Thursday's Teaser - Banshee’s Honor by sHaYcH

Today's excerpt is from Banshee’s Honor by sHaYcH. Read it here 



Leaning heavily on makeshift crutches, a stooped, rag-covered figure slowly shuffled down the road. Thick, muddy snow hindered the traveler’s progress as she struggled to drag her splinted right leg through the slurry. Sleet fell lightly, mixing with the road dirt, creating a morass of slippery mud that caused the transient to fight for every step. Muffled curses could be heard peppering the air each time she had to stop and pull her useless leg out of a puddle. The warning sound of hoof beats came almost too late.

Azhani Rhu’len cursed the rider’s ancestry and flung herself into a mound of snow that bordered the road. Pushing greasy strands of black hair away from her face, the drifter watched the horse pass. At the sight of the horse’s riders, her dark blue eyes narrowed in surprised anger.

In one hand, a darkly cloaked man clutched the reins of the horse. The other arm was wrapped tightly about the unconscious, scarlet robed body of a woman. The rich crimson color of the velvet robes, coupled with a flash of teardrop shaped tattoos on a pale, bruised face, told Azhani that the man had just broken kingdom law. Frustrated by her injury, the former soldier pushed herself up, considering her options.

Once the warleader of the kingdom of Y’dan, Azhani was now an exile and although she no longer served a king, her oaths of loyalty to the people were still locked deep in her heart. The warrior could not allow the rider to succeed in his crime, not when she still had two functional arms. Sparing a prayer to the goddess, she tossed one of her makeshift crutches aside and stripped the other down, revealing a fine, ash longbow. Layers of rags were hastily shifted aside, uncovering a small quiver of steel-tipped arrows.

Azhani took a deep breath and plunged into the thicket at the side of the road, praying that she remembered the pathways correctly. It had been many years since she had traveled its green depths, but if her memory served, there was a shortcut just behind the stand of trees on her left. Ignoring the pain that ignited as soon as she put pressure on her bad leg, the warrior loped across the snow-covered ground. Within minutes, she broke free of the forest, ahead of the horseman, but not by much.

It took only heartbeats to string her bow and nock an arrow. Quietly, she waited, breathing shallowly to control the agony shooting up her leg in fiery waves. They were close; she could feel the thud of the horse’s hooves in the balls of her feet. One breath, two, and then the stale, acrid stench of sweat tickled her nostrils.

Rounding the bend in the road at a gallop, the horse thundered past the spot where Azhani was hidden. The rider cracked a stick against the animal’s heaving flanks, attempting to inspire even more speed. Sweat mottled the light brown hide and the horse’s eyes were starting to roll in panic. When the rider turned his head, scanning the road behind him, Azhani made her move.

A single arrow hissed through the air, striking the man in the shoulder with enough force to knock him and his hostage off the horse. The animal reared, screaming in fear, and then galloped off down the road. Azhani ignored it, hobbling up to the man with another arrow readied in her bow. Struggling to sit, the man cursed loudly and reached for the arrow that had knocked him from his mount. Not far away from him, his victim lay in the dirt, moaning softly.

“Don’t move, lawbreaker!” Azhani said evenly. The irony of the situation did not escape the exiled soldier as she calmly watched the kidnapper.

Hearing her voice, the man looked up and swore vehemently. Five feet away, the rag-covered, bow wielding figure looked more like a crazed wild woman than a serious warrior. Yet her aim had been perfect, stopping his flight with one shot. Anger twisted his features and he started to reach for his dagger.

As soon as she saw his face, Azhani growled. Branded deeply into his left cheek was the mark of the Cabal. Long nurtured hate for the clan of villains, murderers and thieves bubbled up inside the warrior. When he went for his weapon, she loosed the second arrow, pinning his other shoulder to the ground. With a wild shout, Azhani twisted the bow around, smashing it into the kidnapper’s knees. The sickening crunch of bone, followed by the tortured scream of pain was music to her ears.

Placing the tip of the bow against his temple, she angrily demanded, “Who are you, lawbreaker? Why have you harmed one of Astariu’s chosen?”

Hate-filled brown eyes looked up into hers and he smiled mirthlessly. “Dance in hell, bitch.” Dark red blood bubbled up and spilled over his lips. His eyelids fluttered shut and he went limp.

“Shit!” Azhani cursed, dropping her bow aside and reaching for his hand. She was too late. The thick, golden band of a ring glittered menacingly. Tugging it off with a curse, the warrior was not surprised to see several tiny, poison coated needles lining the inside of the ring.

Anger suffused the warrior and she kicked the body. The pain was like a blast of icy water in the face, and she collapsed, whimpering brokenly. Fresh blood seeped through the rags binding her leg, staining the snow. Black spots obscured her vision as she panted, trying to will the pain away.

“Gods fucking damned mace carrying wet nosed excuses for pathetic soldiers!” she shouted at the uncaring trees. She forced herself to roll over, pounding the ground with a fist as fresh pain brought tears to her eyes. Looking over at the priest, she was heartened to see that the woman was still breathing.

Azhani gritted her teeth and slowly, one inch at a time, crawled over to the body of the kidnapper. Ruthlessly, she searched his body, hoping for anything that would explain why he had broken the kingdom’s oldest laws by harming a woman deemed sacrosanct by noble and peasant alike.

Finding nothing but a bag of mixed coins, a vial of poison and two knives, one of which was the wicked, hook-bladed dagger that was the trademark of a Cabal assassin, the warrior then pulled her arrows free and stowed them back in their quiver. Leaving the poison, she stowed the pouch of gold away under her rags.

Using the body as a lever, Azhani stood up and started to shuffle toward the softly groaning stardancer. Even though the kidnapper’s clothes were cleaner than hers, nothing in creation would convince her to don the garb of a Cabal. She had no desire to come under the scrutiny of the dark gods who favored those who slunk in the shadows and preyed upon society. That baleful gaze had already wreaked too much pain and havoc in her life.

A soft whicker from behind caused the warrior to slowly turn. The horse had returned and was standing only a few feet away, sides heaving from exertion. Slowly, carefully, Azhani began to cluck her tongue, limping toward him and speaking softly while reaching out for the horse’s bridle.

“That’s a good lad,” she whispered. Her hands came into contact with the slick leather and she reached up, scratching his head. Nodding in pleasure, the horse let out a happy sigh. The tack bore the starburst markings of Astariu’s Healer aspect. Surmising that the animal must belong to the unconscious priest, she gave him one last pat and looked over at the unconscious heap of scarlet velvet and sighed.

“All right lad, let’s see if you were trained properly,” she said warmly. “Support.” The horse immediately lowered his head, making it easy to grasp his mane tightly. “Slow,” she cautioned, and took a step forward, toward the stardancer. In this manner, she crossed the road to the fallen woman. Upon reaching the unconscious priest, the warrior calmly said, “Kneel.” The horse went down on its front legs, waiting for the warrior’s next command. “Steady,” she said, and steeled herself against the torture she knew was coming. As carefully as she was able, the warrior lifted the dead weight of the stardancer’s body to the horse’s back.

Before the pain could overwhelm her, Azhani dragged herself up behind the priest. The horse easily stood as Azhani wrapped her arms around the young woman, holding her close to prevent her from toppling over. The priest’s head lolled to the side, revealing a youthful face. Alabaster pale skin covered an archly angular bone structure. A mottled, dark purple bruise shadowed the edge of her jaw, causing the warrior to wince in sympathy. Thick, wavy amber-colored curls framed the woman’s delicate features and brushed the tops of her shoulders. Tiny, graceful points topped her ears, proclaiming her half-elven heritage. She’s beautiful, the warrior thought as she juggled the priest around until she was safely tucked against her body.

Nearly blacking out from nauseating pain, the warrior fought off a wave of dizziness. When she could finally see, she took the reins tightly and directed the horse onto the road.

****

 Banshee’s Honor by sHaYcH – 290 pages

Born a half-elf, Azhani Rhu’len earned the love and trust of the people of Y’Dan, becoming the kingdom’s warleader. Just when all her dreams were about to be fulfilled, treachery stole everything that she loved. Now, landless, loveless and broken near to death, all she clings to is the hope of regaining her honor. Struggling to heal, Azhani discovers that an ancient evil threatens the land she once called home. Will she abandon her quest for honor to save Y’Dan, or will she turn her back on the people who cast her out?

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An Excerpt From Young at Heart by Muzza

Today's excerpt is from Young At Heart by Muzza. You can read it here:



Frantically doing her sister's hair, Jenny Rhys looked at the sixteen-year-old sitting in front of her. Tegan was absolutely stunning. Everyone in the village knew that…except for Tegan. Her strawberry blonde hair fell down her back, and her emerald green eyes sparkled, but it wasn't with excitement, it was with sadness. She was going on a date with the soccer captain, and although she was dressed smartly, she wasn't dressed seductively. Her dress wasn't sending the message that she was easy. It sent the message that she was intelligent, most definitely female, and not too hung up on her appearance. "Tegan, why even bother going out with Scott?" Jenny finally asked her. "I mean, he is definitely gorgeous, popular, and athletic; but we both know that doesn't matter to you"

Tegan looked at herself in the mirror then looked up to meet the hazel eyes of her older sister. Jenny was pretty; she had inherited her father's hair, which was brown, and she had a slightly upturned nose, which was also inherited by her younger sister. Everyone said it was cute. "To make them happy," was all she needed to say.

Tegan had known for a while that she was gay and Jenny was the only other person alive that knew that. Jenny had been accepting and understanding about it. They both knew, however, it would not be the same with their parents. Their father, Thomas was the Mayor of the town and if word ever got out that his daughter was gay, he would kick her out of the family. Tegan didn't care too greatly about her father, he was abusive to her mother, Jenny and her. She did, however, care about her mother, Brenda, and Jenny. She did not want to lose them.

So she sat down getting ready to go out with the most popular boy in school, and she wasn't even excited. "Tegan, your date is here," her father's voice bellowed up the stairs.

"Come on," Jenny said. "You're almost done." So the two of them finished up.

* * * * *

Downstairs, Thomas Rhys was sitting in the living room grilling her date without subtlety or mercy. Scott Tyler looked extremely nervous as Thomas questioned him. Scott was agreeing with him, with a look of desperation as Tegan finally came into the room. She was wearing a conservative blue dress with a plain chain around her neck that stood out against her skin. She had on slightly heeled black shoes that set off the outfit well.

"You look lovely," Scott said. He was wearing his brother's suit, which was slightly too big for him. His dirty blond hair looked like it had been washed about fifty times and left to dry it self. His blue eyes were, according to nearly every girl in River's End Comp, the most gorgeous blue eyes they had ever seen. Tegan didn't agree, but they were nice. He had a lean body, and even through the baggy suit, Tegan could see he had some muscle under there. He was almost a head taller than Tegan. 'That's unusual,' she thought to herself, sarcastically. It had always bugged her that nearly everyone she knew was taller than her—even her younger cousin Mary. She was fourteen years old, and she was already Scott's height.

"Thanks," Tegan said. "You look nice, too."

Scott just grinned and held his arm out to her.

"Have a good time," her mother said, feeling slightly uneasy about all of this. Tegan looked so pretty and grown up; she wondered just how grown up her youngest daughter was.

"She'd better come back here in one piece," Thomas said as they watched them walk down to the car. "I will not have my daughters sleeping around."

Thomas was strict on sex in the house. His youngest sister had been forced to marry at the age of sixteen because she was pregnant, and he wasn't going to allow that to happen to his daughters.

* * * * *

Tegan and Scott reached the cinema just before the film was due to start. As they walked in, she noticed that there were several couples in parked cars who obviously weren't planning on getting out any time soon. It was embarrassing seeing that with Scott. She hardly knew him, and they weren't friends, but he had asked her out, and she wanted to please her parents. Plus, she was tired of being left out of everything. She never fit in. She was always different. She had always been top of her class, and a lot of kids hated her for that—the rest ignored her. Being the most beautiful girl in the school without even trying also made the rest of the girls jealous. She had a few friends she'd hang around with in school, and sometimes out of it, but mostly she was a loner.

Her parents always embarrassed her when they were in public. Her mother was quiet, but her father was loud, and told everyone else what to do, especially her mother. Her mother was terrified of him and agreed with everything he said, even when he was wrong. Her family had such a narrow-minded view about everything. They were still stuck in the fifties. They had missed things like the sexual revolution and the equal rights revolution. Her father secretly didn't think women needed an education or employment, he still thought a woman's place was in the home with the children.

But Tegan still had her dreams. She wanted to do something with her life. She wanted someone to love and admire, she knew that wouldn't be possible around her father but she still wanted it. She wanted to have children, but she also wanted a good job. Everyone thought she would follow her father into politics, but it wasn't what she wanted. She wanted to get her GCSE's, go to Technical College and get her A levels and then go to university. Then get a good job. Something she enjoyed.

These were her dreams and no-one, not even her father, could take them away from her.

"Do you want a drink?" Scott asked her.

"Huh..." Her mind had been a million miles away. She wasn't even watching the movie "I'm sorry..... I was just thinking.... I'm sorry my father gave you a hard time tonight" She felt awkward as she said it.

"That's ok" He said "I'm used to it" he was obviously lying. It would be all around the town by tomorrow. But she was used to that. To everyone else she was different. She was used to being different and ridiculed. She was always the odd one out, always had been. She suspected that was why Scott had asked her out. He had just split up with his long-time girlfriend Sarah. He needed a distraction. Someone who would go out on a date but who wouldn't expected anything after he dropped her off at home.

She was the perfect distraction. She was five foot six, had strawberry blonde hair and a great figure. She was the perfect date. Nearly all the boys in the school fancied her but wouldn't ask her out because she was weird. So everyone thought anyway.

"Do you want a drink?" He asked again. She didn't and she wasn't sure how to tell him. She wished now she hadn't come. She should have stayed home and watched t.v with her mother "I'll be right back" He assured her and then he left.

'God is this useless or what?' was her thought as she watched him leave. He was good-looking and popular with everyone and knew he could get a date at the click of his fingers. He had been with Sarah for four years, since year 9 and it was the sort of relationship everyone expected to last forever, and everyone expected them to be back together by next weekend, Tegan included.

Tegan glanced around her and she spotted a couple sitting a few rows behind her, side by side. The guy had his arm around the girl and she was pressed close against him. Tegan felt a moment of envy. They were obviously in love, taking in a romantic movie. Impatiently, she pushed the thought aside. There was no time for romance in her life at the moment - just getting from day to day was hard enough without any added complications. The girl was certainly good looking though, with her black hair and bright eyes.

After what seemed like ages Scott came back with a mischievous grin on his face "Here we go." He handed her the cup of Pepsi and she wondered what he was up to. As soon as she tasted her drink she knew.

"What's in this?" She asked, she wasn't really into alcohol mainly because she was too young for a start but she didn't really like it much. She had a glass of wine or champagne on special occasions but that was it.

"Just a little slosh" He grinned. It was at that point Tegan realized what a jerk he actually was and the way he leered at her was giving her the creeps.

"It's not worth trying to get me drunk, Scott" She said, matter-of-factly. Regretting this date, more and more as it went on.

"Come on, Tegan, don't be a square. You won't get drunk. It'll help you relax."

She looked at him and noticed that his eyes were already starting to glaze over. She figured he had been drinking while he went to get her a drink. "How many have you had?"

"Just a couple of sips." He said.

"And you're expecting to drive me home." She stated.

"Come on Tegan."  He said. "It's not like I'm drunk."

"Great." She said, shaking her head.

"Isn't it."  He smiled happily, totally oblivious to her tone. She looked at him with disgust before turning her attention to the film.

* * * * *

They sat through the rest of the movie in silence. Tegan was glad when it was over.

"You ready?" Scott asked

'Am I ever,' She thought to herself, just wanting to go home. "Yeah," was all she said out loud.

As they approached Scott's car, Tegan felt apprehensive. She wasn't sure how Scott wanted to do this. Hopefully he would just drive her straight home, but maybe he would try and take her to Murphy's point, the local 'necking' spot. How would she handle him, if he tried anything on?

As they got into the car, Scott looked her over once again. There was something about her that fascinated him and he didn't want to take her home. He wanted to do what every other boy in River's End wanted to do, get into her knickers.

"Do you want to go for a drive? It's only ten." He asked.

'NO' Her mind screamed "I should go home" She said, cautiously, as he started the car, but he headed in the direction of Murphy's point, instead of her house. She tried to keep calm but she was starting to panic.

'Tegan' She told herself 'You get out of the car this minute young lady. Jump out if you have to'

It didn't work. She froze in her seat.

It wasn't long before they pulled into Murphy's point.

"You're a special girl, Tegan." Scott said, as he turned to face her, and there was little sincerity in his voice.

****

Young at Heart by Muzza – 220 pages
In this sensitive Uber set in the present day UK, Tegan is barely 16 when, after an assault she ends up shunned by her family and alone. Chance brings her into Jamie’s life, and she not only finds a place to live, but a job, and much, much more than she ever thought she’d find.
http://thestoreelounge.wordpress.com/authors/267-2/ 

Xena Characters List

Characters

 

Xena: Played by Lucy Lawless and for two episodes, Hudson Leick, Played by Ted Raimi in two modern day episodes. Young version played by Renee Schuba: Xena, Warrior Princess, Conqueror  Destroyer of Nations, Slayer of Gods, Daughter of Cyrene and Atrius (or Ares), Mother of Solan and Eve, Soulmate of Gabrielle. Two brothers: Lyceus (Deceased) and Toris. Final death by Samurai. Appears in All 134 episodes

 

Gabrielle: Played by Renee O'Connor: Gabrielle, Battling Bard of Potidaea, Amazon princess/Queen, Daughter of Herodotus and Hecuba, Mother of Hope, Widow of Perdicus, Soulmate of Xena. One Sister: Lila. One adopted Amazon Sister by way of rite of Caste: Melosa. Appears in All 134 Episodes except Sin Trades part one.

 

Joxer: Played by Ted Raimi. Joxer The Mighty, Wanna Be Warrior, Husband of Meg, Father of Virgil. Madly in Love with Gabrielle. Last possessor of Argo. Murdered be Eve/Livia. Two brothers: Jett and Jace. Appears in 40 episodes. (Ted appears in 42 episodes, but only forty-one as Joxer, he appears as an unarmed guard in "Fates Collide" that could be Joxer.

 

Ares: Played by Kevin Smith (Deceased). Ares, God of War. Interested in Xena for both war and love aspects. Son of Zeus and Hera A survivor of the Twilight. ON screen Siblings include, Aphrodite, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Hercules, Hephaestus, numerous others in mythology. Appears in 31 one episodes on Xena. Also appears on Hercules.

Callisto: Played by Hudson Leick, Lucy Lawless for one episode, child version played by Rebecca Kopacka in "destiny." Callisto, Warrior Queen, murderer of Perdicus and numerous other, later an immortal, then a God, then an invincible spirit from hell, then a demon, then an Angel, soul of Eve. Unnamed sister and parents.

Appears in "Callisto, Return of Callisto, Intimate Stranger, Destiny (child version), Necessary Evil, Maternal Instincts, Bitter Suite, Sacrifice 1 &2, Ides of March, Fallen Angel, Seeds of Faith." 12 Episodes in total. Also appears on Hercules episodes, Surprise, Armageddon now 1 & 2.

 

Caesar: Played by Karl Urban. Caesar, General, Member of Triumvirate  and then eventually emperor of Rome. Conqueror of Gaul, Victor of the Roman Civil War, Lover of Xena, Traitor of Xena. Assassinated by Brutus and the Senate. Assassinated in "Fates Collide" by Alti. Has crucified Xena three times.

Appears in "Destiny, The Deliverer, Bitter Suite (as an apparition), When in Rome, A Good day, Endgame, Ides of March, When Fates Collide.

 

Aphrodite: Played by Alexandra Tydings: Aphrodite, Goddess of love, lover of men, Enemy of Discord, Friend of Gabrielle, Really hot, Survivor of the Twilight, Daughter of Zeus and Hera, Mother of Cupid, Grandmother of Bliss, Onscreen Siblings include, Athena, Artemis, Apollo, Ares, Hercules, Hephaestus, among others.

Appears in "For him the bell tolls, The Quill is Mightier, Finns, Fems and Gems, If the shoe fits, Little problems, Punch Lines, Married with fishsticks, Motherhood, The God you Know, You are there, Many Happy Returns."

Borias: Played by Martin Csokas, Formerly in a relationship with Natasha that produced Balech, Lover of Xena, Invader of Chin, Invader of Corinth, Traitor of Evil Xena, Hero of the Centaurs, Father of Solan, Slain by Dagnine. Appeared as Balech in "Last of the Centaurs."

Appears in Debts 1 &2, Sin trades 1 &2, Past Imperfect, Last of the Centaurs, Friend in Need 1 & 2.

 

Ephiny: Played by Danielle Cormack,Member of the Greek Amazon nation, Trainer of Gabrielle, Assumed next in line of succession after Gabrielle, Regent Queen in Gabrielle's absence, Widower of Phantes of the Centaur Nation, Mother of Prince Xenon, Killed by Romans.

Appeared in Hercules episodes, Prodigal Sister, Sky High, Appeared in Xena episode, Hooves and Harlots, Doctor in the House, The Quest, Necessary Evil, Maternal Instinct, Bitter Suite, Endgame, Last of the Centaurs.

 




Autolycus: Played by Bruce Campbell, The King of Thieves  Trust friend of Xena and Hercules, Appeared in Xena episodes, Royal Couple of Thieves  The Quest, King of Assassins, Tsunami, Vanishing act, Tale of Two Muses, Key to the Kingdom, Takes one to Know one. Appears in Herc episodes, The King of Thieves (1st episode on either series) The End of the Beginning, Beanstalks and Bad Eggs, Men in Pink, Porkules, One Fowl Day, My Fair Cupcake, Genies and Grecians and geeks oh my, Just Passing through, Hercules Tramps and Thieves.

   

Cyrene: Played by Darien Tackle, Mother of Xena, Lyceus and Toris, Owner of a Tavern in Amphipolis, Grandmother of Eve, Killer of Atrius in defense of her daughter. Burned at the stake by the population of Amphipolis.

Appeared in Sins of the Past, Intimate Stranger, The Furies, Takes one to know one, Lyre Lyre Hearts on Fire, Amphipolis under siege, The Haunting of Amphipolis.

 

Alti: Played by Claire Stansfield, Former member of the northern amazon nation, Sorceress and Shamaness, Placed a curse on Solan, Xena's destined opponent through out all history, Killed by Xena, Killed by the Darsham, Spirit was imprisoned by Xena, Destroyed in the "Fates Collide world" Killed by the clone of Xena. (She dies a lot)

 



Eli: Played by Timothy Omundson, A Devi/Avatar, Jesus look-a-like/wanna-be, Healer, Preacher of the way of love, Messenger of Twilight, Slain by Ares. Appears in, Devi, The Way, The Ides of March, Fallen Angel, Chakram, Seeds of Faith.

  



Velasca: Played by Melinda Clarke. Adopted daughter of Melosa, Slain Melosa in the royal challenge, Regent queen in Gabrielle's absence. Traitor to the Amazon Nation for her attempted murder of Gabrielle. Becomes God by way of Ambrosia. Desires to kill Ephiny, Gabrielle, then the Amazons and one day Artemis. Hurled into the lava lake with God Callisto. Remained in the lava lake even after Callisto was released. Appears in "The Quest, Necessary Evil"

  



Lao Ma: Played by Jacqueline Kim, Wife of Lao Tzu, Ruler by proxy of the Lao clan, Mother of Ming Tien, Pao Ssu, K'ao Hsin, Ghost writer of the book of wisdom of Lao Tzu, Executed by her own son Ming Tien. She believed the real peace could be achieved by stopping your will and hate. The power was only a by product and only to be used for good. She could be ruthless though. Not even Xena could defeat her. I doubt Alti could either. She tried to save Xena from her dark self. Appears in "The debts 1&2"

 



Amarice: Played by Jennifer Sky, Another victim of the shows killing off of the Amazons. She starts out bratty and stupid, she want's to be a warrior and his actually skilled. Dislikes Gabrielle immensely  Despises the way of love teaching. Eventually likes Gabby, She is not an Amazon, she lies about it. Later on Gabby makes her an amazon. Killed by the writers off screen. Death statement wrote in such a way to suggest that Gabby and Xena didn't really care about her. Bullshit. Appears in "Endgame, Ides of March, Fallen Angel, Chakram. Animal Attraction, Them bones them bones" Death references in "Lifeblood"

 

Lila: Played by Willa O'Neal. Daughter of Hecuba and Herodotus, Sister of Gabrielle, Mother of Sara, Wife of Lecter (never seen, dead) She at first supports Gabbys decision to go join Xena, and then later becomes bitter about it. She gets over it. Later Hope tries to kill her, During Xena and Gabrielle's 25 year ice sleep she marries and has one child. Appears in "Sins of the Past, Prodigal, Bitter Suite, Family Affair, Takes one to know one, Who's Gurkhan?"

  

Pompey: Played by Jeremy Callaghan: Member of the Triumvirate  Feuds with Caesar for control of Rome. Ultimately loses to him. He and Caesar both lost major in the episode a good day, but Pompey had less support so he wasn't able to recover as well. Started fighting Amazons in an attempt to sell them into slavery. Fought and lost a major battle with Queen Gabrielle in the episode Endgame. Beheaded by Xena. On Xena's advice, Brutus claims he killed Pompey. Appears in "When in Rome, A Good Day, Endgame"

  

Ming Tien: Played by Daniel Sing (adult) and Daniel Lim (child), Son of Ming Tzu, at first just an observer who is learning. After Xena, Cold and evil even as a child. Grows into the tyrannical ruler of Chin. One of the really great monsters of Xena: Warrior Princess. Executed his own mother which he is aware of. Killed by Xena with Lao Ma's hair broach  Appears as an Apparition in Bitter Suite, Returns in Back in the Bottle as a ghost along with his sister. Is returned to Chinese underworld by Xena using Lao Ma's power. Appears in "Debts 1 & 2, Bitter Suite, Back in the Bottle"

 

Brutus: Played by Grant Triplow, Darren Young, David Franklin. A possible son of Caesar in actual history but never proven. Best friend of Caesar, supports him from the beginning  In command of the Caesar side of the army in the battle that occur in the episode a good day. Head of the group of Caesar Romans that helped defeat Pompey in Endgame, sought and alliance with Gabrielle the Queen of the Amazons. Bothered by Caesars rejection of that. Betrays and kills Caesar in Ides of march as well as condemning Gabrielle to death on the cross. Tries to defeat Marc Antony in Egypt  believed responsible for the assassination of Cleopatra. Killed by Gabrielle. In the AU, When Fates Collide he is killed by Caesar in payback for taking part in the killing of Caesar in a previous life. Appears in "Destiny (Grant Triplow), When in Rome (Grant), A good day (Darren Young) Endgame (David Franklin from this point on) Ides of March, Antony and Cleopatra, When Fates Collide."  Probable appearance in "The Deliverer however his character is not officially listed in the credits.

 

Solari: Played by Jodie Dorday, A very popular Amazon who has about one line in her entire time on the show. She is loyal to Ephiny and Gabrielle, Appears in "The Quest and Necessary Evil"

  

Salmoneus: Played by Robert Trebor. Sal is a man who both seeks and knows how to make a profit. However he is a good man. He is the first person to see Good in Xena and helps bring her to the good side. Later on he helps Xena with a couple random events. Appears in Xena Episodes, "Black Wolf, Greater Good, Here she comes...Miss Amphipolis."

 

The Three Fates: Played by Micaela Daniel (Lachesis),Rebecca Kpacka (Clotho), Elizabeth Pendergrast (Atropos), Samantha Adriaanse (Clotho), Chloe Jordan (Lachesis), Leah Mizrahi (Clotho). The three fates, the control mans fates through the loom of fate. The cut the yarns when people die. Their taken captive by Caesar in when fates collide. Their loom is destroyed by Gabrielle ending their usefulness. Appears in "Remember Nothing, Sacrifice 1&2, God fearing child, looking death in the eye, When fates collide."

 

The Furies: Played by Asa Lindh (Alceto), Graciela Heredia (Megaera), Celi Foncesca (Tisiphone), Annmarie Dennis (Tisiphone), Smeta Chhotu (Megaera), godly strippers. The have the right to condemn men and women to various different punishments including madness and being hunted. After the Gods are killed they try to make Ares and Xena kill each other in order to clear the way for them to rule Olympus  Killed by Xena. Appears in "The furies, Motherhood, Coming home"

  

Draco: Played by Jay Laga'aia Warlord, keenly interested in Xena. Later under a spell that makes him fall in love with Gabrielle. Appears in "Sins of the Past, Comedy of Eros, and Lyre Lyre Hearts on fire."

  



Solan: Played by David Taylor and Nicko Vella. Son of Xena and Borias. Cursed before birth by Alti to never know his parents love. Born during the battle of Corinth on the day of his fathers death. Adopted by Kaleipus, did not in life know that Xena was his mother. Semi proficient with a staff, murdered by Hope. Helps cause Xena and Gabby to go to the land of Illusia where they work things out, Goes to Tartarus by choice so he can see his mother. Chooses the name Eve, goes to Elysia. Appears in "Orphan of War (David), Maternal Instincts (David), Bitter Suite (David), Past Imperfect (baby), God Fearing Child (Nicko)

 Kaleipus: Played by Paul Gittins. Centaur, probable head of the/a centaur nation. Fought against Xena at the battle of Corinth. Lost an eye due to Xena, adoptive father of Solan, the child of Xena. Murdered by Hope. Appears in "Orphan of War, Maternal Instincts"

 

Herodotus: Played by Geoff Snell, Father of Gabrielle and Lila, Husband of Hecuba, Citizen of Potidaea, Somewhat over-protective of his daughters, seen in the world of fan fiction as a bad father, and yet the show only shows him trying to act in their best interest as best as he can understand. Appears in "Sins of the Past", "Family Affair".

 



Hecuba: Played by Linda Jones and Lisa Crittendon, Mother of Gabrielle and Lila, Wife of Herodotus, Citizen of Potidaea, Kind of a back ground figure, believed to be very loving of her daughters and supportive of them. Traditional wife. Appears in "Sins of the Past, Family Affair."

 



Melosa: Played by the highly skilled Allison Bruce, Queen of the greek Amazons, Sister of Terreis, Assumed sister of Gabrielle by way of rite of caste, Strong, Powerful, Wise, Expert with Chobos. Vision troubles in right eye (as referenced in a comment about a right blindside) She was killed by Velasca between episodes. "Hooves and Harlots"

 



Terreis: Played by Rebekah Mercer, Amazon Princess of the greek amazons, Murdered by Celano (a soldier of Krykus) however her death was blamed on Phantes (Centaur prince) Every possession and every right Terreis possessed now belongs to Gabrielle. This rite notes that if Terreis had had a kid, then that kid would have become Gabrielle's as well, however that didn't happen. Her character is much like Gabrielle, "Hooves and Harlots".

 



Eponin: Played by Tanya Dignan, Another Amazon who dresses Gabrielle "Hooves and Harlots" It is rumored that the actress left show business after this role.

Tyldus the Great: Played by David Aston, Leader of the greek Centuars and someone who fought Xena at Corinth. Father of Phantes, Grandfather of Xenan. Still harbors much hostility for Xena. Distrusts the Amazons. Horseman of action. "Hooves and Harlots".

 




Phantes: Played by Colin Moy, Prince of the Greek Centaurs, Son of Tyldus, Husband of Ephiny, Father of Xenan. At first possess much hatred for the Amazons but he is quick to see a more accurate point of view. He met his wife for the first time in "Hooves and Harlots". Killed off screen the dogs belong to Minatoan soldiers. "Hooves and Harlots" Death is referred to in "Doctor in the house" but he does not appear.

 



Perdicus: Played by Scott Garrison and Anton Bently. The man all the subbers love to hate. Betrothed to Gabrielle in "Sins of the Past", but Gabby leaves. Fights at Troy, reconnects with Gabrielle, war ends, they go their separate ways. Fights in an unnamed war. Returns in "Return of Callisto", abandons fighting, marries Gabrielle. Callisto kills him. Appears in "Sins of the Past" (Anton Bently), "Greeks bearing Gifts" (Scott Garrison) and "Return of Callisto" (Scott Garrison).

 



Toris: Played by Joseph Kell. Brother of Xena, ran away from Amphipolis when everyone else fought. Resists all of Xena's good ideas. Insults Gabrielle. Gets captured. Appears on the episode "Death Mask."

Lyceus: Played by Aaron Devitt and Callum Gallagher. Son of Cyrene and Atrius. Brother of Xena and Toris. Killed in fighting to defend Amphipolis. In the Remember Nothing AU, Xena talked him out fighting and thus saved his life, but lost Cyrene. However he seems to greatly regret not fighting. He seems to have much of the same potential as Xena as a warrior. Appears in "Remember Nothing (Aaron) and Finns Fems and Gem (Callum)"

 




M'lila: Played by Ebonie smith. The woman who taught Xena the pinch and a few other things. She speaks only one English line. She is an Egyptian  kinda, and yet she is a Gallic slave, probably with gladiator training. Killed By Romans "Destiny". Contrary to popular belief, it wasn't the death of Lyceus, or Caesar's betrayal that pushed Xena over the edge. It was the death of M'Lila that turned Xena evil.