Disclaimer & Notices
Copyright: Many of these characters do not belong to me, and we know which ones do not. I, however, own the plot and other certain characters.
Violence: There is violence in this story.
Subtext: Any subtext becomes main text here.

Summary: This dramatic epic opens up to Xena and Gabrielle's childhood when they are best friends with an growing friendship. One day, Gabrielle's hometown is attacked while Xena is visiting her. Xena tries desperately to protect Gabrielle but ultimately fails. Xena will not stop believing that Gabrielle is alive, and she hunts for her friend. Along Xena's journey, things become darker and lead her further from Gabrielle and the memories. Meanwhile, Gabrielle is taken into slavery but it isn't for some time before her luck comes back. She meets a very caring master, who sends her away to be schooled as a bard. Later, Gabrielle befriends a very unusual girl, and the girl claims to be an Amazon. It isn't long before Gabrielle discovers how real the Amazons are, and that she's fated to be more than just a slave.

Feedback: redhope@redhope.net
Homepage: http://www.redhope.net
List: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/redhope/

Started: March 33, 2003
Ended: April 24, 2007
Series 9: Destiny of Mine – Story #1

To Find What was Mine
by Red Hope

Section Two
Part 3: Gabrielle’s Third Year

Suddenly a very happy smile formed on her expression when her mother came out of the kitchen with a huge nut bread and fifteen lit candles in it. She then realized everybody around the table was singing happy birthday to her.

Hecuba came up to Gabrielle’s right side and carefully lowered the nut bread cake in front of her child. She then stepped back and just admired how happy her daughter was now.

Slowly the singing died out and everybody cheered the small bard to blow out the candles.

Gabrielle giggled some, leaned forward while taking a deep breath, and blew out the candles in one shot.

Everybody cheered and clapped their hands.

Hecuba quickly relit many of the candles in the large dining room. She then sat back down at the table. “Go on and cut the nut bread, honey.”

The smiling bard looked up from the bread and asked people how large they wanted their slice. She would then cut the piece perfectly and passed the plate to them. She continued this until everybody had his or her slice and she was left with cutting her own piece. The entire group then quietly ate their nut bread.

Gabrielle couldn’t help looking at everybody around the table, feeling so surprised about their reaction to her birthday. She first looked to her master, Cornelio, who was at the other end of the head of the table. Then to his right was Michulus’s wife, now widower, Maria and beside Maria was her newborn, Joseph. Gabrielle then shifted her gaze over to Cornelio’s left side where his wife was sitting, her name was Adara. And last was her mother, Hecuba, just to Adara’s left.

The bard had come to consider herself rather lucky with her new master. Cornelio was the complete opposite of his former son as well as much older. His wife, Adara, was a beautiful woman who only treated her as one of her own. Gabrielle had come to love Cornelio as if he was her own father, the male figure in her life she’d missed since her father’s death.

Since she, Hecuba, and Maria escaped to Cornelio’s home, everything for them had changed. They were still considered slaves yet they were family too. They were also paid by Cornelio, not very much about three dinars a week but it was something and nothing they ever expected. Cornelio would also make sure to have them sent to the local village market at least once a month for their pleasure.

As far as Cornelio and Adara were concerned, their slaves were workers living with them. Hecuba and Gabrielle were the only two slaves on the grounds, the rest of the people that worked the fields were true farmers and Cornelio was considered a gentleman farmer. He would receive so much of the profit that the farmers would get for their crops.

Gabrielle had also been fortunate enough to be able to keep the horse that had followed them from Michulus’s stables. She’d come to adore the horse more than anything, he was a friend she’d never expected but never took for granted. After many days, she’d finally decided upon a proper name for him with Maria’s help. His name was Torqueo, fast wind, that’s what it meant and that’s exactly how fast he could gallop. And now, Gabrielle and Torqueo had grown a bond that was unbreakable as well as meaningful.

Hecuba looked up after she finished her bread. She saw her daughter was now taking a small but second slice of the bread. “It must be good,” she observed aloud.

The young slave chuckled and replied, “Yes, it's wonderful, mother. Thank you.”

“I’m not the only one to thank,” whispered the mother.

Gabrielle smiled sheepishly and looked down at Cornelio, Adara, and Maria. “Thank you so much.”

“I hope you enjoyed yourself today, Gabrielle.” Cornelio sat back into his chair. He briefly scratched at his snow white beard then dropped his hand back into his lap.

“I did very much. I enjoyed having the day off.” The bard’s smile seemed to grow as she continued speaking. “And such a wonderful dinner with all my favourites and the nut bread to top it off.”

Maria smiled happily at the girl’s gratitude.

Adara peered up at her husband and reached under the table to grasp his hand. She squeezed it rather tightly.

Cornelio nodded at the bard’s words then peered over at Maria.

Maria realized what the look was about and she focused back on Gabrielle. “Well, your day hasn’t quite ended, Gabrielle. We still have one last thing for you.”

The young slave’s eyes widened in shock. “No, no I can’t take anything else. You’ve given me more than should be offered.” She’d raised her hands up and shook her head.

Hecuba reached over and clasped her child’s hand. “Do not disappoint, honey,” she whispered.

Gabrielle’s eyes shifted away from her mother to her master.

“Come down here, Gabrielle.”

The bard licked her lips and nodded at her master’s words. She slowly stood up and went down to the other end of the table. She stood between Cornelio and Maria.

Cornelio smiled softly at the young girl and quietly asked, “I understand you enjoy writing?”

“I… I did, sir,” replied the bard.

Cornelio folded his arms in his lap and he continued studying the slave. “Do you still enjoy stories and writing?”

“I have not heard any in a long time, sir nor written any.”

“Do you think you still would?” countered Cornelio.

Slowly the young girl nodded and replied, “I know I would, sir. I miss my quill and scrolls.”

“Then you shouldn’t have to worry anymore,” cut in Maria. She’d been reaching over to her right to pick up something.

Gabrielle finally looked at her and realized in her lap was a satchel full of scrolls.

“This is for you, Gabrielle.”

The bard couldn’t believe Maria’s words, she had to make sure. “It can’t….”

“They are,” reassured Maria. She stood up and carefully slipped the satchel’s strap over Gabrielle’s shoulder.

The small slave stood there, stunned by the weight on her shoulders, something she’d missed since she was a child.

“And you might need this as well, dear.”

Ivy eyes lifted from the filled scroll satchel to Adara. Gabrielle almost cried when she saw Adara was holding up a beautiful white quill. She covered the lower portion of her face with her hands and tried incredibly hard not to cry. “Oh gods,” she murmured between her hands and lowered them. “That’s so beautiful.”

Adara handed the quill gently to Cornelio, who then passed it on to Gabrielle.

The small bard spun the quill between her fingers to get a full view of it.

“We all pitched in to help get you these things,” mentioned Adara. “We hope you’ll treasure them.”

“Oh gods yes I always will,” promised Gabrielle.

“Just one last thing,” cut in Cornelio before Gabrielle walked off. “Pick up that scroll.” He directed to the scroll directly in front of his plate.

The bard looked at him with a worried expression. She’d seen the scroll earlier at the start of dinner and kept wondering why it was there.

“Go ahead,” urged Cornelio.

Gabrielle took a deep breath and settled her quill carefully onto the table. She then reached forward and gently picked up the scroll. She turned it over until it faced her properly. With her free hand, she held the ribbon that had an ornament at the end. She wasn’t familiar with the design but she knew it was of great importance. She looked back at her master in fear. “Are you sure, sir?”

“Of course, go on,” persisted the older man.

The bard took a deep breath and slid the ribbon off with care. She then slowly unrolled the scroll but was not sure if she was allowed to read it.

“Read it too, please.”

Gabrielle nodded at her master’s command. She started at the top where it opened with a ‘Dear Gabrielle….’ and continued into the body of the letter. As she kept reading, her emotions began to emerge and at the end, she broke down crying.

Maria smiled but somewhat sadly. She took a quick glance at her newborn to make sure he was okay. She then stood up and embraced Gabrielle in a strong hug.

The bard hugged Maria back tightly and finally pulled back after several seconds. She wiped her tears away and smiled at Cornelio.

“I hope you’re happy with it, Gabrielle.” Cornelio lifted his left hand from his lap that was still laced with Adara’s. “It’s our gift to you.”

“Thank you so much, Cornelio and Adara.” The small girl sensed a few more tears but she quickly wiped them away with her left hand. “I… I… I’m not sure what to say. I just know it's always been my dream to go to the Academy of Performing Bards and I never thought it would happen after everything.”

“That’s what your mother said too,” whispered Adara.

The young slave looked across the table to her mother.

Hecuba’s face was coated in tears but she was smiling.

Gabrielle quickly went over to her mother and hugged her. “Thank you, mom.”

“Cornelio and Adara made it possible,” uttered Hecuba between the hug.

When the mother and daughter separated, Cornelio decided it was time for everybody to get some rest after tonight. Gabrielle thanked everybody several times and made sure to give each person a hug. After the dinner and gifts, Gabrielle and her mother cleared the table and left the dirty dishes in the water filled sink for tomorrow. They then went to bed like the others had earlier.

Gabrielle slowly closed the door to her and her mother’s room. It was on the same floor as everybody else’s except they were further away but it was nice to have their own large room together.

Hecuba sat down on the edge of her bed and peered across to her child. “Did you have a good birthday, honey?”

“It was wonderful,” replied the bard. She went over to her bed and carefully placed the scroll satchel, quill, and acceptance scroll down. “I didn’t expect any of it.”

“I was surprised by Cornelio and Adara’s offer to send you to the Academy.”

Gabrielle shook her head as she went to the other side of the room and sat on her mother’s bed beside her. “I don’t understand why they did it.” She sighed and thought more about it. “I mean, it's rather expensive to send somebody there. Not to mention I’m not sixteen yet.”

“Well honey… I think Cornelio found a way around your age. And don’t forget, Cornelio is rather rich as well as well-known.”

The daughter shook her head in amazement at what happened to her tonight. “I just don’t understand why,” she uttered.

“I do not either,” agreed Hecuba, “nor would Cornelio explain it to me. I didn’t question him.” She fell silent and knew her daughter would not talk much more of it. She reached over and grasped her child’s knee. “Ready to sleep?”

The bard thought about it and almost said yes but shook her head. “I think I might go talk to Cornelio.”

“You want to know why huh?”

The teenager faintly nodded. “Get some rest, mom?”

“I will, honey. Do not be long, okay?”

Gabrielle leaned over and kissed her mother’s temple. “I won’t, promise.” She stood and hurried out of the room.

Hecuba listened to the door closing and she remained still, just thinking how happy her daughter was. Yet her thoughts shifted to her youngest and her mood turned. She missed Lila dearly and there were moments like this that reminded her of her lose. She tried to hold back the tears that still plagued her like her fears. She forced herself to get ready for bed.

Gabrielle had gone back down stairs and could only hope Cornelio was in his office. She hurried to the other end of the house and noted light was pouring out from underneath the door. She felt relieved and quickly knocked on the door.

“Come in,” called Cornelio.

The bard opened the door slightly and peeked into the office. “May I come in, sir?”

“Of course,” replied Cornelio.

Gabrielle eased into the office and approached him some.

“Sit down, please,” offered Cornelio.

The bard slightly nodded and sat down in the comfy, large chair in front of her master.

“I suppose you’re here to ask me about the Academy?” Cornelio relaxed back into his large wood chair, his hands resting in his lap.

“Yes, sir. I was curious as to why you’re doing this for me.”

“It's not just for you, but for your mother too and your future.”

Gabrielle merely shook her head, she was becoming more confused.

“Gabrielle, as much as I’ve tried to make you and Hecuba feel comfortable here and not like slaves, you both still remain as ones.” Cornelio paused and considered the best way to explain everything. “I do not agree to slavery nor does Adara. She and I have bought slaves numerous times, mainly young ones, to try and exploit a talent of theirs. It is our hope each time that they master their talent so they can go out in the world and face it.”

“I’m still confused, sir. Why would you do such a thing?”

“Because we don’t agree with slavery but there is little I can do to override it.” Cornelio dropped his head to ones side then tried to explain more. “I want you to go to the Academy and learn to be the best bard. I want you to graduate with honours. Then you are to come back to me, show me what you’ve learned and only then can I grant you freedom.”

“Freedom?” whispered the bard in awe.

“Yes.”

The teenager couldn’t believe what he said and she shook her head. One thing though still confused her so she quietly asked, “Why can’t you now?”

Cornelio straightened up in his chair and pointed at the brand on the girl’s hip. “That symbol, Gabrielle… that brand is a special one. And I don’t mean special as in no means good.” He slipped back into his chair. “That particular brand binds you for life as a slave. There are two types of slaves, those types that are not branded and can be set free and the others that are branded and cannot ever see freedom.” He laced his hands together and considered the girl for a moment. “There is a list out there of slaves with brands. Any slave that has ever been branded has also been recorded. The most infamous slavers keep a list and continually update each other on the newest slaves.”

“Why would they do this?”

“Because they cannot lose their profits or their work.”

“Work?” Gabrielle furrowed her eyebrows. “You mean, to somebody like Hecht I’m a piece of… art?”

“Pretty much,” confirmed the lord. “He’s put time, effort, money, and experience into you. And because of this, the slavers brand you and record your name, looks, origin, and any slaves that might be family. If you’re ever found without a master, by right Hecht can lay claims on you and hunt you down.”

“By the gods,” uttered the surprised bard.

“And sending you to the Academy is extremely important to you never being found by Hecht or anybody else.” Cornelio sighed then rubbed his beard a little. He lowered his hand and explained even further. “If you can start at the Academy and master your talents as a bard then I’ll know you can take care of yourself in this world. I will not have to worry about you stumbling into anybody’s hands. You can make a name for yourself and start over, Gabrielle.”

“A name? You mean… a new name?”

“Yes, unfortunately it would mean you’d have to change your name, Gabrielle. It is however a small price to pay than losing your freedom. And you also must never let anybody see your brand unless you’re positive you can trust them.”

The bard sadly nodded and asked, “What about my mom?”

“That will be between you both. She may go with you if you think you can support her. Or she may stay and continue here where she knows she’ll be safe.”

Gabrielle chewed on her lower lip.

Cornelio saw how nervous and fearful the teenager was right now. He stood up from his chair and came over to her. He bent down in front of her and grasped her knee. “Gabrielle, I have faith in your talent. Go to the Academy and learn to be a bard, follow your dreams. Come back to me and prove to me what you’ve learned and I have no doubt you’ll have your freedom.”

The small girl smiled at his words. “I hope I can do just that, sir.”

“I have every bit of confidence you can, Gabrielle.

“Sir?”

“Yes, Gabrielle?”

The bard’s smile went more sheepish as she asked, “May I request one thing?”

“What is that?”

“Can I take Torqueo with me?”

Cornelio laughed quietly at the request yet nodded. “Of course, he is yours.”

“Thank you for everything, sir.” The bard leaned forward and hugged the older man.

Cornelio smiled happily and hugged her back tightly. “I’ve never seen one as hopeful as you, you will do fine,” he promised. When they separate he said, “Now get to bed. It is late.”

“Yes, sir. You too.”

“I will,” promised the lord. He stood up and stepped back as Gabrielle slid out of the chair. “Goodnight.”

Gabrielle smiled back at him. She opened the door but said, “Goodnight.” She left the office and returned to her room. It wasn’t long before she was out of her clothes and in her nightshift. She quietly crawled into bed and slept peacefully for the first time in years.

~*~*~*~

The next morning, Gabrielle had wakened up a little later than normal. She’d rushed to get ready for today’s work and was about ready to hurry out of the room but stopped with a second thought. She furrowed her eyebrows when she realized she hadn’t checked the date of when she’d be due at the academy.

The small bard released the door knobbed and quickly raced to the acceptance scroll she’d stashed away in her scroll satchel. She pulled it out and hastily unrolled it. She skimmed through it and finally found the date near the bottom. “Oh gods… in a week,” she breathed out.

Gabrielle’s left hand was on her forehead, her mouth slightly hanging open, and her legs went weak. She sat down on her bed and just stared at the date. “I have to prepare,” she rasped, “I haven’t written anything in a long times, gods. I haven’t really told a story either… well that’s not true.” She stopped as she thought about the last time she told a tale. “I told mom and Maria about the mythological Amazons but gods that doesn’t count.” She laughed and shook her head. “I have to practice; I need to write a story or two. Then check over my spelling… gods can I even still write?” She then giggled at herself for getting so flustered. “Gods! I’ll be in the Academy in one week!” she yelled and jumped up from her spot. She furiously rolled up the scroll and pushed it back into the satchel.

The young slave went running out of her room, slamming the door behind her, and tumbling down the stairs. She went directly to the kitchen where she knew her mother would be right now. She threw open the door and scanned the large kitchen for her mother.

“Dear, what’s wrong?”

“Mom!” yelled the teenager, “I’ll be at the Academy in a week!” She was hanging in the doorway, looking in at her mother.

“Yes, honey I know this.”

“Mom! One week, hello???” The bard took a few steps in and started talking rapidly, “I haven’t written anything in forever and I haven’t told a good story to anybody in a long time. I’m not ready for this! I have to get ready for the Academy or I’ll never make it through!”

“Honey, calm down.” Hecuba suddenly had a grin at how excited her daughter was becoming. She threw the dishcloth over her right shoulder and approached her child. “A week is plenty to prepare, honey.”

“No its not!” yelled the bard.

Hecuba’s grin grew more now. She grasped her daughter’s shoulders and whispered, “You’ll be fine, Gabrielle. You’re an excellent bard and it comes naturally.”

“You really think so?” asked the worried bard.

“Yes,” promised Hecuba. Her grin turned into a soft smile. “Practice this week and I'm sure you’ll be plenty ready by the time you go.”

“I don’t know,” muttered Gabrielle.

“Honey, you’ll be just fine.” Hecuba pulled her child in and hugged her tightly.

“Thanks, mom,” uttered the teenager.

“Welcome, honey.” The mother stepped back then asked, “Are you hungry?”

For an answer, Gabrielle’s stomach roared.

Hecuba grinned down at her daughter’s stomach. “I thought you were.”

The stomach growled back.

“Mother,” complained Gabrielle. She covered her stomach with her arms and laughed at her tummy.

Hecuba had already returned to the kitchen counter and was picking up a plate full of food. “Sit down, honey.”

The bard noted her mother had already set out utensils for her. She sat down, deciding her stomach was right after all. She immediately started eating her breakfast without a second thought.

“You know, you’re going to meet a lot of new people at the Academy,” mentioned Hecuba, she was now sitting down across from her daughter.

“Yeah, I guess I am,” muffled out Gabrielle between her eggs.

“A lot your own age.”

“Or older,” reminded the teenager.

Hecuba finally leaned back into her chair. “You’ll enjoy yourself, honey. I’m so happy you’re having this chance.”

Gabrielle nodded and finished off her eggs. She was about to start her fruit but paused as she said, “You know what Cornelio told me last night?”

“What’s that?”

The bard pressed her fork into the grape. “Well he told me he’s sending me not just for the experience but to help me to… take on the world, so to speak.”

“What you mean?” Hecuba hadn’t known why Cornelio had decided upon the bard education but never disagreed.

“He wants to set me free from slavery,” explained Gabrielle, “but he says I can’t because of the brand. So by sending me to the Academy it’ll give me something to finically stand on and remain independent. I guess he then hopes I’ll never get caught and returned to slavery.” She was about to lift the grape as she stared down at it but she lifted her eyes to her mother. “He said if I come back and have proven myself, he’ll let me leave and go on my own. And you can come too if you feel you want to.”

Hecuba just stared at Gabrielle, not believing a single word she just heard.

Gabrielle could tell her mother wasn’t sure what to say at this point. So, she just lifted her grape and chewed on it while she waited for her mother to process it all.

“Free?” whispered Hecuba after about a minute.

The bard faintly nodded, she had her head down and her fork piercing another grape. “Free.”

“Gods….” Hecuba just seemed to stare at a black knot in the wood table, still trying to grasp her daughter’s words.

Gabrielle felt a small grin tug at her lips. She reached out with her left hand and grasped her mother’s hand that was near. “Mom, we can be free in two years.”

Hecuba squeezed her daughter’s hand tightly and began crying.

The bard’s shoulders dropped and she quickly stood up. She went over to her mother but without breaking their locked hands. She knelt down, leaned forward, and hugged her mother.

Hecuba continued to cry with her head buried in Gabrielle’s neck.

For the rest of the day, Gabrielle busied herself with various chores. She knew her mother would stay rather busy with caring for Joseph since Maria was still slightly recovering from the pregnancy. Cornelio was busy all day with business, dealing with his various farmers on his lands. Adara would occasionally assist Gabrielle in her chores despite the bard’s protests.

By the evening though, the small family came together in the dining hall again to enjoy one of Hecuba’s meals. For once, there was a change in the order of the meal. At the end of dinner, Cornelio requested that Gabrielle tell a story for them.

The bard was caught off guard by the request yet felt so pleased by it. She stood up and went around the table to stand in front of everybody, directly in front of the huge fireplace. She paced back and forth for about a minute trying to put together a good story. Everybody waited patiently for her and saw her come to a stop in the middle and look at them with a wild, happy expression.

Soon the family was woven into a tale about two women travelling together, both fighting for the greater good and both trying to seek some kind of meaning in their lives. Hecuba instantly realized who the two women were despite their name changes; it made her sigh sadly at the memories of Xena. The rest of the family was unsure about who the characters were, too lost in the story to take notice.

It hadn’t taken but a single sentence for Gabrielle to suddenly return to her bardic side. She was moving back and forth, slightly mimicking her character’s actions and changing her voice tones to match their own. She brought her characters to life as she spoke her story. At the end of the story, Gabrielle paused then spoke her last words….

“The friends would continue to travel the known-world in search of adventure even though both were scared they could lose the other. But what neither realized was both of them would never give up or truly separate because they held each other in their hearts.” Gabrielle let the last few words roll off her tongue slowly then went quiet. She realized everybody was still staring at her and she now felt a little uneasy. “It was that bad huh?”

Maria started to giggle and replied, “No, it was wonderful, Gabrielle.”

Adara’s expression shifted from awe into a softer one. “I love it, Gabrielle.”

“Excellent, honey,” praised her mother.

The bard sighed but realized Cornelio hadn’t approved of it and her eyes flickered over to him in worry.

Cornelio slowly nodded his head, and he said, “Beautiful, Gabrielle.”

The teenager sighed in relief. “Thank you, sir.”

Maria yawned and when she opened her eyes again after the yawn, she realized Joseph had fallen asleep in her arms. “I believe its time for bed for Joseph and me,” she quietly mentioned.

Adara softly smiled when she saw her grandchild relaxed in her mother’s arms and a bit of drool at one corner. “I’ll help you, dear.” She quietly stood up.

Maria carefully and slowly stood up with Joseph in her arms. She cradled him tightly against her breasts while going around the table. “Thank you for the story, Gabrielle.”

“You’re welcome, Maria.” The bard smiled at her friend and watched her leave with Adara.

Cornelio gradually stood up and looked at the teenager. “I hope you’ll have another story for tomorrow night, Gabrielle.”

Gabrielle became shocked by the request but hastily replied. “Yes of course, sir.”

Cornelio winked at the girl then made his way out of the dinning room. “Goodnight, ladies.”

“Goodnight, sir,” called Hecuba and Gabrielle together.

The teenager glanced to her mother after the master was gone. “Did you ask him to do that?”

Hecuba shrugged while gathering the dishes around her.

“Mother,” growled the young slave.

Hecuba picked up the plate full of dirty dishes. “You’re welcome,” she teased and walked off through the door that was behind her.

Gabrielle laughed then realized she needed to help her mother. She quickly gathered up the dishes and pushed through the door into the kitchen where her mother went earlier. “Thank you, mom.”

Hecuba flashed a smile; she was busy washing the dirty dishes in the gigantic bucket of warm water. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself as much as we did.”

“I did,” agreed the teenager. Gabrielle lowered the dishes into the wash bucket and also kissed her mother’s cheek. She then hurried out of the kitchen to gather the rest of the dishes.

Hecuba continued washing the dirty dishes then dropping them into the next bucket full of clean water.

Gabrielle entered the kitchen again with another armload of dishes. She lowered them into the dirty dish bucket too then went to the other bucket. She pulled off a dishtowel from the counter and started pulling out the clean dishes from the clean water bucket. She shook the water off each one, dried them, and put them back in their homes in various areas of the kitchen.

“I think everybody enjoyed the story,” commented Hecuba.

“Yeah I think so too,” agreed the young woman. “I know I did,” she teased.

The mother softly chuckled, she was busying herself with the cleaning the plates now. “You put Joseph to sleep.”

“Well… always a tough one in every crowd.” Gabrielle spun around after putting the mugs up in a cupboard.

“I think he was tired,” reminded the mother.

“I know, mom.” The bard pulled out several utensils from the bucket and started drying them. As she was putting the utensils away, a thought occurred to her. She peered across to her mother then looked back at the drawer now restocked with clean forks, knives, and spoons. She pushed the drawer closed and returned to the clean bucket. “Mom?”

“Yes, honey?”

“If….” Gabrielle stopped herself and decided to rephrase her words. “When we’re free, are we going to look for Lila?”

Hecuba suddenly stopped doing her work and just stared down into the murky water. “I… I don’t know, honey.”

The bard shook her head and reached into the water. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot.” She pulled out a pot and started drying it while saying, “You could stay here a little longer and I could go look for her.”

“Honey, you have no idea where she is right now… if she is even alive.”

“I know, mother but we could try.”

Hecuba was grasping the rim of the bucket and started to squeeze it harder. “I know, Gabrielle but it's almost… impossible to find somebody when they’re a slave. It's like… it's like finding one piece of straw out of an entire bail.”

Gabrielle stopped drying the pot and considered her mother’s words. “But with enough determination and work, I could find her mother. By then, I’ll be resourceful enough too.”

The mother wasn’t sure what to say at that point. She just reached over with her right hand and grasped her daughter’s hand. “One thing at a time, honey. Let’s get you through the Academy first, okay?”

Gabrielle licked her lips and slowly nodded.

The mother and daughter quietly went back to cleaning the dishes together. For the rest of the time, they remained fairly silent, both thinking about what the future would bring for them. After they finished cleaning up the kitchen, they headed upstairs to their bedroom for the night. Both were rather exhausted especially Gabrielle after telling her story and it wasn’t long before they were asleep.

For the next few days, the daily routine continued except with Gabrielle’s added stories after dinner. Each story for that week was based on the two women and their adventures. By the third night, Gabrielle had become so immersed in her bardic side, she started writing again. At first, she was unsure what to write about but then decided she’d start a diary type of story, recording her life in a story. She liked that idea and began unrolling a scroll each night to ink out her muses.

As the days continued to grow longer with summer’s approach, Gabrielle’s time in Cornelio’s household was becoming shorter. On her day to travel, she made sure to do all her chores that morning then in the late morning, she went upstairs to gather her things. She tried to think about what she needed to do other than gather her stuff. That’s when she realized she would need to take care of Torqueo and ready him.

While Gabrielle was preparing her things, a knock at the door came to the room. The bard looked at the open door and turned around when she realized it was Cornelio.

“I see you’re packing.”

“Yes, sir.”

Cornelio took a step into the room but stopped and put his hands behind his back. “You are taking Torqueo with you?”

“Yes, sir if that is okay….?”

“Of course, he’s always been yours. Make sure to take a set of saddlebags as well, Gabrielle.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Cornelio smiled some then went serious again. “Do you have many clothes?”

“Only two sets, sir.”

The master’s lips pressed together tightly then relaxed again. “Well, I will give you some money to pick up some more in town.”

“Its okay, sir. Two is plenty.”

Cornelio shook his head in protest. “You’ll need more clothes especially when winter comes later this year.”

“But sir-”

“Don’t make me pull a master’s order on you, Gabrielle,” stated the lord. Although he was serious he was also grinning.

“Yes, sir.”

“Also, I am having two friends of mine from the village stopping by.”

Gabrielle suddenly had a confused look as to why he was telling her this. “Sir?” she questioned.

Cornelio rocked on his feet a little then explained more. “They’re going to escort you to the Academy. I want to make sure you get there safely.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Cornelio faintly nodded then turned around to leave. “Make sure you find me before you leave, Gabrielle.”

“I will, sir.” Gabrielle watched him start to leave but she quickly went after him. “Sir?”

Cornelio turned around; he was standing in the hallway. “Yes?”

The teenager grabbed the frame of the doorway. “May I ask a favour?”

Cornelio approached the girl and asked, “About?”

“Finding somebody for me.”

Cornelio slowly raised an eyebrow but said, “Go on.”

“I was hoping you might be able to find the whereabouts of my sister.”

“Sister?” whispered Cornelio.

“Yes, sir. She is also a branded slave like mom and I. She was sold to a different master and not to Michulus.”

Cornelio considered what she said and now recalled the young girl on the stage before Hecuba’s auction. “I do recall her there.”

“Sir, do you think you could find out where she is?”

The master shook his head because he knew exactly what Gabrielle wanted to do. “Gabrielle, even if I find out where she is… the current master could know who you are.” He sighed though when he saw the desperate look on the girl’s face. “I will try to find her, Gabrielle. Once I have, I will try to buy her from her current master.”

The bard’s expression brightened up. “Oh gods, honestly?”

“I will try my best,” promised the lord.

“Thank you, sir.” Gabrielle sprung forward and hugged the older man.

Cornelio softly laughed and hugged her back. “Now, please get ready. There’s isn’t much day light left for travelling.”

“Yes, sir.” The teen stepped back and briefly watched her lord leave. She then rushed back into her room and organized the remains of her stuff. After she felt she had everything, she went barrelling down the stairs and raced to the stables. Once in the stable, she dropped her items near the stall door and smiled at Torqueo. “Hey, boy.”

Torqueo whined his greeting back.

“Ready to go to the Academy?”

The stallion threw up his head and slammed his right hoof on the ground a few times.

“Me too.” Gabrielle grinned and went down to the other end of the stable. She gathered up her horse’s tack and went back to his stall. She went inside and started tacking him up. It wasn’t long before she had Torqueo ready and out of the stables. Gabrielle had also made sure to put on the saddlebags and filled them with her stuff and tied her scroll satchel down. Slowly, the pair made their way back to the house where they found two men outside on horseback with Cornelio.

The bard approached the men and gave them shy smiles.

“Go find your mother, Maria, and Adara,” ordered the master.

“Yes, sir.” The teen hastily tied Torqueo’s reins to a post then rushed into the house.

“I will be back, gentlemen.” Cornelio went back inside of the house but waited at the front doors. He saw everybody gathering around him one by one. The last person to arrive was Gabrielle and her mother. “Are you ready, Gabrielle?”

“Yes, sir,” replied the young slave.

Cornelio smiled at her answer. He stepped forward and gently grasped her shoulders. “There are two things you must know and remember, Gabrielle.”

The bard faintly nodded.

“First, you are still a slave and must be very cautious. Do not let anybody know about your brand. Is that clear?"

Gabrielle bit her lower lip but whispered, “Yes, sir.”

Cornelio squeezed the young girl’s shoulders some then continued his words. “And second, the people at the Academy will know you as my grandchild, nothing more and nothing less.”

“Yes, sir,” repeated the slave.

Cornelio smiled warmly at the girl then stepped forward and hugged the girl. “Work hard.”

The bard held tightly to Cornelio, and she received a kiss on her forehead from him. She saw him step away and she shifted to Adara.

Adara wished Gabrielle good luck and gave her a hug as well.

Next the teenager said goodbye to Maria and Joseph, giving them each a hug and Joseph a kiss on his cheek.

Last, the bard said goodbye to her mother.

Hecuba tried not to begin crying as she hugged her child. She knew this was the start of her daughter’s freedom despite she would miss Gabrielle. After she separated from the hug, she whispered to Gabrielle her love and for her to be careful.

Gabrielle tried to ease her mother’s worries with one of her bright smiles. She knew it would only help so much but she was led out of the door with Cornelio. She went over to Torqueo and untied his reins. She threw them over his head and went to his side. With a deep breath, she grabbed onto the saddle horn and back of the saddle. She gritted her teeth and hauled herself up into the saddle like numerous times before this one.

Cornelio looked over at the two men. “Please get her there safely by tonight.”

“We will, Cornelio,” promised one man.

“The gods bless you both,” whispered Cornelio. He then looked at Gabrielle and said, “Be on your way, Gabrielle.”

The bard nodded and urged Torqueo to turn around. She started for the gates at a slow walk.

The two men quickly followed after the young woman.

Gabrielle looked back to her family that stood on the porch of the house. She waved to them all and smiled. “Goodbye!” she called back. She watched as everybody but Cornelio waved to her. She sighed as she shifted back into her saddle.

“So you’re Gabrielle huh?” asked one man.

The young slave looked at the man and smiled at him. “Yes.”

The man chuckled deeply and said, “I am Rothman and this is Balta.”

“You’re becoming a bard?” inquired Balta.

Gabrielle smiled at the question and nodded. “I am.”

Rothman suddenly grinned and asked, “Care to practice on us?”

Gabrielle chuckled. “If you’re both interested….?”

“Certainly,” insisted Balta.

The bard looked away as she considered a story to tell them. She chewed on the inside of her mouth then looked back at them. “Ever hear how the Gorgons became to be?”

Both men shook their heads, already interested in the topic.

“Well….” Gabrielle eased into her story as her right hand freed from her reins and started waving her words around from her lips.

The ride to the Academy of Performing Bards wasn’t that long after all, as Gabrielle had thought. Her story had made everything a lot more bearable and it wasn’t long after her story that they saw the Academy just ahead in the distance.

Balta smiled at the young woman and said, “Thank you for the story, Gabrielle.”

“You’re welcome,” replied the teenager.

“Yes, it was very excellent. It made this trip a lot better.” Rothman however laughed quietly and added a second thought. “I don’t know how we’ll stand the ride back.”

Gabrielle grinned at his comments. Then for the first time, she studied them both and realized that they were carrying swords. She almost was shocked but quickly looked away before her expression showed any surprise. She hadn’t expected them to be carrying weapons but that’s when she knew Cornelio was serious about her being careful. It was in that instant that she realized just how much she needed to guard her brand as a secret like it would mean death for her if anybody knew of it.

As the group neared the gigantic building, they noticed there were a few other people going inside already. The two boys going into the Academy were rather young about Gabrielle’s age. Around the large Academy building were several smaller buildings most likely dorms. Then surrounding the grounds were either fields or small olive groves. The crops and olive groves must provide a small stipend for the Academy the bard figured.

The teenager looked over at Rothman and Balta, a thought occurring to her. “How far is Athens?”

“About half a candlemark over those hills,” replied Balta.

Gabrielle nodded and looked back at the Academy. Once they were before the building, she dismounted and approached the man that stood at the doors.

“Who are you?” inquired the older man.

“I am Gabrielle.”

“Letter?” urged the man. He had a scroll in his right hand, he was busy unrolling it and checking it.

The bard, however, was fishing through her scroll satchel, looking for her acceptance letter.

Both Rothman and Balta exchanged looks but neither moved from their spots behind the bard.

“Here it is.” Gabrielle walked up to the man and held out her scroll; in her other hand was Torqueo’s reins.

The man hastily rolled up his scroll and took Gabrielle’s. He scanned through it then rolled it back up. He handed it over. “Cornelio?”

“Yes, sir that’s my grandfather,” explained Gabrielle.

The man suddenly smiled at the young woman and said, “Well welcome to the Academy of the Performing Bards, Gabrielle.” He slightly turned and pointed past the huge building. “Behind the academy building is a stable if you wish to stable your horse.” He then returned his attention to her and the two men. “And these gentlemen are….?”

Gabrielle looked back at Rothman and Balta then looked at the man again. “They were here to escort me,” she explained.

“Very well.”

Rothman looked from the man down to Gabrielle. “You will be fine from here, Gabrielle?”

“Yes, thank you both,” replied the bard. She turned around and neared them a little. “Thank you so much.”

“Enjoy your time and you’ll do wonderful,” praised Balta. “I’m sure we will see you some time soon.”

Gabrielle smiled and watched the two men begin to leave. “Bye!”

The two men flashed smiles at the girl and waved before disappearing down the road.

The young teenager sighed deeply and looked back at the man. “Stable is behind?”

“Yes,” replied the man.

Gabrielle nodded then decided to go ahead and stable Torqueo. Once around the building, she found the stable and took Torqueo there. She went inside and found no other horses in any stalls. “Looks like it might be a lonely two years, boy.”

Torqueo whined and shook his head.

“Don’t worry, I’ll visit each day and we’ll go for rides. How’s that sound?”

The stallion threw up his head and whined. He then started heading for a stall.

“That one?” Gabrielle opened the door and led him into it. First she untacked the saddlebags and set them aside on the stall door. Next she started taking the rest of the tack off him. It didn’t take her long to settle Torqueo in for the day. She was also happy to find a feedbag and a gigantic bag of grain at the end of the stable. She made sure to fill the feedbag and take it to her stallion. After she tied the bag up for him, she grabbed her saddlebags and went back to the front of the academy.

“Are you ready?” asked the man at the doors.

“Yes,” replied the teenager.

“This way then. I’ll show you to your dorm.” The man walked off to his right and went to a long but still small building that ran along side the academy building. “There is only one other girl that will be in your class.”

“Only one other?” inquired Gabrielle.

“Yes,” responded the man. “She hasn’t shown just yet however you two will bunk together. The rest of your dorm mates will be three young men. They’re very nice boys.” The man climbed the three steps up to the porch of the dorm. He pushed opened the door and walked past six beds and came to the end of the dorm where there was another door. He swung it open and revealed a small but adequate room for two people. “You will be staying here.”

The bard looked around in the room after she stepped in then looked back at the man. “Thank you, sir.”

“Its not sir, I’m Feodoras.”

Gabrielle chuckled quietly but smiled at the man. “Thank you, Feodoras.”

“And dinner will be shortly.” Feodoras glanced out the small window and saw the sun was low in the west. “Normally at sunset.”

The young bard had settled her items down on one bed in the room and returned her attention to Feodoras. “Thank you.”

Feodoras smiled some and stepped back into the doorway. “Enjoy your time here, Gabrielle. If you ever need anything I’m here to help.” He turned then silently left the empty dorm but not without closing the door to Gabrielle’s room.

Gabrielle sighed contently even though she was slightly homesick already. This was the first time she was truly ever on her own. On one hand, she was rather excited and couldn’t wait to begin classes tomorrow but then she was rather scared as much as nervous about what laid ahead of her. Trying to keep her mind off things, she went to the window and studied the area more. Her eyes then lifted up to the sky and studied all of the thick clouds rolling in now. “Mmmm it’ll probably rain,” she concluded quietly to herself.

The bard then sat down on the foot of her bed and tried to relax for the first time today. She felt rather exhausted from the long, busy day. She then suddenly fell back into her bed and closed her eyes. “Gods I’m so tired,” she moaned. She reached over her head and grabbed the pillow just above her head. She tossed it over her head and decided maybe a few minutes of sleep would be good before dinner.

Yet as the few minutes rolled by they soon turned into several candlemarks. And despite the entire ruckus in the main hall of the dorm, the young bard never woke up. It wasn’t until the sound of thunder crashing outside did she finally wake up in surprise.

“Gods,” moaned Gabrielle in the dark. She sat there, rubbing her face and trying to wake up. “I wonder how long I slept for?” she muttered. She glanced outside after realizing it was dark now but she could hear the rain coming down rather heavily. But now she had a slight problem since there was no candles lit in her room and she didn’t quite know where they were in the room.

Suddenly the lightening flashed and lit up the bedroom.

“Wait, there’s one on that desk.” Gabrielle stood up and carefully stepped forward some. She was grateful for the light pouring in from under the door from the main dorm hall. She found her way to the desk and fumbled around for the candle and flint stone, she was successful. After several strikes, she was able to light the candle. Then carrying it over to the other candle on the next desk, she was able to light that one as well.

The bard returned the candle to her desk and sat back down on her bed. She stared at her saddlebags next to her and she debated whether to unpack now or tomorrow. She honestly felt like just crawling back in bed and sleeping more.

Gabrielle covered her mouth has she yawned. She looked out of the window and was lowering her hand from her mouth when the lightening flashed. In that brief instant, she had seen Feodoras not far off in the distance with two other figures.

The bard furrowed her eyebrows at who could possibly be outside in weather like this. She went to the window and leaned against the sill. She now could see Feodoras was holding a lit torch that was flickering wildly in the rain. His torch was lighting up a woman’s face, an older woman but not extremely old.

For a brief instant, Gabrielle felt her heart stop when she saw the details of the woman’s face. She had a well-chiselled face, almost high cheek bones, and midnight hair. “Xena?” she whispered and almost went through the window but she didn’t when she saw the woman in the flash of lightening.

The woman was rather tall but not quite Xena’s large height and she did have black hair but wavy. Her face was chiselled and hard yet her entire face was more rounded compared to Xena’s. Gabrielle though knew the woman must have been around Xena’s age or so.

Gabrielle then realized there was still another woman beside this tall woman. Well this other woman seemed a little smaller and possibly younger. She could barely make out the girl’s features since she was hidden well in her cloak like the older woman. As she kept watching, she saw some kind of exchange between the two women. The smaller one handing over something kind of long and thin then it disappeared under the tall woman’s cloak.

Feodoras then directed the young woman to follow him but before she did, she hugged the taller one.

The older woman hugged the younger one tightly then whispered something in her ear and pushed her off. After that, Gabrielle lost any trace of that tall woman in the darkness but she was able to watch Feodoras and the young woman head towards her dorm.

“Must be my roommate,” considered Gabrielle aloud. She quickly moved away from the window, not wanting to be caught spying or anything. She now heard the dorm door at the other end swing open and two sets of boots tap down the hall.

For the first time, the young bard recognized other voices in the dorm, young male voices. She picked out three of them and knew that her dorm mates must have arrived while she was asleep. But now the tapping of boots was right in front of her door and a knock came at the door.

Gabrielle hastened to the door and pulled it open, a huge smile on her face.

“Evening, Gabrielle.” Feodoras smiled warmly and pushed his hood away. “Your roommate finally showed up.”

The bard chuckled some and looked past him but still couldn’t make the girl’s face out with her hood over her head. “Thank you, Feodoras.”

Feodoras nodded and stepped away to let the other female into the room. He quietly left the dorm to let everybody get accompanied.

Gabrielle closed the door after the girl entered the room.

The girl swung her pack off and tossed it onto the bed. She also had a satchel on her side, which was actually under her cloak and she put it on the bed too. She then faced Gabrielle and pulled her hood back. “Hi,” she greeted.

Gabrielle stared at the young woman and took in her features. She was slightly taller than her and had rather curly blond hair. Taking a quick glance at her body, she was rather slim but very muscular and wore very unusual clothes. Finally she looked at her face and she had an amazing smile and bright amber eyes. “Um… hi,” she greeted back shyly.

“Quite some weather out here huh?” inquired the young woman. She was running her hands through her thick, curly hair then untying her cloak.

“Uhhh… yeah it's really raining.” Gabrielle felt rather shy now and wasn’t sure why either.

The young woman softly chuckled and took off her cloak finally. She swung it around and tossed it on her bed. She then looked back at the other woman and realized she was a little uneasy. Her broad shoulders slumped and she stepped closer, holding out her arm. “I’m sorry. I’m Ephiny.”

Gabrielle only stared at her in awe between what she looked like and what she was wearing.

Ephiny dropped her head to one side when she realized the other woman was just baffled by her. But then she felt a warm arm clasp her own finally.

“I’m… I’m Gabrielle,” muttered the bard.

Ephiny briskly shook Gabrielle’s arm and smiled at her. “Great to meet you, Gabrielle.” She released the small arm and turned around to her stuff on the bed. She picked up her cloak again and carried it over to the room where she found several pegs on the wall. She hung her cloak from there. “Where you from?”

“Um… uh….” Gabrielle sat down and shook her head. “I’m sorry.” She shook her head and laughed at herself. “I’m really sorry.”

Ephiny turned around and looked at the other girl in curiosity. “Sorry about?”

“For being so… rude,” answered the bard. “I’ve just never seen….” She wasn’t quite sure what the right words were for what she was trying to explain.

“A woman in these clothes?” teased Ephiny.

“Uh… well, yeah basically,” agreed the teenager.

Ephiny felt a grin tug at her lips as she approached the other woman some. “Well they’re customary from where I am from.” She went back to her bed and started opening her bag.

“Customary?” whispered the confused slave.

“Yes.” Ephiny straightened up and had a mask in her right hand. “I am an Amazon.” After she spoke those words, she completely lost all comprehension in the other girl. All she saw was Gabrielle sitting there, mouth hung open, wide eyes, and a look that was a mix between shock and awe. Ephiny couldn’t control herself and started laughing at the girl.

Gabrielle shook her head but couldn’t shake away her surprise. “You… you can’t be… they’re just….”

“Legend?” finished the Amazon. “No, we are as real as the Gods.”

“Oh gods,” whispered the bard in awe.

Ephiny laughed softly and decided to sit down now. She carefully placed her mask behind her and looked back at the other woman. “Don’t start worshipping me or something,” she teased.

The bard half glared at her roommate but yet she had a silly grin. “I’m just surprised is all.”

“I noticed,” pointed out the Amazon. A few chuckles came from Gabrielle, which only made Ephiny grin more.

The slave girl was about to say something else but stopped when somebody knocked at the door.

“Must be our dorm mates.” Ephiny stood up and went over to the door. She pulled it open and found three young men all peering in at them. “Yes?” she inquired.

The boys looked at Ephiny for the first time and smiled at her.

“Hi, we thought we’d introduce ourselves.”

The two girls grinned but it was Ephiny that said anything.

“Well, I’m Ephiny and this is Gabrielle,” introduced the Amazon.

The young man nodded and smiled, he looked back at the two other young men behind him. “This is Twickenham.”

Twickenham waved and gave a shy smile. “H-h-h-hi.”

“Then beside him is Stallonus.”

“Hi, girls,” greeted the Stallonus.

“And I’m… Orion.” Orion smiled warmly at them. “We thought somebody was in there, but we weren’t sure until Ephiny showed up.”

“Oh yeah sorry. I was asleep,” confessed Gabrielle.

“Wait, a-a-are you a-a-an Amazon?” spoke up Twickenham.

Ephiny looked over at the young man and grinned. “Yes, how could you tell?”

“I think it was the outfit,” replied Orion.

“You mean an Amazon that fights with swords and bows and arrows?” Stallonus waved his right hand around like he was mocking a sword. “I heard so many stories about how they fight the centaurs.” He jumped forward and pretended to stab at an imaginary centaur.

The small Amazon giggled a little at Stallonus words. “Yes, the same.”

“