Standing to one side Hercules motioned toward the open tavern door. “Ladies first.” Offering his most charming smile.

In spite of her gloomy mood Gabrielle giggled. “Why thank you, sir.” Dropping into a mock curtsy before, she entered the tavern.

As Hercules entered behind her she paused to survey the room, searching for an empty table. Hercules motioned to a far corner. “There’s Iolaus and Salmoneus.” Quickly they moved to join their friends.

Liutentant Thrasis looked up as the pair entered the tavern. Feeling his temper flare slightly at the sight of them. Deciding the tavern was suddenly to crowded he rose to leave. When he was half across the room another target of his anger entered the tavern.

Stopping several paces inside the door, General Mercer scanned the room. Spying Gabrielle he started for her table to inquire if she needed anything. Having taken less than three steps he was intercepted by the Lieutenant. “General, may I have a word with your sir?”

Mercer could tell by the man’s movements he was trying to control his emotions. “What is it Lieutenant?”

“I would like to speak with you sir about the prisoner.”

Eyeing the younger man closely Mercer nodded. “Alright.”

Quickly they moved to a table near the back of the tavern, away from the main crowd. “What’s on your mind, Lieutenant?”

Not one for cat and mouse games Thrasis cut straight to the point. “I do not think it is wise to allow so many people in to see the prisoner.”

“Has there been a problem?” Asked Mercer.

“No, not yet. But, with all the people in and out you’d think it was brothel, rather than a jail. Someone is constantly visiting her. And that girl, the one who claims to be a bard. She is the worst. Do you know she came to the prison early this morning with food for Xena? And when the guard refused to let her in she threatened to go into the street and tell everyone he was sleeping with farm animals. Then she...”

A chuckle from Mercer caused Thrasis to pause in mid sentence. Staring at his commanding officer dumbfounded. “You find this amusing?”

“Look I know Gabrielle can be a little high strung sometimes, especially when it involves Xena. But, she’s a good person and a good bard you should heard her tell a story sometime it’s....”

“I have no desire to hear anything that...’girl’ has to say. She babbles constantly.”

Anger seized Mercer so quickly it took him a moment to realize the venom filled words he was hearing were coming from his own mouth. “She...is...not...a...girl. She is a strong, brave young woman who risked her life to help save the lives of a garrison of men. Men who would have died if it had not been for her and Xena. I owe them my life and I will repay that debt anyway I can.” Leaning forward he added in a menacing tone. “I will not tolerate ‘anyone’ mistreating them. Is that understood, 'Lieutenant'?”

Swallowing his own anger Thrasis answered through clenched teeth. “Clearly, Sir.”

“Good.” Mercer rose to his feet. “And Lieutenant from now on, Gabrielle may see Xena ‘anytime’ she wishes.”

“Yes, sir.” Answered Thrasis without looking up. As Mercer started to move away, Thrasis could not resist one last question. “General, just how far will you go to repay your debt...sir?”

Biting back a remark Mercer turned to move away, leaving Thrasis glaring at his retreating back.

Townspeople, villagers and curious observers all quickly shuffled through the large courtroom doors. Each trying to find a place to sit before the hearing began. It seemed as though all of Athens had turned out. Quietly watching the parade of spectators. Xena couldn’t help laughing to herself. ‘Won’t want to miss the best show in town, now would they? What a bunch of...’ Before she could finish the thought, her eyes came to rest on a familiar face.

Gabrielle sat near the front, in a row of benches located behind the Prosecutor’s table. By slightly turning over her left shoulder Xena could easily make eye contact with the Bard. She smiled to herself at her friend’s choice in positions. Saying a silent thank you to the younger woman for the offer of support.

Realizing she had Xena’s attention the corner’s of Gabrielle’s mouth rose, though the smile did not reach her eyes. Hoping to lighten the Bard’s mood, Xena winked at her playfully. Allowing herself a small smile, as a wide, warm smile spread across Gabrielle’s face.

Gabrielle opened her mouth as if to speak, but Xena would never know the Bard’s thought , for just as she opened her mouth the bailiff called out. “All raise for the Honorable Judge Alerio!” Quickly, the crowd rose to it’s feet as one. From a doorway near the front of the room entered a dignified looking man, fine robes concealing his form. Were it not for the gray hair peeking from beneath the black embroidered skull cap he worn, one would be hard pressed to guess his age. While he appeared healthy, his skin shown the paleness of one who spent more time with ancient scrolls than in the sunlight. His face was well defined with a sharp nose and chin. Though the deep brown of his eyes shown the affects of age, they carried the same fire as the bright blue ones, studying him from across the room. Taking his place in the large chair at the head of the room, he motioned for the crowd to sit.

Removing an open scroll from a nearby table, he studied it while waiting for the crowd to settle in. Pondering over the scroll a few moments longer, he slowly sat it aside, before reaching for a large marble ball mounted on the right arm of his chair. Though the ball was as big as a large apple Alerios easily grasped it in his aged hand. Striking it twice against the highly polished hardwood of the chair’s arm, before returning it to it’s resting place. “This court is now in session.” He announced in a clear, strong voice. Turning those deep brown orbs on Xena, he began. “I have read the charges leveled against the defendant.” Xena held his gaze. Neither one challenging the other, but, simply studying one another.

Maintaining eye contact with Xena he continued. “And I am now ready to hear the evidence supporting or denying these claims.” Though neither the Warrior nor the Judge seemed to offer any reaction to the other, yet each now understood where they stood. Alerios turned his attention to Demos. “Are you gentlemen, ready to begin?”

“Yes, Your Honor.” Answered Demos.

Alerios turned his gaze on Phineas. “Advocate?”

“Yes, Your Honor, I’m ready.”

Alerios offered a curt nod. “Good, Prosecutor you may begin.”

Demos rose to his feet, stepping from behind the table he moved to the center of the open space before the judge. Placing his hands on his robe lapels he began. “Your Honor,” Turning to face the crowd. “Good citizens of Athens and Greece. Before you stands a woman. A woman who has been accused of some of the most hideous crimes ever committed against mankind. Assault, theft, kidnapping, arson, pirating and above all else murder. Cold hearted, cold blooded murder. Not just the murder of soldiers on the field of battle, but the murder of merchants and villagers, simple farmers who’s only crime was to be in the way of the a warlord and her army.” Moving in front of Xena’s table he continued. “Some of you may wonder how a woman, one woman could be responsible for so much death and destruction. You may wonder how such a lovely creature could be so deadly.” He stared down at her as he spoke. “But you must remember even though a Hydra is beautiful it is still deadly.” She met his belittling looking with a look which caused him to take an involuntary step back.

“H’mm.” Whispered Ioluas, leaning toward Hercules. “He’s obviously never seen a Hydra.” Hercules and Gabrielle bit back chuckles.

Moving closer the to the judge Demos continued. “I shall prove to you without question not only is she guilty as charged. But, she is a willing and loyal servant to the God of War. A personal servant and student of Lord Ares himself.” Excited whispers spread through the crowd.

Gabrielle clenched her fist tightly fighting back the urge to jump to her feet, demanding a right to speak on Xena’s behalf. ‘Soon.’ She assured herself. “I’ll get my chance, soon.’

Getting a feel for his subject Demos pushed on. “A woman who led an army of blood thirsty cutthroats on a ten year rampage against the people of Greece. An army which swept over the land like a plague, leaving mass death and destruction in it’s bloody wake. Why you ask would she do such a thing?” He paused for affect. “It’s simple really. Greed, pure greed and a lust for power. Those are the reasons Xena, Warrior Princess, Warlord, Destroyer of Nations, declared war on Greece. I will prove that for a ten year period she killed, maimed, burned, stole and destroyed everything and everyone she came in contact with.” He tried once more to catch Xena’s eye, she ignored him. “I only hope this court can find a punishment worthy of her crimes.” Straightening his robes he returned to his seat.

Phineas rose moving to take his place on the open floor. “Your Honor. My fellow country men. Is Xena guilty of raiding villages? Yes, she is. Is Xena guilty of declaring war against entire nations? Yes, she is. Was Xena a warlord? Yes, she was. Whether Xena is guilty or innocent of these crimes is a moot point. What does matter, what must be remembered is the woman who commited those crimes is gone. You will hear stories of a woman warrior, a warlord. Stories of a woman who many claim had only one propose in life to destroy the world as we know it. But, those my friend are only part of the truth. I will tell you the truth about the woman known as Xena. How a young peasant girl from the sheep lands of Amphipolis learned to yield a sword not for the purpose of conquering the world as my colleague would have you believe. Not out of greed but, instead out of love. Love for a family she was trying to protect. A family she was willing to do or risk anything for as long as it kept them safe. Even if it meant destroying herself in the process. When raiders attacked her village killing her friends and brother...”

At the mention of Lyceus, Gabrielle noticed Xena’s jaw tighten. She knew her friend was reliving that horror once more. One night in an uncharacteristic moment of openness, Xena had relayed the story of Lyceus’s death. Gabrielle had listened closely, hanging on each word, not wanting to miss or forget any part of the sad tale, trying to imagine the scene in her mind’s eye. And now she found herself trying once again. The image was so clear, Xena and Lyceus locked in mortal combat with the raiders, finally pushing them back. Lyceus bravely leading his group in pursuit of the bandits. As the raiders rode off an enemy archer saw his opportunity. Finding his aim to be true as an arrow pierced the brave warrior’s breast, ending his young life in the blink of an eye. ‘From the death of one young pleasant boy came the birth of a warrior princess.’ Reflected the Bard grimly. Pushing the thought away she tried to focus on the Advocate’s words.

“She chose to fight back. What was the price for her bravery? The lives of those she loved and perhaps her soul. The Xena who led an army against Greece is dead and gone. In her place walks a woman who fights everyday to undo the damage done by her past. To right the wrongs of the creature she once was. And maybe with enough time find a way to reclaim the soul she lost.” With that said Phineas returned to his seat.

Villagers, soldiers, merchants and many others took the stand to speak against the Warrior. Some cried, some shouted, many even threatened the shackled woman seated before them. All cursed her name. This was the manner in which the morning passed. With story after story, each more vile and depressing than the last. No matter how the stories began they always ended the same. A woman warrior leading an army rode into their lives destroying everything they held dear. Taking what she wanted before riding off, leaving the survivors to pick up the pieces.

Just when Gabrielle was certain it could not get any worst another witness started for the stand. From behind he appeared to be an average man, tall but slumped. A large hooded cape hide his face and frame. There was something about the way he moved which seemed odd to the Bard. As he moved into the clearing before the judge she realized the problem. He was dragging one leg. The limb appeared stiff and unbend able, forcing him to take a step with his good leg, then to drag the damaged limb back under him before stepping again. With this slow shuffling step it took him several minutes to reach the witness stand. Once there he collapsed into the chair, obviously the short walk had taken a toll on him.

“Are you all right?” Asked the Judge.

“Yes.” Came a winded reply. Demos approached the man. “Greetings sir, would you please state your name for the benefit of the court?”

Sitting up straight the man pulled his hood forward. “I am Orestes.”

Demos continued. “Orestes would you please tell the court how you know the defendant?”

Orestes coughed loudly before answering. “Her army attacked my home city.”

“I see. And what city would that be?”

Another cough escaped from the hood. “Valosa.”

Several shocked gasps came from the crowd. Hercules and Iolaus exchanged concerned looks. Gabrielle turned to each wanting desperately to ask what was so important about Valosa. Xena had never mentioned it before. Once again the Bard found herself wishing the Warrior would be more open about her past.

The crowds reaction caused the corners of Demos’s mouth to raise slightly. “Please tell us exactly what happened when Xena raided your town.”

Slowly Orestes began his story, his voice was rough as though his windpipe were damaged. “I was a soldier with the city guard. Scouts had warned us three days earlier of an army heading toward the city. Defenses were reinforced and every effort was make to secure the city. Not that it required much reinforcing, Valose was surrounded by a large stone wall with a deep moat protecting the side and rear walls. While the front of the city faced an open plain with a slight incline. Charging from the front would have been suicide. There was no way an army could have stormed us without taking heavy causalities. Just outside of the city on a small hill overlooking the West wall was the city’s oil reserve. I was assigned to one of the units charged with guarding it. Defenses were weaker at the reserve, there was nothing of any real valve there and it offered no entry into the city.”

“Shortly after dawn the enemy arrived breaking into two groups as they approached the city. It was obvious they intended to storm the city from the front and it’s right flank. We knew there was no way they could breach either spot, the outer defense units would crush them before they reached the wall. As the enemy slowly approached we began to take bets on how many volleys the city archers would fire before driving them back.” Sarcastic laugher came from beneath the hood, Orestes rough voice giving it an eerie sound.

“What fools we were. In our arrogance we had forgotten to watch our own backs. While the enemies main forces were readying themselves for an assault on the city a smaller group attacked our flank. As we watched the main force a shower of fire arrows rained down among the small group of buildings were the oil was stored. Buildings ignited and began to explode, throwing flaming oil in all directions. Being off guard and out numbered we were unable to control the rapidly spreading flames. While troops rushed forward to fight the fire, the raiders charged our defenses. They managed to overrun our small group, taking control of the oil reserves. At first no one was to concerned by this. After all they were still outside of the city walls.”

Stopping to draw a deep, raggit breath he continued. “Systemically the raiders began to empty barrels from the remaining storage buildings. Dragging them to the top of the hill, they would smash the ends, then allow the damaged barrels to roll down the hill. Oil Spewed in all directions as they rolled into the waters of the moat. As the first group dumped barrels into the water a second group collected several barrels dragging them to the small incline behind the city. From their position on the hill they repeated the process of rolling the damaged barrels into the water. As the last barrel rolled toward the moat several raiders ran forward throwing torches into the oil. We watched helplessly as a river of flame spread toward the city. Soon the entire moat was a fire, encircling the city on three sides. Thick black smoke filled the air blocking out the sun. Where once the moat had been the city’s salvation it was now it’s damnation. From the open plain the enemy sat watching.” Orestes snorted. “All they had to do was wait while the smoke and flames did the work for them. There was only one way out of the city, right into the enemies waiting arms.”

Once more he paused to catch his breath. “We could hear the screams from inside the city as townspeople tried to escape the choking smoke. This went on for nearly half a candle mark, till finally they did the only thing they could. Opening the front gate the city guard charged down the hill right into the waiting jaws of the beast. The smoke made it impossible for the archers guarding the walls to offer the troops any support fire. Not that it would have done them any good. Once the city guard was clear of the walls enemy archers opened up on them killing or wounding nearly half in the first wave.” Pausing for a heartbeat, Orestes voice grew softer. He was no longer telling the tale but, relieving it. “Then they came, charging forward as one. And their battle cry...it was as if the hound of Ares himself were leading them. In one motion they swept over the city guard, cutting them down without mercy.”

“Please continue.” Demos coaxed him, when it seemed the hooded man was finished.

Orestes shrugged. “There’s not much else to tell. Any man who resisted was killed, the women and children where gathered up.”

“Where they killed as well?” Demos’s question sounded more like a statement than a question.

“No.” Answered Orestes. “They weren’t harmed.”

Surprise and a bit of disappointment crossed Demos’s face at this announcement. “What happened next?”

“They looted the city, taking anything that wasn’t tied down. They quickly emptied the city food stores and treasury. Once they had what they wanted they moved back to the open plain and set up camp for the night. The following morning they packed up and left.”

“Thank you Orestes, I know this was hard for you.” Demos turned to the Judge. “Nothing further your Honor.” He announced before returning to his seat.

Phineas rose slowly moving to stand before the hooded man. “Sounds like it was quite a battle.”

“It was a slaughter.” Growled the man.

Nodding slightly Phineas continued. “You said the scouts warned of an approaching army. How do you know it was Xena’s army?”

“I saw her.” Answered Orestes.

Phineas began to pace. “You saw her on the battlefield?”

“Yes.”

“I see. But, I thought you were at the oil reserve.”

“I was.” Answered Orestes in his gravely voice. “When the enemy soldiers charged the city, I could see a figure on horse back leading the charge. It was Xena.”

Frowing Phineas stopped before the man. “From that distance how could you be sure?”

Orestes “I could heard her battle cry.” Pausing. “That shrill sound haunts me every night of my life.”

Phineas began pacing again. “Did any of the soldiers from the main guard survive?”

“No.”

“What about the troop at the reserve.” Silence answered his question and for a moment he thought he would have to repeat it.

“Only seven.” Answered Orestes finally.

“Only seven?” Repeated the Advocate. “May I ask, how did you manage to survive?”

Orestes stirred uncomfortably in the chair. “They thought I was dead.”

Believing he had found something Phineas pressed on. “Dead? Why would they have thought that?”

“Because of the fire.” Answered Orestes.

“Please explain.” Phineas coaxed.

Once more the hooded man paused. Seeming to reach a decision he answered with a growing anger in his voice. “Once the city fell the raiders who attacked the oil reserves started fires around the reserve so no one could escape. The flames swept across the hillside destroying everything. Many of the troops were wounded during the first attack, unable to escape the spreading flames. The fire took them where they laid.” Orestes voice grew stronger. “They screamed for help and cried for mercy, but there wasn’t any mercy. As the flames crept closer the raider stood by and watched. They laughed and jeered at the wounded men as they were consumed by the fire. Screams from the dying men lasted for most of the afternoon.” A distant sound entered Orestes voice. “All they had to do was kill the wounded to save them the pain and suffering. All they had to do was kill them.” His voice trailed off.

Phineas stood silent for a moment trying to imagine the scene. An eerie silence filled the courtroom as well.

Suddenly Orestes jumped to his feet. “Why didn’t you kill them?!” He shouted at Xena. “Why?! You could have ended their pain!” In one quick motion he threw back the hood revealing a horribly scarred face. It was as though the flesh had melted from his face leaving thick, knotted, crisscrossing strips of scar tissue in it’s place.

Several gasp and cries of horror escaped the crowd. Fixing the Warrior with cold eyes the scarred man taunted her. “What’s wrong Xena? Don’t care for your own handy work?” Xena did not react. “You should have killed me that day.” Cried Orestes. “You should have run your sword through my heart, instead you left me there to suffer. Why didn’t you finish me?!” Leaning heavily on the rail, he pleaded softly. “Why?” Still Xena made no attempt to offer an answer, there was none to offer.

“No further questions, your Honor.” Announced Phineas quietly, before returning to the chair next to Xena. Several guards helped Orestes from the stand, leading him from the courtroom. As Phineas took his seat next to Xena, he noticed she still wore the emotionless mask. Anger flared inside him. ‘I don’t believe this. Doesn’t anything bother this cold hearted bi....’ Just as he was about to voice his thoughts he noticed the Warrior’s folded hands resting on the table. Her fingers were interlocked and from a distance they appeared normal. Studying them closely the Advocate realized they were stark white from being held so tightly together. Suddenly he realized how hard she was fighting to maintain her control. Privately he wondered what the price would be for her losing control, then decided it would be best if he never learned the answer.

Demos had called for another witness, there was a comotion at the doors to the courtroom as guards led in a shackled man. Through not a large man his general appearance was rather disturbing. Tattered leather revealed tattoos, which covered most of his body including parts of his bald head. Xena watched closely as the guards led the man to the witness stand, where they forcefully placed him in the chair. One held him down while the other tied him to the chair. Having completed their task the guards moved to the side.

Once he was certain the man posed no threat Demos moved to stand before him. “Greetings, sir.” Demos began.

“Drop dead.” Growled the man.

Shocked by the man’s respond Demos took a moment to regroup. “H’mm, yes well for the benefit of the court would you please state your name.”

Raising his head the man annouced boastfully. “I’m Zargaus. Warlord Zargaus.” Turning a hatefilled stare on Xena he added. “At least, I was until Xena tricked me and destroyed my army.” Xena mearly raised a questioning eyebrow at him. Zargaus bit back a curse.

Attempting to direct the questioning once more, Demos continued. “Do you know the defendant?”

“Yeah, I know her.” Grunted Zargaus.

“Would you please tell the court how you know her?”

One corner of Zanteus’s mouth raised in amusement. “We use to ride together. Her army and mine worked together for awhile.” Anger swept over his face as he glared at the Warrior again. “Till she tricked me and stole my army.” Directing his next statement to Xena. “It took me nearly two years to raise another one.” He voice took on a whining quality as he added. “Then you destroyied that one too!” In response Xena offered him a sarcast pout. Causing Zanteus’s face to blush blood red.

Leaning toward her Phineas whispered. “You actually rode with this idiot?”

Shrugging Xena whispered back. “We all make mistakes.”

“I see.” Replied Demos, wondering if perhaps he had make a mistake by calling the strange man to the stand. “Were you riding with Xena’s army when it attacked the city of Valosa?”

An evil grin spread over Zanteus’s face. “Yeah I was at Valosa. Those smug bastards in their little walled city. Fools thought they were invincible.” Chuckling, he directed his comments to Xena once more. “We sure showed them didn’t we Xena.” She did not respond. Still laughing Zargaus continued. “It was Xena’s idea to flame the oil reserves.” Sarcasm entered his voice as he continued. “Good ole Xena, she’s always got a plan. Don’t you Xena?” Still she offered him no reaction.

Demos attempted to coax Zargaus on with his story. “What happened when you attacked the city?”

Psychotic laughter filled the room as Zargaus continued his tale. “Well, those scared city folks helded up in their little walled city for a while but, finally the smoke was to much for them. You should have seen them running out of that town.” Laughing harder. “They looked like Hades himself was behind them. The fools charged right into us.” Shaking his head in disbelief. “Once the soldiers were clear of the wall our archers opened up on them. Time they were finished there won’t even enough left for a good fight.” There was no mistaking the disappointment in Zanteus’s voice.

“So,” Demos began. “You killed all of the city guard. What about the citizens?”

Zargaus shrugged. “Any man who resisted got a sword in his gut.” An evil grin slowly crept over Zanteus’s face as he added. “Besides, dead villagers are easier to loot than live ones.”

The flicker of insanity in the man’s eyes caused Demos to take an involuntary step backwards. Finding his voice Demos asked. “What about the women and children?”

Zargaus scoffed. “Xena won’t let us kill any of the women or children. Said there was no honor in it. She always was soft like that.” Disgust in his voice. “It was stupid if ya ask me. They were all sheep and sheep ain’t good for nothing but slaughter.”

Feeling a sudden urge to put as much distance between him and the killer in the witness stand, Demos turned to Alerio. “Nothing further, your Honor.” Quickly he moved to his chair.

Alerio turned to Phineas. “Advocate have you any questions for the witness.”

“Yes, your Honor.” Answered Phineas as he rose to approached the warlord.

“How long did you and Xena ride together?” Asked Phineas.

Zargaus shrugged. “I don’t know, ‘bout two years I guess.”

Phineas began to slowly pace before the witness. “Two years.” He repeated. “Tell me, was Valose the only raid where Xena ordered the women and children not to be harmed?”

“Nah.” Scoffed Zargaus. “It was a standing order for her army. ” Then he added with pride. “Course my army didn’t have no such rule.”

“Really?” Answered Phineas, making no attempt to hide the disgust in his voice. “Tell me Zargaus, who’s army attacked the oil reserve Xena’s or yours?”

Zargaus grinned broadly. “Mine. Xena sent us to take the reserve while her group set up for the main attack.”

“I see.” Continued Phineas. “After the city fell who gave the order to torch the oil reserve? Was it Xena?”

“No!” Snapped Zargaus. “I ordered it. My men missed out on most of the fighting and they needed something to do. So I let them have a little fun.”

Phineas paused thoughtfully. “So you ordered the oil reserved torched and it was you who allowed the wounded to be burned alive, correct?”

“That’s right.” Answered Zargaus defensively. “Like I said it was my army.” Turning to Xena. “I didn’t need nobody’s permission to kill a few soldiers.” Xena glared at him with a tightly clenched jaw.

Phineas caught the exchanged glares. “What was Xena’s reaction to your torching the oil reserve?”

Zargaus shifted uncomfortably in his seat, for the first time all of his arrogance gone. “She was pissed. By the time she reached the reserve most of the wounded were toast.” Taking a defensive tone, he continued. “When she found out what was going on she went nutso, started knocking my men around. Crazy wench threatened to gut us all. Kept babbling something about honor and how if we were going to kill the wounded to do it quickly. I tried to reason with her and she damn near broke my nose.” Looking to Phineas for sympathy, Zargaus found none. “Next thing I know she’s got her sword against my throat telling me if I ever did anything like that again she’d personally skin me alive.” Shaking his head in confusion, Zargaus whispered under his breath. “Crazy woman.”

Feeling he had just scored a victory Phineas posed another question to the man before him. “So Xena did not order or approve of your actions?”

Zargaus snorted. “Yeah, you could say that.”

“Why do you think that was?” Questioned Phineas.

Zargaus shrugged nonchalantly. “Who knows? Like I said she was always soft that way.” Turning to sneer at the Warrior Princess. “That’s why Darphus finally got the better of you ain’t it, Xena? Didn’t I tell ya one of these days that soft side would be your downfall?” Allowing the corners of her mouth to raise into what easily could have passed for a snarl, Xena offered no other reaction.

Deciding he would obtain no further information of value from the deranged man, Phineas turned to the Judge. “No further questions, your Honor.”

Alerio nodded in reply, motioning to the guards to remove their charge. As the guards lead Zargaus pass Xena he sneered at her. “So much for becoming a hero huh, Xena?” Sarcastic laughter echoed through the room as they drug him away.

Once more the witness stand was occuppied. This time by an old woman who snapped venom filled answered to Demos’s questions. Graphically she described the attack on her village by a group of raiders. Having heard her emotional testimony Demos turned her over to Phineas for questioning.

“Hermione.” Phineas began. “You say a band of raiders claiming to be part of Xena’s army, attacked your village, correct?”

“That’s right.”Answered the old woman.

“Did you ever see Xena among the raiders?”

“No.” Turning to glare at the Warrior. “She sent those demons to do her dirty work for her.”

Phineas pressed on. “Well, if you never saw Xena than how do you know those men were really part of her army?”

Fire raged in the anicent eyes glaring back at him. “Because they carryied her banners.” Spat the old woman.

“Isn’t it true there have been others who used Xena’s name to carry out their deeds. Haven’t they used her name hoping it would frighten others into following their orders?”

“I don’t know or care what other’s have done.” Bellowed Herminoe, pointing an accussing finger at the warrior. “I only know that witch ordered my village destroyed. She murdered my family and left my village to starve the following winter.” Turning to Xena. “Do you remember my village, ‘Warrior’?” She spat the word as if it were a curse.
“Do you remember Limnos?”

Quietly Xena answered. “I remember.”

Frowning at her Phineas turned back to the old woman. “I have no further questions, Your Honor.”

“You may step down.” Alerios informed the bent figure.

leaning heavily on a well worn cane she made her way toward the rows of seats. As she passed Xena she stopped to stare at the Warrior. Though she was standing the small hunched backed woman was nearly eye level with the seated Warrior. “Do you remember them?” Demanded the old woman.

“Who?” Asked the Warrior.

“My sons,” Growled the anicent one. “They were the first to die when your murder’s attacked. Do you want to know they’re names?”

There was a familiarity about the question which sent a chill down the Warrior’s spine. The question had been asked of her once before. Only before it had been posed by a dead man, a shadow of a ghost from her past. Trapped in the dreamscape she had been forced to listen as he told how he and his brother had been the first to die. He called himself. “Dolas and Linius.” Suddenly Xena realized she had spoken the names aloud.

Hermonia straightened up glaring at the Warrior with fire in her ancient eyes. A blood curling scream escaped her anicent lips. With more strength then her old body had known in years Hermoina jerked the cane over her, then quickly swung it down at the Warrior’s exposed head. Out of reflex Xena brought her forearm up deflecting the blow. Xena’s block scattered the worn cane in half.

“Die you murdering monster! Die!” Hermonia screamed as she continued to beat the offered arm with her broken cane.

Phineas grabbed Hermonia up his arms, trying to restrain her without hurting her. Several guards and a young woman moved to help him.

“Don’t hurt her!” Cried the woman, taking the older woman into her arms. She glared at Xena, it was a look the Warrior knew all to well. “Come Grandmother.” Said the younger woman, supporting Hermonia. “You need to rest.” Slowly they left the courtroom.

Xena watched them go, as she started to turn back around she found herself eye to eye with Gabrielle. The Bard’s face clearly shown the emotional battle raging inside her. Xena cursed herself for allowing the younger woman to stay.

Before Xena could voice her thoughts Phineas knelt beside her. “Are you all right?” He asked. “I’m fine.” She realized he was turning pale. Half smiling at him she asked. “Are ‘you’ all right?”

Raising to his feet Phineas turned to the Judge. “Your Honor.” There was a hint of panic in his voice. “I would like a recess so my client’s injuries may receive treatment.”

‘Injuries? What injuries?’ Xena thought. ‘What is he up to?’

Alerios did not seem convinced of the Warrior’s need for treatment as well. Turning to Xena he asked. “Are you injured?”

“No.” Calmly replied the Warrior.

Fanatically Phineas pointed to her arm. “Your Honor she is bleeding.”

Xena glanced down at the her shackled arms resting on the table. A small puddle of blood was rapidly spreading from beneath them. Examining the arms closer she found a long deep cut along the fleshly part of her forearm. ‘That explains the stinging.’ She thought unconcerned by the wound.

Seeing the blood Alerios was inclined to agree with Phineas. “This court will recess for two hours to allow the defendant time to receive treatment.” With that he struck the marble gavel once.

Phineas turned to Xena. “Are you sure your okay?”

Xena thought she noticed concern in his eyes. “I’ve had worst.”

Shaking his head, Phineas slipped a hand under her arm, helping her to her feet. “Come on, let’s get you patched up.”

Silence lingered in the small, sparsely furnished chamber. Seated in the middle of the room a small blond hared woman forcefully ripped a piece of cloth in half. Dropping one half onto the table before her, she placed the other on the raised arm of the raven hared woman seated next to her. “You know bandaging you up is becoming a full time job.” Quipped the blond.

“You need the practice.” Answered the dark hared woman, allowing a playful smile to tug at the corners of her mouth.

“Oh really?” Scoffed the blond. “Like I haven’t have enough the last few days.”

Xena’s smile faded. “I’m sorry about that. About all of this.”

Realizing she had hit a nerve Gabrielle offered a smile of her own. “It’s all right.”

Shaking her head the dark one sighed heavily. “I’m sorry your involved in all this trouble.”

“Hey,” Chuckled the blond. “That’s what friends are for. Remember they...”

“Stick by each other when there is trouble.” Finished the larger woman, laughing sadly. “I remember.” Staring deep into her friend’s warm eyes. “But, were you really ready to face all of the ‘trouble’ we’ve been through? All of the trouble I’ve caused.”

Understanding the real meaning behind the question, Gabrielle took Xena’s hand in hers. “Xena when we first met you were this larger than life figure. A living hero. As time passed and I got know the woman behind the legend. I found a living, breathing woman, one who could and had made mistakes just like the rest of us mere mortals. A proud, strong woman who would never admit she could be cut as easily by words as by a sword. Suddenly, you weren’t a legend anymore, but a real person.”

Xena eyes dropped. “I never wanted to be a hero, Gabrielle, to you or anyone else.”

Gabrielle smiled. “I know. But like it or not you will always be my hero.” Placing a gentle hand under the warrior’s chin, Gabrielle forced her to look at her. “But more importantly you will always be my friend. I won’t have it any other way.”

Shaking her head the Warrior pulled the Bard forward embracing her quickly. “Thank you.” She whispered before releasing the young woman.

The sound of an opening door stopped Gabrielle from commenting further. Phineas entered quickly pulling the door shut behind him. “Is she ready?” He asked the Bard.

“ ’She’ is fine.” Answered the Warrior, her tone indicting she did not like being talked about, instead of too.

Leaning on the table facing her Phineas continued. “We need to talk.”

“So talk.” Shrugged the Warrior.

“Xena you have got to work with me on this. I had laid the ground work for serious doubt in the judge’s mind as to whither or not you were responsible for the raid against that old woman’s village. Then you go and all but confess to being there.”

Calmly studying Gabrielle’s handiwork, Xena replied. “I was there.”

Dropping his head to his chest, a wearily sigh escaped Phineas. “That’s not the point. I need to raise some doubts in the judge’s mind, to make him believe you are not responsible for all of these crimes.”

Locking eyes with him, Xena replied. “But I am.”

Throwing his hands up in fruscation. “By the Gods woman are you always this contrary?”

Raising an eyebrow Xena turned to Gabrielle. “I’m not contrary. Am I?”

Gabrielle raised an eyebrow trying to mimic her friend. “Oh no, your not contrary.” Pausing a heartbeat. “Just incorrigible.”

Surprise flashed across the Warriors face. “Incorrigible? You’ve been talking with the scholars again, haven’t you?” Smiling crookedly. “Well at least I’m not stubborn like a certain Bard I know.”

Gabrielle’s face fell into a frown as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Stubborn!? I am not stubborn.”

A large grin broke over Xena’s face. “Oh no. Not you.” Both shared a laugh at the private joke.

Phineas had watched the friendly bickering with disbelief. “Excuse me, if you two are finished I would like to discuss your trial. You know the one were they are going to hang you if you lose.”

Gabrielle’s eyes dropped as the smile fell from her face. “He’s right.”

Xena placed a hand upon the Bard’s shoulder. “All right Phineas what do you want me to do?”

Pleased he finally seemed to be reaching the Warrior. “Well as I said we have to place some doubt in the judge’s mind about you being responsible for all of those raids. I mean let’s face it. There is no way one person could be responsible for all of those raids.”

Gabrielle noticed Xena’s muscles tense as she answered the Advocate. “Phineas,” She began calmly. “for ten years I lead armies, some of the largest the world has ever seen. In the name of Ares I raided, burned, stole and killed.” Leaning forward. “And Phineas I was very good at what I did.”

Gabrielle stared at her folded hands resting on the table. Xena stole a quick glance at her before continuing. “For every village they claim I raided there are two more which didn’t survive to tell. For every soldier who claims he fought against me on the battlefield there are a dozen more sharing their tales with Hades. I pledged to fight for Ares and fight I did. As I said I was very good at what I did.”

Staring at her Pineas realized his mouth was open. Snapping it shut he swallowed hard before answering. “All right so your guilty. That has never really been the issue here. My goal is not to deny your guilt but, to prove you have changed and your desire to take responsibility as well as attempt to correct your past. Correct?”

Xena nodded. “Correct.”

Sighing heavily Phineas leaned on the table. “So how am I going to do that?”

Xena smiled at him crookedly. “Well, Advocate it looks like you’ve got your work cut out for you.”

Straightening Phineas rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “So it would seem.”

Leaning back in her chair, Xena stared at him. “So now what?”

Slowly pacing the small confines of the room, Phineas began working through the details. “Well the rest of the day will be Demos calling witnesses against you. Tomorrow I get to call my witnesses. Then we can start our counter defense.”

“So I get to testify tomorrow.” Gabrielle asked hopefully.

“No.”

Phineas and Gabrielle turned to Xena in surprise. “Your not testifying.” Xena declared.

“Yeah right.” Scoffed the Bard. “Who better than me, your best friend to tell how you have changed? I’ll make them understand what a good person you are.”

Fixing the Bard with a cold stare, Xena spoke firmly. “No Gabrielle, I do not want you to testify.”

“Why not?” Pleaded the confused young woman.

“It wouldn’t be a good idea.” Answered the Warrior simply.

Confusion and anger raged through the Bard, as she turned to Phineas for help. “I can help. I could tell them everything about her.”

“Exactly.” Xena interrupted. “You would have to tell them ‘everything’.”

“What are you talking about?” Gabrielle felt her composure slipping.

“She’s saying you know her too well.” Offered the Advocate. “Not only would you have to tell the good things, but the bad as well.”

Gabrielle's eyes quickly moved from Xena to Phineas and back. “No. I could tell how you helped Hercules free Prometheus or how you keep the Amazons and Centaurs from going to war. Or how you stopped the civil war in Thessialy or...”

“How I murdered Callisto.” Offered the Warrior quietly.”

Shock took the Bard’s voice for a moment. “You...did...not...murder Callisto.” Growled the small blond angerliy. “She’s immortal remember?”

“She is now.” Agreed the Warrior. “But she wasn’t when I let her die in that sand pit.”

Now it was Phineas’s turn to be shocked. “You ‘let’ her die?”

“Yes.” Answered the Warrior without taking her eyes off Gabrielle. “I could have saved her but I chose not too.”

Sighing once more, Phineas ran his fingers through his hair. “Yes, I definitely don’t want Demos to get a hold of that information.”

Gabrielle was nearly in tears. “She did it because of me. For Perdicas.”

“Who is Perdicas?” Asked Phineas.

“He was my husband.” Gabrielle’s knuckles turned white as she clenched her fist, fighting for control. “Callisto murdered him.”

Phineas turned to Xena “So you killed her out of revenge for his death?”

“That was part of it.” Answered the Warrior calmly.

Gabrielle raised a questioning eyebrow at her friend’s answer, but decided not to pursue it. “No one knows about that Xena.”

“Good.” Sighed Phineas. “And we need to keep it that way.”

Waving her hand dismissingly, Gabrielle continued. “Besides that was one incident.”

“What about the Horde? Or Lousa?” Asked the Warrior never taking her eyes from the Bard.

“Xena...” Gabrielle began only to be interrupted by Phineas.

“She’s right Gabrielle, it would be better if you did not testify.”

Gabrielle jumped to her feet, hot tears steaming down her cheeks. “No! I want to help.”

Xena placed a hand on Gabrielle’s arm. “Gabrielle if you really want to help, you’ll do as I ask. I want your word, Gabrielle you will not testify.”

“What if Demos calls me to the stand?” Answered the Bard defiantly.

Ignoring the question Xena pressed her. “Your word Gabrielle. If there is any possible way for you to avoid testifying you will take it.”

Gabrielle fought with herself for a moment longer, finally she lowered her head in defeat. Quietly she spoke. “You have my word. If there is any possible way for me to avoid testifying,” She raised her eyes to meet Xena’s. “I will take it.”

Xena rose placing her hands on Gabrielle’s shoulders. “Thank you.”

A knock at the door startled Phineas before he moved to answer it. Opening the door a guard leaning in whispering to him. Nodding he closed the door and turned to the women. “They are ready to continue. It’s time to go back.”