The Amazon Village
At the same time Joxer was preparing his address to his army, Gabrielle sat with the other Amazon Queens. They were arranged in a semicircle inside the large meeting hall. The queens were conducting their war council. At this stage of the process, they were hearing reports from their scouts.
Archer had not yet been called to present her message from the Red Lord. Xena waited outside the hall with a nervous Archer.
"Boy, I hope I don't screw this up" Archer said as she glanced at the hall, as she had done almost every twenty seconds.
"You'll do fine," Xena said, not looking up from her task of sharpening the blade of her sword.
"Easy for you to say. I'm the one who has to address them… alone," Archer said, feeling her stomach turn over at just the thought of speaking to the assembled fierce women warriors.
Xena finished sharpening her sword. She gave it a twirl to test the balance. "Nice", she said to herself. She looked over at Archer and said with a wicked grin, " Yeah never know when you might have to run a blade through somebody."
Archer looked ill. She didn't realize this was Xena's attempt at humor.
Xena flipped her sword into the air and shifted her body slightly so that the sword landed neatly into the sword's scabbard strapped to her back. "Don't worry Glenda, Gabrielle arranged for me to be with you when you give Joxer's message to the council."
"Joxer? Who said anything about Joxer?"
Xena smiled and said, " It adds up. In the last few years I could always count on Joxer showing up for a fight. Here we are on the eve of a major battle. Maybe the biggest battle I've been in, in years. Funny thing, I don't see Joxer around. Unless he was killed when the Romans defeated the combined Greek forces, we would have heard from him by now." Looking Archer in the eyes, Xena said, " So tell me Glenda, is my friend dead or is he your mysterious Red Lord? Joxer is the Red Lord, isn't he?"
Archer didn't know what to say. Finally she said, "The Red Lord is named Joxer. At first I didn't know if he and Joxer the Mighty were one and the same. But the more I think about it I'm sure they are the same person."
Looking deeply into Glenda's eyes, Xena knew the young woman was telling the truth. Xena also guessed that the reason Joxer had wished to keep his identity a secret from the Amazons was the fact that although Joxer was well liked by the Amazons, they never respected him as a warrior. They would be very hesitant to depend on Joxer's abilities and advice in the coming conflict.
Putting her arm around the smaller woman's shoulder, Xena said, "If Joxer does not want anyone to know he's the Red Lord, he must have his reasons. Except for Gabrielle, we'll respect his wishes and keep his secret for now."
Archer felt as if a tremendous weight had been lifted from her. "Thank you Xena, I feel much better now."
A tall Amazon exited the meeting hall spotting Xena and Archer she motioned for them to enter the hall.
Walking Archer toward the hall, Xena said, "Just deliver the message and answer any questions to the best of your ability. Everything will be fine. I'll be with you every step of the way."
As they entered the hall, Archer could see that the interior lighting was provided by two great fire pits at each end if the greatroom and what looked like hundreds of candles in stands and on shelves along the walls. The smells of steel, oiled leather and the sweat of the assembled women packed into the room assaulted Archer's olfactory senses. Xena and Archer stood before the diocese. Gabrielle sat among seven other queens of various ages.
An older woman, named Rhuna, Archer judged to be a queen of senior rank or spokeswoman for the queens raised her hand slightly and the collective mummer and other noise faded.
The elder woman spoke. "Greetings Glenda, Queen Gabrielle has informed us of your mission to bring the words of your lord. It is not usually our custom to allow persons outside the Amazon Nation to address the council or even enter one of our villages. However, Queen Gabrielle advises the council that it is in our best interest to hear you out. You may proceed.
"Thank you good queen. I bring a scroll from my lord. He bids me to read it to you and carry your response back to him." Archer pulled the scroll from her shirt and began to read.
Greeting Queens of the Amazon Nation,
As your scouts have surly informed you, Caesar's Legions have defeated the
combined forces of the Greek city-states. I have knowledge that before the Romans sweeps across Greece; Caesar plans to lay waste to the Amazon Nation and Her territories within Greece. I also have knowledge that the Romans will not attempt to enter the territory via either of the two passed that can be held for an indifferent time by your warriors. Rather, Caesar will launch an attack through the woodlands on your eastern border. This is a bold move on Caesar's part, as the Amazons are known to be superior woodland fighters. However, his plan is to overwhelm you with greater numbers. He has committed two legions to this campaign. Take heart, at this time I am gathering an army from the remains of the defeated Greek armies. I will come to your aid. I fear you will be joined in battle with the Romans before I can take to the field. You must engage in a holding action until my army arrives.
Together, we will drive Caesar from your territory and Greece.
Yours, In Fellowship, The Red Lord.
Archer finished reading and looked up at the panel of queens. The elder queen spoke. " Thank you Glenda, we will discus this Red Lord's communiqué among ourselves and give you an answer to that back to him in the morning. A hut has been assigned to you for the night. Do you have anything do add before you go?"
"With your permission, I would like to speak." Xena said, as she took one step closer to the panel.
"Yes Xena, what do you have to add? The queen asked.
"The council should know that Porticos Magnum is in the service of the Red Lord. As you know, he is a great battle tactician and no friend to Caesar."
A younger queen sitting next to Gabrielle spoke up. " Xena, you seem to know more then this young woman has told us thus far. Who is this Red Lord? How do we know that this is not a trick to send our warriors to the eastern border, while Caesar enters our territory through another way?"
Xena turned to the young queen. "Both good questions Queen Myron. I believe the message sent by the Red Lord. Who he is, I'm not quit sure yet.
But, I'm sure your scouts have informed you that the Greek soldiers have been regrouping at a central location. If someone had not been massing them for another battle, they would have gone home to defend their own city-states."
Archer looked at the queens as they spoke among themselves. Apparently, the council valued Xena's options.
"Thank you Xena, we will consider your words on this matter. If there is nothing more to add, we will excuse you and Glenda while we discus the issue among ourselves."
Xena turned and walked out of the hall. Archer gave what passed for a curtsey and ran after her.
Outside, Archer caught up to Xena and asked. "What do you think they will do Xena?"
As they walked to the guest hut, Xena said, " If they are smart they will defend their eastern border."
"What if…"
"No what ifs for now, Glenda. We did all we could do." Seeing the concern on Glenda's face, Xena smiled and said, "They're a pretty smart bunch. After they hash it out, they will come to the right decision. Don't worry."
Stopping at one of the huts, Xena said, "This is the guest hut. There should be food and drink inside as well as a hot bath waiting. I'll see you in the morning. Get some rest, you'll need it."
"Don't you sleep in the guest hut Xena?"
"No, Gabrielle has her own hut her. This is her village. I'm going to wait for her there; we have some things to discus."
"Well then, goodnight, Xena."
"Goodnight, Glenda". Xena waited a few seconds for Glenda to settle in and then walked away. She walked thought the village and out into the woods.
The Amazon Woods
Xena went deep into the woods. Even with a full moon, darkness impaired Xena's sight because of the thick tree canopy overhead. "I know you're here Ares, I can feel my skin crawl."
Suddenly, Ares appeared a foot in front of her. "Hello Xena"
Xena folded her arms across her chest. "Ares, I knew you were involved someway. This whole thing has your dirty fingerprints all over it. Since when have you had any concern for the Amazons?"
Ares removed his hands from his sides and folded his arms across his chest like Xena. "It looks like someone has not been studying the Olympian history. I'll have you know I am the father of the original Amazons. Of course, I'm concerned with their survival."
"With you as their father, no wonder they hate men. Come off it Ares, what is the real deal?
Ares moved a hand to the hair on his chin and thought for a while before speaking. "I can't let her know I would do anything to save her. She must not know the power she has over me."
" Okay, the truth is, ah… the truth is…"
"Spit it out, Ares. I know that you have a problem being honest. But for once, give it a try." Xena said crossly.
"Fine, If Caesar is not stopped in these very woods, he will overrun Greece.
I can't allow that to happen. He will install his Roman Gods to be worshipped and the Olympians will decrease in power. Can you imagine Greeks worshipping a God of War named Mars? What kind of name is that?"
"That sounds more like it. Self-interest." Xena said in a flat tone. "But why is poor Joxer involved in this?"
"Hence the problem," Ares said making a fist in frustration. The gods, both Greek and Roman have agreed not to get involved. If we were, there would be a war between the gods of Rome and us."
"And you don't know if you can defeat the Roman Gods."
"Wrong!" Ares snapped. "I know we can. I could take out Mars and Mercury and more in combat. It's just that Zeus doesn't want to risk loosing anyone in the family."
Xena knew Ares was speaking honestly. Or, as close to it as he was able. She walked a circle around Ares as she thought out loud. "So you being you had to do something. If you went to gather any of the know champions of Greece, you would be caught violating the agreement. I'm here without being call by any god so they can't object to me. They wouldn't be watching Joxer or Porticos. So, you could get away with using them. Right?"
" Very good Xena. You win the prize."
Xena stopped walking in a circle and stood before Ares. "One thing…"
"Why Joxer", Ares finished the question for her.
"Yes, why Joxer?"
"That is the best part, if I do say so myself." Ares was overly pleased with his own ideas, as always. "Joxer is a good man. He has a good heart and is loyal. However, he lacked the skills needed for the task. I trained him in the arts of combat. He's actually quit good now. Very good with the sword and staff. Even I was surprised that he turned out to be a natural horseman. But…"
"But he's not the sharpest blade in the armory." Xena added. "That's why you gave him Porticos.
" Smart girl, you have it all figured out."
"No, I don't think I have it all figured out… yet. Is he right about the Romans entering Amazon territory on the eastern border?"
"That's textbook Roman strategy according to Porticos. He should know he wrote the book."
Xena raised an eyebrow, giving Ares a doubtful look. "Are you sure Caesar is using Porticos' tactics book?"
"Yes I am. Think about it, if he tries to enter either one of the passes, the Amazons could hold him off indefinitely. Caesar, once committed to battle, can't stop. He has to roll over the Amazon, the Centaurs and all the other small pockets of resistance. He can't have his supply line hampered, or have any forces attacking from the rear when he goes up against the city-states one after another."
"Okay, Ares you convinced me that Porticos knows what he's talking about.
Now convince me Joxer is the man to lead the defense of Greece."
"Xena, I am surprised at you. You have always been able to look into Joxer's soul."
Xena walked a few paces away while thinking. She turned back to Ares, "Joxer was never lacking in courage, I'll give him that. If you trained him as you did me, he probably is able to hold his own in battle. But a leader of an army…I just don't know."
"You are forgetting the key ingredient Xena."
"What ingredient?"
"Motivation."
"Motivation…what do you mean, Ares?"
Ares chuckled, "I'll break it down for you. Your little friend will stay and fight for the Amazons, right?"
"Of course she will. She's an Amazon Queen."
"Would you consider leaving her to save your own life Xena?"
"Never!"
"Well there you have it."
"Have what? You didn't tell me anything." Xena was starting to get angry again.
Now Ares looked into her blue eyes. "You, Gabrielle and everyone in the big girl's club you refer to as the Amazon Nation, will fall in battle without Joxer's intervention. The Faiths have told me.
Xena stood very still. Ares was not beyond lying, but the Faiths never lied.
The Queen's Hut
"Joxer! You've got to be joking." Gabrielle paced around the hut while Xena sat on the queen's sleeping pallet watching her. Xena had told her about her conversations with Ares and Archer.
"I think I misunderstood you. Did you just tell me that this mysterious Red Lord is our Joxer? Not some guy with the same name?" Xena looked up at her friend and smiled. "Yep, the one and the same. Our man Joxer." Gabrielle stopped pacing and bent down until her nose was almost touching Xena's. Green eyes bored into blue. "And you believe Ares?"
"In this case I do, Gabrielle."
Gabrielle flopped down on the pallet next to Xena. The women sat side by side in silence. Both lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Gabrielle spoke so softly Xena almost didn't hear her. "We're domed."
Xena put her arm around Gabrielle's shoulder, "No we're not Gabrielle. Joxer has more marks in the plus column then in the negative. He's about to become the man he was meant to be. Have some faith."
"Have faith?" Gabrielle stood up. "It's not that I don't love Joxer dearly, I do. It's just that when it comes to being a warrior, Joxer would make a great fisherman." How can we put the fate of the Amazon Nation and all of Greece in his hands?
"What choice do we have? Rome will march on us and then Greece regardless. Give him some credit. Rebuilding an army is no small task." Xena could see that it would take some time for Gabrielle to come to terms was a new, improved Joxer. "Tell me about the council meeting. Are they going to go along with Joxer's suggestion of an eastern defense?"
Gabrielle looked down at the sitting Xena. "Mostly, yes, The Centaurs and Myron's tribe will guard both passes. The other tribes will commit to the eastern boarder. Of course they don't know that Joxer is the man they are counting on."
"How many warriors will be stationed at the passes?" Xena asked.
"About six hundred men and centaurs, Myran has a little over three hundred Amazon warriors."
"That's a lot of troops to leave out of a fight if Joxer and Porticos are right." Xena said. "How many warriors will there be to face the Romans in the woods?"
Gabrielle having gone over the numbers so many times could rattle them off. "Gave or take a few dozen, about two thousand Amazon warriors, plus six hundred armed villages from the villages we protect have volunteered. But they are mostly farmers with a few retired soldiers among them. They will serve as a reserve force. They would be out-matched going up against elite Roman troops."
Xena didn't like what she heard. She would have to meet with the War Council and persuade them to make some adjustments in their deployment plans. The villagers should be sent to guard the passes and the highly mobile centaurs should be used as a reserve force to respond to any breaks in the battle line. Added to the fact that they would be gravely outnumbered, the present battle plan just wouldn't work.
"I have some suggestions I would like to make to the Council in the morning if I can Gabrielle."
"Of course Xena, we thought you would. You can meet with the council, then we'll send Glenda back to Joxer with our plans."
Joxer raised his fighting staff over and across his head, blocking the two swords before they could strike his head and shoulder. Letting go of his staff with his left hand, he swung the staff in an arc right handed and struck one man with the staff, knocking him to the ground. He punched the second man with his left-gloved fist, knocking him backwards. The man stumbling back blocked two more warriors' path advancing on Joxer. The slight delay gave Joxer time to regain a proper hold on the staff and he hit his first attacked again as the man tried to regain his footing. The two men that had lost time bypassing the stumbling man were hit in the stomach and arm by Joxer's fluid motions. Both men feel to the ground.
Joxer stood still waiting for a new attack. Around Joxer lay eleven men felled by Joxer's staff. None of the men were severely injured. Accept for their pride. These were some of the best swordsmen in all of Greece. An hour before, Joxer had unseated the best horsemen in the camp in mounted combat. Only Theodore had dealt a blow that had rattled Joxer's teeth and almost unseated him from his mount. But Joxer had prevailed and knocked Theodore from his horse. Joxer was standing in a small valley. Surrounding the valley on all sides were all the soldiers in the camp. Close to ten thousand men at arms.
"Not too shabby Buddy Boy." Ares said as he appeared next to Joxer.
"Hey Ares, enjoy the show?" Joxer asked as he wiped sweat from his brow.
"Stop that Joxer. Never let them see you sweat." Ares said quietly. Speaking in a loud voice that could be heard by a the surrounding troops, Ares said "Men of Greece, Is there any man here that doubts Joxer's ability to lead you to victory over the Romans?" Not one man spoke up. You have seen him best your greatest cavalrymen and then the best swordsmen. He is truly a great warrior and as brave as he is skilled. Prepare yourselves, soon, you march on the Romans and onto victory!"
The noise of ten thousand men shouting Joxer's name was almost deafening.
The Return of Archer
Accompanying Archer on the trip back to Joxer's camp were four Amazon warriors. They had to use stealth in their travels because the entire countryside was infested with Roman patrols. Due to the skill of the Amazons, the party made it to Joxer's camp without interference.
Joxer and his commanders were going over battle plans with Porticos when a guard brought news of Archer's return. "Excellent" Porticos said, bid Archer and the Amazons to join us here. The man hurried off and minutes later Archer entered the command tent with four fierce looking women warriors. Archer bent down on one knee before her lord. The Amazons looked at Joxer in stunned amazement.
"Tia, Helraina, Wasand and Libia, it's good to see you again." Joxer greeted them.
Helraina was the first to find her tongue. "Joxer…is that you?"
"That would be Lord Joxer to you." Theodore said.
The Amazon looked from Joxer to Theodore, then back to Joxer.
"Amazons call no man lord. Not even an old friend", Wasand said, squaring off with Theodore.
Theodore would have drawn his sword for the Amazon's lack of respect but Joxer intervened. "Theodore, I ask no one to address me as lord. You know that. Gentlemen, wait outside for a moment, while I speak to my friends."
Porticos ushered the men outside. Theodore gave the Amazons a menacing look before departing.
"You are the Red Lord, Joxer?" Wasand asked.
"Well Wasand, that's what they call me here. But to you guys I'm still plain old Joxer." He said with an almost embarrassed grin.
Archer stood up and pulled a parchment from her shirt. "Queen Gabrielle bid me give this to give to you when you came before the Red Lord."
Helraina took if from her hand and quickly read it aloud for her sisters to hear.
Amazons,
Yes, Joxer the Red is Joxer the Mighty.
You will obey his instructions as if they were
my own.
Gabrielle
"Will you follow the Queen's wishes?" Archer asked.
"Of course we will" Tia said, speaking for the others.
"Well, if that's settled, I'll call my officers back in. We have a battle to plan" Joxer said.
Later that evening, the Amazons had been shown into a large tent across for Joxer's own. Archer had retreated to her small tent next to Joxer's and had agreed to call on the Amazons once she had given them time to freshen up and eat. The quartermaster had provided everything they could wish for.
A banquet table had been laid out for them in the tent. The Amazons had attacked the food gratefully. No sooner had they finished eating than Argus, the Quartermaster, called to then from outside the tent. Wasand bid him enter.
"With your permission, ladies…ah, warriors, I have brought your bath tubs and hot water."
"Send them in, by all means, Argus." Tia said.
Argus called to the waiting men outside, boys really, and a squad of young men carried in four tubs and many buckets of steaming water. The boys starred at the Amazons with wide eyes but said nothing. The Amazons smiled polity as the young men labored at filling the tubs. Once they had completed their task, Argus shoed them out and bid the warriors a good night.
Now seated themselves in the tubs, tired muscles began relax. Libia was the first to speak. "It seems our friend Joxer has changed since he list visited our tribe."
"He certainly has", Tia agreed. " I heard some of the soldiers talking about how he defeated their best warriors in combat in a demonstration of his abilities."
Helraina was the only Amazon not from Queen Gabrielle's tribe. Her queen was Myran. "You mean Joxer was not always a great warrior?"
This got a combined chuckle from the others. Wasand answered for the group. "Joxer was always a great guy. He is brave and the kind of person you would want as a friend."
"And funny", Libia added.
"He's the only man to ever go up against Xena without a weapon and live to tell about it." Wasand continued. "But he was never a great warrior, until now."
Helraina looked confused. "In my tribe, we even have a song about Joxer the Mighty."
"As do we all", Tia said. "I have a feeling that after we defeat the Romans that song will have a few new verses."
After the baths were completed, the Amazon changed into clean shifts and began to pick through what food they had not wolfed earlier.
"Hello in the tent" a female voice called.
"Come in Archer" Tia answered.
Archer entered the tent looking clean and bright after her own bath. "There is a group of quartermasters waiting outside to take the bath tubs away. Shall I bring them in?"
"Yes bring them in." Libia said.
Archer called to the young men to enter the tent. A few looked to be no older then eleven or twelve. The boys set about their task of removing the tubs. However, now that the tubs were filled with water, their weight had increased greatly. Try as they might, the tubs wouldn't move. The Amazon attempted to hide their smiles.
Wasand, the most diplomatic of the group offered a suggestion. "Why don't we carry the tubs outside for you and then you can drain them and then carry them off?"
This brought on a combined look of embarrassment from the quartermasters. Seeing this, Wasand quickly added, " Don't take it the wrong way. Before we were warriors, we Amazons were required to serve as quartermasters first just like you. There is a trick to it, let us show you. This was a small lie but the boys didn't know and accepted the statement.
Archer and the boys watched the Amazon lift and carry out the tubs one at a time. For the boy's benefit, they made it look as if they were laboring harder then they really were. As the boys started to drain the tubs outside the tent, the youngest boy twisted up his courage and spoke up. "We're not just water bucket boys you know."
Tia smiled at the little fellow, " No?"
"That's right," another boy said. "When the army goes to fight the Romans, we will be assigned the duty of protecting the camp. We will have swords and everything." The boy looked excited at the thought of actually getting to hold a weapon.
The Amazons were aware that there was almost no possibility of the camp being attacked once the battle commenced. "Wow" Helraina said, "That's a lot of responsibility."
"And your first responsibility is to return those tubs before Argus comes looking for you" Archer gently reminder them. The boys picked up the tubs and started to carry them off. The smallest boy paused and turned back to the warriors. Giving what he considered a snappy salute, he yelled, "To valor and victory".
The Amazons and Archer looking very serious, mimicked the boy's salute and echoed "To Victory"
The boy's face lit up and he hurried off after his companions.
Back inside the tent, the women sat in chairs and sleeping pallets and were about to start a conversation when Joxer call to them, "Permission to enter the…" They recognized the sound of a body hitting the ground. Grabbing weapons, they raced to the tent entrance.
Outside, they found the leader of the Greek army flat on his back in the now soaked grass from the bathwater. Helraina and Libia helped Joxer to his feet. "Are you alright Joxer", Tia asked.
Once righted on his feet, Joxer said. "Why is the grass so wet here? It didn't rain." Wasand told him the story of the quartermaster detail.
"Well no harm done. Next time have them dump the water behind the tent."
Joxer walked into their tent and sat on in a chair. The five women filed in behind him. "Please be seated, I have something to tell you." Joxer said.
The women sat down where they could, waiting for Joxer to continue.
"I had planed for you to return to the Amazons with our plans but my scouts tell me that the Romans stand between us and Amazon territory. It would take too long to go around them."
The Amazons looked unmoved by the information but Joxer knew they wanted to return to fight beside their sisters.
"However, I could use you to ride with me into battle." Joxer continued. " I would rather my cavalry was not decimated by your archers mistaking us for Romans from a distance. With Amazon warriors riding with me, that should not happen."
Although they were pleased to be going into battle in the first wave, they were surprised that Joxer was going to personally lead the charge. Greek Generals directed their campaigns from the rear.
"Excuse me Joxer" Helraina said, "but who will direct troop movements once the battle commences, if you ride with the first wave?"
"That's Porticos' job. I'm not a great general, he is. Besides, I don't want to lose a minute getting to Gabrielle… and Xena of course."
Joxer's feeling for Gabrielle was not unknown to any of the Amazons present. Only Archer was ignorant of the fact.
Rising to his feet, Joxer said, "Get some sleep, we move out at dawn. As he got to the tent flap he said, "Glenda, will you walk with me?"
Archer's face glowed, "Of course my lord", she said following Joxer out of the tent.
"Looks to me like the little one has a crush on Joxer." Tia observed.
"Duh… you think?" Libia laughed.
Standing by the tent entrance, Wasand observed Theodore walking to his tent. "I'm going out to get some fresh air." Wasand announced as she exited the tent.
The three remaining Amazons went to the tent entrance to see what had caused Wasand's sudden departure. They saw Wasand and Theodore in an animated discussion. They couldn't hear what was being said, but Wasand was poking Theodore's breastplate with her finger. Theodore brushed her hand away and she gave him a push with the flat of her hands on his shoulders. Theodore was pushed back a step and started to reach for his sword. He must have noticed that the Amazon was unarmed because he said something and then retreated into his tent. Wasand stood for a heartbeat and then barged into Theodore's tent as well.
"Well, better get some sleep. We have an early morning." Helraina said.
Walking With Archer
The last time Glenda had walked this path with Joxer the view was all forest greenery. Now, a sea of white tents, corrals, and armed men bordered the path. Archer chatted on about her visit to the Amazon village and the paroles she and the Amazons faced on their journey back to Joxer's camp.
Joxer tried to focus on what she was saying but officers and other men that need a word with their leader constantly stopped them.
When they finally passed the men guarding the perimeter, some of the tension seemed to drain from Joxer. "… And the Joxer the Mighty song is known by all Amazons." Archer said excitedly. "Did you know that you're the only man that has free accuse to Amazon villages? Of course you do, you already told me that. After all you are Joxer the Mighty."
Joxer interrupted her. "Joxer the Mighty was a different man from a different time Glenda. I would just assume forget about him. Joxer the Mighty is better left in the past." The thought of his past life had defiantly dampened his spirits.
Sensing the pain Joxer felt at the thought of his past life, Archer put her arm around Joxer's and said, " Maybe, this other Joxer was not such a bad fellow. Xena and Gabrielle think quite highly of him, as do the Amazons. Xena told me when there was trouble; she always knew she could count on you to come to her aid. Everyone I met had nothing but good words about you."
Joxer felt a small, involuntary smile cross his face. " Kind words from good friends Glenda, nothing more. Xena did most of the fighting. I pretty much just held her cape."
They came to the old log they always sat on in the past. Both sat down on it. Joxer seemed to have spent all his conversation. Both were lost in their own thoughts. After a few minutes, Archer could not let the silence remain to cloud the air. "During our travel back to camp, the Amazons would tell stories at night. I think all Amazons are bards by nature as well as warriors. Libia told one story that I found very moving. Tell me if it's true or just a story she made up to while away the time."
"I can't imagine what it would be, but go ahead." Joxer said.
"She told me of a time when both Xena and Gabrielle were captured by Collisto. Xena was bound to a chair and couldn't move. Gabrielle was in worst condition. She was tied to a stake and a fire had been started. Gabrielle was about to be barbecued. This all took place in a cave and Collisto had many of her warriors with her. It looked pretty bleak for Xena and Gabrielle. Then you came bursting into the cave. One lone, mighty warrior attacking Collisto and her army. You attacked Collisto's warriors without regard to your own safety. Fearless, and out numbered; you battled you're way to your friends. During the fight, Xena got hold of her chakram and freed herself. You didn't stop fighting until an arrow felled you. Does that sound about right?
Joxer absentmindedly touched his shoulder where he had been wounded by the arrow. "Sounds to me like Gabrielle had better watch out. There is another budding bard in her village."
"Is it true?"
"Well, basically, I guess so. Except for that part about fearless. I really don't recall, but I'm sure I was scared witless. Anyway, it was Xena that won the day in the end."
Archer stood up and kicked the log in frustration. Kicking the log did not drain her anger. Waving her finger under Joxer's nose she shouted, "Xena, Xena, Xena. Don't get me wrong I think she's great, if you like the moody, big boned, conversationally challenged type. But she would be dust now if it weren't for you. When in Hades are you going to see she's not all that?"
"Glenda, calm down." Joxer said. "I don't understand why you are acting this way."
"Can you understand this Red Lord?" Glenda said his she bent over the seated Joxer. Taking his face in both hands she kissed him passionately on the lips. They held the kiss a few moments and then she broke it off. Now, sitting next to him on the log, she waited for a response from him as her heart pounded away.
"Wow", Joxer said, but offered nothing more. Joxer's mind was racing. He knew he was in love with Gabrielle, but now Glenda had shown him that she had feelings for him. No one had ever displayed feelings for him other then friendship.
"Wow, indeed." She agreed. "How do you feel about it?"
"I ah… well, you see Glenda…" Joxer looked around to see if Cupid was involved is this. It would be just like the god to pick the most improper time to do something like this.
"You didn't care for it, did you?" she said crestfallen. She observed that Joxer didn't make eye contact with her. He was looking around, most likely for an escape route.
Joxer stood up. "No, no, no. That was one of the greatest kisses I ever had. Maybe one of the best kisses anyone ever had. It's just that the timing is all wrong."
What was I thinking? Glenda thought. Joxer is about to lead Greece into war and I decide to complicate matters with my own self-interest.
Joxer thought, "How can I tell her that my heart belongs to another?" Joxer was grateful when he heard the sound of galloping horses coming in their direction from camp. He looked up the path to see Theodore and Wasand urging their mounts on as fast as they could go.
Both riders pulled up to a halt just short of trampling Joxer and Glenda. A cloud of dust momentarily concealed them. When the dust settled, Archer noted that they must have urgent news. Both riders had quickly dressed. Neither rider wore armor or carried a weapon.
"My Lord" Theodore shouted, "Our forward scouts have returned. The Romans have broken into Amazon territory. The Amazons are engaged in battle as we speak. We are preparing for a quick march and will be ready to move out shortly."
"You must hurry, Joxer." Wasand said as she pulled Archer up onto her horse. Joxer jumped up behind Theodore and the horses sped off back to camp.
The Amazon Woods
In the first two days of the battle, the Romans had lost more then two divisions to Amazon and Centaur archers. Undaunted, the Romans had pushed their way from the open fields into the edge of the forest. Now more Romans fell to traps and attacks from the trees, but still they pushed on. The same scenario played it's self out over and over again. Roman troops would come upon a clearing in the woods. As they entered the clearing they would be greeted with a shower of arrows from the surrounding forest. The skilled Roman troops would break into small groups covering themselves with their large shields overhead and on the sides. A few arrows would find their mark through small opening in the spaces between the shields and bring sudden death to the hapless legionnaire below the shield.
After the archers had plied their skills, Amazons, Centaurs and the few men from the Centaur villages would boil forth from the woods and attack. There were two goals in these attacks. The first was to inflict as much damage as possible on the Romans. The success of these attacks ranged from killing all the Romans in battle to forcing the legionnaires back, and reclaiming ground. The second was to gather as many arrows as possible to be reused. The supply of arrows was at a critically low point and diminishing rapidly.
This simple plan worked well at first. However, the Romans were very good at adapting to conditions on the battlefield. More and more when the Amazons spilled out of the forest, they found a larger force of legionnaire reinforcements rallying from behind cover to aid their comrades. As of late, more often then not, the Amazons and their allies found themselves being the ones retreating into the woods.
The rain pored down as night approached. Gabrielle stood just behind the first two rows of Amazon warriors. Soaked to the bone, she forced herself to stop her teeth form chattering. The sound of thundering hooves roared from the forest before her. Walking up and down the line of warriors she waited for the lapses in the constant thunder to shout her orders. "Archers… Ready." Behind Gabrielle, several hundred archers drew their bowstrings back. "Wait for my command!"
Dozens of Centaurs broke from the forest before Gabrielle, into the meadow where she and her warriors waited. On their backs, the Centaurs carried wounded Amazons and men. As Gabrielle knew from experience, these wounded would be the ones with lesser wounds. Some would be able, or attempt to stand and fight shortly. The mounted Amazons would come next with the wounded too weak to hold on to the back of a Centaur or a horse. Also with the mounted Amazons would be the bodies of the dead.
Gabrielle gave the order for the archers to stand down. Several holes were made in the line so the riders could pass swiftly to the rear in order to turn over the wounded for medical treatment. Once the riders had passed the ranks closed in again. Everyone watch the forest edge for the retreating combatants on foot. Ephiny walked up to Gabrielle from the ranks behind her.
A lone Amazon stumbled out of the forest. She was covered in blood. Gabrielle hoped it was not her own. Spotting Queen Gabrielle, she walked to her. Gabrielle and Ephiny caught her before she fell. Gabrielle recognized the woman to be from her own tribe. "Ala, what new of the battle?" Gabrielle asked.
Ala looked the Queen in the eyes and said, "MY Queen, the Romans have not disengaged." then she passed out. Ephiny call for two Amazons to bring the woman to the rear. "It seems the Romans grow bold." Ephiny said. In the past, the Romans feared following the Amazon into the woods. Now it was obvious to both Gabrielle and Ephiny that the Romans had once again changed tactics. Xena was in command of this, now retreating band of warriors. Most likely she and whatever troops were still with her were holding off the legionnaires in order to get the wounded time to be taken back to safety.
"Ephiny, hold this position while I advance with the first wave." Gabrielle ordered. Not waiting for a reply, Gabrielle shouted, "First wave, with me."
When Gabrielle saw the first two rows take one-step forward, she turned and ran into the woods. Although the average Amazon had longer legs then their Queen, they were hard pressed to keep up with her.
"Fall back!" Xena shouted to the Amazons and men still standing as she impaled a legionnaire. Before her, Xena observed more Romans joining the fray. A Centurion squared off with her. "It's a good day to die, don't you think Amazon?" he growled. Xena gave him a wicked grin and hissed, " If it's a good day for you, then I'll oblige." Deflecting his sword with her own, she stepped in and raked her chakram across his throat. The man fell to his knees as he grabbed his bleeding throat. He looked up at her in disbelief. "Happy to help" she said pleasantly. "I never cared for rainy days myself, but then, today is your day." Xena kicked him to the ground as she engaged her next challenger.
"AMAZONS…ATTACK!" Gabrielle yelled as she entered the battle. Running past Xena, Gabrielle and her warriors slammed into the Roman line. The battle seemed to be at a standstill. The Amazons and Romans were evenly matched. But the standoff was finished when the sound of thundering hooves and the whoosh of arrows caused the Romans to take flight. The Centaurs and mounted Amazons had returned.
The victors shouted cheers as Xena walked up to here friend. Gabrielle turned to Xena and said, "We beat them Xena! We took the field and won!"
Gabrielle held her sword up into the air and cheered with her warriors. The rain washed the blood from her sword and covered her arm with streaks of red.
The smile disappeared from Gabrielle's face when Xena said, " I wouldn't breakout the party hats just yet Gabrielle." She said flatly. "That was not a full attack by the main force. A few divisions at most. They didn't retreat; they withdrew because of the dark. Tomorrow, the Romans will come at us at full strength. "
Gabrielle lowered her sword. "Okay, what's the plan?" she asked dejectedly.
"We pull back to the other side of the river. Crossing the river will slow them enough to give our archers a chance to inflict a lot of damage before they get across."
Gabrielle signaled her forces to withdraw. "I hope there is more to the plan Xena. What happens when they start getting to our side of the river?"
As they started walking, Xena said, "Well… we kill em'."
"That's the plan?" Gabrielle looked as if she had been dumbstruck.
Xena shrugged her shoulders and simply said, " I didn't say it was a great plan. It needs a little work. I'll make adjustments as we go along." What Xena didn't say was that she would be praying to any god that would listen to have Joxer arrive in time.
Sunrise
As the sun-shed light on the riverbank Xena had to squint her eyes as the sun shown brightly on the assembled Amazons, Centaurs and men on the western bank of the river. Xena cursed the advantage the Romans would have with the sun to their backs. They had withdrawn about two miles to the river from the last battle. In the distance they could hear the tramping of many Roman boots. Soon they would be forming on the other side of the river. Already, they had sent soldiers to clear trees and brush along the riverbank, so that they could form their well-organized units.
The archers had been able to pick them off at first. As always, Caesar made adjustments for this harassment was well. Now the soldiers clearing the landscape were covered by other legionnaires with large shields. A few lethal volleys, by the archers, could have easily killed all the Romans on the work detail. Once again, the hundreds of precious arrows needed for the task could not be spared. Fortunately, the wind was blowing to the east. Otherwise, the Romans would have burned the foliage near the river.
Hours went by before the Romans were able to place their formations near the banks. But at last they were able to accomplish their goal. Beyond the riverbanks legionaries could be seen posting themselves from the ridges on the hills, down the slops and surely into the forest. Looking to the west, the Amazons could see a great number of cavalry cresting the ridge of the hills. Also to the south, more cavalrymen were taking position. Even Xena was amazed at the number of cavalry Caesar could field.
The Southern Ridge
Joxer rode to the ridge at the head of his cavalry. Just behind him rode the four Amazons. Theodore had the main body of cavalry on his right flank. Matthew, the Spartan marched his infantry forward on the left flank. Hexious held his archers out of sight below the ridge. Among the archers was one lone woman, Glenda. Porticos would stay with the archers at the peek of the ridge.
The plan was brilliantly simple. Joxer would lead the charge onto the east bank of the river. Once the Amazons realized that these were allied forces, they would cross the river in support. Hexious and his archers would rain arrows down into the legionaries, just before Theodore's cavalry smashed into the Romans while they were taking cover behind their great shields. Next, the cavalry would continue on to strike at Caesar's cavalry. Mathew's foot soldiers would be right behind to engage to weaken Roman infantry. Porticos had estimated that with the Amazons and their allies, the Greeks had a slight advantage numerically.
Joxer knew that the Gods would be watching with great interest. Ares had explained that because of this he would not be present. "Just like our Greek gods, when you need them they are never there for you" Joxer thought. Joxer pulled his bejeweled sword from its scabbard and pointer it at Theodore. Theodore drew his own sword and shouted " FOR GREECE!" the cavalrymen echoed the battle cry as they raced towards the Romans below. No sooner had the Cavalry charged off than Hexious ordered the flight of a thousand arrows into the air towards the legionaries.
Now it was Mathew and the infantry that Joxer's sword tip pointed at. Mathew could not decide if he wanted to shout "FOR GREECE" or "FOR SPARTAN REVENGE". He chose "DEATH TO CEASUAR " for his battle cry. It seemed to be a good choice, because his troops took up the cry readily as they boiled down the hillside.
Joxer looked at the mounted warriors behind him. He had two Amazons on each side of him. He raised his sword in the air and said with a smile to Wasand "I always wanted to say this." Cutting the air in front of him as he brought the sword down he shouted "Amazons Attack!" Joxer and the Amazons bolted forward. The rest of the cavalry behind them got the idea and surged forward.
Battle On
The Amazons watched the cavalrymen race down the hill to their south. Ephiny standing next to Gabrielle said, " I don't know a lot about Roman tactics, but shouldn't they be coming in our direction. It' looks like they are about to attack their own guys". They watched as the sky about the Romans went momentarily black as the Greek arrows rained down on the hapless legionaries. Moments later, the Greek cavalry sliced its way through the Roman infantry.
"Cavalry coming this way." a warrior yelled, incase no one was paying attention. Xena smiled as Gabrielle shouted, "Those are Amazons! It's the Greeks!"
Joxer and company seemed to have run into some determined legionaries, because their progress to the riverbank was halted. The mounted Greeks and Amazons soon found themselves fending off the swarming Romans.
The Centaurs, as always, didn't need anyone to tell them what to do. They dashed into the river by the dozens; crossing the river they engaged the enemy with vigor. Mounted Amazons trailed them ever so slightly. "Ah… Gabrielle?" Xena said. "If you don't give the order to attack pretty soon, you and I will be the only ones stand her."
"Amazons Attack", Gabrielle yelled as she ran into the cold water. Xena ran in behind her. The war cries of the Amazons were almost deafening as they streamed onto the eastern bank of the river. Xena had lost sight of Gabrielle among the taller Amazons. Pushing her concern for the queen's safety out of her mind, Xena fought her way to Joxer as she saw him dismount and take on the enemy on foot.
Xena was pleased to see that Joxer was indeed an excellent swordsman. He systematically vanquished one foe after another. Now fighting next to Joxer she shouted "Great timing Joxer. You couldn't have planed it better." Not looking away from the task at hand, Joxer replied, "Thanks, I'm doing the best I can." Seeing that Libia was loosing ground to several exceptional swordsmen, Xena started to edge away to come to the Amazon's aid.
Before she got to far away she shouted to Joxer, "Hey Joxer!" Joxer allowed the luxury of momentary looking at Xena. He was glad that he did when he made eye contact with her and she simply said, "Battle On, Joxer". With that said, she was gone to help Libia. Those words from Xena gave Joxer renewed energy. He fought with the heart of a lion.
Far off in the rear of the Roman formations, Caesar observed the battle. Turning to his faithful aid, Brutus (for the time being, anyway) he said, "It would appear the Greeks have joined the party." Brutus knew that Caesar was understating his thoughts. Caesar continued, "Perhaps, we should withdraw our troops while we still have troops to withdraw. Sound the retreat."
Brutus gave the order to sound the trumpets to signal the retreat. Mounting his stallion, Caesar said, "Don't look so glum Brutus. They may have won the battle but I will win the war, yet. Greece shall be mine. It is my density." With that said Caesar, followed by his Imperial Guard rode off.
Aftermath
Matthew and the Spartans would pursue the Romans to the Greek boarder.
The other Greeks started their long journeys home. Only Joxer, Archer, Porticos and Theodore remained. They had been invited to attend the celebration in Gabrielle's Amazon village.
Joxer sat in a place of honor with the Amazon Queens. Xena, Archer and Porticos sat a little behind them. Theodore found Wasand and the two warriors went off to discuss "strategies". Xena poked Joxer to get his attention. Joxer was drinking some Amazon wine at the moment and started to choke. Once he managed to get air into his lungs, he turned to face Xena.
"You did all right Joxer" Xena said with a smile. Joxer gave her a sheepish smile before he passed out. Seeing Joxer reaction to the strong Amazon wine, Xena picked him up onto her shoulder and carried him to the Queens hut to sleep it off. Seeing the look of concern on Archer's face Xena said, "Don't worry Glenda, he just needs a little sleep and he'll be right as rain in the morning."
Gabrielle excused herself from the other Amazon Queens and followed Xena and her burden Joxer to her hut. Once inside the hut, Gabrielle asked, "Is he alright?" Placing Joxer on the queen's sleeping pallet, Xena answered, "Nothing a little sleep won't cure." Covering Joxer with a blanket, Xena said, "C'mon, let's go back and find that wine Joxer seems to like so much."
"You go ahead Xena. I'll catch up with you later." Gabrielle said. Xena gave her a questioning look before leaving, but said nothing. After Xena left, Gabrielle looked down at the sleeping Joxer. "You really proved yourself today Joxer. I'm sorry I ever doubted you in the past. I never will again, I promise you that much. In fact, I'm going to prove it to you right now."
Bending over Joxer, she lightly stroked his face with her fingers. " I never noticed at times you can be quite handsome, my dear Joxer." She said softly. Gabrielle stood up and walked to her writing table. Sitting down in a chair she reached for the finest quality parchment she possessed. Picking up her best quill, she began to write.
"I sing the song of Joxer the Mighty. Champion of the Amazon Nation and Protector of Greece…"
THE END