"THE PRINCESS & THE QUEEN" series -SCROLL III: MUTINY IN THE MONARCHY

pt.17

There was still fighting between the Gabrielle's supporters and the rebel amazons as Xena assisted Gabrielle down from the cliffs near the waterfall of the village. Once at the bottom Gabrielle managed to stand on her own as Xena looked around at the chaos still running amuk.

GABRIELLE
Now what? We have to stop this.

XENA
We will.

Suddenly hearing a noise from behind some trees, Xena quickly readied her chakrum as she stepped forward. But after a moment she lowered her weapon when she saw Ephiny walk into view. Ephiny looked around for any enemies before spotting Xena and Gabrielle and lowering her own sword that she had ready as she walked over to them.

EPHINY
Gabrielle, Xena.

As Ephiny came closer she saw how beaten up Gabrielle was as well as the few cuts and bruises Xena had.

EPHINY
Are you two okay?

GABRIELLE
(Sarcasm) I've definitely seen better days for sure.

Ephiny took Gabrielle's other arm as she helped Xena get Gabrielle to a rock to sit down.

EPHINY
What happened?

XENA
Valassca.

EPHINY
Where is she?

Xena looked over at the water.

XENA
She was wounded when she went in. And based on the color of that water I don't think she came out.

EPHINY
I see.

Ephiny looked at Gabrielle.

EPHINY
Gabrielle, I'm sorry. I  had no idea that Valassca was behind some big plot to kill you. If I had known how far gone she really was I would've...

Gabrielle stopped her friend.

GABRIELLE
Ephiny it's not your fault. None of us knew that Valassca's lust for power had driven her mad. I just wish it didn't have to end the way it did.

EPHINY
Same here. But unfortunately we don't have time to think about what could've happened.

XENA
Ephiny's right. For now we have focus on putting a stop to the fighting.

GABRIELLE
How?

XENA
Well without their so called queen to rule they won't have much of a reason to keep fighting. Especially since they're already outnumbered anyway. They won't really have a choice but to surrender.

EPHINY
I'll get some people to spread word and retrieve Valassca's body. You two need help?

XENA
Thanks but we'll be alright. We're gonna head to the healers.

EPHINY
Okay.  Be careful.

Xena and Gabrielle parted ways with Ephiny and headed for the village infermery. Gabrielle winced as one of the healers cleaned and bandaged her wounds. While Xena just sat there as another woman stitched the gash on her side.

GABRIELLE
You are way too used to this sort of thing.

Xena just smirked as she shrugged.

XENA
Warrior.

Gabrielle chuckled a little as the two sat there and let the healers finish their work. Not long after Ephiny came by and told them that they had pulled Valassca from the water confirming that she was indeed dead. And that she had already sent out word for her followers to surrender and turn themselves in for judgment.or be taken into custody by force.

GABRIELLE
Judgment?

Gabrielle hadn't even had the chance to think about what would happen if Valassca's plan had failed. She and her followers had committed treason and had attempted assassination on the Amazon' queen. And that was one of the most serious crimes anyone could commit. And now those who committed the crime would have to be punished. And by Amazon law the responsibility for handling out that punishment fell on the queen. On Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE
I hate this part of the job.

Xena held her hand as Gabrielle sighed. She was already aware that Gabrielle was not looking forward to what she knew the coming days were going to have in store.

EPHINY
Why don't you two go home and get some rest for a few days. I'm sure after everything you could use it. I'll keep you posted on anything we find.

GABRIELLE
Thanks Ephiny. You're a good friend.

EPHINY
I'm glad you still think so.

GABRIELLE
Why wouldn't I?

EPHINY
Well given everything that happened with Valassca and her allies I can see how it might be difficult to trust those around you now.

Gabrielle smiled.

GABRIELLE
It wouldn't be fair to judge everyone for the actions of a few. Plus if I lose faith in everyone around me due to a few people then maybe I shouldn't be queen.after all.

Ephiny smiled as she was reminded of her friend and queen's kindness and general belief in people. Along with the fact that she could make something like that seem so simple. Where as most people might find it far more difficult to put their trust in other's after such a terrible betrayal. Gabrielle had a way of seeing the good in things.

EPHINY
And that way of thinking is exactly why you should be queen.

Ephiny walked Xena and Gabrielle outside and parted ways as she went off to handle getting things ready for the upcoming trial of the rebels. As Xena and Gabrielle made their way home. A few days later it was the night before the trial as  Xena layed in bed watching Gabrielle pacing back and forth nervously as she continued to contemplate what she should do.

XENA
(Joking) You know if you keep pacing like that you're gonna wear a hole in the floor and fall through.

Gabrielle sighed as she stopped and looked at Xena.

GABRIELLE
I guess I do have a habit of doing that when I'm nervous don't I?

Xena patted the empty side of the bed for Gabrielle to join her, which Gabrielle did as she layed her head on Xena's chest and Xena put her arm around her.

GABRIELLE
I just don't know what I'm supposed to do tomorrow. I mean I know that they were part of Valassca's plot to kill me and make her queen, and the laws say that the punishment for that is death. But I just don't feel right causing the deaths of anyone. Let alone more Amazon's. There has to be another way.

Gabrielle sighed sadly as she briefly remembered having to make a similar decision after the slaver attack on the village a while back. But this felt far more complicated and difficult. For one these people weren't scummy slavers just looking to make money. They were her fellow Amazon's. People she had been living along side for a while now. Not to mention Gabrielle was certain that alot of them probably truly believed in Valassca and her right to rule. Even if she most likely feed them lies to get their support. Gabrielle sighed as she tried to get some sleep. Knowing that tomorrow was going to be another long day.

XENA
You ready?

Gabrielle picked her ceremonial headdress up off the bed and put it on as she looked in the mirror.

GABRIELLE
I guess so.

Xena stood by their bedroom door as Gabrielle turned around and walked over to her.

XENA
So have you made your decision?

Gabrielle sighed as Xena held her.

GABRIELLE
Yeah. It wasn't easy but I know what has to be done.

XENA
You know I'll be right beside you today Gabrielle, like always.

Gabrielle smiled a little as she gave Xena a gentle kiss.

GABRIELLE
I know.

Gabrielle finished getting ready. Then she and Xena left their house and went to the village hall. Once inside Gabrielle sat on the throne as everyone else took their places. Gabrielle took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment as Xena placed her hand on her shoulder to reassure her. When Xena took her hand away Gabrielle opened her eyes as she entered her "queen mode".

GABRIELLE
Okay now that we're all set, bring in the accused and get the trial started.

TO BE CONTINUED...