A dire warning!

"Xena, you and Gabrielle have to leave the village before Ares arrives!"
The warrior and her young bard companion exchanged a puzzled glance.
"Why?" asked Gabrielle.

The wind rustled through the leaves on the trees outside.

"I have heard rumor that the god of war has a promising new warlord in the area."

"Oh is that all?" scoffed Gabby. Xena smiled, but inwardly began mentally preparing for an encounter.

"No, you dont understand." continued Autolycus, "This warlord has some kind of magic weapon granted to him by Ares himself. And you should know that Ares only shows such special favor to armies which have already gained a reputation!"

"Do you know the name of the warlord?" asked Xena.

"Yes," he replied, "His name is Amartius, the Brutal!"