There
was a sad expression in Xena’s eyes, and before she spoke,
she took the boy’s chin in her right hand. "Look at me,
Lyceus. When you have to fight, fear is as good a weapon as a
sword. It keeps you on your toes and you don’t get reckless.
Without fear, we tend to overestimate ourselves, and then we will
be killed.

“c72″> 

“c72″>“It would be really, really stupid not to be
afraid, and I know you ain’t a stupid guy. And know this, a
coward never would have had the courage to bring this message. It
takes an awful lot of courage to do things you’re afraid of.
Your dad is a very brave man also, and I know now he’s very
proud of you. Understand?"

“c72″> 

A
tentative smile crept in the boy’s face while he
nodded.

“c72″> 

“c72″> 

“c72″>-x-x-x-x-

“c72″> 

“c72″> 

Xena
loosened the strap holding her cloak and let it fall to the ground
shortly before reaching Darphus who now was standing in front of
the hostages. He was half a foot shorter than the former Conqueror,
heavily built and more than twice her weight with fat softening the
silhouette of his body. He carried a sword on his right and two
daggers on his left hip. Behind him was Najara, holding
Lyceus’ father at sword’s point.

“c72″> 

“c72″>"Tell me, Toris, how many times Mother told you
not to go and play with strangers?"

“c72″> 

“c72″>"Couldn’t help it, Conqueror. Irresistible
candies." The tall man answered who except for his dark brown
eyes looked exactly like a male version of Xena.

“c72″> 

“c72″>"I really hate to disturb this lovely family
reunion." A high-pitched, vaguely male voice
said.

“c72″> 

“c72″>"So you’re still singing in the boy’s
choir. Good to hear. It always pays to do a thorough job, Darphus.
Now, let’s do some business. I’m here, no armour, no
weapons. Set them free, now!"

“c72″> 

The
last words were said with a threatening growl. Darphus’ left
hand backhanded her but she didn’t even try to stop him and
she didn’t flinch when it made contact.

“c72″> 

“c72″>"The voice of a child and the punch of its
great-grandmother, some things never change." Now a brass
covered gauntlet hit her stomach but all she did was smile.
"Set them free, you spineless bastard."

“c72″> 

“c72″>"You always had a soft spot for the weak and
useless. It never did you any good. This time you will pay with
your life. This time I won’t have any pity. This time you
will not get away."