Murder Most Foul

©_May 20, 1999__Ann Logan

High above a thick white birch forest, Sheden sits on its own sierra, a peaceful village hugged by sloping cattle fields and fertile farms. Many is the time, armies lost great numbers to a handful of brazen Sheden fighters, sires of a magical forest. Often, travelers here legends of a gold prospector who tried and won, then died, never revealing the place of his gold mine.

Under a hot noon-sun, plentiful wheat fields billow in warm breezes. Leaving Argo to graze, Xena and Gabrielle stroll down the main road of Sheden, dismally quiet. Though Sheden once boasted of one hundred-fifty-one citizens, several parallel chalked lines depleted the numbers to twelve surviving residents.

Building after building, toys and debris lay dusty and scattered, inside and out. Spotting smoke coiling from a small shack, Xena draws her sword.

Gabrielle says, a bit anxious, "There's an Amazon tribe not far from here."

"Relax, I think we located the magistrate."

With Gabrielle close behind, Xena hurries to a small building. Jail-windows face the street. Empty jail cells.

Armed with a crossbow, Aaron-the magistrate stands from his chair, the lone lawmen. His face is pale, his eyes narrow in determined fear seeing Gabrielle step in the doorway.

Xena sneaks behind him, stealing his sword then winking. "Hi Aaron, long time."

He breathes a sigh of relief. "Thank the gods, Xena."

She offers her hand. "We came as soon as we received your message."

He flinches. "I didn't send a message."

Xena shows a small rolled piece of parchment. "Who else would pigeon a note to me?"

Aaron smiles, recognizing the writing. "Mysta, our goat herder. She lives in a cave not far up this road. Good thinking too."

"Murder," Xena says.

Aaron sits, sharing the details he knows. "It seems so absurd. Everything was peaceful until three weeks ago. Simon-our butcher found his wife strangled by a shirt she just washed at the stream."

Xena: "Was there signs of struggle?"

Aaron: "Not even a scratch. And, her face was drained. I've never seen such a ghostly color."

Xena: "Where did you bury her?"

Aaron: "No need. With Mysta's help, Simon lit a funeral pyre that afternoon."

Xena: "What do you know about Simon?"

Aaron: "Well, he is an old resident and a decorated captain who fought in the Athenian army. He tends to keep to himself. In his last battle, the Horde captured his team and strung Simon to a death tree. He got away, having lost his left thumb. I doubt that Simon's our killer."

Xena: "Why?"

Aaron: "Mysta was attacked last week. If we are dealing with the same killer, I couldn't blame Simon. Mystra had ten clear finger marks wrapped about her neck."

Gabrielle: "She survived?"

Aaron: "Barely. She said her attacker was cloaked in black and was very strong. Letting her body go limp, she faked being dead. When the killer released, she managed to run to Gwen's home. Gwen's brother, Laertus, came and got me."

Xena: "Smart woman."

Aaron: "Maybe."

Xena: "What happened next?"

Aaron: "Darren of Corinth and his new bride. Apparently, Darren just inherited a lot of money. You should have seened all the lavished furnishing. I found them suffocated and partially burned in their new home. He just moved here, last year. They married this past April. Such a shame."

Gabrielle looks away, remembering Perdicus.

Xena: "Where did they live?"

Aaron: "On the other side of Helena's farm, you can't miss it. Nothing will grow there for a long, long time. Soon after that, a visiting shaman offered a discount to remove a curse from the town."

Xena: "Did you arrest him?"

Aaron: "I wanted to. The following day, I discovered his body, just past Mysta's place, tied to an oak tree. He was stripped and beaten. Honey glazed most of his body. Swarms of angry bees still hovered to sting. Took a lot to get him down."

Xena: "Any tracks."

Aaron: "Not even a horse hoof. After that, panic spread. Most people moved on to Athens, abandoning us forever."

Xena: "The murders didn't stop."

Aaron: "Wish they had. While hunting, Jerod discovered a family of fifteen, skin yellowed, arrows sticking from their heads. I saw their bodies laid in a ritualistic circle then arrested Jerod."

Xena: "Why did you let him go?"

Aaron, coughing: "I didn't invite you here to criticize my authority."

Gabrielle: "We didn't mean it that way. Excuse us."

Aaron: "Move along, you know where to find me."

Xena and Gabrielle leave the prison. By Xena's savvy directions, they pass the butcher's store. Though his customers are few, Simon is busy tying a squealing pig for slaughter. He barely looks up to notice strangers.

Gabrielle whispers, "Do you think he did it?"

Xena sighs. "Let's not start this until all the clues are known."

They stroll to a manicured lot. On the porch of a large home, Colleen-mid thirties stops sewing infant clothing. Xena quickly relays the nature of their visit.

Colleen: "It was horrible for Aaron to find his wife and five-year old son hanging in his barn. Simon told me, dragged gashes covered their bodies. Two days later, Gregor, a burly field hand was found, floating in the stream. Helena took the news the worst. Gregor was her husband's longtime friend. With three new killings, Aaron freed Jerod. Bet we never see him again."

Xena: "Tell me about Simon."

Colleen: "He is a mild mannered man, never a bad word about anyone. I understand he has been dating Mysta." Rolls her eyes. "She is such a fine person, people tell me. I am still looking for that side of her."

Gabrielle: "Did you know any of the murder victims."

Colleen: "My husband died shortly after Simon's wife. He wasn't feeling well. I don't think it was murder. My two daughters on the other hand . . . A few days later, I stepped out to run an errand for Helena, a recluse who seldom leaves her farm. When I came back home, and stepped in, my heart stopped. There were my babies lying on the floor, bent into hideous, twisted positions. Both their tongues bitten off. By the gods, maybe we are cursed."

Xena is curious about the woman's manner-of-fact manner. "Why didn't you move to Athens?"

Colleen: "Someone annihilated my family. She chuckles with a somber touch. "I don't have a single care as to whether tomorrow knows me or not."

Xena glances at the baby clothes, Colleen is creating. "How long?"

Colleen shakes tears from her eyes. "I figure, I'll be showing in another month." She forced her lips to smile. "Anything else ladies?"

Xena and Gabrielle quickly depart, strolling up the road toward Mysta's cave. Gabrielle glances to Xena, wanting to say something.

Xena smirks. "It is still too early to point fingers."

Gabrielle: "That poor woman."

Xena: "And to early to dismiss suspects."

Mysta quickly invites them into her cave. She's a simple woman with only necessary items. She offers baked snacks that Xena refuses on her behalf and Gabrielle's.

Xena: "I understand you know Simon very well."

Mysta laughs, boisterously. "Good old Colleen always confuses me with Helena's step-daughter, Gwen."

Xena: "Gwen dates Simon?"

Mysta: "Apparently, Colleen's handyman, Aaron, spied the butcher coming and going from Gwen's home at suspicious hours. I don't know, I don't care. People are dying so I called you."

Xena: "Why me?"

Mysta: "I trade with Amazons who speak very highly of both of you. If we leave it to Aaron, this murdering ordeal is likely to be blamed on them. The Amazons, I know, are too noble to commit such cowardice."

Gabrielle gloats, enjoying kind words. Xena shows no sign of caring.

Mysta: "They mentioned you solved a sticky murder case, last fall."

Xena: "Why didn't you just move from here?"

Mysta: "I'm a poor woman and this is my home. Besides I suspect Colleen is your killer, Xena."

Xena: "What makes you think that?"

Mysta: "Before Simon's wife died, Colleen's husband suspected something shady going on between Colleen, Jerod, and a traveling merchant, Barnett."

Gabrielle: "But, Colleen's daughters were killed."

Mysta: "No love lost there, I assure you."

Xena: "Who is Barnett?"

Mysta: "According to Simon, Barnett was a prosperous apothecary driven out of Athens for giving the wrong prescription. During the first twenty deaths, Aaron had him locked up. Barnett tends to drink too much and often starts fights. You should know, his best friend is Helena's son Paul."

Unexpectedly, Xena gets up, pulling Gabrielle to her feet. "Thank you for the interview, Mystra."

"Good luck."

Xena and Gabrielle march down the road. When they clear a corner, Gabrielle stops in place.

Xena: "Any food might be have been poisoned. Twisted bodies suggest Strychnine."

Gabrielle walks quickly ahead. "You could have warned me."

"Stop leading with your stomach, Gabrielle." Xena grins.

Seeing a small fenced farm on the edge of a large production farm, Xena and Gabrielle stroll to the door. An older teenage girl, Gwen, hesitates then eventually invites them inside.

Gwen: "My father held a deep-seated hatred for Barnett. If I were you, ask my step-mother, Helena, about it. Daddy said, it caused Helena to keep from traveling far from home."

Xena: "Where is your father?"

Gwen: "Fighting Rome. It's been two years. He doesn't know that my husband abandoned me."

Gabrielle: "I'm sorry to hear that."

Gwen: "I'm not. His idea of a marriage was a license to smack me whenever he pleased. I please myself now."

Xena: "Have you any idea who might be killing your town?"

Gwen: "The Amazons."

Gabrielle raises an eyebrow, offended. Xena leans closer, encouraging Gwen to speak.

Gwen: "Two weeks ago, a bunch of people left and Aaron suggested we hold a land auction. Everyone was shocked when two Amazon warriors appeared with hulking coin pouches of gold. Of course, they couldn't participate."

"I'm an Amazon Queen," Gabrielle says, proudly.

Gwen flinches. "These women were not Sheden citizens. Not that we mean to offend any Amazons, we just want to keep whatever is left of our heritage."

Xena spoke up, cutting Gabrielle off: "Who attended the auction?"

Gwen pauses to think. "My half-brother Paul, Aaron, Jerod ran the podium. Then there was Barnett, those two Amazons, and Colleen."

Xena: "Simon wasn't there."

Gwen: "He was away on some business venture. When he heard what he missed, he and Aaron got into a bitter fight."

Xena: "What about Mysta?"

Gwen laughs mocking the question. "With what money?"

Xena: "All right, who got land?"

Gwen: "Mostly Aaron. Coming late, Paul missed out. But, he did get some neighboring property from Darren's relatives. They wanted nothing to do with the place. Helena is overly thrilled. "

Gabrielle: "You don't sound like you enjoy your step-mother much."

Gwen: "On the contrary, I see her several times a week. She is the highlight of my life beside my son. We're good friends but we seldom agree where Paul is concerned. Or where little Athena is concerned."

Xena: "Who is Athena?"

Gwen: "Helena's youngest. When she was six, the Amazons took her. For a year, my father hunted to find her and traded his best two folds to get her back. But, she's never been the same."

Gabrielle, concerned: "What is wrong with her?"

Gwen: "Athena misses the Amazons and often runs away. The last time, Paul got so annoyed, he had Barnett find ankle chains to keep her weighed down. It makes it easier for him to track and catch her. I say, let her go."

Gabrielle: "I'll talk with the local Amazons and see if we can make a civilized arrangement. A child needs her mother."

Gwen chuckles: "You should have seen Helena's face the first time Athena slaughtered a yearling grazing on wheat."

Xena: "How old is Athena?"

Gwen: "At least nine, and in all likelihood, she might talk to you."

Xena: "Why is that?"

Gwen: "Other folks, especially men, she ignores and hates. There is a lot of anger in that child. Glad she isn't mine."

Leaving Gwen's home, Xena hears something in the woods nearby. She leads Gabrielle, nonchalantly strolling a dirt road heading to Helena's farm.

Gabrielle: "You know who did it, don't you?"

Xena: "The facts aren't conclusive yet."

Gabrielle: "Come on, it was Aaron right?"

Xena stares at her, till Gabrielle keeps moving. When they reach the farm, Helena waves them inside and offers water that she quickly samples in front of them. Xena and Gabrielle accept her hospitality. Helena is a young anxious mother with early white strips of hair.

Xena: "We heard about Gregor. Did you find the body?"

Helena: "Heaven's no, Paul did, the poor dear."

Xena: "How old is Paul?"

Helena: "Seventeen. He works as hard as any man. Since his father left, I have come to rely on him to do the trading and work the fields. He was going to marry one of Colleen's daughters. These are such tragic times."

Athena walks in, ignoring Gabrielle, then delays stepping into another room to study Xena.

Keeping her eyes on Helena, Xena coyly avoids the child. "Do you know who might be killing your townfolk?"

Helena: "If you saw the way, Simon looked when his wife was killed. I swear he did it."

The interview is over. Xena gets up.

Gabrielle: "I should contact my Amazons."

Helena's mouth drops open.

Gabrielle: "As Queen, I have a powerful say in whom can do what, Helena. A daughter shouldn't need to live a life in shackles."

Athena: "You are not Amazon!"

Gabrielle smiles, pulling Helena outside to talk. "Come."

Xena stares down at Athena: "Amazons don't run from their family responsibilities."

Athena glares upwards. "My sisters need me."

Xena kneels on one knee, quietly enjoying Athena standing her ground. "Real Amazons bow before a queen or challenge her warriors for her right of caste. Do you make such a challenge of me?"

Athena shutters, trying to match Xena's brazen look. She studies Xena's muscular arms, her razor-sharp chakram, then her eyes piercing with a chilling focused stare. "If you take my life, my sisters will avenge me."

Xena stares deeply into the child's shifting glances. A moment more, the girl would succumb to tears. "I want your Amazon promise, not to run away. There is a killer loose."

Athena folds her arms, defiantly looking away.

Xena: "And, should your Amazon sisters reappear, tell them you are the property of Xena, warrior princess."

The child's eyes pop open, thrilled. "You are Xena?"

"Yes." Xena smiles. "Promise?"

"With all my heart," Athena says. "Can I still hide from Paul?" The child squirms, slightly.

Xena lowers her voice,"What have seen?"

Athena peeks at the door then returns to Xena. "Sometimes I work with Mysta, tending herd. A few weeks ago, I cut through the woods and saw Paul hidding a lot of dinars."

Xena: "Good eyes, go on."

"Well, I was curious and noticed, after Laertus goes out to watch the stars, Paul sneaks away."

Xena:"You followed him?"

Athena whispers, "Paul was acting antsy, especially when the owls cooed. I saw Colleen give him a small bottle and whisper something I could not hear. Then, she kissed him on the cheek."

"Paul caught you ," Xena said.

"Not that night. Last week, he doubled-back after he left and spotted me. The next day, he put these on."

Using a skull-key, Xena removes the shackles. "Where is your brother, Laertus?"

"Stacking hay in the barn." Athena squats to rub her ankles. "He doesn't know anything about this."

"Make sure you keep it that way." Xena stands with conviction. "I am never quick to mercy."

Leaving the house Xena ignores Gabrielle and Helena chatting by a corral, and strolls to the barn. In the corner, Laertus-15, sits on the ground, stroking a new sitar. Sensing a stranger, he stops and spots Xena.

Xena: "You are very talented."

Laertus smiles, proud of himself. "You are the one hunting for a killer."

"How did you hear," Xena says.

Laertus stands up, slapping hay off his clothes. "Paul said you might be dropping by. I wish I saw something that could help you."

Xena steps close, pauses, then pushes the young man to the ground. With lightening quickness, she slaps on leather ties then forces Laertus to march out of the barn.

Laertus: "What are you doing? I didn't kill anyone!"

Xena pushes him, drawing her sword to guard her prisoner. "Keep moving."

Gabrielle and Helena run over. Athena dashes from the house, freed from her chains, and slyly enters the woods.

Xena: "Stay back, Helena. He just confessed."

"Oh, no," Helen shouts, burying her head in her hands.

Laertus shouts, "She's lying, Mother!"

Gabrielle, stunned but compliant, files in behind Xena. "That is for a trial to decide."

Leaving Helena crying on her knees, Xena and Gabrielle march Laertus up the road. They pass Mysta shocked to see Laertus taken in. Simon the butcher steps out of his store, also stunned to see the young boy. Colleen never appears. As Xena reaches the prison, Paul, a stocky young man, emerges from inside. His eyes glare at Xena.

Laertus says to his brother,"I swear I didn't do these things."

"Silence," Gabrielle shouts.

Paul says, "Let him go, Xena. He was with you when this murder occurred." Paul offers her a chance to peek inside the jail.

Aaron is shot with his own arrows, sitting in his chair, his head is tilted back. His eyes wide open. Vomit caked on his shirt.

"But, you weren't," Xena says.

Swiftly, she grabs Paul pushing him and Laertus into the same cell. While Gabrielle stands guard, Xena leaves the prison. Simon approaches wearing a blood-stained white apron.

Simon: "Can I help, Xena?"

"You must be Simon," Xena says.

"Yes," he says then whispers. "You know they didn't do this."

Xena grins, saying suspiciously, "Do I?"

****

WHO IS/ARE THE MURDERER(S), WHY DID HE/SHE/THEY MURDER, HOW DID THEY MURDER?

Send answer to logan_a@hotmail.com Or

Here. Good Luck, Xenites!

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