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    A Year in Tartarus

    Chapter Nine

    An Unwelcome Welcome

    Although she wasn’t counting, it took Gabrielle nine days to reach the forest where her Amazon tribe lived. Even though her mind was on Xena’s disappearance (she still refused to believe she was dead), she was beginning to feel at home as she began to recognize the trees and clearings and the streams. 

    It wasn’t long before the anticipated arrow landed in front of her, shot from the trees, and barring her path. Gabrielle immediately clasped her hands over her head, indicating she had come in peace. And just as quickly, ten Amazons descended to the ground on ropes but with weapons ready.

    As she looked around at them, Gabrielle realized she didn’t recognize anyone. And their clothes were unfamiliar, as well. She surmised that another tribe had joined with hers and they were assigned to guard the perimeter of the camp. But she did notice that they seemed almost hostile, and not as cautious as they should have been.

    “Hi,” Gabrielle said as the obvious leader swaggered up to her, looking her up and down, and frowning at her sais. “I’m Gabrielle. I don't think I know you.”

    When there was no reaction, she added, “you know, Queen Gabrielle?”

    “So you say,” the leader answered. “I don't know you. You could be anyone. You could be a spy for all we know.”

    “And just who would I be spying for?”

    “Don't get smart-mouthed with me!”

    “Look, I understand you don't recognize me. I don't recognize any of you. So why don't you just take me to Varia and we’ll get everything straightened out.”

    “Varia’s dead.”

    “What!” Gabrielle exclaimed. “How?”

    “She died from a fever a few months ago,” replied the woman standing next to the leader, and was rewarded by a backhand across the mouth.

    “I’ll do the talking here!”

    The woman nodded her head and slightly backed away.

    “Then who’s the new queen?” Gabrielle asked.

    “Marorca, but she’s started calling herself Ephiny. Don't know where that stupid name came from.”

    “From one of the greatest Amazon queens that ever lived!” Gabrielle shot back. “You should know that!”

    “Tie her hands,” the leader said. “If she gives you any trouble, shoot her.”

    “Several bows with arrows ready were pointed at her so Gabrielle had no choice but to let her hands be tied behind her.  She expected her sais to be taken, but they weren’t.

    As they entered the outskirts of the camp, Gabrielle still saw no familiar faces. But as they got closer to the center of it, one, then two, then almost half of the women went to one knee, heads bowed.

    “My Queen,” they said as the procession passed.

    ‘At last,’ Gabrielle thought to herself. ‘Familiar faces.’
     
    The un-named leader frowned even more, if that was possible. She didn’t like what was going on.

    They stopped at the hut of Queen Ephiny, waiting for her to come out. When she finally did, someone grabbed Gabrielle by the hair and forced her head down, making her bow.

    Gabrielle kicked out with her right foot against the knee of the woman who had grabbed her, who fell to the ground holding the injured leg.

    Gabrielle’s head snapped back up and she stared at this new queen with all the authority she could. “So you’re calling yourself Ephiny? I just hope you can live up to that name.”

    “Release her,” Ephiny said. “My sincerest apologies, My Queen. As you can see, we have many new women in our tribe now. And even though your name is legend, so many of them have never seen you, including Canova, here.”

    Gabrielle looked over to the one who had ordered her to be tied.  “A natural mistake … I suppose.” But Gabrielle's tone was cool.

    Canova nodded slightly, acknowledging Gabrielle’s forgiveness, but it was obvious she was not happy with Gabrielle being there.

    “As to your statement about me being worthy of the name,” Ephiny continued. “I chose it so that I would always strive to be the best queen I could possibly be. And should the day come that I realize that I cannot, then I will take back my original name, which was Marorca. But enough of me. I’m sure you must be tired and hungry.”

    “Actually, I am, but I would love a good bath before I ate.”

    “Of course, anything you wish. Obviously, I surrender my authority to you. Even my hut is yours.”

    “Perhaps we can share it,” Gabrielle said. “I’d like to hear more about what’s been going on since I last visited.”

    T B C

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