Section 4

~*~*~*~

The Conqueror lifted her right hand after she stopped Argo. She listened to the rattling of her men's amour and weapons come to a dead silence, she lowered her hand back down to her saddle.

The two Amazons at the gates of the Amazon Nation approached the ruler.

"Conqueror, what can we help you with?"

"Queen Gabrielle asked for me." The ruler shifted a little in her saddle. "I believe she would want her weapons master back." She signalled back to a bit to an Amazon riding on a horse.

The two Amazons smiled when they saw Eponin safely seated on a warhorse.

"Go on," ordered one of the guards.

One Amazon went through the slightly opened gates and rushed off in their search to find the Queen.

Palamon moved a little uneasily in his saddle.

"How you feel?" asked the Conqueror quietly.

The general sighed before replying, "Still a little weak… and saddle sore."

Xena softly laughed to herself and with an amused look, turned her head back to the gates right when Gabrielle stepped through them.

"Welcome back, Conqueror."

The ruler smiled down at her friend. "Nice to see you again. I brought back a gift." She turned her head towards Eponin.

"Ep?"

The weapons master smiled then carefully dismounted from her horse and came up to Gabrielle to hug her.

"Glad you made it back safely," whispered the warrior-bard.

"Me too," joked the weapons master.

Ephiny and Solari were next to snake through the gates of the village. They too saw Eponin and went to greet her happily.

The warrior-bard neared the Conqueror; her head dropping back some to gaze up at the dark ruler. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." The ruler kept her back stiff in the saddle, her posture rather calm. "The men I've brought with me are for the Amazons." She half turned her head, giving a signaled with her right hand.

A young man approached on horseback to the Conqueror's side.

"This is my new guard captain, Joxer."

The guard captain smiled at the Amazon Queen.

"Nice to meet you, Queen Gabrielle," greeted Joxer.

Gabrielle stared at the man, blinked, and shook her head; an amused look took over her features. "By the God, I'd never would have imagined," she whispered to herself.

"What's wrong?" inquired the ruler.

"Nothing, Conqueror… its just in my world, our Joxer, I could never imagine as quite… well the soldier."

Xena raised an eyebrow at this before saying, "Joxer has been one of my finest since I started my campaign to conquer the known-world."

Gabrielle simply nodded her understanding. "Thank you, Conqueror. I know the Nation could use the extra protection." She then took a couple of steps back towards the gates. "Please come into the Nation."

"Thank you." Xena dismounted her mare before facing her guard captain. "Joxer, see to it that the men setup a perimeter around the Nation. Then meet us in the village."

"Yes of course, my liege." Joxer turned his horse around and ordered the men to follow him.

Gabrielle, however, escorted Palamon and the Conqueror, into the village. Ephiny, Solari, and the weapons master tagged along behind Gabrielle.

"Have my ten Amazons been cordial with you?" asked Gabrielle.

"Yes," simply answered the ruler but then she added, "They were rather helpful in stopping Draco and a few of his men earlier."

"I take it then it was a bit difficult for Autolycus and Iolaus to make it out of the fort?"

"Yes some but… they managed." The Conqueror grinned.

The Amazon Queen chuckled. She then came to a halt and called, "Teresa?"

Teresa came out of the stables and spotted her Queen. "Yes, Gabrielle?" She quickly marched over to the group.

"Can you please take our guests' horses?"

The young Amazon nodded and took the reins from Xena and then Palamon.

Solari nudged Eponin carefully. "Here, give me your horse's reigns. I can take care of him."

"Thanks, Solar."

"No problem." The second in command smiled before following Teresa into the stables.

The warrior-bard placed her hands behind her back; she peered up at her tall, dark friend. "I want you to meet the other queen of the Amazons."

"I'd appreciate that." The Conqueror held out her hand to the younger woman to lead the way.

Gabrielle briefly smiled then showed the group to Velasca's hut. Once she was at the door, she knocked three times.

Velasca quickly answered the door, her features immediately going hard at seeing the Conqueror. "Conqueror," she stated rather harshly.

The ruler's eyes faintly narrowed.

"Conqueror, this is Queen Velasca. She has been running a smaller village north of here."

The Conqueror nodded, still studying the other queen. Velasca made her skin crawl.

The small warrior then directed to the general. "And this is Palamon."

Velasca forced on a smile towards Palamon.

Gabrielle noted the silence and felt her own skin crawl at the tension. "Velasca, join us. We're going to my hut to discuss what's ahead."

The queen acknowledged her answer, closing the door to her hut and following the group to the Queen's hut.

Once inside, the group sat or stood in various spots within the Queen's hut.

"Has there been any word from Xena yet, Conqueror?" inquired the warrior-bard as she set on the corner of the desk.

"Nothing," answered the Conqueror, "but there should be something soon here."

Gabrielle simply nodded and folded her arms against her chest. "Has anybody discussed the plans with you, Eponin?"

The weapons master shook her head in response.

"Okay, the way things are working right now is Xena, Eve, and two other Amazons have gone to Egypt. They are going to get Queen Gabrielle out and then Gurkhan will be disposed of." She paused before continuing her speech. "After we hear word that the Queen is safe, we will attack Sinteres."

"We?" The weapons master raised an eyebrow.

"We…." Gabrielle pointed to the ruler. "The Amazons and the Conqueror."

"But-"

"We have a treaty to uphold, Eponin," cut off Solari, she gave her friend a challenging look.

The weapons master's expression switched, and she replied, "I didn't know."

The warrior-bard slightly smiled to herself at the second in command's interjection. "Hopefully the fight against Sinteres and Draco will go well."

"What do you need of me?" questioned the weapons master.

"Do you think you're up to this, Ep?" Gabrielle lifted herself off the corner of the table. "I need you but I do not want you strained."

The weapons master shook her head. "I'm an Amazon, that's answer enough."

Gabrielle accepted the response. "I need you to start organizing the Amazons with Solari's help." Her eyes flickered to Solari briefly then back to the weapons master. "You two are to organize them and then setup various traps in the forest. And with Palamon's help… if that is okay by the Conqueror?" She switched her attention to the dark ruler.

The Conqueror slowly nodded. "Palamon will be happy to assist. Correct?"

"Yes of course, my liege."

"Alright." Gabrielle sighed while thinking for a moment.

"What if Sinteres and Draco do not leave the compound?" cut in Velasca. "What then?"

The ruler chewed on her lower lip before posing an answer, "We'll have to attack them then."

"Oh great, like we have the man power for that," growled Velasca.

The Conqueror sharply turned her head to the queen. "You may not but I certainly do… Queen Velasca."

Gabrielle quickly straightened off the desk and took a step forward. "The Conqueror is right, we will have to attack. We cannot leave them there."

"Even I have seen that fortress, it is built back into a small cliff side," started the queen. "There is no way in Tartarus we can break into that compound."

"There is a way," broke in Eponin. "I think I've seen a way while Palamon and I were there."

"What was that?" questioned the regent.

"I think I recall seeing some kind of…." She couldn't find the right word for it.

"It was a type of mining shaft," finished Palamon. "I think they use to mine in that cliff side before it became a fortress."

Eponin nodded her agreement. "Yes, it was well boarded over so neither of us could see in there very well."

The Conqueror had her eyebrows furrowed together as she considered this new information. "Palamon, request Joxer to come in here."

"Yes, my liege." The general quickly left the hut in search of Joxer.

"What are you thinking?" inquired the Queen.

The Conqueror came to when she heard Gabrielle's voice. "Back at the castle I have geographic maps of all the lands I've conquered. I made sure to keep detailed records from every valley to mining shaft to creek. Just incase I ever ended up fighting in those lands again I at least knew the terrain well to take to my advantage."

"You think you might have this mining shaft in your records?" queried Solari.

"Most likely." The Conqueror grinned.

"Did the shaft look large, Ep?"

The weapons master glanced to the warrior-bard. "Yeah it was pretty large, three people wide easy."

"Does anybody know what the terrain is like going up the cliff?"

"It's fairly jagged," replied Velasca. "I think we can scale it if need be."

"Hmmmm." Gabrielle lowered her head a bit while considering this new information. "We'll have to work on that."

Palamon and Joxer then entered into the hut.

"My liege?" Joxer bowed his head before straightening back up.

"Joxer, I need you to send a fast rider back to Athens."

"For what, my liege?"

The Conqueror completely faced the smaller man. "Do you recall my maps of the different areas?"

"Yes of course."

"Whoever you send will need to pick up the map on the area that Sinteres's compound is located." She paused for a moment. "It'll be in the western Greece section."

"It'll be done, my liege. I'll send somebody now."

"Good."

Joxer left as quickly as he came, in search of his fastest rider.

"Okay Velasca, Solari, and Eponin why don't you three start organizing the Amazons. Please have your Amazons group up with Gabrielle's Amazons, Velasca."

The queen nodded. "Of course." She started for the door with the second in command and Eponin following behind her.

After they left, Gabrielle peered up at the Conqueror. "So, what you think about that mine shaft?"

An evil grin broke out across the ruler's face.

"Oh boy," muttered the regent, which only made Palamon laugh quietly.

~*~*~*~

Eve sighed as she gazed down at her new attire. "I can't believe this. I didn't even wear stuff this revealing when I was the Roman general."

Xena chuckled at her daughter's words. "I know." She then glanced over to the other side of the tent to Cyane. "Are you ready now?"

"I think so," replied the Amazon.

Varia suddenly rushed into the changing tent. "Come on, they've started the auctions for the slaves. And Gurkhan is here himself."

"Even better," muttered Xena. "You'll have to take care of them, Varia. I can't be seen."

"Alright," replied the queen. "Let's go."

Quickly Cyane and Eve followed Varia out of the tent.

"Torrid is waiting off to the side of steps on the platform," whispered the queen as she mingled her way through the crowd. "He'll be auctioning you two off."

"Alright," replied Eve. "Is there anything we should do to… attract Gurkhan's attention?"

"Yeah… look sexy," half teased the queen. She came up to the side of the stage and found Torrid. "Here they are, Ra."

The Egyptian nodded and went up two steps of the platform to come near a man. "I've got my slaves ready anytime the auctioneer is ready."

"Okay," replied the man simply. He then noted the auctioneer finished his current auction so he quickly approached him. He whispered something to him.

The auctioneer happily smiled at his crowd and held his hands out towards Eve and Cyane. "And the best part of this slave auction is our two Amazonian belly dancers!"

"Oh great," grumbled Eve.

Cyane laughed quietly as she was pushed up the steps by Torrid.

Xena's daughter followed behind and forced a sly grin on her lips when she came onto the stage before the slavers.

The auctioneer instantly started getting bids for the two women. He quickly started yelling out for 100 ducats for them both then 125 followed by 150 and the price kept climbing.

"So how much you think they'll get?" quietly asked Callisto as she appeared beside the Warrior Princess.

Xena raised an eyebrow at the naval captain. "A fair bit." She folded her arms across her chest as she stood in front of the tent.

"I can imagine," agreed the captain. "Especially your daughter." She grinned as her eyes lit up at the warrior.

The warrior bit slightly on the inside of her mouth. "So have you met Queen Cleopatra before?" she inquired in an amused tone.

Callisto raised an eyebrow at the other woman. "Many times."

"Really?" Xena grinned at the captain. "You two don't seem to get along too well."

"Noooo… I'm afraid we don't have good relations."

"Hmmm." The warrior tried to think about why they may not and a thought came to mind once she put herself in the Conqueror's shoes. "She makes for a pretty good Queen of Egypt huh?"

Callisto said nothing.

"I can see why the Conqueror left her to govern Egypt." Xena nodded a few times. "The people here are extremely loyal to her… and Cleopatra is loyal to the Conqueror."

"She always has been," agreed the naval captain.

"She is probably a little more loyal than some in her realm." Xena directed a smug look at Callisto.

Callisto raised an eyebrow at the Warrior Princess. "Only because Cleopatra is desperate to keep her little kingdom. I'd fuck the Conqueror too if I was weak as she." She shrugged before gazing back at the stage. "So she's got two of the Conqueror's fingers… and I've got her navy," reminded the captain as she disappeared in the crowd.

Xena ran her tongue along the front of her teeth as she stared at Callisto briefly. "In my world and in the next, some things never change with her." She then caught sight of Varia weaving her way through the people. "Hey," she greeted.

"You think this'll work out?" questioned the queen.

"It has too," replied the warrior quietly.

"Well far as I can tell Gurkhan is not interested… he has yet to bid."

"Give him a chance." Xena glanced at the slaver. "He's just waiting."

"For?"

The warrior licked her lips. "To give the highest bid."

"I hope you're right," muttered the Amazon.

The auction for the two belly dancers came to a pause on 600 ducats. The auctioneer continued calling out 600 ducats once, twice, and then the last third.

"1000 ducats!" yelled Gurkhan.

The auctioneer spun around in his spot to point at the slaver. "1000 ducats!" He then focused on the crowd again. "1000 ducats can anybody beat that? Going once… going twice… going three." And then pointed back at Gurkhan quickly. "Sold for 1000 ducats." He then gestured for Eve and Cyane to leave the stage.

Xena grinned.

"Bingo," whispered Varia.

~*~*~*~

Eve gazed around as she was brought into the large steam room.

Cyane raised an eyebrow as she noted the five other women in the water. "See her yet?" she whispered quietly.

"No," muttered the princess. She then slipped out of her robe as she neared the edge of the steam pool. She carefully climbed into the water.

The Amazon quickly followed Eve's example, going in afterwards. Nearing Xena's daughter, she asked, "She will look like Gabrielle, exactly?"

"Pretty much according to mother." Eve smiled as a fellow wife passed by her. After she left, she uttered, "Just like Gabrielle except with longer hair and younger features."

Cyane nodded faintly and moved away a little from Eve. She leaned against the side of the pool, letting the hot water sooth her.

Eve decided to do the same, taking advantage of the nice situation. After a few moments, she closed her eyes and began relaxing.

The Amazon also relaxed, her eyes drifting shut.

Eve then felt the water slightly jounce in a rhythmic manner, she knew somebody else just entered the pool. Slowly she opened her eyes and instantly locked onto a small, blond haired woman. A grin curled the corner of her lips. "Cy," she muttered.

The Amazon quickly opened her eyes and spotted Gabrielle across the pool. "Bingo." She glanced at her friend then back to the Amazon Queen. "Let's go talk-"

"Not yet," cut off the princess.

Gabrielle noted the two new wives in the pool with the rest. She also could tell they carefully watched her but she continued to ignore them. Shifting through the pool, she came to a group of women off to one side of the large pool.

"Gabrielle," greeted one woman, she smiled as well.

"Hi, Adonia."

The Amazon Queen returned the warm smile. "How are you doing, Eboni?"

"Not too bad," replied Eboni.

"Does anybody know who is dancing tonight?" inquired Eshe.

"Not really sure," started Eboni, "It could be one of those new wives."

Gabrielle took a quick glimpse at the two women at the other end of the pool. "Does anybody know who they are?" She turned her attention back to her friends.

"Not yet," answered Adonia. "They just arrived."

"Hmmmm." The Amazon Queen furrowed her eyebrows. "I'll be right back."

"Where you going?" quickly asked Eshe.

"To find out who they are." The Queen shrugged and waded through the water towards the two Amazons.

"Eve, she's coming over here."

The princess chuckled. "I can tell," she teased lightly.

Cyane huffed at her friend's words. "This should be fun."

"Excuse me, I know you two must be new here," started Gabrielle.

Eve straightened up instantly and smiled at the duplicate of her Gabrielle. "Yes we are. I am Eve and this is Cyane."

"I'm Gabrielle."

"Nice to meet you." Cyane smiled shyly at the Amazon Queen.

The bard shook her head a little then asked, "Cyane? So you're from Greece then?"

"Um… yes I am," replied the Amazon.

"I know, the name, Cyane, from where I am from is very well known."

Eve chuckled quietly at that.

The Amazon Queen caught the small laugh and just raised an eyebrow at her. "I know I have never met you before, but you seem familiar." She stared into warm green eyes.

A very large grin developed on Eve's face. "I think you've met my mother at one point."

Gabrielle became confused. "You're mother?"

The princess folded her arms against her chest. "Her name is Xena… the hero."

The Amazon Queen's lower jaw went loose.

Suddenly there was a loud footfall as a well dressed woman entered into the steam room.

Eve noted her angry stance and her eyebrows knitted together. "Who is she?" she questioned loudly.

The woman quickly heard Eve's question and walked over to her. "Who am I?" she growled lowly, "You dare to question the number one wife?"

"I have no idea who you were. I'm sorry," apologized Eve.

"Well, that's a good little dog." The number one wife straightened up and addressed all of the women, "New girls, listen up. I am Gurkhan's number one wife, and you are all dirt. I will one day carry his heir. Eventually, my son will rule over Gurkhan's kingdom. Anyone who comes between me and my Lord will feel my wrath. Believe me, that is when you will truly wish you were dead…."

Eve grunted at the woman's threat.

The number one wife's eyes flash at the princess. In response, she kicked Eve directly in the face. "Bad dog." She then smirked at Eve's surprised expression before walking out of the steam room.

"Goddamn," hissed Xena's daughter as she wiped away the blood from under her nose.

"You okay?" Gabrielle moved closer in to help.

Eve took a deep breath to control her temper. "Yeah I'm fine, thanks." She finally felt her temper come under better control. "She's a tough one, I'll give her that."

"She is," agreed the Amazon Queen. "Be careful what you say." She then took a step back to give Eve more space. "Xena and Gabrielle are here?" she uttered.

"Yes," answered Cyane. "Along with a number of Amazons from Gabrielle's Nation."

"By the gods," whispered the Queen. "What has been happening? Are Eponin, Palamon and Ephiny safe?"

"Ephiny is far as we know," whispered Eve. "We're not sure about Eponin or Palamon, the Conqueror was working on it when we left."

Eve then saw several of the guards entering the room. "We'll talk more about it later… when it's safer." She reassured the bard by squeezing her shoulders.

"Let's go, whores," ordered a guard.

~*~*~*~

Callisto halted her army and yelled, "Make camp here."

"Think this is far enough?" muttered the queen.

Xena nodded after being near Mogador before in her times. "We should be safe enough from here."

Callisto shifted her horse closer to the other two women. "This is actually where the Conqueror set up camp the year she conquered Mogador."

"Nice to know," taunted the Amazon queen.

The naval captain raised an eyebrow. "It'll be rather amusing, personally." She then pulled her horse's left rein and started ordering the troops to set up camp.

Xena slightly turned in her saddle towards the west and saw the sun would be setting in about a candlemark. "How about we pitch our tent?" She turned back to Varia. "We'll then stake out Mogador as best as we can before dinner. Alright?"

Varia nodded her agreement.

"Come on." The warrior dismounted from her horse and the two women went about pitching their tent. After about twenty minutes they had the tent well set up.

Varia came up beside the Warrior Princess. "Let's go see what's happening down there."

Xena studied the compound through the various scattered palm trees. "I just hope they're okay in there."

"I'm sure they are," promised the queen.

Xena only sighed in response then said, "Let's go on foot."

"Should we tell Callisto?"

The warrior grinned and replied, "Screw her. Let's go." She started off for the compound with Varia at her side.

"What are we looking for exactly?"

Xena considered the Amazon's question. "Basically the easiest way in and out for all five of us."

"What are we going to do about Gurkhan?" Varia paused for a second. "Are we killing him or we leaving that up to Callisto?"

"I'm not sure yet." The Warrior Princess sighed while considering her options. "First we need to find a way to slip in." She chewed on her lower lip briefly. "And I may need you to pose as one of Gurkhan's wives, Varia."

"Why?" The queen wasn't following the warrior's plan.

"To make sure Eve and Cyane have Queen Gabrielle and to communicate with them."

Varia considered the Warrior Princess's idea. "I have a feeling we'll have to save the other wives as well," she mentioned.

"We're going to try our best." Xena then shrugged as she carefully stepped through a few large boulders in the hard sand. "But I have a feeling Queen Gabrielle can handle them if she hasn't already." She then saw the compound coming into view and was thankful that the sun had finally set in the west. Within a minute, she decided where to go first. "Alright, Varia." She came to a sudden stop. "See where that ledge is on the wall side?"

"Yeah sure."

"You think you could scale that up to the ledge then get onto the patrol walk on the wall top?"

The Amazon considered it then nodded. "As long as I have a rope to climb up, sure."

"Alright." Xena then waited for a moment and finally saw a guard walking down the wall. "Hmmm." She folded her arms.

"What we going to do about the guards?"

"Hold on," replied the Warrior Princess. She watched the guard turn around at the end of the wall and continue back down the wall. She counted the seconds until he returned back to the ledge then turn around. "Alright that means you got thirty seconds to climb the wall."

"What if he comes back by then?"

The Warrior Princess grinned at her friend. "Don't worry, you will make it up."

"Now the problem is how to get into the compound."

"Well…." Xena lowered her hands from across her chest and started walked backwards, her eyes focused on the end of the wall. "There you go." She pointed up.

Varia followed the warrior's direction and saw a door at the end of the guard wall. "Perfect."

"Let's hope though it'll take you directly into the castle and not the compound grounds," mentioned the Warrior Princess. "Alright, that'll have to do for now." She then faced the Amazon. "Let's get you back to the camp and see if we can find you some… suitable clothes for the mission."

Varia chuckled at her friend's words. She started walking back to the camp with the warrior. "I'll go in tomorrow night?"

"Yes… we'll give them a day to organize themselves."

The queen nodded. "We need to get Queen Gabrielle out of there soon though."

"I definitely agree, Varia."

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle slipped out of her room and saw nobody in the hallway. She brushed back a few strands behind her ears then walked down the hall to the fifth room away from her own. Quietly she knocked on the door; in response the door opened carefully. "Hey," she greeted.

Cyane smiled at the Amazon Queen. "Come in quickly." She shoved the door more open as the bard rushed past.

Eve peered up after hearing the door shut and a newcomer enter. "Hi, Queen Gabrielle." She stood up from her sofa with a smile on her face.

"Hi," greeted back the bard. "And please, it's just Gabrielle."

The princess chuckled quietly, nodding her understanding. "Sit down with us, please."

Gabrielle took a sofa chair across from the love sofa.

Cyane sat beside Eve on the sofa, her legs crossed and relaxed back into the sofa.

"How was the Conqueror?" hastily asked the Amazon Queen.

"She was better when we left."

Gabrielle released a sigh of relief. "Good… I heard she went through the gauntlet and survived it."

"She did," confirmed Eve. "She was in a lot better shape when we left from Athens port."

"I'm glad," whispered Gabrielle, she then lifted her eyes from the stone floor. "What is going on?"

Eve took a deep breath. "Well, mother… Xena and my queen, Varia, are here with the Conqueror's naval captain and some men. We're all planning to get you out of here and Callisto, the navel captain, has been ordered to destroy Mogador. Afterwards we'll return back home."

"What's happening back in Greece?"

"The overall plan was for the Conqueror and the Amazons to attack Sinteres and Draco."

The bard furrowed her eyebrows. "Where is Gabrielle then?"

"She is with your Amazons," answered Cyane, "acting as Queen while you're playing hooky."

The bard laughed at the Amazon. "That's good to hear then." She finally sat back into her chair. "Were there any plans yet to get Palamon and Eponin out?"

"Yes, the Conqueror was hiring the King of Thieves to rescue them from the compound."

Gabrielle nodded at Eve's answer. "I do have to request one thing."

Eve raised an eyebrow.

"The other wives need to make it out of here safely as well."

Cyane glanced at the princess in worry. "Eve, I'm not sure-"

"Cy, we can't leave them here." Eve shook her head slightly. "If we do, they'll most likely get killed. I think Callisto has it in her head to follow the Conqueror's orders thoroughly."

The Amazon sighed out her worry. "I know, just means we'll have to find someway to keep them safe before Callisto strikes."

Eve licked her lips. "We'll work on it." She returned her attention to Gabrielle. "In the meantime, I'd recommend talking to the wives and telling them to prepare themselves."

"What of the number one wife?" questioned Cyane.

The Amazon Queen huffed. "I'm not sure honestly. As much as I even dislike her, I think its best we look after her. I just don't think it's wise to fill her in on what's happening."

"Mmmm," agreed the princess.

The bard then stood up. "I better return to my room before the guard comes around to do checks."

"Good idea." Cyane stood up, heading to the door.

"Thank you for coming over, Gabrielle." Eve smiled warmly and stood up.

The bard took a step forward and unexpectedly hugged Xena's daughter. "And thank you for coming for me."

Eve felt herself warm up from the sincere thank you, she hugged her back tightly. "All my pleasure. Please go."

Gabrielle nodded then went to the door. "Thank you too, Cyane."

Cyane smiled shyly. "You're welcome, Queen Gabrielle."

The bard chuckled then gave her a warm hug as well. "It's Gabrielle."

The Amazon responded with a chuckle. "Of course." After releasing her, she opened the door silently.

Gabrielle slipped out of the door and disappeared down the hallway without a noise.

~*Part 16*~

"Solari, how is everything going?"

The second in command turned around at hearing Gabrielle's voice. "We're moving along pretty well."

The warrior-bard came up beside the Amazon in the middle of the sparring field. "Good. Where is Ep?"

"She is taking care of the Amazons that need new or more weapons in the armoury."

Gabrielle nodded her approval. She continued watching the various groups of Amazons sparring on the field. "When do you think they'll be ready?"

Solari folded her arms against her chest while she considered the question. "I bet in two days." She studied the troops of Amazons. "This afternoon Ep is going to work with Palamon on the traps in the surrounding forest by Sinteres's compound."

"Sounds good," agreed the warrior-bard. "And have things with Joxer and his men been fine?"

"No problems," admitted the second in command. "They've been very pleasant."

The Amazon Queen grinned. "Wonderful." She then went more serious. "How do you think Ep is doing?"

The Amazon sighed with her eyes lowering away from the sparring Amazons. "She hanging in there, honestly." She peered up at her friend. "The time in the compound was tough on her, I think." She narrowed her eyes while looking towards the armoury. "I talked to her a little about what happened…." She shook her head in confusion.

"What is it?"

"I'm not sure but… I just have the distinct feeling something definitely happened to her that she's failing to mention."

Gabrielle nipped at her lower lip. "You think they could have… raped her?"

"Its possible… I'm starting to wonder about that too." Solari closed her eyes briefly then opened them again, tints of anger reappeared in them. "She's been quiet ever since she's gotten back. She won't really talk about anything that happened… just glazing over it all."

"Hades," growled Gabrielle. "I better talk to her."

Solari quickly grabbed her friend's arm. "Gabrielle, I know you're worried, just like me, but you have to understand Eponin."

"Trust me, I do… to this day, she's still one of my Amazons at home." The warrior-bard pressed her lips together. "I understand her pride but I also know she depends on her family even if she won't admit it."

The second in command sighed, she released the Queen's arm. "I know, I'm just worried."

"Me too… let me talk to her, okay?"

Solari nodded. "What happens if she has been?"

"Then I think I'll pull her off." Gabrielle shook her head. "She doesn't need this."

"But I think it's exactly what she wants… too keep her mind off what happened." Solari's features shifted back into worry.

"Yeah I know… I think I'll ask the Conqueror if Eponin can go to her castle. Stay there until the war is over for her own safety."

Solari looked away from her friend and back to the Amazons. "You should send two others with her."

"I was thinking that myself… Amarice and Teresa. They're still a bit young for this war."

"Especially Amarice," added the second in command.

"Mmmm," agreed the warrior-bard. "Alright, after Ep finishes up with at the armoury send her to my hut."

"I'll do that." Solari smiled but more sadly than anything. "Thanks, Gabrielle."

"For?"

"Looking after us all." The second in command grinned. "I don't think this village is quite use to having somebody as kind and gentle as you."

The Amazon Queen smiled at her friend's words. "Oh you've always had somebody like me; she's just a little tougher than me."

The Amazon laughed. "True."

Gabrielle reached up to briefly squeeze the other woman's arm. "I'll see you later, Solar." She headed for the gates to check on Joxer.

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle lifted her head when the weapons master entered her hut. "Afternoon, Ep."

"Hi, Gabrielle." Eponin closed the door quietly behind herself. "Solari said you wanted me for something."

"Yeah." The warrior-bard stood up from the desk. "I need to talk to you." She grabbed a chair from the corner of the room and brought it to her desk. "Sit down."

The Amazon took the offered chair and tried relaxing.

Gabrielle sat back down and folded her arms against her chest. "I and a few others have been worried about you, Ep."

The weapons master furrowed her eyebrows together in response. "What about?"

The Amazon Queen sighed, her lips pressed against each other. "I want to know what happened to you while you were in Sintere's compound."

"Nothing really, Gabrielle." The Amazon shrugged slightly. "They drugged Palamon and I… pretty much kept us in the cells."

"Pretty much?" pressed on the warrior-bard.

Eponin just shrugged.

Gabrielle sighed deeply and reached out, her right hand resting on her friend's knee. "Eponin, did they do anything to you?"

The weapons master looked away, her eyes lowered to the floor. After a moment, she closed her eyes. "Yeah," she whispered. She looked back to her friend. "A couple of the guards… well… I'm sure you can guess." She stared for a moment then returned her attention to Gabrielle. "If I hadn't been drugged the entire time, I could have easily protected myself."

The Queen squeezed the weapon's master leg gently. "Ep, I can't even imagine…."

"You don't want to," uttered the Amazon. "I try not to remember, honestly." She gave the other woman a bitter smile.

"Ep…" Gabrielle prepared herself with a deep breath. "I'm going to pull you out of this one."

"What? Over… over that?" lowly said the weapons master.

"Eponin, I will not let you perform your duties after you've been raped," slightly growled the Queen. She showed her temper only because she knew it was the only way to make Eponin listen. "I've got Ephiny and Solari to handle it all."

The weapons master quickly stood up and walked away, her back to the Queen.

The warrior-bard sighed strongly. She stood up slowly and came up behind the Amazon. "Ep, you need time, please."

Eponin didn't respond, her head dropping down and her right hand went up to pull her hair back.

"Eponin, please… you need to leave here for awhile and heal."

The weapons master turned around, her face streaked with tears.

Gabrielle felt her heart drop, and she instantly pulled her friend in for a long hug. "Everything will be fine, I promise."

"I know," whispered Eponin. She remained silent while she continued to hug Gabrielle.

After about a minute or so, Gabrielle pulled back but rested her hands on the Amazon's waist. "I'm going to ask the Conqueror if you can stay in her castle until the war is over. I'm sure she won't mind it and that way you can watch over Athens, I doubt there will be any problems." She paused momentarily. "I'm going to have Teresa and Amarice go with you too."

The weapons master just nodded.

"You think you'll be okay?"

"Yes," uttered the weapon's master. She roughly wiped her tears away. "Thank you."

The warrior-bard sadly smiled. "I'm always here to help, Ep." She hugged her friend again. "You're family to me."

"To me too." Eponin hugged Gabrielle tightly as she could.

The Queen released her friend after a moment. "Go pack your stuff now. I'll tell Amarice and Teresa."

The weapons master nodded and went to the door. "Thank you again."

Gabrielle slightly smiled. "Go on."

The Amazon left the hut just as quietly as she first came.

The warrior-bard shook her head at the thought of Sintere's men touching the weapons master. She could only imagine what that would do to Eponin. In many ways, she was similar to Xena and both of them held a lot of pride about themselves.

Gabrielle walked back to her desk and quickly jotted down a letter to the Conqueror. Afterwards, she exited the hut and went in search of Solari. And as she hunted for Solari, she considered how it would break either Eponin or Xena to lose a fight simply because they were too weak by mere medicines. They both counted on their physical strength has protection; she knew how it would eat Eponin up very much like it would Xena.

"Solari?" The warrior-bard waved her hand, with the message, at the second in command.

"Hey," greeted the Amazon. "What's going on?"

Gabrielle joined the Amazon next to the training field. "Can you get an Amazon rider to deliver this to the Conqueror?"

"Yes of course." Solari took the message.

"Ep is going to Athens."

Solari knew exactly what that meant. "Will she be okay?"

"I'm hoping so," whispered the Queen. "I think she needs time away to recover."

"I agree."

Gabrielle sighed. "Get that message taken care of for me. I'm going to go find Amarice and Teresa."

"They are going too?"

"Yeah I think its for the best." The Amazon Queen started stepping away but stopped. "If you see Eph, tell her what's going on too."

"Alright.

"Thanks, Solari."

"No problem," called back the second in command.

Gabrielle hung her head down as she walked towards Ephiny's hut to see if she could catch the regent.

~*~*~*~

"Okay, let's get this started," ordered the Queen.

Palamon nodded his agreement after studying the surrounding forest near Sinteres's compound.

"I think we should stick to the traditional ground traps," started Ephiny.

Gabrielle crossed her arms and considered. "You think there's enough foliage to cover the ground for that?"

Ephiny glanced around the area briefly. "Yeah I think so, not as many as normal, but we can get quite a few in." She grinned at her Queen. "They work very well."

"Yes, so I've heard," teased back the warrior-bard. She then went serious again.

"How about the trees?" inquired Palamon. "Archers?"

"I think so," agreed the regent. "We have some fine archers in the Nation."

Gabrielle ran her fingers through her hair while in the middle of her thoughts. "How many archers does the Conqueror have, Palamon?"

"I think she only brought a hundred men this time."

"That will do." Gabrielle peered back up at Palamon. "Ask the Conqueror for me if we may post her archers in the trees this time with a few Amazons to support them."

"I will do that."

The Queen then asked Ephiny, "Do we have much rope, sturdy rope?"

"Yes. What for?"

"What we can do is tie one end of the rope to a tree. Then have two Amazons on the other end to snap it."

"Alright, sounds good," agreed the Amazon. "I don't think Sinteres has any calvary does he?"

"No he doesn't fortunately, all his men are on foot," replied Palamon.

"Now remember," started Gabrielle, "These men won't be coming at us until we break into the fortress."

Ephiny furrowed her eyebrows. "We did decide that going through the mining shaft will work?"

"Yes," answered the Queen. "I believe the Conqueror is suppose to receive the plans today. So our job is to stop the men when they scatter out of the fortress." She licked her lips then added, "I believe the Conqueror plans to smoke them out of there."

"Well I think if we keep most of our people in the trees, then Draco's men will not expect it."

"Leave a few forces on the ground as not to make them suspect," tagged on Palamon.

"I agree," stated the Queen. "I do want those archers in the trees. They'll be able to pick off people rather quickly, I have not doubt."

"A few warriors in the trees as well?" urged the regent. "Incase there are some men on horseback."

"We better," agreed the Queen.

Palamon lifted and pressed his arms against his chest. "I think the Conqueror wants to be sure we surround the enemy." He turned his head down to the Gabrielle. "She does not want anybody escaping at all."

Gabrielle sighed but nodded none the less. "I think that'll be easy to do." She paused then broke the silence with a question. "Is the Conqueror in the camp?"

"Yes she is," replied the general.

"I think I'll need to talk to her more about the plans." She turned her attention then to Ephiny. "Go back to the village and tell Solari what is going on. Have her here tomorrow morning with Amazons to begin the traps. Okay?"

"Not a problem," replied Ephiny. "When will you be back in the village?"

The warrior-bard gazed past her friend and saw the setting sun. "I would say in about four candlemarks, no later."

"Okay." Ephiny gave a brief smile. "See you then." She then lifted her eyes up to Palamon. "Thanks for the help, Palamon."

"My pleasure."

The Amazon then turned and headed to the group of horses. She went directly to her horse that was tied to a tree. After mounting her horse, she broke out into a gallop for the Nation.

Gabrielle turned back to the general after the regent left. "Do you think we'll have a problem stopping Sinteres and Draco?"

"No, I don't think it'll be a hard task." He then considered the fight ahead. "The only concern I have is trying to smoke them out of the compound."

"Me too." Gabrielle sighed as she started walking to her horse.

The general followed beside his friend. "But knowing the Conqueror, she will handle that easily."

"I know," whispered the warrior-bard.

Palamon neared his own horse but didn't mount right away. "Are you fearful?"

Gabrielle sighed while untying her horse's rein from the tree branch. "I always am when it involves war… when it involves people I love."

The general lowered his eyes as he considered her words. "I use to too." He looked back at Gabrielle. "Until I lost my family to war, now… I have nothing to be fearful of."

The warrior-bard mounted her horse but gazed down at the man. "That is when you know you've been fighting for too long."

Palamon thought over the statement and he felt pieces of his old self returned. "I suppose you're right." He turned and climbed into his horse's saddle. After positioning himself comfortably in the saddle, he turned his horse around and led the way to the Conqueror's camp.

Within half of a candlemark, the pair had arrived in the camp. They first went to settle their horses in the makeshift stable area. Afterwards, they went directly to the Conqueror's tent.

"Come inside," ordered the ruler in a deep voice. When she looked up, she saw Palamon enter first then the warrior-bard. She gave a hidden smile to her friend. "You two are just in time."

"Why is that, Conqueror?" questioned the warrior-bard.

"I just received the map of this area."

Palamon's expression lit up at this news. "Is there a mining shaft there?"

"Yes, there is," confirmed the ruler. She crossed the tent and went to the large table in the middle of the room. She pointed to a spot on the map.

Gabrielle and the general joined her at either side and studied the map.

"It luckily runs upwards for a number of feet then levels off here." The Conqueror points to the exact spot. "And this is the spot where the top of the ridge is."

"So this means we can dig down to meet the shaft?"

The Conqueror nodded at her general's question.

"It will take several men and a good day," reminded the warrior-bard.

"Which we have," stated the ruler. "I have plenty of men and we'll have just enough time to dig down to the shaft." She straightened up from looking over the table. "As a matter of fact, I plan to take some men over tonight to start this."

"It would probably be for the best," agreed Gabrielle. "Palamon, Ephiny, and I were discussing the plans for the fight within the forest."

"What did you three decide on?" inquired the Warrior Princess.

"Well, we're going to setup two types of traps. Ground traps and rope trips." Gabrielle turned her body to face her friend more. "Then, with your permission, we'd like to use your archers and place them in the trees along with some of the Amazon archers."

The Conqueror's head was bobbing up and down as she listened.

"They will take care of picking off the enemy. We'll keep a few warriors in the trees as well incase any of Draco's men are on horseback."

"Now, I would like Sinteres and Draco cut off from escape." The ruler folded her arms over her chest. "I want a wall of men five people thick from one side of the compound all the way to the other sound of the compound's wall. Is that clear?"

"Yes of course, Conqueror, I understand." Gabrielle took a deep breath. "You want the formation in a 'u' shape?"

"Yes, my men and I will push them into the centre of the 'u' and then close them off from the compound." Xena chewed on her lower lip momentarily. "Then we will form a circle around them then start to squeeze them in tighter until they're all dead."

Gabrielle simply nodded her agreement; her stomach turned in worry though.

"I think that's everything for now," decided the ruler. She faced her general then. "I need you to stay here to watch over the men. I'm going to begin this operation to the mining shaft. Go round up about twenty men, now."

"Yes, my liege." The general quickly left the tent in search of the men.

"My liege, did you get my message about Eponin?"

The Conqueror turned back to her friend. "I did, Gabrielle." She sighed as her ruler persona disappeared from herself. "Eponin is welcomed to stay in the castle along with Amarice and Teresa." She gave a faint worried expression. "Why are you sending her there? I know she's the weapons master."

The warrior-bard sighed, her attention turning away. "Ep was…."

"They touched her?" whispered the ruler hotly.

"They did," confirmed the Amazon Queen. She returned her focus to her friend. "And I don't think it's a good idea for her to fight this one. I want her to get away from the war."

"I understand, Gabrielle."

"Thank you, Conqueror." Gabrielle then shrugged before adding, "Besides, they will be there to inform the others when they return from Egypt."

"True," agreed the Warrior Princess. She then lightly touched her friend's arm that rested against her chest. "How are you doing?"

"I'm stressed," confessed the smaller woman. "How about you?"

"Not too bed," answered the Conqueror. "You will be okay with this?"

"Yeah… done this plenty of times." Gabrielle sighed and lowered her arms, which caused the ruler to let go of her. "I need to start heading back."

"Alright." Xena pressed her lips together for a second then said, "I'll have some men go with you just to make sure you get back safely."

"Thank you and thank you for letting Eponin stay in the castle."

"You're welcome, Gabrielle." The Conqueror turned and ordered, "Come with me."

The warrior-bard followed her friend out of the tent. Together, they found seven warriors to escort her back to the Nation. Within ten minutes, she was mounted back on her horse with her escort around her. "Thank you, Conqueror. See you soon."

The Conqueror grinned and watched her ride out of camp. Soon as she was gone, Palamon came up beside her.

"Your men are ready, my liege."

"Perfect," purred the dark ruler.

~*~*~*~

"Be careful, Varia," whispered the warrior.

The Amazon queen nodded her head as she pulled the robe closer against her body. She gazed up at the wall she had to scale tonight and mentally prepared herself. Her right hand tightened around the climbing rope, which she brought with her that had a hook at one end.

Xena watched the guard come to the end of the wall, turn, and then continue back down the wall. "Go," she whispered.

The Amazon sprinted for the wall and as she ran, she loosened the rope in her hand. Once she released enough rope, she began swing it in a circle with hook. As she neared the wall, she counted ten more steps then she hurled the hook upwards.

The hook rocketed through the air with the rope attached behind. It landed neatly on the wall's floor and Varia jerked it until it caught between two pillars. She then leapt towards the wall, helping herself get three feet up the wall already. Hastily she began scaling up the wall.

The Warrior Princess watched and looked to her right to see the guard was already walking back. "Hades," she growled under her breath. She ran closer towards the walls while reaching between her left gauntlet. Once rather close to the wall, she extracted a tiny dart and removed a small wood tube from her side. She narrowed her eyes and readied the dart in the hollow tube. Bringing the tube up to her lips, she took a deep breath, aimed, then blew.

The guard suddenly stopped in his tracks and shook his head at the stinging sensation in the side of his neck. He dropped his spear and fell against a pillar, sliding down it and falling asleep.

Varia heard the guard fall so she looked down at Xena.

The Warrior Princess grinned devilishly.

The Amazon chuckled faintly but continued her way up the wall. Within twenty seconds, her feet hit the floor of the wall and she pulled her rope up. After she had it quickly coiled up, she lashed it to her side behind her robe. She caught sight of the guard sleeping peacefully. Turning to her left, she found the door and pulled it open quietly.

Xena watched as Varia disappeared behind the door. She just grinned again then disappeared into the night in hiding.

Varia came to the end of the steps into a long corridor. "Great," she muttered, "Where to now?" She started down the corridor in hopes she'd find Eve or Cyane soon. After making her way down the corridor, she came to a 'T' in her travels. She had to go either right or left. Then she heard some voices; she cocked her head to one side to figure out which way it was coming from.

The Amazon heard two female voices quietly whispering about something or another. She closed her eyes and listened more carefully. She heard them enter a room together and the door closing. Her eyes flew open; she turned to the right and hurried down the hallway.

The only thing she could make out between the two women's conversation was Gabrielle's name. She soon found the door that the two women went into. She raised her fisted hand to the door but didn't knock, she wasn't sure. Taking a deep breath, she knocked twice. After a few moments, a young woman answered the door.

"Yes?" The wife furrowed an eyebrow. "Who are you?"

Varia pulled her hood back. "I'm looking for somebody," she whispered. She then saw the other woman behind the one that answered the door. Her eyes lit up at the sight of Varia.

"Wait, you're an Amazon," excitedly whispered the other woman.

"Come in here quick." The wife at the door pulled the queen inside and closed the door hastily.

"What are you doing here?" asked one wife.

Varia sighed and replied, "I'm here to find three other wives… Gabrielle, Eve, and Cyane."

"You mean the two new girls?"

Varia nodded her head.

"Are you here to help save us?" asked the same excited wife.

"Yes, if I can find any three of these Amazons."

The two wives exchanged looks and the excited one explained, "Gabrielle isn't in her room."

"Where is she then?"

The excited wife suddenly went serious. "She's… she's doing a private dance to Gurkhan."

"Oh centaur shit," whispered the queen hotly. "What about Eve and Cyane?"

"They should be in their room," replied one wife. "By the way, I'm Eboni and this is Eshe." She paused then added, "We're both friends with Gabrielle."

The queen nodded her head. "You think you can help me find Eve and Cyane's room?"

"Of course," replied Eshe, "We know where their room is."

"You go ahead and take her, Eshe. I'll stay here to cover things."

"Thanks, Eboni." Eshe slipped out of the door with Varia behind her.

The Amazon slipped her hood back on and followed behind the wife.

Eshe went to the eighth door and carefully knocked on it. Once Cyane had it opened, she whispered, "I brought a friends of yours." She leaned her head to the right.

The Amazon quickly noticed a smiling Varia.

"Queen Varia?" Cyane smiled and opened the door more. The wife and queen both entered the room.

Eve had heard the pair come inside and came out of the washroom with a robe on herself. "Queen Varia."

"Hi, Eve," greeted the queen. "How are things?" She glanced between Xena's daughter and Cyane.

"They're okay," replied Cyane.

"So far we've told each of the wives what's happening here in a day or two," added the princess.

"What did they say?" inquired the queen.

"They're all happy about it and will cooperate." Eve paused in thought but also said, "The only wife that does not know is the head wife."

"We're concerned she'll tell Gurkhan," explained Cyane.

The queen nodded her understanding. "How is Queen Gabrielle?"

"She's fine, nothing wrong… so far," reported Eve. "Have you spoken with her?"

Cyane shook her head. "We assume she's in her room."

"She isn't," stated the queen.

Eve and Cyane exchanged confused looks.

"Gabrielle is doing a… private dance for Gurkhan," helped Eshe.

"Can I ask what a private dance can entail?" urged Eve.

Eshe lowered her eyes but looked back at Eve. "It starts out has a veil dance… just between Gurkhan and Gabrielle. Depending on Gurkhan it might turn into more…." She trailed off knowing everybody can figure out the rest. "Sometimes it is a chance for a wife to gain ground. Maybe even become head wife if she is better than the current one."

Eve felt her teeth grinding together at this new information.

"We can't let her…" Cyane whispered but didn't finish her sentence. She looked between the princess and Varia. "Should we stop it?"

Eve came out of her thoughts. "I have an idea."

~*~*~*~

Queen Gabrielle kneeled down and brought her arms over her body, the long veil between her two hands. She let the veil drift over her head as she bowed to Gurkhan. Then slowly she heard Gurkhan begin to clap in applause.

He stood up from his chair and crossed the room to her. "Very nice, dear." He stood above her and then ordered, "Stand up."

Gabrielle rose back up while hastily tying the veil around her waist. She knew the usual drill to being a slave and what came next after something like this. Her hard days as a slave reformed inside of herself as she tried separating her two lives. She hated this old past of her life and she hoped to Gods that the Conqueror could get her out of this one.

"You remind me of a wife I once had," commented Gurkhan. He reached out, running his finger tips around the features of her face. "Young, full of spirit, strong, and a little naive." He grinned at the memories of his older wife. "As a matter of fact, she looked quite similar to you… and came from Greece."

Gabrielle grinned at that, she closed her eyes as well. "She looked like me huh?"

"Quite a bit," whispered Gurkhan. He ran his fingertips down her neck. "Except she had brown hair and a bit more curly. At first she was a bit heavy but lost a lot of the… baby fat." He brought his fingertips back up her smooth neck and across her lips. "Green eyes like yours."

Gabrielle felt her heart stop at the mention of the description. "Where from in Greece?" she uttered. This time, she slipped her tongue between her lips slightly to touch his fingertips.

"Some small town that started with a 'P'… it was sacked by the Conqueror many years ago."

The Queen's breath became faster; her heartbeat sped up. She tried remaining calm on the outside as she whispered, "What was her name?"

"She went by the name of… Sarah," replied Gurkhan. His fingertips now ran across the top of her chest.

Gabrielle's eyes flew open at the name.

Gurkhan quickly noted the surprise in them, and he was opening his mouth to ask a question.

The Queen knew what he was about to ask. She quickly moved in and kissed him furiously, using all of her anger inside of herself.

The slaver returned the furious kiss while pushing his wife backward towards his huge bed. He pulled back from the kiss then pushed her harshly into the bed.

Gabrielle revealed a devilish grin. She lifted her legs up and opened her legs to him.

Gurkhan felt a sly grin cross his features, he crawled onto the bed and between her legs.

The Queen pushed away her emotions before grabbing his head and beginning another passionate kiss. Suddenly Gurkhan stopped after there was a loud bang at his door. He jumped out of his bed after hearing a few yells outside the door.

Gabrielle launched out of the bed after the slaver did. Her heart pounding and her body shaking.

The slaver threw open the door to see what was happening. Quickly he found a dead guard at his feet and down the hall was his other guard fighting a hooded figure. "Stop him!" he yelled, "Guards!" he cried out.

The hooded figure held up his sword and stopped the guard's blade. He then kicked hard at the guard's throat, knocking the guard flat onto his back.

The hooded figure twirled their sword in midair then brought it down into the guard's chest, instantly killing them. He then looked up directly to Gurkhan, his head then slightly moved to the right at seeing Queen Gabrielle at the doorway. He then quickly came towards the slaver with his sword.

Gurkhan started yelling again, "Guards!"

The dark figure came right up to Gurkhan and held out the tip of his sword towards the slaver's throat.

Gabrielle's eyes widened as she realized what the figure was planning to do. She instantly stepped out in front Gurkhan, pressing her throat against the tip of the sword. She could barely make out the figure's face. She took a deep breath, her chest raising high up in waiting.

Gurkhan didn't move but noted the sound of his men running down the corridor.

The hooded figure also noted the running footfall. They refocused on Gabrielle.

The Queen held her breath and she slightly saw a grin develop on the figure's face, white teeth grinning back at her.

The figure walked five quick steps backwards, whirled around with their cape flying around them, and he ran off.

Gabrielle released her breath but studied the running figure. She furrowed her eyebrows when she thought about the sword the figure held. She turned her head to the right when the guards arrived.

"Go after him," ordered Gurkhan. "He went down there. Find him!" he roared. After they were gone, he said, "Very brave, my dear."

The bard faced her slaver and replied, "I figured it was for the best."

"And how was that? He was planning to assassinate me." He folded his arms against his chest, an amusing smile on his lips.

"Well I doubt he would have set me free anyway," explained the Queen, "either take me as his own, sell me, or even kill me." She shrugged. "I'm happy here."

The slaver laughed quietly at her explanation. "Well then… since its been quite a night. I think you can return to your room."

The slave bowed her head. "Thank you." She started down the hallway.

"But we are not finished, Gabrielle," called the slaver.

"Not by a long shot," retorted the bard quietly to herself but she flashed a devilish grin to him. Once back to her room, she sighed a huge relief and leaned against her door. She dropped her head against the door then slowly slid down it as she felt even more weight compress onto her shoulders.

~*~*~*~

Varia stormed through the door onto the top of the wall. She quickly did a birdcall.

Xena heard the call and reappeared out of the woods quickly. She raced up to the wall.

"Xena," she called, "I'm gonna fly."

"Go," called back the warrior. She spread out her legs and prepared herself.

The Amazon stepped back a little, she heard the guards coming down the corridor. She reached over and closed the door quietly. She then started running and then jumped. She held out her arms and closed her legs together then aimed for Xena.

The Warrior Princess gritted her teeth then held up her hands. She neatly caught her friend and swung her around onto her feet.

"We need to split," rasped the queen.

"Come on." The warrior took off sprinting towards the thin woods ahead.

Varia quickly followed behind as she too disappeared in the dark evening.

The ten guards busted through the door onto the wall top. They looked all over and could not find Gurkhan's assassin however they saw the wall guard asleep on the floor. One of the guards went over to the sleeping guard to awake him and find out what happened.



Varia leaned against the tree and gasped for air, her head hung down.

"What happened?" asked a worried warrior.

The queen shook her head while she was catching her breath. She finally lifted her head but dropped it back against the palm tree. "Sorry about that."

"What the Hades happened in there?" urged Xena. "That was not suppose to happen."

"I know… I know," uttered the queen. She closed her eyes then started explaining. "I found Eve and Cyane, they said the wives know what's going to happen. Queen Gabrielle is okay."

"Then why the guards?"

"Queen Gabrielle was doing a… private dance for Gurkhan. I'm sure you can guess what happens after the dance."

Xena huffed and folded her arms.

"So your daughter suggested I break up the little private dance." Varia lit up her face with a grin.

The Warrior Princess chuckled at what the Amazon said.

"So I raced down to Gurkhan's room and fought with his guards. It seemed to stop them in the middle of things."

"That's good to hear."

"Yeah, I think I stopped them just in time," stated the queen. "But…." She shook her head.

"But what?" questioned the warrior.

"It was strange." Varia's eyebrows furrowed together. "I tried acting like I was an assassin and when I went to act like I was going to kill Gurkhan…." She stopped then focused her eyes on her friend. "Queen Gabrielle stepped in between."

Xena's own confused expression came about. "The only reason I can think of to why she'd do that was to get in good with Gurkhan."

"Yes but… why? I mean, she knows she's not staying or anything."

"I know," whispered the warrior. She looked away from the ground to Varia again. "You feel okay now?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. It was a good chase." The Amazon had a sly grin.

Xena laughed quietly at that. "Let's get back to camp. We'll decide on the plans to get the wives out."

Varia nodded her agreement. She lifted herself off the tree and walked towards camp with the warrior.

~*Part 17*~

Eponin sighed as she sat in the horse's saddle.

"Gods!" roared Amarice. "I can't believe I'm stuck in Athens… the Conqueror's! castle no less," she bellowed.

Teresa glanced at the weapons master.

Eponin shrugged and rolled her eyes.

Teresa chuckled quietly at that.

"I mean, doesn't Gabrielle see how important it is that I stay in the Nation?"

"Its Queen Gabrielle… to you," corrected the weapons master.

"She tells Amazons to call her Gabrielle," countered the young Amazon.

Eponin arched an eyebrow. "And did she tell you to your face you could call her Gabrielle?"

"Um… not yet," muttered Amarice.

"Then its Queen Gabrielle for you," ordered the older Amazon.

Amarice huffed and looked away from the weapons master.

"Eponin, why did she have you come to Athens?"

The weapons master was about to give her honest answer but quickly stopped. "Well… she and the Conqueror asked me to watch over Athens until the Conqueror returns."

"Oh… okay," replied Teresa.

"And why do we have to have these escorts?" Amarice direct to the ten guards behind them.

"Because I don't think Gabrielle wants us kidnapped," drew out Teresa.

The young Amazon grumbled about that. "What we going to do in Athens anyway?"

"Relax, I hope," muttered the weapons master.

"Me too," agreed Teresa. "Wine, dine, and pass time."

The weapons master laughed at Teresa's rhyme. "I'll second that."

"Argh that's sssso boring," groaned Amarice. "I was looking forward to that war. I really can't stand that Gabrielle."

Eponin brought her horse closer to Amarice's horse and grabbed her reins forcefully. She jerked the hors to a halt and locked her angry eyes on the young Amazon. "Amarice," she whispered hotly, "you do not ever… ever speak badly about Gabrielle." Her eyes burned into Amarice's own. "She has saved us all from the Conqueror's darkness." She paused then growled, "Never insult her again."

Amarice felt herself starting to shake as she shrunk down to a foot tall child. "I'm sorry," she whispered fearfully.

The weapons master loosened her jaw and just threw the reins at Amarice. She tapped her horse's side and continued down the road.

Teresa quickly caught up to the weapons master to check on her.

Amarice watched them for a second then ordered her horse to walk again. She lowered her head and tried holding back her upset.

"Hey you okay?" whispered Teresa.

Eponin sighed at the question and nodded. "Yeah… I shouldn't have yelled at her like that."

"Its okay," uttered the other Amazon. "Amarice was out of line."

"So was I," admitted the weapons master quietly.

Teresa sighed but then said, "I think she needed it. Gabrielle has done a lot for us, Xena too."

"Yes they have," agreed the weapons master. "I admire them both."

"I do too," seconded the younger Amazon. "You will be okay, Eponin?"

"Yes, thank you, Teresa."

The Amazon smiled at the weapons master.

"Hey please call me Ep too?"

Teresa smiled at that and nodded. "Thank you."

Eponin chuckled but found herself smiling for the first time since she was kidnapped.

"When do you think we'll be in Athens?"

"I think by late tonight," replied the older Amazon. "Gabrielle and the Conqueror suggested we not stop halfway."

"Fearful that something could happen?"

"Yes," responded Eponin, "and I have to agree. Sooner we get into Athens the better."

Teresa nodded her agreement.

~*~*~*~

Queen Gabrielle sighed as she gazed up towards the high cliff side. "Conqueror?" she called up. She then saw the dark ruler come to the cliff's edge and smile down at her.

"Stay there, I'll come down," ordered the ruler.

Gabrielle nodded but dismounted from her horse. She then waved her hand for Solari and the four other Amazons to dismount.

The Conqueror reappeared the around the corner of cliff bottom and came up to the Queen. "Good to see you made it."

"How is the progress?" inquired the warrior-bard.

"We are getting fairly close to the shaft," answered the ruler. She gazed up to the midday sun but then looked back at her friend. "I imagine we'll hit it by tomorrow."

"Have you heard anything from the escorts that took Eponin to Athens."

"I have not… they haven't returned yet." Xena crossed her arms over her chest. "They will most likely return later this afternoon. How have the traps been working out?"

"Pretty well," replied the warrior-bard. "We're about thirty percent complete."

The Conqueror nodded her head. "I did receive last night from Callisto."

The Amazon Queen perked up at this news. "What has happened?"

"Callisto reported that they safely arrived in Egypt and are marching to Mogador. I would say they're already there, probably for a day or two now."

"Did she say anything about their plans to rescue the Queen?"

"Nothing yet." The Conqueror sighed and stated, "The next message I get will probably be to inform us of either their success or failure."

"Its only success, my liege," simply declared the Queen.

The dark ruler grinned at her friend's words. "Success then." She then went serious again. "How has my guard captain done?"

Gabrielle nodded to Solari.

The second in command took a step forward and said, "He has been perfect. We greatly appreciate that you have made them available to us, Conqueror."

"It was my pleasure," replied the Conqueror. She felt a bit of her anger for the Amazon depleted. "Now then, is there anything else, Queen Gabrielle?"

"No, I just wanted to see what the status was of the shaft and if you've heard any new news."

"That is all," stated Xena.

"Thank you, Conqueror." The warrior-bard smiled briefly then remounted her horse. Her Amazons did the same as her.

"Tomorrow stop by the camp, Queen Gabrielle. We will finalize the attack plans again, bring Ephiny with you."

"Yes of course, my liege." Gabrielle bowed her head slightly.

The Conqueror grinned and slightly bowed her own then spun around and disappeared around the corner.

The Amazon Queen wiped away her grin as she turned her horse around. "Let's get back to the woods and see how the traps are, ladies."

"How do you think the others are doing at rescuing Queen Gabrielle?" inquired an Amazon.

The warrior-bard sighed at the Amazon's question. "I am very confident that soon they will save her. My partner, her daughter, and my two Amazons can handle that situation easily."

The four Amazons smiled at their temporary Queen's response.

"Come on, Amazons we have work to do." Gabrielle urged her horse into a gallop.

~*~*~*~

Varia sat down on her bed inside of the tent that she shared with Xena. "Okay, so we're going to have to help them escape through the compound once we sneak our way in…?"

"Yes, I think you and I need to get inside posed as dancers."

"Aren't you worried about them seeing you as the Conqueror?"

The warrior grinned at the question. "That's what veils are for. I can manage something." She then folded her arms. "Also, I think its wise we have Callisto come in with us."

"Oh gods, why?" whispered the queen. "She'll only screw things up."

The Warrior Princess shook her head and leaned against the post in the middle of the tent. "We need her help in there, Varia. Plus it gives me a chance to keep on eye on her. I think we can get Torrid to order the troops into position then we let Callisto handle them once we get out with the wives."

Varia understood now what Xena wanted. A way to keep checks on Callisto to make sure she did not 'accidentally' kill one of the innocents plus just have more help.

"Now the only problem will be figuring out a way in."

"Wait, I have just the solution." Varia grinned suddenly. "Eshe told me, right before I left, that her and few other wives will be leaving today to go to town."

Xena's expression lit up at this new information. "Perfect," she purred. "How many wives?"

"Well she will be there along with Eboni and with four others."

"That will work perfectly." Xena lifted her arms against her chest. "I hope two are brunettes and one is blond."

Varia chuckled but went serious again. "I think they'll be going into town later this afternoon for a candlemark or so."

"Alright, we better get this plan into motion." Xena shifted to the exit of the tent. "You stay here, I'm going to find Ra and Callisto."

The Amazon nodded and watched her friend disappear out of the tent. Within a few minutes, she returned with the naval captain and Torrid.

"What's going on?" questioned Callisto. "I know you two have plans."

"We do and we're going to need your help, Callisto," confessed the Warrior Princess.

"Oh this does sound interesting." A sly grin creased the naval captain's lips. "Do tell."

Xena's stomach turned but she explained the plans. "This afternoon, several of Gurkhan's wives are going into the town. Varia, you, and I are to switch places with three of them. Get back into Gurkhan's palace and find Queen Gabrielle, Eve, Cyane, and the other wives. Once we do, we'll make our escape hopefully and in the middle of it, take out Gurkhan."

"Then what?" probed Callisto.

"Once we're safely away from the compound and with the army. You can take care of your orders."

Callisto raised an eyebrow as she studied both Xena and the Amazon. "And exactly how are we going to make it all the way back here without getting slaughtered?"

"Simple, we have Ra position the army closer to the compound but just out of sight."

Slowly the naval captain started nodding then suddenly a huge grin broke out across her features again. "I like it. When do we go to town?"

Varia felt her own grin form.

"Now," replied the warrior.



Continued.