@Xenite Country
Dark Revelations
By Skkye Blue
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Shipper Fan Fiction @Xenite Country Dark Revelations |
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Webmaster Note: To make this story load a little easier in your browser, it has been split into several web pages. You will find the link for the part of the story below at the end of each page. Dark Revelations (Chapters 59 thru 61) CHAPTER 59 PLOP...PLOP...PLOP PLOP...PLOP...PLOP For a brief moment, dripping water hitting the stone floor was all that was heard in the dank, dark interrogation room. The incessant sound made Autolycus wish his captors would use the Chin water torture for his method of interrogation instead of the horrors he had heard about during his brief stay in the village of Shu. Auto preferred madness any day to excruciating pain. A shadow moved in and out of the light of the only torch in the room---crawling across Autolycus’ face like the Medusa. "Look at me when I’m talking to you, foreigner!" Juang Thao shouted. He viciously backhanded the bound man. The blow knocked Autolycus’ face from side to side. Blood began to trickle from a corner of his mouth. He turned his gaze upward and looked into the face of Wong Tai’s lieutenant. Juang Thao’s dark eyes bore into his prisoner’s face. "Why were you in Master Wong’s room?" A cough escaped Autolycus’ lips when he began to speak. "I already told you. I was there to take his good luck charm." "And what about the missing ring?" "Oh that...that was just an extra." Juang Thao narrowed his gaze, suspicion darkening his features. "Do you really expect me to believe that? You would have to be completely stupid to risk your life for a worthless piece of metal and a cheap ring...no, you are a spy for the warlord Han Gu!" "No I’m not." Autolycus started to panic when a rugged man stepped out of the shadows in a dark corner of the room and began to approach him. From his black attire and the stony expression on his face---he looked like a tormentor and Autolycus feared the worst. "Okay, what I said does sound stupid, but honest...it’s the truth," he quickly reiterated when he felt the man grab hold of one of his hands bound behind the chair on which he sat. A muffled snap was heard. "AAAHHH!!!" Autolycus howled when he felt the pain from his broken finger. "Now, who do you work for?" Juang Thao asked. "NO ONE!!!" Autolycus screamed. "You LIE!!!" Juang Thao shouted. The King of Thieves tried to ball his hands into the tightest fists possible but his tormentor still managed to pry a hand open and latch onto a finger. "UGGHHHH!!!" Auto yelled as another finger was broken. Juang Thao moved closer to the bound man. Taking hold of his chin, he wrenched his face so that he now looked at him. "If you tell me who sent you, I will make sure your death is quick." "N-no one s-sent m-me." Auto gasped. Ignoring the excruciating pain, he continued. "Your boss’ good luck charm may look worthless but it’s part of a sword that can kiaaaAHHHHH…" The King of Thieves was howling in agony again as the large man behind him broke the rest of the fingers on his injured hand. With disgust in his eyes, Juang Thao released his hold on the man’s chin. "That’s enough Tu Dong-po. I am tired of hearing him screech like a woman." Tu Dong-po was now holding onto Autolycus’ good hand. His thick stubby fingers were latched onto the man’s index finger, ready to snap it. But with a disappointed frown he released the finger from his grasp. "Take him back to his cell," Juang Thao ordered. Tu Dong-po removed the binds from the prisoner and brought the man to his feet. One of his limp arms was draped over the broad shoulders of his tormentor. Before the pair departed, Juang Thao addressed the King of Thieves one last time. "You should have told me the truth. Now you will die the most horrible death possible." He disgustedly shook his head as he stepped aside and let the two pass. Having never experienced such torture before, Autolycus was in a semi-conscious state. His boots dragged along the floor as Tu Dong-po transferred him to his cell. When the two stood outside the cell, Tu Dong-po unlocked the door and pushed it open. The old metal whined loudly. Autolycus was unceremoniously dropped on the dirty straw covering the floor where he immediately slipped into unconsciousness. It was some hours later when Autolycus regained consciousness. "Ohhh," he groaned when he lifted his body into a sitting position. With his good hand, he brushed the strands of straw out of his hair, as the cobwebs lifted from his mind. "And I thought it was just a nightmare." Autolycus removed the shirt he wore, tore off a sleeve and wrapped it around the broken fingers of his injured hand. "This better not ruin my talent for safecracking." He gazed up at the lone window high above his head. Streaks of sunrays poured through it, providing the only means of light in the small cell. Not like there was anything for Auto to look at, except for gray stone walls, dirty straw and two tin bowls containing food and water, set by the cell door. Being careful of his broken fingers, he crawled over to the two tin bowls. He ravenously shoved the meager rations into his mouth. The water in the other bowl was warm but he downed it anyway. When the bowl was empty, Autolycus held it up to his face, staring at the dull reflection he could see of him on its side. "Auto ol’ boy, you look terrible." He ran a finger over his moustache that was becoming undistinguishable in all the new facial hair growth. His face had several bruises but the ones most noticeable were the ugly red bruise at a corner of his mouth, where Juang Thao had backhanded him. The other was his left black eye. Auto let his thoughts drift to the person responsible for it, the mysterious woman who had attacked him in the courtyard of Wong Tai’s fortress. Boy would he like to pulverize her! He would be safely with his friends right now, celebrating a successful theft if not for this woman’s interference. Thoughts of his friends made Autolycus think of escape. He hadn’t heard anything about them being captured so they must have gotten away. Hopefully, as he sat in the dank cell, they were concocting a plan to rescue him. Autolycus tossed aside the tin bowl as he let his gaze wander over his appearance. Not only were his fingers broken and his face bruised but also his clothes were torn and dirty. The King of Thieves always took pride in his pristine appearance so it pained him deeply to be in such a scraggily condition. "This is what I get for coming to the aid of a friend." He grumbled under his breath. ‘If only I hadn’t responded to Xena’s letter. I could have gotten some gold from Brasidas’ mine on Thasos and be living the life of King Midas at a Roman resort instead of broken, beaten and about to face the most agonizing death I would have never imagined.’ Autolycus shook his head to clear the grim thoughts from his mind. ‘I gotta stop feeling sorry for myself. If this is the way my life will end, at least it will be for a noble cause and not just petty thievery. Maybe Gabrielle will even write a poem about how I, the King of Thieves, gave my life battling the evil Dahak.’ This thought brought a smile to Autolycus’ face. A contented sigh escaped his lips as he picked up a clean strand of straw and began to chew on it. He lay back, putting an arm under his head as he gazed up at the sunrays pouring through the lone window. ‘If this is my end, I can face it.’ ********** As nightfall quickly descended across the Daba Mountain Valley, several expensive-looking carriages made their way down a dirt road, leading to Chen Yee’s estate. Meleager stood at a window on the second floor of Chen Yee’s home. He brought a tin flask up to his lips and took a huge swig as he watched the carriages stop at the front of the house and their wealthy occupants make their way through the dragon-decorated doorway. After barely escaping from Wong Tai’s fortress, Meleager, Salmoneus and Zhen Yu decided it would be safer to stay at Chen Yee’s ranch instead of returning to the inn where they had rooms. The gray-haired warrior was still gazing out the window when he heard footsteps ascending the staircase in haste. A moment later, Salmoneus rushed into the room. "Oh, that was awful…just awful!" Salmoneus quickly babbled while his hands nervously fiddled with the front of his tunic. "The worst things I have ever seen!" His chubby body shivered. Meleager left the window and headed towards his highly agitated friend. Concern was written on his face. "Hey Sal, what’s wrong?" Salmoneus stared at the open flask the man held in a hand. "I could really use some of that about now." "Sure." Meleager handed him the flask. Salmoneus put it to his lips and downed a hefty portion of its contents. His eyes widened, his body slightly trembled and his lips twisted in a distasteful smirk as he swallowed the foul tasting fermented liquid. Meleager couldn’t help but chuckle at his friend’s reaction. "You’re not much of a drinker are you?" "No, I’m not. I usually just stick to mead." Salmoneus handed the flask back to Meleager. "What is that stuff anyway?" "Oh, it’s some Chin concoction Chen Yee’s cook brewed up for me." Meleager capped the flask and tucked it inside his shirt. "Now, tell me what’s bothering you?" "I saw some really disgusting drawings in a book in Chen Yee’s library." Salmoneus made a scary face as he thought about what he had seen. "What kind of drawings?" "They were different methods of torture...and really gruesome." Salmoneus’ body trembled with the last word. "It made me think about Auto and what they are probably doing to him. Then, I thought about us and what will happen if we get caught trying to rescue him." "Would you stop worrying." Meleager placed a hand on the man’s shoulder in a reassuring gesture. "Chen Yee is a smart man --- and very persuasive. A little help from the other landowners and we’ll save Auto." "And ourselves?" "That goes without saying," Meleager replied. At that moment, Zhen Yu poked his head in the doorway. "Hey you guys, the meeting is about to start. I saved us some seats in the back." Meleager and Salmoneus quickly left the room and followed Zhen Yu down the stairs. The meeting was just getting started when the three took their seats in the back of the room. "Since taking his place on the throne of Chin, Ming Tao has been battling warlords that were loyal to his cousin, Ming Tien." Chen Yee held up a sheet of parchment for all to see. "This message arrived today by carrier pigeon from General Yan Tak-Wing." Murmurs of excitement were heard throughout the assembled group as Chen Yee prepared to read the message. "The warlords Woo Chan and Lam Peng-Ho surrendered two days ago. Chu and Qin provinces are now under Emperor Ming Tao’s control." Claps and cheers of joy were heard throughout the room. When it quieted down again, one of the landowners raised a hand. "Yes?" Chen Yee asked. "This is great for the people of Chu and Qin provinces but what about our lands?" "Yeah. Months ago we sent the Imperial army food, clothing, and some of our men for the fighting," another added. "We packed up our families and sent them to safety because we thought they would be in danger," another chimed in. "We helped everyone else so when will the Imperial army be here to help us battle Wong Tai?" still another asked. The others loudly murmured the sentiments of their fellow landowners. Chen Yee raised his hands to bring everyone to silence. "I understand how you all feel. I too sent many possessions and men from my own house to help other provinces fight their ruling warlords. Those tyrants were defeated and now I want to do away with the warlord terrorizing our lands. That’s why you should all be pleased to know that General Yan Tak-Wing’s army will be here in seven days." Excited chatter was heard about the room following this announcement. Once again, Chen Yee raised his hands to silence the crowd. "We have been preparing for this battle for months. Now we must designate people for certain tasks." Designating tasks went on for quite a while and at times got very noisy and chaotic. The meeting was nearing its end when Meleager raised a hand. "Yes?" Chen Yee asked. "What about Autolycus? When will he be rescued?" "From sources within Wong Tai’s fortress, we have been able to learn that Autolycus’ execution is scheduled for the day that Emperor Ming Tao’s army will reach the Daba Valley. Salmoneus gasped with horror for their captured friend. "Most of Wong Tai’s men have already left the fortress headed for the entranceway to our valley," Chen Yee continued. "This leaves only a small band of men at the fortress to carry out the execution. I and some of the other landowners have already chosen people from our households to take part in the rescue." "I would like to be a part of that team," Meleager said. "Me too," Sal said. "I as well," Zhen Yu said. "Of course, all three of you are welcome. My son Chen Yew is heading the team. You can speak to him about the rescue plans." Chen Yee’s gaze wandered over the assembled group. "If there are no more questions, this meeting is adjourned." The room erupted into chatter as the landowners prepared to depart for their homes. Meleager, Salmoneus and Zhen Yu met up with Chen Yew to discuss the rescue of Autolycus. As people continued to exit the room, a petite young woman with a waist-length black pony-tail made her way through the departing group to stand before Chen Yee who still stood at the front of the room. When he saw her, his eyes widened in shock. "Chen Jie what are you doing here!? You are supposed to be in Jincheng with the others. The fighting will be starting very soon. It is not safe for you to be here." "I had to come back Father…and now I must be a part of the group that will rescue the foreigner named Autolycus." Her lips twisted with discomfort. Chen Yee’s eyes narrowed as he took hold of his daughter’s arms. "Chen Jie, what did you do!?" His gaze bore into her. Chen Jie remained silent and slightly bowed her head to avoid her father’s probing stare. He placed a hand on her chin and raised her face so she now looked at him. "Answer me." "I broke into Wong Tai’s fortress," she softly said. Chen Yee sharply inhaled. "Oh Chen Jie, why would you do such a thing!? You could have been killed!" "I know Father, but ever since you told me about Wong Tai’s father murdering my birth family, I have been waiting for the day when I could avenge their deaths. So, the night of Wong Tai’s birthday party, I broke into his fortress to kill him. I was hiding in the closet when I saw the foreigner Autolycus enter Wong Tai’s bedroom. I saw him remove the charm from his neck and then a ring from his finger. That’s when I lost it. That ring belonged to my birth father. That murdering warlord wore it like his own and now some thief was trying to walk away with it. I couldn’t let that happen. But before I could do anything, a dog attacked this Autolycus. The dog’s barking alerted the guards, so he opted to flee. I discarded my plan to kill Wong Tai and went after the foreigner so I could get my birth father’s ring. I caught up with him in the courtyard. I knocked him out and took my birth father’s ring and that charm Wong Tai wore around his neck." Chen Yee sadly shook his head. "This is all my fault. I should have never told you what Wong Tai’s father did to your family." "No Father, it is my fault and that’s why I must be a part of the rescue team to save Autolycus." Chen Yee vigorously shook his head in protest. "No. It is too dangerous. I won’t let you go back there." "But Father, I must. Autolycus was captured and now facing execution all because of me," she said. "At least this time I won’t be going alone. I will have the rescue team with Chen Yew heading it. So, can I go?" Chen Jie looked at her father pleadingly. Chen Yee wearily sighed. "Oh all right, you can go," he relented. "I’ll just make sure your brother keeps a close eye on you." Chen Jie now beamed with a smile. ********** Back and forth, Draco repeatedly swung the machete, cutting away the thick jungle foliage that loomed in their path. When he paused to wipe away the sweat that dripped into his eyes, he wished fervently that he could cleave the humid air as well. "I think it’s time for a break." "I second that," Darnelle wearily huffed from behind him. "Fine by me," Ahkmim chimed in, taking up the rear. The three stopped for a break by a flowing river. "I’m going to take a leak," Draco announced as he disappeared into some tall, thick bushes nearby. Darnelle dropped to his knees at the riverbank and began splashing the cool water on his hot, sweat-laden face. Suddenly, he paused mid-splash, gazed worriedly at the water then turned towards Ahkmim, The Egyptian had seated himself on a nearby rock. Ahkmim couldn’t help but chuckle over Darnelle’s cautiousness. "Don’t worry---there are no crocodiles around here." "That’s good to know," Darnelle sighed with relief. He resumed splashing the water on his face. Using his fingers, Darnelle combed back his wet hair. He stretched out on the thick grass at the river’s edge, leaning back on his hands, and stared out over the water. He was inhaling deeply when his nostril’s flared and his lips twisted with disgust. "Eww, what is that!?" He looked at Ahkmim whose face was also twisted with displeasure over the sudden foul odor wafting in on a breeze. "It’s getting worse." Darnelle put a hand over his nose as he rose to his feet. "Hey Draco, I thought you said you were only taking a leak?" "I did." Draco stepped out of the nearby foliage, a sickened look was on his face and a hand covered his nose. He looked at his friends who also had their noses covered while they gazed at him accusingly. "Hey, that smell didn’t come from me. It’s a Simbutu landmark. Come see for yourselves." Draco headed back into the foliage with Darnelle and Ahkmim following him. The ghastly smell got worse when they entered a small clearing just beyond the foliage. When they stood before a patch of trees, the color drained from the faces of the men and their eyes widened in horror. Hanging from a tree was a human body---stripped of all the flesh and nothing but bloody bones. Flies swarmed around the grizzly sight. "I’ve seen gore on the battlefield but never anything like this," Draco confessed, his voice sounding distorted while he continued to cover his nose. Ahkmim swatted away the flies buzzing around his face. "We must be very near to the Simbutus’ main village so we better have our guard up at all times." "Right." Darnelle removed the machete hanging at his waist and used it to swat away the flies and the offensive stench. "Ugh, I can’t take this smell anymore. Let’s go find Glaphyra." The former javelin thrower led the way, followed by Draco, with Ahkmim taking up the rear. ********** Night was descending upon the jungle when the trio heard the faint rhythmic beating of drums. "It can’t be much further," Darnelle huffed while pushing aside foliage with his hands. He had stopped using the machete to clear their path for fear the Simbutus would be alerted to their presence. Draco walked behind him. Every now and then, he glanced up and around them, checking the tree limbs for any sign of the Simbutus. The beating drums had gotten distinctly louder, indicating they were at the very heart of Simbutu land. Ahkmim was also scanning their surroundings for signs of danger. His eyes looked to the path before them. Something at ankle length glistened in the moonlight that penetrated the thick trees. The Egyptian’s eyes widened when he realized what it was. He quickly shoved Draco out of his path, knocking the former warlord to the ground. Then he made a leap towards Darnelle, knocking the man to the jungle floor, just as one of his boots brushed against the silk-like twine stretched across the path before them. All three men lay on the jungle floor as a large object covered in deadly spear tips swiftly swung over the area where they all previously stood. "Gods, was that a close call," Draco breathed. "Because of my big feet, we almost got taken out by that giant meat tenderizer." Darnelle looked to the Egyptian lying next to him. "Thanks Ahkmim." "That’s what I’m here for," Ahkmim said with a smile. Darnelle’s machete had been knocked from his waist when he fell to the ground and now lay in front of some nearby foliage. As he reached for it, that’s when Darnelle saw a pair of sandals and the dark feet they contained, hiding in the foliage. "Uh oh, the welcoming party is here." Before Darnelle could grab the machete, with lightening quick speed the Simbutu warrior was upon him, and knocked him into unconsciousness with the butt of his tall spear. His friends had no time to react for two more Simbutu warriors also knocked them into unconsciousness. ********** Glaphyra felt like she was floating on a raft set adrift at sea. The last few days were a hazy blur. ‘C’mon, concentrate!’ She ordered her mind as she tried to take in her surroundings. Slowly the rhythmic beat of drums invaded her consciousness. ‘That’s it!’ She told herself as the rhythm of the drums became louder. Glaphyra felt something-moist touch her lips and work its way between them. She allowed it entry and let it rest on her tongue. The taste wasn’t familiar but it was good so she began to chew then swallowed it. ‘I’m almost there...just a little bit more.’ Her eyelids began to flutter before she was finally able to keep them open. Her vision was blurry but she could vaguely make out the form of a person leaning over her. As the haze continued to clear, Glaphyra realized she was lying on her back. Her eyes gazed upward at the blurry image of an old woman---her skin dark brown and wrinkled. A multi-colored scarf was wrapped around her head that matched the strapless wrap covering her body. Was she real or a hallucination? "Mogato, mogato." The old woman brought a hand containing some type of meat to Glaphyra’s mouth. Glaphyra had no idea what the woman just said to her. Still feeling hazy, she opened her mouth and let the old woman drop the meat in it. Glaphyra’s gaze fell to the necklace dangling down the woman’s chest. It was very similar to the one Darnelle had found in the jungle---the one that belonged to the Simbutu warrior who had attacked her. It was at that moment that the haze completely lifted from her mind and Glaphyra knew where she was and most importantly, WHAT was in her mouth---the flesh of a human! With horrified disgust, Glaphyra spat out the meat as she bolted upright. She pushed the old woman away from her, knocking the bowl containing more human flesh from her wrinkled hands. "Kinswali nutu! Kinswali nutu!" The old woman excitedly shouted as she rose to her feet. Glaphyra was now standing too. She didn’t know what the woman was saying and she really didn’t care. Knowing that she had swallowed human flesh made her nauseous and she began frantically looking for something to cleanse her mouth. "Kinswali nutu! Kinswali nutu!" The old woman shouted again as she approached Glaphyra, trying to restrain her. "Get away from me!" Glaphyra shoved the woman hard, knocking her to the ground. "Kinswali nutu! Kinswali nutu!" The woman said once more as she rose to her feet and quickly exited the hut. Now alone, Glaphyra spotted a large bowl of water setting on a mat in a corner of the hut. She immediately went over to it, dropping to her knees while bringing it to her mouth. But nausea overtook her, so she put down the bowl and bent over, emptying her stomach of its contents. Vomiting had left her quite shaken, so with a trembling cupped hand she took water from the bowl and brought it to her mouth. She swished it around a bit before spitting it out. Water was dribbling from her chin that she wiped away with the back of a hand. It was at that moment that she finally took notice of her own attire. "Oh gods!" She gasped when she realized she was topless. Glaphyra was wearing a multi-colored skirt that came to mid-thigh but no top. Her breasts were completely bare! Considering the way she was dressed, Glaphyra now feared she might have been raped. It was imperative that she recall what had happened the last few days. She tried to concentrate on those faint memories but the loud beating of the drums seemed to hamper her efforts. "Oh, would you stop beating those damn drums already!" She shouted. Glaphyra held her head in her hands as she paced back and forth trying to recount memories. She remembered being awakened in the night by a large hand clamped over her mouth then nothing until she awakened in that very hut only moments ago. She racked her brain trying to fill in the gaps but the memories remained blank. With a defeated sigh she gave up. Forcing herself to remember was not working. Hopefully with time, the memories would surface on their own. In the meantime, she would just pray to the gods that she had not been raped. She now set about looking for something to cover herself. As a former slave trader, Glaphyra was use to displaying her merchandise, all men, in their full naked glory for prospective buyers but not herself. Glaphyra frantically searched the hut looking for something to cover herself but found nothing. Another idea came to her when she spotted several necklaces dangling from a pole in the center of the hut. The necklaces were large and weighty but positioned strategically did a good job of hiding the fact that she was topless. Glaphyra was still fiddling with the necklaces when loud chatter in that strange tongue the old woman had spoken began mixing with the sound of the beating drums. "I wonder what is going on." Glaphyra walked over to an opening in the hut and peeked outside. It appeared the women were greeting the men of the village after returning from a successful hunt in the jungle. Knowing that her friends would come after her, Glaphyra now feared that they were the prizes of the hunt. She moved out into the crowd of women to get a better view. Her eyes widened in horror when she learned her fears had been correct. All three of her friends were being paraded through the village like captured game. They were carried in on bamboo poles, tied by their wrists and their ankles. Several ‘Y’ shaped poles were at the center of the village and this is where the bamboo poles carrying Darnelle, Draco, and Ahkmim were deposited. Glaphyra pushed her way through the crowd of villagers headed for the three bound men. "Darnelle!" She cried as she dropped to her knees before him. "Glaphyra!" A smile of relief graced his face when he saw her. From their bound positions, the other two men were able to see her too and breathed huge sighs of relief. "Are you okay?" Darnelle asked. "I’m fine. I’m more worried about you guys." She looked to the others before returning her gaze to Darnelle. She ran a hand through his hair. "I know it looks bad but we will get out of here," he assured with a confident smile. Considering their dire predicament, Glaphyra found it hard to share his confidence but she couldn’t help but smile at him. She moved closer to claim his lips with a kiss but was halted when the Simbutu warrior who had abducted her in the jungle pulled her away. "Let me go!" Glaphyra yelled as she fought to free herself from the big man’s strong grasp. "Puta kindalu, vishi swa!" The warrior said while proceeding to drag a squirming and yelling Glaphyra back to the hut. "FUDALO DAKATUBU!!!" Ahkmim shouted at the top of his voice. Suddenly, the drums ceased beating and the gathered crowd fell silent. The warrior restraining Glaphyra stopped dead in his tracks and started for where the bound Ahkmim was. "Yo Ahkmim, what did you say? ‘Cause you really got the attention of the whole village," Darnelle inquired. "Yeah," Draco added. "There’s no time to explain, I’ll tell you later," was all Ahkmim would say. A tall slender dark skin man wearing a feathered headdress and several large necklaces dangling down his chest stepped forward and approached Ahkmim also. He appeared to be the chief of the Simbutus. "Fudalo dakatubu?" "Fudalo dakatubu Simbutu fi puswali," Ahkmim replied. Excited chatter broke out among the villagers. The chief raised his arms and the villagers grew silent again. He pointed the spear he held at the warrior restraining Glaphyra. "Nagasili, fudalo dakatubu fi puswali?" "Fudalo dakatubu fi puswali," the warrior replied. The chief raised his arms in the air and shouted "FUDALO DAKATUBU, FUDALO DAKATUBU!!!" The crowded erupted into chatter as the drums began to beat again. Some warriors approached the three men, cut away their binds and led them to a bamboo cage. From their new position, the three men watched as the warrior dragged Glaphyra to a hut in which they disappeared. The drums were rather loud so Darnelle had to practically shout when he addressed Ahkmim. "Now, do you mind telling us what that was all about?" "I made the Dakatubu challenge to the warrior named Nagasili for Glaphyra’s hand," Ahkmim replied. "And what exactly does this Dakatubu challenge involve?" Draco asked. "Nagasili and I must travel to the sacred land of the elephant burial ground and retrieved the black tusk of the wooly mammoth." "That sounds pretty easy," Darnelle said. "Well, it’s not," Ahkmim replied. "We must travel through the thick jungle filled with many deadly creatures. It is very rare for anyone to make it out alive." "Gods, Ahkmim, why did you even make such a challenge?" Draco asked. "It’s the only way I could think of saving us from being food for the Simbutu people," the Egyptian replied. "And doing this challenge will put me near Kilamanjaro. The piece to the Holy Saber is located in its caves." "Are you sure?" Darnelle asked. "I’ve studied those maps you brought and it’s the only place it could be." Darnelle shook his head in protest. "I can’t let you do this Ahkmim. It should be me." "But you are unfamiliar with the mountain. I know it well and should be the one taking on the challenge," Ahkmim insisted. "I think he has a point, Darnelle," Draco added. "Glyphera is MY girlfriend so I should be the one fighting for her hand. The Simbutus already saw her about to kiss me," Darnelle said. Ahkmim couldn’t deny this point but still had a look of apprehension on his face. "I can remember anything, so if you map out for me, exactly what to expect in these caves, I will come out okay." Darnelle spoke with firm confidence. This did not go unnoticed by Ahkmim, with some reluctance he relented. "Okay, you will do the challenge." All three men dropped to their knees as Ahkmim picked up a stick and began drawing a detailed map of the caves of Kilamanjaro. ********** A Roman soldier listened to the waves violently crashing against the rocks far below the cliff on which he stood. His gaze wandered over the vast blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The large waves were beginning to look black as the sun began its descent from the sky, making way for night. The blood red cloak he wore whipped in the wind, so he pulled it tighter about him. He gazed upward and smiled with pride at the large flag he had just planted, whipping madly in the strong winds. Sounds of horse hooves rhythmically beating upon the ground could now be heard as they got closer. The soldier’s smile widened. His general had finally arrived to check out his new headquarters. He turned from the cliff and headed towards the road to greet him. A few lower ranking members of the legion were already standing outside a large castle when he got there. He took his place in front of them as his general’s calvary of horses came to stop in front of them. Those standing in front of the castle gave the Roman salute as their superior dismounted from his large white steed. He removed his helmet and gazed upward to get a better look at the large stone structure. A tight smile graced his lips as he turned to gaze at the soldier at the head of the group. "Well done lieutenant." "Thank you General Caesar." He bowed his head slightly before gazing at Caesar again. "With our taking of the city of Malaca, we now control all of the ports along the Spanish coast. Anyone who wants to continue to do trade, will have to come through us." "Excellent lieutenant, just excellent." The soldier smiled with pride. "Sir, if you will follow me, I will take you to the war room and the office you wanted." The lower ranking soldiers parted, allowing the lieutenant and Caesar to pass through the massive entranceway of the castle. Brutus was descending the grand stone stairway as the general made his way into the foyer of the large structure. "Ah Caesar, good to see you old friend. There is a matter of great importance I must discuss with you." Knowing his long time trusted confidant would never waste his time, Caesar wanted to hear what he had to say. He looked at the lieutenant. "You will have to show me those rooms later." The soldier nodded in understanding and left the two old friends to talk in private. "So Brutus, what is it we need to discuss?" Caesar asked when they were alone. "Before we get into that, we need to take a little trip." Brutus led Caesar back outside. Caesar’s horse was still there as was another. A small entourage of Roman soldiers on horseback waited with the horses. The two men mounted their horses that began to trot down the dirt road. The group of soldiers followed at a close distance. "Now tell me Brutus, what is so important that I had to be dragged back onto the road after just getting here?" "There is a mystic in Malaca you must meet." "You are taking me to see a mystic!" Caesar huffed. "You know I don’t put much stock in that stuff...they are all charlatans!" "Not this one, Caesar." Brutus insisted. "From what I found out from the townsfolk, he has been touting you conquering Spain for ages...long before your name was even known in Rome." "Interesting." Caesar raised an eyebrow with piqued interest. "The local ruler was about to execute him for his predictions when we conquered the land." Always confident of his own destiny to rule the world, it puffed Caesar up even more when there were others who could confirm it. "Take me to this mystic at once." Both men urged their horses to gallop even faster. ********** The Roman entourage stopped at a small cottage on the outskirts of the city of Malaca. The soldiers remained outside while Caesar and Brutus entered the small structure. It was one room. The only light was provided by a roaring fire in a forge-like structure at the center of the room. Dried herbs hung about the ceiling so Caesar and Brutus had to push them aside as they made their way towards the forge where a robed figure stood. When the two Romans stood on the other side of the forge, the figure lowered the hood of the cloak, revealing the face of a very old man. His light brown head was completely bald---his old skin weather beaten from life by the sea. His thin lips broke into a smile, missing some teeth, as his old gaze rested on the famed Roman. "Ah Caesar, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." "I’m sure it is," Caesar replied with arrogance. "I am Carlos," the old man said. "Your friend Brutus has probably told you how I prophesized your conquering of Spain long before you were even born." "Yes he did," Caesar replied. "He also told me that you knew of conquests yet to come." "Indeed I do," the old man replied with a smile. "Your empire will surpass that of Alexander the Great." "Go on," Caesar said with a tight smile. "Most of the known world will be under Roman rule...Greece, Gaul, Spain, Britannia, Eire, Egypt, Syria, Judea, Sheba..." the old man spouted off. "But talk of future conquests is not the reason I requested to see you. The lord I serve would like a word with you." "Oh really? Where is he?" Caesar began looking around the small cottage, as did Brutus. "He’s right here." Carlos threw a powdered substance into the forge, causing the flames to shoot towards the roof of the cottage. "Gods, are you mad man!?" Brutus shouted as he and Caesar jumped back from the blaze. The old man laughed at their reaction. "There is no danger...just watch." The flame reduced to its previous level, shimmering calmly. The two Romans intently watched the flame as it grew translucent. A form began to take shape in its midst---slowly becoming that of a man with silver streaked black hair, olive skin and blue eyes. A blood red robe covered his body. The eyes of the Romans widened in surprise when the figure in the flame addressed the general. "Hello Caesar...I am Dahak." "Ah yes, when I was in Britannia, the peasants made mention of you...I thought it all a myth," Caesar confessed. "As you can clearly see, I am not a myth." The evil god reached within the blood red robe he wore and pulled out a sword. "Do you recognize this?" The sword was very large---the craftsmanship of the blade impeccable---radiating with divinity. At the center of the hilt was a red ruby. A smile of recognition crossed Caesar lips, for he did indeed recognize the sword. "That is the Sword of Mars. How did you get it?" "I claimed it as a prize...after I killed him." Both Caesar and Brutus were stunned to hear that the powerful God of War was dead. But they didn’t doubt the dark god’s words. For how else could he have the war god’s sword in his possession? "That’s right, the god you knew as Mars is dead, so are the other gods," Dahak firmly said. "I am now King of Olympus. But there is still room for lesser gods." He stared directly into the eyes of Caesar. "The sword of Mars is yours along with his godhood." The two Romans looked at each other speechless before Caesar turned to gaze at the dark god’s image again. "But why would you grant such power to me?" "Many years ago, your actions allowed someone very close to me to awaken to their true destiny and this is just a token of my appreciation," Dahak replied with a smile. "The sword will be waiting for you in Rome." With those last words, Dahak’s form faded as the flame took on its solid fiery orange color again. The two Romans stood in silence, mulling over what the evil god had just bestowed upon Caesar. "I hope General Caesar is pleased with what my lord revealed to him tonight?" Carlos inquired breaking the silence. "I am more than pleased." Smiling, Caesar turned to his closest confidant. "Make sure the old man gets a new home and whatever else he wants." "Of course," Brutus replied. "Thank you Caesar." The old man bowed his head in gratitude. Caesar was beaming with confidence as he turned to exit the small cottage. Brutus followed behind his old friend. He did his best to hide the apprehension he felt regarding the evil god’s gift. He already had fear that his friend was letting power go to his head and it was bound to get worse when he accepted Mars’ vacated godhood. The two Romans mounted their waiting steeds and proceeded back towards their new Iberian headquarters. "This visit turned out to be more than what you or even I thought it would be...Dahak granting you godhood," Brutus said as he rode beside his friend. "Yes, it did." Caesar’s mind was already formulating what he would do with the power of a god. "It will certainly be a surprise to those old fools in the Senate." The thought of their reaction brought a wicked smile to his lips. CHAPTER 60 Aphrodite’s eyes were already misty with tears when she stood before the entranceway of the cave. The goddess of love was not dressed in her usual attire of skimpy pink lingerie. In its place, she wore a white silk shirt, tan leather pants and calf-length brown boots. This was her riding outfit for the journey she would be making with the others. There was a somber look on the goddess’ face as she quietly entered the cave. She walked past the beds containing her comatose family and headed for the beds containing her son and her husband. Willing the tears not to fall from her eyes, she sat in a chair between the two beds. She took a hand from each god into hers, brought them up to her lips, and kissed the backs then held them against her face. "I can’t lose you two." Aphrodite looked around at the other occupied beds. "I can’t lose any of you." She released Hephaestus’ hand and turned to face Cupid. A faint smile was on her face when she ran a hand through his blond hair. Softly, she planted a kiss on her son’s forehead. Aphrodite turned towards Hephaestus. She lovingly ran a hand down the side of his face. "Oh Hephie how I miss you so," she sighed. "I have to go away for awhile but I will be back." Aphrodite lowered her head and claimed the smith god’s lips with a soft kiss. A servant woman stopped nearby and placed the towels she carried on a table. She smiled with empathy when she saw the goddess. "Please take good care of them," Aphrodite requested. "Of course," the servant woman said with a nod and a smile. Aphrodite rose to her feet and quietly proceeded to leave. On her way, she produced a pink handkerchief and wiped away the tears that had begun to roll down her cheeks. ********** "Now Ephiny, I know you are becoming an old pro at these raids on Dahak’s lava plant facilities but please remember to take care of yourself." Gabrielle embraced her Amazon friend in a tight hug. "Don’t worry, with Solari watching my back, I will be just fine." Ephiny assured. "Me and all my Amazon sisters will make sure nothing happens to her," Solari assured while embracing Gabrielle in a hug. Jason, King Iphicles and Nemesis stood on the sidelines watching the Amazons say good-bye to one another. "I want all of you to be careful," Gabrielle embraced the other three as well. With good-byes and well wishes having been said, Gabrielle watched her friends depart the throne room. Now alone, her thoughts drifted back to another recent good-bye and the promise she had made... The sun was making its ascent into the sky, its golden rays causing the early snow in Macedon to appear orange in color. The other three search parties had already been sent to their prospective borders of the Olympian realm, to begin their journeys for pieces of the Holy Saber. The only group that remained was Xena’s. Cyrus and Joxer had already said their good-byes and had mounted their horses. Xena was still in the process of saying good-bye. She stooped in front of the twins and simultaneously embraced them both in a big hug. "I love you two so much!" She kissed each on the top of the head then gazed into their faces, letting her hands caress the cheek of each child. "Be good for your Dad and Gabrielle." "We will," they said in unison with sleepy voices. Once more, Xena embraced the twins in a hug then with some reluctance let them go. She rose to her full height and moved to stand before Ares. His right hand brushed back a strand of black hair, putting it behind an ear. Then it moved on to her face, caressing a cheek. "You take care of yourself." "You do the same." Xena took hold of his hand caressing her cheek and held it there a few moments, each staring into the other’s eyes, conveying emotions not ready to be spoken. The last person Xena said good-bye to was Gabrielle. The warrior woman embraced her best friend in a tight hug. "Be careful Xena." "You know I will." When Xena pulled back, she let a hand play with the thick curly auburn ponytail hanging down her friend’s back as she stared into her face. "Promise me, you will take good care of my babies." "Oh, you know I will Xena...just as if they were my own." Xena smiled gratefully as she turned from her friend and mounted Argo. Gabrielle watched, along with the twins as Ares waved a hand, sending all three riders and their horses to the northern borders of the Olympian realm... ‘Promise me, you will take good care of my babies…’ Xena’s parting request echoed in Gabrielle’s mind. She nodded in silent acknowledgement while heading for the receiving hall. Since Ares was dead, Gabrielle was implementing Xena’s instructions and whisking the twins away to Persia so Dahak could not grab them. Years ago, Dahak had suffered a major defeat at the hands of the Persian god Ahura Mazda and would not dare follow them there. The Amazons, the Corinthian army and the Centaurs would continue to fight Dahak in Greece while she, Aphrodite and Cecrops accompanied the twins to Persia. When Gabrielle reached the receiving hall, she quietly walked inside. The children were standing before a stone coffin. Aphrodite had zapped it up, decorating the sides with carvings of the rune of war. She had also cleaned up Ares’ body---zapping away the blood and dressing him in a pristine leather outfit. If one disregarded his ivory complexion, the war god appeared to be asleep as he lay in the coffin. Both had their heads bowed in a somber gesture and were oblivious to Gabrielle entering the hall. For the last two days, the twins had spent the majority of their time in the receiving hall, gazing at their father’s lifeless body, as if hoping for some type of miracle resurrection. They only left the hall when Gabrielle or Aphrodite would drag them to their rooms to get some sleep. And neither had eaten anything since that tragic day their father was murdered. Gabrielle was really starting to worry about them. They were immortal just like her but they still had to eat. She feared they would make themselves sick if they didn’t eat something soon. When the bard stood behind them, she gently laid a hand on the shoulder of each. "Okay you two, it’s time to leave for Persia." "I don’t wanna go." Lycus poked out his bottom lip in a pout. Lysia shook her head in protest. "Me neither." Gabrielle sympathized with the children but for their own safety, they could not stay in Greece any longer. She bent down to where she was closer to the height of the children and wrapped an arm around the shoulders of each. "We had a discussion this morning and you both understood the reasons we have to go. It is not safe for you to stay here, so we must go to Persia." "But I don’t wanna leave Daddy," Lysia said. "Yeah, he’ll be here all alone," Lycus said. "We have to stay and watch over him." Both had their eyes fixed on the stone coffin. The children were obviously still in denial and this made Gabrielle’s eyes get misty. "Your father won’t be alone. The servants will be here and they will watch over him." "No! We have to watch him…it has to be us," Lycus said in a firm tone. Lysia nodded in agreement with her brother. "Why does it have to be you?" Gabrielle asked out of curiosity. "’Cause it what Daddy wants," Lysia replied. "So, you two would do whatever your father wanted?" Gabrielle asked. "Uh huh," Lycus nodded. "Well, your father wanted you to go to Persia. He and your Mom agreed that if anything happened to him, I was to take you there. So, if you don’t go, you would not be doing what he wanted and that would have made him unhappy and very sad. You don’t want that do you?" "No," Lysia softly replied. "Then you both will come with me, your Aunt Dite and Cecrops to Persia?" There were a few moments of silence. "Yeah," both children finally replied in unison. "Good." Gabrielle had a relieved smile on her face as she pulled the twins closer for a hug. "When your Mom returns from Scandinavia, she will join us there." With Ares now gone, Gabrielle knew the twins would need Xena more than ever. "Now it’s time to say good-bye to your father." She released the children from her embrace as she rose to her full height. First she lifted Lysia above the side of the stone coffin. "Good-bye Daddy." The little girl bent down and softly placed a kiss on her father’s forehead. Gabrielle lowered Lysia to the floor and repeated this action with Lycus. Once both children had said their good-byes, Gabrielle held each by a hand and proceeded to lead them from the receiving hall. The three were halfway across the receiving hall when the mighty fortress began to tremble. "Oh boy," Lycus groaned. He quickly glanced at a wall---the swords and shields displayed upon it were trembling too. "It’s an earthquake!" Lysia wailed with fear. Gabrielle immediately led the three to the massive stone archway for the safety of its sturdiness. There they stood, the children holding tightly onto Gabrielle, watching with fear as the hall now violently shook. Swords and shields hanging about the walls fell to the stone floor with a loud clang. The shaking loosened the closed shutters, allowing strong winter winds to burst through the window and whirl about the room, leaving a trail of snow on the floor. As abruptly as it started, the shaking ceased. Gabrielle ran her hands down the children’s backs. "Are you two okay?" "Yes," Lysia replied. "It was just like that day at the temple…when Dad…" Lycus didn’t say anymore, as his crystal blue eyes got misty. It was too painful and the worst day of his young life. "It’s okay," Gabrielle assured in a soothing voice while running a hand through the little boy’s curly black hair. Rays of the setting sun poured through the window, falling on the top of the stone coffin. Gabrielle shivered from the chill now filling the room. "Before we go, I better close the shutters." She removed herself from the children’s grasp and started towards the window. The twins stood in silence watching her. Gabrielle was almost at the window when an intake of breath was heard. She looked towards the twins who still stood in silence---it hadn’t come from them. Slowly, she turned to look towards the stone coffin. "No…it couldn’t be…" "But it is!" The twins excitedly yelled in unison. They immediately ran back over to the stone coffin. Gabrielle forgot about the window and quickly joined them. Standing on the tips of their toes, the children gazed down into the coffin. Their little faces instantly brightened with large smiles over what their eyes saw. Sunrays shrouding the top end of the coffin shined down on Ares’ face, giving him a golden glow. His eyes were still closed but his chest repeatedly rose and fell under labored breaths indicating he was indeed back among the living again. The twins turned their gaze from their father to look at each other. "He’s alive!" They said in unison. The children were so overcome with joy that they started jumping up and down while they shouted "HE’S ALIVE.! HE’S ALIVE!" over and over again. "Well, I’ll be..." Gabrielle shook her head in amazement. Since her travels with Xena began, the bard was no stranger to resurrections but she couldn’t deny that they were always an awe-inspiring event. She moved closer to the coffin. The twins had stopped jumping up and down and now stood on tiptoes so they could observe Gabrielle’s inspection of their father’s condition. The bard pulled apart the black, silver studded vest. "Amazing!" She breathed; her eyes fixed on his bare skin. Gone were the injuries caused by the arrows and the blade of Dahak’s sword. Even the blistered wound on his right side had vanished. "WOW!" "AWESOME!" The children ran small hands over their father’s bare, unblemished skin. Slowly, Ares opened his eyes. His vision was unfocused as he stared up into nothing. His lips began to move as he tried to speak. Gabrielle moved to the head of the coffin. "Ares...Ares can you hear me?" The war god turned his head to the side he had heard the voice. His blurred vision steadily cleared and he now gazed into the beautiful face of a young woman with curly auburn hair and green eyes. His voice was hoarse from lack of use when he finally spoke. "Wh...who are you?" "I’m Gabrielle." The war god stared at her with no recognition. Gabrielle waved a hand in the direction of the twins. "And these are your son and daughter...Lycus and Lysia." Ares still had that stare of unfamiliarity on his face when he looked at the two children. The bard quickly glanced at the twins who stood beside her. Their joyful faces were now etched with concern. "There is nothing to worry about kids," Gabrielle assured. "After what your father has been through it is perfectly understandable that his memory would be a bit hazy." The bard’s words made sense to the children and did give them a modicum of relief. "Once we get to Persia, we can make sure he gets the proper care and he should be his old self in no time." Gabrielle placed a hand under the god’s neck and rose him to a sitting position. Not only was Ares disoriented but he was too weak to stay in that position so Gabrielle moved a hand to his back to keep him upright. "Now, I have to get you out of here." Footsteps could now be heard heading towards the receiving hall. "Oh thank Elysia you guys are okay. That earthquake was…" Aphrodite stopped mid-sentence as she stood in the archway of the receiving hall. Her blue eyes were wide and her mouth hung agape due to the sight before her. Cecrops stood behind the goddess, a similar look graced his immortal face. "Oh, by the gods, Ares!" The goddess squealed with joy. Aphrodite quickly made her way over to the stone coffin. When she stood before her brother, she embraced him in a tight hug. "You have to tell me what happened. Did you or the kids do something?" Cecrops inquired as he stood beside Gabrielle and watched the reunion between brother and sister. "We didn’t do anything," Gabrielle replied. "In fact, we were heading for the stables when the earthquake hit. When it stopped, we saw that Ares was alive again." "Amazing!" Cecrops shook his head in wonder. "I am on such a high right now!" Aphrodite was grinning from ear to ear. "I gotta do something!" The goddess snapped her fingers and instantly, red and pink rose petals began to rain down on the hall and its occupants. The others couldn’t help but laugh at the goddess’ display of her joy while Ares looked at the raining rose petals in wonder. "You certainly weren’t kidding when you said you were on a high," Gabrielle chuckled as she let a hand catch some of the falling rose petals. "That’s right!" Aphrodite was still grinning from ear to ear. She looked towards her niece and nephew. "You two have to be as high as me." "Uh huh!" Lycus shook his head, a giant smile gracing his face. "Yeah, this is the best EVER!" Lysia added, extending a hand and catching a rose petal. "It sure is." Aphrodite agreed. "And I was so bummed out after visiting the caves and seeing Hephie, Cupid and the others lying in comas and then I came up here and WOW! With Ar coming back from the dead---Hephie, Cupid and the others can most definitely be saved too. Then we’ll show Dahak he messed with the wrong gods." Once again she looked towards Ares. "Oh, it is so good to have you back!" She squealed with delight while pulling her brother once again into a tight embrace. When she broke the hug, Aphrodite finally took notice of how unresponsive Ares was. "Hey stud muffin, are you okay?" Ares looked at her with confused eyes and frowned. "Wh…who are you?" "Who am I!? What do you mean?" Aphrodite turned from Ares and looked at Gabrielle and the twins with a questioning gaze. "For the moment, Ares doesn’t seem to remember us," Gabrielle said. "Oh, that’s crazy, Ar could never forget me." Aphrodite placed her hands on Ares’ broad shoulders and stared into his face. "Okay Bro, take a good look at my face and then say my name." Ares stared intently at his sister’s face, his brow furrowed with thought. A few moments later a defeated sigh escaped his lips. "I-I don’t know you." Upon hearing her brother’s words, Aphrodite ceased the shower of rose petals. Sadness filled her eyes. "Oh Ar, what has Dahak done to you!?" Gabrielle placed an arm around the shoulders of the love goddess in a comforting gesture. "There is no need to worry Aphrodite. This memory loss is probably temporary. Once we get Ares to Persia, we can properly care for him and I am confident he will be his old self again in no time." The bard’s words brought a faint smile to the goddess’ lips. "Speaking of Persia, I think it’s time we be on our way," Cecrops said. "You’re right, but first we must get Ares out of this," Gabrielle gazed at the stone coffin in which the god still sat. "That’s no problem." Cecrops easily lifted the weakened god into his arms. "Now, let’s go." The former lost mariner led the way as the twins, Aphrodite and Gabrielle followed him to the stables located on the ground floor of the Macedonian fortress. When the group reached the stables, Zethus was still there and Troilus had joined him. Both men stared with stunned disbelief when they saw their lord whom they were told was dead very much alive. Seeing their reaction, Gabrielle addressed the men. "Yes fellas, this is a welcomed miracle. Don’t ask for the details because we don’t know them. But when we return, we will be sure to tell you all." That was good enough for the two men as they relieved Cecrops of their weakened lord. Each man had the god’s muscular arms draped over their shoulders, holding him upright. Cecrops mounted Pegasus, the recent acquisition to Ares’ stables. After the fall of Olympus, Ares had his father’s white winged stallion brought to his Macedonian fortress. Aphrodite lifted Lycus onto Serpico’s back then mounted herself behind the child. Gabrielle lifted Lysia onto Blade’s back then she got aboard. The four now watched as Zethus and Troilus lifted the weakened war god. From his position atop Pegasus, Cecrops helped seat the war god behind him. And considering Ares’ disoriented state, Zethus got some rope and tied the war god to Cecrops to make sure he stayed seated atop the winged horse. "Okay Ares, wrap your arms around my waist and hold on tight." The war god did as ordered. "If everyone is ready, let’s split," Aphrodite declared. Zethus and Troilus watched from the sidelines as the Goddess of Love snapped her fingers instantly shrouding the three winged horses and their six riders in a pink light before they faded into nothingness. The group materialized on the Olympian realm’s border with the kingdom of Lydia. All three lead riders urged their winged mounts to take off into the air, headed southeast towards Persia. The sun had completed its descent so nightfall was upon the land. Gabrielle had figured and Cecrops agreed that it would be better for their group to depart Greece at night so Dahak’s minions could not possibly spot them. The swooshing of large wings broke the silence of the night as the flying horses carried their riders to their destination in Persia. "Wow Aunt Dite, this is so cool!" Lycus’ crystal blue eyes sparkled with wonderment as he gazed at the many stars painting the blue black sky that could be seen in the distance. Aphrodite smiled as the night winds blew upon her face, whipping up blonde tresses behind her. "It sure is sweetie, but you know what’s even better?" "What?" Lycus turned to look at her. "Surfing the ocean on a giant seashell. When this mess is over, I will take you some time." "Cool!" Lycus turned from her and went back to his stargazing. Lysia ran a small hand over blade’s gray warm neck while brushing aside the animal’s mane blowing in the night winds. "Hey Cecrops, how’s my Daddy doin’?" She asked from her position in front of Gabrielle. The pair rode in front of the lost mariner’s mount. "I’m afraid he has passed out honey," Cecrops replied. Gabrielle ran a hand through the child’s curly raven locks. "Your Daddy will be just fine," she assured. "I know," Lysia replied with strong confidence. "When we get to Persia, Vashti and Bithia will take care of him---make him as good as new." "That’s right sweetie." Gabrielle wrapped an arm around the little girl and held her close. Since Aphrodite took considerable distance off of their journey, it didn’t take long for the traveling party to reach Persia’s capital, Persepolis. "Ooh, the city looks so pretty from up here," Lysia declared as their winged horses flew over the massive stone buildings. It was still early evening so candles flickered in many windows throughout the city. While she gazed downward, Gabrielle felt herself grow dizzy from vertigo and quickly raised her gaze to the black night sky. She would be relieved when she was standing on the ground again. The horses flew towards the outskirts of the city, where Cyrus’ palatial estate was located. When the horses began to descend, Gabrielle felt her stomach rise. ‘It won’t be long now…and I’ll be on the ground again.’ She mentally assured herself. The winged horses landed just inside the gates, in front of the stables. Braxton came charging out of the stables, a pitchfork held securely in his hands to be used as a weapon against trespassers. When he saw the twins sitting on two of the winged horses, he lowered the pitchfork. "Master Lycus, Miss Lysia, what are you two doing here? And where are Lord Cyrus, Xena and Joxer?" The stableman asked. Gabrielle took it upon herself to speak on behalf of the twins. "The children are back in Persia because there is grave danger in Greece. Cyrus, Xena and Joxer are in Scandinavia and from there should be joining us here." The stableman looked to the children who nodded their heads in confirmation of the bard’s words. He turned to look at the others present. "My name is Braxton, I’m the estate’s head stableman." "I’m Gabrielle. That’s Aphrodite, Cecrops and Ares." After greetings were exchanged, Braxton helped the twins dismount then the two women. The stableman went over to where Pegasus stood with Cecrops and Ares still upon his back. Cecrops removed the rope tying him and Ares together. Lycus approached the stableman. "Hey Braxton guess what? Lysia and I aren’t orphans. Xena is our Mom and that’s our dad." Braxton looked at the unconscious man he held upright atop the horse as Cecrops dismounted. The full moon provided the only light that allowed Braxton to get a glimpse of the unconscious man’s face. He couldn’t deny the resemblance to the boy standing next to him. Once Cecrops dismounted, he helped Braxton remove the unconscious god from the back of Pegasus. Cecrops draped one of Ares’ arms across his shoulders to hold him upright. "There’s a stretcher inside the stables." Braxton disappeared inside the stables. A moment later he exited, carrying a stretcher under an arm. He laid it on the ground then helped Cecrops lay the god upon it. That done, they each got an end and lifted the stretcher. The twins led the way to the palace followed by Cecrops and Braxton carrying Ares on the stretcher. Gabrielle and Aphrodite took up the rear. The group was walking along a snakelike stone path that led to a back entranceway of the palace. The Goddess of Love began to feel faint and stumbled along the stone walkway. Gabrielle reached for an arm and prevented Aphrodite from falling to the ground. Concern was in her eyes when she looked at her friend. "Are you okay?" "I’m just a little weak," Aphrodite replied. "My bod has to adjust to being in the Persian realm and not having any powers." "You better hold onto me." Gabrielle wrapped an arm around Aphrodite’s slim waist and helped the goddess proceed down the stone walkway. When the group finally reached the palace, the first person who saw them was the estate’s overseer, Bithia. "Lycus! Lysia! This certainly is a surprise. What are you doing back so soon? Where is your Uncle Cyrus, Xena and Joxer?" Before the children could respond, Braxton addressed the white-haired woman. "Bithia, we have a sick man here who needs immediate care." "Oh my!" Bithia immediately went over to the stretcher. She placed a hand on the forehead of the unconscious god. "He’s burning up. Follow me, I will show you where to take him upstairs." Bithia quickly led the group through the estate’s large kitchen to the back stairway. When they reached the second floor, Bithia led them to a room at the end of the hall. Just like all the rooms in the palace, it was beautifully decorated. A Persian rug covered the stone floor. Situated about the room were a few beautifully carved tables and chairs from the finest wood. Adorning the stone walls were several pieces of artwork that Cyrus had collected during his countless centuries upon the earth. Bithia went over to the bed and pulled down the plush blankets and silk sheets. Braxton and Cecrops transferred Ares to the bed. Aphrodite had seated herself in one of the chairs. Gabrielle and the twins stood nearby. The old overseer looked to the stableman. "Go find Selene and Vashti. Tell them to bring lots of towels and a couple of basins filled with cold water." Braxton quickly departed the room to carry out Bithia’s instructions. Bithia turned her attention towards her patient. "There is something about this young fellow that seems so familiar. Who is he anyway?" "He’s our dad," Lycus replied. "Yup." Lysia nodded her head in agreement. The old overseer had speculated the children would learn the truth about their parentage during their trip to Greece. And Lycus’ comments made that pretty obvious. This greatly pleased the old woman that always thought they had a right to know. "Of course...now I remember. I got a brief glimpse of him when he came here looking for Xena before you two were born," Bithia recalled. "Oh, what a temper he had. He really went off when Cyrus refused to let him see her. But wait a minute, I thought he was a god and couldn’t be hurt. What happened to him?" "Another god injured him...in fact killed him," Gabrielle started. "Ares was dead for two days then right before we left for Persia he came back to life." "Well, I’ll be..." Bithia stared at the unconscious war god in amazement. "He’s got a high fever so he’s still not out of the woods yet. And this leather won’t help to cool him down." The old woman began to remove Ares’ silver studded black vest. "Is there anything I can do to help?" Cecrops asked. "Me too," Gabrielle moved towards the bed. "Nah, you all should rest after your long journey." Bithia looked at the twins. "Lycus, Lysia, there are three empty bedchambers across from yours. Go show them where they are." "Okay." The twins exited the bedchamber with Gabrielle, Aphrodite and Cecrops following them. The children made a left turn down the hallway as they led the three adults. They came to a stop outside their own bedchambers. "Those three doors over there are for the empty bed chambers," Lycus said. "You can pick who gets which room," Lysia added. At that moment, everyone heard the fast pitter patter of tiny feet heading towards the turn in the hallway. Soon after, everyone saw a brown, black and white small ball of fur heading in their direction. Its big brown eyes focused on Lysia as it began to excitedly bark. "Mei Jin! Come here girl!" Lysia commanded with a excited smile. When the small dog reached the little girl, it jumped into her waiting arms and playfully began licking her face with its pink tongue. "I’m happy to see you too girl," the child giggled as the dog continued to lick her face. "For yous who don’t know, this is Mei Jin." Cecrops and Gabrielle came over to pet the small dog. "Aunt Dite, don’t you wanna pet Mei Jin?" "That’s okay honey, I’m not really into furry creatures." Aphrodite tried to hide the distasteful smirk on her face. "I think it’s time we all got some rest, especially you two." Gabrielle gazed at the twins. "Neither of you has had a good night’s sleep in the last two days." "Can I get somthin’ to eat first? I’m really hungry." Lycus said. "Me too," Lysia added. The children wanting to eat brought a relieved smile to the bard’s face. "I will speak to Bithia about having some food brought to your rooms. In the meantime, go in your rooms and change into your bed clothes." "Okay" the children grumbled. The three adults watched as the children entered their bedchambers, closing the doors behind them. With the children in their own rooms, the three adults quickly decided who got which room and disappeared behind a closed door. ********** Bithia was pulling off Ares’ leather boots when Selene and Vashti entered the bed chamber carrying towels and two large basins filled with cold water. "Braxton told us the twins are back." Vashti set the basin and towels she carried on a bedside table. "Yes they are but you will have to wait until you are done here to go see them," Bithia replied. Selene gazed at the unconscious man lying on the bed. "Who is he?" "He’s Ares…Lycus’ and Lysia’s father," the old woman replied. "THIS is Ares!" Vashti let her brown almond shaped eyes wander over the unconscious god lying on the bed before her. He was naked down to his waist, revealing powerfully built arms, granite like stomach and a broad muscular chest covered with downy black hairs. Looking up at his face, Vashti could certainly see why he had caught Xena’s eye---the shoulder length curly black hair, the chiseled cheeks, the full mouth---the war god was indeed handsome. Right along with her friend, Selene was staring too---admiring the god’s beautiful form. Bithia gazed at the young women with an annoyed smirk. "Are you two just going to stand there all night, because I could really use some help getting these leather pants off of him." The words of the older woman instantly broke the two out of their trance. Vashti and Selene quickly moved into position to help Bithia. It took the three women awhile but with Vashti and Selene each grabbing a hold on a pant leg, they did eventually get the leather pants off with a few strong tugs. Vashti’s eyes widened when she took in the sight of the unconscious god’s groin area. "Oh, by the gods!" An impressed grin graced Selene’s face as she too got a glimpse of the god’s lower body. Bithia quickly placed a towel over Ares’ groin. "I want you two young ladies to keep your minds on the job at hand, so it’s best to cover up that part of him." The old woman put a towel in the cold water, wrung out the excess, then brought it over to Ares whose heated skin she began to cool with it. With disappointed looks on their faces, Vashti and Selene did the same. ********** For the first few days after arriving in Persia, Ares was plagued with a high fever. No one knew the cause for it and deduced it must have had something to do with his mysterious resurrection. When the fever did finally break, the twins and Aphrodite were relieved to know that Gabrielle’s assumptions about Ares had been right for his memory had fully returned. The worst of the ordeal was behind him and he was now on the road to recovery. Ares was propped into a sitting position with plush silk pillows behind his back. A white silk sheet covered him up to his waist. His brown eyes intensely focused on a salmon colored jug setting atop a table on the far side of the bedchamber. The jug began to tremble before it slowly moved an arm’s length across the table, coming to stop near the edge. Ares took a deep breath as he deepened his concentration but the jug remained planted at its new position. "Damn it! I hate this!" He growled while slamming a fist against the mattress. "Okay Ares, what is wrong now?" Gabrielle wearily asked having heard his outburst, when she came through the bedchamber door. Over the last few days, the bard had reached the conclusion that the war god was her worst patient ever. An annoyed smirk appeared on Ares’ face upon Gabrielle entering the room. "I can’t even make that jug of wine come to me," he complained. "Ares, you are not in the Olympian realm," she reminded him. "Aphrodite has no powers and she is handling it just fine." Gabrielle went over to the jug of wine and moved it back to the center of the table. "You should concentrate on this second chance at life you were given and not worry about the loss of your powers. They will come back when you return to Greece." "Y’know, your bedside manner really sucks. You obviously didn’t learn that from Xena." Ares glared at her. "At least Bithia, Vashti, and Selene show some sympathy for what I am going through." "That’s because they don’t know you as well as I do," she smirked; now standing by the bed. Ares was about to issue a harsh response when the bedchamber door burst open. "Daddy!" "Dad!" Lysia and Lycus ran over to the bed, plopping down on the sides. Both had on their bedclothes. Ares’ whole demeanor changed upon the arrival of the twins in the bedchamber. He had a smile on his face. Arriving a few moments after the children, Mei-Jin came running into the room, barking away. The little dog leapt onto the bed and stood beside Lyisa. It was still barking while its pom-pom tail wagged about. "Shut up fur ball!" Lycus snapped. "Don’t talk to her like that." Lysia wrapped her arms around the still barking dog. "Silence Mei-Jin," Ares ordered. Instantly the little dog stopped barking as it sat down beside Lysia on the side of the bed. "Now, what did you two come to see me about?" "Vashti says we have to go to bed now, so we came to say goodnight," Lysia replied. "Yeah, tomorrow is our first day back at school," Lycus smirked. "I was tellin’ some of the other kids about ya so if you’re feelin’ a whole lot better, could ya stop by the schoolhouse tomorrow?" "Ooh yeah can ya Daddy?" Lysia looked at him pleadingly. "Of course, I’ll be there." "COOL!" Lycus had a beaming smile on his face. Lysia was smiling too as she hugged Mei-Jin to her. "Okay, you two, say your goodnights and then off to bed," Gabrielle reminded them. "Goodnight Daddy." "Goodnight Dad." The twins simultaneously hugged their father goodnight. Ares returned the hug as he planted a kiss on the top of each child’s head. He was smiling, as was Gabrielle when the twins and Mei-jin left the bedchamber. "Pour me some wine and bring it over here," Ares ordered. "I could use something to drink a lot stronger than water." "That request was worded wrong. If you want some wine, you will have to rephrase it." Gabrielle folded her arms across her chest and looked at him expectantly. Ares rolled his eyes and sighed with annoyance. "Please pour me some wine." "That’s better," Gabrielle was now smiling as she unfolded her arms and headed over to the table. "Y’know, it’s amazing…you are a completely different person when the twins are around. Why can’t you be like that all the time?" "What do you mean?" "You are a kinder, gentler God of War." Gabrielle stood before the table and proceeded to fill a goblet with some of the wine from the jug. "When you are with them or even when you are just talking about them, it is so obvious you adore those two children and they absolutely adore you. When I think of how they grieved over you...if two little children could love you that much...then you are not so bad after all." When Gabrielle stood before the bed, she seated herself on a side facing Ares and offered him the filled goblet. "Wow! A compliment coming from one of my harshest critics. Tartarus must have frozen over because I never thought I would ever hear such a thing from you." Ares took a big gulp of the wine. "Hey, when I make the wrong assumption about someone, I am a big enough person to admit it," Gabrielle said. "Tell me something, exactly how many children do you have?" "Let’s just say lots. Why do you ask?" "When Jason and Iphicles came to your castle, they brought Nemesis with them." Ares disgustedly rolled his eyes. "And what did she say?" He asked with a grumble as he downed some more of the wine. "I was talking to her about all the things you do with Lycus and Lysia. Nemesis had a hard time believing we were talking about the same war god. She told me about the son you two have, Evander---she said you tried to take him from her and raise him with hate for Hercules." "We had a deal…she agreed to give me a son. I was within my rights taking the boy," Ares said. "Nemesis should be happy I let her keep him." "But is what she said true? You only wanted to use him in some scheme against Hercules? He’s your son…you must have feelings for him that go beyond what he can do for you." She gazed at him with a probing stare. Ares didn’t know why he suddenly cared what the bard thought of him but he was overcome with the need to explain the situation to her. "It’s not that I don’t care about Evander or the other children for that matter. I do...in my own way," he started. "It’s just that Lycus and Lysia are different." "How are they different?" Ares had an uncomfortable look on his face as he drained the goblet of the last of the wine. "They just are." Gabrielle decided to forge ahead with a speculation she had made some time ago but had never shared with Xena. "Could it be that their mother is the only woman you have ever loved?" Except for a minute twitch in his right cheek, Ares maintained a cool facade. "I feel many things for Xena – but love…" he slightly chuckled. "You forget Gabrielle, I am the God of War, the only passions I am allowed to feel are for battles and conquests. Xena was my best warrior that’s all." "Oh, I’m sure that’s what it was all about in the beginning, after she walked out on you and her warlord life," Gabrielle said. "You couldn’t let such a valuable possession slip through your fingers." Ares did not like where this conversation was going. He feigned a yawn of fatigue. "Y’know, it has really been a long day for me, so I think it’s time I got some rest." Ares shoved the empty goblet into Gabrielle’s hands, fluffed the pillows behind him and lay back down. But his actions did not dissuade Gabrielle from continuing. "But then it changed, didn’t it? You started to feel things you never did before and it scared you…" Ares feigned a much louder yawn as he rolled over onto his side with his back now facing Gabrielle. He was hoping she would finally get the message that he was in no mood to continue this conversation and leave already but he had no such luck. Gabrielle rose from the bedside and now stood over him. "So the scheming and the mind games took on a whole new purpose that you didn’t even understand…they gave you a chance to be around Xena. But all you ended up doing was pushing Xena further away. And then you discovered the twins and you thought you had found a way to keep Xena tied to you forever." "Look, I would like to get some sleep, so why don’t you take this *fiction* of yours and write it down on a scroll...in your OWN room!" "I know all about the two nights Xena spent in your bedchamber since the *truce* you two called. She deserves more than…that, Ares. She deserves to be with someone who loves her and is willing to show it. And if you do, you’ll have my full support." Gabrielle thought this would get an honest reaction out of him but that didn’t happen, and she went on, "After everything you have done, don’t you owe her that?" The war god pulled the silk sheet over his head. He softly cursed under his breath. "If I had my powers, I could silence her speech with the wave of a hand...and leave her like that until Xena returned." "Don’t forget Ares, I am immortal now so I will be here for an ETERNITY...which means that I can annoy you FOREVER, until you admit your true feelings..." With an angry growl, Ares removed the sheet covering his head as he rolled over to face Gabrielle. "Okay…I’m in love with Xena." He stared at her for a moment and then added, "Of course, we both know that I only said that to get you to shut up. Right?" With a huff, Ares rolled over, turning his back to the bard. "Sure Ares…anything you say." A triumphant smile appeared on Gabrielle’s face as she took the empty goblet and left the bedchamber. CHAPTER 61 It was unseasonably chilly morning in the Greek city state of Chalcis. The large Market Square of the ancient metropolis should have been bustling with life but instead there was an eerie silence. Autumn winds whipped through the emptiness, churning up dust and dry leaves that littered the city streets. Any weary traveler who entered Chalcis would have thought he had come upon a ghost town. But the residents of city were indeed alive. They were tucked away in their homes wondering why the gods of Olympus had forsaken them and left them all prey to the merciless whims of the One Great Evil. Dahak brought darkness that shrouded Chalcis like a thick fog---burying what little hope was left and replacing it with despair. Out of the eerie quiet of the morning, the rhythmic sound of horse hooves trotting down the main dirt road of the city could now be heard. As the sound steadily got closer, residents cowered in their homes. Hands were clamped over ears to block out the sound of doom and eyes were tightly squeezed shut. Mothers held onto children---husbands held onto wives---knowing that this was the last time their families would be together. For when the day ended, not a home in Chalcis would be left unscathed by great sadness. On the backs of the horses sat men in black armor, their faces hidden behind metal masks. The only one in the group not wearing armor was a man riding on a horse at the head of the long procession. He wore a blood red robe. The large hood covering his head obscured his face from view. A horn was secured to the saddle, which he removed, put to his lips and in a deep ominous voice said... "PEOPLE OF CHALCIS, TODAY YOU WILL SHOW YOUR ALLEGIANCE TO THE ONE TRUE GOD...DAHAK….BRING FORTH THE CHOSEN SACRFICES!!!" With great reluctance, the doors to the homes of Chalcis slowly opened as the person who had chosen to give up his life for the household stepped into the street. Softly weeping, people with tear streaked faces stood in their doorways and gazed at their love ones for the last time. Soldiers who had dismounted from their horses ushered the chosen sacrifices to steel cages setting atop several wagons scattered throughout the procession. Some of the residents were defiant and kept their doors bolted shut, refusing to send out a sacrifice to Dahak. Moving like machines, soldiers kicked in locked doors and dragged out a sacrifice of their own choosing. One soldier exited a house carrying a young boy as he proceeded to one of the steel cages. "NOOOO!" A woman screamed as she ran from the house. When she caught up to the soldier she grabbed a hold of the boy, trying to pry him from the man’s grasp to no avail. "Please DON’T take my baby! Take me instead." The woman’s face was streaked with tears as she looked up at the soldier with a pleading gaze. The only indication the woman even had that she was indeed addressing another human being was the man’s shallow breathing that was muffled by the mask he wore. The soldier was indifferent as to who was chosen to be this particular household’s sacrifice so he set the boy on the ground and grabbed the woman. "Mama!" The small boy sobbed. He reached out a small hand to grab onto his mother but only felt air as the armor clad, faceless soldier proceeded to drag her towards one of the steel cages. Having collected a sacrifice from each of the households along Chalcis’ main street, the long procession proceeded onward to the side streets. But before that could happen, Amazons and Corinthian soldiers jumped from rooftops to land on soldiers driving cage covered wagons---tossing them to the dirt of the city’s main road. Captives in the cages looked on in surprise, as did the residents of Chalcis from the windows of their homes. More men and women jumped from rooftops to battle Dahak’s faceless soldiers. "Quick, in here!" Aurora shouted above the sound of clashing steel. She and another Amazon stood in front of the doors to a public stable. They hastily directed the caged wagons, driven now by their comrades into the large structure. "Wait! Aren’t you going to let us out of here!?" One of the captives asked when he saw that his rescuers were going to exit the stable and leave them in the cages. "We will free you once the fighting is over. For now, it is safer for you to stay here," a Corinthian soldier replied before he quickly followed his comrades from the stable. Now that all the caged wagons were safely inside the stable, Aurora and her Amazon sister bolted the large door shut then joined their comrades in the battle against Dahak’s armored minions. "KILL THEM ALL! The unbelievers and all the residents of Chalcis!" The robed man shouted from atop his horse. Leaping from a rooftop, Ephiny and Jason landed on the ground in front of him. Their sudden appearance startled his horse that whinnied loudly as he stood on his hind legs, knocking the robed man from his back and to the dirt road. The man was rising to his feet when Ephiny came upon him, delivering a hard right to his jaw, knocking him into unconsciousness on the ground. Jason retrieved the horn lying beside the man and tossed it to Nemesis who was heading towards him. The former goddess took off down a side street using the horn to warn the city’s residents… "PEOPLE OF CHALCIS...KEEP YOUR DOORS LOCKED AND DO NOT VENTURE OUT INTO THE STREETS." The people of Chalcis did as Nemesis ordered and remained in their homes, watching from the windows, the fierce battle between Dahak’s faithful and their heroic rescuers. "Y’know, I’ve seen these medallions work countless times," Aurora shouted above the clashing steel while pulling her sword from the chest of one of Dahak’s flaming-eyed minions. "But it still amazes me that these little things not only protect us but can actually detect demons." With a high kick to his steel mask, she sent another opponent flying backwards. "Yeah, me too!" Jason shouted back while throwing a dagger into the neck of metal mask wearing man about to attack a comrade from behind. As the man fell to the ground, an orange cloud cluster of tiny seeds burst from his body. Frantically, it began searching for another host, as did the demon dispatched from the body of Aurora’s opponent. The air around Chalcis was rapidly filling with displaced demons as the Amazons and the Corinthian soldiers killed host body after host body. A man watching the strange spectacle from a window, yelled in terror when an orange cluster headed for his home. He quickly dropped to the floor by the window waiting for the strange presence to enter his residence but it never did. With caution, he rose to his feet and looked out the window again. The orange cluster cloud had vanished! He breathed a huge sigh of relief and resumed watching the battle. ********** While a fierce battle was being waged against Dahak’s forces in Chalcis, a contingent of Amazons, Corinthian soldiers and Centaurs were sent to destroy the lava plant facility just outside of the city. Solari and her Amazon sisters were finishing up the task of dousing the dry wood walls of an old barn with oil. "Okay everyone, get back!" Iphicles warned. Those standing around the old barn did as commanded while a centaur stepped forward and touched an oil soaked wall with the large lit torch that he held. Instantly an orange flame crawled up wood. From a safe distance, those in attendance watched the old barn quickly turn into a blazing inferno. Thick black billowing smoke rose into the air mixed with a multitude of fist sized orange clusters. They tried to move past the burning barn, to reach those watching the spectacle but the silvery liquid soaking the ground around the old structure prevented them from going anywhere. A bound priest of Dahak had his gaze fixed on the burning barn before turning to glare at his captors with a mocking smile. "You fools, destroying this barn has unleashed the demons on the people of Chalcis, ensuring our victory." Solari stared at the priest. The medallion around her neck did not reveal any red flames in his eyes indicating he was free of demons. Although the man was evil in his own right, he would be taken to a holding facility instead of being killed. Solari thought this was most unfortunate as she approached the man and got in his face. "You’re wrong priest! The demons aren’t going anywhere. Take a look at that silvery liquid lining the perimeter around the barn." The priest glanced at the ground around the burning barn and saw the liquid to which the Amazon referred. "It’s made from this." Solari fingered the medallion hanging from her neck. "Just as this protects us from demon possession---its liquid form can keep the demons from leaving the barn and doom them to oblivion." "So you stopped the demons from leaving the barn. You couldn’t have done the same thing with the city. Its residents will be hosts for the demons you displace there." The priest said with confidence. "Sorry to burst your bubble but you are once again you are mistaken. The city of Chalcis is protected by the same liquid metal surrounding this barn," Solari said. "Before sunrise, right under your noses, we marked every door post, wall and roof in the city with this metal. So, if any victory is ensured, it’s OURS!" The priest said no more and now silently seethed with rage as he turned his gaze once again to look at the burning barn, a testament to their loss. ********** Quickly, the warrior princess unfolded the sheet of parchment and read its contents... Xena, The Olympian gods have fallen to Dahak. As you instructed, I have taken the children to Cyrus’ estate in Persia. We will wait there for your arrival. Gabrielle "Well, what does it say?" Talon impatiently asked while trying to read the message over Xena’s shoulder. "It’s from Gabrielle...Dahak has defeated the Olympian gods. She and the children have fled to Persia. I am suppose to meet them there." "It’s a good thing this bird was able to track you down. Now we will have to change our traveling plans." Talon, along with Xena watched as Ares’ vulture Ibycus flew off into the clear blue sky. "What do you mean a change in our traveling plans?" Xena turned to face Talon; her brow was furrowed with confusion. "I thought you said we are suppose to go back to Greece and meet up with my father." "We were but that was before Gabrielle’s message about the children being in Persia," Talon replied. "Dahak needs those kids so we will have to go to Persia and get them." "Why does he need the children?" "Hey, beats me." Talon shrugged his shoulders. "But getting them back shouldn’t be a problem. You are their mother after all, so no one will question you taking them back to Greece." Xena nodded in agreement. Talon glanced at the three empty water skins he held in a hand. "I better go fill these so we can be on our way." Xena watched as Talon headed off to a nearby river to fill up their water skins. The traveling trio was about a day’s journey from the northern border of the Olympian realm. But now, instead of heading back to Greece, they would be heading towards Persia. After Talon’s departure, Xena made her way over to Cyrus who sat bound in front of a tree. "I heard what you and Talon are planning to do Xena. You can’t turn the children over to Dahak," Cyrus said. Ignoring his words, Xena hauled Cyrus to his feet. "C’mon you, it’s time to go." Leading him by his hands that were bound in front of him, she ushered him over to where the horses were tied. Cyrus stared at her incredulously. "I know you said you loved the evil you have become but some of the new Xena has still got to be in there." His hazel eyes searched her face. "The one that LOVES her children and would NEVER do ANYTHING to hurt them." The pair stood before the horses and Xena was about to haul Cyrus onto his mount, Xerxes. Her face appeared to be a mask of stone, not the least bit affected by his words. Cyrus shook his head in disappointment. "If I can’t get through to you then maybe Gab..." "There is no need to worry Cyrus, I am not turning my children over to Dahak," Xena firmly said cutting him off. Cyrus did a double take. "What did you say!?" "You heard me. I am not letting Dahak get my children." Xena smiled at him, the stony, cold expression gone from her face. Cyrus smiled back as realization set in. "You took my advice and have been fighting the evil that has filled you." "I have been fighting ever since that night when Talon told me what he had been doing to my water supply. I had to let him think that I was evil again, so I could get information out of him." "Were you able to find out anything?" "No," she smirked with disappointment. "For someone who claims to be a close pal of Dahak’s he certainly hasn’t been let in on the important stuff. The only thing that I managed to get out of him was that Dahak discovered what really became of the destroyer, which means that Gabrielle could be in grave danger. That’s why we must get to Persia as fast as we can and make sure she and the children are all right." "What about Talon? We can’t take him with us." "I’ll deal with Talon long before we get to Persia," Xena said with a hard look "I am baffled as to why these medallions didn’t alert us to the demon residing in Joxer’s body." Cyrus fingered the silver object dangling from his neck. "I wondered about that too," Xena confessed. "I just hope this doesn’t mean that the others fighting Dahak’s forces in Greece will have a problem. They could be in some serious trouble." Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her abdomen causing her to slightly double over. "Xena, what’s the matter!?" Cyrus’ face was riddled with concern as he tried to reach out to her with his bound hands. "Ooh," she groaned while closing her eyes and resting her head against the side of Xerxes’ large gray body. "I’ll be okay in a sec," she breathed. When the pain subsided, Xena opened her eyes and stood up straight again, facing Cyrus. She immediately noticed the worry in his eyes. "That was just one of the side effects of fighting Dahak’s blood...tremendous pain." She gently ran a hand over her abdomen. "I’ve been able to dull it with certain pressure points but that won’t last much longer." "Which means that you won’t be able to fight off the evil of Dahak’s blood much longer either?" "That’s right." She slightly bowed her head. Xena had come so far and Cyrus was not about to let his friend be consumed by evil again. With bound hands, he reached out to touch her chin, raising her face to look at him. "Since we are now going to Persia...this just may have worked out for the best. In my laboratory there, I should have something that I can use to flush out the addition of Dahak’s blood in your system." He let a faint smile cross his lips. "Then Persia it is." Xena smiled back at him. Over Cyrus’ shoulder, she could see their traveling companion was headed their way with the filled water skins. "Talon’s back." Cyrus quickly placed his right boot into a stirrup. "Okay, up you go." Xena hauled him onto Xerxes’ back. "Here’s your water Cyrus," Talon said when he stood before them. He gazed up at the man now seated in the saddle on Xerxes back, his eyes glancing at his bound hands. "I’ll just secure it to your saddle since you can’t do it yourself." A devilish smile graced his lips. Cyrus remained silent and only smirked at him. Talon was still smiling when he handed Xena her water skin. "And here’s yours, my dear." "Thanks," she softly replied as she proceeded over to Argo and mounted the golden palomino. When the group resumed their journey, Xena led the way while she held onto Xerxes’ reins so the horse would follow behind Argo. Talon riding atop Otis took up the rear. ********** Xena’s eyes quickly snapped open as she raised her bowed head. "Oh gods, I must have dozed off." She rubbed her eyes before she took in her surroundings. The warrior woman still sat atop Argo as the golden horse stood in a grassy field in the middle of a lush green forest. Xerxes and Otis were there too but their riders were missing. Xena couldn’t deny that fighting Dahak’s blood that threatened to turn her completely evil was draining her strength but she had never fallen asleep in the saddle before. She was certain that Talon had spiked her water supply again. She dismounted from Argo and went in search of her two traveling companions. Whatever Talon had drugged her with had left her senses foggy. So, being as alert as she could be, given the circumstances, Xena cautiously made her way through the forest. ********** "Now, *Mr. Goody Two Shoes* you are going to know first hand what I and the others had to suffer through for millennia!" Talon gazed down at the man dangling over the end of the cliff. Still bound by his hands that were now above his head and tied to a long rope, Cyrus gazed downward at the bubbling pool of lava far below him. "Your words don’t frighten me, Talon. I am prepared to face whatever you’ve got in store for me." Evil chuckles escaped Talon’s lips. "Oh, you’ll be singing a different tune when the lava eats away your body and your essence is doomed to wander the earth’s heated core for eternity." He unsheathed the sword at his side. Holding the hilt with both hands, he raised the blade above his head. "So long Cyrus." He brought the blade down to swiftly cut the rope from which Cyrus was hanging over the cliff. Suddenly, a whizzing sound could be heard. Talon looked around just as Xena’s chakram connected with the blade of his sword right before it made contact with the rope. The weapon was knocked from his hands and fell over the cliff, into the waiting lava below. He turned to look at the chakram’s owner as she stood on a hill just beyond the cliff. Xena caught the round weapon when it came towards her and put it back on her waist. Her crystal blue eyes were glaring at him. "Talon, WHAT are you doing!?" "Well, you see Xena, ol’ Cyrus here has out lived his usefulness," Talon stated as a matter of fact. "I was ordered by your father to imprison him in the lava just like the Creator did my kind so many millennia ago." He removed a dagger that hung at his side and began to twirl it in a hand. "Why did you drug me? I would have missed you doing away with him and I so want to watch." She flashed him an evil grin. "Cyrus is an old friend of yours and I couldn’t take any chances that you would get cold feet about imprisoning him." Talon sank to his knees. "I figured it was best if you sat this one out." He playfully ran a hand over the rope lying on the ground. "But now that you are here, you most certainly can watch." Using the dagger he held in a hand, Talon began sawing away at the rope to which Cyrus was tied. If anyone had outlived his usefulness it was Talon. The warrior princess ran forward. "Yiyiyiyiyiyi," she cried while executing a somersault and landing on the ground in front of Talon. The man had no time to react as she delivered a kick to his midsection that knocked him and his dagger away from the rope. What Xena had to do next pained her greatly, but in order for Joxer’s soul to find peace, his body had to be killed. Talon lay on the ground, shaking his head, trying to clear the stars from his vision. Xena was moving slowly in her follow up attack which gave Talon enough time to rise to his feet and charge her, knocking them both to the ground. Now the pair violently rolled about the dirt, exchanging blows. "If you kill me Xena, you will be killing your friend Joxer," Talon evilly sneered while delivering a punch to her midsection. "You killed Joxer when you took over his body." Xena’s right fist connected hard with Talon’s jaw as she brought a knee up to his midsection knocking the air out of him. "Now I must kill his body, so you will DIE." Xena rolled the pair over, putting her in the top position. She wrapped her hands around Talon’s throat and viciously banged his head on the hard ground until he stopped squirming beneath her and appeared to be unconscious. His face and hair were covered with dust as a trail of blood trickled from the side of his mouth where her fist had connected with his jaw. Xena still had a hand around Talon’s throat when she removed a dagger from her person. She raised her hand wielding the weapon. "I am so sorry Joxer," she whispered while bringing it down to plunge into the beating heart inside her friend’s body. Suddenly, Talon’s eyes flew open. "Xena, DON’T!!!" She immediately halted the descent of the dagger as she looked into the face of her friend. Gone was the evil countenance that had shrouded his being ever since Talon had made his identity known. "Joxer?" Her eyes stared at him incredulously. "Yeah...it’s me," he huffed trying to talk through the tight grip Xena maintained on his throat. When she saw his difficulty speaking, she loosened her grip. "Talon lied...I’m not dead. You have to...find a way...to get him...out of my body...please Xena!" Joxer started convulsing. "I will Joxer, I WILL." Xena assured. Her eyes were getting misty as she removed the hand from around his throat and let it caress his face. "He’s too strong for me Xena...I can’t hold him back any longer." Joxer’s mouth hung agape as a dark countenance fell over his being again, indicating Talon was back in control of the body. In one swift motion he raised a hand throwing the dirt it contained into Xena’s eyes. "Ahhh," she yelled while quickly snapping her eyes shut Talon knocked the dagger from her hand as he roughly tossed her off of him and rose to his feet. He stared down at Xena who was now in a kneeling position. Her eyes were rapidly blinking while she tried to remove the dirt from them. "I will NEVER leave this body, Xena so you will have to KILL me and your friend, HA HA HA..." Talon took off into the forest his evil laughter echoing in his departure. "Xena...Xena, what’s going on!?" Cyrus shouted from his position dangling over the cliff. Wearily rising to her feet, Xena went over to the edge of the cliff and gazed down at her friend. "Hang on, I will have you up here in a few minutes." She grabbed a hold of the rope tied around a boulder and began to haul Cyrus up onto the cliff. When he finally lay before her, she went over to him. "What happened up here, Xena? And where’s Talon?" "We had a fight." Xena kneeled before Cyrus and using a dagger cut the binds from his hands. "He managed to get the best of me and took off into the forest." She rose to her feet, pulling Cyrus up with her. "We must find Talon. As long as he is walking around in Joxer’s body, his soul will never be at peace." Cyrus started for the forest but Xena grabbed an arm halting him. "We can’t do that." He quickly whirled around, disbelief over her words in his eyes. "Why not!?" "Because Joxer is not dead. During the fight, he took possession of his body again and told me I must find a way to free him from Talon." "Xena, it couldn’t have been Joxer. It was just Talon using your love for your friend to halt your intentions of killing his body." He raised his arms to touch her. But she pushed him away. "Cyrus, it wasn’t Talon." Her tone was filled with unwavering confidence. "How can you be so sure?" "Hey, don’t look at me. You’re the demon expert. All I can say is that I KNOW my friend and it was indeed Joxer who spoke to me. Maybe him still being present in his own body is the reason the medallions didn’t detect Talon’s demon presence." "You may be onto something there," Cyrus confessed. "All right Xena, I will help you free Joxer." A grateful smile appeared on her face. "In his present state, it will be a struggle trying to get him to Persia so we will have to tranquilize him." Xena nodded in agreement. Cyrus glanced around at their surroundings. "We are in northern Lydia. I should be able to find in these forests the herb I need to create a tranquilizer that will keep him immobilized until we get to Persia." "While you work on the tranquilizer, I’ll track down Talon." Xena quickly made her way towards the forest with Cyrus following right beside her. When they reached the clearing where the horses had been left, only Argo and Xerxes were there. "Talon must have come back here, got Otis and took off," Cyrus surmised as he mounted Xerxes. "He doesn’t have much of a head start so it shouldn’t take long for me to find him," Xena mounted Argo. She let out a yell as she kicked the mare’s flanks urging her to take off in a quick gallop. Cyrus and Xerxes took off in another direction to find the herbs he needed to make the tranquilizer. ********** Xena brought Argo to a stop after they made their way through the forest and stood on a hill overlooking a lush green valley. There, in the distance, she could see Talon sitting atop Otis as the animal waded through a fast moving creek that cut across the valley. She kicked Argo’s flanks and the horse took off down the hill, headed into the valley. "C’mon you stupid horse, we’re almost there," Talon grumbled. Unfortunately for him, the creek was far deeper than he had calculated. The water was up to the animal’s chest so Otis was taking his time crossing it. There were just a few more yards to go before they reached the banks on the other side of the creek, when Talon heard the fast-moving hooves of another horse. He quickly whirled around in the direction of the sound. "Damn it!" He cursed when he saw Xena atop Argo quickly making her way towards them. He urged Otis to move faster. The seconds felt like minutes as Otis cumbersomely made his way to the edge of the creek and out of the water. While they stood on the banks of the creek, Talon turned towards Xena. He tipped his head to her in a gesture of farewell, then kicked Otis’ flanks hard, urging the large animal to take off quickly. As they got closer to the creek, Xena’s eyes scanned the water searching for its shallowest point. When she detected it, she urged Argo in that direction. In half the time it took Otis, Argo was across the creek and resumed galloping through the valley. Once again, Talon turned around when he heard horse hooves behind them. "Oh shit!" He growled when he saw Xena behind him once again. He urged his steed to gallop even faster. Xena did the same with Argo as the distance between the two horses became less and less. Soon, the golden palomino had caught up to the brown gelding and now the two horses galloped neck and neck. Talon tried to urge Otis to go even faster but the horse had reached its maximum speed. With the horses still galloping side by side, Xena leapt from Argo’s back, landing on top of Talon and knocking both from Otis’ back to the lush green grass below. They rolled a few yards before coming to a stop. Both took in labored breaths as they rose to their feet and prepared to square off against each other. ********** Cyrus’ hazel eyes quickly scanned the foliage before him. "Ah, there it is." A relieved smile graced his face when he found the herb he needed to make the tranquilizer. He grabbed a handful of the purplish colored leaves. Dropping to his knees, he removed a cloth from his person and laid it out upon the grass. He took the leaves and roughly rubbed them over the cloth, leaving purple stains behind. Once the cloth had a good coating of the leaves, he folded it up and tucked it inside his shirt. Cyrus mounted Xerxes who stood nearby and urged the large gray horse to gallop off through the forest. ********** Xena blocked the punch that Talon just threw and delivered one of her own that connected with his chin, knocking him away from her. From his new position, Talon rubbed his chin and moved his head around a bit. An evil chuckle escaped his lips as he set his gaze on Xena. Though she tried to suppress it, her face was somewhat contorted in pain while a hand rested on her abdomen. "You foolish woman, all this time you have been fighting Dahak’s blood." Talon shook his head in amazement. He approached where she stood and the two began to circle one another. "It’s a losing battle Xena, even YOU can’t resist forever...Dahak’s evil is just too strong." "I would have Cyrus KILL me before I ever let that happen," she hissed, her eyes hard and never leaving his person. "Oh c’mon Xena, do you really think Cyrus would be able to kill you? It would pain him too much. Just like killing Joxer would be for you. But that’s just something you will have to endure because it’s the ONLY way you will get me out of his body." ********** Galloping at top speed, Xerxes raced across the valley and began to slow down when he approached a creek. Cyrus’ hazel eyes quickly scanned the water, looking for the shallowest point. Time was of the utmost essence. Fear for Xena filled his being. In her weakened condition he didn’t know how long she would be able to last against Talon. Saying a quick prayer to the Creator, Cyrus took an educated guess then urged Xerxes to cross the creek. ********** Another spasm rippled through Xena’s body that didn’t go unnoticed by Talon who lunged at her, wrapping his hands around her throat. "Stop fighting it Xena and just give in...GIVE IN!!!" He yelled. Xena tried to pry his hands from her neck but she had grown too weak. She looked over Talon’s shoulder and could see Cyrus atop Xerxes who was galloping at top speed towards them. Mustering the little strength she had left, Xena raised her hands up to Talon’s neck and applied the pinch to his carotid arteries. He immediately released his hold on her throat as he fell to the ground. Exhausted, Xena slumped to the ground beside him. Talon’s eyes were wide with surprise while he struggled to speak. "Wh-what...d-did you...d-do...to m-me!?" Blood began to trickle from a nostril. "I cut off the flow of blood to your brain." Cyrus brought Xerxes to a stop before the pair and quickly dismounted. "I found the herb I needed and made the tranquilizer." "Good, now apply it," Xena said. Cyrus removed the cloth he had earlier tucked away inside his shirt. He came over to the immobilized man and knelt beside his head. For the first time, Talon’s eyes displayed fear as he watched Cyrus put the cloth over his mouth and nose. While this was going on, Xena removed the pinch from Talon’s neck. After a few moments had elapsed, Cyrus removed the cloth from Talon’s face. His eyes were closed as his chest softly rose and fell. "Well, he’s out cold and should stay that way until we get to Persia." A sigh of relief escaped Xena’s lips. "Oh, and I found something that should help ease your pain." Cyrus handed Xena a large green leaf shaped like a teardrop. He quickly glanced at the sky before returning his gaze to her. "Chew on that until sunset and it should keep the pain away until daybreak. I will give you another leaf at sunrise." Xena put the leaf in her mouth. Its taste was bitter but she ignored that as she began chewing it. She looked at Talon’s unconscious form. "Now, we better get him on Otis’ back so we can get to Persia." Cyrus nodded in agreement while helping Xena to her feet.
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