by LJ Maas
"And what will they think when they realize that my beauty, and my love exist for only one woman?" she answered in a teasing voice.
Again, I bent to kiss her neck, then the edge of her ear, sending goose bumps along her skin. "That my love, is a very good answer." I grinned.
In a few short moments of my teasing touch, I found my small consort tugging my hand, and pulling me back toward the bedroom. Yes, a very good answer indeed, I smiled.
* * *
The palace was eerily quiet in the predawn light of day. It was still very dark in my study where I sat mulling over the events of the previous day. I watched the oil lamp's flame flicker with each small gust of wind that ran in under the thick tapestries that covered the windows.
I was concerned with having two Amazons killed on my doorstep, yet still not having a shred of evidence as to the guilty party. Actually, the problem was that there were too many clues, and I was uncertain as to how to interpret them all. Which clues meant something, and which were intended to confuse?
I remembered all the way back to the moment when Ephiny and I were attempting to use not-so-subtle hints, so that Gabrielle would force Melosa into a challenge. I recalled the expression on Velasca's face. If I hadn't been so preoccupied at the time, I would have enjoyed watching her further. I could have sworn that when Gabrielle finally raised her voice to make the challenge, that Velasca was about to do that very thing.
Now, that would make sense, if I suspected Velasca, anyway. If I was Velasca, and I had killed Timara, or had her killed, I would be gunning for Melosa next. If I wanted the throne, I would eliminate those who stood ahead of me, then take the Queen. It wouldn't have made any sense in eliminating Gabrielle for the throne. To an Amazon, Gabrielle probably presented very little threat. Of course, now it was another matter.
Perhaps that was why Velasca agreed with Gabrielle's point of view so quickly. Being on opposite sides of an opinion on the Centaurs would certainly give Velasca fuel to call Melosa out on a challenge. What if she had done just that? Had it not been for Gabrielle's acceptance, I was sure that Velasca looked as though she were about to issue one herself.
What if she were only doing that to protect Gabrielle, though? Velasca knew, or at least assumed at that point, that Gabrielle had little or no fighting ability. Could Velasca have been standing up for Gabrielle? The Amazon did accept Melosa's decision to give Gabrielle her right of caste rather quickly. Besides, Velasca was in line for the throne, and yet graciously acknowledged Gabrielle's claim to it. She acknowledged the small blonde as Queen before nearly a hundred Amazons.
Then again so had Ephiny.
I kept running it through my head, trying to differentiate between my jealousy where Ephiny was concerned, and my feeling that she was hiding something. She was a fanatical Amazon, that much was certain, but there was still something off about her. I knew no Amazons as even tempered as she when it came to Centaurs. There was also the fact that Ephiny appeared to have detested Gabrielle at first. Something changed the Amazon's mind about my consort. It happened after Timara was killed.
What I had on my hands were two Amazons, with both the ability and potential to kill. Velasca had a motive, but I was beginning to like her. Ephiny had no motive, but I . . . well, I think I made it rather apparent how I felt about her.
One thing I was certain of was that Gabrielle needed to be protected every moment of the day. If Timara and Melosa were each killed because they were in the way of someone who wanted to leapfrog their way to the top, Gabrielle was in grave danger. She was the last thing that stood between the murderer, and the Amazon throne.
My worrisome nature had me send a messenger to have Atrius meet with me. The sun was in the sky by this time. When Atrius arrived, I voiced my concerns about Gabrielle's safety. Atrius agreed and notified me that he'd already doubled the guard around our rooms, and the palace in general. I immediately felt more comfortable knowing that my friend had Gabrielle's safety uppermost in his mind as well.
By midmorning, Atrius and I stopped to eat. Delia sent a serving girl up to my study, and we worked right through, talking and planning as we ate. I know I seemed distracted to my old friend, as a matter of fact, he commented on it more than once.
I had been going over the scenarios in the back of my mind as we worked. Who the players were, and what they had to gain from the death of the Amazon Queen and her daughter. That was it above all else. What would someone have to gain from such an action? If they were working alone, was it then plausible that they committed the crime? In this case, the people with the motive could not have physically committed the crime. Yet, those who were physically capable had no motive. The easiest assumption was that two people acted together, which in this case I thought nearly impossible.
All this time I had been thinking that each of them would be driven by the same motive. What if they each wanted something different? Would there be any honor among thieves? Could they work together for a common goal? I asked Atrius his opinion.
"Atrius, why does a man kill? Aside from battle, I mean."
"Well, I suppose for profit . . . greed . . . revenge?" he replied.
"Hhmm, can it be for more than one of those reasons? Would I kill a man to profit from his death, yet have revenge as my underlying motive?" I asked him. Suddenly, I remembered a conversation I'd had with Solan when he first arrived. More importantly, a memory I had of when Solan and I first met.
"In my opinion? No," Atrius replied. "Of course, there might be certain advantages, or bonuses that may occur. If I were to kill a man for revenge, and it just so happens that by killing him I inherit his wealth. If I ask myself the question . . . would I have killed him anyway, even knowing I would not obtain his money? If the answer is yes, then my motive is solely one of revenge. Profit from my act was simply an additional benefit."
I chuckled, even as I took his reply seriously. "You should be a magistrate in my court, my friend. This does answer a question that's been plaguing me, however. I think what we may have here is a case of two people committing the same crime, but for two entirely different reasons. They each get the results they want, and the crime seems fool proof since I cannot gain enough evidence to surely say that one or the other did it."
It was at that precise moment that I heard Gabrielle's scream coming from our private rooms next door.
CHAPTER 18
AND CRUEL WRATH THAT GLOWED AN EMBER-RED
Addendum To The Lord Conqueror's Manuscript
Separate Parchment
Added In Xena, The Lord Conqueror's Presence
By Queen Gabrielle Of Potidaea
I HAD TO NEARLY SHOVE Torava from the room once Ephiny was shown into our private quarters. I understood the need for the heightened security, around me as well as the palace. My personal guard, Athena bless each and every one of them, took their positions extremely seriously. It was a testament to their training, and perhaps a tiny bit of fear on their part. I would not like to think about what would happen to these courageous soldiers should some harm befall me. Xena was a wonderful woman, but she was also a passionate one. Whether in our bedroom or on the battlefield, when she felt strongly about something, she felt it with her entire being. There was oftentimes a very subtle thread separating the Xena I knew from the madness that was her dark side. I envied no soul a look at her when the beast took hold.
Ephiny didn't look pleased at having to relinquish her weapons, but she stood patiently, allowing Torava to search her. When my guard finally left the room, Sylla went about setting up a midmorning meal at the table. Xena's maid had become mine also, with some reluctance on my part. I had served too long to ever want anyone else to serve me. Sylla and I had a long talk over the situation. She carefully explained her role as a servant, not a slave. She told me that the Conqueror paid her well for the work she did. We made an agreement of sorts. She would keep her curtsies to a minimum, as long as I agreed not to pick up so much after Xena, and leave the cleaning and serving to my new f
riend.
I watched as Ephiny rolled her eyes at my personal guard once Torava left the room. We were now alone, with the exception of Sylla's presence.
"Meeting with me, alone in your private chambers, My Queen? What will the Conqueror think?" I could hear the teasing tone to her voice.
"Xena trusts me," I answered.
"But not me, eh?"
"Being a warrior yourself, Ephiny, I think you know what a difficult task it is to trust. Especially since two women have been killed in our home."
"Do you agree with the Conqueror? Do you not trust me?"
"I want to, but I have to say that I don't know you. All I can say, at this time, is that if I were told tomorrow that you were guilty of these crimes, it would disappoint me greatly. You see, for some reason, I want to be able to trust you, Ephiny. I just can't say for certain, though. At least not right now."
"Do your guards really think I'd need a weapon, though?" she asked, as if making light of my heartfelt sentiment. "If I intended to kill you, I wouldn't need anything more than my bare hands."
I tried not to react at her words. She had such a dry sense of humor. It was difficult to tell whether she was serious or not. I decided to treat it as a jest.
"If I thought you had any intention of killing me, Ephiny, you wouldn't be here right now." I sat at the table, and thanked Sylla, whose eyes had gone wide at my bold statement. "Please." I motioned Ephiny to join me in my meal.
"It's true then," she said. The Amazon sat down across from me rather slowly, as if her knees had suddenly lost some of their suppleness. "You are an oracle, as they say."
"I'm not sure who they are," I replied as I poured two cups of tea. "I am no oracle. I've learned to be a student of human nature, and that is all. I have an idea Ephiny. Why don't you and I be honest with one another?"
"Do you feel I'm being less than truthful?" she replied with a sly grin.
"Let's just say that I don't believe stoic silence is the same thing as unqualified candor."
Her face took on a serious expression, I assumed because of my remark. Ephiny rested her elbows on the table, and leaned forward. "Gabrielle, no one but Satena knows that I'm meeting with you. I think an Amazon killed Timara and Melosa. Furthermore, I believe the woman responsible is a trusted member of our community."
"Who?"
"The High Priestess," she answered.
"Satena? Why would she kill her Queen?"
Ephiny sighed, and she had that look about her. Xena wore the same expression when she was about to divulge more information than she thought best. It was a look comprised of equal parts sadness, exasperation, and determination.
"Satena didn't do the actual killing, but she was indirectly responsible for the event."
"I think I'm confused, which isn't at all difficult to do to me these days." I offered the Amazon an embarrassed smile, which appeared to calm her a bit. She smiled back at me and rubbed her jaw.
Another deep breath, and Ephiny began again. "Actually, Satena and you are the reason we are here. You know of the Amazons' history with the Conqueror. We have a tenuous arrangement at best with the Empire. We swore our allegiance, but that's not worth the parchment it's scribed on. It only means we agree not to make trouble. The Conqueror wanted fealty from us back then. If we had done that, we'd be oath bound to stand beside the Empire no matter what. Against no matter who. About three moons ago, Satena was given a message from our patron Goddess, Artemis. The message was that that the time had come for the Amazons to begin anew. She was told that our future lay in the hands of the woman who would become Queen to the Empire."
I was a little stunned by the news. Why would an Olympian Goddess that I'd never even prayed to tell the Amazons such a thing? It did explain why the entire royal family had come together, though.
"I'm not sure I understand what that means, Ephiny. Are you sure, I mean, can Satena be trusted?"
Ephiny grinned then, her eyes apparently unable to meet my own. "Yes, I trust her with my life. In fact, I have, on many occasions. Satena was my mother's bond mate."
"You mean she's your parent?" I asked stupidly.
"Yes," she chuckled. "So, you can see why I have faith in her words."
"But, how can you believe she had a part in this then?"
"I think she was an unwitting accomplice. Gabrielle, only three people knew of this news before we journeyed to Corinth. Melosa, Timara, and--"
"Let me guess. Velasca?" I questioned dryly.
Ephiny nodded her head.
"And somehow I have the impression that you don't believe Velasca is the next intended target?"
"No, My Queen, I do not. I only learned of Satena's message this morning."
"She told you?"
"Yes. She fears for your safety." Ephiny's lips curled into a smile tinged with irony. "I think she knew all along . . . what Artemis meant. I think she saw you as our Queen before we ever left Amazonia. It's rather funny, in a strange way."
"You've found some humor in this?" I asked incredulously.
"Not that kind of funny. More like odd. Satena asked me to be honest with you, and tell you the entire story, including my own. I guess I just found it strange that you essentially asked me the same thing. Are you sure you're no oracle?"
I laughed then, even though the idea of people thinking me a seer disturbed me on some level. I wasn't about to tell Ephiny about the occasional dreams that I had. "No, no oracle. So, Satena believes I'm at risk of suffering the same fate."
"She believes in her heart that Velasca is directly responsible for the murders. That she planned to seize the throne while we were away from the Village. Velasca is a different sort of warrior than I am. She's hard and bitter. She has a number of friends among our delegation to Corinth, as opposed to Melosa's supporters in Amazonia. Don't let her sweetness act fool you. I haven't trusted that girl since she was a child. Now, of course, since Melosa gave her right of caste to you, well, you're in the way. In Velasca's eyes, you're blocking the path to her destiny, and you're expendable."
"Well, I certainly couldn't have planned my own demise better, could I?" I asked the rhetorical question, partly from fear, and somewhat out of frustration.
"Gabrielle, I have no intention of letting anything happen to you. I'd give up my own life before that happens."
I looked into her eyes and saw the promise there. She reminded me of Xena just then. I'm not sure I would ever understand warriors, but I thanked Athena for their dogged determination to protect those unable to fight for themselves.
"Thank you, Ephiny." I reached out and lightly touched the top of her hand. "Let's work on it never coming to that, shall we? Now, tell me. With whom might Velasca be working? Xena swears that even an exceptional Amazon archer wouldn't have been able to fire those crossbow bolts from that distance. Do you think it's possible it's one of the Centaurs, that perhaps Kaleipus is lying?"
"It would take a great deal for an honor bound warrior such as Kaleipus to lie. That doesn't come easy to Centaurs. Sure, I suppose they have their characters just as every race, but on the whole, they're an honorable bunch." Ephiny explained.
"Most of your sisters would disagree," I replied.
"They haven't seen what I've seen," Ephiny said in a tired voice.
She stood and walked away, stopping before the open window. I gave her the time she seemed to need. She stood there, not uttering a word. By the winged chatter outside, I assumed she was watching the birds build their nests in the garden below. I joined her, sitting on a chair, patiently waiting for her to tell me why she was the way she was. Why was she so different, almost compassionate when it came to the Centaurs?
"Most of these girls have never even seen live Centaurs, let alone talked with one before," she began. She didn't look up at me. "Rather they only know what they've been taught from their elders. I certainly don't mean it to sound like I'm some perfectly compassionate person. I am a warrior, Gabrielle. I take my orders, and I do my job. Some times the job is
unpleasant, but it comes with the territory. Above all else, I think of my people, and always obey my Queen.
"We didn't always hate the Centaurs this way, you know. If you read the scrolls--"
"History scrolls . . . about the Amazons?" I interrupted.
"Yes."
"Do you have a . . . library for these scrolls? A place where I would be able to read them?"
"Yes," she drawled cautiously. "Is that important somehow?"
I suddenly realized that I wasn't focusing on the task at hand at all, neither was I paying attention to Ephiny's story. Gods, Xena was right. One mention of scrolls and my mind is off somewhere else.
"Um . . . no, no not really. I'm sorry, please go on." I asked her in embarrassment.
"Well, provided you go back far enough, you can see that the Centaurs and the Amazons were always thought of as allies. At one time we even shared some of the same territories. The trouble with the Centaurs actually started before I was born, but both sides managed to keep it from escalating into much. When I was a young woman, Melosa's sister was killed in a raid. It was near the outer fringes of the territory we shared with the Centaurs. A volley of arrows that were shot at her party killed Terreis. They were Centaur arrows. It was shortly afterward that Melosa learned who committed the crime. We carried out our own justice."
"You found the Centaur who killed Terreis?" I asked.
"We found a Centaur," Ephiny responded.
"Oh." It sounded rather inane, but it's all I could think of to say just then. I took her hint to mean that when the Amazons carried out justice, it was their own particular brand of judgment. "What happened?"
"It was my job to guard the prisoner until his execution. His name was Phantes," she began. The name came back to me as the one that Xena spoke of in her quick description to me.