“c1″> 

“c1″> 

“c1″>-x-x-x-x-

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

The
moment Melosa released her tenth and last stroke the main door
burst open: "My Queen, the punishment of this slave should be
public. She offended a renowned warrior in the open; she should
face the consequences in the open. My honour is at stake, your
majesty."

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Xena, get your clothes, and check on the girl,
take your time. Come back when you’ve finished, knock on the
door but remain outside. We will then finish your punishment."
Xena rose without giving the slightest indication of even
acknowledging the presence of the other woman, and went to the back
door. Less than ten heartbeats later, she left the hut,
imperceptibly bowing towards the Queen.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"My orders were more than clear, Najara, you were
to wait in your hut."

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Your majesty, I learned that our short encounter
at the training ground did have witnesses. The actions of this
slave offended my dignity, this can’t be. I demand complete
satisfaction."

“c1″> 

“c1″>"You’re right and you’re wrong, Najara.
Making Xena’s punishment an official and public affair also
means making your punishment an official and public affair, both
being recorded in the history scrolls of the Amazon
nation."

“c1″> 

“c1″>"My punishment? But majesty, I did nothing
wrong."

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Nothing wrong?! Self-deception won’t help
you, Najara. Thania was your responsibility, it was your mission to
teach her what it means being an Amazon, proud, and strong, and
fierce, and free, and full of love and compassion. You failed; you
fell short on your mission. An apprentice is not to serve your
vanity but to remind you of your own mortality, and to assure the
future of the whole nation. The young ones will live whether or not
they know about our roots and traditions. We are not to spoil them
but we’re also bound to protect and to serve the next
generation. Every punishment has to be justified and I don’t
consider backhanding an injured child only because she tried to
quench her thirst appropriate behaviour. Less than one and a half
moons ago, I issued a warning, and obviously, you didn’t
listen. So, for you there are two possibilities, either you submit
to all of my orders or I will have to reconsider your
assignment."

“c1″> 

Najara
regarded her superior for what seemed like a lifetime. She
didn’t move nor speak but surely, she was more than on the
edge of losing her composure.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"This is your last chance; you can make your
decision in the servant’s room. It will not be easy for you
to regain my confidence and my trust but it still is possible, so
decide wisely." The Queen then turned her head to the scrolls
on her desk, seemingly oblivious of the tall
warrior.