The Xena Scrolls
By: Gabrielle Bard of Potedia
Scroll # 12: The Warrior Princess
January, 48 B.C.
I sing of a friendship that was tested. A friendship that was threatened by the desires of an evil warrior. Two vibrant brave heroes who were seemingly inseparable found themselves separated by blood and violence. Their plight began in peace as they prepared a new dagger. This dagger which they constructed symbolized the strength of their undying friendship for one another. Yet they had made only one and so Hercules decided that his best friend Iolas should carry it. Iolas refused the gesture at first feeling that since both had worked so hard that they should share in their accomplishment. But Hercules insisted that Iolas take the dagger for there would be another day and a new dagger could be made by the two friends again.
Iolas finally accepted the gesture of his friend and soon he was out practicing with his new weapon. Upon testing his skill with the dagger he and Hercules found themselves crossing paths with someone from Iolas’s past. It was the young and beautiful Serrina whom had once been Iolas’s love. She seemed happy and content with her life for she had moved on and found a new love for her life. Serrina shared in her joy with the two friends despite Iolas’s disappointment that he would not have a second chance to mend the past with her. As Serrina said goodbye to Iolas yet again Iolas found himself feeling a bit lonely inside. His heart yearned for the love of a special lady to fill it with joy. Yet Iolas did not realize that there was someone who stood right beside him everyday. And although Hercules was only Iolas’s best friend his love for Iolas was loyal and true.
The two heroes had been fighting together for the good of mortals and were finding themselves weary of their travels. Hercules decided that the best place for them to go and rest would be at his mother’s home. When they arrived Hercules could not rest despite his intentions for he felt guilt for not being there for his mother more often. He decided that he would make up for his absence by constructing a mighty wall of boulders that would protect his mother from all of the world’s evils when he could not be there to protect her himself. Of course Iolas had promised that he too would help in building this wall, but shortly after arriving Iolas wandered off into his own world of thought.
He was still bothered by the pangs of emptiness that he felt within his courageous heart. His depression was so great that he found himself walking down a dark path into the woods. On the other side of the path at the end he found what he had desired to find. There standing before him nursing her injured horse was a beautiful woman. She had piercing blue eyes and dark flowing hair. He introduced himself and offered his help to the woman. Yet she was not trusting of the man who had come along to assist her. She pulled out a large dagger and threatened to use it against Iolas for fear of his intentions.
Iolas found himself amused by her actions and yet insulted. He asked her if he looked dangerous, but she was still unwilling to put down her weapon. Iolas realized that it was not going to be easy for him to gain the trust of this seemingly lost woman, but he tried once more. His eyes could not resist and his heart was genuine. Iolas then warned this fearful woman that he would not be the last person to come along the path. For he could not promise that the next person would be as willing to help her to the nearest village. With that he delivered a friendly smile to back up his statement and won the trust of this stunning woman.
They traveled together back to the village near where Hercules’ mother lived. There the two shared in each other’s company as Iolas’s heart came alive once again. Then Hercules arrived at the village tavern where the two new acquaintances had chatted for hours. Iolas had lost track of the day and Hercules reminded him that he had promised to help in building the wall. Iolas apologized to his friend although he did not regret forgetting for he had made a much more pleasant discovery. He was delighted to introduce his new-found lady friend to Hercules. Hercules found himself intrigued at the woman who would so suddenly steal his friend’s heart. This woman’s name was Xena. She was seemingly shy, but with a sense of humor. Xena inquired if all of Iolas’s friends were as famous as Hercules. Hercules was modest as always, but excited to see his friend’s spirits were up. It was a woman who Iolas had truly needed. In celebration of this joy Hercules offered to buy dinner for the three at the tavern. Iolas accepted the invitation, but Xena had plans of her own.
She declared that she was exhausted and planned on finding a bed. As she rose from the table she made her own invitation. She asked if Iolas would do her just one more favor and help her to find that bed she seeked. It was a shrewd and seductive invitation, and Hercules realized that he could not compete with the affections of a lady. So Iolas went away with his new love and was not seen again by his friend for another week. Despite the chance for rest and relaxation at his mother’s Hercules was finding himself missing his best friend. He was disappointed that their journey to find solace together had ended up being a lone journey. Hercules longed to find the day that he and his friend could be enjoying fishing or hunting together instead of fighting against darkness. His mother tried to comfort her son explaining that it was the woman that would tame Iolas’s restless heart. Hercules could not argue with that cure so he found himself accepting that Iolas was fine without him.
Just when Hercules was about to accept his loss Iolas came riding over the valley alongside his new lady friend. He was bright and confident ready to do battle once again. Upon their arrival Iolas and Xena explained that they were about to go up against the warlord Petrachious. Xena was a warrior woman who had bravely decided to build an army to go up against Petrachious. Her intentions were to protect her people from his invasion of the Arcadian Highlands. Yet she needed help and had enlisted Iolas in her seemingly selfless battle. Hercules was delighted that Iolas was happy and wished only the best for his friend. He also complemented the warrior woman on her choice in Iolas for Hercules was certain that Iolas was capable of fighting alongside Xena. Hercules regretfully wished his friend goodbye reminding Iolas that if he ever needed his old friend that Hercules would be there. Iolas bade his friend farewell and rode off into the valley alongside the warrior woman.
Not long after leaving Hercules Xena and Iolas rode down the road running into some warriors whom she claimed to be from Petrachious’s army. It was obvious that she was a fearless warrior and wasted little time in deciding to battle against these men. She charged into battle like a crazed animal as Iolas watched. He was taken by surprise by her zest and bravery. Xena seemingly did not fear death and so he quickly found himself following her into this fierce battle. Iolas fought with compassion and humanity while Xena fought with passion and vengeance. She seemed to be driven by an inner anger that Iolas did not understand. Though confused by her actions he found himself impressed by her skill and fearless bravery. Iolas had only seen one other person fight with skill equal to that of Xena and that was Hercules.
As the battle came to an end all, but one of the seven men had met their deaths at the end of Xena’s sword. Iolas had allowed the seventh man mercy for he could clearly see that the battle was over. He did not see the need to take the man’s life. But Xena was seemingly disappointed in Iolas’s choice for she had wanted to chase him down into death as well. Iolas could sense that her passions were difficult for her to control yet he was able to calm her into mercy. Xena was praised by her new companion for her great bravery and skill. She took advantage of this praise and asked that she be free to burn the wagon left behind. Iolas did not argue with the warrior princess’s desires, but he found himself still confused by her need for destruction.
The two then continued down the path toward where Xena’s army was camped out ready to do battle against their enemy. Along the way Iolas still found himself thinking of Hercules despite being with the beautiful warrior princess. He was finding himself comparing the two for Hercules would not have chosen to destroy the wagon. Hercules would have had mercy upon the enemy despite what crimes had been committed. Yet Xena was not at all compassionate. She seemingly seeked to destroy her enemy before her enemy could desolate her. Iolas expressed his continuing admiration for his best friend in the presence of the warrior princess. Of course Xena was not at all impressed by Hercules. She spoke of Hercules as being selfish rather than selfless.
When Iolas questioned this view of his best friend Xena explained herself clearly. She said that Hercules did all of his heroic deeds in order to gain vengeance upon his step mother Hera for her anger at his father Zeus. Xena had said that Hercules was only out for himself despite what everyone else believed. Again Iolas found himself confused not realizing that there could be more to Hercules than he had previously thought. And just when Xena realized that she has sparked some interest in her view she pressed it expressing to Iolas how much she felt that he was a much better man than Hercules could ever be.
The warrior princess was playing with the ego of a man and the heart of a man in love. Iolas’s love for the warrior princess was blinding. It clouded his senses and damaged his sensibilities. Truth was now becoming something of a challenge for Iolas as he found himself falling deeper and deeper into the trap of this black widow. Soon the two arrived at Xena’s camp which Iolas found to be quite impressive. There were at least seventy-five men preparing themselves diligently for battle. All of these men seemed to be loyal to their warrior leader despite her being a woman. It was unusual for women to lead such armies, but it made Xena more attractive to her new lover.
After greeting her army Xena continued her game and played more deeply into Iolas’s emotions. She was certain that his heart was in the palm of her hand as she continued her seductive rampage. After basking Iolas in the pleasures of love she left him alone unaware of her true intentions within their relationship. In the beginning she had pretended to be a helpless lost woman who needed the help of a strong and brave man. She had refused his help at first playing as if she cared for him. Xena had told Iolas that she would not allow him to fall in love with her, but it had been too late for that. Yet the warrior princess knew in the beginning exactly what she was doing. There was no real love in her heart for the compassionate Iolas. Instead she had plans larger than those of love.
Xena wanted Hercules instead of Iolas, but not to love. She wanted Hercules for her true intentions were of a bloody violent nature. The warrior princess had been known for years across the lands as one who intended to conquer the world. Yet with Hercules as a champion to those of innocence she knew that she would never reach her ultimate power. With Hercules being the only one standing in the way of evil the solution for Xena was simple. She must take the life of Hercules so that she could move forward with her own selfish destiny. Xena wanted to rule the world and there was nothing in the world to stop her beyond Hercules.
And so as the unsuspecting Iolas slept peacefully in her bedchambers Xena summoned another of her warriors. She chose the young Theodoras to send on a mission. It was a suicide mission though Theodoras was blinded by his own love for the charming black widow. Xena sent Theodoras to kill Hercules knowing that he would not succeed. As she sent her warrior to his death she left him with a keepsake and a message for Hercules. Xena gave him her emblem necklace to wear as a tiding of protection though she knew it would not defeat Hercules. And so Theodoras went off to complete his mission with his passionate misguided heart.
Upon arriving at the home of Hercules and his mother Theodoras followed the great hero into the barn. Theodoras hidden from view prepared his dagger for the kill. The unsuspecting hero entered into the barn preparing to put away his tools. Hercules was weary from a long day of work and dropped his tools upon the ground. It was in that fortunate moment that Theodoras had decided to make his move upon the legendary hero. He threw his knife intending to strike Hercules, but instead missed. The violent knife plunged into the wooden column above alarming Hercules to the danger that lurked within.
Hercules rose from his tools carefully as he summoned his enemy to show himself. Theodoras realized that his moment of advantage had passed and revealed himself bravely. He drew his weapon and prepared to do battle against Hercules. Hercules chose not to fight with a weapon of offense. Instead he chose a large stick to defend himself rather than to kill. Theodoras charged forward with passion against Hercules. Their battle scaled upon the steps into the loft. Yet it was there that it abruptly ended for the railing had given way throwing Theodoras to his death below. Theodoras had fallen upon a rake that Hercules had dropped moments before their duel. The rake had thrust itself through Theodoras’s back into his chest.
Hercules was regretful that this enemy had to die such a horrible death. When he came down from the loft he asked Theodoras why he had engaged in a battle against him. Theodoras replied that it was out of love that he had come for Hercules. And when Hercules asked who Xena’s name purged itself through his lips within Theodoras’s last breath. Hercules found himself confused and then worried as he noticed the necklace that Theodoras wore. He then took the necklace from the fallen warrior and went to his mother to sort out the mystery surrounding Xena the warrior princess.
At first Hercules’s mother did not believe that Iolas’s Xena could be the same Xena that had sent Theodoras to kill her son. Yet Hercules had the evidence of a message that was meant to reach him indefinitely. Hercules’ mother was fearful that her son was falling into a trap. Yet the hero was brave despite having to risk his own life to save his friend. Hercules’ mind was made up that he would seek out Iolas and return him home safely despite the risk.
It did not take long for Hercules to follow the trail that Xena had left for him to find her. He came across the old burned wagon and there he found his friendship was truly threatened. Iolas had left behind his dagger that the two had constructed together. Hercules picked it up with concern realizing how serious the trouble really was. He continued on finding Xena’s army and entering expecting to find his friend. Upon his arrival Xena was again pleasuring Iolas’s desires and playing with his unsuspecting heart. When the news that Hercules had arrived came through to the two lovers Xena contended that Hercules had come to steal Iolas’s glory. Iolas’s pride was bruised and he found himself angry that his best friend would think of him in that way.
Iolas charged out into the square where he expressed to Hercules how angry he was for his interference. Hercules ignored his friend’s blind anger suggesting that it was not Iolas that he had come to fight. It was obvious that Xena was succeeding in driving a wedge between two friends who had once seemed inseparable. The warrior princess was delighted at her master plan for it was certain to result in the death of a hero. She stood by impressed that Iolas would defend her character so passionately. His anger toward Hercules and passion for Xena were so great that he struck Hercules in the face. It was in that moment that the great Hercules found himself struck down with pain. It wasn’t the physical pain of Iolas’s punch, but the pain of knowing that Iolas did not believe in his loyalty to his friend. Hercules threw down his gift of friendship returning their dagger to Iolas. Then he left Iolas behind with his new love Xena for it was obvious that Iolas had already made his choice. He had chosen blind love over truth and friendship.
Hercules found himself back at the village tavern alone later that night. He was depressed by his loss as he ate his dinner. As he sat within his own depression an old man came along and asked him if he had rid them of her. Hercules found himself confused for a moment for he did not know what this old man had been talking about. Then the old man asked if Hercules had rid them of Xena. Hercules had responded that he did not care one way or the other about the destiny of Xena. The old man was shocked and upset that the great hero would refuse this task. Hercules had never been known to walk away from impending darkness. He had always faced it courageously, but now he had walked away. The old man introduced himself as Petrachious. Hercules was shocked for a moment for that was the warlord who Xena had been fighting against.
The old man then asked Hercules to take another look for he was not Petrachious the warlord, but Petrachious the simple old farmer. Petrachious was concerned for the well-being of the people of his village and for all who resided within Arcadia. He then told of Xena’s plans of conquering the world through blood, violence, and fear. Petrachious pleaded with Hercules to stand up to Xena for he was the only one who could stop her murderous rampage upon the land. Hercules listened to his story, but was not certain that it was the best choice for him to continue to interfere within the love that his friend had found in Xena. Though Hercules knew that Xena’s love was not real, and that Iolas was a grown man Petrahcious argued that Hercules was still responsible for his friend. Petrachious took Hercules to the grave of his fallen young son who had been barely twenty when Xena’s army had taken his life.
Petrachious was regretful, but determined that justice against the warrior princess be done for many more would die within her rage. Hercules found himself making the tough decision to return to Xena’s camp. He would return to defeat Xena despite Iolas’s blind love for the warrior princess. Hercules knew going into this mission that he may lose his friend forever, but it was a price worth paying to save the lives of many. And so as Hercules journeyed back toward Xena’s camp he found himself under attack again. This time it was by the warrior known as Estragon. He was another from Xena’s army who had found himself blinded by the warrior princess’s charm. Estragon fought Hercules with his weapon of death, but Hercules was able to defeat him with only a large tree limb. Estragon had been knocked to the ground by a fierce block delivered by Hercules. There Estragon lie begging for his life. Hercules took pity on the warrior and threw down his weapon helping Estragon to his feet.
Just as Estragon stood again Xena appeared from behind another boulder. She shouted out to Estragon with anger and disappointment as she pulled out a dangerous weapon. It was round and silver with gold plates decorating the outside. This round sharp blade was known as the chackram. A weapon that could rip through even the thickest branches in the forest. Xena jumped up and threw the chackram toward her victim. It nearly missed Hercules, but struck her loyal warrior Estragon in the throat killing him instantly. Amazingly this round weapon returned to its origin where Xena caught it and laughed. She then jumped upon her horse and rode off waiting for Hercules to follow her back to camp. There her trap was set and ready for him to fall.
When she returned Iolas had been worried for she had left him without telling him that she was going. He wanted desperately to be by her side and was disappointed when he found out that she had gone with another warrior. Iolas scolded Xena for taking Estragon for he was killed. The brave passionate heart of Iolas was certain that he could have defeated Hercules in battle. No one knew Hercules the way that Iolas did. Iolas found himself enraged when he discovered that Hercules had been the one who had killed Estragon. He was prepared to kill his friend to protect his warrior princess.
When Hercules arrived he was prepared to take on the warrior princess. Yet Iolas would not be ignored this time. He quickly confronted Hercules and demanded that Hercules choose a weapon. Hercules did not want to fight his friend and did not choose a weapon. He tried desperately to reach his friend’s heart, but was unsuccessful. Iolas then threw a weapon to Hercules and prepared to do battle against the one who had been his friend. The first strike of the sword came from Iolas’s passion for Xena. His senses were dull and his moves were sloppy. Hercules chose not to take advantage of his friend for he could not kill Iolas. Xena’s men interrupted the fair fight involving themselves in assisting Iolas’s vengeance against Hercules. Hercules became frustrated with this game that the warrior princess played with his friend’s heart.
He decided to end this fight quickly as he took Iolas down and held the blade to his throat. Iolas moved to strike below as he pulled their dagger of friendship on his friend. It was then that Iolas realized that he was not going to win this duel against Hercules. Iolas asked that Hercules send him to his death, but Hercules refused. He dropped his weapon and helped Iolas to his feet. It was in that moment that Iolas realized the truth about Xena and about Hercules. If Hercules had been all of the things that Xena had proclaimed him to be he would have taken Iolas’s life without question. Instead he had forgiven his friend and chosen to fight alongside Iolas once again.
The two then battled it out against Xena and her army. They fought with compassion. The heroes did not fight with weapons, but with their powerful tough brawn. Xena’s army did not match the skill of Hercules, and the compassion of Iolas. Hercules found himself nearly facing the wrath of the warrior princess until Iolas found himself in trouble. Iolas had been slashed by a weapon across the chest and was being beaten by some of Xena’s men. Hercules made another choice. He chose to fight against Xena another day and to save his friend from defeat. Hercules understood the importance of having his friend alongside him in battle. He knew that he would need Iolas to be there for him when he went up against Xena the next time. And so Iolas learned a difficult lesson about truth and about love. He realized that sometimes love is right there beside you. Do not look too hard for you might just find the black widow.
