaction she forced her face to twist into a stern gaze, "There is much to prepare."
Gabrielle attempted to suppress her giggle and stoked the fire never raising her sight to the woman, "There is also breakfast to eat," she said. "Here," she handed Lysandra some onions and tomatoes, "Cut these up for me."
Lysandra took the vegetables and stood perfectly still. Her nose crinkled and her eyes became small, "I'm..."
"Lysandra, don't make me pull rank on you," Gabrielle raised her eyebrow. The bard watched as Lysandra began to busy herself with the task the queen had commanded and shook her head lightly turning back to the fire. Lysandra was special to Gabrielle. She remembered the first time she'd seen her as a child. Gabrielle was sitting across from Varia. She was on her way to Potidaea before ultimately planning to settle in Amphipolis. Xena had been gone only a season. She had visited the Land of the Pharaohs as they had planned but it had only served to increase her feelings of loneliness. She felt a strong sense of responsibility to see those they loved the most and a desire to be as close to Xena as she could. Amphipolis was the only answer.
Lysandra had come into the Queen's hut nervously carrying a tray of food. The platter rattled in her hands as she stared at Gabrielle. She had not yet turned nine and was completely enamored with the bard. Varia had whispered that Gabrielle was the girl's hero and Gabrielle felt compelled to invite the child to spend some time with her. The evening that Lysandra came to Gabrielle was the first time the bard had managed an honest laugh since the warrior's death. Ever since that evening the two had a special connection. In truth, Gabrielle thought of Lysandra as a daughter in many ways. Whenever Gabrielle came to the Village she spent a great deal of time with the girl. Lysandra had even traveled to Amphipolis with her hero on several occasions when she was younger.
Gabrielle recognized that Lysandra always wanted to impress her. She tried to be like Xena in so many ways, learning the art of sword play, mastering the staff, developing her senses. But, the bard knew the girl's heart was much softer than her exterior, just like the warrior's. Often, as Lysandra grew, she reminded Gabrielle of another young Amazon she and Xena had adopted, Amarice. The similarities tugged at her heart. Amarice had been lost in battle, only a still a girl in many ways herself. She worried for Lysandra, still. Balance was important. Her youthful exuberance was endearing in many ways, but it also could serve to put her at risk. There was a time for battle, a time for training, a time for traditions, but there was also a time for friendship and family, for peace and for love. More now than ever before, Gabrielle understood that. Eli's brief visit seemed to be washing over her. While they needed to prepare and to plan, to strategize and to fight; there was an equally urgent need to remember what they were fighting for. That was evident. She longed for Lysandra to understand that.
Eve saw Lysandra grumbling over the vegetables as she approached. "Very smart," she whispered to herself. She was certain Gabrielle had forced that issue. Eve was very aware of her younger mother's affection for Lysandra. She had been grateful that Gabrielle had Lysandra to pour her motherly energy into. It distracted the bard from other realities, moreover, it made her happy. "I see you've been put to work on the most important preparations for the queen," Eve joked to Lysandra.
"Eh…" was the only response. Eve could not hide her delight at the entire scene.
"Good morning…. Mother," Eve said quietly. Gabriel looked at his mother, his jaw open wide. He had never heard her call his auntie that.
Gabrielle surprisingly didn't flinch at the endearment Eve offered. She just smiled and touched Eve's arm. "Good morning."
"I see the mighty Amazon over there is getting a lesson in hearth and home?" the messenger laughed.
"MM…." Gabrielle responded, "Stubborn…"
Eve laughed out loud.
"Lysandra…bring those over here," Gabrielle called. Always wanting to be included and helpful Gabriel anxiously outstretched his hands to Lysandra for the basket. Seeing his enthusiasm she willingly handed it over to him to bring to the bard. Perhaps this would allow her to make her escape.
"I'll let you all visit," the Amazon turned to leave.
"Sit down, Lysandra," Gabrielle said firmly. Eve looked at the ground struggling to conceal the smirk on her face.
Lysandra complied but was acting almost as fidgety as Gabriel. He was picking up rocks and throwing them into the woods as hard as he could and she was kicking the dirt nervously in front of her to unearth more ammunition for the boy. The Amazon queen rolled her eyes to the top of her head, "Honestly, you two will be the death of me… Lysandra…why don't you take Gabriel and grab some tea for us to make before everything gets packed up? This will take a while anyway."
"Come on, kid," Lysandra said. "I'll race you."
"You're bigger than me," he said indignantly. "That's no fair."
Lysandra put her hands on her hips and pouted slightly. "Well…. I'll give you a head start," she said. "See that barrel down there?"
He nodded. "I won't start until you reach that barrel."
"Deal," he yelled.
"Wait….but if I still beat you…you have to carry the stuff back…..and NO whining."
"I said DEAL," he mocked her.
Eve could no longer contain her laughter at the display and looked at Gabrielle who had placed her hand to her cheek observing the interaction with her own amusement. In another instant the Amazon and the boy were off.
Gabrielle continued with her tasks placing the cut up vegetables into the frying pan with some herbs and some water. Eve watched her as she had so many times before. Somehow it felt like she was seeing this woman with new eyes. No one could really explain it, she knew that….but somehow Gabrielle was bonded to her and knowing that was a truth, not just a feeling, seemed to fill Eve with a sensation she could not describe. Gabrielle was truly Eli's dearest friend at the end of his life; his most trusted confidante'. It made sense in its own way. Eve thought that in many ways even she could not comprehend his message as well as Gabrielle did.
"Fire's getting a little low," Gabrielle commented.
Eve picked up a long sick and began poking the logs. She was lost in her thoughts as she used her thumbs to twist the stick back and forth and round and round. Gabrielle stared. "What?" Eve asked catching the bard's concentration on her hands.
"Oh…nothing," Gabrielle smiled taking a seat next to her daughter. "Something your mother said…"
Eve shrugged. Neither was completely sure what to say. Without the distraction of Gabriel and Lysandra the conversation stalled.
"Are you surprised?" Eve asked very quietly almost as if she was afraid to hear the response.
Gabrielle rubbed her lips. "About you?"
Eve kept poking and Gabrielle watched her hands. "About you and me," Eve said keeping her concentration on the log.
Gabrielle took a moment. She reached slowly over and took the stick from Eve, placing it in her own hands and resumed the chore of prompting flames. Eve looked at Gabrielle's hands and she realized that she was doing the same thing, turning the stick. Eve had done that since she was a child in Rome. She always loved to sit in front of a fire and she would catch herself rolling the stick, poking for flames, imagining faraway places in their glow. It suddenly felt as though years of questions spilled in silent thought were answered in one crashing wave.
"I couldn't love you anymore than I already did," Gabrielle finally said.
Eve knew that was also the truth. "You know," Eve started and then stopped herself.
Gabrielle looked at her daughter. "What?"
"I just feel…"
Now Gabrielle felt uneasy. What did Eve think of this revelation?
"I feel grateful… but I feel so guilty."
Gabriel knew that emotion. She wanted so badly for so many years for Eve to be hers, truly be a part of them both. It cut at her, more than she could or would ever let on to Xena. She loved it when Xena would say "our daughter", but she could never bring herself to say those words without feeling intrusive in some way and it made her heart sink.
"Eve…"
"Well, I do. I should have known so much sooner."
Gabrielle sighed and laid the stick down. She shook the frying pan and placed her hand on Eve's knee. "Eve, none of us can really understand all that we've been given," She looked skyward. "When I met Xena…"
Eve looked at Gabrielle sensing that she was about to share something she seldom did.
"I knew when I saw her….it was like lightning shot through every inch of my body and then rested in my heart."
Eve swallowed hard determined to remain composed. Gabrielle was truly a bard. She had a way of expressing emotion, of explaining life; that Eve had never found in anyone else.
The bard continued, "It took us years…years to admit what we always knew. Years to accept it. To believe that it was real," she paused and a smile came to her face, "We lost our children, we even lost each other for a moment…I often wondered if we had just accepted what was in our hearts……… BUT, I know that is not true. Everything we went through. Battling ourselves, battling each other," she laughed a bit, "Fighting wars……all the people we met, we loved….we lost….." She looked at her daughter with a gleam in her eye that Eve had never seen, "All of that brought you… and you… you…" Gabrielle's tears began to fall. Eve followed suit.
"You… were… and are the most precious thing in the world… to either of us. Nothing Eli said changed that… if a part of me is in you… well just as much of you is in me…."
Eve's tears almost turned to sobs. Gabrielle pulled the woman's head to her chest.
"I love you," Eve said through her tears.
"I know that," Gabrielle said. "I love you too, my sweet Evey…and I will do whatever I have to, to keep you safe."
Chapter 32 - Amazon Justice
Evening fell quickly. Gabrielle helped to boost Gabriel up onto Sappho in front of her. Eve mounted another mare and trotted up beside them. Lysandra walked up in front of the trio and addressed the queen, "My Queen," she said, "Queen Varia is ready for you to give the command." They had decided that Varia would take the rear. An attack was most likely to occur from either above or behind. Varia had suggested placing Eve and Gabriel in the middle of the ranks but Gabrielle was steadfast in her assertion that the three would stay together regardless of Varia's concerns.
"Gabrielle, be reasonable."
"The discussion is over."
"You are being foolish," Varia insisted. "You know as well as I do that tactically the safest place for them is in the middle….. Surely Eve knows that."
Gabrielle's resolve was evident. "Varia….listen to me….My daughter stays at my side. Gabriel stays with us. …. I appreciate your concern. It has been this way since she was an infant… I have no intention of changing it now."
Varia could not fathom the reasoning. "As Queen - as a warrior…you know…"
Gabrielle looked stoically at her counterpart, "This is not about being a queen or a warrior, Varia. Eve is my daughter as Gabriel is her son… there is no safer place than together…. Now, I don't wish to discuss it any longer. We will take the front….. Between Eve and me; we can sense a great deal. You head the rear. This is a young tribe, you and I both know the pace I set will be exhausting….they will need both your encouragement and your prodding."
Finally Varia conceded.
Gabrielle looked at Lysandra. She was so proud of this young woman. Now Gabrielle needed to assume her role as the Queen of the Amazons, but before raising her hand to begin the journey she needed to address the woman as she saw her in her heart.
"Lysandra…"
"Yes, My Queen."
"I want you to know how proud I am of you."
Lysandra looked at the Queen and then at the messenger. Eve's face was serious and focused now. Lysandra was struck by the way Eve now looked at the Queen.
"Be careful Lysandra… think before you act."
Gabrielle moved Sappho several paces ahead of Eve. Lysandra looked at the messenger. She was confused by Gabrielle's words.
Eve watched Gabrielle move ahead and looked down at the Amazon with a softened expression.
"She loves you, Lysandra… like a daughter," Eve smiled.
Lysandra could not move. Eve continued looking ahead at her mother's form astride Sappho. "You are lucky," Eve said, "You got the benefit of her as a child. Remember what she taught you." Eve moved forward.
Lysandra turned and watched as Gabrielle lifted her hand in the air and beckoned the tribe forward. Horses passed, her sisters passed, but she remained impossibly still. When Varia finally reached the young Amazon she knew that Gabrielle must have said something. Varia knew Gabrielle well and she was very aware of the connection the two shared.
"Let's go, Lysandra"
Lysandra snapped out of her haze and mounted the mare that Varia led beside her.
They traveled for hours in the darkness and Varia consistently urged the women in front to keep pace. Lysandra normally was talkative, rolling battle contingencies off her tongue and making observations about the surroundings. For hours she had been silent.
Varia looked over at the young woman. "What did she say to you?"
"What?" Lysandra asked.
"Gabrielle, what did she say?"
Lysandra looked forward, "Nothing... to be careful."
"You're quiet because she told you to be careful?"
"I don't understand why she is at the front… with Eve … she should have let me take them to the middle of the ranks."
Varia nodded. "Losing battle, my friend."
"It's foolish."
Varia laughed. She had agreed but after mulling it over she realized that Gabrielle knew what was best for her family. She also knew that Gabrielle was far more intuitive than tactical. "She knows what she's doing."
Lysandra looked at Varia. "Eve doesn't…"
"Eve can fight, Lysandra."
"She doesn't fight, is my point."
Varia pulled her attention away for a moment to listen to the woods around them. "Listen to me... I've known Eve a long time. Believe me she is her mother's daughter."
Lysandra was not sure what that meant. "You mean she is like Xena."
"Of course."
"Hummm…"
"What?" Varia asked.
"She seems more like Gabrielle to me."
Varia shrugged. "I suppose in some ways she is. That's the side you know… there is another. And besides, you've never seen The Queen in a real battle, Lysandra… I have. Queen Gabrielle is no one to be toyed with, believe me."
Lysandra had heard the stories and she knew Gabrielle could fight but she had always been nurtured by the queen, not trained. "I hope so…"
"Stop worrying about Queen Gabrielle and Eve," Varia said with some ferocity. "Pay attention to where we are. "Besides, I pity the idiot that makes a move on them. I really do."
Just then the lines began to break and Varia noticed that the horses ahead were rearing their heads and pulling from the line.
Lysandra felt her heart drop… "Gabrielle…." She kicked the mare and began to take off for the front of the line.
"Lysandra! Stop!" Varia pulled the mare alongside the Amazons who were on foot and pulling the majority of supplies. "Pull the munitions to the center and the supplies," She ordered forcefully. It was imperative that they protect their resources. Whatever was happening ahead Gabrielle and Eve would have to handle it.
"Eve!" Gabrielle screamed and turned Sappho about sharply. Eve had dismounted and she was reaching in a large satchel on the side of her mare. She pulled out the sword. It was strange how it fit in her hands so comfortably even after all of these years. The woman in front of her threw a knife straight toward the queen. Gabrielle covered Gabriel accepting the blow willingly in her right shoulder. She grunted at the pain. The woman looked like an Amazon. She swung the sword however with a grace and precision that Eve knew was taught in a well-trained army, perhaps even in a Coliseum.
Eve twirled the sword in her hand effortlessly. It felt natural, much like the feel of the stick in the fire.
"Does the messenger have something to tell me," the woman dripped with sarcasm.
Eve's smile was precocious and sly. She saw Gabrielle hunched over her son and she felt an angry resolve brewing within her that she had not experienced in years. She cocked her head to the side almost playfully and expertly turned the weapon in what seemed to be almost a dance, "Not feeling much like talking," she quipped, circling the woman gracefully.
Metal met metal within an instant as the swords clashed above their heads and then clanked beneath their knees. Eve stood taller than this woman before her and the messengers experience and prowess on a battlefield was evident. The smaller woman thrust forward but Eve simply flipped backward, much in the style of her warrior princess mother.
"Not bad for a messenger," the small warrior offered. "Too bad I have to kill you."
Gabrielle sat up on Sappho and checked Gabriel, "Gabriel, close your eyes, do you understand me?'
"Mother is…"
"Your mother is a fine swordsman… so as I say."
"Auntie…you are…" he was beginning to panic at the sight of the knife in Gabrielle's shoulder.
"Gabriel, you need to be brave. Close your eyes … right now…"
He shut his eyes as tightly as he could hearing the urgency in his auntie's voice. She leaned over him and whispered, "Do not open them until I tell you, do you understand, my love?"
He nodded his head violently. Gabrielle winced at the pain in her shoulder and looked over at her daughter with the warrior.
Eve didn't have time to think, not about being a messenger. Right now she was a mother and a daughter and instinct was her ally. The most important thing Gabrielle and Xena had taught Eve was to follow her heart. That was her parent's ultimate gift and her heart told her to protect all she held dear right now. The message depended on their lives.
Eve rolled her tongue visibly inside her cheek. The warrior advance again and Eve's quick footed response sent the woman stumbling. "I said," Eve began. "That I didn't feel like TALKING." Now the messenger made her own advance kicking the warrior in the thigh and knocking her backward.
Lysandra had finally made it to the head of the line. She was stunned to see Eve aggressing the woman dressed as an Amazon. She knew immediately Anath had plants within the tribe. She looked over a saw Gabrielle. The Queen was struggling to stay astride Sappho and had a firm grip on her grandson. Lysandra pushed her mare forward to Gabrielle.
"Lysandra, you should be securing the supplies."
Lysandra did not care at all what Gabrielle said or what The Queen thought right now. Her only concern was Gabrielle's welfare. She grabbed Sappho's reins and began to lead the horse to the side.
"Lysandra…"
"You can lecture me later," the Amazon answered sternly. "Gabriel, are you all right?" There was genuine concern in the young woman's voice. He nodded and jostled himself firmly back into Gabrielle.
Eve continued her advance. The warrior was getting tired. "This is what the mini gods have left to offer," Eve said with disgust, "Pathetic." The warrior started to raise her sword again and Eve answered with a crushing blow from her own. She slapped the warrior's sword with such force that it sailed out of the warrior's hand and landed a good distance behind her. The warrior struck a defensive pose.
"You can't win," the warrior said kicking Eve in the face. Eve shook off the assault and spun the sword again. "I said I didn't feel like talking," she repeated, "I never said I didn't have a message." Eve kicked the woman in the chest sending her flying into a bush. The woman scrambled to try and reach her feet but Eve was far too fast. In an instant she had hit the woman with the handle of her sword, knocking her unconscious. "Message delivered."
Lysandra was lifting Gabriel off of Sappho. He still had his eyes closed tightly as Eve made her way swiftly back to her family. Gabrielle was losing a great deal of blood and was pale. Myrrine rode up to assess the situation just as it came to a conclusion. She hovered now over the defeated warrior. She went to draw her sword when she felt a hand on her arm. It was Lysandra and her grip was strong.
"No, Myrrine."
"She attacked the Queen…you know what Amazon Justice..."
Lysandra looked to Gabrielle who offered her a faint smile. "You know Queen Gabrielle will not stand for that. That brand of justice faded long ago when she came here. Stop, think…"
Myrrine lowered the sword and looked at Lysandra. There was a maturity about her that seemed to take hold.
Eve looked at her family. Gabrielle winced and whispered, "It's all right, my Gabriel… open your eyes."
He did so slowly and saw his mother give him a loving glance but then he saw the fear in her eyes. She looked at Gabrielle who was fading.
"You've lost a lot of blood already."
Gabrielle smiled as best she could, "I've had worse."
Eve was not convinced as Gabrielle slipped into unconsciousness. "Mother…" she whispered….