Chapter 2 - Truth be Told

The gruff archeologist slightly jumped in her seat when the healer removed the stitching from her right hand. She was amazed that her hand had healed within two weeks so easily. Once Eilis had the threads out, she flexed her hand into a nice fist and felt satisfied at the lack of pain.

"Hold on," persisted the healer. She stood up and turned to the shelving to her right. She scanned through the jars until she found the one she wanted. A she sat down again, she placed the jar on the table between her and the blond stranger. "I'll put some light salve on it. You won't need the bandage anymore."

Janice only nodded. She watched the old Amazon gently rub the white balm into her skin. Finally it was done and she asked, "Am I free?"

Eilis slowly smiled at the impatient woman. "Yes, but I still want you to stop in a few days from now. I want to make sure everything is healing up just fine."

The archeologist let out a dramatic sigh.

"After that check up, if you're fine, then I won't hassle you anymore," bantered the healer.

Janice's eyes lightened and she smiled. "Thanks." She quickly stood up, grabbed her fedora off the corner of the table, and strolled out of the healer's hut. When she stepped out, she found Ephiny waiting for her below. "Miss me?"

Ephiny smirked. "Endlessly, Jan."

The archeologist sighed again as she loudly came down the wood steps. She really hated Ephiny's nickname for her. In recent days the Amazon had come up with the nickname, Jan, which just set Janice off every time without failure. She figured though that it was only fair so Janice vigorously worked up new ways to aggravate Ephiny. Yet it wasn't so much fun when Ephiny quickly caught up. Now it was becoming a game between the pair.

"We need to go to the queen's office hut."

Janice perked up at this news. She adjusted her hat some on her head. She was relieved to get it a few days after she woke up. She also received her jacket back but didn't wear it as it was too hot. "So what's up, Eph?"

The Amazon shifted closer and quietly replied, "I believe the queen wishes to string you up by your boot laces."

The archeologist gave a dower look. "Funny."

"I'm not sure," confessed the Amazon. "We should go… the queen doesn't like dawdlers."

Janice rolled her eyes. "Let's not linger then." She started off on the journey across the village.

Ephiny grunted and strolled along side her charge. She noted the quietness of Janice, which was unusual as she was anything like that. She could tell there was something on the archeologist's mind by the way Janice's brow was tightly creased, her eyes unfocused, and lips sealed firmly. "Dinar for your thoughts?"

Janice blinked out of her reverie and realized what Ephiny had asked. "I just…" She shook her head then fell silent.

The Amazon twisted with concern for the first time. She stopped and grabbed the smaller woman's shoulder. "What?"

The archeologist turned to the Amazon; her expression written with surprise about Ephiny's concern. "I'm just starting… starting to think I won't make it home."

Ephiny picked out the quiver in the usually stoic woman's voice. She was amazed. "Listen don't give up on getting home, Janice. Really." She stepped closer, grabbed the woman's shoulders, and dipped her head to lock her gaze on soft green eyes. "The only reason the queen has kept you here is because she wants to make sure you're well. I think she wants to discuss with you what your plans are now that you're well."

The archeologist shook her head then lowered it so that her brim hid her face. "The only way home is with that scepter." She finally lifted her head to meet Ephiny. "Not only do I have to get through Alti but the Conqueror too."

Ephiny sighed because she knew how the odds looked. "If it was me," she confessed, "I would go for it. What is here to stop you?"

Janice tilted her head to one side. "Very true."

"Come on." The Amazon released her charge and guided her through the village.

Finally they arrived at the queen's office hut and Ephiny rapped on the door. When they were called in, she let Janice in first then she followed suit. Queen Cyane signaled the chairs in front of her desk and asked them to sit.

"I have heard from Eilis that you're almost healed," stated the queen first.

Janice nodded.

"And I've heard you've done much research about the Amazon Nation and our history," added the queen.

"I have… its rather fascinating." Janice folded her hands in her lap. "I've found a higher appreciation for the Amazons."

"I am glad to hear this." Queen Cyane now leaned back in her chair to get comfortable. "Have you put any thought into your plans now?"

The archeologist remained silent for a second or two then finally said, "I need to go home." Her eyes were down to her lap but she looked up now. "I don't belong here."

Cyane read the determination in the stranger. She knew there was no way she could stop Janice nor would she try. "And do you have a plan?"

Janice licked her lips. "I just plan to storm the castle with guns blazing." Well make that gun blazing, mentally corrected Janice, if she could get her gun back.

Ephiny inwardly sighed at the smartass remark.

"Well that sounds like a… stupid plan," stated the queen.

"Thank you," murmured Ephiny.

The archeologist sharply looked at Ephiny and reacted by smacking her just as fast.

The Amazon ignored Janice though and turned to the queen. "Perhaps what Janice requires are a few sword lessons before she does any… storming."

Queen Cyane eyed her Amazon then she leaned forward against her desk. "Do you plan to teacher her, Ephiny?"

Ephiny just could not understand how she kept getting into this position with Janice.

"Yeah, Eph… how about it?"

Ephiny's amber eyes dimmed at the small woman. Then an idea occurred to her and she quickly looked back to the queen. "If I can have Master Eponin's help."

"As long as she agrees," conceded the queen. "Otherwise you can train your charge alone."

"What if this charge doesn't want to be trained?" interjected the stranger.

"And what godsbedamned weapon have you mastered, Plato?"

Janice bared her teeth at Ephiny. "Give me my goddamn gun and I'll show you… personally."

"Is that a threat?" retaliated the Amazon, who was leaning over her seat towards Janice.

"That's a goddamn promise, featherhead," spat the tempered archeologist.

"Enough!" growled the queen. She sighed because she seriously felt like a parent separating kids.

Ephiny held her ground against the brass archeologist but she snorted and turned away.

Janice adjusted her hat in a typical habit. She grunted at her keeper's loose tongue but she focused back on the queen.

"You said a… gun?" inquired the queen.

The archeologist instantly cussed every dirty word known to past and present. She slumped in her chair. "Yes, my gun."

"What is a gun?" Cyane was nervous about this but she had an idea of what Janice was referring to earlier. "Was it the metal thing we found on you?"

Janice tried to control her apprehension because she needed to be careful here. "Yes, that thing is a gun… or a revolver." She hesitated but quietly added, "It's a weapon."

"It doesn't seem like much," chided Ephiny. "What you do with it? Shove it up your-"

"Ephiny," interjected the queen, "I've really had enough." She was amazed by her Amazon's constant hostility towards Janice. She would have thought after half a moon's cycle that the pair would have gotten along. "Janice, what does this gun do?"

The archeologist had her hands laced together in her lap now; her own grip was strong. "Well… the best way I can explain it is that acts like a bow and arrow or… a blow dart." She held her breath while her mind worked it out. "I put these… projectiles in it called bullets. When I pull the trigger, it shoots off the bullet to wherever I aimed."

The queen was extremely interested now. "These… bullets can't be very big."

The stranger held up her right hand and demonstrated the height with her thumb and index finger. "They're about that large but the damage can be… fatal."

"Can you really kill somebody with it?"

Janice turned her head to Ephiny and whispered, "Easily."

The Amazon held her tongue, her gaze returning to the musing queen.

Cyane wasn't concerned about the weapon right now since it was safely tucked away. She was more concerned with Janice possessing it, especially when Janice first arrived but now she debated.

Ephiny could tell an internal battle was going on within the queen. She had her inclinations on what it was so she spoke up. "I believe Janice will be safe with it, my queen."

The queen was shocked by her Amazon's words. She didn't expect Ephiny to speak on Janice's behalf when they'd been clearly arguing earlier. "Do you trust her, Ephiny?"

Janice held her breath.

Ephiny considered Janice for a few heartbeats then stated to the queen. "Completely."

Cyane truly honored Ephiny's opinions and she nodded while sitting back in her chair. "Very well, Ephiny. You know where it is located… see that you return it to her." After a deep breath, she stated, "Now that the gun is settled, what are your plans, Janice?"

The stranger grabbed her hat and pulled it off her head. She settled it into her lap. "I do need to return to my time… I can't be here. I know the only way I can do that is to get that scepter." She stopped while chewing on the side of her mouth for a moment. "My gun only has so many bullets so it can only help me for so long. Ephiny is right… I need to learn a weapon."

"I believe that is a wise choice," agreed the queen. "By then, perhaps you'll have worked out a solid plan."

The archeologist bowed her head in agreement. "Hopefully."

"Is there anything else, my queen?"

Cyane ran things through her head then shook her head at Ephiny. "I believe that is it… for now." Her next words were directed at Janice. "I will know how your progress goes. When you are ready then find me."

Janice leaned forward some and she picked up her hat to let it rest on her right knee now. "I take it then you believe I am from the future?"

"I believe you're not from here, yes." The Amazon Queen laced her hands on the edge of her desk. "Let that be from the future or some other… reality but I am not too concerned."

"What of Aliti?"

Cyane hardened at the name.

"Aren't you even worried about why she was in your borders?" challenged Janice.

Ephiny tensed at this line of questioning.

Finally the queen spoke her thoughts about the topic. "As long as Alti hasn't harmed my Nation then I am only leery. I believe she is more concerned with your movements than the Amazon Nation's."

"Perhaps," murmured Janice but she thought otherwise.

"I believe that is everything," stated the queen, who had grown aggravated by Janice's latter attitude. "See that you continue to help her, Ephiny."

"Of course, my queen." Ephiny bowed her head then she stood up after the queen's consent. She signaled for her charge to get up too and take leave.

The archeologist was grounding her teeth but doing everything to stay quiet. She got out of the hut first and didn't wait for Ephiny as she trudged off.

"Janice!" called the Amazon however she received no response. Ephiny said goodbye to the queen then hurried after the stranger.

Janice threw on her hat then came to an abrupt stop by a hand on her shoulder.

"I said stop," hotly ordered the Amazon.

The archeologist turned sharply on the Amazon. "And you need to fuckin' back off." She jerked her shoulder free and walked off.

Ephiny's anger went up another step. She rushed ahead and stepped in front of the angry archeologist. "I don't think so." She pointed her finger at the small woman. "I just backed your smartass up in there to get that gun of yours back. Do not make me regret helping you because I have no problem getting you exiled from the Nation." She stepped closer and brought her face into Janice's. "Then you can go gun blazing into the Conqueror's, alone, and kill yourself."

Janice dropped her head and stared at the ground and her boots. She closed her eyes so that she could separate from Ephiny for a second and calm her overactive temper. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

The Amazon had her hands on her hips but at Janice's apology she relaxed and straightened up again. "That's a start."

Janice detected the lightheartedness of Ephiny's tone now. She dropped her head back again so she could see Ephiny. "I just… I don't understand how she can just ignore Alti like that."

"She's not," argued Ephiny, "but she knows there's not much she can do."

"What?" The archeologist was in disbelief. "Some wild shaman comes into her Nation and she's going to fucking ignore it!"

Ephiny suddenly realized nearby Amazons stopped after Janice's explosion. She quickly grabbed Janice's closest wrist and hauled her away into a quiet spot about a thousand paces away from all the activity. "Listen to me really good, Janice and shut up for once." She pointed her finger again at the small woman. "Queen Cyane is very much a goddess to these Amazons… including me. The only reason this Nation is here is because of her persistence and intelligence to keep us together and away from harm." She lowered her hand to her side. "Sometimes reacting to every incident isn't the best."

"Then maybe she should act instead," grounded out Janice.

Ephiny licked her dry lips then softly said, "You can't understand, Janice what she's been through… the Amazons. There is more to this than good versus evil."

"What else could there be?" challenged the archeologist.

"Lives… lots of them." Ephiny remained quiet now to let her charge absorb her last words.

Janice gave into Ephiny's reasoning because it was true. World War II was certainly a testament to all the lives being lost needlessly to one man's twisted visions.

Ephiny sensed the shift in the small woman, which calmed her even more. She softly offered, "Let's go get your gun."

The archeologist mutely agreed and trailed along side the Amazon back into the village and towards the sparring fields.

The pair made it near the sparring fields but Ephiny took Janice into a hut on the edge of the fields where they were greeted by the weapons master.

Eponin stood up from her desk and smiled at her friend. "What brings you here?"

Ephiny rested her hands on her hips while saying, "The queen has authorized Janice to have her gun back."

"Gun?"

Janice had a faint smirk. "That metal thing."

It dawned on Eponin. "The queen authorized it?" She had to double-check even though she trusted Ephiny fully.

"Yes, its fine, Eponin."

The weapons master nodded then said, "Follow me." As they followed her, she heard Ephiny talking behind her about something else.

"Janice also needs a weapon to begin practice with."

Eponin's eyebrow furrowed at this news. "Who is to teach her?"

"You," quickly answered Janice.

Ephiny groaned but explained, "I am actually but I'd like your help… so would Janice."

The archeologist directed a grin at the weapons master. "I definitely would."

Eponin grunted at the pair. "I will help as much as I can." She approached a hut and pushed the door open for them.

Once Janice entered, she was amazed by all the weaponry and armor all over the place. She'd never seen such an armory like this.

"Wait here," ordered Eponin, who vanished into a side room.

"You keep a lot of stock," noted Janice aloud.

Ephiny grinned at the remark. "You can never be too prepared."

"I'll say." Janice approached a freestanding unit of staffs. She trailed her fingertips along each one of them. She'd read in one of the few Xena Scrolls that her ancestor used such a weapon. She knew it was more of a defensive weapon but it could be quite dangerous too.

"You like the quarterstaff?" Ephiny came to Janice's side, her eyes questioning.

Janice pulled her hand away then slowly shook her head. "My ancestor, Gabrielle, she favored… favors the staff."

The Amazon folded her arms over her chest. "Not the Gabrielle I saw… she only had her words."

The archeologist chuckled then her twinkling eyes lifted to Ephiny from under the brim. "That's a weapon too."

"I'm noticing," chided the Amazon.

Eponin appeared with the gun in her right hand then a small leather pouch and gun holster in her left. "Here is the… gun." She held out the weapon.

Janice felt a charge surge through her right hand as her fingers curled around the handle. When the steel weapon was in her possession again, she felt relieved. "What's this?" She pointed at the leather satchel.

The weapons master opened the pouch and retrieved one of the contents. "These metal things too."

Janice grinned and plucked the bullet from the Amazon's fingers. "Great. I was wondering where the extra bullets went from my jacket." She first took the holster from Eponin and efficiently hooked it back around her waist again.

Ephiny leaned back some, her arms still on her chest, and her attention fully on the stranger.

Janice next took the pouch and poured the handful of bullets into her hand. She shoved them into her left pocket then handed the pouch back. Finally with great enjoyment, Janice flipped open the chamber like a missed habit. She picked a few bullets from her pocket and carefully inserted them one by one into the chamber.

The weapons master was intently watching and wondering what such a small weapon could do. She figured it couldn't be anymore dangerous than a dagger but then again daggers could be fatal if used properly.

Ephiny slightly jumped when the archeologist slammed the chamber shut and gave it a rough spin.

Janice smirked up at Ephiny. "Want me to keep my promise, Eph?" Her gun held up next to the side of her face, her eyes wild.

Eponin didn't like this, her right hand lifting some.

Ephiny waved her off but she leaned into Janice then pressed the side of the barrel against Janice's head. "When you learn a real weapon then yes."

Janice hummed at that, her grin larger than earlier. She lowered the revolver and rammed it into her holster. "It's easy being scared, Eph."

"Well then you better start learning, Jan," chide the Amazon.

Janice's narrowed her eyes at Ephiny but she finally laughed. "You're on." She held out her arm for the challenge.

Ephiny quickly clasped her arm and shook, her eyes bright with excitement and promise.

Eponin was confused but she rolled her eyes at the two. She headed back to the same room again but called out, "Ephiny, help her figure out a weapon."

The Amazon and archeologist broke arms then Ephiny directed her charge through the armory to help her select a weapon.

"How about the sword?" Janice stopped in front of a rack of swords.

"How about that quarterstaff?" taunted Ephiny.

The archeologist pretended to be deaf in that moment as she touched a sword in front of her. The shiniest of the weapon captured her full attention. "A sword."

The Amazon sighed but she freed the one that Janice was so inclined to have in her hands. She stepped back a few paces then gave a demonstration of the weapon.

Janice was dazed while watching the beautiful dance before her. She released her breath when Ephiny finished. "The sword… definitely."

The Amazon chuckled then with a flick of her wrist she spun the sword and held it out to Janice. Her eyes shifted to the weapons master behind Janice and saw the approval nod.

Ephiny quickly retracted the sword, flipped it, and held out the handle to Janice.

The archeologist wrapped her fingers around the solid hilt then lifted it from Ephiny's hands. She was amazed by the weight compared to her meager revolver. She held the sword before her eyes and memorized every detail of the blade until it finally reflected her own image.

Ephiny dropped her head some to the right. She was interested in the stranger's enchantment by the sword. To her, it was merely cold metal and a sharp edge but to Janice it was what much of history was ridden on.

"Janice?" Eponin's voice broke the spell.

The archeologist lowered the weapon to her side and faced the Amazon behind her.

"I believe these are yours too." Eponin held out her right hand.

"Holy shit," exclaimed the excited woman. She grabbed up the six cigars from Eponin along with the lighter. Now life was getting a little bit back on track, concluded Janice.

"What are those?" inquired Ephiny, who stepped up to her charge.

"Cigars," explained Janice, "You smoke them."

The Amazon had her mouth open but she didn't know what to say. She shook her head with her curly locks moving in motion. "Whatever you say, Jan."

The archeologist smirked at her keeper and held up a cigar in solute. "Life looks clearer in smoke." She laughed then tucked her prized property away in her back pocket. "So, when do we start sword lessons?" She tried to mimic Ephiny's wrist swing of the sword but nearly sliced herself while doing it.

Eponin groaned loudly from behind the archeologist.

Ephiny bent forward laughing.

The following days suddenly became very long for the archeologist as she spent the better part of each day with Ephiny and sometimes Eponin. She was being well trained by the two Amazons and on rare occasions Solari would show up to test Janice.

Ephiny found herself rather surprised by Janice's fast progress with the sword. She also became highly amused when the gruff archeologist figured out that her clothing attire was not suitable at all for weapons training. The first day of training broke Janice into an extra healthy sweat and demonstrated just how out of shape she was. That day, Ephiny was relentless about her teasing especially since Janice wasn't so fast on the uptake from being exhausted.

By the second day, in the early morning Janice gave in and returned to the armory with Ephiny at her side. She was hotly grumbling under her breath all the way to the armory hut.

Ephiny loved it, the biggest grin chiseled across her face. She smacked Janice's backside roughly when Janice entered the armory hut.

The archeologist pointed a finger at the Amazon in warning. "Don't even start." She stomped into the hut.

Ephiny strolled in then directed her charge into a side room. "These are all our Amazon leathers."

Janice stood in the center of the room, her hands on her hips, and she stared at the table of endless leathers. "So do any of these have… pants?"

Ephiny couldn't help it, she started to laugh and tried to cover her mouth but it failed to stop her laughter.

Janice growled at her keeper then she stepped up to the table. She started sifting through them and not finding a thing she liked. This just wasn't what she expected at all yet she needed something suitable for all this training.

The Amazon settled down after awhile and she stepped up beside Janice. "How about these?" She held up a very short skirt that she already knew would be rejected.

"I don't think so, Eph." Janice walked away and started around the large table.

Ephiny dropped the leathers onto the stack. She tried to be serious now and hunted through the leathers. "You probably want something plain, huh?"

"What you trying to say?" The archeologist paused, her dangerous glint in her eyes.

The Amazon bit her lower lip and never replied back. She finally came upon something promising and picked up the matching set. "How about this?"

Janice lifted her head and took in the set of leathers.

The skirt wasn't long nor too short but it was a dark brown with little leather tassels along the belt. Then the top, to Janice, was simply a fancy leather bra that also had matching leather tassels on the bottom. The straps were braided leather and the cups of the top had fine but noticeable stitching.

"Well that's not very revealing," snort Janice.

Ephiny's shoulders slumped. "You're not going to find anything in here that isn't."

"I'm starting to figure this out," complained Janice. She came around the table and took the articles from Ephiny.

The Amazon could tell Janice was uneasy about this so she tried to make light of it. "You don't have anything we haven't seen."

The stranger glowered up at her keeper.

"Plus your stomach is pretty well healed from the burns," reminded Ephiny. She shrugged and pointed at the sheathed sword in Janice's left hand. "Plus we can get that sword out of your hand so you don't have to carry it." She gently touched Janice with her freehand. "Just try it."

The archeologist gave in with a curse. "What the hell." She handed Ephiny her sword then she took the leathers.

"There's a changing room over there." Ephiny pointed. She watched as Janice disappeared into it, which gave her some time to search out a better sheath for the Amazon sword. By the time she returned to the leathers room, Janice was padding out in bare feet and in a new outfit. Ephiny tensed up as she absorbed the new look.

Janice held out her arms, her head down, and looking her body over. She lifted her head while shaking it. "There's no way in hell."

"Wait, wait." Ephiny tossed the sword with new sheath onto the stack of leathers. She came over then pretended to fuss over the outfit, straightening things out. "You're just missing something… wait." Ephiny turned on her heels and went to the small table nearby where there was an assortment of jewelry.

Janice studied the beautiful piece that Ephiny selected when she came back. At first she was confused with what the silver bracelet was but she understood quickly when Ephiny slipped it through her right hand and up her arm.

Janice slightly cringed against the chill of the metal. She considered the linked, silver feathers that made an arm bracelet.

"You need some new boots too." The Amazon hurried off to a corner of the room.

"I can't keep my damn gun with me with this outfit," complained the stranger.

Ephiny was bent over, her hand grazing over the tops of boots, and she came to a stop at Janice's words. She grinned before snatching up a pair of the perfect boots. She came back over and ordered, "Put them on."

The grumbling archeologist shoved her bare feet into them, bent over, and laced them up. "What are these… side laces for?"

The Amazon smirked. "Your gun."

Janice paused in between lacing the boots. "Really?" She finished her task and straightened up. "Let me try." She wondered back into the changing room where she left her gun in its holster. If she could make a few modifications with her holster then this might work. She easily pulled the holster free from the belt then bent down and first she removed her revolver. Next she toyed with lacing the holster to the right side of her boot through the straps of the holster. She finally had it tied snuggly to her right leg then she finally inserted the gun and hooked it into place. "Not bad," she muttered.

Ephiny slowly grinned as Janice exited the changing room. She was by the doorway and holding the sword in its new sheath. "Here." She lifted the sword up as the strap fell loose.

Janice ducked her head when the strap came over her, across her chest, and the new weight was on her back.

The Amazon quickly peddled backwards and took in the finished look.

The archeologist rested her hands on her hips, waiting judgment. "I look stupid don't I?"

Ephiny bit her lip but she couldn't help it. "Not anymore, Jan."

Janice growled, her features went dark.

"Just untie your hair though." Ephiny waved at her to do it.

The strange let out a huge sigh but she did it anyway. She put the black hair tie on her right wrist then quickly arranged her hair to feel comfortable.

The Amazon's head was bobbing. "Ooo yeah."

"What?" snapped Janice.

"You're lookin' good."

The archeologist rolled her eyes then went into the changing room.

Ephiny's excited expression dropped as she hurried to the changing room. "You're not-"

"No," snapped the archeologist. "I'm too hot in my goddamn pants and shirt. I'm stuck lookin' stupid in these… leathers."

The Amazon jumped aside when the small woman charged out. "Hey." She caught Janice by the wrist. "You look great, I'm not teasing."

Janice hesitated and her temper deflated. "Thanks… thanks for the help."

Ephiny now smiled some but it grew when Janice couldn't contain her smile. "Alright, let's take your stuff back to your hut then we'll start training again."

True to Ephiny's word, the pair returned to the sparring fields and continued training for the day. Janice was amazed at the difference she felt just by changing outfits. She wasn't as hot and she didn't feel as slow. It seemed to make all the difference in the world and even Ephiny noticed it too.

The weapons master arrived a couple of candlemarks later and stood on the edge of the field. She carefully watched her friend train the stranger. She knew they were starting with defensive training as Ephiny already went over the proper stances and mechanics yesterday.

Eponin turned her head to Solari, who quietly appeared.

"Is that Ephiny training Janice?" Solari was amazed.

"Yup."

Solari crossed her arms over her chest. "Is Janice wearing Amazon leathers?"

"Yup."

"Does the queen know?"

"Yup."

"You don't like this, do you?"

Eponin grunted at Solari. "Nope." She walked off towards Ephiny and Janice.

Solari brushed back a loose strand of brown hair. "Great."

The proceeding days saw Janice in a lot of rigorous, nonstop training. Janice calculated it'd been three weeks since she's shown up in the Amazon Nation. She was well healed, well fed, and almost trained with a sword. She was feeling more confident each day to take on the challenge of returning home. Ephiny could tell though that Janice was struggling with some plan to how to accomplish this. Even Ephiny knew it wouldn't be so easy or simple and very dangerous. She'd never met Alti or the Conqueror but had certainly seen them from a distance and her skin crawled every time.

It was the twenty-second day and almost the full eighth day of sword training. Janice was on the sparring field engaging Eponin quite well.

The weapons master spotted Ephiny not far from the sidelines. She jumped back as Janice's sword connected against hers. "Stop."

Janice withdrew and lowered her sword.

Ephiny quickly hurried up to the pair, her eyes centered on Janice though. "I believe you're ready."

The archeologist opened her mouth to ask about what but hesitated.

Eponin left the pair.

Ephiny unsheathed her sword and faced her opponent. "To keep your promise."

Janice now understood the implications so she spun her sword very gracefully compared her first time ever trying. "Just tell me when you give up, featherhead."

The Amazon laughed and pointed the tip of her sword at Janice. "Only after you surrender… Janny."

That did it for the archeologist; she went blazing in with her sword and blindly swiping at Ephiny.

Ephiny easily pared each uncalculated attack. When she found her opening, she attacked Janice quickly.

The archeologist was caught off guard so she ended up stumbling back. She shook off her earlier temper knowing it just made up for her misjudgments. She hastily reformulated a plan in her head while she busied Ephiny.

The Amazon jumped back when the sword tip almost hit her stomach. Her wild amber eyes met Janice.

Janice smirked at having almost caught Ephiny. "I'm not that easy, Eph."

"We'll see," challenged the Amazon. She gave a battlecry and took a swipe at Janice's feet.

The archeologist lowered her sword, her blade connected with Ephinys, and she tried something new by kicking at Ephiny.

The Amazon hadn't expected and the boot smashed into her chest. She went stumbling back and coughing to get the air back in her lungs. "Hera's tits."

"What's the matter, Ephy? You can't keep up?" Janice laughed evilly then signaled for Ephiny to attack her.

The Amazon took the invite with an upward thrust of her sword at her opponent. She brought her sword and body tightly against Janice, her face in Janice's. "Not bad, Jan. You're improving afterall."

The archeologist had a coy smile. "I've learned faster than you did."

Ephiny laughed then suddenly withdrew her sword and spun around Janice.

The archeologist hadn't expected this but she her senses told her what was coming. She hunched down just as the blade came over her head. She quickly rolled away and bounced up onto her feet with her sword up. "I'll have to remember that move."

"Do that." Ephiny was smirking and waving the tip of her sword at Janice. "Come on."

Janice inhaled deeply then charged her opponent. She listened to her body's movement and her newly trained eye understood Ephiny's ever movement by how her muscles flexed and relaxed. She was able to anticipate every move that Ephiny tried and failed.

The battling pair fell into a hypnotic dance of fighting. Their swords clanged rhythmically and their breathing was matched. Ephiny was quite pleased with Janice's accomplishments. She knew Janice wasn't a master with the sword but she certainly could hold her own now. It would only take outside forces and experience to hone Janice's skills, which hopefully wouldn't kill her first.

Janice gave out a cry suddenly, which broke the spell between her and Ephiny. She gave an abrupt kick that landed on Ephiny's sword hand. She'd seen this move a few days ago but didn't think she'd execute it right.

Ephiny yelped from the pain and her eyes watched as her sword went flying up, over, and smashed into the dirt a hundred paces away. Her astonished face turned back to Janice but she tensed up when the sword tip was at her neck.

Janice was smug, her eyes burning, and her breathing heavy. "Now do you yield?"

The Amazon slowly smiled. "Yes." She relaxed when Janice pulled the blade away. "Where did you learn that move?"

The archeologist shrugged while sheathing her weapon behind her back. "I saw an Amazon do it the other day. I didn't think it'd work."

"Well it did." Ephiny went to her sword and collected it. She easily sheathed it then faced her charge. "I think that's enough for today."

Janice was glad to hear those words. "Great. I'm starved too." She gazed over at the low western sun.

Ephiny nodded. "Dinner won't be long." She swept her curly locks from her face when Janice approached her.

"Is it possible for me to talk to the queen tomorrow?"

The Amazon suddenly went serious at this request. "About what?"

"I want to talk to her about that scepter and how I can get to it." Janice shifted on her feet some. "I want to see if the Nation will help."

Ephiny swallowed down the forming worry in her throat. "I'll ask her… see if she'll meet with you."

"Thanks, Eph." Janice patted the Amazon's moist, bare stomach then headed off.

The Amazon rotated as her charge headed off. She sighed while muttering, "No problem." She shrugged off her sour mood and hurried over to Janice, Eponin, and Solari.

"Nice job, Janice," honored Solari.

"Thanks." Janice had a winning grin. "I'm not Hercules but I think I got it."

"Hercules?" repeated the befuddled Solari.

Ephiny too was confused because Janice said it as if they should know who that person was.

The archeologist searched all three Amazon's faces and realized they weren't joking. How was it possible for them to not know Hercules? Even if he was myth, which was proven he wasn't, they would still know the tales about him. Janice was completely at a loss. "Hercules… the son of Zeus? He's a legendary hero."

The three Amazons exchange questioning faces then shook their heads.

Janice's jaw dropped. "He stole Hippolyta's girdle in the stories?"

Solari was shaking her head then finally said, "I've never heard of him, Janice. Nobody ever stole the magical girdle of Hippolyta."

Janice, for once, stared at the Amazons like they were Medusa.

"I take it we're suppose to know him," spoke up Ephiny.

The archeologist touched her warm forehead and tried to comprehend what could have happened. Some things were making sense in history while others were absolutely wrong. She pushed her bangs back onto her head then dropped her hand to her side again. "This doesn't make any sense."

"There are no heroes anymore, Janice," informed Solari.

"Just the Conqueror," stated Eponin in a cold tone.

"The hell there is," she spat hotly and stormed off.

Solari cringed and looked at her friends. "That's not good."

Ephiny gave a brief complaint about this happening too often. She excused herself from her friends then hurried to catch the angered archeologist. She slowed down at Janice's side then curtly stated, "You get angry too easy."

"I'm a little more than angry," chewed out the stranger.

"I've noticed." Ephiny went silent for a few heartbeats hoping it would calm Janice. She then decided to try again. "If you get angry all the time, you'll never have any good judgment."

The archeologist came to a fast stop.

Ephiny was amazed by how calm Janice suddenly seemed.

"None of this adds up, Ephiny," whispered the archeologist. "Xena was never meant to be a ruler. I don't know anything about some evil shaman named Alti. And instead I know more about Hercules than all this cockamamie bullshit." She stepped closer to the Amazon and murmured, "This is not how its suppose to be."

Ephiny was relieved that her charge was more open now. "But this is how the known-world is, Janice."

The archeologist arguments went blank in her mind. It was the first time Ephiny ever called her by her proper name, she realized. "You're right," she finally agreed quietly. Several of the pieces fell into place in Janice's mind. "You'll talk to the queen?"

"Yes," promised Ephiny. "I'll do it now then I'll meet you at the dining hut to tell you her answer."

"Alright, great." Janice smiled finally. "I think I need to talk to somebody." She moved around her keeper and started her short journey to the temple that they'd stopped in front of.

Ephiny watched her charge climb the steps but she wouldn't ask. She merely went on her search for the queen.

Janice threw open the temple door and raged down to the other end where there was a praying figure. She came to a quick stop.

"Janice, welcome." The priestess rose up and faced the small woman. "Is there something you require?"

The strange dipped her head in respect for the priestess. "I need to talk to Yakut."

Priestess Idola smiled softly. "I believe she is free. Follow me." She led Janice through a side door into a short hallway. She stopped at a door and knocked on it.

The shaman lifted her head when her counterpart and the archeologist entered. "Janice," she greeted.

"I need to talk to you."

Yakut could tell it was serious by Janice's clipped tone. She nodded to Idola.

The priestess drifted out of the office with the door closing behind her.

As soon as the door was shut, Janice came up to the desk and grabbed the edge. "You know why Alti brought me here, don't you?"

Yakut remained still and silent as she searched Janice's face. "Yes," she finally admitted. She gradually lowered her body back to the chair, her hand going out to the chairs in front of her desk. "Sit down."

Janice pulled away from the desk and walked away while saying, "I need to stand." She came around one of the chairs and grasped the backside of it. "Tell me why the hell she brought me here? And I don't want to hear any bullshit either."

The shaman could tell the stranger was figuring this out. She couldn't hold her silence any longer nor did she like it from the beginning. "You first have to understand Alti's source of power."

Janice was pacing and listening at the same time.

"Alti draws her power mostly from fear… hatred or anything evil. It is because of the Conqueror that she is so powerful now."

The archeologist stopped and faced the shaman. "So if she lost the Conqueror somehow then she'd lose power as well?"

"For the most part, yes. She also harnesses her strength greatly from the souls she's captured."

"What kind of souls?" questioned the pacing archeologist.

"Dark souls, weak ones, and powerful ones," answered the shaman. "There are only a few… what we call white souls. Those are the souls that Alti fears because they are self-sacrificing… they're from the Light."

Janice had her head dipped down, her eyes unfocused, and her thoughts quick. "What am I?" She stopped and gazed at the shaman.

Yakut leaned against her desk. "You are in the middle, Janice but a few turn of events could lead you either way."

Janice stepped up to Yakut. "There's a path, I agree but I'm still fated one way or the other."

The shaman rocked back into her chair. "You are correct." After a long pause she finally answered, "You're fated for the Light. You've only begun to touch into your self-sacrificing role." She tilted her head to the side. "This is your legacy… for generations now."

"I'm starting to figure that out," complained the gruff woman. "But why would Alti bring me here when I'm a threat?"

Yakut let out a sigh because she wasn't a hundred percent sure why. "I believe to destroy your soul completely and end your karma."

Janice straightened up and suddenly backed up until she was sitting in a chair finally. "Shit… that's serious." She pushed her bangs back but her attention returned to Yakut. "Why me? There has to be other white souls out there besides me. You said it yourself."

"Yes," slowly agree the shaman, "but none are bound to the Conqueror's like yours."

"If my soul and the Conqueror's are linked then doesn't Alti fear I could... change her?"

Yakut released a large sigh as she tried thinking out to explain this part. "It is a gamble," agree Yakut. "Alti is confident that the Conqueror will stop you. The Conqueror has already stopped Gabrielle."

"Who's also linked to the Conqueror," concluded the archeologist. "Alti gains an immeasurably amount of power from the Conqueror killing Gabrielle, didn't she?"

"She will," corrected the shaman.

"Will? I thought she was dead."

Yakut shook her head. "I doubt it but I am sure she will die in the next day or two. She may even today. Death on a cross is very painful and slow."

Janice swallowed because she knew how people truly died on crosses. It wasn't just from starvation or dehydration but a human's intestines and organs began to weigh too much. Very slowly the organs and intestines collapse to the bottom of the body and kill them. It was a painful way to die and the worst sensation to finally feel your insides give way. A shiver rippled up Janice's spine at the thought.

"When Alti receives word about Gabrielle's death, she will then order her body back from the fields. Alti will take some of her blood and then take her soul."

"I thought she feared souls from the Light?" Janice was lost again, her brow furrowed together.

Yakut slowly nodded. "Yes, when they are not in her control but if she can take them… then she'll have great power. When they are not in her control, she cannot stop them but only fight them. She uses the Conqueror to kill not only their bodies but their hearts."

Janice quietly groaned and slumped in the chair. "So why exactly would Alti want me to face the Conqueror?"

"It is her guarantee." The shaman reached up and removed her antlered headdress. She placed it on the left corner of her desk. "If she can control your karma in both the future and past then you'll never threaten her relationship with the Conqueror."

"Wouldn't she have control of my karma once Gabrielle dies?"

Yakut let out a hefty breath because of all the details of shamanism. "Yes, in theory but Alti is not that strong… yet. She is close to it."

"But if she can get the jump on my karma then she'll have ultimate control of several lifetimes?" At seeing Yakut's nod, the archeologist straightened up in the hard chair. "What about the Conqueror's karma? I mean, can't she break from Alti even if my karma is… not mine?"

Yakut shook her head then explained, "The Conqueror and Gabrielle's karmas are linked and they are a balance of one another. One cannot exist without the other… without Darkness there is no Light and-"

"Without Light there is no Darkness," concluded Janice. "So if Alti can control my karma… Gabrielle's karma then she has more power and controls the Conqueror's. Its like killing two birds with one stone."

"Essentially yes."

"We have to stop her, Yakut," announced the stranger.

The shaman's gaze faltered. "It isn't that simple, Janice." Her saddened eyes lifted again. "Alti has claimed too much power for anybody to stop her. And if the Conqueror is willing to kill her soulmate then there is nothing left."

Janice bounced up onto her feet. "There has to be something."

Yakut was now slumping in her chair. "I'm sorry, Janice."

"Well sorry isn't fucking good enough." Janice suddenly pointed off to her right with her arm stretched out. "You can't let that fucked up shaman run this world. You can't just sit here and do nothing!"

The shaman suddenly rose up and faced the stranger to this world. "You don't think I want to, Janice? I hate everyday of my gods' forsaken life because I can't do anything to stop her… either of them." She paused then sadly added, "If Gabrielle could not stop them then nobody can."

"Fuck that," spat Janice, "I'll stop them." She made her quick exit of the shaman's office as her temper was too large to remain there anymore.

Yakut remained paralyzed by the discussion, her knuckles white against her desk.

Ephiny was waiting outside the temple after just talking to the queen. She wanted to see if Janice was still here or not and she stunned when the fuming archeologist erupted through the temple doors.

Janice stalked down the steps and came right up to Ephiny. "Did you know?"

The Amazon stepped back at seeing the fiery green eyes. "Knew what?"

"Why Alti brought me here?"

Ephiny's face was constructed with confusion.

The archeologist sighed and murmured, "Yakut knew why Alti brought me here." The queen most likely knew too, concluded Janice.

"I didn't know at all, Janice." The Amazon calmed some. "The queen will see you in the morning."

"Good," growled the hot archeologist, who started off to the dining hut.

Ephiny hurried along the fast paced stranger. "There's a catch though."

Janice huffed and eyed her keeper. "What's that?"

"You're meeting the council too. I think the council wants to hear your plans."

"Just… perfect." The archeologist's shoulders dropped and she furiously pulled her fingers through her hair. "I'm thrilled."

Ephiny could tell the archeologist was truly angry and she could imagine why. Most likely Janice felt deceived by the queen but she knew too that it was never the queen's intent. Still though, Ephiny could understand Janice's view, which didn't even settle well with Ephiny. Ephiny was starting to question some things herself.



Continued.