Chapter Four

The Drill Master was barely able to keep his anger in check as he watched the skinny recruit stumble into the man ahead of him, knocking them both off stride and disrupting the entire cadence of the group. The new squad had not yet managed to successfully complete a full set of simple marching drills without the gawky looking man screwing up.

"Enough," the aged soldier barked giving in to his frustration. It was dusk and in a few minutes the last of the sunlight would fade. They had been repeating this drill throughout the day without success and the limits of his patience had been tested.

"You," he pointed directly to the lanky man.

"Me?" Joxer asked innocently glancing at the others before turning his attention back to the Drill Master.

"Yes, you," the old soldier growled, his face red with anger. "I refuse to allow you to make me miss another meal. However, I don't care how hungry you become. You will stay here marching back and forth until I tell you to stop, and your comrades will help see that you get it right. Only then will any of you be allowed to eat."

There was a quiet rumble of discontent from the group, hungry and dirty from the long day of drilling. They cast disparaging glances in the direction of the reason that they would not be allowed to take a break. Joxer returned their scowls with a sheepish look.

"I will be gone about a candlemark," the Drill Master said loudly. "When I return I hope you will have learned what I have not yet been able to teach you."



With that the veteran soldier turned and headed off towards the mess tent, leaving the new recruits on their own. Immediately the group began to circle the hapless soldier, who sensed the menace and danger in their stance.

"Listen guys..." he began holding his hands up defensively.

"No you listen, you ugly bird," one of the larger recruits named Kayro snarled towering over the smaller man. "I won't miss another meal because of you."

"But..." Joxer wanted to apologize but he wasn't given the opportunity before a fist slammed into the side of his head knocking him unto the ground. The punch was followed by a solid kick to the ribs.

"Now get up and march," Kayro barked.

Joxer slowly struggled to his feet, feeling pain where he had been struck. He wanted to get it right, he wanted to be a proud looking soldier, like the ones he saw in Corinth, but somehow his feet just wouldn't do what his head was trying to tell him.

"March!" the order was shouted in his ear and automatically he moved, yet he only got a few steps before his feet tangled up again, causing him to stumble back to the ground. A small cloud of dust rose from where he landed. His fall was rewarded by another swift kick from his tormentor.

"Stop!" a young voice interrupted the assault and the blond haired boy rushed to place himself between the fallen man and the others.

"Get out of the way boy or you will receive the same beating," Kayro instructed but the lad remained firm.

"No," Solan refused defiantly, straightening up to his full height yet still coming up short.

"All right then so be it, you were warned," the other man said raising his fist to strike the boy but unexpectedly his wrist was caught in a firm grip.

"Enough," the Drill Master shouted having observed the altercation from a short distance away and intervening only when he deemed it necessary. He didn't mind that the gawky man was beaten but he saw no reason for the boy to suffer for his intervention. He had wanted Joxer to learn a lessen but it would not be at the boy's expense.

"Your compassion is admirable," the old soldier growled releasing the recruits hand and stepping over to the boy. He stared at the child for a moment before turning his attention to the other recruits. "Go get something to eat."

Without a word the others turned and hurried towards the mess tent, leaving the three alone in the falling darkness. Solan waited patiently for the results of his intervention, aware that he would be made to suffer some punishment. The Drill Master looked at the boy, seeing something vaguely familiar in his features. He shook his head dismissing those thoughts.

"Because you seem too care so much I will put you in charge of this buffoon," he commanded pointing at the man who was still on the ground. "I want you to stay here, as long as it takes and keep drilling him until he gets it right. Only then will the both of you be allowed to take a break."

"Yes, sir," the boy nodded and watched as the Drill Master walked off. He turned and looked down at the man on the ground. "Come on, get up."

Solan held out his hand to help the other man to his feet. He was not pleased that he would probably end up spending the whole night with this stranger, but in good conscious he could not let the other recruits beat him.

"My name's Joxer," the gawky man smiled sheepishly hoping that he could find a friend in this hostile environment.

"Solan," the boy sighed. "Now come on, let's start with your right foot."

The moon was high in the sky before Joxer finally got the cadence right. It was late and both recruit's knew that it was only a few candlemarks from dawn, when the drill master would roust them from their slumber and make them go through the whole process again.

"I appreciate this," Joxer had tried to get the boy to talk during their long hours together, but the child had remained mostly quiet, speaking only when instructions needed to be issued.

"Well, I couldn't stand to see you get hurt," Solan admitted honestly as they trudged towards their sleeping quarters, which amounted to a bedroll under a tree at the corner of the camp. Kalipus, his Centaur father, had taught him about being just and compassionate. "Tomorrow, just remember to think while we're marching."

"I promise I will," Joxer agreed feeling happy that he had accomplished this feat and though he was hungry he eagerly looked forward to showing off the next morning. "Where are you from?"

"The country north of Amphipolis," the boy answered after a momentarily hesitation. He wasn't in the mood to talk but he had grown lonely in the last few weeks, missing his Centaur family and friends, and this man seemed innocent enough.

"What made you decide to join the Conqueror's Army?" the older man asked as he settled beneath the thin blankets.

"All my family are dead," the boy said with a careless shrug before laying down on his own blankets. "Go to sleep, it will be dawn soon."

Joxer took the subtle hint, though he felt a little wistful, wishing that he could make friends with the young lad. He looked across at the boy who had prevented him from getting a beating and wondered what had possessed the kid to intervene. He couldn't figure out the answer and with a sigh he closed his eyes and immediately fell asleep.

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

By the time Archius arrived in the throne room the next morning the Empress was already busy at work. He entered the room quietly gazing covertly at the woman sitting behind the desk. There was a pensive expression on her face as she concentrated on the parchment in her hand.

There was no reason for concern. News from all corners of the Empire was good and in spite of the lengthy battle campaigns they had fought, the treasury was full. The Empire was prospering and even opponents of the Empress had grown silent. He could understand no reason for her preoccupation.



As if sensing his presence she glanced up and lay the scroll down on the table. There was an absent look in her eyes, as if her thoughts were far away.

"The guard that escorts Gabrielle to the market, what do you know of him or his family?" she asked unexpectedly.

"Jason is a good man. His family owns a small farm to the east of the Capital," the aide replied without hesitation. His senses went on alert knowing that there was a good reason for the Conqueror to ask about the man. He wondered if it had to do with yesterday. "You can trust him with Miss Gabrielle."

"Yes, I know that," the Conqueror replied with a hint of irritation. He is in love with her, she could have added but kept those thoughts to herself. "Does this soldier have a girl with whom he visits?"

"Not that I know about, service to the Palace does not leave much time for personal matters," Archius said and then his eyes grew large as a thought suddenly occurred to him. "You do not have to worry Empress he would never dare think of attempting to court Miss Gabrielle."

"Do you think he would do it if I asked him too?" Xena wondered out loud and the man's jaw dropped in stunned silence. She cast the man a bemused look. "You are shocked?"

"The suggestion is somewhat surprising," the man scrambled to find the right words to explain his feelings.

"Perhaps," the tall warrior agreed with a sigh. "Gabrielle is a beautiful young woman. She was innocent of all physical pleasure until I took her to my bed. I thought perhaps she would like to gain a wider experience. I know she trusts this man."

"Have you spoken to the Queen about this?" Archius asked sharply and the Conqueror eyed the man, aware he had never before spoken to her in that tone of voice.

"I know what she will say," the Conqueror said abruptly, pushing her chair away from the table and rising to her feet. The aide watched intently as the tall woman began to pace impatiently around the room. He knew from experience that something was troubling the Empress. "She will proclaim her undying devotion to me."

"Does that knowledge upset you?" the man asked, his eyes tracking the tall woman as she moved around the room.

"No," the Empress sighed heavily.



"Then what is the problem my Conqueror?" he prodded when she didn't continue, uncertain what to think. Xena looked at the small man deciding to change the subject.

"This scroll arrived by messenger not more then three candlemarks ago," she said motioning to the parchment on the table. "It seems that Cleopatra is on her way to visit Caesar in Rome and she wishes to stop for a visit."

The man was silent as he collected the parchment and read, his eyes narrowing as he glanced from the scroll to the Conqueror. There was no expression on her face to reveal what she was thinking. He knew of the Empress' history with the Queen of Egypt. It was only slightly less tumultuous then the one she shared with Caesar.

Archius had a bad feeling about this visit. To his knowledge the Queen of Egypt was only slightly less devious and manipulative then the Conqueror. He had watched the two powerful women together once and it had been a seductive and intriguing combination. They had parted without finishing business between them and he wondered if there was any residue emotion left from when they had been together.

"What do you think she wants?" he dared to ask.

"She says she just wishes to renew old acquaintances," the Empress drawled in a quiet voice.

"Do you believe that?" he asked cautiously knowing to tread lightly when discussing her personal affairs and wondering if this visit had anything to do with the Conqueror's sudden interest in broadening the Amazon Queen carnal knowledge.

"I am suspicious," the Empress conceded with a feral smile playing at the corners of her lips. "She is still seducing Caesar even as she beds Marc Anthony. One never knows what is going on in her head."

"What are you going to do?" the man wanted to know.

"I will welcome her like I would any old friend," the Empress smiled benignly but the man noticed it didn't reach her eyes. She sighed. She didn't need any more distractions. There were other matters of importance on which she wished to concentrate.

Abruptly the smile disappeared as her thoughts turned back to another situation. Silently she mulled over her decision before returning to her desk. She picked up a quill and a blank piece of parchment, hastily scribbling something across the empty page.

"I was to go on a picnic with Gabrielle this afternoon," she said absently. "I need you to take a message to her that I will be unable to join her. Then I want you to summon Jason here for a private audience."

Archius nodded, wanting to tell the Empress that she was making a grave mistake, but astutely he remained silent. He waited for the woman to finish with the note, knowing that once she made a decision there was no changing it. He accepted the message before hurrying along to the Conqueror's suite where the bard was patiently waiting for her lover to make an appearance.

Gabrielle had woken early that morning and after a leisurely bath, had wandered down to the kitchen to pack their lunch basket. She knew she could have left it up to the servants but she liked to make certain all the Conqueror's favourite treats were included. It also gave her an opportunity to trade gossip with the cooks and even try out a few of her new stories on them.

After returning to their suite she changed into a new soft linen shift she had purchased for this occasion and because there was still plenty of time before her lover was to make an appearance she sat down at her desk and began writing in her journal.

The knock on the door to their quarters cut into her train of thought and she called for the visitor to enter. One look at the small man and Gabrielle knew what was coming. She knew that Xena had a lot of work to catch up on and had almost expected her lover to cancel their date but still she was unable to mask the disappointment she felt. She read the note the aide handed her.



Gabrielle,

Something unexpected has come up and so I am unable to join you for our picnic, however, as it is a beautiful day I want you to enjoy it. Take Jason. Miss you. See you tonight.

Love

Xena.

P.S. If the weather holds we'll go out tomorrow.

"Tell the Empress I will see her tonight," the bard said taking consolation in the thought that their plans were only slightly delayed. The man nodded before making his departure.

Gabrielle watched Archius leave. It was a beautiful day and it was a shame to miss out on the sunshine. She hurried over to the section of the Palace grounds where the Amazon's were quartered and found the Weapon's Master making the last preparations for their departure. At the next dawn they would be returning to the Amazon village and a small contingent with Solari in charge would be returning in their place.

Eponin was not about to turn down an invitation from her Queen and not just because Gabrielle was the Queen. She genuinely liked the bard and enjoyed every moment she spent in the girl's company. These last season's they had spent together had given her a greater respect for the younger woman and the power she held over the Conqueror.

"I will prepare the horses," the Amazon said and then hesitated glancing across at a young red headed woman standing a short distance away. Gabrielle astutely guessed what was going on in her mind.

"You can bring a friend along if you like," the bard whispered and the older woman blushed, causing Gabrielle to laugh with a delighted chuckle. "Meet us in the courtyard in half a candlemark."

Before she finally got away, a half dozen more Amazon's had joined the party. Gabrielle left the Amazon's and debated briefly whether she should go and see Xena before heading out. There was also the matter of getting extra food packed. In the end she decided to look after the food, reasoning that the Empress was probably busy and not likely to appreciate any interruptions.

Jason nervously entered the throne room, uncertain why he had been summoned into the presence of the Conqueror. He had been very careful in his interactions with the Queen, aware that his life would be in default if he allowed anything to happen to the young woman. He moved to stand in front of the table where the dark haired Empress was seated, waiting quietly for her to look up.

He swallowed fearfully when intense pale eyes glanced up and pinned him to the spot. This was the Destroyer of Nations whom he was now facing and he was terrified. He watched as Xena causally leaned back in her chair, her blue orbs never leaving his face.

"Relax," she barked dryly, aware that the man was filled with fear. "I didn't summon you here to kill you... at least not yet."

The young man's brown eyes grew large at the thought but he remained at attention and Xena frowned, wondering if she was making a mistake by entrusting her most prized possession to this man's care. She reluctantly dismissed her misgivings, aware that she would always find an excuse to argue with her decision. She rose and strolled around the desk until she was directly in front of the soldier.

"How do you feel about Gabrielle?" she asked bluntly. The man's eyes grew twice as round.

"She is a kind person and very devoted to you," Jason managed to stutter, afraid that the dangerous woman before him had discovered his secret love for the Amazon Queen.

"I didn't ask you to tell me something I already know," Xena barked with a hint of irritation. She didn't enjoy this conversation and wanted to conclude it as quickly as possible. "I want to know how you feel about her."

"I...I..." the soldier mumbled unable to meet the intense gaze that was staring in his direction.

"You are in love with her," the Conqueror finished for the man, growing impatient waiting for his response. Jason glanced fugitively up at the Empress, fearing his fate, knowing that his life was lost.

"Am I wrong?" she dared him to deny the truth.

"No," he whispered hoarsely knowing it was useless to lie.

"Good," the Conqueror said briskly before turning on her heel and strolling across the room to the window and therefore missing the soldiers startled expression. "I have a request for you," the Empress continued before she lost the little courage she possessed. "I wish for Gabrielle to get pregnant and as I am unable to perform that task myself, I have need of someone who can."



The soldier was afraid to move, dazed by what he was hearing and wondering if this was not some cruel joke that the Empress was playing. He watched as she turned to look at him again, and saw that it was no game.

"I know Gabrielle enjoys your company and because of your feelings for her, I trust you to be kind and gentle with her," the Conqueror's voice took on a threatening edge. "If not you will be made to pay." There was another pause. "Do you have any questions?"

Jason didn't know what to say as a cavalcade of emotions raced through his brain. He didn't know what to think or feel. The idea of being with the Amazon Queen was both exciting and terrifying. What the Conqueror was requesting carried a heavy responsibility, one he wasn't certain he was capable of bearing.

"Afterwards..." he was uncertain how to form his question.

"You will be taken care of," Xena said in the same voice she always used when conducting business. "However the child will stay here and be raised by Gabrielle and myself. Do you have a problem with that?"

"No," the soldier responded instantly thinking with pride how his seed might one day inherit the Empire.

"Good," the Conqueror said briskly trying not to think about what she was asking this man to do. "Then all you need to do is to seduce the Queen and I have already set the plan in motion. By the time you return to your quarters you will have a message waiting for you from the Queen with instructions about going on a picnic. You will accept as is your duty."

"Yes, My Conqueror," the soldier bowed his head, willing his body not to tremble.

"Good, you are now dismissed," Xena abruptly waved her hand, feeling slightly sick over the business that she had just conducted. Jason nodded and hurriedly backed towards the door but the Conqueror was not finished. When his hand touched the door knob she spoke again.

"No one is to know about this, especially not the Queen," she instructed in a quiet voice. "Gabrielle is not to know that I have arranged this."

The man nodded, wishing for the first time that he had been given another assignment. Anything other then what the Conqueror had requested of him looked good, even serving under General Loris in the newly acquired northlands seemed a better option. He said nothing before departing and hurrying back to his quarters where as the Conqueror suggested a message to accompany the Queen was waiting.

A half candlemark later the party was ready to set out and Jason experienced a mixture of relief and chagrin at the realization that they were being accompanied by a group of Amazon's. He wondered if they had been sent along by the Conqueror to ensure that he performed her request. The idea made him sweat and a swift glance over his shoulder told him that the Empress was watching their departure from the balcony that overlooked the Palace courtyard.



Xena turned away from the scene and therefore did not see the half dozen Amazon's who had been invited by their Queen to join her on this picnic. She also missed the wistful glance Gabrielle cast over her shoulder at the Palace. She only knew the incredible ache that consumed her heart.

She slumped onto the throne and stared resentfully at the parchments and scrolls scattered across the work table. The scene looked barren, an image of her life before the bard had entered it. It was a life she was terrified of returning too, for it was empty, void of any emotion save indifference. The door opened and hastily she ran the back of her hand across her eyes, wiping away the tears that had gathered there.

Archius glanced across the room at the dark haired mistress. If he had not known the Empress so well he would have assumed she was crying when he first entered the room. Certainly her quick reaction had indicated that was the case but he knew better. The Conqueror did not give in to such weaknesses, though he did wonder.

"Is everything okay my Conqueror?" he asked hesitantly moving over to the table.

"Everything is fine," came the cool response as the Conqueror moved briskly to her feet. "Come we have plenty of business too attend to."

The man nodded and watched as the woman sat down at another table and picked up a parchment, studying it intently. Another man would have been fooled but he was not. He knew the Conqueror was thinking of the bard and probably regretting her decision. He said nothing though, quietly moving across the room to await her instructions.

Despite the longing to be with her lover, Gabrielle was determined to have a good time. Rather then heading up into the surrounding hills they stuck to the coast, finding a quiet spot along the shore that had a wide sandy beach which was protected from the winds by a series of boulders that jutted into the sea. The bard knew it wasn't far from where she had spent a romantic evening with the Empress. She reflected on her lover as she sat in the sand and watched as the others played in the surf.

Xena had been increasingly attentive since the defeat of Caesar's army and the death of Pompeii. The whole trip back from the Northern Region the Conqueror had insisted they ride together and at night when camp had been set the Empress had insisted on taking a walk, away from the others.

Their strolls had usually ended up with them laying on their backs, staring up at the night sky and talking. Many times it had resulted with them making love to the symphony of the night that surrounded them. It had been wonderful and the bard treasured those memories aware that any day it could all end.

For a moment her thoughts darkened. Given what had already passed between them, it was unusual for Xena to miss a date, and Gabrielle knew that it must be really important. She dreaded the thought that something would come up to take them away from their home.

A smile broke across her face at the thought. Home. She didn't knew when it had changed or when she had stopped thinking of it as the Palace. But somewhere along the line it had changed. Suddenly it wasn't just a place that she was visiting but the place she lived. More then her parents house or even Potedaia, this was the place she belonged.

"What's the joke?" Jason asked trotting over and dropping down onto the sand next to the bard. Gabrielle looked at the young man who had just come from wading in the water with the Amazon's.

"Nothing," the girl was to embarrassed to admit her thoughts.

"You were thinking of the Conqueror," the man guessed astutely and the smile on his companions face grew.

"I didn't think it was so obvious," Gabrielle sighed, closing her eyes and turning her face to the sun, feeling it's gentle rays caress her skin. "I so wish she was here, but I guess I should have expected as much. We have been away from the Capital for so long there must be allot for her to catch up on."

"Yes," Jason nodded absently his eyes focused on the group of Amazon's who were engaging in a competition to see who could catch a fish. For the last few candlemarks he had been thinking of different ways to approach the Queen but had been unsuccessful so far. He decided to keep the conversation on neutral ground. "No doubt she wishes to prepare for the arrival of Cleopatra."

"Who?" the bard was startled. This was the first she had heard anything about a visit from any foreign dignitary.

"The Queen of Egypt," the soldier continued unaware that the bard's mood was shifting. "They had business together a few summers ago. They were quite close once upon a time"

"I suppose if she is coming for a visit the Empress needs to make preparations," Gabrielle said feeling unexpectedly jealous.

"Yes," the soldier nodded and then moved his hand so that it rested on the small woman's delicate fingers. With tiny movements he caressed the smooth skin.

Gabrielle looked at the strong, callused hand for a long moment before glancing up into the face of the soldier whom had become her friend. Or so she had thought, because the expression on his face now was anything but friendly. She shifted uncomfortably, removing her hand and tucking it primly on her lap.

"Gabrielle...," Jason stammered feeling slightly flustered. He was intensely aware of the way she had removed her hand from his touch. "I was wondering..."

"What Jason?" the bard prompted, not entirely certain she wanted to hear what he had to say. The soldier had been acting strange all day and his obvious attempt now to touch her was unsettling.

"I was wondering if you found me attractive?" the soldier said in a rush, relieved that he was finally able to speak in a coherent sentence.

Gabrielle was at a loss of what to say. His question was unexpected to say the least and her mind worked furiously to figure out how to answer the question without offending the man. She swallowed and concentrated on the Amazon's in the water.

"Of course you are attractive and I'm sure some girl will realize that soon and become interested in you."

"What about you? Do you find me interesting?" Jason persisted. Gabrielle knew then that she had to end right now whatever the man was attempting to do.

"Jason, you are a nice man, and I am flattered that you might be interested in me, but my heart belongs to Xena. I thought you understood that." The bard tried to be gentle.

"But haven't you ever been interested in finding out what it would be like to be with a man?" the soldier flushed over his words.

"No," Gabrielle said softly and sincerely, trying not to be annoyed by his words. How does he know I have never been with a man? she wondered. She dismissed those thoughts and concentrated on what needed to be said. "I don't know if you or anyone could understand this, but I love the Conqueror and as long as I am with her, I have no thoughts of being with anyone else. I belong to her completely." She hastily scrambled to her feet, intent on chasing away the dark thoughts that had entered her head. "Come on let's see if the Amazon's will let us join in their games."

Without waiting to see if the man was going to follow she ran down the sand and jumped into the water splashing the Amazon's and scaring away any fish that might be near by. They scowled at their Queen who laughed and kicked her feet sending another shower of water over them. What ensued was an all out water fight that only ended when everyone in the party was completely soaked. Jason gallantly built a fire and the group sat around it trying to warm their chilly bodies as they dug into the food that Gabrielle had packed.

What followed was a boisterous meal with a lot of teasing and an animated discussion about who would win the annual Amazon Warrior contest that year. The bard listened quietly absorbing the atmosphere and enjoying the company. She was even able to forget about the Conqueror though the dark haired woman was never far from her thoughts.

Xena was in a morose mood that only seemed to grow worse as the day progressed. She had been looking forward to spending a peaceful time back in the Capital but it seemed that she was not allowed to find peace anywhere in her Empire. She thought of Cleopatra and the time they had spent together.

The Egyptian had been young and impressionable and easy prey for someone as experienced as herself. To say that she had used the Queen of Egypt would be to put it mildly yet still she had felt a kinship with the woman, a growing alliance with her. However their budding relationship had been quashed by the unexpected arrival of Caesar in Alexandria.

To this day she didn't know where they would have ended up if not for that interruption. But Caesar had taken over from where she had left off and according to her spies, the Queen of Egypt was no longer the naive Ruler that she had first seduced.

She sighed and stood up, pacing restlessly around the throne room. It wasn't that she was curious about the woman now, God, Gabrielle gave her everything she needed and more, yet she would be lying to herself to say she wasn't at least a little bit interested in why after all these summers the Egyptian had decided to renew their acquaintance.

"Is everything all right My Empress?" Archius asked when he stepped into the throne room and saw the Conqueror pacing like a wild cat in circles around the floor.

"I was just thinking about Cleopatra," Xena admitted and then abruptly cut off her train of thought leaving the man to wonder about what she was thinking about the Queen. The Empress paused to look at him. "Is there something wrong?"

"No, your Highness. The cook just wanted to let you know that your dinner is ready and she would like to know where you would like it served."

The Empress looked puzzled for a moment and then turned her head to look out the window. The sun had set and it was growing dark. She turned her attention back to the small man.

"I will eat wherever Gabrielle is," she announced and then watched as the man shifted nervously on his feet. A pair of blue eyes narrowed. "What's wrong Archius?"

"Miss Gabrielle has not yet returned," the man said hastily and then took a step backwards as if afraid of being hit.

"What!" the Conqueror was stunned and a wave of jealousy washed over her. She allowed her anger a brief moment to rage and then reined it back under control realizing that she had set this scenario in motion. She turned away, closing her eyes and taking several deep breaths to steady her pounding heart.

She had wanted Gabrielle to go with the soldier, hoping that something would happen between the pair. She wanted the bard to experience the joy of child-bearing, yet even as she had formed those thoughts, she had wanted to believe that the bard would refuse any overtures that came from the young man. She had not realized how terrible the thought of the soldier and her lover together would make her feel.

"Empress are you okay?" Archius dared to ask.

"Yes," came the cool response as she struggled to compose herself. "Tell the cook I will take my meal in my quarters."

"Yes," the man bowed and then glanced suspiciously at his mistress. "Do you want me to send Zenon to see where the bard is?"

"No," Xena shook her head and then without another word strolled towards the door pausing only briefly to shout over her shoulder. "Have a full bottle of port sent to my quarters."

Archius nodded and then hurried to do her bidding. The party returned to the Palace much later then expected as a series of mishaps had befallen the overzealous group. The clam hunt had been uneventful which had led the Amazon's to challenge each other in more dangerous pursues, one of which was to climb to the top of the largest boulder that littered the shore. Needless to say the slippery surface resulted in more then one Amazon's injuring herself. A very grumpy Eponin being the worst case with a broken leg which Gabrielle calmly reset, having watched Hannibal the healer do so on numerous occasions.

On top of that Jason had persisted in remaining very close, in spite of her discouragements, so by the time she got the Amazon's settled in their quarters and everything straightened out it was past midnight and she was in a very grumpy mood. She crept into the bedroom surprised to see that the Conqueror was in bed. A half empty bottle of port on the stand by the bed did not go unnoticed. She washed and changed into a sleeping shift before crawling carefully into bed.

Xena stirred, aroused from her drunken slumber by the sudden warmth of another body as it slipped under the blankets. She could smell the familiar scent of her lover mixed with the fresh scent of the sea. She rolled over and automatically wrapped her arms around the little woman, her jealousy momentarily forgotten, replaced by the delightful feel of the bard lying next to her.

"Did you have a good day?" Xena mumbled and looking into her deep blue eyes Gabrielle could see the glazed look. Her lover smelled of port and briefly she was puzzled. Xena rarely indulged in drink and never until she was incapacitated.

"Yes," the bard murmured brushing dark bangs off her lovers brow. "We all had a wonderful time."

"Mm," the Conqueror said and then the blue eyes dropped closed and Gabrielle smiled before leaning forward and placing a gentle kiss on her lovers mouth.

In spite of her drunken stupor Xena was up early the next morning. She lay for a long time staring at the smaller woman nestled so comfortable in her arms. There was a smile on the sleeping face and she wondered what type of dream the bard was having. A wave of love swept through her and she leaned down and tenderly placed a kiss on the girl's brow before carefully disengaging herself and climbing out of bed.

After the night she had, Archius was surprised to see the Conqueror in the throne room by the time he arrived that morning. There was an odd look on her face and he wondered what was going on in her head. He had expected her to be more angry about the bard's absence then she had been, but then she never seemed to rail at the girl as she did others.

"How are you this morning?" the aide asked cautiously in an attempt to gauge the woman's mood.

"Fine," the Conqueror replied with a wave of her hand, dismissing the nagging ache in her head. She knew that it was a result of the port she had consumed the previous evening.

"And Miss Gabrielle...?" he didn't know how to ask the question that bounced around his head.

"She is fine, Archius," the Warrior said with a scowl, pushing her chair back and rising to her feet. She stomped across the room to the balcony. "I didn't hurt her."



"I never meant to imply," the small man stuttered, a deep red colour flooding his features.

"I know what you meant," the Conqueror interrupted and then let out a deep sigh. "Hades, there was a time when you had a right to think the worst... but it is different... Gabrielle is different."

Archius felt a measure of relief. He was ashamed to admit that he had considered the worst. Now he realized that he was seeing a part of the Conqueror that he did not think existed. Xena looked at the man for a moment before turning back to gaze over the courtyard.

"I want you to personally take a message to the bard, explain that some important business has come up and I won't be able to accompany her this afternoon. Tell her I want her to enjoy the day anyway. Tell her to take Jason."

"Are you certain My Conqueror?" Archius could not help asking and he watched as the tall woman slowly turned on her heel to stare at him.

"What's on your mind Archius?" came the cool response as blue eyes narrowed.

The small man swallowed wondering whether he had the courage to speak his peace. It was no secret how he admired the bard and he thought now that it was only an excuse. They had all wondered when the Conqueror would grow bored with the girl and as time passed they had begun to believe that the Empress was human and that the bard was in her life to stay. But obviously they had been mistaken. He took a deep breath and decided to be brave.

"If you want to get the bard away for awhile why don't you send her to the Amazon's?"

"Why would I want to send Gabrielle away?" the Conqueror asked perturbed by his tone of voice.

"The Egyptians are to stop for a visit before the next moon," Archius said quietly. "Everyone knows of your history with Cleopatra."

Xena felt her spine stiffen and her nostrils flare. Her temper was close to getting out of control and she struggled to remain calm. Her blue eyes narrowed into pale slits and the only thing that saved this man was that the Conqueror knew he was speaking out of loyalty for the bard.

"I have no interest in Cleopatra, what we shared was business," the Empress said in a cold voice.

"Then why do you want to be rid of Miss Gabrielle?" the man wanted to know.

"I don't," the Conqueror replied tersely and swung around strolling towards the balcony and looking out. Her voice softened. "The last thing I want is for Gabrielle to leave. I love the bard. She has become more important to me than anything else. She has restored my soul. I want only the best for her."

"Then why are you attempting to hook her up with Jason?" the aide did not understand.

"Every day I worry that she will grow tired of me, curious about what she is missing by being my companion," Xena explained laying her soul bare and for the first time Archius understood the twisted logic of his mistress.

"And you think by allowing her a chance to experiment she will stay content with you?" the man asked the next logical question.

"If one knows what's out there they are less likely to be curious," the Empress said in a low voice finding it difficult to mask her emotions.

"You have forgotten one thing," the man reminded in a solemn voice breaking the short silence that followed her statement. "Have you considered what you will do if she wishes to embrace another life?"

"I will let her go," the Conqueror said evenly, knowing that it would be the most difficult thing she would ever have to do.

Gabrielle was not happy to have their second picnic blown off and she was beginning to suspect that there was something wrong. She eyed the aide suspiciously and saw the way he avoided looking into her face. It was then that she knew there was something he didn't want to say.

"What's going on Archius?" she demanded.

"Nothing Miss Gabrielle."

"Is someone invading our borders?"

"No," the man shook his head knowing that the woman would not be satisfied until she had a reasonable explanation. "The Queen of Egypt is planning to visit the Capital and the Empress is busy preparing for her stay."

"Ohh," Gabrielle wasn't sure she liked that answer. A wave of jealousy washed over her as she crossed her arms.

"The Conqueror was most insistent you take Jason and go out for a ride," he continued.

"All right," the bard was angry with her lover. "Tell Xena I will see her tonight."

The man nodded and bowed before backing out of the room aware that the bard was nearly as angry as the Conqueror was indifferent. Women, he shook his head in disgust as he wandered back to the throne room.

Gabrielle wasn't in the mood to spend another day with Jason. After what had gone on the previous afternoon she had no intention of putting herself through another long day like that. She suspected that the Palace Guard had been advised to be on stand-by to escort her that afternoon and she thought to put him at ease. She found the man in the stables preparing the horses.

"Where will it be today Miss Gabrielle?" he asked upon spotting her enter the stables.



"No place," she smiled politely, keeping a safe distance from the soldier who appeared as equally awkward as she was. "I won't need your services so you are free to do what you want."

"Are you sure?" the man seemed surprised yet obviously relieved.

"Yes, I don't feel like doing anything today, in fact I thought that I would spend the day entertaining Eponin. I'm certain she isn't in the best of moods and probably could use some cheering up."

"If you are sure," the soldier hesitated. "Then if you don't mind I'd like to go visit my family. I haven't seen them in several full moons. It's only two candlemarks from here, I can be back by dinner."

"No, spend the night. I'm sure you will have lots to catch up with your family," Gabrielle said relieved that she could get rid of the man. The soldier seemed grateful. "I'll stay around the Palace. Come on let me walk you to the gate."

The man nodded glad that he would have the opportunity to visit with his family. Perhaps they could advise him on a way to get out of his current predicament without offending the Empress and losing his life. It was very apparent that there was no way he would be able to bed Queen Gabrielle without confiding the truth and he was reluctant to go against the Empress' wishes and do that.

As promised Gabrielle saw the soldier off, walking with him to the gates of the Palace, before strolling over to the Amazon quarters to entertain Eponin, who because of her injuries had not left with the other Amazon's that morning. She found the somewhat grumpy Weapon's Master still confined to her bed.

"My Queen," the warrior was surprised to see the blond woman. "I thought you would be with the Conqueror."

"State business takes precedence," she replied lightly dropping her slender frame on a nearby stool and letting her eyes wander around the empty room. It seemed so quiet now with the other Amazon's gone. She looked down at the brown haired warrior. "Do you think Ephiny will be upset that you aren't with the returning Amazon's?"

"She will think I have grown soft from Palace luxury," the Weapon's Master snorted.

"Well, I think when I tell her what you were trying to do she will understand," the bard said with a wave of her hand and the Amazon stared at her with narrow eyes.

"What are you going to tell her?" Eponin was suspicious.

"The truth," Gabrielle couldn't resist the urge to tease her friend. "In an attempt to impress the young Amazon Ardis, you tried climbing up an impossibly slippery and dangerous rock in the ocean."

"You can't tell her that!" the older woman was horrified.

"Why not?" the bard was curious. "Are you afraid of destroying your reputation? Really Eponin if you hadn't fallen into the water you could have been killed. That wouldn't have done anything to impress anybody."

"I know," the Amazon grumbled with embarrassment.

"Next time you want to impress someone, why don't you just ask them out," Gabrielle suggested.

"It's easy for you to say that," the warrior said grumpily. "You don't have to worry about being rejected."

"Ohh?" the bard wasn't certain what the other woman meant.

"Yes, my Queen, there isn't one Amazon who wouldn't jump at the opportunity to go out with you," the older woman said and chuckled as a red stain crept over the younger woman's face. She finally took pity on her Queen. "But you don't have to worry none of them would dare ask. They know your heart belongs to the Conqueror."

"Is it so obvious?" Gabrielle asked welcoming the opportunity to discuss a subject that was so close to her heart.

"Yes," the warrior nodded the smile still on her face. "How did you two meet?"

"Have I never told you that story?" the bard was surprised when the Amazon shook her head and immediately she launched into a detailed recitation of their meeting and subsequent courtship.

"The God's certainly must have been watching over you," Eponin said when the Queen finished the tale. She was astounded by the courage their Queen had shown in speaking so bluntly to the Conqueror. But in hindsight it was just another example of her strength of character.

"Yes," the bard nodded. "It seems that they have an interest in us." Her stomach growled causing both of them to laugh. "Why don't I run down to the kitchen and pick us up some lunch?"

The Amazon nodded and watched as the small blond woman bounced out of the barracks and headed off across the courtyard towards the Palace and the kitchens. She smiled pleased that she would have the company of the Queen during her convalesce.



Chapter Five

Xena was finding it hard to concentrate, her mind wandering back to the bard. She was undeniably jealous even though she had contrived to put the two together. She tossed another parchment across the desk unable to get the image out of her head.

She had happened onto the balcony at the moment that the soldier and Gabrielle had walked out of the stables together and unlike the day before they were leading only one horse. A wave of jealousy had assailed her as she watched them walking towards the Palace gate. Unnerved by the sight of them together she had turned away from the window unable to punish herself any more. However that did not stop the thoughts from filling her head. Unlike the previous day she was unable to control her emotions.

"I have not seen her this way since the bard moved in," Belaus commented to the bald man as she rushed to fulfil another one of the Empress' demands.

"No," Archius solemnly agreed, aware of the reason behind the behaviour.

Xena continued to storm around the throne room until Archius was able to persuade her to go out and do some sword practice. The Empress nodded aware that it might help relieve some of the anger she felt. She did not spare the soldiers from her wrath only stopping short of doing them permanent physical harm. However the exercise did nothing to relieve the fear that lived so close to her heart.

It was a fear that caused her blood to coarse hotly through her veins. It was the same fear that made her return to the Palace and order several bottles of port from the kitchen. Aware of the Conquerors mood, the servants hurried to do the warrior's bidding. By the time Gabrielle wandered back into the Palace for dinner, the whole place was in an uproar.

"Oh, there you are?" Archius greeted her with obvious relief when he saw her walking down the Palace hallway towards the throne room. She could see the distraught look on his face.

"What's wrong?" Gabrielle was only just barely able to push down the panic that threatened to overcome her. Her thoughts immediately went to the Empress.

"The Conqueror, she had been in the most particular mood," the small man said.

"Why?" she wanted to know, wondering if there was something in the water that was making everyone act weird.

Archius hesitated, wondering if he should confess the truth. His pause caused the bard's green eyes to narrow and her suspicions to soar. She crossed her arms defensively as she waited for the man to speak.

"What's going on Archius, why is Xena so upset?" there was a firm note to her voice that the man could not ignore. He swallowed.

"I believe it is because you were alone with Jason all day yesterday and today," the aide said glancing nervously at the woman. Gabrielle was puzzled.

"I don't understand," the bard was clearly confused. "She wanted me to go with him, not that I did. I had Eponin and another half dozen Amazon's with me."

"But you were so late getting back," now it was the aides turn to be confused.

"You know the Amazon's," Gabrielle sighed. "They got into a competition and one thing led to another and Eponin ended up breaking her leg. It took us a while to set it and bring her back. The other Amazon's left this morning for Amazonia so I thought to keep her company because the healer advised her not to travel for at least a full moon." She paused and fixed the man with an intense look. "Now do you want to tell me what's going on?"

"I believe the Conqueror thinks you are missing out on life," the man admitted sheepishly feeling himself blush and unable to meet her eyes. "She thought you might be curious to know what it would like to be with a man. She thinks that being with her is not allowing you the opportunity to experience everything life has to offer."

"Oh Gods," the bard sighed in exasperation as suddenly everything from Xena's mood to Jason's actions became clear. "Where is she?"

"In your quarters, a little more drunk then I've seen her in awhile," the man said glad that he didn't have to hide the truth any more. "Do you want me to go with you?"

"No, I'll be okay," Gabrielle said. "Thank you Archius. I wish I knew where she comes up with these harebrained ideas sometimes."

"It's her love for you Miss Gabrielle," the small man said solemnly. "You mean more to her then life itself and I know she lives in fear that one day you will decide that she is not worthy of your love. She is afraid that you will walk out of her life never to return."

"That's not going to happen Archius," the bard said in a soft voice. "The Conqueror owns my heart. She fills it to overflowing so that there is no room for anyone else. She is my life."

"Then you should convince her of that," the bald man said and the girl nodded.

"I thought I had," the small woman muttered quietly to herself and then raised her voice so the man could hear. "I'll see you tomorrow Archius and I apologize for anything Xena did."

"There is no need to apologize," the man was honest. "Since you have joined us here life has been quite wonderful. The Empress has changed and because of you our life has changed. For that we thank you."

Gabrielle smiled and wished the man goodnight before turning her attention to her errant lover. It shocked her to realize that Xena had purposefully contrived to put Jason and her together. As brave and fierce as the Conqueror was, she was still very must a insecure little girl sometimes.

She found the Conqueror in their quarters. Though it wasn't late the Empress was quite drunk and obviously in a playful mood. The bard wandered into their rooms and paused to look at the woman who was slumped on one of the couches in front of the fireplace. It was hard not to smile at the sight of the woman, who seemed anything but the fierce Destroyer of Nations at this moment. It touched Gabrielle's heart that the woman was so vulnerable.

"Gabrielle," Xena's eyes brightened at the sight of the bard. She struggled to her feet almost stumbling over the bear skin rug and ending up face first in the hearth. But Gabrielle could see what was about to happen and was there at her side catching her before she could fall.



"Good save," the Conqueror said grinning lopsidedly at her lover as she looked down at the blond woman. She glanced at the fire and then back at her companion. "That could have hurt."

"Yeah," the bard nodded her head. "Come on Xena I think it's bedtime."

"Yeah," the Conqueror bobbed her head as a lusty gleam entered her glazed blue eyes. She winked. "Bedtime."

"I don't think you are in any shape to do anything," Gabrielle sighed gently prodding the woman across the room towards the bed.

"Nah, I'm in fine shape," the Empress disagreed and then toppled onto the bed when the smaller woman released her. For a long moment Gabrielle stood there, hands on hips looking down at her lover. In spite of everything she could not help feeling an incredible wave of love for her companion.

"You big dumb warrior, what am I going to do with you?" she asked of herself before her words were cut off by a loud snore from her companion. Shaking her head she carefully went about removing her lovers boots before tucking the blankets around her companion and blowing out the candles.

********

"Aagh," Xena groaned in obvious pain the next morning when she woke. She struggled to open her eyes but the light was to bright and she quickly shut them again aware of the pounding ache in her head. She swallowed to ease the dryness of her throat and realized that her tongue tasted like fur.

"Gods," she moaned and struggled up into a sitting position. Shielding her eyes with one hand she took a look around the room. She was in her quarters which was a good thing, but she was alone in bed which was a bad thing. Ignoring the throbbing pain in her head she rolled out of bed and staggered into the adjoining room.

Grabbing a bucket from the shelf on the wall, she filled it with cold water and then unceremoniously spilled it over her head. It's freshness was a shock to her system but it worked and her brain began to function properly. A second bucket followed the first and slowly the effects of the previous evenings drinking disappeared.

She peeled off her damp and soiled clothes and spilled several more buckets of water over her body, washing herself clean. Only when she felt almost completely recovered did she wander back into the bedroom. She dressed quickly, feeling ashamed of her behaviour even though she couldn't remember everything that happened. Briefly she wondered where Gabrielle was and angry thoughts once again filled her head.

They vanished the moment she stepped into the front room and spotted the bard lying on the rug in front of the fire with a thin blanket wrapped around her body. A wave of shame flooded her features as the last remnants of the evening filtered through her brain.

"Damnit to Hades," she cursed herself and then fled the room before the bard could awaken and see her.

"Xena," Gabrielle called, waking at the sound of the door to their quarters banging shut. A pair of green eyes popped open and she scrambled to her feet. A check of the bedroom told her that the Conqueror was already gone.

"You're not getting away from me that easily," the bard said with determination, tapping her foot angrily against the floor.

She strolled purposefully into the washroom taking a long bath to appease her anger. Afterwards she went down to the kitchen and ordered a picnic lunch prepared. Then she summoned Zenon and requested that Argo be saddled. Only once everything had been prepared did she stroll over to the throne room. She stomped into the room without knocking catching both the Empress and Archius by surprise.

"Archius could you please wait outside," it was the Amazon Queen who was speaking now. The man nodded and without looking at the Empress hurried out of the room. Gabrielle watched him leave before turning her full attention on the Conqueror. She crossed her arms.

"You promised me a picnic and I have come to collect it," she stated firmly.

"Gabrielle I'm busy," Xena tried to protest but the bard cut her off short.

"Don't you want to be with me any more?" It was a blunt question and one that demanded a straight forward answer.

"Of course I do, but ...." the Empress tried to explain but her voice trailed away.

"But what? Is there someone else?"

"No, never," Xena was horrified by the suggestion. She would never hurt the woman in that way.

"Then what's the reason? Archius already told me that there is no pressing business," Gabrielle prodded mercilessly. The Empress shifted nervously but said nothing and the bard sighed. "Xena I think we have to talk. Now!"

The Conqueror looked up at her love and knew that she was defeated. She mutely nodded and stood up. Gabrielle grabbed her hand and lead her out of the room and through the Palace.

"Where are we going?" Xena asked once they stepped out of the Palace. She spotted Argo waiting at the bottom of the stairs leading into the courtyard.

"We are going for our picnic," came the determined response and the Empress watched as the smaller woman took the reins from the soldier and hopped up onto the saddle. Xena had no excuse but to follow, climbing up behind her lover and gripping her hips to hang on. With a click of her heels they were off riding across the courtyard and out of the Palace grounds.

Gabrielle had mused long and hard over where she would take her lover and decided in the end that the place that was most special was the spot on the beach where they had shared a date that evening so long ago. It was a night she remembered well because they were new lovers.

Xena remained quiet aware that her bard was in an angry mood. Frantically she racked her brain for an explanation that the other woman would accept. Sadly she had the distinctive feeling that no matter what she said the bard would know that it was a lie. By the time they reached their destination she realized that she had to tell the truth. It didn't go unnoticed that the girl had taken them back to the place where they had spent such a romantic night.

"Sit," Gabrielle commanded once she had rolled out a blanket on the sand. The Empress obeyed without question and sat down watching while the other woman unpacked the horse before tethering him in a patch of grass over a small rise. Only then did the small woman sit down beside her.

"What's going on?" Gabrielle wanted to know. She had made sure to take care of everything so that there would be no distractions. She looked at the Conqueror who turned her head away. The bard sighed aware that her companion wasn't going to make this easy. "Xena, Archius told me that you wanted me to go out with Jason."

"Archius opens his mouth to much," the Empress growled.

"I'm glad someone does," came the sarcastic retort. "If it were left up to you I would never know anything. Now tell what's this all about?"

There was a long silence as the Conqueror contemplated her words. She would have remained silent but she knew that the bard would not let her get away with it. She could have lied but she decided to be honest.

"The other day I saw you with Jason. You were on your way to the marketplace and you sounded like you were having so much fun with him," Xena said softly so that it was almost hard for the bard to hear the words. "I realized that as long as you were with me you would miss out on so much. I want you to have everything Gabrielle. You are a bard and should experience everything that life has to offer. Being with me you are losing that opportunity."

"But I'm not," the girl disagreed. "Since we have been together I have experienced so much more then I ever imagined. Gods, Xena I'm the Queen of the Amazon's. I've met the Gods, Artemis and Ares, and Aphrodite, and I've bartered with the greatest General in the Roman Army. Just living with you every day is an experience. When I think about how boring my life was before meeting you, I shudder to think where I would be now."

"Gabrielle, for Gods sakes you were a courier for a rebel organization that was fighting against me," the Conqueror growled. "You weren't leading a boring life."

"But I was," the bard shook her head and paused, she stared intently at her lovers profile. "Besides if I hadn't met you I would have missed out on the most important experience of my life. I would have missed knowing what it was like to love someone so completely, so wholly that nothing else is important. I would have missed finding and knowing my soulmate."



Xena was momentarily rendered speechless. The bard had a way with words that grabbed her heart and squeezed until she felt pain. But it was a pleasurable pain and one that she learned she could not live without.

"Still...," she tried to find the right words unable to met the other woman's gaze. "There are other things."

"What's more important then love?" Gabrielle wanted to know and then she had a sudden insight into what her companion was referring, remembering what Archius had told her. "Are you talking about sex?"

"Yes," the Conqueror said gruffly. "I know you were a virgin when we became lovers and I thought that you might want to know what it's like to be with different people. I thought you might be curious about what it would be like to be with a man."

"As a bard I am curious about everything," the blond woman agreed solemnly aware that they had broached a sensitive subject. She choose her words carefully. "Is it better then what we share?"

"It could be," the Empress was honest. "You might enjoy it more."

"Did you enjoy it?" Gabrielle asked quietly and held her breath.

"Yes," the Conqueror didn't lie.

"Then why are you with me?" This time Xena did turn to look at her companion.

"Because I love you," came the solemn reply and Gabrielle could see by the look in her lovers eyes that she was speaking the truth.

"And I love you," the girl replied in an equally solemn voice.

"But you don't know anything else," the Conqueror protested.

"Xena, love isn't about sex, they are two different things. Sex is a natural extension of love, an expression of the feelings you share. I love you Xena and that's why I want to be with you. I can't just be with someone out of curiosity," the girl said quietly. "If you want the truth I don't think about being with anyone but you. Maybe that's weird."

"No," Xena breathed overwhelmed by the love she felt for the other woman. She reached out and stroked the blond woman's cheek, savouring the feel of the skin beneath her fingers. "I have been with others but it's never been as good as now with you and I know it's because of the way I feel.

"Hades, I lust after you every moment of the day. I go through the day waiting until the evening when I can hold you in my arms again. When you're next to me only then do I feel complete. But what about children, don't you want any?"

"In every relationship some sacrifices have to be made," Gabrielle said with a deep breath. "If not getting the chance to be a mother is the price I pay for being with you then it is one I willingly pay."

"Are you sure?" Xena wanted to know.

"I have never been more certain of anything in my life," the bard replied fervently.

"Have I made a fool of myself?"

"No, I think it's sweet," Gabrielle smiled, happily leaning into the woman's touch. She allowed all her love to flow outward and encompass her companion. "It makes me happy to know that you care, that you are willing to sacrifice so much for me. But please, never question the fact that you are the first and only one in my heart and I only want you to know my body."

"If that changes will you tell me?" the Conqueror asked solemnly.

"It won't but if it does I promise to tell you," the bard said and then eyed her companion critically. "Can I safely assume that this subject is now closed?"

"Yeah," came the solemn response.

"And I'm not going to have to deal with this centaur crap again?"

"No."

"Good," the bard smiled widely and then leaned over and placed her lips over those of her companions.

Just as the Conqueror was about to lose control of her passion the bard broke the kiss. With an impish grin on her face, she jumped up, pealing off her clothes as she raced down the beach and dove into the water.

Xena watched, a seductive smile coming to her lips as she scrambled to her feet, discarding her own clothes before following her companion into the water. She surfaced and caught sight of her lover and with several powerful strokes she was next to the girl.

"I love you," Gabrielle sighed and leaned across the distance to kiss the Empress who smiled seductively.

Before the girl could swim away two strong bands of steel encircled her waist and drew her up tightly against her lovers naked body. She shivered as their eyes met, but it wasn't from the chill of the water. She wrapped her arms around the warrior's neck and drew her lips in for a passionate kiss.

Slowly they sank beneath the water, their lips never losing contact as they reached the floor of the sea. Only when their lungs were about to burst did the Conqueror push them up towards the surface.

Gabrielle gasped for breath as her head broke through to the surface, yet she did not release her hold on her companion. She had not lied to her lover. She was not curious, completely satisfied with the physical relationship they shared. She didn't think it could ever be better with anyone, woman or man.

They spent the rest of the day frolicking in the water and when it became to much for the Conqueror she scooped the bard into her arms and carried her across the beach to the blanket where she laid the small woman down and then proceeded to warm her lovers body by making passionate love.

Gabrielle closed her eyes and allowed her body to respond to the natural fever that the Empress stoked in her. The Conqueror only had to touch her to make her body burn with lust. She moaned with pleasure as the dark haired woman touched her in all the sensitive places, appeasing the desire that coursed through her body. She called out her lovers name when she finally came, wanting nothing more then to hold on to this moment for eternity.

Xena lay down beside her companion and gently stroked her damp bangs off her brow. She leaned forward and kissed the bard never quite getting enough of the girl and finding every excuse to touch the other woman. Gabrielle smiled and turned her head so that she could kiss those long fingers which so expertly manipulated her body.

"Xena?" the bard murmured as the Conqueror drew her into her arms.

"What?" the other woman asked laying a gentle kiss on her brow.

"Did you have a relationship with Cleopatra?" it was a question that Xena didn't want to answer.

"Yes," the Empress nodded solemnly. "But it was a long time before I met you."

"Thank you."

"For what?" Xena was slightly confused.

"For being honest," the bard murmured burying her face in her lovers shoulder and slipping off to sleep without another thought and the Empress tightened her embrace feeling the moisture pool in her eyes.

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

Cleopatra's barge was a magnificent vessel with a wide hull and large, multicoloured sails. It was accompanied by a dozen lesser ships upon which the Egyptian Queen's personal guard rode along with commerce and trade for the Roman Empire.

Gabrielle rode down to the wharf with Xena to greet their distinguished visitor. She had chosen to wear the ceremonial garments of the Amazon nation to the reception. If she was honest, she had donned the outfit to remind her lover what awaited her that night.

Xena leaned casually in her saddle, her eyes straying absently around the docks where commerce and trade commenced as usual, the traders oblivious to the Royal personage now being escorted to there shores. Briefly the blue eyes came to rest on her blond haired companion and an amused smiled touched the corners of her lips.

The bard was dressed regally in her Amazon costume which left little to the imagination. In spite of her reassurances, Gabrielle was more than a little jealous of her past history with the Egyptian Queen.

Xena shook her head. She enjoyed the attention though it was completely unnecessary. The bard owned her like no one had or would. The blond, green eyed woman was the possessor of her heart and soul and the only time she gave it up would be if Gabrielle gave it away. The Conqueror was no more interested in being with the Egyptian Queen then she was with any one else. But it didn't hurt her ego to have the bard think otherwise.

She resettled her eyes on the long boat that was being rowed into shore. Her sharp orbs could detect even from this distance the classical features of the woman who ruled Egypt. Some called her beautiful, others said she was mystical. Certainly the Roman's were wild about her exotic features. Features which had once attracted the Empress who now thought the woman rather ordinary looking.

They slipped from their saddles as the boat docked and waited expectantly as bare chested retainers lifted the platform upon which the Queen was seated, rising it up onto the dock. Only when the medium sized Egyptian slipped out from behind the gauze curtain did the Conqueror step forward.

"Xena," the Egyptian woman greeted the Empress in a seductive voice, an alluring smile on her lips. She held out a slender hand which the Conqueror took in greeting.

"Cleopatra," Xena nodded her head gracefully and then turned and motioned for Gabrielle to step forward. "Let me introduce my companion, Gabrielle, Bard of Potedaia and Queen of the Amazons."

"It is a pleasure to meet you," the raven haired woman inclined her head, managing to mask her surprise. Her dark eyes narrowing as they scanned the blond woman, taking in the skimpy attire and the possessive way the Greek Empress had introduced her.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Gabrielle returned the greeting bowing her head briefly aware that the woman had made no further gesture of introduction.

She had seen the arrogant look she had received followed by the casual dismissal that signified she was of no importance. The idea made her bristle but she kept her emotions under wrap, aware that the Empress would not appreciate a scene and she was not about to give the other woman any advantage.

"To what do we owe this unexpected pleasure?" the Conqueror spoke not missing the slight the Egyptian Queen had given her lover. For now she pushed down her reaction intent on remaining civil.



Cleopatra was on her way to Rome and she wanted to learn as much as possible about the visit.

"It has been such a long time Xena," the Queen smiled seductively. "I was wondering how you were?"

"Fine," the Empress replied coyly. "Unfortunately, I can't say the same for your lover Caesar."

The other dark haired woman tensed. It was a slight movement only perceptible to the most astute observer.

"Oh, Xena, surely you can't still be mad at me from stealing him away from you," the Egyptian recovered neatly, raising her eyebrows with a faint smile on her lips. "After what happened in Alexandria I didn't think you cared about him."

"I don't," Xena replied dryly, "and it wasn't what happened in Alexandria that changed my mind. Alexandria was merely a temporary diversion. I never liked Caesar."

"You are so cold my friend," Cleopatra continued to smile with that seductive amusement. "It's too bad you haven't found anyone to warm that heart of yours. Perhaps it was a good thing I stopped by."

Gabrielle's eyes widened at the blatant invitation and her green eyes turned dark as jealousy reared its ugly head. She would no longer be ignored.

"I'm afraid there is no longer any room in Xena's bed for anyone," she stepped forward her nostrils flaring.

The Egyptian took an automatic step back, unaccustomed to anyone confronting her in this manner. Her dark eyes flew to look at the Conqueror who was smiling benignly with amusement. The Empress raised an eyebrow. It was obvious that the Queen of Egypt had expected her to reprimand the smaller woman and Cleopatra was unnerved that it did not happen.

"I'm afraid she's right," Xena said with a shrug and then the smile was gone replaced by a dour look. "Though we have no business it would be remiss of me not to invite you to a celebration. You are welcome to my home as a feast will be arranged in your honour."

"I accept and to show my warm regards please accept these token gifts of Egypt's affectation for you," the Egyptian bowed her head formally having recovered from the verbal exchange. She turned and motioned for her retainers whose arms were ladened with gifts..

"You are welcome to my hospitably until you leave. Come," Xena held out her hand for the bard and lead her back to the horses not waiting for their guest to return to her chair. She vaulted on board Argo and then lifted the bard unto the horse behind her before leading the entourage back through the city.

"You were a little brazen there my bard," the Empress said only loud enough for her lover to hear.

"I'm sorry," Gabrielle flushed burrowing her face into her lovers back as her arms wound their way around the leather clad waist. She knew that she had beseeched some point of political protocol.

"You realize you must be punished for your insolence," the Conqueror continued and it took a moment for Gabrielle to realize the Empress was teasing. She felt the other woman's hand fall to her bare thigh and begin a gentle massage which was immediately rewarded by a tingling of her skin.

"What is the punishment?" she inquired coyly.

"You may think of something and then I will decide if it is suitable."

"I think you will, my Empress," Gabrielle chuckled feeling a little bit better about herself yet she was unable to remain happy as the next few days she watched the Egyptians invade the Palace. Mostly she was able to keep out of their way but one afternoon she was unable to avoid them. She was walking with Archius down a hallway when she heard someone calling out to them.

"Serving wench," a haughty voice called and both individuals turned to see a rather dour looking woman dressed in white robes with dark hair standing not far away. Neither had witnessed her approach. Archius and Gabrielle looked at each other and then at the older woman who was peering at them with angry impatience. "Come here."

It became obvious to them that the woman was motioning to Gabrielle who after hesitating a moment did as she was bade. It was clear that the older woman was annoyed. She motioned to several handmaidens who had been hanging back and who were toting several large sacks.

"Yes," the bard remained polite but uncertain.

"There is a banquet tonight and we need our laundry done," the older Egyptian woman said in a strident voice, summoning the handmaidens forward. The three younger women, servants to the Egyptian Queen, dropped the heavy sacks at the bards feet.

"Does this belong to Cleopatra?" Gabrielle wanted to know looking at the soiled garments without expression.

"Of course not, only the most trusted of her handmaidens are allowed to tend her garments," the Egyptian snorted impatiently. "These clothes belong to my staff and myself. We will need them in our quarters in plenty of time for the banquet tonight. I will hold you personally responsible if they are not taken care of."

With that the woman turned and motioning to her escort, hurried off down the corridor towards the wing of the Palace that had been turned over to the Egyptians. Gabrielle watched silently as the woman disappeared.

"I will take care of this matter," Archius hurried up to the smaller woman's side, appalled by the way the bard had been treated. He glanced hastily at his companion, fearful of the Conquerors reaction if word of this incident got back to her.

Gabrielle was dressed rather simply in her usual green top and brown skirt. She did not look like an Amazon Queen, but then she had never put on airs. He understood how the bard could have been mistaken for a commoner.

"Thank you," Gabrielle smiled tightly in appreciation, aware that she had been slighted by their visitors. "I think I will go to the market. There must be something I need to buy."

Archius watched as the young woman turned and hurried back in the direction of the rooms she shared with the Conqueror. He felt a surge of anger rush through his body but he bided his time summoning the first Palace servant he could find and directing them to take care of their guests laundry.

His first instinct had been to keep this from the Conqueror but as the day wore on he changed his mind, his own anger stirring over the treatment of the bard. He was determined to approach the Conqueror about the Egyptians affront to the woman but before he had a chance he was waylaid by anxious servants who were pressed to assist the visiting delegation. From then until much later he was kept busy, scurrying about the Palace responding to the various exotic requests that were coming from the Egyptians.

"You are not looking very happy my friend," the Conqueror mused when the man finally joined her in the throne room.

"Please do not think me arrogant My Empress but the Egyptians are bad guests," the man said diplomatically.

The Empress frowned and leaned back in her chair twirling a quill around in her fingers. The last few day had been a nightmare for everyone in the Palace but there was nothing she could do, contented with the knowledge that the Egyptians would be leaving the day after tomorrow. Certainly it had disrupted her companion who was more tense then she had ever seen the bard.

"They will be gone soon," the Empress replied with a wave of her hand.

"It will not be soon enough," the aide said out loud.

Probably not, the Conqueror sighed. "Where is Gabrielle? I have not seen her all day."

"She has gone to the marketplace," to hide, the man wanted to add but didn't. "She could not stand to be here in the Palace with them."

Xena wanted to chuckle but it was a serious matter indeed if her bard could not even stand being around their guests. Gabrielle was the most outgoing and friendly person she knew. A frown settled over her brow as she remembered the morning their visitors had arrived.

"They have not been treating her badly have they?" she asked sharply and the small man cast his eyes away from his master. "Archius?"

"It was not the Queen herself but several of her retainers," the man admitted reluctantly. "They seemed to think she was merely a servant of the Palace and commanded her to do their laundry."

Archius heard the sharp intake of breath and the scrape of the chair as the Conqueror rose to her feet. When he dared to look at the woman's face he could see anger written across her features.

"I'm certain it was a mistake," the man said hastily imagining the ensuing scene. "Queen Gabrielle does not put on airs and her ordinary attire does give her a humble appearance."

"I am surprised at you Archius," the Empress said in a cold voice. "I thought you liked Gabrielle and yet I hear you defending the Egyptians"

"I am not defending them," the man hastily corrected her assumption, thinking of his own feelings on the situation. "I merely wish to avoid an ugly confrontation."

Xena was silent as she contemplated the man's words. He was right, as angry as that realization made her feel. She sat back down promising herself that she would make it up to the bard as soon as the Egyptians were gone.

"Have our spies learned anything of interest?" she asked instead.

"No," the aide shook his head regretfully. "Although one of the Queen's maidens did mention that Cleopatra had heard certain rumours and had been curious to learn the truth for herself."

"What type of rumours?" the Empress was interested now.

Archius was momentarily silent, uncertain how much he should say. In the end he decided to be completely honest. He took a deep breath and gathered his courage.

"The Roman emissaries to Egypt have been telling the Queen that you have grown soft, weakened by your infatuation for a simple commoner. Apparently Caesar is hoping to make a diplomatic alliance with Cleopatra whereby they might both attack your borders simultaneously."

"Interesting," the Conqueror mused thoughtfully her pale eyes narrowing as they focused on the other man. "I hope the Egyptians have been given complete details of exactly how weak I have grown."

"Yes, my Empress," the man smiled knowingly. "They have been well advised that you destroyed the Horde and that Pompeii died by your own hand in the most cruel fashion. Needless to say they were impressed."

"Good," the Conqueror was satisfied and it alleviated some of the anger she felt. She rose to her feet. "If anyone needs me I have gone to the market. I believe I have neglected my bard far to much lately."

"Yes, My Empress," the man bowed. However before the Empress had a chance to leave the throne room there was a loud knock on the door. She called for the visitor to enter and then watched as a senior member of the Egyptian delegation stepped into the room. The dark skinned man bowed reverently.

"Yes," Xena bade him to speak with a negligible wave of her hand.

"Empress of Greece," the foreign man said in a stiff voice. "I have been sent by my Queen Cleopatra with a message asking if you might stop by her quarters for an informal meeting."

The Conqueror was silent as she contemplated the request. It was definitely an invitation. One that in another time and place she would have taken without hesitation. But she knew the game that the Queen of Egypt was playing and she was determined not to be a puppet. She had questions for the Egyptian but she would ask them in a more formal setting.

"Tell Cleopatra that I appreciate the invitation but I have other matters of greater importance to which I must attend," the Empress turned to Archius. "Please summon the Palace Guard. I wish to go join Gabrielle."

The small man bowed formally, barely able to hide the smile that threatened to break out across his face. He chanced a sly glance at the emissary and noted that though there was no expression on the dark skinned man's face, there was a perceptive appearance that he was annoyed by the obvious slight by the Conqueror.

"I will relay your message," the Egyptian replied formally and bowed before backing out of the room.

Archius summoned the Palace Guards and then watched as the Conqueror went in search of the bard. She had barely entered the busy market when she spied the trader Vargas. She harkened back to something Gabrielle said and then changed course strolling over to where the man was supervising several of his workers. The man turned in time to notice her approach.

"Empress, this is an honour," he bowed deeply his leathery face obscured by the long greying hair that framed his narrow face and brown beady eyes.

"Yes," she said dismissively. She did not like the man but she knew that she needed to be polite to some degree aware that he had contacts in foreign lands and was able to access goods that she would otherwise not be able to attain. "It has come to my attention that you have in your service a small boy. You accused him of thievery and instead of sending him to the cells you pressed him into service."

"I do only what the law of the land allows," the man bowed again his eyes narrowing.

"Yes," the Conqueror nodded briefly. "But I have found favour with the boy, and I wish to put him in service at the Palace."

"If that is your wish my Empress but I will feel the loss of his performance," Vargas said slowly his mind already thinking what he could extract for this favour. The Conqueror saw his thoughts and stepped up in front of him, using her hand to raise his face so that their eyes could meet.

"I owe you nothing," she growled fiercely baring her teeth. The arrogance that he had shown earlier was instantly gone replaced by fear. The trader had heard that the Conqueror had been tamed and that the bard now ruled the Palace, but he could see that there was no truth in the statement.

"No...your Empress," he agreed swallowing profusely and his hand went immediately to his throat when the tall woman finally released him.

"However, as compensation, I extend to you an invitation to join me at a banquet tonight in honour of my guests from Egypt," she said in a bored voice and the man immediately bowed.

"I am honoured and your invitation is more than enough compensation," he said hastily and the dark warrior smiled.

"Good," she said wishing to leave his company. "I want the boy...his name is..." she looked to Zenon.

"Arron," the Palace Guard supplied.

"Arron.." the Conqueror said. "Have him sent to the Palace immediately."

"Yes, My Conqueror," the trader bowed graciously and covertly watched as the Empress walked away.

Though it would seem that he had received the better part of the deal he was uncertain. An invitation to a banquet which featured the Egyptians was indeed a prize but he was a suspicious man. He could not find any reason why the Conqueror would find any importance in a mere beggar boy. He made a mental note to confer with his private spies.

Xena knew what the man was thinking. She had dealt enough with the trader to know his suspicions and she knew that he would be suspicious of her request. She snorted and then dismissed the man. Let him wonder, she thought callously. No one need know she had done the deed as a favour for the bard.

She continued through the marketplace her sharp blue eyes scanning the crowds as she searched for the one familiar face that meant everything to her. She was just about to pass a stall when a rather rotund man hurried out and grabbed her hand, kissing it as he knelt at her feet.

"What?" her first reaction was to strike the man for his insolence in touching her but something inside herself stopped that action.

"I am sorry for being so forward my Conqueror," Salmoneous said keeping his head bowed, aware that he was taking a risk. However, he hoped that his friendship with the bard would prevent him from serving time in prison or being killed. "My name is Salmoneous and I am a friend of the Bard from Potedaia."

"Gabrielle?" the Conqueror was immediately intrigued as she stared down at this man, who was rather pear shaped. It occurred to her again how the bard was always collecting friends who seemed a little odd. "Stand up."

The man did as he was commanded and then waited while the sharp blue eyes scanned his features very thoroughly.

"You said you are a friend of Gabrielle's," she prompted and the man graciously hastened to explain, a wide smile creasing his face.

"Yes, over the course of the last few summer's she has frequented my stall," he motioned his hand towards an elaborate booth behind him, where a rather pretty young girl was standing watching with wide and frightened eyes. Ariela could not believe the arrogance of her Uncle.

"Yes," the Conqueror said growing weary of the conversation. "Perhaps you have seen her today. I have come in search of her?"

"She was here earlier," the man said with a shy grin that was only on his face for a brief instant and unnoticed by the Empress. "She was looking at a trinket that I purchased in Egypt. I think in her heart she wished to buy it."

"I'm certain that if Gabrielle wanted to buy something she would have done so," Xena replied bored with the conversation, her eyes darting around the marketplace as they continued to search for her lover and companion. She was certain she knew what this man was about.

"Yes, but she deemed it too expensive," the trader said, and then glanced slyly at the taller woman. "I think she wished to purchase it as a gift for you."

This last comment caught the Conqueror's attention and she was silent for a moment as she studied the rotund man who stood in front of her. She was still certain she knew what he was about but decided to play his game for a moment.

"This trinket, what is it?" she asked taking his bait.

"A commission especially made for a Prince of Egypt, who was only forced to give it up at the request of one of the Pharohs. It is a very rare ornament."

Xena watched as the man hurried around the end of his stall and retrieved something from a bag under one of the tables. She was curious now and watched as he unwrapped something from a thick cloth wrapping. The trader held it out to her and she accepted the offering.

The carving was cool to the touch and smooth, it's jade and black colour a perfect mixture of darkness and light. There was something that caught her attention and she knew immediately that the bard would love this ornament. She did not doubt the traders assertion.

"How much do you want for this?" she asked and the seller named a price that was exorbitant. Xena knew then why the bard had refused to purchase the piece. Gabrielle loved to shop but she was wise in those matters and the cost of this item would be more then the bard would be willing to spend on anything.

"Zenon, pay the man," she ordered her guard who immediately dug into his purse to retrieve the needed coin. Salmoneous could not believe his luck. He had expected the Conqueror to barter as her smaller companion did, and was surprised that she was content to pay the price that he named.

"Let me wrap it," he offered hurriedly.

"No, it's quite all right," Xena dismissed the offer and handed it back to her guard for safe keeping. Zenon wrapped a cloth around the item and then placed it in the pouch that he carried for this express purpose. She stared for a moment at the seller.



"Gabrielle better like this or I will be back," the Empress said in a voice that made the seller tremble if only slightly, even though he was completely confident that the bard would be ecstatic over the gift.

"I assure you that she will be very pleased," the man said and bowed deeply. Without another word the Conqueror turned and continued on her way, no longer interested in anything but finding her companion.

She rounded a corner that lead into the central market square and came to an abrupt halt, her blue eyes narrowing as they honed instantly on her quarry. Gabrielle was sitting on a bench by a fountain in the center of the square, surrounded by a half dozen children and just as many adults. By her posture, the Conqueror could tell that she was telling them some tale of adventure.

She paused to listen enjoying the quiet cadence of the younger woman's voice, aware that none of them were aware of her presence. She waited till the girl was finished and then cleared her throat. All eyes turned in her direction and as if on cue the children jumped to their feet and scattered. The smile on the bard's face turned to a frown.

"Xena!"

"What?" the Conqueror asked spreading her arms in an innocent gesture. But she knew she didn't have to do anything. Her reputation was enough to send people running. She ignored the girl's frown and slipped onto the bench beside the young woman, her eyes searching the surroundings.

"Where is Jason?" she asked sharply noticing that the Royal Guard was noticeably absent.

"Back at the Palace," Gabrielle replied suddenly aware she was in for a scolding.

"Why didn't he come with you?" the Empress demanded, unable to hide her anger over the fact that her beloved was alone without protection. She had trusted the guard and he had failed her.

"I slipped out without him knowing," the bard said hastily not wanting the soldier to suffer for her action.

"Gabrielle, how many times have I told you not to do that," Xena fought a losing battle with her emotions. The very idea of the girl out alone in public made her incredibly tense. "And where's your staff?"

Gabrielle said nothing in her defence. She merely bowed her head and willingly suffered the Conqueror's wrath. She stared down at her hands folded on her lap and waited for her lover too explode. It never came. Before Xena began she remembered what Archius had told her back at the Palace. She thought of the reason she had come out into the market in the first place. Her anger receded.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?"

The bard glanced up startled by the soft tones of her lover. She had expected a different reaction. She had braced herself for something else.

"What do you mean?" the bard was slightly confused.

"Archius told me what happened," Xena said and watched as the girl looked down at her hands.

"I'm sorry Xena, I just don't like the Egyptians," the girl finally spoke. "They are so arrogant and it always seems they are looking down their nose at me."

"Sweetheart, everyone has to look down at you," the Conqueror teased and then saw by the hurtful expression on her lover's face that it was the wrong thing to say. "Oh, my bard, that is their way. They look down upon everyone, even me."

"Yeah, but they'd never ask you to do their laundry," the bard retorted and astutely the Empress guessed that there was something deeper in the bard's distress.

"No, but it is not like you to take offence," the Empress agreed. It was one of the things that most endeared the Conqueror to her young companion. The woman was more forgiving then anyone she knew. Hardly a bad word ever crossed the small woman's lips. "What's wrong Gabrielle, I know it just can't be the Egyptians?"

"No," the bard finally confessed, her shoulders slumping. "I have been thinking about my family. Linus is leaving for Potedaia soon and in a short while Lila and he will be married."

Xena cursed her memory. She had forgotten that the bard had told her that her younger sister was to marry in the new season. With everything that had been happening in the last while their earlier conversation had slipped her mind. She knew how important family was to the younger woman.

"You miss them don't you?"

The bard merely nodded her head. "When we were younger, just children at play, we used to talk about when we finally got married. Lila used to tell me the type of dress she wanted and how she wanted the celebration to go."

"What about you?"

"I had dreams," Gabrielle admitted honestly, with a soft smile. She reached over and grasp her companion's hand. "I realize I will never have a wedding celebration, so I guess that's why missing Lila's is making me feel so sad."

Xena took a deep breath. She harkened back to an earlier conversation many moons ago when they were in the Amazon village. She had promised to wed the bard and yet matters of the Empire had interceded. She glanced up and around the marketplace. There was no reason for her not to honour that promise now. She could not give the girl a family but she could give her a union ceremony.

"The Egyptians will be leaving the day after tomorrow and it has been awhile since we visited the Thrace region," she said not mentioning the idea that was forming in her brain. "I think it would be a perfect opportunity to go there and check up on the new General of my Regional Army. And being in the area I don't see any reason why we can't stopover in Potedaia."



"Really?" the bard visibly brightened at the prospect.

"Yes," the Empress nodded and was rewarded by an exuberant embrace from her partner as the smaller woman joyously flung her arms around her neck and then proceeded to lavish her with a series of kisses all over her face.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Gabrielle said gaily and Xena couldn't help but laugh, feeling slightly embarrassed by the uninhibited affection that the smaller woman heaped upon her, and the attention they were drawing. Gently she disengaged the smaller woman's arms from around her neck.

"You can thank me properly tonight," the Conqueror said, rising to her feet. "But right now, I suggest we return to the Palace and begin preparations for the banquet tonight."



Chapter Six

Archius knocked on the door to the throne room before entering. He had been summoned by the Conqueror who at this moment was awaiting his arrival. He strolled across the room towards where she was standing staring out the window that overlooked the courtyard and the city beyond. He saw that she was already dressed in her ceremonial robes.

"My Emperor, what is it you wish of me?" the aide asked breaking the silence of the room. The Conqueror turned and faced the small man.

"I just wish to know if you have heard anything more of the purpose of Cleopatra's visit."

"No, My Conqueror, it seems that the sole reason for this visit was Cleopatra's desire to see you," Archius paused uncertain if he should reveal everything he had learned. His hesitation was instantly picked up by the Empress.

"Do not hide anything from me my friend," the tall dark haired woman said in a low voice that was not threatening but firm.

"It seems that the Queen of Egypt still carries some affectation towards you and was hoping to rekindle your affair," the man revealed what he had learned from an intimate retainer in the Egyptians court. Xena was quiet as she contemplated his admission.

"I hope you let it be known that my attentions and affectations are otherwise engaged," the Conqueror said in a quiet voice.

"Yes, My Conqueror," the man nodded and bowed his head.

"Good, now on to more important matters," the Empress said abruptly changing the subject. "Gabrielle and I will be undertaking a journey the day after tomorrow. Her sister is too marry and she wishes to attend the ceremony. I will need you to handle matters in my absence."

"Yes, My Empress, is there anything special you wish for me to do?" he inquired.

"No, just handle things with your usual efficiency," the Conqueror flashed a brief smile and then remembered something from earlier in the day. "Vargas the trader will be attending the banquet tonight. He will be bringing with him a small boy, about eight summers old, who will now be my servant. His name is Arron and I want you to put him to work in the stables. Give him light duty and ensure that he is fed properly and given a good bed. Also see that his family is informed of his new situation."

"Yes," Archius nodded uncertain what prompted the Conqueror to do business with the trader Vargas, a man whom she neither trusted or liked.

"Good, I must go now as I am sure Gabrielle is awaiting me," the Empress moved to the door but then paused to turn and look at the small man. "There is one last thing I wish for you to do. A long time ago I promised to officially make Gabrielle my consort yet so much has happened. While we are away I want you to plan a ceremony of dignity, a celebration for all the people of Greece, where I will publicly announce to the world the true state of my feelings for her. Can you do that for me?"

"It would be my honor," the man agreed feeling pride at the request.

"Thank you my friend," Xena said and then turned and strolled towards the door, certain that her companion was waiting her arrival.

The Empress found Gabrielle already in the banquet hall which was filled to capacity. The small woman smiled in reflex at the tall raven haired warrior when she entered the room and settled into her place of honour. The only one left to arrive were the guests of honour, the Queen of Egyptian and her personal escort.

A frown settled on the bard's lips. It was like the foreign monarch to be late, for in the few days that she had been in residence Gabrielle had noticed a decidedly melodramatic air about the dark woman and a pendant for making grand entrances.

She chanced a glance sideways at her companion. There was a dour look on the taller woman's face and it went with the impatient air that clung to her like a second skin. She knew of her partner's distaste for tardiness. A smile came unbidden to her lips as she remembered her first state dinner.

"Why are you smiling?" Xena asked returning her gaze.

"I am just remembering the first state dinner that I attended."

"You were late." The Conqueror could clearly remember every moment of that evening.

"Yes," the bard nodded. "You were quite angry."

"Yes," the raven haired woman nodded thinking about the way the girl had trembled standing before her. "I'm sorry, I never meant to frighten you."

"Oh I wasn't scared," the blond woman disputed the claim and the older woman looked at her through narrowed eyes.

"You were trembling!"

"Yes, but not from fear," Gabrielle confessed with a slight blush. "I was trembling because all I wanted to do was lean forward and kiss you."

"Why didn't you?" Xena wanted to know thinking how she had experienced the same notion.

"Because I wasn't certain how you would react," the girl confessed. "I think I wanted to kiss you from the very first moment we met by the lake."

The Conqueror was taken aback by the revelation yet strangely pleased to acknowledge that they had shared the same feelings from the very beginning. Yet in spite of that it had taken the courage of this woman to bring them together.

"Thank you," she said solemnly lifting the bard's hand to her lips.

"For what?"

"For having more courage than I possess," Xena said simply. "For following your heart when I was afraid to trust mine."

Gabrielle didn't know how to respond and was saved from doing so by the unexpected arrival of their guests. At that moment the doors to the banquet hall were flung open and a gauze covered escort stepped into the room preceding the tall dark woman who now ruled Egypt. Green eyes narrowed as they scanned the willowy figure which moved with elegant grace down the corridor towards the table at the front of the hall.

In spite of the brief conversation they had just shared Gabrielle couldn't help but glance at her companion wondering if the Conqueror felt any emotion at seeing the woman like this, for the Queen was undeniably beautiful.

Xena stared without emotion at the dark haired woman who was gliding up the aisle towards her. Her pale blue eyes narrowed. Cleopatra was definitely beautiful yet it was strange but she felt none of the lust or attraction that she had the first time she had seen the woman move like this towards her so many summers ago in Egypt.

She knew why and instinctively she gave the bard's hand a gentle squeeze to reassure the smaller woman and reaffirm her affectation. It amazed her that she could feel only ambivalence towards those who had once been so close, her feelings for the woman at her side superseding any emotion she had ever felt for anyone else.

Gabrielle felt a surge of relief at the tender clasp of her lover's hand and she returned it. For a brief instance the Conqueror turned to look at her and blue and green eyes met in affirmation of the love they held for each other.

Brown eyes narrowed as they looked towards the head table where the Empress of Greece sat. The Queen of Egypt took in the scene and saw the overpowering glance that passed between the two women already seated. The Conqueror had never looked at her in that way, not even during their greatest moments of passion. She felt a pang of jealousy towards the small blond woman who sat next to the Conqueror.

Her stopover in Greece had not been without purpose and in the few seconds it took for her to walk across the room to join the Conqueror at the head table, her questions had all been answered. When Xena had left Alexandria there had been some unfinished business between them. Business that she had hoped to complete with this visit but she saw now that it was already over. Anything that had once been between them was gone.

She glided to her seat, her face masking any emotion she felt, yet she was determined to try to utilize her feminine skills and see if she could stir up some contention between the two Greeks.

"I hope you are finding your accommodations comfortable," Xena said politely when the younger ruler slipped into the vacant seat to her right.

"Yes," Cleopatra nodded demurely and watched as the Conqueror idly motioned for the servants to begin delivering the food. "I think I should be a little annoyed with you."

"Ohh?" this comment clearly surprised the Empress.

"Yes, you rejected my invitation for conversation," the Egyptian smiled sweetly.

"I had more pressing matters," Xena replied casually, though her senses were on alert. She knew the Queen to be clever and cunning.

"So my emissary said," Cleopatra spoke in a voice so soft that the Conqueror had to lean towards her to hear. The Queen of Egypt took the opportunity to touch the Empress, resting her hand on the taller woman's bare arm and casually giving it an intimate massage.

The action caught Xena off guard and her immediate reaction was to pull away. It was an instinctive response that made her guest flinch and the smile on her face wavered. The Empress of Greece had never before rejected her advances.

"You used to like it when I touched you," Cleopatra said coyly in a loud enough voice that the Empress' companion would hear.

"I used to like a lot of things," Xena answered dryly. "But times change."

"Yes, they do," the Egyptian Queen agreed and then glanced past her host to look at the bard who was watching the exchange with curiosity. "Did you know Xena and I were lovers?"



Gabrielle was surprised by the open way the other woman spoke of her past relationship. Her first instinct was to react in a jealous manner but she glanced at her lover and knew the truth. Xena had a lot of former lovers and she would have to accept that fact. There was nothing she could do to change the past, and all that mattered was the present, and that was here and now, and in her heart she knew the truth. She looked at her lover before turning her attention back to the Egyptian.

"Yes, I did," the bard answered with a polite smile. "Xena told me all about it."

The Conqueror had been holding her breathe, her anger rising and threatening to explode. Now she was glad that she had waited to vent her emotion, pleased by the answer the bard had given and proud of the woman she loved. Instinctively she reached over and grasp the girl's hand, bringing it up to her lips where she laid a tender kiss upon the small knuckles. Only then did she turn to look at the other woman.

"I have always considered you a wise and gracious woman," Xena said in a cool voice that served as a warning to the other woman. "Be wise now and act like a gracious guest. Do not say anything more that you will regret. I will not tolerate any more interference towards my companion, your escorts have done enough to bring disgrace upon your household."

"I apologize to Gabrielle. I did not know where things stood with you," Cleopatra bowed her head slightly. Xena knew that was a lie but she allowed the admission to pass knowing that her companion would not want her to pursue the matter. "As for my staff I know of no interference that they may have brought to your companion."

"Then your maiden did not advise you of how she requested Queen Gabrielle to do her laundry," Xena pointedly gazed at the older woman who was standing directly behind the Queen of Egypt's chair. The escort bowed her head and Cleopatra felt a wave of humiliation flood her senses.

"Is this true Alti?" she inquired of the woman who tended to her personal needs.

"My pardon, my Queen, it was an honest mistake, I did not know who she was," the escort humbly apologized to her mistress.

"Leave me," Cleopatra ordered the older woman with a wave of her hand. "Wait for me in my chambers."

Alti bowed her head in silent shame. She could only imagine the fate that awaited her. She knew that her Queen would not be pleased by being embarrassed and therefore she would face punishment. Gabrielle felt an uncommon sympathy for the older woman and decided to intervene on her behalf.

"It was an honest mistake," the bard spoke. "No harm was done."

"It is kind of you to be sympathetic," Cleopatra replied coolly. "But the Egyptian people and I have a standard that my maiden compromised. I will consider your words when it comes time for me to decide her fate. You may go now Alti."

The servant cast the Amazon Queen a resentful look before hurrying out of the room without another word. If she was lucky the Queen would be lenient but the visit had done nothing but sour Cleopatra's mood and she feared the worst.

"Music," Xena called wanting to end the tension of the moment and immediately the musicians jumped to do her bidding.

It was late into the evening before the Egyptian delegation finally retired and two days later when they left the Palace, returning to their barges to continue on their journey to Rome. While Xena accompanied her guests to the docks that morning, Gabrielle went off too the market to deliver a scroll to Linus for her sister Lila.

"It has been a most curious visit Xena," Cleopatra said when they arrived at the pier where her boats were waiting. "You have changed."

"If we don't change we become predictable," the Conqueror replied in a bored voice.

"Yes, I suppose that is true," the other woman conceded and then gazed thoughtfully at the taller woman. "It's to bad Xena, we could have been great together. You and me side by side in front of what could have been the greatest army the world would ever have known."

"It would never have happened," the Empress of Greece said bluntly. "I don't share power with anyone."

"No, I don't suppose you do," the Egyptian Queen conceded realizing that she was no match for this woman. "Is there any message I can pass along to Caesar for you?"

"You can tell him that I am not weak," Xena said quietly. "I defeated his Army in the Mountains and am not afraid to march on Rome itself if provoked."

"I see you are still as defiant as ever," Cleopatra remarked. "That part of your character has not changed."

"Do not be deceived, there are other parts that still remain the same," the Empress continued in the same soft yet deadly voice. Though she no longer held any affection for this woman she thought it only fair to warn her. "Be careful whose bed you chose to lie in. The woman who went from a simple village girl to Empress of Greece still exists and if her Empire is threatened it won't matter what our past relationship was if you align yourself with the wrong people."

The Queen of Egypt merely bowed her head aware that the Conqueror was giving her fair warning. It was as if Xena knew everything that was going on, but that idea was impossible. She had come here in the hopes of making an alliance with the Empress before going to Rome. But it had become obvious from the first moment she had set foot on Greek soil that the Conqueror was not interested. It had been unsettling and now she knew what she had to do to affirm her own future.

"Take care Xena," the Queen bade her old friend before stepping into the long boat that would ferry her out to the barge that waited in the harbour.



"And you," the tall woman replied. "Enjoy your visit to Rome and give my regards to Marc Anthony when you see him."

Xena watched as the small vessel pulled away from shore before turning and making her way to the marketplace, intent on finding her lover. As usual the girl was sitting by the fountain regaling a small and youthful audience with tales of their exploits. She listened until the woman was finished before making her approach.

"Are the Egyptians gone?" Gabrielle asked to open the conversation when the Empress sat down on the bench beside her.

"Yes, they are gone," Xena sighed relieved that they would have the Palace to themselves again. She felt the bulge in the pouch attached to her waist. She had every intention of giving the bard the trinket she had purchased days earlier. "I was very proud of the way you behaved."

Gabrielle shrugged, embarrassed by the praise. Xena was always very liberal in her approval yet she still had not gotten used to it. She flushed and bowed her head, and heard the light chuckle from her companion who loved the way she looked when she was embarrassed. She was about to open her mouth to speak when a commotion caught her attention. She looked up to see a Centaur fighting his way through a crowd of citizens, many of whom were throwing vegetables and fruits as well as taunts at the hapless creature.

Without a word Xena released her companion and jumped to her feet, rushing across the square towards the beleaguered creature who was looking increasingly frightened by the abuse he was receiving.

"Enough," the Conqueror's steely voice carried over the crowd. There was a pause as everyone turned to watch the Empress stride up to the creature. "Anyone throwing another date at this Centaur will be throwing it at the Empire and subject to the same punishment."

The unruly crowd, immediately got the message, slinking away from the glowering stance of the Warrior. They had all heard rumours that she was changing but none had yet seen evidence of that claim and thus did not want to provoke the Conqueror's wrath. Xena watched as the people dispersed before turning her attention to the Centaur.

"Why are you here?" she demanded in a slightly less harsh voice. The Centaurs never ventured into crowded cities, aware of the hatred and mistrust the general population had for these half human, half equine creatures.

"I have business with the Conqueror," the Centaur replied and the Empress' eyes narrowed.

"What business do you have with the Conqueror?" the dark haired woman demanded as the creature looked down at the menacing woman. He could feel the fury radiate off her person.

"It is for the Conqueror's eyes only," came the serious reply.

"I am the Conqueror you ass," Xena was fast losing her patience. She felt a gentle hand upon her back and glanced at the small woman who was looking up at the creature.

"Truly, this is the Empress," Gabrielle said with a charming smile. "I am the bard Gabrielle, Queen of the Amazon's."

The man looked at the two women and then realized the truth. Kalipus had described both the Empress and Queen of the Amazon's. These two women fit those descriptions. He bowed his head solicitously.

"Please forgive my ignorance," he said. "My name is Phantes and I come with a message from Kalipus."

The Centaur held out the scroll that was clutched in the palm of his hand. Xena accepted the paper, tearing open the seal and quickly scanning the contents. The expression on her face darkened. Gabrielle could feel her partner tense.

"Xena, is everything all right?" she asked, running her hand in circles around the other woman's back.

"No," the Conqueror hissed through clenched teeth and then glanced up at the Centaur. "Tell Kalipus that I will deal with the matter and if anything changes send word."

"Yes," Phantes bowed his head. The Empress motioned to her personal guard.

"See that this Centaur is escorted safely out of the city," it was the Conqueror who was in control. "Come Gabrielle, it's time too return to the Palace."

"What is it?" the young Amazon Queen asked having to run to keep up with her companion. The Conqueror stopped abruptly and turned to the smaller woman.

"You wished too attend your sisters wedding?" the question was brisk and in a tone the Empress rarely used with her companion.

"Yes," Gabrielle stammered coming to a halt.

"All right," the Conqueror nodded her mind working furiously. "The Egyptians are gone, so we can leave as soon as I settle matters with Archius. We will be travelling with a small contingent of Palace Guards."

"How long will we be gone?" Gabrielle wanted to know. Suddenly everything was happening so fast.

"I don't know," the Empress was honest, her attitude softening as she realized that the bard was not to blame for this new situation. She reached out and grasped the smaller woman's shoulders. "A situation has developed that needs my attention."

"Have our borders been attacked?"

"No."



"Does it involve something dangerous?"

"I hope not," the Conqueror sighed and then appealed to the woman's generous nature. "Trust me Gabrielle."

"Okay," the bard nodded, though she was slightly hurt by the fact that her lover would not confide the truth to her.

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

Cleopatra stood at the stern of her vessel and watched as the Greek coast line slowly faded in the distance. She could not shake the feeling of sadness that filled her being. She had hoped to re-acquaint herself with the Empress yet knew that it was to late. The Conqueror had found someone else to fill the role that she had so desired.

"It was fated not to be," a low voice spoke from behind her and a tall dark haired man dressed in the robes of a Roman nobleman stepped up to stand next to her. Cleopatra glanced sideways at Marc Anthony who turned his head slightly so that he could see her face. She was a beautiful and exotic woman.

"How do you know what is fated?" the Queen of the Nile asked in a silky voice.

"Because, like Caesar, I know my destiny," the man said arrogantly, turning his gaze back out to the sea. "I am fated to take my place in history," there was a slight pause as the man turned and looked at her again. "And you can be apart of that history by standing at my side."

Cleopatra was silent as she studied the nobleman. She had known him only slightly less longer than she had known Caesar and in spite of all the rumours that circulated in the Known World, they were not yet lovers, though Marc Anthony had tried on numerous occasions to take her to his bed. But she had saved herself for only one, Xena, Empress of Greece, and her dalliance with Julius Caesar had only been attempt to make the Conqueror jealous. However, the plan had failed. The Empress had lost interest in her and now she was no longer interested in the Emperor of Rome.

"And what is your place in history to be?" the Queen asked coyly deciding then that she would allow this man into her bed. He might be the diversion she needed until she reached Rome.

"I will one day be Emperor of the Roman Empire," the man proclaimed boldly and a pair of dark eye lashes raised in amusement.

"Are you plotting to kill Caesar?" she dared to ask and received a sly smile.

"I have no intention of killing my friend," the nobleman replied casually, turning his gaze back to the sea and the foreign land which now had become a haze on the horizon. "Others will do that favour for me. That is if Caesar doesn't kill himself first."

"I wasn't aware that Julius was suicidal," the Queen commented dryly.

"He's not, at least not in the conventional sense," Marc Anthony replied blithely. "However, his continued fascination with the Conqueror will surely end in his own demise. He is fool enough to believe that he can break the woman."

"And you do not believe that?" Cleopatra was curious about the man's ideas.

"Oh, his determination to defeat the woman is strong enough for him to do that," the nobleman responded, "but it is the hatred that he has for her that will ultimately do him in. Already the Senate in Rome is grumbling about the money that he has spent in trying to defeat the Conqueror. His popularity with the people is being eroded by his singlemindedness and egotism."

"Interesting," the Queen of Egypt murmured. This was all news to her and she wondered why her own spies in the Roman court had not apprised her of this new developing situation. She looked covertly at her companion. Perhaps it was indeed time for her to switch allegiances. She lifted her hand and held it out to the man. "Perhaps we should retire to my suite to discuss this situation at further length."

Marc Anthony's nostrils flared, aware that this was the invitation that he had been awaiting for many long summers.

"Certainly," he bowed regally and took her hand before turning and escorting them towards the stairs that would take them into the lower galley and her quarters.

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

Xena did not look at the scroll again until she was alone in the throne room, having dismissed her retainers. This was something she was not yet even ready to share with Gabrielle, though she knew the bard would understand and share her worry.

The message was brief but to the point, just like Kalipus the leader of the Centaur tribe. Her son, who had reached his thirteenth summer was missing and the Centaur's had not been able to locate the boy.

The Conqueror closed her eyes and settled unto the throne, her mind racing back to a time when she was still a girl, too young to know better and still without the bitterness that consumed her after Borias' betrayal.

Unwittingly she had become pregnant by the warlord, a man who for a time had been her mentor. She had still been young when they had taken up. It was just after her victory over Cortez, when she had naively thought that she could rule the world. He had shown her that there was still much to learn and she had eagerly accepted his tutelage, becoming his lover. But they had never been friends and the more she learned the more she realized that she didn't need him.

Unfortunately a child had resulted from the union. A child that for a brief moment had given her hope, but Borias had turned traitor, splitting their armies and making war against her. It was only after he had been killed that she realized a child had no place in her life, aware that it would be hunted by every one who sought to take revenge upon her.

There had only been one place to leave the child. One place where no one would go and in return for accepting the responsibility of raising the child she had guaranteed the Centaur's her protection. From all the reports she had received, the boy had thrived under Kalipus guidance. But now he was gone.

She turned her head and glanced around the room. There was no reason now why he could not be apart of her life. There was still danger but he was older and able now to distinguish friend from foe. Besides, she had Gabrielle, someone with whom she could share the responsibility of a child. She knew that bard would embrace the opportunity just as she embraced everything in life.

She stood up and walked to the balcony and looked out over the parade grounds to the city beyond. Perhaps this was a good thing. Everything was changing in her life, perhaps it was time to re-embrace some of her past. She heard the door to the throne room open and close. Without looking she knew who was there. There was only one person with the courage to defy her. It was almost as if she knew that the woman would come.

"Xena?" the soft, familiar voice called to her. She did not turn around waiting for the bard to join her.



She felt the comforting hand upon the small of her back. "Are you all right?"

"No," the Conqueror admitted with a sigh realizing she could trust this woman not be betray her. Gabrielle was unlike anyone else in her life. She took a deep breath and looked at the other woman. "I have a son and he is missing."

For a moment Gabrielle thought her partner was joking but the seriousness of the statement was seen in the expression on the Empress' face. She glanced out at the courtyard trying to think of what to say. This was the last thing she had expected.

"That was what the message from the Centaur was," she said slowly.

"Yes," Xena confirmed. "When Solan was born I knew that he would be in danger. His very association with me would make him a target for all my enemies, so I made a pact with Kalipus, their leader, to raise my son so that he could have a safe life. Apparently, he ran away and they have been unable to find him."

"Then we will," Gabrielle said confidentially and the Empress looked down at the smaller woman.

"It does not bother you that I have a child?" Xena asked and the girl shook her head.

"I think it's wonderful," the bard was sincere. "And I would love to meet him. How old is he?"

"He would be thirteen summers now," the Empress said with a hesitant smile.

"Almost a young man," Gabrielle commented.

"Yes," the Conqueror nodded. "I don't know what he will think of me being his mother. Telling him the truth is not a prospect that I am looking forward to."

Gabrielle almost laughed out loud. It was strange but she had never imagined her companion, the most feared Warrior in all the Known World to be afraid of anything, yet here the woman was admitting to one of her greatest worries.

"Everything will be okay," the bard assured her companion, circling her arms around the taller woman's slender waist and hugging her tightly. "We will find him and then we will bring him home and we will become one big family."

Xena hoped it would be true. She turned in her companions arms and then stared down at the woman, feeling a wave of love fill her for the woman who stood there, so willing to face everything in her life without complaint. She knew someone only did that when they were truly in love.

"Gabrielle."

"What?" the bard looked up and for a long moment green and blue eyes met.

"I want to make you a promise," the Conqueror said softly gently taking the smaller woman's hands in her own. "I want you to know that from this moment on everything I do will be with the thought of you in mind. Every accomplishment I seek in the future will be with the knowledge that you will be standing at my side. I don't ever want to lose you. I want you always to be here with me. I want to give you the promise of tomorrow and everyday beyond that."

"I will be," Gabrielle assured the woman with a deep breath. She leaned into her companion and buried her face in her chest as the large arms around her body tightened, holding her securely in their embrace. Suddenly tomorrow never seemed so bright.

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

Ares paced impatiently around his temple. He did not enjoy waiting on anyone, especially those who were inferior to him. The sound of the door to his temple being opened made him pause and turn towards the intruders. They were like night and day in appearance, one tall and blonde with wild blue eyes and the other short and dark with doe like eyes.

"I found her," Discord said with an overly sweet voice. It had taken all her Godly powers to convince this mortal woman to accompany her to the Temple of Ares.

"Good, good, good," Ares chapped his hands in glee and bounded down the steps that lead to his throne and towards the stranger. He came to an abrupt halt as the tip of a sword was pressed up into the skin beneath his chin. The woman had moved with lightening speed, withdrawing the weapon from the strap on her back to protect herself.

"Don't come any closer," the blonde warrior warned with a sneer and Ares laughed before arrogantly slapping the sword away.



"Oh you are sweet," he chuckled with glee turning his attention briefly to the demi-god who was viewing the whole scene with little amusement. She had wanted the God of War to herself but it seemed he was attracted to another mortal warrior.

"Discord, I would like to introduce you to Callisto," Ares said promptly making the introductions.

"Charmed," Discord said with false sweetness. "So why do you want her?"

"Because she will help me win Xena back," the God of War said waving his hands in the air.

"Never," the blonde warrior hissed and swung her sword at the God but he easily caught it with his left hand. He shook a finger at her with a smile on his face.

"No, no, no," he chided softly. "You can save your anger for the Conqueror, me, you will not harm."

"I don't understand," Discord interrupted.

"No, you don't," Ares said turning on his heel and bounding back up the step to plop on his throne. He turned to Callisto and smiled. "Our mortal friend here despises the Conqueror because she overran her village and destroyed everything and everyone in it, except for you and two others am I right? The Empress killed your family didn't she Callisto. She killed your mother and father and sister at Cirra."

"Yes and for that I will kill her."

"You could try," the God of War smile grew wider. "You have tried but up until now without success. That could change however, if we join forces."

"Why would I join forces with you?" Callisto asked with a sneer. "You love the Conqueror, she is your Chosen, everyone knows that."

"Yes," the God nodded not denying the truth. "However, I could offer you something that you don't have now."

"What could you offer me?"

"Ambrosia," Ares replied, the simple word making the dark haired woman's eyes bulge in distress. It was unheard of for a God to offer a mortal the opportunity of immortality. She was about to protest but changed her mind, aware that Ares probably had another plan up his sleeve.

Callisto was silent for a moment. Her main desire was to kill Xena, Empress of Greece, but the chance to become immortal was enticing. As a God she could torment the Conqueror for eternity. It was definitely an idea to consider.

"What's your plan?" she asked guardedly not certain she could trust the God.

"Simple," Ares was elated believing he had gained another mortal to his fold. "I want you to continue to pose as a Amazon warrior, remain close to the Empress and the irritating blonde who has gained her affectation. Discord is going to pose as an old woman and give the bard poisoned apples and it will be your job to ensure that the bard eats them. Then you must ensure that they seek treatment of a healer in Amphipolis."

"And how am I supposed to do that?" the blonde warrior sneered.

"You're an intelligent girl, you'll think of something," the God of War replied waving his arm airily. "Unless you don't think you are up to the challenge, in which case I could find someone else."

Callisto snarled, not convinced that she wasn't being used for a greater plan. "That's all I have to do for the ambrosia?"

"Simple as that," Ares shrugged. "With the Queen of the Amazon's gone Xena will go back to her Warrior persona and you will get your ambrosia. As a God you can torment the Conqueror all you want as long as you don't kill her. I shall enjoy Xena facing such a competent adversary as yourself."

Callisto nodded. "Okay. The Amazon's have been given word that the Conqueror and her consort are to be embarking on a journey in the next day."

"Yes, they are going to visit Gabrielle's family," Ares waved his hand in dismissal. "Her sister is marrying some merchant. You will accompany them."

Callisto nodded and then without another word turned and strolled out of the temple not bothering to look back. Discord's narrowed eyes followed the woman until she was gone and then turned back to the God of War.

"Are you crazy?" she asked uncaring who she was facing. "Zeus will have your head if you give ambrosia to a mortal."

"I have no intention of giving ambrosia to any mortal," Ares snorted contemptuously and Discord smiled.

"So then what is the real plan?" the demi-god asked.

"That is for me to know," the God of War smiled evilly. "Until then you will do as I say."

He laughed and the evil sound echoed in the cavernous temple, sending chills up the spines of the local priests who were tending the gardens outside. They knew that there master was in residence and that he was working his magic.

The End

Or is it...? Stay tuned for Family the next installment of the adventures of the Conqueror and her Bard.