Fan Fiction
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Barbarian . . . Queen
Chapter Five
A Promise, Not a Threat
When the map of the region was laid out, Xena was allowed to approach the table, dragging her chains, to look at it.
"Show me the villages Jobyna attacked."
The king pointed at two small circles.
"What is this?"
"It is a moderately wooded area."
"And this?"
"A grassland used for grazing. Here is a swamp, here are the vineyards, and this is the farming area surrounding the city."
The Throne Room was quiet as Xena studied the map. Finally she said, "There is another village, here, that he will attack next. Unfortunately, there is no time to save it. But its sacrifice will give you time to prepare. This is what you must do — you will put archers in the trees, here and here, flanking the trail that runs through it. You will send a small squad, about 20 soldiers to engage Jobyna’s army. Then they must break off and retreat, leading them through the woods where your archers wait. When all of Jobyna’s men have passed the archers must shoot the last five or six horses, NOT the men, but the horses. Fire tipped arrows would be best, if the wind is right. This will cause the horses to panic and stampede.
"In the clearing ahead you will have your men dig as many pits as they have time to. Make then as big around as a man and waist deep. Make sure the pits are well camouflaged. When the stampeding horses stumble into the holes, the riders will be thrown and will be exposed. Have more archers stationed here and here. And only when they have run out of arrows do you want the infantry with swords and spears to attack. Tell them to show no mercy, because if they do, they will die."
"You have done this before," King Belos stated.
"A few times. But don’t wait too long. The more pits that can be dug the better your chances of success."
Making the decision to follow Xena’s plan, the king ordered that she be returned to her cell.
"But, my Husband," Gabrielle protested, "I have chosen her for my bodyguard."
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