"Much blood was shed on both sides. We were slightly out numbered by only ten men."
As the stranger told his story Xena became
suspicious. She shot a sideways glance to Gabrielle. She seemed to be buying
this man's story. Looking up to the battle field Xena suddenly realized
why she was becoming suspicious. The men that lay dead where they had been
slain all wore the same uniform. There had only been one army on that field.
Xena rose to her feet and drew her sword.
A startled Gabrielle fell backwards with fright. She quickly moved between Xena and the stranger. She spoke softly,
"What are you doing Xena?"
"This man is lying. I don't know why, but I'm sure not going to listen to it."
The stranger took his chance. He reached up and grabbed Gabrielle by the neck. He began to squeeze. Gabrielle tried to speak, but all that came out was a squeal. He looked Xena straight in the eye. His entire demeanour changed. Before he somehow looked frail and skinny now he looked as strong as a Centaur.
He spoke now with a gruff voice, "I am Davis, The last of the Corratche. If you move I will crush your friends neck." With those words he gave another squeeze.
Xena stood rock steady.
"You wont get away with this" Xena threatened " I will eventually hunt you down and kill you."
The man moved towards the east dragging the struggling bard with surprising ease. Xena stood in the same spot until the man was out of sight then she...
a. leapt into the
trees to give chase
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