“c1″> 

“c1″>"Do you really think only one of us could possibly
believe that there is even a remote chance to atone for all of your
crimes? A trial will only end in a death sentence; it would be
easier to kill you now, Conqueror." One of the elders
said.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"You’re right. It would be easier, it’s
what the Conqueror would have done only a few moons ago, and no, I
don’t think that even an eternity in Tartarus could rectify
all my crimes. Atonement isn’t an option. I’ll await
your decision in the healer’s hut."

“c1″> 

END OF
FLASHBACK

“c1″> 

“c7″> 

x x x x
x x x x x x

“c8″> 

“c1″> 

Now in
the middle of the night, Xena’s words to the council for the
first time began to make some sort of sense but Melosa knew that
there still was much more to it. It just wasn’t discernible
yet. She knew she should go to bed but she also knew sleep would
elude her. So when she heard the sounds of one of Xena’s
nightmares, her thoughts drifted back once again.

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

x x x x
x x x x x x

“c7″> 

“c1″> 

“c1″>FLASHBACK:

“c1″> 

The
council meeting continued for the remainder of the day, and when
Queen Melosa finally entered the healer’s hut the sun was
long past its descent. She found Xena fast asleep, leaning
uncomfortably against the frame of the bed of the blonde woman, one
hand protectively closed around her left biceps. She decided not to
disturb her but to check instead on her injured subjects. About
half a candlemark later Xena stirred in her sleep, moaned, and only
a couple of heartbeats later was wide awake, breathing roughly. Her
self-control was quickly reaffirmed and she followed the Queen.
They left the infirmary part, and retired to Anara’s private
rooms in the back of the hut.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Did the council agree?"

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Yes, they did but before we deal with details, I
really like to know why you felt compelled to do this. You more or
less in the council chamber forfeited your live. Yesterdays
agreement would have been honoured under all
circumstances."

“c1″> 

“c1″>"There are a lot of reasons why I did what I did,
Queen Melosa. I’m not ready to talk about all of them now,
and I probably never will be. It has nothing to do with you.
You’re a ruler with integrity and honour, this I will never
doubt but your people need to know for sure that I no longer pose a
threat to the Nation." Xena closed her eyes. "And as long
as I submit consensual to Amazon law, they will be more at ease
accepting Gabrielle in the Nation after the
execution."