Frau Hunter Ash
(Aka Dana Cooper-Kjarr)
< Dearest Mom and Ma; We have been assigned to the Praetorian Guard in Rome. Our duties are guarding the villa of a minor Roman Senator. It's boring but we get to guard official dinners with the Emperor quite often. He likes to show off his Germanic guards, especially those of us with blonde or reddish hair and beards.
< Virgil, looking more Greek or Roman, has been assigned as clerk for most of his time. Once the Romans found out that we could read and write both languages, they snatched him up right quick. It gets him out of some of the more mundane chores around and he enjoys the writing. He likes the writing of the official stuff and numbers while I like the story telling. He says I inherited that from you, Mom.
< We've made a close friend among the Praetorian Guard, he's doing his military service in hopes of quickly becoming an officer and advancing to power. His father is a powerful and rich Gladiator school owner, having produced a number of Champions over the years. Our friend, Lycur, has even been in the Games a few times, priding himself on his skills and talents with weapons. I swear Moms that he must have been born with a weapon in his hand, I'm not even sure if I could take him. There are rumors that no one knows who his mother is, that she might have been some Amazon or fierce Celtic warrior his father had in the slave stables. He was claimed at birth as son though, so he's full Roman and a noble.
< Life in Rome is very strange. All the smells and sights are almost overwhelming. I never thought it could be like this. It almost hurts to be in the City and I long for a Viking longship cutting through the waves with the sea breeze in my hair. I miss the gentle quiet of the forests surrounding our home. Alright, I admit it, I'm a little homesick. It's been a year according to Roman calendars and I miss you all terribly.
< As a foreigner and Praetorian, I'm attractive to many of the middle and upper class females but I remember your cautions and have kept mostly to myself and Virgil for company. It didn't take long to figure out that everyone here has some kind of political game going if they're upper class or nobles. A soldier caught with the daughter of a Senator is asking for a lashing at the least.
< I swear I don't know how Virgil made it through Legionnaire training sometimes but he has a stamina that is amazing. One officer, trying to break Virgil down, sent him on a message run to a camp a number of miles away with an impossible deadline. Virgil made it and shamed the officer. The Guards use him as a messenger sometimes in the city. He seems to have a talent for running. >
* * *
Gabrielle laughed as she read that part of the scroll to Xena and Hercules. Both laughed with her after a moment.
"Joxer always did move quickly," Xena nodded. "Even with that homemade armor of his."
"Remember when the bacchae wolves were chasing him?" Gabrielle grinned, remembering the friend and father of their foster son.
"Oh yeah, how he kept ahead of those wenches, I'll never know," Xena laughed. "Over-sized boots, armor clanking everywhere, carrying Orpheus' head in a sack and he kept ahead of at least four bacchae wolves."
"Wow!" Hercules exclaimed. "They move as fast as regular wolves."
"Yeah, he stumbled across us and climbed a very big rock," Gabrielle grinned.
"Looks like Virgil inherited his father's swift feet," Hercules commented with a grin. "And Asher Gabrielle's writing talents."
"Thankfully not my blood lust," Xena muttered. "Go on, lover."
* * *
< Mom, you wouldn't believe the sights here. It seems like someone from every culture and part of the world comes through Rome. I've seen people who are so black that their skin shine. Those from the land of Chin that Ma has talked about.
< I have to admit that Roman culture sometimes sickens me and Virgil. We've been at dinners where there was enough food to feed a small Steading for an entire season. Most of it wasted and gorged upon until those at the dinner were throwing up so they could eat more.
< We're careful when it comes to advances from the men and women here but they don't seem as cautious with each other and I've seen things that I've only heard hints of at insane bacchanalia rites. Poor Virgil has been fighting off the advances of a Senator's wife that thinks he's so cute that she wants to snuggle him to death and "make a man of him." He cringes every time we're assigned to a dinner at the Senator's house. She's cornered him twice and felt him up and he barely got out of her clutches with his uniform still intact.
< It's funny but serious. We're not connected with anyone powerful and it's very easy to cross a line and make enemies in this place. Virgil and I have only been here a couple of months and we've learned more about playing games than we ever wanted.
< I've discovered that being a politician or seeking out power isn't for me or Virgil. He's not sure what he wants, he thought being a soldier was what he wanted but I think hours and hours of drilling worked that out of him. We've seen the veterans of several actions and wars and watching someone try to put on their boots with one hand and a mangled arm isn't glamorous.
* * *
"Wow!" Gabrielle said softly. "How old are they again?"
Hercules smiled softly as Xena sharpened her sword by the fire.
"Fifteen and sixteen, full grown men according to custom," Hercules answered.
"We also know there's a lot of growth between thirteen and twenty," Xena added.
"Sounds like they've reached some pretty adult conclusions about life," Gabrielle said and both lover and friend nodded.
* * *
< I don't know what I want out of life. I know I'll have more of a good idea closer to my end of service here in Rome. I do realize that I don't think like a Roman though. Our friend Lycur is very ambitious and power hungry. He reminds me of the tales you told us of Caesar whenever Ma wasn't around to growl. He wants to be an officer in the Praetorian Guard for its prestige and political connections. Lycur also wants to be in the Games and chariot races to win popularity among the crowd and wants to go to war to win acclaim, money, and power.
< His father has invited us to spend two weeks with them at his father's villa. We are encouraged to invite any family or friend along with us since we aren't allowed to travel outside of Roman territory just yet.
< I know how you both feel about Romans but I'd like for you to think about it. Sasha "popped" in on our day off last week and spent the day roaming through the City with us and said that she could "arrange" transportation for both of you to join us at the villa if you'd like. It might be the only chance we get to see you in the next year.
* * *
Both Gabrielle and Xena frowned, looking up at each other.
"Whoa," Xena muttered. "I didn't expect that."
"I need to think about this, Xena," Gabrielle said thoughtfully.
"Didn't he say that his friend's father runs a gladiatorial school?" Hercules questioned.
"Yes," Gabrielle nodded and Xena frowned deeply, watching her mate closely.
"Visiting his villa would be at his school, wouldn't it?" Hercules asked, pressing the issue.
"If it's anything like the one I was held in, yes," Gabrielle said slowly, her eyes lost in memory. "The villa is part of the school."
"You'd see the slaves being trained? Maybe even a couple of matches arranged for your entertainment?" Hercules asked softly as Xena put her sword aside, both of them watching Gabrielle.
"Yes," she said softly, her eyes closing and body tensing.
"Could you do that?" Hercules asked and jumped when Gabrielle startled him by leaping to her feet and out the door before he had finished his sentence, Xena right after her.
"Gabrielle!"
Xena caught up with her mate at the bottom of the stairs and wrapped her arms around Gabrielle from behind. She could feel Gabrielle shaking as the bard grasped at her arms tightly.
"Oh gods, it's been so long! I thought…" she stammered.
"You thought you were over it," Xena provided and Gabrielle nodded. "You'll never be over that, my love. You've barely faced those memories except in your nightmares."
"What do you suggest? I find Lycrassius and spit on his grave?"
"No, I don't know how to help with those memories," Xena admitted. "Just like I don't know how to deal with some of mine."
"Gods, I want to see the boys so badly!" Gabrielle complained.
"I know," Xena nodded, holding the bard closely. "Let's finish their scroll and sleep on it. No major decisions tonight."
"Alright," Gabrielle agreed, letting Xena hold her for a few more moments before turning to walk inside with her mate.
* * *
<Mom, I have to admit that Virgil and I attended the Games recently, at the urging of Lycur. I had to help Virgil out of the Circus, the sights sickened him so much. I blamed it on Roman wine and made excuses for both of us. It's horrible, Mom. The brutality is beyond belief. I've never imagined anything like it. We've grown up on tales of bloody battles and raids from our Viking families but never did they talk about tormenting someone for pleasure or killing animals for sport. Even when we faced the boar, the mighty stag and fierce aurochs, it was for their meat, fur and horns. We honored them for the sacrifices they made to the Tribe, never this slaughter of throwing men in with wild beasts from the wilds of Africa.
< I know now I'm Viking, Mom. I can't relate to a culture that needs blood and brutality to entertain itself. I could understand feats of strength and skill, combat tests and such but some of this was just bloody and senseless.
< Just the thought of you having been in this same place, fighting for your life on a weekly basis made Virgil sick and made my head swim. The thoughts of you both fighting in front of Caesar and Mom's crucifixion nearly ripped Virgil's stomach from him and made me angry. I wanted to hit the nearest Roman noble when we watched a female warrior from the dark lands fighting for her life in the Circus against three Roman gladiators.
< We were assigned to our first crucifixion last week. I never knew it could be like that. Rome executed a captured Celtic pirate and ordered his punishment be in front of everyone in the Circus. Virgil, fortunately, was spared the assignment on clerical duties. I was chosen because of my Viking looks, I know. Octavian likes his Vikings in public appearances in contrast to the darker skin, hair and eyes of the typical Roman.
< Mom, I can't even write what I feel about this. I struggled to keep the disdain from my face. I know our Viking brothers can be brutal when it comes to a captured enemy and worse to a criminal. I've heard the tales of the Red Eagle but the cross is common here. Poison, suicide, assassinations, crosses and Games.
< Romans look on us as barbarians but there seems to be something appealing about the simple ethics and complicated religion of my Germanic brothers. There is a cruelty that exists here. Family is seen as property and neighbors as competition.
< Well, I've written a small epic here. Virgil and I love you all very much and miss you terribly. Please consider visiting. We both understand if you can't, we probably understand now more than we ever wanted to. Please be safe. Vail – Asher>
* * *
"Our sons grew up," Gabrielle muttered.
"Yes," Xena nodded. "I just wish they didn't have to see all of that."
"We did," Gabrielle pointed out. "At least they don't have to live it."
"Oh Gods, no," Xena agreed, her mind flashing on the memory of Gabrielle hanging on a Roman cross, slowly dying a very painful death.
"Think long and hard about it," Hercules advised. "Odds are it won't be a pleasant visit for either of you. This Lycur sounds like another Caesar and his father probably worse. Thinking you're both Germanic, he'll probably try to bait and bed you both in the same evening."
"I know," Gabrielle nodded. "I need to think."
"I suggest we head to bed and discuss it over the next few days," Xena suggested.
"Okay," Gabrielle nodded.
* * *
Xena reached over the next morning and frowned when she found cold bedding instead of her wife. The warrior sat up, listened to the house and tossed the covers back with a growl. It was still dark outside and Xena wanted to stay in bed as long as possible.
Xena wrapped a blanket around her shoulders and softly cursed at the cold floor. Even though it was still warm in the north, the nights were getting chilled and Xena hated cold wooden floors.
The warrior found Gabrielle curled up in a chair next to the fire, a quilt wrapped around her until all that was showing was her wife's blonde hair. Xena smiled a sad smile, not really surprised that Gabrielle was restless. Any discussion of Rome, Romans and soldiers would bring back the nightmares and panic attacks.
Xena wished she knew how to help her mate. It had been years since Gabrielle had been abused as a slave but it still affected both of them.
The warrior knelt beside Gabrielle's chair and gently brushed her mate's hair from her forehead. Xena was cautious, she knew it could be dangerous waking Gabrielle up when she was in one of these states.
"Hey, my love," Xena said softly and began to gently shake Gabrielle.
"Hmmm?"
"Come on, Gabrielle," Xena smiled, pulling Gabrielle into her arms, quilt and all. "Let's go back to bed."
"Yes," Gabrielle nodded, wrapping her arms around Xena's neck.
Xena carefully placed Gabrielle on the bed and curled up behind her, holding the small bard closely. "Just rest, Little One."
* * *
Gabrielle grinned as she looked up from her weaving on the porch and spotted Sasha riding out of the woods into the clearing.
"Sash!"
"Mum!" Sasha laughed and jumped off her horse, hugging her adoptive mother tightly. "Good to see you!"
"It's been too long, young lady," Gabrielle scolded.
"I know, that's why I visited Asher and Virgil recently," Sasha nodded. "Where's Mom and Uncle?"
"Off checking the traps, they'll be back by night fall," Gabrielle grinned.
"Good," Sasha smiled, leading her horse towards the barn. "Did you get Ash's scroll?"
"Yes, and we've been thinking about it," Gabrielle said slowly.
"Have you made a decision?" Sasha asked softly.
"Not really," Gabrielle frowned. "You know my past."
"Yes, Mom and I talked about it," Sasha nodded.
"Asher and Virgil are visiting at a gladiatorial school," Gabrielle said thoughtfully. "I don't know if I can go into one of those places without losing it mentally."
"I know but you might not see them for another year," Sasha pointed out.
"You'll be there?" Gabrielle asked softly.
"No, I'll take you all there but then come back to take care of the place while the three of you are gone for the week," Sasha explained. "Uncle Herc and Mom will be with you along with Asher and Virgil."
"Alright," Gabrielle nodded reluctantly. "Is there anything you're not telling me?"
"No, just that the Fates and Norns are urging this," Sasha admitted.
"Terrific," Gabrielle muttered. "Just don't tell Xena that."
"I hadn't planned on it," Sasha grinned, reminding Gabrielle of the girl's mother when Xena was being playful.
* * *
Asher and Virgil waited patiently on the hillside for their family and grinned when they blinked and the small band of Greeks turned Vikings stood before them.
"Mom!" Asher yelled and rushed forward a step ahead of Virgil to grab Xena and Gabrielle in bone crushing hugs. Both Xena and Gabrielle laughed and whacked at their arms until the young men put them down.
Both mothers stepped back and took an appraising look at the soldiers in front of them.
"Wow," Gabrielle muttered.
Xena was grateful at her sons' insight in their choice of clothing. The two males were dressed in simple Roman clothing of trousers, tunics and rich cloaks instead of their military armor. Xena knew Gabrielle might have panicked at the sight of a Roman Legionnaire coming at her.
Asher had grown another two inches and Virgil another four, bringing them to almost the same height. Virgil had also filled out nicely into a soldier and Asher looked like a Viking warrior.
"You both look good," Xena agreed and Virgil blushed under the praise.
"You four never change," Asher complained as he looked at Xena, Gabrielle, Hercules and Sasha.
"Not outwardly but the soul ages," Gabrielle countered. "We miss you both."
"Wait until you see this place," Virgil said excitedly. "It's huge! We've talked to Lycur and we're going in through the main gate; he knows that you're not interested in the gladiator school part of the villa."
"Good," Xena nodded as they turned to Sasha.
"Take care, Sash," Gabrielle said softly, hugging the Valkyrie warmly.
"You bet. The steading will be fine," she assured both moms and uncle.
Xena quickly hugged Sasha as well. "You'll be listening?" she whispered.
"Yes, if it gets too much, yell for me or Artemis," Sasha whispered back.
With a flash, Sasha was gone.
Xena frowned, "Artemis?" she whispered and then shrugged.
The group turned back to their soldier sons.
"What have you told your friend and his father about us?" Xena asked as they walked towards waiting horses.
"That you're Germanic but spent a lot of time in Roman territory and speak Latin and Greek," Asher said easily. "Other than that, not much."
"Good," Xena nodded.
"What do you hear of us, anyway?" Gabrielle asked as they mounted. "And where is the villa?"
"Just over the hill," Virgil answered.
"We hear tales of you both," Asher grinned. "Some of it exaggerated, some of it wrong, according to Mom's scrolls. Uncle Hercules is a legend now. I think everyone believes you're both dead."
"That's good," Xena nodded. "Rather it stay that way."
* * *
The dinner in the villa was just what the Greeks expected. There was rich, opulent food, good musicians as entertainment and discussion of politics, Roman expansion and the Germanic culture.
They found Lycur a charming and cultured host, just as they would expect from an up and coming Roman. He reminded both Xena and Gabrielle of a young Caesar and it grated on their nerves but they strived to be polite and maintain their Germanic roles.
Lycur had been casual about their unannounced relationship and hadn't asked about both women being called mother by both boys. Virgil's fostership was known but Xena could see the curiosity in his eyes as to who and what roles they played in Asher's upbringing and life. It didn't help that Asher looked a bit like both of them with his shifting eye color and dark hair but reddish beard.
"Is your mother here, Lord Lycur?" Hercules asked.
"I never knew my mother," the young Roman answered easily. "Father says she died in childbirth and was one of his trainees."
"I'm sorry," Gabrielle said softly but the young man merely shrugged.
"You have a farm in the north, then?" he asked the two women over a goblet of wine.
"Ja," Xena answered. "My brother, Brie and I run the place. We have fur in the winter and summer, and small crops."
"Ylsa and Herkvar are excellent blacksmiths as well," Asher said proudly.
"And you, Brie?" Lycur asked and Gabrielle found herself watching the young man. She knew he wasn't much older than Asher and Virgil but he had the manner of a full-grown man accustomed to power.
"Whatever is necessary around the farm," she answered calmly.
"Brie has also been a fighter and a scribe," Virgil said proudly, unable to resist bragging about his foster mother.
"Fighter? All of you?" Lycur purred, brushing a lock of his sandy brown hair from his forehead.
"When necessary, as are all Vikings," Hercules answered quickly.
"I was wondering about those weapons you carry at your boots, Lady Brie," Lycur said, pointing to the sais as Gabrielle lounged on the settee.
"I can use them," Gabrielle said with a flash of her eyes.
"My father tells me tales of a great fighter in the Circus that fought with weapons like those," Lycur said softly, his eyes dancing as she shifted uncomfortably.
"They are a common weapon in the east," Xena growled.
"Yes, that's what Father said, but that this woman was fantastic in the Arena and even won the coveted Wooden Sword," Lycur continued.
"Your father?" Gabrielle asked softly, a sense of dread sweeping over her.
"Yes, he has trained many fighters," Lycur shrugged.
"Your father trained that fighter?" Xena hissed and the young man looked confused at the sudden tension in the room.
"I need some fresh air, please," Gabrielle muttered, quickly jumping to her feet.
Xena caught up with the bard in the hallway, grabbing Gabrielle by the shoulders.
"Gabrielle, we don't know for sure!" Xena hissed softly.
"Get me out of here, Xena!" Gabrielle pleaded.
"Ah, you must be my son's
guests!" a voice called from the other end of the hall. Both women looked up at a wealthy Roman
approaching them, handing his cloak to a collared slave. An older man, probably over fifty years,
Xena judged. Well built, probably
once a fighter as well.
"I'm…."
"Lycrasius," Gabrielle whispered and Xena tightened her grip on the bard's shoulders.
"You know me, MiLady?" he asked, his friendly expression turning into one of confusion as he took in her terrified expression. He quickly looked his visitors up and down as his son and other guests entered the hall from the dining area.
Blonde hair, well developed fighting body, green eyes with a dark haired and blue eyed warrior. His eyes fell to the sais and he turned pale and looked back up into Gabrielle's eyes. Lycrasius suddenly grinned as he regained his composure.
"The Fates are strange, aren't they?" he asked. "Hello, Dancer."
"You son of a…." Xena growled and then shouted in rage as Hercules and Asher grabbed her firmly by the arms and Virgil drew Gabrielle into his arms.
Asher and Virgil looked confused as Xena growled and struggled, her face one of rage.
Lycur moved next to his father with a puzzled expression as Lycrasius laughed.
"It is good to see you, Brie," he grinned. "Or should I say, Gabrielle, Xena and Hercules? I thought the rumors of your immortality were true."
"You know our mothers?" Asher demanded as Xena tried to calm herself and drew a shaking Gabrielle into her arms.
"I've never had the pleasure of meeting the famed Xena but I had many pleasures with Gabrielle. She was trained here at this very school," Lycrasius smirked, his arms crossed over his chest.
"Trained? Here? You?" Virgil stammered. "She…"
"She was my slave, yes," Lycrasius continued to smile.
"What you did to her…" Asher growled, his hands shaking.
"Nothing more than any owner can and will do to their property," Lycrasius said calmly. "You have slaves in the north, you know this. A third of the entire known world are slaves and civilization can't exist without slaves."
"Mom, Ma!" Virgil snapped as Xena growled. "You can't do anything! We're foreigners in a Roman villa as guests!"
"The boy is right, you even touch me and all of you will be nailed to a Roman cross within two days. I understand you already know what that's like, Dancer," Lycrasius smirked arrogantly.
"Come on, Xena," Hercules said softly. "Let's get Gabrielle out of here."
"Xena, please!" Gabrielle begged, shaking so hard Xena and Virgil had to hold her up.
"Lycur, have their horses saddled," Lycrasius ordered. "Perhaps we can catch up on old times another day."
"Only at the point of a sword," Xena growled but Lycrasius laughed.
"You have no cause!" he grinned. "And no case to even complain to any authority! She was property! You're fortunate I didn't take her to my bed more often than I did!"
Hercules quickly tightened his hold around the two women as Asher stepped between his mothers and Lycrasius.
"I advise you to stop taunting my mothers," Asher snapped. "You know them and you know their reputations are well earned."
"You trained Gabrielle," Virgil added. "You've aged and they haven't."
"Let's go," Hercules urged. "We're going back to Germania. I would advise you to drop this, Lycrasius."
"Its no concern of mine what you barbarians do," Lycrasius smiled. "Gabrielle was bought and paid for in full. As for your sons, I think I could consider my silence as a sign of patronage. The names of Xena and Gabrielle are well known throughout the Empire and you still have powerful enemies, including some of the gods."
"We also ensured Octavian's position as Emperor," Xena countered. "Don't push it. You keep silent about our sons and I promise not to kill you in very unpleasant ways."
"Deal!" Lycrasius laughed as Lycur joined his father again.
"Father?"
"Our guests are leaving and both sides have come to an agreement," Lycrasius announced. "We agree to not reveal who your friend's parents are and Xena promises not to kill me."
"She wouldn't dare!" Lycur snapped, his face flushing with anger.
"Control!" Lycrasius snapped. "Never let an enemy see any show of emotion except contempt. As for Xena, you know they could kill everyone in this villa. Once they are thinking clearly, they won't risk a war with Rome but for now, everyone walks away."
"Lycrasius, if I could, I would throw you into a slave galley so you knew what it felt like!" Xena growled.
"Leave, Greek," Lycrasius growled. "Take your used bitch with you."
Hercules barely held onto Xena as she screamed in rage and Asher turned and grabbed Gabrielle as she collapsed.
The Greek demi-god spun Xena around and hit her across the jaw and caught her in his arms.
"Asher! Virgil! Get Gabrielle out of here!" he snapped as they struggled down the hallway.
* * *
"Is she okay?" Asher asked as Virgil examined Xena's unconscious form as Hercules held Gabrielle.
They had traveled quickly through the countryside until reaching a clearing in the woods. It was already dark so camp was set up very quickly. Xena was still unconscious and Gabrielle an emotional wreck.
"She will be, he almost broke her jaw," Asher said softly, resting Xena's head on a bedroll.
The two Roman soldiers looked over at the weeping Gabrielle and Hercules as he held her.
"I…I never thought…" Virgil stammered.
"Me either," Asher agreed, his voice cracking. "We knew Mom's history, I just never thought we'd be faced with it."
Asher looked as pained as Virgil and just as lost.
"Can you watch Ma for a minute?" Asher asked after a couple of minutes.
"Sure but where in Hella's Halls are you going?" Virgil demanded.
"For a walk. No, I'm not going back there to kill them, I just need to think for a minute," Asher assured his brother.
"Alright," Virgil mumbled.
Asher quickly trotted through the woods and stopped at a large oak.
"Sasha!" he hissed. "Answers! Now, sister!"
Asher felt the hairs on the back of his neck standing up and whirled around with Viking sword in hand. The young warrior's eyes reflected his anger as he took in his sister standing by the tree.
"Why did you set this up? Did you know who he was?" he demanded.
"Yes and no," Sasha said calmly. "I knew the Norns and the Fates wanted this to happen but I didn't know why or who. I serve Odin and Freya, brother, it was their wish."
"Why?" Asher snapped. "Why bring this up again? Why hurt Gabrielle like this? I thought they liked our mothers!"
"They do," Sasha said gently. "Sometimes I'm not even sure the Gods know the end of things and the reasons they do the things they do."
"Verdamnit!" Asher snapped. "Tossing Gabrielle in with her rapist and former master? How does that fit into any scheme?"
"I don't know," Sasha admitted. "All I can say is that the gods feel this is something Mum has to go through."
"Sasha, you know how Mom feels about the gods and their interference in our lives, why do this?" Asher demanded.
"I do what I'm called for," Sasha said calmly. "Go to them and help them through this and guard your back from this day forth. You've made a powerful enemy among the powerful of Rome because of our mothers."
"Sasha," Ash started to protest but his half sister was gone.
* * *
Asher returned to find Xena shaking her head as Hercules and Virgil helped her sit up. He quickly glanced around with a worried expression.
"Where's Mom?" he asked.
Xena shoved Virgil out of the way and glanced around with the others.
"What?"
"She was just here!" Virgil protested.
"Damn!" Xena growled as Hercules helped her to her feet.
"She wouldn't go back there, you swore not to kill him," Hercules grumbled.
"I did, she didn't," Xena pointed out as she rubbed her jaw and dashed for the horses they had purchased in the nearby town before heading to the villa.
* * *
Lycrasius held his breathe when he felt the sharp edge of a blade pressed against his throat and someone sitting down on his chest.
"I thought you'd be back," he said calmly to the dark figure hovering over him. "There's guards outside. Unless you slit my throat quickly I can have them in here in a moment."
"Your guards have decided to take a nap," a voice hissed at him and Lycrasius felt his heart begin to speed up in fear. "It's just you and me….MiLord Master."
Lycrasius' eyes adjusted to the dark and he could take in Gabrielle's face and cold green eyes.
"Nothing to say…Master?" she hissed.
"What can I say? I treated you just as I would have done and will continue to do with any beautiful slave," Lycrasius said calmly.
Gabrielle growled and hit Lycrasius across the jaw and raised the dagger over his chest.
"Do it, Dancer! My son will have yours on a cross in days! Do it!"
Gabrielle hesitated, seeing nothing but contempt in the old man's eyes.
"Come on, Dancer! Just like I taught you!" Lycrasius taunted.
Gabrielle spun the dagger in her hands and brought the hilt down over the bridge of Lycrasius' nose. The Roman howled in pain and Gabrielle jumped off his chest and dragged him out of the bed.
With a spin she kicked Lycrasius in the chest, sending him into an expensive dressing screen. Before the bloodied Roman could recover, Gabrielle grabbed him by the feet and dragged him into the center of the room.
Gabrielle could feel her rage building and didn't know what to do with it as she placed a foot on the back of Lycrasius' neck.
"Stay!" she ordered and looked around. With a hardening to her eyes, the bard threw her dagger into a log on the fire. She pulled a long leather lacing out of a belt pouch and quickly tied Lycrasius' hands behind his back.
"Slavery may be a reality for others in your hands but I'm going to give you a taste of it!" Gabrielle growled and retrieved the dagger with a cloth wrapped around her hand. She watched Lycrasius' eyes widen as he watched her walk across the room.
"You wouldn't dare!" he snapped.
"Why wouldn't I?" she countered. "Didn't you teach me to be brutal and without mercy. Isn't that what Dancer is?"
"Yes, nothing more than a trained animal," Lycrasius smirked until the red hot blade burned an eyebrow. He yelped and tried to move away.
"You're right, that's what Dancer is," Gabrielle frowned, squatting down in front of him with the dagger. "It took me awhile to put Gabrielle back together and that includes a little bit of Dancer. I'm not Dancer."
Gabrielle tossed the dagger away.
"You're weak," Lycasius snarled.
"It doesn't take strength to kill you," Gabrielle said wearily. "It takes strength to walk away from killing you. I'm warning you, though, you do anything to my sons and I'll come back, brand you, castrate you and shove it up your ass."
Lycasius apparently decided that silence was now a good choice.
Gabrielle stood up and looked down at the naked old man. With a swift movement, she grabbed the back of his hair and rammed his face into the floor, breaking his nose.
"That's my slave mark for you," she growled and opened the door slowly. She smiled when she saw Xena leaning against the wall, keeping an eye on the two unconscious guards.
"Ave, Little One," Xena said softly. "Is he alive?"
Gabrielle looked up into her lover's eyes and saw no judgment, just a question.
"Yes, a little bloody but alive," Gabrielle said softly.
"I'm glad, that's not a path I wanted for you," Xena commented as they began to walk cautiously down the hall. "Let's get out of here."
* * *
Gabrielle smiled shyly at her sons and Hercules as they rode back to the temporary camp.
"I'm alright," she said as she dismounted and the young men ran to hug her.
"Did you kill him?" Virgil asked, his face worried.
"No," she answered softly. "Just broke his nose."
Asher grinned as Virgil frowned. Hercules looked relived as he finished dinner over the fire.
"We're heading home tomorrow morning," Xena informed them. "It'll be better if we get far away from here."
"I'll keep watch tonight," Hercules nodded. "You can spend time with the guys."
Both women spun with weapons in hand at the sound of footsteps approaching the camp.
A slave stammered and dropped the sack she was carrying. "Please! Pax!"
"Who are you?" Xena demanded.
"I am Neda, slave to Lord Lycrasius," the woman squeaked.
"Neda? Do I know you?" Gabrielle asked softly and the older woman grabbed up the bag and hurried up to them.
"Yes, you knew me," the woman answered. "We must hurry before those guards wake up or Lord Lycasius gets loose."
The old woman moved closer to the fire, into the light.
"Brie, do you remember me?"
"You were a young kitchen slave," Gabrielle nodded.
"Yes, and you were kind," Neda smiled. "You and Nikki would pretend to take me to bed whenever the most vicious trainer turned his eye to me."
Gabrielle blushed and shrugged. "I tried, it hurt to leave you behind."
"I know and I understood, none of us were free to make our own decisions," Neda commented.
"Do you want to go with us now?" Xena asked. "We'll take you to Germania, you'll be free."
"No, I have saved enough money from betting and odd errands in my spare time to buy my freedom next year," Neda responded in a soft voice. "My freedom and that of my children."
"How can we help you?" Gabrielle asked.
"Bring Lycrasius down," Neda growled, her voice becoming hard.
"How? He's a powerful Roman," Xena asked.
"In this bag are scrolls, maps, and correspondence between a group of powerful Romans," Neda said slowly. "Lycrasius has been plotting to overthrow Octavian and move Lycur into position to overthrow Tiberius in a few years."
"There's proof?" Xena asked softly.
"In this bag, in Lycrasius' own hand," Neda nodded and Gabrielle began to smile widely.
"Can we do it?" Gabrielle asked her mate.
"Yes," Xena nodded. "We find a trusted messenger and send these to Octavian, he'll handle it from there."
"We don't have to go to Rome?" Gabrielle asked, her voice soft and fearful.
"No, Little One," Xena smiled. "We find a mansion, a staging post, and an honest official or messenger."
"What about you, Neda, he'll kill you," Gabrielle asked, turning to the slave.
"Bruise me, you've assaulted the Lord and stole the scrolls," Neda suggested.
"Damn, I hate this part," Xena growled.
"Do it!" Neda urged. "Both of you!"
Gabrielle sighed and snapped her hand out, hitting Neda in the eye as Xena followed through with a cross to the slave's jaw, sending her to the ground.
Gabrielle quickly helped her sit up.
"You okay?"
"I will be," Neda mumbled. "I'd better get back."
"Once you gain your freedom, find us," Xena urged.
"We'll see," Neda said as Gabrielle helped her stand.
"Thank you, my friend, vale," Gabrielle said softly.
"Use it to take Lycrasius down or blackmail him, whichever will help you," Neda urged. "Be safe."
The old woman disappeared into the shadows and, once out of sight of the camp, shifted into the form of Sasha.
"Thank you for letting me use your form while you sleep, Neda," the Valkyrie whispered softly.
* * *
< Dearest Mom and Ma; Virgil sends his love along with this scroll as do I. I am pleased to tell you both that Virgil and I are doing well. We've managed to avoid Lycur most of the time. With his father's influence, he was shifted to guard duty at the Senate, with lots of other guards around. We've noticed that he hasn't been assigned anywhere near the Emperor or important senators.
< We received word from the Acta Diurna, the daily posting of news in the city, that Lycrasius died last week. It is rumored that a high-ranking noblewoman was going to implicate him in a sexual scandal in Rome and he took his life rather than face public humiliation. Virgil and I know the truth because the Emperor himself met with us two days ago.
< On the surface word was spread that he was meeting all of the cultural exchange Germans privately but he admitted he knew who we were. Octavian received the information you sent through the messenger. He explained that he couldn't afford a political shake up at this time and chose to handle it quietly. Those involved were confronted; the higher-level conspirators were either killed or committed suicide. Lower level ones were banished.
< Lycrasius chose suicide. Since nothing has been declared publicly, Lycur is going to be able to maintain his position and inherit his father's wealth and school. He won't be allowed anywhere near the Emperor and he will be watched closely and won't be able to advance in rank or power as long as Octavian lives. Effectively, he is stuck where he is and under suspicion day and night. There is also the possibility that Octavian might consider him too dangerous and have him assassinated.
< I have to admit, Mom, we're ready to come home. I never thought we would get involved in politics like this. We knew we would be put on display as the barbarians but we never meant to take on Roman plots of overthrowing the Emperor.
< Virgil and I are hoping that Octavian has given orders that we not be assigned anywhere with Lycur. I don't think he'll attempt anything against us since he's being watched so carefully but I don't want to push it either. He is deadly in a fight.
< Virgil sends his love as do I. Stay safe. Hopefully we'll be home before the four years is up. Much love to everyone, Asher – son of Brie and Ylsa.>
* * *
< Dearest Virgil and Asher, it was good to hear from you. It was too short a visit for us. Surprised to hear from me than your Mom? I know I don't put pen to scroll often but thought I'd let you know your Mom is doing well. Some of the nightmares have ended. Normally a visit to Roman territory would have set off nightmares for two weeks. I don't know what the Norns and Fates have set in motion but I know this may have actually helped Brie.
< I just hope when you two return home that we're done with Rome for a long time. I wanted to kill Lycrasius. I still do. The thought of what he did to your mother drives me insane and I hate that politics and rules stopped me. I know it's for the best in the long run but I'm still tempted by the desire for revenge.
< I love you both. Brie and Herkvar send their love. Love Ylsa>