“c3″> 

“c3″>"So, it’s really
true?"

“c3″> 

“c3″>"Yes, it’s true, little
one."

“c3″> 

“c3″>"And it’s true that I will be the
Queen’s apprentice?"

“c3″> 

“c3″>"Yes, it’s true."

“c3″> 

“c3″>"And that I will be allowed to wear the
Queen’s collar?"

“c3″> 

“c3″>"Yes, Thania, it’s all true. All you have to
do is to get well soon, then the Queen will teach you how to be a
true Amazon warrior. Don’t you worry!"

“c3″> 

“c3″>"It’s true."

“c3″> 

The
face of the girl held a look of utter wonder that quickly
disappeared when she heard Anara’s voice obviously trying to
calm down another woman drifting through the open
windows.

“c3″> 

“c3″>"Xena, please wait. The healer said she would check
on me when she comes back. I’d rather you do
it."

“c3″> 

“c3″>"Anara is a very good healer, but if it makes you
feel better, I’ll do it, little one."

“c3″> 

“c3″>"There you go, Thania. You won’t have to stay
in here very long. The younger one is the faster their bodies are
healing. You’ll be up in less than eight days. Gabrielle has
some scrolls from the library to pass the day, I’m pretty
sure we can find something nice to read for you
too."

“c3″> 

“c3″>"I’m not very good at reading, Mis… she
always told me that fighting was more important and reading only
means wasting precious time. She caned my back when she caught me
reading the last time."

“c3″> 

“c3″>"So she didn’t tell you that a good warrior
not only uses her body when fighting but also her brains.
Sometimes, when your opponents are much stronger or you’re
outnumbered you simply have to be smarter than they are. And the
brain, your mind is a weapon that has to be well maintained and
trained to be on top. I know the Queen never will punish you for
reading or for asking questions."

“c3″> 

“c3″>"Did she punish you? I asked her not
to."

“c3″> 

“c3″>"Yes, she did. She had to, little one. I know she
didn’t like it. Try to see it this way: As an apprentice, it
is your duty to learn, and as long as I’m a slave it’s
my duty to obey, and the Queen being my Mistress has the obligation
to punish me if I don’t. Punishment isn’t meant to
subdue people selfishly. It’s a sign that you did something
wrong and that you’re ready to take responsibility for what
you’ve done. Do you remember the stories they told you about
Artemis’ childhood?" The girl nodded. "Do you
remember the story when she and Apollo played some nasty tricks on
mortal children, some very nasty tricks?"