“c1″> 

Melosa
took a sip from the water skin held to her by the weapons’
master. "Xena did more. She drew our attention towards two
other cases of child abuse and rape. The evidence found in the huts
of the warriors Umbra and Canara was overwhelmingly convincing.
Both were found guilty and justice already has been satisfied. Two
nights ago elder Yolica witnessed the culprits killing each other
in the detention hut. Yolica was injured while trying to get them
off of each other. The Amazon or Amazons responsible for tossing
the daggers in the detention hut are to report to me privately to
be punished for interfering in the true course of Amazon
justice.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"At the time Yolica also had been a suspect. The
evidence found in her hut as well as the testimony of her
apprentice cleared her of all charges. Nonetheless, she holds
herself responsible for the wrong doings of Canara and Umbra
because both once counted among her warrior’s apprentices.
Her services to the nation are well known, not only as a warrior
but also as a most estimated member of the elder’s council.
As the Queen, I don’t see any responsibility on her part but
out of respect, I granted her request. As soon as her health is
completely restored, she wants to step down from her position as an
elder. She then will resume responsibility not only for her own
apprentice but also for Diona and Ryenna, the former apprentices of
Canara and Umbra. The council will miss her wisdom and
experience." The Queen took another deep
breath.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Before the preparations for the evening’s
festivities will begin, there’s one more announcement to
make: The trial of Xena of Amphipolis will begin tomorrow morning,
one candlemark after the break of dawn. The Queen has
spoken."

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

“c1″>-x-x-x-x-

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

The
women returned to their respective tasks, which had most of them,
already involved in some kind of preparation for the upcoming
festivity. Xena and Eponin were about to join two of the hunters
for fishing when Silea blocked their way.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Xena of Amphipolis, I challenge you to an archery
competition."

“c1″> 

"I
accept the challenge, young warrior. We will follow the rules of
two years ago, I presume?"

“c1″> 

Before
the young Amazon was able to answer, Eponin took a step forwards.
"As weapons’ master I object to the challenge. You
should reconsider and eventually reissue the challenge when Xena
can answer it appropriately. You should know that a slave is not
allowed to use weapons of any kind. You should go back to your
superior and think about what is honourable to do and
dishonourable."