Ares Rift
by Kwipinky
Violence: Just like any episode. Still PG anyway.
Spoilers: Yep, lots of them.
Thanks:
To my beta reader Kim, thank you for your efforts and time. I hope to return
the favor someway. To Kam thanks for the kind and gentle words, and for the
still kind but harder words. I owe you a huge thank you. So, I hope you enjoy
the story.
Six
men attacked, swords flew. The chakram sang a song of darkness: night, night
boys. The first man landed on the ground and the second followed close behind.
The battle was delicious. Xena’s war cry strained the eardrums of the third
attacker, and with a flying kick he landed in the opposite direction. Gabrielle
drew her sais; she came face to face with the fourth man and Xena’s chakram flew
and blocked the man’s blow before Gabrielle could react. With Xena’s sweeping
leg he slammed to the ground unconscious. Simultaneous kicks and punches sent
the fifth and sixth bandits to land beside the first and second. Gabrielle
stormed off to fill their waterskins. A woman followed Gabrielle with her eyes;
the time had come for the Warrior Princess to step aside. Xena must die and
Gabrielle’s death would be a bonus. Ares needed an heir.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The
chakram encircled the sword in its scabbard. The sword leaned against an Amazon
staff propped against the warrior saddle straddling a bench. Beneath and
completely surrounding the items were various sprays of flowers.
Quiet
murmurs wafted around the tavern. Voices that laughed, cried and sighed came in
crescendos. Cyrene carried a tray of wine filled mugs. She worked the room
quickly and carefully; methodically flitting from table to table, she gathered
and deposited, but didn’t say much. Eyes followed her every move. She is wore a
black dress with black lace edging down the neckline, around her waist and
finally around the hem which just above her ankles. She had a garter wrapped
around her bicep that matched the black lace. She was barefooted. Her salt and
pepper hair was pulled sternly back with a black-laced scarf. She wore dark
lipstick and her eyes were swollen and red. Her mind rushed and her thoughts
carefully filled with serving the patrons. She said, “Would you like a refill,
wine? Meade? No….thanks, I’ll get it, thank you, I’m fine….” Clearly, she was
not fine.
She
stopped at a table where Joxer (the Mighty) had his head down. His forehead
touched the wooden surface. Around his head were eight empty mugs. Cyrene again
tried to remove them, but Joxer placed his hand over Cyrene’s.
“Leave
them,” he slurred. “I want to record how many mugs it took to render me into
oblivion.” Cyrene put her arm across his shoulders.
“Joxer?”
“Yes?”
“Joxer
dear, you need to pull yourself together.” Cyrene said gently.
He
raised his head and peered across the room. He yawned open mouthed and began to
cry loudly. “Why?” He stood. “Do you people know what they mean to me?” He
bellowed and slammed his fist into the tabletop. He sat down hard, and slowly
banged his forehead onto the wood of his table. “Why? Why…?”
Cyrene
looked frantically at the faces staring back at her. Autolycus got up, walked
over and placed his arm around her shoulders.
“I’ll
take care of him,” Autolycus whispered to Cyrene. She half smiled and quickly
rushed out the side door of the tavern. Autolycus walked over to Joxer’s table
and stooped down near his head.
“Hey
Joxer.”
“Huh,”
Joxer raised his head and nearly hit Autolycus’ nose with his
own.
“You
think you could share some of your wine?”
“No.
I have to have it all. Every last drop. All of it!”
“Okay,
okay. Take it easy, fella.” Autolycus sat down right beside
Joxer.
“I
ain’t that kind of a man. Auto.” Joxer said as he pushed Autolycus
away.
“I
know, Joxer. I just want to talk.”
“Talk?
Huh, well. Talk then.” Joxer’s red eyes watered and tears spilled over the
corners. Autolycus smiled sadly.
Ephiny
walked over to the side door and exited into a narrow alley. She didn’t see
Cyrene so she walked through the alley, which opened into the stable courtyard.
Hercules and Iolaus were standing near the pasture fence. Ephiny looked around
for Cyrene and saw her at the end of the stables. She wanted to make sure she
was okay, but as she walked toward Cyrene, Hercules stepped toward her and
reached for her arm.
“Let
her go,” Hercules said. Ephiny shot him a stern look and pushed past him. He
shook his head and walked back to where Iolaus was standing. They both entered
the barn to check the horses.
Cyrene
leaned against the back of the building. As sobs racked her body, she was
unaware of the Amazon regent’s presence. Ephiny touched Cyrene’s arm, and she
turned to look at her.
“I
am so sorry. I… um… am….”
“Ephiny?”
Cyrene said.
“Yes.”
“I’ve
heard so much about you. Gabri….” Cyrene’s throat constricted.
“Yes,
I’ve heard much a great deal about you as well.” Ephiny smiled. “I could tell
you were Xena’s mother right away.”
“Oh.”
Cyrene whispered. “Thanks.”
“It’s
clear that Xena’s beauty is inherited.” Disgusted with her idle chatter Ephiny
continued. “I love Xena very much. Many times she helped the Amazon nation to
survive. She stopped the war between the centaurs and our nation. I met my
husband, Phantes as a result of that peace. She even delivered my son
Xenon.”
“My.
She is quite a daughter.” Cyrene grinned.
“I’m
representing my tribe. We owe Xena and Gabrielle so much. We are all in
mourning.” Ephiny shifted her feet. She wore a leather tunic and pleated Amazon
skirt. An Artemis portrait and Amazon battlefield were illustrated on the suede
material. Her boots were suede as well, and they had fraying leather fringes
along the stitched sides and tops. Her arms bore leather-mourning straps, one
each for her dearest friends. “We will miss them.”
Cyrene
looked at the regent and her heart went out to her. Ephiny’s words provided some
comfort, but the loss all those years of Xena’s life saddened her deeply. They
both knew Xena, but neither knew the Xena that the other knew. A sound from the
stable drew their attention. Iolaus pushed open the door and stopped mid-stride.
“I’m
sorry. I don’t mean to interrupt,” he said looking back and forth at each woman.
Cyrene
looked at him and Ephiny and said, “I need to get back to my
customers.”
Iolaus
knew the people inside the tavern are more than just customers. He stepped aside
as Ephiny and Cyrene passed him. He was amazed at how much Xena favored her
mother. He wondered if Gabrielle and her mother
shared the same resemblance. He guessed he would know soon enough, they were due
any moment. He went back into the barn to find a clean place to lie
down.
The
noise from the wagon’s rattling wheels jarred Iolaus awake. He jumped to his
feet and walked over to the doors. Outside he saw Gabrielle’s mother Hecuba, her
father Herodotus, and her dark haired sister Lila. They sat unmoving in the
wagon and Iolaus walked to where Hecuba was sitting. She looked down at him and
then at her husband. Iolaus offered his hand and she slowly and deliberately
reached out. Herodotus jumped out of the wagon and pushed his way in front of
Iolaus.
“I’ll
help her,” he snapped through clenched teeth. Iolaus stepped back his stunned
expression attracting Lila’s attention. She very slightly motioned for Iolaus to
come closer to her. He walked past the angry man and positioned himself at the
rear of the wagon. He lowered the gate and helped Lila down. Herodotus looked in
his direction. He was about to say something when Hecuba squeezed his hand.
Herodotus looked at her and she shook her head. He grunted as he helped his wife
from the wagon. She smoothed her dark dress.
Hecuba’s
dress was dark brown and had small almost unnoticeable flowers woven into the
fabric. She wore dark sandals with leather lacings. She carried a small leather
purse and dark ladies gloves. Her gray hair pulled loosely back with elastic,
had a flower pinned on the left side of her head. Emerald green eyes were
swollen and pink and her cheeks were flushed. She held a locket in her awkwardly
bent left hand and rubbed its gold face to ease the arthritic pain in her
fingers, and she clutched a damp kerchief in her right hand. She stepped away
from her husband and smoothed her clothing. He scratched his head behind his
left ear.
Herodotus’s
once dark hair was almost completely gray, and much to his dismay, the bald spot
at his crown had spread. His face was like leather and was highlighted by milky
green eyes wrinkled from working in the sun for many years. His mouth was tiny
compared to the rest of his body. He walked as if he carried the weight of the
world. Herodotus dark trousers had large pockets and down the length of the legs
were stripes of dark cotton. His black leather boots were old but well cared
for. He unloaded a small bag and lifted a bouquet of flowers gently from the
wagon bed. He handed the flowers to Lila.
She
took them with shaking hands. Her dress was light beige and had flower designs
in the soft material. She also wore sandals, but they were a lighter color, and
had flower designs in them too. Her creamy complexion was almost white causing
her dark black hair to clash with her delicate features. Her lips were full and
somewhat pouty. Like her sister’s, Lila’s eyes were green, but they did not have
the same sparkle which Gabrielle sometimes envied. Lila and Hecuba’s dresses
both had the same flower designs. Simple daisies.
Iolaus
decided to escort the family into the tavern. He did not cherish the idea of
bringing Gabrielle’s parents into the building of mourners, but he wanted them
to feel as comfortable as they possibly could. Iolaus wondered why everyone
ended up at the tavern. No one planned on the eulogy being there, but somehow it
was where everyone ended up.
It
had been two weeks since the personal items of Xena and Gabrielle’s were brought
from Demeter’s temple. Two long and torturous weeks. Hercules had received the
news about his friends the same day and time the messenger from Poteidaia
brought the news of Gabrielle’s parents planned arrival in Amphipolis. Her
parents had wanted to meet Iolaus and Hercules. Apparently, Gabrielle had told
them many tales about their legendary journeys.
“Iolaus?”
Lila said.
“Yes.
Lila, right?”
“Yes,”
Lila started to cry. “I always wanted to meet you. Just,
not…like…this.”
Herodotus
hugged his daughter and glared at Iolaus. He searched for something to dislike
but he did not find it. Hercules walked out of the tavern and saw Gabrielle’s
family. He walked over and extended his large arm.
“Hello,
I’m ….”
“Hercules!”
Herodotus shouted. Everyone jumped to the sound of the outburst. Hecuba embraced
her husband and reached for Hercules to join them. He hugged the family and his
eyes suddenly filled with tears. Herodotus shook his head and regained his
composure and pushed Hercules away from his family.
“I
am Herodotus of Poteidaia. I take it you’re the man responsible for Xena’s
change?” Herodotus looked at Hercules.
“Well,
yes.”
“Then,
do I thank you for my daughter’s fate?” Herodotus asked angrily. Hercules looked
at Iolaus and then at Lila, and Hecuba.
“I…
Well…” Hercules stammers.
“Herodotus
please,” Hecuba pleaded with her husband. “It’s not Hercules fault that
Gabrielle travels with Xena.”
“No
it is not his fault she travels with Xena. It’s his fault that Xena is alive to
begin with. Right?”
Hercules
looked at Herodotus and stilled himself. “Surely you don’t wish Xena
dead.”
Herodotus
turned his back. Quietly he said: “I don’t know what I wish. Yes I do,” He
turned to face Hercules again. “I wish my daughter was here. NOW!” he cried.
Hercules stepped to the side as Herodotus’s wife and daughter took him
inside.
Iolaus
went to Hercules side and patted him on the shoulder. “It’s okay Herc. He’s in
pain.”
“I
know. I know.” They both entered the tavern.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Cyrene
cleared her throat and stood in front of the bar. There were several rows of
chairs and each chair was full, but others stood around the room. Cyrene scanned
the room and began to speak.
“Everyone,
I have refreshments on the bar and tables around the tavern. There’s wine, cider
and food. Please feel free to eat and drink. I think we should begin. I’m
Cyrene, Xena’s mother. I guess most of you know me. What I don’t know is where
to start. Xena had many lives and each of us saw only a part. She started her
life here as a beautiful little, black haired girl. She had the fattest cheeks
and rosiest disposition. She was no trouble at all to care for.
“Once
when she was four seasons old, she decided to train a goat. She chose the
meanness and orneriest one we had. A very fierce nanny goat. Xena decided that it would
be a horse. Xena got Lyceus to help her capture the goat, and they
brought it to the courtyard. Xena climbed on the little animal’s back and it
immediately took off. The goat starting ramming people, the fruit stand, the
fish stand, horses, wagons, anything in its angry pathway. Xena could be heard
quietly at first ‘Yiyiyiyiyiyiyi...yikes! LY…CE…US!’ she called out as the goat
ran for all it was worth.
‘Yiyiyiyiyiyiyi…yippy!’ It ran for two candle marks and Xena was in every
position imaginable. But… she never fell off. When the goat had had enough, and
could run no more, Xena raised her leg over to her right side and plopped to the
ground. Just like she dismounts from Argo now.” Cyrene smiled. The people in the
room smiled with her. Cyrene looked at the people in the tavern and found
comfort in knowing Xena had many friends. She took another drink of her
wine.
“Xena
was tall for her age, she towered above her peers. As she grew, she seemed a bit
awkward, and unbelievably, an uncoordinated teenager, which just challenged Xena
all the more. She and Lyceus used to spar with each other behind our home. They
broke many reeds and sticks practicing the art of swordplay. Lyceus always
managed to break Xena’s sword, but Xena refused defeat, any kind of defeat. So,
one day she fashioned an unbeatable sword. He grew increasingly angry at her
ability to stop his best attempts. Some time later, as she was doing the dishes,
Lyceus came into the room, mad as a harpie with a toothache. He had found out
Xena’s little secret. She had inserted a long thin strip of metal that the smith
gave her, into the center of her sword. Xena laughed until she was in tears and
her nose was running. She was determined to succeed in all aspects of her life.
She focused on a having happy life, and was living it too, until….Cortese.”
Cyrene
kept wiping her hands on her apron. “He was a warlord. A ruthless, evil man, who
wanted all of Amphipolis’ resources. Lyceus and Xena, barely out of their
childhood, were determined to defeat that monster. Lyceus was to lead the frontal assault.
Some villagers were to back him up and fortify the perimeter of the town. Xena
led a small group to the rear of the town to allow a clear retreat. I remember
it all too well, Xena and Lyceus’ final planning session was right here at this
bar. Unfortunately, Cortese had spies in town.” Cyrene stopped for a minute. She
remembered….
“Lyceus
we can reroute some of the men and cut off Cortese’s drive.” Xena said. “He has
a weak front, and he’ll bring his best men to block the rear. I’ve heard that is
how he does his battles; he stops rear retreats. He depletes some of his line to
do that, and we can use that against him Lyceus. We can build up our troops and
catch him off guard.
“I
know. But a frontal assault is the best way to engage his best troops,” Lyceus
argued. “I’ve sent Mathias, four of our best archers and ten of our warriors for
hand to hand combat. They’re focus is to take the left flank and then to guard
the rear. We’ve got ‘em Xena. The left flank has his catapult’s and arrow
supplies. It was a stroke of luck that Mathias heard Cortese’s drunken men
discussing his attack. His reducing his men on the left is a victory for us.
Don’t you see?”
“Lyceus,
don’t you think that Cortese might want us to think that he has a weakness? What
if Mathias is wrong? He is my betrothed, and I do love….care for him, why should
he be the one who attacks the left flank? Why can’t we lead the rear troops
together…?”
“I’ve
considered it Xena!” Lyceus snapped. “I’m sorry. Xena, look, I don’t mean to be
so…so on edge. You’re my sister, and Mathias assured me the men didn’t know he
was there. With our best archers we can get Cortese’s armory. You guarding the
rear assures our ability to flee if the battle is against us. Your job is very
important.”
“I
know Lyceus,” Xena sighed. “I’ve been demanding on you. If you’re willing to
trust Mathias’ plan tomorrow morning, then, I’ll do my best. And I’ll trust your
belief that Mathais’ has the ability to protect the rear. I will trust him. For
you.”
Cyrene
looked around the room and took a drink of strong red wine. She continued, “Xena
always blamed herself that Lyceus died in that battle. His death became the
catalyst to her change from beloved child to angry warlord. My….”Cyrene began to
sob. “My little one….my only daughter. I just got her back.” Hercules went to
Cyrene’s side. He placed his arm around her shoulder. “Please allow me to
finish….
‘The
next morning, Cortese attacked. I was trying to keep the women and children
together inside the cellar. I heard a loud confrontation and ran to the rear.
Soldiers were coming in from the back and Xena was fighting several men at once.
She turned and called out to Lyceus. I guess he heard her pleas because he ran
to join her. They were making progress against the army when Mathais arrived.
Lyceus was fighting three men and he bested two of them. Xena was knocked to the
ground. I ran toward her and saw Lyceus go down hard. Mathais reached out to him
and when Lyceus reached up… when my son reached up, Mathias ran him through.
Xena screamed louder than I’ve ever heard. My world slowed and I felt like I was
walking through cold molasses. Xena ran to her brother and battled Mathias. She
screamed a primal war cry, and I lost my innocent daughter at that moment. She
killed Mathias and ran to Lyceus side. He smiled, as she fell to her knees, she
looked at Lyceus. He reached out to Xena then.”
‘Xena,
I’m sorry. You were right….’ Lyceus said clutching her hand.
‘Stay
with me Lyceus. I’ll get the healer.’
‘You
were always smarter, stronger….’ he said as he coughed up blood.
‘Don’t
leave me Lyceus! Don’t leave me! Don’t leave me …! Pleeeeaaassseee! NO!’ she
cried over and over as she pounded the ground.
“When
Lyceus died Xena destroyed Mathais’ body. She turned into a primal being. I
stood watching her, and hating what I saw. She turned and saw me. I saw her head
drop. I blamed her. I… blamed… her!” Cyrene screamed. “Why? Why did I do that?”
Hercules hugged and helped her to sit down; He gave her her mug, lifted it to
quivering lips and forced her to drink. After a moment she stood up and faced
the room she continued, “I’m sorry. I’m trying to understand those hard times. I
lost my son, and my daughter because of my own ignorance. Xena left after
Lyceus’ funeral. I was angry with her. I didn’t even forgive her when she
changed, when she came home after going through an awful trial of beatings by
her own men, I shunned her.”
Cyrene
cried, and anguish still gripped her heart. She looked at Hecuba and said. “I
owe a debt of gratitude to you. Your child gave me back mine back.” Cyrene
paused and took a long drink of her wine. She looked around the room and she
looked at Lila. “I guess you wonder why Gabrielle left you for Xena.” Lila
smiles. “She never stopped loving you. You will always be her only sister but I
think she saw something in Xena that cried out to her heart.”
Cyrene stopped for a moment. She took a deep breath
and addressed the people in the tavern. “Xena and Gabrielle are never going to
die. They live in me and in all of you. I won’t be sad because they’re gone.
I’ll tend the flowers of their love in the garden of my memories. They’ll grow
stronger than ever. My love will grow everyday because I know I’ll see them
again. I love you Gabrielle, I love you my little one.” Cyrene held her head
high and walked behind the bar.
For
a few moments people talked quietly among themselves. Autolycus stood and walked
to the front of the room. “Ahem. I am Autolycus, King of Thieves,” he said and
looked for reactions from the room.
“I’ve
been to Thebes, glad to meet’cha your highness,” said one of the intoxicants, as
he nodded his head at the room.
Autolycus
bristled at the laughter that erupted from his friends. “I am the King of
THIEVES,’” he enunciated very clearly. He looked for more reactions. When there
was none he continued. “I thought it would be appropriate to speak after Cyrene
because, when she said Xena was alive in all of us I flashed back.” He laughed.
“Brother, she was in me big time!” A few gasps floated around the people and
Autolycus appreciated the shock he caused.
“Let
me explain. A few years back, I was minding my own business and I suddenly hear
Xena’s voice inside my head. She possessed me. A feat many women have tried, by
the way. Heh heh. I thought that I’d had too much of the happy stuff, if you
know what I mean. Heh heh. Ahem. Xena had gotten herself killed and Gabrielle
was taking her body home….” He stopped and wiped his eyes. “Dust, you know.” He
wiped his eyes again and held his head a couple of minutes. “Ahem. I was the one
person Xena knew that could steal her body from her little friend. We eventually
convinced Gabrielle that Xena was alive and that she needed her body. She’d
taken a little vacation. Heh heh. Hmm. We had an intimate relationship. Xena was
in here.” Autolycus touched his head. “But really, she was in here.” He placed
his hand on his chest over his heart.
“That’s
where she is now. Xena is more than a friend. She saved me many times. Not from
just assassins or jailors, but from myself. I wish she were with me again. I
wish I could hear her voice, feel her boot on my… eh… head and that little pinch
of hers. No, not the pinch. Xena, if ya can hear me. I love ya, babe. Auto’s
here if you need this body. Same rules though.” He laughed and looked at
Cyrene.
“You
remind me so much of Xena. She thought of you often while she was inside me. I
don’t know if she knew it or not, but I could hear her thoughts. She was so
concerned that you would be angry with her. She thought if she came back she
would cause you more pain. She wrestled with the idea of staying dead and
allowing you the peace of mind that she would finally be at rest. She wanted to
see Lyceus and Solan, and be together with them again; she was very tired. But
she knew that the world needed her. Gabrielle needed her.”
Autolycus
looked at Herodotus and Hecuba. “Gabrielle was so lost. Xena was gone and she
was torn. The Amazon nation needed her as their queen. She could lead with peace
and help the women have safer happier lives. But, she’d promised to take Xena’s
body home. Gabrielle believed in fulfilling her promises. Despite the loneliness
and grief that she felt, perhaps because of it, Gabrielle did what she thought
she had to do; she took on the evil that wanted her dead. She stood against an
evil woman who wanted war and death. Your little child from Poteidaia was very
determined in what she believed, and very pissed-off at me when I tried to steal
Xena’s body. I don’t know how you feel about Xena, and I believe you love your
daughter.” Autolycus smiled warmly. He closed his eyes and opened them. Tears
streamed down his face. He let them flow. “They have something so special.
Something I’d never felt before, (or since, he thought), I allowed Xena to speak
to Gabrielle through me. There was such a rush of love that I nearly lost my
breath. The feeling was better and stronger than the effects of any herb or ale.
Pure love. Love, promised forever, with a simple kiss, a kiss of life, a kiss
ensuring they would be together for eternity. After the kiss, Xena never had a
doubt about returning.
“Wherever
they are now, they’re together. They have what they need to sustain. We should
all be so lucky. I feel lucky to have known them, and lucky for the rush Xena
shared with me. I am crushed because I miss them. Remembering those two and what
they shared will have to be enough. So, friends and family: remember not the
faults of Xena and Gabrielle, remember their goodness, remember their humanity,
and forget the moments of anger, words of haste, tears of bitterness, forget the
times of uncertainty and doubt. Remember the daughters, their laughter, their
pranks and the love you share. Remember their first step, first words and the
many times they made your hearts swell. Take delight in their life, celebrate
it, and share it with those not so lucky to have known them. You owe them that
much. We owe them that much.” Autolycus stopped. He bowed his head slightly and
the sobs racked his body. “Gods I miss them.” He held his head up. “I love you
Xena, and you too Gabrielle.” Autolycus joined Joxer. Joxer put his arm across
Autolycus’ back and hugged him.
Hercules
got up and patted Autolycus on the back also, and then he too, went to the front
of the tavern. He wore a dark brown shirt and his customary leather braided
pants tucked into his boots. A band of mourning was wrapped around his bicep.
His golden hair was brilliant and his eyes highlighted his clean-shaven face.
Wrinkles of sadness traced the outline of his jaw and he constantly twisted a
piece of leather he held. He gripped by grief. He took a sip of wine to keep his
throat from closing up. Tears added moisture to his eyes. He cleared his
throat.
“I’m
sure that Xena and Gabrielle could never be loved any deeper than they are loved
by the people in this room. Xena knew what it was to take. She was the
Destroyer of Nations. She instilled fear and hatred. Something happened to her;
Xena learned what it was to give. She found her heart. She said I gave it
to her, but I believe she had it all along. A warlord ravaged Xena’s innocent
and trusting soul. She was blinded then. Evil took her youth and twisted it into
a sordid past. She would be the first to say she was absolutely responsible for
her actions. She became the symbol of her destruction. She used monstrous
tactics in her search for the youth she lost. The evil that consumed her created
a ravenous hunger for power. Xena thought power would keep her from being
victimized again. She was wrong. Xena had goodness in her. She found it in the
life of an innocent babe. She defended that child and was nearly beaten to death
by her own men. That was the beginning of her change, and she saw the death and
violence she had caused. Xena wanted to change; she wanted to atone. She began
to fight for the lives of others.
“She
had almost given up when she met Gabrielle. Gabrielle had the light Xena needed
to illuminate her darkest moments. Gabrielle’s light led Xena through the muck
and blood, and she finally rekindled the flame of innocence that was stolen from
Xena by pure evil. Ares. He went after her when she was young and hurting. He
promised her the world and delivered death. Death of compassion, love and trust.
But Xena had goodness in her all along the way. She just needed to find and
focus on it,” Hercules smiled sadly. “Xena has atoned. She paid her dues even
with suffering and injuries. Gabrielle’s light helped Xena see through the
darkness of her soul, the darkness Ares loved to use to keep her in his fold.
Gabrielle illustrates for the world the goodness that she and Xena is doing.
Gabrielle’s light is the quill, her courage is the scroll, and her love is the
message. We can learn from their
love; united as a team Xena and Gabrielle fought for the greater good. They have
given so much; my heart is lifted thinking of them. I, too, will miss them, and
I will never forget them.”
There
was a ruckus outside the tavern. Loud voices screamed and demanded immediate
attention. Hercules went to the door and opened it quickly. A large man held a
lasso on a golden palomino. A woman on its other side held a rope on the horse,
which was lathered and very agitated. The people in the tavern flooded the
street and Cyrene called out. “Hey! That’s Argo!”
Hercules
and Iolaus grabbed the man and slammed him against the tavern wall. Autolycus
and Ephiny reached for the woman and held her arms as she struggled. Argo, now
calm, walked over to Cyrene and nuzzled her hair. Cyrene rubbed Argo’s soft
muzzle and patted her neck. The horse whinnied.
“Argo.
Oh Argo, I’m so glad to see you,” Cyrene said hugging the blond
animal.
“Who
are you?” Hercules demanded. The man struggled and refused to answer. “I said
who are you?”
“What’s
it to you?” The man said and tried to pull away from Iolaus.
“The
horse you’re stealing belongs to a friend of mine.” Hercules said
calmly.
“Xena’s
your friend?” The man sneered. “I know Argo is Xena’s horse.”
“What
are you doing with her horse?” Iolaus asked and letting go of the man’s arm.
“Who
are you?” Autolycus asked.
“We’re
friends of Xena’s too. I am Darnelle and this is Glaphera. I found Argo bloody
and exhausted four days ago. I followed her here.” Darnelle said.
“Where’d
you first see Argo?” Hercules asked Darnelle, as he took a quick glance at
Cyrene.
“We’d
just filled our waterskins at Demeter’s temple. I saw the horse and thought Xena
was nearby. Glaphera checked the area around the acropolis but found nothing. I
saw the horse rearing and pawing like she wanted us to notice her. We couldn’t
get close to her so we followed her here. I was hoping we’d find Xena and
Gabrielle.” Darnelle looked tired. He retrieved his waterskin and took a long
drink.
Hercules
invited the two travelers into the tavern. The group went into the kitchen and
Cyrene offered food to Darnelle and Glaphera.
“No thanks,” Glaphera said. “I’m just
tired after chasing the horse. What is going on here?”
“We
are having a memorial for our friends. A man came and told us he was with Xena
and Gabrielle when they were killed.” Cyrene told the newcomers. She sat down
and rubbed her eyes. “He said he was a trader that lived near the temple. What
was his name again? Sawarre. Yes, that’s it.”
“So
you took his word for it?” Darnelle asked with an angry tone.
“Sawarre said he was attacked by four
brigands. He said he was about to be killed when Xena’s chakram sliced through
the sword aimed at his neck. He said that there were four of them at the scene.
He said an archer shot an arrow at Xena but Gabrielle took it instead when she
jumped in front of Xena,” Hercules said, as the others around him nodded at
Gabrielle’s protective although futile act. “Sawarre said Xena stopped fighting
to cradle a dying Gabrielle and the men took advantage and ran her through. He
said he got away. After the men left the scene he went to Xena and she made him
promise to get her weapons and Gabrielle’s scrolls to me. He swore that they had
crossed over. Sawarre said he thought the murderers had taken Argo. He claimed
he had several injuries, and could not fulfill Xena’s promise until a few days
later. He said he buried them at his home.” Hercules finished the story and
still feeling the anguish he felt when he first heard of the deaths of his
friends.
Darnelle
shook his head and looked at Glaphera. He said to Hercules, “I don’t believe
it.”
“Why
not?” Cyrene asked feeling a small sense of hope.
“The
horse. She kept going back to the temple. She only drinks and refuses to eat.
She rests only when she can’t take another step.” Glaphera said. “She’s
searching for them, I know it. Did you search the temple?”
“No,
Iolaus and I traveled to Sawarre’s homestead. He showed us two fresh graves. I
didn’t see any reason to search for them.” Hercules eyed Cyrene. He saw that she
was beginning to believe that Xena might be alive.
“We
should cancel the memorial until we know for sure. That would be for the best
now.” Cyrene said and then left the room.
“Hercules,
I think we should go to Demeter’s temple and search for them. I don’t believe
they’re dead.” Darnelle said looking at the son of Zeus.
Hercules
sat back and contemplated what he heard. The rest of the group talked quietly.
“If Argo is searching for Xena she must feel her presence around the
temple.”
“The
horse went there no less than five times.” Glaphera said to Darnelle, who nodded
in agreement.
“Then
we go to the temple,” Hercules said as he walked out.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The
night air was cool as Hercules joined Cyrene sitting in the front of her
tavern.
“Cyrene,
don’t get your hopes up just yet. It’s not like Xena to drop out of sight, and I
know she wouldn’t just leave her weapons behind. The outcome could still be
grim,” Hercules smiled sadly and shook his head.
Cyrene
cupped Hercules head in her hand. “I know, Hercules. After she came home, I told
myself that I’d never give up on Xena again. Then after she died and came back,
I realized that I could only accept her death if I saw her… body…. I’d forgotten
that and now I’m glad to be reminded.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The
trip to the stable began the journey to Demeter’s temple. Herodotus, Hecuba,
Lila, Cyrene, Autolycus, Glaphera, Darnelle, Hercules and Iolaus prepared to
head out.
Hecuba
spoke to the group in a quiet voice. “Gabrielle always liked an audience. She’d
better have a great story to tell this time. Our girls are gonna have to have
good reasons why they are causing such a fracas.” She laughed and the group
laughed with her.
Hercules
drove the wagon with Herodotus beside him. Iolaus and Lila sat across from each
other in the back of the wagon. Autolycus and Hecuba and Cyrene rode along side.
Glaphera and Darnelle walked in front, leading Argo. In the distance, Joxer
staggered and followed them.
A
light rain began to fall. Hercules, lost in thought, was getting soaked.
Hercules was puzzled, something happened to Xena and Gabrielle, and he knew he
would not stop until the riddle was solved.
Xena
defended and cared for him. Maybe this was another of Hera’s cruelties. But no,
Hercules knew Ares loved Xena. Hera wouldn’t harm her dark spawn. Ares wouldn’t
allow his mom to kill Xena. Gabrielle maybe. Xena? No. Ares might have a role.
The
temple offered no shelter from the rain. Hercules climbed off the wagon and
started the search. The rest of the group spread out. Hercules walked past the
furthermost wall. A familiar aroma filtered to Hercules consciousness, and he
stopped in his tracks. “Ares!”
Hercules
travel mates abruptly turned to face him.
A
flash of bright bluish light sparked and a loud whirring sound permeated the
eardrums of the searchers. They grabbed their ears and writhed in pain.
Hercules, whose face glowered bright red with anger, stood firm. Ares appeared
laughing at his little distraction. “You called, brother?”
“Why
does this place reek of you?” Hercules asked with a scowl.
“Excuse
me. REEKS!” Ares mocked. “You hurt me, bro.”
“Where
are Xena and Gabrielle?” Hercules demanded. “Their disappearance has you written
all over it.”
“Really,
where?” Ares asked as he looked down at his body.
“You
know where they are?” Hercules growled.
“I
give up. Where?” Ares circled Hercules. After a complete circle, he turned and
circled the opposite.
“Where
are they, Ares? I smelled you the minute we entered the
acropolis!”
“Now
what makes you think I would know where Xena is? We’re not chums you know.” Ares
sniffed his underarms. “I see what you mean about the smell though.” Ares
laughed again.
“Ares!
Where in Tartarus are they! I won’t ask you again!” Hercules grabbed Ares’ neck,
and threw him high into the cool rainy air and caught him before he hit the
ground, leaving his feet dangling. Ares balled his fists and drove them into
Hercules ears. Unflinching Hercules slammed Ares on his back on the ground. He
stomped his boot on Ares windpipe and broke his neck. Ares aimed a fireball and
hit his brother dead center in the chest. Hercules flew backwards and landed on
his back sliding in the mud and grass. Ares jumped to his feet and straightened
his horribly bent neck. He wrapped his hands around his head, yanked it and a
loud pop sent the bones back in line.
“Um,
Herc, I don’t appreciate you breaking my neck.” Ares laughed as he reached over
and grabbed Iolaus by the throat and lifted him off the ground. “Shall I show
your buddy here how it feels?”
“Ares!”
Hercules boomed. Before Ares could move Hercules propelled himself into the
midsection of his brother. The force sent Hercules and Ares tumbling in one
direction, and Iolaus sliding in another. The force drove the men deep into the
mud.
“All
we need now is a marker!” Ares sneered. Hercules and Ares simultaneously jumped
to their feet. Ares threw his fists at his brother’s shoulders and hurled him
across the courtyard. Ares back flipped and landed in a fighting crouch. He
turned his head back and forth, but didn’t take his eyes off Hercules. Ares
flexed his muscles and went charging full force. Hercules came up swinging and
charged fist first at Ares. But, before they made contact, Argo ran between the
two men, which caused them to crash into her sides, buckling her ribs and
sending them into her lungs and stomach. A loud oomph came from the horse and
she collapsed to her knees. Hercules and Ares, who’d both fallen to the ground,
look at Argo in horror. Cyrene ran to the horse as Argo’s eyes glazed over and
her nostrils flared. The horse fell onto her side. Cyrene’s gaze went from the
horse to Ares and she charged at him. When she reached him, she raised her foot
to stomp him. He grabbed her foot and pushed her backwards. Cyrene hit the
ground hard. In a flash, Ares disappeared. Hercules watched Cyrene fall and
yelled for Iolaus to help her. Iolaus got to her side as she stood and ran
toward the horse. They all crowded around the stricken horse as Ares flashed and
appeared at her side.
“Get
away from her!” Cyrene screamed.
Ares
rubbed Argo’s nose and wiped away the blood that streamed from her mouth. He
placed his hands on Argo’s body and massaged her gently. He whispered, “She’ll
be fine. I guarantee it.” Sparks emitted from Ares fingers. Argo took several
labored breaths and went limp. Cyrene began to sob. She rubbed the horse’s neck
and held her head in her lap. Ares ran his hands from her head to her rump.
After a few minutes the horse whickered and the people surrounding her stepped
back to help the mare get to her feet. The horse quickly bit a plug out of Ares
shoulder. He yelped in pain and Hercules laughed. His eyes darkened and he
grabbed Ares again by the neck.
“Where
are they!”
Ares
pulled himself away from Hercules. “Um, didn’t you say you weren’t going to ask
again?” Ares taunted. Cyrene went to his side and slapped him
soundly.
“Do
you know where my daughter is?” She asked angrily.
“Okay,
okay. She went on a mission.”
“A
mission? For you?” Cyrene could not believe her ears.
“Yes,
and well no. Wait, now that I think about it, yeah, for me.” Ares said
grinning.
Hercules
looked at his brother, overwhelmed with anger. “What have you done
Ares?”
“She’s
fine bro.”
“Why
the charade with Sawarre. Sawarre.
Hold it. Sawarre spelled differently equals Ares war!” Hercules went
after his brother again. Ares freezes him where he stood.
“I’ve
had enough abuse from you people. They’re on an errand. I just threw in the war
part. You bought it, didn’t you? Every tiny little bit. However, the blood is
real. Xena did battle some brigands just outside the temple. Argo really is her
horse.” Ares threw his head back and guffawed. “I’m getting something out of
this all right. An heir apparent.”
“Xena
would never give you a child. Why can’t you leave them alone and get on with
your pitiful existence,” Cyrene said through clenched teeth.
Ares
feigned hurt feelings. “I can see where Xena gets her boiling blood my dear.”
Ares raised Cyrene’s hand and kisses it. If only I had found you when you were
her age. You have the warrior spirit. Oh well, that’s another tale. No, Xena
wouldn’t give me a kid.” Ares laughed. Everyone looked unsmiling. “You people
are so pathetic. You’ll get them back.” Ares sighed. “When I’m done with them.
But you’ll have to wait a bit. It took time to make one what others want and
expects one to be. They’re almost ready. Besides, acceptance is the key to life,
isn’t it?” He sparkled away.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
They’re
alive Hercules!” Cyrene said happily.
“Cyrene,
I think you… we should be patient. Ares likes playing sick games.”
Cyrene
stood thoughtful and then she smiled. “I believe him.”
“Me
too.” Lila echoed Cyrene. She looked at Hercules and smiles uneasily. “I
do.”
“I
wish I could believe. Maybe they are alive. Maybe this time he isn’t
lying.”
“Hercules!”
Glaphera yelled. “You might want to see this.”
Hercules
ran to see the wall, where a swirling ethereal mass of blues, reds, greens and
yellows appeared. Cyrene and the others joined them. The mass enlarged and
suddenly spit out Xena and Gabrielle. They were unconscious and hit the ground
slowly and easily.
“Xena!”
Cyrene ran to her side. “Gabrielle!” Hecuba and Lila ran to her, Herodotus
followed close behind. In the entrance of the temple Joxer wept. Instead of
going to Gabrielle, he turned and headed to Amphipolis.
Hercules
checked their pulses and for injuries. To his relief they seemed fine. Hercules
helped the families load the precious cargo and gently drove the wagon to
Amphipolis.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The
healer examined the women and found nothing wrong, except they were still
unconscious. The healer sent them all from the room except Cyrene and Hecuba.
The others made their way back to the tavern. Hercules went to the room Cyrene
had prepared earlier. He lay back on the bed and awakened a while later to join
the others in the bar.
“Xena
and Gabrielle haven’t stirred,” Iolaus said as he sat down.
“There
is something wrong, Iolaus. I don’t know what it is. I just know in my gut that
Ares is up to something. He doesn’t just give up like that.” Hercules shook his
head.
Iolaus
was concerned for his friend. “Did you get hurt or anything when you fought with
Ares?”
“No.”
Hercules snapped. “There’s something else up, Iolaus. Trust me.”
“Okay,
maybe you’re still tired. You haven’t slept much.”
Hercules
studied Iolaus’ face and smiled. “I’m sorry. I just hate it when my
family interferes with innocent lives.”
“I
can understand that. Hey, are you hungry. I can get you some stew,” Iolaus said
watching Hercules eyes. He didn’t like what he saw.
“No.
You go ahead.” Hercules walked out of the tavern and called out for his brother.
“Ares!”
“What?”
Ares answered without appearing.
“What’s
wrong with them?”
“Nothing.
There is nothing wrong with them. They’re very tired. They’re resting.” Ares
laughs.
Hercules
looked around for Ares and said, “I know you’re up to something.”
“Yadda
yadda yadda.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
“They
haven’t moved.” Cyrene said to Hercules.
He
stooped beside Xena and looked her over. He did the same with Gabrielle. He
looked at Cyrene and shook his head. “I don’t know. I think Ares must have done
something to them. I just don’t know what.”
“The
healer said the longer they sleep the more we lose them. If they don’t wake up
soon. I….I’m frightened.” Hercules put his hand on Cyrene’s shoulder and
squeezed. She brought weary eyes to his and smiled weakly.
The
days ran into each other. Hercules was in the tavern and he began to pace. He
waved his strong arms in one direction and then suddenly the other. Iolaus
sipped a cold cider and watched him. Hercules was talking to the air, his face
animated. Iolaus heard Hercules stomach growling. “Herc, have you eaten
today?”
Hercules
looked at Iolaus. His eyes are red and angry. “Dammit Iolaus, Ares doesn’t just
give up, not with Xena. I know it. He has to be stopped.” He left the tavern.
Cyrene
and Hecuba sat with their daughter’s holding their hands and washing their
faces. Each seems to have developed a fever. They become frightened by loud
voices. Hercules yanked the door open and stepped inside. Cyrene and Hecuba
stood in front of their children.
“Hercules!
What are you doing?” Cyrene screamed. He ignored them.
“You
and Hecuba need to leave.” He said. Iolaus rushed in behind him. Cyrene looked
at him, begging him to do something.
“What’re
you doing Hercules?” Iolaus asked. Hercules either didn’t, or chose not to hear
him.
Cyrene
and Hecuba grasped hands and stood up to Hercules. He looked back and forth at
them. His hair is soaked and he’s breathing heavily, almost like he’s panting.
Iolaus went around the big guy to look at Xena and Gabrielle’s still sleeping
bodies. Hercules moved closer to the women. Herodotus came up behind Hercules
and motioned for Iolaus to join him.
Cyrene
and Hecuba’s hearts began to race. They were scared, thinking of what Hercules
intended to do to their daughters.
He
smiled an eerily smile and licked his dry lips. “Ladies, I am sorry. I must do
this. It’ll be easier for you if you leave.”
Herodotus
grabbed Hercules right arm and Iolaus grabbed his left. Hercules drew himself
powerfully back. Flexing his thick shoulders he threw Iolaus and Herodotus off
like children. He went for Xena and Gabrielle. He pulled out a dagger and stood
over his friends. He shot a look at the people in the room and dared them to
come closer.
“Hercules
please! You’re exhausted! You need to rest! Please buddy, don’t do this!” Iolaus
inched closer.
Hercules
looked down and then he drew his massive arm above Xena’s chest. “Forgive me if
I’m wrong!” He plunged the dagger into her chest to the hilt. A second later he
did the same to Gabrielle. Their mothers’ screams etched into his psyche. He
dropped the dagger and walked out of the building.
Hercules
walked to the jail, he went inside and turned himself in. The jailer was
confused. Iolaus walked in behind Hercules and watched his friend slump onto a
cot. Hercules was asleep almost as fast as he sat down.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A
noise awakened the son of Zeus. Iolaus stood watching Hercules, leaning against
the cell door. He’d been there the whole time.
“Why
Herc?” Iolaus choked out his words.
“You
wouldn’t understand.”
“WELL
WHY DON”T YOU TRY ME!” Iolaus screamed. “I’m supposed to be someone you can
trust. You KILLED Xena and Gabrielle! Gods Hercules!”
“Right,”
Hercules said so quietly Iolaus barely heard him.
“What?”
“It’s
Ares, Iolaus. He said acceptance is the key to life. Their life. If we accepted
those two bodies we would never get Xena and Gabrielle back.” Hercules explained
sounding crazy.
Iolaus
watched him and he had a hard time believing his friend. “You’ll need more than
that Herc. The people in this town want to hang you. I don’t know how long I can
hold them off.”
“Then
don’t.”
“Right.
Here, kill my friend,” Iolaus laughed bitterly.
“I
don’t want you to fight for me this time.”
“Sure,
that’s easy enough! What’s with you! I cannot let you be hanged like a common
murderer! I will not!” Iolaus face was fiery red and his head began to
throb.
“Iolaus
I don’t know how, but I know the bodies in the healer’s yurt are not our
friends. They’re…. They’re pacifiers. Ares gave them to us so we would leave him
alone.” Iolaus started to understand. “If I didn’t stop them then Xena and
Gabrielle are as good as dead. I think Ares has them. I think he’d keep them as
long as those things were alive.”
Laughter.
Ares’ laughter. He clapped his hands.
Outside
the jail, a man incited the citizens of Amphipolis. “Hercules murdered two
helpless women. Ares brought them back to us and Hercules was so jealous he
murdered them. He killed them while their mothers begged him for their lives. We
must not let this man live to kill again. We must stop him before Zeus
intervenes. We must kill him NOW!” The crowd went wild. People brought axes and
pitchforks. They were hungry for Hercules’ blood.
Iolaus
heard them coming. He went to the door as the jailor ran out of the building and
joined the mob. Iolaus barely got the door shut. He clamped the window shutters
closed. With such an angry mob, Iolaus knew it would do him no good to talk for
Hercules. He was frantic; Hercules seemed unfazed.
A
noise from the rear of the jail drew Iolaus. Joxer stood in the doorway, sword
drawn and ready. Iolaus looked wildly at him and then at Hercules. Iolaus
stepped up to Joxer and started to say something. Before he could speak Joxer
said, “I have horses ready. If we leave now we might make it.”
Iolaus
grinned halfheartedly and looked to Hercules. He didn’t move. Iolaus ran his
hand through his hair and anger streaked across his brow. He ran into the cell
and pulled Hercules to his feet. They made it through the back door. A firebomb
landed on the window ledge and the fire spread quickly. People swarmed around
the building. Hercules, Iolaus and Joxer finished mounting the horses as a band
of drunken justice seekers rounded the corner. They took off.
“Hey!
Hercules is escaping!” One of them yelled.
“Iolaus
and Joxer are helping him!”
The
crowd rushed to the rear of the building. The instigator smiled an evilly, “I
knew he was guilty. The coward! We’ll get him! Bet on it.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The
horses were lathered and panting. Iolaus and Hercules followed Joxer to a cave
that neither had seen before. They dismounted and Joxer gathered the reins and
led the horses to a nearby water hole. He quickly removed the tack and slapped
each horse on the rump. They ran off down the streambed. He hid the gear in a
natural hole and covered it with thick reeds.
Iolaus
and Hercules went inside the cave. There wasn’t any place for them to hide.
Iolaus looked angrily at Hercules and then left the cave in a
huff.
“What
in Tartarus are you trying to do! You idiot! You let the horses go and there
isn’t even any shelter inside,” Iolaus yelled at Joxer.
Joxer
wearily shook his head and walked past Iolaus. Iolaus grabbed his arm and
whirled him around. He drew back to hit him and Hercules caught his arm. Iolaus
looked wild-eyed at Hercules and then stomped away. Joxer followed
Iolaus.
“If
you’ll give me a minute I’ll show you how to get inside the cave,” Joxer talked
to the back of Iolaus’ head.
“I’ve
been there! There is nothing in there!” Iolaus said not turning.
“There
is plenty of shelter. Follow me,” Joxer said as he passed Iolaus.
“I
followed you once….” Iolaus spat out. Hercules placed his hand on Iolaus’s
shoulder and pushed him in Joxer’s direction. Iolaus yanked out of Hercules
grasp and followed Joxer.
Inside
the cave Joxer went to the wall and ran his hands along side an outcropping of
jutting rocks. He found one in particular and pulled it slightly up. When fully
extended, a large rock moved to reveal an opening in the otherwise small cave.
Joxer waved Hercules and Iolaus through the hole. He followed and once on the
other side he pushed a stone and the opening sealed. When it completely closed
Joxer clapped some flint and ignited a torch. He picked it up and headed into a
small passageway that opened into a large room. The three men entered the room
and Joxer lit another torch. He climbed upon a rock and pushed another rock
revealing sunlight. He climbed down went to a table and opened a bag that was
already there. It held bread, dried meat, a waterskin and two wineskins. He
opened one of the wineskins and took a long drink. He looked at Iolaus and
nodded his head.
Iolaus
dropped his head and then looked sheepishly at Joxer. “I… am… ah. Joxer I’m
sorry. I shouldn’t have said what I said. I….”Iolaus stops.
“Forget it,” Joxer said taking another drink. He
offered it to Hercules, who refused. Joxer then offered it to Iolaus, who also
refused. “Xena showed me this hideaway. I’ve had to use it on a few occasions.”
Joxer sat heavily in one of the chairs beside the table. He pulled off his
helmet and rubbed his head. He kept his head down, sobbing quietly. Hercules
went to him and, without looking, Joxer held his hand out to stop him. Joxer put
his helmet back on and looked hard at Hercules.
With red, tear-filled eyes Joxer said, “I loved them.
I don’t know why you killed them. I just know that Xena and Gabrielle wouldn’t
want you to be murdered. I think you should have a fair trial. It’s what
Gabrielle would’ve wanted,” Joxer cried as he talked. “I… don’t know…she is… was
my…. Who am I kidding? Gabrielle loved me, I know. But, not like…the way…
I…love…her.” Joxer stood, clenched his fists, and got in Hercules face. “Why!
Why’d you kill them!” Joxer hit him in the mouth. Hercules did not
move.
Iolaus
tried to step between Hercules and Joxer but Hercules waved him off, and wiping
at the blood he tasted. He started to talk to Joxer. “Joxer, I understand your
grief.” Joxer hit him again.
“No!
I don’t think you do!” Joxer said, his voice shrill. He went to strike again but
Hercules blocked his fist. He grabbed Joxer’s shoulders and held him.
“I
do know how you feel! I lost my wife and children! I know how it hurts so bad
you just want to die. But you can’t, you have to go on. Anger will eat you up
and spit you out like bitter fruit! I know what I did hurt you! I know that!
But, I did what had to be done. Xena and Gabrielle will know that. It is hard
describing a gut feeling, but those two bodies were NOT our friends. Ares
is playing a sick game,” Hercules put his hand on Joxer’s shoulder. Joxer bit
his lip and he slowly began to unclench his hands. He dropped his head and
pulled away from Hercules. Joxer went to the chair, and sat down, He took
another long drink from the wineskin. Hercules walked to the sunlight and looked
up into the ray of light.
Iolaus
stood, feeling numb, thinking, “What a mess. What a gods awful
mess.”
Hercules
pulled two chairs around him. He motioned for Iolaus and Joxer to join him. “I’m
going back to Amphipolis. In the morning. I’m going to let the people there
judge me. I think the right choice will be made.”
“Herc,
do you think that is the right thing?”
“Yes,
I do,” Hercules began to tell them about what he has in mind.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The
night passed quietly. Lila and Hecuba got dressed. They both wore the dresses that they wore during the first
eulogy. This time though, they wore black veils. The funeral was being held in
the tavern. Lila sat on the bed in the room Cyrene had prepared for them. She
was very tired and her skin very pale. She was not talking and tears streamed
following the same path as the thousands she had already cried. She was shaking
and holding a lamb; Xena had given it Gabrielle and Lila held it to her heart.
Herodotus knocked on the door and told the occupants he was ready to go. Hecuba
put her arm around Lila as they left the room.
Cyrene
sighed wearily, she was thinking: “Well, I said seeing her body would make me
accept her death. How I wish I’d never voiced that thought.” Her throat
constricted and she had trouble speaking. The tavern was full of mourners again.
Only this time it was for real.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Iolaus,
Joxer and Hercules walked into Amphipolis, they were spotted immediately.
Someone raised the alarm and people ran outside. Ephiny, Autolycus, Darnelle,
and Herodotus rushed to the scene.
Hercules
climbed on the back of a wagon, determined. “If you want to kill me, here I am.
I’m not running. This is Ares’ doing. You’re playing right into his hands. I
killed two bodies, but they were NOT Xena and Gabrielle. Think about it! Ares
loves causing pain and hardship. You all know he’s taunted and tortured Xena for
seasons. Wherever Xena and Gabrielle are, you can bet that Ares is responsible.
If you think I’m a cold-blooded murderer then kill me but let Joxer and Iolaus
go, they’ve done nothing but protect me. Let them go and you can kill me, I
won’t fight you.”
The
mob rushed forward and grabbed the three men.
“Burn
‘em with Xena and Gabrielle. Tie ‘em to the pyre.” Someone
yelled.
The people pushed the three men in front
of the pyres that held the bodies of Xena and Gabrielle. Iolaus and Joxer were
separated from Hercules. All three were tied and Hercules is led to the pyre and
lashed to a wooden stake. Joxer and Iolaus do not fight. They let the mob have
its way and no one said a word. Cyrene and Hecuba ran to the crowd and fought
their way through. They saw the madness and tried to free Hercules. Both were
pulled back and Darnelle stood next to Hercules holding a torch. Hercules made
no move to free himself.
“So,
you’re just going to burn. No fighting back?” Darnelle asked
Hercules.
“Yes,”
Hercules said. He looked at the crowd, and the mob started shuffling around,
uncertain. It seemed to be losing its need for his blood.
Darnelle
looked uncertainly at Hercules. He scanned the faces of the people and he saw
compassion. On the faces of Xena and Gabrielle’s mothers he saw forgiveness. He
hesitated and then threw the torch on the ground. He looked back at Hercules and
walked away in disgust. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking,” Darnelle
said and kept walking.
There
was a slight mumble in the crowd. The crowd watched Hercules accept his fate,
and it shook them up. A man came forward and picked up the torch. He began to
speak: “Hercules murdered in cold blood two innocent and helpless women.
You aren’t just going to let him walk? He’s a killer. Will you be able to stop
him from killing you in your sleep?” The man pointed to Cyrene and then to
Hecuba. “He killed your children! I say he dies!”
The
crowd was silent. Someone yelled out that Hercules should have a trial. The man
wrinkled his nose and turned to Hercules. “Well now, I agree. I’m the judge,
jury and your executioner!” As he drew the torch back to throw, a whoosh
sounded. The flaming end of the torch fell to the ground.
“SheeeeYa!”
All
heads turned to see Xena and Gabrielle run toward them. Xena grabbed her chakram
as it came back. Xena stopped and yanked the man backward. He turned to face
her, she said, “Ares.”
The
man’s shape changed into the God of War. Ares’ just laughed. “I wondered when
you’d get back.”
“Just
in time, it seems,” Xena said as she watched Gabrielle free Hercules.
“Well.
I’m done here,” Ares said as he flashed away.
The
crowd went wild and gathered around Xena and Gabrielle. Cyrene and Hecuba found
their daughters and both sobbed as they held them to their breast. Xena hadn’t
realized the strength that her mother possessed until Cyrene nearly crushed her
ribs. Looking over her shoulder Xena saw Gabrielle getting the same treatment.
The two of them locked eyes and pleaded for the other to save her. It wasn’t
going to happen because there was a long line of people who wanted to get a hold
on Xena or Gabrielle. The crowd couldn’t wait to tell them how much they were
loved.
Xena
looked again for Gabrielle and saw her crushed frame in the arms of Joxer Xena
grinned in spite of herself. Gabrielle saw Xena peering at her and cast a
frantic look that went something like: “GET OVER HERE AND FREE ME! NOW! Xena
realized her auntie Celeste, who loved to pinch and kiss Xena’s rosy little
cheeks, was coming her way and mirrored the same frantic look to Gabrielle.
They
finally made it into the tavern. Joxer wobbled onto one of the table tops and
shouted in his deepest warrior voice to the revelers: “Frien’s and family, the
godsh heard our pleeze. Sheena and Gabbyrelle are home and safe! Sheena, I
cannot say how mush I mished you. How mush we mished you!” Joxer waved his hands
at the people in the tavern and they gave a rousing round of applause and
laughter. Gabbyrelle, what can I say? We mished you too!” Another round rose
from the people. “Before I shush up…” he was pelted with napkins and all kinds
of grapes. “Okay! Anyway, I would like to ash for a requesh from ya both.” Xena
looked at Gabrielle and they both nod. “Willya quit it with the dyin’ on us!
You’re killin’ us! Dyin’ alla time, quit
it!” Xena and Gabrielle both nodded animatedly and said in unison: “We
promise!” The room went wild again. “An one more thing….” Joxer stood straight
up, hesitated to left and right and fell backwards into the arms of Hercules and
Iolaus.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Later,
after the crowd had retired for the night, and Joxer put to bed, the friends sat
and discussed the events that had occurred.
“I knew when Ares told me that it took
time to be what others expected, those bodies weren’t yours,” Hercules said to
Xena and Gabrielle. Joxer, Iolaus, Ephiny, Autolycus and Darnelle sat at a table
in the tavern. They were the only ones up.
“Hercules,
you talk like its been weeks. Gabrielle and I were only fighting Mavigan for two
days,” Xena said. Gabrielle nodded with agreement.
“Xena,
you guys have been gone for weeks. You had two funerals, and a wonderful
eulogy,” Ephiny said and smiled.
“Wow,”
Gabrielle said.
“Ares
said acceptance was the key to life. I don’t believe he knew how much he helped
me decide on what I needed to do.” Hercules smiled sadly.
“You
were going to let them burn you to death?” Gabrielle asked with a frightened
look.
“Yes.
You see Gabrielle, most of the time, it’s faceless mobs that murder innocent
people. But this time it was different because I knew everyone in Amphipolis,
and I know their hearts. They are honest and rational people. As long as I
fought them, I gave them fuel to keep the bloodlust burning. But, when I gave
up, the cycle of hatred was broken,” Hercules looked at Iolaus and smiled with
tired eyes.
“I
thought he was crazy,” Iolaus laughed. “Still do.”
Hercules
took a drink of wine. “The bodies of Xena and Gabrielle were readily accepted
too. They had to be destroyed. Ares riddle was simple and stupid. He told me how
to free you two, and he didn’t know it.”
Xena
scratched her head. “Those bodies would have eventually died and by then Ares
could have held us forever. We searched, but there was no way out. He showed us,
through the portal, bits of what was happening. Ares said as long as we weren’t
missed, we were his prisoners. He held us tight, but then you figured it out. We
saw you kill the beings Ares created. When you destroyed them, we were able to
return. Thanks Hercules, you freed us from your idiot brother.” Xena patted
Hercules hand. She looked at the rest of the people sitting with her. “It took
us a few days to make it back here. But, we made it, like I said, just in
time.”
“Thank
the gods, its over. Um, never mind what I just said. What I meant to say was,
thanks to Hercules, it’s over,” Gabrielle laughed.
“Xena?”
Ephiny asked.
“Yes.”
“Where
do you think Mavigan is now?” Ephiny shot a look to Gabrielle and
grinned.
“Hanging
out somewhere,” Xena deadpanned. “Maybe with Ares. They made a good match
y’know. Ares and his error.”
Gabrielle
groaned and the people at the table laughed. Xena smirked, waved her arm and
bowed. It was good to be home.
The end