DISCLAIMER: Xena, Gabrielle, Argo,
etc. are ©copyright MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. I don’t own them, I
just play with them for a while and, like the good girl I am, I put them back
when I’m done…okay, they get a little worn, but hey…I play hard! Absolutely no
Copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fiction. It’s
intended as flattery toward the creators, writers, and actors of the
characters. All other characters that appear are ©copyright Devlin@xenafan.com.
This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies may be made for
private use only and I’d appreciate if you included all copyright notices and
this disclaimer.
VIOLENCE WARNING: There is violence (come on
it’s the Conqueror). The nature of the story is not nearly as dark as some
Conqueror fiction, but it’s essence is still the slave / master relationship
that exists between Xena & Gabrielle.
TIMELINE: My own making. Xena is the
Lord, Conqueror of Greece, but she is almost forty-five years old when she
meets the slave, Gabrielle. Many of Xena’s evil ways have been sedated, but not
all. I call this Xena the “thinking woman’s” Conqueror. She is a woman who
wants to try to do the right thing, but doesn’t always know how.
SEX: Yes, I’ll have some, thank
you. Ooops! I mean, yes there is. It is
our favorite two Soulmates, after all. It’s not gratuitous, but it is quite
explicit when it gets going. This story shows consensual as well as
non-consenting love (master/slave), sex and yes, even some light bdsm between two
adult females.
HIGH ANGST WARNING: I was threatened within an
inch of my life if I didn’t start putting this disclaimer on some (all?) of my
work. I will henceforth rate the angst content with sad faces, one being the
lowest and four being the highest. This story earns: L L (2
sad faces for those without TT Fonts)
UNDERAGE WARNING: Hey, the Supreme Court said
in Reno v. American Civil Liberties Union
(1997) that laws against making available, online, certain “indecent”
materials for those under 18 was unconstitutional…look it up! Besides, this is
perfectly “decent.” J
I
only know how others feel about my stories from feedback. Let me know what you
think...homophobes need not apply, however. I’m at: Devlin@xenafan.com
**Special thanks to Jim Kuntz for his permission in using any Lion of Amphipolis references.
The Conqueror
Series
Tale One:
Journey’s End
By LJ Maas
For
the first time in ten seasons, Sylla did not rouse me in the morning, and for
the first time in as many seasons; I did not awaken before dawn. When I finally
shook away the slumber that held me in its tenuous grasp, I lay, staring up at
the high ceiling above. Even though the tapestries still covered the windows, I
could see by the light peering in through the edges of the heavy drapery, that
it was late in the morning. The next thing I felt was the heartbeat, which I
could feel pulsing against my chest. It wasn’t my own heartbeat, rather the
small blonde, whose body was draped across my own. What a downright pleasurable
way to wake up, I thought to myself.
I
smiled, a broad, lazy kind of grin as I listened to the gentle snores coming
from Gabrielle as she slept. Gods, whoever thought that I might possibly find
something like that endearing? My young slave slept heavily, something she
didn’t normally do, but I’m sure the circumstances of last evening, and
morning, were the cause. I gently extricated myself and rolled Gabrielle to her
side, a soft murmur of protest escaping her as she slept. I rose and pushed the
still warm pillow my head so recently rested on, into her arms. Again, a soft
moan, but this time the words were audible and they stole my breath away.
“Mmmm,
Xena,” she whispered faintly.
I
kissed her forehead and quickly pulled the same clothes on from yesterday.
Running long fingers through my hair, I assumed I was at least presentable
enough to wander down to the kitchens. I was actually hungry for once, but I
was more concerned over why Sylla hadn’t been there this morning to wake me.
I
dodged a few scullery maids, their arms overloaded with dishes, and when I held
the door open for the smallest of the three, she looked up at me as though I
were an apparition. Hades, a look like that could really take the wind out of
one’s sails.
“It’s
all right, girl, go on.” I forced myself to say gently.
“Many
thanks, Lord Conqueror,” she returned, rushing backwards through the door. Her
eyes never left mine. I couldn’t tell if she was in such a hurry because of the
load in her arms or if she just wanted to be away from me.
I
realized that although I hadn’t assaulted a woman in almost five seasons, my
reputation still went before me. It probably didn’t help that I became such a
monarch, that I not only never visited certain portions of the castle, but that
I rarely recognized whether someone worked for me or not. I barely knew a soul
in my own home. The thought made me determined to change that. I wasn’t sure
how, but I would try. I would ask Gabrielle. Now that’s a thought that simply
slipped out. Asking my slave for advice on how to rule? No, I answered my own
question; ask her how to learn about people. Gabrielle seemed to know a lot
about people, seemed to understand them, and the feelings that drove them.
Walking
into the small, private kitchen that was Delia’s domain, I was happy to see the
older woman, hard at work kneading dough on a large stone slab.
“Well,
well, good morning, Lord Conqueror, how are you today.” She said to me,
brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face with her forearm, her hands
covered in flour.
“Is
Sylla Ill?” I asked quickly.
She
looked at me with a tired smile and shook her head back and forth.
“Good
morning, Delia, I’m right as rain, and yourself?” The woman said, talking to
the air.
I
couldn’t keep from grinning, like a child who’d been caught stealing an extra
sweet cake from the tray. “Sorry. Good morning, Delia. I’m fine, thanks.”
“Wonderful
to hear.” She continued on with her kneading, slapping the mixture with more
flour. “I take it you’ve finally come down because you’re hungry?”
“Yes,
as a matter of fact. Why didn’t Sylla wake me? Is she all right?”
“Sylla’s
fine, no need to worry.” She answered.
“Gods,
I didn’t forget her birthday or something, did I?” I suddenly searched my brain
and though Sylla celebrated something closer to the summer solstice.
“No,
she is not ill, nor did you forget her birthday. I told her not to wake you
this morning.”
“You?”
I replied in confusion. “I don’t understand.”
“Sylla
came down as usual for your breakfast and said you were still asleep. She also
said something about the cute picture you made--”
“Tell
me my maid didn’t call me cute.” I simply glared.
“No,”
Delia laughed, “I threw that part in.”
“That
much is believable…go on, after the cute part.” I admonished.
“Well,
she thought it odd that you were still sound asleep after the sun was up, then
one of the guards told her the candles were blazing in your rooms till the sun
rose. I was the one that told her to leave you be. Figure you and your
Gabrielle must have had a long night.” She turned and winked at me.
The
look on my face must have told her something, for she furrowed her brow in
concern.
“Sit
down, Xena, you look more than tired.” She said, pushing me onto the high stool
that always sat next to the fire. “Are you ill yourself? Is Gabrielle all
right?”
“I’m
not sure we are. I know for certain I’m not all right.” I answered.
Delia
rinsed her hands and poured me a cup of tea, wrapping my fingers around the
mug, seating herself in front of me. “Drink this, it will make you feel
better.” Something about that gesture was very mother-like and I could feel
myself responding to the affection.
I
enjoyed the mint taste to the beverage and soon found myself relating
everything that happened the previous evening. It all came tumbling out in such
a jumbled mess, what actually happened, interspersed with the feelings I had
for my young slave, that by the time I was finished, I was sure Delia wouldn’t
have a clue, as to what was going on.
When
I looked up from my mug, I saw her smiling.
“Xena,”
she said softly, “there’s no need to make so much of it. You’re in love, that’s
all.”
I
just stared at her.
Was
that the confirmation I was waiting for or the fact I was desperately trying to
deny? I ran my fingers through my hair, rising and pacing in an agitated state.
“Delia,
masters don’t fall in love with their slaves.” I said flatly.
“Well,
you do have a point there. That is easily fixed however.” She reasoned.
I
refused to answer, even though I could literally feel the weight of her stare,
waiting expectantly for an answer. I continued my pacing until I heard her
sigh.
“You
do plan on fixing that, don’t you, Xena?”
To
hear Delia use my given name, well it always seemed to level the sparring field
a little bit more between us. Actually, it more than leveled it. The older
woman only used it on occasion, but she seemed older than the ten summers she
had over me. I suppose it was always her motherly manner that caused me to feel
this way. Now, more than ever, I saw the elder in her come out. She was asking
me if I planned to give Gabrielle her freedom. I could no more hide the truth
from Delia than I could from myself.
“If
I free her…she’ll leave.” I said hesitantly.
“Why
would you think that?” She responded.
“Why?”
I repeated, resuming my pacing again, a burning sensation building in the pit
of my stomach. “Even you wouldn’t stay with someone like me if you had a
choice, no woman would.” I shouted.
“I
would if I was in love with you.” She replied softly. “Gabrielle is just as in
love with you, as you are with her.”
I
stopped all movement and kept asking myself the same thing. With my back to the
older woman, I’m sure I sounded like a small, frightened child; Gods know I
certainly felt like one.
“Do
you really believe that, Delia?” I asked.
“Xena,
sit down here.” She motioned me back onto the stool. “Now look me in the eye
and tell me you don’t feel it. Blessed Athena, you sleep with the woman. When
she touches you, doesn’t it feel different than any other’s touch that you’ve
ever experienced?”
“For
me, but how do I know Gabrielle feels the same?”
“I
thought you said that you told her and she told you?” Delia threw back at me. I
could see that I was confusing the woman.
“Well…we
kind of did…in a way…”
Xena,
did you or did you not, tell the girl you loved her?”
“I…well…not
in those exact words…”
“In
what words…exactly?” Delia asked, now crossing her arms across her chest.
“Well…I
told her that I felt…more.” I replied. I was beginning to feel like that
idiotic schoolboy again.
“More
of what?”
“Just…more.”
I finished without meeting her eyes.
“And
what did she say to that?” Delia asked. I’m sure at this point; she was amazed
that I’d been taking care of myself for forty-four seasons so far without
incident.
“She
said she felt more, too.”
Delia
put her head in her hands and I couldn’t tell if she was laughing or crying. I
jumped up from the stool to resume my agitated motion. I was embarrassed and
aggravated at trying to make the woman understand.
“I
can’t do any better than that!” I nearly shouted. “I--” Stopping in mid
sentence, I honestly thought I might start crying out of frustration. Oh sure, now
the tears come! I lowered my head, my hands on my hips, and in a broken voice,
tried to continue. “I can’t…I don’t know…”
“You
don’t know how…what to say to her?” Delia asked in an understanding voice.
I
returned to my seat and sunk down heavily. All I could do was nod my head in
response. “I should know.” I eventually answered.
Delia
did something I never expected from the older woman. She took my hands in her
own small, plump ones and squeezed them gently until I lifted my face to meet
her eyes.
“Xena,
how could you be expected to know? You’ve never felt this way before, never had
anyone to teach you, or tell you. You’re too hard on yourself. It’s
understandable that when you have no one around to teach you how to love,
you’re not going to get the example and the education that most do.” She
finished.
“That’s
my own doing too. I spent my whole life--”
“Do
not even go there, my friend.” Delia chastised. “Do you really want to play the
pity game? Okay, you spent your whole life what? Let’s see, murdering, raping,
beating, stealing…right?”
I
looked up at her with a wry grin. I swear, that only Delia and Gabrielle have
the ability to make me feel this way.
“Yes,
thank you, I feel so much better.” I answered.
Delia
chuckled and squeezed my hands lightly. “Xena, telling Gabrielle that you love
her can be the easiest thing in the world. All you have to do is quit analyzing
everything so much and look inside your heart. Look there and tell her what you
feel, what you see between the two of you.”
“When
I try to do that my brain freezes up and my tongue feels the size of a small
boulder.” I admitted. “I’ll sound like an idiot.”
“True,
it may sound a little strange to your ears, and you may stammer a bit, but I
assure you, when you pledge your love, it may sound like Xena the Conqueror
speaking to you, but Gabrielle will hear only the lyric love poetry of
Ibycus.” Delia reassured me.
“And
if she doesn’t feel the same way as I?” I asked at last.
“Therein
lies the question that has driven more lovers mad than all else. All I can tell
you there, Xena, is that the truth of love can be a powerful weapon. You above
all others should know the value in a good weapon. It has the power to save or
destroy; it all depends upon how you wield it. Occasionally, a rare few of us
get to a place in our lives where we find something worth risking everything
for. You alone decide; whether loving Gabrielle will be the object, you roll
the dice for.
“And
if she asks that I free her?” I asked, already knowing, in my heart, Delia’s
answer.
“That,
Lord Conqueror, will be a decision that you will have to make alone. I’ll only
add that you can’t really start an equal relationship, based on an inequality.
Can you?”
I
smiled sadly, now thinking of all Gabrielle and I had to talk of. My thoughts
of Gabrielle pulled me in another direction.
“Hades!”
I stood up quickly. “I was supposed to bring breakfast back up for Gabrielle.”
“Good
Gods, with the way that girl eats and you haven’t fed her yet? Better make it
lunch.” Delia replied, suddenly bustling around the small room, loading a tray
with food.
As
I was leaving the kitchen, my arms laden with a silver tray, stacked with food
and drink, I paused and turned back.
“Thank
you, my friend. I wonder if Galen ever knew how lucky of a man he was, to have
found you.” I said to Delia.
“You
are quite welcome, Lord Conqueror.” She said, turning her back on me to face
the fire. “I miss that old soldier.” She added softly as I left through the
door.
*********************
I
tried to get through the door to my outer chamber quietly, with little success,
one of the silver plates crashing loudly to the floor.
Gabrielle
jumped up from the cushions she sat upon by the open balcony door.
“Hi,
I thought you might be as hungry as me, so I brought back lunch.” I explained,
grinning awkwardly at my own clumsiness.
“I
thought…” Gabrielle trailed the thought off and I heard the note of
apprehension in her voice, taking in the strained expression on her face.
“Oh,
Gabrielle, no…I just went to get us some food.” I clarified, setting the tray
on the table.
I
pulled her into an embrace and held her, resting my chin on the top of her
head. I tilted her face until I could see the sparkling, emerald eyes, and
reached down to kiss her. I tried to ease her fears and convince her I was
sincere with that kiss.
“Believe
me?” I asked, pulling away to look down on her.
Her
flushed cheeks caused me to smile and she nodded her head.
“Hungry?”
She
nodded her head even more enthusiastically and we pulled apart to sit at the
table.
We
ate in odd periods of silence. One of us would say something mindless, such as
commenting on the weather, and then we would make a few remarks about said
topic, eventually graduating to a awkward silence once again. I could only
guess that we both had the same things on our minds. We finally finished our
meal, and I could make no other excuses, could no longer put off the
inevitable. It was time for me to do something that I avoided like swamp fever,
for nearly forty-five seasons. I was about to open my heart and speak.
“Gabrielle…”
“My
Lord…”
We
each said in unison.
“Gabrielle,
I would think, given our circumstances, that you might want to call me Xena,
all of the time. I mean, at least while we’re alone. It probably wouldn’t look
good outside…” I quickly added the last, not quite ready to be called that in
front of my men.
“I
didn’t know if you…are you sure?” she asked.
“Yes,
I’m sure.” I answered with a nervous smile. “Did you have something you wanted
to say?”
“Please,
you go first.” She replied.
“Huh?”
I was caught a little off guard, thinking I might formulate my thoughts while
Gabrielle spoke. Now, the lamplight was shining brightly on me.
“You
said you had something to say?” Gabrielle gently prodded.
“Yes…yes
I did.” My palms began to sweat and I wondered why someone, somewhere, never
came up with a plan to create an army of young women like this. They take your
breath, your thoughts, and all physical movement, and make it nearly impossible
for you to perform any of the aforementioned activities. They would be
unstoppable, and I was making a mental note to ask someone about this plan,
when Gabrielle brought me out of my nonsensical thoughts.
“Xena?”
“Oh,
yes…well I…Gabrielle I--” I was reprieved by a knock on the outer door. “I’ll
just see who that is,” I said, rising quickly and crossing the room.
It
turned out to be Sylla, come for the dirty dishes. The girl was faster than I
thought she would be and moments later I was pacing the room, determined to at
least give Gabrielle an inkling of what I felt for her.
“Gabrielle…”
I started again, for perhaps the fifth time, slowly backing myself up until I
felt the wall against my back.
Gabrielle
sat, very patiently, I might add, a perplexed sort of expression on her face. I
began nervously fingering that same tapestry, hanging on the wall. Gods, the
thing was going to be threadbare before winter if I kept on like this. I nearly
slapped my own hand to stop the fidgety gesture of pulling on the loose
threads.
“Gabrielle…I
have something to tell you. It’s…well, it about the way I--” A louder pounding
at the door this time.
“Hera’s
tits!” I exclaimed and Gabrielle released a small giggle.
“I’ll
get it this time.” She said.
When
Gabrielle returned, my guard, Nicos, was with her.
“Forgive
the intrusion, Lord Conqueror, but you said that I should report to you
immediately upon my return. I have the information you requested.” Nicos said,
standing at attention the entire time.
“Did
you bring them with you?” I asked cryptically.
“Aye,
Lord Conqueror.” Nicos replied with a sly smile. “Captain Atrius is with them
at this moment. He awaits your orders.”
“Outstanding,
Nicos, good man. Tell the Captain I’ll be down directly, then go get yourself
some food and rest.” I clapped the soldier’s one arm within my own warrior’s embrace,
and could feel the man stand a little taller, pride having been in short
commodity for him the last few seasons.
After
Nicos left, I entered my bedchamber. I flipped open the chest and drew my
weapons from their customary place, fixing them in the appropriate places.
Looking up, I suddenly saw Gabrielle, studying me in quiet contemplation. Hades,
I forgot something, didn’t I?
“Gabrielle,
I do have something important to talk with you about, but this is something
that must be handled immediately. Do you understand?”
She
smiled and I felt instantaneous relief.
“Yes,
Xena, I understand perfectly.”
“I
have no earthly idea when I’ll be through. You don’t have to stay here and
wait, though.” I put my arm about her shoulders, as she slipped her own around
my waist, and we walked to the door. The gesture was completely involuntary and
seemed so effortless.
“Perhaps
I’ll go to see Anya, then.” She said.
I
kissed her lips, and felt her smile against my skin, finding myself smiling the
same way. When I, at last, left the room and walked down the lamp lit corridor,
I found my fingers reaching up to brush across my lips. I knew I was grinning
like an idiot, but it was such an odd physical feeling. My lips literally
tingled after having kissed Gabrielle. I knew that no matter how long this next
bit of nastiness lasted; I would find Gabrielle and tell her that I was truly
in love with her.
*********************
“Well,
well…Kassandros, I should have known.” I said immediately upon entering the
small room Atrius held the prisoners in.
Held
in chains, the six men looked ragged and unkempt. If one didn’t know better,
they might think them peasants or simple travelers. I, however, knew much
better. Callius, the Captain of my fleet gave me their names, each and every
one of them, as his own blood drained from him, to spill across my hands. He
gave them up with a dying whisper, not even bothering to take their names to
Hades with him.
When
I first learned of the treachery, I ordered Atrius not to arrest my headman,
Demetri. I knew if he thought he wasn’t implicated in the illegal slave trade
fiasco, once I killed Callius, he would eventually take over the Captain’s role
of masterminding the scheme. I dispatched Nicos and two squads of men to
quietly arrest the other players. I let Demetri continue to think that I was
unaware of his activities, until I had all of his associates firmly within my
grasp.
It
never even surprised me when Kassandros’ name was the first to escape the dying
Captain’s lips. He was one of my elected Governor’s, set up in one of the
provinces of upper Macedon. I think it was a nostalgic moment that caused me to
select him in the first place, either that, or guilt. I killed the man’s
father, Antipater, a regent of Macedon also. Once I killed Alexander, his
regent, Antipater was no problem. After that campaign, I seized control of
Macedon, and began outwardly expanding the areas I conquered, until most of the
foreign Empires surrounding the Aegean were under my control.
It
seems that Kassandros had teams of mercenaries, kidnapping young girls and
selling them to Amphipolis, Abdera, and Potidaea. The girls were daughters of
free men, but that didn’t matter to any of the slave traders. Much to my recent
abhorrence, the majority of the slaves eventually made their way to Corinth,
and the many auction blocks in the great city.
It
took a great deal of patience, understanding, and time, for the story to be
garnered; from the young girls I rescued that day on the docks. I asked Delia
to help out, and the girls soon overcame their trauma enough to confide in the
caring older woman. Now, the men responsible before me, I wanted nothing more
than to see them beheaded or even crucified out in my palace courtyard. There
weren’t too many punishments my dark mind could dream up that would
sufficiently make the men pay, however. What they have done over Gods know how
many seasons as I ruled, could never be repaired, even with their deaths. For
the girls, the women, and their families, at least it would be a start.
I
walked around to face the condemned men. “Now, who would care to share their
secrets with me?”
I
smiled, an altogether unpleasant smile, the kind that I haven’t used in quite
some time. Three of the four men, seated and chained before me, began talking
so fast; the beast within me was a bit disappointed that it would not be
allowed its freedom. The fourth man, sitting there, silent and sneering, was
Kassandros.
I
finally heard all that I needed. Frankly, I was a bit surprised. I never took
Demetri for having the jewels for this sort of scheme, but I could only assume
that was why he surrounded himself with an exceedingly rough group of
characters. It was evident, from this lot especially, Demetri was the brains,
and they were the brawn. Kassandros never said a word, as he and I stared hard
at one another. I silenced the others with a baleful glance, positioning myself
in front of the former Governor. I suppose he didn’t care much for my superior
smile, because his lips pulled back in a sneer, and he proceeded to spit upon
my boots.
“Oh,
yea…that hurt.” I responded in a mocking tone.
“Don’t
think I’ll give you the satisfaction of hearing me spill my guts like these
fools. Let me free of these chains and I’ll show you what a real warrior is
made of, you self-righteous bitch!” he shouted.
I
simply smiled again. Looking up, I pointed out two guards. “Find Demetri and
arrest him. Bring him here…better yet, bring them all to the jail. I think my
former headman should start getting to know the rabble he associates with, on a
more personal level.”
I
turned to go when Kassandros’ voice met me once again.
“I
knew you were getting too soft to take me up on my challenge.” He shouted out,
but I ignored him, making my way to the door.
“You
always were all show with the big sword and all, bet you ain’t much without
weapons. It’s all over Greece how the Conqueror bitch’s bedmate is a dirty
whore!”
I
stopped all movement, feeling as though I was just hit between the shoulder
blades with a brick. The feeling wasn’t even one that I could consciously
remember dredging up. The words he spoke about Gabrielle caused a faint
stirring, somewhere deep inside, and within the depths of my very soul, I felt
the beast claw to the surface.
“Lord
Conqueror…” Atrius was by my side, but I stood staring at the door, unmoving.
“Get
these others down to a cell, leave him here.” I finished.
A
few more guards hustled the rest of the prisoners down to the palace dungeons.
“The
rest of you…out!” I commanded and men scurried from the room.
I
went about removing my sword belt and the chakram that hung on the opposite
hip. I carefully wrapped the package of weapons up and turned to hand them to
Atrius.
“Remove
his chains, then leave.” I said flatly, realizing I was very close to losing
control of the darkness that began to settle all through me.
“Lord
Conqueror, this is foolishness. The man will die in the morning.” My Captain
tried to persuade me from this reckless path, but I was past having either the
ability to hear or care.
“Now.”
I repeated.
I
heard the door click as Atrius reluctantly closed it, then I turned to face the
man who stood no taller than I. “Now,” I began, “show me what a real warrior is
made of.” I growled.
I
felt possessed, once I made the conscious decision to relinquish the last of my
remaining control to the beast.
*********************
“Get
a couple of men to drag him to a jail cell.” I said to Atrius as I walked past
him to a low barrel of water. I rinsed the blood from my hands and winced in
pain when I bent my fingers. Gods, his jaw was hard. I rinsed my mouth
of blood and fingered my jaw tentatively, checking for loose teeth. I gave a
lot better than I got, but I didn’t leave the room completely unscathed.
Atrius
handed me a dry cloth, the expression on his face displaying his displeasure
with my actions. I accepted my weapons and strapped them around my waist.
“Lord
Conqueror, I can understand why you felt the desire to beat the Tartarus out of
him, what I don’t understand is why you actually put yourself in jeopardy that
way, and went through with it.” Atrius was in his mother hen mode and I
couldn’t blame him…much.
“I
imagined you, of all people, would know why I had to.” I answered, tossing the
rag away.
That
crooked smile and a grunt, of which I took to be agreement, was all that came
from the Captain.
“Lord
Conqueror…” A young lieutenant rushed up to the two of us. “Someone must have
warned Lord Demetri…he’s gone. I have two squads of men searching the palace,
another four combing the city.”
“Ares
balls,” I muttered under my breath, “can’t anything ever go easy around here?
All right, he’s probably fled the city by now, but keep your men looking just
in case.”
“Aye,
Lord Conqueror.” He responded, rushing away just as quickly.
“Gods,
they’re making them younger every day. I’m starting to feel my age.” I
complained to Atrius.
The
expression on my Captain’s face fell. “Speaking of age, Lord Conqueror…you are
rather promised to a certain group of officers in training.”
“And
just how in Hades did that happen?” I growled. Those training classes were
always filled with a dozen young soldiers all looking to be the first to best
me with a sword.
“Actually,
Lord Conqueror, you promised you would meet with them this morning. I was told
by your personal maid that you were rather…indisposed, this morning.” Atrius
said, that damned amusement sparkling in his eye.
“Since
you think it’s so entertaining, you can come along and protect my back.” I
grinned.
“Yes,
Lord Conqueror.” He muttered.
I
paused before continuing on out of the palace. A feeling slid up my spine, that
I could neither put my finger on, nor brush off. “You don’t think Demetri’s
stupid enough to hide here, do you?”
“If
he’s smart, he’ll be headed for Athens by now.” Atrius answered.
“Well,
I’d never accuse him of overt intelligence, but it’s what most sane men would
do.” I responded with a sigh. “All right…to the training field.”
My
Captain and I walked off, headed outside, to show some of the young pups what
kind of bite two old warriors still had. My last words about Demetri were meant
as something of a jest, but one thing was true, fleeing the palace is what a
sane man would do. Unfortunately, at this moment, my headman was currently
doing a balancing act between sanity and madness.
As
I strode to the training field, I never even thought that my Gabrielle might be
somewhere, about to walk into harm’s way.
To be continued in Chapter 15: Because I Could Not Stop For Death