Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2002 02:31:48 -0700 (PDT)
From: Femme K <femme_lezzi@yahoo.com>
Subject: XENA & THE QUEEN OF APHROPOLIS (FF)

XENA & THE QUEEN OF APHROPOLIS (FF)
By Femme Lezzi

This is a work of fiction based on the main character in the TV series
Xena-The Warrior Princess. This story features graphic descriptions of
consensual sexual activities between adult females.  If you are below the
age of 18 or reading materials of this nature is illegal or immoral in your
part of the world please stop reading now.

THE SECOND PART OF THIS STORY "XENA & THE REVENGE OF OLIVA"
WILL BE POSTED SOON

DISCLAIMER: The characters belong to MCA/Universal and were used without
permission. No copyright infringement was intended and no money was made.


PROLOGUE

The old woman was carrying a large bundle on her back & she walked alone.
It was getting dark and there was a slight drizzle. The heavy thunder and
lightening promised a downpour soon.  The woman stopped frequently,
panting, rubbing her back with her free hand, which gave an indication that
she was carrying a heavy load. Though, she stopped frequently to catch her
breath, she never put her load down, even for a rest and stroked the bundle
affectionately as if she was carrying a child. There were tears streaming
from her eyes and she was speaking to herself in a strange language,
occasionally gesturing towards the sky.

She was traveling on the lonely road that led to the dark mountains, the
home of the evil goddess Hera. No one in his or her right mind traveled on
this road after dark as this road that led up to the mountains was
terrorized by a cannibal known as the "Beastman" not long ago. Passers by
thought she is a mad woman escaped from the lunatic asylum on an island in
the Aegean Sea. A few tried to warn her but she spat at them and chased
them away. The woman slowly climbed winding road up to the mountains as the
rain and mist engulfed her. No one ever saw her again. There was a rumor
that she was carrying her daughter who was executed by the royal guards for
treason and she was taking her to the ruined temple of Hera in the dark
mountains. Few believed this story and it was forgotten soon.


CHAPTER I


Xena was wandering around the city Market Square browsing through the wares
displayed. It was a cool October afternoon and the market was busy with
people getting ready for the Fortilla, the fertility festival, which was
only a few days away. There were perfumes, scented oils, secret medicines
and ointments that promises to increase sexual powers, cakes, fruits, and
special meats on sale every where in the market.

Xena strolled through the market looking for a special gift for her lover,
Caldina with whom she has been living for the last five years. Xena settled
down five years ago, giving up her frequent journeys to the far away lands
where she fought tyranny and oppression, helping the poor and the
downtrodden.  Her decision to stay home was influenced by two factors. One
was the request made by the old King Demurius to serve in his court and
help to protect the kingdom and the other was that she fell in love with
Caldina, stepdaughter of the king. Though the king and the queen did not
approve their unorthodox union, there was no resistance either, as both the
king and the queen were indebted to Xena and they valued Caldina's
happiness more than any moral or ethical code.

Xena was looking for a special present for Caldina. This is the fifth
Fortilla that they celebrated together. Vivid memories of the first
fertility festival night they spent together were flowing through Xena's
mind as she browsed through various wares that were on display. Not
satisfied with anything she saw, Xena strolled towards the Sandria's house
of pleasure, which was inside a large three stories high stone building
opposite the popular tavern owned by Zydus, onetime gladiator, now liquor
and opium peddler.

Xena made her way through the crowds, which were gathering at the square
for the first night of festivities. The corner of the Market Square at
which the house of pleasure is situated was exceptionally crowded due to
the tavern and the delights that were offered at Sandria's. The store
offered every earthly pleasure imaginable. There were separate pleasure
areas for males, females, for heterosexuals and homosexuals, for those
seeking pleasure in bondage, in dominating or being dominated, for those
who seek pleasure in urination, in inflicting pain and receiving pain. In
short Sandria's offered something for everyone.

It even offered personal grooming services such as manicuring, removing
body hair, massaging and piercing. Many wealthy men and women used these
services to please themselves and their lovers.

Xena of course had none of these in mind. She just wanted a good present,
something that would delight Caldina and arouse her. Xena worried that
their lovemaking was loosing the fire it used to have and Caldina
complained frequently that Xena didn't spend enough time with her. She
wanted something that could help re-ignite their passion.

At the entrance to the store Xena was greeted by a scantily clad young
woman.

"Good afternoon m'am," The girl greeted cheerfully.  "Welcome to Sandria's
House of Pleasure, if you are looking for something for your husband, you
will find lots of interesting things on this floor. If you have something
for your lady in mind, you will find it on the first floor. If you need a
body care service, maids in the second floor will serve you well"

"What's on the third floor?" Xena asked

"That's exclusively for men who have taken a man for a wife and for those
who have bizarre tastes" The girl replied wittily.  "If you are going to
the first floor, I am off by sundown..."

Xena smiled at the suggestion. "Sorry honey "

Xena left the talkative reception girl. "I hope there aren't any more like
her upstairs.  That would be a real nuisance" Xena thought as she climbed
the polished marble stairs.  She entered the dimly lit store and did not
encounter any sales women except the bored sales clerk. The store was large
and full of rows and rows of merchandise. The walls were decorated with
scenes of lesbian erotica, largest one being a beautiful painting of
Sappho, relaxing with a bevy of nude girls. The other paintings were more
graphic, showing various acts of Sapphic love making. These paintings also
helped to decipher the use of certain devices on offer.

Xena browsed through the rows of merchandise. Since this was her first
visit, Xena was surprised to see so many goods specially designed for
erotic love between women. All these things promised to increase the
arousal and pleasure thereby making sex more satisfactory. She browsed
through various garments specially sewn to expose the love making areas of
a woman body, such as nipples and crotch. Those and the see-through
nightwear made of expensive oriental silks interested Xena the most. She
selected two silk night gowns, one for her and one for Caldina. She bought
a jar of scented ointment and a bottle of scented massage oil. She and
Caldina used the ointment when playing with the double headed leather penis
that Caldina had bought from here. On her way out she picked up a shaving
knife and some strip wax.

The warrior princess paid for her loot and got everything wrapped up into a
neat, innocent looking bundle. As she walked out of the main doorway to the
pleasure palace, Xena heard something swish past her. Years of battle
trained instincts made her duck as her peripheral vision caught the glint
of a copper arrowhead. The arrow lodged itself in the wooden doorframe and
was still vibrating from the impact as Xena glanced at it.  Xena's warrior
instincts took over again as she recovered from the initial shock and
looked in the direction the shot came from. She scanned for the archer,
staying crouched as she expected more shots to follow since the assassin
missed the first shot.  Her eyes caught a cloaked figure on a far away
rooftop. The archer was too far to be recognized.  Instead of firing more
arrows, the he stared at Xena. After a few moments of eyeballing, the
assassin turned and vanished behind a roof.

The arrow created a small commotion among the crowed in front of the
Zydus's tavern.  Xena was embarrassed to be caught at the heart of the
commotion especially because she had been to Sandria's. She quickly
gathered herself, pulled out the arrow and walked away. On her way back
home, she examined the arrow and saw a piece of papyrus tightly bound to
the stem of the arrow.


CHAPTER II


The sun was fading into the horizon as Queen Zyla looked admiringly out of
the balcony of her palace. What she saw was the results of a ten year
endeavor. The city state she created out of a fishing village and a slave
trading post. "Aphropolis", the city of love, lust, sex and
decadence. Named after the goddess of love Aphrodite, and blessed by her,
the city rose and grew with an amazing speed. People from all cities and
kingdoms nearby flocked to her tiny city state. They came like ants drawn
to a honey pot, to taste the forbidden fruits. Nothing was forbidden in
Aphropolis. There was no discrimination for homosexuals and other eccentric
sexual preferences. Not even pedophilia was outlawed though not encouraged
either. Alcohol, lust, decadence and opium fueled the rise of Aphropolis.

The city is home to almost all concubines of prince's, noble men and
wealthy merchants of the surrounding lands. Zyla provided them the
everything they needed in her city.  Mansions, slaves, secrecy and security
were avalilable for any man (or woman) who wanted a place to shelter their
secret lovers, away from jealous wives and husbands.  These men poured
money into Zyla's city, building businesses and fueling its growth.  The
businesses they owned in the city provided these men and women with a good
cover to visit their lovers regularly. Zyla being a crafty negotiator,
signed non aggression agreements with all kings whose secret lovers she
sheltered, as an assurance of safety of their lovers. They all agreed not
to attack Aphropolis under any circumstance and to assure support if there
was any threat to the city from any enemy.  With that she created a
peaceful place where love and lust blossomed. This agreement made Zyla very
rich as she didn't have to build and maintain an army to defend her city.

The queen was immersed in her own thoughts when she sensed movements at her
sides.  She turned to see two slave girls kneeling beside her with their
heads bowed.  The girls were naked except for a thick gold chain with a
precious stone around their neck and a gold chain around their waist. The
color of the stone reflected their status in the palace.  A red stone meant
a virgin under training to serve the queen and her two princesses Tara and
Scintilla. A green stone, the most common stone, states that she is an
"experienced" slave.  The white stones meant higher ranks such as
mistresses and other officers. There were only two women in the palace who
wore blue stones; they were Tara and Scintilla, the two wives of the
queen. There were no men in Zyla's palace. Men, except for old and frail
garden and sanitary workers, were forbidden to enter the palace or the
compound.

"Speak" Zyla commanded her slaves.

"It is time for your evening bath your worship"

"And why are you here?" Zyla asked turning to the other girl

"Your highness, Princess Tara wishes to know the names of the girls who
will serve you tonight."

"Where is Tara? I didn't see her since morning"

"Princess Tara is inspecting the banquet to celebrate Fortilla your
highness."; "She will join you at the bath"

"Very well, tell Tara to select any girl she prefers, I have no special
preferences tonight" The slave girl from the bath kissed Zyla's hand and
led her towards the bath.

The girl led her queen to the sauna. The first item in the bath ritual was
the scented oil massage in the sauna. Zyla moaned softly as the expert
fingers of the masseur girls began releasing her tense muscles. She was
more tense than usual due to the plot that is on to capture Xena.

Her worries were temporarily forgotten due to the pleasure of the
massage. A beautiful virgin girl messaged her arms and hands. Zyla started
tracing the girl's shapely curves with her fingers. The girl finished the
hands and turned to massage her queen's scalp.  Zyla's long fingers
wandered around the girl's navel before slowly entering her unexplored
canal. The girl's eyes closed momentarily in pleasure as her queen's finger
moved inside her."

"Mmmmmm I see that you are quite wet inside. What is your name?"

"I am Imara your highness"

"Are you wet your queen? Or for someone else?"

"I am yours my queen, body and soul, serving you is my only true pleasure"

"You have learned your answers well. Tell me Imara, whose fire do you light
at night?"  The girl blushed at the unexpected question and glanced
nervously at mistress Lyra"

"Oh it is Lyra I see. But Lyra, aren't you married to Sapphira? I remember
the two of you exchanging wows" "Yes my queen, Sapphira is my wife. Imara
is with me for her training your highness.  She is still a virgin and
Sapphira joins me in training her"

"Oh I see. Well, you have done a good job."

"Thank you my queen" Lyra said with a deep bow.

Zyla got up from the massage bench. Her beautiful body glistened in massage
oil as she walked towards the heated pool. She saw Tara walking towards her
with a scroll in her hand.

"What kept you so long Tara, I thought you are not joining me."  Tara bowed
and kissed the hand of her queen.

"I just received the message from the assassin my queen, the first step is
a success and I also received a message from Scintilla, she has reached
Hera's temple in the dark mountains safely and she says she will pray to
Hera for your health and for the success of the mission. Scintilla says she
will remain there and pray until Xena is captured. She will be here for the
ceremony"

"What wonderful news. Come here beautiful, let's celebrate." Zyla took
Tara's face by both hands and kissed her. As the kiss deepened, the slave
girls slowly removed Tara's costumes so that she can join her queen
unhindered. Instead of going to the bath, Zyla led her princess to her
private bedroom in the adjoining chamber. Zyla often made love there after
a relaxing massage, just before her evening bath. As she entered her
private chamber Zyla called out "I want Imara to join our celebration"

Zyla was sucking Tara's tongue as the slave girl extinguished some candles
to make the lighting more romantic. Imara kneeled on the side of the couple
and caressed their soft buttocks. The kissing stopped and Zyla sat on the
of her large bed and commanded."  Kiss me angel"

Tara knew where her queen wanted kissed and kneeled in front of her
fountain. Tara took a moment to admire her queen's beautiful love nest. She
parted the thick lips and fingered the erect love bud and savored the sweet
aroma. Zyla moaned as Tara blew air into her.

"Don't keep me waiting any longer; I am starving for your lips" Zyla
purred, stroking Tara's head encouragingly."

Tara parted Zyla's vaginal folds and started playing with her love
bud. "Zyla moaned in pleasure and leaned back resting her head on the
pillow that Imara had thoughtfully positioned for her queen. Imara well
trained to please her queen, started sucking her erect nipples. Zyla,
pleasured by the two beauties moaned and purred sweet nothings as her
climax intensified. Tara and Imara worked tirelessly to satisfy their
queen. They gave her climax after climax until she finally fell asleep
after her sixth.

"Tell the bath workers that queen will not attend the bath tonight. We
shouldn't disturb her for a few hours"

"Yes mistress, but what about the banquet" Imara replied.

"Oh I almost forgot. Send a message to the butler to set the banquet at
midnight"

Tara watched the pretty girl putting on a robe and admired her lovely
curves and innocence. She knew that this was a very happy life for her. She
would never have had a good life like this had she stayed in her
impoverished village in the Nile delta. Tara's mind started going through
the events that has been happening in the past two years.  Ever since
Scintilla wormed her way into Zyla's heart, things have been different in
the palace. Zyla started worshipping Hera, the cruel goddess and started to
offer scarifies to the vengeful goddess. Before Scintilla, they prayed to
Aphrodite and Minerva and they were blessed and were provided a plenty.

Tara hated this whole idea of sacrificing Xena to Hera for her
blessings. Xena is a heroine who has done so much for the downtrodden and
the oppressed. This is why Hera hates her so much. Xena has fought and
killed tyrant kings and blood thirsty warlords who worshipped
Hera. Sacrificing Xena is not only wrong and immoral; she is loved by
people across many lands. If this plot somehow leaked out, there will be a
popular uprising against the queen and the city. There is already a
simmering opposition to the queen and the city for its decadent ways. They
are accused of breeding immorality, creating fatherless children and making
married men to leave their families to find lovers in city. Promoting opium
addiction is another accusation leveled at them. There is also opposition
to their Sapphic ways and sexual tolerance in the city. Aphropolis is such
a small city without even an army; a popular revolt could destroy the city
& the palace and have them killed.  Tara blamed herself for letting
Scintilla establish herself in the palace. She was only a priestess when
she came to the palace to pray and heal the frequent headaches that
tormented Zyla. Scintilla was not a beauty, but she knew the secrets
satisfying a woman better than anyone Tara have met. She seduced Tara and
Zyla both with her exceptional sexual charms.

Tara's train of thought was disturbed by Imara who returned from the bath.

"Mistress, the bath workers left and the message was sent to the
butlers. Do you want me for any thing else mistress?"

"We cannot leave our queen like this, can we?"

"No mistress"

"Well, why don't you close that door and come to me" Imara closed the door
softly, dropped her robe and walked over to her princess.  Tara touched the
girl's immature breasts and the pointed nipples.

"Do you like me Imara?"

"Yes mistress, I am your slave"

"If you were not my slave would you still like me?"

"Yes mistress you are kind and very beautiful"

"Sit down with me child and tell me what would make you very happy?" Tara
said stroking her long jet black hair.

"I would love if you would break my hymen and make me a woman tonight so
that I can enjoy love making like my other sisters"

"Well, if that is your wish Imara, let's get started"

"Yes mistress..."

CHAPTER III

Nadia hid herself and watched Xena depart. She removed her black robe and
put it into the fruit basket she carried with her and hid her bow inside an
ancient chimney. Nadia prayed that no one would see her. It would be quite
an odd sight to see a young woman dressed to worship Aphrodite in this
Fortilla evening climbing down from a rooftop. She was lucky and no one saw
her. Covering her head with a silk scarf, Nadia walked briskly towards the
place where horse carriages that take fee paying passengers are available.
She gave directions to driver to take her to her house at the edge of the
meadows bordering the city. Passers by thought that she was a young woman
returning from prayers at Aphrodite's temple for continued love from her
husband or a girl prayed for marriage.

Nadia entered her house expecting to see Tia sitting on the easy chair by
the fireplace. It was her favorite place and she would often sit there
waiting for Nadia to return home.

"Tia, I am home"

Nadia called out to her lover looking around the living room.

"Tia, where are you? Why aren't you talking to me?"

She heard sound of running water towards the kitchen and walked over
expecting to see Tia cooking the Fortilla dinner. Smell of freshly roasted
meat indicated that the dinner was all but ready. Nadia found her lover in
the bath cleansing herself. Her shapely body glistened in the candle light
as Tia scraped off the scented oil covering her with a wooden scraper. She
watched Tia work meticulously giving special attention to the sensitive
parts of her body. As Nadia admired Tia's beauty in silence, she felt
moisture building up, and her nipples stand in attention. Nadia quietly
undid her garments in a bid to surprise her lady.

Tia finished washing off the remaining oil when she felt a warm pair of
hands wrap her breasts. She was startled at first but recognized the hands
and the golden ring that was in the left hand.

"Nadia!!! I didn't hear you coming"

Nadia answered by lovingly kneading her lover's ample mounds while tracing
her lips along her neck. Then she felt Nadia's pointed nipples touching her
shoulder blades. She turned around to see her lover in full glory.

"You are naked!!!!!, haven't your mother taught you not to watch when other
people shower??" Tia protested.

"I didn't know my mo...." Nadia couldn't finish because Tia's luscious lips
covered her mouth. Their hands explored each other love nests while their
lips and tongues entwined and sucked. Tia felt the moisture in her lover
and knew that she had watched her for quite some time.

"Lets go to bed " Tia suggested.

The two lovers walked into their bedroom hand in hand as the Fortilla night
fell and the festivities began.


CHAPTER IV

Xena was waiting outside the temple of Zeus until the new female recruits
she was training for the king's army finished their prayers. Xena never
prayed to any god as she despised their petty and cruel behavior that
brought suffering to the humankind. She usually waited for her troops at
Kreta's café. Kreta was a lovely old woman who cared for Xena like a
daughter. Xena was more alert today than usual and kept a close eye at
people who visited the café. After a long wait finally saw her young
recruits file out of the temple and got up to join them. As she walked
towards them she saw a little girl with a small reed container searching
for her. The little girl's face lit up when she saw Xena and ran to her.

"Hello Xena, I was asked to give this present to you"

"A present? Let me see, who gave it to you?"

"An Egyptian noble woman asked me to give to you. She said she was looking
for you but had to hurry back because her husband was waiting for her. She
asked if I knew you and when I said yes she asked me weather I could do her
this favor"

"What is in here?"

"Don't know Xena, she said it's a special gift for you and told me not to
open it"

Xena took the container and shook it to hear what's in side and felt a soft
lump like thing moving inside.

"Let's see what it is"

Xena took the lid off carefully. What she saw made her gasp with
horror. Inside the box she saw the meanest looking pit viper she has ever
seen, coiled like a spring and watching her face with steely eyes.  Xena
dropped the container out of reflex but the serpent was quicker. It sprung
out like a poisoned dart and Xena felt two huge fangs sink into her left
breast. Xena fell screaming in pain, struggling to dislodge the serpent
which was still clinging to her flesh. After struggling for few minutes she
managed to grab the slithery reptile firmly, gritting her teeth in pain as
the fangs tore the flesh of her tender breast. She pulled reptile free
threw it to the ground.  The serpent coiled for the attack again but this
time Xena was quicker. Charged with rage and directed by battle honed
reflexes, Xena pulled out her razor sharp sword and landed a well aimed
blow which cut it into pieces. Xena watched the headless pieces do its
death dance until she fainted in excruciating pain.

Caldina was preparing for her morning prayers when she saw her faithful
servant woman Celia running towards her.

"Princes Caldina, Princes Caldina, Princess Xena is wounded"

"Xena wounded ?????, how?, by whom?"

"She is sent here with the royal bodyguards. She doesn't look good at all"
The woman lamented as they ran to the hallway.

"Xena what happened to you" Caldina asked taking Xena's pale face in her
hands.

"Princess, it would be better if she lied down to rest. The royal physician
ordered two days of complete rest. Show us the bed room we will take her
there"

"Come this way. Celia!! Prepare to tend princesses' wounds. Hurry" The
guards carried her in a stretcher from the royal infirmary.  That's her
bed. "Easy.. easy... there... lie and rest angel." Caldina said
stroking Xena's limp hand.

"Are you ok Xena? What happed to you?"

"Princess Caldina. It is not good to tire princess Xena with questions. I
will tell you what we know"

"Ok soldier, Tell me, what happened to the princess, who did this to her?"
Caldina demanded.

"All we know for now is that she was bitten by a deadly serpent"

"Deadly serpent? How?  Was it in the palace? Is she in danger?"

"No princess she is very lucky, the serpent that bit her did not have
poison glands"

"Did not have poison glands?" "What does that mean? And how do you know
that?"

"Princess Xena killed it before she passed out. The royal physicians
examined it and found that its glands were removed. It's a trick used by
snake charmers to tame their snakes"

"Are the royal physicians certain that no poison entered Xena?"

"Yes princess, the snake was one of the deadliest from the African
jungles. It is said that its bite can kill even an elephant. If even a
droplet had entered princess's body, she wouldn't be among the living by
now"

"Ohh by the name of Apollo, how terrible. Do you know from where the snake
had come from?"

"It was in a basket given by a little girl. The child says that it was
given to her by a woman who looked like an Egyptian noble woman"

"This is terrible. I am sure one of Xena's sworn enemies must be behind
this. I must warn my father to increase the security and search the palace
and the royal compound for any intruders"

"It is already been done your highness. The palace and the compound is
already under a tight security blanket and the guards and the secret
service men are combing the city for intruders"

"Please take care of princess Xena and let us worry about the security your
highness"

Xena slept through the afternoon but recovered rapidly. By evening she was
feeling well enough for a good supper.

"Why didn't you tell me you had enemies Xena?" Caldina demanded to know

"Is this the first time or are there other incidents you haven't told me
about?"

"Please tell me the truth Xena. I love you and I have a right to know"
Caldina pleaded.

Xena told Caldina all the events that took place during the previous two
days.  "I am sorry for keeping you in the dark Caldina. It's Fortilla, the
time we celebrate our love. I didn't want to see you worry.

"I am worried about your safety Xena" "Who would do such a thing to you?
People respect you like a goddess"

"I have more enemies than I can even count Caldina. I have killed many evil
men, fought and defeated scores more. Any one of these people or their
sons, daughters, friends, kinsmen, wives or lovers could be after me"

"Oh we are so helpless, even gods will not help because you defy them. I
don't want to loose you Xena" Caldina sobbed.

"This is why I didn't tell you my love, do not worry too much, King
Demurius has doubled the guards around the palace and I will ask the
generals to mobilize a company of secret soldiers who will mix among the
civilians to be on the watch out for conspirators. Attacks on me could very
well be a diversion to divert attention from king's safety and I wont be
leaving the palace until this problem is settled"


CHAPTER V


"Where is the queen?" Tara asked a chamber maid who was cleaning the
queen's bedroom.

"She is in the temple with princess Scintilla"

"Scintilla?? She was away wasn't she?"

"Yes princess, she returned this morning while you were meeting with the
merchant delegation"

"Oh is that so?"

"This is not good, why did she return so soon? This disrupts all my plans"
Tara thought as she hurried to the palace's temple complex. Tara saw
Scintilla pouring blood of a sacrificed animal over Zyla's body and the
scene made her stomach turn. She wondered how Zyla, who is normally
intolerant of blood, tolerated this gruesome ritual. She waited patiently
for the ceremony to be over. "I will speak to Zyla at the bath after the
ritual" she decided

The long ritual was over at last and Tara heard Scintilla ordering the two
slave girls present to accompany them to the royal bath. Tara followed them
at a distance observing Scintilla, trying to ascertain why she returned
suddenly. "Did she somehow get the wind of my plans?" This woman had some
extraordinary powers. Tara always believed that Scintilla had a sixth
sense. Many times, things she predicted turned out to be true in exact
detail. A chill ran through Tara's spine when she thought what would happen
if this seductress convinced Zyla that she is an enemy. She could loose her
life with Xena or will loose everything even if she managed to escape.

The slave girls began undressing Zyla and Scintilla. Scintilla got in to
the bath first and announced "The water is nice and warm my queen. It's
perfect after the long ritual" She helped Zyla to get in to the bath and
started pouring water over Zyla "I will bathe the queen myself. You are
dismissed" She ordered the slaves and began licking the blood off Zyla's
breasts. Zyla who never got tired of sex, encouraged Scintilla by stroking
her head"

"I am sooo full of desire for you my queen. I missed you so much that I
masturbated every night thinking of you."

"You masturbated at the Hera's temple??? - Wouldn't that anger the
goddess?"

"Not when it's done out of love my queen. I was praying for you out of
love, and I made love to you in my mind. It's only proof of how much I love
you" With that Scintilla started to shower kisses on Zyla's bosom,
eventually ending up on her lips.

Tara got angry as she heard these lies from Scintilla. She gathered courage
and walked over to the pool where they were kissing.

"Hello Scintilla, what a surprise?" Tara spoke loudly to break their kiss.

"Oh hello Tara, how did it go with the delegation? Were they happy with
what we offered?"

"The discussions were fruitful and they agreed to bring more business into
the city"

"Well done Tara, you are proving to be a skillful negotiator"

"I wouldn't have succeeded without your guidance my queen"

"Well why don't you to join us Tara?"

"No my queen, I have to visit the spice markets to buy some incense and
spices. We need them for the ceremony"

"Is everything ready Tara? If there is anything you cannot find I'll help
you. Some of the items I requested are quite rare"

"Thanks Scintilla, I can manage it, I will buy the remaining items today"

"Will you be gone for long Tara?"

"No my queen, it will only take an hour or two"

"Why do you have to go Tara? Why don't you send someone and join us"

"Scintilla said the ingredients must be of highest quality and I don't want
to rely on anybody else when it is for you"

"Yes my queen, it is better that Tara personally inspects them before
buying"

"Oh well, thank you Tara." "What would I do without the two of you?"

Tara kneeled at the edge of the pond to kiss Zyla's forehead. "I will see
you in the evening"


CHAPTER VI


"Nadia!! Is that you?"

"Oh thank you Apollo, you are safe" Tia sobbed hugging Nadia tightly.

"What on earth are you talking about Tia? Why are you in tears?"

"Oh Nadia I was worried sick and you don't know how much I cried. I thought
they captured you"

"Captured me?? By whom? "

"I went to the market in the morning to buy some things for the kitchen and
everyone there was talking about you."

"They said that you tried to kill Xena with a poisonous snake and the kings
guards are hot on your trail. They said that a little girl identified you"

"Oh Tia, they didn't know what they were talking about"

"But they described you Nadia, A tall fair skinned, good looking woman with
black hair and blue eyes."

"Don't be silly Tia; this is Mycenae, That description suits more than half
of all young women in this city. Did they describe what I was wearing?"

"No, I didn't stay around to listen to details..."

"See. I was wearing a dress of an Egyptian Noblewoman. There is a large
delegation sent by the Pharaoh Anh Tut to meet king Demurius and they are
touring the city today.  There are a number of Greek princesses had married
Egyptians in that delegation. I deliberately wore an Egyptian dress so that
people would think that I am a member of the delegation." "King's men
cannot even question the ladies of the delegation as it is against the
royal protocols. It was a well planned deception"

"Are you relieved now little girl??"  Nadia asked Tia who was trying to
smile through her tears.

"You cunning witch, how did you manage such a plan"

Nadia sighed. "That is what I do from morning till evening Tia. I plan all
my actions very carefully and leave nothing to chance. I do everything to
avoid raising suspicions about my activities. Its very hard work and even
the most ingenious plan can go wrong" Tia cuddled up to Nadia "That is why
I am worried my honey drop. I know that you are very careful and that you
are very skilful, but if some thing happens to you I will be alone in this
world" Tia sobbed.

"Shhh don't cry little sweet it's only for a few more days. After that I
will say good bye this shadowy life of mine." Tia buried her face on
Nadia's large bosom and Nadia held her close to her heart.


CHAPTER VII


"I wish to see princess Xena."

"Princess Xena is indisposed.  The royal physician has forbidden any
visitors to her"

"Who are you madam? And why do you seek her?"

"I am a friend of hers. I have information about the assassination attempt"

"I am sorry but you cannot meet Xena, may be you would like to speak to
General Hecterex, commander of the palace guard and king's chief of
security"

"No, I must speak to Xena. Or at least to princess Caldina"

"Very well madam, I will inform princess Caldina about your wish"

"I am Caldina; I was informed that you wish to speak to me?"

"Yes, I have some very important information. Could we go some place
private?"

"Follow me. I will take you to my private chamber" Tara followed Caldina to
her private quarters in the palace.

"How is Xena, princess Caldina?"

"First you must tell me who you are and what information you have"

"I am Princess Tara of Aphropolis"

"Ah.. the city of decadence" Caldina remarked.

"I understand your displeasure about our city and our ways but what I have
to say is more important than where I am from. The plot to kill Xena was
hatched in our palace"

Caldina began slowly, expecting angry outbursts but she hoped that logic
and would prevail.

"What?? Zyla is behind this?" "What has Xena done to her?"  Caldina saw
Xena entering the chamber. "Who is it Caldina?"

"Oh Xena you woke up. This is Princess Tara of Aphropolis. She says that
the assassin was sent by Zyla"

Xena was visibly shocked "What have I done to her?" I thought she is only
interested in money and women"

"Please listen to me, I will explain" Tara explained the whole story of
Scintilla and how she wormed her way in by seducing Zyla and her and how
Zyla is still under her spell.

"The woman you described fits the profile of Sienta who came to this palace
under the guise of a healer. She seduced my father and tried to kill my
step mother. But the funny thing is she is dead. Xena killed her and her
mother carried her dead body away and was never seen again" Caldina said
thoughtfully.

"What do you think Xena?"

"You are right Caldina; the woman you describe fits Sienta, but I killed
her"

"Are you sure Xena?"

"Of course I am sure Tara, I am a warrior and I know when I have killed
someone"

"The blow from my sword split opened her gut and blood was gushing
out. There is no way she could have survived that wound"

"But they are healers and sorcerers. May be her mother somehow managed to
resurrect her. Does she bear any scars Tara?" Caldina asked.

"No she has perfectly smooth skin all over her body"

"That cannot be. Even if she survived there should be a massive scar. Are
sure about this Tara?"

"Of course Caldina I am sure. I have been making love to that body very
night for the last two years. I know ever inch of her body"

"Well.. then what kind of a creature are we dealing here with Xena?"
Caldina asked

"May be she had a twin sister" Tara suggested

"That cannot be Tara, according to the legend; the Beastman of the dark
mountains had only one female child"

"The Beastman??" Tara quizzed.

"The Beastman was an insane, savage murderer who roamed the dark
mountains. He was known as the beastman because he did inhuman things to
his victims. He was killed many times by the king's guards, but always
reappeared seven days later as if he was resurrected from death. We only
managed get rid of him when we severed his head from body, burned them to
ashes and scattered to the wind"

"After the Sienta's plot we learned that she was the daughter of the
Beastman and her mother was his wife."

"Well then that's it!! That solves how Sienta was resurrected and
infiltrated our palace as Scintilla. If they could resurrect their father
seven days after he was killed, Sienta would have been resurrected the same
way by her mother."

"That is a possibility" Xena agreed and Caldina nodded

"They created this elaborate plot so that they can get their revenge from
Xena for killing her and ruining their opportunity to capture power. Once
they kill you, they will eventually kill me and get rid of Zyla too to take
over our city. Aphropolis will serve them as the springboard for their
aspirations on Mycenae. "

"The question is how we stop them. Her mother will be at the palace
tomorrow for the sacrificing ceremony and both of them together will create
powerful sorcery" remarked Tara.

"Only way is to kill them both, sever their heads, burn to ashes and
scatter in the wind.  That's how we stopped their father" Xena advised

"Then the final question is how we get about doing all this in secrecy. I
do not want any uniformed military men in the city. That will create rumors
and fear in the hearts of our clients and compromise our treaties with
other nearby kingdoms. I wish to hide this from the rest of the palace as
well"

"That's a very tall order Tara" Snapped Xena.

"I have thought of a plan if you are interested..." Tara began


CHAPTER VIII


"Is everything ready for the ceremony Scintilla?"

"Yes my queen, everything is ready. My mother arrived a few hours ago and
she is resting in my quarters. Xena is bound to the sacrificial altar
awaiting her fate. Caldina is in the cell, we will sacrifice her later"

"Are you sure they cannot escape?"

"Yes, I have bound them well." "We will begin our ceremony at midnight"

"Do I have to be there from the midnight onwards?"

"Oh no my queen, your presence is only required at the end just before the
sacrifice is made. Tara said she will accompany me for the whole night. I
will send her for you when we are ready for the final event. You may sleep
still then"

"Who will serve you for the night my queen?" Scintilla asked taking Zyla's
mind away from the rituals.

"Tara said Lucinda and Imara will be ready for me in my bed room, but I
will miss you both tonight"

"It will be only for one night my queen; we will be there for you from
tomorrow"

The long night of the ceremony started at the midnight. Scintilla and her
mother started chanting in an ancient, forgotten language. Tara did not
understand the language well but knew that the prayer was for Hera
requesting to accept the blood sacrifice of her enemies in exchange for
magical powers and her blessings.

Xena lay in the altar facing upwards. She felt sorry for Caldina who unlike
Xena, is a homely princess. She has never been put in a prison like
this. Xena being a warrior fared better. Her mouth was gagged and arms and
legs were tightly bound. Scintilla herself bound her to make sure the she
is secure and there is no chance of escape. How ever Tara managed to cut
her ropes from under her body just before the ceremony started.  Tara's
heart started pounding faster and faster as the night wore out and the
daybreak approached. She prayed to Zeus and Apollo to save them from these
evil women.

Tara almost jumped out of her skin when Scintilla called.

"Tara you may bring the queen now, it is time"

Tara nervously glanced at ceiling of the prayer house as she walked in with
her queen.  They both sat down near Scintilla for the final act to
begin. Scintilla took an ointment out a small jar and started rubbing it on
Zyla's forehead while reciting a prayer.

Scintilla's mother took the well sharpened broadsword in both hands and
kissed it. She then gave it to Scintilla who took it in both hands and
traced its razor sharp edge with her tongue before kissing it. Blood
sprouted from her tongue and covered her mouth as she handed it back to her
mother. Scintilla closed her eyes and started a loud prayer.  Tara looked
at Caldina who watched in horror as the old woman took the sword in both
hands and walked towards the altar. Zyla, under a trance started to smile
as the gruesome scene started to occur.

The loud prayer reached its crescendo and Scintilla's old woman raised the
heavy sword further to gather momentum.

Suddenly the old woman jerked and screamed dropping her sword.

"Mother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Scintilla screamed as the old woman fell to the ground clutching her
back. Scintilla dove to the fallen sword to finish Xena off as promised to
Hera. However she never expected Xena to be on her feet when she got up
with the sword. A well aimed kick sent Scintilla tumbling, loosing the grip
of her sword. The massive sword was firmly in Xena's hands as Scintilla
recovered from the blow.  She lunged at Xena screaming

"You can't kill me you bitch; you already tried once and failed. I will
finish..."

Before she could finish her sentence, a well aimed swipe from Xena cut
Scintilla's right arm off and she fell to the ground again screaming. The
royal musketeers who hid in the cross beams of the roof of the temple
jumped to the ground at that moment to assist their princess.

"Kill the old woman and cut her head off, I will take care of this one"

Xena yelled orders to her men as she struck blow after blow from her sword
to Scintilla.  She was alive and on her feet even without her right limb
and fought Xena like a wounded tigress. The horror of the bloody carnage
and blood curdling screams made Caldina, Tara and Zyla to faint.


Tara had no idea how long they had been unconscious. The sun light was
streaming from the windows and Tara reckoned that it would be close to
noon. The palace slaves were given strict instructions not to disturb them
until they are summoned. Zyla was still unconscious and Tara found that she
had high fever. There was no sign of Xena or Scintilla and her mother, but
there was horrible splatters of blood, torn clothes and armour every
where. To her relief she found a written message left by Xena thoughtfully
left inside her breast cup. Xena would have done it to prevent Zyla from
getting to know about Tara's betrayal case she recovered first.

The message read;

"We killed both of them and severed their heads. We will burn them today
and scatter their ashes to the wind in the evening. We worked to your plan
and got out of your palace without detection. The musketeers are loyal and
sworn for secrecy. The rest is up to you. You would be advised to have a
convincing cover story ready to explain Zyla what happened. Good Luck and
Thank you for risking your life to help me and Caldina.  You will always
find us your sincere friends from hereafter and we will always be there
when ever you need us. - Xena"



CHAPTER IX


Xena and Caldina dismounted from their horses and continued on foot to the
top of the hill. The wind was chilly and strong. "Let's do it Caldina" Xena
said taking out two small clay urns from her rucksack. She handed over one
to Caldina. They opened the lids in silence and scattered the ashes inside
to the cold wind, hoping that their nightmare would end. They smashed the
urns and scattered the pieces so no one will ever be able put them
together.

Caldina closed her eyes and murmured a prayer and Xena watched her in
silence.

"Let's go home" Xena said holding Caldina's hand.

"Do you think it will end here Xena?"

"Of course it's over" Xena said and kissed her pretty princess

"And we have a lot of catching up to do"

"Yes a lot ..."

"She still has high fever princess" Imara said covering her queen with a
sheet.

"Don't worry Imara, it would subside by morning"

"Princess, where is Princess Scintilla?"

"She went with her mother on a pilgrimage"

"A pilgrimage? But I heard her telling our queen that she will be with her
after the ceremony"

"Um yes that was the plan, but her mother is old and frail, she wanted to
visit Mt Olympus before her death, and she wanted Scintilla to accompany
her"

"Oh I see, would she be gone for long princess?"

"Yes may be about an year. You are full of questions today Imara"

"I am sorry for my inquisitiveness princess, I apologize"

"That's alright child, Bring me some wine, I am thirsty. You may pour one
for your self as well"

As the girl poured the wine, Tara could see her shapely figure silhouetted
through the silk nightgown. She felt the wetness building up within her and
longed for Imara's skillful lips on her.

"Sit here with me Imara" Tara invited when the girl brought the wine

Tara touched the girl's small breasts through her dress as she poured the
wine.  Understanding her mistress's need Imara allowed her thin gown to
fall down before sitting close to her princess. Tara continued to give
attention to the girl's small breasts.

"Princess, I wish I had larger breasts like you" Imara said, feeling the
roundness of Tara's mounds."

"Why do you say that?"

"Your mounds are large and beautiful but mine are so small"

"Oh don't be silly, you have the perfect size for your body"

"But still I like yours more"

"Well, you can have them anytime you want" Tara said, gently guiding the
girl's lips to her erect nipples. The girl sucked her rose buds eagerly.
Tara noticed that the girl has become bolder and more skillful than her
last time when she felt Imara's small hand probing her womanhood.


The End

THE SECOND PART OF THIS STORY "XENA & THE REVENGE OF OLIVA"
WILL BE POSTED SOON