Disclaimer: Actually, this chapter could probably pass with a PG-13 rating. Must've had an off day. ;)
What Price Redemption
Part 7
by Dr. Bob
jag1742@usl.edu
Chapter 7: As the Leagues Go By
"You did WHAT!?!"
Ian smirked at the man as he folded his arms. "A little LOUDER, Parmax. They didn't quite hear you in Persia."
"And where will these three thousand dinars come from?" Parmax whispered, looking passed Ian to the new arrivals near the wagons.
"From my salary," he said with a grin.
Parmax's eyes went wide. "I never agreed to pay you three thousand dinars."
"As I recall," Ian said as he scratched his head, "we never did set any kind of price at all. Look, it was the best way I could think of to insure that the attacks would stop." Without killing the lot of them in their sleep, he added silently. "Haven't you ever heard the phrase...Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer?"
"Yeah, but I don't remember anything about paying your enemies three thousand dinars," he said with a smirk.
Ian took a deep breath. "Is everything money with you? I thought this was about getting some medicine to some sick people. I've just doubled our guards. No one will bother us now."
Parmax sighed. "Alright, you've made your point. Do you think you can trust them?"
"I think I have Panteras' loyalty insured," Ian said with a nod as they walked back to the caravan. "Do you know Polybius?"
"Only by name. I know he's one of Tetramon's advisors." Parmax spotted the short man being guarded along with the rest.
"Well, now we have proof that Keleian can take to King Hestricles."
"Don't be so sure. Even if Polybius admits to it, all Tetramon has to do is say the man was acting on his own," Parmax said with sigh.
Ian shook his head. "Parmax, don't take this the wrong way, but I'll be glad when this job is over. This royal intrigue gives me a headache." As they came up to the others, Ian surveyed the situation. His men were to one side and Panteras' were to another. Both sides were giving the other unfriendly stares.
"All right, listen up," he announced. "I'm not looking for anyone to make friends here. You're all professionals being paid to do a job. We should reach Illyris in three days. The way I see it, things just got a hell of a lot easier for all of us. Any questions?"
"What about them?" Niereles asked, pointing to Tetramon's men.
"It'll be up to Keleian to decide what happens to them. But anyone who tries to escape will have their legs broken. They'll then be tied to the back of one of the wagons and dragged all the way to Illyris."
Looking at Ian's expression, Xena found herself wondering if he was bluffing or not.
Ian walked over to Panteras. "Anything you want to add?" As the man shook his head, Ian turned back to the others. "Alright, get everything together. We'll head out in a few minutes." He motioned to Panteras. "I was thinking we'd keep your men on the right, mine on the left. It's a little early to be mixing them up just yet."
Panteras nodded. "Sensible. Where are we going to put THEM?" he asked, pointing to the eleven bound men.
"We'll march them behind the last wagon and keep several of our guys back there so they won't get lonely. Let me ask you, any of your men gonna have a problem with guarding them? After all, you've been fighting side by side for a couple of weeks." Ian stated.
"Like I said. My men do what I tell them. And you can trust me when I say there's no love lost between us and them. I don't see why you just don't leave the bunch of them tied to a tree."
"Because I can't risk them reporting back to Tetramon before we reach Keleian's estate. Go ahead and tell your men how we're gonna march." As Panteras gathered his men around, Ian walked over to the wagons. He noticed that Xena was looking at Rexian's wound in one of them. "Hey, how's the leg?"
Rexian sighed. "Xena says I'll be good as new in a few weeks. But, I won't be walking for the rest of the trip." He thanked Xena as she finished placing the fresh dressing around the leg. "To be honest, I suddenly feel kinda useless."
"Oh c'mon, Rexian. You were always kinda useless," he said with a wide grin. He pat the man on the shoulder as he leaned closer. "Listen, I do need you to do something for me. I'll be sticking the children in here with you."
"Great. You're promoting me to nursemaid," he said with a smirk.
"No, I'm serious. I'd feel better knowing you were in here to keep an eye on them."
Rexian looked passed Ian towards Panteras and his men. "You think the mercenaries might try something?"
"No, I'm not worried about them. They're making easy money now just like the rest of us. It's Tetramon's men I'm worried about. They don't have much to lose. When we make camp, I'll be around to watch over them. But when I'm riding up front, I want to know that Cassandra and the others will be safe in here."
Rexian nodded. "You can count on me."
"I know I can," Ian said honestly as he pat him on the shoulder again. He turned and walked with Xena over to the others.
"Where do you want Gabrielle and I?" she asked.
"In between the first and second wagon. I'd also feel better knowing the two of you were close to the children as well. If that's okay with you?" he added with a grin.
Xena only smirked back at him.
"Are we ready?" Parmax asked as they drew closer.
"Almost, I want to make a few changes. From now on, I want Jerrus' wagon to go first. We're gonna put all the children inside with Rexian."
"Lucky Rexian," Parmax said as he rolled his eyes.
"We're keeping the prisoners in the rear. I want to leave as much distance between them and the kids as possible. And tell Helaena she won't be able to let them run around loose anymore. I want us to move fast. The quicker we reach Illyris, the better it'll be for everyone."
Parmax nodded and walked off to fill in the others.
Xena watched as Ian raised a hand to his mouth and yawned. "When was the last time you got some sleep?"
Ian, a puzzled look on his face, stared down at the ground and then looked back up to her. "What month is it?" he asked. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine." He looked around at the large group of people. "Well, let's get this motley crew on the road, shall we?"
***
Xena looked around the camp. The day's travelling had proven pleasantly uneventful. The two sides seemed to have adjusted to each other. At least, most of the dirty looks had stopped. Panteras and his men had their own fire going a couple dozen feet away, a few of them were still awake. Most everyone else was asleep, including Polybius and his men. Ian had decided to raise the number to four sentries per watch, aside from whatever men Panteras assigned. She'd pulled the late shift. She looked over at Ian, sleeping a few feet away with his head resting against the side of his saddle, realizing it was the first time she'd ever actually seen him asleep. She smiled as she looked at the sleeping forms of Gabrielle and Cassandra, lying beside each other. The bard had definitely taken a liking to her new little sister. Her expression became thoughtful as she realized it would be hard for Gabrielle when they would end up parting company. She turned and watched as Castedes, Panteras' second, walked off leisurely into the woods, probably for a nature call. She looked back as she heard Ian say something. She cocked her head slightly as she saw that he was still asleep. She noticed, however, that his breathing was much quicker than before. She watched as he turned over, mumbling something under his breath. As she saw his head jerk slightly, she realized he was having a nightmare. Leaning over, she started to reach across Cassandra and Gabrielle to wake him up, but pulled back her hand as he suddenly sat upright.
Ian blinked several times as he stared into the fire, trying to slow his breathing. He reached down and picked up his waterskin, pouring out some into his palm, which he passed over his face. Stoppering the skin, he took a deep breath. One would think that with all the time... He stopped his train of thought as he turned and saw Xena staring at him. Taking another deep breath, he forced a half-smile.
"Are you okay?" she whispered.
He nodded, his smile broadening as he saw the genuine concern on the woman's face. "Yeah, thanks," he whispered back. Looking around the camp momentarily, he turned back to her. "Why don't you go ahead and turn back in. I'll be staying up until morning."
"You sure?" she asked. As he nodded, she leaned back and bunched up the extra blanket she used as a pillow. As she lay back near Gabrielle, she propped herself up on her elbow and looked back at Ian. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Xena, I'm fine," he said with a friendly smile. "Get some sleep."
"Well, I tried," she thought to herself as she lay back down and closed her eyes, sliding a little closer to Gabrielle.
Ian watched over her as the woman drifted off. "Pleasant dreams," he said silently.
***
"Thanks," Gabrielle said as Xena handed her a piece of bread. She used it to wipe the inside of her bowl before popping it into her mouth. "Mmmm. that soup was delicious," she commented before draining her waterskin.
Xena nodded. "Be sure and tell Saraya," she said as she reached over and wiped the corner of Gabrielle's mouth with a napkin, returning the bard's warm smile. She looked over and spotted several of the others getting their stuff together. "Why don't you go refill our waterskins. It looks like we'll be setting off in a little while."
"Okay," Gabrielle agreed as she handed Xena her bowl. She picked up the skins and headed over to the small pond. As Xena stood and carried their bowls over to where Shinnara and Saraya were washing the dishes, she spotted a couple of Panteras's men staring at Gabrielle, poking each other in the ribs. As they rose and started to follow her, Xena scowled and headed to intercept them. She stopped suddenly as she watched Ian walk up in between the two men, placing an arm across each of their shoulders, a smile on his face. They were too far away for her to hear, but as she watched Ian talking with them, the friendly smile never leaving his face, both mercenaries' eyes suddenly went wide. She grinned as they both nodded slowly and then quickly headed back to join the rest of their men. As she watched Ian walk over to one of the wagons, she realized she'd have to remember to ask him what he'd told them.
***
Ian looked back over the group as they prepared to get back on the road. He turned as Panteras and Castedes rode up beside him. "How are ya'll doing on food?"
Panteras shrugged slightly. "Okay, I guess. I might send some of the boys hunting when we make camp tonight. Why, what did you have in mind?"
Ian pulled out a small, folded up piece of parchment and showed it to the other two. "We're...here," he indicated as he pointed to the map. "The road's gonna end up leading us in a big curve. We'll be stopping up here for the night. Patreon knows the area pretty well. I'm gonna send him and a few men straight, cross country; let them see if they can get some game. They'll meet up with us later this afternoon. You want to send a few of your men as well?"
Panteras nodded. "Sounds good." He turned back to Castedes. "Take Dolphus and the twins and go with Patreon."
"You want me to leave the horse?" Castedes asked as he pat Polybius' horse which he had commandeered as his own.
"Nah, take it. You might need it to carry what you kill."
As Castedes started to turn the horse back towards the others, the three of them spotted a pair of riders approaching from down the road. They were wearing studded leather armor and had swords and shields strapped to their horses. They slowed as they rode passed.
Ian returned their nod as they continued on up the road.
Castedes looked back to Panteras, "Wasn't that..."
"Yeah, it was."
Ian watched the two exchange worried looks. "Is there a problem?" Ian asked as Castedes headed back towards the wagons.
Panteras, still watching the riders off in the distance, shook his head. "I don't think so."
Ian turned and followed his gaze. After riding beside Panteras for a day and a half, exchanging all manner of ribald jokes, he'd started to like the man. He decided not to press with more questions, regardless of the nervous look on the other's face.
***
Castedes tossed the cleaned rib bone onto the pile with the others. He then expelled a deep breath as he loosened his belt. "I don't know about ya'll, but I..am..stuffed," he said as he undid the top button of his trousers.
"Let me know if you're gonna keep going and I'll head back over to the other fire," Ian said as he eyed the man dubiously, causing the others to burst out laughing.
When they'd arrived at the designated spot a few hours before, Patreon and the others had already started cooking the three large deer they'd caught. Ian had decided to eat with Panteras and his men.
Panteras belched softly and then took a long pull from his waterskin. Ian's rule about no liquor hadn't been a problem seeing as how the mercenaries had drank the last of theirs two days earlier. He looked aside at Ian who was cutting slices off an apple. "So, you think we'll reach Illyris tomorrow?"
"Should," he replied simply before popping a slice into his mouth. "I'll be glad, too."
"Why's that?" Panteras asked as he accepted the apple wedge Ian offered him.
"Between you and me, I don't like being responsible for the lives of this many people. I'm not the leader type," he said softly.
Panteras laughed. "You sure LOOK like you enjoy it. You have a talent for it. The....charisma for it."
"Maybe," Ian conceded as he drained the last from his cup. "Doesn't mean I like it, though."
"Ian?"
They turned and watched as Cassandra came closer, holding a scroll tube. Ian took a deep breath as he gave her a look which he didn't often use with her. "Esta vo gre quira pasea pyro?"
"Yes, but I was hoping we could finish this scroll," she said softly as she came up closer to stand beside him.
"We will. I'll be over there in a little while. Chagra?"
"Eendo mae credidio," she replied with a smile before she turned and walked back over to the other fire.
Even though he was upset with her for not staying near Xena, he couldn't help returning a smile of his own.
"She reminds me of my youngest daughter," Panteras said thoughtfully. He smiled as Ian turned to him with a surprised look. "What, You didn't think I was the type to have a family? For your information, I have a beautiful wife and three beautiful daughters back in Corinth."
"Why would..."
"Why would someone with a family be traipsing across Greece with a band of mercenaries? A simple question with a simple answer, money. After I've saved enough dinars, I'm going into business with my brother."
"Your brother?" Ian asked as he stared into the fire.
"Yeah, he owns a shipyard just outside of Corinth. He's been bugging me for years to become partners with him. We'd always had trouble getting along when we were younger. You know how brothers are. Things have gotten better as we've gotten older. That's the good thing about family; no matter how much you fight, they're still there for you." He noticed Ian seemed lost in thought. "Anyway, a couple thousand more dinars and I'll buy half his business from him. Then, much to my wife's pleasure, I can pick up this sword for good."
"Some of us are gonna miss you," Castedes commented.
Panteras gave him a wry grin. "Bullshit. You can't wait until I'm gone," he said with a chuckle.
"Well, someone has to become leader," Castedes said with a grin of his own.
"And you'll make a fine one. Provided you stop screwing around with married women."
"ONE time," the man declared. "It happened ONE time and I didn't know she was married."
"Maybe, but leave it to you to get caught in bed with the wife of a city guard captain," Panteras said with smirk. He grimaced slightly as he lowered his head into his hands.
"You alright?" Castedes asked.
The man took a deep breath. "Yeah," he stated as he turned to Ian. "I think that poison's starting to take effect. I guess I'll be just as happy as you when we reach Illyris."
Ian nodded as he rose and headed back towards the other fire.
Gabrielle smiled as Cassandra continued to read the scroll, stopping only occasionally for help with a word. They looked up as Ian walked over.
The man grinned as he looked down at Cassandra seated in the bard's lap. "I guess I've been replaced, huh?"
"You don't mind, do you? I just offered..."
Ian smiled reassuringly as he crouched next to them and placed a hand on Gabrielle's shoulder. "It's okay, Gabrielle. I appreciate you doing it. What are you drinking?" he asked as he picked up her cup.
"Grape juice, why?"
"May I have some?"
"Sure." She watched as he poured some of the contents of her cup into his. He then added some tea from the large pitcher nearby. She grimaced slightly. "I don't think that's going to taste very good."
"Nope," Ian said with a grin. "I don't imagine it will." He reached over and picked up a pinch of ash from the edge of the fire, dropping it into the cup.
"What are you making?" Gabrielle asked.
"An antidote," Ian replied, smiling as he saw the grin on Xena's face.
"For what?" the bard asked curiously.
Ian stirred the contents of the cup with a small stick as he rose. "Didn't Xena tell you? I poisoned Panteras," he said softly as he turned and headed back to the other fire.
"What!?" She turned back and leaned over as Xena whispered something into her ear.
Ian shook his head and smirked as he soon heard the bard laughing hysterically.
Gabrielle looked down as Cassandra cleared her throat loudly. "I'm sorry, go ahead and finish."
"I DID finish," she said with an exaggerated sigh.
"Oh, uhm,...you did very well." Gabrielle grinned as she watched the young girl smile proudly. "Now what do you want to do?"
"Would you brush my hair for me?"
"Do you have a brush?"
"Yeah, I'll get it."
Gabrielle watched as the girl hopped up and walked over to Ian's saddle, reaching in and pulling out a small pouch. She returned and handed it to Gabrielle as she sat back in the bard's lap. Gabrielle opened the pouch and pulled out a short ivory handled brush. She noticed the carving of a pair of swans on the back. "That's pretty," she commented.
"Ian got it for me," Cassandra stated as she undid the clip holding her hair in a ponytail.
"Ian got what for you?" the man asked as he returned and sat back down next to them.
"My brush," Cassandra replied as she tilted her head back.
Ian picked up the scroll tube. "Did she finish it?"
"Yeah, she only needed help with a couple of words."
Cassandra turned to him with a wide grin, causing him to chuckle. He tossed the tube over to his saddle.
"Ian, do you think it was wise to give Panteras the antidote before we reached Illyris?" Xena asked softly.
Ian nodded. "I think so. I trust him, and he'd said it felt like the poison was starting to take effect."
"But if he wasn't poisoned, why did he think he was getting sick?" Gabrielle asked.
Ian smiled as he leaned back on his palms. "The mind is a powerful thing, Gabrielle. It can trick you, if you let it."
"Well, why didn't you just tell him that you didn't poison him?"
"Because he already knew he'd been beaten. I saw no reason in making him feel like a fool, too."
After a few quite moments, Cassandra turned back to Gabrielle. "Would you like me to brush yours?"
"That would be nice. It's been a while since anyone's brushed my hair for me." Gabrielle grinned as Xena gave her an unreadable stare. She continued to stare back at the warrior as Cassandra brushed her hair for several minutes.
"Would you like me to braid it for you?"
"I suppose. Something simple, though," Gabrielle replied.
Cassandra handed Gabrielle the brush as she began pulling the bard's long strawberry-blonde hair back. "Ian won't let me do his anymore."
Ian grunted once and muttered, "Once bitten, twice shy."
The girl turned and gave him a smirk. "Well, I thought you looked good with pigtails."
Ian looked up to see everyone staring at him. "Don't even think about it."
Cassandra started giggling. "Uhm...Gabrielle, would you like an Athenian swirl?"
Xena watched curiously as Ian suddenly smiled and turned the other way, trying to hide a chuckle.
"What's an Athenian swirl?" the bard asked.
"Do you want one?" Cassandra asked again, not answering the question.
"I guess."
Xena watched as Cassandra placed her index fingers in her mouth and then wiggled them into Gabrielle's ears.
"EWWWWW!!" Gabrielle hollered as she wiped at her ears; the wide smile on Xena's face not helping any. She looked over at Ian to see him laughing as well. "YOU taught her that?"
Ian, trying to compose himself, held up both hands. "It wasn't me. I swear."
Gabrielle turned back towards Cassandra, catching the girl's smile before she had a chance to remove it.
"I'm sorry Gabrielle. I hope you're not mad at me," she said with a pout.
"Birds of a feather," Xena thought to herself amusedly.
Gabrielle tried to stay mad, but couldn't. She grabbed the girl and tickled her at the waist. "I'll let it slide THIS time. But from now on, you behave, okay?"
"Okay," the girl replied as she turned and hugged Gabrielle around the neck.
***
Xena smiled as she watched Gabrielle continue to make faces at the children in the wagon in front of them. "Real mature, Gabrielle."
"They started. Actually, I think it was Rexian that started," she said as she giggled at the man. "I think he's missed his calling."
"Well, the children like him," Xena commented as she watched him teaching a new face to Temanon. She turned and watched as Castedes suddenly galloped passed, heading towards the front of the column. She also noticed that Jerrus was stopping the wagon. Climbing onto Argo, she looked back down to Gabrielle. "Stay here."
As soon as she straightened, she saw the dozen or so men on horses blocking the road up ahead. Spurring Argo around the wagon, she headed for Panteras and Ian.
"His name's Ostertag," Panteras said as he stared at the armored man seated on the large warhorse.
"What does he want?" Ian asked.
Panteras took a deep breath. "Me."
"Why?" Xena asked.
"It's a long story."
"Give us the short version," Ian said as they watched the man ride towards them. He recognized the two men that had passed them on the road the morning before in line with the others.
"We took a job that was supposed to go to his army," Panteras replied.
"Is that all?"
"Well, I also, sort of, humiliated him in front of his men. I guess he's the type to hold a grudge."
Ian looked over the man as he drew closer. Although his height was hard to determine since he was on a horse, Ian figured he had to be close to seven feet tall. He wore a suit of black ring mail which appeared as if it would split apart on his massive frame. He looked about forty summers old. Ian guessed that the man would be considered handsome, aside from his nose which had obviously been broken once and not quite set right. He had a large dark brown mustache which drooped down to either side of his squarish jaw.
As he finally stopped before them, his narrowed eyes never left Panteras. "I could not believe my luck when Gerran said that he'd seen you on the road to Illyris," the man said in a deep voice.
Ian cleared his throat. "I don't mean to break up a reunion or anything, but we DO have to be on our way to Antipartia."
Ostertag turned and nodded at Ian. "I have no quarrel with any of you. You may go with good travels." He pointed to Panteras. "This one stays."
"C'mon Ostertag, don't tell me you're still upset about us taking King Drovinan's job for..."
"This isn't about the job, Castedes. And you know it!" he said, interrupting the man. "I'm challenging you right here and now, Panteras!!" the man bellowed. "Honor WILL be satisfied! Unless...you are indeed the coward I think you to be!"
Ian turned as he heard several of Panteras' men shouting curses.
"Stay in formation!!" Panteras hollered back at them. He turned back and glared at Ostertag. "Fine, I accept your challenge. There," he said, pointing to the clearing on the side of the road.
Ostertag laughed as he turned the large horse and spurred it towards the clearing.
"Are you out of your mind!?" Castedes asked Panteras just loud enough for the four of them to hear as they dismounted.
"He's not giving me any choice." Panteras said as he shook his head, removing his sword sheath from his horse.
They turned back towards the clearing as they heard a loud whistling sound. Ian's eyes went wide as he saw the humongous twin-bladed battle axe Ostertag was swinging. The whistling was apparently caused by the small holes in the large blades as the immense weapon cleaved the air.
"Would you look at the size of that thing?" Ian muttered under his breath. He turned back to Panteras. "Can you beat him?"
Panteras swallowed once and drew his sword. "No," he said softly.
"Well, at least you're going into it with the right attitude," Ian said sarcastically. "Look, just don't fight him. I don't think he would attack the caravan to get at you," Ian offered.
"I don't have a choice. If I back out now, I loose the respect of my men," he said, casting a glance back to the line of mercenaries, who to their credit, were staying in formation as ordered.
"That's not true..." Castedes started to protest.
"You know it is, my friend," Panteras stated with a sigh. "Hey, cheer up. You get to be leader now."
"This isn't how I wanted it."
"I know. Listen, do me a favor and tell Laya and the children that I love them." He smiled softly as he looked at the ground. "I would like to have seen them one more time." As he walked to the edge of the road, the others walked with him.
Xena placed a hand on his shoulder. "Panteras, try and stay close to him. Get inside the reach of his axe. He won't be able to swing it effectively."
"Thanks."
"Uhm, Panteras? One more thing," Ian said.
"What is it?" he asked with a sigh. "I'd just as soon..." His sentence ended abruptly as he turned and Ian jabbed two fingers just under the corner of his jaw.
"What are you doing?" Castedes asked as he helped Ian ease the unconscious man to the ground.
"Either something incredibly noble, or incredibly stupid. Maybe both, I don't know," he muttered to himself as he removed his scabbard. He looked across at Xena, trying to read her expression as he handed the woman his sword. "You mind holding this for a moment?"
"Don't you think you'll need it?"
"Nah." He knew it would be of little use in trying to block a stroke from the large axe. He'd rely on his speed. "It'll just get in the way. I'll be back for it in a second," he added with a wink, hoping he sounded more certain than he actually felt.
"Ian, be careful. He's fast for his size," Castedes said with a nod.
"That's okay. I'm fast for his size, too." Ian replied with a smile. "Make sure the men watch the prisoners. They might be tempted to try and escape," he said as he turned and headed for the clearing. He took a deep breath as he walked closer. He realized that Ostertag wasn't close to seven feet, he was EASILY seven feet.
"What gives?" he asked with a chuckle. "Can't Panteras fight for himself?"
"Uhm....he's taking a nap."
"As I said, I have no quarrel with you, little man."
"LITTLE MAN?" Ian thought to himself. "It appears that you do," he said aloud. "I'm the caravan master. That means that everyone in it is under my protection. Including, Panteras and his men. You said this was about honor. Well, how would it look if I allowed you to possibly kill him without doing anything about it? You can still fight him.....after he wakes up. But you'll have to go through me first."
Ostertag chuckled. "Very well, as you wish," he said as he gripped the large axe in both hands. "Where's your weapon?"
Ian shook his head. "I don't want to kill you if I don't have to," he replied as he set his stance.
Ostertag laughed loudly. "Neither do I. I like you, little man. Never let it be said that Ostertag is unfair."
Ian took a quick step back as the man swung the axe in a wide arc and deeply embedded it into a nearby log. As they warily circled each other, evaluating their opponent, Ian realized he could end the battle before it had even begun with a simple flick of the wrist. But, the man had acted honorably thus far. He would do no less. He also realized his strategy had changed. Now his best chance was to keep some distance between him and the much larger man, to try and wear him down. He smiled as he watched Ostertag lean slightly forward, his arms in front of him, fingers spread; a wrestler's stance. Ian's eyes narrowed as he also leaned forward, fists raised before him.
As Ostertag tried to grab him with a swipe of his massive arm, Ian ducked underneath and managed to land several blows to the man's stomach and side before backing away. Ian cursed as he looked down at his bleeding knuckles. Although the punches had affected Ostertag, Ian realized that the rings on the big man's armor would shred his hands in no time. Moving forward, Ian blocked a kick with his shin and followed through with a right cross. Pressing the advantage, he threw several more high punches, not used to fighting someone that tall. He continued alternating between rights and lefts until Ostertag blocked a punch and landed a quick jab to the shorter man's jaw.
Ian back-peddled several steps as he felt his legs go watery. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been hit that hard. "New strategy," he thought, "don't get hit."
As Ostertag came at him again, fists up, Ian pivoted, kicking the man in the gut. Ian then punched him twice in the face before Ostertag caught his fist in a large meaty paw and landed three quick hooks to the body. Ian fell to his knees as he clutched at his side, heaving for air.
Sensing a quick victory, Ostertag attempted to kick Ian in the head. Ian avoided the heavy boot and rolled to the man's side, kicking him behind his grounded leg as hard as he could. He watched as Ostertag fell back onto his rear. Rising, Ian spun in place and landed a back kick to the man's face, sending him flat onto his back. As he rolled over onto his hands and knees, Ian shot forward and tried to kick him in the head again. Ostertag quickly grabbed Ian's foot and yanked, dropping him onto the ground as well.
As the armored man slowly straightened, Ian rolled backwards and hopped up onto his feet. Hoping to take advantage of the giant's unsteadiness, Ian launched forward and threw his weight into a roundhouse that connected squarely with Ostertag's jaw. Ian followed with several more punches until Ostertag leaned forward and grabbed him in a bear-hug, locking his grip behind Ian's back as he lifted him off the ground.
Ian's head shot backwards as Ostertag squeezed harder, preventing him from taking a breath. Ian groaned loudly through clenched teeth as the veins stood out on his neck.
Ostertag laughed. "Time to say goodnight, little man."
Ian scowled down at the man and boxed his ears. He took a deep breath as he dropped to the ground, watching as Ostertag raised his hands to his head. With a feral grin, he kicked the man hard in the stomach. As Ostertag bent over, Ian grabbed the back of his head with both hands and pulled down while bringing his knee into the man's face. As the man shot back up, Ian drove the heel of his palm under Ostertag's chin, causing the man to take two shaky steps backwards before falling next to the large log. As he rolled over onto all fours, Ian came up behind him and brought his knee down into the small of his back. Ostertag dropped back down onto his stomach with a loud grunt. Ian leaned forward and grabbed his right wrist, bending it behind his back as he also grabbed a handful of the man's hair. As Ostertag fought to rise, Ian shoved him forward onto the log, pinning his free arm against the log with his knee. He held the large man's throat poised a few inches above the gleaming blade of the axe.
"If you're waiting for me to beg for my life," Ostertag said in between breaths. "I hope you're comfortable."
"Actually," Ian replied, also trying to catch his breath. "I had something else in mind. A trade. A life for a life. I give you yours. You give me Panteras'. Forget about whatever it is between the two of you."
"And if I refuse?" the man asked.
Ian tightened his grip as he pushed down slightly on the man's head. "Then I'll cut off your head and chalk it up to a bad day."
Ostertag swallowed once. "I think you would. Very well. You have my word. Panteras has nothing to fear from me."
Ian released the man and stepped backwards, allowing Ostertag to roll over, sitting back against the log. Ian extended a hand and helped him to his feet, through no small effort.
Ostertag rocked the axe free of the log, swinging it back to rest on his shoulder. He smiled down at Ian as they walked back to the man's warhorse. "I don't think you would have beaten me so easily had I been using this," he said with a grin.
"EASILY!?" Ian thought as he raised his hand to the cut on his lip that the man had apparently reopened.
Ostertag strapped the axe into its harness and climbed onto the large animal. He looked back down to Ian. "Good travels, little man," he said with a grin and a nod before spurring the horse back up the road.
"Good travels, you walking tree," Ian muttered as he shook his head and grinned. He pulled a cloth from his shirt pocket, wiping the corner of his mouth. Turning, he headed back to the others, smirking as Panteras walked ahead to meet him. The man looked...upset.
"I appreciate what you did, but..."
"Hit me," Ian said softly.
"What?"
"In the gut."
Grinning as he caught on, Panteras punched Ian in the stomach. As Ian grunted and bent over, Panteras helped him up, raising his hand in the air as they turned back to the others.
Ian smirked as everyone cheered and hollered. Panteras, smiling again, led him back to their horses with an arm across his shoulder. As they reached Xena and Castedes, he noticed they both had wide grins on their faces.
"What the bloody hell are you two grinning at? We still have some medicine to deliver." He climbed into the saddle and gave the signal for the caravan to move out.
As Castedes rode back towards the rear of the wagon train, Xena noticed Ian holding his side. "You alright?" she asked as she passed him his sword.
"Thanks," he stated, looping the scabbard strap over his saddlehorn. "I'm okay. I think he might've broken a rib. That's all."
"Me?" Panteras asked.
"Not you. YOU hit like a girl," Ian replied. He started to laugh, but stopped as he grunted and brought his hand to his side once again.
It was Panteras who then laughed as he spurred his horse onto the road at the head of the caravan as it passed by.
"Let me take a look," Xena said as she brought Argo closer.
"I'm fine," he insisted. He started to spur the stallion forward, but Xena reached over and pulled back on the reins. He sighed as he stared into her face. "Okay, go ahead. Just be quick about it."
As the man straightened and moved his hands aside, Xena leaned over and slid her own hand under his shirt. As she let her fingers probe over his side, pressing against the hard oblique muscles, she found herself staring into his eyes, wondering how a mortal's eyes could be that deep a shade of green. As she slowly moved her hand upwards, she watched him suck in a quick breath. "Did that hurt?"
"What makes you ask that?" he asked with a slight smile.
"You flinched," she said, continuing to probe the area.
"Well, what kind of man would I be if the touch of a beautiful woman didn't cause my pulse to quicken?" he asked softly.
Xena's brow arched as she commanded herself not to blush.
"Get a room, you two," Niereles commented as he passed by.
Xena slowly pulled her hand away. "I don't think anything's broken. It'll probably be sore for a while."
"Thank you."
"Well, I guess...we should join the others."
"I guess we should," he said with a nod as he urged the large horse up the road.
Taking a deep breath, Xena spurred Argo up the road as well, coming up next to Gabrielle behind the first wagon. She cocked her head slightly as she looked down at the mysterious smile the bard was directing up at her. "Gabrielle?...Gabrielle, what is it?"
Gabrielle began whistling a soft melody as she turned forward again.
"GABRIELLE?"