The Cage Of Elysis
Part Four
by L. Fox
Continued from Part Three
"We did it! Xena, it's open!"
Xena knew Gabrielle was not nearly strong enough to remove Hercules from the cage by herself. "Darinius, I have got to help Gabrielle get Hercules out of there."
"Go on," he replied. "We'll try to hold 'em off. Form a wall in front of the cage door, boys!"
Rushing to the cage, Xena stopped for a moment. "Here, take this," she said, giving Autolycus her sword. Autolycus quickly joined the others on the human wall in front of the cage.
"C' mon, Gabrielle, we have got to get him out of there," said Xena, entering the cage. "You take his feet and I'll take the shoulders"
"Uhh, he's a lot heavier than he looks," said Gabrielle.
"Hang on, we are almost out," said Xena. "Hercules..."
The superior strength of the monsters was beginning to make a difference. Joxer received a blow to his left shoulder and collapsed. Darinius, too, was cut but managed to keep his feet. Iolaus had managed to wound one of the enemy but the fierce fighting was taking its toll.
Autolycus took a vicious two- handed swing at a minotaur with Xena's sword and, as the monster ducked, hit the cage with it. To his horror the sword simply shattered. Even more surprising to him was the contact with the cage had not affected him.
Suddenly two huge arms ran past each side of Autolycus' head, caught a minotaur in each hand, and savagely crushed them together. Simultaneously, Darinius rammed his sword into another one's guts . Autolycus threw the hilt of Xena's sword at another and cracked it right between the eyes. As the monster stepped back to shake off the pain, it found itself being hoisted into the air. Hercules had picked it up like a rag doll and, turning to face the rest of the enemy, threw him on top of them.
Hera or no, the minotaurs realized they were outmatched. They scrambled to their feet and disappeared into the gloom of the corridor.
"Herc, it's good to see you again," said Iolaus.
"You too, Iolaus. Ah where are we, by the way? What are all of you doing here?"
"We came for you," smiled Xena.
"I don't understand," said Hercules.
"It's a long story," said Xena. "Gabrielle can tell it to you on the way home."
Hercules then noted Gabrielle's battered face. "Who did this to you?" he asked.
"He's been taken care of," said Xena.
"Well it's good to see all of you again," said Hercules. He then spotted Darinius helping Joxer to his feet. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure."
Xena made the introductions. "Hercules, this is Darinius."
"Darinius?" Not the famous general Darinius?" asked Hercules.
"The same," said Xena. "Believe me, I ought to know."
Hercules shook hands with Darinius and turned to Joxer.
"And this is Joxer," said Xena.
Poor Joxer was so overwhelmed at meeting the great hero he was unable to be coherent. "I'm mad to gleet you," he stammered. "I mean, I'm meesed to pleat you...I mean-"
"Joxer, he gets the idea," said Xena.
"I hate to spoil the reunion," said Autolycus, "but shouldn't we get out of here?'
"You're right, Autolycus," said Hercules. He made for the door and stopped. "Uh, could someone show me the way?"
"Sure thing, Herc," smiled Iolaus. "Just stay close, okay?"
"Autolycus, where is my sword?" asked Xena.
"Wellll, uh, Xena, it's like this - it's ahh, well I broke it," said Autolycus meekly.
"You WHAT?" In all the confusion of the battle she, indeed, had not seen what the cage had done to her sword. And now for a moment Xena felt a powerful urge to wring Autolycus' neck - but only for a moment.
"It was not his fault, Xena," protested Gabrielle. "It must have been the force in the cage. When your sword made contact with it just exploded."
"Okay, okay," muttered Xena, still very angry.
"C'mon, Xena, let's get out of here," said Darinius.
The night sky was now blanketed by clouds an they stepped out into the fresh air of the palace courtyard.
"It looks like you have been very busy tonight," said Hercules, stepping over the dead minotaurs by the portico.
"Busy enough to last me for a while," said Iolaus.
"Hercules."
A soft voice beckoned to him from the blackness of the courtyard.
"It's Senta," said Xena. "She's the one who brought you here."
"Hercules, please stay with me."
"I can't do that," said Hercules. "I don't belong here. And besides, kidnapping is not the way to make friends.
"I only wanted to love you," said Senta. "I knew I could never win your heart fairly so I decided to have you any way I could. When Hera told me of the cage-"
"Hera!" interrupted Hercules. "I should have known."
"She said we belonged together and that after a while you would grow to love me and help rebuild my island."
Hercules noted the very real pain in Senta's voice and it made it impossible for him to be angry with her. He could only pity her now. "I'm sorry about what happened here," he said, "but Hera only used you to do harm to me. She is always trying new ways to destroy me and she will use any amount of treachery and deceit to accomplish her goal. She does not care who is hurt in the process."
"I cannot believe the great Hera would-"
"Listen sister, Hercules never lies, okay?" snapped Gabrielle.
"Gabrielle, calm down," whispered Xena.
"Oh, sorry."
"I have heard the great Hercules always tells the truth," said Senta. "I see you and your friends have defeated my guards. It must be wonderful to have such powerful friends.
"It's nice to have friends whether they are powerful or not," said Hercules. "It only matters that they like you for who you are."
"Then take your friends and go. The ship that brought you here is moored not far from here. You can use it for your voyage home," said Senta.
"Why don't you come with us? This is no place for you," said Hercules.
"This is my home, I cannot leave it again," said Senta. "Go now and, Hercules?"
"Yes?"
"Try not to think too unkindly of me. Loneliness is a bitter enough potion to swallow without having the one you love hate you."
"I don't hate you, Senta. You are the real victim in all this," said Hercules.
"We have some of your men tied up in the forest," said Xena. "We will release them before we go."
Chapter 16 The Return
The rising sun found them already well out to sea. Hercules was at the tiller, Iolaus and Autolycus were working the sails, and Xena was attending to Joxer's and Darinius' wounds while Gabrielle slept.
"Looks like you are going to have a nice scar there to go with the one if the other one, Joxer," said Xena.
"Really? That's owww! great. Boy, wait till I tell everybody I helped to save Hercules."
"Joxer, a good warrior doesn't need to boast," said Xena. "His deeds will always will speak louder than words."
"Well maybe I could just tell a couple, like Meg maybe?" he asked.
"Won't do any harm, I guess," said Xena. "Now why don't you try to get some sleep?"
Xena watched Joxer stumble up to the bow and lie down. "Well, she said, turning to Darinius, "you don't seem to be too badly hurt."
"Nah, I have had a lot worse. You know that," said Darinius.
"Yes, I know," said Xena.
"That Joxer, for a guy as inept as he is, has got guts," said Darinius.
"He always means well," said Xena.
They were interrupted by Gabrielle stirring slightly in her sleep.
"You know, I have never met anyone like her. From the moment I saw her I knew I liked her," grinned Darinius.
"Gabrielle is a special person. I don't know what I would do without her," said Xena. "So, what's next for you?"
"Me? Ahh I don't know. I might go home. You know, check on the old homestead. I haven't been to visit Lycidia in a while."
"She must have been something to have caught you," smiled Xena.
"No, Lycidia was the one who was something," said Darinius. "What about you?"
"There is still time to make it to Athens for the bard's competition so that's where we will go. Gabrielle doesn't let on but it means a lot to her. She is very good, you should hear her sometime," said Xena.
"I'd like that."
For a few moments neither of them spoke. Finally, Xena broke the silence. "Darinius?"
"Yeah?"
"Gabrielle thinks you can see inside a person's heart. She's very perceptive about things like that."
"And?"
"Well can you? I have seen people do some pretty amazing things in my time," said Xena.
"Not really, of course," said Darinius. "I do make it my business to know people, though. I found if I studied their body language and how they react to certain stimuli I could indeed learn a lot about them. Remember that day in Tumas when I called you a murdering harlot?"
"Yeah, I remember," said Xena dryly.
"Well, that was just a test. I wanted to see how well you were in control of your emotions," he said. "A commander who can't control his emotions is not a winner. Xena did not answer and Darinius knew something was eating at her. Finally, it
dawned on him. "I know what is," he told her. "You want me to tell you what I see in YOU. You want me to compare the Xena of today to the Xena I knew in the old days, don't you?"
"Well..."
"I won't even speak of the past but I will tell what I see in the Xena of today. I see strength and courage beyond comparison but, you always had those. But I also see integrity, loyalty, and, yes, compassion. I also see a tolerance now for those less
gifted. I also see pain, sadness, and regret. The little voice inside you that beckons for a return to the old ways. But I know now that little voice will one day die and you will find your peace, Xena," said Darinius. He turned to gaze at the petite form lying beside him. "And I see something else, too. Love."
"You know, don't you?" asked Xena.
Darinius closed his eyes and nodded, "Yes. That night at the inn, the way you watched over her. I knew."
"I would die for her, Darinius. She means more to me than life itself. You know, there are those who say it's not - well...you know what I mean."
"It's nobody's business but yours and hers. The Xena I know would not give a damn what anybody thought as long as she was happy. Let me tell you something. I have traveled just about everywhere and met almost everyone of any importance and I will tell you to straight out you are the most remarkable person I have ever met."
"C' mon..."
"I mean it, Xena. "Now if the most remarkable person I have ever met doesn't deserve love, then who does?" Darinius broke into a silly grin and looked down at his hands. "Aww, I talk too much. Gabrielle has the right idea. A good nap is just
the thing for a wounded hero."
Xena put her hand in the hand of her greatest enemy of all time, squeezed it, and said with a wry smile, "Then don't let me stop you, 'hero'." She turned to leave, looked over her shoulder at him, and added, " Oh, and Darinius?
"Yeah."
"Thanks. I'm glad I didn't kill you all those years ago," smiled Xena.
Darinius scratched his ribs and yawned, "Me too. I kind of like this breathing thing."
Xena left Darinius and Gabrielle lying on the foredeck and walked back to where Hercules was manning the tiller. "So, how are you feeling?" she asked.
"I'm fine. I just can't believe what happened," said Hercules.
"Well, it shocked all of us when we heard about it," said Xena.
'Thank you for coming so quickly," he said.
"What would the world do without the Hercules?" asked Xena.
"I'm serious, Xena. No one else could have done it and I am grateful to you."
"It wasn't just me, Hercules. Look around you. Everyone here had a hand in it."
Hercules let his eyes wander over the ship and the remarkable people on it. Iolaus and Autolycus - trading good-natured insults by the mast. Iolaus, my great friend. Xena's friend Joxer - sleeping up in the bow, a strange fellow but Xena saw
something in him. Gabrielle - as true a friend as anyone ever had. Darinius - the great warrior. A man whom he would certainly have to get to know better. And Xena - what could he say? A stunning beauty with the heart of a lion and the
awesome skills to match. Was there anything she couldn't accomplish? Hercules doubted it. It made him feel proud to know these people...his friends.
As Salmoneus stood by the dock looking out to sea, the lengthening shadows of the evening sky were like a manifestation of his growing apprehension. Tomorrow morning will be three days, he thought, I wish I knew what was happening. Could
the five of them really do it? Salmoneus knew what Xena and Iolaus could do and the respect that Xena obviously had for Darinius meant he must be tough too. But was it enough? What if it wasn't? The thought of Xena, Gabrielle, maybe even
Hercules being dead was something that made him shudder. What would the world be like without them?
Well, he thought, I'll give it a week. Xena said they ought to be back by then. If not... Salmoneus turned to go back to the inn. He had already checked on Argo and his stomach told him it was time for some supper. Without thinking, he took
one last peek over his shoulder. A small black dot on the horizon caught his eye. A ship. Could it be them? Probably not. Oh well, he thought might as well stick around to make sure.
An hour later the ship was close enough for Salmoneus to make out individuals on board. It was not long before he saw the unmistakable outline of Xena standing in the bow. It was them! Salmoneus didn't know when he had felt relief like this.
"Hey there, Salmoneus." It was Gabrielle. "We got him!"
"I never doubted it," lied Salmoneus.
A half an hour later the ship had moored and had discharged its brave cargo.
"Hercules! It's so good to see you."
"You too, Salmoneus," said Hercules. "Xena told me about your help. Thanks."
"I was glad to be able to contribute in some small way," said Salmoneus. "Oh my - Gabrielle, what happened to you?"
"She hit a cyclops in the fist with her head," said Autolycus.
"Wait til I tell you about it, Salmoneus," said Gabrielle, "you won't believe it."
"Is Argo okay?" asked Xena
"Fine. I just saw her a couple of hours ago," said Salmoneus.
"Thanks, Salmoneus."
"Ahh, Gabrielle?"
"Yes, Autolycus?"
"Could you lend me twenty dinars?" asked Autolycus. "I'm getting mighty hungry."
"Forget that, Autolycus," said Salmoneus. "We'll have a feast fit for a king."
Salmoneus was as good as his word. That night they celebrated the return of Hercules. Needless to say, Iolaus and Autolycus had a little too much to drink and wound up on the floor. Gabrielle related the story of their adventure three times and each time embellished it a little. Even Xena was less stoic than usual. Soon the good food combined with her happiness and, yes, relief worked to make her drowsy. For the first time in many a moon Xena got a good's night sleep.
Soon Gabrielle joined her on the floor and, before long, she too was asleep. Joxer and Salmoneus were the next to fall to Hypnos' charms. But Hercules and Darinius talked well into the night.
The next morning found all of them preparing to go their separate ways.
"Xena," said Gabrielle, "it's sort of sad isn't it?
"How so?"
"I mean, all the things we have shared and then, just like that, we all part go our separate ways."
"We are only separated physically, Gabrielle. They are always with us."
"I'll still miss them," said Gabrielle.
"We'll see them again. Who knows, there even might not be any trouble around when we do," said Xena.
"Yeah, right. If there is one thing I have learned it's that you hero types aren't much for making social calls," allowed Gabrielle.
The two of them were joined by Darinius and Salmoneus approaching from opposite directions. Upon meeting, Salmoneus gave Darinius his leather bag.
"Here, you forgot this," said Salmoneus.
"Thanks," said Darinius. "Remember, be in Athens in ten days. Be at the magistrate's office at noon and someone will be there with your money."
"I'll be there."
"Salmoneus?"
"Yes, Xena?"
"Gabrielle and I are on our way to Athens ourselves. If you fetch Argo from the stable for me you can go with us," said Xena.
"That would be great," squealed Salmoneus. "I'm on my way," And he hurried off in the direction of the stable.
Now Joxer saw his chance and he took Salmoneus' place in the group. "Well, warrior pals, I've got to be going."
"Take care of yourself, Joxer," said Xena.
Darinius pulled out Joxer's sword and said, "If you are really serious about learning how to use one of these, come up to Mymalar in a couple of months and I'll give you some lessons."
"Wow! Would you? I mean do you mean it?" sputtered Joxer. "Say do you think you can show me how I can be like be Xena and make a dagger pop out from between my-"
"Joxer! "
"Whaaat?"
"Let's not get carried away, shall we," chided Gabrielle.
"Sorry, Gabby, it was just a thought," said Joxer.
"Get out of here, you idiot," smiled Xena.
"Well, until next time farewell, fellow adventurers," boomed Joxer. He replaced his sword and started down the street.
Gabrielle could only shake her head, "What an idiot."
"You know, ah, Xena, maybe you could show me that trick with the dagger,"
grinned Darinius.
Xena gave him a nonchalant smile and replied, "Maybe."
"Sure." Darinius opened his bag and produced the sword, still wrapped in the oil cloth. "Here, Xena, I want you to have this."
"I can't take this, Darinius"
"Sure you can."
"Something like that is too valuable to give away," protested Xena.
"Xena, this is quite possibly the finest sword in the world. I can think of no one more worthy that you to carry it. Don' t think of it as a gift, think of it as a token of respect and admiration from one old warrior to another."
"In that case, I accept," said Xena.
Xena removed the oilcloth and for the first time, saw the true measure of the sword's beauty.
"It's about the same size as your old one, so it should fit you scabbard well enough," said Darinius.
For a fleeting moment her emotions are almost too much for even the stoic Xena to control. "Darinius, I will never forget this," she said softly. Quickly, Xena kissed Darinius lightly on the lips.
Gabrielle smiled to see the sight of the great Hero of Mymalar finally lose a little of his composure.
"I uh, ahem, I uh, better be off," sputtered Darinius. "Gabrielle, good bye. Xena, you are amazing." Darinius shook hands with the two of them and turned to leave. "Oh, I almost forgot." He reached into his bag and pulled out a small leather sack. "Here, little bard, this is for you. Don't open it yet! Wait til I am gone. It belonged to Lycidia but you are the first one I have met since her death that this seemed to be perfect for."
"What is it?" asked Gabrielle.
"Remember our little talk on the ship?" he asked. "You know when you were sick?"
"Yes."
"Well, whenever you look at this think about what I said," said Darinius. "Good bye friends."
"Aren't you going to wait for Hercules?" asked Xena.
"Hercules and I said our farewells last night and Iolaus, well he already knows how I feel about him. He will understand," said Darinius. "Until then." Darinius turned and started down the street leading out of town.
"Hey, Darinius!" yelled Autolycus. "Mind it I join you? After all this excitement I don't much feel like traveling alone.
"Sure, c' mon. Only no funny stuff okay? You know, no wandering fingers in somebody's pocket," admonished Darinius.
"Okay, okay. Sheeesh. If I keep hanging around with you guys I might revert to an honest man again," said Autolycus.
"Have no fear, Autolycus," laughed Darinius. "Besides, most 'honest' men are not as trustworthy as you are anyway."
This little exchange was the last Xena and Gabrielle could hear before Autolycus and Darinius were out of hearing. Gabrielle open the sack and removed its contents.
"Oh, my," she gasped.
" It's beautiful, Gabrielle," said Xena.
In her hand was a solid gold rope chain. Attached to the chain was image of a balance scale.
"Just what did you two talk about on the ship, anyway?" asked Xena.
"Oh, nothing. Just stuff."
Despite Gabrielle's reticence, Xena saw that she had, indeed, gotten the meaning of Darinius' gift. "Well, anyway it IS beautiful, " repeated Xena.
"Isn't it though?" Gabrielle looked up to see Autolycus and Darinius disappear among the trees that lined the road out of town. Good bye, warrior, she smiled to herself.
"Where is everyone?" asked Iolaus. He and Hercules and been inside the inn settling the bill.
"They've gone," said Xena. "Darinius said you would understand."
Iolaus looked down the street and smiled, "Yeah, he hates good byes."
"Hmph, for someone who hates good byes he is pretty good at it," said Gabrielle.
"Huh?"
"Nothing, Iolaus," smiled Gabrielle.
"So, Hercules, what's next for you?" asked Xena.
"Well, Iolaus and I were on our way to Philedonia before we were ah, interrupted. So I guess that's where we are off to," said Hercules. "What about you?"
"Athens. Gabrielle's contest."
"Yeah? Well good luck to you, Gabrielle," said Iolaus.
"Thanks"
"Xena, Darinius and I were talking last night and he has some good ideas about how to stop Malaneus and his men from raiding those villages up north after each harvest," said Hercules.
"He always was good at that," said Xena wryly.
"Well, yeah. He said we should be able to stop them without too much trouble if we work together."
"We?" asked Xena.
"Yeah, you, me, him, all of us," said Hercules. "What do you say?'
"Count us in," blurted out Gabrielle. "Oh, uh, sorry, that is if Xena-"
"You heard her," said Xena. "Count us in."
"You know, Xena, for someone who once was a hated enemy, he sure thinks a lot of you," teased Hercules.
"Sounds familiar, doesn't it," retorted Xena.
"Yes, I guess if does," allowed Hercules.
"Well, good bye, you two," said Xena.
"Be safe," said Hercules.
"Good bye, guys," said Gabrielle.
Xena turned and looked up the street toward the stable. "C' mon, Gabrielle, let's see what's keeping Salmoneus."
The End
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