PART SEVEN: Amphipolis



After nearly a full day of pushing themselves, the three women arrived in Amphipolis just as the sun was setting on the horizon. Upon their entry into the village, Xena led Argo to the stables without so much as a backward glance.

When Xena turned away without acknowledging either her or the bard, it reinforced Calli's feeling that the warrior was jealous. Xena hadn't spoken a word to her the entire day, with the exception of one comment as they were breaking camp that morning.

********

Calli was in the process of packing away her borrowed bedroll when she felt those electric blue eyes boring into the back of her skull. She turned around to face the warrior, with an arrogantly inquisitive look on her face. "Did you have something to say, Xena?"

The tall warrior crossed the space between them with two long strides. "Sleep well?" Xena snarled.

"Why yes, as a matter of fact I did. Thanks for asking." Calli replied with a flippant tone, returning to her task.

Heavy footsteps retreated to the other side of the camp. Calli glanced sidelong to see Xena roughly grab her pouches and toss them over Argo's back. When Xena mounted the horse and galloped out of the campsite, she wasn't surprised a bit. The bard, on the other hand, had been quite surprised and approached Calli with an unmistakable look of anger on her face.

"What did you say to her?" Gabrielle stood in front of Calli, with her fists on her hips. "She just left! You must have said something to make her angry. What was it?"

Calli tilted her head as she responded. "Why are you assuming that it's my fault? She asked me a question, and I answered it. It appears that she didn't quite care for the answer. But, that's really not my problem, now is it?"

Gabrielle's look softened somewhat as she considered Calli's reply. "Well...what did she ask you?"

"Whether or not I slept well."

"And what did you say?"

"That I had."

A confused look crossed the bard's face. "Well...I don't understand why that would have..." Green eyes widened as realization dawned. The little blonde smacked herself in the forehead. "Ohhhhhh boy."

"What?"

"Well, she must have been referring to when you moved your bedroll last night to lay next to me...which was completely innocent...and thanks, by the way...but..."

Calli could see the wheels turning inside Gabrielle's head.

"If that made her angry, then that must mean she's jealous...but if she's jealous, that that must mean that she...you know...loves me..." Now the bard began pacing back and forth with her hands clasped behind her back. Four steps and turn. Four steps and turn. "But she can't love me...not like that anyway. I mean, I thought last night that maybe...but when I...well she pulled away so I must have read it wrong...but she's jealous! That's the real key here...so the question is...how do I get her to talk about this? I mean, she's not exactly a fountain of words. Am I crazy here? Am I just seeing what I want to? But then, why was she so angry..."

"Gabrielle !!!! " Calli grabbed the bard by the shoulder and brought her to a complete halt.

"What?"

"Stop pacing! You're making me dizzy!"

Gabrielle shook herself from her train of thought. "Right. Sorry." She reached for her staff and a pouch that had been left laying in the dirt. "I'm sure Xena's pretty far ahead of us by now. We'd better hurry."

The two women checked the campsite again, ensuring that no smoldering embers were left and that the area was clean. Once that was done, they set off after Xena. Calli decided to use this opportunity to learn more about the pair and also about her counterpart in this world. Perhaps she could divert the bard's thoughts away from the events of the night before and this morning. She began asking a lot of questions of the talkative bard. She learned a great deal about Callisto...about what Xena had done to her and how she had been affected by it. She also learned of the twisted obsession her counterpart had with the warrior, and how it had affected their lives. She wondered why they chose such different paths if their lives had been nearly identical up to the point that the Destroyer of Nations razed Cirra. She was horrified by the things that Gabrielle had told her. Moreover, she found it incredible that the bard was able to look at her and see her, and not the one who had so cruelly murdered Perdicas. Calli learned how Xena and Gabrielle had met, how they had developed a unique kinship with each other. She snickered when the bard had told her of some of their more amusing adventures. The story of the Titans and how the bard's big mouth had gotten her into trouble made her laugh until her sides ached. She had learned a lot in those hours before they got to Amphipolis.

They had caught up to the warrior just after midday. The little bard jogged until she was alongside the dark-haired woman, who was now leading Argo rather than riding her. From her vantagepoint behind the warrior, Calli could see by Xena's posture that she was in no mood to talk. Regardless, it appeared as though Gabrielle was going to ignore the obvious and venture forth with a question anyway.

"Xena? Are you mad at me?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

The warrior clenched her teeth in an effort to remain patient. "Yes."

"Can we...can we just talk about what happened earlier?"

"No."

"But..."

Xena pinned the bard with the hard stare of her blue eyes. "I said no."

Calli watched the exchange with some interest. Although the warrior was obviously still seething, she had managed to keep her anger in check. Gabrielle turned to face her, and the look in her green eyes was a mixture of anger, frustration, and sadness.

"Well, that went well, don't you think?" The bard asked sarcastically.

Calli shrugged. "Hm. Could've been worse."

"Oh really?" Gabrielle snorted. "How do you figure that?"

"Well, she could have ripped your arm off and beaten you over the head with it."



It took less than a heartbeat for Gabrielle to realize the joke. She chuckled. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

The rest of the trip had been spent continuing the exchange of information, both women learning from each other. For a while, at least, it seemed the bard was able to pretend that everything was fine between herself and the warrior.

********

Now that they had finally arrived at the village, Calli could scout around for the clearing she saw just before she jumped into the portal. First, however, she needed to get some hot food and a little rest. They hadn't stopped once since they set out this morning. She would find the clearing, weigh her options and then come up with a strategy. If she knew anything about The Conqueror, it was that she would wait until the last possible minute to return to her own world. There would be plenty of time to formulate a workable game plan, which would include lots of hacking and slashing. She was fairly certain that somebody's guts would be lying in the dirt tomorrow. Since she was quite fond of all her internal organs, guts included, she would have to make sure that they wouldn't be hers.

Gabrielle watched the warrior lead Argo into the stables. She stood there for several heartbeats before she realized that Xena wasn't going to say a thing. A subtle fear wound its way into her heart. Every other time that she and Xena had a misunderstanding or disagreement, they had always been able to get through it. They had already dealt with a good number of these incidents. So many, in fact, that the bard was able to predict the exact sequence of the 'making up' process. Xena would close herself off; Gabrielle would ask questions; Xena would tell her to buzz off; Gabrielle would ask questions; Xena would snarl; Gabrielle would ask questions; Xena would start to open up; Gabrielle would analyze; Xena would tell her to knock it off; Gabrielle would knock it off and go back to the questions; Xena would spill her guts, in a Warrior Princess kind of way. This time it was different and she could sense that. It seemed to the bard that Xena couldn't get away from her fast enough. The fact that the warrior didn't want to be around her was evident by the way she just turned toward the stable without so much as a word or a look. She just...left her standing alone. Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a strange noise.

"Rrrrrrowwwwllll."

Calli looked at the bard as though she had suddenly grown a third eye in the middle of her forehead. "What?"

"What do you mean, 'what'?" Gabrielle asked with a confused look on her face.

"You just growled at me."

The bard blushed crimson. "Ah...that would be my stomach. I guess it's telling me that it's suffered long enough." She took Calli by the hand and pulled her toward Amphipolis' tavern extrodinaire. "Come on. Xena's mom..."

"Xena has a mom?"

"Of course she has a mom!" Gabrielle laughed as she pushed Calli through the door of the tavern. "And she makes the best rabbit stew! And the best lamb chops, and the best cheese, and the best bread, and the best..."

"I get the idea, Gabrielle."

Cyrene's tavern had gone through several drastic improvements since the first time Gabrielle had seen it. It seemed as though each time she and Xena had visited, one thing or the other had changed. Now instead of dirt, the floors were covered with oak; highly polished from the many feet that had come through the doors. Strong wooden beams, boards, and shingles had replaced the thatch roof. Walls that had once been fashioned of sod were now constructed of granite, quarried from a cliff near the small river that fed the village. As a matter of fact, it seemed as though every home and business had gone through a similar transformation. Although Xena would never admit it, it was common knowledge that she hailed from Amphipolis. That fact alone was what allowed the village to flourish. It was assumed that Amphipolis and its people were under the protection of the Warrior Princess. No one would dare to interfere with any of the trading caravans that went between the village and its nearby neighbors, for fear of what a certain raven-haired warrior would do to them.

A short, buxom woman with curly, auburn hair streaked with gray made her way across the tavern toward Gabrielle. Her gray eyes lit up with the joy of seeing her daughter's companion. The second she reached the little bard, her arms opened wide in a warm embrace. "Oh darling! It's so good to see you again!"

Gabrielle returned the embrace with enthusiasm. "Cyrene! The place is looking great!" Barely audible sniffing sounds emanated from the bard's sensitive nose. "And whatever's in the kitchen smells wonderful!"

"We've got some vegetable beef stew simmering in the back, along with some freshly baked bread. And for an appetizer, how about some fruit and cheese?" The older woman paused in the middle of her menu recitation. "I guess I really should be asking you about Xena. What's going on between you two? She was just here a few days ago acting very strangely, and neither you nor Argo were anywhere in sight. Is she all right? Are you all right? Do you know where she went?"

Green eyes darted around the room, avoiding the concerned gaze of Xena's worried mother. If the situation weren't so serious, she would have chuckled at the barrage of questions flying at her. Cyrene was almost as bad as she was when it came to questions, but Gabrielle knew that the warrior would be angry if she told her mother what was really going on with Calli or the rift. She opted for the easy way out. "Ah...how 'bout if I let Xena tell you everything. She's in the stables right now taking care of Argo."

"Well, I'll just bustle over there and..." Cyrene changed her thought mid-stream. "Why don't you introduce your friend?"

Gabrielle flushed with embarrassment. "I am so sorry. Cyrene, this is Calli. Calli, Cyrene. Calli's from...uh...someplace really far away."

A slight smile flashed across Calli's face as she nodded toward the older woman. "Pleasure, Cyrene. So...you're really Xena's mom. Huh?"

"Why of course, dear." Cyrene replied with good humor. "Now, why don't you two sit down and get something to eat while I talk with Xena. Charis will get you some hot stew." With that, the short woman swept out of the tavern in search of her warrior daughter.

********

Xena felt the need to put some distance between herself and Gabrielle, which is why she ran for the stables like a scared rabbit. She couldn't bring herself to look at the young bard for fear of what she would see in those beautiful green eyes. Disappointment...hurt...anger... "I can face down the worst warlord in Greece, but I can't even bring myself to look at her. Some 'Warrior Princess' I am..."

The stables had always been a temporary safe haven for the warrior. It was familiar, it was isolated, and it was a comfort zone for her. She settled into the routine that allowed her to push the past two days events from her mind. After removing the pouches, blanket, and saddle from Argo's back, she set them against the wall. She filled the stall with fresh hay, and made sure the mare had access to plenty of oats and sweet water. Once Argo's most immediate needs were met, she pulled a large brush from one of the pouches. Usually, brushing Argo had a calming effect. Unfortunately, this time, it just didn't seem like it would be enough. The anger she carried with her was a hair's breadth below the surface, ready to boil over. For the better portion of the day, she had watched Gabrielle and Callisto become closer. She had also dealt with her friend's cold shoulder. She knew she deserved it, but that didn't make it hurt any less.

A soft nose pushed into Xena's hand, causing a wry smile to appear. "Argo. You always seem to know when something's wrong." The warrior leaned against the mare, resting her forehead on a strong neck. Chuckling softly, she continued talking to her four-legged friend "It's either sympathy you're giving me, or grief for not paying enough attention to you lately." The mare nickered as she nudged the warrior with her head, causing the blue eyes to crinkle up in a genuine smile. "I believe that would be your usual gesture of forgiveness." Argo had been pushed as hard as the rest of them, so Xena decided to take extra time with the mare. After a bit, the warrior was able to bring herself back to that place she liked to go when she didn't want to think too much.

Once she had finished grooming Argo, she immediately peeled off her armor and set it against the wall next to the pouches. Although Xena's mind was somewhat calm, her body still hadn't caught up. An intense workout was obviously in order. The muscles in her upper back and neck were so bunched up she could almost hear them screaming. She rolled her head, trying to work out all the kinks. Bouncing lightly on her heels, she shook out her arms and shoulders. She took several deep breaths and leaned forward, placing her hands flat on the floor directly in front of her feet. Her hamstrings protested as she held that position for a time. Suddenly, the side door swung open. The warrior quickly stood, causing her lower back to pop. "Gods, I hate getting old." Strong hands reached to the injured area, massaging as she searched for the cause of her distraction. "Mother!" She glowered at the short, rubenesque woman standing just inside the doorway.

Long, wavy auburn hair framed a pretty face. Smile lines danced around the corners of the gray eyes that were currently focused on her daughter. "Well what are you still doing out here, for pity's sake?" Cyrene took a several purposeful strides toward the warrior. Upon reaching her only female offspring, the short woman wrapped her arms around a slim waist. "And what brings you back here so soon? Did you get lost?" The older woman teased.

Xena awkwardly embraced her mother. The sensation of being held by the woman who gave her life was still strange to her. It hadn't been all that long since she had returned to Amphipolis to atone for her past misdeeds. She smiled down at her mother and chuckled. "Hello, Mother." Realization slowly dawned on the warrior. Blue eyes turned hard as ice as she gripped her mother by the arms. "What did you say?"

"Xena, what's the matter?" Cyrene's eyes grew worried at her daughter's strange reaction.

"Mother, it's been months since I've been to see you. Why are you asking what brought me back so soon?"

The older woman broke the firm grasp and she slapped a hand to the warrior's forehead. "Honey, are you ill? Are you coming down with something?"

Xena became more anxious as the situation grew more evident. "I can't explain right now, Mother. Just tell me...when was I here last?"

"Well, sweetheart, it was only four days ago."

"What did I do? Where did I go?"

Cyrene slowly shook her head. "Oh, honey. I think you should see the healer." She began running her hands over the hark head. "You must have suffered some type of head injury. I'm going to get Gabrielle and ask her what in Tartarus is going on here."

Xena, exasperated, grabbed her mother's hands and held them in her own. "Mother! Stop feeling my head! I'm fine...and leave Gabrielle out of this. Now, answer my questions."

The older woman sighed in defeat. "All right, all right. Now, I have to admit you were acting rather strangely. You weren't wearing your normal leathers and armor...you were in this strange, black, studded...thing. You were on foot, with Argo nowhere in sight, which I thought was odd. And Gabrielle wasn't with you either, which I also thought was odd. You questioned everyone in the village, even me, and..."

Xena interrupted. "What was I asking about?"

Cyrene leveled a look that closely resembled the warrior's own. "Don't interrupt, daughter. Let me finish." Seeing that Xena had the grace to look chagrined, she continued. "Now, as I was saying, you questioned everyone in the village. The strange part is that you were asking how many men of fighting age were here, what kind of defenses the village had, how many other villages were within riding distance. I just assumed that you already knew all of that. I chalked it up to your having been away for so long, but it still didn't sit right with me. You were acting as though you didn't know me...at least in the beginning of your impromptu visit, but you were still very, very distant. Part of me was frightened that you had plans to return to your old ways. Anyway, after that, you borrowed a horse from the blacksmith and spent the next few days riding out into the woods. The outlying area has had some minor problems with raiders, so the better part of my judgement told me that perhaps you had heard about the trouble and the questions were a precursor to your asking the village to help you dispatch them."



"And then what happened?"

"You just left. You took the smithy's horses and rode north. I can't tell you how relieved I was to see you again so soon! I thought perhaps there was something deeper to your actions and that you had come back to explain yourself. You are going to explain yourself, aren't you?" Cyrene's eyebrows rose up on her forehead in another gesture reminiscent of her daughter.

Xena released her mother's hands and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to look into her mother's worried face. "I know you won't understand all this, Mother, and I can't explain everything to you. It would take too long. Just trust me on this..."

"What? What's the matter, little one?"

"That person was not me. I know she looked like me, talked like me, moved like me, but she wasn't me. Think back to everything you remember about those few days while she was here. Even you have to admit that even in my darkest days, I always acknowledged my ties to you." She sighed heavily. "I'm going to have to leave again, Mother. Tonight."

"Xena, you're exhausted. You look as though you haven't slept in days. Rest for awhile and leave in the morning."

"I can't. Mother, listen to me. I'm going to leave Gabrielle here and you've got to make absolutely certain that she doesn't follow me. And I'll need to see the smithy for another horse. I'm going to leave Argo here." Xena snapped her armor back in place, grabbed one of the small pouches on the floor, and walked toward the door. Cyrene reached out, grabbing hold of her daughter's forearm.

"Xena!"

The dark-haired warrior gently removed her mother's hand from her arm. "Mother, please. Just take care of Gabrielle and Argo for me."

********

Gabrielle and Calli were situated at a table in the far corner of the tavern. Before them were two steaming bowls of stew, a tray of bread, cheese, and assorted fruit. There were also two mugs; one filled with cider and the other with ale. The bard was in heaven as she wolfed down the contents of her bowl. "Fscuse mf." She said to Calli as she reached for the warm bread. The ravenous blonde ripped off a large chunk, slathered it with whipped butter, and took a huge bite. "Mmmmfff..." Green eyes rolled skyward in thanks to the God of Food. Of course, such a deity really didn't exist, but as far as Gabrielle was concerned, the denizens of Olympus should create a new slot.

"Good thing I'm on the other side of the table." Calli observed. "Otherwise I might lose a limb in the feeding frenzy." She spooned some of the thick stew into her mouth, admitting to herself that she had never tasted better. Watching the bard eat was an experience in itself. She had never seen someone so small eat so much. "So, Gabrielle. Is there a bottomless pit somewhere in there, or do you have a tape worm?"

"Gack!" The bard choked on the chunk of bread as she laughed at the sarcastic comment. Calli leaned over the table, slapping Gabrielle on the back with a resounding 'THUD'. The bread shot across the table, landed on the floor, and skittered underneath the table in front of them. "Thanks..." The bard was obviously embarrassed at her manic face-stuffing. "Ahem...good bread, don't you think?"

Calli rolled her eyes while she took another spoonful of stew.

"So. What's the plan?" Gabrielle asked.

"Pretty simple, really. We find the clearing, get into position, and kill the bitch."

"Ooookay. But, what time frame are we looking at here."

"Knowing her the way I do, I'd guess she'll wait until the last minute to cross over. I want to find the clearing tonight and then decide the particulars in the morning. We can have Xena scout around to see where exactly the warlord is. That'll give us a better idea of how much time we've got to work on strategy."

"So...what..." Gabrielle's question was interrupted by an upset Cyrene.

"Gabrielle! You've got to stop Xena! She's gone insane! She keeps rambling about another Xena, and she doesn't remember being here recently!"

Calli stood, placing her hand on Cyrene's shoulder. "Slow down. Take a deep breath and tell us what's going on."

The older woman took Calli's advice. "All right. I just talked to Xena and she told me that she was going to leave Argo and Gabrielle here. She was here a few days ago, but she said it wasn't her. She's on her way to the smithy right now to get another horse. I have no idea what's going on here!"

Anger was the first thing that Gabrielle felt. That, and an incredible hurt. Xena was once again going to pull her 'you stay here so you won't get hurt' routine, which could also be confused with her 'you stay here so you won't get in my way' routine. Then there was the 'I'm the only one who should sacrifice her life' routine, which was very similar to the old 'I have a lifetime of being evil to make up for, and I don't need to drag you into the middle of it' routine. Whichever routine it was, the bard was sick and tired of it. Ever since she and Xena had begun travelling together, she had always had to fight for the warrior's respect. She always felt she had to prove that she was an adult and could take care of herself. What frustrated and angered her even more was that Xena refused to see that Gabrielle could make a valuable contribution. As far as the warrior was concerned, the bard's only worthy contributions were to the cook pot, and to Argo when Xena needed someone to watch over her. Being an Amazon Queen wasn't good enough. Even the events leading up to her coronation weren't good enough! Nothing was ever good enough!

"That is IT!!" Gabrielle stomped out of the tavern, leaving a confused Cyrene and Calli staring at her back.

She caught up with the warrior, just as she reached the smithy. "Xena!" She watched dumbfounded as Xena pretended not to hear her, and walked into the smithy's shop. Being ignored only fueled the flames. The bard's green eyes narrowed in fury as she burst through the wooden door. Two pairs of eyes turned in her direction. One pair, dark brown and full of confusion. The other pair, electric blue and glittering with suppressed anger.

"Get out of here Gabrielle. This doesn't concern you." The sultry voice radiated danger.

"What do you mean this doesn't concern me?" The bard faced the angry warrior. "You were just going to dump me here and run off to play hero, weren't you? Weren't you?? I thought we were past this, Xena!" A small finger pushed into Xena's shoulder.

"Gabrielle..." Xena's lip curled up in a snarl as she grasped the bard's arm in a painful grip. "I said this doesn't concern you." Each word was emphasized by a rough shake.

Emotions roiled in Gabrielle's gut, alternating between fear and anger. "Xena, you're hurting me."

The warrior jerked the little blonde toward her so they were nose to nose. Gabrielle's feet barely touched the ground. The pressure of Xena's fingers digging into her flesh increased along with the coldness in the warrior's face. "I'll hurt you a lot worse if you follow me."

The bard felt herself being dragged out of the smithy's shop. In half a heartbeat, she was outside facing the incredulous expressions of Calli and Cyrene. She barely had time to register their presence before the warrior roughly threw her to the ground. Cyrene gasped and rushed to help Gabrielle off the ground.

"Oh, sweetheart. I'm so sorry. I just don't know what's wrong with her."

"It doesn't matter any more, Cyrene. This is too hard." Gabrielle closed her eyes against the tears that threatened to fall. She pulled away from the older woman and walked back to the tavern.

Calli watched as the older woman chased after the bard. Although she was seething inside, she figured that Cyrene would take care of Gabrielle. Curious to see what Xena had planned, she turned to enter the shop. The solid wood door creaked as she pushed it open. She stepped in and allowed her eyes to focus in the somewhat dim interior. The structure was constructed of the same materials as the tavern. The room she was in was smallish, with shelving on the far wall. There was a small window to the left, with a rough desk sitting underneath it. A narrow door to the right led to the larger room where the smithy actually did his work. Beyond that was a double door leading to the corral. That was where she found Xena and Ademtos, haggling over a silver gelding.

"Ya promised ta pay me fer the last one ya took, Xena. I've yet ta see a dinar from ya. Ya think aym gonta let ya have anather un? Yer cracked is what ya are." A very large, very hairy man was standing face to face with the Warrior Princess. Big, meaty hands were waving in the air, gesturing with each word.

"Look. I'll pay you for this one, and double what the other cost for your trouble." Xena inwardly flinched as she thought of how Gabrielle would react at her lack of haggling expertise.

The big man pulled at his long, black beard as he thought for all of one heartbeat. "Ya got yerself a deal. Ay'll gi'ya a saddle an' tack fer fi' dinars. The hurses will cost ya anodder seven'y dinars fer a total'a seven'y-fi'."

"Done." Xena tossed a small, leather pouch toward the smith. A hand the size of a small boulder deftly plucked it out of the air. As she turned to follow the smith back to the shop, she was startled to see Calli leaning up against a fence.

"Nice demonstration of sisterly love earlier, Xena. Is that how you treat all your friends?"

"Shut up, Callisto."

"Now, you know me better than that. Shutting up just isn't in my nature, especially when it gives me the chance to needle you." Calli stretched backward against the railing, showing off her slim, toned body. "You know...I've been thinking. Maybe your little bard would appreciate a new friend. I mean, you have such a hard time showing her how you feel about her...unless tossing her into the dirt is some kind of strange Warrior Princess mating ritual. I bet she'd really like someone who wasn't afraid to touch her. Yeah...I think I'll just..." The words caught in her throat as she felt herself being lifted off her feet by a furious blue-eyed warrior.

If Xena's eyes had been daggers, Calli would have been skewered to the fence. "I...said...shut...up."

A powerful throw launched the slim, blonde woman over the railing. After flying for what seemed like an eternity, she finally, painfully, slammed into a tree. "Huh…I think she's mad." Calli thought as she slid to the ground. "Good. Maybe she'll realize what a complete idiot she's being." She stood and dusted herself off, ignoring the scratches from her impact on the oak. Her perverse desire to goad certain, more volatile, people into violence caused her to completely push aside the real reason she went to find Xena. "Well, I guess I should get back to business. But, it's so damn much fun getting under her skin, I just can't help myself!" She smiled mischievously as she went in search of the blue-eye warrior.

Xena had just finished throwing her pouches over the silver gelding when Calli sauntered into the corral. She stuffed down the urge to slice and dice the annoying woman. Instead, she settled for "the look".

"So. Gonna tell me where you're going?"

"No."

"You're up to something, aren't you? You're going to do more than just check things out, aren't you? Well? Aren't you?"

"No."

"You're making a mistake. I know her better than you do."

"I don't think so."

"Listen to me." Calli grabbed ahold of the gelding's reigns. "You don't know this person at all. You'll just get yourself killed. Let me go with you."

"No."

"No. Is that all you know how to say?"

"No. And I don't plan on getting myself killed."

Calli sighed in frustration. "Gods! I have no idea how she put up with you as long as she did!"

Black eyebrows rose over the top of electric-blue eyes. "Gabrielle is off-limits."

"Look, you are really, really bugging me! I'm the one who was betrayed by a friend, who remains unknown at the moment, but that's beside the point! I'm the one who got her face beaten in and her ribs broken! And I'm the one who jumped into that damned rift trying to catch up with the bitch!" Calli's voice grew louder with each pointed statement. "I'm going and there's not a damned thing you can do about it! Now, get me a horse, dammit!"

"I thought you were going to scout the clearing."

"Yes? And your point is?"

"I need you to scout the clearing. You're the only one who can identify it. I'm just going to take a look around. I need to see what she's up to and how much I'm going to need to fix after she's gone. That's all."

"Your mother said something to you, didn't she? That's what's got your leathers in a twist, isn't it?"

Xena pretended not to hear.

A snort issued from the small blonde. "Well if 'taking a look around' is all you're going to do, oh mighty Warrior Princess, why are you dumping the bard?"

"I told you. Gabrielle is off-limits." The voice became dangerously low. The tone was such that Calli truly realized how close she had come to becoming nothing but a greasy patch in the dirt earlier that day. "Now, unless you want to really make me angry, I suggest you drop it." With that said, Xena mounted the gelding and galloped out of the village.

**

Gabrielle didn't stop to say goodbye to Cyrene or Calli. Once she was sure that Xena had gone, she gathered up what the warrior had left in the stables and walked out of Amphipolis. She didn't care that she had been left less than ten dinars. It just didn't matter. The emotional exhaustion she felt didn't matter either. What did matter was that her best friend had once again left her behind. Well, she decided that enough was enough. She wasn't going to sit around and wait for the Warrior Princess to decide she needed someone to cook for her or take care of her horse. She knew without a doubt that the Amazons would welcome her. It was time she learned what it took to lead a nation of warriors. She would take her rightful place among the Amazons and forget about Xena.

**

It didn't take Calli long at all to find the clearing. She had a crazy sense of direction where that pain in the ass warlord was concerned. "The Soulless One." She rolled her eyes while she sized up the area. "They should have called her, 'The Disgusting One' or 'The Really, Really Annoying One', or better yet, The Brutal, Bloody, Child-Murdering One.' Nah, those names would never work...too long. That's why I just call her 'The Bitch'!" As Calli sat in one of the trees surrounding the clearing, she realized something horrifying. "Holy Athena's hooha! That bard is rubbing off on me!" Blonde hair whipped back and forth as she shook herself out of the insane rambling. She needed to focus on figuring out how to set up the ambush. As annoyed as Calli was, she realized that there was some logic to Xena's argument. Of course, she needed to scout out the clearing. She knew that, damn it! But, there was that niggling feeling in the back of her mind that Xena was up to something. She truly hated being left out of the plan, which is probably why she felt an even stronger kinship with the bard. "I've only had to put up with this a few days. Imagine putting up with it for almost two summers! I'd be insane...or dead. Wait...I'm already insane, so yeah, I'd be dead."

Sitting up in the tree was rather relaxing for Calli. She could observe the clearing without being observed. She liked that feeling of anonymity. As the leader of a fairly large group of fighters, she rarely got that 'alone time' she so desperately craved. As difficult as this entire journey had been, she appreciated not having to be the one to make all the decisions for everyone else. It was nice to sit back and let someone else shoulder the load. As she was contemplating her position in the whole scheme of things, she heard a rustling noise. She peered into the darkness to see Xena ride into the clearing on the gray gelding. The lithe blonde did a lazy flip from her perch, landing directly in front of the warrior.

"Well that was fast. I guess she must not be too far from the village after all." She paused when she realized that something didn't seem quite right. Confusion filled the liquid brown eyes when they took in the raven-haired woman sitting astride the horse. It wasn't the sitting part that confused her, it was the fact that Xena's face was twisted into a familiar mask of cruelty and hatred.

"So...you made it, did you?" The warlord's voice chilled Calli to the bone. "How nice, although I can't say that I'm surprised. I was hoping my little dagger finished you, but I have to admit my aim was a bit off." The tall woman gracefully dismounted. Two long strides was all it took to bring her face to face with the blonde. A strong hand snaked out and grasped Calli by the chin. Her head was forced to the side, exposing the side of her neck. "Well, you did get a nice little scar though." An evil smile marred the beautiful features. "And your nose isn't nearly as flat as when I last saw it."

A raspy voice Calli hardly recognized as her own rasped. "Where's Xena?"

"Oh her. Since you asked..." She gestured behind her, and five well-armed mercenaries entered the clearing. They were leading a small roan, and bound to it was a badly beaten and unconscious Xena. She had been unceremoniously tossed over the mare's back like a sack of flour. Her face was bruised and one eye was swollen shut. Dried blood had caked underneath her nose and covered her upper lip. Calli noticed that she had been stripped of her leathers and armor. The warrior had nothing on but her cotton shift, which appeared to have a healthy smattering of blood on it.

"What are you going to do with her?"

"Take her with me, of course. By the way, these fit perfectly, don't you think?" A long arm swept the length of her body as she proudly displayed the new armor she was wearing. Xena's armor. "And this is a very interesting weapon indeed." The warlord turned to display the chakram dangling at her hip. "I'm looking forward to learning more about it."

"Oh, by the way, could you just step aside?" A strong fist shot out, connecting with Calli's solar plexus. The blonde dropped to her knees, then immediately felt herself being dragged by the hair. "I can't have you blocking my portal, now can I? After all, I'm a little homesick and I really feel the need to get back to the Keep. I'm sure you know how it is."

Watery eyes focused on the place the warlord was gesturing toward. Calli tried to stand as she saw the rift forming, but her legs wouldn't hold her up. She desperately tried to think her way out of this situation, but her brain refused to cooperate. As she lay there, retching in the dirt, the tall warlord, the five mercenaries, and the roan carrying the raven-haired warrior began to enter the rift. "Wait!" A scream ripped from her throat. "Leave her here! Take me instead! I'm worth more to you than she is!"

"Oh please. Those sound like lines from a really bad play I saw in Carthage. As a matter of fact, it was so bad that I had to kill the producer, director...well...just about everyone associated with it." The warlord motioned for the mercenaries to enter the rift, which they did. When she was standing alone with the blonde, she began to laugh. "And, why in the known world would I want to leave her here? It'll be ever so much fun my way."

"Gabrielle..." Calli stopped before she revealed too much.

A black eyebrow rose in curiosity, but it's owner didn't pursue the question. Instead she grasped a handful of blonde hair and twisted hard. "Listen to me, you stupid bitch. I can't have her here interfering with my plans. Two Xena's would be too confusing to these simple-minded people." Another hard twist earned a stifled cry from Calli. "By the way, as far as your pathetic little band of 'freedom fighters' know, you were executed in my dungeon a quarter moon ago. And that makes you worth less than nothing."



____________________________________________________



PART EIGHT: Consequences



Calli watched the rift close, knowing that she had just made a huge mistake; one which made all the other mistakes she'd made so far seem tiny in comparison. The second she realized that the person on the gray gelding wasn't who she thought, her muscles had turned to jelly. It was a far cry from the defiance and disdain she had shown back at the Keep, but she had never experienced the mind-numbing shock that invaded her from the moment she saw the warlord. It prevented her from taking the action that she should have. Shame filled her as she realized that she would have to explain this to Gabrielle. How in the known world would she be able to face the bard after what she had done? Or rather, what she didn't do? The mere thought of it sent waves of apprehension through her gut. Damn it! She was so sure she had the answer to everything, and now it was ruined! She would never get back to where she belonged; Xena was gone; and Gabrielle would hate her forever.



"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!" As Calli screamed, she pounded her fists into the dirt. "You rotten, stinking, slime-sucking, gorgon-kissing SLUUUUUUUUUUUUUT!!!!!!!!" When she was finished, she lay gasping. "That was completely unproductive. " She thought as she worked to catch her breath. "It still doesn't take the place of sticking a sword in the bitch, but it's a good substitute for now."



Since Calli was now in a much better frame of mind, she was able to think about what to do next. She was certain that the warlord would return through the rift accompanied by a massive army. The trick would be to figure out when and where. Waiting in the clearing wasn't an option. She had to get help, but who? Who would believe such a crazy story? "Gabrielle!" Saying the name aloud brought a wonderful realization to Calli. Centaurs and Amazons were a part of this world, and Gabrielle would be the key to bring them both together! She was an Amazon, so the nation would listen to her. The centaurs knew and trusted the bard. If anyone could get them to work with the Amazons, it would be Gabrielle.



As she ran back to the village, she was once again overwhelmed with the feeling that the little bard was the key. She would be the one to put an end to the warlord. The tough part would be convincing Gabrielle of that. Talking to the bard on their way to Amphipolis taught Calli a lot about the way the young woman viewed the world. Gabrielle didn't believe in war; she believed that there was always a better way. Calli's job would be to show her that sometimes, fighting was the only choice.



Breathing hard, she pushed her way into the tavern. The place was nearly empty, except for two old men sitting at a back table. "Cyrene!" Calli rounded the corner of the bar, headed for the kitchen, when Cyrene answered from the top of the stairs.



"Oh Calli! Thank goodness you're here. Gabrielle's gone. I can't find her anywhere and her things are gone from the stables." The older woman wrung her hands as she descended to where Calli stood.



"Oh, this is great! First the bitch is almost a day early, then Xena gets dragged through the damned portal, and now Gabrielle's missing! Just great!" Calli punched the stone wall next to the kitchen door. "Ow!" She shook her hand out while stomping around the tavern. She stopped long enough to ask Cyrene, "Ok, where would she have gone?"



"Well, either home to Poteidaia or to the Amazon village." The tavern owner's paused for a heartbeat to consider. "Wait a minute. What do you mean 'Xena got dragged through the portal?' What portal?"



"I'm sorry Cyrene, but I don't have time to explain things to you. Believe me when I say it's a long, loooong story." She paused, tilting her head in thought. After a moment she asked, "Which direction is the Amazon village?"



"Three days southwest of here by foot. Do you think that's where Gabrielle went?"



Calli nodded in the affirmative. "Yeah. After what happened with Xena, I think she'll be out to prove herself. Ah…do you think I could take Argo?"



"I don't see why not, dear. The Gods only know when my daughter will be back."



"That's more true than you know." Calli thought. Before she left the tavern, she turned back to Cyrene. "I'll do everything in my power to make sure they're safe. Both of them."



Relief shone in the older woman's eyes. "Thank you."

********

It felt good to defy one of Xena's major rules about travelling at night, especially alone. The bard had made up her mind that she was going to live by her own rules now. And so…she was walking in the dark, alone, on the narrow path to her Amazon village. Of course, she was walking to the far right in case she had to hide in a hurry. It wouldn't be prudent to be caught unawares by some slavering, grotesque, wanna be raider.



All the thoughts whirling in her head were driving her a little bit crazy. Her mind kept replaying the incident where Xena had thrown her down and walked away. Looking up at the night sky, Gabrielle thought the stars seemed less bright tonight. As hard as she tried to look forward to her new future, she couldn't help but be devastated by the loss of her best friend, the one she loved more than life itself. The depression she had fought off so desperately threatened to overwhelm her. Her eyes welled up with tears, but the she refused to give in. In the midst of feeling sorry for herself, she heard the sound of a horse being run hard. She scrambled into the prickly bushes at the side of the road and waited to see who came around the bend.



"Calli!" The surprised bard jumped from the bushes, startling Argo into rearing up. Calli tumbled from the saddle, landing in the dusty road with a 'thud'. Gabrielle ran to the woman lying prostrate in the dirt. "Oh Gods, are you alright?"



"Oh yeah. Couldn't be better." Replied the woman in the dirt.



"I'm really, really sorry." Gabrielle's proffered hand was knocked away. "Really."



Calli stood and brushed the dust from the shirt and breeches she borrowed from Cyrene. "I heard you the first time. C'mere, Argo." Reaching for the reigns, the woman eyeballed the horse with undisguised annoyance.



Gabrielle's brows furrowed in confusion. "Wait a second. Something's not…why are you riding Argo?" Panic gripped her gut. "Where's Xena? What's happened to her?"



"I'm afraid I've got some bad news for you, little bard."



"Something's happened to Xena, hasn't it?" A trembling hand reached out to grasp Calli by the wrist.



"That bitch took her through the portal."



"What?" Gabrielle's eyes were filled with a combination of fear and anger. "I thought you said she was going to wait until the last minute! I thought you knew how she operated!"



"Well…I did, but…let's just concentrate on what we need to do here, shall we?" Calli was obviously frustrated with having to explain herself to the bard. She knew that it wouldn't be easy. Facing a rabid mountain lion would be easier than dealing with the angry bard.



"Helloooooo…are you in there?" Gabrielle rapped on Calli's forehead with her knuckles. "What we need to do here, is rescue Xena!" The bard pushed past Calli and headed back toward Amphipolis.



"Ow!" Calli rubbed the sore spot on her forehead. "Wait a second, for Athena's sake!" She ran to block the bard's path.



"Look. The longer we wait, the harder its going to be to rescue Xena!" Gabrielle again pushed her way past and continued stomping her way toward the village.



"Gabrielle, you can go back to the clearing if you want, but you're forgetting one thing!" Calli yelled at the retreating bard.



Gabrielle smacked herself on the forehead. "You're right! I need to get help from the Amazons!" She turned around, setting back on her original course toward the Amazon village.



"Well, that's start, but you're still missing something."



"Yeah? What's that?" Gabrielle challenged. "Oh, wait! I know…THE PLAN!! The great, wonderful plan you two came up with, right?" The bard stopped and turned to face Calli. "You know, the plan that was supposed to capture that other Xena, thereby saving your world and ours, right? THAT PLAN???!!! Boy, I sure wish I had thought of it." Gabrielle snorted and turned away. "But then again, had I thought of it, she would have ignored it and she still would have been dragged through that stupid portal! You know, I should never have left the way I did. If I had just fought harder I could have at least convinced her not to do something crazy."



Calli listened to the bard's tirade, fuming the entire time. "Well, of course things could have gone better…a lot better, actually. But, that's not what I mean. You're forgetting the fact that THERE IS NO PORTAL!!!!! They've already gone through it. We have no way of getting to my world."



Gabrielle's green eyes narrowed and shot daggers at the other woman. "Okay. I knew that. Yeah. So…okay…do you have a new plan? One that's waaaay better than the last one you had?" Sarcasm dripped from the bard's voice.



"Yeah. As a matter of fact I do. Let's discuss it while we ride to the Amazon village." Calli mounted Argo and reached down to help Gabrielle. As she pulled the bard up to settle behind her, she said. "Just so you know, you couldn't have done anything. She was set on her course and nothing you could have said would have changed that."



The bard signed, knowing Calli was right. "I know. But thanks anyway."

********

The pain in her head subsided somewhat, allowing her to open the one eye that had not swelled shut. She surveyed her surroundings, looking for a way out. The cell was small, ten-by-eight, with a tiny, barred window about seven feet from the floor. A pile of filthy hay was bunched in the far corner. This is where Xena lay. A thick, iron shackle circled one ankle. The shackle, in turn, was connected by an equally thick chain to an iron stake in the middle of the room. The chain appeared to be just long enough for Xena to reach the three moss-covered stone walls, but not quite long enough for her to reach the cell door. The warrior sat up slowly, taking a mental inventory of all her body parts. Although she was bruised and sore, it didn't seem that there were any broken bones. She probably looked a lot worse than she felt, a condition that could be used to her advantage. As she was sizing up her current situation, she heard soft footsteps coming down the corridor.



"So. You're awake."



Xena narrowed her good eye to focus on the figure in the shadows just beyond the cell door. "Yeah."



The figure stepped forward to reveal the warlord. She studied Xena with detachment. "It's so strange to see someone who looks like me, and yet isn't anything like me at all."



"Really?" Xena's voice dropped dangerously low. "I bet we're more alike than you care to believe." She sized up her doppelganger. The Conqueror was back in her usual garb. She wore loose-fitting, black leather breeches; and a tunic of the same color draped her muscular body. The only weapon she wore was a sword strapped to her hip. "No chakram?" Xena thought. "Interesting…"



The warlord smirked. "Oh I doubt that."



"Why did you bring me here?" Xena tried a different tack. She wanted to learn as much as she could about this warlord. The more she knew, the better the chance would be that her plan would succeed.



"You were too much of a liability to me in your world."



"Killing me would have been easier. Why didn't you?"



"Good question, and one that I can't answer." The warlord replied truthfully.



"Too much like killing yourself?" Xena asked with a raised eyebrow.



"Perhaps." The warlord answered with a half-smile that made Xena shudder. "You and I are going to get to know each other very well. I'll have a guard bring some fresh clothes and a wash basin. Get cleaned up."

********

On foot, the Amazon village was a three-day journey. On Argo, the trip was cut by more than half. As they approached the boarder to Amazon lands, Gabrielle asked Calli to stop.



"Why? We're almost there." Calli turned her head to address the bard.



"You obviously don't know anything about Amazons or their customs." Gabrielle replied as she swung herself to the ground. "Just do what I do, and don't say anything."



Calli watched as Gabrielle dropped her staff to the ground, raised her arms, and clasped her hands above her head. She shrugged, dismounted, and did the same. The second her hands met, six masked Amazon warriors descended from the trees. Her eyes widened in surprise, but she managed to squelch the vocal equivalent just in time. Five of the warriors stood at the ready, while the sixth approached the two women, and kneeled in front of Gabrielle.



"My Queen." The masked Amazon said.



Calli couldn't contain her surprise. "Queen?" She dropped her hands. "You never said anything about being a queen!" The blonde woman turned to stare at the bard standing next to her.



The five Amazons, taking the movement to be a threat, surrounded Calli and pushed her to the ground. The Amazon who had knelt in front of Gabrielle jumped up and positioned herself between her Queen and the woman lying in the dirt. Calli noted the three swords and two arrows pointed at her chest. "Back off, ladies!" She snarled. "This is the third time in three days I've ended up in the dirt, and I'm getting pretty damned sick of it!"



The bard smirked, shaking her head. "I told you not to say anything, didn't I?" She turned to the masked Amazon standing in front of her. "It's okay Ephiny. She's a friend."



The mask was immediately pushed up on top of a blonde, curly head. "A friend? Callisto is a friend?! " Ephiny's hazel eyes narrowed as she studied the bard. "Okay. This is Ares' doing, isn't it? He's enchanted you somehow to join forces with this she-demon." The Amazon regent gestured toward Calli with her sword.



Gabrielle stepped into the circle of Amazons surrounding Calli. "Amazons, hear me!" Calli watched in awe as the bard truly took on the persona of an Amazon Queen. "Our nation…our existence…our entire world is being threatened. This woman comes under the banner of friendship to help us defeat the enemy. By so doing, she has jeopardized the lives of her own people. I call her friend, and she shall be treated accordingly!"



The Amazon warriors stepped back and removed their masks, revealing their faces. Their eyes seemed to question Gabrielle's sanity, but they lowered their weapons.



Calli, still lying in the dirt, got up and knocked the dust off. "Gee, thanks so much for your help. I just don't know how I'll ever repay you." Her voice dripped with sarcasm. The only answers she received from the Amazons were cold stares.



Ephiny pulled the bard to one side. "My queen, the council will need some answers."



Gabrielle, exhausted from all that she had endured the past few days, sighed. "Ephiny. Stop calling me 'My Queen'. And I plan on going before the council anyway. There's a lot more going on than I can explain right now, believe me. Calli is the least of it." The bard turned to the other five Amazons, who were still now focusing icy glares at Calli. Gabrielle sighed and addressed them again. "Look. I know you're confused, but I don't have time to explain every single thing to every single Amazon. You'll just have to trust me."



The five Amazons nodded, indicating their willingness to accept what their Queen had said; and more importantly, accept Calli as their Queen's friend…for now.

********



Xena watched the warlord as she walked away. "She wants to clean me up. I wonder what she's up to?" It didn't take long to find out. The guards had delivered fresh clothes and a washbasin as the warlord had promised. The men were extremely careful when entering the cell. Only one approached, setting the basin and clothing just inside the cell door. They were placed close enough so the warrior could reach the items, but not close enough that she could reach the guards. They refused to unchain the warrior, indicating that she could take care of herself just fine shackled. Xena shrugged, stripped off her shift and began to clean herself. The guards tried to ignore her but found themselves unable to keep their eyes off of the beautiful warrior. Though battered and bruised, she still portrayed grace, confidence, and dangerous strength. Bronze skin played over the muscle in her thighs as she knelt to retrieve the clothing. She smirked at the guards as she pulled the tunic over her head. The cloth was blue, matching the color of her eyes, and reached just above her knees.



"Hey." Xena called to the guards. "You're gonna have to remove this thing at some point, boys." She shook her leg to emphasize her point. None of the guards made a move toward her. The warrior's eyebrow rose and a half-smile appeared on her face. "Well? I promise I won't bite…hard." The four guards looked nervously looked to each other for guidance. It seemed that no one was brave enough to enter the cell for fear of what she might do to them. "Toss me the key, then willya? It's kind of chilly in here." The hard nipples pushing up against the blue cloth was evidence of that fact. After another few heartbeats, a key came sailing into the cell, landing just within her reach. The cell door was quickly shut and locked. Xena removed the shackle, and pulled on a pair of trousers the same color as the tunic. Soft, leather boots had also been provided. Xena pulled them on, noting the perfect fit. "Must be hers". She thought as she tucked the trouser legs inside the boots. The warrior noted that she had not been provided a belt. The tunic would have to hang on her as it was.

"Do you remember when I said we were going to get to know each other?" The Conqueror appeared at the cell door. "We'll start now. You!" She pointed at the guards. "Get out! The guards all but ran down the hall and out of the dungeon. Next, she waved her arm and five well- armed, well-muscled men appeared and took positions near the cell door. The warlord raised an eyebrow. "These are my best men. Rest assured that if you attempt to escape, you won't make it." The warlord pushed her way to the front, and called to the warrior. "Exit the cell carefully. You'll have three men behind you, and two to the front. Remember…if you attempt anything, you're off to Tartarus."



Xena shrugged and walked toward the little dungeon procession. She neither looked at the soldiers nor at the warlord. She stared straight ahead, and followed the men in front. She was led down the hall, and up a narrow flight of stairs. Once out the door she studied, and committed to memory, everything in the courtyard. Every door, every tree, every window, every blade of grass was imprinted into her brain. Xena knew that she would need that information later…when her plan was finally put into action. As far as she was concerned, everything was going exactly how she wanted it. It couldn't be any more perfect...



They walked across the courtyard and crossed the threshold into the fortress. There, the warlord stopped and spread her arms wide. She turned to face Xena with a look of utter arrogance. "How do you like my Keep, Xena? It's impenetrable, you know. All I need are a few to walk the walls and guard the gates. Of course, it's not as though I have any real threats to my power. Oh, I still have to quash random uprisings here and there, but nothing challenging. You see, this Keep is mine, this land is mine, and the people are mine. You are mine…and, your pathetic little world will be mine as well." The warlord laughed and gestured to a spiral staircase to her right. "Shall we dine, then?" The warlord was first up the staircase, followed by two guards, Xena, and the three remaining guards, all single file.



Xena kept the smile to herself. "Apparently, this particular version of me is arrogant to a fault. Her bragging is telling me exactly what I need to know." As she did in the courtyard, the warrior memorized everything about the Keep. She memorized how many stairs there were, how many hand-spans wide the staircase was, and how many torches lit the way. Once they reached the top of the stairs, she memorized how many steps it took to reach the warlord's chambers. She noted that there was only one other doorway in the hall. From what she learned from Calli, she suspected that it led to Alti's chambers. When they reached the thick, wooden door at the end of the hall, one of the guards opened the way. He entered the room first, along with two others, to ensure that it was safe for the warlord to enter.



Xena couldn't resist the jibe. "So. If everything is yours, what are you afraid of?" She smiled as the warlord turned to address the question.



The warlord sneered as she replied. "Even you must know the answer to that question, Xena. Trust no one." Once the warlord was assured that it was safe to enter her own chambers, she gestured to the guards remaining in the hall. They pushed Xena forward into the room, and took up their positions. Three of the guards were stationed at various strategic locations in the room and two stood blocking the door.



As Xena stepped into the room, she recognized the opulence of one who was secure in her power. Ornate tapestries, depicting the stories of the Gods lined the gray, stone walls. In the center of the room stood a long, highly polished oaken table. Bench seats were situated on either side of the table, and an exquisitely crafted chair was placed at the head. This was obviously where the warlord sat during meals. The table was covered with all manner of fruit, cheese, and roasted meats. Elaborate candelabras were positioned on either end to provide lighting during the meal. To the left of the table was an archway, which appeared to lead to lavish sleeping quarters. To the right was a narrow window, approximately five hands in width. Xena turned her attention back to the table. There were three silver goblets, filled with red wine. "It appears that we're to have a third party join us." Xena was curious as to who that other person would be. She was not long in wondering when Alti stepped into the room.



"Alti…" She whispered, surprised to see her old enemy alive and well. She had listened to the conversation between Calli and Gabrielle the afternoon before they arrived in Amphipolis. She knew Alti was a part of what was happening here, but to see her so close was disconcerting. Alti's eyes bore into her very soul, searching…for something. Xena closed herself off to the probing and saw the startled look on Alti's face. There was a hint of approval in those dark eyes, but it was gone in a heartbeat.



"Xena." The shamaness replied, acknowledging the Warrior Princess. She turned to the warlord. "I am…taken aback by the resemblance, my Queen."



The warlord laughed. "Yes, Alti. It's remarkable, isn't it?" The dark woman gestured toward the table filled with food and drink. "Let's eat, shall we?" The warlord took her place at the head of the table, while Xena and Alti sat opposite each other on the benches. "Now we will find out just how much our…Xena…resembles me."



The warlord stared hard at Xena as she placed the chakram on the table. "What is this?"

"A chakram."

"Chakram." The warlord repeated the unfamiliar word. "Where did you get it?"

"Found it."

"Where?"

"Oh…around…"

The warlord's eyes narrowed in anger but she continued her questioning.

"How is it used?"

Xena shrugged. "Figure it out yourself."

"Oh believe me, I will." The warlord snarled and took a different tack with her questions. "Which God do you serve?"

"I serve no God."

"Not even Ares?"

"Especially not Ares."

"Really? Interesting. I sense that although you may not serve him now, you have in the past. You are still not quite free of his influence, are you? I understand how it is with Ares." The warlord took a sip of wine while she contemplated her next query. "So. Do Amazons and Centaurs exist in your world?"

Xena graced the warlord with a half-smile. "You've learned enough about me. Now it's your turn." The warrior bit into a succulent piece of pheasant as she addressed the warlord.



"In due time." A half-smile appeared on the warlord's face. "Tell me what I want to know."



"No."



"So." The warlord's eyes turned cold. "It appears that we've reached an impasse."



"You could say that." Xena replied.



"Perhaps I can…persuade you to cooperate?"



Xena sneered. "I doubt that."



"Really?" The warlord spat. "Alti! Show her!"



"As you wish." Alti looked into a large, silver pitcher of water and closed her eyes. Her voice, deep and soothing intoned. "Blessed water of verity, show me what I wish to see." With that, she poured some of the liquid into a bowl, also made of silver. Alti carefully picked up the bowl and carried it to where Xena sat. The bowl was placed directly in front of the warrior with the command, "Look, and know it to be the truth."



Xena gazed into the silver bowl, which seemed to glow with an unearthly light. The water churned and rippled as a picture began to form, and the warrior saw her heart…



"Gabrielle…" She whispered, horrified.



"So that's her name, is it? I believe Callisto mentioned it right before I left your world." The warlord sneered in disgust. "So. Care to tell us what you know? Or…perhaps you would rather watch her die? Oh, I could find some very delicious ways to make her death…a work of art, so to speak."



Xena raged at the warlord. "You stinking BITCH!" She lunged toward the dark woman. The warrior nearly managed to clear the table, but was cut down by a guard just before she could get her hands on the warlord. The man brought the hilt of his sword down to the back of Xena's head, knocking her into oblivion,



The warlord stood, enraged. "Who is in charge of this squad!"



The man who had stopped the warrior stood at attention. He knew that he had made the biggest mistake of his life. "I am, my Queen." He heard the sound of steel being drawn a split second before his head rolled to the floor.

********



"Ephiny." Gabrielle motioned for the regent to enter the hut. "I need…Xena…needs your help." The bard closed the door, shutting out the rest of the Nation. "I really don't know where to begin…" She ran her hand through her blonde hair. "This is so complicated, I just…I don't…" She was interrupted by strong hands on her shoulders.



"Gabrielle, slow down. You're so exhausted you can barely think straight." Ephiny gave the bard a little shake to get her attention. Once she had it, she continued. "You've ridden straight through from Amphipolis with no rest. Just lay down for a little while. Sleep. Once your head is clear, we'll talk about it."



Gabrielle pushed Ephiny away in frustration. "You don't understand what's at stake, Ephiny!"



"I do." Calli, who had been watching the exchange, interrupted. "She's right, Gabrielle." Calli crossed the room to stand directly in front of the bard. "We both need to rest. A few more hours won't make a difference."



Gabrielle, realizing she was outnumbered, acquiesced. "Fine. Two hours and no longer. I want to meet with the council in exactly two hours." She sat on the down-filled bed, and rubbed her eyes. "Ephiny, please escort Calli to one of the guest huts. And I want her to be in the council chambers for the meeting."



Ephiny bowed, not liking for a moment, the fact that Calli was going to be a part of what was to come. "Yes, my Queen." She motioned for Calli to follow her out of the hut.



Gabrielle sighed with exasperation. "Ephiny, would you stop with the 'yes, my Queen'?"



Ephiny turned and grinned. "Yes, my Queen." Gabrielle could hear the regent snickering as the door slowly shut.



Gabrielle couldn't believe how exhausted she was, both physically and emotionally. There was so much going on inside her head that she was certain she would never get to sleep. Besides, it felt strange to sleep when the sun was shining…



She was snoring in less than two heartbeats…

**

As the two women exited the queen's hut, Calli noticed the angry glares she was receiving from the Amazons. "So. I take it that you're not too happy to see me?" Calli flippantly asked the regent.



"You could say that." Ephiny replied without looking at her. Her good humor seemed to disappear with Calli's words.



"And I take it that all of this…unhappiness… would have something to do with Callisto?"



"Yes." Ephiny still refused to look at Calli.

"I'm not Callisto."

"You are to me until you can prove otherwise."



Calli rolled her eyes. "Here we go again."



Ephiny refused to respond as she escorted her charge across the camp, stopping at a small hut. "This is the guest hut. Make yourself comfortable." The regent was annoyed that she was allowing Callisto to get under her skin. She was even more annoyed that she felt a very strong physical attraction for her.



"Gee…I don't know how I'll ever be able to thank you for your kind hospitality. Yes, I have to say that getting knocked down, and having swords held at my neck was really great. And now all the rude stares…well…I just don't know what to say. I'm touched." Her grin held no warmth for the regent. "Let's do dinner, shall we?" She entered the hut and slammed the door in Ephiny's face.



Ephiny, on the outside of the hut, was acutely aware of the other Amazons staring at her. "Bitch." She snarled. She turned around to face the other women. "Well? What in Hades are you looking at?" Ephiny threw her hands up and stalked off to the training grounds. "Eponin!" She called over her shoulder. "Meet me on the grounds! Chobos!"



Eponin, who had been among the Amazons watching the unusual events of the day, groaned. "Why me? I hate sparring with her when she gets like this."



Solari grinned at her stocky friend. "Why you? Because you're the only one who can hold her own with her when she's this mad. Come on, Ep. Go kick her butt."



"Yeah right." Eponin snorted. "Well, let's get this over with." The bronze-skinned, muscular woman trotted after the fuming regent. She rolled her eyes as she heard the sound of Amazon footsteps behind her. "Great. An audience." Not that she could blame her friends, however. Amazons were, by nature, a nosey bunch. Of course, if anyone ever put it quite like that, there would be a fight. The Amazons would assert that they were merely "curious", and it was necessary to be "curious". Why, that very same "curiosity" could one day save the life of a fellow Amazon…one just never knew. Eponin held in her laugh, not wanting to offend her friends; but more importantly, not wanting to further enrage Ephiny.



The training ground had several areas dedicated to certain types of weapons training. The area for chobos, staff, and hand-to hand combat was a fifty-pace by fifty-pace grassy field. A circle composed of bare earth marked the edges of the area, providing a clear "out-of-bounds" designation. As Eponin approached the grounds, she saw that Ephiny had already chosen her chobos. The regent was warming up, and looked as though she could beat the snot out of a Titan. "Oh, this is getting better by the second." She thought as she sized up the chobos. She picked up a pair and tested the weight and feel. The Amazon stepped into the circle and began to warm up as well.



"Let's go!" Ephiny barked, approaching Eponin with determination.



Eponin began to circle Ephiny, sizing her up, when she was taken by surprise. Ephiny rushed her, attacking high. Eponin got the chobos up just in time to keep Ephiny from caving her skull in. "Holy Hera's nosehairs!" Eponin thought as she pushed off, propelling the smaller woman backwards a few steps. "Something sure has got her leathers in a twist!" More wary now, Eponin kept back a few steps, forcing Ephiny to come to her. Eponin blocked each of Ephiny's attacks, and soon the chobos were nothing but a blur. For several heartbeats, nothing could be heard but the clacking sound of the chobos. Finally, Ephiny scored a hit to Eponin's leg. Pain flared in the Amazon's right shin and she went down. She rolled onto her back just in time to meet the blow meant for her head.



"Ok…now I'm mad!" She snarled. Using her uninjured leg, she kicked Ephiny in the gut, knocking the smaller woman onto her hands and knees. Taking advantage of the regent's inability to breathe, Eponin scrambled behind Ephiny, and put her in a chokehold. "Yield!"



"No!" Ephiny huffed under the pressure of Eponin's arm across her throat.



The muscular woman growled and squeezed tighter. "I…said…yield."



Ephiny nodded, admitting defeat. As soon as she felt the pressure release, she flopped to the ground like a fish, gasping for air. Her body was covered with a fine sheen of sweat and her hair was plastered to her head. As she lay there, she realized that there was a very hot, very angry Eponin standing over her.



"Would you like to tell me what this was really all about?" The bronze-skinned woman snapped at her friend.



"Not really."



"Well, guess what? 'Not really' is not good enough! You tried to take my head off and you hit me on the shin! You couldn't go for the fleshy part of the thigh, could you? Oh noooooo…you just had to smash my shin! You KNOW how I feel about my shins, dammit!"



Ephiny winced, knowing that her friend was right. It was well known in the village that, during sparring matches, Eponin's shins were off limits. It was a little strange, considering that she was an Amazon warrior, but her shins truly were her weak spot. She could take a blow anywhere on her body but there. As a matter of fact, she prided herself on how many head blows she had taken and retained all her faculties. It was something she routinely bragged about. But, if anything went anywhere near her shins…well…it got ugly.



The Amazons who had been watching the sparring match decided that it would be prudent to leave the area. The group quietly snuck back to the village while the two women worked it out. No one wanted to be nearby when Eponin killed Ephiny.



Neither woman paid any attention to the retreating Amazons. "Look…Eponin. I'm really, really sorry about your shin."



"Uh-huh…" Eponin glowered at the woman on the ground.



"It's just that…"



"Uh-huh…"



"Well, I'm just so damn mad about this whole thing!" Ephiny smacked her fists into the earth.



"So you decided to take it out on my shins?"



"Well, of course not! Gods, it's just so hard to explain."



Eponin reached down to help her friend off the ground. "Try. And it had better be good, because my shin is killing me."



"Thanks." The regent acknowledged the proffered hand. She stood and dusted herself off. "Look. I'll make it up to you."



The stocky Amazon smiled at her friend. "Deal." Her face then turned serious. "Now. Talk to me." The friends began a leisurely walk back toward the village.



Ephiny ran one hand through her damp hair. "Gods. I just don't know how to explain it without sounding like a horrible person."



"Try."



"It's just that I feel like we're second-class citizens."



"What do you mean?" Eponin grabbed Ephiny's shoulder and stopped the regent from going any further. "Amazons have never been second-class, Ephiny."



"I know that, Eponin. But I'm not sure that Gabrielle does."



Eponin was clearly shocked. "What?!"



"Look. It just seems that the only time Gabrielle ever comes to this village is when she, or Xena, wants something. Other than that, she couldn't care less about us." Ephiny continued down the path.



"Ephiny, wait!" Eponin caught up to her friend. "You don't actually believe that do you?"



"Yes…no…oh…I don't know!." Ephiny shook her head. "It doesn't matter what I believe, Eponin. She's our true Queen, she needs our help, and we're going to give it. That's the way it is. That's the way it'll always be. And now…now…"



"Now, what?" Eponin prompted.



"Now she just expects us to accept that crazy bitch as a friend???!!!" The regent threw her hands up in disgust.



Eponin's eyes lit up in understanding. "Ahhh…now were getting to the real root of the problem."



"Real root?"



"You like her." Eponin smirked.



Ephiny looked at her friend as though she had lost her mind. "What in Hades are you talking about? Like her? Like her?? I can't stand her!! And for your information, oh wise sage, I just met her!"



"That's what you say, but that's not what you feel." The stocky woman started to laugh as she poked Ephiny in the shoulder. "And as for just meeting her, so what? Haven't you ever heard of lust at first sight?"



Ephiny slapped at Eponin's hand. "Quit poking me." She turned and walked back toward the village. "Come on. It's time to wake Gabrielle."



Eponin watched her friend stalk down the path. "This is going to be veeeery interesting." She smiled to herself. "Hey!" She called out to the disappearing regent. "Don't forget about my shin! You owe me!"

********

The council hut was situated near the center of the village. The council was already assembled when Gabrielle entered with Calli and Ephiny. A round, wooden table was situated at the far end of the hut. Encircling the table sat the six members in full ceremonial garb, along with three empty chairs. When Gabrielle first became Queen, she did away with the traditional, rectangular council table. The members were constantly bickering over who would be the one to sit at the head. The round table was a way for all the members to be on equal footing during the meetings. Occasionally there were trials and hearings. They were few and far between, but when they did happen, the traditional table was brought back in. Benches were then arranged inside the hut for village members to sit and watch the proceedings.



Gabrielle took her seat, and motioned for Calli and Ephiny to do the same. Once everyone was comfortable, Gabrielle began to speak. "I've assembled you here today to discuss a very grave situation…one that affects not only the Amazons, but the entire known world." The bard waited for that information to sink in, noting the disbelieving stares from the older women.



"Queen Gabrielle, if I may…" Kiris, the gray-haired Amazon healer raised a hand. "These proceedings are for Amazons only, yet we have one among us who is not of the Nation."



"True Kiris, but her presence here is necessary. You'll understand once you hear what she has to say." Gabrielle nodded in Calli's direction. "Go ahead."



Calli stood and acknowledged Gabrielle, Ephiny, and then each of the council members. Her tone was respectful, and her manner urgent. As she began to explain who she was, and where she came from, she noted raised eyebrows and smirks from everyone except for Ephiny. The regent was staring hard at Calli, as if she were trying to gauge her sincerity and truthfulness. The only other reaction she got was when she told the council of how the warlord had completely destroyed the Amazon nation. Anger surfaced on the face of each woman seated at the table. She concluded her story at the point where she found herself thrust into this world.



Cyrellis, the village blacksmith addressed Calli with sarcasm. "So. We are to believe this preposterous story? You, who have done nothing but cause our Queen and her companion grief?" The tall woman turned to her fellow council members. "This is ridiculous."



Gabrielle jumped up, put her hands on top of the table, and leaned toward Cyrellis with fury in her eyes. "She saved my life!" She paused for effect. "I would be dead right now if it weren't for Calli!"



Ephiny was still staring at Calli, but eyes look softened somewhat. "Can you tell us what happened?" She asked Calli.



A tiny smile crossed Calli's lips. "I think I'll let Gabrielle finish the story."



"Story is right." Kiris snorted.



"Quiet!" Gabrielle yelled, surprising everyone in the chamber with her vehemence. "None of you are leaving here until you hear me out. I'm the Queen of this Nation, and you will treat me accordingly!" Each of the council members nodded in acquiescence and Gabrielle continued. The Queen of the Amazons went into what Xena called "full bard mode". She told them how they had found Calli that day…beaten and bruised, and how they nursed her back to health. She admitted how skeptical she and Xena were when they first heard Calli's story. But then…then she told them of the battle, of how seriously she had been injured, and what Calli had given up to save her. Gasps came from each of the women, including Ephiny, who seemed to look at Calli with something close to respect. The bard concluded her story. "And now, I hope you understand just what's at stake here. I know it sounds crazy, but it is fact. You all know Xena, and who she was." She held the gaze of each of the women seated at the table. "Imagine…" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Imagine … if she had never changed?" Gabrielle could see that she had swayed the council, and pressed the advantage. "Calli and I have worked out a plan, but it's going to take some time to put it all together." One glance at the council showed the bard that they were all as drained as she was. She decided to end the meeting, and continue in the morning. "We're all tired, and you need time to think through everything we've told you. We'll meet again tomorrow morning after breakfast." With that, the bard turned on her heel and left the hut.



Calli followed Ephiny out of the hut and tapped her on the shoulder. "So. Still think I'm a bitch?" She smiled sweetly at the regent.



Ephiny had the grace to blush. "Yes. But you saved the life of my queen, and for that, I'll always be in your debt."



Calli put one finger to her cheek. "Hmm…that could be interesting!"



Ephiny glared at the annoying woman. "You're in my way." She pushed past Calli and stalked to her hut.

********

When Xena awoke, she was back in her cell, lying on the filthy pile of hay and the shackle was once again around her ankle. She was still dressed in the same clothing she had worn during her meeting with the warlord and Alti. Aside from a bit of a headache, Xena felt more or less okay. Unlike the last time she was in the cell, there were two guards posted on the other side of the door. "Just two? Hmmmm…." As soon as the thought formed in Xena's head, she heard footsteps. She fully expected to see the warlord, but was surprised when Alti appeared on the other side of the door.



"Come to gloat?" Xena snarled at the shamaness.



Alti ignored Xena and turned to the guards. "Leave us."



The taller of the two men protested. "We were given orders. We can't leave our posts."



"You must leave us." Alti's voice took on a strange, soothing tone. "Walk down the hallway. Go up the stairs. Unlock the gate, but do not open it. Go to the barracks, and sleep. When you wake, you will not remember this." When the shamaness finished speaking, the guards did exactly as they were told. Their faces were completely blank as they walked away from the cell. Alti waited until she heard dungeon door shut before she entered the cell.



Xena watched dumbfounded as Alti unlocked the shackle. "What in Hades is going on here?"



"Let's go." Alti turned to leave the cell.



"I'm not going anywhere with you until you tell me what's going on." Xena replied.



Alti glared at Xena. "We don't have time for this." She hissed. "Now let's go."



For some reason, the warrior's gut told her that this woman could be trusted…up to a point. She nodded and followed Alti out the door and into the courtyard. The two women quickly made their way across the courtyard to the gate. The warrior pulled Alti back before she could open the door. "Let me check this out first." She whispered. The warrior's powerful legs propelled her over the gate to land quietly on the other side. Once she was certain there was no threat, Xena pushed the gate open just enough for Alti to get through. They ran to the woods that stood just to the east of the Keep, and wound their way through the trees. The warrior knew that their escape was much too easy. She suspected the Conqueror had allowed it, but she wasn't going to play that game with her just yet. When Xena felt they were deep enough into the woods to avoid immediate detection, she turned to Alti.



"Okay. Let's have it."



"I'm going to open the portal. I'll put you in the middle of the Amazon village."



"No."



Alti's eyes widened with surprise. "But you've got to stop her!"



"I plan on it, but I can't do it from there. I need to see a few people first." Xena's blue eyes narrowed in thought. "And…I suspect that you know exactly where I can find them."



"I don't know what you're talking about."



"Yes you do." Xena leaned forward with a menacing look on her face. "Look. You didn't get me out of that cell just to send me back. You said it yourself. You want me to stop her. You'll have to trust that I know the best way to do that." The expression on Alti's face told Xena that the shamaness would indeed help. "I can't do this alone, Alti. Tell me what you know."



"I infiltrated her inner circle several moons ago. No one knows about this. The people in the resistance have no idea that I'm trying to help them."



"Not even Calli?" Xena asked.



"No."



"But someone knows, don't they Alti?" A half-smile formed on Xena's face. "Which one is it?"



"Artemis."



"Artemis." Xena repeated. "So. Did she give you the ability to open the portal?"



"No. The door is a natural phenomenon, but one which she decided could be put to use."



"How?"



"The answer to that is twofold. First, it was a way into another world…one which could hold the key to stopping the warlord. Second, the Amazon nations don't exist in this world, but they do in yours. It's Artemis' hope that some of them would wish to come here and begin again."



Xena shook her head. "Well, why didn't she just go through the portal herself and ask them?"



"For some reason, the Gods can't pass through. Mortals, however, can."



"Well, why didn't you just go through, find me, and ask the Amazons for help? Why the big game of shoving her through the damned thing to wreak havoc in my world?" Xena threw her hands up in disgust. "No. Don't answer that. Anything that has to do with the Gods is never simple. They have to make things as complicated as they possibly can! It's almost funny in a way. The Gods in this world are just as obnoxious as the ones in mine!"



"Things weren't supposed to go this badly." Alti looked embarrassed.



"Oh really." Xena's voice dripped with sarcasm.



"No. You were supposed to kill her there."



"Well did it ever occur to you and your brilliant goddess that I might have other plans? For all I knew, you were just like the Alti I know, and killing the warlord wouldn't have accomplished a thing! And who says I would have killed her anyway? I don't suppose either of you thought about coordinating our efforts???" The angry warrior circled Alti like a lion sizing up its prey. "Well, what other God's know about this damn portal?"



"None other. Artemis was afraid that Ares would find out, and devise a way to close it."



Xena smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Funny you should mention him."



"Why?"



"Because once I meet with the rebels, I meet with him."



CONTINUED IN PART NINE