Xena and Gabrielle studing the situation and thier friends. Gabrielle was nearly jumping out of her skin as the torches were lit. The ring completly lit six horsemen entered.
Bryer and Ephiny stood fast. Xena stiffened as she saw what they were wearing. Roman gear. Gabrielle took Xenas hand again. Xena pushed her away. Gabrielle looked to her.
"They'll make it Xena."
Xena took a heavy sigh and looked to Caldonna who was watching the judge. The six horsemen began to circle the two women. Bryer and Ephiny never flinched. Then suddenly Ehpiny was knocked to the ground. Bryer followed. Each time they got up they were knocked down again. And each time they got back up to their feet. A little more slowly but they managed to get to their feet.
Two of the horsemen brought out Maces. They began pumeling Bryer and Ephiny. After several candelmarks the attacks became more furious.
Gabrielle was breathing heavily hiding the tears and the cries for her friends. Xena was clenching her hands so tightly her knuckles were turning white. Just as she was about to spring into action Bryer yelled up to her.
"Don't Xena! It's what he wants!!"
Caldonna looked back to Xena and then to the judge. The horsemen stopped and backed off. The judge glided over to the two battered women. He kneeled down.
"Will you die for them?"
Bryer slowly, painfully got to her knees. Slowly standing up, yet not fully. She never hesitated with her answer.
"Yes."
The judge looked to Ephiny. She too slowly stood up.
"Yes."
The judge stood up and removed his hood. There stood Ceasar. He was weilding a sword and he looked up to Xena and smiled.
"I win after all, Xena."
Before Xena could react he swung the sword. Bryer and Ephiny had no strength to defend themselves. She gave her war cry and leaped from the podium. As she hit the ground Caldonna was in front of Ceasar.
His sword hit a mark. Yet it wasn't Bryer or Ephiny. Caldonna slumped to the ground. A flash of light knocked Ceasar from his feet.
"No! Xena cannot win!"
Ares stood tall. He waved his arm and Ceasar disappeard but not before swearing Xena will die. Caldonna stood to her feet. Xena and Gabrielle rushed to their friends sides.
"Why? Why did you stop him?"
Xena looked up to Ares. He shrugged his shoulders.
"Maybe, the world needs you, both."
Gabielle stood and walked to Ares. She reached out and touched him.
"Looks like him. I just don't believe Ares would do a good deed."
Ares raised and eyebrow.
"Believe me Blondie, it won't happen again."
With a blink of an eye the woman were at the rivers edge.
