Chapter 16

The two lovers would have wanted to take the time to reassure each other that their reconciliation was genuine but reality had other ideas.

A loud call from the north wall announced the beginning of the enemy's probing attacks.

It was just a small group of five mercenaries that actually charged the walls, but with their comrades sitting just outside of arrow range, the defenders could hardly ignore the obvious ruse.

After a few of these probes, the enemy commanders strategy became clear to Xena; he was using these constant, minor attacks to tire out the defenders while the bulk of his command rested.

The only way Xena could see to counteract the enemy's plan was to inflict as many casualties on each probe as possible. To this end, Xena placed her best archers on the walls with instructions to take out as many of the enemy as they could during each attack. She hoped to make his strategy too costly to continue.

On the next alarm, Xena rushed to find out if her idea would work. As the small group of men approached the wall, the archers carefully took aim, choosing their targets with equal care.

Once they were sure of their targets, the archers let loose; three men went down, Amazon arrows protruding from their chests or necks.

This happened several times. It was during this time that Xena learned that Rapa was not only great knife fighter but she was also an amazing archer as well. Several times she made the waiting warriors back up by dropping arrows in their midst. She wasn't as accurate at that distance, but she hit close enough to force them back.

After losing more men than he could really afford, the enemy commander called off the probes. Sensing this change in strategies, Xena put only a skeleton crew on watch for the night, insisting the remainder got some rest for the upcoming siege.

The women and children in Gabrielle's "fourth" squad were doing their part to help the women that were manning the walls. The younger children carried water and food to those actually on duty, while others fed the rest of the defenders and made sure they had dry, clean places to sleep.

The women also lent their skills to tending to the wounded. One woman named Portia, had been a part time healer of one of the city guard commanders. She taught some of the others some of the special treatments that combat wounds required.

She also spent a lot of time with one of the wounded Amazons called Larissa and according to Amazon gossip; the two were actually quite taken with each other. Gabrielle had noticed the way Portia treated the younger Amazon on one of her frequent visits to the wounded, but never had a chance to learn her name, and because of other distractions, forgot the incident.

Larissa held a special place in her Queen's heart for taking a spear through the thigh while defending Xena's back in the slaver's camp. The spear had gone deep into the scout's thigh, its barbed head piercing the bone. Thanks to Portia's skills, they were able to save the young woman's leg but it was common knowledge she would never walk properly again.

From day one the older healer had taken a special interest in the brave young woman's case and spent every spare minute she had caring and talking to the Amazon. At first, Larissa had been depressed and angry at her fate, but after a few candlemarks of Portia's intensive care, the young woman seemed to come around and by the time they'd reached the fortress, she was nearly her old self again.

Gabrielle was grateful to the older woman and asked her what reward she wished. Portia surprised everyone by asking to become an Amazon. When Xena heard all this, all she could do was shake her head in wonder and laugh quietly.

"This is fast becoming one of the strangest sieges I've ever been in on," Xena told her lover when they were alone and couldn't be heard. "I mean, here we are fighting for our very lives and you and your Amazons are still playing matchmaker. You all are some piece of work I have to say. Aphrodite must be proud."

"We are *not* matchmaking," Gabrielle pouted. "We are merely being observant!"

This comment forced another quiet laugh from the warrior as she continued sharpening her sword. The two spent their time discussing the plans for defending the old fortress. Time had not been kind to the ancient haven and if their enemy was able to mount any kind of major attack, they knew their people wouldn't stand much of a chance.

They also both realized that they were using that as an excuse not to discuss their personal problems. While their earlier apologies and confessions had patched up their lesser, yet, more visible difficulties, there were deeper, more pressing things that both needed to talk about before they could truly say their relationship was healed.

As she ran the stone over the already razor-sharp blade, Xena realized she had to tell her beloved bard why she was afraid of losing what they had together. With a determined growl, she slammed the sword back into its sheath and went to sit beside Gabrielle on their sleeping furs.

"Brie, we have to talk," the warrior began, taking the small blonde in her arms. "I know we've said our apologies and accepted them, but there's more to it than that, and you feel it too. It's like there's a wall between us, keeping us from really being together, and if something should happen, tomorrow...well...I...I just...I wouldn't want anything between us like that.

I love you, but what I feel goes so much deeper than mere love. But this division between us is stopping me from feeling that, and it's hurting me to be without everything being there, do you know what I mean?"

Xena sat back nervously, waiting for her bard's answer, hoping for the best, but deep down fearing the possible negative answer. She chewed on her lower lip trying to keep from putting more pressure on her lover than was already there.

"Yeah, Xe, I think I do," Gabrielle answered as she snuggled back into her lover's arms, enjoying the warmth and security she felt. "It's not easy to explain, but I think I understand. I'm afraid I've done something so horrible, that you won't be able to forgive me for, and that I don't deserve your forgiveness, because I wasn't strong enough. That there was something I should have done to keep those men from doing to me what they did. And now when you touch me, I feel dirty, like I've let you down, and I'm unclean, and no amount of bathing is going to clean their touch off me."

The bard started stammering and sobbing. "I...I...it's...just...that...I...don't...deserve...to...be...loved...by...some-one...as...wonderful...as...you...I'm...so...sorry...Xe...I...let...you...down..."

Gabrielle was crying so hard by this point that Xena couldn't make out what she was saying, but she already had a pretty good idea where her lover was going with the conversation.

The warrior was determined to make the little blonde see just how much she loved and cherished her. How what happened during her capture not only didn't bother her, what the woman had done made Xena feel so proud and unworthy of such a brave and caring woman.

For several heartbeats, Xena was unable to speak. All she could do was hold her little bard tight against her, gently rocking the small blonde woman that had become the center of her universe. Buying time until Xena could get her own emotions under control enough to get out what she needed to say.

"Hush now, sweetheart, there's no need for your precious tears," Xena began. "I love you, you know that, and nothing you have done has changed that. You were so brave back there; I don't even think you realize how brave and selfless you are. You gave up everything to save those people back there. Not just your Amazons, but people that you didn't even know."

Gabrielle tried to protest, but Xena placed a finger on her lips to forestall her.

"Please, honey, let me finish," she began, and after Gabrielle nodded her consent, the warrior resumed. "I know you don't think you did anything special, that's what makes it all the greater to me. You have such grace and compassion, that you don't even recognize your own nobility. I don't know very many people that would make half the sacrifices for others that they know, let alone complete strangers, yet you do it without a thought. Just being seen with you makes me feel so proud and privileged I can't tell you. You are the strongest person I've ever known, it's your strength and example that keep me from falling back into the darkness that lives in my soul. Don't you *ever* think that you don't deserve me, when it's me that doesn't deserve you. I've done so many horrible things in my life, and even though you know about them, you still chose to share your life with me. I will never deserve you, nor will I ever understand why you stay with me, but I can tell you that I wake up every day thanking whatever Gods are responsible that you are with me, and if I have to spend an eternity in the worse depths of Tartarus to pay for the honor of having known you, it would be a small price that I would gladly pay. But if I had to leave tomorrow to make you happy, or to save you a moments sorrow, then I would disappear from the face of the earth, and no one would see me again. On the other hand, you already know I would fight my way back from death itself just to be at your side."

By this time both women were crying freely, holding each other tightly. Eventually, they fell into an exhausted sleep, both relieved that some of their troubles were behind them.

Xena still had yet to confess to her Queen her reasons for pulling back from her lover, she fell asleep hoping that Gabrielle never found out how close she had come to letting the Destroyer loose once again, and that was something Xena had promised both the bard, and herself would never happen.

The next morning came loud and early with Karcax's men's first attack on the small group behind the fortress walls. Aentia had decided to let her Queen and the Queen's Champion sleep. She knew that neither woman had slept much for the last several days and when she found them sound asleep, wrapped tightly in each other's arms, she just couldn't bring herself to disturb them.

She and the other scouts had been able to catch up in their own rest over the last couple of days while the Queen and her warrior were working out their problems. Aentia used her commander's prerogative and arranged for others to take over the two women's guard shifts.

She was just about to go wake them up when the first attack hit the north and west wall simultaneously. To her surprise, Xena had beaten her to the west wall. It was the one that had suffered the most structural damage and therefore the first place the Warrior Princess went.

Being one of the few combat experienced commanders, Aentia turned and went instead to the north wall. It held the main gate and was therefore another main target of the attackers. As she mounted the wall, Aentia could hear Gabrielle rallying the rest of the defenders and spreading the troops thin on the still-strong south and east walls so she could send much needed reinforcements to Xena and Aentia.

The mercenaries were obviously veterans of siege warfare and came equipped for their attack. They brought crude ladders and, under the cover fire of archers, attempted to scale the walls.

One of the night watch had reported pounding coming from the enemy camp the night before and it wasn't long before Xena was aware that there was an engineer in the enemy camp.

In the middle of intense fighting to hold the attackers off the walls, a huge stone came flying through the air and slammed into the top of one of the corner towers. The force of the hit knocked large chunks of stone into the ranks of the defenders.

Before long, another rock slammed into the lower portion of the west wall, injuring several more of the less experienced women. Normally the few that were injured in a catapult attack made little difference, only the damage to the walls was important, but with as few women as they had to begin with, the five women down with broken bones and head injuries were a devastating number.

For some reason, after the fourth rock struck the fortress, the men were pulled back. Xena ordered most of the defenders off the wall as the rocks kept coming at a near regular intervals.

Gabrielle came in search of Xena, as did Aentia, to try to figure out what their next course of action would be. Rocks kept hitting the walls at intervals throughout the day. There was one more attack on the walls just before sundown, but they beat their attackers back--barely.

Several of the mercenaries made it over the top of the wall but they were driven back by reinforcements led by Gabrielle but not before several more women were wounded and two were killed.

After the sun had set and darkness filled the gaps in their ranks, Gabrielle joined her lover at her post on the west wall with a plate of food.

"Well thanks to your Amazon's quick thinking we won't starve." Xena said grimly. "To be honest, Brie, I don't know how many more attacks we can stand up to."

"Is it really that bad, Xe?" the bard asked, and then the little blonde growled determinedly, "everyone seems willing to stand up and fight and there is no way I'm going to be taken by those men again."

"Hey, I understand, sweetheart," Xena said putting an arm around her lover's shoulders and holding the Queen close to reassure her. "Neither of us will go down easy, my love, but once they refine their aim and hit this wall a few more times, there won't be enough here to stop them.

When that happens, and if Tessa isn't back with help, we are pretty much done for. I'm not trying to scare you, I just want you to know what to expect. One other thing, if you see this wall go down and we are being over run, find me, K?"

"If that's what you want, my love, then I will be at your side," Gabrielle swore. "Let's just hope it doesn't come to that."

"Yeah, let's hope." Xena yawned, the day's exertions catching up with her "What do you say we just sleep here tonight?"

"Anything for you," Gabrielle whispered as Xena wrapped them up in a spare blanket. Gabrielle snuggled in as close as she could to her lover's side and Xena wrapped her arms protectively around her wife and Queen.

Together they dozed off; both worried over what would become of them with the coming day.

Chapter 17

As the dawn began to lighten the eastern horizon, its arrival was announced by the crashing of the first rock of the day slamming into the upper portion of the west wall.

Leaving two lookouts, Xena and Gabrielle hurriedly got everyone else off the wall and into the compound. Taking advantage of the impromptu gathering, Xena called all the remaining women still capable of fighting together and began briefing them on what to expect.

In her experience as a Warlord and later as a commander of various armies, Xena had learned that your people would fight harder for you if they trust you, and that lying to them about their chances wasn't the answer.

Both soldiers and regular civilians handled themselves better if they knew the truth of their situation and telling them, the truth, no matter how bad, showed that you trusted them. In the end, Xena knew the truth of their predicament was better than hiding how bad things really were.

"Alright, I'm not gonna blow smoke at ya' here people," the warrior told the women gathered around her. "It doesn't look good for us. We are out numbered, out weaponed, and out classed. We might have been better off if they hadn't come up with that damn catapult."

As if to emphasize her point, another rock slammed into the wet wall. Large cracks were beginning to appear in the already weakened structure.

"I figure we have maybe until noon or so before they breach the walls," she continued, looking around to make sure the women were listening. "You women have done a great job and I'm sure I speak for the Amazons and my Queen when I say that I'm proud to have fought along side you, but the time has come to try to figure a way out of here."

Many of the women began to protest but were silenced when another stone hit the west wall and knocked a huge hole in it near the top.

"I know this fortress. It's been a long time, but I still remember some of its special features," the ex-warlord looked at her audience and gave them an evil smirk. "Last night I had some of our Amazon sisters check out an old tunnel and the gods are smiling on us, it's still open. So I've come up with a plan, and if you'll all agree with it, there's a chance we can get out of here alive, at least most of us."

Xena looked over to her wife for support on the next phase of her plan.

"I want you to pair off and slip out of here," the dark warrior stated flatly, her tone showing she would accept no argument. "Rapa and Mallika will go through the tunnel first and hold the other entrance. Then I want you that are healthy enough, to lend a hand with the wounded. The wounded and non-combatants go first, then the civilian women followed by the remaining Amazons. I will stay here and cover your retreat."

She could tell by the looks on the women's faces that they didn't like the idea of retreating, especially the Amazon scouts, but none of them would dare question the Queen's Champion.

"Let's go, ladies," Xena ordered. "You've got to be well under way before the next attack."

At her orders, the women scattered to gather their belongings in preparation for leaving. Gabrielle waited until all the others were gone before she approached her lover.

"I hope you don't think for one minute that I'm leaving here without you," she said, her determination clear in her voice. "Artemis herself couldn't force me away from your side. I almost lost you once; I'm not leaving your side now, so you can just get that thought right out of your head, my warrior. Remember, where you go I go. We broke that rule and look where it's got us. I'll never break it again."

"Gabrielle, be reasonable," Xena pleaded as she gathered her weapons and headed for the walls. "You have more than me to think about. You are the Queen of the Amazon Nation and as such, you owe it to them to get away from here safely. Besides, I'll be joining you as soon as the last woman is through that tunnel. I have a plan, but everyone has to be through the tunnel first. Trust me, okay?"

Xena had used her trump card. After all of Gabrielle's preaching about trust between them, Xena had turned it around on her when she turned the argument into a trust issue. There was no way she could deny Xena's request now. Her mind worked furiously trying to come up with a counter-argument.

A smile slowly crossed her lips as an idea came to her mind; a way for her to do what Xena wanted her to do while allowing her to stay until the last possible minute.

"Alright, Xena, I'll do as you ask," Gabrielle answered softly, hoping Xena would give in to her compromise. "But I'm not leaving until the attack comes. Then I'll do as you want and scoot down that tunnel."

Knowing that there was no possible argument that would change the little bard's mind, and actually surprised she'd gotten the compromise she got, Xena agreed to Gabrielle's terms.

After that, Xena drafted as many women as she could and had them making dummies to put on the walls until it was time for them to leave. As a final gesture, Xena had Gabrielle leave a message in Amazon battle code telling anyone that came here looking for them where the group was headed.

Things were actually going smoother than Xena had thought they would. Only a few women remained when the attack came. By this time, most of the west wall was a pile of rubble and as Xena expected, the enemy soldiers came over that way.

Fortunately, the wreckage of the wall allowed only two at a time to enter the fortress and Xena was making quick work of the attackers that came through.

She caught sight of her lover running for the tunnel entrance as she promised and the warrior gave a sigh of relief. A booming sound from the main gate told Xena that the mercenaries had brought up a battering ram to breach the main gates and, as she began to fall back, she saw Gabrielle go down with an arrow in her thigh.

Xena turned and ran to her beloved just as a second arrow struck the bard in the shoulder. When she reached the wounded Queen,

Xena knew the small woman was conscious when she heard some very unQueenly language coming from her bard's mouth.

"Hang on, love, I'll watch over you," Xena promised. "But you'll have to try to drag yourself to the tunnel. If I stop fighting long enough to help you, they'll have us."

"Don't worry about me," Gabrielle said through clenched teeth. "I'll make it, you just watch out for yourself."

Xena had to chuckle at her bard's bravado and, holding a sword in each hand, the warrior turned to face the oncoming enemy using every technique she ever learned to take on the ever increasing numbers of opponents.

She was beginning to worry bout their chances of getting out when she noticed that Aentia and several of the unwounded Amazons had returned to join her in the fight.

"I thought I told you to get out of here," Xena growled, trying to hide how grateful she was for the help.

"You think I'd let you have all the fun," Aentia yelled as she thrust her sword through an attacker. "Besides, I'm not going to face the regent alone and explain losing both of you. No way."

Xena laughed at her friend as she launched herself at three of the enemy. The sound of clashing steel rang through the air accompanied by the cries of wounded men and women.

It was a grim and bloody fight with a terrible cost on both sides. Then just when it looked like the battle would never be resolved, a familiar battle cry filled the air, over riding all other noises.

Suddenly the mercenaries were running over each other trying to get away as an entire company of Amazon warriors fell on the enemy from the rear.

Xena looked up and smiled as she saw their friend and the Amazon regent, Nikippa, riding through the enemy toward her.

Just as the woman reached out to clasp Xena's hand, pain exploded in Xena's head and everything went black.

The last thing she heard was Gabrielle screaming her name, then nothing.

Chapter 18

Ever since their arrival, Gabrielle had done her best to follow her wife's instructions, knowing that if she showed total trust in her Champion's leadership, then the other Amazons would follow Xena's orders without question.

After their initial troubles had been settled and the entire group saw the complete and total trust in her abilities and the way the two women worked together, everyone else followed suit.

Things went as smoothly as expected until it came time to retreat, and then things hit a snag. Xena, whether wishing to protect her wife or trying to do what was expected of her, tried to get Gabrielle to leave with main group while Xena stayed behind to cover their retreat.

Gabrielle wasn't buying it and she wasn't shy about letting anyone that cared to listen know exactly what she thought of the idea.

"Oh no, my dear warrior, you can just put that thought right out of that pretty head of yours," Gabrielle argued angrily. "Uh huh, you remember the deal, where you go I go. We broke it once and look what happened."

The outraged little blonde Amazon crossed her arms over her chest and glared at her wife, her stormy green eyes narrowed and focused on the love of her life.

[What now Warrior Princess?] Gabrielle thought fuming [I suppose now I hear the ultimate argument that if I trust you... Well I got news for you missy, if you think that's going to work, well you're just...]

Gabrielle stared in to those deep blue eyes and knew she was already lost when she heard.

"Besides, I have a plan. Trust me, okay?"

[...absolutely correct!]

In that moment of defeat, Gabrielle knew she would have to leave her beloved and trust her to get away and return to her. That's when she thought of the compromise that she knew Xena couldn't refuse. She used her position as Queen and her reputation as the warrior-bard to get Xena to allow her to stay until the first sign of attack, and then she promised her lover she'd leave quickly.

Since her wife had agreed to her terms, Gabrielle had every intention of doing exactly as she'd promised. Who could have guessed the enemy could have gotten archers in there so fast.

Gabrielle had turned as soon as she heard the first soldiers come over the wall. The final group was running for the tunnel entrance when a sharp pain struck her thigh and she fell. She looked back over her shoulder and saw an arrow sticking out of her right thigh. It hurt like all Tartarus but she gritted her teeth and broke off most of the shaft.

"Eeeeyow! By the Gods, how does Xena do that?" the bard yelled as the arrow snapped in two, leaving about six inches of the shaft still sticking out of her leg.

She heard her named called out and looked over to see her beloved running to her. Gabrielle was about to try to stop Xena from leaving her position when a second arrow slammed in to her left shoulder.

"Hera's tits this hurts!" Gabrielle growled through clinched teeth. "How did that Gods be damned archer get here so fast? And can't that son of a Bacchae find something else to shoot at?"

"My, my such language, and from a Queen," Xena declared after seeing and hearing that Gabrielle was still functioning well for someone struck by two arrows. "You'll have to get yourself to the tunnel. If I take the time to help you they'll have us."

"Don't worry about me, my Champion," Gabrielle quipped as she began to use her good arm and leg to pull herself toward the tunnel entrance. "You just make sure you watch your back and get there with me. You hear me, warrior?"

"Is that a royal command, my love?" Xena called out, as she fought off on coming soldiers

"If that's what it takes, my heart," the wounded blonde huffed back, winded by the exertion of moving herself.

"Then surely I must obey, my soul." the warrior growled as she pulled her sword from the quickly dying body of a soldier.

Gabrielle looked up just in time to see Aentia and several of the Amazon scouts come charging from the building that held the concealed tunnel entrance.

Rapa came running to where her Queen was struggling to get to the building, that hid the tunnel entrance, and as gently as she could, pulled the wounded royal to the entrance of the building, where Gabrielle stopped her.

"That's far enough, Rapa," Gabrielle ordered. "I don't leave until my Champion is at my side."

"But, your Highness..." the dark Amazon began to protest but stopped when she saw the fierce determination in her friend's eyes. "As you wish, my Queen."

The tall, thin woman turned and, standing guard over her Queen pulled her dirks preparing to defend the small bard with her life. By this time, Mallika had joined Gabrielle and her lover at the entrance of the building. Seeing that Rapa had things well in hand, the larger blonde turned and focused her hazel eyes on the Queen's wounds.

"I don't want to try to remove the arrow heads until we find a real healer," she explained to her Queen. "But I'm going to break off the shaft so you can be moved a little easier, okay?"

Gabrielle nodded her approval then clinched her teeth knowing that she was about to feel some serious pain. She was right.

As gently as she could, the big Amazon took the shaft in her large hands, and with precision born from experience, Mallika snapped off the wooden shaft, leaving just enough to get a grip on when it came time to remove the arrowhead.

Gabrielle let out a small cry of agony and nearly passed out, but she was able to will herself to remain awake.

Beaming with pride for her small but strong Queen, Mallika began using the rolled cloth bandages she'd gotten from the women at the far end of the tunnel to pack around the arrow shafts in Gabrielle's shoulder and thigh in an effort to stop the bleeding before the blood loss became significant.

When Mallika was finished tending the fresh wounds of the Queen, she rose to stand next to her partner to face any attack together.

"You know, Mallika," Gabrielle joked, her voice tight from the strain of the day. "If you keep this up I'm going to have to make you the royal medic."

"An honor I'm sure, your Highness." the big, blonde warrior quipped. "But I couldn't give up the glamour of my present station."

They all three laughed knowing that the scouts always got the dirtiest jobs and the least respect of the Amazon military. A notion that Gabrielle intended to handle as soon as they returned to the Nation.

Doing her best to try to analyze the ongoing battle, Gabrielle couldn't see any real advantage going to either side in the close in fighting. Both side's warriors were top grade fighters and, for the most part, evenly matched in skill.

The only difference in the Amazon's favor was Xena and her unquestioned and almost miraculous combat skills. In this kind of battle, the warrior was almost un-beatable. The problem was that they had underestimated the size of the force they were facing, partially because the commander of the mercenaries had split his force into two parts when they left the road to close the trap. When that failed he'd kept them separated until they and located the escaped prisoners and found out the true size of enemy force he faced. Once the group was all inside the fortress, he'd brought up the second half of his force.

This also explained how he'd come up with siege ladders and a catapult in such a short time. Now, although they had made a large dent in his force, there were still too many of the enemy for the Amazons to face, even with Xena's expertise.

Gabrielle was just about to call for an all out retreat hoping that they could slow the enemy enough in the tunnels to get away. She raised her hand to signal Rapa and Mallika to help her get to the tunnel when the sky darkened with a flight of arrows that fell amongst the enemy with devastating results.

Then a shrill Amazon war cry filled the air and a company of Amazon cavalry fell on the enemy's camp, taking out the catapult and all the enemy's reserves, while another company of both mounted and foot units attacked the flanks of the enemy force attacking the fortress. The ensuing battle was short and bloody, leaving very few Amazon wounded and only four dead. And the enemy-- well Amazons didn't take prisoners.

Just as the battle was ending, Gabrielle saw Nikippa ride in on her black stallion and cut a wide swath to reach Xena. As the two women were about to greet each other, it happened.

No one was ever sure how it happened. Whether Xena was too distracted by Nikippa's timely arrival or she was simply too exhausted for her normally razor sharp instincts to warn her, somehow, a huge, determined mercenary had gotten by the Amazons and got behind Xena.

Gabrielle didn't even see him until he raised his massive war hammer.

"XENA!" the small bard screamed, too late, as the hammer struck her beloved wife, partner, and Champion in the back of the head.

The power of the blow was deflected somewhat as Xena started to turn to see why her lover was screaming, but not enough. The limp body of the instantly unconscious warrior flew through the air to land face first in the mud that was made up of the blood of the battle just fought and lay there still and unmoving like a child's abandoned rag doll.

Her assailant was dead before Xena hit the ground; two sai and two long dirks stuck to the hilt in his body. The sai in his head and the dirks through his heart.

It was like time stopped in the fortress. As if they were waiting for Xena to stand up and brush herself off, like she had so many other times. The quivering distraught voice of a heartbroken lover broke the silence.

"Xena. R-Rapa, help me to her." Gabrielle's voice was very small, like that of a frightened child. "Please hurry. P-please."

"Of course, Gabrielle," Rapa said softly and, without hesitation, she scooped up the small, trembling woman and carried her quickly to the still-quiet body of her soulmate.

"Put me down next to her, Rapa," the bard requested, starting to sob just a little.

"Anything, Gabrielle," the dark woman said simply. The assembled Amazons gasped at the use of the Queen's name by a common soldier as Rapa.

She bent and gently placed her precious burden next to her lover. When Rapa straightened, Mallika was instantly at her side holding the tall, thin, dark warrior to reassure her of her lover's presence.

"Xena, honey come on," Gabrielle said softly as she pulled her lover's unmoving body to her. "Please, baby, it's time for you to get up now. Please, sweetheart, please open those gorgeous baby blues and look at me. Please, honey, baby, pleeeease."

Tears fell unnoticed from Gabrielle's eyes as she cradled her everything in her arms, ignoring her own painful wounds. As she began trying to wipe the mud and grime from her lover's beautiful face, someone handed her a clean damp cloth making the clean up easier.

"She breathes!" someone said loudly.

"Where's a damn healer?" another voice shouted.

"The Queen and her Champion are wounded," an Amazon infantry officer announced like that made it official.

Gabrielle was unable to speak; she just looked up into Nikippa's eyes. The pain, fear, and the plea for help held in those shining green orbs prompted the Regent into action. She hoped she'd never see that look in anyone's eyes ever again.

"Alright people find some place to be," the regent roared and grabbed the Amazon closest to her. "You find that Gods be damned healer and tell her if she values her old hide, she had best get it here yesterday. Is that clear?!"

"Perfectly, your Highness," the young woman declared and ran off in search of the healer that had come with them.

The regent looked over at the two obvious scouts still standing by their Queen.

"You two can go find a place to rest," the regent said not noticing the hard look in the dark woman's eyes. "I can handle it from here."

"With all due respect *Regent*" Mallika said forcefully, trying to intervene before her mate lost her almost legendary temper (only Xena's was more infamous) "My partner and I promised both the Queen and her Champion we would see them safely back to the nation and we will not leave their side until then."

Nikippa heard the steel in the big blonde's words, not to mention the feral growl coming from her dark, dangerous-looking mate and held up her hands as a gesture of peace.

"Never let it be said that the regent kept an Amazon from keeping her word to a fellow Amazon," Nikippa said calmly. "Your mate there reminds me a lot of another tall, dark, and dangerous one I'll not mention. It would seem that Xena and Gabrielle trust you, and I always trust them, so how about we all stand guard over them until we get them home. By the way, since we need to work closely, the name's Niki. All that formal stuff is fine back at the Nation but in the outside it just gets on my nerves, K?"

"Gladly your High...er Niki" Mallika said somewhat embarrassed by her slip of the tongue "My names Mallika please, call me Mal, everybody does, and my partner here, tall, dark, and stoic, is called Rapa."

"Glad to meet you," Niki stated as she sat down on a pallet brought over for her. "So tell me what in the name of Tartarus is going on."

Mallika told the regent all that had happened to the Queen and themselves since leaving the Amazon village as other Amazons brought the small group blankets and food.

All the while, Gabrielle heard none of what was going on around her. Every fiber of her being was focused on the beautiful woman lying in her arms.

Every so often, she would lean down and kiss the soft unresponsive lips and whisper words of love and future passions hoping for a response, but got none.

The healer came and examined Xena, and found nothing actually broken, but there was a huge knot on the back of her head where the hammer had struck. The healer also examined Gabrielle after much argument; finally, it was Rapa that convinced her to allow the examination.

The healer wanted to take the arrows out of Gabrielle right then but the Queen refused, once again, it was Rapa that came up with a reasonable answer.

"Come on, Gabrielle," the dark woman whispered into the ear of her friend and Queen. "Just let them take the one out of your shoulder. Mallika says it won't take long and they can do it right here. You won't even have to let your beloved go. You're just hurting yourself and you know Xena wouldn't want to be the cause of that now would she? Huh? No she wouldn't."

Gabrielle turned and looked into Rapa's nearly black eyes and saw nothing but caring and sincerity, and nodded. She gave her friend a sad smile then turned back to holding her raven-haired wife.

Gabrielle sent silent prayers to any of the gods that would listen to help heal her beloved.

Unknown to her or any one else, her prayers were heard, and the Amazon Queen would soon learn that sometimes help comes from the most unexpected people and places.

Chapter 19

The party rested for three days to allow everyone to recuperate. Nikippa took charge and set up camp so that the freed prisoners and their rescuers were in the center of the camp so they could rest completely; even their meals were brought to them.

The Queen and her injured Champion were set up in one of the stone walled sheds and a tent was put up for a roof. At Gabrielle's request, Aentia and her scouts took over duties as the Queen's personal guard, an honor the one-time outcasts took very seriously.

Only the healers and the two Amazons that had shared the Queen's experience (Rapa and Mallika) were given free access to the Queen's quarters. Not even the Regent was allowed through without Gabrielle's explicit permission.

Nikippa was asked to handle the normal daily tasks that came with a large party of Amazon warriors. All Gabrielle's attention was focused on her still unconscious soulmate. The only time the bard had left Xena's bedside was when the healer and Rapa convinced her to let them remove the arrow still stuck in her thigh.

As soon as the operation was done and the wound was bandaged, the worried little bard was right back at her lover's bedside holding the calloused hand and gently stroking Xena's raven hair.

The healers were worried. They'd done everything they knew how both physically and magically and still the Queen's Champion lay unconscious.

Every once in a while Xena would shout out in a strange language and struggle violently with her covers, but as soon as Gabrielle could wrap her arms around her beloved and whisper soothingly in her ear, Xena calmed and went back to a peaceful slumber.

It was the strange language that worried the healers. They'd heard of cases where a patient used strange languages accompanied by violent seizures, and most didn't survive. The only chance was if a shaman was able to evict the stray spirit.

A disturbing fact was that for the most part, those few that survived the spiritual cleansing were never the same again. Whatever course they chose, the Champion's health wasn't going to improve here, and their only chances were back at their home, where they had a more varied selection of herbs and other curative powders to try to heal the famous warrior.

Finally having no other choice, the Regent was forced to approach Gabrielle about returning to the Nation and home.

"My Queen," the scout said as she knelt just inside of the entrance to the royal shelter.

"What is it, Tessa?" Gabrielle asked wincing a little at the use of her title. "And get up we're alone."

"The Regent wishes a word with you, your Highness," the Amazon asked rising to her feet. "Do you wish to see her?"

Gabrielle thought for a heartbeat, and then told the scout/royal guard to show her friend in. The guard exited and quickly returned with the woman requesting the audience.

"Your Highness," Nikippa said formally and bowed, knowing how the formalities got on her friend's nerves. "I am happy that my Queen is able to find the time to see her humble ser..."

"Oh knock it off, Niki." Gabrielle's irritated voice said from the shadows near the bed. "Just tell me what the problem is. You know she had a pretty rough night last night."

The Regent could see Gabrielle's small hand gently brush some stray strands of hair from Xena's forehead. The tenderness and concern were apparent in that gesture.

"So the healers told me," Nikippa answered keeping her voice quiet so as not to disturb her friend. "Gabrielle, it's time for all of us to leave this place and return home. The healers feel they have a better chance of curing your beloved champion there."

The Regent was ready for anger, shouting, or any of a number of answers to her comment, except the one she got.

Gabrielle moved her face out of the shadows and locked eyes with her friend and Regent. All Nikippa could see in those red rimmed green eyes was sadness, weariness, and defeat. Tears flowed unabated, leaving visible trails on her blotchy cheeks.

"I suppose you're right, Niki, it's long past time to go home," Gabrielle's soft voice barely audible. "I leave it in your capable hands to get us *all* home reasonably safely. Do you have the means to transport the wounded, and what to you intend to do about the outsider women?"

"All that has been taken care of Gabrielle," the Regent reassured her Queen. "We only await your command and we will break camp and be on our way home."

"You have been such a blessing to me, Niki," Gabrielle sobbed the weight of her troubles was beginning to take their toll on the small blonde bard. "When Ephiny died and Poni disappeared I thought I would lose the Nation but you stepped in and helped me keep everything together. I would be lost without you my friend I just want you to know that. I wouldn't want something to happen and have not told you that."

The defeat in Gabrielle' voice made the regent shudder at the thought that the little bard might do something desperate while in this deep depression she was in.

"Just hang on, Gabrielle," Nikippa said softly patting the Queen's hand as it rested on Xena's. "You'll see things will get better once you're home with us. The Nation that owes you so much will not let you down now. Listen to me Gabrielle, the Amazon Nation will not let you down,

I've told you before you are the heart and soul of the Nation, just as Xena is our strength and courage. Between the two, you represent all that is good in our people. That is why Artemis made you her chosen, and that is why we will not fail you now. Just give us the chance."

"Alright, Niki, we will see," the tired and nearly broken woman whispered. "But know this; I will do whatever I have to have my Xena with me, or for me to be with her. Do not stand in my way or I swear you will be sorry."

She sat back in the chair, her face once again hidden by the shadows. As Nikippa turned to leave, she shuddered as her Queen's words echoed through her mind. She was headed for the door when she heard that voice again.

"We're going home, Xena," the distraught bard whispered. "You have to return to me soon, my love, either that or I will join you on the pyre. Come back to me, my love, and save me again."

The Regent could hear the sadness and grief in her Queen's voice and she sent a silent prayer to

Artemis to grant the Queen's request, for the sake of the Nation.

Early the next morning, with everything packed and ready, Rapa pulled a small two-wheeled cart in front of the Queen's shelter. The tall, thin warrior and three other scouts entered the shelter. They came right back out carefully carrying the makeshift bed that held the unconscious form of the Warrior Princess. They carefully placed the bed in the back of the cart. The entire party was silent out of respect for the Queen and her wounded mate.

Mallika helped her Queen into the cart, and then quickly joined the two royals so she could care for them both during the trip home. Rapa went around, jumped into the driver's seat, and took up the reins.

As the royal wagon pulled out of the fortress, Aentia and her scouts, still guarding their Queen and her Champion immediately surrounded it.

After the cart had left the crumbling fortress and was headed down the trail that led toward the borders of the Amazon lands, the group saw Xena's warhorse Argo come charging from the woods to join the column, taking up her place following the cart.

Xena had turned the big horse loose just before the battle when it became obvious that the huge loyal animal would be safer outside the walls, and as Xena would have expected the horse had returned to her mistress and would follow the cart until she was needed or Xena was removed from it.

Everyone was glad to see the big animal return unharmed knowing how much the loyal steed meant to the Champion. What really surprised them was what came out of the woods with Argo.

"Gabrielle, you have got to see this." Mallika exclaimed when she looked out the rear of the cart to see what all the talking and cheering was about. "I'm serious. You won't believe it if you don't see it for yourself."

Gabrielle moved slowly to the back of the cart, her curiosity aroused by all the hubbub going on outside. When she looked to where everyone was pointing her vision blurred as tears of joy and wonder filled her eyes.

There trotting along with Xena's big powerful golden warhorse, was Gabrielle's scruffy looking little mountain horse, Ate, that she had released back at Ciros when the marauders were about to attack.

The little horse trotted right up alongside Argo and took her place beside the warrior's horse as if someone had told her where to go.

"Ate, you found me," Gabrielle yelled as she leapt from the wagon. Ignoring the pain from her wounds, the bard ran to her little companion and gave the little horse an impressive hug. "How did you find me, girl? You are the best. Oh, you're hurt. Tessa find me the stable master, my royal mount has been wounded."

The dark-skinned scout kicked her mount and galloped off to fetch the stable master who was riding toward the front of the column. The blood that caked the little horses made her wounds look more serious than they were; most were just scrapes and minor cuts. There was one arrow lodged in her flank, but the stable master was able to remove it without having to perform major surgery.

With all her wounds cared for, Ate gladly accepted the extra measure of grain Gabrielle offered her. Once Gabrielle was sure that both horses were well cared for, she returned to her love's side and the two loyal mounts were allowed to follow the column at their own pace. Both horses stayed near their mistresses refusing to be separated from them any more than necessary.

-----------------------------------------

As things settled down to a routine in the column and it made its way toward Amazon lands, Xena was fighting a battle of her own on a higher plain.

Xena found herself wandering through a dark foggy forest. There was not a single sound, not even leaves blowing in the cool breeze she felt made a sound. She was holding her sword in one hand and her chakram in the other. It took her a little while of exploring, but the warrior finally realized she wasn't on the Earthly realm and normal rules didn't apply here.

"Alright, what's going on here and which one of you useless 'Gods' is responsible?" Xena shouted into the darkness "Come on I haven't got all day."

Xena heard laughter coming from a short distance ahead of her, so she cautiously made her way toward the sounds.

[Someone's having a good time.] The warrior thought as she stalked through the forest. [Let's just see how much fun they have when I join the party.]

With a loud battle cry, the Warrior Princess leapt over the remaining under brush and found herself surrounded by the enemy...sort of.

Chapter 20

Xena landed in the clearing ready for just about anything, from massive monster beasts to a huge army of demon warriors. Even as her feet touched the ground, she was crouched, ready for battle; sword raised in one hand, chakram ready to throw in the other. Her eyes narrowed as she searched the clearing for the enemy that was keeping her away from her Gabrielle.

All she found was several young women dressed in diaphanous silks. Some skipping (yes skipping) through the peaceful clearing gathering wild flowers, while others braided the flowers into each other's hair.

Following the instincts ingrained into her from years of fighting, Xena refused to take the idyllic scene at face value and continued to scrutinize the surrounding treeline, every sense alert, straining for the first sign of the trap the warrior knew must be there. Waiting for her first mistake.

She watched warily as one of the beautiful young women skipped over to her and tried to place a wreath of flowers on Xena's head.

"No thanks honey," the dark warrior snarled. "I'm not the flowers in the hair type."

All the women looked at her shyly, giggled lyrically, and continued with their tasks.

"My sisters and I made these for you, great warrior," the girl with the flowers said, her voice was soft and sweet to Xena's ears. "We only wish to give these to you to honor you for your presence here in the land of our Goddess."

On hearing the word "Goddess", Xena became extra nervous and took a cautious step back from the girl. Every time something went wrong, there always seemed to be some "God" or other at the bottom of it.

"Alright whoever you are," Xena called out with a menacing growl. "Show yourself. This game is getting really old. You damn "Gods" think you can just play with peoples lives and get away with it. Well, face me now you coward and pay the price. No tricks, just you and me, right now."

The still giggling gaggle of pretty young women skipped across the clearing and disappeared down a path, leaving Xena alone with the flower presenter.

"You have been granted your wish, warrior," the last maiden said as she turned to join her companions. "Our Goddess has decided to grant you audience, but the reason may surprise even you."

That said, the girl turned and ran across the peaceful clearing, her golden hair flying, and her musical laughter filling the air behind her.

As Xena watched the girl disappear into the treeline, she noticed the sky was darkening and changing colors. The ground in front of her split open, emitting a large black chariot drawn by two black horses with red glowing eyes and smoke coming from their nostrils.

The chariot drew up next to the Warrior Princess and stopped. A tall, well-built man in full black armor stepped out of the chariot and stepped around to face Xena.

"We can fight if that is you wish my child," the man said. "But since I'll not raise my weapons to you, it will be rather one-sided and not much of a challenge for you."

"Alright since you won't fight," Xena growled impatiently, "maybe you'll answer some questions."

"Very soon, my child," the man promised his voice hypnotic and soft. "All your questions will be answered in their time. There is another that wishes to be here. When she arrives, then our conversation can at last begin."

Xena went over a few feet to a large boulder and sat down, sheathing her sword and replacing her chakram on her belt.

"I'll just sit and rest while you guys get it together," Xena said sarcasm oozing from her words. "Unless you have a problem with it."

"No problem, warrior," the man said holding his hand up as a sign of peace. "Make yourself comfortable. If you hunger or thirst, I can provide for you."

"No thanks," she answered with a feral smile. "The price of a bite in your realm is way too high. Don't forget, I have someone very important waiting for me, I hope."

"I can assure you, my child," the man said. "Your golden Amazon Queen anxiously awaits your return to your body. She is in fact transporting you home as we speak."

"Thank you," Xena said with a genuine smile of gratitude. "Is my Gabrielle okay?"

"Yes, she worries for you, but is otherwise is in good health," he answered then held up his hand to stop her next question. "As soon as this meeting is finished, you will be returned to your soulmate without delay."

There was a quiet flap of wings and a large white owl landed on the rail of the chariot. It seemed content to perch there and observe the two beings, trying to come to a decision.

Then with a screech, the big, snow-white, night predator took flight and as it appeared to land next to the armored man, it metamorphosed into a tall, regal woman wearing a highly polished breastplate and helm. Under the breastplate, she wore a long flowing white gown. Her black hair fell in thick waves from under the shining helm to the middle of her back.

Her classically chiseled features were set off by a pair of disturbing eyes that seemed in a constant state of change from an almost colorless grey to dark violet and every color in between. The woman's piercing gaze seemed to bore straight into the soul and could read every secret there in an instant.

The knowledge she held gave her full sensuous lips a permanent smirk. In her hands was a long heavy spear.

The woman looked Xena in the eye and after a moment, the smirk turned into a gentle, loving smile that lit up the entire clearing. Xena felt the warmth of that smile fill her with a safe comfortable feeling that she only before felt in the presence of her Gabrielle and her mother.

Xena became disturbed that this strange woman could invoke these feelings and rose from her rock, slowly pulling her sword. From the tingling at the back of her neck, the warrior knew she was in the presence of gods and to her that always meant trouble.

"Alright, I think we've wasted enough time here," Xena growled impatiently. "Just say what it is that you have to say so I can get back to my wife."

"You see, uncle, I told you," the woman said proudly. "I knew if I didn't interfere with her life, she would be the best of the lot. Now that that bastard Ares is out of her life, and she has found real love, it seems she is the one."

"Yes, it would seem you are correct," the man said thoughtfully. "But it would have been better if you had informed the rest of us that she was yours and was to be left alone."

"That would have gone against my agreement with Cyrene's mother," the woman said sadly. "And with her wife being the chosen of Artemis, I couldn't very well have let everyone know, and, well, Ares would have killed her, and I couldn't have taken that."

"Excuse me folks," Xena said loudly. "I am here so have the courtesy to act like you are going to include me in a conversation about me. Now, I think some introductions are in order. I already know who you are, Hades, we've had dealings before."

The tall man removed his helmet to reveal the god of the underworld's darkly handsome features. He smiled and nodded a greeting to the subject of their conversation, and the reason they were meeting in his Elysian Fields.

"May I say I am glad to see you again, Xena," the god spoke his deep resonant voice filling the air. "Time has been kind to you, my child."

"Thanks, I think," Xena answered the stiffly formal but friendly god then turned her attention to the woman. "I don't believe we've met and considering the way you guys interfere in my life, that's a surprise. Who are you and why do you have me here?"

"It's a kind of long convoluted story," the woman began. "I don't know if you possess the patience to hear it all."

"Just hit the highlights will ya'," Xena snapped a little insulted at the patience comment. "It's always a long convoluted story with you Olympians."

Hades snorted a laugh at the warrior's impudent remark.

"First of all let me say how proud I am of you, with the way you have taken control of your life and turned away from that walking hormone, Ares." The woman saw Xena about to protest but stopped her before she could start. "I swear you will have all your answers by the time I've finished my tale."

"Many years ago, a very brave woman risked everything she had to save a group of my Priestesses from a band marauding barbarians. With her help, they reached the Amazons, who at the request of my sister, Artemis took all of them in and kept them safe," the tall beautiful woman began, her ever-changing eyes holding Xena's attention. "I was very grateful to this woman and offered her any reward she desired. She chose to have me look upon her daughter with favor, and I gladly agreed."

The woman's eyes settled into a deep blue as she looked into an almost identical pair of eyes and continued her story.

"The minute I saw the daughter, I fell in love. I wanted to go to her, but out of respect, I asked the mother's permission," she continued, diamond tears fell from the woman's eyes.

"Unfortunately, the daughter had met a wondering soldier, and before I could return, the two were married. He turned out to be an abusive drunk, and the only time the daughter got any peace was when the dolt was off fighting someone else's war. The daughter became so forlorn and lonely, that she prayed for a child to call her own, a daughter."

The woman became more animated as the story progressed and by now, she was unable to remain seated.

"I saw this as my way to be a part of her life, so I asked for and received the ability to go to her as her husband, and implanted her with my own essence." The woman slowed down now as her story saddened. "Her husband returned home the next day, and though confused, she went on with her life. Soon, she grew great with child, and I went to her mother to give her the joyous news of her granddaughter, and the child's lineage. But the grandmother was not happy, and fearing some curse would befall her daughter and grandchild, she made me promise not to interfere in their lives."

"To my shame I agreed."

Tears were falling from the woman's eyes freely as for the first time she was allowed to tell the whole story.

"When the child was born, the soldier could tell almost from the start that the child wasn't his, and resented it, and her mother, for saying it was. He became worse than he was before but the mother protected the child from the worst of his behavior." The mysterious woman's voice never quivered but her tears made her pain obvious as she continued. "Finally, the soldier's alcohol-soaked mind snapped and he decided to sacrifice the girl to his patron god, Ares, hoping to gain the war god's favor. The mother tried to dissuade her husband, but to no avail. Finally, in desperation, she used force to stop him and as a result, he died. I saw it as a very small loss but, the guilt of his death has weighed heavily on her soul."

"I kept my word to the grandmother and watched as others used my precious daughter as a tool and exploited her formidable strengths and her equally powerful weaknesses to their own agenda. "It has been the greatest bane of my existence, and because the pain it caused was so intense, I had to turn my face away from the land in order to preserve my sanity.

"I hadn't seen or heard from my daughter in quite some time so that I wouldn't break my word to her grandmother, a woman long at home in the Elysian fields."

Seeing the course this conversation was taking Xena decided to get some answers of her own. She had an idea of who the mysterious woman was but the warrior was determined not to make it easy for her.

"So what makes you think this so-called daughter of yours would want to see you or even know who you are?" Xena asked out of curiosity. "You've ignored her all these years when she truly needed you and now that her life is getting some meaning, you want to step in and be the parent you weren't capable of being before."

Knowing that the intelligent warrior had figured whom the Goddess was speaking of and decided to stop the unnecessary babble and get to her point, she confided in the warrior, besides she hadn't really worked all that hard to conceal the truth.

"There are several reasons. The first was that as long as you were a follower of Ares, it would have endangered you. "Second is because I saw that you had finally found true love, and was ready to except the truth." With a sigh of hopeful resignation, she added. "And third, I am here to reveal all this because your mother told me to."

Xena looked at the woman; her eyes wide open in surprise and some anger.

"You mean my mother knows this story and didn't tell me!" Xena shouted angry that her mother had hid this from her. "I can't believe she'd do this to me."

"Hold on, Xena," Hades spoke for the first time. "You have just come upon the reason for my presence. You know me and you know I don't lie, I don't have to. "I am here to verify to you that your mother, Cyrene, knew nothing of this until recently and she hasn't had a chance to tell you. Also, that as soon as she learned of it, she insisted that you be told. I was asked to do it but my niece asked that she be allowed. She wanted to see you so badly. She was afraid that after you knew, you would never want to see her again."

The God of the underworld turned to Xena and placed his hand on her forehead, and looked solemnly skyward.

"I am also here to formally witness and confirm that you, Xena, are the true daughter of the Goddess Athena." The god turned his eyes down to meet the warrior's. "From this time forth, let all the Olympians know your true heritage and accord you the respect you are entitled to."

Hades vanished, as did his chariot, and left mother and newly discovered daughter alone. They stared at each other for a while, and then Xena spoke.

"This is going to take a while to get used to." Xena sighed unsure how to proceed. "One thing I must know, are you and my mother together or is this just a courtesy visit before you disappear?"

"I have made my intentions quite clear to your mother and I left the decision up to her where she and I go from here," Athena said quietly. "I have loved your mother since the day I first saw her and still do, but she must decide if she feels the same for me. I will not force myself on her. As I am sure you understand, Cyrene has asked for some time to consider it and I have no other choice but to respect her wishes."

Xena nodded her understanding, looked into the now violet eyes of her newly discovered mother, and saw no deceit there.

"I am grateful for your honesty and for respecting my mother's wishes," Xena began, and then taking Athena's hand, she spoke her heart. "I have no doubt that in time you and I will come to terms with this, and even now I feel a place for you in my heart. However, it will take time to get this all into my mind and until then, I need to return to my love and soulmate Gabrielle. I do however, expect to be able to see you when I want or need to if that is allowed."

The Goddess beamed at the words her daughter spoke and the promise those words held.

"I will send your spirit back to your beloved right now," Athena promised. "But first, I want you to know that I have seen into the heart of this woman, and daughter, I want you to know how fortunate you are to have someone in your life that adores and treasures you the way this young Queen does. Please take care of her and don't let anything come between the two of you."

"Also know that anytime you wish or need to speak to me, go to one of my temples and call my name, I will come to you as quickly as possible. That is all I need to say, now go back to your beloved, she waits patiently for your spirit to return."

"Thank you...mother," was all Xena could say. The next thing she knew, Xena felt she was lying down and being jostled terribly.

The warrior felt something heavy on her chest and looked down to see a mass of golden hair and she could hear the light snore that told her that her lover was asleep.

The last thing she wanted to do was awaken her bard knowing the small woman wouldn't have slept much while Xena was unconscious, but the dark-haired warrior also knew how upset the little Queen would be if she didn't wake her. So gritting her teeth, Xena began gently shaking the small blonde.

"Brie, are you alright? I'd really love to see those enchanting green eyes of yours about now," Xena whispered softly. "Come on, sweetheart, I love you."

"I love you too, Xena," a sleepy voice answered, "but can I just sleep a few more minutes, please?"

"Sure you can, my love," the warrior answered with a smile. "You can sleep all you want, I'll be right here when you get up."

"Thanks, love, I'm really tir..." a blonde head flew up and surprised green eyes opened wide, focusing finally on the laughing blue eyes that returned her gaze. "XENA! You're awake I...I mean you're here and oh my goddess your back. I knew you'd come back to me. Where have you been? I... wow, I know your body was here, but where was your mind? Are you back for real, or am I dreaming?" She pinched herself. "Ow! I guess I'm awake alright. I was so scared I was afraid yo..mufumble"

Xena stopped her lover's excited babbling the only way she knew how. She pulled the woman into a deep, hot, wet, soul-searing kiss. The Warrior Princess didn't release her bard until they were forced apart by the need for oxygen. Gabrielle was still unable to talk, giving Xena a chance to get a word in.

"If you'll give me a minute, and get me something to eat please," Xena laughed at her loves flushed face. "Once I get something to eat and drink, I promise I'll tell you all about my little side trip, and believe me, I have got some truly surprising news for you, a story truly worthy of your talents, my love."

Gabrielle returned as quickly as she could with a full skin of water and some food. As Xena ate, she told her bard of all the things she'd learned while Gabrielle sat entranced by the story Xena was telling and reveling in the sound of her lover's voice.


Continued In Part 5

Any and all feedback welcome, flames will be consigned to the round file, send it to: alexp@iland.net thank you for riding with me so far I hope to see you at the end. A.P.