Chapter Four


It was easy for Callisto to slip away from the camp. She waited until the end of her guard duty before mounting her horse and riding off undetected as the first faint rays of the dawn began to crack the sky. It was mid morning before she finally reached her destination, a large and solitary temple located in a small meadow not far off the main track. It stood alone in the clearing, erected to pay homage to the God of War by dedicated followers who had since moved on.

She pushed the wooden door open and then strolled into the inner chamber. Though the place was unattended, the torches placed along the stone walls were burning, casting a shadowy glow throughout the room. She stepped to the center and stood before the marble sculpture that depicted the Deity in all his Godly glory.

"Ares!" the blonde Amazon screamed, her shrill voice echoing against the cavernous walls. "Ares!"

"Keep your voice down," the God of War growled as he appeared in a brilliant flash of light beside the statute. He glanced at the sculpture and raised his eyebrows in appreciation of the detail that the artist had given his appearance. "Nice work."

Callisto glanced from the sculpture to the Deity and then back at the stone works. "Whatever," she shrugged indifferently. She had no interest in the God of War. "I have come to collect the ambrosia."

"The job has been finished?" the Deity asked even though he knew the response.

"I led the Conqueror and bard to Amphipolis as you requested," the Amazon stated flatly.

Ares looked at the woman in front of him. She was a beautiful creature, her portions well defined and honed by the exercise she routinely engaged in to keep up her fighting skills. He reached up and stroked his beard thoughtfully. Perhaps he had underestimated her value to him.

"Are you sure there isn't something that you would like rather than the ambrosia?" He asked with a smirk.

"What could be better than ambrosia?" the blonde warrior asked, wondering if there was a gift more powerful than the right of immortal life.

"Well think about it," Ares raised his eyebrows seductively and glanced at the statute of his form. "The artist did a marvellous likeness, down to the smallest detail, if you get my drift."

It took a moment for Callisto to understand what the Deity meant. Though he was a perfect specimen of the male form she was not interested in any type of dalliance with the God of War. That could wait until she was immortal and had disposed of the Conqueror. Her lips curled into a half smile, half snarl.

"As appealing as that may be, I have other plans that need to be completed before I can turn my attentions to more pleasurable pursuits," the Amazon said.

"Whatever, your loss," the God of War shrugged his shoulders. He reached into his vest pocket and withdrew a small pouch which he eyed for a moment before tossing it across to the woman. "Consider this payment for a deed well done."

Callisto grabbed the pouch out of the air. She was eager to taste the gift of eternal life but she decided to wait. She could feel the God's eyes upon her. More calmly then she felt, she tucked the pouch into the belt fastened around her waist. With the coveted prize in her possession she could be more gracious to her benefactor.

"Perhaps in the future we can collaborate on another project," she raised her sword in salute.

"Just call me when you need me," Ares replied graciously and watched as the woman nodded her head before spinning on her heel and hurrying out of the temple.

"I can't believe you did that," a shrill voice said as Discord emerged from the surrounding shadows.

"Did what?" Ares asked casually glancing at the woman who strolled up next to him. He noticed the glance she cast at the statute.

"Gave her the ambrosia," the demi-Goddess replied impatiently a little annoyed at the God of War. She had witnessed the exchange between the Deity and the mortal, and she was perturbed by the idea that the God of War was transferring his attention onto the other woman.

Ares' deep laugh filled the empty chamber, revibrating off the walls and amplifying the sound. "Do you honestly believe I would give her the ambrosia?"

"But I just saw you," Discord said her dark eyes narrowing.

"Only a fool would really think I would give an mortal the gift of immortality. Surely you can not be so naive?"

"Then what did you give her?" Discord asked. In spite of their alliance she was not at all trustful of Ares. She was certain that whatever he was plotting, he had not revealed all his plans to her.

"Exactly what I told her, payment for services rendered," Ares laughed. Without another word he disappeared in a flash of brilliant light.


**************************************


Each day Gabrielle grew stronger so that by the end of the week she was anxious to rise from her bed and take a walk outside in the fresh air. Paulus was reluctant, uncertain yet how much damage had been inflicted on the bard, but he knew that he could not keep the young woman immobile forever.

"I think Miss Gabrielle would benefit from a short walk outdoors," the healer conceded grudgingly when the Conqueror arrived that morning to visit the blond woman.

"Great!" the bard was excited to finally be allowed out of her confinement.

"Are you sure she is well enough?" Xena was not as convinced and looked at the healer for confirmation.

"Yes," Paulus nodded his head. "But don't go far, as I fear she will tire quickly."

"If I do you can always carry me," Gabrielle smiled impishly making the Empress snort in mild amusement.

"And when did I become your personal pack mule?"

"The day we met, when you defended me from the those bandits," the bard replied with a brilliant smile and the Conqueror was at a loss to deny the truth.

"Come on," she said gruffly helping the younger woman to her feet and leaving a protective arm around the smaller woman's waist.

Though it was great to be on her feet again, Gabrielle quickly realized that the poisoning had rendered her weaker then she had imagined. She leaned heavily on her companion, and savoured the fresh crisp air that she sucked into her lungs the moment she stepped out of the hut and onto the porch.
It was a beautiful day and the sun was shining brightly.

Xena attentively held onto her lover and guided her on a short walk around the immediate area. She did not attempt to engage her young companion in conversation aware of the bard's laboured breathing as they walked. She steered the girl back towards the hut and knowing how much the bard savoured the outdoors, settled her onto the bench on the porch.

"Are you okay?"

"I am fine," Gabrielle smiled at her companion seeing the genuine concern on her stoic partners dark features. She settled back into the bench and closed her eyes savouring the gentle caress of the fall sun on the exposed parts of her body. "It just feels wonderful to be out here again."

"Humph," Xena mumbled almost incoherently, her intense blue eyes scanning her lovers delicate features. She was pleased that the girl was recovering without problems and was anxious that they be careful so as not to cause any setbacks.

"I'm sorry Xena," the bard apologized. "I know this has upset your plans."

"No," the Conqueror shook her head vigorously. "The only important thing is that you are well before we travel again."

"I love you."

"I love you too Gabrielle," the Conqueror said the words that were coming so naturally out of her mouth now. Words that she had never imagined hearing herself say.

The two lovers sat quietly for a long time content just to be in each others company. But Gabrielle was still easily tired and before long the Empress lifted the bard into her arms and carried her back into the healers hut, depositing her on the cot.

"Don't go," the bard implored her tall lover as the woman tucked the blankets around her.

"You need sleep," the Empress smiled indulgently as she leaned over and planted a chaste kiss on the smaller woman's brow. "I promised some of your Amazon's that I would take them hunting this afternoon. I will come see you when we get back."

"Be careful Xena."

"I always am my love."

Seraphim and the healer watched the exchange from a corner of the hut where they were crushing and mixing the various herbs that the healer used. They watched silently as the tall woman waited until the bard had fallen asleep before making her departure.

"The Conqueror truly seems to care for Gabrielle," the young woman sighed wistfully as she reminisced about the scene they had just witnessed.

"Perhaps," Paulus was still not convinced in spite of the Empress' devotion to the bard. The young aide glanced across at the old man noticing the frown upon his face.

"Is something wrong?"

The healer glanced across at the young woman. In the few months that she had served as his apprentice they had formed a strange bond where he had shared many of the townsfolk's secrets with the girl. On occasion it was necessary for her to know such things in the advent that matters arose and he was occupied elsewhere. He didn't need to share the secret he now held but the burden had been weighing heavily on his shoulders.

"I fear for the bard Gabrielle," Paulus sighed.

"Why?" Seraphim was surprised. "Do you think that the Conqueror was the one who poisoned her?"

"No," the man shook his head. "I fear what the Conqueror may do when she learns the truth."

"What truth?" the blond woman was confused yet aware that the man was holding some intriguing secret.

"Gabrielle is with child," the healer confided hearing his apprentice gasp.

"How?"

"That seems to be the question in dispute," Paulus snorted. "I have come across women in similar situations. The Amazon's keep company amongst themselves and raise children, but they usually enlist the services of local gentleman to get pregnant."

"So what is the problem?" Seraphim still did not understand the healers concern.

"Gabrielle insists that she has not been with a man," the healer sighed.

"Is that possible?" Seraphim had learned allot since she had become an apprentice but she knew there were still things that she hadn't been taught.

"No," the man snorted glancing across the room at the sleeping woman.

"You think Gabrielle was lying to you?"

"Yes," the healer nodded his grey head. "I believe she had an indiscretion that she does not want the Conqueror to know about. I fear for her safety once the Empress finds out."

Seraphim was silent as she contemplated this new revelation. She knew that what the healer told her was in confidence but she thought that perhaps her Priest might be able to offer some solutions to the situation. She mulled over the confession in her mind as they continued their work in silence.


Xena stood up in the saddle, rising the bow and drawing the string back as she aimed the arrow towards the target. A fair sized doe was standing in a small clearing in the forest, grazing on a stand of tall grass and completely ignorant of the danger. The Conqueror cleared her mind and held her breath waiting for the exact moment the deer raised it's head. The instant it did, she released the string sending the arrow piercing through the air.

The deer stiffened for an instant and then dropped without making a move to escape. The arrow had found it's target, striking it dead with a single blow. A quiet round of cheers arose from the small hunting party.

"Good shot My Conqueror," Solari addressed the Empress who nodded in quiet satisfaction, settling back into her saddle as several of the contingent moved quickly to collect the fallen creature.

It had been a successful afternoon. They had managed to slay two fair sized deer and half a dozen pheasants. Each member of the party was eager now to get back to the camp where they could start preparing the meat for the evening meal.

Xena watched quietly as the Amazon's strapped the doe to the back of one of the pack horses they had brought along to carry their haul. For a moment her eyes strayed to the far end of the clearing where Zenon and two soldiers suddenly appeared, trailing behind them was a fine looking steed. She had noticed the wild creature grazing earlier and had sent the men to capture the animal.

"You caught the beast," the Empress greeted the Captain of the Guard.

"She gave us a bit of a chase but once we caught her, she turned as docile as a lamb," the soldier replied as he brought the creature to a halt near the Conqueror. "You might want to look at the mark behind it's right ear."

Xena looked intently at the man before sliding from her saddle and striding around to the captured animal. She pushed back the small appendage and stared at the mark that had been stamped there. It was a mount from her own stable.

"Have we lost any horses?" she asked the Captain.

"Only the animal that Varanus was riding," Zenon replied solemnly.

The Conqueror glanced up at the man before running her hand over the creature. It was in good shape with only a few minor injuries but nothing consistent with what the animal might have incurred in a life and death struggle to swim from a raging creek. She glanced at the hemp rope that had been strung around it's neck.

Zenon didn't need to say anything. He instinctively knew what the woman was thinking. They had found the animal in good health and without the tack that it should still have been carrying if the Amazon's story of their colleagues demise were true.

"I want you to immediately dispatch two soldiers to check the bridge at Norath and if conditions permit, I want them to search the waters for anything they might find."The Captain of the Royal Guard understood what the Empress was wanting to know. He motioned towards the two soldiers who had accompanied them on this hunting exhibition, sending them on their new mission before following the rest of the party back towards Amphipolis.

The Conqueror held her own counsel during the journey back to their makeshift camp. Her mind working overtime as she wondered if this treachery was tied to the bard's poisoning.

"I want to see this Amazon Callisto," she informed the Captain as they reached the end of their journey. The man nodded, passing the captured horse over to a soldier before hurrying to carry out the Conqueror's orders. It did not come as a surprise to the Empress when the woman was no where to be found.

"Who is she?" Xena demanded to know of the two Amazon leaders who had been summoned to her quarters and then informed of their discovery. She pinned both women with a withering gaze. "Surely one of you must know something about her."

"She came to us about three summers ago," Eponin said stepping forward. She squared her shoulders and faced the enraged woman. She had seen the Conqueror angry and now felt the first stage of rage radiating from the Empress. "She said that her family had been killed and that she was alone in the world. She kept pretty much to herself. She was a good warrior and seemed loyal to the tribe."

"I want her found and then brought to me," the Empress said in an icy voice before turning and dismissing the women. "Have one of the deer that we slew taken over to the tavern."The two Amazon's nodded before hurrying off to do the Conqueror's bidding.


Khrafstar listened patiently to the blond woman as she excitedly explained the situation. He had been reluctant to accept her into the group when she had first approached them in Britannia but since then she had proven to be a devoted follower and a willing participant in all their rituals. Her ability to mix and mingle with the local population where they had settled was proving an added bonus.

"I do not see the problem," the Priest sighed once the girl fell silent. He had come across many similar situations where young unwed women had become with child after an indiscretion with a local gentleman.

"The problem is that Gabrielle claims there is no father," Seraphim emphasized. "She told the healer that she has never been with a man."

The Priest's posture immediately straightened as what the girl was telling him suddenly took on a new significance. He wondered if it were truly time for the One God to enter the world. They had begun this journey on the assumption that they would find the woman who would bear Dahok's form, but for it to happen so quickly would truly be a miracle.

"Do you believe her story?" he wondered out loud. He knew many a girl had made the same claim but in the end they were always found to be lying.

"Yes," the blond woman was certain. "I grew up with Gabrielle in Potedaia and I have never known her to lie."

Khrafstar pondered the reality, feeling the excitement in his body begin to rise. If this were true, and Gabrielle was carrying the child in which their One God was to take form, then they needed to prepare. They had no time to waste.

"Can you bring her here to talk with me?" he asked knowing that the naive young woman would do whatever he requested.

"Not for a few days," Seraphim frowned. "She is pretty weak and guarded constantly by a pair of Amazon's."

"Then you must find a way to bring her here," Khrafstar said earnestly, pausing a minute before deciding to reveal his beliefs in the hopes that it would encourage this woman help their cause. "If this is true and Gabrielle is with child without benefit of a father, then she is the blessed one, the one chosen to carry the form in which our God will be born. It is important that she be brought here so that we can bless her and the unborn child as soon as possible."

"I will try to get her here," Seraphim promised reverently. "She is a curious sort always seeking knowledge, I am sure that I can find an excuse. In truth I have already spoken of you and she has expressed curiosity in getting to know more about our God."

"Good," the Priest clapped his hands in glee as he rose from his seat. "We will start to prepare for the ceremony and await word of when you can bring her forth to us." He turned his eyes to the sky and spread his arms in exaltation. "Soon my Master, soon you will be here with your willing servants."


With each passing candlemark Gabrielle grew stronger and when Xena came to visit she found the bard sitting on the porch outside enjoying the evening. With one glance the Conqueror could see that the bard was not as pale and her heart soared at the realization that it would only be a few more days before they would no longer need the services of the healer. She had spent too many nights alone and longed for the moment when she could once again hold the woman in her arms.

"How did the hunt go?" the Queen was curious to know how her lovers day had been.

"We were fortunate and felled two fully grown deer," the Conqueror smiled as she settled down next to the smaller woman and collected one of the small hands into her own. "How was your day?"

"Good," the bard replied. "After I woke this afternoon I took a long walk around the village with Eponin."

"You did not feel tired?" the Conqueror was concerned.

"Yes, but it is a good tired," the smaller woman replied. They fell into a comfortable silence though it was apparent to the Queen that something was troubling her tall brooding companion. "What's wrong?"

Xena took a deep breath and then spilled her guts, revealing what they had uncovered during the day. She finished off by telling the small woman that the Amazon in question was no where to be found. She knew that she could have kept the situation away from the bard yet decided against it. Gabrielle was Queen of the Amazon's and the matter directly affected her reign.

"She is familiar," the bard scrunched her nose up thoughtfully remembering the woman in question. "I remember seeing her around the army camp when we were up North. At first I thought she was a member of your Army but when we returned to Corinth she resided with the other Amazon's. I do not know why she did not return with the other warriors to Amazonia when we reached the capital. Do you think she might be a traitor?"

"I hope not," the Conqueror confided, realizing if the woman had indeed infiltrated her army then there could be many others who were also waiting, bidding their time until they were ready to strike.She didn't want to think about such possibilities now. "So when do you think the healer will allow you out of here?"

"I will ask tomorrow," the Queen replied aware that her stoic companion was changing the subject. She was content to let the issue of the mysterious woman drop for now but she would speak with the Amazon's on her own.


Callisto rode towards Amphipolis, bringing her horse to a halt near a small lake North of the village. She dared not go any closer aware that it was likely her absence had been noticed and questioned. She had taken a gamble in leaving the escort party but she considered it worthwhile for the reward that she had collected. After tethering her mount she made a small camp fire, aware that it would soon be dark. Only once a good blaze was burning did she reach for the pouch that she had received from Ares.

She juggled the small bag in her hands a twisted smile decorating her face. Nothing mattered any more, nothing except the contents of the pouch. Soon she would be able to ride into the Conquerors camp and challenge the Empress with no fears of being defeated.

A harsh evil laugh erupted from between her thin lips as she ripped the string from the pouch and brought the small jelly substance inside out into the open. Her blue eyes sparkled as she dipped her finger into the ambrosia and then brought it to her lips, sampling the sweet tasting nectar. She laughed aware that she had now joined the world of the immortal's. She was a God and there was no one who would not bow to her will.

She jumped to her feet eager to test her new status, certain that she was now invincible. She withdrew the knife from her belt and brought it down to her index finger. As an immortal she would feel no pain and any injury suffered would heal immediately. She drew the knife down on her finger flinching as the sharp steel pierced her skin drawing a faint line of blood.

She stared at the cut, watching the injury turn red and expecting any moment for it to disappear. Instead she felt an instant throbbing as the blood began to seep from the small wound. The joy on her face quickly turned to anguish and rage as she realized she had been cheated.

"Ares," she screamed like a wounded animal before casting the pouch and it's remaining contents into the fire. The shrill sound echoed through the clearing and in response a low mocking laugh echoed through the valley.


Gabrielle's recovery progressed steadily. As promised she approached the healer about moving to the encampment outside the village gates. The man was silent for a long moment as he contemplated her request. She was healthy enough to leave his immediate care but there was one issue that neither of them had spoken of since that first morning when she had woken.

"You are strong enough to leave, but I do not suggest any arduous journey's for a few more days," Paulus said, mindful of the fact that the entourage was headed for Potedaia. He paused and looked intently at the young woman. "Have you resolved what you wish to do in regards to your other health issue?"

Gabrielle was silent. She had avoided thinking of her pregnancy in the hopes that somehow the situation would resolve itself, but sadly she knew that would not be the case. She would have to deal with the child she was carrying and her lovers reaction to the news.

"If you wish to get rid of the child I have herbs that can assist the process," the healer offered in a quiet voice.

"No," the Queen immediately voiced her objection. In spite of the trouble she was certain it would cause, there was no way she would consider aborting the baby that was growing inside her body.

"Do you wish my help in getting you away from the Conqueror?" Paulus continued aware that the bard had made up her mind to keep the child.

"No," there were few certainties in her life but Gabrielle was sure of several things. She had more confidence in her lover than anyone else and she would need that belief to sustain her through this trial.

"I hope you are not making a grave mistake," the old man sighed thinking that the girl might be fooling herself into believing that the Conqueror would treat her right.

"I know you share the same opinion that most of Greece has of the Conqueror," Gabrielle quietly defended her lover. "Xena can be cruel, I will not deny the truth for I have witnessed her in battle, but she is also fair. She would never intentionally hurt those who are innocent."

"Have you forgotten about Cirra?" the man wanted to know his voice harsher than he had intended.

"No," the bard shook her head. "But I know that the young warrior who took her army rampaging across the whole of Greece is not the same woman that I gladly lie in bed with each night. People change."

"I hope you are right," the man sighed realizing that no amount of persuasion would change the young woman's mind. He turned away from the bard wondering if he had wasted his efforts in saving her, only for her to face a more horrible death at the hands of someone she proclaimed to love.

By the time Xena made it over to the healers hut that morning Gabrielle was sitting on the porch waiting. The bard had been tempted to walk back to the camp on her own but had decided to be more prudent and wait for her lover.

The Empress was ecstatic that the Queen was free from the healers presence, happy that the night would see them lying together once again. It had become a strain for her to sleep alone yet she had not entertained taking anyone else to her bed. It was strange, in the past the Conqueror had seen nothing wrong in seducing anyone yet now she longed only for the bard's company, knowing that no one else would be able to satisfy her as the Amazon Queen did.

Gabrielle's arrival in the makeshift camp was a cause for celebration and after greeting her return several Amazon's volunteered to go on a hunt in hopes of capturing an animal worthy of using for an appropriate celebration. Xena left the Queen in the company of her Amazon's while she went with Zenon to speak with the two soldiers who had returned from Norath.

"The bridge was intact and the stream was quite peaceful," the older of the two men reported to the Conqueror while his companion held out the saddle that they had uncovered in the river. "We found this at the bottom of the stream."

The Conqueror studied the bindings and straps. There were no rips or cuts to indicate that the tack had been torn from the creature that bore it. She knew then without a doubt that the soldier had probably been murdered.

"Has there been any sign of the Amazon Callisto?" she asked the Captain of the Guard.

"No," Zenon shook his head. He had warned the night watch to be on alert in the event that the woman returned to the camp. He suspected though that they would not see the Amazon again.

Xena nodded and dismissed the soldiers. She could not help wonder who was behind this plot and if Gabrielle's poisoning, Solan's disappearance and Ares' involvement where all apart of some greater plot. She felt the need to get away to think the situation over without interference.

"I am going out for a ride," she advised the bard when she found the woman resting alone in their tent. "I shall be back before dark. What will you do?"

"I think I will take a nap while you are gone," Gabrielle answered aware of the restlessness that was radiating from her lover. She knew at times like this Xena needed to be alone to resolve whatever matter was troubling her thoughts.

"Make sure if you go anywhere that you take a couple of Amazon's with you," Xena cautioned though it was unnecessary. The Amazon's took their duty as the Queen's protectors seriously, never leaving the young woman alone for even a moment.

The Empress rode hard in the vein attempt to have the wind blow every thought from her mind but it was an impossible feat and by the time she finally reined in Argo she found herself a long ways from Amphipolis near a river where she had often come to fish as a child growing up.

She slipped off the horses back and lead him to the edge of the creek allowing him to drink his fill before setting him free to roam through the surrounding meadow. In the meantime she settled onto a large boulder at the edge of the stream and stared at the dark water that was flowing swiftly downstream.

It was quiet except for the ripple of the water over the rocks in it's bed and the distant call of the few night creatures who were awaking after a long day of slumber. The sun was already on it descent towards the horizon. But the Conqueror wasn't interested in nature on this evening, her thoughts to tremulous to enjoy the surrounding beauty. She needed to uncover the plot that seemed to be slowly twisting itself around them. Unconsciously she shrugged her shoulders, as if to free herself from the invisible noose that seemed to be drawing tighter around her.

Already Gabrielle had been hurt because of the unfolding events and it bothered her that she had not been vigilant enough to foresee the problem. She needed to solve the mystery before anyone else was injured.


Seraphim waited until the Conqueror had departed before attempting to see her friend. She had been watching from the shadows of a nearby bush. If she believed completely what Khrafstar had told her then Gabrielle, her friend from Potedaia, was carrying the child which would be the body for entry into the world of their beloved Master. She walked casually across to the Command tent aware of the soldiers who were standing at the entrance. She smiled.

"I have medicine for Gabrielle from the healer," she held up the small vial that she had taken from the healers hut. She figured that she would need an excuse to get close to the other woman and knew that this would prove a valid reason to get passed the guards.

"Go ahead," one of the guards motioned for the young woman to enter the tent. The Amazon's were aware that this woman was not only an assistant to the healer but also from the same village as their Queen. They saw no danger in her presence. They knocked on the pole outside the tent and then announced the blond woman's presence.

Gabrielle wasn't in the mood to entertain anyone at this moment but she hastily ran her hand across her face, wiping the last remnants of sleep from her eyes before calling out for her visitor to enter. She was almost glad when it turned out to be Seraphim. The girl represented just a small part of the home she had left behind.

"Are you all right?" the other woman was immediately concerned by the strange look on the Queen's face.

"Yes, I just woke from a nap," the bard replied in a cheerful voice. "What has brought you here?"

"The healer thought you might like some medicine, in case you have trouble sleeping," Seraphim replied displaying the vial which she handed to the bard.

"Thank you," Gabrielle smiled graciously.

"Have you a minute to talk?" the healers assistant asked cautiously.

"Yes," the Queen patted the seat next to her and waited until the other woman had sat down. "What's up?'

"I was thinking about your problem," Seraphim began thoughtfully.

"Problem?" Gabrielle answered in guarded surprise.

"Yes," Seraphim had the grace to blush. "Paulus told me about you, he is ever so worried."

"He doesn't need to be, and you can tell him that, I trust Xena," the Queen said with confidence. "Is that why you are really here, to check up on me?"

"Why would you say that?" the healer's assistance now seemed surprised.

"Well, the healer gave me a vial of sleeping potion before I left this morning," Gabrielle said quietly telling the woman her trick had been discovered.

"Oh," Seraphim blushed once again and then looked down at her hands suddenly shy. "I actually came to talk to you about your baby."

"Did Paulus send you to talk some sense into me?" the Amazon Queen wondered with amusement.

"No, Paulus does not believe you when you say you haven't been with a man but I do and I know someone else who also will believe you."

"Who?" Gabrielle asked her eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

"Khrafstar, the Priest for the One God that I told you about," Seraphim explained delicately aware that
she needed to proceed cautiously. "He believes that sometimes the God's can give gifts to the mortal world in the form of a child but Khrafstar will be able to explain everything much better than I can. If you want we can go see him right now and you can ask him all the questions you have."

Gabrielle thought about it for a minute. If this Priest could explain it to her in a way that she could make Xena understand then it was worth a try. She stood up and held out her hand for the other woman to take.

"Let's go see what your Priest has to say."

Gabrielle was so eager for a way out of her situation that she ignored the uneasy feeling she got when she stepped into the camp of Khrafstar and his followers. It wasn't anything in particular that nibbled at her sub-conscious, it was just a general feeling. But she pushed any misgivings aside, accepting the open friendliness of the people without question and comforted in the presence of the two Amazon Warriors who had accompanied them, aware her unease may have come from the longer then expected walk that it took for them to get to their destination.

She was skeptical about Seraphim's claim but when meeting the Priest for the first time she came to understand how the other girl could be so enamoured with the man. Khrafstar was tall, about the same height as the Empress, with long brown hair that hung down in flowing waves over a pair of broad shoulders. He was dressed in a dark red robe that almost took on the colour of blood in the last faint rays of light in the dying day.

Though his physical appearance was impressive, it was the eyes that captured the bard, for the dark brown orbs radiated a warmth that was almost hypnotizing in their affect. She was almost certain that if she hadn't already been in love with the Empress, that she, herself might have been seriously affected by the man.

"Gabrielle," the man accepted her outstretched hand and cupped it between both the palms of his own. The greeting was familiar and warm just like the personality he exuded. "Seraphim has talked so much about you."

"I'm not sure what she could have said," the bard said shyly causing the man to smile.

"She is in awe of your bravery, as we all are, for taking on someone as hard and cold as the Conqueror."

"But Xena isn't like that," the bard protested.

"Of course not, she wouldn't seem that way to someone who loves her as much as you so obviously do," the man continued to smile taking the sting out of his words and Gabrielle found herself being mesmerized by the sound of his voice. She shook her head to clear her thoughts glancing briefly at the Amazons who were standing nearby. She did not wish for them to know her secret.

"It was a tiring walk, and I am still recovering from an illness," she smiled. "Would it be an imposition for my companions and I to get something to quench our thirst?"

"Certainly," the Priest answered graciously and motioned for one of his associates to escort the Amazon's to the camp fire a short distance away where a pot of tea was boiling. The Amazon's reluctantly left their Queen's side but only after they were assured that she was still within their protective vision. Gabrielle waited until they were gone before speaking.

"Seraphim said that you believed in a mortal having the ability to conceive a child without being physically intimate with another individual," the bard said introducing the subject that had brought her here.

"It is a primary teaching of our faith. Our God is to be resurrected in the body of a woman who is a virgin," the man said.

"But how can that be?" the bard was curious "The God's are all powerful and their ways are not always known to us mortals," Khrafstar explained and then glanced about the camp. For the first time Gabrielle noticed that the others were slowly filing towards the entrance of a cave around which the camp was laid out. "Perhaps you would like to see our religion first hand, we are to be meeting in a few minutes."

"Yes," the bard bobbed her head eagerly anxious to know more so that she might have a better understanding of her own position.

"Good," the man smiled and then motioned to Seraphim who was once again standing next to her friend after having disappeared for a brief moment. "Ahh, here is your drink."

Gabrielle gratefully accepted the mug of refreshment her old friend was holding and gulped it down.
It was sweet tasting but it slid easily down her dry throat. It had been a long walk from Amphipolis up the hill to the camp of these people from Britianna. She handed the empty mug to her friend and then glanced back at the man who seemed to be waiting for her to finish. There was a smile on his face.

"Come," he said motioning towards the entrance of the cave before leading the way.

The place was brighter than Gabrielle expected for there were several dozen burning torches stuck into the crevices of the stone walls. The cave was a large single cavern and had room not only for the two dozen followers but also for a large stone slab table that was positioned in the middle of the cave. There was a small step naturally carved into the far wall and a deep pit with a roaring fire at it the bottom.

The place was warm and Gabrielle felt a little light headed as sweat broke out over her body. She surmised that she was not completely recovered from her poisoning, and along with the exertion from the long walk and the sudden heat of the cave was making her slightly dizzy.

"Are you all right Gabrielle?" Seraphim whispered in her ear as they stepped to one side of the cave while Khrafstar proceeded onto the small step to face his followers.

The bard nodded her head, determined not to make any sudden movement in case it caused any further debilitation to her senses. She watched as the room grew silent when the man raised his arms and began to speak.

"Welcome my friends and followers of the One God," Khrafstar began with a smile as he glanced towards Gabrielle. "Today we have a special guest, her name is Gabrielle of Potedaia and she is the reason we were led to this foreign land."

The bard was confused by his words but her thoughts had become blurry and any resistance she had was gone by the time the two men appeared at her side. They grabbed her arms and lead her without resistance to the altar. She had grown so weak so quickly that they had to help her onto the table where she lay struggling to let her mind catch up to the events that had suddenly taken hold of her. There was a sudden crack of thunder and an incredible fear seared through her heart.

"Xena," she cried as loud as she could but it came out of her mouth only as a feeble whisper.
"Xenaaaaaa."


The Conqueror lifted her head in the late afternoon light, listening intently, searching for the source of who had called her name. But there was only the sound of the wind as it rippled through the leafs of the surrounding trees.

"Xenaaaa."

It came again and the Conqueror was immediately on her feet, instantly aware of who was calling out to her.

"Gabrielle," she called the bards name and knew in that instant that the small woman was in trouble. She whistled for Argo who was grazing nearby. With one jump the Conqueror was on the back of her trusty steed and in a full gallop towards Amphipolis.


The chanting in the cave grew, pulling Gabrielle from the drug induced spell in which she had been placed. Bleary green eyes blinked rapidly as they tried to focus on her surroundings and it took a moment for her mind to clear enough to see what was happening around her. She tried to move but couldn't lift her limbs. Through the haze she felt fear and danger. Directly above her was an opening in the cavern ceiling.

"Xena," she whimpered softly through parched lips as she watched the Priest move towards her.

Khrafstar raised his hands, lifting his arms and voice to the heavens which was quickly beginning to cloud over with ominous looking black clouds. Unnatural bolts of energy flashed across the unlit sky..

"Our Lord, Our Master, come to us, we your faithful here have the carrier, the one who has been seeded by the Gods."

Gabrielle didn't understand what was happening. The words she heard were foreign and made no sense, but she heard a clap of thunder that seemed to answer the Priest's entreaty. A shiver raced down her spine and she became truly frightened.

Xena heard the clap of thunder overhead and briefly glanced up, studying the swirling mass of clouds filling the sky. She had dealt with the Gods before and knew what she was witnessing was unnatural. A deep fear grew in the pit of her stomach. She reached the edge of the camp, dismayed to find that there were no guards posted outside the command tent. It did not surprise her that the tent was also empty.

"Where is Gabrielle?" she demanded of the first person she encountered after emerging from the vacant shelter.

"I don't know," the young Amazon stammered in fear aware of the tight grip the Conqueror had on her slender arm and the fierce look on the dark face.

"She went for a walk with her friend Seraphim," Solari said striding over towards the command tent at the first sign of commotion.

"Where did they go?" Xena demanded in a harsh voice.

"I don't know, but they headed north," the Amazon Warrior replied pointing in the direction the bard and her friend had gone. "You don't have to worry Vera and Angelius were with her."

The foreigners camp, the Conqueror surmised immediately as she stared in the direction the Amazon had pointed. Fear began to build as her feet took flight. Perhaps it was all the thoughts that had occupied her mind that afternoon, but she did not trust these strangers in her Empire, or the woman who was a friend from Potedaia. It all seemed to convenient to be a coincidence.

Solari watched as the Empress broke out into a sprint headed north. A crash of lightening bolted through the suddenly dark sky and she felt a shiver of fear race through her spine. She motioned for her Amazon Warriors to follow and Zenon ordered his own troops to do the same.

Xena found the foreigners camp with little trouble. Though it appeared that they did not welcome visitors, the strangers from Britannia had made no attempt to hide their presence. As she feared the camp was empty except for the two Amazon guards who had been assigned to protect their Queen. They were lying unmoving next to a fire.

She paused and allowed her senses full reign as her pale blue eyes swept the surrounding area. There was another thunderclap and a bolt of lightening that lit up the dark afternoon sky. It was in that instant that she spied the narrow entrance to the cave and the flickering light that was spilling out from within. There was another crack of thunder and then over the roar she could hear the steady
cadence of a rising chant.

Without wasting another second she was racing towards the cave entrance, her hand automatically reaching for the sword strapped to her back. By the time she charged though the opening it was clutched firmly in her hand.

She came to an abrupt halt, the Warrior inside herself assessing the situation with one sweeping gaze. They were formed in a circle, all wearing red robes, their hands joined together and raised to the heavens. In the center on a makeshift altar lay Gabrielle.

The Destroyer saw the swirling fire that had entered the cave from a hole at the far end of the cave. She could feel it's evil as the fingers of flame reached towards her beloved. A deadly growl erupted from deep inside her gut and rolled out through her throat as she released the panther inside.

"Ayyyeeeiii," she gave her familiar cry and the chanting stopped as all eyes turned towards the entrance.

Khrafstar was momentarily shaken from his spell. His brown eyes narrowed as he caught sight of the fierce looking woman standing alone in the entrance of the cave, her sword already clutched in her hand. They were so close that they could not lose this opportunity now. It was time for their Lord and Master to enter the world.

"Get her," he screamed pointing to the Conqueror. Half a dozen of the men rushed forward to restrain the Empress while the remaining members, lead by the Priest, began to chant once again.

Xena saw the flame begin to grow once more and move steadily towards the bard. She rushed forward to meet the opposition and with several quick efficient sweeps of her hand cleared a path to the makeshift altar. There was little chance for these poorly armed followers against the Conqueror now that the panther was in full reign. They died quickly and violently at the end of her sword which left no one alive.

Those who dared to challenge her were swiftly vanquished as the others stepped back and out of her way. They had no wish to die that day and Xena glanced at them threateningly before rushing to the platform and lifting the small woman into her arms before the flames from the pit could reach the immobile woman. Seeing his last opportunity to give his Master a form and a chance to enter the world, Khrafstar reached into the folds of his robes and withdrew a dagger.

"For you my Lord," he proclaimed before rushing towards the warrior who had turned her back and was now walking with the bard in her arms towards the cave opening.

He rushed at the unprotected back but Xena had not become known as the Destroyer for no reason. She sensed the danger, feeling the shift in the air as the man hurried across the cave to strike.

She spun around to face the danger lifting one leg to knock aside the arm that was starting to plunge the knife downward. There was a crack and a whimper of pain as the knife flew out of the man's hand and across the cave clattering against the wall before falling uselessly onto the ground. There was a snarl as the Empress brought her leg back up and cracked the side of the man's head snapping it violently sideways and breaking his neck. The priest slumped dead into a heap on the ground. Without another word the Destroyer of Nations turned on her heel and strolled out of the cave. She was met at the entrance by a small group of Amazon's led by Solari. They saw the limp body in the tall woman's arms and the raging expression on her face.

"Empress?" the Amazon looked at the woman questioningly.

"I want someone to hurry and get the healer," Xena said in a cold voice. "And then I want the rest of you to go round up the remaining band of foreigners who are camped in the surroundings hills and I want them brought to me."

The soldiers and Amazon's hurried to obey the dark woman aware that the panther was out. They moved quickly as Xena carried the bard back to the camp, settling her gently onto their pallet before sitting down to await the healers arrival.

"What am I going to do with you?" she whispered softly brushing damp strands of blond hair from her forehead. "Can I not leave you alone for a moment?"

"It appears not," Paulus said dryly entering the command tent without knocking. Normally Xena would have reprimanded him for his arrogance but today she allowed the comment to pass stepping aside so that the man could examine her lover.

The Empress watched in silence as her thoughts whirled around this new development. She could not believe that Gabrielle and not her was the focus of their plan and so she sought to find someone who could explain the reason that they had almost killed the bard.

The healer sighed and lifted the blanket over the unconscious bard before reaching to pick up the small sachet he carried that contained his most often used medical instruments and herbs. He turned to face an anxious looking Conqueror, his throat suddenly going dry as he noticed the paleness of the eyes staring back at him.

"She will be all right," the man said in reassurance. "It seems she was only given a sleeping potion. One meant only to render her unconscious and nothing more."

Xena would have be relieved except for the fact that the panther was still in control. It was the creature that needed answers and so waiting only until after the healer had left did she go in search of the reasons for this new attack on her companion. She stepped out of the command tent to find her mother standing just outside the door.

"Paulus was in the tavern when the Amazon came in search of him," Cyrene explained her knowledge and presence. "I came as quickly as I could to see how Gabrielle was doing?"

Xena looked down at her mother. The expression on her face and the tone of the older woman's voice was sincere. Her mother had been a true friend of the bard and she was aware she could trust the woman to be in Gabrielle's company. Yet the panther was reluctant.

"I would do nothing to hurt her," the tavern keeper said slowly sensing the tall woman's indecision. She knew that her daughter could trust few people.

"The healers said she had been given sleeping potion," Xena spoken finally. "I would appreciate if you stayed with her until I return from handling this business."

Cyrene nodded immediately understanding what had just happened. She wanted to hug her daughter, to tell her child that she still loved her in spite of everything that had happened. She wanted to apologize, to beg forgiveness for the cruel way she had acted to set her on this violent and destructive path, but this was not the time. She nodded and ducked inside the tent.

"We found some people," the Weapon's Master informed the Conqueror and leaving the bard in her mother's care she turned and looked at the small group of person's that her entourage had rounded up. The Empress looked at the collection, her blue eyes falling on a familiar face. It was a woman whom Gabrielle had known from Potedaia.

"You," she reached out and grabbed the woman by the throat and lifted her slightly off the ground.
"What were your plans for Gabrielle?"

Seraphim looked with undisguised fear at the Conqueror seeing the paleness of her eyes and the barely controlled violence on the dark features. She had witnessed the woman's fury in the cave, and had watched helpless as she had destroyed Khrafstar and many of their associates. She swallowed afraid for her own life.

"Why were you trying to kill Gabrielle?" the Empress demanded, tightening her hold on the girl's throat.

"To let our Lord and Master Dahok enter the world," the blond woman confessed in a strangled voice.

"By killing her?" the Conqueror didn't understand.

"By taking her unborn child," the girl corrected.

"What?" Xena wasn't certain that she had heard correctly and the girl whimpered as the grip on her throat tightened, being slightly squeezed under the large hand that held her there.

"Dahok was to enter the world through Gabrielle's unborn child," Seraphim explained in a whimper. "Khrafstar was to kill Gabrielle and then offer the child to Dahok giving him a form to enter the world."

A whirl of questions swirled around the Conqueror brain but there was only one thought that kept intruding on all the others. Gabrielle was with child. A child that needed to be conceived in some manner.

"Gabrielle is pregnant?" she spoke the words out loud her hand continuing to tighten around the slender neck.

"Almost a full season," the younger woman shrieked her eyes beginning to bulge out of their sockets.

"Why Gabrielle?" the Conqueror wanted to know.

"Because Dahok our God could only enter the world through the birth of a pure child," the girl whimpered in pain as she tried to explain.

The Conqueror didn't understand and she didn't care to hear any more excuses. She growled and snapped her hand closed as she gave vent to her emotions. She cast the limp body in her grip viciously aside and the girl hit the ground in a heap. The Empress did not know or care whether the girl was alive or dead.

A rage in the Conqueror broiled almost uncontrollably as she thought of the implications of what she had been told. Gabrielle was pregnant and everything that the bard told her had been a lie. She looked at the others who were watched her with a mixture of emotions, her face draining of colour. She could not believe the truth and she staggered under the implications.

Zenon and Eponin looked at each other with shock and fear. Both were at a loss of what to do or feel. They turned to their prisoners and knew that taking care of them was there first concern. A decision needed to be made.

"My Conqueror, what do you wish for us to do with the rest of these people?" Zenon gathered the courage to speak to the tall woman, hoping that she would not turn his fury on him.

"Kill them!" The decision came out in a low growl. The soldier immediately nodded and stepped back.

"They tried to kill our Queen and did kill two of our warriors," Eponin stated simply when the Captain of the Guard turned towards her. Zenon looked at the half dozen hapless prisoners they had gathered and then at the determined Weapon's Master and nodded.

Wordlessly the chained prisoners were turned over to the Amazon's who took the group away from the camp into the forest where they enacted their own revenge and justice for the lives of their two companions lost that day and the attempt on their Queen. It was done without a word spoken and they returned silently to the camp only once the bodies had all been buried.

Gabrielle woke to see Cyrene bending carefully over her. The older woman looked worried and yet she smiled when the green eyes blinked and opened.

"What happened?" the bard wanted to know.

"You were kidnapped," Cyrene said softly. "A group was about to sacrifice you."

"They wanted to kill me for my unborn child," the bard murmured remembering what she had heard.

"You're pregnant!" the older woman could not hide her shock.

"Yes," the bard nodded her head and then glanced about the room. "Where is Xena?"

"They captured some prisoners and she went to interrogate them," the older woman advised. "She wanted to know why these people would do such a thing to you."

The bard nodded and closed her eyes, feeling a great relief that the Conqueror was there to take care of her. She could be content now that Xena was there to take care of the situation. Suddenly she bolted upright on the cot, a sickly expression on her face.

"No," she cried hoarsely, terror in her eyes. "Where is she?"

"I don't know, outside I imagine," Cyrene said and then watched as the girl struggled to get out of bed. "What are you doing, you need to rest?"

"I have to talk to Xena," the bard said in a stricken voice, she looked with panic at the older woman. "She doesn't know that I am pregnant."

Gabrielle had hoped that she could break the news gently to the Conqueror and now she feared that it would be told by someone who wouldn't be able to explain. She stood up and swayed for a moment until she was able to regain her balance, and then walked as swiftly as she dared across the tent and outside, aware that the older woman was following close behind. She had hoped by some intervention that the Conqueror was still ignorant of the news but she knew otherwise the instant she stepped out of the tent and the fierce woman turned to look at her. Her heart plummeted to her feet.

Xena looked at the smaller woman now, unable to contain her anger or the thoughts of how Gabrielle had turned out to be like all the rest. The one person she had learned to believe and trust had betrayed her.

"Is it true?" the Conqueror wanted to know in a cold voice.

"Xena?"

"Is it true!" the Empress shouted. "Are you pregnant?"

"Yes," there was nothing else to say.

Xena stared at her companion, her heart plummeting to her stomach where an ache now grew. There was a part of her heart and soul that desperately hoped that it had been some kind of misunderstanding, yet now she knew the truth. There was no denying the words that Gabrielle had spoken. Her emotions ranged from bitter disappointment to incredible pain as she recalled the
conversation they had shared not so many moons earlier.

To other observers it would have appeared that the Empress was speaking without emotion but the bard knew different. The many seasons that they had lived together had taught her a lot about her companion and now she was good at reading the tall woman's various moods and speech patterns. She swallowed the lump that had caught once again in her throat.

"Xena," Gabrielle implored but was immediately cut off.

"Why did you lie to me?" it was the first thing out of her mouth as her thoughts suddenly became the spoken word. The tone was harsh and commanding.

"Lie?" Gabrielle was momentarily confused. She did not understand what the Conqueror was saying.

"When you told me that you had not gone with Jason," Xena answered impatiently, turning and taking a few angry strides away from her lover. At that moment she had needed to put distance between them.

"I didn't," Gabrielle insisted, bracing herself for the next angry outburst from her lover.

"Then whose child is it," Xena wanted to know, as she whirled around on her heel and faced the small woman once again, the flaring of her nostrils the only indication of the intensity of the feelings that were currently coursing through her body.

"I don't know," the bard replied lifting her arms in a helpless gesture.

The Conqueror stared for a long moment at the blond woman. The expression on the girl's face was genuine and she had never known the younger woman to lie, yet if the bard was pregnant then there had to be a father.

"Don't play innocent with me," the Empress scoffed at the suggestion that her lover didn't know with whom she had slept. "I am not so naive as to think that this was some kind of miraculous conception."

"I know," Gabrielle sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. She thought about what Paulus had said and knew that the healer had been right. Xena wouldn't understand, yet she had hoped that the Empress would believe her. She looked up at the tall woman her heart aching as she saw the coldness in the blue eyes.

"You have to believe me Xena," she pleaded, afraid that she might lose her lover and friend. "I don't know how this happened, I have never been with anyone but you. I have never wanted to be with anyone but you."

The Conqueror stared at the girl for a long moment, her heart aching at the pitiful sight of the woman she loved pleading for her to believe her story. She wanted to say yes, she believed but the animal inside wouldn't let her. It reminded her of all the others who had betrayed her in the past. The other times people had lied and she had believed them only to realize that they were mocking her. She couldn't forget those times now.

"I don't hate you for being with child Gabrielle, for not so long ago I sought for you to experience this miracle," the Empress said in an emotionless voice that made the bard wince. "But I despise the fact that you think you must lie to me about the circumstances of your pregnancy. Are you in love with the father?"

"There is no father," the bard said in desperation, her face ravaged with emotion as tears began to gather in her emerald eyes. She had hoped that she could convince the Conqueror but it felt like her dreams of doing that were dying along with those of spending the rest of her life with the Conqueror.
"You are the only person I have known."

"Then how did this happen?" the Conqueror needed some sort of explanation that she could believe.

"I don't know," Gabrielle racked her brain for some sort of explanation as she wiped the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand. "All I can think about is that night several full moons ago when we were out in the meadow and were visited by Artemis and Aphrodite."

"Impossible," the Empress dismissed the suggestion with an arrogant wave of her hand even as a seed of doubt was planted in the back of her brain. "The God's have many and great powers but everyone knows that this sort of thing is beyond even them."

"Is it?" Gabrielle wanted to know, sensing that the Empress was at least giving the idea some thought.
"We know that the God's are able to do many things, perhaps this is a power they have not yet shown us."

"Then why us and why now?" the Empress was sceptical, certain that the smaller woman was just trying to invent a plausible excuse for an indiscretion to which she did not wish to admit. "In the past a God has always been with a mortal to create a new life. Why should it be different now?"

"I don't know," the bard answered honestly. "Perhaps there was never a need until now."
Xena wanted to believe the smaller woman. She loved Gabrielle that much but at this moment she felt too much hurt to want to contemplate any alternative suggestions. Right now nothing that Gabrielle said would make her believe anything but that the bard was hiding the truth. She moved away needing to put distance between them afraid of the rage that was slowly building in her body. She paused and turned to look at the girl for a long moment. Gabrielle saw the hurt and the intense sadness in the tall woman's sparkling blue eyes.

"I have trusted you to be honest," the Conqueror said with a note of finality. "That was the only thing I ever really wanted from you and that is the one thing which you have now taken from me."

Without another word the Empress turned and strolled across to where Argo was standing. Zenon approached cautiously as the tall woman grabbed the horses reins and swung herself up onto the saddle. In that next moment their gazes caught.

"You will stay here and protect the Queen, until you receive further orders," the Conqueror barked on the instructions and then with a click of her heels she sent the horse into a gallop down the road.

Gabrielle stood silently watching as her stoic companion disappeared down the road, a small cloud of dust rising behind the horse and rider as they hurried towards the horizon. Her heart ached and tears moistened her green eyes. She had worried that this day would come and here it was and she felt worse than she could have imagined.

Eponin watched the scene unfold. She turned from the fading figure on horseback to the small woman left in the standing alone in the middle of the camp. She felt a surging mixture of fear, anger and frustration. Fear for how her Queen would react, anger at the Conqueror for behaving so coldly and frustration because she was unable to do anything. She hobbled across the distance.

"Give her time," the Weapon's Master tried to be cheerful. "You know how she is."

"I don't think it will make a difference this time," Gabrielle answered quietly, brushing a hand quickly over her features to wipe away the flow of tears that were streaming down her cheeks. "She thinks I have betrayed her and lied."

"Just give her time," the Warrior said weakly. The Amazon didn't know what to say. She was uncomfortable in situations where counselling was needed and today was no exception. Looking across at the small blonde woman she desperately wished that Ephiny was there. The Regent would know what to do in this situation. "I'm sure once she has had time to think about things then she will change her mind."

The bard desperately wanted to believe that to be true but unfortunately she realized that the truth was be to much for the Empress to accept. Hades, she had a hard time accepting the truth and it was happening to her. She also knew that history was against her. So many others had lied and betrayed the dour dark haired woman that the Empress found it impossible to believe that not everyone was like that.

She sighed, the weight almost to heavy on her heart to bear yet she knew that she must put on a cheerful facade. Lila was expecting her for the wedding celebrations and she would not disappoint her sister. She turned to the Captain of the Guard.

"Zenon, will you do me a favour?"

"Yes, Miss," the soldier bowed his head respectfully. In spite of the seeming split between the two women the guard knew that the Conqueror would want him to honour any requests that the small blond woman had.

"I know that the Empress wished to go off on her own, but I fear for her safety," Gabrielle wasn't certain how to make the request, aware that it might put the soldiers in an awkward position. But she had confidence that her lover would not punish the men for doing what she asked. "Could you take your men and follow, to ensure that she remains safe."

The soldier was silent for a moment as he contemplated the request. He knew that the Empress was a target but he also knew that the Conqueror was capable of protecting herself. He looked at the smaller woman and knew what he must do.

"We will see that she safely reaches her destination," the man assured her. He knew that his actions were in direct defiance of the Conqueror's orders but he too was concerned for the Empress. He knew that he might be doomed for disobeying orders but he did not have the heart to turn down the Amazon Queen's request.

"Thank you," the bard was relieved and she watched as the man abruptly turned on his heel. With several hasty shouts he had the rest of his squad mounted and ready to follow their Ruler. The Amazon's watched as the Royal Guards rode off down the road in pursuit of their Master.

"I think it's time for us to be on our way," the bard said turning to face the Weapon's Master who was still standing at her side. Within the next candlemark they too were packed and headed in the direction of Potedaia. This all happened under the watchful eyes of the tavernkeeper who returned thoughtfully to the Inn.


**********************

"Why don't you intervene?" Artemis asked of her Godly sister, disappointed at the way things were turning out.

"And spoil all the fun?" Aphrodite asked with amusement raising her eyebrows for affect.

"Whose having fun?" the Goddess of the Hunt wanted to know, seeing only her beloved Chosen alone while the one who held her heart rode away into the late evening.

"Sister, sister, sister," the Goddess of Love tried not to sound impatient. "Love is a journey and one that sometimes has to go over a few bumps. The warrior babe loves the little bard... she will be back."

"How can you be so certain?"

"Cause I can see into their hearts."

"But if we only told Xena about the baby?"

"And spoil the opportunity for her to realize just how much the bard means to her, not a chance," Aphrodite shook her blond curls and then sighed not certain that her sister would understand. "Xena isn't ever going to come to terms with the depth of her feelings for the bard until she understands just how important the little blond is to her."

"But she hurried back to save her," Artemis argued.

"Yes, but that's what she does," the Goddess of Love waved her hand. "It's easy for the Conqueror to kill people, to protect those she cares about. She uses the sword she carries for everything. But this is one thing she has to learn that she can't use the sword for. She has to accept Gabrielle and the baby on her own. She has to learn to love it with her heart and not her sword. Only then will they truly be happy as a family."

"I still think it would be easier if we just told Xena what we did," Artemis said with a pout.

"Yes but the easy path is not always the best," Aphrodite sighed again. "Believe me sister it is better to let the Empress come to her own conclusion. Besides you know how she hates it when we interfere in her life."

Artemis nodded even though she still did not believe that to be true. But Aphrodite was wiser then her in matters of the heart and so she decided to let the Goddess do her thing and hope that the plan wouldn't backfire.



Chapter Five


It was because Xena was preoccupied with her thoughts that she failed to notice anything amiss until the bandits were upon her. The net was flung from the trees above and landed over her head and shoulders. A swift jerk brought her off the horse unto the ground and before she had time to stand up she was surrounded by a motley crew of thieves.

"No use fighting little lady, you're our prisoner now," the leader of the brigands smiled with a toothless grin as he cockily strolled up to the stranger. He guessed by the fancy dress of his prisoner that she belonged to a wealthy family. He could envision a chestful of coins for her return.

The Empress rested on her knees for a moment, her blue eyes narrowing into thin pale slits as she studied the man, assessing him with one calculated glance as she discreetly withdrew the small knife strapped to her boot. She straightened to her full height and the group took a collective step backwards. There was an arrogance and disdain on the dark haired woman's features and the men were stupid enough to think that it was a result of breeding and not the fact that the woman was the most dangerous person in the Known World.
"Do you know who I am?" the Empress asked without fear, the panther beginning to pace inside her soul.

"Does it matter?" the would be kidnapper snorted making the others in his party laughed nervously. Most of them had never encountered a victim so bold and her seeming defiance of the situation was making them uneasy.

"It does," Xena confirmed succinctly giving free reign to the animal. "You have thirty seconds to start running and I suggest you do so."

There was silence for an instant and then the men burst out in laughter at the idea that this woman,
their prisoner, was telling them what to do. There was a sword lashed to her back but with the net securely around her upper body there was no way that she would be able to draw it from it's sheath. Unfortunately the men were too ignorant to see the panther, a creature that didn't need a weapon.

"Run from you," the leader of the gang laughed at the suggestion and that was the very last thing he did. The smile on his lips fading slowly as his dark eyes glanced down towards the knife that was sticking out of his chest. A slow trickle of blood was starting to dribble down the front of his vest. None of them had seen the woman move.

"Ayyyiiiee," the Conqueror yelled her famous cry and did a flip in the air, discarding the noose from her body in the process.

The remainder of the group watched in amazement as the woman somersaulted over them and landed behind their backs. When the shock finally wore off they scattered, some running towards the forest while the others turned to face their opponent, not yet aware of whom they were facing.

Xena was no longer in control. The panther was out and it didn't even bother drawing the sword from her back as it charged forward to meet the onslaught. A high kick on the chin of one bandit snapped his head back and broke his neck. A spin and a second kick sent another attacker crashing against a tree.

The Conqueror whirled to face a man who was looking at her with a saucy grin on his face. In his
right hand he twirled a large sword. This man knew that now their leader was dead it was his opportunity to take over the gang. What he didn't know was that he would not live to see the end of the day.

He charged waving the sword dangerously in the woman's direction but Xena was too experienced to be frightened by the display. She neatly stepped aside from his challenge and booted him in the back sending him sprawling onto the ground, the sword careeming into the underbrush.

The Conqueror watched with an evil grin as the man picked himself up and turned to face her. There was a challenge in his features and she met it with glee.

"Come and get me," she taunted the man and he did, rushing forward, hoping to knock her flat on her back with his weight, but the Empress was too agile and skilled a fighter. She easily rebuffed his attack, stepping sideways and hooking her arm into his, she pulled him back, flipping him over onto his back and knocking the air from his lungs. Before he had a chance to move her booted foot was on his throat pressing down. He gasped and struggled to remove the limb but she was to strong. His eyes wildly appealed for her to stop but she only increased the pressure until she could hear the bones in his neck snap, leaving him gurgling for a few seconds before his whole body went limp.

The others watched in stunned horror the callous way the tall feral woman killed their comrades and they were of no mind to see Hades that day. But the panther was out and would not be denied the blood it sought. In a saner moment the Empress would have let the others go but today she was the hated and feared Destroyer of Nations, the person who lead her army into Cirra and demolished the village and killed it's people. Today she would not be satisfied until they were all dead.

With the blood pumping fiercely through her veins the Conqueror gave chase to the fleeing men. She pounced onto the first, dropping him to the ground. Before he had a chance to struggle she grabbed his head between her hands and jerked it viciously to one side breaking his neck.

She caught the next man in the forest and though he had time to draw his sword it was no protection against the animal that was stalking him. He lunged at the dark haired predator but the woman grabbed his arm and bent it backwards. The man screamed in agony as the bones in the limb snapped, causing the sword to fall from his grip.

The Conqueror caught the weapon in her grasp before it had a chance to hit the ground. She brought it up and swung it sideways so that it sliced into the skin beneath the small square of armour that protected the man's chest. Blood squirted out of the wound as the man keeled forward onto the ground.

The Empress stood silently now, her blue eyes scanning the area. There was one more attacker and she was not about to let him get away while the others died for their efforts. She waited, her ears honed to the sounds that surrounded her and suddenly a gleam entered her pale blue eyes and an evil smile slowly etched its way across her face. She could hear the man's frightened breaths as he hid behind a clump of bushes. She stalked quietly towards the hiding place.

"Come out and die like a man or I will stick you like a pig," she said in a haughty voice and then waited. The terrified man jumped from his position with his arms raised in surrender. He had no intention of fighting this crazy woman or running so that she could continue the hunt.

"I give up," he croaked in a horse voice. "I surrender."

"There is no surrender," the Conqueror sneered and whipped her arm around.

The sword came up and with one powerful stroke took the man's head off his shoulders. Blood squirted everywhere catching the Empress in the face as the headless body slumped forward to the ground at her feet. She looked dispassionately at the sweet sticky red that spilled onto the earth and lapped at her boots.

With a satisfied grunt she tossed the sword unto the ground next to the body and then turned and strolled back to the clearing where the incident had first begun. She glanced down the road and watched as a small troop of horseman came riding towards her. The Conqueror braced herself to
meet the next assault, her nostrils flaring in anticipation of the continued fight.

Zenon pulled his horse to a halt a safe distance from the Empress. He had fought alongside the tall warrior often enough to recognize the signs and he knew to approach the woman with caution. He waited tensely as the Conqueror strolled towards him. He could see the anger radiating off her in waves and the soldier felt a fear like he had not in a very long time.

"I thought I commanded you to remain with Gabrielle, Queen of the Amazon's," Xena snarled, the panther continuing to pace restlessly. The soldier swallowed before squaring his shoulders.

"The Queen made a special request of us," the man said solemnly. "She asked us to follow you to ensure your safety."

"So now you do what the Amazon's want and not what I tell you?" the Conqueror sneered.

"I only did as she requested because I thought that you would want us to respect her desires," the soldier said in his defense.

Xena snorted though she was slightly placated. For a very brief instant there was a sense of jubilation that the small woman, in spite of the disagreement between them, still cared enough to be concerned about her welfare. But the feeling was fleeting, replaced by the pain of betrayal and distrust that she felt towards the bard.

"This is your one chance," the Conqueror said to the Royal Guard through clenched teeth. "Disobey me again and you will suffer the consequences." She turned cold eyes on the remainder of the escort and each man realized in another time and place they would have been dead.

"Yes, My Empress," Zenon bowed his head respectfully aware of the sweat that had begun to bead across his forehead. He was a lucky man and the Conqueror's decision to spare him this afternoon only proved that. He could see the animal in her eyes and knew that it was out of it's cage and memories of other such moments flitted across his brain.

The Conqueror's nostrils flared but she held her anger in check and without another word turned and whistled for her horse. Argo emerged from the woods and with one swift motion the tall raven haired woman mounted the animal. With a click of her heels she was off again, leaving the soldiers behind.

Zenon watched as the Empress rode off down the road. He only released his breath when he was certain that she was no longer able to hear him. He turned to glance at the carnage on the ground around them and then at his equally silent comrades. Their faces were pale. They knew of the Conqueror's penitent for violence, yet the creature of destruction had been kept chained for so long that they had almost forgotten the truly dangerous and destructive nature of their Ruler.

"Follow the Conqueror," he motioned towards two frightened guardsman who hesitated a moment. "Stay well back and you will have nothing to fear from her."

The soldiers glanced at one another for an instant before nodding their heads and urging their mounts
forward. Only then did he turn to the others."Let's bury this lot," he instructed climbing down from his horse.


Rather than stop, Xena choose to ride straight through to her destination. It was nearly dawn by the time she reached the outskirts of the Regional Army camp and slowed Argo to a trot. She had been riding all night and her mood had grown bleaker with each mile she had covered. Her thoughts focused on the confession of her lover.

Gabrielle was pregnant and though Xena knew that she should rejoice in that event she could only feel the pain of betrayal and the seeds of distrust that filled her heart. She had thought the bard was different yet it seemed that once again she had been proven wrong.

She brought the warhorse to a halt and slipped from the saddle. She could barely make out the outline of the small forest that bordered the Army camp and she knew from experience where the guard posts were located. She decided to sneak up on the guards and test their readiness for battle. A gleam entered her pale blue eyes as she drew her sword from the sheath on her back.

"Meet me at the camp," she instructed Argo. The horse nayed quietly and she watched as the animal disappeared into the darkness before slipping into the shadows herself.


Solan shifted uncomfortably in his position in the crook of the tree next to the guard hut, barely able to contain his anger at the loud snoring of his companion who had fallen asleep at his post. He would have climbed down and woken the hapless man but for the fact that he knew that no sooner would he return to his post in the trees then the other soldier would be asleep again. He sighed, and silently cursed the God's who had seemingly singled him out to look after the man.

Joxer, was no soldier yet he insisted on continuing the training even though the other soldiers repeatedly singled him out for mistreatment. In the beginning Solan had been unable to ignore the abuse but as time passed he had grown more callused and less inclined to intervene. Now he was more likely to turn his head when the other recruits targeted the man.

However, he had not completely lost all his compassion and when it was possible he allowed the two of them to be partnered up for various drills and duties, giving the clumsy man some respite from the abuse. Thus was why he found himself once again on guard duty, manning the forward post with the man. He shifted his position and sighed.

"Joxer," he hissed not daring too speak to loudly for fear that someone might hear. He knew that the Drill Master routinely came by to check up on them and doled out suitable punishment for any infraction. It was a miserable night, cold and damp, so he hoped that the man would be tucked tightly up in his cot.

Suddenly he noticed the dark outline of a form moving silently through the forest towards them. He tensed, his hand gripping tightly the hilt of the sword at his side. He knew it could be the Drill Master yet there were something sinister about the figure and he prepared himself for a confrontation.

Xena heard the loud snores from a long distance away and by the time she reached within striking distance, she was completely annoyed by the realization that one or both of the guards on duty were sleeping. She spotted the small guard hut and the form slumped in the corner, his chest rising and falling with each breath. She stepped into the open intent on ending this hapless man's slumber when something landed on the ground behind her.

Automatically she whirled around, defending the sword thrust of the figure, striking down with an intensity that made the aggressor stumble backwards in retreat. But the fighter was not easily discouraged and charged again swinging his sword in deadly fashion aiming to slay his opponent.

Xena laughed enjoying the bravery of this unknown soldier yet pitying his stupidity. With a series of swift moves she disarmed her smaller opponent and brought her sword up under his chin. Solan straightened his shoulders and waited for the final thrust to be made, but instead he was surprised when the edge of the weapon was withdrawn.

Normally Xena would have killed her attacker and thought nothing of the action, but she had caught a glimpse of the soldier and realized that he was merely a boy. In spite of her reputation she had never willingly killed a child. She slid the sword back into it's sheath.

"Do you know who I am?" she asked placing her hands on her hips and waiting for an answer.

"No," the boy stammered uncertain who he was facing and why he had not been killed.

"Then you don't know how lucky you are," the Conqueror snorted her eyes surveying the young man.

"What's going on here?" a stern voice commanded from out of the darkness and both individuals turned to see the newcomer. Solan was relieved at the appearance of the Drill Master and the Sergeant.

"That is a question I should be asking you," the Empress replied in a cold voice and the two newcomers immediately stiffened.

"My Conqueror," the Drill Master breathed before falling to his knees in a respectful stance, the other soldier mimicking his actions.

Solan swallowed the lump in his throat and turned to stare at the woman in front of him. After all these years he had finally come face to face with the one person he hated the most, the woman who had killed his family and made him an orphan.

In all his dreams he had never thought that she would be so tall and he had to crane his neck to look up. She was more formidable in appearance and her features were dark with the most mesmerizing blue eyes he had ever seen. For one of the few times in his young life he would find himself speechless as two pairs of blue eyes assessed one another.

"The protection of this camp has been seriously undermined by the incompetence of the guards which where posted to the perimeter," Xena said coldly her attention briefly diverted from the boy to the one in charge of camp security. "You were lucky it was only me and not an invading Army. If you can not protect this small Army post then how can I expect you to protect my Empire."

"They are still in the midst of their training," the man mumbled the explanation, the skin around his neck turning red.

"Then their training has been sorely lacking," the tall woman snorted and glanced at the boy who stood before her and the man still sleeping in the guard house. "Since when have we been enlisting children and incompetent fools?"

"We haven't been," the Drill Master shifted uneasily as he rose to his feet, the collar of his tunic suddenly to tight around his neck. He glanced at the two recruits in question and silently berated himself for not listening to his own instincts and getting rid of them before now.

"Then why are they here?" Xena asked pointedly.

"Since you lifted the travel restrictions, the local economies have been booming and the healthy young men are no longer inclined to sign up for the army," the Drill Master explained.

"I wasn't aware that this was a problem," the Empress said slowly. She was not deceived. She knew that the pay and benefits of being a member of her Army far exceeded any earnings they could make as an apprentice to some merchant. "None of my other Commanders have a problem fulfilling their quota for fresh troops. Why would this region be different?"

The Drill Master flushed under the intense scrutiny of the woman before him, wishing that it was the Commander and not himself in this position. He knew he could lie and hope to get out of trouble but he also knew the consequences of trying to deceive the woman. He bowed his head in shame.

"I have no excuse," the man said.

"And you are lucky that you don't," the Conqueror said lifting the man's chin with the tip of her sword which suddenly appeared in her hand. "If you ever attempt to lie to me I will not hesitate to make an example of you and your subordinates. Do you understand me?"

"Yes," the tall man nodded his head, his voice barely above a whisper and he watched as the woman turned her attention once more to the boy.

"Where is your family?"

Solan's blue eyes met the intense gaze once more and he swallowed compulsively. The tall woman's personality was more than he imagined it would be and he wondered now how he might ever be able to kill her. Her whole manner was as if she were a God and he wondered if she might be.

"They are all dead," he finally managed to utter a hint of defiance in his voice.

"And where are those who are responsible for you?" the Conqueror could not help the frown that decorated her brow. "Do they know that you are here?"

"No," the boy shook his head unable to meet the woman's gaze.

The Conqueror sucked in her breath and looked once more at the Drill Master. She was of a mind to chastise him for his incompetence but decided instead to do it later when they were in private.

"What is their name so that they can be notified of your whereabouts?"

Solan hesitated. He had been raised by the Centaurs and he knew how much those half man, half equine creatures were disliked by the general population. If the truth got out it was likely he would be punished for his association with them.

"Tell her boy," the Drill Master directed his barely controlled anger towards the boy by giving him a cuff on the shoulder. The punch hurt but the boy remained silent until he turned to look at the tall woman who was obviously still waiting for an answer. He allowed his eyes to become icy and his stance stiffened.

"His name is Kalipus and he is the leader of the Centaurs."

Xena took an involuntary step backwards. It was like she had been delivered a physical blow and for a brief instant the mask on her face slipped revealing an emotion that she had kept buried for so long. But just as quickly the dour expression was back on her features and her face bland and without the whirling emotion that she was feeling.

"What is your name?" she demanded tersely already knowing the answer.

"Solan," the boy said defiantly.

Xena stood stone faced in front of the boy, as she considered her next response. She had never expected her search to be so easy. She had never expected to find him as a member of her own Army.

She took the time now to look at the boy who had grown from the baby she had bore thirteen summers earlier. She had been too young than to have a child and too selfish to look after someone else. Even though she had loved the child from the first moment she had held him in her arms, she had known that because of who and what she was, she could not raise him as her own.

Thus she had made a deal with Kalipus to raise the child and in return the Centaurs would be guaranteed protection from all outside sources. They had honoured both parts of their agreement and out of respect the Conqueror had kept her distance from the child. But there had been a rare occasion when she had given into the maternal urge to see the child.

Several times when her armies had moved through the area she had slipped away to the Centaur village and standing hidden in the forest she had watched the little man child play with the other centaur children in the village. She had felt strong maternal instincts towards the boy but she had pushed them down, knowing that ignorance of his birthright was the best thing she could do for him.

She allowed her blue eyes to swallow him up now. She had often wondered during many a sleepless nights what he would look like, and if he had inherited her tall dark features or if he looked more like his deceased father Borias. Now she had all the answers and studying him thoroughly for the first time she could see a little bit of both of them in the child.

"Have a messenger sent to the Centaur village," she said turning to address the Drill Master. "Tell their leader Kalipus that the boy Solan is here and now under the care of the Empress."

"Yes," the man bowed his head and motioned for his Sergeant to handle the matter. The soldier nodded and hurried off to ensure that the Conqueror's request was taken care of.

Xena turned her attention back to the boy. He was average height for his age, about the same size as her partner Gabrielle, with corn coloured hair and bright blue eyes that matched her own. He had broad shoulders and she knew that in time he would grow to be a strong young man. She decided then that she would not miss those years.

"I am tired and in need of food," she spoke abruptly directing her words to the Drill Master even though her eyes remained on the lad "My escort should be along shortly...ensure that they are also properly fed and housed. You follow me... and someone do something about that sleeping buffoon."

Without another word the Conqueror turned on her heel and strolled in the direction of the army camp. Solan remained rooted to his spot. Though the woman had motioned him to follow he was undecided, uncertain that he wanted to spend time with the person whom he was going to kill. In the end it was the shove in the back from the Drill Master that got him moving.

"You better get going," the older man growled roughly, grateful for the reprieve that he had unexpectedly received. For some reason the Conqueror was interested in the boy and he was not going to give the woman reason to get angry. He turned his attention to the sleeping soldier, disgust written across his face.

Solan followed the Empress uncertain what she wanted with him. Dawn was just cracking the sky and the camp was beginning to stir as soldiers rose to greet another morning. He was aware of the curious mixture of looks that he received and returned them defiantly.

Xena headed straight for the Commanders tent catching him still asleep in his cot and ignorant of the scene that had just taken place in his army camp. Solan watched with mixed emotions as the Conqueror went up to the pallet and unceremoniously dumped it over on its side spilling it's occupant onto the ground.

"What in Hades is going on?" the Commander sputtered as he awoke on the cold floor of his tent.

"That is a question I posed earlier," the Empress said bluntly and watched as the man on the floor looked up at her with wide and frightened eyes.

"My Conqueror," he bowed his head respectfully before scrambling to his feet, attempting to remain dignified in spite of his nakedness. He was unable to prevent the colour from flushing his cheeks as pale blue eyes glanced coldly over his body. It was obvious by the stoic expression on her face that the woman was not impressed by his physical form.

"Get dressed and meet me in my tent," she commanded and then spun on her heel and exited.For a brief moment blue and grey eyes met and Solan could see the humiliation of the older man. He felt slightly sick, uncertain what power the tall woman had, that made grown men quake in fear. Without a word he spun around and followed the Conqueror across the main square of the camp.

The Empress proceeded him into the Command tent and he paused briefly inside wondering if he would find it as opulent as some of the soldiers had suggested. But the tent in which the Conqueror would be staying was ordinary, decorated simply with a cot, a table, a washtub and a few benches on which to sit. He stood uneasily at the door flap and watched the tall woman unsnap her armour and toss it on the floor. He had recognized the tattletale signs of blood on the metal and because he could see no wounds or injuries to the woman's body he assumed that it belonged to someone else.

Xena turned to look at the boy, her blue eyes once again searching his face, memorizing each line
and curve, feeling the unexpected love that only a mother could experience. For the first time in her life she didn't know where to begin. Gabrielle would have known, the thought came unbidden to her mind, but she hastily chased any further thoughts of the bard away.

"You show signs of being a competent swordsman, who taught you?" She asked deciding to stick to a subject that was safe for her.

"Kalipus," Solan answered uneasily, wondering why the Conqueror had singled him out. "But it is different training with the Centaurs than with the army."

"It should be," the Empress nodded and looked intently at the boy. He looked strong and healthy and showed none of the signs of abuse that often fell on recruits during training. "How do you enjoy army life?"

"It suits me fine," the boy replied with as few words as he could.

"And is this the life you wish to choose for yourself?" the Conqueror wanted to know.

"For now," the boy nodded.

"Then I will show you how to survive," Xena said making a decision without giving thought to the consequences. "Go get some sleep and I will meet you out in the practice field late in the afternoon."

Solan had not expected this friendly gesture and was uncertain about the woman's motive. He had heard many things about the Conqueror but friendliness and kindness had never been included in any of those descriptions.

"Yes," the boy nodded aware that he had been dismissed. He exited the tent as confused as he was when he entered. He was half way across the camp square when he was summoned by the camp Commander who by now had been apprised of the situation by the Drill Master.

"What did the Conqueror want?" he demanded of the boy worried about his own future.

"She was most unhappy with my training and wished to continue it herself," Solan did not lie and the
Commander looked at the boy incredulous not believing a single word the lad had spoken.

"Don't lie to me," the man snapped raising his hand to slap the boys cheek. He knew now what had happened and was certain that his interview with the Conqueror would determine his fate. He was paranoid enough to think that this boy might have tried to blame him in order to survive his own punishment.

"I'm not," the boy replied steadily but the man wasn't listening.

"Why don't I believe that," the older man snorted. "Maybe a few days in the prison cell with your friend will loosen your tongue. Take him to the gallows. Once I am finished with the Conqueror I want them both flogged."

Solan tried to protest but his pleas went unheard as two burly soldiers grabbed him by the arms and escorted him to the gallows where he was thrown into a dark cell next to Joxer who was already occupying another of the cells.

Xena was almost to tired to deal with the upcoming situation. Too much was happening at once, so that she didn't know how to deal with it emotionally. She had never been faced with so much personal turmoil, not since the day Lyceus died when she shut down her emotions. But as hard as she tried today she could not dismiss the pain.

She could not understand why Gabrielle had lied to her and continued to do so. It was not in the bard's nature yet there was no other explanation for how the bard could be with child. To accept the idea that the baby was conceived by the God's without human intervention was impossible for someone as practical as herself to believe. She sighed, the pain in her heart more incredible than any she had ever before experienced.

She had been hurt when Lyceus had died yet even that pain seemed to pale in comparison to the anguish she now experienced for Gabrielle had come to be everything to her. As before she determinedly pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind relieved when a knock came on the pole outside her tent. The Commander of the Camp entered at her summons.

The Empress stared at the nervous man for a long moment in silence. She pinned him with her steely blue eyes and noticed the sweat begin to form on his brow. She realized now that she had made some mistakes in her chain of command. She had killed to many able commanders so that all that were left were men like the one that stood before her. She suddenly longed for the old days when her General's held a measure of contempt for her command.

"I am certain you have already been advised of this mornings incident," the Empress began and the man bobbed his head.

"Yes, My Conqueror, the men involved are being punished as we speak," the General replied certain that his actions would find favour with the tall woman.

"And what does that punishment entail?" Xena was curious.

"They are to be flogged and imprisoned for dereliction of duty," the man announced proudly assuming the Empress would be pleased by his decision.

"You fool," the Conqueror snapped angrily. "You punish those who are not responsible for their actions."

"But," the General sputtered astonished by the woman's unexpected tirade. He watched with fear as the tall warrior paced around the small tent.

"But nothing," the Empress growled. "It is the Drill Masters responsibly to make certain that the recruits are properly trained for the duties they perform and your duty to ensure that the Drill Master is doing his duty. Is the army here so bad that only fools and boys wish to join?"

The Commander had no response, his heart sinking into the pit of his stomach. Everything the Conqueror said was true. He knew better yet he had allowed both the boy and the fool Joxer to remain in training. He could have reassigned them but he had been desperate to fill his list of recruits. He bowed his head certain that he was about to face the very wrath he had wanted to avoid
in the first place.

"You have no response for me?" the Conqueror wondered.

"No," the man replied discovering a small hidden well of courage. He looked up and met the tall woman's gaze. "I failed in my duty."

Suddenly Xena felt drained, tired of the confrontations she had been enduring in the past long weeks.
She looked at the man knowing that she would probably regret her decision to keep him alive and in command. But she was tired of fighting everyone and everything in her life.

"You are fortunate that I have other matters on my mind," the Destroyer of Nations said in an icy voice. "I want you to commute their punishment. I will conduct a full inspection this afternoon. Whether you remain in command will be determined by what I find so if there is anything you need to do, you have a few candlemarks in which to do it. If I do not find everything to my satisfaction I will make you suffer their punishment. Is that clearly understood?"

The man nodded and hurried from the tent to do his own inspection to ensure that the Conqueror found no reason to meld out her punishment on him. He had no intention of feeling the tips of the whip upon his back.


It was late in the afternoon when Gabrielle and the rest of the escort party finally reached Potedaia. The bard looked around at the small farming community as they rode through the town gates. Nothing had changed in the village over the course of the many seasons she had been gone. She felt a measure of relief at being back to the place of her birth.

They rode through the square and headed to the far edges of the village where Herodatus and Hercuba lived with their youngest daughter, the small entourage making people on the street stop and stare. Gabrielle ignored the loud whispers and the pointing fingers. She knew what they were saying but she didn't care. Instinctively her shoulders straightened and she sat taller in her saddle. She was proud to be known as the Conqueror's lover and even if Xena never wanted to see her again, she would always carry the knowledge that for a while she had loved and been loved by the most wonderful woman in the world.

The party came to a halt outside the small hut that had once been her home. Before she was able to dismount her parents emerged from inside with Lila close on their heels. Herodatus stood in front of the others and watched silently as his oldest child strolled up towards them.

"What do you want?" he was blunt. He would never forgive her for taking up with a woman he hated.

"I have come to help celebrate Lila's marriage," Gabrielle said quietly.

"You weren't invited and are not welcome," the man snorted and was about to turn away when his youngest daughter stepped forward.

"I invited her. Linus and I both want her to help celebrate our marriage."

Gabrielle smiled in appreciation at her younger sister. Lila had never stood up to their father before and it was nice that she was being strong now. Herodatus looked at his youngest child, an angry retort on his lips but one glance at his wife and he refrained from speaking. Instead he grunted his discontent before stalking off towards the barn.

"Gabby," Lila waited only a short minute before closing the distance between them and enveloping her sister in a big hug. "I am so glad you came."

"Thanks Lila, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," the bard whispered in her sister's ear returning the embrace.

"Gabrielle," a quieter voice interrupted the greeting and Lila released her sister so that the bard could go to their mother. Hercuba had missed her oldest daughter probably more than she had ever imagined she would.

"I missed you mom," Gabrielle said quietly coming to a halt in front of the older woman.

"Then you should come home more often," Hercuba chided the younger woman.

"I didn't think it were possible," the bard was honest as she glanced over her shoulder towards her father who was working on the fence near the barn. "I thought you felt the same as father."

"I don't agree with some of your decisions but you are still my daughter and I will always love you
in spite of what you do," Hercuba said softly and unable to stop the tears Gabrielle ran into her mothers arms and sobbed quietly.

"So tell us what you have been up to?" Lila pressed her sister later when they were sitting in the kitchen sharing a pot of herb tea.

"It's been really hectic," Gabrielle confessed before launching into a monologue of the events that had enveloped her life since her last visit to Potedaia. Lila and their mother sat quietly as the blonde woman wove her tale.

Both women could hear the love that filled the bard's voice when she spoke of the Conqueror. Though neither could understand what it was that attracted the girl to the Empress, they had grown to accept the realization that there was nothing they could do. Only Herodatus held out any hope that he could change the situation.

"How come the Empress didn't come with you?" Lila asked the obvious question when Gabrielle finally fell silent.

"We both assumed that you would not welcome her presence," Gabrielle said with a weary smile.

"It is just as well," Hercuba said finally as she rose from her chair. "I know your father isn't happy with your presence but at least he doesn't have to deal with that woman. That should make things slightly easier for him to tolerate. Where are you staying?"

"I will camp with the Amazon's," Gabrielle said.

"Nonsense, you are family, you will stay with Lila in your old room," Hercuba announced with finality.

"What about father?"

"Let me worry about your father," the older woman said and then bustled about the kitchen as she began to prepare the evening meal.


Cyrene could not shake the vision of the bard's breaking heart as she had watched Xena ride away. It was strange how it so affected her, yet she felt the overwhelming need to do something to reason with her stoic daughter. To make her see that Gabrielle was worth forgiving. In spite of her own feelings she believed the bard was telling the truth.

"You're nuts," Toris was blunt when his mother told him what she was planning. "You have no clue where to find her."

That was true enough but she knew Xena in spite of their separation. If she was right her daughter would retreat to comfortable surroundings which meant she would go to the nearest military camp. It was a place where Xena would be surrounded by familiar things, things that required no emotion. Things she could control.

"I don't know why you want do this," the man continued to argue.

"I know you don't," the older woman agreed quietly looking up at him with dull eyes. "Maybe some day when you have children of your own you will understand. Perhaps then you will truly know the importance of family."

There was so much more that Cyrene could have said, but she knew that Toris would never understand. She could not tell her son that her attempt to reunite Gabrielle and Xena was just a small penance for the way she had treated her daughter so long ago. Now that the anger had gone she could see the situation more clearly.

"Well, at least allow me to accompany you, there are bandits on the road," Toris sighed in resignation.

"No son, I need you to look after the tavern while I am gone," Cyrene said grateful at the concern that her son expressed. "Joesus, has agreed to let me to accompany his two oldest sons when they go to deliver the monthly supplies to the army camp."

Truth be told Cyrene had not formulated her plan until hearing that the two boys were about to leave on their monthly trip to the camp. It hadn't taken much persuasion on for the old man to allow her to ride with his sons. Joesus, like the rest of the village folk, knew of the special protection the tavernkeeper was accorded because of her relationship to the Conqueror.

Toris gave in without further argument knowing that he would be unable to change her mind. His mother was a smart woman and he could trust the two young men to take care of her on the journey, yet he also knew that he would worry until she returned.


Gabrielle followed her sister through the village, listening as Lila prattled on non-stop, her green eyes taking in the festive decorations she had missed the previous day when she had arrived at the village. The wedding was a town celebration and as such everyone had taken an active part in colouring the village with ribbons and banners. Pots of freshly planted flowers were placed around the main square and a dais had been set up next to the main drinking well. Early tomorrow tables would be placed outside the various homes and after the marriage ceremony the whole town would join in the celebrations, dancing and eating until well after dark.

Tears misted her eyes as she allowed herself to briefly think of how she had once imagined her own future. Xena had promised to marry her, but had yet to do so and now she doubted that they would ever celebrate a union such as the one her sister was about to celebrate.

She shook her head unwilling to allow her own despair to overwhelm her. This was Lila's moment and she would do nothing to spoil her sister's happiness. Even her mother had been firm the previous evening in dealing with their father, who had adamantly voiced his displeasure at her presence. He had grumbled about the Amazon's who had set up camp in his front yard and was only slightly placated when a party of hunters returned with a small cache of pheasants for their meal.

But she was unaccustomed to Lila's stubbornness unaware that her own strength and determination to be with the Conqueror had inspired the girl to become more like the woman she admired the most, her older sister Gabrielle. Once shy and acquiescent, Lila now made all her own decisions.

"What's wrong?" Lila asked after a long silence, aware that her sibling had not noticed that she had stopped talking.

"Nothing," Gabrielle denied bringing her thoughts to the present. She glanced around and realized they had reached the meadow by the creek. They had come out to collect some fresh fall blooms for the bouquets that were to be placed on the dais during the wedding.

"Don't give me that nothing bit," Lila announced with determination. "I know when something is wrong. I promise I won't tell mom or dad."

It was true. She could trust Lila to keep her secrets. Gabrielle was silent, wondering what her family would say if they knew the truth. She could imagine the smug satisfaction her father would be feeling and the sympathetic but knowing look that her mother would give. But she was sure that Lila would be sympathetic.

"Did something happen between the Conqueror and you?" the younger woman asked astutely.

"Yes," Gabrielle sighed and dropped to the ground. Before she could stop herself she was spilling out the story. Revealing the sad truth of what had happened and why.

"Pregnant!" Lila exclaimed in astonishment and joy. "That's wonderful Gabrielle." She had never thought that she would get to be an Aunt. She embraced her older sibling joyfully.

"Thank you," the bard couldn't help being affected by the other woman's exuberance. But she quickly sobered.

"I take it Xena wasn't as happy about the situation," Lila surmised wisely.

"As the God's of Olympus are my witnesses I have never been with a man. The only one who I have shared my body with is Xena."

"Wow, she certainly is a woman of many skills," the younger girl joked trying to lighten the mood.

"That's the point," Gabrielle sighed. "I don't know how I got pregnant. There is only one explanation and she would not except it and really it is so far fetched I don't know if I was in her place if I would either."

"Give her time Gabby," Lila said wisely. "Xena loves you. I think she just needs to be alone to realize how much she feels about you."

"I wish I could be as certain," the bard wasn't convinced.

"Mark my words," the younger girl continued optimistically. "I bet before you have a chance to leave here she will come to take you back to Corinth."

Gabrielle laughed at her sister's romantic notion. There was a time when she could have believed the same but too much had happened and she had grown to wise to know that sometimes love was not enough to keep a family together.

"I envy you," the bard admitted wistfully catching her sister by surprise.
"Why?"

"Because for you this is all so simple," Gabrielle sighed. "Nothing about Xena or our life is easy. We have been together nearly three summers and yet we haven't lead anything close to a normal life. No sooner do we settle into the palace then some emergency pops up and we have to leave again. We continuously have to be careful because there is always someone with a grievance attempting to settle a score. Even those who are a part of her inner court can not be trusted."

"Then perhaps this separation is for the best," the younger woman counselled. "Perhaps it's time for you to come home."

Gabrielle smiled aware that any sane person would take the other woman's advice, but she was beginning to believe that she might not be sane.

"Yeah," she agreed quietly. "The sane thing to do would be to come home but the truth of the matter is my heart would never let me do that. For all her faults Xena is a wonderful woman. There are aspects of her personality that people wouldn't believe. She is known as being violent and cruel but
she can also be kind and tender, and very much a romantic."

"Then what are you going to do?" Lila wanted to know.

"After the wedding I will return to Corinth," the bard said knowing that she would try her hardest to make the Conqueror see reason. "Somehow I will convince Xena to take me back... that we can be a family, her, me and this baby."

Lila smiled, knowing how stubborn and determined her older sibling could be. She knew that if Gabrielle wanted something she would get it, and privately she didn't think that the Conqueror had an chance.

"You will have this Gabby," the younger girl whispered knowing in her heart that it was true even though her sister was filled with doubt and uncertainty.



Chapter Six


Xena was surprised and pleased by what she found. A thorough inspection of the Army camp revealed that it was orderly, well organized and smoothly run. A request for a military combat display was insightful and showed the Conqueror that in spite of some questionable judgment on the part of the Commander, the troops were skilled and more than competent in the art of hand to hand warfare. She credited it to the Drill Masters instruction and intense training regiment.

Her personal sparring lessons with Solan showed that the boy had inherited the strength and natural ability with the sword that both his parents possessed, though she had to wonder how much could be credited to his genes and how much was the result of Kalipus' tutelage. She knew the Centaur leader was an accomplished and fierce warrior.
The boy was nimble on his feet and agile with his sword arm. He already knew more than the basic moves of a soldier though he made the same mistake as most of her opponents, attempting to use brute force instead of skill to disarm the opposition.

Solan swung his sword in the fashion that he had been taught. Though he showed a higher than normal proficiency with the weapon he found his skills sadly lacking in comparison to the tall dark woman he faced. No matter what move he tried, the Conqueror seemingly effortlessly countered it, sending him onto the ground more than once.

"Don't try to force the sword," Xena counselled as she parried another one of his attacks. She could feel the strength behind the blows but most of the strikes were made so that the majority of the force had been expended before the blow was actually struck. "Move the sword with your whole body and not just your arm."

The boy nodded and attempted to follow her instructions but it was hard for him to concentrate with his anger so near the surface. Always in the back of his mind was the promise he had made to himself that he would kill this woman if he ever had the chance. He had thought the task would be difficult to accomplish yet here he found himself sparring as part of his new daily military exercises. In spite of his desire to inflict a fatal injury to the Conqueror he found it impossible to penetrate her defenses.

"Enough for today," Xena said after she sent the boy stumbling onto his backside for the umpteenth time. She hadn't even broken a sweat but she could see that the boy was tiring. There were beads of perspiration forming across his brow. She sheathed her sword into the scabbard on her back and held out her hand to help the boy up.

For a long time Solan stared at the extended appendage and then at the dark haired woman who towered over him. For all intense purposes she was unarmed and he knew that this might be his only chance to exact revenge. He allowed her to help him to his feet and then watched as she turned her back.

Xena had not survived this long with as many enemies as she had without being able to read people. She had sensed something in the boy when they sparred, it was more than a simple exercise and he had been unable to hide his emotions. Thus when she felt the air around her move she was ready.

She swung around as the sword came down, using the leather bracer on her arm to deflect the brunt of the blow as she knocked the blade aside. In the next motion she spun out her leg and knocked his legs out from under him, the sword in his hand flipped into the air to be caught negligently by an empty hand which automatically spun it around and brought it down, the tip of the metal pressing into his throat under his chin. Glittering blue eyes stared harshly into sullen blue orbs that matched her own.

"You will have to do much better than that if you want to kill me," the Empress said her lips curling into a mock sneer. She lifted the blade and looked at the nicks in the metal. "And it will take more than this piece of crap." She tossed the sword aside and held her hand out to him.

The boy stared at the extended limb, aware that the woman could have killed him. Others had been sent to Hades for lesser infractions and he had been certain that she would have impaled him for his feeble attempt on her life. He rose to his feet with her assistance.

"Aren't you going to kill me?" he asked with a defiance that made the tall woman smirk. It was a memory of a younger self.

"I don't kill children," she snorted and turned on her heel.

"You should kill me," he challenged her back. "Because I will only try to kill you again."

"Get in back of the line," Xena laughed without amusement as she continued to walk off the practice field.

"I hate you," Solan yelled childishly and this time the woman paused to glance over her shoulder at him.

"So does most of your countrymen," she replied in a soft voice, pushing down the strange feelings of hurt that surfaced at his claim. She turned away from the boy.

"My Empress, what do you wish for me to do with the boy?" Zenon asked quietly as the Conqueror strolled passed him. He had been witness to the attempted assassination.

"Keep an eye on him," Xena said without explanation. "I want him to accompany us when we return to Corinth."

"And the punishment for attacking you?" the Captain of the Royal Guard asked barely able to mask his surprise at this unexpected revelation. He knew how complicated the Empress was but he considered the boy extremely lucky to still have his head attached to the rest of his body.

"Think of something that won't hurt him, but will make him think twice before he tries anything as foolish as that again."

"Yes, My Conqueror," the soldier nodded his head before turning his attention to the lad who was standing alone in the middle of the practice field.

Xena strolled passed the Camp Commander who looked at the Drill Master briefly before hurrying to catch up to the tall woman. He had witnessed the boy's attempt to harm the Conqueror and was fearful that she would focus the blame on him.

"I will have him punished for his insubordination," the General declared in a nervous voice.

"My Royal Guard will take care of the matter," she replied in a cold voice and paused to look at the man her intense blue eyes boring into him. "I cannot hold you responsible for what goes on in another's mind, just as I am pleased to note that my first impression of the camp and my fears have been allayed. The lad is merely a child, his thoughts obviously influenced by others. Those are the ones that you should worry about and not the children whom they press to do the dirty work."

"I will have my Lieutenants conduct a thorough investigation into the matter," the General promised.

"You do that," the Conqueror nodded and then strolled off leaving the men in her wake.

Xena was relieved to be alone in the privacy of her tent. She unclipped her armour, tossing it onto the floor before slumping onto the cot and burying her head in her hands. She had not even noticed the slight trail of blood that was on her arm just above her bracer. It wasn't the pain of her injury that hurt, but the knowledge that the boy hated her. She wondered what she had done to instil such hatred in her son.

She leaned back, resting her weary head on the pillow and closed her eyes. She was tired, both mentally and physically. In the few days that she had been in the camp she had not gotten any sleep, her thoughts allowing her no peace. She had hoped that through time she would be able to befriend the boy yet his actions showed how naive those thoughts were. She didn't know how to handle the situation.

Gabrielle would know what to do about Solan, the thought came unbidden to her mind only to be summarily dismissed. The bard wasn't around and that realization only caused another rift of pain to
drive through her heart.

"Why does everything have to be so complicated?" she asked out loud to herself.

"It's only as complicated as you make it," a voice answered and in an instant Xena was on her feet staring at the older woman standing just inside the tent.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came to talk to you," Cyrene said bluntly as she glanced around the barren room spotting a stool in a corner. "Do you mind if I have a seat, the ride was rather odious and I am not as young as I used to be."

"Certainly," Xena nodded and then hurried to retrieve the stool from the far wall and put it next to her mother. She waited until the woman settled onto it before speaking again. "What are you doing here?"

Cyrene looked up at her tall daughter. As always the younger woman was surrounded by a nervous energy that radiated off her in waves. A closer look at the girl's face showed the shadows under those pale blue eyes and the weary lines that were etched into the corners of those startling orbs.

"When was the last time you got any sleep?" the older woman asked ignoring the earlier question.

"I don't know," Xena shrugged impatiently. If the truth was known she hadn't gotten a proper nights rest since before Gabrielle was poisoned. Since she had left Amphipolis four days earlier she had not managed to even lay down for a few candlemarks rest. "Does it matter?"

"Certainly it does," the Innkeeper said her grey eyes staring at her daughter. "Gabrielle is pregnant she will need your help now more than ever."
"No!" the Conqueror hissed through her teeth. Anyone else would have known that the Empress wanted to drop the subject and they would have done so but Cyrene was not bound by the ordinary rules.

"No Xena, it's time for you to listen," she interrupted. The Empress was about to argue but clamped her lips shut and waited for the older woman to continue. Cyrene took a deep breath, what she had to say next would be hard for the both of them.

"I haven't been a good mother, and you have a right to be upset at me for the way I treated you, but even though I may have been angry with you, I never stopped loving you, caring about you, worrying that you were all right."

Xena was silent as she stared at the older woman. As with everyone she searched her face to try and understand why she was saying these things but she was only able to see genuine concern in the older woman's features. She sighed and slumped back onto the cot.

"Why are you here?" the Conqueror said in a weary voice feeling for a moment overwhelmed by all the things happening in her life.

"I saw what happened between Gabrielle and you...," Cyrene began but was rudely interrupted as the Empress jumped to her feet again.

"She lied to me."

"Why do you think that?" the Innkeeper asked.

"Because what she says is impossible."

"And you know this for a fact?" the older woman challenged. "Do you know without a doubt that there wasn't some divine intervention that gave Gabrielle your child?"

"My child," the Conqueror snorted in disdain.

"Those else could it be?" Cyrene asked and when no answer was forthcoming she decided to change her appeal. "Has Gabrielle ever lied to you? Has there ever been one time when she denied you the truth?"

The Innkeeper didn't know what had passed between the two women but she was certain she knew the bard and she would bet her life that Gabrielle would never lie to her daughter. The small blonde woman was the most genuine and caring woman that she had ever had the fortune to meet and she was grateful that the bard had chosen her daughter to love.

Xena remained silent. It was only three summers ago that they had met yet it seemed like the bard had been in her life forever. Gabrielle had always been honest with her regardless of what the consequences might be. Brilliant blue eyes turned to look at the older woman.

"If the child is the product of the God's intervention, then why don't they just tell me?" the Empress
wanted to know.

"Perhaps to tell you the truth would defeat the purpose of the reason they are giving you this child," Cyrene sighed.

"Why can't I get a simple yes or no answer?" The Empress demanded in frustration. Everything had been going so well and she had been happy for the first time in so many years. Now it seemed that it was all an illusion.

"Sometimes the simplest answer would leave you with doubt," Cyrene replied softly. "If you look inside your heart you would know the truth and it wouldn't matter how the child inside Gabrielle was conceived."

It was the truth, and Xena knew that, but she wasn't ready to accept the truth. She wanted to hang onto her anger, because to accept anything else would mean that she had lost control; of her life and everything she believed in. The weariness invaded her body causing her to slump to the cot and bury her head in her hands.

"I don't know what to believe," the Conqueror sighed.

"Yes, you do Xena," the Innkeeper scolded the Empress. "You are just unwilling to accept the truth, because you know if you do, you would be giving yourself over to her completely, to someone else, and you have never done that with anyone have you? You have allowed others to share your bed and parts of your life but you have never allowed anyone complete access to your love, not since
Lyceus."

Xena remained silent. It was a truth that she had not wanted to acknowledge. She had given herself to Gabrielle but she had still held something back, that last remaining vestige of trust that would give the bard complete control over her.

"She will hurt me," the Conqueror murmured softly.

"You must know by now that Gabrielle would never purposefully hurt you," Cyrene chided the warrior.

"Then why do I feel this way now?" The Empress demanded to know.

"Because your pride won't let you believe something which you don't understand," the Innkeeper said simply. "Sometimes Xena we just have to believe even if we don't understand. Do you not believe that Gabrielle loves you?"

"I used too," the Warrior admitted.

"And this makes you doubt the truth?"

Xena was silent as she contemplated those words of wisdom and the older woman felt a small triumphant. She could see that her words had gotten through to her stoic daughter.

"Gabrielle is who she seems," the Innkeeper said softly. "If you looked deep into your heart you would know the truth."

The Empress knew what her mother said to be true. She looked across the room and for the first time saw the weary lines that graced the older woman's face.

"When was the last time you had something to eat?"

"Sunrise," Cyrene said honestly.

"Come," the Conqueror ushered the woman out of the tent towards the meal hut. Only once she had seen that her mother had eaten and been settled in for a nap did she grab Argo and take the warhorse out for a ride. Before long she found herself in the meadow by the waterfall where Gabrielle and her had spent their first evening together, talking and getting to know one another. She sat down on that same rock and stared out into the valley below.

It would have been easy for the God's to tell her the truth yet what her mother had said was also true. Search your heart, Cyrene had said and she did that now, yet the only things she could feel was the pain and the love she felt for the bard. It was in that overwhelming conflict of emotion that she finally found her answer and for the first time since Lyceus' death she wept, giving control of her life away to another.


Gabrielle felt tears in her green eyes as she watched her younger sister stand on the dais next to the young merchant. She wept freely and cheered along with the rest of the villagers when the Mayor declared the pair husband and wife. The town erupted into a celebration which carried on late into the evening, long after the newlywed couple had retired to the local Inn for the night.

The bard retired not long afterward the couple departed. She lay in bed, in the room that she had once shared with her sister. The sounds of the ongoing festivities drifted in through the open windows as she stared up at the ceiling through the darkness that surrounded her.

She knew that with Lila's wedding over she had to make a decision on what to do next. Yet she also knew that there was only one course of action. She would return to Corinth and talk to Xena and try to make her understand the truth.

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she thought about the Conqueror. She had never felt so lonely as she had since Xena had ridden out of Amphipolis that day. Her heart had felt like it had been ripped out of her chest yet she had faith in her tall dark warrior. She hoped that it was not misplaced.

The next morning the Amazon Queen found her escort a little worse for wear. Once convinced that their intentions were honourable, the villagers had embraced the small party of Warriors and if she was right in her assumption at least one and possibly two connections had been made between members of her escort and the single young men in the hamlet.

She found Eponin sitting alone on the porch where she had spent the night. The bard settled next to the Weapon's Master, casually glancing at the mug that was in the warriors hand. It was a foul looking mixture and a smile tugged at the corners of the Queen's lips as she recognized the smell as a herb tea the Amazon's regularly used to treat the effects of a hangover.

"Good morning Eponin, how are you this fine day?" she greeted the taller woman with a smirk.

"Fine, Your Highness," the Weapon's Master mumbled trying hard to ignore the insistent pounding in her head.

"Good to hear," Gabrielle allowed the smile to grace her features. "I take it you and the rest of the Amazon's enjoyed themselves last night?"

"Yes, My Queen," Eponin nodded slightly and glanced sideways at her companion. "It was nice of your sister and her husband to invite us to join them. The way the whole town celebrated, it was like being back at the Amazon village."

"Yes," the bard nodded her head and gazed out over the town which was slowly waking after a long night of partying. "If there was one good thing about the travel restrictions that used to be enforced, it was that the town became like one big family. You got to know your neighbours and everyone shared in everyone else's joys and sorrows."

The Amazon nodded. It was hard to believe that there once was a time when people were not allowed to travel freely around the country. It seemed like a lifetime ago yet it was only three short summers since the Queen had come into the Empress' life and started to change the world. She glanced at the woman seated beside her.

For all intents purposes the Queen looked like she was without a care in the world, but it was an illusion. It was only when one looked into the green eyes and saw the sadness there that they knew it was a lie. She knew the young woman was hurting even though she was going on as if nothing in the world was wrong.

"So what's the plan?" she asked, broaching a subject that nobody had dared bring up since they had departed Amphipolis.

"I guess everyone is anxious to go home," Gabrielle sighed the smile on her face disappearing.

"We go where you go," the Weapon's Master declared not wavering in her devotion to her Queen.

"Have you decided what you want to do?"

"I haven't been here for a long time so I thought now that all the excitement was over I would spend some time with my family."

"And then?" the Amazon prompted her brown eyes glued to the other woman.

"Then we go back to Corinth and hope that I will be able to get close enough to the Conqueror to explain and make her see reason," Gabrielle sighed.

"Do you think that is wise?" Eponin questioned the other woman's decision.

"I don't know," the Queen said in a heavy voice. "My head says that it is crazy for me to think that Xena will listen to anything I have to say, but my heart wants to believe."

"Well, you have always trusted your heart before," the Amazon warrior said softly knowing that it was the truth. She had seen the young Queen act on her feelings and had been rewarded for her unending kindness.

"Yes," Gabrielle nodded with a half-smile. "I fear though that one of these times my heart will mislead me."

"No," Eponin shook her head vigorously and then groaned at the pounding that it stirred inside her brain. "Do not be afraid my Queen, you have the best instincts of anyone I know. Your heart led you to the Conqueror and I think it will lead you back together."

"I hope so," the bard sighed. "So what have you got planned for the Amazon's this morning?"

The Weapon's Master knew that the bard wished to change the subject and so launched into a short dialogue of how she would be sending the escort on another hunting party. Though her leg was healing, it would be many more days yet before she would be able to remove the splint and join her sisters.


By the time Xena returned to the camp, she knew what she had to do. She advised Zenon of her plans sending the man into a hurried preparation for their journey. They would be escorting her mother back to Amphipolis before continuing on to Potedaia. The Captain of the Guard was glad, for he knew that the Empress was only a shell of a person without the bard. He had no desire to see the Destroyer of Nations return.

Solan was confused by the order he received. He had thought that he would be sent back to the Centaurs but it appeared that he was supposed to accompany the Conqueror and her entourage. He was given a horse from the camp's stable and told that it was now his responsibility.

Three days later the small military entourage neared the small village of Potedaia. They had dropped Cyrene back at Amphipolis, staying only for a meal before continuing on their journey. Xena was anxious to see the small woman and didn't want to waste time. They rode hard reaching their destination late in the afternoon.

The Conqueror remembered from her previous visit where Gabrielle's parents resided. She lead the small party through the centre of the town towards where Herodatus and Hercuba lived. She hoped that the bard was still there and was relieved when she saw the small Amazon camp next to the house.

Solan remained mute throughout the trip, his sullen blue eyes observing every detail of his new commander, the Conqueror. If he were to succeed in killing her, he would have to know her vunerabilities. He didn't know why they had come to this farming community and no one had thought to explain. In the few days he had been a part of this company he had learned that the soldiers were unfailingly loyal to the Emperor. At first he thought it was the result of fear but he soon learned it was out of respect for her as a Commander. The realization left him confused.

Xena slid off her horse and passed the reigns to Zenon who would wait outside with the others. She paused for a moment and allowed her intense blue eyes to survey the outer walls of the small house in which Gabrielle's parents lived. She knew that she could offer them something more, but in the same thought she knew that the proud couple would never accept anything from her. She was well aware of their hatred. From the corner of her eye she noticed the Amazon Weapon's Master approach.

"How is she?" the Conqueror asked without preamble.

"She tries to be herself but there is something missing in her," Eponin was honest. The Empress contemplated this revelation feeling a slight hope that Gabrielle was missing her.

"Have they treated her well?"

"Yes," the Weapon's Master was honest, aware that the Conqueror would expect nothing less. "I think her father knows that he would pay dearly if he tried to do anything to harm her."

"He certainly would," the Empress nodded and realizing that she could waste no more time she squared her shoulders and marched firmly across the distance, taking the front steps in one long stride. She rapped her knuckles against the door and then waited, hoping that she would not be rejected. She had never felt more afraid of anything in her life.


"Gabrielle would you get that?" Hercuba asked turning briefly from the shelves to look at her daughter who was seated at the kitchen table watching her father fix a leather harness.

"Yes," the small blonde woman nodded and stood up to do her mother's bidding. She secretly hoped that it was only a neighbour come to visit. She was tired of fending off the young men whom her father insisted on inviting over after his daily visits to the local tavern. The man could not understand that she was only interested in the one person who held her heart so completely.

She plastered on a false smile and then opened the door her green eyes popping wide open at the sight of who was standing on the other side of the threshold. She had hoped, and dreamed that her lover would come for her, but she had almost resigned herself to the fact that the Conqueror would never be able to accept the truth. Xena was a proud woman and the last thing she had expected was for the proud woman to come for her.

"Xena what are you doing here?" Gabrielle was delighted to see her lover but surprised by the tall woman's sudden appearance.

"I have come to get you," the Conqueror said simply and saw the pained expression cross her small partner's face.

"Xena..."

"I know we have some things to talk about," the Empress cut the other woman's words off, glancing over her slender shoulder to the older couple. Hercuba had moved across the room to stand next to her husband. She could see the man glowering in her direction and the concerned expression on the older woman's face. She glanced back down at her lover. "But first I need too talk to your parents."

Gabrielle was confused but she did not stop her lover as Xena stepped into the small house and strolled up to her father. Herodatus stood up, unwilling to allow the tall woman's presence to intimidate him.

"What is it you want?" the man asked in a stern voice not hiding his dislike.

It was an uncomfortable moment and Xena shifted uneasily on her feet. She was the most powerful person in the Empire and yet she felt like the small village girl that she had once been. She glanced nervously at the older woman before turning her attention once more to the man.

"Well what is it?" Herodatus demanded impatiently. Though he knew that his insolence could be rewarded with a swift blow from the tall woman's sword, he was not afraid. It was as if he instinctively knew that he was protected by his daughters alliance with the woman.

The Empress took a deep breath and counted to ten to allow the sudden surge of anger that filled her to subside. She was the Empress and she could easily make him pay for his insolent manner yet she knew at the same time that she would never do anything to hurt the man all to aware of her lover who was standing hesitantly at the door waiting for the scene to unfold.

"I would like to ask your permission to take Gabrielle's hand in marriage," she said in a rush, getting the words out before she changed her mind. She didn't have to ask for this man's consent but she wanted to do it right. She heard three gasps and they all measured a verying degree of surprise, hesitation and anger.

"Are you serious?" Herodatus wasn't certain he had heard the woman correctly.

"Yes," Xena nodded her dark head.

"Xena you don't have to do this," Gabrielle rushed to her tall lover's side, gently putting a hand on the other woman's forearm to get her attention. A dark head turned and blue eyes gazed into soft green orbs.

"Have you changed your mind?" the Conqueror asked quietly, her heart pounding erratically in her chest. She had never really considered the fact that Gabrielle might change her mind. But perhaps her actions had given the girl reason to reconsider her feelings.

"No," green eyes misted with tears as Gabrielle saw in the Conqueror's blue eyes all the love and hope that she had ever wanted to see from the woman.

"Then I have to do this," Xena replied in the same soft tones as she gently placed a larger hand over the girl's. She smiled faintly and then turned her attention once more to the man who was standing silently witness to the scene. There was an angry expression on his face.
"I would like your permission to marry Gabrielle," she repeated her earlier request, her voice now more confident then it had ever been, her shoulders straightening with reassurance.

"Does it make a difference what I want?" the man asked bluntly.

"Not to me," the Empress was honest, "but it does to Gabrielle."

"And if I refuse?" Herodatus asked.

"I will marry Xena anyway," Gabrielle said facing her father and not caring what kind of wrath her answer evoked. The fact that Xena still wanted her even after everything they had been through made her realize just how much the stoic woman cared. There was a long moment as the man looked at the appeal in his daughters eyes. He knew that she wanted him to give his permission but he was loath to do so.

"It's not right," he said making his feelings known once more. "Gabrielle should be joined with someone who can give her a normal life, a man who can give her children. With you her life will be nothing but turmoil and she will always be looking over her shoulder to see who might be next to try and kill her."

"I am not afraid of the danger my position as consort will put me in," the small blond bard answered her fathers misgivings. Brown eyes met green for a moment and the man saw that his daughter was sincere. He turned his attention once more on the older woman.

"If you love my daughter you would not want to put her in that position."

"I will protect her with my life," Xena stated simply, meaning every word.

"And what of children?" Herodatus wanted to know, disgust evident on his face. "Do you wish to deprive her of the joy of being a mother?"

There was silence for a moment and Xena felt a brief tug on her arm. She glanced down at her lover and for a long moment green and blue eyes met in an understanding exchange. The Conqueror knew what the girl was asked and she nodded her head, giving the woman permission to reveal the truth.

"Thank you," Gabrielle whispered to her partner before turning to face her father, including her mother this time. "Dad, Mom, you don't have to worry about that, Xena and I are going to be parents."

"How?" the man demanded to know feeling a measure of frustration as the realization that there was nothing he could say to persuade his daughter not to join with this woman. "Are you going to steal some child or adopt an abandoned orphan? That is not the same as having your own child Gabrielle."

"I know Dad," the small blonde said and then took a deep breath glad for the comforting hand that she suddenly felt on the small of her back and the lazy reassuring circles that it was making. "Xena and I are going to have our own children."
"How?" the man repeated his earlier question.

"Don't ask me how because I don't know if you would understand, I don't think we even understand how it happened but," the bard said softly glancing at her partner for one last reassuring look before revealing the secret. "Xena and I are already expecting a child."

"What?" the man was astonished by the announcement.

"Gabrielle are you saying..." her mother spoke for the first time and the bard glanced at her parent and nodded.

"Yes, mother, I'm pregnant," the small woman confirmed the truth.

"Then you should be with the father," Herodatus decided adamantly.

"She will be," Xena said succinctly placing a protective arm across her lover shoulders, her blue eyes latching onto the man's gaze. Brown eyes widened in shock as it occurred to him what the woman was implying.

"That's impossible.... you can't be...." he sputtered.

"I know it sounds unusual..." Gabrielle tried to explain.

"It's impossible!" the man retorted, not believing what they were trying to tell him.

"Perhaps normally," the Conqueror conceded in a soft voice, her blue eyes embracing her lover. "but it seems we had some help from the God's."

Gabrielle's heart nearly pounded out of her body it was beating so hard. She could not believe what she was hearing yet the truth was in the sincere look that the tall woman gave her. Xena truly believed what she was saying.

"No..." the man shook his head unable to believe what he was hearing.

"You see why it is so important that I marry Gabrielle," Xena spoke again, her piercing blue eyes pinning the man firmly in place. "I will not allow our child to be born a bastard."

"It will always be a bastard because of who you are," the man retorted before he realized what he was saying. He heard the quick intake of breath but he was captured by the gaze of intense blue eyes so that he could not turn to see who had gasp. He was aware of the flare of nostrils as the woman before him struggled to remain in control of her temper.

"You deserved to be killed for your insolence," the Conqueror said taking a half step towards the man, ready to do him physical harm, but she felt the soft touch of her lover's hand on her bare forearm and stopped. She counted to ten and reigned in her emotions. "Once again you owe your life to your daughter, for if it were not for her, you would surely be dead."

Gabrielle winced at the harshness of her companion's words. She knew that she should be afraid for her father but she was also aware that Xena would never hurt the man regardless of how badly he behaved. The Conqueror treated her family as if they were her own and they would be once they were joined.

"Father!" Gabrielle turned pleading eyes on her parent hoping for some concession from the man, hoping that he might see as Lila and her mother did how much she loved the Conqueror.

"No, Gabrielle," the man refused to back down, his brown eyes meeting the Conqueror squarely. "I refuse to give my permission for you to marry my daughter, though I doubt it will matter much what my opinion is. What you do to my child is an abomination and I want no part of it. I will not consent too continue to have her corrupted by you and though I don't suppose I will be able to do anything more than to express my feelings, know that your union will never get my blessing."

Gabrielle reacted with a pained expression at her father's words. She turned appealing green eyes towards her mother who remained silent, unwilling to go against her husband's wishes. Her
heart was filled with sadness.

"So be it," Xena said abruptly. She had done her best to bridge the gap. There was only one more thing she could do for the sake of her lover. "Let it be known that I will marry your daughter even though you oppose our union." There was a slight pause. "However, I hope that you can reconsider your decision for the sake of the daughter you say you love, and because I do love her, I extend an invitation to our joining ceremony which is to take place in the capital two full moons from now."

"We will not be there," Herodatus stated simply and the Conqueror nodded her head and glanced at her companion.

"Gabrielle?"

"Yes," the bard agreed knowing that it was time to leave. "I just need a moment alone with my parents."

"I will be waiting outside for you." Xena nodded. Then without another word she turned and strolled out of the house and down the road to where her escort was waiting.

Gabrielle watched her lover's abrupt departure before turning to face her parents for what she felt would probably be the last time. It hurt in her heart but she knew that it was her destiny to be with Xena, to live at her side until it was time for their lives to end.

"Gabrielle...." this time her mother tried to appeal to the girl's common sense.

"No," the bard put up her hand to silence the entreaty. She looked at them with a direct gaze, her voice unwavering when she spoke. "I know you don't understand this and probably you never will, but my life is with Xena."

"How can it be?" the man wanted to know. "How can you stand to be with the butcher of Cirra?"

"I love her," was the simple answer. "Don't ask me to explain it because I can't, except to say that she is my life, the very air that I breathe and without her I could not live."

"But she hurt you," her mother protested. "I know what you say, but when you came here I could see the hurt in your eyes and I know she was the cause of that."

"Yes," the bard did not deny the truth. "Xena did hurt me but the fact that she came here today and asked for your permission to marry me spoke volumes about the way she truly feels for me."

"And how is that?" Herodatus wanted to know. In his mind his daughter would only ever be a sex slave to the hated Destroyer of Nations and when the Conqueror grew tired of taking that pleasure then she would move on too another to satisfy her appetite and their daughter would be left to fend for herself.

"We had a disagreement," Gabrielle said choosing her words carefully not willing to explain exactly what had gone on between Xena and herself. "But things are better now."

"Do you really think so?" Herodatus asked angrily.

"Yes," the bard nodded her head with absolute assurance, realizing then just what had just taken place. Her stubborn companion for whatever reason had changed her mind. She was suddenly impatient to talk to the tall woman.

"I know by her presence here today just exactly how much she really loves me. It was only reinforced by her asking for your permission to marry me. By the Gods, she is the Empress, she doesn't have to ask anyone for anything and for her to come here today and ask you knowing what your answer would be just shows me how much she cares."

"I don't believe it," Herodatus continued not to be persuaded and that notion saddened his daughter.

"I know," Gabrielle sighed. "I hope some day you might change your mind. Xena is a wonderful woman and nothing like the person you think she is."

"Did her army not destroy Cirra?"

"Yes."

"Did she not lay siege to all of Greece and rule it with an iron fist?" the man continued. "Is your memory so short that you have forgotten that until two summers ago it was impossible for us ordinary folks to even travel to the next village without her permission."

"No I haven't forgotten," the bard shook her head.

"Then how can you stand there and continue to defend her as if she were some misguided young woman."

"Nor is she simply the murderer that you assume her to be," the small blonde woman said. "It's more complicated than you imagine and when I first met her I was of the same opinion as you but Xena isn't like that. I can't defend her actions and what she did because I know that she did some horrible things, but I love her and I have been given the unique position of being able to see the whole person, the animal that has reigned over Greece for so long and the wonderful woman that is buried beneath, and it's that woman that I love."

"What happens when she becomes again the murderess bitch that made her the Conqueror?" Herodatus wanted to know.

"Xena will never become that person again," Gabrielle said with a confidence that came from deep in
her heart. It was a confidence born of the knowledge of who her lover really was and how much the Destroyer of Nations had changed.

"How can you be sure?"

"I don't know but I am," she shrugged and allowed her hand to rest on the flat of her belly, noticing for the first time that it had begun to swell. "And with the birth of our child she will change even more. You will see."

"Umpf," Herodatus snorted in difference to his daughter's opinion. "Have you thought about the baby and what kind of life it will have to endure living with that woman?"

"I know you won't believe me but this child will be the most loved and cherished baby in the Empire and not because I am it's mother," the bard knew in her heart that to be the truth.

"I hope you are right dear," Hercuba said her heart aching as only a mother's could as she watched her daughter prepare to leave.

"I love you but I belong next to Xena," Gabrielle said finally bringing any further discussion to an end. The bard turned to leave, her heart heavy as she knew that this might be the last time she would see her family. She paused with her hand on the door, intending to make one last appeal, after all they were her parents, they were her family.

"I know that you can't give your blessing to our union but if you could see it in your hearts to put aside your differences I really would like you to come to Corinth for our joining. I want you to know your grandchild that I am carrying. I want it to know it's family and from where it came."

"We can't do that," Herodatus said slamming the door on any further contact.

"If that's the way you feel but know that you will always be welcome in our home," Gabrielle said and then with nothing left to say she turned and made a hasty departure her eyes filled with moisture.

Xena glanced up at the sight of her lover. She had begun to grow impatient waiting for the bard and had begun to worry that Gabrielle's parents were being successful in persuading her to stay with them. Not that the bard didn't have a legitimate reason not to, after the way she had treated her. The Empress knew that they had to discuss what happened at the first possible moment.

Blue eyes narrowed intently on the small blonde and her face tightened at the sight of the tear tracks on the girl's flushed cheeks. Her back stiffened and her first instinct was to march into the older couples house and demand to know what they had done to the bard but she reigned in her instincts.

"Gabrielle?" she left the rest unspoken and the bard glanced at her with a sad smile.

"It's all right," she hastened to assure the tall dark haired woman, aware of how protective the Conqueror was towards her and her feelings. "They didn't touch me. It was their words that hurt mostly."

Xena was silent not sure what to say. She knew of Gabrielle's love for her parents and it genuinely hurt her that the older couple could not see that her daughter was happy. Though they could not be happy for their child, the Empress thought they at least could accept the girl's decision without making her so miserable. She glanced at the escort who were waiting patiently for her orders to begin the journey back to the capital.

"Gabrielle, we need to talk," she said instead knowing that the others would have to wait. She needed to say her peace before they took one more step along their journey.

"Xena can it wait," the bard implored not certain she was capable of enduring another emotional scene.

"No," the Conqueror shook her head even though she was aware of her lover's feelings. "There are a few things I need to say to you, things I need you to know."

"Okay," the bard merely nodded her head and then allowed the older woman to lead her away from the escort to a pile of rocks at the corner of the family property. They settled onto the boulders flat surface and sat for a long moment in silence as Xena gathered her thoughts in order.

"After everything that happened between us perhaps I was a bit presumptuous to ask your father's permission to marry you. I am not even certain that you still want to be with me."

"Xena."

"No," the Conqueror held up one hand to silence the bard. She needed to say what she felt in her heart. She needed the bard to know the truth. "I want you to know everything Gabrielle. I need you to know."

"Okay," the small woman nodded and fell silent.

"When you told me that you were pregnant I was both excited and upset," the Empress confessed admitting nothing that the bard didn't already know. "More than anything I wanted you to get pregnant, to know what it was like to bear a child and to be a mother. That was the reason I tried to set you up with Jason."

"I know," the bard nodded sympathetically and the Empress took another deep breath before continuing.
"In spite of that I was nervous about you being with someone else, afraid that you might no longer find me interesting," Gabrielle was about to protest but once again the Conqueror held up her hand. "It was my own insecurities I know, yet when you told me that you hadn't been with Jason and longed only to be with me I was ecstatic. Then when you told me you were pregnant all my feelings suddenly came crashing down because I thought that you, the one and only person that I truly trusted, had lied to me."

Gabrielle remained quiet, her heart aching with sadness as she remembered the emotional scene they had shared and the devastated look on the Empress' face when she had finally revealed the true nature of her reoccurring illness.

"It wouldn't have mattered to me if you had been with Jason, but it hurt that you had lied to me," Xena continued wanting to get all her feelings out into the open. "You see I narrowly believed that there was only one way to get pregnant."

"And you think differently now?" asked holding her breathe and wondering what had made her lovely partner change her mind. Briefly she wondered if one of the God's had intervened.

"Yes," the Conqueror nodded her dark head unable to look at her companion. "When I was staying at the army camp I had plenty of time to think and I realized that never once in the entirety of our relationship have you ever lied to me, even that very first time we met when we were complete strangers you were bluntly honest.

"It was than that I realized I had no basis in which to think that you would lie to me now because you had no reason too. I had tried to set you up with Jason for this purpose and you could have just admitted to having slept with him and ended matters there. But you didn't because you hadn't slept with him nor ever taken another person to your bed."

"Then you believe that this child is yours?" Gabrielle asked tentatively, not certain the trembling of her heart wasn't going to make her sick.

"Yes," the Empress nodded her head looking at the bard for the first time in many moments. She reached across and gently picked up one of the small hands and cradled it between her own. "I don't know how it could have happened, it's a little beyond the realm of believability that I could somehow make you pregnant but I know inside my heart that the child growing inside you is a product of the both of us."

A tentative smile played hesitantly at the corner of the bard's lips and she wondered if the God's had played a visit to her tall companion and that was the reason for her change of heart. In the next thought she didn't care because all that mattered was that Xena was there and willing to accept her and the child as their own.

"I love you Xena," that was all the bard was able to say before tears started to flow freely from her eyes.

"I know and I consider that the greatest gift I will ever receive," the Empress said solemnly but it was too much for the bard who flung herself into the taller woman's arms.

Xena clung to the smaller woman holding on tightly as the girl sobbed openly, soaking the cloth of her shirt. She closed her own eyes yet was unable to prevent the tears that gathered there from escaping and rolling down her own cheeks. It was many long moments before the Conqueror gently pushed the younger woman away reaching up to tenderly wipe away the tears that still streaked the girl's face. There was a loving and tender smile on her normally dour features.

"Are you ready to go home love?"

"Yes," the bard nodded. "Let's go home."

"Ok, but first there is one important thing that I must do before we go anywhere," the Conqueror announced and then before the bard knew what the taller woman was doing Xena dropped to her knees in front of her and grasp both her small hands and held them tightly in her own.

"Xena...."

"Shhh," the Empress chided the girl softly, her blue eyes softened with love. "I know that I have already asked you this question but because of what has happened between us lately I feel the need to ask again. If there is one thing I never want to do Gabrielle is take you or your feelings for granted." There was a pause as blue and green eyes locked on to each other.

"Gabrielle, my heart is filled with love for you," Xena continued softly. "Each morning, I rise only because I know that I will experience the eternal joy of getting to see your face and hearing your voice. Each night I go to bed filled with love because I get to hold you in my arms and to feel the touch of your hands on my body. I have never known a greater joy and I know I will never find anything better.

"It is with all these feelings that I have inside my heart that I ask you now, would you consent to join with me and be my wife: to allow me the opportunity to use the rest of my life to show you exactly how much you mean to me. In return I offer to love, and to protect you and our child as no one else would. Gabrielle, will you marry me?"

"Yes."

The simple answer was all that was needed and the Conqueror leaned forward and sealed the union with a gentle kiss that spoke of all the love she held in her heart for the young blond woman. It was a kiss that spoke of the beginning of something more wonderful than what they had already shared.

Xena rose once the kiss was finally broken. She could have remained on her knees in front of the bard for all eternity if it meant looking into the girl's green eyes but the practical side of her nature finally overruled. She wanted to get home to the capital so that she could honour her request and marry the bard.

"Come on," she said holding out her hand for the small woman to take but Gabrielle gently shook her head, delicately wiping the tears from her face.

"Please Xena give me a moment," the bard pleaded with a soft smile. "I don't want to face the others until I have some semblance of a normal appearance."

"Gabrielle you always look beautiful to me," the Empress protested.

"I know, but I'm more concerned about the Amazons," the bard confided with a weak smile. "If I come back looking like I have been bawling then they will think you have been beating me and well, I just don't want there to be any more misunderstandings for a while."

"I understand," Xena nodded. It warmed her to know that the Amazon's cared so much for their Queen. "I will wait with the others, take as much time as you want."

Gabrielle continued to wipe the tears from her face as she watched the tall woman stroll away. There was a sudden unexpected flash of light and then standing right in front of her was Aphrodite the Goddess of Love. It was as if the Deity was answering her silent call.

"Thank you."

"For what?" the Goddess wanted to know.

"For convincing Xena that this baby was hers."

"I wish I could take the credit bardy poo, but no such thing," Aphrodite shook her head. "She came to that conclusion all on her own. It wouldn't have been fair to you if I had interfered."

"Then thank you for making her love me."

"Sorry, but once again I wish I could take credit but the only thing I did was make it so the both of you could meet. The rest you did all by yourselves," the blonde Deity shook her head. "What you feel and what Xena feels is real, and not a spell. The Empress truly loves you with all her heart, don't ever doubt that."

"I won't, not ever," Gabrielle whispered.

"Good, then go join your warrior babe," the Goddess smiled as the bard stood up. Gabrielle paused and looked at the Goddess.

"Will you come to our joining?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," the Goddess said and then waved her hand before fading away. "You better hurry you know how impatient tall, dark and beautiful gets."

"I know," the bard smiled at the way the deity referred to her companion.

Xena waited patiently for Gabrielle to rejoin her. Without saying a word the Amazon's had packed all their travelling gear and prepared their horses for the impending trip back to Corinth. Within a candlemark the bard had said her final farewells and the entourage was ready to depart. Gabrielle walked to her lover who had been standing by Argo as the bard had given her family a last hug.

"Are you ready to go?" the Empress asked quietly and the smaller woman nodded her head. "Good," a brilliant smile broke across the normally stoic woman's dark features. "Let's go home and start being a family."

"Yes," Gabrielle nodded with a smile. She climbed onto the brown horse she used and waved one last time before following her lover through the village and towards their home. She chanced one last glance at the place where she had grown up and then turned her head in the direction of their destination. A smile growing on her face as she thought about the future and the beginning of her own family.