Chapter Three

I'll Be Here

The next day Gabrielle brought more food, clean rags and medicine for Xena’s wounds. She was pleased to see the strands of her hair hadn’t been tampered with.

When she entered the cell, she saw that Xena had drunk the water and managed to maneuver the bucket to relieve herself. Gabrielle instructed the guard to unshackle one of Xena’s hands.

"But my Lady, I was told to keep her chained at all times."

"So how am I to clean her wounds if her back is against the wall? Unchain her at once!"

Without protest, Xena turned her back to Gabrielle. She saw that the cuts had oozed, soaked into the fabric and then dried. Slowly Gabrielle poured water over her back until the dried blood was softened and she was able to remove the blanket.

After washing her back again Gabrielle said, "I see infection is setting in, I was afraid of that. I brought medicine, but it will sting some."

Gabrielle poured the medicine into her hand and as gently as she could, applied the healing liquid. Although Xena neither spoke nor flinched, Gabrielle could feel her muscles tighten from the burning liquid. When she finished the back side of her, she repeated the process on Xena’s chest, belly, arms and legs, and wrists.

Passing the food basket to her, Xena was allowed to feed herself. When she had finished eating, Xena asked, "Am I supposed to thank you for making sure I am healthy enough for another flogging?"

"No, I told you before I don’t approve of flogging, but I am not that — naive. I don’t want your insincere thanks."

"Then what to do you want from me?"

"I want you to talk to me. I want to know you, to understand why — how you became the monster they say you are."

"They say I am a monster? Good! Then they fear me. I know you fear me, don’t you?"

"Some, but not as much as I did when they first brought you in. You said you didn’t make war on women and children. They why do they say so?"