“c1″> 

Another
deep breath.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Thania told us that this is part of being a
warrior, to be able to fight even when your whole body is aching,
to be able to serve another warrior in any way, to face the
consequences of disobedience and mistakes. She said she deserved
this treatment for being too strong headed and not to be trusted,
and that before commanding a weapon one should be able to submit
one’s will and dignity, to learn respect for the weapon.
She’s merely more than a child, and yet she had to live
through things…."

“c1″> 

Melosa
didn’t bother to hide the disgust and anger this description
had aroused. She sat motionless on the log and regarded her hands
when Xena’s voice finally trailed away. She wanted to close
them around Najara's throat, crush her windpipe, and then
slowly break her neck.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Queen Melosa, I promised that she never again has
to fear her."

“c1″> 

“c1″>"No, she won’t, never again. I’ll tell
her myself, now! You’re waiting here, outside the house. If
she is stupid enough to come out of there, you’re allowed to
render her unconscious but you will not harm her in any other
way."

“c1″> 

"I
will comply."

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

“c1″>-x-x-x-x-

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

Melosa
crossed the central place of her village in a beeline for the
healer’s hut. Aside Gabrielle, Thania at the moment was the
only patient. The Amazon Queen knelt at the right side of her cot,
the eyes of the girl suddenly flew open, and for the fraction of a
heartbeat, she looked like some exhausted and frightened
fawn.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Thania, you’re secure now. She will never
harm you again. I promise. It is my responsibility to prevent such
things. I’m sorry; I failed you. From now on, you will be my
apprentice because what Najara did to you is not the proper way to
train warriors. You’re a very brave girl, and I’m sure
you will make me a very proud tutor. The first thing I want you to
do is to take your time healing of all of your injuries, and when
you need a shoulder to lean on or to cry on I’ll be there for
you as well as Xena and Anara and Gabrielle. From now on I
won’t let anything bad happen to you."

“c1″> 

The
young Amazon looked at her wide eyed and slightly overwhelmed. It
took her a few candledrops to regain some sort of composure.
"I will work very hard, your majesty, I promise. Please
don’t hurt Xena, she only wanted to…." Her voice
trailed off, and she was fast asleep due to a tea combining
painkillers and sleeping herbs Anara gave to her moments before the
Queen’s arrival.