Innocence of War
Part 16
by Arianwen P.F. Everett
Disclaimer in Part 1.
Part 16
It was a balmy night in Gaul, and the new arrivals from the Greek and Roman armada were being eaten alive by local insects. Still, it was the kind of night where the sea air was fresh and tangy and no one could resist being out and around after such a long and arduous day.
As Xena strolled around the little village, that had accepted the armies among them, she realized that she hadn't eaten all day, and knew she should. She located the small local restaurant, and took the only available seat, under the canopy outdoors. Gabrielle soon joined her, making eyes with the waiter, till he leapt to get her an extra chair.
As they talked about the coming days, then moved on to less weighty, even silly matters, Xena let her emotional guard down, slowly sinking into the easy camaraderie she and Gabrielle shared.
Until Hercules arrived, dragging two angry men with him. "Where's Nebula?" the demi-god demanded.
"We don't betray our captain, man!" One of the prisoners spat back.
"Well, then maybe you'd like to explain it to her!" Hercules replied, pointing to Xena who had now stood up, and assumed her, 'I'm in command; spill it or die!' pose.
The fire of defiance went out of the two men's eyes, under the Warrior Princesses steely blue gaze, and they fell at her feet. "We need those ships, Me Lady! You need those ships, to defeat the enemy god in Britannia! We's only doin’ it for the mission!"
"And to haul back whatever loot can be found," Hercules commented disgustedly under his breath.
Xena took a deep breath. She gave Hercules a quick, pleading look for understanding and acceptance, and his jaw dropped as he realized what she was about to do.
"Alright, but the second we return, those ships are returned, and anything, you all happened to 'find', along the way goes to the families of anyone you've harmed in acquiring these vessels. Do I make myself clear?!" Xena demanded an answer.
"Yes, Princess Xena! Yes, yes!" the two sycophantic pirates, replied earnestly.
"And remember, you are coming along to fight a war, not scavenge after this army, Understood?", Xena asked, not waiting for a reply. They'd better understand or she'd deal with them herself, once this mission was complete. "Now go tell your Captain I need a word with her
before we set out tomorrow, and also tell her I'd advise against showing her face around here till dawns early light," Xena commanded.
"Yes ma'am!' both sailors replied in unison, scurrying off to deliver their precious message.
As everyone around them, started back to what they were doing, Hercules, stormed right up to the two women's table. "What the heck was that?" he demanded Xena, looking hard into her eyes.
"That was problem management for an army of over 23,000 men," Xena responded coolly, shutting her feelings away. She had to maintain a posture of self confidence, despite her own doubts at her dubious actions.
"As much as I like Nebula, she's a criminal, a pirate, those men are pirates, and you just gave them flat out permission to hijack three vessels!" Hercules stated unbelievingly, anger coursing through him.
"I gave them flat out permission to increase the tactical strength of this army! Dahak is strong, Hercules! We have got to be stronger, or everything and everyone in the world is destroyed and dead! A few harassed sailor's is a small price to pay! And I don't take kindly to being openly questioned in front of my men!" Xena spat back, fire in her eyes. How dare he. She stormed out of the restaurant, making her way back to the command tent.
"Well, well, well, nicely done, Hercules. Although, on some level, this is sort of a conflict of interest. Then again, they do say that politics makes strange bedfellows. I didn't think you had any inclination towards my talents. Maybe there is hope for you yet," The petite, leather clad Goddess stated, running an index finger down Hercules’ chest.
"Discord. Great, just what I need," Hercules said, sighing and moving away from her straying hands.
"Okay, look. Though it really goes against my better judgment, I'm going to explain things to you. Xena commands this army. You follow her orders, and you don't go making her look weak. Else, the rest of the men will start questioning her, and this army does need a strong leader. As much as I personally hate her, Xena is exceptional at just that!" Discord spat out coldly.
"What do you care? Shouldn't you be off running errands for Ares?" Hercules replied.
"Look Muscle for Brains, I have as much at stake here as you or your helpless little mortals. We're on the same side. I'm trying to avert problems in this army, and start them across the channel, so apologize, and make nice nice with our fair Commander!" Discord shouted, ramming Hercules down to the ground with a wave of power. Discord then disappeared, as Hercules pulled himself to his feet.
"She's right you know, Herc. We both know that sometimes in war, you have to follow orders, no matter whether you agree with them or not. I have faith that Xena has this all under control," Iolaus commented to his friend, as he helped his friend brush the dirt off of him.
Hercules looked out upon the sea of soldiers, looking for the command tent. Once his eyes had fixed on it, he also noticed the dark figure, entering it. "Yeah, but possibly not for long. Come on," the demi-god called back, his blond friend following quickly behind him, as not to get loss in the mass of men.
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