Chapter Four

I Could Not Let Her Die

"You are telling me that even though I had forbidden it, you have been spending your days with this barbarian, this bloodthirsty, murderous BITCH!" the king asked angrily.

With her head bowed, Queen Gabrielle admitted that she had. Trying to control his anger, King Belos looked from Gabrielle to Xena, who was standing before him, chains on her ankles and wrists. Then turning his anger to the Captain of the Guard he demanded, "And YOU! How could you have allowed this to happen?"

"My Lord, there were guards with spears present. If I thought the Queen was in any danger…."

"So what do you call this?" the King demanded, holding out the arrow.

"But my Lord, the arrow didn’t come from Xena, she caught it in flight. She saved the Queen’s life!"

King Belos looked around again to see if there was anyone else to shout at. Everyone was looking down, fearing to meet his glare, hoping to avoid the king’s wrath.  Looking back at the Captain he asked, "And what of this assassin? Have you found him?"

"No, my Lord. But we found the short bow that was used to fire the arrow. It was at the top of the stairs."

King Belos closed his eyes for a moment, trying to think.  "Well, it’s obvious a personal bodyguard must be provided for the Queen. If I can find anyone trustworthy enough."

Looking at Xena he said, "And you, barbarian, what do you have to say for yourself?"

"Her name is Xena," Gabrielle said to him, but he ignored her.

Xena met his stare but remained silent.

"While I do appreciate the fact that you saved the Queen’s life, you WILL answer me. What did you hope to accomplish with this act? A pardon? Your freedom?"

Xena’s eyes flickered to Gabrielle then back to the king, but didn’t reply.

With no patience left, King Belos added, "You can answer me, or I can have your tongue cut out so you will never speak again."

Xena’s eyes jumped from Gabrielle, to the king, and back again, and again. Her self confident attitude was changing to one of confusion and uncertainty.