Part 9: Plans



Calli hadn't slept well the night before, but when did she ever? The exhaustion she felt was clearly evident by the dark circles under her eyes. She just wasn't able to get her brain to shut up long enough to fall asleep. That seemed to happen more and more often these days…even before she found herself here, in this new world. From what she learned from the little bard, that was something else that she and Xena had in common. "Well, that and the demons." She laughed a little under her breath.

Calli sat in the mess hall, picking at her breakfast of fresh fruit and porridge. She had briefly seen Gabrielle earlier that morning, but the Queen was too busy making the rounds to talk to her. Calli knew that they had worked out the plan and it was solid. No further discussion was needed. Calli was just sorry that she didn't have a chance for some real human contact before meeting with the council again. Sitting by herself at the long table made her feel…lonely. That was an emotion she had never allowed herself the luxury to feel before now, and it was completely annoying.

"That's a waste of good food." Calli looked up to see Ephiny standing across the table from her. The regent's face was a mask, so Calli had no way of knowing what thoughts were whirling behind those hazel eyes.

Calli was surprised that anyone, let alone an Amazon deigned to speak to her. She took a deep breath and replied. "Sorry." Exhaustion and isolation were beginning to take a toll on Calli, though she was loath to admit it. She pushed the plate toward the regent. "Help yourself. Someone may as well enjoy it"

Ephiny sat on the wooden bench and took the plate of food. "Thanks." She bit into an apple and wiped the juice from her lips. Ephiny studied the woman sitting across from her and noticed something wasn't quite right. But, it wasn't up to her to find out what it was. After all…she didn't care about how this outsider felt…did she? She decided to leave it alone. It wasn't her business.

"Are you sure you want to be seen eating breakfast with a bitch like me?" Calli asked the question with a sigh in her voice. She felt the tears well up, but refused to let them fall.

The internal struggle wasn't lost on Ephiny. She'd known this woman barely a day, but something about her was so…compelling. The regent thought that perhaps it was the contrast between toughness and vulnerability. Of course, the latter she hadn't really seen until this moment. Ephiny sensed it was there under the surface, much the way it was with Xena. Only with Xena, it never showed. But it showed with Calli, and that was what drew the regent to her.

Calli felt a strong hand gently take her own. Startled by the touch, she pulled away. "I don't need your sympathy." She stood and glared at the seated regent. "If you want to help someone, help Gabrielle get through to that pompous bunch of windbags you call a council." Calli snarled over her shoulder as she walked out of the mess hut.

Ephiny sat there flabbergasted and feeling awful. She had no reason to be so antagonistic toward Calli earlier, but it was hard to let those old feelings go. The logical part of her understood that Calli was not Callisto, but the emotional part of her had difficulty dealing with it. The regent stood, grabbed another apple, and followed the woman out the door.

********

Xena, never having been a very patient person, was nearly ready to strangle Alti. She pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind and forced herself to concentrate on the aesthetics of her surroundings. The two women were walking along the bottom of a bluff. All around them were tall oaks, and thick, verdant ferns. Xena imagined what Gabrielle might have to say about the beauty of the ancient forest. Her thoughts were interrupted by Alti's raspy voice.

"There." Alti pointed toward a well-hidden cave. "This is where they should be."

Xena looked up at the quickly disappearing sun. "It's about Gods-be-damned time." The warrior grumbled. "Move out of the way." She pushed Alti aside, and carefully approached the opening of the small cave. Blue eyes quickly scanned the nearby brush, looking for a trap. Not having a sword in her hand made her even more cautious than usual. Just as the warrior was about to push her way into the cave, she heard a noise above her head. She did a back flip just as a spear planted itself where she stood a moment before. Xena took a defensive stance as she watched ten warriors, men and women, descend from the trees.

A woman of middling height, wavy brown hair, and hazel eyes approached the warrior. The woman had no armor to speak of, but the sword she carried was well cared for. She was wearing a pair of tan breeches and a green tunic tied at the waist with a wide leather belt. A well-worn pair of boots covered her feet. "What do you think you're doing". She addressed Xena with a soft voice threaded with steel.

One dark eyebrow rose as Xena drawled her response. "I suppose you're in charge?"

"I am." The woman smiled without humor. "And what brings you to our humble forest, Destroyer? Not enough people left in the city to maim and torture?"

Xena rolled her eyes. "Now I know how Calli felt." Alti stepped forward before the warrior could respond.

"She is not the Destroyer." Alti's rough voice addressed the leader.

The angry woman sneered. "You know, my mother used to have a saying. If it looks like dung, and it smells like dung…it's dung." She put the tip of her sword against Xena's throat. "If it were up to me, I'd run you through right now. But, the people deserve to know of the gift that the Gods have given us. They deserve to see you meet your justice."

Xena leveled a cold stare at the leader of the small group. "First, I am not your Destroyer. I've come to stop her and I need your help to do it. Second, if you don't get your sword off of my neck, I'll take great pleasure in shoving it up your…"

"She's telling you the truth!" Alti's words caused the rebel leader to refocus her attention. "Lower your weapons. We mean to help you."

Xena noticed that Alti's voice was changing, becoming more hypnotic. The sword tip that had been at the warrior's throat was now pressed against Alti's.

"Don't try your magic on me, witch!" The rebel leader snarled.

"ENOUGH!" A voice rang out, startling everyone present. They turned as one to see…

"Artemis!" Alti fell to her knees. "Goddess be praised!"

The tall goddess stood before the group, dressed in traditional Amazon garb. The short skirt and halter fit her perfectly muscled body like a second skin. Soft boots covered her feet and reached to just below the knee. Her auburn hair, cinnamon eyes, and copper skin glowed with an ethereal light. She held a massive bow, and a quiver of arrows was slung across her back.

Xena, unimpressed and completely fed up with the current situation, stomped up to the goddess. "Well, it's about damned time you graced us with your presence! Would you like to explain to these good people just who in Tartarus I am?"

"Careful, child." Artemis narrowed her beautiful eyes at the angry Warrior Princess. "Do you know who I am?"

"We have an Artemis where I come from. And she's just as arrogant as you." A half-smile slowly appeared.

"Quite so, I suspect." The goddess chuckled in spite of herself. "Alti, please rise." She turned to the small band of rebels, who still stood with their mouths wide open. "The woman you see before you is not the warlord Xena. Nor is Alti your enemy despite what you have heard."

"And why should we believe you, Goddess?" The leader of the group stepped forward. "This is the first time I've ever seen your face, despite the prayers of my mother and her sister Amazons. You didn't help them then, when they were being tortured and disemboweled for all the world to see. So why in the gods name should we believe anything you say?" The words were harsh and the tone bitter.

Anger warred with compassion as Artemis formed her response. "I was always with them, Damara. They were my children."

"You LIAR!!!" The rebel leader's fury was very nearly a living thing. "What mother would allow her children to be gutted like pigs?!"

Artemis' cinnamon eyes began to glow. "You overstep your bounds, mortal."

Xena's eyebrows rose a notch. "So this is the 'Damara' that Calli told us about." Calli trusted her, but Xena didn't. An old saying about how familiarity breeds contempt flashed through her mind. The warrior wondered if this woman had any other direct dealings with the Gods. If so, it meant the possibility that there was more to Damara than met the eye. She would have to pay close attention to this rebel leader. Xena put those thoughts away for further examination. Now, she needed to get things back on track.

Xena threw her hands up in exasperation. "If everyone is done posturing, can we get down to why we're all here?" The warrior turned to the rebel leader. "Look. I know this is hard to understand. We've got a lot to discuss, but we can't do it here. Is there someplace safe we can go?"

Damara looked from the goddess to the warrior, and sighed. "I suppose I've got no choice."

Xena leveled a cold stare at the rebel leader. "You've always got a choice…"

Damara tried to hold the warrior's gaze, but found herself unable. She turned and then motioned to her people, who immediately took to the trees using what appeared to be Amazon gear. Xena used her powerful legs to propel her to the treetops, surprising the rebel leader.

Xena shrugged at the look of shock. "My way is faster." She leaned over to get a glimpse of Alti and her goddess. "Hey!" She hissed. "We don't have all night!" Xena watched as the two figures disappeared from sight. "Huh. I guess they'll meet us there."

Damara snorted in disgust. "The Gods. They make me sick." She began to make her way through the trees without waiting for Xena. Although Xena's appearance complicated things, Damara couldn't help but feel a grudging admiration for her. It would be very interesting to see what the warrior had to say.

The group made good time despite the darkness, impressing Xena with their stealth. It didn't take long before they found themselves in a village of sorts. Several small huts were built into the trees and rope bridges connected them with each other. The huts were arranged in a circular configuration, with the largest toward the center. Xena admired the ingenuity it took to create this hidden enclave in the ancient forest. Damara motioned for the warrior to follow her into the center-most shelter. Upon entering, Xena noticed that even though the structure was constructed mainly of branches, it was extremely sturdy. There was no furniture to speak of, just several piles of soft skins arranged around the small room. Xena turned a questioning look to her hostess and received a small nod in reply. The warrior took a seat on a bearskin and stretched out, looking much like a panther warming herself in the sun. A heartbeat later, Artemis and Alti appeared in the center of the room. Xena rolled her eyes at the display. "Can't you gods just walk in like normal people?"

Damara caught herself trying not to laugh at the comment. "Shall we sit?" She waited for Alti and the goddess to get comfortable before she took a seat. "Now. Someone has some explaining to do." She turned to Xena. "Perhaps you should start first."

"It's going to sound crazy, but this is what happened…" The warrior spent some time explaining to the rebel leader exactly who she was and exactly how she got there.

Damara sat stunned. "Calli…she's alive?"

"Very much so." Xena replied.

"But she said…The Conqueror said she had been executed."

"She lied."

"By the Gods…" She was dumbfounded, but there would be enough time to contemplate how it would affect her. She continued to gather information. "So. The Conqueror entered a rift, which you opened." She pointed at Alti, who nodded. "Then she went to your world to conquer it." She pointed at Xena, who also nodded. "And now you're here to stop her?" The warrior nodded again. Damara then turned to Artemis. "Ok. So what's your role in this whole mess?"

"I'm here to help Xena."

Damara shook her head in confusion. "Wait a minute. I thought the gods couldn't directly interfere in the lives of mortals."

Artemis smiles. "This is true, however…"

"However…" Xena interrupted. "She was able to find a loop-hole."

"Exactly!" The goddess agreed. "And that loop-hole is the fact that the mortals I'm helping are from another realm completely. These are not the mortals who worship us and give us our powers in this world. You see, if the mortals in Xena's realm were to vanish, it wouldn't affect the Gods' powers in this realm.

Xena continued. "And by helping us, she's helping you. But…she's not directly interfering with your lives. Only mine." The last word was tinged with annoyance. "The problem is that I'm not going to follow your little plan Artemis. I've got one of my own."



The rebel leader began to rub her temples. "Why didn't she just stay there and build up an army in your world? You said she already had a formidable group of mercenaries."

Xena stood and began to prowl the small room. "Why would she want to build up an army in my world when she's already got one here? It's easier for them to just cross over and start the slaughter. It would take too much time to build one up in my world. She's got a good-sized group of men that will make the necessary preparations. A large army needs food, supplies, and a base of operations. She wants that ready before she comes back. It's what I would do."

"Ok." Damara was still rubbing her temples. The ramifications of what she was hearing were staggering. She needed more information. "That makes sense, but what about this world when she's busy in yours? If I were her, I'd be a little nervous that someone would come along and take my place while I was gone."

"Now that's where Alti comes in." Xena gestured toward the shamaness. "At least partly. You see, I spent a little time getting to know your 'Conqueror'. She thinks that she's got the entire known world cowed; that no one will have the guts to stand up to her even if she's gone. She thinks everyone is so afraid of her retribution that her territory is safe. I'll bet you that she's counting on Alti to forestall any attempt at a takeover."

"How?" Damara asked.

"First of all, you said it yourself earlier today." The warrior continued her explanation. "You called her a 'witch.' You've heard all the rumors of how she drinks blood, and practices human sacrifice. What's more frightening than someone who can reach you through the spirit world? Second, the warlord believes that Alti is an ally of sorts. Of course, she doesn't trust her, but she's willing to cross over to my world, leaving Alti here to take care of things. Of course, Alti would be watched the entire time…just to make sure she doesn't betray her Queen." Xena turned to the shamaness. "That sound right to you?"

Damara interrupted with a smirk on her face. "If, according to you, Alti is to be constantly watched, won't there be questions when she gets back to the Keep?"

Xena and Alti exchanged a knowing glance as Xena responded. "Don't worry about Alti. She can take care of herself."

The warrior then addressed the goddess. "The only thing I want from you is an audience with Ares."

"NO!" Artemis thundered. "You cannot tell him of the rift! He will use it to his advantage!"

"He won't. Not after he hears what I'm going to tell him." Xena stared at the goddess with sheer determination in her eyes. "And if you do that, I guarantee that you will have an Amazon nation again."

********

Ephiny found Calli by the stream. The enigmatic woman was sitting on a rocky outcropping, dangling her feet into the water. Calli appeared lost in thought, and the regent was loath to disturb her. Instead, she stood behind a grouping of trees and watched. "I wonder what her skin feels like?" Ephiny asked herself.

"Are you going to join me, or are you going to lurk behind those trees all day?" Calli addressed the regent without turning around.

"How did you know I was there?" Ephiny stepped out from behind the birch.

Calli shrugged. "When you've been hunted most of your life the way I have, you develop certain survival skills." She patted the soft grass next to her. "Come on. Sit. We might as well relax before we have to face the…"

"…pompous bunch of windbags?" Ephiny finished the sentence with a laugh.

Calli chuckled. "Well, they are."

"Maybe..." The regent agreed. "By the way, we Amazons never lurk."

"Really?" Calli looked at Ephiny with a twinkle in her eye.

"Really." The regent's face took on a very serious look. "We…observe…"

"If you say so." Calli suddenly jumped up. She reached down to help Ephiny to her feet. "Come on. It's time to face the harpies."

Ephiny took Calli's hand and allowed the woman to pull her up. The contact was electric. Ephiny found herself drowning in Calli's dark brown eyes. A smile slowly crossed the blonde's face.

"Do I get my hand back?"

The regent blushed furiously as she let Calli's hand go. "Oh. I'm sorry about that. I guess…I guess I'm just preoccupied with all that's gone on the past day."

Calli smirked. "Riiiiight." She pinned Ephiny with her eyes for a few more heartbeats before she turned toward the village. "Come on." She called over her shoulder. "We don't want to be late, do we?"

"Agh!" Ephiny berated herself. "I can't believe I did that! Stupid, stupid, stupid!" She shook her head and caught up with the disappearing Calli.

********

Artemis stood before Xena with a look of shock upon her face. "Do not presume to speak to my heart, warrior. The Amazon nation is dead." With that, the goddess disappeared in a flash of bluish light.

The warrior's eyes rose a notch as she looked at Alti. "Huh. Think she's upset?"

Alti's rough voice defended her goddess. "You gave her hope for something that will never be."

"Says you." Xena plopped back down onto the bearskin. "Her precious Amazon Nation has been at the top of her priority list since this whole thing started."

Damara watched the last exchange with great interest. It was obvious that this warrior had a plan; one that could very well destroy what she had worked so hard for. "It wouldn't do to jump to conclusions just yet." The rebel leader thought to herself. "Better to wait and see. Better to gain her trust, and use her to serve my purpose." Once Damara had made her decision, she felt more comfortable with Xena.

"Xena, Alti…it's quite late. And it's obvious that this discussion is over for now. Let's get some sleep."

Alti stretched down upon a pile of soft deerskin. "I believe I will." In less than ten heartbeats, the shamaness was snoring softly.

Xena gave a half-smile to the rebel leader. "I'd sleep much better if I had a sword. I don't suppose you've got one lying around, do you?"

"As a matter of fact I do." Damara pushed aside the skins covering the door and stuck her head outside the hut.

Xena could hear some whispering, but was unable to make out what exactly was being said. Being the warrior that she was, she stood and waited for the rebel leader to come back inside the dwelling. It wouldn't do to be caught lying down while a sword was being thrust at her, now matter how much of an ally Damara was.

After several heartbeats, the rebel leader pushed back inside the hut with a large, well cared for sword. "Here. This is Savir's weapon. It should serve you well enough."

"Who is Savir?" The warrior asked as she took the sword. She tested the weight and length, and found the weapon adequate.

"My brother." Damara's tone deterred further questioning. "Let's get some sleep. We've got a long day ahead of us."

Xena lay back down, with the sword hilt under her hand. "That we do. Goodnight."

Although she was tired, Xena knew it would be some time before she would be able to sleep. She missed Gabrielle. She missed the idle chatter and the scratching of her quill as she wrote. After what she had done to Gabrielle in Amphipolis, she wouldn't be surprised if she never saw the bard again. But then again, she knew Gabrielle. Xena knew that the bard could not…would not…leave her. Xena knew in her heart that her friend was on the other side of the portal, trying to come up with a way to cross over. She felt confident that Gabrielle would have gone to the Amazon village for help. She sent gentle thoughts to her bard, hoping that somehow, someway, she would be heard.

********

Ephiny caught up with Calli, and walked beside her for a few footsteps before asking her question. "Can you tell me about the Thumos Doron?"

Calli took a deep breath. "I don't know."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know if my goddess would allow me to tell you about this. It's a very sacred thing. Generally, only The Chosen know…I mean really know what it is to be given such a gift. It's forbidden to speak of it to anyone other than another Chosen. I think I may have overstepped my bounds in the last meeting. I know I didn't go into any great detail, but… " Calli's brow furrowed in concentration. "But…you're not of my world, and things are different here. I…just don't know."

Ephiny saw the conflict on Calli's face. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pried into something so obviously spiritual. Please forgive me."

Calli took the regent's hand. "There's nothing to forgive." She gave the strong hand a gentle squeeze. "Come on. We don't want to be late, do we?"

Ephiny's hazel eyes twinkled as she replied. "You're right. After all, the harpies might take flight and peck our eyes out." She began a slow jog back toward the village. "Come on! I'll race you there!" She didn't wait for Calli to respond before she pounded down the trail, laughter floating behind her.

Calli smiled at the challenge. "I don't think you know what you're getting yourself into, Amazon." She took off after the regent, running as though a pack of Bacchae were at her heels. She took her time catching up to the Amazon, allowing her to gain confidence. "Now you'll get a little lesson in humility", she thought to herself as she timed each step, bringing herself into synchronicity with the regent.

"Hey Amazon. You're in my way."

Ephiny, startled by the voice directly behind her, turned to look at her pursuer. "Gods! She's nearly as fast as Xena! And quiet! I didn't even hear her come up behind me!" She took in Calli's arrogant, smiling face a heartbeat before she tripped over an exposed root. Having her head turned as it was prevented her from falling gracefully. She did the best she could to cushion herself, but was unable to avoid a most undignified landing.

Unable to stop her momentum, Calli leapt over the fallen Amazon just in time to avoid tromping on her back. She skidded to a halt and turned to see bruised and sputtering Ephiny lying in the dirt. She knelt beside the regent and gently picked some stray grass from her curly hair. "You alright?"

Ephiny took a deep breath, ready to lambaste the arrogant blonde. When she looked up and saw the concern in Calli's brown eyes, the words died in her throat. "I…I'm fine."

Calli leaned in toward the regent and brushed her lips against a delicate ear. She spoke in a low, sensuous tone. "Good. I'd hate to have anything happen to you." The slim blonde's voice sent chills down the regent's spine as she felt Calli's warm breath caress her skin. She was about to faint from anticipation when Calli jumped up and began laughing.

"Looks like I get a little payback for what happened during our first meeting!" She grinned as she watched the angry Amazon stand. She continued to grin as she watched Ephiny stalk toward her. She grinned wider as Ephiny stood directly in front of her and leaned forward. "Hmm…I think she's getting ready to yell at me. Only one fix for that…" Calli's eyebrows shot up at the thought that had just entered her mind.

"Don't you dare…" the words were barely out of the regent's mouth when Calli pulled her close and began to kiss her. "Oh sweet Aphrodite…" The Amazon felt the desire consume her. Her knees buckled slightly as Calli's tongue began a slow dance with her own. The kiss ended as suddenly as it began. The next thing she knew, she was standing alone in the middle of the path with her eyes closed and her heart pounding. Ephiny opened her eyes to see a laughing Calli round the bend and disappear from view. She brushed her fingers across her lips, remembering the intensity of the encounter.

Calli raced through the woods back to the village with an evil grin plastered all over her face. "That was so much better than I thought it would be!" She had just entered the village proper when she was confronted by an angry Amazon.

"Stop where you are Callisto!" Solari had the tip of her blade pressed against Calli's throat. "What have you done to Ephiny?"

The smile left Calli's face and her eyes went hard. "Nothing she didn't want me to do. Why? Are you jealous?" She felt the blade tip push a little further into the hollow of her neck and rage surged through her. A sickeningly sweet smile graced Calli's lips. "Solari, is it?" She paused for a heartbeat to make sure the Amazon was listening. "Now, Solari…I would highly recommend that you take your sword and sheath it. If you don't, I'm going to get angry and one of two things is going to happen. One, I kick your ass all over this compound. Two, I take that sword and run you through with it. Either way, it's going to get nasty."

Solari's face turned a bright shade of red as she realized what Calli had said. "You bitch!"

The blonde stepped away from the sword and tensed to fight. "You know, I'm really getting tired of people calling me that. " She slowly began to circle the Amazon. "I think that perhaps a good, old-fashioned ass-kicking would be in order here." A crazy laugh ripped through her throat. "I'd really rather kill you, but I think Gabrielle would be a bit upset by that."

"You got that right."

The voice startled both of the women. Solari turned to see the bard standing with her fists on her hips. She didn't look the least bit pleased to see one of her best warriors and Calli ready to tear each other apart.

"What's going on here?" Gabrielle demanded.

Solari knelt in front of the bard. "My Queen. I was concerned for Ephiny's welfare. She went to the pond to search for Callisto, but hasn't yet returned."

Calli sneered at the kneeling Amazon. "She's a big girl, Solari. She can take care of herself."

At that moment, a dusty and slightly bruised Ephiny entered the village.

"What's going on here?" She asked when she saw an angry Gabrielle, a kneeling Solari, and a snarling Calli.

"Ephiny!" Solari jumped up and ran to her regent. "Thank the Gods you're alright."

"Well, why wouldn't I be?" Her confusion began to grow

"When you didn't come back…I thought…well she…" Solari began to sputter. It didn't take long for her to realize that she had just made a complete fool of herself.

Ephiny's eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation. "I believe you owe Calli an apology."

Solari's face reddened. "Please accept my apology, Callisto."

Calli rolled her eyes. "Amazons." She debated whether to further humiliate Solari, but decided against it. It seemed that they were a bunch who harbored grudges. "Apology accepted."

Gabrielle shook her head and sighed. "Now, if we're all done with the 'I'm tougher than you are' posing, can we please get on to the council chambers?"

"Yes, my Queen." Solari, Ephiny, and Calli said in unison.

"And stop calling me 'MY QUEEN'!" Gabrielle yelled at the three women as they walked toward the council hut.

********

Xena lie awake on the bearskin rug thinking about all she had learned in the past two days. Damara was up to something, that much was certain. And whatever it was, it wasn't good. Artemis put on a big show about how she would never have an Amazon nation again, but Xena knew that was nothing but a ruse. Why play it up, though? Maybe it was just a God thing, although she didn't see Artemis as a drama queen. Alti could be trusted to a certain degree. It was obvious that she was one of the 'loopholes' that Artemis found. Urging Alti to guide Xena was technically not interfering directly with mortal lives, since Xena was not of this world. Alti's loyalties were with her goddess and as long as Artemis' plans ran parallel to Xena's own, Xena felt she could rely on the shamaness. Damara, though. She was the real puzzle. But what did it really matter? As long as she closed the rift, what did she care about what happened in this world? It wasn't hers. It was too far gone anyway, wasn't it…? The warrior princess closed her eyes and concentrated on relaxing. She would mull this over in the morning, after she had some decent rest.

********

"The centaurs? We can't ally with them. They…they're animals!"

"Marit, I won't tolerate that type of prejudice here." Gabrielle sharply admonished the village's most accomplished huntress. "We need their help, and I propose that we form a partnership. We worked together to defeat Krykus, and we can work together to defeat this warlord."

"But…"

"But nothing." Calli quickly interrupted Marit's continued protest. She felt six pairs of eyes drilling through her skull. She didn't give a rat's ass whether or not she breached protocol. She just wanted it over. "While you sit here bickering back and forth about what we should and shouldn't do, the warlord is making preparations. Time is short, ladies! I suggest you all pull your collective heads out and come to a consensus. Or don't you trust your queen?" Calli threw the challenge out to the council.

Cadis, an elderly Amazon of considerable reputation, responded. "How dare you come here and insult us! How dare you, an outsider who knows nothing of Amazon ways, tell us how to conduct ourselves!"

Calli threw her arms up in disgust. "Blah, blah, blah! That's all I hear." She headed toward the door. "She's coming. Make no mistake about that. While you're all sitting here like a bunch of idiots, she'll come. And she'll slaughter the lot of you. I'm just sorry I won't be here to see it."

At that, Calli stormed out of the hut, leaving six very angry council members, a flabbergasted regent, and a determined Queen. Once everyone had settled down, Gabrielle addressed the council again. "Kiris, Cyrellis, Marit, Ailis, Cadis, Ekko … I honor and respect all of you and your place here on the council. Since you all seem to be opposed to our alliance with the Centaurs and you refuse to accept what I say as truth, I have only one option."

"And that is?" Cadis asked.

"I invoke The Order of Dissolution." Gabrielle replied in a quiet, but firm voice.

"What?" "You can't do that!" "This has never been done!" " You are applying the order incorrectly!" Six voices rose up in loud protest.

"I can, and I have!" Gabrielle shouted above the din. The tone and force of her voice immediately quieted the unruly council. They were completely taken off guard by the gentle bard's uncharacteristic anger. "The order clearly states that in states of emergency, the Queen may temporarily dissolve the council, thereby taking complete control over all decisions made in the interest of the Amazon nation. Once the crisis has been resolved, the council is reconvened with the same members as were present upon the dissolution. The only exception will be in the event of the death or incapacitation of an existing council member. The Queen will, at that time, appoint a replacement."

Ephiny sat stunned through the entire exchange. To her knowledge, there had never been an incident like this in Amazon history. Leave it to the bard to rewrite the scrolls.

____________________________________________________



Part 10 - Gathering Forces



Ephiny watched as the six former council members stormed out of the hut. "You certainly know how to shake this place up, Gabrielle."

The little bard ran her hand through her hair in frustration. "It was the only thing I could think of, Ephiny. We just don't have time to waste arguing back and forth. And I'll be honest. I really wasn't in the mood to play nice. " Gabrielle reached for a sealed scroll that had been sitting on the table. "I need you to deliver this message to Tyldus."

"Do you think he'll come?"

"Yes, I do. He'll understand exactly what's at stake." Gabrielle handed the scroll to the regent. "Please hurry."

Ephiny bowed her head. "Yes, my Queen."

Gabrielle rolled her eyes and kept her mouth shut. She was beginning to realize that she would never be able to break the Amazon habit of being formal to the point of squeaking.

********

Xena was awake before the sun rose. She had slept fairly well, although her dreaming mind had been extremely active. Interspersed with thoughts of Gabrielle, were fleeting pictures of Damara, Ares, and the Conqueror. As the warrior princess ruminated on what her mind had wrought the night before, she understood that the three were tied together somehow. She suspected that Damara was the traitor that Calli mentioned. The question is why? What did Damara have to gain? There wasn't a lot of prestige in being in charge of a group of ill-equipped, outnumbered rebels. Why would she want to risk the Conqueror's wrath? Unless….

********

Gabrielle watched Ephiny ride out of the village with the message scroll for the centaur leader. She trusted that it would be delivered and that Tyldus would answer. Now she needed to find Calli so they could put the second part of their plan in motion. "She's probably down by the water again."

"Calli?" Gabrielle cautiously approached the angry woman. "Hey. Are you ok?" She kneeled next to Calli, who once again had her feet soaking in the cool water of the pond.

Calli replied without looking at the bard. "I've always loved the water. Ever since I was a little girl. There was a lake near Cirra." Calli laughed softly at the memory. "It was a large pond, really…but I loved to go there and sit by the water. It was always so still and so calm. No matter what was going on, I could go there and I knew that eventually, everything would be alright."

"Did you…did you go there after…?" Gabrielle asked the question in a tentative voice, knowing that she was treading on a very treacherous ground.

"After my village burned to the ground?" Calli responded with a wan smile. "Yes. But it wasn't alright Gabrielle. Nothing was ever alright again." Calli exhaled sharply, almost as if she was pushing the memory out of her mind.

Gabrielle placed her hand on Calli's shoulder. "I'm sorry."

"Me too." Calli reached up and gave the bard's hand a gentle squeeze. She quickly stood and put her boots back on. "I shouldn't have let those harpies get to me." She grumbled.

The bard laughed, relieved that Calli was trying to shake herself out of the foul mood. "Hey. Believe me when I say that I know exactly how you feel. I'm just glad I don't have to do the 'queen-thing' all the time. " Gabrielle took Calli by the hand and led her down the path toward the temple. "Did I ever tell you about the time when the King of Pelos came here to forge a treaty? The council almost ruined it when…"

Calli listened to the bard, wondering at the young woman who weaved her tales so confidently. It almost took her mind off of what their next task would be. Almost…

Gabrielle continued on with her story, as the pair made their way through the woods.

********

Alti awoke shortly after Xena. "Xena! Why did you let me sleep? I should have been back at the Keep hours ago!"

"Relax, Alti. She knows exactly where you are." Xena replied.

"What do you mean?"

"She may not know where this hideout is, but she knows you're with me." Xena smirked. "Why do you think we got out so easily? She let it happen. She's anything but stupid, and she's hoping that by working with me, you'll lead her to the rebels. She's taking a chance by setting me free, but she's taking a calculated risk. She wants to see how far I'll take it."

The Shamaness shivered at the thought of what the Conqueror would do to her. "But why use me? She could have found them on her own." Alti's eyes showed white as her fear fully registered. "I can't go back to the Keep! She'll have my head!"

Xena sat up and pinned Alti with her blue eyes. "No she won't. She needs you to open the portal. She's too busy with the portal to do any serious hunting. And I think she wants to make sure all the pieces in her little game are in place. Don't worry Alti, you've proven useful to her. You still are. That's why you're going back to the Keep and pretend that everything is perfectly normal."

"But…"

"But nothing." Xena interrupted with a sneer. "You got yourself, and me, into this mess. You're going to do your part to fix what you've screwed up." Xena stalked to the hut entrance, and pushed the hide flap open. "I think now you'll understand exactly what price humans end up paying when they deal with the Gods." She glared at Alti, one eyebrow notched. "Get going. You'll be fine as long as she thinks you're oblivious to her scheming."

Damara entered the hut just as Alti was leaving. "What was that all about?"

"Nothing." Xena responded. "I need some information from you."

"What kind of information?" Damara's eyes narrowed in distrust.

Xena let her stew for a few heartbeats before she answered. "I want to know how many cells you've got operating, where they are, how they're armed, who their leaders are, and whether or not there is any kind of coordinated effort between them."

"Why in Hades name should I tell you any of that? And what makes you think I can?"

"Let's just say it's an educated guess. As to why, it'll be better for you all in the long run."

Damara sneered. "Why is that, Xena? Are you going to ride in here and save us from The Conqueror? Are you going to do what we've been unable to do for ourselves?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes." Xena's eyebrow crept up her forehead in annoyance. "Don't worry, Damara. You get to do your own fighting. I'm just going to give you a few pointers."



"What if I choose not to provide you with that information?" Damara challenged.

"I'll get it anyway. It'll just take longer, and that means more of your people die. Is that what you want?"

Damara heaved an angry sigh, knowing that she couldn't protest any further without raising Xena's suspicions. "No." She stalked to the hut entrance. "I need to confer with some of my people. You'll have what you need within the hour."

The rebel leader was seething as she left the hut. "That's alright, Xena. All this means is that I'll have the pleasure of killing you twice."

********

Gabrielle and Calli entered the temple of Artemis. The priestess sat upon the dais and watched the two approach.

"What is it you seek, my child?" The priestess addressed the bard.

"I…we…seek an audience with the goddess Artemis." Gabrielle replied.

"For what purpose?"

"To ask her intercession on behalf of two Amazon nations."

"Two?"

Gabrielle responded. "Yes. The nation that she protects and nurtures. And another long dead."

The priestess seemed somewhat surprised by the revelation. This was something that Artemis would definitely be interested in. "You may proceed." She swept her arm toward the altar.

Gabrielle motioned for Calli to follow. The two women knelt at the altar and Gabrielle placed her hands on either side. "Artemis. I ask for intercession as your Chosen. The Nation is in danger, and…" The bard was interrupted by a flash of light directly behind her and Calli. Both stood and turned to face the Goddess.

Artemis stood tall, and glowed with an ethereal light. She smiled warmly upon her queen. "Gabrielle. What is it you need, my child?" She glided toward the bard and gently placed her hand on Gabrielle's cheek.

Calli gave the goddess a once over. "Wow little bard, you must really be something. Athena always makes me wait until I'm finished."

The goddess ignored Calli as she studied the bard. "Why do you bring a murderer to my temple?"

"Well, she's not exactly who you think she is." Gabrielle responded.

"Oh?"

The bard gave a very brief summary as to what transpired within the past few days. Once she was finished, the goddess then addressed Calli.

"And what is it that you want from me?"

"Well, I don't really want anything from you." Calli responded with a smirk. "It's your sister I need to talk to."

"You're in the wrong temple." Artemis responded with a quiet coldness to her voice.

"Artemis, please." The bard pleaded with the Olympian. "Couldn't you make an exception just this once? I know you're still upset about that thing with the…"

"Stop!" The goddess glared at her Chosen.

Gabrielle tried a different tack. "You and Athena are sisters. Family means everything to mortals. Doesn't it mean anything to the Olympians?"

Calli stifled a laugh as she heard the goddess heave a sigh.

"Fine." Artemis rolled her eyes. "ATHENA!!!!"

A flash of purple light momentarily blinded the mortals as yet another annoyed goddess appeared in the temple. "What?!" The goddess of knowledge snarled. "Are you going to apologize now?"

"Ha! Think again!" Artemis snarled, coming nose-to-nose with her Olympian sister.

Calli stepped between the two goddesses. "Ladies, ladies. Let's not start again, please? We've got important issues to discuss." She put the flat of her hand on either chest and gently pushed them apart.

"How dare you!" Athena gasped in horror that a mere mortal would take such liberties with her person.

Artemis was equally angry. "I can't believe you just put your hand on me!"

Gabrielle chose that moment to defuse what was quickly becoming a very ugly scene. She stepped in front of Calli to shield her from the angry goddesses. "Please! Artemis, Athena! She didn't mean it. Did you?" The bard jabbed her elbow into Calli's solar plexus as the question was asked.

"No. No I didn't, and I apologize for offending you." Calli coughed out the apology.

Artemis and Athena looked at each other warily. "Fine." They answered in unison.

"Calli?" Gabrielle prompted her friend to begin speaking.

Calli expanded on the explanation the bard had given earlier. She went into much greater detail than she had with the council. Nothing was left out. She then explained what it was they needed from both of the goddesses. It was some time before Calli was finished. But when she was done, she was certain that both Olympians realized the gravity of the situation. "Well?"

"Ares can't know about this." Artemis responded.

Athena agreed. "If he finds out about it, you know what he'll do." The goddess then addressed Calli. "But I think that's the least of your worries, isn't it, child?"

"You know it is." Calli replied softly.

"My counterpart must have chosen you for a reason." Athena smiled gently at Calli. "And from what I've heard so far, I would say that she definitely chose well."

"Thank you." So you'll help us?" Calli paused, uncertain. "Help me?"

"We will."

********

There were at least eight cells, besides Damara's, operating in various parts of Greece. The rebel leader's lack of cooperation, her refusal to consider joining with the other cells, further solidified Xena's opinion that Damara was definitely working against the intent of the rebellion. She knew that based on the haphazard, uncoordinated attacks on the Conqueror's strongholds, there was no way the other cells could have been working together, either. And it was even less likely that any of them knew who the other leaders were. Except Damara, who had the knowledge that the God of War had given her. Xena didn't expect the rebel leader to be fully forthcoming, but she knew she could get enough information to form and educated opinion…and a plan. The location information Damara gave was fairly general, but the warrior felt confident that she could get a message to the right people.

Xena pretended to be completely dumbfounded. "How in Hades do you expect to win this war? There's no coordination, there's no communication…there's…" The warrior princess growled her mock frustration at a seething Damara. "No damn wonder she kicks your ass all over the countryside!"

"We're working on it." Damara grit her teeth as she replied.

"Not hard enough, obviously. Where was Calli in all of this mess? I thought she was in charge of this little rebellion?"

"What's it to you, Xena?" The rebel leader stood and faced down the warrior. "You don't even belong here."

Xena was stung, knowing it to be the truth. "Maybe not. But The Conqueror invaded my home, and threatened people that I lo…that I care for." Xena paced the hut, barely keeping her anger in check. "If you think that I'm just going to sit around and watch her wreak havoc in my world, you're crazy." Xena whirled around and poked her finger into Damara's chest. "Something's going on here, Damara, and it stinks to Olympus. I'll bet my last dinar that Ares is involved somehow." The warrior deliberately baited the rebel leader for a reaction. To Damara's credit, she was able to cover her surprise very quickly. Not quickly enough, however, for Xena to notice it. Xena decided to push it the next step. "As a matter of fact, I think I'll pay a little visit to Ares."

"No!" Damara knew the second she had spoken that she made a mistake. She tried to cover her tracks. "I mean, what purpose could it possibly serve?"

The trademark half-smile and raised eyebrow appeared as Xena responded. "Why are you so worried, Damara? What are you afraid of?"

"Nothing." The rebel leader snarled. "Call your God, Xena." With that, Damara left the hut.

Xena followed Damara out of the hut, with one last jab. "I will. But first I need runners."

"What for?"

"To get messages to the other cell leaders."

"But, we don't know who they are! How do you expect to contact them?"

"I have many skills." Xena smirked as she made her way down to the forest door.

Damara watched the warrior climb down from the village in the trees, seething with anger. "Damn you to Hades, Xena! You've forced my hand in this, and now I've got to act sooner than I wanted!" The rebel leader decided to go ahead and give Xena what she wanted…for now. Damara realized that Xena knew there was more going on than met the eye. It was even more obvious because Damara had reacted so badly when Ares name was mentioned. But if it would serve the leader's purpose, for now, she would cooperate. "But I'll make you work for it, you nosy bitch." Damara's hazel eyes flashed with unguarded hatred toward the warrior. She motioned for her saddle chief. "Kelos! Get your eight fastest horses and best riders. And tell Vardis that I need to see her immediately."

"Vardis?" Kelos was obviously confused as to why Damara would want to see the archer captain.

"Are you deaf?" Damara snarled at the man. "Hurry up!"

"Right away."



Xena watched the scene play out above her, certain that she had hit the mark with Damara. She would have to play this out, though, to see just how everything fit together. She was reasonably sure, however, that she had it all pretty much figured out. Now it was time to push some more buttons. She headed north a bit, until she found a relatively secluded clearing.

"Come on out, Ares. We need to talk."

Light flashed just in front of Xena and Ares appeared. "Well, well, well, Xena. It's been a while."

"You don't know the half of it." Xena purred in a low voice as she ran her fingertip across the God's lips, pulling away just as he reached to capture it in his mouth.

"Ah, Xena. Ever the tease." Ares brown eyes were full of unbridled passion for the warrior. "What is it you want?"

"I want to make a deal."

"Really? Why would I want to do that?" The God yawned, holding his hand over his mouth. "You bore me, Xena, as much as I hate to say it. As a matter of fact, you haven't done anything to pique my interest in quite a while. What could you possibly give me that I don't already have?"

"War."

Ares rolled his eyes. "I've already got that."

Xena leaned into the God, pressing her body against his. Her electric blue eyes held his captive. "I'm not talking about the little skirmishes that you've been overseeing lately, Ares. I'm talking war. Blood, guts, honor, and glory to the God of War!" She captured his bottom lip in her teeth. She pulled gently before releasing it. "Come on, Ares. I know you. You want war. You are War. And I can give it to you on the grandest scale you've ever seen."

A malevolent smile crossed the Gods face. "I'm listening…"

*********

"Tyldus, thank you for coming."

"Of course, Gabrielle." The centaur leader addressed the Amazon Queen. Tyldus and his warriors had arrived late that afternoon. Gabrielle's note was brief, but urgent. Tyldus knew that the bard would not have asked unless it was an extremely dire situation.

"Let's go to the council hut. We can talk privately there." Gabrielle motioned for Calli and Ephiny to join them. She then instructed the Royal Guard. "Solari, Eponin, I want a guard on this hut. No one is to enter, and I mean no one."

"Yes, my queen." Both women responded in unison.

*********

Xena approached Damara, who was talking quietly to Kelos and his riders. Vardis stood to the side, waiting to see what the rebel leader needed from her. The warrior decided to leave the Vardis situation alone, sure that Damara would play right into her trap.

"So." Xena addressed the eight runners. "You ready?"

"They're ready." Damara answered for them.

"Good." Xena handed each runner a crude map. "This will get you where you need to go." Xena then gave each runner a small stone with the Greek letter Omega etched into it. "This will get you to the cell leaders. And, finally, this," Xena held out sealed parchments, "is what you will give to the leaders when you find them. You are not to open these parchments." Her blue eyes pinned each one of the runners in place. "If I find out that you've tampered with them in any way, it's gonna get real ugly. Understand?"

Each runner nodded his or her understanding. They quickly stuffed the maps, stones, and parchments into their saddlebags and mounted the horses.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Xena snarled. "Get moving!"

Damara watched the six archers ride off in different directions. "Where did you get those stones?" She asked.

"Found 'em." Xena replied.

"And the maps? How did you know exactly where to send the runners?"

"I have many skills."

The rebel leader snarled. "What now?"

"Now, we wait." Xena responded.

"For how long?"

"For as long as it takes."

"No Xena." Damara kept the thought to herself. "Just long enough for my archers to do their jobs."

*********

Gabrielle and Calli explained, in detail, what they had in mind. Tyldus and Ephiny simply nodded, and asked questions occasionally. Never once did either of them doubt that they could accomplish what was being set before them. Tyldus and Ephiny had known Gabrielle since their battle with Krykus. They trusted her. Calli, on the other hand, was a mystery. Tyldus trusted her simply because the bard did and that was good enough for him. Ephiny, however, didn't need to rely on her queen's judgement to trust Calli. She had finally admitted to herself that Calli was who she said she was. She also admitted to herself that she felt a very definite attraction to the petite blonde. Once the meeting was over, the regent pulled Calli off to the side.

"I need to talk to you."

Calli's eyes lit with mischief. "Really? What about?"

Ephiny's face turned red. "Ah. It's about what happened earlier today."

"Yes?"

"Well, I ah…" For some reason, Ephiny was suddenly shy.

"You don't have to say it. " Calli tilted the regent's chin up, forcing her to look into Calli's brown eyes. "I can see it. Now, what do you want to do about it?"

Ephiny smiled and took Calli by the hand. "Let's go."

Calli grinned and shrugged at the curious look she was receiving from Gabrielle. She allowed herself to be led out of the council hut, ignoring the shocked stares from just about every Amazon who saw the pair. She could not have cared less if a rabid, baby-juggling hydra attacked the village. Her focus at the moment was Ephiny, and the throbbing she felt between her legs.

When the door to Ephiny's hut closed, all pretenses were dropped. Calli pulled the regent up against her body, and kissed her soundly. She had wanted this since the day she met the Amazon. It had been so long since she was able to let her guard down and be intimate with someone. The kiss, gentle at first, grew more passionate with each heartbeat. Finally, Calli had to break the contact just to get a breath.

"Gods, Ephiny." Her voice was shaky. "You make me crazy."

Ephiny chuckled. "With you I suspect it didn't take much."

"You're such a sweet talker." Calli responded with a laugh in her voice. "But enough talk."

Calli made quick work of their clothing, and pushed Ephiny onto the bed. Calli's hands slid to Ephiny's breasts as her mouth nibbled the regent's lips and tongue. Ephiny arched into Calli's touch, desire coursing through her body.

"I have to taste you." Calli whispered as her mouth replaced feverish hands.

Ephiny felt her nipples harden as first one, and then the other, was drawn into Calli's mouth. She groaned in pleasure, her nipples aching and throbbing. The exquisiteness of that feeling was overshadowed only by the astonishing wetness between her legs. She thought she would die with anticipation.

"Please." Ephiny begged. "I need you." Her hips strained forward, trying to get closer to the one who was giving her such pleasure.

Calli released Ephiny's nipples to caress the inside of her thighs. Her brown eyes turned liquid as she felt the evidence of Ephiny's desire. Her fingers dipped into the well just ever so slightly, causing Ephiny to moan. Calli kissed the regent hard as she brought her fingers up to stroke the taught bundle of nerves at the apex of her inner folds. The kissing was passionate, and Ephiny's fingers relentless, making Ephiny dizzy with need for something more. She finally had to break free simply so she could breathe.

"Oh Gods, Calli." Ephiny writhed under Calli's touch. "Please. Oh, Gods please. I…"

Calli covered the regent's face with gentle kisses and whispered. "I know love. I'm going to make you cum for me."

Ephiny thought that she would lose consciousness when she heard Calli's declaration. Her body was thrumming; on the edge of a powerful orgasm. All she needed was for Calli to bring her the rest of the way.

Calli pushed the strong thighs apart and buried her face in the fragrant softness that was Ephiny. She moaned at the fact that she was finally tasting the woman who had made her feel alive again. She couldn't have been more honored to be given such a gift, and had every intention of treating Ephiny like the blessing she was.

Ephiny felt Calli's tongue dance along the delicate folds of her center, causing her to gasp for breath. As she lie there trembling with need, she realized that Calli was doing more than making love to her. Calli was offering her soul; something Ephiny knew was inherently sacred to one of Calli's faith. She would not refuse it. Ephiny's thoughts were pushed to the back of her mind when she felt Calli tongue thrust inside her. She was unable to control her reaction, and her hips came off the bed. Calli pushed Ephiny back down, and held her still with one hand while she worked a taut nipple with the other. Finally, Calli began concentrating on the erect nub at the center of Ephiny's pleasure. The regent's breath was coming in ragged gasps and moans as her body stiffened. The intense orgasm rocked her to the core.

"Oh Gods yes! I…I'm cumming…" She held Calli's head in place and rode the waves of pleasure that reverberated through her. Finally her body calmed enough, and Ephiny was able to think rationally. "Come here." She growled, pulling Calli toward her. She wrapped the blonde in her strong arms and sighed. "That was…that was utterly, completely, unequivocally the most incredible orgasm I've ever had."

"My pleasure." Calli purred as she placed feather light kisses in the hollow of Ephiny's neck. She was quite surprised, however, when Ephiny flipped them both over and pinned her hands to the bed. "What's this?" She smiled at the hazel eyes looking down at her.



"My turn." Ephiny replied.

"Or, my turn." Calli countered. "I guess it's all in how you look at it."

"Oh shut up." Ephiny's mouth captured Calli's lips in another passionate kiss.

The two women spent the rest of the morning making love, and not once did either of them think about the future. They were completely wrapped up in the 'now' and in each other; and that was all they needed.



____________________________________________



Part 11 - The Return



Alti arrived at the Keep with her heart in her throat. She just knew that the Conqueror would have her drawn and quartered. She couldn't believe that she let Xena frighten her into walking back into the dragon's maw. She heard a noise behind her just as she was entering her quarters.

"Alti. Would you care to tell me where you've been all night?" The Conqueror stepped out of the shadows and graced Alti with a malevolent smile.

"I…I was…I was…" Alti was clearly terrified. "I…had a plan to…to use Xena to find the rebels."

The Conqueror considered the response and tightened her grip. "Really? And why would you put such a plan in action without consulting me first? You know that I alone control Greece. Why would you assume that I would need, or want, your assistance? Tell me why I shouldn't kill you right now."

Alti's vision was growing cloudy from the lack of oxygen. "Please, Conqueror. I beg you. I…merely meant to help. I thought perhaps that if I could find the rebels for you, that it would be one less distraction." Alti coughed. "And, you need me to open the portal."

"And so I do." The Conqueror released the gasping shamaness. "You are very lucky, Alti. You didn't lie to me. You know what happens to those who keep the truth hidden from me."

"Thank you, Conqueror." Alti rasped.

"Don't thank me yet, Alti." The Conqueror snarled. "We open the portal at dusk. Prove your worth to me then and I just may let you live." The tall woman spun around and stalked down the hall toward her bedchamber.

"Yes, Conqueror." Alti stumbled into her quarters and shut the heavy door behind her. "Dusk! I've got to warn Xena, somehow!"



********

Meanwhile, on Olympus:

"So, she talked to you?"

"That she did."

"And?"

"I'm thinking about it."

"Don't think too long, or the chance will be lost."

"Why should it matter to me? I'll still get what I want."

"You will indeed. But think of how much more you'll gain if you agree."

********

Outside the walls of the Amazon village, Gabrielle surveyed the army assembled before her. Besides herself, only Tyldus, Ephiny, and Calli knew the exact events that were about to take place. The fact that the Amazon and Centaur warriors would follow her without question brought a lump to her throat. They were about to experience something that no one in the known world ever had or ever would.

"Amazons! Centaurs!" Gabrielle began to speak. "I am grateful for the dedication you have shown to your nations, and to the world! What we do today will be written down in the history of two worlds! I know you don't understand now, but after this is over, you will realize just how many lives you have touched with your courage!"

As the Amazon queen spoke, the air behind her began to shimmer. The soldiers were too disciplined to react verbally, but Gabrielle could see the look in their eyes. She turned around and watched the portal appear.

"It's beginning." Tyldus appeared beside the bard.

"Yes. Gods, Tyldus. Are we doing the right thing?"

The Centaur leader placed his hand on Gabrielle's shoulder. "I trust you, Gabrielle."

The bard smiled and turned back to the army. "Warriors! We are nearly ready to cross over! Once on the other side, your commanding officers will give you further instructions!"

"Ready?" Gabrielle asked Calli.

Calli took a deep breath. "Ready."

The bard held her hand up, indicating that the rest of them would have to wait. Once the portal was as far across as the Amazon practice field, she motioned to Tyldus and Ephiny. "Let's go." She turned and followed Calli through the rift.

********

Xena watched as the sparrow circled her head. She smiled when she saw the tiny parchment strapped to one of its legs. She held her finger out for the sparrow to land. She removed the parchment and the bird immediately took to the air. The warrior read the note, and a frown crossed her features. "Looks like I need to call in another favor."

Damara watched Xena take the note from the sparrow and head north. She quietly followed the warrior into a small clearing. Hiding in the trees, she heard Xena call out.

"Ares!"

The God of War appeared. "Xena. You're a little early, aren't you?"

"Plans have changed Ares. I need my people in place now."

"Really? What if I decide to change my mind?"

Xena smiled wantonly at the god. "Come on Ares. You're so hot for this you can barely see straight."

Damara knew then that any attempt to kill Xena would not work. The warrior princess had somehow managed to gain Ares' favor. The furious rebel leader dropped from her hiding place wielding a sword. "Ares! You promised me an army! How can you betray me after all I've done for you!"

Xena responded. "Well let's just say that he got a better offer."

"Bitch!" Damara snarled and charged the warrior.

Xena easily parried a series of moves. "Anger can work for you, Damara, or against you. If you're smart, cunning, and as good as I am, you learn how to use it." The warrior flipped over Damara's head and landed behind her. "If you're not, you get your ass kicked every time." She then placed a powerful backward kick to the rebel leader's lower back.

The god made no move to intervene as Damara collided face first into a tree. "Ouch!" He exclaimed in mock sympathy. "You know that's gonna leave a mark." He turned to the warrior princess. "So, where were we?"

"My people. I need them in place. " Xena said as she tied Damara to the tree. "Now." She growled.

Ares shook his head in amusement. "This better be one Tartarus of a show, Xena."

"Oh it will be Ares. You have my word."

The God of War snapped his fingers and Xena found herself transported to an open field. It took her a few heartbeats to regain her senses. When she did, she noticed that on the far side of the field there were the remains of an Amazon village. If this were her world, there be warriors practicing where she now stood. There would be cook fires going in the main hut, and the evening meal almost ready to serve. There would be a change of guard and relief patrols heading out. What she saw before her resembled nothing of the sort. The ruins before her were very old, and no human had lived here for a long while. It saddened her to know that here, Gabrielle was not an Amazon Queen. The Amazons didn't exist. The warrior heard a noise behind her and turned, sword at the ready. She lowered the weapon as she saw the eight riders that she had dispatched earlier that morning.

"Xena!" Nessos, the eldest among them approached. "Well, that was some journey you sent us on!" He grinned down at the warrior princess. He extended his arm, and Xena grasped it in the traditional warrior's handshake.

The warrior chuckled. "Well, let's just say I had to speed things up a bit."

"That you did! It's a good thing that the Gods owe you one, warrior." He motioned the other seven riders to join them.

"There gonna owe me a lot more once this is over with." Xena smirked.

The warrior waited for the riders to dismount before she spoke. "I assume that you were successful?"

"You assume correctly." Haimon, another of the messengers spoke up. "And we found out something else that you may find very interesting."

"Really?"

"Yes!" Lykia spoke up, clearly excited. "It appears as though the cell leaders had already been working toward uniting in the common effort of the rebellion."

Nessos interjected. "They left our group out, though, because there were rumors that we had a traitor in our midst. They just didn't know who to trust. So, we've been fighting and dying alone for Gods know how long." He spat in the dirt to show his disgust.

"They did what was necessary." Xena replied, one eyebrow raised. "You'll be interested to know that the rumors were correct."

"We thought as much when we were intercepted by Artemis." Nessos responded. "Talk about a sight to stop a man's heart!"

The group laughed quietly as each person reflected on their own up close and personal experience with the goddess. "And she was remarkably pleasant." Lykia laughed again.

Xena smiled. "She should have been. We're doing her a favor."

"Who was the traitor?" Nessos asked the question they all wanted to ask.

The warrior made eye contact with each of the riders. "It's been taken care of for now. We can deal with it later. Let's get back to business. Each of you move into place with your respective groups. The instructions are in the parchments I had you give to the cell leaders." Xena watched as the riders mounted their horses.

"Xena?" Lykia asked. "How did you get the cell leaders to agree to work with us?"

The warrior smiled. "Artemis was pretty busy this morning. Now get going."

********

Calli stepped through the portal and into the ruins of an Amazon village. It was late afternoon and she found that odd. She hadn't really thought about it before, but it looked like even the time of day between here and 'there' were opposite. She was facing westward, and the sun was in her eyes. She used her hand to block the light, and caught site of a lone figure standing on the other side of the field in front of her.

"Xena?" Calli shouted. "Xena, is that you?" She saw the figure wave, and Calli began to run full-out. She didn't stop when she got to where the warrior was standing. She just threw her arms around the tall woman and bear-hugged her. "I can't believe you're alive!"

Xena peeled Calli off and chuckled. "You should know better than to doubt my many skills."

"Gabrielle will be happy to see you."

"I doubt it, after the way I treated her." Xena's blue eyes darkened at the memory of her last encounter with the bard. "Come on. Let me get you caught up on what I've been doing." The warrior quickly changed the subject.

"Well, you might have to do it on the fly. Gabrielle is going to be right behind me." Calli turned and pointed back toward the ruins. "Look! Here they come!"

"Wait a minute," Xena took Calli's arm and turned her back around, "how did you get the portal to open here? What's going on?"

"I'll tell you in a sec", Calli responded. "Look! Isn't that a sight?"

Xena watched as Gabrielle and Tyldus stepped through a portal the size of a small mountain. Behind them followed the Amazon and Centaur warriors. She was impressed at what the bard had accomplished in her absence. A small lump in her throat formed as the realization dawned that she had gravely underestimated the blonde.

"Hey." Calli put her hand on Xena's shoulder. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah." Xena smirked. "I'm not sure for how long, though, once Gabrielle gets ahold of me."

Calli laughed. "Come on Xena. Take your medicine now and get it over with."

The two women walked toward the slowly growing Army. Gabrielle and Tyldus met them halfway across the field.

"Xena." Tyldus extended his arm and Xena grasped it firmly. "Good to see you again."

"Thanks for being here, Tyldus." Xena replied, trying to ignore the bard's green eyes glaring at her.

"Don't thank me. Thank Gabrielle." Tyldus responded.

Xena, still avoiding eye contact with Gabrielle, nodded. She stepped back to survey the Amazon/Centaur army. "How'd you get the portal so big?"

"Why don't you ask your bard?" Tyldus turned and headed back toward his warriors. "I've got some troops to see to." Calli followed the centaur, giving the two friends some privacy.

"So." Gabrielle began.

"So." Xena responded.

"I guess you're ok." The bard reached up to touch a fading bruise on Xena's cheek.

"Yeah. I'm ok." Xena took Gabrielle's hand in her own and clutched it to her chest. "Gabrielle, I am so sorry about what happened. I should never have treated you the way I did."

"No, you shouldn't have." Gabrielle responded softly. "Xena, why did you do that?"

"I don't…" Xena stopped mid-sentence and took a deep breath. "Yes I do, Gabrielle. I do know why." She opened her mouth to continue, but a shout from the assembled warriors interrupted her.

Gabrielle turned to see what the ruckus was about, and realized that the portal had closed. All the warriors had safely crossed, and the shout was one of relief. "I guess we should talk about what you've got planned, now that we're here."

"Yeah." A frustrated Xena gave the bard's hand one final squeeze before releasing it. "Come on. Let's talk to the commanders and get this show on the road."

********

The army assembled outside the Keep was magnificent. The Conqueror surveyed her soldiers with pride. She was certain that she would be victorious, and that she would be the ruler…the Conqueror of two worlds. The thought made her blue eyes sparkle with anticipation. She motioned her general forward.

"Aeneas! Get up here!" When the gray-haired general came abreast of the Conqueror, she leaned forward to grab him by his helmet. "This is going to be the most glorious battle we've ever seen. Are your soldiers ready for it?"

"They are, Conqueror." Aeneas replied. "They are well-trained, and will do what is necessary."

"Excellent. You must forgive me for keeping you in the dark for so long." Her smile indicated the opposite, but the general wisely ignored it. "I needed to determine whether this venture was worthwhile."

Aeneas chuckled. "Did you really have any doubt, Conqueror?"

"No." She responded. "But I've been too long behind the scenes. It was very invigorating doing my own reconnaissance. I should participate in the scouting missions more often. I wouldn't want to get soft."

"There's nothing soft about you, Conqueror." The general's soft-spoken comment was harsh, but truthful. And he was the only person in the known world who could say something like that and live…barely. "What say we see what's on the other side?"

"Agreed." Xena waved toward her shamaness. "Alti! Open the portal!"

"As you wish, Conqueror." The shamaness nodded her head, and prepared to open the rift. As she knelt in the grass, she realized that there were other forces at play here. She didn't know quite what the intent was, but it had to be better than what the Conqueror was planning. Suddenly, she heard her goddess's voice in her head.

"Alti, focus on what I am showing you. Focus everything you have onto what you see before you, and let us lead the way."

The portal began to form, and the Conqueror's eyes glowed with anticipation. "Aeneas, do you see it? Isn't it magnificent?"

The general sat on his war-horse, not quite sure whether he should believe his eyes.

The Conqueror saw the question on his face. "Oh, it's real alright. Get ready!" She waited until the portal was some two thousand paces wide before she motioned her army forward. "To victory!!" She heard the cries of her soldiers just before she crossed through the threshold.

********

"Here they come!" Gabrielle shouted as she watched Xena, or…rather…the Conqueror, appear in the middle of the ruins. She stood on the far edge of the field with Xena, and Calli. Behind them, in the woods and along the hills flanking the village waited Tyldus, Ephiny, and their small rebel force. Xena and Tyldus had discussed strategy and in a very short time, had come up with what they deemed was a workable plan. They knew that if they relied on sheer numbers, they would lose…badly. Now was the time for intelligence, and cunning. Neither was in short supply, and all three felt confident that the element of surprise would be the key to their victory.

"My god." Calli whispered. "Look at them all. Can we really do this?"

Xena put a reassuring hand on Calli's shoulder. "We have to. Come on." The warrior crouched down and motioned for the other two women to follow her lead. "Let's get moving." They melted into the woods unseen due to the chaos that now reigned in the ruins.

********

When the Conqueror saw where the portal had deposited her, she was furious. "Alti! Where in Tartarus are we?" She tried to turn her horse to go back through the portal, but was unable to because of the press of troops coming from the other side. "Alti!" She screamed in rage. "By the Gods, I will kill you for this!"

Aeneas, unnerved at the Conqueror's apparent loss of composure, tried to keep order among the troops. He directed his captains to move them to the edge of the field and stand down until the entire army had crossed. That plan was thwarted, however, when he saw the portal begin to rapidly close. "Conqueror! The portal!" He pointed at the shrinking rift, which was effectively cutting off most of the army that had yet to cross. It happened so quickly that five-score soldiers were caught between two places. What was left of them chilled Aeneas to the bone. Bloody limbs; pieces of men and horses were scattered across the ruin. Blood covered the parched grass and the stench of it was overwhelming.

The troops, seeing what happened to their comrades, were in an uproar. Aeneas had to scream above the din in order to be heard by his commanding officers. "Get these men calmed down, or by the Gods I will gut every single one of you!" The general waited until things had calmed somewhat before turning his attention to the Conqueror.

"Conqueror?" He cautiously approached the raging dark-haired woman.

"Get them ready to march." She spoke so softly that the general could barely hear her words. Her voice belied the fury in her eyes. "You wait for me here. I need to speak with someone."

"Yes, Conqueror."

The Conqueror stalked to the shell of what used to be the main hut of the ruined Amazon village. "Ares." She called her god. After several heartbeats, there was no response. She grit her teeth and called again. "Ares! I am your chosen, and I demand the aid of my patron!"

"You demand?" The god of war appeared before the seething woman. "You're in no position to demand anything, Xena."

"What did you do? " Blue eyes flashed with fury.

"Now why would you assume that I've done anything?" Ares clutched his chest in mock distress. "I'm hurt."

The Conqueror spat. "Don't lie to me, Ares! You had something to do with what happened."

The god began to laugh. "Well, maybe I had something to do with it. But not all of it."

"What are you talking about?"

"I can't tell you that. It's a god-thing." His dark eyes sparkled with evil mischief. "Besides, I think this is gonna be a lot more fun than you think. Just look at this as a…transition, so to speak. You'll be moving on to bigger and better things."

"You've abandoned me then?" It wasn't so much a question as a realization. "Fine. I don't need you, Ares." The Conqueror turned and headed back toward her troops.

********

Xena, Calli, Tyldus, Ephiny, and Gabrielle watched the events unfolding from the relative safety of the woods.

"Well she sure as Hades wasn't expecting that, now was she?" Calli smirked as she watched The Conqueror on the other side of the field. "Serves the bitch right."

"Enough chatter. It's almost time." Xena looked at her friends. "Everyone ready?"

"As ready as we're ever going to be." Calli replied.

"Ok, you know what to do." Xena looked at Calli. "Just remember to let me do the talking."

Calli's anger rose up. "Why? This is my world, Xena."

"I know." Xena responded quietly. "But I'll be able to rattle her cage some. Just trust me."

"She's right, Calli." Gabrielle reached out to squeeze her friend's hand. "She's good at this. Hey, you might even learn a thing or two."

Calli snorted as she tried to stifle a laugh. "The day I can learn something from Xena is the day I eat my shorts."

Xena's eyebrow rose into her hairline as she contemplated Calli's comment. "Be careful what you wish for."

**

The Conqueror gave her next orders as she mounted the war-horse. "I'm going to purge Greece of any seditious citizens, Aeneas. That means I want every town, every village, every rock…searched." She snarled. "Execute anyone who even looks suspicious."

"Conqueror? But, we can't just…" A granite-hard hand had him by the throat, choking off his next words.

"What part of my orders didn't you understand, General?" Rage fueled her strength as she continued to squeeze.

Aeneas was gasping. "Forgive…forgive me, Conqueror." He realized that there would be no reasoning with her now. The Conqueror had been so close to her goal only to have it taken from her. She would have her victory …or what her twisted mind perceived as victory…regardless of the consequences.

"If you ever question me again, I'll gut you where you stand. Move out."

"Yes Conqueror." The general was relieved when the Conqueror released him. "One question if I may? What of the ones who did not cross?"

"I've got business in Khalkis with a certain witch." A feral smile crossed the Conqueror's face. "Before I kill her, I'll make sure to dispatch them. Send a small contingent to Elevsis to meet them there."

"Yes, Conqueror." The general wheeled his horse around and made his way back to the assembled troops. Before he reached them, however, he noticed two lone figures with a white flag in tow. The riders crossed to the center of the field and stopped. Aeneas understood that they meant to parley, but was somewhat confused as to the reason. Then it suddenly hit him that one of the people looked just like the…"Conqueror?"

"I see them, Aeneas." The Conqueror fully realized now who had been responsible for the betrayal. "I'll do them the favor of personally telling them that their lives are forfeit. Then…at my mark, kill them both."

The general kept his thoughts to himself, knowing that if he spoke them, he would be minus his head. An honorable soldier did not kill under the banner of truce, but it seemed as though the Conqueror had finally lost the last thing that made her human. Aeneas would never betray the Conqueror, but an ill wind blew this day and he felt it in his soul. His world…her world was crumbling around them. He would never voice such, but he felt that perhaps this was a lesson that needed to be taught, and Death would be the teacher. He could only hope that in the aftermath, he would be spared.

**

The Conqueror stopped her horse just in front of the two women. "Xena. I'm not surprised. It doesn't really matter, but I'll do you the courtesy of asking what you want."

"To give you a chance to surrender." Xena smirked.

"Surrender to what? To who?" The Conqueror snarled. "You?"

"Think about it."

The Conqueror's blue eyes narrowed. "You're the one who…arranged...to have me dropped in this gods forsaken village, aren't you? You're the one who caused Ares to desert me."

"Come on." Xena replied. "You know Ares. No one makes him do anything he doesn't want to. I'll tell you the same thing that I told Damara. I made him a better offer."

Rage marred the Conqueror's beautiful features. "You're playing a very dangerous game, Xena. One that you will lose."

"Don't be so sure about that. By the way," she pointed to the chakram that hung from the Conqueror's hip, "that's mine and I do intend to get it back."

"This meeting is over. Get ready to meet Hades."

A feral smile crossed Xena's face. "I was wondering when you'd get to this part."

The Conqueror drew her sword and charged. The moment the sword was drawn, Xena's keen ears heard the 'thwang' of bowstrings. With one hand she drew her own sword and parried the blade aimed at her neck. With the other, she snatched the chakram from the Conqueror's belt. She quickly threw it and deflected the arrows heading in their direction, with the exception of one. She was able to grab it just before it buried itself in Calli's neck.

Xena caught the returning chakram. "Go!" She yelled to Calli. She continued to fight while Calli wheeled her horse around and took off across the field. "Come on, Conqueror. You can do better than that." She goaded the dark woman mercilessly. The Conqueror launched herself out of the saddle at Xena. The warrior countered with a back flip, and now both women were firmly on the ground. They circled each other like a couple of panthers waiting for the perfect time to strike the killing blow.

**

Calli ducked her head and she raced under a low hanging branch. She came to a sudden stop, her horse kicking up dirt at the three people who were waiting for word. "I've got no idea why I was even out there. Neither one of them paid a damn bit of attention to me!" The blonde was slightly miffed at being ignored.

"Well?" Gabrielle asked. "Other than that?"

"She's pretty pissed off."

"It did look that way." Tyldus interjected. "Looks like we need to get moving." He pointed at the apparent confusion of the man leading the troops.

"Yep." Gabrielle agreed. "Let's get going."

Calli reached out to caress Ephiny's cheek. "Be careful."

"You too." Ephiny placed a gentle kiss on Calli's lips.

**

Sweat ran into Xena's eyes as she parried another blow aimed for her neck. "You're not gonna win, you know." A feral smile crossed her lips. "It's over. Give it up."

"Not likely!" The Conqueror began another flurry of intricate moves intended to overwhelm her opponent. They had just the opposite effect.

"You're letting your rage take over and it's making you sloppy." Xena taunted. "Or maybe you're just getting soft."

The Conqueror snarled as she continued her assault.

**

Aeneas sat, dumfounded, as he watched the battle between The Conqueror and her twin. He couldn't very well order another volley of arrows without the possibility of inadvertently hitting The Conqueror. And, knowing his liege, she would not appreciate the interference. As much as he wished to assist, he knew that she would remove his head from his shoulders if he tried.

He surveyed the troops he had and realized that only 3 companies of a hundred fighting men, and 2 squads of archers had made it across. The general was thinking about deployment options when the decision was taken out of his hands. He saw a small force of 40 or so armed men and women exit the forest on the opposite side of the field. He motioned one company forward to dispatch the small group. As he did that, he saw two more small bands enter the field to the right and left of him. He signaled the two remaining companies to take care of what he saw as a minor annoyance. The general was normally a cautious man, but for some reason he never once suspected that things were much more than they seemed.

As the troops moved to intercept the rebels, he was startled by a thunderous roar coming from all sides. He quickly realized that he and his men were completely surrounded by a horde of screaming warriors. The troops were frozen in place as they saw Centaurs and Amazons racing across the field at them. Most of the men had been born after the decimation of both of those nations and they had no idea what exactly they were looking at. They had heard the legends, but seeing them in the flesh was overwhelming.

Aeneas saw the doubt and screamed. "Get your arses out there and fight, you cowards!" He wheeled his horse around and gestured wildly at his commanders. He gave furious orders, which were obeyed, but he feared that the effort would be useless. "Better to die in battle than in the Conqueror's dungeon." He spurred his horse forward, leaving the two women in the middle of the field to fight their own battle.

**

Gabrielle, Ephiny, Tyldus and Calli, each in their respective positions saw the troops freeze in fear and pressed the advantage. They moved into the field from all directions, overwhelming the dumbfounded troops. It didn't take long, however, for the soldiers' survival instincts to assert themselves, and soon all four groups were fighting for their lives.

Calli looked behind her, reassured to see the members of her group right on her tail, and Amazons to either side. She had a maniacal grin on her face as she screamed, "Let's send 'em all to Hades!!"

Solari, one of the Amazons assigned to Calli's group, was concerned that Calli's bloodlust would lead them all straight to their graves. She had no love for the blonde, and doubted that she would ever trust her. "Unfortunately", she thought, "my life is more or less in her hands." No sooner than the Amazon had finished the thought, they were fully engaged by the enemy.



TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 12