text:
Long after XenaÆs first steps
on her path towards atonement, she and Gabrielle discover the dust has settled
on someone who reminds them ōold historyö can feel like yesterday.
By IseQween
January 2010
ōSo, how about it ģ. Forgiving yourself?ö
ōGabrielle, thatÆs not for me.ö
Katja reined in the wagon
team when she reached the outskirts of the village where sheÆd heard Xena now
lived. Nearly 40 years had passed since sheÆd last encountered the
Warrior Princess. KatjaÆs triumph then had been brief, flawed.
SheÆd long dreamed of another chance. Youth hadnÆt stopped her before.
If fate smiled on her more kindly this time, age wouldnÆt present a problem for
either of them now. Her breath quickened at the prospect.
The road into the village ran
alongside a field dotted with archery targets, straw dummies, climbing poles,
hurdles. Several girls in short leather skirts practiced various forms of
combat. Katja squinted at a tall woman moving among them ¢ observing,
coaching, demonstrating techniques ¢ exuding strength, athleticism and
confidence. Too young to be the legendary Warrior Princess, too old to be
her daughter, yet remarkable enough in her resemblance to point the way to the
The meeting hall gradually
cleared, people taking with them conversations left over from the communal
ōMore practice with the girls?ö
ōDonÆt worry. They can
handle it. Gotta make sure they represent your message of peace well at
the festival sparring competition.ö
ōRiiight. My message of
peace. WouldnÆt want them losing in defense of that.ö
Gabrielle gave her partner a peck
on the cheek before wryly watching the warrior stroll away. Among the
stragglers still there, she noted a woman she didnÆt recognize. Older,
alone, hunched over a plate as though not wishing to be disturbed.
Gabrielle pushed back her chair and walked over.
The woman continued eating
until she could no longer ignore someone standing there. When she finally
glanced up, her eyes widened. ōIs it really you?ö
Gabrielle smiled. ōI
certainly hope so. But tell me anyway.ö
ōXenaÆs friend. Gabrielle?ö
ōUh huh. ThatÆs me all
right. Do I know you?ö
ōWe ģ were in the same
place once. A long time ago.ö She regarded Gabrielle
curiously. ōAbout the same age, I thought. CouldnÆt tell it now.ö
ōMay I?ö At the womanÆs
slight nod, Gabrielle sat across from her. ōI had a little help.
With my more youthful look. Long story. WhatÆs important, weÆre in
the same place again.ö She offered her hand. ōWelcome to the
Village of Dreams ģ.ö She tilted her head questioningly.
The woman looked at GabrielleÆs
hand a moment before shaking it. ōKatja.ö She paused, then
straightened resolutely, adding, ōOf Amphipolis.ö
ōAmphipolis?! You knew
Katja chewed her lip.
ōAlmost 10 years older than me. We moved in different circles.ö
Gabrielle frowned.
ōYou didnÆt see her? At the table with me?ö
ōWasnÆt sure it was her
either.ö Katja snorted. ōMustÆve used the same fountain of youth as
Gabrielle studied the other
woman. ōBut sheÆs why youÆre here?ö
Katja raised a ōyouÆre no
dummyö brow. She thought carefully about her next words. ōOur last
meeting wasnÆt particularly ģ pleasant. IÆve had my ups and downs
since. ThereÆre some things I need to do. SheÆs ģ first on my
list. If sheÆs up for it.ö
Gabrielle noted a slight
clenching of the strangerÆs jaws. She relaxed back in her chair.
ōIf you grew up around Xena, you know sheÆs pretty much æupÆ for
anything. That hasnÆt changed over the years. Have you seen much of
the village?ö
ōUm, no. Just arrived.ö
ōXenaÆll probably be busy until
supper. Why donÆt I show you around? You could freshen up at our
place. We can all meet back here after.ö Gabrielle snorted
softly. ōScratch Xena off your list? If, of course, youÆre up for
Katja cocked her head.
ōStill making a way for her, eh?ö She folded her hands on the
table. ōSure. WeÆll see how it goes.ö
ōSo, you gonna tell me?ö Xena
asked, as Gabrielle nearly dragged her to the meeting hall. ōYou
know how I love surprises.ö
ōI gave you a hint.ö
ōSomebody from my distant past?
Yeah, that narrows it down.ö
ōDonÆt be so impatient.
Have you learned nothing, lo these many years?ö Gabrielle guided her
partner to a table in a back corner. ōThe best things are worth the
wait. Or,ö she amended, ōat least the most interesting ones.ö She
scanned the dinner crowd filing in. ōSit. If youÆre a good girl,
youÆll get a leg of mutton with your surprise.ö
Xena glumly watched the small
figure weave her way toward whatever she bet a leg of mutton wouldnÆt
compensate for. If sheÆd learned anything over ōlo these many years,ö
GabrielleÆs idea of a surprise had worsened almost as much as XenaÆs had
improved. The more sensitive and tolerant the ex-warlord became, the
happier Gabrielle was to test new boundaries. Xena darkly fantasized
about the days ōsurpriseö could mean somebodyÆs head on a stick. Maybe it
was her ōjust dessertsö that, in reality, the head more likely would be hers,
with Gabrielle holding the stick.
A couple weeks ago, theyÆd come
across a wild child in the woods, captured only because sheÆd broken her
leg. ōXena, if anyone can tame her, itÆs you.ö And then there were
the midwives who balked because Gabrielle thought fathers should be allowed to
witness births. ōXena, youÆre a respected healer. Who better to
convince them to give it a shot?ö Now what? Reminiscing about the
good old days with some poor soul who didnÆt have anybody else? Or
couldnÆt remember if they did?
ōIÆd like to introduce you to ģ
my surprise.ö Gabrielle waited for a sign of recognition.
Seeing none, she hinted, ōAnother daughter of Amphipolis.ö
ōYeah?ö Xena gave up
trying to guess. ōAlways nice meeting somebody from home. Welcome.ö
ōLetÆs sit, shall we?ö
Gabrielle pulled out a chair across from Xena for their guest. When
everyone was comfortable she said, ōOur foodÆs on order. Hopefully weÆll
all know each other better by the time it arrives.ö She sat with her
hands folded on the table, glancing expectantly between the others.
ōSo.ö Xena summoned her
best hosting manners. ōAmphipolis, eh?ö
ōHavenÆt lived there in awhile,
but yeah.ö
Xena tilted her head, thinking
there might be something familiar in the womanÆs rather sharp features.
ōIÆm at a disadvantage. You know my name. Mind telling me yours?ö
ōOh, of course. Katja.ö At XenaÆs crinkled
brow, she smiled wryly. ōNo reason you should remember me. TrimonÆs
baby sister.ö
ōTrimon?!ö Xena
chuckled. ōNo way I could forget him.ö She turned to
Gabrielle. ōTalk about a young æhothead.Æ He beat me hands
down. Especially at fighting. When Cortese and his goons started
coming around? Trimon was among the first to argue for defending
Katja nodded. ōHeÆd come
to my room all excited. æShhh. Pa thinks IÆm still in the
fields. Go out and stall `em while I clean up.Æ IÆd ask him why he
kept playing war, when Pa told him not to. æItÆs not play,Æ heÆd
say. æAt least, it wonÆt be soon.Æ He promised his friends would
make sure I could grow up safe. Be whatever I wanted, not some warlordÆs
slave.ö She sighed. ōI did look up to him. Wished I could do
something important too. He told me it was important keeping his
secret. Being his ælookout.Æö
ōI thought it would be nice,
having a big brother,ö Gabrielle put in. ōSounds like Trimon was a good
ōA good friend too.ö Xena
snickered. ōThere was this one time my mother caught some of us behind
the inn. We were filthy, from crawling on the ground like spies. Trimon
grabs me and plants a big kiss on my mouth. Pretends he doesnÆt know
sheÆs there. æOh, maÆam!Æ he says in horror. æPlease forgive
me! I meant no disrespect to Xena. SheÆs so wonderful and
beautiful. I believe IÆm in love and couldnÆt help myself.Æö
Gabrielle laughed. ōAnd
Cyrene bought that?ö
ōExcuse me?ö Xena sucked
in her cheeks. ōSome reason she wouldnÆt?ö She snorted.
ōMaybe shocked I didnÆt punch him. More so that I might be interested in
someone. And happy enough about it to accept we were simply æfooling
around.Æ All she said was, æYouÆre a good boy, Trimon. I donÆt mind
you seeing Xena. But I want you to do it proper. Next time, come to
the front door and ask my permission first.Æö
ōAnd did he?ö Gabrielle
found great amusement in XenaÆs feigning courtship. ōBring you
flowers? Escort you to dances?ö
Xena smugly patted her
partnerÆs shoulder. ōNow, now. NothinÆ to be jealous about.
Besides, we were too busy preparing for our rebellion. Not long after,
the raids got worse.ö Her eyes dimmed. ōNo more playtime.ö
Katja regarded XenaÆs bowed
head. ōMy brother, Xena, their small band didnÆt get the support they
hoped for. Especially from the adults. Until there was almost
nothing left. They pursued the attackers outside of town. Into the
forests and hills. Months later, the raids stopped.ö Katja
picked up her goblet. ōWe celebrated with those who returned
alive.ö She drank most of her water before continuing softly, ōOthers we
buried or never saw again.ö
Xena lifted her chin.
ōTrimon and my brother Lyceus died heroes. Not responsible for what
happened after because of the leader left standing.ö
ōBut when you did come back, it
was because Amphipolis faced another threat. Only this time I was old
enough to be like my brother.ö
ōDraco?ö Gabrielle stared
at Katja. ōIs that when we met?ö
Katja nodded, continuing to
look at Xena. ōI heard the othersÆ ugly words. About the tragedy
youÆd brought us. The shame. That you were in cahoots with
Draco. In my head, TrimonÆs voice reminded me I could be different from
the mob. Even as they swept me toward you, intent on retribution
ōThe stoning?ö Gabrielle
flashed back to her initial trip to Amphipolis, arriving in time to witness
town folk hurling rocks at Xena. She frowned, trying to recall any voice of
protest. ōYou tried to ¢.ö
ōBe like Trimon?ö Katja
glanced at Gabrielle. ōLike you?ö She focused again on Xena.
ōI was in front, all right. Taking the lead in my way.ö She nodded
at the recognition dawning on XenaÆs face. ōYes, that girl who cast the
first stone.ö
Gabrielle sat at her desk,
scrolls of council business ready for review. Her thoughts drifted
instead to the guest hut, where Katja awaited response to the mission sheÆd
proposed. Apparently XenaÆs impact on others was never ending.
Decades later someone would not just carry memories of an encounter with her,
but use it as impetus to shape the future. To redefine a past Xena and
Gabrielle presumed settled.
Of course they remembered that
fateful day the Warrior Princess returned to Amphipolis in hopes of making
amends and a fresh start. Facing instead the disbelief and outrage of
even her mother. The choice between defending herself against former
neighbors or letting them kill her. The sudden rescue by a peasant
girl whose greatest weapon was a gift for gab.
At dinner, Xena admitted Katja
had been lost in a blur of emotions having little to do with particular
individuals in the crowd of attackers. She did recall Katja, but as the
child hanging in the background when Trimon was around, her serious little face
occasionally lighting up with hero worship of the older kids whoÆd defied
authority with their war games. Gabrielle had been behind the action,
couldnÆt identify the stone throwers and was too preoccupied anyway with creating
an excuse for getting Xena out in one piece.
Katja had sat stunned listening
to these perspectives. SheÆd held the stoning as a defining moment ¢ the
three of them interconnected central characters in a drama that played over and
over in her mind ¢ only to discover her own performance so unremarkable, of
such little consequence, hardly worth what she had felt and done in the years
since. Except to her.
ōImportant stuff,
huh?ö Xena blithely ignored GabrielleÆs startled response.
She indicated the scrolls on the desk. ōYou seemed deep in pondering some
issue or another.ö
ōSo you figured youÆd creep
in? Give my brain a boost by scaring me half to death?ö
ōAnything for my bard.ö Though
unrepentant, Xena kissed the top of GabrielleÆs head before sauntering to their
rocking chair and dropping down with a tired exhale.
Gabrielle scooted around, her
planned retort cut short by the blood staining the front of XenaÆs smock.
ōEverything go okay? ItÆs been hours.ö
ōTwins. The second one
none too happy about leaving his comfy quarters.ö
ōBut everyoneÆs healthy?ö
ōThe mother and babies.
Had to take care of another complication.ö
ōAnother complication?ö
ōThe father.ö Xena rolled
her tongue in her cheek. ōFainted during the first birth. Hit his
head on a table. Had to stitch him up after baby number two finally came
ōMm. Good thing you went,
huh? Loving challenges like you do.ö Gabrielle rolled her tongue in
her cheek. ōAnything for my warrior.ö
ōAnything?ö Xena propped
her chin on her hand. ōWhat about a certain ģ surprise. HavenÆt had
a chance to talk about that yet.ö
ōMm. Gotta be more
careful about those,ö Gabrielle acknowledged, shaking her head. ōSome
deserve more inspection, before I foist them off on you.ö
ōEh, you had no way of
knowing.ö Xena got up to change into her nightshirt. ōSo whaddya
think? Now everythingÆs out in the open.ö
Gabrielle fiddled with her
quill. ōIs it? According to her, she was disgusted with herself for
what she did. Left town and fell in with a bad crowd. Managed to
turn her life around later. Wants to do something about a bad situation
facing her current home village. With help from the woman whoÆs haunted
her all these years.ö
ōSounds simple enough.ö
Xena chuckled. ōConsidering IÆm involved.ö
Gabrielle gave up her pretense
at working. She decided to prepare for bed as well. ōWhat about her
brother? Amazing, she didnÆt blame you, like the others. And if she
truly experienced such guilt about the stoning? Not easy forgiving
someone else, if you canÆt forgive yourself.ö
ōBut not impossible.ö
Xena passed by Gabrielle on her way to their storage area. She lightly
punched her partnerÆs shoulder. ōWith the right help.ö
Gabrielle stared at XenaÆs
back. ōWhat are you saying?ö
ōI took control of my
emotions. Re-channeled them. Had sense enough to let you stick
When Xena passed by her again,
Gabrielle caught the warriorÆs arm. ōI was referring to something else.ö
ōSecond chances? For
folks who make mistakes? GivinÆ `em the benefit of the doubt?ö Xena
smiled benignly. ōThat was implied,ö she said, prying off the fingers
restraining her. ōIÆm not exactly in a position to throw stones.ö She
resumed her course toward their bedchamber.
ōTell me I misunderstood
you. You couldnÆt possibly be saying you havenÆt forgiven yourself yet.ö
ōI was saying ģ.ö Xena
plumped the pillows on the bed. ōI had more crap inside than most.
Made more mistakes. Got more second chances. Because of special
help stuck to me like a burr,ö she continued, throwing a smile over her
shoulder, ōI was able to move past old grievances and excuses. Not
exactly æforgivenessÆ in some cases, but close enough.ö She got on the
bed and propped against the headboard. ōThe topic was Katja, right?
IÆm merely suggesting if I could do it, so can she.ö
Gabrielle stood beside the bed,
arms crossed. ōI had the impression a side benefit of your quest
for atonement would finally be forgiving yourself.ö
ōThatÆs your vision.
Lovely as it is, I told you a long time ago itÆs not mine.ö
ōWhat about Japa? Your
sacrifice there didnÆt ¢.ö
ōI felt what is was like to be
free of the past. Of worrying what I needed to do until my last
breath.ö Xena snorted. ōA side benefit of being dead. Anyway,
I took away a fresh perspective on being alive. Living for and with
somebody whose love for me is greater than 40,000 or millions of souls put
together. You really think I can top that? Try to find it in
myself, when I have you?ö
Gabrielle was silent, absorbing
the genuine contentment on XenaÆs face. She sat on the side of the
bed. ōI guess it has been my dream. From the beginning.
Somewhere along the line, I just assumed ģ.ö
ōCÆmere.ö Xena pulled
Gabrielle up beside her. ōItÆs never been about forgiving myself.
Maybe itÆs been more ģ acceptance. That some would forgive me and some
never will. That I could re-create myself into someone
better.ö She bumped heads with her soulmate. ōI stopped questioning
whether I deserve you. Whether IÆve earned reaching this age.
Having so much more than people who never hurt a flea. Who could ask for
more? Be happy for me, okay? I am.ö
As she had on many an occasion,
Gabrielle realized it truly might take eternity to explore all the nooks and
crannies of her soulmate. How often they assumed they were on the same
track because they ended up together. Admittedly, she felt some sadness
and disappointment at her partnerÆs latest revelation. But how could she
not be happy that ¢ despite not forgiving herself ¢ Xena had still achieved the
state Gabrielle envisioned for her?
ōI guess this means youÆre up
for KatjaÆs mission in Grecia?ö
ōDo I suspect itÆs a
trap? No.ö
ōBut it could be?ö
ōI assumed youÆd wanna tag
ōYou assumed correctly.ö
ōThen no worries.ö Xena
tweaked GabrielleÆs nose. ōWhat better protection than a suspicious,
inquisitive, staff-totinÆ ¢ .ö
ōYes, dear?ö
ōYou scored a lot of points
tonight. I suggest you quit while youÆre ahead.ö
Gabrielle relaxed with Katja
next to their campfire at the first sunset of their journey to Grecia.
Conversation up to that point mainly covered details about the village and the
warlord whoÆd been causing trouble. Xena was off somewhere, ostensibly
taking advantage of the remaining light to hunt and scout. Gabrielle
suspected her partner also wanted to give her companions a chance to
chat. The warrior wasnÆt particularly big on reminiscing and probably
suspected Gabrielle might want to do some reconnaissance of her own.
ōThanks.ö Katja gazed up
at the sky. ōDid a lot of camping. After I left Amphipolis.
Sure freer than living in town. DidnÆt realize how much I missed
ōWerenÆt you ¢ back then ¢ with
a ģ um ģ.ö
ōBad crowd? Yeah.
But they didnÆt care much about how I dressed. Or manners.ö Katja
snorted. ōEasier than always being a ægood girl.Æö
Gabrielle chuckled. ōI
hear ya. Especially on the road.ö She stretched out on her
side. ōWhat changed? You know ¢ convinced you to leave that life.ö
Katja stretched her back.
ōAge, for one thing. I wasnÆt that old, but what we were doing got old
pretty soon. Stealing from farmersÆ fields. Off merchants.
Drinking ourselves silly when we got the chance. Waking up in some
forest, not sure how we got there. Pfft. Or where weÆd go
next. We just knew we didnÆt want to be in town kowtowing to rules of
stupid adults.ö She shrugged. ōOne day we passed a wagon.
Family singing and laughing like that was the best thing in the world. Reminded
me .ģ.ö
ōHow much you missed that too?ö
ōSorta. Got a push in
that direction.ö Katja cupped her hands around her mug. ōIn
Grecia. Wandered into a shop. Proprietor caught me pilfering a
necklace.ö Katja shook her head. ōLike I needed that out in the
ōHey, a girl especially needs
something pretty out in the wilds.ö
ōPretty or not, nearly got me
locked up. The shop owner offered me a deal. I could keep the
necklace if I worked off its price at his place.ö Katja sipped on her
tea. ōA year later, it was partly my place too. As his daughter-in-
ōMy. Quite a
story.ö Gabrielle sat up. ōYour husband. Is he ģ.ö
ōDead 10 years. Still,
enough of his relatives left to mind the store while IÆm gone. TheyÆre
okay, far as kin go. CanÆt complain about them or my life there.ö
Katja cocked her head. ōNever pictured Xena as the settling down
type. Plus, rumors every now and then sheÆd been killed. Guess
thatÆs why I took it with a grain of salt ¢ her being a permanent resident of a
nearby village.ö
ōHeh. The æpermanentÆ
partÆs a little iffy. Yes, weÆve had a home here for quite awhile
now. Seems we spend more time out of it than in.ö Gabrielle smiled
wryly. ōMissions come a knockinÆ just when we think our semi-retirement
might stick.ö
ōYouÆve been with her all this
ōSo to speak. WeÆve had
separations. The longer ones not by choice. Although we can credit
our youthful appearance to one of those. The God of War froze us in an
ice cave for 25 years. Kinda complicates our anniversary
celebrations.ö Gabrielle clasped her hands. ōI just realized.
You were there at the beginning!ö
ōThe beginning? Of
ōWhen you saw me in
Amphipolis? It was right after XenaÆd popped in out of nowhere to save me
and my village from Draco.ö
Katja looked skeptical.
ōYouÆre pulling my leg, right? YouÆd just met?ö
ōUh huh. She had no idea
¢ .ö
ōBut ģ.ö Katja tried to
wrap her mind around this information. ōYou put yourself between the
rocks and her. A ģ a stranger? I figured you were maybe a ģ a ģ.ö
Katja bit her lip.
ōSlave? Servant? Somebody sheÆd taken on one of her
conquests. Maybe freed because she ģ um ģ liked you.ö
ōOh, that is too funny! I
begged her to take me with her. She wanted no part of it. WouldÆve
left me stuck with a dull fiancķ if I hadnÆt followed her anyway. Believe
me, she was as surprised as you when I barged in.ö
ōLucky for her you did.
Bet saving her hide convinced her to let you tag along.ö
ōPfft. She didnÆt
hold her life in much esteem back then. After, she took off on her
own.ö Gabrielle smirked. ōI followed again. Since my heroics
didnÆt impress her, I tried something else ¢ pity. Poor, misunderstood
runaway. Nothing but the clothes on my back to ward off the cold and
ōIt worked?ö
ōWeÆre talking Xena here.
IÆm still learning about that brain of hers. All I know for sure is, the
next day we set out together.ö Gabrielle spread out her arms. ōAnd
here I am.ö
ōThatÆs quite a story,ö Katja
teased. Growing serious, she continued, ōInspirational.
Truly. Me? I threw the first stone when she asked for another
chance. You were like the first stone building belief in her.ö
ōHuh.ö Gabrielle leaned
back on her arms. ōNever thought of it quite that way.ö
ōYou should. ItÆs true.ö
ōXena! How long have you
been there?ö
Xena sauntered over to warm her
hands above the fire. ōLong enough to learn more about the brain of a
pitiful semi-retired runaway.ö
Katja halted the wagon team at
the outskirts of Grecia. Xena and Gabrielle pulled their horses up on
either side. Though nearly dusk, some villagers were still out and might
notice the three arriving.
ōWe should probably settle
something before we head in.ö
ōYeah?ö KatjaÆs heart
skipped a beat. SheÆd thought theyÆd ģ. ōWhatÆs that?ö
ōWho am I?ö
ōAm I going in as me? The
ģ well preserved ģWarrior Princess?ö
ōUm ģ.ö Katja turned to Gabrielle.
ōWhatÆs she mean?ö
ōA lot of our missions have
been incognito. We use made-up names. Is XenaÆs reputation
important in all this?ö
ōOh.ö Katja let out a
relieved breath. ōI ģ uh ģ. Tell the truth, I didnÆt get that
far.ö She peered up wryly at Xena. ōPast whether IÆd find
you. Or youÆd come. If you did, guess I figured youÆd give me
tips. You know, sort of an advisor.ö
ōWhat about ģbaggage? My
army passed through.ö Xena surveyed the fairly substantial and numerous
structures. ōNot much more than a settlement then. Too little worth
being concerned about.ö
ōTrue, weÆve grown a lot.
Mostly folks who built it up and their children. A few elders may
remember you. CanÆt say as IÆve heard you mentioned much.ö Katja
nodded to herself. ōDonÆt see any problem with you as yourself.ö
ōFine by me. WeÆll play
it by ear.ö
That settled, the three rode
in. Those they passed greeted Katja and smiled at the women she
introduced simply as ōold friends, here for a visit.ö She led the way to
a modest home behind her store and had them put their things in her
father-in-lawÆs old room.
ōWhen youÆre ready, weÆll go to
the inn. ThatÆs where I usually eat supper. ThatÆll be the real
The dining room was obviously a
center for meeting and conversation. Several families sat at the center
tables. Young adults ¢ groups of females or males, couples ¢ tended to
congregate near the walls. Older ones sat in front, a dozen or so at two
tables pushed together. Mathias liked this vantage point. As the
key government official, he made it his business to keep abreast of
developments ¢ relationships, conflicts, public opinion. Strangers in
town. He tuned out the debate at his table as Katja entered with people
he didnÆt recognize.
Ordinarily Mathias might not
have paid women of that age much attention. Assumed their gossip or
knitting projects not worth more than an inquiry about their health during his
customary rounds. Katja, however, was ģ special. Quiet, reliable,
respected. Stubborn. Prone to speak her mind at inopportune
moments. Often contradicting or challenging his views ¢ polite but
firm. How to deal with Scabreus had become an ongoing source of friction,
given KatjaÆs lack of appreciation for the finer points of politics.
And then there were KatjaÆs
guests. The blonde seemed harmless enough. Indeed, she made Mathias
wish he had less fondness for stuffing his belly with pies and cakes. The
tall one ģ. Something about her rang alarm bells in his head. Most
mature women he knew who looked that good often feigned obliviousness to being
attractive. With her, it didnÆt seem to matter, as if there were
something else even more important about her that bore watching. Peasant
skirt or not, she moved like someone with a brain and not shy about using
it. Just the type of independent thinker who might delude Katja into
believing she too had a brain.
Mathias waited while others
greeted Katja. He then excused himself to do the same.
ōLadies?ö KatjaÆs rather reluctant response didnÆt faze him.
ōWelcome home.ö He bowed slightly toward her, his eyes on her guests.
ōI see youÆve brought visitors
to our fair village. As mayor and one of the founders, I welcome you as
well.ö He gave them an oily smile. Not trusting Katja to make the
introductions he wanted, he asked, ōAnd you would be?ö
Gabrielle decided to go with
her gut and KatjaÆs guarded expression. ōWeÆre friends of KatjaÆs.
We bumped into her not far from here and figured weÆd catch up on old times.ö
ōAh.ö Mathias waited
expectantly. He frowned when the women merely stared back.
ōNameÆs Xena.ö
ō`Xena,Æ you say?
Interesting. Any relation to the legendary Warrior Princess?ö
ōYouÆve heard of her,
ōCame within a few days of
meeting her during her heyday.ö
ōDo I look that old?ö
ōUm ģ.ö Taken off guard,
Mathias stalled for a quick recovery. ōI understood she was tall.
Dark hair. Blue eyes. With the resemblance, might you be a younger
cousin perhaps?ö
ōDonÆt mind Xena. She
gets that a lot.ö Gabrielle gave her partner a mock scowl. ōA
little too sensitive about it, if you ask me. Anyway, far as she knows,
sheÆs the only Xena in her family. By the way, IÆm ģ Rielle.ö
Other than a barely perceptible
twitch at the corner of her mouth, Mathias detected little encouragement on the
taller womanÆs face. He inclined his head toward the friendlier of the
two. ōNice making your acquaintance. ItÆs not often we receive such
attractive visitors. Unaccompanied, I mean.ö Mathias gritted his
teeth, peeved at another uncharacteristic gaffe. ōBy their
husbands. Not,ö he hastily added, ōthat you arenÆt ģ or werenÆt ģ
married. ItÆs just, most times ¢ .ö
ōWe are. Taken.ö
Gabrielle winked. ōIn case anyone expresses interest.ö
ōAh.ö Relieved heÆd been
let off the hook, Mathias grinned. ōIÆll spread the word.
Discourage unwanted attention.ö He turned to Katja. ōLet me know if
I can be of any further assistance. And donÆt worry about the next
council meeting. Spend as much time as you need with your friends.ö
He bowed and started to leave.
Mathias felt himself on the
hook again. ōYessss?ö
ōIÆll be there, same as
ōSo ģ Rielle ģ got anything
else up your sleeve?ö
ōNot at the moment.ö
Gabrielle paused in her bedtime preparations. ōI told Katja it was
because I donÆt quite trust Mathias. I kinda like being able to spring
the legendary Warrior Princess on him if necessary.ö
ōBut that wasnÆt the only
ōI didnÆt like the way he
talked to Katja. Or to us either, for that matter.ö
ōEh. HeÆs just the usual
pompous twit.ö Xena hung up the long skirt sheÆd donned for this
mission. ōDoubt heÆd `ve been much different if he knew who we really
ōNor should he. Women
deserve to be treated like we have a brain. Butt-kicking warrior or not.ö
ōMm. Sounds like Katja
passed your test.ö
ōI do understand her
better. I believe sheÆs sincere about wanting to stop Scabreus.ö
Gabrielle sat next to Xena. ōI donÆt think she cares about getting
credit. Otherwise she wouldnÆt have risked bringing you into it.ö
ōBut you think itÆs important
she gets credit anyway.ö
Gabrielle chewed her lip
thoughtfully. ōYeah, I guess I do.ö
Xena put her arm around
GabrielleÆs shoulder. ōDonÆt ever change.ö
ōAbout what?ö
ōHelping folks reach their true
ōYou mean Katja?ö
Gabrielle shrugged. ōWe agreed to help. If she can feel better
about herself, itÆs a bonus. SheÆll have more confidence. Grecia
will recognize another leader, once weÆre gone.ö She narrowed her eyes at
Xena. ōQuite practical, if you ask me.ö
ōUh huh.
Practical.ö Xena grinned. ōYou know me ¢ canÆt help seeing the
æhigherÆ purpose.ö She punched GabrielleÆs shoulder. ōA pitfall of
hanging around you.ö
During the next couple of days,
KatjaÆs guests familiarized themselves with GreciaÆs inhabitants. In an
interesting twist on their usual approach, Gabrielle found herself doing
reconnaissance among the men. Whether shopping, at the inn or strolling
the streets, she would somehow end up in conversation with them ¢ individually
or in groups. It would start with a pleasant, ōMorning, maÆam,ö followed
by inquiries about whether they could assist in some way. To their
surprise, she turned out to be the one offering advice ¢ on subjects from healing
or forecasting weather, to weaponry and maintaining leather goods.
Despite her stern demeanor,
businesslike stride and no demonstration whatsoever of interest in sewing
circles or market chitchat, Xena wound up participating in such anyway.
At first she figured the shyly spoken invitations simply a courtesy accorded
visitors. But when she finally inquired about their motives, she learned
the women were drawn to the confidence she exhibited no matter where they saw
her. They sat enthralled, astonished someone adept at embroidery could
speak so knowledgeably about matters generally restricted to their
husbands. .
ōI have to say, IÆm not hearing
much fight from these guys,ö Gabrielle reported a few days into their
visit. ōTalk about complacent. ItÆs a wonder theyÆre not already
polishing ScabreusÆ boots. IÆd imagine the wives arenÆt much better?ö
ōAt least theyÆd like to
be. Afraid thereÆs not much in their training for it. Or
encouragement from anybody else.ö
And so they werenÆt surprised
by the goings on of the next town council meeting. Mathias pontificated
about his negotiations with Scabreus ¢ ōprogressö in the form of staving off
rowdy incursions, holding the gangÆs ōtaxö at its current level, agreement not
to interfere with GreciaÆs governance or commerce. Judging by the eye
rolls when the lone female councilor stood to speak, the other members appeared
satisfied with MathiasÆ approach.
ōI know my concerns arenÆt
popular,ö Katja began, ōbut they need saying. WeÆll never get out from
under ScabreusÆ foot, if we keep giving ground.ö
ōWith all due respect, Katja,
we know your concerns.ö Mathias glanced around the room as a parent might
when indulging the whims of a child. ōPerhaps if you had more experience
¢ .ö
ōWith what? Being pushed
around? Taking the cowardÆs way out?ö KatjaÆs eyes briefly rested
on the back of the room where her guests sat. ōIÆve had my share.
It only leads to worse.ö
ōIf I recall, you had your
share causing ģworse.ö Mathias glanced around again, this time a parent
acknowledging children sometimes misbehave. ōWe donÆt condemn the
misguided. We work with them. Achieve ends to everyoneÆs
advantage.ö He smiled at Katja with barely concealed superiority.
ōAnd here you stand ¢ years later ¢ a model citizen.ö
ōYeah?ö KatjaÆs lip
curled. ōI speak my mind. Urge confronting our problems.
Defending ourselves. How come youÆre not æmodelingÆ that?ö
Mathias noted the murmurs and
uneasy shifting. It couldÆve stemmed from the usual embarrassment at
KatjaÆs forwardness or disagreement with her views. On the other hand, he
sensed awareness beyond ōoh, thatÆs just Katja being Katja.ö Perhaps even
recognition of a challenge that might prick his balloon. As for Katja,
she seemed less resigned to throwing darts in the hopes one might eventually
hit home. More ģ confident ģ it was worth the effort.
He inclined his head
deferentially toward his nemesis. ōKatja is right. We rely on her
honesty. Her courage to stand alone against whatÆs popular. I
suggest our senior counselors re-examine our options. Bring our
recommendations to you in a couple of days. Is that agreeable to
everyone?ö he asked the council members. At their consent, he adjourned
the meeting, shook a few hands and eased his way through the crowd and
unobtrusively out the door.
Mathias hated the road.
The dust and insects. HeÆd had enough of all that as a child.
Lusted instead after the comfortable and more exciting life of the towns where
his father hauled their produce to market. Barely 13, heÆd left the smell
of farm animals and never looked back. Hitched a ride with a wealthy
merchant who saw himself in the ambitious boy and took Mathias under his
wing. The merchant envisioned a village rising on an expanse of virgin
land amidst huts, fields and bountiful resources. HeÆd scribbled ōGreciaö
on a sign and planted it beside the road.
Mathias had parlayed his
inheritance from the merchant into a sizable fortune and influence of his
own. Now, decades later, he was as close to being a king as heÆd ever
dreamed. Unfortunately, he didnÆt quite feel like one now. Sighing,
he pulled up at his destination. Took a moment to brush himself off and
review the merits of his plan. Nodded to the men lounging around the entrance and
waited to be announced. When the door opened, he strode in as a man of
substance, as if it mattered little that his host continued to sprawl in his
seat cleaning the dirt from under his fingernails with a knife.
ōYouÆre late.ö
ōMy apologies. You know how
ģ.ö Mathias reminded himself of his audience. ōA slight ģ
complication. Nothing I canÆt handle,ö he hastened to add. He
risked the liberty of sitting without permission. ōActually, something
you might enjoy ģ assisting with. Personally, I mean.ö
Scabreus finally glanced
up. ōThought you had things under control.ö
ōI do. Just a little
annoyance from one pest. Katja. Woman I told you about.ö
ōYeah?ö Scabreus
snickered. ōShe threaten to muss up your fancy clothes?ö He stuck
his knife in the table next to him. ōI want my money. I pay you
enough not to bother how I get it. If thatÆs changed ģ.ö
ōNo, no. Only thingÆs
changed is two strangers in town. Friends of hers. Same problem
knowing their place. Busy bodies stirring the pot somehow.ö Mathias
leaned back in his chair. ōOne of themÆs named Xena.ö
ōXena?! The old Warrior
ōDoesnÆt claim to be.
Looks too young. But with her resemblance to the legend ģ.ö Mathias
noted the thoughtful frown that suggested heÆd selected the right bait.
He shrugged. ōLike I said, probably just one of those independent
types. No doubt needs a strong hand. Husband obviously doesnÆt have
one.ö He winked. ōLike you.ö
Scabreus rolled his tongue in
his cheek. ōYouÆre so full a crap. Lucky for you, itÆs good enough
to buy.ö He straightened in his chair. ōOkay, you got my
attention.ö He sneered. ōWhat kind a crap you wanna sell this
ōWell. That was
interesting,ö Gabrielle commented as the three women made themselves
comfortable at KatjaÆs following the council meeting.
ōMm.ö Xena sat and
stretched out her legs. ōHow so?ö
ōYeah.ö Katja perched on
a bench. ōIÆm curious too.ö
ōUm ģ.ö Gabrielle shot a
look at her twinkling-eyed partner. ō`InterestingÆ as a conversation
starter.ö She smirked. ōI trust the legendary Warrior Princess has
some thoughts on the matter?ö
Xena sucked in her
cheeks. ōActually, KatjaÆs may be more useful. Seeing as how sheÆs
more experienced in this particular situation.ö
Katja glanced between her
guests, not for the first time glad she knew they werenÆt nuts. At least,
not entirely. ōIt went pretty much as usual, far as I could tell.ö
She snorted. ōExcept for me. A little bolder maybe, knowing I had
back up. Although ģ now that I think about it, some others had a bit more
life to `em too. A few even stopped to shake my hand. Gave me
supportive words.ö She raised a brow. ōIÆm thinking you two may have
had a hand in that too.ö
ōUs?ö Gabrielle blinked
innocently. ōSimple matrons who gossip and embroider?ö
Katja chuckled. ōIÆve
heard a few things. Compliments on my choice of friends. RielleÆs
charming insights. XenaÆs example of a strong woman. WouldnÆt
be surprised if Mathias suspects youÆre a bad influence.ö
ōYeah, and I wouldnÆt be
surprised if heÆs cut some kind of deal with Scabreus.ö
ōWell, sure, I wouldnÆt put it
past him. But heÆs pretty much done what folks wanted. Negotiated
peace with Scabreus. No blood shed. HeÆs as scared as the rest of
us. Probably afraid IÆll put a kink in the agreements heÆs working
on. I canÆt believe ģ.ö
ōYou shook him up today.
I didnÆt sense fear from Mathias, so much as worry. More about what he
might lose on the deal, not Grecia.ö
Katja frowned. ōThat
would change things. Having someone on the inside. Especially our
key representative. I ģ. What ģ.ö
ōWe donÆt know for sure.ö
Xena leaned forward. ōBut if IÆm right, could be youÆre in danger.ö
ōFor opening my mouth?
Nothing new about that. HeÆs tolerated me this long.ö
ōShe means, for stirring the
pot.ö Gabrielle walked over to sit beside Katja. ōYou were pretty
impressive today. Not simply a thorn easily pulled out. Mathias
relies on certainty, good intentions or bad. Just in case, we need to be
careful, until we see what happens next.ö
Katja shook her head.
ōWell, guess I asked for it. Threw the first stone again, but at the
right target this time.ö She squared her shoulders. ōIÆm not
turning back. Whatever happens, happens. But IÆll have Trimon
behind me.ö She smiled at her guests. ōAnd two of the best
sidekicks a girl could ask for.ö
Mathias couldnÆt hear
everything from his usual table, but it didnÆt matter. The body language
communicated enough. Like the way normally quiet people had their heads
together, animatedly conversing in low voices. Or the number of people
who dropped by KatjaÆs table to say something that lightened the womanÆs
usually dour features. Not to mention the friendly familiarity they
displayed toward her guests.
All of it reinforced his
instincts for stirring the pot his way ¢ himself again floating on top.
And so he watched the door with great anticipation. Steeled himself
against smirking when one of the lookouts rushed through warning, ōHeÆs
coming! HeÆs coming!ö Glanced around with concerned surprise as
guards paraded in. Stood and assumed his official face during the silence
that greeted ScabreusÆ entrance. Finally strode head high to perform his
mayoral duty.
ōLord Scabreus. We
werenÆt expecting you.ö
ōNow, now.ö Scabreus held
up his hand. ōNo need to get your breeches in a twist. This isnÆt a
business trip.ö He surveyed the room as if coaxing sheep to believe they
werenÆt being led to slaughter. ōConsider it more a ģ social call.ö
ōSocial call?ö
Scabreus begin sauntering
between tables, Mathias at his heels. ōPartake of this establishmentÆs
excellent ale. See how folksÆre doing. How theyÆre responding to my
generous terms. Happier they are, less likely IÆll be more ģ
severe. Better business is, more likely their taxes can keep up with
increases in my cost of operations.ö He cocked his head at Mathias.
ōAccording to you anyway.ö
ōYes, yes. We appreciate
the concessions youÆve made.ö Mathias turned toward a table of his
cronies. They obligingly nodded and smiled. ōThat will certainly be
factored in during our next negotiations.ö
Scabreus snorted. ōYour
cooperation warms my heart. Means I can relax. Busy man like myself
doesnÆt get to do that enough.ö
ōPlease, make yourself at
home.ö Mathias scowled at a couple of tables next to KatjaÆs. The
people seated there moved away.
ōMuch appreciated.ö
Scabreus signaled for his men to sit. ōAle for them too. If you
donÆt mind.ö
ōBut of course.ö Mathias
waved toward the servers. ōIs there anything else we can ¢ .ö
ōAh, IÆm disappointed.ö
Scabreus stood with his arms crossed, staring at KatjaÆs table. ōSeems
GreciaÆs been holding out on me.ö
ōBeg your pardon?ö
ōI notice additions you
neglected to mention.ö
ōAdditions?ö Mathias
frowned to cover his glee. KatjaÆs expression alone was compensation for
the times heÆd endured her contrariness. ōI assure you,ö he said,
scanning the room for whatever Scabreus could possibly be referring to, ōall
our refurbishments have been to increase the townÆs attractiveness to ¢.ö
ōIÆm more interested in the
attractiveness of these two ladies. Surely I wouldÆve remembered them
from my previous tours.ö
Mathias let his mouth
drop. ōYou mean Xena and Rielle? No, no, theyÆre visitors. We
wouldÆve informed you if ¢ .ö
ōIÆd bet youÆre Xena.ö At
her nod, Scabreus added, ōNice name.ö
ōMy mother liked it.ö
ōSo did I. But I
was a mere boy then. With dreams of conquering the world.ö
Xena shrugged. ōIÆve
heard she did a lot of bad and maybe a little good. Me? IÆm content
with married life in a small village. A simple matron who enjoys
traveling sometimes. Do as little bad and as much good as I can.ö
ōAnd how are you finding
Grecia?ö Scabreus leaned on the table, his face inches from XenaÆs.
ōA place needing some good?ö
ōI understand they have Mathias
for that.ö Xena flicked her eyes in the mayorÆs direction. ōI have
enjoyed the hospitality.ö
Scabreus had expected at least
a flinch. Instead, blue eyes calmly met his. No challenge. No
coyness. No fear. A little unsettled, he straightened with a
patronizing smile. ōA traditional woman, eh? These days
thatÆs good enough. SoÆs a man who knows how to handle his wife.ö
ōI have no husband who could
match you, sir.ö Xena bowed her head slightly as one might when
delivering a compliment. ōBut, yes, my spouse does well at taking care of
me and keeping me in line.ö
A sudden coughing fit drew
ScabreusÆ attention to the blonde. He patiently waited while her friends
tended to her, glad for the distraction. His gut agreed with MathiasÆ
wariness about these strangers. Kin to the Warrior Princess or not, it
was as if the dark-haired woman had stood toe to toe with him without leaving
her place. On one hand, he hadnÆt quite produced the desired
effect. On the other, he sensed it better to accept what sheÆd given him
as the best heÆd get. He rubbed his hands together and faced the
ōSeems Grecia meets the
approval of its guests. IÆll take that into consideration in my next
review of your status.ö Scabreus raised his mug. ōA toast to
socializing! The relaxing alternative to busting heads!ö He
acknowledged the chuckles and overlooked any lack of enthusiasm in the echoed
toast. He bowed slightly to KatjaÆs table and joined his men for a
drink. Not long after, he stood, boomed, ōCarry on!ö and left in a
flourish with his entourage.
Gabrielle wiped her eyes.
She poured herself water from the pitcher on KatjaÆs dining table. She
offered some to her hostess and Xena. Both shook their heads ¢ the former
continuing to tap her foot, the latter continuing to drum her fingers.
They obviously hadnÆt appreciated her heroic efforts at the inn.
And now that they had privacy ģ. She giggled, grateful she didnÆt
have to feign a coughing fit this time.
ōDrink your water. Maybe
thatÆll help.ö
ōI thought you two did that all
the time. Pretend to be somebody else.ö
Xena shrugged. ōIn her
defense, sometimes the shoeÆs on the other foot.ö She smirked.
ōThere was this one time she wore my boots and leathers, passing herself off as
me. ShouldÆve heard her practicing my æyell thingy.Æ Sounded like a
stuck ¢.ö
ōHey! You almost
died. Maybe it was funny to you, but ģ.ö Sobering,
Gabrielle scowled at her partner. ōOkay. It worked. Next time
you refer to the husband you donÆt have, IÆll picture myself as one of those
snaggle-toothed bar flies you were so fond of swatting.ö
The two glowered at each other
before bursting into laughter.
ōIÆm glad you got such a kick
out of meeting Scabreus. If the strategy was pulling wool over his eyes,
you succeeded.ö Katja crossed her arms. ōQuestion is, did you pull
it over mine.ö
ōYeah?ö Xena took a few
swallows from GabrielleÆs cup. ōHowÆs that?ö
ōI didnÆt know for sure why I
sought you out. Exactly what I was after.ö Katja puckered her
lips. ōI do know this isnÆt it.ö
ōKatja, you must have pictured
something,ö Gabrielle stated quietly. ōWhat was it?ö
ōFighting Scabreus. Maybe
with a militia. Or Xena training some folks on resistance tactics, like
in Amphipolis. Forcing him to ¢ .ö
ōNot gonna happen.ö
ōW-what?ö Katja gaped at
Xena as though the legendary warrior truly had turned into someone else.
YouÆd really let him ¢.ö
ōWhat she means is, thatÆs not
best for this situation. Grecia isnÆt ready. It doesnÆt mean we
canÆt ¢ or wonÆt ¢ do anything about Scabreus.ö
ōLike what?ö Katja
slumped back in disgust. ōChitchat and embroidery stitches with
villagers?ö She scowled. ōTreating Scabreus like a joke?
Wonder what Trimon and Lyceus would say about that.ö
ōWhy not ask them?ö Xena
inquired coolly. ōOh, right. You canÆt. They fought back.ö
ōAnd won!ö
ōAnd died. For
Amphipolis. You dishonor them, trying to bring them back for battles that
arenÆt theirs.ö XenaÆs eyes softened. ōI know about guilt,
Katja. You canÆt get forgiveness from the past. Or find it in
someone elseÆs deeds.ö
ōWell, I donÆt know any other
place to start.ö
ōWith where you are. Who
you are now. If youÆre lucky, getting fresh eyes to see new
possibilities. Gabrielle had those for me. IÆd like to have them
for you.ö Xena smiled. ōBut it means youÆll have to accept IÆm
different too.ö
Katja studied the other
women. They studied her as well, with honesty and compassion she couldnÆt
deny. She let out a long breath and gazed at her hands. Had it all
really been about recreating those moments sheÆd let slip away so long
ago? Redeeming them in an outcome worthy of the little sister sheÆd
wanted to be? If so, it would be hard to let that go ¢ to let Trimon
go. Except ģ. Both he and the moment lived on right there in her
home. In the two whose faces had served as reminders in her dreams.
And who seemed to be telling her it wasnÆt too late.
ōI may be a silly fool,ö she
said, raising her head with a small smile. ōI pride myself on not being a
stupid one. IÆll do whatever you say.ö
ōMm.ö Xena exchanged wry
smiles with Gabrielle. ōAfraid we donÆt exactly know what that is
yet. Except it probably involves more socializing.ö
Much strategizing went on the
next few days. During his meeting with council elders, Mathias received
disturbing news. Weather conditions had reduced the expected crop
yields. In addition, market sales had dropped off. Apparently
shoppers were not confident Scabreus would keep his word about stopping the
mischief of his men. These factors limited the townÆs ability to pay
current taxes to Scabreus, let alone an increase.
Scabreus was not moved by
MathiasÆ report. HeÆd invested a lot of energy in Grecia, to the
detriment of forcing his ōprotectionö services on other villages. Lost
opportunities for ōcomplimentaryö food and services forced him to dip more into
his own pocket. In truth, heÆd also tired of the stress associated with
plunder. Counted on Grecia to be his pet golden goose, with Mathias
ensuring eggs for a long, long time. Toward that end, he suggested the
mayor forego his usual cut ¢ enabling Scabreus to get the extra dinars he
needed, without further straining his goose.
Mathias didnÆt rule this
out. As a last resort. He wagered, however, that ScabreusÆ recent
visit had reminded people their situation could be a lot worse. He
suggested Scabreus continue making himself more visible. Scabreus didnÆt
object. And so Mathias proposed to the elders that Scabreus be invited to
the upcoming town festival ¢ supposedly to ōsoften him upö toward GreciaÆs
economic woes. The council voted unanimously to do so.
Unbeknownst to all but one
council member ¢ and most of Grecia ¢ a parallel set of consultations was
taking place. The parties consisted of Katja, her two guests and a few
trusted co-conspirators identified through the sewing circle. All
expressed dissatisfaction with continuing to go along with Scabreus. While
they suspected the wisdom of hobnobbing with him at the festival, they agreed
the event could provide cover for their resistance. The plan they
developed might involve casualties, but to an acceptable degree compared to
other options.
On festival day, the rebels
gazed out the window of KatjaÆs shop. A nice-sized crowd circulated
through the entertainment and merchandise areas. Some had already claimed
seats at the tables in the center, while others spread blankets in choice
locations, in preparation for the highlight of the afternoon ¢ a communal feast
to celebrate peace. Mathias had announced Scabreus would attend as a
gesture of good will.
Xena steered everyone further
inside. ōIÆm betting his tardiness means uninvited guests.ö She
snorted. ōA whole gang of `em.ö
ōI donÆt see how it changes
anything.ö Katja sneered. ōWe can take out even more of `em in one
fell swoop. Lucas, let Galemia know, just in case.ö
ōIÆm on it.ö Lucas
saluted and sprinted out the back door.
ōRemember, timingÆs everything.
Take your cues from Ga ģ. Um, from Rielle, like we discussed.
Once sheÆs carried out her part, watch Xena. IÆll take care of Mathias
and Scabreus. Any questions?ö Katja surveyed those gathered. Some
looked less than confident, but none raised any objections. She squared
her shoulders. ōAccept your fear. It means we are about to do
something important. I am proud of this honor and to serve with
you.ö She raised her fist. ōGo now to your stations, armed with
hopes of a free Grecia!ö
Mathias hovered near the head
table, anxious the seating arrangements would be to his liking. He was a
little surprised to see Katja headed that way. She often eschewed the
perks of her council status, no doubt to avoid being in the mayorÆs company.
ōFigured IÆd sit with the other
ģ dignitaries ģ today. This being a special occasion and all.ö
ōQuite fitting.ö Mathias
cocked his head at the person whoÆd come up behind Katja.
ōI brought Xena with me.
Hope you donÆt mind.ö
ōOn the contrary.ö For
once MathiasÆ smile was genuine. ōWho could mind having her where she
could be seen?ö He nodded to the tall woman. ōCertainly not
Scabreus.ö He peered expectantly around them. ōAnd what of the fair
Rielle? Will she be joining us?ö
ōIf she feels better. SheÆs
a bit under the weather.ö
ōNothing serious I trust.ö
Katja exchanged looks with
Xena. ōAnother coughing spell.ö
Mathias regarded the two,
trying to read anything that might explain his flash of unease.
ōAh.ö He shrugged off his paranoia. Considering his role in
expected events, no sense allowing distraction from minor players. ōThen
I suggest we ¢.ö
Shouts, followed by stunned
murmurs, heralded the guest of honor arriving amidst clouds of dust and
numerous guards.
Scabreus dismounted, ignored
the frightened faces and sauntered up to Mathias. ōWhy so
quiet? I expected music. Dancing. Kegs of ale about to be
Mathias assumed an aggrieved
expression. ōLord Scabreus, we had thought ģ. We werenÆt prepared
for ģ such a large ģ party.ö
ōThem?ö Scabreus asked,
sweeping his hand at his men. ōThey havenÆt done much socializing
lately. Thanks to Grecia. ThisÆs a chance to make up for it.
In case you missed us. Forgot how much ģ fun ģ we can be.ö He
leered. ōIf you get my drift.ö
ōYes, yes, of course.
Your men are quite welcome. ItÆs just ģ.ö Mathias indicated
the shortage of places to sit ¢ solved when townspeople quickly vacated their
seats and began moving their blankets further away. ōAnd of course youÆll
all want to partake of the feast. WeÆll have to make sure thereÆs enough
ōIÆll take care of it.ö
Katja whispered instructions to a young woman, who rushed toward the inn.
ōWeÆll serve ģ our guests ģ first. Many of our neighbors brought their
own food anyway.ö
ōExcellent!ö Mathias
clapped his hands, overjoyed Katja would pick this occasion to be less of a
pain than usual.
ScabreusÆ party seated
themselves. Servers brought out spits of roasted meat, fish and fowl,
accompanied by dishes perfect for hearty appetites, as well as spirits to wash
it all down. Many of the diners were on their second helpings when a
small figure stumbled toward the head table.
ōRielle! What are you
doing out here?ö Xena jumped up to steady her partner.
ōI thought the gaiety might
help ¢.ö Gabrielle covered her mouth to stifle a deep cough.
ōF-forgive me, everyone. Please ģ. Please donÆt ģ let this
¢.ö Her lashes fluttered.
ōEasy, easy.ö With XenaÆs
help, Katja guided Gabrielle into a chair. She patted the pasty face,
suddenly concerned the acting had gone too far. When she drew her fingers
away, she squinted at them, before quickly wiping them on her skirt. ōUm,
Rielle, youÆre so ģ um ģ.ö
ōClammy?ö Xena tried her best
to keep a straight face, finally deciding it advisable to succumb to a coughing
spell herself.
Mathias gaped at the trembling
women. ōI thought youÆd taken care of RielleÆs ģ affliction. Now
Xena has it? If itÆs contagious, perhaps you should leave, so nobody else
¢ .ö
ōLet them be.ö Scabreus
deemed two sets of heaving bosoms worth any risk involved from the possible
cause. ōMe and my men have faced worse than a little sickness. Get
`em some water. Some herbs or whatever else might work.Ā WonÆt ruin our appetites, will it, men?ö
ōNo, sir, boss,ö answered one,
staring at the heaving bosoms. He grabbed his mug. ōMy mouth is
waterinÆ for more.ö
ōTh-thank you, kind sirs,ö
Gabrielle managed to get out in the midst of containing herself and rubbing
XenaÆs back. ōPerhaps itÆs time?ö she asked, holding KatjaÆs eyes.
ōFor the ģ herbs?ö
ōThe herbs? Yes,
yes. IÆll take care of that right away.ö
As Katja hurried off, the two
women at the head table seemed to recover from their spells. A few
moments later, a little boy playing on the grass suddenly began rolling on the
ground as if he couldnÆt catch his breath. His mother flew to his aid,
but doubled over clutching her throat and stomach before she could help
ōWhat the ģ.ö Mathias got
to his feet as loud hacking erupted from more adults. ōWhat in Tartarus
is going on?!ö
ōMathias!ö Katja trotted
from the inn. ōThis is so ģ strange! It appears we have a ģ.ö
She stared at the mother and child, at the others afflicted. ōMore?
Oh, my!ö
Now even Scabreus became concerned.
ōWhatÆre you saying? This crap is spreading?ö
Katja threw up her hands.
ōItÆs a mystery! One minute everybodyÆs fine.ö
ōNot everybody,ö Mathias
muttered, cutting his eyes at Gabrielle.
ōNo!ö Katja clutched her
chest in consternation. ōYou mustnÆt blame Rielle. It could be from
anything. The weather. Animals. Flowers. WeÆll have to
¢ .ö
ōWhatever, weÆre outta
here.ö Scabreus signaled for his men to mount up. He shook his
finger at Mathias. ōYou and your æsocializing.Æ I want a report on
this. Tomorrow. And bring the taxes due. No excuses!ö
Katja had ushered the ōsickö
individuals into her quarters. They waited indulgently while the taller
of the visitors attempted to recover from a surprising side effect of the
coughing ploy.
ōS-sorry.ö Xena hiccupped
and blotted her eyes. ōI held it long as I could.ö
ōMm. Lucky for us ¢ your
knack for ģ improvising. You and Rielle both.ö Katja rubbed her
thumb against her fingertips. ōShe certainly looked convincing.ö
ōIndeed,ö Xena agreed,
hazarding a glance at her partner. ōWhatever she put on her face could
fool anybody.ö She swallowed back the laughter threatening to grip her
again. ōUnless they touched it.ö
ōLucky for us, you reacted
well,ö Gabrielle said to Katja. She cut her eyes at Xena. ōWhich is
more than I can say about the only person who noticed.ö
ōLadies?ö Lucas cleared
his throat. ōWeÆve been under a lot of stress. Nothing wrong with
lightening the tension. Now weÆve finished stage one, care to lighten the
tension about stage two?ö
Xena pulled herself
together. ōKatja, donÆt you have a date with Mathias? Maybe itÆll
determine if we need to ģ improvise ģ on our strategy?ö
KatjaÆs lip curled. ōIf he
hasnÆt succumbed to apoplexy. Sit tight until I come back. I doubt
youÆll be disturbed.ö She snickered. ōI suggested you be
æquarantinedÆ until further notice.ö She left and headed for the mayorÆs
chambers. She opened the door to find Mathias muttering and pacing.
ōAbout time you showed up.ö
ōSorry. We have a bit of
a situation on our hands.ö
ōSituation?! Situation?ö
Mathias pounded his desk. ōItÆs a fiasco!ö
Katja casually seated herself at MathiasÆ desk.
ōHow so?ö
MathisÆ jaw dropped. ōHow
so? Have you gone deaf and blind?ö
ōThereÆs a strange illness
going about. We need to figure the cause.ö Katja shrugged.
ōTroublesome, yes, but nothing to get all ¢ .ö
ōIÆm not talking about the
illness, woman! IÆm talking about Scabreus!ö
ōSo it wasnÆt the friendly get
together you had in mind. A few coughs spooked him. Now he wants
his blood from a turnip sooner rather than later.ö Katja shrugged.
ōYouÆll have to smooth talk him sooner rather than later.ö
Mathias narrowed his eyes at
the woman across from him. If he didnÆt know better, he could take her
innocent expression as sincere. Her words as a vote of confidence in
him. Her calmness as an indication maybe he could finesse his way out as
usual. Problem was, sheÆd nailed his predicament just as surely as if it
were his coffin. A coffin heÆd inadvertently constructed with the same
indispensability heÆd crafted to make himself respected. And rich.
He leaned back, hands steepled
under his chin. ōAs usual youÆve reminded me of my duty. Now is not
the time for modesty about my talents. I will go straight away to
Scabreus. I suggest you organize the taxes just in case. Even I may
not talk him out of that. Perhaps I can persuade him not to demand more
tomorrow.ö He threw in a shudder for effect. ōOr resort to violence
if disappointed.ö
Katja nodded. ōYes,
perhaps thatÆs best. I will do as you say. Just in case.ö
ōGood.ö Mathias
stood. ōAs you say, the sickness is troubling, but a lesser priority at
the moment. If anyone can convince people of what must be done, itÆs
ōIÆll certainly try.ö The
corner of KatjaÆs mouth twitched. ōItÆs what I do.ö
Mathias and Scabreus
waited with six bodyguards for the taxes to arrive. Both honed in with
great anticipation on the wagon approaching.
ōWhat the ģ. WhatÆre they
doing here?ö
ōI ģ uhģ.ö Mathias focused on the driver, who
wore a scarf over her nose and mouth.
ōGentlemen.ö Katja reined
in the horses a short distance from the waiting party. ōDonÆt come any
closer. ItÆll take awhile, but IÆll bring everything to you.ö She
turned to her companions. ōRielle, letÆs start with the box of
coins. Pass them to Xena. SheÆll pass it to me. IÆll take it
to Scabreus.ö
The ōgentlemenö watched the
women in stunned silence. ōHold up!ö Scabreus eventually commanded as
Katja stepped down. ōWhatÆs with the mask? And gloves?ö
ōFor my protection. And
ōProtection? From what?ö
ōMathias? You told him,
ōTold me what?ö
ōAbout my friends? You
neednÆt worry,ö Katja assured, as the other men also inched back.
ōTheyÆll stay in the wagon. I felt responsible, so ģ.ö She
let her chin drop. ōI couldnÆt risk anyone else being exposed.
Besides, I havenÆt had any symptoms. Just being cautious.ö She
started forward.
ōStop!ö Scabreus waved a
fist in MathiasÆ face. ōYou said they were quarantined. If
you get me infected, IÆll ¢ .ö
Mathias gingerly pried himself
from ScabreusÆ grasp. ōWeÆre in fresh air. With Katja as go between
¢ .ö
ōFool! ThereÆs more to it
than they let on!ö Scabreus whirled toward Katja. ōDid those two
pack that stuff?ö
ōWell, yes. We figured it
the best way to ģ.ö
ōTo what?ö
ōUm, prevent more ģ
Mathias stared at Katja,
perplexed. ōWhat difference does it make who did it? If youÆd kept
these two confined like we said, that wouldÆve been enough.ö
Scabreus let out a growl.
ōNot if they arenÆt the only carriers. Others got sick too.ö He
looked with disgust at the box of coins in KatjaÆs hands. ōTheir stuff
could be in that wagon.ö
ōLord Scabreus, weÆre not
talking food here. ItÆs things made of metals, wood, precious stones.
What harm could come from ¢ .ö
ōYou, take off your
glove. Run your hand through those coins.ö
ōI ģ.ö Katja glanced back
at the wagon.
ōItÆs okay, Katja. They
were bound to find out.ö Gabrielle perched on a crate in the wagon
bed. ōShe didnÆt know the extent of my ģ condition. Not at
first. We thought a change in environment would be enough.
But something seemed to aggravate it as before.ö
ōWhaddya mean ¢ æas before?Æö
ōWarriors. Like
you.ö Xena stood next to her partner. ōOnes who go from place to
place. Maybe itÆs your exposure to so many people. Different
afflictions.ö She shrugged. ōCould be something in your blood,
sweat, that you carry on your skin.ö
Gabrielle nodded. ōIÆm
around them awhile, next thing you know, it hits me. The coughing.
Flashes of heat. Mood swings. Soon it spreads to others. Only
with more symptoms.ö She bowed her head. ōLess severe than a plague,
but a curse on those who must live with it.ö
ōSee, whatever the cause, we
canÆt stop it. CanÆt entirely cure it. It lies dormant in her or
others sensitive to it. Then a Scabreus shows up and ¢ wham! Up it
ōTh-thatÆs preposterous!ö
Mathias wasnÆt sure where this was going, but sensed it could be a dead end for
his plans. ōItÆs part of a ruse to scare us ģ I mean, Lord Scabreus ģ out
of his taxes.ö
Katja swept her hand toward the
bounty in the wagon. ōWeÆve done what he asked. Rielle and
Xena will move on after this. Those of us not showing signs can continue
making these trips. WeÆre cooperating best we can.ö
The warlord ground his
teeth. What the woman said made sense. And yet ģ. ōI told you
to touch those coins. With bare hands.ö
ōI ģ. I donÆt know if ¢
ōItÆs possible objects could
transit the disease,ö Xena conceded. ōIt doesnÆt always hit right
away. Katja may not be immune.ö
ōNeither are some of my men.ö
ōEven so, theyÆre probably more
resistant. A few precautions and ¢ .ö
ōGloves?! Holding our
noses? Afraid to use what we ģ earn?ö Scabreus spit on the
ground. ōWe might as well take up needlepoint!ö
ōNo!ö Mathias fumed at
his predicament. How could he protect his golden goose without showing
himself a traitor? He glared at Katja. ōYouÆve always opposed
Lord Scabreus. Never made allowances for the service he provides.
The security and stability. His interest in building a
relationship. Plenty of warlordsÆre roaming about whoÆd prey on us.
Less reasonable. Bent on æhit and run.Æ I say weÆre better off with
him. You expect me to let you jeopardize that?ö He sneered.
ō`InfectedÆ gold? Pfft. ThatÆs a lot of hot air, even for you.ö
ōProve it.ö Katja held
out the box of coins.
Mathias blinked. ōWhat?ö
ōYou touch it.ö
ōTh-thatÆs ridiculous. I
donÆt have to prove anything. YouÆre who brought that here. Intent
on treachery.ö
ōSneaking that blasted
affliction into ScabreusÆ camp.ö
Katja jingled the box.
ōYou said itÆs safe. How is that treachery?ö
ōDonÆt be coy. I meant,
making him think it wasnÆt safe.ö
ōWomanÆs got a point.ö
Scabreus rubbed his beard. ōYouÆre the ģ liaison. Familiar with her
character. You say sheÆs pulling a fast one. Call her bluff.ö
Mathias noted the steady gaze
of the three women. HeÆd never known Katja to be anything but painfully
honest. Too plodding to scheme, let alone carry out a con like
this. But those other two ģ. TheyÆd kept the secret of RielleÆs
condition well enough. Who knew what else they were capable of?
Helping Katja get rid of Scabreus? If objects truly could carry the
disease, the women had come perilously close to succeeding.
ōPerhaps we can help?ö
Xena reached into a bag and pulled out a sword with an elaborate, jeweled
hilt. She handed Gabrielle a handsomely carved, gold-knobbed ebony
cane. ōIf Mathias is to test his theory, he might as well be
thorough.ö The two stepped down from the wagon and joined Katja.
ōGet back!ö Mathias
brought his arm across his face so his tunic sleeve covered his nose.
ōWhat you hold may be safe, but youÆre not.ö
ōYou have no idea,ö Xena
agreed, caressing the sword hilt.
öShut up! All of you!ö Scabreus began pacing, making sure to stay
away from the women. He was losing what little confidence he had in
Mathias ¢ even if the mayor ran his tongue over everything in the wagon.
As for those women, he didnÆt know what to believe ¢ except he had a mess on
his hands. And for once holding booty wouldnÆt make him feel better.
ōIÆll do it!ö
Mathias strode to Katja and
plunged his hand into the coins. ōSee?ö he said, letting them run through
his fingers. He got in GabrielleÆs face, closed his eyes and
inhaled. ōIf I catch what sheÆs got, so be it.ö He turned to
Scabreus. ōUntil then, IÆll risk what I have to, for the sake of Grecia.ö
ōYeah, and how does that help
ōIÆll collect the taxes.
Put everything in bags for you. You can exchange or sell the stuff.
Use it to buy supplies. If itÆs contaminated, nobodyÆll be the
wiser.ö Mathias puffed up triumphantly. ōYouÆll never have to
touch whatÆs inside.ö
Scabreus rubbed his hands
together. ōI gotta say, I had my doubts about your value, Mathias.
Your proposal just might work.ö
ōYeah, what a guy.ö Katja
gritted her teeth. ōGreciaÆs ģ savior ģ once again.ö
ōNot necessarily.ö Xena
tapped Mathias on the shoulder. When he turned, she punched him out.
ōHey!ö Scabreus gaped at
the tall woman, completely befuddled by what sheÆd done. ōAre you nuts!ö
ōItÆs been suggested.ö
Xena waved Katja off to the side and moved toward Scabreus, indicating
Gabrielle should do the same.
ōStop!ö Scabreus and his men stepped back.
They drew their swords. ōI donÆt care if a feverÆs muddled your
brains. Come closer, weÆll run you through like any old bag of bones.ö
ō`Old bag?Æ Oooo, ouch.
That wasnÆt nice.ö
Xena nodded. ōEspecially
æany old.Æö
ōI mean it,ö Scabreus warned,
as the women took a couple of steps forward anyway ¢ one twirling a sword, the
other a cane.
ōAnd get infected blood on your
blades? Mathias gonna wipe that away too?ö Xena stuck the sword in
the ground and rested her hands on its pommel. ōTell you what. Why
not let us settle this with your bodyguards. Surely they can disarm us
without much fuss. If so, problem solved. If not ģ.ö She
shrugged. ōGuess weÆll see.ö
The womenÆs confidence
bewildered Scabreus. But not enough to lose his wits. Crazy or not,
their offer was worth a shot. ōGet `em,ö he ordered his men. ōDo it
clean if you can. DonÆt worry about it if you canÆt.ö
The men exchanged
glances. Taking candy from babies didnÆt exactly befit even the least
ethical of warriors. Still, they advanced on the women. ōCome on,
ladies,ö one said, slowing reaching for XenaÆs sword. ōDo yourselves and
your kids a favor. Give it up.ö
ōSorry,ö Gabrielle responded,
caning the manÆs hand. ōTheyÆve gotten used to us as we are.ö
A few flurries later, the
bodyguards lay scattered on the ground. Scabreus stood frozen as the
she-demons approached with Katja.
ōSeems we did you the
favor. Your guys are mussed but alive. No blood on their
weapons.ö Xena smirked. ōOr ours.ö
ōW-who are you? IÆve
never seen ģ.ö
ōExactly. This didnÆt
happen. Unless youÆre okay with word getting out? That you got
whomped by a couple æold bags?Æö
ōWhat do you want from
Xena planted herself close
enough to Scabreus that he could feel the heat from her body. ōA ģ
carrier. Spread the news about GreciaÆs condition. How it flares up
and attacks warlord types when they come a callinÆ.ö
Scabreus studied the women a
moment. ōIs it true? This ģ plague?ö
ōAre you dying to know?ö
Katja removed her gloves and held a hand inches from his face. ōCome near
us again, maybe you will.ö
Ungh.ö Mathias stretched the stiffness from his limbs.
ōEhhh.ö Time for a new bed, judging from his current discomfort.
Not to mention that disturbing nightmare of ģ. It hit him he was
moving. Sensed the sounds and smells of ģ a road? He raised his
hand to brush his jaw. A tender spot made his eyes shoot open.
ōWell, look whoÆs
ōAnd none to happy to see us.ö
Xena glanced over her
shoulder. ōBetter fill him in. WeÆre almost there.ö
ōYou!ö Mathias reared
up. He glared at the women in the wagon bed, before scowling at the
driver. ōY-you hit me!ö
ōYouÆre a quick one, all
right. Notice anything else?ö
Mathias realized he was
surrounded by the ōtaxö gathered for Scabreus. He found himself torn
between wanting to caress it and scooting away. ōWhat have you
done?! ScabreusÆll kill us if he ģ.ö He looked wildly around, but
saw no sign of the warlord.
ōHe packed up. Decided
Grecia wasnÆt good for his health after all.ö Katja leaned toward
Mathias. ōQuestion is, will it be good for yours?ö
ōTheyÆre back!ö
People rushed to greet the
wagon. The majority appeared confused, if happy the four emissaries had
returned unscathed. Did Scabreus reject what theyÆd sent? Would he
follow later to force more?
ōEveryone, please, settle
down.ö Katja addressed the crowd. ōYou neednÆt be afraid. We
convinced Scabreus to move on. LetÆs assemble after supper. WeÆll
explain then.ö
A few hours later, the packed
council hall hummed with questions and conjecture. Mathias called for
ōThis is a proud day for
Grecia. I am honored to have participated in our freedom from
Scabreus. But the true hero is the person who assumed the mantle of
leadership. I believe it only fitting she tell you how it was done.ö
Katja acknowledged the mayorÆs
slight bow. ōBefore I begin, I would like to invite a few others to the
platform.ö She signaled for Xena, Gabrielle and the other rebels to join
her. ōThanks to the courage and ingenuity of these individuals, we may
not have to worry about taxes for a long time.ö She snorted. ōOur
reputation is another matter.ö
She described that those who
wanted to resist Scabreus had stumbled on to the idea of a fake sickness,
thanks to RielleÆs first coughing fit. How theyÆd added herbs to food
served his men during the festival and pretended to be ill themselves.
Ultimately convincing Scabreus the ōconditionö could flare up around
well-traveled warlords and contaminate their loot.
ōRielle and Xena were very
persuasive when we met with Scabreus.ö Katja rolled her tongue in her
cheek. ōLetÆs just say, he ran screaming from the threat of their ģ
touch. With any luck, others of his ilk will hear about our unique
affliction. All we have to do is keep the myth alive.ö
Mathias maintained an
approvingly attentive expression during KatjaÆs presentation. He
was used to facades. To secrets. Once sheÆd discovered his,
she couldÆve left him behind with Scabreus. Ruined him forever in
town. Instead, sheÆd said something cryptic about not casting
stones. That she preferred giving him another chance. A choice he
wouldnÆt have made willingly, but preferred to dusty jails or roads.
ōYou probably have other
questions. WeÆll be happy to answer them later. For now, IÆll turn
the meeting over to the mayor.ö
Mathias took a moment to gather
himself. To digest the lines he was to speak, so theyÆd come out sounding
as if heÆd thought of them on his own. ōThank you, Katja.ö He drew
himself up and surveyed the room with the benevolence of a parent about to
reward good behavior.
ōMost of you know the depth of
my roots in Grecia. My efforts to help it prosper. You have
rewarded me with its leadership for many years. This ģ resolution ģ of
the Scabreus matter has given me a new perspective. Shown me other ways
to serve.ö He assumed a posture of humility.
ōI am at an age where I realize
I have no need for much I have been fortunate to acquire. No heirs to
leave it to. I have come to see uses that could benefit individuals and
the town as a whole. I plan to devote the rest of my days to such
charitable projects.ö He basked a moment in the gasps and smattering of
ōI have confidence someone else
can fill my role as your mayor for the remainder of my term. She has my
endorsement, should she choose to run in the next election. And that
person is ģ.ö Mathias paused, wishing to prolong his last official
act. But before he could pronounce the successor he never thought heÆd
name, a chant rang out.
ōKatja! Katja!
Soon the room was on its
feet. The proposed interim mayor appeared more surprised by this response
than by MathiasÆ announced retirement. She stood next to him. The
room quieted.
ōI ģ I thank you all for your
support.ö Katja swallowed. ōI accept this honor. For
now. As for the future ģ um ģ..ö She ducked her head. ōWeÆll
see if IÆm still as popular then.ö
ōSee, that wasnÆt so
bad.ö Gabrielle threw one last wave to the Grecians before riding off.
Xena gave Katja the thumbs up
sign. ōCompared to what?ö She kneed her horse into a trot.
ōMen fainting? Kids kicking me in the shin?ö
ōExcuse me? Doing
good. Avoiding bloodshed. WhatÆs different about that?ö
ōHmm. Got some good licks
in on ScabreusÆ guys. I liked that part okay.ö
ōYeah, yeah. Glad we
could help out. Leave Katja better off than before.ö
ōAnd Mathias? Think heÆll
be any more trouble?ö
ōWithout the status or
money? Nah. Besides, KatjaÆs inner circleÆll keep an eye on him.ö
The two dismounted and walked
along in companionable silence.
ōKatja said this was the first
time she felt like her own woman. You know ¢ not a shadow of her brother
or you?ö
ōMm. Amazing how long she
held on to that.ö
ōHumph. Look whoÆs
Xena muttered to herself.
ōSorry? DidnÆt quite
catch that.ö
ōI feel a moral coming
on. You just canÆt leave good enough alone.ö
ōXena, what are you
talking about?ö Gabrielle pulled a small bundle from her saddlebag.
She opened it to reveal a couple sweet rolls. ōWant one?ö
Xena cut her eyes.
ōYouÆll have to do better than that. Go on. Get it over with.ö
ōThanks, but IÆll save one for you just in case.ö
Gabrielle smiled, all innocence. She ate a bite of the roll. ōI was
merely going to say she wasnÆt so hard on herself anymore. We joked about
how she helped bring you and me together. Got us rolling, so to speak,
with that first stone.ö She reached across to thump XenaÆs
shoulder. ōOtherwise I might notÆve had such a good excuse to save
you. Or beg you not to dump me by the road.ö
ōHuh.ö Xena contemplated
the sky. ōAll this time IÆve blamed myself. Or you. But it
was her fault?ö She thumped GabrielleÆs shoulder. ōNow thatÆs
worth her feeling guilty about.ö
Gabrielle growled under her
breath. ōMy point is, she forgave herself. It helped her generosity
of spirit toward others. Theirs toward her.ö
ōFine. Let that be the moral
of her story. WhenÆll you get it through that stubborn skull itÆs
not the moral of mine?ö
ōI didnÆt say that,ö Gabrielle huffed. ōItÆs just
ģ.ö She shook her head. ōAll these people we help. Giving
them the chance to make up for something they wished theyÆd done before.
TheyÆre so relieved. Feel so much better about themselves.ö
ōGabrielle, I keep telling you
¢ .ö
ōI know.ö Gabrielle
sighed. ōYou havenÆt needed self-forgiveness to be the wonderful person
you are. ItÆs more ģ me. Because I love you so much. I canÆt
help wanting you to see yourself the way I do.ö
ōListen. Remember when
Katja said you were like the first stone? Towards my folks believing in
Gabrielle chuckled. ōThat
was nice. Exaggerated, but nice.ö
ōYouÆve been helping build a
new me ever since. Sensitivity. Tolerance. Appreciation for
the little things.ö Xena smirked. ōIf IÆm an æold bagÆ of anything,
itÆs those countless stones of yours. In fact,ö she said, pointing to her
butt, crinkles around her eyes, a gray hair, ōtheyÆre poking out all over me.ö
Gabrielle stared at her
insufferable soulmate, then at the half-eaten sweet roll in her hand. ōOn
second thought, I believe IÆll save this.ö
ōAwww.ö Xena
grinned. ōUntil I have mine?ö
ōMm, probably much later.ö
ōItÆll get stale.ö
ōUh huh. Hard as a rock.ö
Xena cringed. ōUm,
something tells me you wonÆt be eating it,ö she said, sidling away from
ōDonÆt worry. It wonÆt
hurt. IÆll aim for your head.ö


text:
Get to Know BioLab Pig Inside and Out! |
Student Scientists Get
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Overtaker
Published Nov 8th 2008
Small, black and sexy... and no, it's not lingerie
By Martin Joergensen, Ken Bonde Larsen
The Overtaker of course owes a lot to the Undertaker - a classical black fly with a green and red or orange butt. In this version, the universal small black fly has donned its tube clothing, and has become a universal small black tube fly, here dressed by Danish tube fly tier Ken Bonde Larsen.
Small black flies are a must in any salmon anglers box. They can be useful in almost any type of water under almost any type of conditions. If the water is very muddy or dark, they may not be as visble as larger, shinier and more colorful flies. But they may very well work there too.
This fly shows that tube flies need not be large flies. The Overtaker on a tube compares to a fly tied on a size 6 or 4 hook, and is a fairly small and compact fly. Again we have used a metal cone in the front, which will make the fly dive sexily towards the bottom when allowed and keep it horizontal when working in the current. You can omit the metal cone or substitute it for a plastic ditto if so inclined.
The Overtaker
Type | Tube fly |
Originator | Ken Bonde Larsen |
Year of origin | 2008 |
Difficulty | Easy |
Target species | Atlantic salmon (sea run) Steelhead (sea run) |
Tube | Half inch black tube with inner tube (FITS) |
1st butt | Orange tying thread 3/0 |
2nd butt | Bright green tying thread 3/0 |
Tying thread | Black |
Body | Peacock colored flash dubbing |
1st wing section | Black Arctic fox |
Wing flash | Peacock colored Angle Hair |
2nd wing section | Black Arctic fox |
Front hackle | Black hen |
Cone | Orange cone or dish |
Tying instructions
See the images below


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A tag team approach to fixing tickers that suffer from atrial fibrillation.
Eight questions you should ask your surgeon before you go under the knife!
A special device that helps melt bones!
A new procedure is mending mouths.
A risky surgery gave one woman a new face and a new life.
A new treatment that could save one young figure skater's olympic dreams.


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Did Farts Set Off Busch Stadium's Methane Detector During the 2011 World Series?
St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson blames "off-gassing," (translation: stinky farts) for triggering one of Busch Stadium's methane detectors during the 2011 World Series. Flickr/Brian & Jaclyn Drum
Jenkerson speculates that White Castle or Courtesy Diner was responsible for the "raised methane levels" (translation: fartpocalypse) that developed in the photographer's pit along the third-base line.
"The camera pit is so crowded, and there are so many photographers. There's so much equipment," Jenkerson says, "And the meters are waist-high, and if someone off-gasses, it's going to take a hit."
See also: Best and Worst Cardinals' World Series Memories
via Was Rally Squirrel just fleeing a toxic cloud of White Castle-induced methane?
But can a fart -- or even many farts -- actually fool a device as sophisticated as a methane detector? Daily RFT reached out to Bill Hanway, a technical specialist for California-based Safety Systems Technology, a company that manufactures various industrial gas detectors.
"It seems preposterous," Hanway says. Methane, he explains, is a very light gas, and so it would dissipate almost immediately in the open air of the stadium. "They've got to be sure the methane detectors are calibrated probably," he adds.
Jenkerson concedes that other factors could have helped trip the alarm. However, the fire chief stood by his theory and suggested that the cold, damp weather made the photographer pit's collective farts reach critical density.
See also: 9 Most Cringe-Worthy Cardinals Fan Songs of All Time
We may never conclusively know who or what set off the meter two years ago, but it makes you wonder: In 2011, the Cardinals went 2-1 at the flatulence-filled Busch Stadium; this year, without those "raised methane levels," the Redbirds went 1-2. Just sayin'.
(Note: Daily RFT would like point out that the Post Dispatch first broke this story, and so all "He who smelt it" accusations should be directed that way.)
Follow Danny Wicentowski on Twitter at @D_Towski. E-mail the author at firstname.lastname@example.com
Sponsor Content


text:
Staff and Contact Details
Contact Information
Telephone: | +61 2 9685 9895 or Ext. 9895 +61 2 9685 9753 or Ext. 9753 |
Facsimile: | +61 2 9685 9333 or Ext. 9333 |
Email: | email@example.com |
Mailing Address:
Office of Legal Counsel
University of Western Sydney
Locked Bag 1797 Penrith
Office of Legal Counsel
University of Western Sydney
Building EQ, Ground Floor - Cnr Victoria Rd and James Ruse Drive (entrance via Victoria Rd)
Parramatta South campus (opens in a new window)
Rydalmere NSW 2166
Helen Fleming (opens in a new window)
Helen Fleming is the General Counsel.
Helen Fleming has had a varied legal career and worked extensively in and for the university sector. After working in the area of banking and finance and commercial litigation, Helen joined the University of Sydney as its university solicitor in 1991, returning to private practice in 2003. From 2007 to 2009, Helen was project officer and researcher with the Student Grievances and Discipline Matters research project, funded by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council. Helen also established her own practice providing legal and consultancy services mostly to the university sector. Helen joined the University of Western Sydney in March 2010.
Tony Martin (opens in a new window)
Tony Martin is a Senior Property Lawyer.
Tony was previously engaged by Baulkham Hills Shire Council after a number of years in private practice. Tony provides advice in relation to a variety of issues arising from the University's extensive land holdings.
Peter Malecki (opens in a new window)
Peter Malecki is a Senior Commercial Lawyer.
Prior to joining the University, Peter worked for a number of international companies such as, the Fiat Group and BHP. Peter Malecki has extensive experience both in industry and in the public sector.
Natasha Maiolo (opens in a new window)
Natasha Maiolo is the University's Employment Solicitor.
Prior to joining the University, Natasha practiced in employment law at Kemp Strang, Colin Biggers & Paisley and KPMG Legal. Natasha provides advice to the University in relation to a variety of employment and human resource related issues.
Fiona Montebello (opens in a new window) - On Leave
Fiona Montebello is a Property and Commercial Lawyer.
Prior to joining the University, Fiona was in private practice and most recently specialised within the area of property law. Fiona works with Tony Martin and Peter Malecki and provides advice in relation to a variety of commercial and property related matters.
Hannah McLean (opens in a new window)
Hannah McLean is the University's Litigation and Disputes Lawyer
After two years as a Judge's Associate, Hannah worked in private practice in a variety of areas of law including professional indemnity insurance, transport law and family and children's law.
Peter Helene (opens in a new window)
Peter Helene is a Commercial Lawyer, based in Capital Works and Facilities.
Prior to joining UWS, Peter was a general practitioner as a partner in a law practice. He has extensive commercial experience having been in-house counsel for a plastics company, stock broking firm and wine company.
Peter Guilfoyle (opens in a new window)
Peter Guilfoyle is the Procurement Tendering and Legal Officer, based in Capital Work and Facilities.
Theresa Kelly (opens in a new window)
Theresa Kelly is a Commercial Lawyer.
Theresa advises on a broad range of commercial law matters, including contracts and disputes. Theresa joined UWS from Macquarie University in July 2014. Previously, she worked as an in-house lawyer in the energy procurement and construction (EPC) sector at Siemens and Dalkia Technical Services, and in the IT sector at Insight Enterprises. Theresa has substantial practice experience in commercial litigation gained at major law firms in the UK. She has also worked as a Knowledge Management Lawyer in major Sydney law firms. Theresa is admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales as well as in New South Wales.
Roy Cottam (opens in a new window)
Roy Cottam is the Compliance Program Manager.
Roy comes from a military and policing background in the UK, having worked as a Senior Detective internationally with a number of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Roy joined the Police Integrity Commission (PIC) in 2008, as the Chief Investigator and worked for long periods as the Director Operations, leading Anti-Corruption, Fraud Prevention and Compliance activity in NSW. Roy joined the University of Western Sydney in September 2014.
Allison D'Cruz (opens in a new window)
Allison D'Cruz is the Executive Officer in the Office of Legal Counsel.
Prior to joining the University, Allison was in private practice and specialised in the area of construction law. Allison also has previous experience working in other legal and administration roles in both the public and private sectors.
Victoria Principe (opens in a new window)
Victoria Principe is the Administrative Officer in the Office of Legal Counsel.
Prior to joining the Office of Legal Counsel, Victoria held various roles within the university's Student Recruitment Unit including that of Scholarships Officer and Events Officer. Victoria also has previous experience working in legal and administration roles in the private sector.
Mobile options:


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Ignite 212o @ LCCC!
Get a great start to your college experience! Orientation will connect you with other students, campus resources and the tools needed for your success.
Orientation is mandatory for all degree- and certificate-seeking students. To attend orientation, you must have applied for admission and submitted all official high school and/or college transcripts. LCCC highly recommends that you submit prerequisite placement information (ACT/Compass scores and/or previous college credit) prior to attending orientation, as well.
After you attend orientation and provide placement information, you'll be ready to meet with your academic advisor. To make your advising intake appointment, call advising on the campus at which you will be attending classes:
Cheyenne: 307.778.1214 | Laramie: 307.772.4258
How to Sign Up
Need help logging on to EaglesEye for the first time?
Ignite 212o Dates
Cheyenne Sessions
- Wednesday, May 13 at 3 p.m.
- Thursday, May 28 at 5:30 p.m.
- Friday, June 12 at 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 11 at 10 a.m.
- Thursday, July 23 at 1 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 6 at 5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m.
- Monday, Aug. 24 at 5:30 p.m.
Albany County Campus/Laramie Sessions
- Check back for new sessions!
Online Sessions
The following orientation sessions will be online beginning in Summer 2015 or Fall 2015. If you're an on-campus and online student, you have the option of completing online orientation. Sign up will close two days before each event. After you have signed up for the event, the LCCC Orientation Team will email or text details on how to access the online session prior to each event.
- Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 2 at 6:30 p.m.


text:
Thomas, MJ and Nagabhushana, GR and Pande, DC and Deb, GK (1991) Fast transient pulse generator for EMP simulation. In: Seventh International Symposium on High Voltage Engineering, 26-30 Aug. 1991, Dresden, Germany, pp. 25-28.
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
A high altitude nuclear burst could produce intense electromagnetic pulses (EMP) having rise times of the order of 5 to 10 ns, relatively long tail times of the order of 200 ns and peak field strengths of about 50 to 100 kV/m. An EMP simulator has been developed using a Marx type pulse generator in combination with a peaking circuit. High voltage pulses of up to 600 kV (peak) with a rise time of 7 ns has been obtained. The transient pulses were measured using a specially built voltage divider. Results from computer simulation of the pulser circuit is also presented
Item Type: | Conference Paper |
Additional Information: | Copyright of this article belongs to Dresden University of Technology. |
Keywords: | electromagnetic pulse;pulse generators;pulsed power technology;transients |
Department/Centre: | Division of Electrical Sciences > High Voltage Engineering (merged with EE) |
Date Deposited: | 21 Jan 2008 |
Last Modified: | 12 Jan 2012 09:15 |
URI: | http://eprints.iisc.ernet.in/id/eprint/11190 |
Actions (login required)
View Item |


text:
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text:
Log in as an administrator with permission to change the configuration.
Change to the /etc/opt/SUNWics5/cal/config directory.
Save your old ics.conf file by copying and renaming it.
Edit one or more of the ics.conf parameters shown in the following table:
Parameter |
Description and Default Value |
Specifies whether csmonitor should loop continuously:"0" – Do not loop continuously (the default)."1" – Loop continuously. Set this parameter to "1" to enable csmonitor to run automatically. |
Specifies the delay in seconds between two monitoring loops. The default is "60" seconds. For debugging purposes, make the interval shorter and for production, make the interval much longer. |
Specifies the email address csmonitor sends messages from. No default given. |
Specifies the email address csmonitor should send messages to. No default given. |
service.monitor.csdb.logthreshold |
Monitors the calendar database (csdb). Specifies a threshold value, as a percent of the total disk space, for maximum disk occupation. If the disk occupation for the csdb directory exceeds this value, it sends a warning email message. The default is "90". |
Specifies the csmonitor log file name. The default is "csmonitor.log". |
Specifies the maximum log file size. If the log file exceeds this size, csmonitor saves the log as csmonitor.log.timestamp and resets the current log. The default is "2097152" |
Specifies the debug level. With a range of 0-5, the higher this value, the more precise and verbose messages sent by csmonitor. The default is "0", which specifies no logging. A value of "5" would indicate debug logging. |
Save the file as ics.conf.
Restart Calendar Server.


text:
Ayer Reveals Jared Leto's Tattooed "Suicide Squad" Joker
Showing results 1-4 of 4
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman #6"Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman" #6 stars Big Barda, Cheetah, the Brain and Monsieur Mallah, but none of these stories fully rise to the occasion.
January 22nd, 2015 | ||
Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Witches #3A sailor happens upon a mysterious island where cities are built from stories in "Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Witches" #3 by Matthew Dow Smith.
November 21st, 2014 | ||
Doctor Who Annual 2010"Doctor Who Annual 2010" is a mixed bag, but there are some good elements that should make a fan happy.
July 14th, 2010 | ||
The Unknown #4The search for what happens after death concludes here with some answers, but many more questions.
August 29th, 2009 |


text:
Mailing Address: HearthSong 7021 Wolftown-Hood Road Madison, VA 22727
Phone number: 540-948-2272 Toll free number: 800-533-4397 Hours of Operation: Open 7 Days/Week
First, check online at our Order Status page.
If you've checked online but still have questions, or for questions about an order you've already received, call 800-533-4397.
You can also e-mail us by filling out the form to your right. Please note: If you send us an e-mail about your order, please be sure your message includes your order number and the name under which the order was placed.