Spring had to be the best time of year in Greece. Fluffy, white clouds dotted the crystal blue sky this afternoon. Everything and everyone, Gods included, seemed in a good mood. Flowers of every color, size and shape popped up in the meadows and along the roadsides. Ayala loved being alive and in Greece on days like this.
Though the dark cell, in which she sat, reminded her that this might be her last afternoon on this earth unless she figured a way out.
Her raiding party had intended to rob King Libel of some of the gold and dinars he stole from the people of Ruka in the form of high taxes. Some how, he found out about the planned raid. Ayala saw to it that all of her men escaped, but she sacrificed herself in doing so. The King ordered her execution at midday. That time was getting really close.
She played with the pendant that hung around her neck. She couldn’t understand how Libel found out about the raid. All of her people were loyal. The only other one that knew of her plan was Ares. Ayala frowned. This was just like him, trying to ruin her plans. "Wait till I get out of here," she mumbled. In the distance, she swore she could hear Ares laughing.
The main wood door to the dungeon opened with a heavy groan and a burly guard marched in. "Come on, traitor," he said unlocking the cell. The guard eyed her with interest. She looked tasty in her leather pants and bodice. He thought about indulging himself but knew the King would not be happy if his entertainment was delayed. "It’s time to die." Stepping into the cell, he grabbed Ayala and dragged her out into the courtyard.
A makeshift stage had been erected just for this occasion. The King’s executioner stood in the center of it sharpening his ax. It seemed like the entire kingdom had gathered for this event. Ayala wouldn’t have minded so much if she weren’t scheduled to be the star of the show.
She glanced around, hoping to figure out a way to escape. The guard forced her to her knees, pressing her head onto the chopping block.
"You, Ayala, have been tried and found guilty of treason, the sentence for which is death." King Libel announced from his balcony above the courtyard.
"I had no trial!" Ayala called, stalling for time.
"Unfortunately, you slept through it all," Libel laughed.
Ayala caught a glimpse of the ax being raised above the executioner’s head. She was just about to close her eyes and pray when a shrill cry echoed through the courtyard. Not caring who it was, just knowing it was the distraction she needed, Ayala slammed one booted foot into the executioner’s knee. He fell to the ground screaming in pain.
Jumping to her feet, she kicked at the guards rushing towards her. One guard flew off the stage as a tall, dark-haired woman jumped up with Ayala. With one slice of her sword, the woman freed Ayala, who, in turn, attacked the remaining guards with full force.
The stranger whistled and a palomino horse raced to stage. She jumped on, holding out her hand to Ayala. "Come on!"
Wasting no time, Ayala joined her and they galloped away. The horse was reined to a halt when they were safely out of the city.
Ayala dropped to the ground. "Thanks for the rescue."
"You’re welcome." The woman dismounted her horse. "I’m Xena."
"Ayala. I really don’t know how to thank you."
"You can thank Viridian. He asked me to help. He knew none of his men would be able to get into the city to rescue you."
"His men? Is that what he told you?"
Xena grinned. "He doesn’t lie very well."
Ayala laughed. "Apparently not." She jumped when she heard a noise coming from around the bend in the road.
"It’s okay," Xena said as a shorter, blonde joined them. "This is Gabrielle. Gabrielle, this is Ayala."
Gabrielle nodded. "I’ve heard a lot about you."
"Did you set up the diversion?" Xena interrupted.
"Yeah, it’ll be awhile before they figure out what happened."
Xena took note of the pendant hanging from Ayala’s neck. "Interesting necklace you’ve got there."
Ayala quickly glanced down, then back up. "Anyone who calls it interesting knows what it is."
Gabrielle moved in for a closer look. The pendant consisted of a silver horseshoe shape, sitting atop a bar that was atop a sideways X between two vertical bars. The design was attached to a round black plate where a chain was strung. "I don’t recognize it."
"You won’t," Xena explained. "But I don’t understand why you’d be wearing it."
"It’s a long story but I swear it’s not what you think."
There was a long stretch of silence, which Gabrielle broke. "I don’t suppose either one of you would care to explain what it is and what it means?"
Xena turned to her friend. "It’s a symbol of Ares given to all his priestesses."
Gabrielle stared in shock. "We just helped rescue one of Ares’ priestesses?"
"I’m not one of his priestesses. I am no fonder of him than you appear to be." Ayala sighed. This was never an easy subject to discuss. "Come back with me to my camp and I’ll explain along the way."
Xena didn’t trust this woman, but she disliked Ares even more. If he in some way was holding this woman prisoner, she had to help her. She gathered up Argo’s reins. "Let’s go."
After walking a few moments in silence, Ayala finally began her story. "My mother was one of Ares’ priestesses. She didn’t serve him willingly because there was someone else she truly loved. One night, she slipped out of Ares’ temple and went to this other man. They conceived a child that night."
"You?" Xena asked.
"Hard one to figure out," Ayala chuckled. "Anyway, Ares’ priestesses are supposed to remain pure. So when he found out, he went into a rage. He killed my father and swore to kill me when I was born. My mother begged him not to. She swore to be loyal to him for the rest of her life if he let me live. Ares had a – fondness, for lack of a better term, for my mother and agreed, but with one added rule. I was never to leave the temple."
"But you’re out now." Gabrielle added.
"Yes, but that’s where the pendant comes in. See, my mother died when I was born and the other priestesses raised me. When I got older, I proved to be a bit more of a handful than Ares expected. He couldn’t kill me because of his promise to my mother yet he didn’t want to let me go. So this," pointing to the pendant, "is his way of keeping track of me, bringing me back at his will. I can’t take it off and I can’t leave the temple without it."
Xena held aside some tree branches allowing Ayala and Gabrielle could pass. "Why can’t you take it off?"
Ayala followed Gabrielle past Xena. "If I try to take it off or leave the temple without it, I will die. Believe me, I’ve tried already."
"That seems weird."
"The whole situation is just weird. Especially considering some of the memories I have from my early childhood."
"What kind of memories?" Xena was definitely intrigued by this story.
Ayala smiled. "I don’t think you’d believe me if I told you."
"Try me," she urged.
"I have this one memory of sitting on his lap. He’d tell me stories, play games with me, show me glimpses of other lands. There were never any others around when he did it though. I was young then and didn’t really understand what was going on. For the first part of my life, I thought he was my father because that’s how he acted in my eyes. I even remember falling asleep in his arms."
"Are you sure it was our Ares?"
"Positive," Ayala chuckled. "As odd as it seems, it was him."
"Odd is definitely an understatement."
Gabrielle squeezed in between Xena and Ayala. "How did you end up leading that group of men?"
"Well, I was walking past King Libel’s city and some of his tax collectors caught me and demanded a toll for using his road. I told them what to do with the King’s road tax and tried to go about my way. They, however, didn’t like my answer and a fight ensued. Viridian and his men came along just as I was getting rid of the last of them. They liked what they saw and asked if I’d like the join their little band of rebels."
"But how did you end up being their leader?"
"They are good men and great fighters but they don’t have the smarts it takes to plan and execute a good attack. Remember where I grew up. I did learn a thing or two while there, so it wasn’t hard to just take over."
"If your plans are so good," Xena snickered, "how come you got caught?"
"That’s what I’d like to know. We’ve attacked Libel, his men and the castle before. They knew we were coming this time. I can’t see one of my men being an informant because we would have gotten caught before now. I think Ares had something to do with it. Maybe he got tired of my success and not getting to share in any of it." Ayala pointed ahead. "The camp’s just up there."
They had traveled deep into the forest, towards the mountains. The location proved to be a good hideout as it wasn’t easily accessible by men with arms and on horseback yet it was not far from the castle either.
Ayala stopped Xena and Gabrielle just short of the camp. "Please say nothing of this to these men. I don’t want their faith in me altered in any way, good or bad, because of Ares."
"Your secret is safe with us," Xena assured her.
They broke through the forest into the small clearing in front of the camp. Viridian, a well-built man with no hair, ran up the greet them. "Thank the Gods you’re all right!" He embraced Ayala.
"The Gods had nothing to do with it, Viridian," she smiled. "It was your and Xena’s doing. And Gabrielle too." She pointed to a small tent. "Let’s go in and talk, all four of us."
Viridian waved down a passing man. "Take Xena’s horse. See to it she’s fed and watered."
The man led the horse off and the foursome went into the tent. Despite its small looking size on the outside, the tent could comfortably fit six people inside. It was stocked with food and water along with animal skins for sitting and sleeping. A fire in the middle of the tent provided a small amount of warmth, so they gathered around it.
"I’m very sorry you got captured, Ayala." Viridian passed around a plate of dried meat and fruit.
"There’s something I need to know," she took a piece of meat, passing the plate to Xena. "Who could have told Libel of our plans?"
Viridian stared at Ayala in shock. "How could you think it was one of the men?"
"Who else could have told him? It wasn’t like they found us sneaking around. They were waiting for us."
"All of the men are loyal, you know that."
"I thought I did. But maybe Libel found out that one of them has their price."
Viridian looked down into the fire. "I will see what I can find out for you."
"Good. Now, go and tell the men lay low for awhile. I want Libel to think he’s scared us off."
Xena chewed quietly on a piece of fruit, watching the man’s reactions to Ayala’s questions. There was something about him that didn’t sit quite right. Apparently though, Ayala trusted him. After he left, she asked, "I thought you said this was Ares’ doing?"
"I could have been. I’m just overturning all my stones, so to speak." She placed some small pieces of wood on the fire. "I think while the men relax and recover, I’ll go pay a visit to Ares and see just what he’s been up to."
"Mind if I tag along? It’s been awhile since I’ve annoyed Ares." She grinned a bit mischievously.
"Not at all. I’d enjoy the company."
"What about me?" Gabrielle finally spoke.
Xena placed a hand on Gabrielle’s arm. "I want you to stay here. Things might get messy with Ares and I don’t want to put you at risk."
Ayala saw the disappointment in Gabrielle’s eyes. "Actually, if you are going to stay, would you do me a favor?"
"Sure," she shrugged. "What?"
"Hang around camp and see if you can find out anything about this mess with the raid."
"You mean play spy?"
"Yeah, you could say that."
"Gabrielle slowly smiled. "Consider it done!"
Xena and Ayala started off for Ares’ temple the next morning after Viridian assured them no raids would take place in their absence. The trip to the temple would take nearly a day and a half. Most of the journey was across flat lands. It wasn’t until the next morning that they’d start up the mountain. Ayala took her mount to make the journey quicker since two riders on Argo would tire her sooner.
For part of their journey, Ayala questioned Xena about her relationship to Ares. On her occasional trips back to the temple, she had heard Xena’s name mentioned but most in reference to battles and killing. Ayala thought that Xena was one of Ares’ warriors. Xena in turn explained that she had been allied with Ares at one time. But thanks to a couple of good people, she was able to see that there was more to her life than killing and conquering.
There were times on the journey that neither one said anything. They both would ride quietly along immersed in their own thoughts, thoughts that they felt were either too personal or too trivial to mention. The journey finally ended and they both stood staring at the immense temple belong to the God of War.
Ayala had hoped it was a sight she would not have to see for a long time. She jumped when a hand touched her shoulder.
"Are you okay?"
Talking a deep breath, Ayala nodded. "Let’s get this over with." She marched towards the door. Within 10 feet, it was yanked opened and two women dressed in black flowing clothing, rushed out to greet her.
"Ayala! You’re back!" cried one, hugging the woman.
Ayala gently pulled her off. Normally she would have greeted them in kind, but not today. "Thank you, Kirin. I wish I could say I was glad to be back."
Kirin looked to Xena. This was not a person she expected Ayala to show up with. She knew better than to cross Xena’s path though. So, she nodded politely and ushered them inside.
Nothing had changed since Ayala’s last visit. The outer chamber was a bustle with activity, cleaning, cooking, and worshipping. It appeared much more light and airy than the other chambers.
The major ceremonies took place inside the inner chamber, where Ares’ altar and throne sat. Inside there, everything was dark and foreboding. Ayala headed straight for the door to the inner chamber with Xena closely behind.
"Ayala," Kirin called.
She stopped just before the door and turned.
"He is not in a good mood."
"That’s fine with me," Ayala replied turning back towards the door. "Neither am I." With one hard shove, she pushed the door open.
Ares stood in front of his throne. Three men were down on one knee, heads bowed, in front of him. The armor and weapons on the walls shook with the booming sound of Ares’ voice. "You are *fools*!" He looked up and scowled at the intruders. He glanced back down at the men. "Get out! But, don’t go far."
The three men wasted no time in running out of the room, even shutting the door as they left.
Ares slowly walked down the steps of the altar to where Xena and Ayala stood. He forced himself to calm down as he stopped in front of them, waiting for one to speak. When they didn’t, he broke the silence. "It’s good to have you back, Ayala." He placed a hand on her shoulder.
Ayala rolled her eyes. Shoving it away, she pushed past him. "Give it a rest, Ares."
"Xena," he said with a nod.
Xena raised her eyebrows in response. She could already see the difference in the way Ares acted towards Ayala. If she was indeed the child of his priestess and another man, he sure was nice to her. Ares was not one to keep his promises so something else had to be going on. Looking past Ares, Xena stared in disbelief. Ayala had seated herself in Ares’ throne. Xena found it even more incredible when Ares turned around and said or did nothing about it.
"So," Ares said crossing his arms. "What brings you back so soon?"
Ayala leaned back in the throne and rubbed her chin. "Why?"
"Why what?" Ares snapped.
"Why did you do it? Why did you tell King Libel about the raid?"
"I didn’t even know you had a raid planned."
"Don’t lie Ares! You always said you know everything I do. If it wasn’t for Xena, I’d be a headless corpse right now."
"What?!"
"Libel was going to have my head chopped off for treason and you’re telling me you had nothing to do with it?"
"I would have killed him if he had."
Ayala groaned. "Is that your answer for everything? Kill them?"
"Would you rather I offered him a medal?"
Xena started to laugh but quickly stopped when Ares turned and shot her an icy glance.
Pushing herself to her feet, Ayala started down the altar towards the door. "I don’t know why I bothered. It’s not like you’d tell me the truth anyway."
Ares grabbed her arm as she passed. "I had nothing to do with it." He paused then added, "I swear on your mother’s grave."
She stared into his eyes. Somewhere, under all that anger and aggression and nastiness, she saw something, a glimmer of honesty. She nodded slowly. "Okay. I’m going to go outside for a minute. I need some air."
Ares watched her leave. Turning to head to his throne, he saw Xena gawking at him. "What are you staring at?" he snarled as he plopped down into the throne.
Xena followed him. "Since you’re on a roll with telling the truth, why not tell me what she is to you?"
"Why? Are you jealous I may have found someone to take your place?"
"Hardly," Xena smirked, sitting on one of the steps. "She told me about her mother. And how you killed her father."
"Yeah, well . . ." he trailed off.
"Well what?" Xena prodded when he didn’t finish the sentence.
"I didn’t kill her father."
Xena dropped her head.
"I am her father."
Xena whipped her head around. "You’re what??"
"You heard me."
"So the story about her mother sneaking off to be with a man is a lie?"
"Only in part. By the time I realized what exactly my priestesses were telling her, it was too late to change it."
"Which parts were the lies and which parts were the truth?"
Ares sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "Why am I telling you all this?" he grunted.
"Because I’m the only one who won’t tell anyone else." She grinned when Ares looked at her.
"Fine," he said with a sneer. "Her mother did sneak off to see another man that night only she didn’t know he had died in battle that afternoon. I took his place. Made her think I was him."
"Oh boy."
"When the other Gods found out I conceived a child in this fashion, they were not pleased. They worried that it’d turn out too much like me."
"That’s a valid concern."
"Can I finish without any more of your little commentaries?"
Xena held up her hands. "Sorry. Be my guest."
"Thank you. Her mother pleaded with the Gods to let the child live. They agreed so long as she was never allowed to leave the temple. Her mother died in childbirth so the other priestesses raised and cared for her. Things were fine for awhile until she saw me kill someone. The priestesses were supposed to keep an eye on her but she slipped away. She was maybe nine or ten. It was then I learned what she was being told, about her father’s death, and the sight of me killing the man only helped to solidify her hatred of me. She had inherited some powers from me and I didn’t want to have to worry about her trying to use them against me. She became uncontrollable and wanted to leave. The Gods swore that if she left this temple with her powers, they would destroy her."
"Why didn’t you just take her powers away? You have that ability."
"I tried. I nearly killed her. I couldn’t understand why though. My only thought was that she’s, somehow, more than just half god and her mortal side can’t survive on its own. So I created that medallion she wears to keep her from using the powers."
"So, like she said, in essence, it keeps her alive." Xena assumed Ares nodded in confirmation of that fact. She was too busy staring at the ground, formulating a plan to look at him. "Why don’t you tell her this?"
Ares scoffed. He rose and began pacing. "What for? Don’t you think she hates me enough already?"
"Why do you care what she thinks of you? You have countless children and could careless what they think. Why is she so different?"
"She was one of my greatest hopes. With the powers she inherited from me, she could rule armies upon armies. But, she was too much like her mother. Believe it or not, Xena, I did care about her mother and I do care about her."
Xena still could not quite comprehend what she was hearing. This was a side of Ares she had never fully seen. She had gotten glimpses as a result of her relationship with him. Never though, had she seen it like this. He was actually likeable. "I still say if you care, you’ll tell her. At worse, she’ll still hate you. At best," Xena shrugged, "she might hate you less."
"Thanks for the comforting words of wisdom." He waved his hand and a vision of Ayala appeared. She was outside the temple with the horses.
"Ares," Xena got up and walked to him. "If you’re telling the truth about this whole raiding party thing, then someone in her army is a traitor and next time they go on a raid, she might not be as lucky."
Glancing at Xena, Ares snapped his fingers and he and
the vision was gone.
Ayala fed each of the horses a piece of apple she had cut up. It turned out Argo loved the fruit just as much as her mount, Hache, did. She laughed as they nudged her hands, looking for more. Both horses suddenly spooked and Ayala whirled around.
"Sorry," Ares walked up to her, "Didn’t mean to spoil the party."
"A little late for that," she mumbled, turning away.
"You know, you were much easier to deal with when you where little."
"You mean before I knew the truth."
He leaned close. In a harsh whisper, he replied, "You still don’t know the truth."
"So I suppose the truth is you didn’t really kill my father?"
Ares struggled for a moment, looking for the best choice of words. "You father – is alive and well."
"Why haven’t you told me this before?!" Ayala hissed as she whirled around and threw the remaining pieces of apple at the God.
"Because," Ares pulled a piece of apple out of his leather vest and shrugged it back into place. "I didn’t think you’d want to see him."
"How could I not want to see the man who helped bring me into this world?" She picked up a handful of stone and threw it at him. "He was the person my mother loved enough to risk her life for!" Then, she pulled a handful of grass out of the ground, throwing it, roots, dirt and all, at him as well.
Ares grabbed her by the wrists as she went to throw something else at him. "STOP IT!" He waited for her to drop the rock, before releasing her. "I didn’t tell you because I am your father."
"You’re lying!"
"No, I’m not. Let’s go back inside and talk." Ares whooshed them inside to where Xena was still waiting. He proceeded to tell an astonished Ayala the same story he told Xena.
Ayala stared speechless at the God. She didn’t know if she should believe him. Some of it did make sense though; explaining questions that she had never had answers for. She stood looking out the window, tears streaming down her face as Ares told her the reason behind the pendant and why she could not take it off.
Ares walked up behind her. Gently taking her shoulders, he sighed. "This is all the other gods doing. I never meant to hurt you."
"What right do they having judging me by your actions?" she cried.
"I tried explaining that to them. All they cared about was that you were my child and you had some of my powers."
"It’s not fair!"
"The Gods are rarely fair, Ayala." Ares let go and walked away. "But to prove to you I am telling the truth, I’ll do something for you."
Ayala turned around. "Like what?"
Ares sat in his throne. Leaning back, he crossed his legs. "I’ll deliver, to you, the man that betrayed you to King Libel."
"I thought you said you didn’t know anything about it?"
"I don’t. But I do know how to find out."
Xena and Ayala returned to Ayala’s camp a couple of days later. Ayala barely spoke on the journey home. She still could not believe that she was the daughter of Ares. Of all the Gods that could have been her father, why did it have to be him? She had no idea whether to love or hate him. And what did you tell people when they asked about your parents? "Oh, my mother was a mortal but my father is Ares, the God of War." People would run away faster than she’d be able to say Olympus.
Xena sensed Ayala struggling with the situation. "I wish I could say I know how you feel, Ayala. But, I can’t." She paused as they neared the camp. "I do know someone who can and I know he’d want to help. As soon as this is over, I’ll take you to him."
"Thanks." Ayala managed a small smile.
Arriving in the camp, they had little to do but wait for Ares’ men. They were greeted enthusiastically by everyone, especially Gabrielle and Viridian.
"I didn’t find anything out," Gabrielle sighed as they entered Ayala’s tent. "Well, at least about what you asked."
"What did you find out then?" Xena stretched out on one of the animal skins. It felt good to lay down after their two-day journey back.
Gabrielle blushed. "I think Viridian likes me. I have to try and get some answers out of him."
"Be careful what you go looking for, Gabrielle," Ayala said, picking up the empty wine jug. "You may find things you’re not ready to find." She stepped out of the tent.
Gabrielle looked at Xena extremely confused. "What did she mean by that?"
"She’s having a hard time dealing with something she found out on our little trip. It’s up to her if she wants to tell you though. It’s not my place."
"I understand," Gabrielle nodded. Understanding didn’t make her any less curious though.
Ayala returned with a full jug of wine. "Would you like some?" she offered as she poured some for herself.
Xena declined.
Sitting down next to Ayala, Gabrielle poured herself a small bit of the wine. "What did you mean by what you said? Did something happen at Ares’ temple?"
Ayala looked over to Xena.
"I didn’t tell her anything. I figured I’d let you do that."
After swallowing the cup of wine, Ayala pulled her knees up to her chest. "I went there looking for answers about the raid and I found out my father is still alive."
"That’s wonderful news!" Her excitement faded as Ayala’s look remained grim. "Isn’t it?"
"Under normal circumstances, I suppose it would be."
"And, these aren’t normal?"
"Only if you consider having the God of War as a father normal."
Gabrielle blinked. Did she hear that right? "Ares? Your father?" She shook her head. "Wow."
"Yeah. That’s one way to put it." She heard a rustling outside the tent. After a quick look outside, she settled back down. "I’ll explain more later. There’s a traitor in the camp so I want to be very careful about what I say."
"So it wasn’t Ares that spoiled the raid?"
"No. He says he’s going to find out who it was though."
Two days passed with no word from Ares or his men. Ayala was getting antsy; figuring Ares had once again lied to her. She should have known better than to trust him. In a nearby stream, she made a halfhearted attempt at catching some fish. Pulling back on the bow, she aimed at a fish. With a swift swoosh, the arrow struck its target. She trudged through the water and grabbed the arrow, flinging it at the fish towards shore.
"Hey! Watch where you throw those things."
Turning towards the voice, Ayala almost laughed at the look on Ares’ face as he wiped the fish slime from his leather. Instead, she turned back to her fishing saying, "Well it wouldn’t happen if you didn’t sneak up on people."
"What? No ‘Hi, dad. How ya doing? Did you find out who snitched on me?’ Just a cold shoulder?"
Ayala lowered her bow, scanning the water for another fish. "Did I ever call you dad?"
"A couple times, when you were small. My priestess quickly put an end to it." He watched her for a moment. "You know, there are easier ways to get food." With a wave of his hand, Ares added several more fish it Ayala’s pile.
She splashed out of the water and onto the bank with Ares. "That also takes all fun out of it."
"Fun?" he repeated in mock shock. "You mean there’s fun in killing?"
Ayala stood motionless frightened by the truth of what had just been said. She liked hunting. Stalking down her prey and killing it was fun. It provided a rush that nothing else could. She remembered times during raids and ambushes that she smiled when she ran her sword though her enemy. She felt her knees weaken and her stomach churn.
"Anyway, I found out who turned on you. It was your friend, Viridian. King Libel was getting desperate to stop you. He offered him a handsome amount of dinars to bring you to him. He didn’t care about the rest of the men, just you. You can probably trap Viridian by planning a fake raid." Ares waited for Ayala to say something, but she just sat on her knees staring at the ground. He raised his voice an octave. "Thanks, dad. I really appreciate what you’ve done for me." In his normal voice, he retorted, "Glad I could help my favorite daughter." And then dissolved into the air.
Ayala collapsed completely onto the ground, crying. Xena found her kneeling next to the water’s edge a short time later.
"I’m just like him." Ayala saw Xena’s reflection in the water.
"Just like who?" Xena joined her friend.
"Ares. I like killing. I think it’s fun."
"You don’t like killing. You do it because you have to."
"Then why do I feel so . . . good afterwards?"
"Everyone feels like that, not just you. It’s all the leftover energy from the fight." Xena reached out and turned Ayala’s face towards hers. "You are who you make yourself. Not who your parents are."
"I never knew my mother, Xena. But everyone who did said she was the nicest person. Does that mean I’m not like her either?" Tears rolled down her cheek.
"You are who you want to be like." Xena pulled Ayala into a hug. "If you want to be like your mother, you’ll be like your mother. If you want to be like Ares, well, that’s your choice too."
Ayala pulled herself away. "Ares said the traitor is Viridian." She wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand.
"What do you want to do?"
Ayala was about to say to do nothing when shouting came from the camp.
"Get him!" yelled someone.
"Find Ayala!" shouted another.
Ayala and Xena were already running towards the camp. They pushed their way through the crowd. Near a tree, three men had Viridian down on his knees in front of his spilled bag.
"What’s going on, Marcus?" Ayala surveyed the situation.
"Viridian was packing up some of his things when a bunch these fell out of his stuff." Marcus tossed her a gold coin.
Catching it, she turned it over in her hand, looking at the very distinct markings. She shoved the coin in Viridian’s face. "So how many of these did Libel have to give you to betray your friends?! 20? 50? 100?!" Reaching down, she grabbed him around the neck and hauled him to his feet. "How many, Viridian?! How much does it take to buy you?!" She whirled him around and slammed him into a tree before letting him go.
Viridian slid down the tree into a heap on the ground. He clutched at his throat, trying to catch his breath.
"They trusted you! *I* trusted you!!" Lashing out with her foot, she kicked him squarely in the jaw and then whirled around to do it again.
Xena grabbed Ayala’s foot before it could make contact, tossing her to the ground. "Stop it!"
Ayala picked herself up off the ground as the reality of what she had been doing sank in. If Xena hadn’t stopped her, she would have killed Viridian, just like she’d killed other men before. Turning away, she waved to Marcus. "Get him out of my sight."
"What do you want us to do with him?"
"Send him back to his King. Let Libel deal with him." She walked off to her tent. Once inside, she began packing up what few possessions she had, mostly blankets but a few trinkets as well.
Xena and Gabrielle followed after a few minutes and found her staring at a small wooden horse.
"A gift from daddy," she half smiled, tossing it into her bag. She continued packing her things. "I would have killed him without a second thought if you hadn’t stopped me, Xena."
"Everyone makes mistakes. You were mad. You have every right to be. He almost got you killed."
"I used to think I was a very even tempered person. Over these past several years though, it takes very little to make me lose it. It scares me."
Gabrielle stepped up to her. "It’s not too late to change. Xena did."
"I – I just need to get away and think. I’m just not sure who I am any more." She toyed the pendant around her neck. "I can’t tell you how many times these past few days I’ve just wanted to take this off. To prove that I don’t need it, him or any of the other Gods to survive." She looked up with a small smile. "But what if I’m wrong?"
"That friend I was telling you about," Xena picked up Ayala’s bag and handed the bow, arrows and sword to her. "Is in a village about a days travel to the north. I’ll take you to him."
Ayala agreed to go with Xena to see her friend. After assuring Marcus he could continue what they had been doing and be very successful, Xena, Gabrielle and Ayala packed up Argo and Hache and left the camp. It was late afternoon by this time so they had only traveled a short while before it started getting dark. They found a clearing near the stream and set up camp.
Xena went upstream to catch dinner. She had caught a couple of fish and was trying to catch a third when Ares showed up.
"What do you think you’re doing, Xena?" he growled.
"Trying to catch dinner, what does it look like?" She quickly snatched another fish from the water.
"I mean what are you doing with Ayala? Why are you taking her to see that goody-goody brother of mine?"
Xena tossed the fish at Ares’ feet. "You say you really care about her but you have an odd way of showing it. Or maybe you just don’t know how to show it." Climbing out of the stream, she shook some water from her boots. "She’s confused Ares. She doesn’t know who she is any more."
"It was your idea to tell her. She was better off not knowing."
"She had a right to know the truth, Ares. Now she just needs to learn that the truth doesn’t change anything about her. Right now she’s thinking that she’s destined to be exactly like you."
"And that’s a bad thing?"
"For her, yes it is." She picked up the fish to head back to camp. "You should know by now she’s not the person you wanted her to be."
Ares glowered at Xena as she left. The thing that made
him maddest was that she was right. Ayala was not and would never be the
fierce warrior he had wanted. She was a good fighter and a strong leader
but insisted on putting those skills to use for the good of mankind. He
wondered if maybe there was a way to use that to his advantage.
Xena, Gabrielle and Ayala walked into the Village of Mir a little before midday. The streets of the small village were decorated in colorful ribbons and banners in preparation for some sort of celebration. The villagers seemed to all be in a festive mood as they bustled around.
"The entire village must be out on the streets today," Gabrielle noted as she dodged yet another decoration-laden villager.
"Why don’t you two go to the tavern," Xena pointed across the street, "and get something to eat. I’ll see if I can’t find who I’m looking for."
"Good. I could use some food." Gabrielle took Ayala by the arm and weaved through the crowd. When they entered the tavern only a few people mingled inside.
The man behind the bar welcomed them. "We don’t get many people this time of day because of all the preparations for the harvest festival so you must be visitors."
"We are," Gabrielle replied. "And hungry ones."
"I’ve got just the thing," he replied. He opened up the stove behind the bar and pulled out two roasted birds. He set them on a plate with a piece of bread and some vegetables then handed them to Gabrielle. "One dinar if you like it. If not, it’s free."
"Can’t beat that." She took the plates, sitting at a table Ayala had selected next to a wall. "Smells delicious."
Ayala nodded and picked at the food. Her mind wasn’t on eating. She stood up. "I’ll get some water." While she waited for the tavern keeper to pour the drink, a man walked in. He wasn’t overly tall, maybe average height, with blond hair and a well kept body. He crept up behind Gabrielle, who was intently devouring her food. He raised his arms and Ayala reacted. She drew her bow and an arrow and within a spilt second the man’s vest was pinned to the wall.
"Hey!!" He struggled to pull the arrow out to free himself.
"Iolaus!" Gabrielle nearly choked on her food.
"You know him?" Ayala approached with another arrow in her bow.
"Yeah. He’s a friend."
Ayala returned her bow to its quiver and helped Iolaus free himself. "Sorry. I just saw you sneaking up on her and thought, well, you know."
"It’s okay. I’m glad to know you’re looking out for her." He held out his hand. "Iolaus."
"Ayala. And I really am sorry."
"Ah," he waved her off. "No big deal."
"I see you two have met."
Ayala turned with Iolaus and Gabrielle to see Xena and another man walk into the tavern. This man was definitely not average in any way. Ayala knew who he was. One didn’t spend most of their life in Ares’ world without knowing about Hercules. He was one man Ares hated more than anything. And Ayala now understood how a friend of Xena’s could know what she was going through.
"Ayala, this is . . ."
"Hercules. Yes, I know." She motioned to the table. "We were just sitting down to eat. Please join us."
"Where’d you learn to shoot like that?" Iolaus wiggled his finger through the hole in his vest as the tavern keeper set plates and drinks down in front of him, Xena and Hercules.
Ayala sighed. There was no point in hiding it. Hercules no doubt already knew. "Ares."
The meat in Iolaus’ hand dropped to the plate. "Ares?" He glanced around at the non-shocked look on the others’ faces. "Okay. I guess I’m the only one who didn’t know about this. How did you end up with him?"
"It wasn’t by choice for the most part. He’s my father."
Iolaus shrugged. "That’s not all bad. It makes Herc your uncle."
Ayala chuckled. "That’s something I never thought of."
"Welcome to the family," Hercules laughed.
After the group finished their meal, they went outside to watch the preparations for the festival. Hercules and Ayala quickly fell behind the others as they walked the streets.
"Xena told me some of what’s happened. And believe me, it’s not as bad as it seems."
"Was Zeus ever there for you when you were growing up?"
"No. He’d occasionally drop in but he never played a part in my family life."
"Ares was there for me after my mother died. At least until I turned against him. He never let anything happen to me."
"It’s hard to know whether to love or hate them, isn’t it?"
"I’d almost rather be in your place, knowing the truth from the start and not having him give me the chance to love. I try to hate him but I keep remembering all things he did for me. When I fell out of a tree, he was the one who picked me up and made me feel better. Even after I left, it seemed like he watching over me." Ayala stopped walking and leaned against a nearby building.
"It’s hard to believe that caring person you’re talking about is Ares."
She stared down at her pendant. "There was a time when I knew of nothing but that caring person. I had to see it with my own eyes to believe he would kill someone." Kicking at a stone, she sighed.
"You can’t just love or hate him, Ayala. You’ll have to learn to live with doing both. It doesn’t change who you are just because he’s your father. He obviously had a good effect on you otherwise you wouldn’t have turned out as caring as you are." Hercules lifted Ayala’s chin. "Just use what he’s taught and given you to help mankind like you have been."
Before Ayala could respond, a scream echoed through the courtyard. Hercules and Ayala raced to the courtyard. A three-headed serpent, as tall as 2 men, lashed about, snapping and snarling at the hysterical crowd. It seemed no matter which way a person ran, they were still within reach of one of the monster’s heads. Iolaus, Xena and Gabrielle tried to herd the frantic people to safety outside of the town.
"No doubt one of Hera’s little pets," Hercules mutter picking up a heavy log.
"You know what they say about owners looking like their pets."
"Take the one on the left. I’ll get the other two."
"No problem!" Ayala dodged the running crowd to get closer to the monster. She pulled an arrow from her quiver and took aim. It bounced harmlessly off the monster’s neck, serving only to irritate it further. It snarled and reached out for Ayala. She dove behind a stack of barrels and hay and narrowly missed being caught in its mouth. Watching the beast throw back its head, Ayala spotted a possible weakness. She quickly glanced at Hercules who had managed to subdue one of the heads. Reaching back into her arrows, she felt around, looking for a certain special one. Her fingers finally rested on the ridge that distinguished it from all the others. She put it on the bow and drew back. She had to get the monster to look up in order for her to be able to hit the target. Finding a large piece of fruit, she tossed it into the air. The monster lifted its head just enough and Ayala let the arrow fly.
The arrow came into contact with the soft skin under the monster’s jaw and it exploded in a blinding light.
Hercules looked at Ayala in surprise. "What was in that arrow?" He helped Ayala up from the ground where she had been thrown.
"Think of it as fighting fire with fire," she replied, dusting off her pants. The quizzical look on Hercules’ face told her he didn’t quite understand. "The arrowhead was made from the metal of Hephaestus. I borrow a few every now and then from Ares’ armory."
"For once I’m actually thankful for something of his."
The villagers slowly began filling the streets again, shouting their thanks to Hercules. They circled him, shaking his hand and slapping him on the back. Ayala merely stepped back and joined the others. She’d just as soon stay out of the spotlight.
"Wasn’t it your arrow that killed it?" Gabrielle asked.
"It doesn’t matter who killed it," Ayala shrugged, "as long as it’s gone." She noticed a dark figure standing near the entrance to an alleyway, arms folded across his chest and scowling. Ares was upset over the arrows no doubt. "I’ll be right back," she said as she headed for the alley.
Ares followed her down the alley and behind a building. "You should know better than to use those arrows against something another God created, especially if it’s Hera."
"What was I supposed to do? Let that thing kill innocent people?"
"In Hera’s eyes, these people are not innocent. They have neglected their offerings to her for a long time. That was her subtle reminder."
"That’s hardly a reason to kill these people."
"To you maybe. And to some, killing a man who collects taxes is hardly justifiable."
Ayala nodded. He had a point, small as it may be. "So what’s my punishment? 1 week stuck in the temple? 2 weeks without armory access?"
"I wouldn’t joke about this. Hera is irate." Her cupped her chin in his hand. "She wants you dead."
"Who wants her dead?"
Ares groaned and rolled his eyes. He turned to see his half-brother at the corner of the alley and the building. "Hercules. Can’t you mind your own business?"
"Ayala’s my friend. If it involves her, it is my business."
Ares growled and took a step forward.
"Hercules," Ayala jumped between the two men. "It’s okay. Hera’s just a little upset that I used one of Hephaestus’ arrows to stop her monster."
"Wanting to kill you is more than just a little upset."
"I think," Ares emphasized the last word, "I can keep her at bay until it blows over. Just don’t get in her way for awhile."
"Fine." She folded her arms across her chest and scowled.
"She will take any chance she can to have someone or something try to kill you if you piss her off. Just ask my brother."
"Why doesn’t she just do it herself?"
"Because no God can kill another God and that rule extends to half-gods like yourself -- and Hercules." He paused. "Just stay out of her way. I’m asking you as your father."
"I already said I’d stay out of her way."
"Good." He snapped his fingers and disappeared.
Still frowning, Ayala glanced at Hercules. "I wonder if there’s any chance I could get disowned."
Hercules chuckled. "I tried that. Didn’t work."
The festivities for the night went on without any further
interruptions from Hera. But everyone in the group agreed she would not
give up.
Shortly after dawn, Ayala stood outside the inn where she had slept watching a group of children playing by the fountain. She knew they’d be safe as long as Hercules, Xena, Iolaus and Gabrielle were there. She also knew she couldn’t stay. She felt like she was betraying these people by leaving but it was the only way she could keep her word.
Xena joined her in watching the children.
After a few moments of silence, Ayala spoke. "I have to leave, Xena. I know you and everyone else will keep the village safe."
"You don’t have to."
"Yes I do. I gave my word I’d stay out of Hera’s way. If she sends something else after this village, I won’t be able to do that."
"Why are you so worried about keeping your word to Ares? He’s never kept his."
Ayala turned and smiled. "That’s the difference between me and him." She picked up her quiver and slipped it on. "And he has kept his word to me more often than not."
"Where will you go?"
"Back to his temple, I guess," she shrugged.
"Are you sure you want to do that?"
"Until this thing with Hera blows over, it’s the only place I’ll feel safe."
Just then, several screaming people rushed into the village. "Run!" They shouted. "Hide! Before they get you!"
Neither Xena nor Ayala needed to ask who because as soon as the villagers rushed past them, a dozen winged skeleton beasts from Hera’s army swooped into the town center. The two women dove for cover in separate directions.
Ayala stayed crouched behind the barrels for a few moments. When she peeked over them, she saw Hercules, Iolaus, Xena and Gabrielle effectively dispatching the gruesome army. She started to return to her crouch when a small child dashed across the town towards the fountain.
One of the creatures saw this too. It broke away from its attack on Hercules and flew at the child.
"I’m sorry, father," Ayala said, launching herself over the barrels and tackling the monster as it swooped down at the child. She and the beast dropped and rolled onto the ground. She flung it backwards, sending it crashing into the three that were attacking Hercules. All four exploded in a blinding light.
Hercules wasted no time in rushing to Xena’s side, helping her to rid herself of the three attacking creatures.
Ayala pulled the last of Hephaestus’ arrows from her quiver and launched it at the two Gabrielle was trying to fight off. The arrow landed solidly in one and the resulting explosion took out the other.
Realizing they were now outnumbered, the last three of Hera’s monsters flew off.
"Is everyone okay?" Hercules asked, gathering his friends.
Before anyone could answer, the sky darkened and rumbled. A pair of eyes appeared over the town. "I have had enough of your interference, you insolent little wench!!" With that, Hera threw down a ball of fire at Ayala.
She tried to dive aside but was still struck by the edge of the fireball. She dropped to the ground, her body convulsing in agony.
"NO!" Ares shouted, as he appeared in front of Ayala, his arm cocked back ready to fend off Hera’s attack.
"You would dare anger your mother, Queen of the Gods, over . . . her?!"
"YES!" he growled in response.
"She has been nothing but a menace to me since she left you!"
Ayala moaned on the ground behind Ares. The agonizing energy shooting through her body had subsided and she rolled to her side trying to get up. The pain, however, had not left.
Ares looked at his daughter. "Lie still." He turned back to Hera. "This is all your fault anyway! You knew she was leaving but you couldn’t wait!"
"If that’s true," Hercules said, stepping up to Ares’ side, "then you have no reason to be angry with her for protecting these people. And, if you do kill her, I will never stop tormenting you. None of your temples or your people will be safe!"
"And what Hercules misses, my armies won’t!"
Hera looked from her son to Hercules and then disappeared without a word.
Gabrielle, Xena and Iolaus rushed towards Ayala but stopped
short when Ares shouted at them, "Stay away from her!" He knelt down beside
his daughter and gathered her in his arms. He stood, looking at the concerned
faces of Ayala’s friends. "She’ll be at my temple," he said, disappearing
into the air.
Ares tried to lay Ayala gently on the bed in her chambers. She still winced. The pain had faded some but she was lucky to be alive. Ares dipped the cloth that had sat on the table next to the bed, into the jug of water sitting next to it. After wringing it out, he wiped Ayala’s face. "You’ll be fine in a few days."
"I’m sorry," she whispered. "I was going to leave but then they showed up and I couldn’t let them hurt the little girl."
"Shhh . . . I know. Now lie still and get some rest." He waited for her to close her eyes before stepping out of the room. One of his priestesses was waiting for him. "Keep a close watch on her, Kirin. She’s sleeping now but when she wakes, come get me."
"Yes, Lord Ares," she replied with a bow.
Ayala slept for nearly two days with Kirin faithfully watching by her side. Not because Ares had told her to, but because Ayala was very special to Kirin, having been the one who raised her from an infant. Kirin worried when Ayala didn’t wake after a day. Ares assured the priestess that her body was merely trying to repair the damage Hera had done.
Hercules, Iolaus, Xena and Gabrielle had made camp just outside of Ares’ temple and waited. It was late afternoon when Kirin ran out to tell them Ayala was waking. They entered her room and found Ares sitting by her bed.
Ayala slowly rolled her head towards them. "Did anyone get the number of the chariot that hit me?"
The group chuckled glad to see she hadn’t lost her sense of humor.
"What do you remember?"
Ayala shook her head. "Not much. I was standing with Xena talking and… well, that’s about it. I don’t remember being brought here or what happened to me." She stopped as a scene flashed into memory. "Something involving Hera?" She glanced to Ares who nodded.
"I’ll tell you everything when you’re recovered." He reached out and removed the pendant that hung from her neck. "You won’t be needing this any more."
"Why?"
Ares straightened, taking a deep breath. "Hera took your powers."
"I thought I’d die if that happened?"
"Only if I did it. Being my daughter I was taking more than just your powers away when I tried."
"Well, I can’t miss what I never really had." Ayala gently took the pendant back from Ares, holding it tightly in her hands. "I’m sorry I was never the daughter you wanted me to be."
Ares rose. "But you are the daughter your mother would have wanted you to be." He walked towards the door. "As soon as you feel up to it, you’re free to go." He left the room, shutting the door behind him.
Ayala looked to her friends, all of whom seemed in a slight state of shock. "Somewhere, underneath that anger and hate is a heart."
"What are you going to do?" Xena asked.
"I think I’ll stay here for awhile. Maybe I can do some good from this end. After Hera’s cooled off, maybe I’ll leave again."
"If you ever need a traveling companion," Xena offered her hand. "Don’t be afraid to look us up."
"Any of us," Hercules emphasized, shaking Ayala’s hand.
"Thanks. You guys have been really great. I appreciate it."
The four warriors said goodbye, leaving Ayala and Kirin in the room. "You knew Ares was really my father, didn’t you?"
Kirin nodded. "I didn’t want you to know. I was afraid."
"Afraid of what?"
"You loved him so much as a child, Ayala. I was afraid he’d use that love for his own gain. You are so much like him."
A slow smile spread across Ayala’s face. "And that’s a bad thing?"
*** The End . . . Maybe***