“c1″> 

“c1″>"Please, Mistress. I have to be reminded of my
station in life; the slave collar simply isn’t enough.
You’re far too generous a mistress, and I too eagerly make
use of your kindness. My life isn’t mine anymore but
it’s not enough just to know this, I also have to feel
it."

“c1″> 

With
the fluid movements of a good fighter or dancer Queen Melosa rose
to her feet, there was a hint of sadness in her eyes, and her voice
was calm and gentle. "Perhaps, you’re right. Follow my
lead, slave."

“c1″> 

Some
candledrops later, she returned to the fireplace and poured herself
a new goblet of cider. Xena’s unexpected revelations
certainly gave her a lot to think about but she still didn’t
understand why this proud ruler and warrior suddenly had decided to
become a slave. Her mind flashed back to this day less than half a
moon ago.

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

x x x x
x x x x x x

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

“c1″>FLASHBACK:

“c1″> 

All
during the last season small detachments of soldiers wearing the
colours of the Conqueror intruded Amazon territory thereby
violating the peace treaty. Her letters of protest were not
answered, but from their outlooks in the trees, the Amazon guards
had no difficulty in killing them or scaring them away without
taking risks themselves. This time there were much more men, a
small army of seven or eight scores just outside of shooting range
in front of the forest, threatening to burn down the woods if the
Amazons weren’t to come out for the fight. Her warriors
immediately went to meet the challenge. They were outnumbered two
to one. Then from the east where a two-days-ride away the frontier
fort of the Conqueror is situated a group of riders emerged. In the
lead were two women riding double on a golden war horse, followed
by twenty heavily armed soldiers. They rode directly between the
lines, their backs towards the Amazon warriors.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"What in the nine levels of Hades do you think
you’re doing? No one wearing my colours and insignia is to
attack the Amazon Nation without facing my
discipline."

“c1″> 

There
was no answer but a bolt released from a crossbow. The imposing
figure with the brass armour snapped the bolt easily out of the
air, brought it to her nose, and threw it disgusted on the grassy
ground.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Poison, only cowards use poison. In my army is no
room for cowards. So, you better put your weapons and your uniforms
down immediately, and then I may consider sparing your miserable
lives."