Chapter 5

Gabrielle, Goddess of Frustration

Xena and Gabrielle had just finished supper — honey glazed ham, fresh peaches, brown bread with dates and dried grapes, and semi-sweet wine. All created with a wave of Gabrielle’s hand.

But before they could relax, they were set upon by five robbers, thinking the two women would be easy pickings.

Two of the thugs were knocked unconscious by Xena before Gabrielle realized what was happening. When she did, she thrust both hands out in front of her and two more were thrown backward by a black swirling cloud shooting from the tips of her fingers.

Xena threw her Chakram at the last man. Seeing it, Gabrielle realized it was about to slash his throat. The chakram was only a hand’s width from his neck when it’s forward motion was stopped, yet it continued spinning, and singing it’s impending death song.

The attacker’s eyes were wide, watching it. He was holding his breath, afraid to move, in case it should continue its course.

Gabrielle walked over to the man. "You do realize I just saved you worthless life, don’t you?"

The mugger could only manage a slight nod.

"If I let you live, do you promise to stop this life of crime and find useful employment?"

Again, the man nodded.  Gabrielle waited a few moments, then told the would-be robber to leave, and to take his friends with him. As the five of them ran off into the woods, Xena’s chakram returned to her, flying unnaturally slow, and she easily plucked it out of the air.

"I guess they won’t be bothering honest folks any more," Gabrielle said, satisfied with her handiwork.

"Right," Xena answered, with irritation in her voice.

Ignoring the obviously angry tone, Gabrielle asked her, "You don’t think they’ll be back, do you?"

When Xena didn’t answer, Gabrielle asked. "Is something wrong? Are you mad at me?"

"No, I’m not mad. But I can’t believe you let them go like that. Surely you don’t believe they’re going to change just like that," she said, snapping her fingers.

"What was I supposed to do? I’m a Healer now. What kind of Healer would I be if I started taking lives?" Then a thought came to her.  "That’s it! You’re mad because I interfered with your Chakram, aren’t you? Just because I kept it from killing that man. "