Chapter XIV

"How do you feel about dinner?" Reed asked when their laughter finally stopped.

Gwen didn't have to answer as her stomach chose that moment to announce its extreme displeasure with her lack of attention to detail as far as it was concerned. She looked down at it askance before catching the gleam in Reed's eyes.

"I guess that answers that question," Gwen joked.

"You girls rock on," Dite said. "I've got radical places to be and major things to take care of." Her expression turned serious and she looked directly at Reed. "I would appreciate if you would keep my appearance here quiet."

"I understand, ma'am. My lips are sealed."

Dite's brows hiked into her eyebrows. "Ma'am? Did you just call me ma'am?" She turned to Gwen in outrage. "Did she just call me ma'am?? I'll have you know that...."

Gwen put an arm around Dite's shoulders and gave her a hug, drawing the goddess' attention away from Reed. "She didn't mean anything by it, Dite; it's a sign of respect from her."

Dite raised an eyebrow and cast a look back at Reed who stood casually at ease. Her posture reminded Dite of Randi and she suddenly understood. "Gotcha. All righty. Got things to do, babe." She kissed Gwen's cheek. "Set her straight about the ma'am thing, will ya? Later, Cutie!" Then she shimmered out of sight, leaving only a few rose petals in her wake.

"C'mon, Gwen. My belly hasn't started rumbling yet, but it's only a matter of time."

Gwen took the hand that Reed extended to her and they made their way down the stairs to join Sky and Rosie in the kitchen. It promised to be an interesting evening.

"Good morning," Lorac said as Gwen stepped into the training room. After her conversations with both Randi and Lenore, the weapons master had decided to wait for Gwen to join them before setting some ground rules, including finding out how the bard preferred to be addressed. She had no desire to tick Randi off for any perceived dishonor or mistreatment of her consort and she suspected it would be to her advantage to make sure Gwen was comfortable in her new learning environment. She was surprised that Gwen was up and about so early, though she wasn't sure what she really anticipated either. She had an idea, however, that this was going to be a lot different from her original expectations.

"Good morning, Lorac. I want to apologize for yesterday. I am not normally so rude at a first meeting."

The weapons master held up her hand and offered Gwen a tentative smile. "No apology is necessary. I understand, mostly, and what I don't...." She shrugged. "First though, I need to know what you'd like be called."

Gwen smiled. "Most folks just call me Gwen."

"Gwen. Okay... I can work with that. Much better than consort, at any rate," not seeing Gwen's face harden at the term. "Now," Lorac continued, "I've set up a pretty comprehensive training schedule. If you'd like to look it over and make sure it meets your needs.... I thought we'd spend the first part of each day concentrating on a single discipline. Then we can spend the afternoon brushing up on each of the others."

Gwen spent a moment looking over the schedule, her eyes widening at the number of different martial arts she would be studying. "It looks okay to me, Lorac. I would also like to keep up my daily staff work if possible."

"Absolutely, Gwen. We expected as much, and Cheyenne has been practicing for just such an opportunity. Of course, that was before Randi told us of your skill level, so if you like, we'll make the playing ground a little more level for Cheyenne and little more interesting for you."

"Whatever you like," Gwen said with fiendish delight, her insides just a little warmer for hearing Randi's praise of her skill... even secondhand.

Lorac cleared her throat. "All right then. I'd like to start around seven every morning and finish up around three in the afternoon. Then your evenings will be free to do... um, whatever it is you'd like to do in the evenings."

"Do you think... is there someone here who would be willing to spend some time in the evenings teaching me Amazon traditions and customs? I'd like the chance to learn if anyone is willing to share."

"I'm sure I can find several volunteers," Lorac commented as the other masters stepped into the room at her direction. "Let me introduce you to the women you will be working with during your weapons' drills and then we can get started."

Gwen nodded and Lorac went around the room slowly, introducing each Amazon warrior and giving a brief summary of her qualifications in her chosen field. When they reached the last woman, Gwen was surprised to find a woman not much taller than herself and slight; most of the others had been nearly a head taller, much closer to Randi's size.

"Coop here is a scout. She will teach you stealth and tree walking."

"Um, tree walking?"

"Yeah. Hope you're not afraid of heights."

Gwen's head dropped and she covered her eyes. "I am so doomed."

Lorac just chuckled and signaled to Cheyenne. "Why don't we start with staff work today just to sort of get into a groove? Then you can choose what you'd like to learn every morning before we get started. That sound all right?"

"Sounds like a plan, Lorac," Gwen replied. "Let me go get my staff."

"Oh my God," Lorac groaned to Lenore. Lenore just laughed and offered the weapons master a glass of ice water. Lorac gulped it like a man dying of thirst in the desert.

"Randi didn't lie about her skill, I take it?"

"No. And if she is that proficient with learning the staff, teaching her almost everything else should be easy. Sword and hand to hand might require a little more time since they are offensive and not defensive skills, but I expect her to pick up the rest fairly quickly." Lorac shifted in her seat and accepted the plate of food Lenore placed in front of her. Then she waited for the queen to take the chair across from her and begin eating before she picked up her fork and did the same.

Quiet reigned for a few minutes while the two of them ate, then Lorac cleared her throat. "She wants to learn about us - our customs and traditions and stuff. Do you think...?"

Lenore nodded. "I'd like the chance to teach her. Invite her to dinner tonight." She paused and took a deep breath. "On second thought, I'll come down for the afternoon session and invite her myself."

"As you wish, my Queen. I think you will be impressed."

Lenore smiled. "I remember hearing about her skill from my sister. I expect to be."

More quiet before Lorac unexpectedly chuckled. "One thing," waiting for and getting an eyebrow raised in question. "She's afraid of heights."

"Oh my."

Lenore watched silently as Gwen took on all comers with her staff. Each of the instructors had decided to go easy on the newcomer until they had seen her skill that morning. So the afternoon's exercise was a joint effort and Gwen was taking all of them on at once and it looked like a deadly ballet. Finally, Gwen was the only on left standing and Lenore started clapping.

Groaning, the Amazons scattered around on the ground rose to unsteady feet and Lorac came to stand next to Gwen.

"One request?" The bard nodded. "From now on we do staff work at the end of the day only. I wanna be able to go from here right to soak in a hot tub."

Gwen chuckled. "Deal."

"Good. Then I think we are done for the day. Will you come and meet my queen? She volunteered to be the one to teach you traditions and customs."

"I'd like that, Lorac. Please," gesturing her to lead the way.

Lenore extended her hand as they approached and Gwen accepted it naturally as she and the queen were introduced by Lorac. The two studied one another, each liking what they saw in the other, and hoping they had found a new friend.

"It's delightful to meet you, Gwen. I have looked forward to this since Randi contacted us." She watched the barriers go up in Gwen's green eyes and wondered what she'd said to merit that response from someone who only a moment earlier had been open to her.

"Thank you, your majesty. It's an honor...." She stopped speaking when Lenore held up a hand.

"Please, Gwen, I'd like for us to be friends. My name is Lenore."

Gwen hesitated, having realized again with the queen's words about Randi that though she wasn't a prisoner here, there was more than behind this visit than simple desire to be in this place for all of the players involved. She had recognized it in her brief meeting with Lorac the day before, though something fundamental had obviously happened to change the weapons master's attitude. She focused her attention on Lenore and understood her desire for friendship was sincere and would have been offered under any circumstance.

Gwen nodded and Lenore breathed a sigh of relief. She had watched the thoughts and emotions chase across Gwen's face before finally settling on acceptance. Lenore really did want to be friends with Gwen, but she understood all too well the bard's hesitation. She was glad Gwen had decided to give them a chance.

"Lenore," Gwen said softly. "I understand you have volunteered to be my Amazon tutor."

Lenore smiled. "Yes. The weapons master won't allow me to participate in your weapons training," giving Lorac the evil eye. "So I jumped at the chance to be involved intellectually. I'm glad you asked to learn."

"I think it's only fair to study the customs and traditions of the people who are teaching me to defend myself. Besides," ducking her head to hide her slight blush, "I hope to be able to learn enough to become a card carrying Amazon."

"You already are one by default because of your marriage to Randi, but I admire your desire to become one on your own merit." Lenore turned her attention to Lorac, completely missing Gwen's expression. "We'll make sure you're ready whenever you are ready to take the test." Lorac nodded her agreement.

"Thank you, Lenore. Shall we get started?"

"I thought perhaps you might join me for dinner and we could get you some books to begin. A lot of our history and such can be learned through reading and discussion."

"That sounds great. I'd like the opportunity to clean up and then perhaps we could meet?"

"Excellent! I will have Lorac escort you to my quarters about seven? And would you like to invite your friends Reed and Rosie? They are both such interesting women. I'd like the opportunity to talk further with them if you are comfortable with it."

Gwen swallowed the angry retort that had been on her lips when Lenore suggested an escort and nodded her agreement. This whole situation was awkward and would take a bit of getting used to. No reason to make it worse because the woman was doing her best to look out for Gwen. It wasn't her fault they were in this mess in the first place. A hand on her arm brought Gwen out of the dark thoughts she had fallen into.

"Gwen, are you all right?" Lenore asked. She was fairly certain where Gwen's reflection had led her and she hated that she was an unwitting part of that. She started to withdraw her offer when Gwen spoke up.

"I'm fine, Lenore," patting the hand on her arm. "Thanks for your concern though. Just a little out of shape, I guess." She looked up when Lenore's laughter rolled across the room. "What?"

"Gwen, if you're a little out of shape now, my Amazons may not survive when you finally get there." A groan from Lorac only backed up her words and now Gwen laughed.

"Go ahead and invite Reed and Rosie to dinner if you'd like. Who knows? You may end up with a whole class of women to teach."

"Well, we could always end up with an exchange of new ideas. Last time that happened, Randi turned our culture upside down."

Gwen didn't respond, but simply turned away and headed back to Sky's. Lenore and Lorac watched her walk away before they turned to face one another.

"I see what you mean, Lorac," Lenore whispered as Gwen entered the house without a backwards glance. "Something is terribly wrong between them. We'll have to tread lightly around her until this is resolved."

"I hope it is soon, my queen. Teaching her would be fun if it weren't for what was hanging over us."

Lenore sighed, knowing more of what was to come than Lorac did and feeling the weight of it come to bear heavily on her shoulders. "That is truer than you know, my friend. That is truer than you know," the last muttered too low to be heard. "Now," Lenore continued, raising her voice. "Contact the kitchen and let them know we are having guests. Let's begin Gwen's introduction to the Amazons with some good food and wine."

"Heh, wait til she hears what Amazon food *used* to be like."

"At least she won't have to eat it." The peal of their laughter made a pleasant sound as it rolled across the courtyard. It caused more than one head to turn and watch their progress across the yard until they split up to take care of their own various tasks before dinner.

Reed followed Gwen's progress into the house, but did not stop her as she made her way immediately upstairs. She would do a little investigation first to find out what, if anything, had caused Gwen to have issues with the Amazons. Reed cursed Randi roundly in her mind for putting her, and all of them, in this position.

A knock on the door halted her train of thought and Reed moved to answer it. She was more than a little surprised to find the Amazon queen standing on the porch. She had agreed to give them all a few days to get comfortable with one another before attending Gwen's training; she certainly didn't expect to find the Amazons coming to her and so soon.

"Lenore? Is something wrong?"

"No, Reed. I stopped by to invite you and Rosie to join Gwen and me for dinner tonight. I have agreed to tutor her in the ways of my people and I thought you might be interested as well. Besides, Gwen is not really comfortable with me yet and I hoped you might be willing to help ease some of her discomfort... give her a friendly face."

Reed stood thoughtfully for a moment, then motioned Lenore inside. "Would you like to come in?" Lenore hesitated, then read the apprehension in Reed's eyes. "I'd like to talk to you privately if you have a few minutes to spare."

Lenore came in without another word and followed Reed into the small study Sky had turned over to her for the duration of her stay. Reed gestured to a seat and Lenore took one on the small settee, hoping to set a more confidential tone between them than the big desk would have allowed. Reed smiled to herself at the choice and took the side opposite Lenore.

"What can I do for you, Reed?"

"You can tell me why Gwen came in here looking like the weight of the world rested on her shoulders." A pause. "Lenore, I'm gonna be right up front with you. Randi has charged me with Gwen's well-being, and if she's not happy...." Lenore grimaced. "Yeah, exactly. So what happened today that made her unhappy, Lenore? I need to know if I can fix it."

"No, but I probably can. I mentioned something about Randi and she just walked off. Apparently that subject is taboo."

Reed ran a hand through her hair and nodded. "Yeah, I think it probably is. You might want to pass that along to your people and I'll have Sky do the same for the warriors here. They didn't part under very good terms and I think it will be a sore spot for Gwen until it gets resolved. Unfortunately, unless Randi grows some brains quickly, it could be a while before that happens."

"Should I even ask?"

"No, because I really don't know the details - just that their aura together was so skewed it took us a very long time to set up a barrier capable of keeping it contained. It was physically painful to see."

"I see. And now?"

Reed blew out a breath. "Well, with Randi gone it is much easier to control, but the aura between them is still totally out of whack. That means Gwen's personal aura is out of sync as well, though not nearly as badly as theirs together is."

"So what can we do to help? I don't want to make things worse, but I feel like I'm flying blind here."

"We all are, Lenore. My best advice is to let Gwen dictate the direction things go for at least a little while, until we all have a better handle on the situation. And whatever else you do, DON'T, under any circumstance bring up Randi unless she does so first."

Now it was Lenore's turn to sigh heavily. "Any ideas on how long this might last?"

Reed shook her head. "Nothing definite. If I were a betting woman though, I would say it will be over sooner rather than later. I don't think they will be able to stay apart for any length of time without it tearing them apart completely." A pause while Reed turned her attention out the window behind the big desk. "Personally, I think it will be settled one way or another before summer is over."

She didn't mention her opinion on what would happen if it ended badly between Randi and Gwen. She had nothing to go on but her own fleeting impressions of darkness and pain. But Lenore wore a look that showed she understood more than was being explained to her.

They sat in quiet contemplation for a while before Reed turned to Lenore again. "So what time is dinner?"

Lenore smiled. "Seven. I told Gwen I'd have Lorac to escort her over, but if you and Rosie are joining us, that should be escort enough, don't you think? I think the offer of an escort upset her as well."

Reed sighed. "I'm sure it did. Gwen is being forced to accept a lot of behavior she really doesn't understand or necessarily agree with. Rosie and I will bring her, and we'll see if we can't find some sort of medium ground to work together in. It will make things a lot easier on all of us if we can."

"Agreed." She rose from her spot on the couch and Reed joined her immediately. "Thank you, Reed. I feel better knowing we are allies on this little project."

"So do I Lenore. I just honestly wish there wasn't one... not like this anyway." She opened the study door and led her guest back to the front of the house. "We'll see you at seven. Is there anything you would like us to bring?"

"No. We would like to show you all true Amazon hospitality. You just come prepared with good conversation and we'll take care of the rest."

Gwen heard the door close behind Lenore and turned her attention back out the window. It was obvious to her that the village had been infiltrated by warriors and Amazons to protect her. Instead of making her feel better, it made her angry and the tension she had released during her sparring returned with a vengeance.

Taking a deep breath to center herself, she put her anger aside. It wasn't the fault of anyone here that Randi was being ridiculous and absurd; she wouldn't take it out on them. She pulled out her diary as a substitute outlet and began to write in it furiously.

She was still scribbling away frantically when a light knock at her door brought her attention back to her immediate surroundings. She looked up and realized that it had gotten quite dark in the room since she'd sat down, and several pages of her journal were now covered in fine writing. Gwen marked her place and set the diary to one side. Then she turned on the small light by the bed, blinking against the sudden brightness and called out, "Come in?"

Reed poked her head in the door. "Hey, Gwen, you ready to go to dinner?"

Gwen looked around at the clock, surprised to see it read five minutes of seven. "Oh shit!" she mumbled. Reed covered her mouth to hide her smile. Gwen didn't curse often and it usually caught people by surprise when it did. "Um, I need to clean up. Can you call Lenore and let her know I'm going to be a few minutes late, please?"

"No problem, Gwen. Rosie can go ahead and I'll wait for you to do whatever. Just come downstairs when you're ready." Reed was out the door with it closed behind her before Gwen could open her mouth to reply. The bard shook her head, then scrambled off the bed and ran into the bathroom for a quick shower.

After the fastest shower of her life, Gwen jumped into clean clothes and literally skidded down the staircase to find Reed watching her with widened gray eyes. "Gwen, take it easy. Lenore knows we're running a little behind schedule. I got the feeling from Rosie that the queen was glad for the extra time... something about a small fire in the kitchen."

Now Gwen's eyes widened and she came to a rather abrupt stop. "Oh my."

Reed nodded. "Uh huh. So you have the time to tuck your shirt in and tie your shoes if you'd like." She said it with a completely straight face but Gwen could hear the smile in her voice. She looked down at herself.

"Good idea. I don't know what is wrong with me."

Reed suspected, of course, but there was no way she was going to give voice to that particular suggestion. Instead she gestured to Gwen's still wet hair. "Would you like me to braid that for you?"

"Do you mind? I've been letting it grow out since... since the wedding and it's just completely unreasonable at the moment."

Reed smiled. "I was thinking today that I need a trim." Gwen's eyebrows went to her forehead, given how short Reed's hair actually was, but she simply nodded her head. "Maybe we should find someone here to take care of it. Lenore might have someone in her crew who could take care of it."

"Maybe I'll just let it grow long and shaggy until I get completely fed up and shave myself bald."

Reed actually hesitated a moment to blink the visual image the words created out of her mind's eye. "Well," she started, clearing her throat. "That would certainly make some sort of statement."

Gwen looked up at Reed with a wry smirk. "Yeah, and probably leave me with a really nasty case of sunburn followed by a peeling head."

"Ew!" Reed slapped Gwen's shoulder. "Thank you so much for *that* visual. You're done."

Gwen twisted her head back and forth. "Thanks, Reed. I think I'm presentable enough for dinner now. At least I won't scare anyone," with a wry look at Reed.

The seer held up her hands and backed away in self defense. "I didn't say a word."

"I know... I did to save you the trouble. C'mon... we're late enough."

The room was still a little smoky when they entered, but the table was set when Gwen and Reed arrived. The bard tried to apologize, but Lenore held up a hand to stop her.

"Please, Gwen. You did us a favor." She flanked around. "We had a little, um, mishap in the kitchen, so we didn't mind the extra time, really. However, we're glad you could join us. We thought we'd treat you to a traditional Amazon meal tonight, which as Lorac will be happy to tell you, is much better now than it used to be."

"Oh?" Gwen replied as she took a seat. "Thank you. Why is that, Lorac?"

"Well, our civilization is based on ancient texts written... well, honestly, no one is quite sure how long ago they were written. But let's just say they were written a reeeeeeealy long time ago - long enough that there are some authentic parchment scrolls involved. And for a really long time, we followed every single precept and dictate the law laid down. Every single one."

Gwen nodded and swallowed the mouthful of exceptionally tasty food she had been enjoying. "Okay."

"Well, you see, the texts included recipes and stuff, and naturally, they were followed like gospel." She grimaced. "It wasn't pretty." She took a deep draught of her wine then spoke again. "It wasn't... bad... per se. It was just bland."

"So what happened?" Rosie asked. "This is very good," motioning to her plate, "and definitely *not* bland."

"After the last great war, the Nation went through a whole reorganization. It was decided that to keep the Nation alive, we would split into smaller tribes ruled by regents and spread across the continent. The elders felt it was the most prudent course of action to preserve our way of life. We came together one last time and together we started copying our histories and traditions so that each tribe would have their own copies for their archives."

"In the process of going through the archives, we found a sealed box that had been pushed to the back of...." She gestured a square with her hands. "I dunno... what had apparently served as a safe. Anyway, when it was opened it, what we found was... Nation changing."

"How so?"

Lorac chuckled. "Well, for one thing, there was a cookbook of sorts - hundreds of recipes written in the long dead native tongue of our people. It took several teams of translators months of work to interpret the scrolls and when they did... wow!"

"Wow?" Gwen pushed back her plate and picked up her wine glass to wait for an answer.

"Wow!" Lorac said emphatically. "Suddenly our food was given flavor and spice. It was wonderful."

"So how do you know about the bland food if you have had this wonderfully flavored food since the last Great War?"

Lorac grimaced again. "Well, to keep the tradition alive, and to make the Amazons thankful for all their many blessings, when an Amazon goes into her into training to attain her status in the Nation, she is put on traditional rations. We have one set of cooks who do nothing but cook for trainees. It is probably the best motivating force we have to insure that apprentices succeed in their education the first time out, because they lose the food quality we had tonight to go back to bare bones basics. It's quite a shock to the system."

Gwen shivered. "I'll bet."

Lorac's eyes sparkled in delight. "But as an added bonus to the scrolls we found, there were stories... amazing stories of some of our forbearers. Real heroes, if any of the tales are even remotely true."

"Can I read them?"

"Oh yes," Lenore affirmed. "They are part of our histories."

"I'd like to read them as well, if I could," Rosie asked.

Lenore smiled. "Of course. You're all welcome to read them if you'd like."

"I have a question," Reed spoke suddenly. All eyes shifted to her and Lenore gestured for her to continue speaking. Reed cleared her throat. "Um, Lorac said you that when the Nation divided into separate tribes, a regent was named for each tribe. But you were introduced as the queen. So are you the queen or the regent?"

Lenore smiled, though the painful reminder didn't allow the smile to reach her eyes. She didn't give anyone the chance to notice since she turned at that moment and picked up the wine bottle to refill the glasses at the table. "I am the queen of my tribe but a regent of the Nation. We are waiting for the true queen to return to assume her throne."

Rosie's eyes widened at the implication, but neither Reed nor Gwen showed any sign of understanding the deeper meaning of Lenore's words.

"Why would that happen, Lenore? If the Nation was split into tribes to protect it, why would it be brought back into a single entity?"

"Though it's not the original reason we split the Nation, if... if the eradication of the rebellion is successful, we feel confident about bringing the Nation back together. It will be time. The other regents and I have already discussed it... it's why I was unable to greet you until this afternoon, Gwen. I was on a conference call bringing the Nation up to date."

Gwen's lips tightened, but all she did was nod. She wasn't going to take her residual anger out on these women who were only doing their best to help her. And part of her was looking forward to both the defense training and the history. She especially found the idea of reading the scrolls intriguing.

"So, how would you like to set up our study time, Lenore? Lorac and her staff are going to do defense work with me until three every afternoon. Would you like to pick up immediately afterwards, or...?"

"I'd like to keep it as informal as possible. Here," getting up from the table and moving into the living area. She picked up a small stack of books. "I thought you could start reading these," she smiled wryly, "since they are the only books I have with me at the moment. I am having more brought up from the village tomorrow," she continued to forestall Gwen's protest. "Then we can talk about them as you get into them and have questions. I don't think we really need to do anything formal, but that is totally at your discretion."

Gwen nodded. "I like that idea. And you said the scrolls were available as well?"

Lenore nodded. "Yes, though they are bound copies and not the original scrolls of course. Those have all been put away. I haven't actually seen them - no one has since the copies were made."

Gwen nodded. "Of course." She opened the first book reverently, looking down at the page. "Thank you, Lenore. I'm really looking forward to this. I've been interested in the Amazons since Randi...." She broke off and turned her attention to Lenore. "I will take very good care of your books, Lenore. You're very lucky to have so many."

"Yes, we are, and you're most welcome. I'm looking forward to discussing them."

Reed and Rosie stood back and watched. There were some things they couldn't do anything about. For now, Gwen had to find her own comfort zone with the circumstances she found herself in. All they could do was keep an eye on her.

Chapter XV

"Lenore?" Gwen asked a short time later after she had gently examined each and every book. She had been so absorbed, the rest had shifted away for conversation to allow Gwen some time alone to study. Now everyone looked up and Lenore moved back over to the chair where Gwen still sat appearing a little shell shocked.

Lenore patted her hand in a friendly gesture and sat down on the ottoman at Gwen's feet. "What can I do for you, Gwen? Are you all right?"

Gwen shook her head to clear it. Books... real, printed and bound books... always did this to her. They had always been so rare in her world, and even now, they were considered such an anomaly that they were a collector's item though there were precious few of those.

"Gwen?" Lenore leaned down to catch her eye.

"Sorry." She blinked and smiled shyly. "Books," gesturing to the copies that were currently residing in her lap, "have a tendency to render me speechless."

Lenore nodded her agreement. "They do they same to me. It's why we decided to have the scrolls hand copied and bound. We have electronic copies of course, but somehow, our history seems much more vibrant when reading the written words as they were given to us. I wish... I would like to have been around when the scrolls were found. That would have been...." She sighed.

"Phenomenal," Gwen finished for her. "At least I think so. What a precious gift. There is so little true written history around any more these days." She smiled sardonically. "And it's not like we pass it along through our storytellers anymore either."

"Oh, I don't know," Lenore replied. "I've heard you. You do share history in your stories; yours is just of a more personal nature. Tell me... do you keep a journal? A log of the stories you tell?"

Gwen bit her lip. "Sort of. I do keep a journal, but it's not of my stories; it's more of a diary. I keep the log of stories that I have told here," rubbing her forehead. "I know which ones I have told and which ones are still waiting as well as those that will never see the light of day for one reason or another. I do have a collection of written stories that have been passed down through my family for generations - those are the personal histories I sometimes tell."

Lenore smiled broadly. "Perhaps you would consider sharing some of your stories with us while you're here. I know there would always be a willing audience to listen."

Now Gwen smiled. "I'd like that. And I did promise Tommy I'd try to do some more children's sessions while I was here as well. Have to keep up the skills, you know."

Lenore clapped her hands together in excitement, causing Gwen to chuckle in sympathy. The Amazon blushed just a little but she couldn't keep the smile off her face or the twinkle out of her eyes. "I know I sound like a kid, but I don't think you understand how exciting that is." Now her blush turned beet red and she dropped her eyes to the floor. "The chance to actually see you perform...."

Gwen blushed almost as fiercely, though she accepted the compliment gracefully. "Thank you, Lenore. I enjoy it so much I sometimes forget that others get something from it as well. I hope you won't be disappointed."

"I suppose I shouldn't tell you that the queen is a huge fan, hmm?" Lorac teased as the rest made their way over to take part in the conversation.

"You know, Lorac, I can find all kinds of ways to eliminate your free time," Lenore growled.

"Heh heh," the weapons' master chuckled nervously. "All right, no sharing your secret or the fact that the entire Nation feels the same way. We've got enough to concentrate on trying to keep up with the warrior side of the bard," sketching a bow in Gwen's direction. The room broke into laughter. It was a nice way to end what had been a comfortable evening.

"Are you sure about this, Randi?"

He felt the growl more than heard it; it was just a low rumbling that pulsed through his chest. But when he turned and saw Randi's ice blue eyes glaring daggers at him, he realized that the sound had come from her. She put her hands on her hips and he took a reflexive step back.

"Tiny, I am only going to say this once and then I don't want to hear about it ever again. Are we clear?" He nodded. "Good, now understand this well - the Sabres are going to destroy the rebellion, and I am going to lead the Sabres. If you have a problem with that, let me hear it."

Silence.

"Tiny, I need you with me on this, but if you can't do it, I need to know now."

He stood quietly a moment, then straightened and faced her squarely. "I told you I was with you, Randi, and I meant it... we all did. All of us believe that the rebellion has to be destroyed once and for all." He took a deep breath. "My concern here is you specifically. You're putting yourself out there, becoming someone I never thought to see again, someone I don't even recognize sometimes."

Randi waited, sensing there was more and she had given him the floor. She would let him finish speaking before she responded. They needed to settle this once and for all.

"Randi, I'm afraid... not *of* you, but *for* you. You're giving up so much, and I don't want that to be something you live to regret. Randi, please... let us do this. You can lead without going in. You give the orders and we will follow them, but...!"

"No, Tiny! I told you... this is personal for me now! The rebellion has deliberately targeted me - they attacked Gwen. And for that, I will obliterate them...wipe them off the face of the planet. If I have to do it by myself, killing them one by one, I will, but they will be destroyed."

Tiny hung his head, knowing by her words there was no way to bring her back... not until this was over. "Aye, sir."

Randi released a breath. "Now, are you with me or do I need to...?" She stopped when Tiny held up his hands.

"I'm with you, sir. We all are."

"Very well. Go prepare. We have a lot to do before the end, and I want this over with. I have better things to do and a life to live that doesn't involve this anymore."

"Yes, sir. The Wizards expect me at their encampment in two days. We are still trying to determine if this is a meeting of everyone or just our region. But I do know for certain that they are angry with Brad's failure and your subsequent execution of him."

"Well, it just sucks to be them, doesn't it?" She moved from behind her desk and together they crossed the office. "I will be at the rendezvous point in a week, maybe a little less. Everyone has their assignments?" Tiny nodded. "Good, then let's get outta here. We've both got work to do."

Tiny extended his hand. "Good luck, Commandant," deliberately putting a professional barrier between them. Randi blinked, then adjusted her attitude as quickly as that action took. She straightened and accepted his hand.

"The same to you, Chief. I will see you shortly."

When they released their brief clasp, Tiny stepped back and saluted. Randi acknowledged the respect with a nod of her head, then turned and walked off without another word. Tiny watched her go, then let his shoulders slump before he turned in the other direction and headed out.

It was quiet in the beach house when Randi arrived home - an unnatural stillness that she actually found unnerving. It was as though the spirit of their life here had fled, leaving nothing but an empty shell behind. It reminded her a little too much of what her life with Gwen had become, and worse, what it had been.

Randi resolutely put that out of her mind and walked into the bedroom, ignoring the surroundings to walk directly into the weapons' closet. She looked at the uniform hanging so casually and predominately at the front.

Without thought, she pushed it aside and moved on to the weapon's locker. Slowly and methodically, Randi pulled out the weapons she wanted to have for use against the rebels. She had to be prepared for any and every contingency, and she doubted once things started she'd have a chance to return. Randi fully expected to move from one sect to another until they were all eliminated - whatever it took for her to get back to Gwen as fast as humanly possible and get their lives back.

Randi took her choices and laid them on the bed in an orderly fashion. She trekked back into the closet and removed her armor and placed it carefully beside her cache. Then she went into the bathroom to take a shower before she prepared for battle.

She shouldn't have been surprised by the knock on the door when it came, but she looked in the bathroom mirror and sighed when the sound reached her ears. She'd hoped to avoid this until after the rebellion was taken care of, but apparently Tommy had other ideas.

She snagged her robe from the back of the door and wrapped it around her, then went through the bedroom and into the foyer. A second louder banging only served to work her nerves but she was thankful that at least he wasn't using his key codes.

"Randi, I know you're in there! Open the damn...." He stuttered to a stop when he met ice blue eyes. "... door. 'Bout damn time," he muttered, pushing past her. She allowed him entry, knowing they needed to resolve the issue between them.

"Something I can do for you Tommy?"

He turned back to her, a look of total disbelief on his face. "You're kidding me, right? You gutted a man in my office - right in front of me... right in front of Gwen! You took pleasure in it! And then you disappeared, just took Gwen and left without a word."

"What did you expect me to say, Tommy?" her voice calm and controlled. "Hmm? What do you expect me to say now? You made it clear you weren't interested in anything I had to say."

"Well, forgive me for being human... for feeling some sort horror at what had just happened! How exactly did you think I was going to react?? My God, Randi! Unlike you, this wasn't a normal occurrence in my life!"

He hadn't realized her eyes could get any colder, but he watched the light drain out of them until they were completely lifeless and almost clear. She straightened and he could feel the controlled rage flowing from her in waves. Still, the only outward manifestation of her anger was the flaring of her nostrils and a slight flexing of her fingers.

"Be thankful, Tommy," her voice a hoarse whisper. "Be thankful you haven't had to see the things I have... you don't have to live with the things I've done." Then she moved right into his personal space and poked a finger hard into his chest. "But understand this well - I would do it all again to keep Gwen safe. I don't like who I am most of the time, and I don't like what I've done. But you're right about one thing - I did enjoy gutting that pig. He deserved far worse for what he tried to do! And I'd do it all again in a heartbeat."

She straightened and took a step back, inhaling deeply before she spoke again. "Now, if you can't accept that... if you can't live with the knowledge of who and what I really am, then I am sorry. But I'm not gonna change... I can't."

"Can't? Or won't?"

She sighed tiredly. "Does it really matter, Tommy? Now you understand the truth of why I never let anyone get too close - why I never shared all of myself."

"Not even with Gwen?" he dared to ask.

"She is the only one who does understand, Tommy. The only one who tried and the only one who succeeded, and look what it got her." She walked back to the door and opened it. "Go home, Tommy. Go home to your wife and son and forget about me and what you saw. You'll sleep better."

Tommy gasped as the words hit him like a punch to the stomach, and he had to swallow the lump in his throat before he could speak, finally realizing what his reaction had done to her.

"No." It was barely a sound, but Randi heard it.

"Excuse me?"

"No," he said more confidently. "I will not forget about you. You're part of my life, part of my family. And I don't take that lightly." He walked over to where she stood. "I don't understand - you're absolutely right about that. But that doesn't change the fact that I love you and if you need me, I'm gonna be there for you. I'm sorry it took me so long to tell you that." He paused, then grasped the other door handle. "I'm gonna go for now because it is obvious you need me to. But one day... one day soon, you and I are going to sit down, and you're gonna help me understand all this. Because I think it's important. Now, you go off and slay the dragons and save the world. Just remember you've got family waiting anxiously at home for you to return, all right?"

Randi nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Then Tommy walked across the threshold and pulled the door shut behind him.

Randi stood in silence and watched from the windows until he was out of sight. Then she shook her head and walked back into the bedroom to begin dressing, putting the encounter and everything not relevant to the coming mission out of her mind.

Tommy stood just out of sight in the line of trees, watching as the warrior he didn't actually recognize strode out of the house and into the garage. A moment later he heard the full-throttled roar of her motorcycle, and he watched as she sped off and headed across the bridge that extended just ahead of her progress.

Tommy shook his head sadly at her recklessness and sent up a prayer for her safety. Then he turned and finally headed home.

Aphrodite stomped a foot in frustration. This was not going well and it didn't look like things were going to improve anytime in the near future. She turned as Artemis and Athena walked into the room, one with a plate of chocolate chip cookies and the other with a carafe of hot chocolate. Despite the seriousness of the situation around them, Dite couldn't help but smile at the scent that wafted into the room with them.

"One of the true gifts humanity has shared with us," Athena said, putting the still warm cookies down on the table. "How do things look?"

The disconsolate look returned to mar Aphrodite's lovely features and she plopped in a chair gracelessly, picking up a cookie to munch on. She shook her head. "From my perspective, this thing just totally sucks piggy wonks. They are so far apart now - not just physically, but emotionally - and it's so bogus!" she said, slapping her hand on the chair arm for emphasis. "Makes me wanna gag Ares with a spoon or string him up by his toenails or something equally disgusting."

Artemis couldn't stop the chuckle that bubbled up at Dite's colorful speech. "Well, on the plus side," she said, clearing her throat when Dite glared at her before the look gave way to a grudging smile from the love goddess. Artemis returned the look and handed her a cup of cocoa. That got her a real smile and she handed one to Athena before taking a seat. "Gwen is learning about the Amazons and will be ready to be the queen when the time comes. And she is doing well in her weapons training as well. Randi is going to be very surprised I think."

Athena nodded. "She makes a good chosen... for all of us," chewing thoughtfully.

"Yeah, but they make a much gnarlier chosen together," Dite pouted. "I hate this!!"

"We all do, Dite, but what can we do? We have interfered more than the rules actually allow. This has to be their choice... their desire... or it all becomes pointless, and Ares wins anyway. At least this way, when Randi chooses Gwen, Ares loses for good."

"You really think she will?"

Athena blinked, unable to believe that Dite of all of them had doubts. "You don't think so?"

Dite shrugged and reached for another cookie. "I want to. I just don't... I don't know what to think anymore." She paused and sighed. "Despite all the evidence to the contrary, despite everything, I really thought it wouldn't come to this. I'd hoped...." She got up and walked to the window, looking out at the landscaped garden that held every type of rose known to man, and some not yet discovered. "I'd hoped that their love would have been enough...."

Artemis stood up and crossed the room to wrap Dite in a hug. "It will be, Dite. You got to have faith in that... in them and in you. It's just going to take the long, bumpy route to get to that happy ending."

Dite snorted. "It always has with those two," she huffed. "Gods, they are enough to give a goddess gray hair!" throwing her hands up in the air. "Do they realize *they* are the reason we are so high maintenance?!? I'm gonna need another manicure after this is over!!"

Athena and Artemis exchanged glances and snickered. Dite whirled at the sound and put her hands on her hips. Then her lip twitched and her eyes crossed. The three of them burst into laughter.

Once it got quiet again, Dite looked at them seriously. "So you both think this will work out then?"

"Damn straight!" Artemis said decisively.

"What she said!" Athena confirmed. Her sisters turned in unison with identical raised eyebrows. "What??" then covered her eyes with her hand. "Oh no... I'm turning into Aphrodite!"

"Gnarly, babe. I'll make a radically cool chick outta you yet." She wrapped an arm around Artemis' waist and extended her other towards Athena. "C'mere, The. We need a group hug."

"Aw, Dite," Athena whined, but stood up and went to her anyway. The sisters shared a hug and felt better for the support the gleaned from one another.

"I really do love you guys. Thanks for sticking with me through this."

"Feeling's mutual, Dite," Athena said and Artemis nodded her agreement. "Now, let's get back to work. We've got other things to do. We can worry about them in the interim." And they turned their attention back to the scrying bowl, watching as time continued to pass with a majority of the world still unaware of what was coming.

Randi rode for a while with no particular destination in mind. She wasn't scheduled to meet with her team leaders for seven days, but the thought of staying in their home without Gwen was unthinkable. So instead, she decided to tour around a little and see what she could see. She had always learned a lot by being able to blend in and walk among people unseen.

She drove by Rosie's and felt a twinge of sadness to see the barbeque stand closed up. Randi felt like something was slipping through her fingers and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Then she resolutely turned her thoughts and her bike away from the past and towards the future.

The rendezvous was in the middle of nowhere. It was the most central location to where all the different rebel groups were gathering. Things had moved swiftly once word of Brad's execution had made the rounds. That coupled with her slaughter of the Fringe Amazons and the destruction of one of the Skinheads cells had rallied the rebellion.

So now each segment was meeting in preparation, the Sabres believed, for another unification meeting between all the rival factions. Only this time, they expected all out war.

Originally, to find a way to defeat their enemy, the Sabres had infiltrated each group of the rebellion with an operative of their own. Even after Randi's death during the elimination of the rebel's leader Ghost Rider, they continued to maintain their status within the rebel factions. It wasn't too difficult - a majority of the rebels had lives outside the rebellion. They had hoped that Jerry would use their knowledge to destroy the rebellion once and for all. When that didn't happen, the five remaining operatives continued their undercover work mostly out of a sense of duty with only a small hope for an eventual resolution, but knowing it was what Randi would have done to ensure their ultimate success. Now, finally, they were going to get their payoff.

The rendezvous was high in the mountains, surrounded by what, with time, had become re-grown virgin forest. Randi was careful to take only what she needed to survive from the land surrounding her. She had found the cave that would serve as their meeting point and she had gathered enough brush to make some comfortable beds. Then she set out to wait for the rest of her team to arrive.

Strangely, they almost managed to arrive as a group. They would have had they not been coming in from six different scattered directions. As it was, they walked into the camp within minutes of each other.

After the first initial greetings, each of them scattered to collect supplies. Randi had made a start but more would be needed before they were through. What they had found out had not been encouraging, no matter how anticipated it was.

"What's the verdict?" Randi asked bluntly once the fire was built out of sight and they were standing in the main chamber of the cavern. The six looked at one another, each waiting for the other to speak first. Randi glowered and put her hands on her hips. "Don't make me have to start guessing."

They all took seats on the ground and Tiny cleared his throat. "Well, it's similar to what happened before, except this time it will be a much smaller gathering. Only the faction leaders will meet the new leader of the rebellion - no aides, no guards - nothing but the six faction leaders and the rebel leader. Then they will get their marching orders and the fighting will start in earnest."

Randi blew out a breath and ran her hands through her hair. "Dammit! When and where?"

"We don't know; they haven't been given their orders yet. This was just to put everyone into the loop and let them know what's coming down the pipeline so preparations can be made."

"Goddamnit!! All right, when do they expect to hear the details?" Five sets of shoulders shrugged. Only Jess remained still. Randi's attention focused on her immediately. "Jess?"

"I don't know the details on the meeting, but word in the Amazons is it will be after Gwen is... taken care of."

"WHAT?!?" Randi jumped up from her spot. She crossed the cave and jerked Jess up from the floor by her elbow. "What did you hear??"

Jess jerked her arm out of Randi's grasp, meeting Randi's glare stare for stare. "What the hell are you trying to do, Randi? You coulda pulled my arm out of the socket like that!"

"Tell me," Randi growled, dropping her hands and doing her best to keep her temper in check.

"That's all I know, Randi. Basically, the Fringe Amazons here bear the responsibility of taking care of Gwen. They know where she is and it's only because she's in this region that I know that much. They've been told to eliminate her immediately; once that's done, everything else will move forward."

No one had to look at Randi for a reaction. They could feel it in her body language, though there was nothing overt in her response. Her eyes paled to pure white fury and her nostrils flared. Other than a rhythmic clenching of her fingers, there was no other outward manifestation of the fury they could feel rolling off her in waves.

After several long minutes of complete silence, Randi took a deep breath and turned her attention back to the Sabres who waited patiently for her next instructions. "All right, I want everyone but Jess to go back to your surveillance duties for now. Whatever it takes to get that information. There's nothing else we can do until we have a date and location," she continued before anyone could protest. "Jess, I want you to go to the village...." She stopped speaking when Jess shook her head. "Whaddya mean NO? It's not a request, Jess. You *will* go and protect Gwen. That's an order."

"I can't, Randi." Jess swallowed hard. "I'm supposed to be part of the strike team that takes her out."

"When??"

"I don't know, but it's gotta be soon. Everything else hinges on it. They'll send word when a plan has been worked out. We'll be given our assignments and transported immediately to the village or somewhere nearby."

"How did you manage that?"

"Luck of the draw? Actually, I think it has to do with my marksmanship skills. Everyone who was chosen is at the top of their game in something... tracking, marksmanship, hand-to-hand, whatever. This is supposed to be the best of the best from the rebellion. They want to make sure it gets done right the first time."

"And how do they know about your marksmanships skills?"

"Easy, Bren. Part of being a Fringe Amazon means attending their festivals, and one of those was some sort of game tournament they hold every year. It encompasses everything they do - sports, weapons, arts & crafts, all of it... even cooking. Anyway, I won the marksmanship contest. I never realized it would play into this, but I'm so glad it does."

"Yeah, but we won't know what's coming ahead of time," from Cam. "Are we just going to storm the place and wait for them to attack? Or are we just going to take them out now?"

"No," Randi said. "If we do that, they'll know we know and they'll try something else when we're not aware. I want to destroy them all at once. I'll alert the warriors and Amazons already there. They're trained... they know what to do. And the villagers know the area well enough to be able to defend it with the advanced warning. Good work, Jess. See if you can get a list of those involved and what their specialty is."

The woman nodded.

Randi knelt back down and slapped her legs. "All right. I want each of you to go back to your regular duties. I want ya'll to come up with every possible scenario for getting the information we need and then I want ideas and solutions from each of you on how to use it. We're gonna start moving on this as soon as possible."

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know," surprising everyone but Tiny. They had all assumed her first action would have been to go to Gwen. However, they were all bright enough not to let the reaction show. "I need to get back to the capital to coordinate things. And I need to talk to Geoff," an unexpected idea tickling at the back of her mind. She wondered what part of her psyche had germinated it and why it popped up now, but it was an instinct she had long ago learned to respect.

"All right," Tiny said with some authority. "You heard the boss lady. Let's get some chow and some rest. We've gotta get back home and get to work."

Randi had set up a sleeping area just slightly apart from the others. She figured as commandant, it was expected of her to separate herself from her people. But all she felt was isolated. She could hear the whispers and soft chuckles of the others and became aware of the silence around her. It made her chest ache. So Randi sat down and pulled her knees into her chest and moved her mind into a place where only she existed.

"What's up with her, Tiny?" Brenda asked sotto voce. "She's almost like the Randi I remember from before, except...." She chewed her lip worriedly.

"Except she's lost her compassion," Hernandez commented as he set the regen unit to repair the small tear Randi had caused in Jess' rotor cuff. It would have gone unnoticed and unmentioned except for his chancing to catch her wince when she tried to spread her bedroll.

Tiny shook his head. "I think she just finally reached her limit," not willing to delve into Randi's personal life and unable to fully explain Ares involvement. "Don't forget - she died to keep the peace and then came back to find the job still undone. And the rebels have made it intensely personal for her and have put the focus of their attacks squarely on her and Gwen."

"That's another thing." Jess commented from her pallet. "Since when does she not want to be with Gwen... especially at a time like this??"

They all looked at Tiny who remained silent, though the sadness in his eyes told a story all their own.

Cam's sigh was echoed around the cavern by each of them. He dug in his pack for the heat sticks they would need for the night. It was still cold up here and they couldn't risk a bigger fire. Tiny and Brenda were going to have their hands full trying to cook the fish Randi had caught over the small flame. There was no way it would provide enough warmth for all of them. They only wished it could warm the coldness they felt settling over Randi.

For her part, Randi moved into the darkness of her mind, putting away the hurt and anger she felt towards Gwen. What she needed now was focus.

"They knew," Randi whispered, leaning back and clutching her chest in physical as well as emotional pain. "They knew and yet they followed me anyway."

"Yes, they did," Gwen affirmed.

"Why? If what I did was so horrible you felt you had to leave me, why didn't they stop me? Why let it go on until it became unbearable?"

Gwen smiled and brushed Randi bangs off her forehead. "The reason I left has to do with *us*, love. It was a culmination of everything, personal as well as professional. They followed you because they had sworn their allegiance to you; they are still loyal to you." Gwen took a deep breath and cover Randi's lips with her fingers. "What you did had to be done, Randi. They knew that and so did I. The hatred the rebellion was stirring up had begun to destroy the peace. My biggest problem, aside from the fact that you went back to the Sabres at all, was because you seemed to revel in the power this whole situation brought you. I understand why you did, it... I do. I just don't always understand the harshness. That's not the woman I know and love."

"But it is."

"No, it is *part* of who you are, but it is definitely not all. But for a while, it was all there was. I felt like I had lost you... even though I knew that Ares was directly responsible for the change, it was hard to watch you allow that to become you." A pause. "I realize now that you have been fighting that; I should have realized sooner, given the actual outcome. But at the time, all I knew was that it was happening, and you didn't seem to care."

Randi reached out a hand to cup Gwen's cheek. "Oh I cared. I cared so much - but all I could feel was the anger."

Gwen took Randi's hand and clasped it in her own. "I understand that now, love. I'm sorry for my lack of faith." She swallowed hard, seeing the love she felt reflected back to her in those blue, blue eyes. "Are you ready to continue?"

"Yep. Let's do it."

Gwen curled around Randi, and Randi relaxed into the bard's body. Then Gwen took up the book again, and found her place to begin reading.

Chapter XVI

"Randi!" Jill exclaimed as she opened the door. "This is an unexpected surprise!" She looked around for her conspicuously absent daughter. "Where's Gwen?"

"Tucked away safely. Can I come in?"

Jill blinked and swallowed her questions when it became obvious Randi wasn't going to elaborate. Maybe Geoff would be able to get more information, but for now.... Jill blushed when Randi's raised eyebrow reminded her that she was standing there blocking the doorway staring.

"Sorry... thinking does that to me sometimes," Jill smiled. "Please, come in. Geoff?" she called out. "Can I get you something to drink, Randi? Geoff? Sweetheart, where are you?" She turned back to Randi again. "He was just here."

Randi smiled. "How did you know I was looking for Geoff? I didn't ask to see him."

"Easy - you're here without Gwen. As much as you care for both Geoff and I, and I know you do," holding up her hands before Randi could speak, "the only time you come here alone is when you're on military business. So, you've got to be here to talk to Geoff."

Randi nodded her head in acknowledgement, though her eyes held a hint of shame at the veracity of Jill's statement. "You're right, Jill. I'm sorry...."

Jill held up a hand to stop the apology, wondering what had happened to make Randi go back to calling her by name instead of by mom. "It's all right, Randi. I do understand. It isn't like we haven't had a rocky road. I'd actually be more concerned if you acted a little more comfortable than you really were. It would mean you were lying and I'd rather you be honest. It gives us a chance to grow comfortable together. Now," Jill continued with barely a pause for breath. "Come sit down and let me get you some lemonade. Then I'll go find Geoff."

"I'm right here, hot stuff," Geoff said as he eased his chair into the room. He grabbed Jill around the waist and swung her into his lap, relishing the squeal she graced him with. Then Geoff stole a kiss. "What can I do for you, Mrs. Goldman? I heard you screaming all the way out in the workshop. You feeling that frisky??"

Randi bit her lips to keep from laughing out loud and Jill flushed six shades of red. "GEOFF!!" slapping him lightly on the chest. "We've got company!"

Geoff looked around her shoulder and saw Randi sitting there stoically, though she couldn't hide the devilment that sparkled in her blue eyes. He had the grace to blush, but he kept his hold on Jill's waist as he cleared his throat. "Hello, Randi."

"Hi, Geoff. You got a minute?"

"Absolutely. Um, Jill...."

Jill patted his hand and slid from Geoff's lap. "I was just going to make some lemonade. You two go...." She shooed her hands in the direction of Geoff's workshop. "Do whatever it is you need to do. Drinks will be ready when you come back in."

"Ooo, I love fresh squeezed lemonade," Geoff commented. "C'mon, Randi. Come see the new workshop. I had one built here when it became obvious therapy was going to take longer than I planned for it to." He held up his hands. "I know the doctors say I'm ahead of schedule, but I really didn't think it would take so long. I guess I've gotten too used to our quick fix technology."

They were silent until they got into the workshop and Randi closed the door behind them. Carbon rose from his place by the workbench, ruff standing out from his head. The dog growled before leaping to put himself between Randi and Geoff, then he barked viciously at Randi. Geoff snatched him up and put the shepherd out in the small enclosed yard. Then Geoff closed the door firmly and became all business. "What's wrong? And how can I help?"

Randi clasped her hands behind her back and walked slowly around the room, taking in the smell of new. Scattered throughout the workshop were projects in various stages of completion - some of them related to the Sabres and others completely frivolous. She smiled at the hover bike propped in the corner; she hadn't seen a working one of those in years. Then she turned her attention to the weapons laying neatly on the bench or hanging on the walls.

"I need something new, Geoff. Something different."

He motioned her to a seat and leaned back in his chair, clasping his hand together in an attitude of attentive listening. "What are you looking for, Randi?"

Randi took a seat and dropped her clasped hands between her knees, looking at the floor. "I want something to incapacitate the rebels... a pulse weapon of some kind that will allow us to take them into custody but won't do any harm to the Sabres."

"Randi? We've never tried to incapacitate them before; we've always destroyed them."

"Oh we will. I just want to do this with as few Sabre casualties as possible."

"And taking them into custody will do this how?"

"I can use them to make a point," Randi said shortly, but she didn't elaborate. Geoff sighed. He knew pushing her on this would do nothing but make her angry. And somehow he had the distinct impression that her anger directed at him was not in his best interests.

"When do you need it?"

"How soon can you have it ready?"

Geoff cleared his throat. "That soon, hmm? All right... let me get started. I have a couple ideas. Let me draw up some rough sketches and we'll go from there."

"You gonna be all right to do this Geoff?"

Geoff chuckled ruefully. "A little late to be asking me that, don't you think? G'wan back to the house and have some lemonade. I'll be in shortly and then I want to hear full details about Gwen."

He saw the almost imperceptible flinch, but let it pass without comment. Then he shooed her out of the workshop and turned his attention back to his desk, his mind already busy with possibilities. Randi observed him for a moment longer, but Geoff was already so lost in his work he never noticed her. Randi left him to his work, and she headed back to the house.

Jill had just finished mixing up the lemonade, so she poured it over ice and handed Randi a glass as she walked in the door. Randi accepted it gracefully and nodded her thanks. The silence went on until it became a little awkward and Randi decided to make an effort at conversation.

"So, are ya'll settling into the capital all right? I was surprised to see Geoff had had a workshop built here. I didn't think ya'll expected to be here that long."

"We didn't. Geoff was certain we'd only be here until you and Gwen got married - that he'd be able to walk by then and we could go home." Jill motioned Randi to a seat and took on for herself. Then she blew out a frustrated breath. "I guess you can imagine how well it went over with Geoff when he found out it was going to require *months* more of therapy and pain-filled work." She and Randi exchanged knowing glances.

"Jill, I want you to know how sorry I am...."

Jill held up her hand. "Randi, it's okay. What happened is not your fault - Geoff was having problems with his back long before he went on that mission. What happened would have happened sooner or later because of damage done to him years and years ago. Besides, you know and I know that Geoff would have gone on that mission regardless of what you wanted."

Jill paused, but Randi waited, knowing instinctively that Jill wasn't finished talking. "I think," she continued softly, "he would be happiest if he was to die doing something like that. Sometimes I think he wanted to die then; I think that is why he is so... frustrated over his progress. It would have been very circular for him to have died as a Sabre for Gwen, and since that didn't happen, well...."

"I'm sorry, Jill. I wish there was something I could do."

Jill waved her hands. "No, Randi. I don't want you to feel guilty - that was my reason for sharing that with you. If there is any guilt here, it belongs to Geoff and it is something he has to live with and work through. All right?"

Randi looked doubtful but allowed her head to nod slow agreement. She felt it was the only way Jill could let it go and regardless of their less-than-stellar history, she thought Jill deserved that much peace.

"So you decided to build him a workshop?"

It was Jill's turn to nod. "Um hmm... for his sake as well as mine. It keeps him busy during his down time and occupies his mind with something besides physical therapy... kind of a mental therapy for him. Carbon helps, but he can only handle so much attention without wanting to play and that is pretty physical. Training takes a lot out of Geoff too. But the workshop - that is his haven. He can always find something there to occupy his hands and mind."

"And this is completely selfish of me, but in a way, I am thankful you are back in the military. I know Gwen hates it and why, and I agree with her on that score, but I'm glad for the distraction it's given Geoff in his off hours. Because he has been out there working furiously since you rejoined or took over or did whatever it was you did. So thank you."

Randi sat quietly considering Jill's words. She certainly hadn't taken over the Sabre unit for Geoff's benefit, though she certainly didn't begrudge him or Jill the fringe benefit it had provided them. She was frankly glad for any good that came from it, considering what it was costing her personally.

"I'm glad," was all Randi said and turned her attention to the kitchen door, looking out and watching Carbon run around and chase bugs. It brought a smile to her face when he caught one and then shook his head as though wondering what to do with it. Jill followed her attention and chuckled at Carbon's antics, then lifted her chin in his direction.

"He's been a godsend as well. I know it was hard for you to give him up, especially with what happened with Ditto, but you have really helped Geoff by letting us raise Carbon. As much as it takes out of Geoff to train him, he looks forward to it and has set time aside every day to commit to it. So thank you for that as well. You've given so much. I hope...."

Jill stopped speaking and clasped her hands together tightly. She looked up in shocked surprise when Randi's hand covered hers. "What do you hope, Jill?"

Jill swallowed and unclasped her hands until she could hold on to Randi's hand. Then she looked into Randi's eyes, seeing for the first time the pain and confusion that lingered at the back of them nearly hidden by the steely resolve. She squeezed Randi's hands and smiled at her. "I hope that whatever happened between you and Gwen gets resolved really soon. You deserve to be happy together... you both do."

Randi didn't respond, but she didn't pull away either. Instead she turned her eyes back out the window unseeing, her mind in turmoil.

Gwen took advantage of the break and copped a seat on the floor as she guzzled the bottle of water she had snagged from the ever-ready cooler the Amazons kept filled in the room that served as their training gym. After just a couple weeks of work, she was already showing definite signs of improvement in several disciplines, particularly those that focused on the defensive aspects of her training. It was when it came to offensive training that Gwen was having the most problems.

Lorac and the other instructors bowed their heads as Lenore crossed the threshold. Gwen smiled when she looked up and met the twinkle in the Regent's eyes. "What?"

"You look a little worse for the wear, Gwen," motioning to the bruises on her arms and torso. "You going to be all right for your performance later?"

Gwen nodded and leaned her head against the wall. "Yeah. We're gonna cut out early today so I can regen and get a little rest. With Tommy coming up tomorrow for the children's presentation, I wanted to be sure I didn't resemble the punching bag I feel like."

Lenore laughed. "You have not heard my warriors moaning and groaning in their barracks. I assure you that you dish out at least as well as you take it. Lorac is especially pleased with your progress in defensive maneuvers."

"Yes, but offensively is another matter entirely."

Lenore gestured to the open space beside Gwen. "May I?"

"Please," waving her down.

"Why do you think that is, Gwen?" smiling sympathetically when Gwen looked at her in confusion. "Sorry - why do you think it is that you excel at defense but seem to have trouble acting offensively?"

Gwen shrugged. "Probably because I'm not a warrior. I don't see things the way you or Lorac or especially Randi does," turning her face away from Lenore at the last. "I just am not the type to go out and start a fight for the sake of fighting. It's not my nature, Lenore. It never has been, even before Randi started teaching me."

"What did she teach you?"

"To wait for the other guy to attack. To defend and protect myself by disabling my opponent."

"That's all?"

Gwen nodded. "Yeah, that's all."

Lenore chewed her lip, then waved Lorac over to them. "I think we have been going about Gwen's training all wrong." She turned to Gwen. "Do you think you could attack if it was a matter of defense?" sighing at the scrunched up look of confusion on Gwen's face. "If you were defending someone other than yourself, could you - would you - protect them by attacking your enemy? Even if attacking meant they would die?"

Gwen stared off into space. "I don't know," she answered honestly. "I'd like to think I could, but I have never been in that sort of situation before. When Randi and I would spar, I always knew it was just that - sparring... no real danger, and set up for me to learn defense. Any real threats, Randi has always taken care of. Offense is something she excels at."

Lenore nodded, understanding the truth of that statement far better than Gwen realized. Hers had been the tribe Randi had visited with Jess when the skinheads had attacked them. She had seen with her own eyes just what happened when Randi went on the offensive - people died.

"I would like to try something in the next few days, if you are willing," waiting for Gwen to nod her agreement. "Okay... I'd like to make this more real for you by using holo technology first and then eventually bringing in real warriors."

Gwen blinked. "Do you realize what an oxymoron that is?"

Lenore smiled. "I know it sounds that way, but hear me out and I think you'll understand what I'm not saying very well here."

"All right."

"Well, I think if we could put you into an environment where you had to go on the offensive to protect yourself and others, it might force you to learn to act instead of react."

Gwen thought about it. "You don't think I need to know how to fight offensively first?"

Lorac answered. "Gwen, it is my opinion that your body already has the knowledge and understanding to attack an enemy you perceive as a threat. There is a warrior inside of you, even if you don't feel it within yourself yet. Your hesitation seems to be in making that knowledge work for you - like you have some sort of deep-seated barrier keeping the knowledge from translating into physical ability. If we put you into a safe environment, I think we might be able to break through that."

Gwen sat contemplating Lorac's words, finding a certain sense in them. She finished the bottle of water in her hands then shrugged and gave Lorac a nod. "I suppose it couldn't hurt to try."

"You don't seem very enthusiastic," Lenore noted.

"Honestly, I'm not. But I promised Randi I would try, so if that's what ya'll think will work...."

Lenore and Lorac exchanged glances. "Gwen, I don't think it will work if you don't believe in it."

The expression on Gwen's face hardened so quickly, the two Amazons flinched in response to the fire that burned in her eyes. "Frankly, I don't give a good goddamn what you want me to believe in." She stood up with a jerk and pointed a finder at them. "I said I would give it a try... that's the best you're gonna get from me. I don't want to be here doing this, so don't push me, all right??"

Dead silence met her words and Gwen stalked from the room, fury radiating from every pore in her body. The Amazons let her go and waited until the door slammed shut behind her completely before they turned to look at one another. Then they all faced Lenore.

"Well, that could have gone better."

"I don't know, my queen. I think, given her true feelings about being here, it could have gone much worse. And in fairness, I can't blame her. She is a warrior, Lenore, but her best weapons are her words, and they always will be. Forcing her to play a role she is not meant for is going to make her miserable. We just have to try to give her enough space to avoid any nasty fallout."

Lenore chuckled and put an arm around Lorac's shoulders. "How did you get so smart?"

"Watching you?"

Now Lenore laughed so hard she nearly doubled over. "Ah, Lorac, my friend, you should have gone into politics. You could rule the world with that slick tongue."

The other instructors tittered and Lorac cast an evil glare in their direction before poking Lenore in the side. The queen jumped and returned Lorac's glare. The weapons' master just shrugged before the two old friends smiled at one another.

"All right, ladies... it looks like we've got the rest of the day off. However, I will ask that all of you remain extra vigilant. Given Gwen's current state of mind, I wouldn't be surprised if she tried something unexpected... even with her friend Mr. Steele due up here this evening."

Just then, Rosie came rushing through the doors. "What happened?" she demanded without preamble. "We saw Gwen leave. She went right to the stable and saddled up Lance. It was all Reed could do to get the transport out in time to follow her once we realized she was leaving."

Immediately the Amazons went from relaxed to warrior state so quickly Rosie nearly got whiplash watching the transformation. "Does Reed know where Gwen is going?"

Rosie nodded. "We believe she is headed out to the small cabin she and Randi have nearby." A pause. "It's where they spent their honeymoon."

"All right. Let Sky know we need whatever warriors he has available and Lorac, you go round up the rest of the sisters. Don't sound the alarm; just get everyone here quickly and quietly. We," motioning to the instructors now standing at her back, "will go with the warriors that are already ready to go. You will come with the rest and lead the second wave in. Don't," she commanded, holding up a hand to forestall the argument she knew was coming. "Lorac, do as I ask, please. We don't have time to argue."

The weapons' master nodded, though she had grave misgivings. There was something about the whole thing that she just didn't like aside from the fact that Lenore was going out without her. Lorac knew her sisters' strengths and weakness and Lenore was not one to go off half-cocked. She had a reason for rushing out after Gwen, and Lorac respected Lenore's gut instincts. They had rarely steered the Nation wrong. But this was giving Lorac the heebie jeebies.

Nevertheless, Lenore was still her queen and a regent of the Nation and Lorac had sworn a duty to both. So she nodded her head and raced out the door. Lenore turned back to Rosie.

"Do you know where this place is?"

The shamaness nodded. She had made sure of a great many things upon their arrival in this place and as much as it had pained her to venture into Gwen's privacy, the location of their secret home was the first thing she had ascertained from Sky. She had already gone to the area with Reed, though they stayed out of the house itself, scouting it out. She had discovered that it held the karma that bound Randi and Gwen together and knew it would be useful when it came to the final battle. At this point, Rosie planned to use every advantage they could find, and this was a big one.

For now, though, it was time to fulfill another destiny.

Lance was happy to be out of the stables, even if his preferred rider wasn't on his back and Gwen was a much lighter jockey. He had a grudging respect for Gwen, even without Randi's admonishment. But the fact that Gwen had saddled him up and now was riding him for all she was worth made him run like the wind. It was good to be out and about, even if only for a little while.

For her part, Gwen let the smooth, even cadence of the horse's gait blow the turmoil from her mind. Though she was enjoying her time with the Amazons, Gwen was so tired. And it was a physical tired as much as it was a mental and an emotional one. She wasn't sleeping well, her dreams haunted by images both real and imagined until she couldn't tell the difference between the two.

Gwen hadn't spoken to Randi since the Sabre had left the village a little more than two weeks prior. She had determined that since Randi had placed her here and cut off their interaction, it was up to Randi to decide when to resume contact. It made perfect, logical sense, but her heart and soul felt it was just so much bullshit. However, they had embarked upon this path - there was nothing to be done now but to see it through to the end.

Worse than Randi's pointed lack of communication with her was the fact that Gwen knew for a certainty that Randi was in almost daily contact with Reed. Even if it was only for a status report or an update on things, Reed spoke to Randi everyday, and never once had she asked to speak to Gwen directly. Oh, she inquired after her naturally, checked on her progress and such, but it wasn't the same as having Randi care enough to talk to her personally.

Pain ripped through her and she screamed. Lancelot reacted by running faster, and Gwen let the sting of the wind pull the tears from her eyes and dry them on her cheeks.

Reed felt her heart break at the sound. She had caught up with Gwen enough to keep her in sight but stayed back far enough to insure the bard's privacy. She hoped that Rosie and the Amazons were close behind her though. There was far too much open space here, and Randi had been very clear about the threat the Fringe Amazons posed to Gwen. That thought made Reed speed up just a little bit.

When Gwen arrived in the meadow, she jumped from Lance's back and tied the reins to one of the low tree branches then walked down to the spring, never once glancing in the direction of the cabin.

It was beautiful in the spring. The fruit trees were in full blossom and the air was perfumed with their scent, much as Gwen had imagined it would be. The meadow itself was covered in an array of festive flowers and the bees seemed quite happy with the bounty that was spread as far as the eye could see. Gwen didn't see it, though; her mind was in chaos.

Reed pulled her transport up to the small house and shut it down, looking around frantically when she couldn't find Gwen. The sight of Lance calmed her considerably, and she started searching the meadow and riverbank.

Almost immediately, two transports pulled into the lane. Reed motioned them towards the house and continued to track swiftly across the meadow until she came across Gwen. Then she stood waiting for the Amazons and male warriors to join her so they could set a perimeter. Reed kept an eye on Gwen, noting the rigid posture. Even without being a seer, Reed could sense Gwen's pain. She was glad the barrier they had erected was in place and still holding.

Lenore and Rosie led the group that approached her silently. With just a few whispered instructions, they managed to set a perimeter round Gwen. Then they settled in to wait.

Gwen didn't move for a number of hours. She sat perfectly still unseeing as the wind riffled through her hair and the creek rushed and tripped over and around the rocks that made up its bed. She didn't allow herself to think or to feel. She was compartmentalizing everything, trying to separate herself from the pain. A part of her in the back of her mind wondered what had set this off here and now, but the larger part of her didn't care. The fact was it had happened and there was nothing to be done for it but to work through it to the best of her ability.

Another part of her, her creative center, knew doing this was going to crucify her muse, effectively rendering it dead. But she had decided it would be worth the cost if it would give her some peace from what her life had become.

And if she was to be quite honest, without Randi she didn't want to tell stories anyway.

"How long do you think she's going to sit there, Lenore?" Lorac asked in a whisper. She and the rest of the Amazons had arrived shortly after the regent and her group and had served as reinforcements around the perimeter. Personally Lorac wondered if Gwen planned to move at all; she had been so angry when she slammed out of the training room that morning.

"I don't know. Maybe I should go talk to her. I certainly didn't intend to push any hot buttons with her," Lenore sighed. She watched as Rosie approached Gwen, wondering if Gwen would even acknowledge her. "But I think I'll wait until Rosie is done. We don't want Gwen to feel like she is being ganged up on."

"Let me go instead, my queen. After all...."

"After all, Lorac, this is my responsibility. Even if I hadn't been the one to push her, I am still accountable to Randi for her well-being." She held up a hand, knowing Lorac would place the responsibility for Gwen squarely on Randi's shoulders. "Don't go there, my friend. It is our duty, and you more than the rest understand why we need to do this - not just for us, but for everyone."

Lorac nodded, biting her lips to keep from speaking out against the roiling in her guts. Then she turned her attention back to the tableau playing out in front of her.

"She's not lost to you, child," Rosie said as she sat down beside Gwen. "At least not completely." Gwen didn't move, but she did open her eyes slowly. That and the slight tremor that traveled through her body were the only signs that Gwen was aware of Rosie's presence, but the shamaness didn't mind. She knew Gwen was grieving; she just wanted Gwen to know she wasn't alone.

"Reed shared her vision with you, didn't she? You have to have a little faith, child. It will all work out in the end."

"Rosie, faith is not the problem, and neither is the end. The problem I am working on is the here and now and the pain it is causing me. I have to get through that first, anyway I can. Then I can worry about the future and how this ends."

"But at what cost, Gwen?"

The silence was long and ominous and when Gwen looked at Rosie, there was fire in her eyes. "Whatever it takes, Rosie. Whatever it takes."

Rosie reached over and took her hand, pleased when Gwen didn't pull away from her touch. "Just know that you don't have to endure this alone - neither of you do."

Gwen didn't answer; her attention had returned to finding a place of calm in her own mind.

Rosie sat there for a moment longer, until she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and nodded at Lenore, letting the regent help her to her feet. They exchanged silent glances before nodding in unspoken understanding, then Rosie went back to wait with Reed.

"How is she?" the seer asked when the shamaness reached her side, unwilling to intrude on Gwen's emotions at this point for purely selfish reasons. Reed knew all too well that the path they traveled would be long and bumpy, and this was just another pothole in the road. She would maintain her barrier until necessity dictated otherwise.

Rosie shrugged. "It's rough. These things pop up unexpectedly and she keeps getting blindsided by them. It would be so much easier of we could see this stuff ahead of time and deal with it before it erupted." She waved her hands. "I know the future is too fluid for that. I'm just saying it would be nice to be prepared for a change." She paused and looked at Reed, and Reed returned the look with all seriousness.

"What?"

"Have you seen the end yet? Do we have any clue on what, when and how?"

Reed blue out a breath and her gray eyes flashed silver in thought. "The what and how are still unclear, but I have reason to believe that the when will be by Celebration. One way or another, I think everything will be settled by then."

Rosie sighed. "Well, at least that is only a few weeks off. Does Randi...?" She would have said more but Reed held up a hand for silence.

"You all right, Gwen?" Lenore asked as she took a seat beside her. "I'm sorry I spoke out of turn earlier. I didn't mean...."

"It's all right, Lenore. It wasn't you or anything you said, really. This is just me having a bad day." She shrugged and gave Lenore a half-hearted smile. "Happens to the best of us."

Lenore chuckled. "No kidding. You should be around every month when PMS hits the Nation. Imagine *everyone* having one of those days all at the same time."

Gwen shuddered and made a face. "Oh, my. That would be...." She shuddered again and Lenore laughed.

"Exactly."

"So since we've established I'm just having a really bad day, why are all of ya'll out here with me? I know you're supposed to be protecting me and all, but this is our private hideaway. No one knows about this place... or they wouldn't have if ya'll hadn't followed me out here." Gwen hid her face behind her hands. "Randi managed to keep this place a secret for years. She shares it with me and within months the world knows about it."

Lenore patted Gwen's shoulder a little awkwardly. She wanted to provide comfort but it felt more like an intrusion. "Gwen, the Nation has known about this place since it was given to Randi in her vision quest. And I'd be willing to bet the People have known about it since she first arrived. We've just respected her privacy much as she respected our traditions and out ways." She paused. "As for why we're here... you're right - we're protecting you. I know it seems ridiculous, but it's not. We have reason to believe...."

Whatever Lenore had been about to say was cut off when she pushed Gwen over and covered her body as a hail of arrows rained down around them. Almost immediately, Amazons and warriors alike scattered to find the Fringe Amazons that were perpetrating the attack.

Not having seen the attack start, Gwen was at something of a loss to understand why Lenore was suddenly deadweight on top of her, though it wasn't hard for her to figure out given their conversation only moments before. Still, she knew she would be more comfortable if Lenore would at least give her the opportunity to breathe.

"Lenore?" muffled from where she was being pushed into the ground. "Lenore, please... I know you're trying to protect me, but I can't breathe here. Can you lift up just a little?" When she got no immediate response, she realized that Lenore wasn't simply covering her, but was actually - deadweight. A moan caused Gwen to wiggle out from under the regent enough to see that she had two arrows embedded in her spine... one near the base and the other close to her neck.

"Oh, God... Lenore!"

"My Queen," Lenore rasped. Gwen didn't have the chance to ask what Lenore meant because the Amazon regent closed her eyes and stopped speaking.

"Queen?? Lenore?? Lenore!!"

Chapter XVII

"What the fuck happened?? Goddamnit, Reed!! We were supposed to have warning!! We were supposed to know they were coming!! Where was Jess?!?"

Randi was furious and it was clear not only in her tone, but in her controlled movements and clenching jaw. Reed strained to keep her expression and her voice neutral. She knew there was more frustration than accusation, but it still cut to have Randi go off on her like that.

"I don't know, sir. Jess is one of the Amazons we managed to capture, but she is still unconscious at the moment. The doc has her in regen right night and says she'll recover, no problem, so we expect her to come around in the next couple hours. Then we'll be able to get some answers."

Randi nodded once so hard Reed could hear the bones grind together. "I expect some," Randi said flatly. "There is no excuse for this kind of fuck up... especially this close to a major offensive. Let me know immediately what you find out. Now, recap for me."

"They came out of nowhere, showered us with arrows. Fortunately, they were hoping to overwhelm us with numbers instead of skill so we suffered a lot less damage than we could have. We have two injured Amazons and three injured warriors, but we managed to subdue a majority of the renegade Amazons."

"How many?"

"Six dead, nineteen captured, seven of those injured."

"Kill them."

Reed sputtered. "Excuse me, sir?"

"I did not stutter, Reed. Find out who the leader is and keep her for interrogation purposes. Kill the rest. The only purpose they serve at this point is to send our message to the rebellion."

"What about Jess?"

"Find a way to make it look like she dies. Then have her report to me here. Understood?"

"Aye, aye, sir. Is there anything else?" Reed asked, knowing there was, but wanting to make Randi ask for it. Randi turned her seat away from the monitor so Reed could still hear her, but was unable to see her. Not that Reed needed to see Randi to feel the emotions that rolled off her like water. Personally, the seer appreciated the barrier between them - not being able to see Randi made it easier to keep her personal barrier intact. She waited patiently.

"How is Gwen?" whispered so low Reed nearly missed it in spite of listening for it.

"She's...." Reed blew out a breath. "She's all right, physically speaking. She was completely covered; the warriors and Amazons know their assignments and take them seriously. As for the rest... well, there's a reason she went out to the cabin, Randi."

"DON'T," Randi growled. "Don't go there. We're all having to make sacrifices we don't like. Keep me posted." The screen went dark. Reed shook her head and went upstairs to Gwen's room.

As soon as they had the attack under control and had rounded up the Fringe Amazons and all the injured, the entire entourage had immediately returned to the village. Surprisingly, it had been Gwen who had taken charge of the entire proceeding and gotten everyone back safely. More surprisingly, the Amazons and warriors both followed her directives without question. Reed wondered if Gwen realized how unusual that was.

"Did you?" Randi asked. She leaned back into Gwen's embrace, biting back a groan. Instead of getting better, the pain in her chest was suddenly becoming worse. Gwen tilted the dark head back until she could look into pain-dulled blue eyes. She didn't say anything; she simply shifted their positions until she was spooned behind Randi. It took some doing and Randi was at something of a loss when Gwen slipped out from behind her... until she understood what Gwen was doing. Then she just settled in and absorbed the change in position - it allowed her to curl up a little more, which eased the pain in her chest considerably.

"Better?" Gwen asked when she finally got enough pillows settled so she could not only curl up behind Randi, but could also see over her to continue reading aloud together.

Randi took a cautiously deep breath, then nodded as she exhaled. "Yeah, thanks. That took some of the pressure off." She breathed in again gently, and turned her head enough to catch Gwen's eye. "You avoiding the question or did you just forget?"

"Hmm? What question, sweetheart? Oh... you mean knowing about the Amazons and warriors? Sorry, I was trying to make you more comfortable and forgot, I guess. Hmm, well... I didn't really think about it at the time. My only thought was getting everyone out of there and getting some help for Lenore." She shivered in memory at the remembered blood. "I didn't even stop to wonder why they would follow me without question... my mind was on overload. I guess I figured everyone had the same objective in mind."

"How long did it take before you realized it?" Randi asked, nuzzling into Gwen's neck for comfort.

Gwen smiled wryly and returned the affection, easing her fingers along Randi's ribs where it wouldn't hurt. She started to pull away immediately when Randi flinched, only to find her hand trapped between long fingers and warm skin. Randi gave Gwen a shy smile. "It tickled."

Now Gwen chuckled. "Sorry, I was trying to be gentle." She stroked a little harder. "How's that?"

"Better," Randi said, relaxing back until they were touching along their length.

"Now to answer your question, when did I realize it? When Lorac kept calling me queen. When did I actually believe it? About the time they all started kneeling and calling me 'Queen'."

"Yeah, I guess that would do it. Is that what the next part is about?" turning the book ahead a few pages.

"Among other things."

"Gwen?" Reed asked as she knocked on the door. "May I come in?"

"Please, Reed."

Reed opened the door and crossed the threshold, a little surprised to see Lorac there instead of at Lenore's side. Gwen was quick to interpret the look.

"The doctor shooed us out while they took care of the injured. I told Lorac she could wait with me."

"I figured it was best not to leave the que... Gwen alone," Lorac said with a slight stutter, and Reed nodded her approval. "I have sent for the royal guard. They should be here," looking at her watch, "in about an hour. They had to make some arrangements to accompany the elders here as well. The doctors, both of them, said they would come here to give us a report once they were finished. It was either here or the restaurant, and this is more sec... more comfortable."

Gwen shook her head. "Lorac, you don't have to act like I don't know this entire thing is my fault. I don't like it but I do understand it. Five more people have been hurt because of me. Six died."

"At least they were the enemy," Lorac muttered, but Gwen still heard.

"Yes, they were the enemy, but they were still human beings." She ran a hand through her hair and turned towards the window as she blew out a frustrated breath. "I'm sorry, Lorac," Gwen apologized, still facing the window. "I know this is not your fault and I shouldn't be taking it out on you. It's just that so many people have died directly because of me, and that doesn't even count those who have been injured. I really think there should be more that I personally could do about it." She didn't mention Randi nor her seeming lack of interest in what had happened.

Reed had already put reflective glass in place to keep anyone from seeing in while still allowing light into the room, but it still made her nervous to see Gwen that close to the window. Still, Gwen was on edge enough without adding to it, so she stayed quiet, well aware of the extra vigilance in the village now. She wasn't going to share with Gwen about the influx of security Randi had sent in.

"My que... Gwen... it's not your fault. This was going to happen whether you had been guarded or not." Two heads whipped around so quickly, Lorac felt herself getting whiplash in sympathetic reaction. The question in Gwen's eyes was clear, but the glare in Reed's was burning. Lorac swallowed hard. "Your being here was divine provenance - according to what I have *now* been told," said with not a little irritation in her voice. "The time has come for you to reunite the Nation and make us strong again. You are the queen we have been waiting for."

Gwen just blinked at Lorac, but Reed moved to wrap a hand around her throat. Gwen opened her mouth to speak, but Reed held up her free hand for silence. She didn't squeeze; she didn't need to. The threat was enough to make her intentions perfectly clear. "Did you know there would be an attack? Did anyone?? Lenore??"

Lorac shook her head. "Not that I know of. Lenore knew that the queen was coming. That was all she saw in her vision - that Gwen would be our new queen and would bring the Nation together once more. I think she expected to die, but if she knew more than that she never said." Lorac gave Reed a wry grimace. "I didn't find out that much until we got back here. It is how I knew to send for the guard and the elders."

"Wait just a damn minute," Gwen ground out, forcing the two of them to face her. "What the hell is going on here exactly? You don't get to decide my future like that! No one does. I am no one's queen, you got that?? I don't care about your prophesies or your visions or anything else! I've got more than enough on my plate without having to deal with that as well!"

Lorac swallowed hard, at something of a loss to deal with this side of Gwen. Privately she wondered how the Nation was going to survive her mood swings; Gwen appeared to be much more volatile that the entire nation cycling at the same time, and that thought was just downright scary.

Reed released her hold on Lorac and looked at her directly. "Lorac, why don't you wait downstairs for the reports from the doctors? They should be done shortly, and I need to speak to Gwen alone."

Lorac nodded, happy to have an excuse to escape the room, and left as swiftly as she could gracefully manage. Reed and Gwen exchanged long glances before Gwen sighed and looked away. She crossed the room and fell gracelessly onto the bed. Reed sat down beside her and brushed the bangs back from Gwen's closed eyes, but she didn't speak.

"I'm screwed, aren't I?" Gwen said softly with her eyes still closed. She missed Reed's forehead scrunched in confusion. But she heard it when she spoke.

"How so, Gwen? I mean more than you thought you were before?"

Gwen sat up so swiftly she nearly cracked Reed's chin with her head. "You're kidding me, right?" Gwen said with disbelief. "C'mon, Reed. Don't patronize me. Things were bad before, but this... this just takes the cake. I can't be an Amazon Queen - I'm not even an Amazon!!!"

"But you are."

The soft voice wasn't Reed and it wasn't Gwen and it caused both of them to look around the otherwise empty room. Finally they met each other's gaze with widened eyes.

"You did hear that, didn't you?" Gwen whispered. "Please tell me you heard that."

"I heard that," Reed said with a nod.

"Thank God," Gwen muttered. "I don't need to add losing my mind to the rest of my day." She slid back down onto the bed and covered her head with a pillow. "I should have stayed in bed today."

Reed couldn't stop the wry chuckle... she felt the same way. She started to speak when a clattering from the stairs resonated in the room and she turned her head towards the door. She gently slapped Gwen on the legs. "Hey... I think something is happening downstairs. You think we ought to...?" She was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"My queen? Um... Gwen?"

Reed felt the groan more than heard it, then Gwen slid the pillow off her face and slammed it into the bed. "Come in, Lorac."

The weapons' master opened the door slowly and stuck her head in. When she was sure she was welcome, Lorac crossed the threshold. She bowed in Gwen's direction then she stood and met both sets of eyes. "The doctors are downstairs. I think... they've asked to speak to you, my queen."

"Lorac, my name is Gwen... GWEN, got it?? I am no one's queen!" Lorac's eyes widened, but she nodded. She wasn't about to say anything else if she didn't have to. She was torn between loyalties and had her own mixed feelings about everything that was going on.

Gwen looked completely frustrated. But she slid from the bed and ran a hand through her hair before blowing out an exasperated breath. Then she motioned to Lorac. "C'mon. Let's go." She turned back and looked at Reed. "You coming?"

"Absolutely," the seer answered. She had enough to answer for without choosing to miss out on anything else. Besides, she had a good idea how Randi was going to react when she got the news and Reed wanted everything available to her to give to Randi when the time came. It might make the information go down a little easier.

Lorac held the door and waited for the other two women to go in front of her. This day was just going from bad to worse, and she didn't see it getting better anytime soon. She sighed when she closed the door and followed Randi and Gwen down the stairs.

The Amazon healer was pacing quietly across the small living room while both the village doctor and Sky watched helplessly. There was nothing either could do or say at the moment, so they alternated looking between her and the staircase. It wasn't long before their patience was rewarded.

Gwen came into the room, calm and composed, assuming an air of authority almost unconsciously. The mask faltered when the Amazon healer knelt at her feet and bowed her head. Gwen looked around the room in startlement. "Rise, Dalia, please. You shouldn't be kneeling at my feet."

"My queen??"

Gwen shook her head and blew out a breath. She didn't have the time or the patience to deal with this right now. She would ask Lorac to call for an assembly once the present crisis was over. It wasn't right for everyone to continue to believe she was something she was not. For now though....

"Dalia, Lorac said you and Nim needed to see me. What can I do for you?"

"My queen, Dr. Darkhorse and I have done everything we could for the Amazons and warriors we brought back with us, but...."

"But?"

"Queen Gwen," Dr. Darkhorse picked up the thread. "There is nothing more we can do for them except make them comfortable."

"Excuse me?" Gwen wasn't being deliberately dense, but she really didn't want to accept what it sounded like she was being told.

"My queen, the Amazons who attacked us weren't content to simply kill us. They wanted to ensure that everyone suffered." Dalia paused and sighed, forgetting the 'queen' business and returning to the healer she was. "Their arrows had some sort of poison on them that steals a person's life step by step. We tried the regen unit, but it simply sped up the process. One warrior and one Amazon have already died. Regent Lenore is asking to speak to you."

"Dammit," Gwen mumbled, running her hand through her hair again. "All right, look. I want you both to get back to work. See if you can physically isolate the poison and find an antidote. Find some people to keep your patients as comfortable as possible, but I want you two working together to find a way to fix this. Don't tell me it can't be done," she commanded, holding up a hand to halt their protestations. "Reed, can you please call Lacey and see if she can come help?" Reed nodded and moved off to the small office Sky had given her.

Gwen turned back to see Dalia and Nim still standing in the living room looking at her with mouths agape. She clapped her hands together. "I wasn't talking just to hear myself speak, people. Let's move. Go, go, go!"

Surprise as much as anything else made them move and they scampered out the door like they were on fire. Gwen rubbed her eyes. "Sky, will you gather the village, please? Maybe together they will be strong enough to see... I don't know... something - anything that can help us out with this mess."

"I'll get right on it, Gwen," moving into the kitchen.

"Lorac, I need you to get the Amazons together, please. Those with any medical training, get them over to help Dalia and Nim. The rest, get together with Reed and rework a schedule to make up for the losses until we can get some reinforcements in here."

"You think we will, my queen?"

"Lorac, I may not be an Amazon, but I'm not stupid either. I know very well you sent out an all call around the Nation as soon as Lenore decided to call me queen. And I am fairly certain that there will be a large military contingent headed this way as soon as Randi hears about this... although I am hoping to put a stop to that before it happens."

"Why?" Lorac blurted out before she had time to censor herself. "We can use all the help we can get."

"No," Gwen stated clearly and firmly. "Not this kind. We really don't want the military in here. They will take over and this place will become unbearable for everyone. Trust me on this, Lorac," when the weapons' master failed to look convinced. "If Randi sends in the troops, it's not going to be the ground pounders you're used to. They will be a lot like Randi in the way they do things."

Lorac nodded. "I see your point, my queen. Let me go take care of it." Then she bowed and made her way swiftly over to the inn where the remainder of the Amazons were waiting to get the ball rolling. Lorac knew she had enough problems without adding gung-ho military minds to the mix. She blinked in surprise when she realized how easily Gwen had slipped into the role of Queen, then stopped dead when she figured out how natural it had been to follow her. Her steps became a run as she allowed the physical activity to push out the confusing thoughts. She would worry about them and her conflicting loyalties later. For now, there was work to be done.

"Lenore?" Gwen tapped on the doorjamb as she stuck her head into the room where the regent lay unmoving. She stepped into the room and crossed over to the bed, clasping Lenore's cool hand in her own. "Lenore? Dalia said you wanted to speak to me. What can I do for you?"

Lenore blinked her eyes open and looked at Gwen with a smile. She tried to squeeze Gwen's fingers, but it was more of a reflex action than a genuine grasp. Gwen reached for the water that sat on the small bedside table and offered it to Lenore who accepted it gratefully. She sat back with a relieved sigh. "Thank you," she said softly.

Gwen smoothed the hair back from Lenore's face, biting her bottom lip. "Oh, Lenore. I wish I could do more. You saved my life. Thank you."

"There is something you can do," grimacing in pain.

"Anything, Lenore."

"Accept the mantle of queen; become the ruler you were born to be. The Nation needs you. It's your time."

"Lenore, I'm not even an Amazon. I can't be the queen you want me to be." She pulled the cover up a little further and tucked it in more tightly around Lenore's body. "C'mon. You need to rest. Dalia and Nim are working on finding an antidote for the poison. You want to be ready to resume your regency when they do find it."

Lenore winced and drew as deep a breath as she dared. "Gwen, why are you fighting so hard against this? Most people would be thrilled to have that kind of power handed to them on a silver platter. Trust me... I have been shown - you are the chosen one. You are the queen of the Amazon Nation."

"This is not something I want, Lenore; it's not something I ever even considered wanting, much less having. Can't I do something... anything... else for you? I'm not queen material."

"Oh, I beg to differ, my queen. You are - you just haven't had a real chance to practice yet. But don't worry - I think you'll have plenty of opportunity to work at it."

Gwen groaned. "You're not gonna let this go, are you?"

"No. It's important to me that you accept this, and it's important to the Nation."

Gwen blew out a breath. "I'll make a deal with you. I'll work on this queen thing, but you have to stay alive. I think they will be able to find a cure and you have to live so it can work." Lenore flinched again and gave Gwen a wry smile.

"Deal."

"All right, then. Let me go see about doing some sort of queen thing, and you get some rest. I'll be back later. You just remember your promise, all right?" Lenore nodded slowly, her eyes starting to close again. "Can I get you anything before I leave?"

"No, thank you, Gwen. Go practice being a queen."

Gwen would have answered, but Lenore's breathing had already deepened into the even rhythm of sleep.

"Thanks, Lacey. We'll see you in about an hour then?"

"Yeah. I'm gonna bring a couple folks with me." She was boarding the shuttle and talking to Reed even as they prepared for take off. Her compatriots had already loaded their equipment and taken their seats. The door closed behind Lacey as soon as she cleared the threshold.

"Not Sabres?"

"No, folks from the hospital... internists. They're researchers." She paused. "Wait, why?"

"Long story, but let's just say if Randi sends any more Sabres in, Gwen is liable to go postal, and I don't want to be here for the fallout."

Lacey chewed her lip. "That bad, huh?"

"Oh, you have no idea. She is running on overload at the moment. Among other things, the Amazons are trying to make her their queen." Dead silence met Reed's pronouncement and she moved the comm unit to assure herself there was still a connection between them. She hated that the comm link was only vocal, but it was the best they had. "Lacey? You still there?"

"Uh huh," drawled out so slowly Reed chuckled silently to herself. "Did I hear you right? Did you say the Amazons are trying to make Gwen their queen?" Reed could hear the engines whine as the shuttle lifted off.

"Yeah... I'll fill you in when you get here. But just be prepared... the Gwen you know is not the Gwen that is here. This whole business is really taking a toll on her."

"All right. Maybe I can help make it better. I'll see you in a bit."

"Thanks, Lacey." Then she hung up and placed the call she really wasn't looking forward to.

Randi rubbed her forehead and turned back to the screen. "You wanna repeat that for me, Reed?"

This time Reed wished for no video connection, but she knew Randi would never go for that. She also knew Randi would never accept no as an answer. She sighed and saw the blue eyes glaring at her in impatience. "The Amazons have declared Gwen to be their queen, sir. They say she is destined to reunite the Nation."

"Uh huh... and they know this how?"

"I didn't ask for specifics, sir. I haven't had a chance, actually. I just thought you would like to be notified as soon as I became aware of the situation."

Randi nodded her head curtly. "Good job, Reed." She turned the chair and looked out the window. "I'll be sending in a squad...."

"NO!"

Randi's head whipped around and Reed swore she could see the flames in the eyes that met hers. "Excuse. Me?" Her voice was low, flat and deadly. "Since when do you...?"

"Since you charged me with her well-being, Randi. You've pushed her as far as she's gonna go; she's riding the edge."

"She doesn't have to know."

"She will though, and I won't even have to tell her." Reed blew out her own exasperated breath. "Dammit, Randi. Give the woman some credit. She knows you. She knows exactly how you would react to any sort of perceived threat to her. And let's face it - you see her becoming the Amazon Queen as a huge threat to both of you. Sir."

Reed swore she could feel Randi's teeth grinding in her mouth. But she knew if Randi took the time to think it through completely, she would not only agree with Reed, she'd know why she was right in what she said. Finally, though, Randi gave a little growl.

"Fine. It's not like I actually have the troops to spare right for that now. You're sure that the Amazons are sending in reinforcements?"

"Yes sir. According to Lorac, all the tribes will be sending in representatives as well as their council of elders. They will want to swear her in before the entire Nation, but that won't be for a while. She hasn't actually accepted the position."

Randi rubbed her forehead. The day hadn't been going well in the first place, and now she was just getting a headache. To top it off, the pain of being separated from Gwen, not sure where they stood, was agonizing and it made her irritable. All her Sabre leaders were keeping their distance except when it was absolutely necessary to come into her space. Just as well, they were leaving for their first assignment very shortly, and she wanted them focused. Now she just had to find her own focus to take care of Sabre business. If Reed was sure about Gwen, Randi would have to put that aside until later.

Randi nodded. "All right. See to it, Reed. I'm going to be out of communication for a while," knowing Reed understood full well exactly what she wasn't saying. "If something comes up, you will need to handle it until I get back."

"Aye, sir. I understand. I'll take care of everything," Reed agreed, anxious to cut the communication short as it was starting to become painful. Randi's aura was so screwed it was a horrible drain on Reed's barrier and she was looking forward to some reinforcement of her own.

"Do that," Randi agreed. "I'll be in touch."

The screen went dark before Reed could respond. Things were spiraling out of control and she had work to do to keep ahead of the chaos.

Tiny and Brenda were gearing up in silence. They were the last part of the final team to be preparing for the mission except for Randi. The rest had already arrived at the rendezvous in staggered increments to avoid arousing suspicion. It was different than the way they had done things before, but Randi had a plan, and it looked like they might finally have a chance to defeat the rebellion once and for all.

However, the two of them still had work to do before the assault started, and they wanted to be well on their way before Randi arrived. She had been a bitch on wheels since she'd left Gwen in the small village that was home to Reed's people. They would all be glad when this was over... for a multitude of reasons.

"You think this will work?" Brenda said softly to Tiny as they boarded the shuttle. It was a fairly safe place to talk without being overheard.

Tiny looked at her. He couldn't blame her for her doubts. Randi had been all over the map from what they knew of her and even knowing her motivations didn't always make it easy to understand her choices. However, knowing her motivation made it easy to believe in her success.

"Yeah, I do," he answered easily, though Brenda knew he had given the question the deliberation it was due. He'd never been one to rush his answers when it came time to go to work. "I know why she is pushing, Bren... hell, we all do. But I think there is some merit to this. Why wait to take out the leaders if there are pockets we can destroy now? Less we have to deal with later."

"I agree. I'm just not sure I understand this whole roundup idea. Why not just obliterate them?"

"I dunno. I'm sure she has a reason though."

"I guess. Just wish she'd share. I hate being kept in the dark like this."

"So do I, Brenda... so do I."

Chapter XVIII

Randi looked around her office. She was tired of this; she missed home and the beach and most especially, she missed Gwen. She hated this... this whole thing had spiraled out of control. It wasn't how things were supposed to be. But responsibility came first and that meant being her alone for the time being. Randi rubbed the side of her face. It was aching badly today and it was giving her a headache on top of everything else.

She watched as the shuttle lifted off carrying the last of her team members. They were going to try something different this time, bringing a majority of the rebels back to the capital city to stand trial... of a sort. But first....

Randi walked out of the office and through the corridors of the military building. She shook her head; that was one of the things she was going to have to finish fixing when the rebellion was taken care of. It was time the regular military started pulling its own weight in the world and took care of some of the dirty work and this operation would be just the beginning. Maybe then the burden would become more bearable... for everyone.

A quick transport ride took Randi to the accommodations she had arranged for during her time in the capital. She keyed in the gate code and waited for them to open completely before piloting the transport through and under the portcullis. It was a large house - something left over from another era, but it suited her needs admirably in this time and place.

She opened the door into larger foyer and went straight up the stairs to the large master suite she was using. It occurred to her to get a decorator in to furnish the house; having a bed as her only piece of furniture was going to become a problem as time went on, especially if things played out the way she expected them to.

A vid call later, and things were all set up. Fortunately, Sabres covered a number of occupations in their outside lives, and Yuri knew exactly how to set things up to give the intimidating impression Randi wanted. Even better, he wasn't assigned to any of the teams she had out in the field at the moment, so his plate was clear to make this house his priority.

Randi went into the closet and removed her uniform, laying each piece out precisely on the bed. Then she removed each weapon she wanted to take with her and did the same with them. Satisfied with her choices, Randi went into the bathroom and took a shower, knowing the mission might take longer than she planned for it to and wanting to start out clean at least.

She was glad there were no memories in this place; otherwise, being here alone would be unbearably miserable, and it was bad enough as it was. Her shower was brief but very hot and Randi got out of it glowing from the heat and the brisk rubdown drying off. Then she moved into the bedroom and began to dress with swift efficiency.

With her armor in place, it didn't take Randi long at all to add her weapons to her person, and only a few minutes more than that to prepare her duffle. When she was set, she sat down to wait for the shuttle she had ordered. It didn't take long.

Yuri stepped off the shuttle and they exchanged a brief word before she boarded. He had his orders, and she had her mission. With a little luck, she would be back before he was finished. And if not, well, he knew what to do.

Randi stepped onto the shuttle feeling an unexpected wave of nostalgia when she realized Reed wasn't her pilot. She knew it, of course, on a conscious level, but they had shared any number of assignments and Randi had always been able to count on Reed for an honest assessment of whatever situation they were going into. But Randi knew Reed was serving where she was most needed and she turned her focus to the upcoming operation, knowing it was going to be quite a different undertaking that the Sabre unit was used to. She only hoped she could make it work to her advantage.

A huge detention area had been built in the shadow of the city, out among the ruins of the previous civilization. Randi wasn't completely convinced it would hold the number of rebels she suspected were going to be rounded up, but she gave a mental shrug. Her intent wasn't to make them comfortable.

Randi spent her time on the way to the rendezvous studying the latest reports she'd received from the teams in the field. Things were coming together better than she expected. The principals of the rebellion had gotten a bit paranoid after Randi had destroyed the previous leaders in what was supposed to have been an impenetrable fortress. Even with her people in place, it had taken them a while to learn about the safe houses. Only now, when all the sects were slowly moving all their people to their respective hideaways, were they able to finally get a bead on them. Randi vowed to make sure this was the end. It was time for this to be over.

She would have preferred for the Fringe Amazons to be first; she owed them a great debt she was more than a little anxious to repay. However, the Reds were the first to arrive at their designated safe place, so they would be the first to fall.

Cam was in place, just waiting for the Sabres to move in. The regular military was on standby under the impression that they were simply part of a military exercise. Now they were waiting for the go ahead... waiting for Randi to give the word.

The shuttle landed with the barest whisper of sound, and Randi was off and headed for cover before the pilot could even power down the engines. Her primary team, the leaders of each of the sub-teams she was utilizing for this mission, was waiting for her and they came to attention as she crossed the threshold. She waved them to an 'at ease' position and they relaxed slightly.

"Report," she barked softly. Tiny stepped up to reply.

"The sensors are in place. No one will be able leave the area once they are activated, not even the regular military... except us. We have the chips ready to implant, and oh... here. Geoff sent these along with the sensors. They will protect us when we send out the pulse."

"How long will it last?"

"That's the only thing we don't have specifics on, sir." The ice in her glance caused Tiny to shiver and rush on with his explanation. "Geoff gave us parameters - he said between four and eight hours. A lot will depend on the individual people themselves." Tiny shrugged, trying to convey an air of nonchalance. "It's just something we will have to keep an eye on while we work, but we've got it covered, sir."

"Can we send out the pulse more than once? Without too much damage?"

"I don't see why not, sir. Geoff didn't mention anything about it either way. But we have no real way of knowing until we try. This is all new technology we're using, sir." A beat. "He did say it the sensors would continue to let people in to the area once they are activated, but he thinks we will need to render them unconscious individually. Hopefully we won't need to worry about that, though... if the Red leader is worth his salt."

Randi snorted and lifted an eyebrow. "What about the medics? Do we have enough to take care of this within a reasonable amount of time?" Randi waited for an answer, then realized Lacey wasn't with the team. She turned her attention back to Tiny, her voice calm and controlled... and completely terrifying. "Where is Lacey?"

Tiny actually had to clear his throat, though he was careful not to emulate any other behavior that would signify any sort of guilt. The only reason he knew was because Reed had called him once Lacey had arrived to give him an update on how things were going. Some days, he just hated his life - this was fast becoming one of them.

"She's in the village with Reed and Gwen."

Silence. Then, "I see. And why wasn't I informed?"

Tiny blinked, walking a very fine line. "We didn't know you weren't aware until now."

Randi looked at him hard, trying to detect any deceit in his answer. The rest of the unit stood perfectly still, unwilling to jeopardize either Tiny's life or their own by fidgeting. Finally, she nodded, accepting his words for truth and everyone released a relieved breath. Then they stiffened again when she asked, "On whose authority did she go? Who gave the order?"

Tiny swallowed hard and spoke softly. "Gwen did."

Now it was Randi's turn to go completely still, not even blinking for a very long moment. "I see," she repeated more slowly. "Guess she's got that queen thing going on," muttered mostly to herself, though the entire unit heard her loud and clear. "All right," Randi continued, raising her voice to be heard. "We don't have time to fix this right now. I'll deal with Lacey later. Bendara," recognizing Lacey's immediate subordinate when she looked around the small group. "You have point with the med teams. Make sure things are handled. You report directly to me. Understand?"

"Aye, sir," the young man nodded briskly. Bendara hadn't been thrilled to find out that he was the medic-in-charge of this particular operation, and now he was less so. However, he was also a good Sabre and would do his duty well.

Randi nodded her acceptance of his assurance and looked around more carefully at the remaining members of her team. She didn't want any more unpleasant surprises, and finding out Lacey had bugged out on this mission, regardless of the reason for it, was a downright rude sensation.

"All right, people. Where do we stand on everything else?"

She went around the room, checking with each leader to ensure everything else was as she had planned it to be. Though adapt and overcome was part of the Sabre creed, Randi would be happy not to have to scramble to alter her plans for a change.

Surprisingly, everything else was in place exactly as she had set forth and soon they were ready to take their places around the perimeter. Each leader would check in with his or her respective section and send a readiness report to Randi. Cam was to give Randi a high sign when the Red leader signaled the completion of the gathering.

Then they settled in to wait.

"How's it going, Lacey?" The Sabre and her two civilian compatriots had settled into the area of the small village hospice that Sky had graciously set aside for their use. It hadn't taken them long to set up a lab area, and since the Amazon and village nurses had already taken blood samples, they had gotten straight to work upon arrival.

Now here it was several hours later, and Gwen was finally able to take the time to come say hello and check on everyone. She had been busy setting things up for the arriving Amazons. She had been flabbergasted by the sheer influx of Amazons that had been arriving in steady numbers since Lorac had sent word out to the tribes. Already the population of the village had tripled and Amazons were still arriving. Even doubling and tripling up, they had already spilled into the countryside for miles surrounding the village on both sides.

Gwen was more than a little concerned, though both the Amazons and the villagers had been extremely charitable about the whole thing, especially considering how awkward things could have been for everyone. But Gwen was even more apprehensive about the expectations the Amazons were putting on her. They all seemed to be assuming that Gwen was going to be their queen. Period. No choice. No debate. End of discussion.

Gwen, however, wasn't so certain.

But regardless of her feelings about becoming the Amazon Queen, she did assume the responsibility of making sure the women coming into the town were taken care of. It was just part of who she was. So it took her awhile to get to Lacey.

For her part, Lacey took a long moment to study Gwen. At first glance, there wasn't any visible change, and without Reed's warning, she probably wouldn't have noticed for a while, if ever. But since she was looking for it, Lacey was able to see the difference in Gwen's bearing and attitude. She wondered briefly how Randi would adjust to the new Gwen.

She smiled and opened her arms, pleased when Gwen responded with a brief, though enthusiastic, hug. Then Lacey turned back to her work and gestured to her two companions. "Gwen, meet Locha and Jed, my colleagues from the hospital. Locha is a disease specialist and Jed is our top researcher."

They reached out a hand and exchanged brief pleasanries with Gwen, then turned their attention back to their work. In some respects, medicine and medical research hadn't changed much. It was still a long, tedious process that required a meticulous attention to detail, and once they had a rhythm established, it was difficult to turn the focus onto anything else... even the politeness of society.

Gwen smiled. That kind of focus she well understood. She used it a lot when she got into a storytelling groove. She turned her attention back to Lacey. "So?"

"Well, the good news is we have high hopes of being able to isolate the poison and eventually find a cure."

"Eventually?"

Lacey nodded. "Yeah. That's the bad news... we don't have a timeline to give you yet. We have every faith that we'll be able to do it - I just don't know when."

Gwen sighed and rubbed a hand over her face. She was exhausted and this complication was not making life any easier. Coupled with the Amazon Queen situation and it was downright ugly on several levels. "Um, Lacey? I don't want to put anymore pressure on you," she said, blowing out a breath. "But I think we are under a deadline here."

"We are," Lacey said, "and we're doing our best - we'll keep doing our best - to find a cure. I know there's a lot riding on this, Gwen. Aside from the Amazon issue you have, the fact is that if one rebel group has this, odds are they all have something... if not the same, then at least similar. Since Randi has begun the Sabre offensive against the rebellion, this could give the rebels an unexpected advantage if we don't find some way to defeat this... soon."

Gwen blinked and took a deep breath. "Oh, I see," was all she said, but her tone conveyed a wealth of meaning. She cleared her throat. "All right, let me leave ya'll alone to do your work. Is there anything I can get for ya'll? Anything ya'll need?"

Lacey shook her head and patted Gwen on the upper arm. "No, Gwen... we're fine here. Reed has made sure to take real good care of us."

"All right," Gwen nodded and walked towards the door. "Let me know if I can do anything for ya'll."

"Will do, Gwen, and thanks. We'll figure it out."

Gwen nodded, but she didn't reply. She simply walked out the door, and Lacey watched her go, then shook her head as she returned to the workbench and picked up the computer pad with her notes. Then she reread them and resumed her work.

Gwen crossed the village slowly, taking in the immediate changes having so many people in such a small space. She made a mental note to make sure that the Amazons were able to sustain themselves without becoming a burden to the local community. The last thing she needed was a war breaking out here, especially among people who were allies.

"How are you doing, Gwen?" Sky asked as he caught up with her halfway across the compound. He took the time he had waiting for her answer to study Gwen. He could see by her posture she was carrying a great burden, even more so than right after Randi had left her alone here. The business with the Amazons was stressing Gwen, and Sky was hoping he could do something to help ease the situation. He knew there was nothing he could do to relieve the shadows of sadness in her eyes.

She scrubbed a hand through her hair and shook her head before squaring her shoulders. Then Gwen looked at Sky and gave him a wry little grimace that could almost have passed for a smile had Sky not known the difference.

"I'm okay, Sky." She had to sigh when he gave her a knowing look. "All right, I'm a little tired. It's been a rough few days."

Master of understatement, Sky thought with a grim smile. Never expected that from a bard. Aloud he said, "Come. Let us go to the house and get some tea. It has been an exceptionally tiring day, and it's not over yet. I'd like to take a little break, and I'd like for you to join me."

Gwen blew out a breath and nodded. "I'd like that."

Sky ushered them both into the kitchen, putting on the kettle and removing from the refrigerator the tea sandwiches he always seemed to have on hand. He set them on the table while Gwen went to the cabinets to take out the plates and cups Sky used for tea service. He smiled; it was nice to see Gwen relax a little bit. Gwen was just happy to be doing something normal.

The kettle whistled and Sky poured the water into the pot he had prepared and waiting. He motioned to Gwen and they took a seat. They didn't speak for a while, simply enjoying the companionship and the variety of sandwiches.

Just when Sky felt Gwen had relaxed enough to be willing to talk a bit about what was really weighing so heavily on her, a knock sounded on the door, followed by Reed's voice. "Sky?"

He sighed silently, wishing he'd had a little more time with Gwen before this interruption. "In the kitchen, Reed. Please join us." Maybe this would actually help.

Reed poked her head into the kitchen, then smiled at the domestic picture in front of her and how much more relaxed Gwen appeared. Then she scooted into the room, followed by Tommy. Gwen squealed and leaped from her seat right into his arms.

"TOMMY!!" She squeezed his neck hard and he gladly returned her fervent embrace, casting a worried look in Reed's direction. It hadn't been that long since they'd seen one another, relatively speaking, and yet she was acting like it had been months. He held onto Gwen and rocked her gently, rubbing his hand up and down her back.

Eventually, Gwen's grip loosened and she stepped back with the slightest hint of a blush. "I didn't expect you until tomorrow morning. Oh... where are my manners? Would ya'll like to join us?" she asked, gesturing to the table where Sky was adding plates and cups. "We're just taking a little break."

Reed took a seat with alacrity and motioned Tommy to the seat beside her. "Have a seat, Tommy. Sky makes his own special blend of tea; trust me when I tell you you've never had anything like it."

Tommy looked at Sky with an apprehensive expression on his face. "Um, it's not illegal, is it?" He was so earnest Sky and Reed looked at one another and burst into laughter. Even Gwen chuckled and Tommy couldn't help but grin ruefully as he ran a hand across his blood infused features. "Sorry, I know better, really. I'm not sure where that came from actually."

Sky let his chuckles wind down so he could speak. He'd known Tommy had had a rough time just from the bits Reed had shared. Though it had been an unexpected question, Sky couldn't help but see the humor in it.

"No worries, my friend," Sky answered, still smiling. "And no... there is nothing illegal in my tea. That would dull our senses too much and we need them now more than ever," Sky continued as he poured Tommy a cup of tea. "Honestly, it really is just tea. I just mix a variety of flavors to create my own."

Tommy took a small sip and his eyes got wide. He took a second, longer sip, only just stopping from gulping in deference to the heat. "Wow! This is great. Can I get the recipe?"

"Um, no. But I will be sure you have a supply to take home with you."

Reed patted Tommy on the shoulder and helped herself to several sandwiches. "Don't feel bad, Tommy. He hasn't shared his recipe with anyone... even me. It's a closely guarded secret. We're just lucky he sees fit to share tea time with the rest of us," she added in a teasing tone, jabbing Sky gently with her elbow. Sky just chuckled and shook his head at her.

Gwen decided now would not be a prudent time to admit that Sky had shared the recipe with her. Some secrets were better kept.

"So," Tommy turned to Gwen, anxious to deflect the conversation away from himself. "What's the deal?" motioning in the general direction of the village. "Why are so many strangers hanging around here? They look like Amazons, but I've never heard of them gathering in such large numbers in a single place before."

Gwen groaned and put her head down on the table despite the bad manners. She was glad Jill wasn't around to see it, knowing her mother would have given her grief. That thought brought a smile to her lips and Gwen realized it had been a long time, figuratively speaking, since she had talked to her parents. She made a mental note to call them soon. Her thinking kept her head down on the table long enough for the other three to exchange glances and Tommy understood the unspoken message from Reed and Sky loud and clear.

"Oooookay... next subject."

Gwen lifted her head from the table and brushed the hair from her eyes. Then she propped her face on her open palm and looked at the other three. "No, it's all right. I'm gonna have to figure out what to do about this whole mess sooner or later."

Tommy cleared his throat. "Um... do I dare even ask?"

Gwen smirked at him, but he could read the fatigue in her eyes and wondered what had happened to make such a big change in such a short time. "Depends... do you really want to know?"

"Yep, I really do," he said seriously before allowing a cocky grin to overtake his expression. "Because you're the only person I know who could attract trouble on a scale of this magnitude." He didn't have to say it, but all their thoughts went automatically to Randi and it brought wistful smiles to their countenances for different reasons. Tommy cleared his throat again. "So what gives?"

Gwen chuckled and shook her head. "What gives is that those are Amazons, and they want to make me their queen." Her chuckles turned to outright laughter at his flummoxed expression. "Yeah," she said, her laughter winding down on the edge of tears, "that was pretty much my thought."

"All righty then. Should I ask how it happened?"

Gwen shrugged. "I'm really not sure. I mean, Randi arranged for them to tutor me in self-defense, and I asked if I could learn about their culture. I figured I should, ya know? As much as my own desire to learn about them, it seemed like sort of a courtesy... a sign of respect and appreciation that I could give to them in return for their teaching me. Especially since it was clear, at least at first, that some of my instructors were there under duress."

Tommy nodded, understanding very well Gwen's thirst for knowledge. It was one of the things that made her such an excellent storyteller. Then his brow furrowed. "Under duress? What do you mean, Gwen?"

Gwen gave him a wry smile. "Let's just say they had other things they would have preferred to have been doing besides teaching me."

"But it changed?"

"Yeah, it did. Once they realized I was willing to learn, not just the mechanics, but the reasons behind it as well as their history and traditions, things settled down pretty quickly."

Reed chimed in. "It didn't hurt you could kick their asses with your staff work either."

"Very true," Sky agreed. "Don't sell yourself short, Gwen. *You* are the reason they accepted you."

"Maybe, but it still doesn't make sense that they would choose me as their queen. I mean... c'mon. I'm not an Amazon. There are certainly a lot of women *far* more qualified to become this queen to reunite all the tribes into a single nation again, and they are ALL Amazons."

Tommy looked thoughtful, and Gwen pounced on him. "What?!? What are you thinking??"

He grinned unrepentantly at her. "What makes you think I am thinking anything?"

"I can see the smoke coming out of your ears. Means something's gotta be working hard in that head of yours."

Tommy's mouth dropped open and his eyes bulged as he realized he'd walked right into that one and been gotten but good. But secretly, he was glad to see the teasing side of Gwen. It had been far too long and she had gotten much too serious in recent days.

Reed and Sky chuckled in sympathy with the outraged look on his face. Gwen simply laughed at the 'gotcha' factor involved. "So, you gonna share before all the gears burn up in there?"

Tommy shook his head. Gwen was on quite a roll. "Yeah," he finally said. "I was thinking that there is a legend about this whole scenario. At least I think there is. I'm trying to remember the specifics; it's not like I.... I don't remember much, but I have a very clear memory of my great-grandmother telling me stories about the Amazons when I was really little."

"And...?"

"And they were waiting on the return of their queen." He paused and pinched his lip between his fingers trying to remember more detail. "I think... it seems like... the legend said that one day the queen would be brought back into the fold by a rogue Amazon warrior. And that when she returned, the tribes would unite once more."

"Why?"

"Excuse me?"

"Why would this supposed queen return and unite the tribes? I know what Lenore told me... she said if the eradication of the rebellion was successful, the Nation would be brought back as a whole. But what you are saying is that the tribes would reunite simply because the queen returned."

Tommy rubbed the crease in his brow. "I'm not sure what to tell you, Gwen. I'm sure Lenore, if she's an Amazon, has a far greater knowledge of this legend than I do. I'm just trying to tell you what I remember of the legend Granny shared with me."

Reed and Sky remained silent, yet observant. Gwen pulled at her hair in frustration. "I know, T; I'm sorry. I'm starting to feel a little frustrated, among other things. Do you remember anything else?"

Tommy shook his head. "Not really... just feelings and impressions. I remember that Granny always got a little excited when she shared this story. It's why I remember it. It always made her happy to tell it."

"Your Granny was an Amazon?" Reed asked before Gwen could speak again. Tommy nodded. "If you are willing, we might be able to help you remember exactly what she told you. Rosie is a shamaness," she continued at his unasked question. "She might have the knowledge to help you regress to that point in your life again."

"Do you think it would help Gwen at all?"

"I don't know, Tommy. I honestly can't say for sure one way or another."

"I doubt a regression would tell you why they decided to choose me, Tommy, but it might be nice for you to be able to have that memory whole and intact instead of the bitsy pieces you have now," Gwen said. "So please don't make your decision based on what it might or might not do for me. Do it because it is the right decision for you."

"I'll think about it," he replied after a long moment of silence. Then he turned back to Gwen. "So what do you want to do about recording? I'm not sure bringing kids into this situation is a bright idea on any number of levels. Personally, I don't think you need the added stress of performance right now, and I doubt we'd get what we're going for at any rate."

"I'm inclined to agree," Gwen said without much hesitation. "To be honest with you, I completely forgot about it until you walked through the door. There has just been so much going on here, especially lately. However," she paused a moment. "I am supposed to do a storytelling session for the Amazons. I promised I would when Lenore agreed to teach me about the Amazons. We haven't really set a new time after what happened today, but I doubt it would be a problem."

"I know it wouldn't," Sky rumbled softly. "I hear a lot of comments you don't, especially now that they consider you their queen. You were already quite popular among them as a bard, and the Amazons that have been training you have been spreading the stories both of your prowess in weapons' training and your desire to delve into their culture as well."

Gwen put her hands over her eyes. "Nothing is ever easy."

"Well, that should keep anyone from challenging the throne for now," Rosie said as she stepped into the room. "No one wants the complications *that* particular action would cause." She took the seat Sky vacated for her.

"Especially since Randi is a named Amazon champion," Lorac added as she slipped into the kitchen. Sky shook his head and brought in two more chairs, wondering where his quiet tea time with Gwen had gone. He put the kettle on to heat more water and removed two more cups from the cabinet. All the while, he kept his ear on the conversation going on around him.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Gwen asked Lorac. "I guess I haven't gotten to that yet."

"You've shown you have a true Amazon spirit and skill, and those are things the Amazons respect and would be less likely to challenge. If you were challenged, regardless of where Randi was or what she was doing, it is safe to assume that she would make the time to be here and take care of it."

"But if it was my challenge...." Gwen trailed off when five sets of disbelieving eyes turned her way. She waved her hands. "I know," she said, imagining the repercussions if Randi swept into the village to answer a challenge to Gwen - or worse, to exact revenge. "Talk about a no win situation...."

"Exactly," Rosie said. "But first you have to accept the throne."

Gwen stood from her place. "I don't know that I want to do that, Rosie. I'm not convinced it is the right thing for me and I'm certainly not convinced it is in the best interest of the Amazons. I refuse to be pushed into this, just because it is something other people have decided they want for whatever reason."

Without another word, Gwen walked out the door and into the yard at the back of the house. It was one of the few open spaces left in the town for more than a mile in any direction, and right now, she needed the peace it afforded her. She was going to have to have to make some hard decisions... very soon.

"I would have, you know," Randi said softly. "If someone had challenged you, I would have dropped everything to have defended you... even if it had meant wiping out the entire Amazon Nation." Randi took Gwen's hand in hers and lifted it to her lips. "Despite Ares' curse, despite everything that was between us then, I would never have let them... any of them... hurt you."

"I know, love. That was one of the main reasons I accepted the title. I knew if you knew that I was part of them, you would also know they would protect me... because they knew we were a package deal. And you don't poke a bear with a stick."

Randi chuckled, then moaned in pain. "Well," she hissed. "I know a few who would."

"Yeah, but you'd be first in line. No problem there."

Randi tried to glare, but the twinkle in Gwen's eyes was contagious, and Randi gave her a grudging smile instead. "You're so lucky I love you," growling.

"No kidding," came the very serious reply. Then they took up the book again and started reading.

Chapter XIX

Gwen took a seat in the garden. She drew a deep breath and let the scent of the flowers and the drone of the bees lull her into a peaceful non-state. She watched the clouds slowly trek across the sky, occasionally covering the tops of the mountains that surrounded the tiny village. Eventually, she found her attention caught by the butterflies that were attracted to the colorful blossoms Sky nurtured in his garden.

They flitted gracefully from bloom to bloom, caring for little beyond the bright colors and doing their part to propitiate the flowers' continued existence. Gwen watched them with a wistful smile, wondering how her life had gotten so complicated.

She sat quietly, thankful for the peace and quiet of the garden. Sky had surrounded the yard with tall, thick poplar trees and a solid wall of shrubbery. Together they were successful in damping the sound that came from the village, and Gwen could imagine she was alone with nothing more pressing to worry about than what to wear to meet Randi for a romantic dinner together.

Gwen let her thoughts wander along the pleasant paths of her imagination for a while before realizing she was no longer alone. She felt the smile fall from her face as her attention turned to the person who had taken the chair beside her.

"Good thoughts? That was an interesting smile."

Gwen gave a silent sigh, but turned to her visitor with the most pleasant smile she could muster. "What can I do for you, Rosie?"

"I thought perhaps there was something I could do for you, child. You seem to be carrying the weight of the world, Gwen. Isn't there any way we can help you?"

Gwen reached over and patted Rosie's hands. "It's not that I don't appreciate the offer, Rosie, but I really don't think there is anything you can do... any of you. This is something I have to figure out for myself."

"Can I play devil's advocate for just a minute, Gwen?"

Gwen shrugged. "If you think it will help, Rosie." She sighed, aloud this time. "I'm sorry, Rosie. I don't mean to seem insensitive or ungrateful. There are no good solutions for me here. No matter what I decide I'm gonna be screwed."

"Do you really believe that, Gwen?"

Gwen pushed her hair off her forehead and rested her hand on her fingers. "I know it, Rosie. There are no good choices here. Only lesser degrees of evil."

"Well, then... for what it's worth, I think the lesser degree is for you to accept the mantle of Queen."

"Can I ask why? I'm not saying I disagree with what you're saying. I'd just like to hear your reasoning behind that decision."

Rosie smiled. "A couple things, actually. First of all, I think you would make a fantastic queen. The Amazons would do well to have you leading them. Secondly, I think it would be good for you - not only for the experience it would give you and the experience you could share, but Gwen, if you became their queen, the Amazons would die to protect you."

Gwen jumped to her feet so fast her chair flew backwards and tipped over with a clatter. "Dammit, Rosie! I don't want anyone else dying to protect me! God, that's what started all this in the first place!! This whole situation is because Randi wants to protect me. Quelling the rebellion will be a really great side benefit, but that is not why she's doing this, Rosie. This is personal for her!! My being Queen of the Amazons is not going to change that one way or the other."

She stopped moving and talking, her back to Rosie and her hands on her hips. Rosie didn't move from her place. She could feel the tension radiating off of Gwen even from this distance. Instead, she spoke in a calm, rational manner.

"Gwen, I know it's personal. It always has been since you became a part of her life. And right now, that is all that is keeping her from giving in to the fire that burns in her blood. Your accepting the title might put her mind at ease and allow her to focus on her mission."

"Or it might cause her to get angrier... she might see at as me choosing the Amazons over her. And I would never do that, Rosie. Despite the troubles we're having right now, in spite of everything Ares has done, I will always, *ALWAYS* choose her first. Randi comes first, last and always for me. Is it fair to the Amazons to give them a queen that puts them a distant second?"

Rosie sighed. "What do you want to do then?"

"What I want to do is to put Ares in the deepest part of hell to burn for eternity for what he's done to Randi. What I am going to do is another thing entirely."

At that moment Lorac stuck her head out the door. "My queen, the Amazon regents are here to see you. They say they need an answer."

Gwen shook her head. "If they need an answer this quickly, then the answer is no. I will not be bullied or pushed into taking this. They've waited this long; they can wait until I make a decision or they can take no for my answer. Now if you ladies will excuse me...." Gwen eased past them and went up the back stairs to reach her room. Lorac and Rosie watched through the screen until they heard Gwen close the bedroom door behind her before turning towards one another.

"Well, I guess the queen has spoken," Lorac commented to Rosie. The shamaness simply nodded.

"Perhaps you would do well to ensure the regents and the elders understand what will happen if they push Gwen too hard." Lorac's cocked eyebrow prompted further comment from Rosie. "Gwen is tough and she won't let them push her into any sort of decision, but Randi is standing behind Gwen and she won't tolerate any sort of perceived mistreatment or disrespect." Rosie held up a hand when Lorac took a deep breath to speak. "Think about it, Lorac. Randi is focused on destroying the rebellion now... destroying it... because they made it personal for her. They targeted Gwen. We really don't want to draw that kind of attention for whatever the reason."

"I'll make sure they appreciate that little fact. They just don't understand Gwen's hesitation. Any one of them would give their first born for the opportunity she's being offered on a silver platter."

Rosie turned thoughtful eyes towards Lorac. "Then maybe Gwen is right to be so hesitant. Any people who are so power hungry leave much to be desired as a nation."

"I don't know if it is the power aspect or the chance to be seen as a legend... a real, live hero. We've waited a very long time to be a united nation again. Everyone is very excited about the prospect of it happening now... in their lifetime. And to have the Chosen One be someone like Gwen...."

"What?"

Lorac sighed, trying to find a way to express herself that would make Rosie understand without making the Amazons sound petty. Finally she shrugged. "It's complicated."

Rosie laughed out loud at the plaintive statement and clapped Lorac on the shoulder. The discombobulated look the weapons' master spared her only made her laugh harder, until tears were running from her eyes. Lorac crossed her arms over her chest and gave Rosie her best glare. The shamaness took a deep breath to contain her laughter.

"I'm sorry, Lorac. I was not laughing at you or the dilemma the Amazons are faced with. It's just that, with Gwen and Randi involved, it has to be complicated. It always is with them, and has been in every lifetime they have shared together."

Rosie could easily see the twinkle lurking in the back of Lorac's eyes and a smirk teasing her lips. "You're kidding me... really?"

"Absolutely the truth. Gwen has even shared some stories about them."

Lorac's face grew expressive and she dropped her arms and reached for the screen door. "C'mon. I have an idea."

"Line them up," Randi said precisely in a deceptively calm voice. Rebel and Sabre alike shivered at the coldness of her tone. It didn't take much effort on the part of the Sabres; the Reds had already been beaten into the ground. Still scattered around the area were the dead bodies of those that had resisted when the Sabres had moved in.

Randi sat in a throne-like chair, surveying the carnage. They had lost more rebels than she'd expected, though they still had a majority of this faction to return to the capital for incarceration. With any luck, she would only need to make examples of small parts of each rebel group. She was looking forward to that... at least, if it worked. If it didn't, well, it wouldn't be pretty, but it would be taken care of.

Twelve rebels stood in front of her, having been singled out as the leaders of the Red faction. For them, there would be no mercy. The regular military had surrounded the compound; their orders were to ensure no one went in or out. They would be used to escort the rebels to their new prison home. Slowly, Randi was going to incorporate the regular military into pulling their weight. It was time *everyone* served and not just the few.

"Kneel." Again, cold and hard. The only people in the room were the Sabre teams and the twelve rebels. The tone of her voice was enough to make knees bend willingly and they hit the floor hard together. Most sets of eyes followed the same path; only one remain belligerent for seconds longer before dropping to the floor with a glare.

Randi sat thoughtfully rubbing her hand on her chin. Now she had the answer to at least one question. He would suffer the worst and he would suffer last. He would see the others die first and Randi had given a lot of thought to making sure they all suffered long and well before granting any of them the absolution of death.

"Back off," she said quietly, motioning the Sabres away from the kneeling rebels with a wave of her hand. They exchanged glances with one another before they each stepped back several healthy paces.

Randi waited, wanting to see them sweat before the killing began. She really had no regrets about the whole situation and was, in fact, relishing this first victory. Eventually, she rose gracefully to her feet, her manner that of a ruler about to pronounce sentence on the accused. In that regard, she succeeded admirably. Even the Sabres watched her with awe and respect.

Kill them.

The voice echoed in her head and Randi looked around to see who would dare presume to give her orders or try to make that decision for her.

Show no mercy... KILL THEM. Slaughter them like the dogs they are.

Randi walked behind them slowly, smiling as each rebel tensed as her body passed behind them. She closed her eyes and focused, pushing the voice out of her mind. Then she opened her eyes and drew a deep breath to speak.

"I have decided to give each of you a far more honorable death than you deserve. You will each be allowed to fight me, one at a time, and I promise to make it relatively quick, if not painless. So which of you wants to be first, hmmm?" Randi waited.

She wasn't surprised when no one volunteered. Randi kept a close eye on the line, noting two, neither of them the pseudo-defiant leader, who flinched and clenched their hands into fists. She tapped one on the shoulder, then blocked the shot to her belly as the rebel turned on her swinging. Almost negligently, Randi popped the man in two nerves in his neck and watched dispassionately as he fell over clutching his neck.

"Next?" she drawled with a hint of a grin in her voice.

They would have rushed her, but the Sabres around the room made it clear that wasn't an option. One by one she ripped them apart - a severed head, a snapped neck, a bleeding jugular, a blade to the heart - each death different and more creative than the last, until only the leader was left.

"Any last words?" He opened his mouth and she backhanded him before he could spit. "Bad choice," she said, beating him to death with her bare hands. Then she looked at the Sabres who gazed at her with the oddest expressions - a mixture of awe, respect, disgust and pain. She shrugged; she'd done what she'd needed to and nothing more.

"Burn them," she ordered flatly. Tiny motioned to a number of the Sabres standing around the room and instantly they sprang into action to clean up the area. The rest moved into formation and awaited further instructions, knowing Randi was anxious to get back to the capital city.

"Tiny, divide up the squads. We need two units to supervise the regular military as they escort the rebels to the holding facility. The rest need to get back to the city and prepare for the next mission. Something's gotta give with someone else soon. You and Brenda need to get back to your groups. You need to be in place when the last of your factions arrive in their respective gathering spots."

"Aye sir."

"Jess should be waiting for me when we get back. And I expect to hear from both you and Brenda fairly quickly."

"As soon as we know anything, sir." Tiny waited for her to dismiss him and he took the opportunity to study Randi. She looked tired and in need of a friend. He opened his mouth to speak again when she cut him off.

"Thank you, Tiny," said softly. "Dismissed."

He hesitated, then snapped to attention and gave Randi a salute. Then he ran back to the Sabres who were still waiting for instructions, barking out orders and causing people to move with alacrity. Randi watched for a moment longer before she headed to the shuttle that was waiting to take her back to the capital city.

Tiny's eyes followed Randi until she was out of sight. Then he went back making sure Randi's orders were carried out, wanting the whole thing to just be over.

Gwen was scribbling furiously in her diary when the gentle knock came on the door. She blew out an aggravated breath, unconsciously pushing her bangs off of her forehead with the motion. She hesitated, then resumed her scribbling, her mind moving faster than the pen could keep up. The second knock was a little louder and caused Gwen's pen to stutter to a stop. She glared at the door, intent on ignoring the interruption when a voice called out to her softly.

"My queen?"

Gwen sighed. She knew Lorac meant well; Gwen just needed some quiet time for herself and didn't understand why people didn't seem to get that. She lay across the bed for a long moment contemplating being rude to Lorac regardless of the circumstances, then dropped her pen into the crease of her journal and closed the leather bound book. Sometimes, having good manners was just a pain in the ass.

Lorac knocked once more. "My queen?" she said again quietly, her voice barely audible through the thick door. Gwen rolled over onto her back and covered her eyes with her arm and sighed.

"Come in, Lorac."

The Amazon opened the door slowly and stuck her head in. "Um... is this a bad time?"

Gwen sighed again and slid her arm up to peek at the weapons' master. "Lorac, all things considered, I don't think there is going to be a good time for a while." She sat up on her elbows and looked at Lorac compassionately. "What can I do for you?"

"I came to apologize." She handed Gwen a cup of hot tea which was received with a brief smile of thanks. Gwen hadn't gotten to finish hers downstairs. Lorac spoke again. "I didn't mean to push you earlier. It's just...." She stopped speaking at Gwen's signal.

"Don't worry about it, Lorac. I have a feeling you're between a rock and a hard place and not by your own doing either. I'm sorry you got stuck there. I'll take care of the regents, all right?"

"I already did," came the calm retort.

Gwen sat all the way up. "Excuse me?"

"I said, I already took care of the regents. I explained to them they needed to chill. Trying to force you into accepting something you don't want isn't going to be good for you or for us. I actually came up here to ask you a favor."

Gwen gave Lorac a smile. "Considering the favor you just did me... what can I do for you?"

"I was hoping maybe you'd be willing to tell some stories tonight. So many of the visiting Amazons are big fans and I think it would go a long way to soothing any ruffled feathers. They aren't trying to be pushy; they just honestly don't understand why you... why anyone... wouldn't jump at an opportunity like this."

Gwen's smile turned wry and she rolled her eyes and chuckled. "I'm sure they don't. I doubt anyone besides me would... understand it, I mean. 'Cause you're right - most people would jump on a chance like this. I can't even explain my hesitation. I just know I won't have anyone deciding this for me."

Lorac nodded. "So will you?"

"Do you really think they want to listen to me tell stories, Lorac? Especially if they are that angry with me right now?"

Lorac grinned. "Gwen, I think their pride is hurt more than anything. Some of them are taking this like a personal rejection. But you haven't heard them talking either... they are totally infatuated with you... with your storytelling. Everyone here is a huge fan to hear them tell it. One reason they feel like you are rejecting them is because of your celebrity status. I know, I know...." Lorac said, raising her hands. "It doesn't make sense to me either, but I think it helps them feel better knowing you're not *not* choosing the Amazons because you have something else more important."

Gwen closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands. "I do, Lorac. That's one of the problems." She removed her hands and looked Lorac directly in the eyes. "Randi will always, *always* be first in my heart and in my life. Even if I was to accept the mantle of Amazon queen, the Nation would always be a distant second to what Randi and I share. Is it fair to ask the Amazons to accept *that*?"

"I don't know, Gwen. That's not my call to make. However, would you still be willing to tell stories tonight? It wouldn't take us long to set everything up if you say yes."

"This is important to you, isn't it?"

Lorac nodded. "Yes. I was wrong when I jumped to conclusions about you. I don't want them to be guilty of the same. And I think this might keep them from making the same mistake."

Gwen studied Lorac's earnest expression for a long moment before nodding her agreement. "All right, Lorac. I did promise Lenore I would tell some stories, and if you think it will help...."

"I really do."

"Okay then. Give me a couple hours. I know that will make kinda late, but...."

"Nope, that will be perfect. "I'll get things set up and come get you in two hours."

Gwen wanted to protest the escort, but bit her tongue. Her leaving the village alone earlier in the day had had all sorts of unforeseen complications. She would deal with having a bodyguard if it would make the Amazon's responsibility to her a little easier for them to bear. They shouldn't have to suffer because if her anger towards Randi.

"All right. Thanks, Lorac."

"Thank you, my queen," automatically switching back to Gwen's title with ease. "I really do appreciate it." And before Gwen could say another word, Lorac was out of the room and the door was closed firmly behind her.

"Well?" Rosie asked as Lorac crossed the threshold into the kitchen. The rest waited patiently for her answer. Lorac nodded her head as she took a seat. She gave Sky a grateful smile when he set a glass of iced tea in front of her and she took a healthy swallow before speaking.

"She agreed. But I hope she gets some rest; she looks exhausted."

"I imagine she is," Reed commented. "It's been a hell of a long day."

"It says a lot about Gwen's character that she is still willing to perform for the Amazons tonight after all she's been through today... especially given the way the regents were pushing her earlier."

"She's a professional, Sky," Tommy chided gently. "Storytelling is her life."

"Not anymore," Lorac said with conviction. "Randi is her life, her heart, her home. Everything else - storytelling, Amazon title, whatever - is a very distant second. She said as much to me upstairs just now."

Reed blinked. She'd never expected Gwen to share something so private and wondered what had brought it on. Then Lorac shared the context and Reed understood perfectly, as did the rest of the group seated at Sky's small table. And it made them understand her dilemma even more. Reed made a decision and turned to Lorac, who was just getting up from her seat.

"Lorac, I want you to go tell the Amazons that while Gwen was willing, and absolutely agreed to do a storytelling session for them tonight, I have decided it is in her best interests to rest for the remainder of the evening, given the stress she has been through today."

"But...."

"Instead, she will perform tomorrow like she was scheduled to. But instead of telling stories to children, she will be telling stories to the Amazons instead."

"Um, Reed? Don't you think Gwen might like to have a say in all this? Not that I disagree with you, because the toll this day has taken is written clearly on her face. I felt really bad asking, but it seemed important. Somehow, I don't think your giving a unilateral order like that without even consulting her is going to go over very well with Gwen, even if it is in her best interests."

"She's right, Reed. I know the commission Randi gave you," Sky commiserated sympathetically. "And quite frankly, nothing you do is going to be completely right. Randi is going to find fault with everything. That's a given. But I don't think pissing Gwen off it the way to go either. At least if she is... well, not happy, but content, it will go a long way towards assuaging whatever concerns Randi has."

"That's true, Reed," Rosie agreed, clapping her hands on Reed's shoulders and rubbing out the knots with strong, firm kneading. "And you know it."

Reed's chin dropped to her chest and she moaned. "God, that feels good," feeling the tension melt and the bones in her neck realign themselves with Rosie's sure touch. "I know you're all right. I also know Gwen will do what she thinks is necessary to keep the peace for everyone... even if it's not best for her. I'm less afraid of her being angry with me for trying to look out for her than I am of Randi thinking I'm not."

The sound of a throat clearing broke the stillness that had fallen over the room with Reed's pronouncement. All eyes turned towards the doorway that led to the back stairs, not surprised to see Gwen standing there smiling wryly at all of them. Reed cursed silently for allowing her senses to be overrun by the sensations of serenity Rosie's hands had been creating on her psyche instead of focused outwardly, though she rationally admitted to needing the downtime to fortify herself for what was coming.

Reed had been honest about her feelings in the matter. Still, it didn't mean she wanted a knock-down, drag-out fight with Gwen about things either. She and Gwen had come to a tentative understanding after their disagreement at the beach house, and she didn't want to jeopardize that to argue about this. On the other hand, Reed did have her orders, and she was, first and foremost, a Sabre. So, she waited silently, watching as Gwen crossed the short space between them and taking the chair Sky offered with an appreciative smile. Then the rest of the room faded away.

Surprisingly, Gwen took Reed's hands in her own. Usually, she tried not to, knowing her touch was sometimes quite painful for Reed to endure. But this time, Gwen needed the connection and she felt confident that the support system Reed had currently in this room and in the village would be more than enough to protect her from anything unpleasant.

"I appreciate you looking out for me, Reed. I really do. I think you probably would have even if Randi hadn't issued you orders to do so. But this is something I need to do. I need for the Amazons to understand that while this queen thing is just not personal to me, I am not snubbing them or their way of life. Especially since they want me to be a part of their culture... even if it is only to fulfill an old legend. I, of all people in the world, can't discount old legends, can I?"

Gwen smiled and Reed couldn't help but smile back as she shook her head no. Gwen had more reason than most to believe in old legends - she was a living one. She sighed. "I understand that, Gwen... I honestly do. But does it have to be tonight? It's already been a long day. You're exhausted... hell, we all are. Wouldn't it be better to wait til tomorrow?"

"Probably," she answered wryly. "But it needs to be their decision. They have to feel some measure of control here, and since I'm not going to let them dictate to me about becoming their queen, it's easy enough to do this for them."

Reed chuckled. "When did you get so smart?" Then she jumped when Gwen pinched the back of her hand. "What did you do that for?"

Gwen snorted. "As if. I'll have you know I have been smart for a while. Just ask my mother - she'll verify I am a genius - absolutely certified." She was doing her best to keep a straight face, but the twinkle in her eyes gave her away. It was Tommy's muffled guffaw that caused laughter to ripple around the room, cutting through the tension like a hot knife through butter.

"Absolutely certifiable, you mean," he commented.

The room howled and Gwen slapped at Tommy. "I'm gonna certify something in a minute!!" It took a few more minutes for everyone to settle down, and even then they couldn't look at one another without someone breaking into another round of giggles. Finally Gwen took a deep breath. "That felt really good."

"Yeah, it sure did," Tommy agreed. "I needed that."

"We all needed that," Reed commented. Gwen turned back to the seer at her words.

"Yeah, we did. Now, Lorac, if you want to give the Amazons the news and let them make their choice...." Lorac nodded and slipped out the door, thinking how nice it had been to have seen a more human side to Gwen, even if it had been a little odd. Despite the feelings of sisterhood throughout the Nation, Lorac couldn't recall a time when the Amazons just sat around laughing for laughter's sake. She almost envied that.

Gwen blinked at Lorac's rapid disappearance, then refocused on Reed. "You let me worry about Randi. She's not gonna take anything out on you; I won't let her."

Reed smiled. Given the precariousness of the whole situation, it was almost funny. But it did her heart good know that Gwen still believed... in herself and in them. "All right," she agreed. "I'll look out for you, and you can cover my back."

"Deal."

"Jess... in my office, now!"

It was late and Jess had hoped Randi would wait until morning before calling her in for a briefing. She was exhausted and still healing from her encounter with the Amazons and village warriors earlier in the day. It had been a vain hope. With a sigh, she got up and followed the Commandant into the office, assuming attention immediately and letting her senses absorb the tension she could feel rolling from Randi.

"What happened?" Her voice was calm and completely unnerving. Jess clamped down on the chill that wanted to skitter up her spine. "Why didn't you alert us to the attack?"

"I tried, sir. I did, but no one answered my call, and I only had time to try once. We were taking advantage of the fact that Gwen was out alone."

"Excuse me? What do you mean she was out alone?"

Jess shook her head, wishing Randi would let her move to an at ease position. She was still feeling the effects of her regeneration and collapsing in front of the Commandant was really not something she wanted to add to her agenda for the day.

"She wasn't alone, sir, not really. Reed and all the Amazons and warriors were right behind her when she left the village unexpectedly. Frieda was just trying to take advantage of the situation, sir."

Randi dropped into her chair, absorbing the information. She looked at Jess for a long moment before waving her hand. "Sit, before you fall." Jess took a seat with startling rapidity, glad to be off her feet. She'd been close to passing out. Randi regarded Jess a little longer before nodding her head. "All right. Do you know when and where the Fringe Amazons are meeting?"

"Yes, sir. Frieda gave us the information before we moved towards the village. We were supposed to go there as soon as our objective was obtained, sir."

Randi bit her lips, knowing exactly what that objective had been. She knew Jess was trying to keep thing impersonal, but in this instance it was hard to maintain her objectivity. All she wanted to do right now was wreak havoc, cause harm - anything, everything - whatever it took to make things safe so Gwen could come home where she belonged once and for all.

"All right. Give me your information, then I want you to go back to the medifac and get some rest. We're gonna need you when we get ready to go take them out."

"Aye sir."

Randi stood up and took Jess by the arm. "C'mon. I'll walk you down. You can tell me on the way. Then I have plans to make."

Continued...