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Conversation stopped when she entered the tavern. Gygr felt eyes on her back as she slowly made her way to the very back table. She took the seat against the wall so she faced the door and had a view of the establishment as well as it's occupants. There were low whispers and she could feel the tension build as she heard her name passed from lips to lips.

A girl with golden light hair approached her table and smiled.

"Hi. I'm Emilie and I'll be your server today. Our special is rabbit stew and it's really good, even if I do say so myself. Comes with bread and ale. Only eight singli." The girl smiled as she settled a pitcher and mug before the woman.

"No ale. Got milk?"

"Goat or cow? You get the whole pitcher and we keep it cold in the creek."

"Goat. Water too." Gygr lifted her head to the open stares from other customers, "got a problem?" Immediately noses disappeared into mugs, backs were turned and conversations began again.

"Water's right here," Emilie tapped the pitcher she'd just set down.

Emilie returned juggling a large bowl of stew in one hand and a pitcher and mug in the other carefully setting them onto the table. Perched precariously over the stew was a plate with a loaf of dark bread.

Gygr immediately began to eat, her eyes traveling about the room as she bent her head over the bowl. She tore a hunk from the bread, sopped up the remainder of the stew from the bowl, chewed twice and swallowed.

Emilie arrived with another bowl and loaf, "seconds are free." She smiled and settled more stew and another loaf before the warrior.

Gygr dug into the second helping finishing it within minutes. She swallowed the last of the goat milk and wiped the back of her hand across her lips erasing the milk mustache.

"There an inn close by?" The warrior tossed eight coins onto the table.

"Up the street about six doors, if you don't mind cockroaches and tiny beds. But Delia, the tavern owner, has a room she rents out. And you'll at least fit in the bed." Emilie smiled.

"How much?" Gygr slouched against the wall allowing her legs to stretch out under the table.

"How long you staying?"

"One night."

"That'll be three singli."

"I'll take it."

"Up the stairs. Last one on the left."

"Uh," Gygr wasn't sure what to say, "the food was good."

"How would you know? The stuff wasn't in your mouth long enough to get aquainted with your taste buds." Emilie ran a cloth over the table.

"You always this pleasant to customers?" The warrior raised her brows.

"Delia prefers we call you guests not customers. And no, I mean yes. I mean, I'm always pleasant." Emilie's green eyes flashed.

Gygr nodded, "right," tossed three more coins onto the table, picked up her saddlebag and climbed the stairs. What an irritating girl.

Emilie watched Gygr as she took the stairs in twos. What an irritating woman.

The room was bigger than Gygr expected. The large bed was to the left along the wall and directly across the room was a fireplace, the fire lit but getting low. In front of it was a large wooden tub with a table and chair beside it. The woman tossed the saddlebag onto the bed, lifted her arms overhead and stretched, "Uhhhhh."

She heard the soft tap at the door, "Come." Emilie swung the door open with her foot and struggled with two buckets of steaming water.

"The three singli includes the bath." Emilie emptied the buckets into the tub, "I'll be back." She left with the empty buckets swinging in her hands.

Gygr removed her nightshirt from the pack and tossed it on the bed. She removed her body armor and settled it onto the floor followed by her leg armor and boots. Finally the wrist bracers and armbands.

Within minutes Emilie returned with another two buckets. "You visiting someone in the village?" Emilie poured a steaming bucket into the tub.

"No."

Emilie nodded and emptied the second bucket and disappeared through the door.

The warrior pulled the chair to the other side of the room and sat.

The girl returned with two more buckets, "more water." She smiled, "you looking to buy something?" One bucket was emptied, "I know where the best deals are." She emptied the other.

"No."

"Oh." She stood uncomfortably a moment, "I'll be back with more water."

Carrying two more buckets the girl returned. "So I guess you would just be passing through then."

"Kinda." Not bad looking. Really nosy. Can't stop talking.

Emilie dumped yet another bucket into the tub, "where are you going?"

"How much more water does that tub take?"

Emilie poured the second, "about four more or so."

Gygr removed the empty buckets from the girl's hand, "I'll help you get them."

When they returned Gygr quickly emptied the four buckets into the tub.

"Thanks. That was very nice of you to help."

Gygr pressed the empty buckets into Emilie's hands and slowly backed her to the door. "Welcome. Bye." She closed the door behind the surprised girl.

The warrior positioned her sword on the table behind the tub and she slipped into the hot water just as she heard another knock at the door.

Gygr reached back and grabbed the sword, "come."

Emilie entered with an armload of linens and a fist sized yellow hunk. "Just thought I'd bring you some soap and something to dry yourself with when you finish your bath."

Gygr placed the sword out of view between the fireplace and the tub. "Sure."

Emilie settled the linen onto the table with the yellow hunk beside it. "So why are you really here?"

Gygr took a deep breath, held it a moment then released it.

She turned to the girl, "what's soap?"

"You never heard of soap?"

Gygr's jaw stiffened. "No."

Emilie retrieved the yellow hunk from the table and handed it to the woman. "It gets your skin clean."

Gygr smelled it and made a face. "Smells repulsive."

"You smell repulsive."

"What?" The warrior's head snapped toward the girl.

"You already smell repulsive. You won't smell any worse than you do now."

Gygr watched the girl and suppressed a smile, "you always go around insulting customers?"

Emilie stood before the warrior hands on her hips. "Guests. And I'm not insulting you. I'm telling you the truth. You could at least try the soap. If you don't like it you can stay smelly and dirty forever for all I care." Emilie spun around, opened the door and slammed it behind her when she left.

The warrior lifted her arm and smelled. "Yulch." The girl is right. Gygr had ridden for three days stopping only to rest Hannibal, hunt, eat, do personal business in the bushes when she needed to and forcibly discourage attackers who thought a lone woman easy pickings. She wasn't sure what village this was, but it seemed all right for now. She leaned back and allowed herself to slide deeper into the hot water as she surveyed the room. The bed certainly looked big enough so she could lay straight if she so desired. Interesting that girl could tell I'd need a long bed right off. Gygr shrugged her shoulders and continued the investigation. Corner room. Big fireplace. Damn forgot to stoke the fire. "Too late now. So live with it."

Absently Gygr began to rub the soap between her hands and was surprised to see it foam. Gingerly she rubbed the stuff onto her arm and watched as the dirt and blood softened and rinsed away with the water. She now had a clean patch of tanned skin surrounded by filth. Gygr used the soap all over her body and washed her hair with it as well. She realized it no longer had the repulsive smell. Or am I just used to it now? Still, she was clean and it felt good. She smiled as she tossed the hunk into the air and caught it. The slippery stuff popped out of her hands and slid across the floor under the bed. She swore to herself in Dorian.

Gygr stood and let the water run from her body before grabbing a linen and drying herself with it. She fingered knots from her hair and shook her head, enjoying the feel of the damp hair slapping across her face. She slipped into the under clothes and pulled a sleeping shirt over them. After settling the saddlebag on the table she lay her sheathed sword on the floor beside the bed. The warrior lay down promising herself she'd only close her eyes for a few minutes. Gods it's still day. I can still get a lot done. She stretched and yawned and slept.

She watched the fat man take off his clothes and saw his organ bulge. Little Gygr giggled. He looks just like a horse. The big, sweaty hand caught her on the cheek and sent her flying across the room into a wall.

She smelled the man even from the other side of the room. She watched him carefully as she wiped blood from her mouth. Her lip hurt and her cheek stung. Fat man sat on the bed and pulled the wineskin to his thick lips drawing deeply from it. She could actually see the skin get smaller as the liquid was drained.

He stood unsteadily and grabbed Gygr by the hair pulling her onto the bed beside him. He leaned over and pinched her face between his thumb and forefinger. "Let's have a kiss." He burped and the child tried to turn her head away from the awful smell but strong hands held her.

He pushed his lips over hers and Gygr's eyes flew open when the man's tongue was forced into her mouth. She bit down hard and the man tried to pull away but his tongue was caught between sharp little teeth. He screamed as best he could and she continued to bite down. She saw the fist come down towards her head and suddenly everything went black.

"Uh . . there's entertainment tonight if you want to come down." Emilie poked her head in and smiled.

Gygr used the linen to dry her face and hands and took a few deep breaths. "What kind of entertainment?"

"Oh just stories . . you know about the gods, Cupid, and of course the great hero Hercules."

"A bard, huh. Think he knows stories about Gygr?"

"Well uh yes . .  uh . . not really a bard . . but there might be a story about her. It's included with the room." She smiled and for the first time Gygr noticed her bright green eyes. Like the new leaves of spring. "Oh and I saved your favorite seat for you. I know how you warrior types like to have your back at a wall and face the door."

"Warrior types?"

"Uh yeah."

"What makes you think I'm a warrior?"

"Well. Uh . . the leather tunic, the armor, the bracers, the sword and daggers kinda give you away." She smiled again, nodded then disappeared behind the closed door.

Gygr shook her head and chuckled to herself. Gods.

True to her word Emilie had saved her place. She sat in it herself and got up only when she saw the warrior. The room was crowded. Every table had a pitcher and mugs were set at every place. Must be a good bard if he gets this much attention. Or maybe it's the ale. She poured some of the brew into a mug and took a swallow then immediately spit it out back into the mug. Sure not the ale that brings them.

Gygr watched two men settle a stool on a table. Then they helped Emilie up and she took her place on the stool and smiled.

"Gosh," she flushed, "quite a crowd tonight. Thank you for coming." She looked around the room and nodded to familiar faces. "I see we have a lot of regulars here tonight," then settled her eyes on the warrior, "and some new ones. So let's get started, shall we?" She closed her eyes and folded her hands on her lap. When she opened her eyes and began to speak Gygr and everyone else were mesmerized. She told a tale of Hercules and how he saved the world when the goddess Hera chained Prometheus thereby beginning the process of destroying mankind. The audience was spellbound. There was not even clearing of a throat. And at the end everyone applauded and some threw coins onto the table. Emilie's face reddened but she smiled and seem to make it special for every person in the room.

"I've had a request for a Gygr story." Emilie smiled and sent a quick look to the warrior. Again she closed her eyes and her voice carried everyone to far off Cleanistri where the story took place. Well at least that part's right. As the story went on Gygr could feel her heart stop. Is this what they think of me? Her jaw tightened and her hand squeezed the wood mug until it cracked. But no one heard it. Emilie still held the audience in the palms of her hands. At the end everyone applauded enthusiastically. Almost everyone. When Emilie closed her eyes for the story about Cupid Gygr slipped out the back way.

Hannibal snorted when she entered the stable. "Hey fella. How they treating you?" She ran her fingers through his mane and kissed him on the forehead. He pushed his nose into her abdomen. "Resting good? Yeah. Sorry about that ride. Bris would say that our reactions to bad things happening is one of those 'little differences' in people. Wish I understood what he was talking about." She lay her head against her friend's side and closed her eyes. "Gods I'm still tired. You must be too. We'll stay a few days. Get our strength back. Yeah, sounds like a plan." She patted the stallion on his white rump and strode from the stable back to the room.

She settled on the bed her back against the wall. She heard the familiar footsteps and waited for the light knock. "Come."

"Thought you might like a late snack." The girl held a bowl of fruit and was going to put it on the table but changed her mind and placed it beside the warrior on the bed. She held up a finger and retrieved a pitcher and two mugs from outside the door then deftly closed it with her foot.

"Their ale sucks."

"It's not ale. And by the way I agree with you. It's the worst stuff I've ever tasted. But then I'm not that big a drinker anyway. She poured two mugs and handed one to the warrior then carefully settled herself on the bed with the fruit between the two of them.

Gygr took a sip and smiled, finishing the goat's milk in three large swallows.

"Wow, I should have brought the goat."

Gygr chuckled as she refilled her mug and drank.

"So how'd you like the stories?" Emilie smiled and took a drink from the mug then traded it for the empty one in the hand of the woman beside her.

"I liked the Hercules story."

Emilie waited. "That's all?"

"Well I didn't hear the one about Cupid."

"Yeah, I saw you were gone when I opened my eyes. How about the Gygr story? Did you like that one?"

"No."

"Why? What was wrong with it?"

"It was inaccurate."

"Inaccurate? Inaccurate? And how was it inaccurate? Like you'd know."

"I never killed women or children in the games. Even as a child I never faced either women or children."

Emilie gasped and struggled off the bed. "You . . y . ." Gygr saw the girl's body slightly stiffen then slump to the floor. She swore in Bret and slipped off the bed. The warrior settled the mug of goat milk onto the floor and gently lifted the girl to the bed.

Gygr nibbled the last bit of apple and tossed the core into the fire where it sputtered and spit before being swallowed by the flames. The girl finally opened her eyes and sat up. "Uh." She smiled at Gygr who sat in the chair she'd settled near the bed.

"Didn't mean to scare you. Thought you knew."

"Uh no." Emilie held her head.

"You got a bang on the head when you hit the floor. Skin's not broken. Just a little bump."

"Yeah, and a throbbing headache."

The warrior stood and retrieved a mug from the table and handed it to Emilie. "Try this."

The girl smelled it, "ulgh, think I'll pass."

"Suit yourself. But like the smelly soap it really will help." The warrior didn't smile just kneeled beside the girl and gently pushed the mug to her lips.

Emilie drank it all down. "Ulgh. Happy?"

"Humph." The warrior moved across the floor and sat beside the fireplace her knees up against her chest.

Emilie blinked and for a moment thought she saw a child in front of her. She shook her head and remembered the stories she'd heard. Inaccurate? "So," she slapped her hands on her thighs. "Before I rudely interrupted you were telling me how the story about you was inaccurate. Care to elaborate further?"

"Not particularly." Gygr rested her chin on her knees arms tight around her legs.

"Well, I'm tired. I'm going to bed." Emilie grinned. "Hey that stuff works. My headache is gone."

"So's my dirty repulsive smell." Gygr smiled and stood. "Thanks for the soap."

"No problem. I make it myself."

"Really?"

"Nah, but it sounds good doesn't it?" Emilie gently closed the door behind her.

The warrior was tired. She'd nodded off in the chair a couple of times and was happy to lay in the comfortable bed. She was asleep almost before her eyes were closed.

"Gygr your weapon." Bris handed Gygr a dagger.

"Who do I fight?" Gygr stood in the arms room below the stadium. Around her gladiators were given the weapons they would use in today's matches.

"You don't. Today you execute enemies of Creanistri. Jauka requested you personally."

The woman looked at her old friend. "Just slice their throats?

"That would be best."

Guards pushed four children and three women into the room forcing them against a closed gate that led to the arena. Past the gate Gygr could see rows of people waiting for the day's spectacle to begin.

"Who are they?" She jerked her head toward the new arrivals.

"They are the enemies of Creanistri you are to execute. The families of traitors."

"What?" Gygr stared at the small group then to her friend. "I don't kill innocents." She threw the dagger into the ground the hilt wriggling back and forth. "Tell Jauka I personally decline his generous invitation."

Every man in the small room instantly stood to attention as a dark haired man dressed in colorful silken robes entered.

"We see you've grown into a fine looking gladiator Gygr. We've been keeping track of your progress. We look forward to seeing you do your duty today." A chair was hastily brought to Jauka and he sat. Absently he fingered the old wound on his calf.

"Do your own dirty work Jauka. I won't slaughter these people for your pleasure."

"Now, now Gygr. My people enjoy your energy. You are one of their favorites."

"I don't kill innocents."

Jauka smiled, "then Gygr you will be their protector. Send her out as she is. Let's see how well you can protect these," he pointed his chin toward the seven at the gate, ‘innocents.’” Jauka rose, gave Gygr one last smile and left followed by his entourage.

"What did he mean send me out as I am."

"No armor, no weapons. As you are now."

Gygr sighed, "he set me up didn't he Bris?"

"Yes Little One."

The gate was opened and the guards escorted the seven into the stadium.

Gygr turned and stood straight and marched after them. The crowd went wild when they saw her. "Gygr, Gygr, Gygr." They cheered her by name. Jauka lifted his hand and immediately there was quiet.

"We have an execution today. But to prove we are not barbarians we have allowed the criminals of Creanistri to choose a champion to fight for them. They have chosen Gygr." The crowd roared. "Gygr has been challenged by seven trainees. If Gygr wins the surviving traitors will be set free in exile. If she does not the surviving trainees will win their freedom." Again the crowd roared some cheering some booing.

Gygr turned to the seven. "Stay behind me and whatever you do try not to get separated." They all nodded.

Jauka was handed a small scroll. "The trainees are Bastri, Rydry, Pictus, Arellius, Menden, Marcus and Pestro." The seven entered the arena as their names were called.

Gygr watched every man enter. "Menden," she hissed when she saw the familiar face. "And Pestro, too."

Jauka was handed a purple cloth which he dropped as the signal to begin. Marcus was the first to approach Gygr with a long spear in his right hand and holding a small round shield in his left. Gygr lunged forward grabbed the spear from the surprised man's hand and used it as a support to launch her feet into his chest knocking him to the ground. Quickly Rydry threw his net at Gygr who sidestepped it and picked it up. Gygr saw the shadow of a man behind her and dropped the net, shortened the grip on the spear and forced it behind her into the chest of Arellius. Again she retrieved the net and sent it flying over Pictus who was pulling a child toward him. Pictus becomes entangled in the net and fell to the ground onto the knife he held.

Rydry threw his trident at one of the children and a woman threw herself in front of the child becoming impaled by the weapon. Gygr threw the spear at Rydry striking him in the neck sending blood spewing. The warrior saw Menden approach from her right and Bastri from the left. She leaped to Pictus' body and retrieved both the net and dagger.

She threw the dagger hitting Bastri in the eye killing him. The woman swung the net over her head and released it. The crowd seemed to go quiet as the net floated over Menden. The warrior leaped on top of the man. "You're dead," she growled as she choked him.

"Gygr," he tried desperately to breath grabbing the hands at his throat.

Gygr was grabbed from behind. "Remember Wilem?" Quickly she snapped Menden's neck "two," and turned. She pressed her foot onto Marcus' chest and shoved him away. Pestro turned toward her with his short sword and shield and watched as Marcus fell onto his back. Gygr pulled the net from Menden's body and grabbed his sword which she raised over her head and plunged into Marcus' chest.

 She took a few deep breaths and approached the last trainee as he fell to his knees. "Please don't kill me."

"You would come out to kill innocents? Then beg me for your life? You disgust me." She hissed spittle hitting the quivering man in the face.

"Pestro, do you remember Wilem?" Swiftly Gygr swung the sword opening Pestro's chest. "Three." She reached into the still kneeling body and twisted her hand pulling out his still beating heart. She raised it over her head as the crowd went wild.

The six guards returned and escorted the survivors back to the arms room. Gygr turned to the captain of the guard who had come to congratulate her. "Give this to Jauka with my compliments." She pushed the heart into the stunned man's hands, "and tell him I don't kill innocents." She threw the sword into the dirt and followed the guards back and through the gate.

Emilie rushed into the room and watched in horror as the warrior thrashed about in the bed.

"I don't kill innocents. I don't kill innocents."

Emilie sat on the floor beside the bed and softly spoke to the woman. "Yes. We know that. You don't kill innocents. We know." Tears fell from the girls cheeks onto her nightshirt. She hesitated a moment, then as the warrior seemed to calm, Emilie stroked the woman's forehead gently. "Yes. It's all right now. You're safe. You never kill innocents." Emilie pushed the matted hair from the woman's sweaty face. "It's all right now." She continued to soothe the gladiator with her soft voice and watched as the warrior slipped back into sleep. She waited and when Gygr's breathing slowed the girl quietly slipped from the room.
 

Tang Te found Bris and Balador at their favorite tavern in Ciseaux. The friends rose and clasped each others arms then sat and Tang, between bites of a great stew, related his efforts to follow Gygr. "She's in Nicopolis. North of Bryn. Lots of raiders so she'll be occupied till we get there."

"She have any trouble on the road." Bris' concern showed.

"I'd say there were about fifteen idiots that had trouble. Gods Bris I haven't seen her in such a rage since . . . well in years." The men were silent for a long time. "She's having nightmares again. I think it's the 'innocents' one."

Bris took a long breath. "At least she'll still be there by the time we're able to reach her. Bal and I will start out now. You can follow in the morning. And Tang," Bris held his friend's eyes with his own, "thanks."

"Bris, she's one of us. We all care for her. She's the sister we lost if we ever had one. I'll watch her back till the day I die." The young man's face was solemn.

Bal and Bris nodded then rose and left the tavern.
 

She sat at the same table in the same seat she had the night before and out of the corner of her eye saw Emilie approach.

"Morning meal. It's included." Emilie set a pitcher of water and a bowl onto the table.

Gygr eyed the mush in the bowl and smelled it. "What is this?"

"Porridge."

Gygr rose, picked up the bowl, "I hate porridge," and pressed it into Emilie's hands.

"Well we don't seem to have any blood and babies at the moment."

Gygr stared down at the girl and growled.

Emilie, that was a dumb thing to say.

Emilie chased after the warrior and caught up with her near the stable. "I'm sorry that was an incredibly stupid thing to say."

"Incredibly."

"I should know better."

Gygr stopped and looked down at the girl. "Why? All you know are the stories everyone tells."

"Yes, but still. Now I know you better and I know for an absolute fact you would never hurt anyone unless they deserved it."

Gygr raised a brow, "oh you know that for a fact huh?"

"Absolutely." She said firmly.

Gygr stood and stared at the girl. "What do you know? You're only a kid."

"I'm not a kid. And I know a little something about you that you don't even know."

"Yeah, like what?" The warrior placed her hands on her hips.

"You're lonely."

Gygr stiffened. "Get away from me," she hissed and turned to walk away.

"Raiders, raiders," a man ran down the street followed by men on horseback who indiscriminately rode down villagers they encountered.

Gygr pushed Emilie to the side and drew her sword from the sheath on her back, "get to the tavern and stay there," she yelled as she bounced on her toes waiting for the approaching bandits.

Emilie stood for a moment then ran to the safety of the tavern and watched, heart in her throat, as Gygr swung her sword at the first man and sent him flying backward off his mount, his chest open, his lifeblood pouring into the dirt. She grabbed the bridle of a second horse and deflected a blow from it's rider as she twisted the leather in her strong hands forcing the animal down. Abruptly she turned and thrust her sword into the chest of the surprised man as he fell. Sensing danger behind, the warrior raised her sword behind her head and deflected another blow. She twisted the weapon quickly and the momentum pulled the sword from her assailant's hand. Without looking she swung her sword to her side and plunged it backward into the body of the raider.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw a bandit pull a child to his horse. Gygr pulled her dagger, flicked her wrist and impaled the man in the eye instantly killing him. A villager raced to the mount and carefully pulled the child to him as the little girl sobbed hysterically.

The warrior stood in the middle of the village swinging her sword and watched as the raiders turned and galloped away.

Emilie was immediately at the warrior's side. "Wow. That was incredible."

"They'll be back." Gygr said quietly.

"How do you know?"

"They left empty handed." She glanced at the girl, sheathed her sword and strode to the stable.

"Want to go for a ride Hannibal?" Gygr saddled the stallion and led him from the structure. Easily the warrior swung herself into the saddle and caught up to Emilie as the girl headed for the tavern. "Hey, think I can stay another couple of nights?"

"Uh, yeah. No problem."

"Good." She heeled Hannibal and raced in the direction the bandits, her red hair whipping back in the breeze.

They were noisy and smelly. Gods did I smell this bad to Emilie? Gygr slapped Hannibal on the rump with two quick pats and the animal trotted away. The warrior sank into a crouch and jumped grabbing onto a heavy branch and pulled herself up. She climbed until she had a good view of the camp. Gods next time I'm going upwind. I don't think those guys could smell a manure pit. The camp was disgustingly filthy. She smelled the area the men used for their personal business and snorted. Gygr heard snatches of conversation and carefully walked across the heavy limb to the limb of the next tree where she maneuvered so she could sit in the arms of two entwined branches and listen to the men below her.

". .  his merchandise yesterday."

"Who was that woman?"

"Don't know."

"Think they hired someone to protect them?"

"Quella you can be such an idiot. Where would a poor village like that get the money to hire protection?"

"I don't know, but that really didn't seem like a poor village to me. You sure we got the right place?"

"Yeah, he said Nicopolis." The man nodded, "but it did seem prosperous. Two taverns, an inn. Poor villages usually have a broken down tavern and no inn."

"Maybe he got the name wrong."

"The guy's a merchant. They don't get village names wrong."

"So what do we do?"

"Malador wants the goods. We'll wait a day or so then hit them again. That woman's probably only there for a night or two. If she's not gone we'll get her too. Malador would pay big for a prize like her."

 "Hey," a man ran into the camp breathing hard pointing behind him. He took a couple of deep breaths, "white horse . . saddled . . back there."

"Damn the gods," the apparent leader swore and raced from the camp followed by every other man.

Gygr made her way carefully through the trees and dropped silently to the ground and into a sprint away from the raiders toward the road where she knew Hannibal would come, if he wasn't there already. When she saw her old friend canter towards her she grabbed the saddle horn and leaped into the saddle galloping down the road in the opposite direction of Nicopolis.

"Damn the gods," the men watched horse and rider disappear around a bend. "Did you see who it was?"

"It was Gygr," a deep voice from behind the men caused them to turn around.

"Malador."

Quella stared at the man.

"Shut up Kel," the fat man said. The man sat on a large black mare it's eyes gold and bright. She pranced from side to side eager to get moving again. "I need those slaves. Tomorrow. Got it?" His eyes penetrated into Kel's. Malador shifted his weight, pulled the reins and rode away in the direction Gygr had taken.

"Yeah, Malador. I got it." Kel whispered a little too late for the man to hear. "Back to camp," he yelled, "get ready for tomorrow. Before dawn." He pulled a man by the arm, "Fallas, I want a diversion tomorrow." The two men discussed their plan as they returned to the camp.

By the time Gygr returned to the village it was nearly dusk. She had taken great care to make sure she wasn't followed and ended up backtracking quite a bit before finally heading back. It allowed her a lot of time to formulate a plan. I don't think they're going to wait a day or two. If I were them I'd hit the village tomorrow morning. Before dawn. When folks are still a bit sleepy. Probably come in the same way since it worked so well the first time.

Gygr stabled Hannibal and paid the owner extra to groom her and give her friend extra barley and oats.

"No need to pay. What you did this morning is more payment than I need." The man smiled, "name's Jerome." He returned the coins to the warrior's hand.

"Well, it's not over Jerome. Expect them back tomorrow morning," she slipped the coins back into the man's hand and was gone before he could react.

The tavern bubbled with conversation. Jerome had passed the word and it seemed every man in the village was struggling to find a place to sit or stand and those who could not get in waited outside. Gygr could hear the rumors float over the room. She sat in her usual place a pitcher of goat milk in front of her. She emptied the mug and poured another. Emilie slipped beside her. "What are you doing here?" Gygr growled.

"Moral support," the girl smiled up at the warrior.

Gygr swore.

Emilie's face reddened, "you should know I understand Creanistrian."

Gygr stared at the girl, "Uh, . ."

"Actually there are plenty of Alaistrian words that would work out rather nicely for you."

"People in Alaistria understand Alaistrian." Gygr suddenly felt warm.

"Well this people also understands Creanistrian. That's just so you know for next time. Unless that is, you want me to understand it."

The warrior looked at the girl in amazement. "Don't you ever shut up?"

Emilie closed her mouth and lowered her head. Tears stung her eyes but somehow she held them back.

Oh that was great Gygr. Just beat the kid with words.

The voices in the room grew louder until most of the conversation was shouting back and forth. "Why don't we just give them what they want?"

"We don't know what they want."

Gygr mumbled, "they want you."

Silence. Every head turned to her.

"They're slavers. They want people."

A man swallowed and asked quietly. "How do you know?"

"Found their camp and did a little eavesdropping."

"How do we know you're not one of them?"

"Idiot. If she was one of them it was really bad form to kill her own men this morning." Emilie said to herself a little louder than she thought.

Gygr looked around the room. Scared eyes. Scared men.

"What do you think we should do Gygr?" It was the first time anyone had mentioned her name out loud and she waited for the usual curses. None came. Everyone waited for her reply.

Gods these people believe I can help them. They don't seem to hate me either. Not now at least. Yeah, give them time. The warrior took a deep breath counted to ten then released it slowly. When she felt her heart settle back to a normal rhythm she spoke, "you can either run and hide or fight back."

"We can't all run and hide. There are caves around here but not for all of us."

"Then get the women and children to safety and put up a defense."

"Will you lead us?" One hopeful voice asked.

"No." She looked into disappointed eyes. "But I'll fight along side of you."

Immediately men crowded into groups. One group took on the task of getting all the women and children into the caves just west of the village. Another would assemble all the weapons in the village and a third huddled around Gygr for suggestions regarding barricades and such. Gygr spoke quietly to the men around her. Suggestions were tossed about and decisions made by the villagers who were overjoyed when the warrior approved of them as sound. By morning everything would be ready.

Gygr walked through the empty village. Everyone slept knowing the morning might bring a very different life for them all if they were unsuccessful.  An overturned wagon barricaded every entrance to the town. Won't hold them back but maybe it will slow them down long enough to overwhelm them. Two hundred men at her disposal against forty to fifty renegades. Luckily some of the villagers were former soldiers and even a gladiator. Nearly all had swords, pikes or axes and those who didn't held pitchforks, daggers and some their wives prized kitchen knives.

Gygr softly shook her head when she saw Emilie approach. "Why aren't you in the caves?"

"I hate enclosed places."

"Know what you mean," the warrior smirked.

"I think you should get some sleep." Emilie said softly.

"Oh you think that do you?"

"Yes."

Gygr looked into the girl's eyes and saw genuine concern. Don't go there Gygr. "Yeah, soon as I say goodnight to Hannibal." She walked quickly away to the stable.

The warrior lay her head on the soft mane of her friend. "Gonna be a battle tomorrow." The animal snorted and nodded his head. "Yeah, I am looking forward to it. I don't know why, but I do love it. This isn't like the games. There everyone was like me. We were used for the same purpose. We were just entertainment. This is life or death not just for one person, but for an entire village. Hundreds of people Hannibal. And for some reason they're counting on me. I feel it. I know they'll be at my back, but still. They'll expect me to carry the load because they think I can." She snorted and Hannibal pushed his nose into her chest. "Yeah, and I'll do it because I know I can. And for the blood lust."

She settled into the soft fresh straw of the stall and placed her sheathed sword beside her. Gygr stroked her friends leg and drifted to sleep.

"Bina," she screamed, "Bina, no." Gygr leaped to her feet and breathed hard opening and closing her eyes. She swallowed and remembered where she was. She heard the footsteps approach the stable.

"They're coming," Emilie was nearly breathless. "The . . outer . . guards gave the signal."

Gygr forced herself calm. "Right."

"What can I do?" She looked into the warrior's eyes pleading for something anything.

"Stay here and keep Hannibal and the other horses safe." She nodded and was out the door.

A petite woman approached the warrior, "Here's something to eat." She handed Gygr a bowl of stew.

"Who are you? And why aren't you in the caves?"

The woman settled her hands on her hips and looked up to the warrior. "I'm Delia. I own the tavern. And I'm not there because I'm here. Someone has to make sure you all eat. Now finish it up and put the bowl anywhere. I'll find it later." She walked away in a huff and Gygr heard her mumble, "warriors."

The warrior shook her head but ate the stew as she checked the positions. The night before she'd approved what the Nicopolians hoped to be the best places to ambush the renegades once they entered the town.

A man she recognized as Kosta, the smith, ran toward the warrior, "you were right they tried to get in from the north again. We stopped them though. Where do you think they'll try now?"

Before she could answer horses and men poured through into the street from a small side entrance. Kosta turned and ran to spread the news and gather the others. Gygr deflected a blow and swung her weapon across her body opening the chest of one of the raiders. Men poured through the opening and Gygr was kept busy holding them back. She breathed a quiet sigh of relief when she saw nearly a hundred men race toward the battle to join her. The warrior had fewer attackers but they were the more experienced. Now that they knew who she was every man wanted to boast he killed Gygr the Red.

Flames roared from the tavern and a few of the villagers left the fight to try to put it out. "Let it burn. Keep fighting," she yelled and was relieved when she saw them drop the buckets and return to the fight. It's just a damn building.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw more flames. The stable. Her heart skipped. Gods no. She felt the rage build and her opponents fell under her sword. The stable was now fully engulfed. "No," she screamed and decapitated another as she ran to the doorway. The heat of the blaze forced her back.

Three horsemen entered the village and immediately took arms against the raiders. Gygr didn't see them. She poured a bucket of water over her head and ran into the burning stable. Smoke filled her lungs and she coughed. She heard the creak over her head and jumped aside as part of the roof fell into the interior. Smoke soared upward through the opening and Gygr saw the stable back doors were open. Thank the gods.

Gygr searched quickly. Something to her right moved. It was burning. Gygr rolled the girl on the ground and finally was able to put out the flames. More debris from the roof fell around them and Gygr instinctively fell over the girl to protect her from the burning wood. Emilie was unconscious which relieved the warrior. The girl was burned and she didn't yet know how bad. Her own skin felt like a furnace. She lifted Emilie and bolted from the stable into cool clean air. Behind her the rest of the roof crashed down sending sparks and debris out and over her body as she again covered Emilie's with her own.

Gygr sank to her knees and breathed hard. She heard a familiar snort and looked up to see Hannibal nodding his head up and down.

"Gods am I glad to see you." Hannibal snorted again and pushed his nose to Emilie. "Yeah, let's check her out." Gygr saw the mark on the girl's forehead and winced. She was breathing, but the warrior noted from the eyes that the girl had a concussion. The woman felt the heat as the walls began to tumble. She stood and hefted Emilie a little higher in her arms and carried the girl away from the now crumbling structure.
 
 

Copyright 1999 by Frances Spinella
All Rights Reserved.

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