Chapter 5
The shadow of my love hides deep within my heart waiting for your soul's embrace
"Whoa, Argo" Gabrielle spoke as she pulled on the mare's reins. She could hear Argo breathing hard. Gabrielle slowly bent to gently stroked Argo's lathered neck. She could see the town below and quietly released a sigh. She and Argo had been traveling hard since dawn. Gabrielle knew she was pushing Argo but she was intent on meeting the ship that would take her to Britannia. "Come on girl, its not much farther now. I promise you a nice long rest and a few of those apples your so fond of, what do you think of that, huh girl." As if replying Argo raised her head and nickered. " I thought you'd like that." With that Gabrielle prodded Argo on towards the town.
After Gabrielle settled Argo in a nice stable Gabrielle made her way towards the pier. Deep in thought Gabrielle was trying to devise a way to book passage on the ship. Even after bartering with the stable master it had taken most of her dinars to pay for the stable to board Argo while she was away on her upcoming journey.
Lost in thought Gabrielle didn't notice the three filthy thugs that were making their way towards her. She was drawn from her thought when one of the men spoke " Well boys, look what we have here -- looks like a miniature amazon." He grinned, exposing the few remaining teeth he had. Gabrielle took a firmer grip on her staff trying to assess the situation. "No" another one interrupted "Looks more like a sheep herder that seems to have lost her way." "Well, what say you, young herder. Can we help you find your way home". The first thug stated with a wicked grin as he steps closer to Gabrielle.
Why me? she mused. I swear I seem to attract the lowest scum with in 30 leagues. Sizing up these men she knew that she did not have much to worry about. "Look, it's been a real treat meeting you but I really am in a hurry. I don't want any trouble so why don't you and your friends just crawl back under your rocks and nobody will get hurt."
"You just made a big mistake you Amazon want-to-be!" The leader reached out to grab Gabrielle only to catch thin air. Quickly Gabrielle moved and swung her staff to catch the leader in the center of his gut. He doubled over and hit the ground hard, coming to rest on his knees. Then swiftly, twisting 'round she sent her staff behind the legs of his cohort dropping him down on his back with a sickening thud. The last one stood with his mouth hanging wide open as he took in the sight of his friends writhing on the ground. Realizing that this little girl was more then they had bargained for he decided to make a hasty retreat.
Casually Gabrielle stepped past the scum lying on the ground and made her way to the ship. In the shadows a figure watched this scene with interest, careful to remain in the shadows, just out of sight.
Surrounding the ship were men busily loading supplies and preparing the ship for the long voyage. Gabrielle noticed a rather large older man better kept then most of the sailors directing the men in their tasks by bellowing orders. "Umm ..excuse me could you by chance tell me if this ship is sailing to Britannia. Hearing the young lady the man made a last order to a sailor carelessly loading a crate before turning to address her. "Well why would you be asken, miss."
"Well you see I'm looking to book passage to return to Britannia. You see I just received word that my father has taken ill and I need to return at once." Gabrielle stated hoping she was being wise in lying to this man.
"Father huh, well don't suppose that you have enough dinars for passage." The large man answered. He had heard such tales dozens of times usually from women who had hopes of getting aboard his boat with only looks and sympathy. As he studied the girl, he did have to admit she had a certain charm about her. But he reminded himself that it was always the pretty ones who caused the most fights, and on a long journey that was the last thing he needed.
"Well you see kind sir, I just received word and I had to sell my horse just to have enough to journey to this port. I have 15 dinar which is yours if you will take pity on me and allow me passage on your fine ship." That's it be nice, keeping going bard or you'll never make it off the pier.
"15 dinar!!" The captain said with a laugh. "Do you think me a fool, I must say your pretty enough but you will have to do better then that fool's tale. Besides this is a long journey and you and my men only mean trouble."
Desperation pierced her voice "You don't understand I have to reach Britannia, alright I don't have a sick father but I do have 15 dinar and I can take care of myself. Look I'm a bard and can tell tales to your men to keep them entertained on the long journey. "Please my ..my best friend needs me and I have to get there."
Seeing the grave look on her face he knew that this time she was telling the truth. Something in his heart gave way and giving her another look, "Well you're a bard hmmm." as he scratched his chin in thought. Well.. That could keep the tension from the men and he had to admit he enjoyed listening to tales as well. "15 dinars now and tales each night after supper. Don't have much room but I can arrange in the store room for some privacy, deal?"
Releasing a breath she did not realized she was holding, Gabrielle smiled "Deal!! My names Gabrielle and when do we set sail?"
"Gabrielle is it, well Gabrielle ships not done loading so I say you have at least two candle marks before we raise anchor." My names Loxias and you'll be sailing on my ship the Temptress."
They had been at sea three weeks and things had been going well. The Captain and the crew were delighted with her tales and enjoyed the company of the bard. The crew was polite and had left her alone. Preforming her staff drills on deck had helped in them keeping their manners.
Having a little while before dinner was served, Gabrielle stood at the ships' rail looking out to sea. A gentle smile appeared across her face. She recalled all the times she had sailed with Xena. How she first spent one of those journeys hanging over similar railings praying to the gods to end her suffering. Then as always Xena saved her with one of her "many talents", showing her a pressure point to save her from her seasickness. Gabrielle laughed lightly as she remembered how Xena had forgotten to mention the side effects of her miraculous cure. Gods, she thought she would never look at squid the same way again.
Her musings drew melancholy as she was reminded when she and Xena were aboard a ship that was hit with Poseidon's wrath. Gabrielle could remember being cold and waking on the ships deck only to discover that she was on the cursed ship of Cecrops the Mariner. A warm feeling surrounded her heart as she recalled how Xena jumped from the cliff in a spectacular series of flips only to land on the ships sail and gracefully drop to the deck. Xena did not let little things like and ocean and pursuing pirates or a cursed ship to interfere with reuniting with the bard. She was taken back to that joyous reunion as Xena gently pulled her into a warm embrace that never seemed to end.
As usual Xena had figured a way out by helping Cecrops to realize the puzzle of his curse, saving them all. Fondly she recalled how Xena was always there for her, protecting her, caring for her. Friends seemed such an inadequate word for how close their bond was. Gods, how she missed Xena.
Gabrielle gazed to the sea witnessing Apollo's decent, as the god painted shades of lavender and blues across the horizon. Such peace, slowly she closed her eyes and made a silent vow that she would do everything she could to help return Xena to her true self, the best friend that she grew to know and yes, loved.
*****
Hearing a voice Gabrielle was drawn from her reverie. "Enjoying the sunset I see." Captain Loxias stated with a slight smile.
"Oh yes it's beautiful." Gabrielle stated warmly. "I'm sure sailing as long as you have, seeing these all the time, you take it for granted."
"No actually… I'll let you in on a little secret." Bending his head closer to Gabrielle's ear. "That's really why I became a sailor in the first place", he chuckled. You see I was traveling from Britannia to Greece to conduct business for my father and after the first sunset I witnessed I decided then and there to sail for the rest of my days. So I completed my fathers business and signed on to the first ship that came into port. Eventually I saved enough through shrewd business dealing shall we say to acquire the Temptress. Been sailing her ever since. I just.. I don't know it feels like home here."
As Gabrielle looked into the Captain's eyes she could see for the first time the childish delight hiding behind those eyes. "I know what you mean when I'm out traveling with my friend it seems like it's the only place for me."
"Well, if you have been blessed to have found your place in this world grab on to it tight and don't ever let go." He said with a wink. Then returning to his tough demeanor and clearing his throat he stated "But now its time we eat, then you can treat us to your latest tale, come now before the food get devoured by my ravenous crew."
"You go ahead I'll be right down." Gabrielle stated as her mind lingered on what Loxias had said.
"Alright but don't be long." Loxias said as his had patted her on the shoulder and stepped away.
After a few moments Gabrielle gathered herself together and decided to make her way to the ships galley. As she approached a darkened hallway as she passed a room she could over hear voices. She stopped and listened. "No! How do you know we could trust her." A hushed voice asked. "Listen with Kraftstar and his men captured we need everyone we can get. I saw her fighting those scum on the pier and I know that we could use her." Said another voice. "What if she is just a spy, Boadicea would have our heads." Hearing Boadicea's name Gabrielle absently spoke "Boadicea". The voices hushed before she could move a hand reached out covering her mouth and another hand grabbed her arm dragging her into the room.
The man holding Gabrielle spoke as he struggled to keep the bard quiet "See Agenor, I told you she is a spy!" "Wait Samos!" His companion stated. Walking up to the bard Agenor looked the bard in the eye. "I don't believe you are a spy, if we let you speak do you promise not to call out?" The bard shook her head slowly as she tried to breathe. As Samos slowly released his hand from her mouth, Gabrielle took a long breath.
Feeling a little nervous Gabrielle rattled on "Listen I know, you know, I over heard you .. but listen I am not a spy. Actually you going to save me a lot of time." You see I am trying to reach Boadicea I have information for her about Caesar forces."
"How do we know your telling the truth. You could be setting a trap for Boadicea's forces." Samos stated angrily.
"Here look at my staff as you can see it's an Amazon staff and what would an Amazon be doing helping the likes of Cesar."
"See Samos I told you she was an Amazon. She makes sense, besides if she were going to join Cesar she would have sailed on the Romans ship."
Understanding their mistrust Gabrielle tried to make a compromise. "Listen I know you don't have any reason to believe me but I am telling the truth. Please the information I have is vital to the success of the Boadicea's forces. All that I ask is that you take me with you, let Boadicea decide if I am telling the truth."
As Samos considered her request Agnor smiled "She makes sense, let Boadicea decide besides if she is on our side we might be able to convince her Amazon friends to join our cause."
"Alright then, but know this bard if you even try to warn the Romans you'll be hanging from a tree to show all how we treat spies." Samos stated with menace.
Gabrielle shivered slightly and swallowed stammering "Well now that's out of the way why don't we head to the galley I'm starved." As if on cue her stomach grumbled loudly. Raising an eyebrow Agnor snickering as he heavily patted his companion on the back. "Well let get to the galley before this one here wakes Poseidon". With that Samos grinned and they headed for supper.
The next day as Gabrielle once again began her staff drills when she realized she had an audience. Deciding to make it worth their while she began spinning her staff faster and faster throwing in trusts and turns. When she finally slowed her rhythm she was startled to hear applause. Stopping her turn to see the source. It was Agnor clapping as he stepped up to meet her as the other observers dispursed. "That was wonderful! Could you show me how to do that?"
Resting by leaning on her staff she considered his request. "Sure I could use some real practice. Lets see if we can find something you can use as a staff." It took only a few minutes to acquire a mop and pulling the head of it off Gabrielle twirled it in her hands to test it. "Here you go this should do." As she tossed it to Agnor, who gripped it and gave it a twist. "Ok so how do we begin." Agnor said enthusiastically.
Gabrielle began with training Agnor on defensive stances, then easy blocks. She had missed drilling with someone. Needless to say Agnor was no Xena but she delighted in training someone in the art of staff fighting. It was not so long ago she was the student, but with practice and her traveling with Xena she had become proficient very quickly. She even found herself winning in contests against her Amazon sisters.
>From a distance Samos watched as Gabrielle and Agnor practiced. Gabrielle was a mystery to him and he was still skeptical of her intents. Samos was not easily impressed but he had to admit from witnessing her drill that she would indeed be an asset if it were proven that she was not a spy.
A week had passed and they were finally nearing Britannia. Gabrielle had been drilling with Agnor daily and she had to admit he was getting quite good. She really liked Agnor but did not seem to be able to get past that wall of suspicion Samos had for her. She only hoped that Boadicea would believe her and that they could stop Xena.
Gabrielle was out on deck helping tie some lines when a commotion broke out at the wheel. "Ship Ahoy!!!" the sailor from the birds nest shouted. "Blast it!! Hades boots!!" Captain Loxias roared. Gabrielle raced to the wheel to see what was happening.
"What is it, what's wrong!" Gabrielle asked concern in her voice.
Looking searching gravely to the sea Loxias pointed to an approaching ship "Romans!!"
Quickly Gabrielle understood the gravity of their problem. "What do we do?"
"We can't out run them and even if we did that would make this ship a bounty for any other Roman ship. No, our only chance is to let them board and see what they want." Loxias stated grimly.
Gabrielle quickly left to search out Samos and Agnor, she wanted to warn them and hoped they would not think that this was her doing. Racing through the halls calling their names Gabrielle ran into Samos. Hera's tits why couldn't she have run into Agnor first, well here goes. "Samos hurry we need to find Agnor. A Roman ship is approaching and we need to hide you two in the hold, they maybe looking for you." Gabrielle stated hoping he would believe that she had nothing to do with this.
"Alright Gabrielle, Agnor is in the galley I get him and head for the hold" Samos stated and turned towards the hall leading to the galley.
Gabrielle grabbed his arm as he turned and asked "Wait, not that I'm not grateful but I thought you might think I had something to do with this."
Samos grinned and looked into Gabrielle's eyes "No I don't believe you had anything to do with this for a several reasons. First why would you warn us when you could have just waited for them to arrive. Second having seen you with Agnor I believe that you are honorable and worthy of my trust."
Taken back by Samos comments and blushed as a sweet smile crossed her face. "Thank you Samos. Now you better get going." Returning Gabrielle's smile Samos headed for the galley. Gabrielle headed for the deck. She knew the Romans would not be looking for her, so she thought she might be able to get more information about Cesar and his troops. As she arrived on deck the Romans were starting to board. The leader headed to the wheel to address the Captain. "These waters are Caesar's and you are ordered to turn back." The leader stated in no uncertain terms "To disobey is to die."
"I am no fool, and a dead man can not enjoy the dinars this shipment will bring. We will do as you say." Captain Loxias stated.
"Your wiser than you look. We will keep watch. You can be sure of that, so best you do as you say." The Roman leader stated with distaste. The Roman took his time and then ordered his men to return.
As the Romans rowed the small boat back to their ship Gabrielle approached the Captain. Gabrielle pleaded with an air of distress "Loxias I know what you told them but my friends and I must reach the shores, many lives depend on it."
Looking into Gabrielle's eyes the Captain was torn between what he knew he should do and wanting to help her. With a heavy sigh and a grunt "What do you suggest?" With that Gabrielle smiled knowing they had a chance.
"Could you sail close enough so that we could take a row boat to shore."
"That could be tricky they will be watching." Taking a moment to think he came upon an idea. Shouting to his men "Head into the wind make way past that inlet." Turning his head to Gabrielle " We will sail past that inlet heading north when we pass we should be out of their sight for a bit and you and your friends can take a row boat to the shore."
"Thank you Loxias, I'll get my friends." Gabrielle stated with a smile as she turned away.
With each of them rowing they had made it quickly to shore. They were pretty sure that the Romans hadn't seen them, but there was no time to catch their breaths they needed to get to the tree line and head to Boadicea's camp. Just as they begun to move out Samos cried out " Romans!!" as he spotted a small group heading their way. "Ares boots!! Agnor cried as he grabbed his makeshift staff. Gabrielle tightened her grip on her staff as she prepared for the fight. Suddenly out of no where they head a chariot moving fast in their direction. As the chariot came into view they could see that it was a women.. A warrior women, Boadicea! With a warrior cry she stopped the chariot only a few feet from where they stood and leaped to their sides. "Samos you couldn't come back without bringing your friends?" she said pointing to the Romans.
"Sorry Boadicea but I thought we needed the practice." He said with a smile more then glad to see her again. Boadicea slyly smiled at him as she turned to the Romans. "ATTACK!!" she cried as her troops raced up behind the Romans. The battle was quick as Gabrielle, Agnor and the others took the Romans by surprise. Realizing that they were out numbered the Romans retreated. Seeing the Romans retreat Boadicea called back her troops and addressed Samos "Quickly it won't be long before they find reinforcements." Nodding toward her chariot Gabrielle, Agnor and Samos joined her and with a hard slap of the reins headed them to the safety of Boadicea's camp.
******
As they arrived a crowd gathered to meet them. Boadicea barked orders to her troops to disburse and double patrols in case the Roman decided to purse them. With that business done Boadicea turned to Samos. "Samos, Agnor what have you brought with you." Boadicea stated cautiously eyeing Gabrielle.
"Boadicea, this is Gabrielle she joined us on the ship she said she was looking for you with news of Caesar's army." Samos stated.
"Hm.. Well, we will see if this new you have is worthy of your journey. All of you get something to eat and meet me in my quarters in a candlemark. I have some business I must attend to first." Boadicea uttered as she turned away towards her tent.
As I made my way through the crowd that gathered as Boadicea arrived I spotted that golden hair. Yes, that must be her. I carefully made my way as she and her companions headed to the kitchen. I lightly touch her arm as her friends enter the tent. "Excuse me but I am looking for a friend of mine that might have been traveling with you."
As Gabrielle turned she answered "I'm sorry but my friends and I were the only one's aboard." Seeing sadness in the women's eyes she introduced herself. "I'm sure your friend is alright, my name is Gabrielle." She stated extending a hand.
"I apologize for my ill manners." Extending her hand and grasping Gabrielle's. "My name is Meridian."
To Be Continued…..