Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2002 02:31:48 -0700 (PDT) From: Femme K Subject: XENA & THE QUEEN OF APHROPOLIS (FF) XENA & THE QUEEN OF APHROPOLIS (FF) By Femme Lezzi This is a work of fiction based on the main character in the TV series Xena-The Warrior Princess. This story features graphic descriptions of consensual sexual activities between adult females. If you are below the age of 18 or reading materials of this nature is illegal or immoral in your part of the world please stop reading now. THE SECOND PART OF THIS STORY "XENA & THE REVENGE OF OLIVA" WILL BE POSTED SOON DISCLAIMER: The characters belong to MCA/Universal and were used without permission. No copyright infringement was intended and no money was made. PROLOGUE The old woman was carrying a large bundle on her back & she walked alone. It was getting dark and there was a slight drizzle. The heavy thunder and lightening promised a downpour soon. The woman stopped frequently, panting, rubbing her back with her free hand, which gave an indication that she was carrying a heavy load. Though, she stopped frequently to catch her breath, she never put her load down, even for a rest and stroked the bundle affectionately as if she was carrying a child. There were tears streaming from her eyes and she was speaking to herself in a strange language, occasionally gesturing towards the sky. She was traveling on the lonely road that led to the dark mountains, the home of the evil goddess Hera. No one in his or her right mind traveled on this road after dark as this road that led up to the mountains was terrorized by a cannibal known as the "Beastman" not long ago. Passers by thought she is a mad woman escaped from the lunatic asylum on an island in the Aegean Sea. A few tried to warn her but she spat at them and chased them away. The woman slowly climbed winding road up to the mountains as the rain and mist engulfed her. No one ever saw her again. There was a rumor that she was carrying her daughter who was executed by the royal guards for treason and she was taking her to the ruined temple of Hera in the dark mountains. Few believed this story and it was forgotten soon. CHAPTER I Xena was wandering around the city Market Square browsing through the wares displayed. It was a cool October afternoon and the market was busy with people getting ready for the Fortilla, the fertility festival, which was only a few days away. There were perfumes, scented oils, secret medicines and ointments that promises to increase sexual powers, cakes, fruits, and special meats on sale every where in the market. Xena strolled through the market looking for a special gift for her lover, Caldina with whom she has been living for the last five years. Xena settled down five years ago, giving up her frequent journeys to the far away lands where she fought tyranny and oppression, helping the poor and the downtrodden. Her decision to stay home was influenced by two factors. One was the request made by the old King Demurius to serve in his court and help to protect the kingdom and the other was that she fell in love with Caldina, stepdaughter of the king. Though the king and the queen did not approve their unorthodox union, there was no resistance either, as both the king and the queen were indebted to Xena and they valued Caldina's happiness more than any moral or ethical code. Xena was looking for a special present for Caldina. This is the fifth Fortilla that they celebrated together. Vivid memories of the first fertility festival night they spent together were flowing through Xena's mind as she browsed through various wares that were on display. Not satisfied with anything she saw, Xena strolled towards the Sandria's house of pleasure, which was inside a large three stories high stone building opposite the popular tavern owned by Zydus, onetime gladiator, now liquor and opium peddler. Xena made her way through the crowds, which were gathering at the square for the first night of festivities. The corner of the Market Square at which the house of pleasure is situated was exceptionally crowded due to the tavern and the delights that were offered at Sandria's. The store offered every earthly pleasure imaginable. There were separate pleasure areas for males, females, for heterosexuals and homosexuals, for those seeking pleasure in bondage, in dominating or being dominated, for those who seek pleasure in urination, in inflicting pain and receiving pain. In short Sandria's offered something for everyone. It even offered personal grooming services such as manicuring, removing body hair, massaging and piercing. Many wealthy men and women used these services to please themselves and their lovers. Xena of course had none of these in mind. She just wanted a good present, something that would delight Caldina and arouse her. Xena worried that their lovemaking was loosing the fire it used to have and Caldina complained frequently that Xena didn't spend enough time with her. She wanted something that could help re-ignite their passion. At the entrance to the store Xena was greeted by a scantily clad young woman. "Good afternoon m'am," The girl greeted cheerfully. "Welcome to Sandria's House of Pleasure, if you are looking for something for your husband, you will find lots of interesting things on this floor. If you have something for your lady in mind, you will find it on the first floor. If you need a body care service, maids in the second floor will serve you well" "What's on the third floor?" Xena asked "That's exclusively for men who have taken a man for a wife and for those who have bizarre tastes" The girl replied wittily. "If you are going to the first floor, I am off by sundown..." Xena smiled at the suggestion. "Sorry honey " Xena left the talkative reception girl. "I hope there aren't any more like her upstairs. That would be a real nuisance" Xena thought as she climbed the polished marble stairs. She entered the dimly lit store and did not encounter any sales women except the bored sales clerk. The store was large and full of rows and rows of merchandise. The walls were decorated with scenes of lesbian erotica, largest one being a beautiful painting of Sappho, relaxing with a bevy of nude girls. The other paintings were more graphic, showing various acts of Sapphic love making. These paintings also helped to decipher the use of certain devices on offer. Xena browsed through the rows of merchandise. Since this was her first visit, Xena was surprised to see so many goods specially designed for erotic love between women. All these things promised to increase the arousal and pleasure thereby making sex more satisfactory. She browsed through various garments specially sewn to expose the love making areas of a woman body, such as nipples and crotch. Those and the see-through nightwear made of expensive oriental silks interested Xena the most. She selected two silk night gowns, one for her and one for Caldina. She bought a jar of scented ointment and a bottle of scented massage oil. She and Caldina used the ointment when playing with the double headed leather penis that Caldina had bought from here. On her way out she picked up a shaving knife and some strip wax. The warrior princess paid for her loot and got everything wrapped up into a neat, innocent looking bundle. As she walked out of the main doorway to the pleasure palace, Xena heard something swish past her. Years of battle trained instincts made her duck as her peripheral vision caught the glint of a copper arrowhead. The arrow lodged itself in the wooden doorframe and was still vibrating from the impact as Xena glanced at it. Xena's warrior instincts took over again as she recovered from the initial shock and looked in the direction the shot came from. She scanned for the archer, staying crouched as she expected more shots to follow since the assassin missed the first shot. Her eyes caught a cloaked figure on a far away rooftop. The archer was too far to be recognized. Instead of firing more arrows, the he stared at Xena. After a few moments of eyeballing, the assassin turned and vanished behind a roof. The arrow created a small commotion among the crowed in front of the Zydus's tavern. Xena was embarrassed to be caught at the heart of the commotion especially because she had been to Sandria's. She quickly gathered herself, pulled out the arrow and walked away. On her way back home, she examined the arrow and saw a piece of papyrus tightly bound to the stem of the arrow. CHAPTER II The sun was fading into the horizon as Queen Zyla looked admiringly out of the balcony of her palace. What she saw was the results of a ten year endeavor. The city state she created out of a fishing village and a slave trading post. "Aphropolis", the city of love, lust, sex and decadence. Named after the goddess of love Aphrodite, and blessed by her, the city rose and grew with an amazing speed. People from all cities and kingdoms nearby flocked to her tiny city state. They came like ants drawn to a honey pot, to taste the forbidden fruits. Nothing was forbidden in Aphropolis. There was no discrimination for homosexuals and other eccentric sexual preferences. Not even pedophilia was outlawed though not encouraged either. Alcohol, lust, decadence and opium fueled the rise of Aphropolis. The city is home to almost all concubines of prince's, noble men and wealthy merchants of the surrounding lands. Zyla provided them the everything they needed in her city. Mansions, slaves, secrecy and security were avalilable for any man (or woman) who wanted a place to shelter their secret lovers, away from jealous wives and husbands. These men poured money into Zyla's city, building businesses and fueling its growth. The businesses they owned in the city provided these men and women with a good cover to visit their lovers regularly. Zyla being a crafty negotiator, signed non aggression agreements with all kings whose secret lovers she sheltered, as an assurance of safety of their lovers. They all agreed not to attack Aphropolis under any circumstance and to assure support if there was any threat to the city from any enemy. With that she created a peaceful place where love and lust blossomed. This agreement made Zyla very rich as she didn't have to build and maintain an army to defend her city. The queen was immersed in her own thoughts when she sensed movements at her sides. She turned to see two slave girls kneeling beside her with their heads bowed. The girls were naked except for a thick gold chain with a precious stone around their neck and a gold chain around their waist. The color of the stone reflected their status in the palace. A red stone meant a virgin under training to serve the queen and her two princesses Tara and Scintilla. A green stone, the most common stone, states that she is an "experienced" slave. The white stones meant higher ranks such as mistresses and other officers. There were only two women in the palace who wore blue stones; they were Tara and Scintilla, the two wives of the queen. There were no men in Zyla's palace. Men, except for old and frail garden and sanitary workers, were forbidden to enter the palace or the compound. "Speak" Zyla commanded her slaves. "It is time for your evening bath your worship" "And why are you here?" Zyla asked turning to the other girl "Your highness, Princess Tara wishes to know the names of the girls who will serve you tonight." "Where is Tara? I didn't see her since morning" "Princess Tara is inspecting the banquet to celebrate Fortilla your highness."; "She will join you at the bath" "Very well, tell Tara to select any girl she prefers, I have no special preferences tonight" The slave girl from the bath kissed Zyla's hand and led her towards the bath. The girl led her queen to the sauna. The first item in the bath ritual was the scented oil massage in the sauna. Zyla moaned softly as the expert fingers of the masseur girls began releasing her tense muscles. She was more tense than usual due to the plot that is on to capture Xena. Her worries were temporarily forgotten due to the pleasure of the massage. A beautiful virgin girl messaged her arms and hands. Zyla started tracing the girl's shapely curves with her fingers. The girl finished the hands and turned to massage her queen's scalp. Zyla's long fingers wandered around the girl's navel before slowly entering her unexplored canal. The girl's eyes closed momentarily in pleasure as her queen's finger moved inside her." "Mmmmmm I see that you are quite wet inside. What is your name?" "I am Imara your highness" "Are you wet your queen? Or for someone else?" "I am yours my queen, body and soul, serving you is my only true pleasure" "You have learned your answers well. Tell me Imara, whose fire do you light at night?" The girl blushed at the unexpected question and glanced nervously at mistress Lyra" "Oh it is Lyra I see. But Lyra, aren't you married to Sapphira? I remember the two of you exchanging wows" "Yes my queen, Sapphira is my wife. Imara is with me for her training your highness. She is still a virgin and Sapphira joins me in training her" "Oh I see. Well, you have done a good job." "Thank you my queen" Lyra said with a deep bow. Zyla got up from the massage bench. Her beautiful body glistened in massage oil as she walked towards the heated pool. She saw Tara walking towards her with a scroll in her hand. "What kept you so long Tara, I thought you are not joining me." Tara bowed and kissed the hand of her queen. "I just received the message from the assassin my queen, the first step is a success and I also received a message from Scintilla, she has reached Hera's temple in the dark mountains safely and she says she will pray to Hera for your health and for the success of the mission. Scintilla says she will remain there and pray until Xena is captured. She will be here for the ceremony" "What wonderful news. Come here beautiful, let's celebrate." Zyla took Tara's face by both hands and kissed her. As the kiss deepened, the slave girls slowly removed Tara's costumes so that she can join her queen unhindered. Instead of going to the bath, Zyla led her princess to her private bedroom in the adjoining chamber. Zyla often made love there after a relaxing massage, just before her evening bath. As she entered her private chamber Zyla called out "I want Imara to join our celebration" Zyla was sucking Tara's tongue as the slave girl extinguished some candles to make the lighting more romantic. Imara kneeled on the side of the couple and caressed their soft buttocks. The kissing stopped and Zyla sat on the of her large bed and commanded." Kiss me angel" Tara knew where her queen wanted kissed and kneeled in front of her fountain. Tara took a moment to admire her queen's beautiful love nest. She parted the thick lips and fingered the erect love bud and savored the sweet aroma. Zyla moaned as Tara blew air into her. "Don't keep me waiting any longer; I am starving for your lips" Zyla purred, stroking Tara's head encouragingly." Tara parted Zyla's vaginal folds and started playing with her love bud. "Zyla moaned in pleasure and leaned back resting her head on the pillow that Imara had thoughtfully positioned for her queen. Imara well trained to please her queen, started sucking her erect nipples. Zyla, pleasured by the two beauties moaned and purred sweet nothings as her climax intensified. Tara and Imara worked tirelessly to satisfy their queen. They gave her climax after climax until she finally fell asleep after her sixth. "Tell the bath workers that queen will not attend the bath tonight. We shouldn't disturb her for a few hours" "Yes mistress, but what about the banquet" Imara replied. "Oh I almost forgot. Send a message to the butler to set the banquet at midnight" Tara watched the pretty girl putting on a robe and admired her lovely curves and innocence. She knew that this was a very happy life for her. She would never have had a good life like this had she stayed in her impoverished village in the Nile delta. Tara's mind started going through the events that has been happening in the past two years. Ever since Scintilla wormed her way into Zyla's heart, things have been different in the palace. Zyla started worshipping Hera, the cruel goddess and started to offer scarifies to the vengeful goddess. Before Scintilla, they prayed to Aphrodite and Minerva and they were blessed and were provided a plenty. Tara hated this whole idea of sacrificing Xena to Hera for her blessings. Xena is a heroine who has done so much for the downtrodden and the oppressed. This is why Hera hates her so much. Xena has fought and killed tyrant kings and blood thirsty warlords who worshipped Hera. Sacrificing Xena is not only wrong and immoral; she is loved by people across many lands. If this plot somehow leaked out, there will be a popular uprising against the queen and the city. There is already a simmering opposition to the queen and the city for its decadent ways. They are accused of breeding immorality, creating fatherless children and making married men to leave their families to find lovers in city. Promoting opium addiction is another accusation leveled at them. There is also opposition to their Sapphic ways and sexual tolerance in the city. Aphropolis is such a small city without even an army; a popular revolt could destroy the city & the palace and have them killed. Tara blamed herself for letting Scintilla establish herself in the palace. She was only a priestess when she came to the palace to pray and heal the frequent headaches that tormented Zyla. Scintilla was not a beauty, but she knew the secrets satisfying a woman better than anyone Tara have met. She seduced Tara and Zyla both with her exceptional sexual charms. Tara's train of thought was disturbed by Imara who returned from the bath. "Mistress, the bath workers left and the message was sent to the butlers. Do you want me for any thing else mistress?" "We cannot leave our queen like this, can we?" "No mistress" "Well, why don't you close that door and come to me" Imara closed the door softly, dropped her robe and walked over to her princess. Tara touched the girl's immature breasts and the pointed nipples. "Do you like me Imara?" "Yes mistress, I am your slave" "If you were not my slave would you still like me?" "Yes mistress you are kind and very beautiful" "Sit down with me child and tell me what would make you very happy?" Tara said stroking her long jet black hair. "I would love if you would break my hymen and make me a woman tonight so that I can enjoy love making like my other sisters" "Well, if that is your wish Imara, let's get started" "Yes mistress..." CHAPTER III Nadia hid herself and watched Xena depart. She removed her black robe and put it into the fruit basket she carried with her and hid her bow inside an ancient chimney. Nadia prayed that no one would see her. It would be quite an odd sight to see a young woman dressed to worship Aphrodite in this Fortilla evening climbing down from a rooftop. She was lucky and no one saw her. Covering her head with a silk scarf, Nadia walked briskly towards the place where horse carriages that take fee paying passengers are available. She gave directions to driver to take her to her house at the edge of the meadows bordering the city. Passers by thought that she was a young woman returning from prayers at Aphrodite's temple for continued love from her husband or a girl prayed for marriage. Nadia entered her house expecting to see Tia sitting on the easy chair by the fireplace. It was her favorite place and she would often sit there waiting for Nadia to return home. "Tia, I am home" Nadia called out to her lover looking around the living room. "Tia, where are you? Why aren't you talking to me?" She heard sound of running water towards the kitchen and walked over expecting to see Tia cooking the Fortilla dinner. Smell of freshly roasted meat indicated that the dinner was all but ready. Nadia found her lover in the bath cleansing herself. Her shapely body glistened in the candle light as Tia scraped off the scented oil covering her with a wooden scraper. She watched Tia work meticulously giving special attention to the sensitive parts of her body. As Nadia admired Tia's beauty in silence, she felt moisture building up, and her nipples stand in attention. Nadia quietly undid her garments in a bid to surprise her lady. Tia finished washing off the remaining oil when she felt a warm pair of hands wrap her breasts. She was startled at first but recognized the hands and the golden ring that was in the left hand. "Nadia!!! I didn't hear you coming" Nadia answered by lovingly kneading her lover's ample mounds while tracing her lips along her neck. Then she felt Nadia's pointed nipples touching her shoulder blades. She turned around to see her lover in full glory. "You are naked!!!!!, haven't your mother taught you not to watch when other people shower??" Tia protested. "I didn't know my mo...." Nadia couldn't finish because Tia's luscious lips covered her mouth. Their hands explored each other love nests while their lips and tongues entwined and sucked. Tia felt the moisture in her lover and knew that she had watched her for quite some time. "Lets go to bed " Tia suggested. The two lovers walked into their bedroom hand in hand as the Fortilla night fell and the festivities began. CHAPTER IV Xena was waiting outside the temple of Zeus until the new female recruits she was training for the king's army finished their prayers. Xena never prayed to any god as she despised their petty and cruel behavior that brought suffering to the humankind. She usually waited for her troops at Kreta's café. Kreta was a lovely old woman who cared for Xena like a daughter. Xena was more alert today than usual and kept a close eye at people who visited the café. After a long wait finally saw her young recruits file out of the temple and got up to join them. As she walked towards them she saw a little girl with a small reed container searching for her. The little girl's face lit up when she saw Xena and ran to her. "Hello Xena, I was asked to give this present to you" "A present? Let me see, who gave it to you?" "An Egyptian noble woman asked me to give to you. She said she was looking for you but had to hurry back because her husband was waiting for her. She asked if I knew you and when I said yes she asked me weather I could do her this favor" "What is in here?" "Don't know Xena, she said it's a special gift for you and told me not to open it" Xena took the container and shook it to hear what's in side and felt a soft lump like thing moving inside. "Let's see what it is" Xena took the lid off carefully. What she saw made her gasp with horror. Inside the box she saw the meanest looking pit viper she has ever seen, coiled like a spring and watching her face with steely eyes. Xena dropped the container out of reflex but the serpent was quicker. It sprung out like a poisoned dart and Xena felt two huge fangs sink into her left breast. Xena fell screaming in pain, struggling to dislodge the serpent which was still clinging to her flesh. After struggling for few minutes she managed to grab the slithery reptile firmly, gritting her teeth in pain as the fangs tore the flesh of her tender breast. She pulled reptile free threw it to the ground. The serpent coiled for the attack again but this time Xena was quicker. Charged with rage and directed by battle honed reflexes, Xena pulled out her razor sharp sword and landed a well aimed blow which cut it into pieces. Xena watched the headless pieces do its death dance until she fainted in excruciating pain. Caldina was preparing for her morning prayers when she saw her faithful servant woman Celia running towards her. "Princes Caldina, Princes Caldina, Princess Xena is wounded" "Xena wounded ?????, how?, by whom?" "She is sent here with the royal bodyguards. She doesn't look good at all" The woman lamented as they ran to the hallway. "Xena what happened to you" Caldina asked taking Xena's pale face in her hands. "Princess, it would be better if she lied down to rest. The royal physician ordered two days of complete rest. Show us the bed room we will take her there" "Come this way. Celia!! Prepare to tend princesses' wounds. Hurry" The guards carried her in a stretcher from the royal infirmary. That's her bed. "Easy.. easy... there... lie and rest angel." Caldina said stroking Xena's limp hand. "Are you ok Xena? What happed to you?" "Princess Caldina. It is not good to tire princess Xena with questions. I will tell you what we know" "Ok soldier, Tell me, what happened to the princess, who did this to her?" Caldina demanded. "All we know for now is that she was bitten by a deadly serpent" "Deadly serpent? How? Was it in the palace? Is she in danger?" "No princess she is very lucky, the serpent that bit her did not have poison glands" "Did not have poison glands?" "What does that mean? And how do you know that?" "Princess Xena killed it before she passed out. The royal physicians examined it and found that its glands were removed. It's a trick used by snake charmers to tame their snakes" "Are the royal physicians certain that no poison entered Xena?" "Yes princess, the snake was one of the deadliest from the African jungles. It is said that its bite can kill even an elephant. If even a droplet had entered princess's body, she wouldn't be among the living by now" "Ohh by the name of Apollo, how terrible. Do you know from where the snake had come from?" "It was in a basket given by a little girl. The child says that it was given to her by a woman who looked like an Egyptian noble woman" "This is terrible. I am sure one of Xena's sworn enemies must be behind this. I must warn my father to increase the security and search the palace and the royal compound for any intruders" "It is already been done your highness. The palace and the compound is already under a tight security blanket and the guards and the secret service men are combing the city for intruders" "Please take care of princess Xena and let us worry about the security your highness" Xena slept through the afternoon but recovered rapidly. By evening she was feeling well enough for a good supper. "Why didn't you tell me you had enemies Xena?" Caldina demanded to know "Is this the first time or are there other incidents you haven't told me about?" "Please tell me the truth Xena. I love you and I have a right to know" Caldina pleaded. Xena told Caldina all the events that took place during the previous two days. "I am sorry for keeping you in the dark Caldina. It's Fortilla, the time we celebrate our love. I didn't want to see you worry. "I am worried about your safety Xena" "Who would do such a thing to you? People respect you like a goddess" "I have more enemies than I can even count Caldina. I have killed many evil men, fought and defeated scores more. Any one of these people or their sons, daughters, friends, kinsmen, wives or lovers could be after me" "Oh we are so helpless, even gods will not help because you defy them. I don't want to loose you Xena" Caldina sobbed. "This is why I didn't tell you my love, do not worry too much, King Demurius has doubled the guards around the palace and I will ask the generals to mobilize a company of secret soldiers who will mix among the civilians to be on the watch out for conspirators. Attacks on me could very well be a diversion to divert attention from king's safety and I wont be leaving the palace until this problem is settled" CHAPTER V "Where is the queen?" Tara asked a chamber maid who was cleaning the queen's bedroom. "She is in the temple with princess Scintilla" "Scintilla?? She was away wasn't she?" "Yes princess, she returned this morning while you were meeting with the merchant delegation" "Oh is that so?" "This is not good, why did she return so soon? This disrupts all my plans" Tara thought as she hurried to the palace's temple complex. Tara saw Scintilla pouring blood of a sacrificed animal over Zyla's body and the scene made her stomach turn. She wondered how Zyla, who is normally intolerant of blood, tolerated this gruesome ritual. She waited patiently for the ceremony to be over. "I will speak to Zyla at the bath after the ritual" she decided The long ritual was over at last and Tara heard Scintilla ordering the two slave girls present to accompany them to the royal bath. Tara followed them at a distance observing Scintilla, trying to ascertain why she returned suddenly. "Did she somehow get the wind of my plans?" This woman had some extraordinary powers. Tara always believed that Scintilla had a sixth sense. Many times, things she predicted turned out to be true in exact detail. A chill ran through Tara's spine when she thought what would happen if this seductress convinced Zyla that she is an enemy. She could loose her life with Xena or will loose everything even if she managed to escape. The slave girls began undressing Zyla and Scintilla. Scintilla got in to the bath first and announced "The water is nice and warm my queen. It's perfect after the long ritual" She helped Zyla to get in to the bath and started pouring water over Zyla "I will bathe the queen myself. You are dismissed" She ordered the slaves and began licking the blood off Zyla's breasts. Zyla who never got tired of sex, encouraged Scintilla by stroking her head" "I am sooo full of desire for you my queen. I missed you so much that I masturbated every night thinking of you." "You masturbated at the Hera's temple??? - Wouldn't that anger the goddess?" "Not when it's done out of love my queen. I was praying for you out of love, and I made love to you in my mind. It's only proof of how much I love you" With that Scintilla started to shower kisses on Zyla's bosom, eventually ending up on her lips. Tara got angry as she heard these lies from Scintilla. She gathered courage and walked over to the pool where they were kissing. "Hello Scintilla, what a surprise?" Tara spoke loudly to break their kiss. "Oh hello Tara, how did it go with the delegation? Were they happy with what we offered?" "The discussions were fruitful and they agreed to bring more business into the city" "Well done Tara, you are proving to be a skillful negotiator" "I wouldn't have succeeded without your guidance my queen" "Well why don't you to join us Tara?" "No my queen, I have to visit the spice markets to buy some incense and spices. We need them for the ceremony" "Is everything ready Tara? If there is anything you cannot find I'll help you. Some of the items I requested are quite rare" "Thanks Scintilla, I can manage it, I will buy the remaining items today" "Will you be gone for long Tara?" "No my queen, it will only take an hour or two" "Why do you have to go Tara? Why don't you send someone and join us" "Scintilla said the ingredients must be of highest quality and I don't want to rely on anybody else when it is for you" "Yes my queen, it is better that Tara personally inspects them before buying" "Oh well, thank you Tara." "What would I do without the two of you?" Tara kneeled at the edge of the pond to kiss Zyla's forehead. "I will see you in the evening" CHAPTER VI "Nadia!! Is that you?" "Oh thank you Apollo, you are safe" Tia sobbed hugging Nadia tightly. "What on earth are you talking about Tia? Why are you in tears?" "Oh Nadia I was worried sick and you don't know how much I cried. I thought they captured you" "Captured me?? By whom? " "I went to the market in the morning to buy some things for the kitchen and everyone there was talking about you." "They said that you tried to kill Xena with a poisonous snake and the kings guards are hot on your trail. They said that a little girl identified you" "Oh Tia, they didn't know what they were talking about" "But they described you Nadia, A tall fair skinned, good looking woman with black hair and blue eyes." "Don't be silly Tia; this is Mycenae, That description suits more than half of all young women in this city. Did they describe what I was wearing?" "No, I didn't stay around to listen to details..." "See. I was wearing a dress of an Egyptian Noblewoman. There is a large delegation sent by the Pharaoh Anh Tut to meet king Demurius and they are touring the city today. There are a number of Greek princesses had married Egyptians in that delegation. I deliberately wore an Egyptian dress so that people would think that I am a member of the delegation." "King's men cannot even question the ladies of the delegation as it is against the royal protocols. It was a well planned deception" "Are you relieved now little girl??" Nadia asked Tia who was trying to smile through her tears. "You cunning witch, how did you manage such a plan" Nadia sighed. "That is what I do from morning till evening Tia. I plan all my actions very carefully and leave nothing to chance. I do everything to avoid raising suspicions about my activities. Its very hard work and even the most ingenious plan can go wrong" Tia cuddled up to Nadia "That is why I am worried my honey drop. I know that you are very careful and that you are very skilful, but if some thing happens to you I will be alone in this world" Tia sobbed. "Shhh don't cry little sweet it's only for a few more days. After that I will say good bye this shadowy life of mine." Tia buried her face on Nadia's large bosom and Nadia held her close to her heart. CHAPTER VII "I wish to see princess Xena." "Princess Xena is indisposed. The royal physician has forbidden any visitors to her" "Who are you madam? And why do you seek her?" "I am a friend of hers. I have information about the assassination attempt" "I am sorry but you cannot meet Xena, may be you would like to speak to General Hecterex, commander of the palace guard and king's chief of security" "No, I must speak to Xena. Or at least to princess Caldina" "Very well madam, I will inform princess Caldina about your wish" "I am Caldina; I was informed that you wish to speak to me?" "Yes, I have some very important information. Could we go some place private?" "Follow me. I will take you to my private chamber" Tara followed Caldina to her private quarters in the palace. "How is Xena, princess Caldina?" "First you must tell me who you are and what information you have" "I am Princess Tara of Aphropolis" "Ah.. the city of decadence" Caldina remarked. "I understand your displeasure about our city and our ways but what I have to say is more important than where I am from. The plot to kill Xena was hatched in our palace" Caldina began slowly, expecting angry outbursts but she hoped that logic and would prevail. "What?? Zyla is behind this?" "What has Xena done to her?" Caldina saw Xena entering the chamber. "Who is it Caldina?" "Oh Xena you woke up. This is Princess Tara of Aphropolis. She says that the assassin was sent by Zyla" Xena was visibly shocked "What have I done to her?" I thought she is only interested in money and women" "Please listen to me, I will explain" Tara explained the whole story of Scintilla and how she wormed her way in by seducing Zyla and her and how Zyla is still under her spell. "The woman you described fits the profile of Sienta who came to this palace under the guise of a healer. She seduced my father and tried to kill my step mother. But the funny thing is she is dead. Xena killed her and her mother carried her dead body away and was never seen again" Caldina said thoughtfully. "What do you think Xena?" "You are right Caldina; the woman you describe fits Sienta, but I killed her" "Are you sure Xena?" "Of course I am sure Tara, I am a warrior and I know when I have killed someone" "The blow from my sword split opened her gut and blood was gushing out. There is no way she could have survived that wound" "But they are healers and sorcerers. May be her mother somehow managed to resurrect her. Does she bear any scars Tara?" Caldina asked. "No she has perfectly smooth skin all over her body" "That cannot be. Even if she survived there should be a massive scar. Are sure about this Tara?" "Of course Caldina I am sure. I have been making love to that body very night for the last two years. I know ever inch of her body" "Well.. then what kind of a creature are we dealing here with Xena?" Caldina asked "May be she had a twin sister" Tara suggested "That cannot be Tara, according to the legend; the Beastman of the dark mountains had only one female child" "The Beastman??" Tara quizzed. "The Beastman was an insane, savage murderer who roamed the dark mountains. He was known as the beastman because he did inhuman things to his victims. He was killed many times by the king's guards, but always reappeared seven days later as if he was resurrected from death. We only managed get rid of him when we severed his head from body, burned them to ashes and scattered to the wind" "After the Sienta's plot we learned that she was the daughter of the Beastman and her mother was his wife." "Well then that's it!! That solves how Sienta was resurrected and infiltrated our palace as Scintilla. If they could resurrect their father seven days after he was killed, Sienta would have been resurrected the same way by her mother." "That is a possibility" Xena agreed and Caldina nodded "They created this elaborate plot so that they can get their revenge from Xena for killing her and ruining their opportunity to capture power. Once they kill you, they will eventually kill me and get rid of Zyla too to take over our city. Aphropolis will serve them as the springboard for their aspirations on Mycenae. " "The question is how we stop them. Her mother will be at the palace tomorrow for the sacrificing ceremony and both of them together will create powerful sorcery" remarked Tara. "Only way is to kill them both, sever their heads, burn to ashes and scatter in the wind. That's how we stopped their father" Xena advised "Then the final question is how we get about doing all this in secrecy. I do not want any uniformed military men in the city. That will create rumors and fear in the hearts of our clients and compromise our treaties with other nearby kingdoms. I wish to hide this from the rest of the palace as well" "That's a very tall order Tara" Snapped Xena. "I have thought of a plan if you are interested..." Tara began CHAPTER VIII "Is everything ready for the ceremony Scintilla?" "Yes my queen, everything is ready. My mother arrived a few hours ago and she is resting in my quarters. Xena is bound to the sacrificial altar awaiting her fate. Caldina is in the cell, we will sacrifice her later" "Are you sure they cannot escape?" "Yes, I have bound them well." "We will begin our ceremony at midnight" "Do I have to be there from the midnight onwards?" "Oh no my queen, your presence is only required at the end just before the sacrifice is made. Tara said she will accompany me for the whole night. I will send her for you when we are ready for the final event. You may sleep still then" "Who will serve you for the night my queen?" Scintilla asked taking Zyla's mind away from the rituals. "Tara said Lucinda and Imara will be ready for me in my bed room, but I will miss you both tonight" "It will be only for one night my queen; we will be there for you from tomorrow" The long night of the ceremony started at the midnight. Scintilla and her mother started chanting in an ancient, forgotten language. Tara did not understand the language well but knew that the prayer was for Hera requesting to accept the blood sacrifice of her enemies in exchange for magical powers and her blessings. Xena lay in the altar facing upwards. She felt sorry for Caldina who unlike Xena, is a homely princess. She has never been put in a prison like this. Xena being a warrior fared better. Her mouth was gagged and arms and legs were tightly bound. Scintilla herself bound her to make sure the she is secure and there is no chance of escape. How ever Tara managed to cut her ropes from under her body just before the ceremony started. Tara's heart started pounding faster and faster as the night wore out and the daybreak approached. She prayed to Zeus and Apollo to save them from these evil women. Tara almost jumped out of her skin when Scintilla called. "Tara you may bring the queen now, it is time" Tara nervously glanced at ceiling of the prayer house as she walked in with her queen. They both sat down near Scintilla for the final act to begin. Scintilla took an ointment out a small jar and started rubbing it on Zyla's forehead while reciting a prayer. Scintilla's mother took the well sharpened broadsword in both hands and kissed it. She then gave it to Scintilla who took it in both hands and traced its razor sharp edge with her tongue before kissing it. Blood sprouted from her tongue and covered her mouth as she handed it back to her mother. Scintilla closed her eyes and started a loud prayer. Tara looked at Caldina who watched in horror as the old woman took the sword in both hands and walked towards the altar. Zyla, under a trance started to smile as the gruesome scene started to occur. The loud prayer reached its crescendo and Scintilla's old woman raised the heavy sword further to gather momentum. Suddenly the old woman jerked and screamed dropping her sword. "Mother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Scintilla screamed as the old woman fell to the ground clutching her back. Scintilla dove to the fallen sword to finish Xena off as promised to Hera. However she never expected Xena to be on her feet when she got up with the sword. A well aimed kick sent Scintilla tumbling, loosing the grip of her sword. The massive sword was firmly in Xena's hands as Scintilla recovered from the blow. She lunged at Xena screaming "You can't kill me you bitch; you already tried once and failed. I will finish..." Before she could finish her sentence, a well aimed swipe from Xena cut Scintilla's right arm off and she fell to the ground again screaming. The royal musketeers who hid in the cross beams of the roof of the temple jumped to the ground at that moment to assist their princess. "Kill the old woman and cut her head off, I will take care of this one" Xena yelled orders to her men as she struck blow after blow from her sword to Scintilla. She was alive and on her feet even without her right limb and fought Xena like a wounded tigress. The horror of the bloody carnage and blood curdling screams made Caldina, Tara and Zyla to faint. Tara had no idea how long they had been unconscious. The sun light was streaming from the windows and Tara reckoned that it would be close to noon. The palace slaves were given strict instructions not to disturb them until they are summoned. Zyla was still unconscious and Tara found that she had high fever. There was no sign of Xena or Scintilla and her mother, but there was horrible splatters of blood, torn clothes and armour every where. To her relief she found a written message left by Xena thoughtfully left inside her breast cup. Xena would have done it to prevent Zyla from getting to know about Tara's betrayal case she recovered first. The message read; "We killed both of them and severed their heads. We will burn them today and scatter their ashes to the wind in the evening. We worked to your plan and got out of your palace without detection. The musketeers are loyal and sworn for secrecy. The rest is up to you. You would be advised to have a convincing cover story ready to explain Zyla what happened. Good Luck and Thank you for risking your life to help me and Caldina. You will always find us your sincere friends from hereafter and we will always be there when ever you need us. - Xena" CHAPTER IX Xena and Caldina dismounted from their horses and continued on foot to the top of the hill. The wind was chilly and strong. "Let's do it Caldina" Xena said taking out two small clay urns from her rucksack. She handed over one to Caldina. They opened the lids in silence and scattered the ashes inside to the cold wind, hoping that their nightmare would end. They smashed the urns and scattered the pieces so no one will ever be able put them together. Caldina closed her eyes and murmured a prayer and Xena watched her in silence. "Let's go home" Xena said holding Caldina's hand. "Do you think it will end here Xena?" "Of course it's over" Xena said and kissed her pretty princess "And we have a lot of catching up to do" "Yes a lot ..." "She still has high fever princess" Imara said covering her queen with a sheet. "Don't worry Imara, it would subside by morning" "Princess, where is Princess Scintilla?" "She went with her mother on a pilgrimage" "A pilgrimage? But I heard her telling our queen that she will be with her after the ceremony" "Um yes that was the plan, but her mother is old and frail, she wanted to visit Mt Olympus before her death, and she wanted Scintilla to accompany her" "Oh I see, would she be gone for long princess?" "Yes may be about an year. You are full of questions today Imara" "I am sorry for my inquisitiveness princess, I apologize" "That's alright child, Bring me some wine, I am thirsty. You may pour one for your self as well" As the girl poured the wine, Tara could see her shapely figure silhouetted through the silk nightgown. She felt the wetness building up within her and longed for Imara's skillful lips on her. "Sit here with me Imara" Tara invited when the girl brought the wine Tara touched the girl's small breasts through her dress as she poured the wine. Understanding her mistress's need Imara allowed her thin gown to fall down before sitting close to her princess. Tara continued to give attention to the girl's small breasts. "Princess, I wish I had larger breasts like you" Imara said, feeling the roundness of Tara's mounds." "Why do you say that?" "Your mounds are large and beautiful but mine are so small" "Oh don't be silly, you have the perfect size for your body" "But still I like yours more" "Well, you can have them anytime you want" Tara said, gently guiding the girl's lips to her erect nipples. The girl sucked her rose buds eagerly. Tara noticed that the girl has become bolder and more skillful than her last time when she felt Imara's small hand probing her womanhood. The End THE SECOND PART OF THIS STORY "XENA & THE REVENGE OF OLIVA" WILL BE POSTED SOON