"THE PRINCESS & THE QUEEN" series -SCROLL VIII: CONQUERING A BYGONE ERA

pt.17

Gabrielle and Ephiny rode side by side as they quickly closed in on the secret village. Ephiny held Aurora closely as they galloped ever closer. But as they drew near the pair saw a group of Amazons had gathered just outside the waterfall entrance.

EPHINY
Looks like they were expecting us.

GABRIELLE
Clover or more likely Alti must have sent them.

As they came closer Gabrielle and Ephiny saw a number of the women step forward and held up bows with arrows notched and ready to fire as they aimed at them.

GABRIELLE
Are they seriously gonna fire at us?

Gabriele and Ephiny slowed to a stop for a moment a bit away from the group as they saw Skyla step forward.

SKYLA
Gabrielle, Ephiny turn back and leave now. Don't make this worse than it needs to be.

GABRIELLE
You should know I can't do that Skyla. I won't let Xena be killed.

SKYLA
I get that you love her but how can you just ignore what she's done? You were an Amazon yourself, our queen and you betrayed us,  your people for her.

GABRIELLE
You're wrong I've never betrayed any of you. You have to believe me, Xena is not that person anymore. I realize that if I had made a different choice in my successor then we might not be here right now, but I swear everything both Xena and myself have done since arriving here has been for the greater good of this village and the Amazon's as a whole.

SKYLA
You're lying. Clover and the others saw what she did to our people. Xena's a monster and she has to pay for what she's done. And you too for turning your back on all of us. This is your last warning. You were one of my best friends Gabrielle. I don't wanna kill you, but it comes down to protecting my home and my people from someone like Xena or you, I won't hesitate to do what I have to.  The same goes for you too Ephiny.

Gabrielle looked at Ephiny for a moment.

GABRIELLE
Ephiny if anything happens to both me and Xena, I want you to take Aurora and get out of here. Make sure she stays safe.

EPHINY
I promise. I won't let anything happen to her. I'll protect Aurora with my life if I have to. She'll always be safe with me.

GABRIELLE
I know she will.

Gabrielle returned her attention forward as she looked at Skyla and the other Amazon archers.

GABRIELLE
Then I'm sorry Skyla but I'm also gonna have to do what needs to be done. I have to stop Clover. She and all of you are being manipulated by Alti. She's the real threat to this place, not me and Xena. Can't you see that?

Skyla raised her arm for the archers to get ready to open fire.

SKYLA
Last chance Gabrielle. You're not getting to Xena so for all three of your sakes. turn around, leave this place, and never come back.

Gabrielle gave Ephiny a quick look and nod before turning back to Skyla and the others.

GABRIELLE
Okay. You win. We'll leave. Come on Ephiny.

Gabrielle turned Arrian around a began slowly riding away from the village with Ephiny and Aurora. Ephiny moved close to Gabrielle.