Alex's Celtic Knot	Clan Wallace Crest

Chapter 1

Alex Wallace's monster truck travelled relentlessly up the near vertical pass of Bealach-na-bo and cresting the top, headed for the remote village of Applecross on the rugged coast of Western Scotland. In the short journey from the McKinnon Hospital on Skye, Alex had been listening patiently and affectionately to the gentle bickering emanating from the back seat. She looked over at the green eyes of her partner Ellie, sitting in the passenger seat and returned the silent giggle she saw there. She loved it when Ellie grinned, her nose wrinkled up and she looked so damn cute that Alex just knew, if she needed any reminder, why they had been married earlier in the year. The truck came to a halt outside the Applecross Hotel and Alex leapt out to help the elderly woman from the back seat.

"Take it easy Jeannie?." she murmured and supported the tall grey haired woman on her arm.

"Alex?I am going mad with 'taking it easy'?.that's all that daft old sod ever says to me!" Jeannie exploded, indicating the huge figure of James Wallace exiting the truck on the opposite side.

The grizzled old Scotsman replied, vehemently "For Gods sake, Jeannie?.you've had a bloody heart attack?.what else is a man suppose to say?"

Always the voice of reason, Ellie Wallace took Uncle J's arm and led him away up the path to the Hotel, leaving Alex to bring Jeannie. The last few weeks had taken its toll on the whole family. Jeannie had been taken ill on a trip with Ellie and only the swift action of the small blonde Texan and the emergency services, had headed off a tragedy. Jeannie had been the housekeeper at the Applecross hotel for 40 years and her loss would have left an aching hole in the lives of Alex, Ellie, Uncle J and the 'Boys', Alex's 'almost 'brothers Hamish and Donald.
As the party reached the door of the imposing building overlooking the Sound of Raasaey, it opened and they were surrounded by well wishers, greeting Jeannie and welcoming her home.

Let's get you up to your room, then Jeannie." said Tilly, one of the receptionists and she was rewarded for her trouble with an indignant roar from the indomitable Scotswoman.

"I am going into the bar?I want a cup of tea made in my own teapot, a slice of cake and a sit down in my own home?.that's what I want?.and that's what I'm going to get!"

J shook his head at Alex who shrugged in reply and with Jeannie's arm in the crook of her elbow, she led the still frail woman to the seat by the window, overlooking the promontory outside the hotel, and settled her with a cushion at her back.

Ellie went into the kitchen and put the kettle on the range. She prepared a tray and as she waited for it to boil, the kitchen door opened and J shambled in, his shoulders slumped with the worry of the last few weeks. He had rarely left Jeannie's bedside and the strain showed clearly on his face. She crossed the room and took him into her arms.

"J....give her time?.she's just grumpy and hates the fuss."

"Aye I know that lass, it just pains me that she won't let me take care of her."

"Uncle J!....Jeannie has been looking after this family for 40 years...give her a bit more than two weeks to realise that she needs looking after, for once."
Ellie was rewarded with a weak smile but she was dismayed to see the exhaustion etched on the old mans face.

"Come to think of it, J" she smoothed his hair back from his face?"you look like you need a rest too?I think that we should pack the pair of you off to your beds?.but not til Jeanie's had her tea and cake!"

When Ellie and J returned to the bar bearing the tray of tea and cake, they found that Hamish and Donald had arrived, both still in uniform. Hamish was in his black, Police motorcycle leathers and Donald in the green leather of the Emergency Motorcycle paramedic. They were hunkered own in front of Jeannie and each had taken one of her hands. She gazed at them fondly and whispered.

"Thank you, my wee Boys, for what you did?.I wouldn't be here but for you two...and my wee girl over there." She nodded at Ellie who smiled back.

As J shuffled in next to Jeannie; she withdrew a hand from Donald grasp and put it on J's arm.

"?.and I'm not forgettin' you, big man." Alex was moved and pleased that she had made this gesture to J and smiled as he blushed, bright red, at her unaccustomed gentleness.

When the tea and cake had been finished, it was Ellie who braved Jeannie's wrath and suggested it was time for a rest, she received no argument and with Alex on one side and Donald on the other, Jeannie was escorted to her room. At Hamish's insistence, J went off to his room a few moments later.

The four younger members of the family reconvened in the bar and when each had a beer in front of them, Alex opened the discussion.

"OK?.where do we go from here?....First problem? Getting Jeannie to slow down. Second problem? Getting J to stop driving her daft with his fussing. Third problem? Getting both of them to back off and let someone else run this place."

"I reckon it would be easier to solve third world debt than those three?" Donald observed but it made them all laugh and they relaxed a little.

Ellie, who had been charged with running the newly opened Conference centre in the Hotel and who had more business experience than the other three put together, was the obvious choice, and so three heads turned to her for suggestions. Alex was so pleased to see that Ellie's confidence, so badly damaged by her abusive father over many years, had grown. Her brow was furrowed and her beautiful green eyes were thoughtful as she gathered her thoughts and spoke.

"First of all, we need an audit on the books to find out just how much profit the Hotel is making?.then we can decide on staffing levels and maybe hire a manager. That's the easy part? and it's mine!!?You guys have to figure out how to get 'our parents' to slow down!!"

"Divide and conquer"?suggested Alex." I'll take Jeannie and you two Boys get J?.We need to box clever here?.I suggest the softly, softly approach?...you know?.how precious they are to us and how we need them to be well ?and here to look after us?that kind of thing.."

The Boys nodded and all four drew a deep breath as they prepared for the battle ahead.

Previously, Ellie had asked the staff to join her in the Conference room and leaving the other three with a smile and a kiss for Alex? she made her way there.
Tilly, the receptionist was a young woman in her mid twenties, who had come to live in the village to look after her grandmother. Sadly, her grandmother had died but Tilly had stayed in the village. She was bright, good with people and skilled with computers and communication.
Margaret, one of the waitresses, was a mature woman in her fifties; her children had grown up in Applecross and now had moved away. She was grateful for the company her job afforded her and was skilled in the management of communications between the kitchen and the guests. John Taggart was the Chef, he had become used to doing Jeannie's bidding as she did most of the cooking, but he was a good cook in his own right.
Fergus worked behind the bar. He was 21 years old and after finishing University, had returned to his home in Applecross to consider his options. He considered his job a temporary one, but he was a good barman and coped well when the Hotel was busy.

Ellie observed them as they entered the room. They were good people and had proven their worth over the last few weeks when the family's main focus had been Jeannie and J.
She had decided to enlist their help in attempting to take the strain from the shoulders of the two elder members of the family. She outlined the plan that all would continue as normal, but let slip that there could be promotions in the offing. She was surprised when they all looked at each other and blew out sighs of relief.

"What?" said Ellie and looked to Tilly for an explanation.

"Och, Ellie....We all thought we were here for the chop...and that the Wallaces may have decided to sell up..."

Ellie smiled, "That's not going to happen?.This place means the world to all of the family and it will be a Wallace place for a long time to come. We need all of you to pull together and prove to J that you can run it, without him constantly on duty"

"What about you, Ellie? Are you going to manage it?" Margaret asked.

Ellie hesitated, she was forced to examine her own needs for a second, but then spoke firmly.

"My place is with Alex?and?although I'm happy to set things up....I have my own career to consider. So it's down to you guys to keep this place going."

Later in the evening, J and Jeannie, rested and refreshed, had come back down to the restaurant and sat with the other four as they had dinner together. They were the only guests; it was a quiet time for the hotel and the family enjoyed the privacy.

However, the atmosphere was a little tense and eventually J spoke, his voice gruff and gravelly.

"I want to say something?..and you may not like it, Jeannie"

She turned her head to look at him and spoke.

"Not like what, J?"

"?I'm giving you the sack?You need to retire?.this place is too much for you."

A shocked silence fell over the table. Jeannie's face showed that she was dumbfounded; when she spoke her voice was soft and they all had to lean forward, to hear it.

"The sack...What am I supposed to do... And where am I to go?...This place has been my home for 40 years."

J took her hand in his and his eyes filled with tears.

"Jeannie, when you were in the hospital...I prayed, like I have never prayed before, to any god or goddess who would listen to me?. to save you?.I promised all of them that I would do anything it takes to keep you safe, if they would just give you back to us?if the light had gone out of your face?.I could'nae have born the darkness that would follow?. and now it's time to pay my dues. Jeannie, I don't want you here as my housekeeper any longer....I want you here?as my wife?.What do you say, my sweet lass?"

There was a stunned silence around the table as Jeannie looked hard and long into James Wallace's rheumy, blue eyes. When she spoke, her voice was tremulous with emotion?

"Forty years I've waited to hear you say those words, my Jimmy Boy?.forty years...and all I had to do was have a heart attack....if I'd known how easy it would be....I'd have done it years ago?!"

The table erupted in laughter and relief. Jeannie was wrapped up in J's arms and her answer was obviously, a resounding YES!

Alex gestured to Fergus who came to the table.

"Champagne, Fergus?.two bottles to start and keep 'em coming..!!"

The uproar brought quizzical glances from the staff as they popped their heads around the door to see what was going on. Alex gestured them to come in and when they all had a glass; it was her turn to offer a toast.

"To Uncle J and Jeannie?.to your future happiness and? if I may say?.it's about bloody time!!."

The toast rang around the room as they all raised their glasses to the happy couple, who sat close together, their hands clasped under the table.

Chapter 2

The next morning, Alex and Ellie were on the promontory outside their tiny Croft, completing their usual morning exercises. Alex had done her sword drills and Ellie, her kick boxing exercises and they were just finishing their T'ai Chi ritual, when the phone rang in the Croft. They ignored it and let the answer phone take it; this time was special for them and took precedence over all other things. They both took deep cleansing breaths and turned to bow to each other, then Ellie moved into Alex's arms for a post exercise kiss and they stood close together for a few moments. They walked to the driftwood bench and sat down.

"So, Hon, do you think we will need our plan for the Hotel, or will J and Jeannie be so wrapped up in each other, that we can slide it past them?!!"

"I think J's priorities may have changed a little but with any luck they will both agree. Did you get hold of Gordon yesterday?

"Yep?.he is looking at the books as we speak and he'll get back to us later today, hopefully."

Gordon Lachlan had been the hotel's accountant for twenty years and he had been instrumental in keeping J's appalling attempts at bookkeeping, in some kind of order. No-one knew the hotel better than he, and Alex knew he would come up with a plan.

The two lovers walked back to the Croft hand in hand and Ellie went to the kitchen to prepare their breakfast. Alex picked up the phone on her way in and leant against the worktop as she keyed in the code to collect messages.

"Alex?.this is Alan Stimpson....if you are there...PICK UP...!" The voice on the phone was breathless with what sounded like excitement; Alex raised her eyebrow towards Ellie and shrugged.

"Call me?Soon?Alex?.it is really important. I'm in my office at the University?.Call me soon."

Alan was Alex's old professor from the days when she was working towards her PhD on the archaeological dig in Greece.

"Must be big." Alex observed. ".I've never heard Alan that excited...he just doesn't do ?.excited!"

"So phone him back, and put us all out of our misery."

Alex went to her study and returned with her address book, she looked up Alan's number and then helped Ellie carry their breakfast into the sitting room. The number rang just twice and Alex heard Alan's voice on the speakerphone.

"Alex?"

"Yes Alan, what's up?"

"Absolutely nothing, Alex ?.but I have the most wonderful news!! Earlier in the year, we got funding for a new experimental scanner to use in the department?and we have just got around to the sealed container we got out of the Warrior Princess's tomb?"

There was a quick intake of breath from the tall Celt, she put her breakfast down on the coffee table and turned to face her girl.

"Go on Alan?"

"Alex?.you have got to come see what we have found?.it is amazing and brilliant and groundbreaking and I can hardly speak, I am so excited. I wanted you to be in on this, Alex?.it was your discovery...When can you come?"

Alex looked at Ellie who mouthed "Now!!" Alex relayed this to Alan and rang off.

Ellie remained silent as she watched her girl process this information and put her hand out to her, Alex took it and squeezed. A few moments later, after hastily packing a bag, they pulled the truck up outside the Hotel and walked in. J was sitting in the bar with a cup of tea and smiled as they came in.

"Uncle J, we have to go to Edinburgh, there's been some developments about some artefacts from the Warrior Princess' tomb. Will you and Jeannie be OK?.we'll have to stay overnight."

He smiled at his girls and assured them that he had been looking after himself for 70 odd years and that he and Jeannie would be fine. Alex kissed him but, as they left she made certain that Tilly had her cell phone number on the Hotel's speed dial.

They began the 5 hour journey to Edinburgh and, with a stop for lunch, pulled into the University faculty of Archaeology just before 2.30pm. Ellie almost had to run to keep up with her girl's long strides as she navigated the rabbit warren of corridors and staircases, but eventually they came to a halt outside a laboratory with a key pad on the door. Alex keyed in the code and they entered.

Ellie looked around and saw that the room was filled with equipment of all kinds. Lights flashed and buzzers buzzed as the machines clicked and whirred. A grey haired figure sat at a desk on the far side of the room and he turned as the door opened; when he saw her, he threw down the glasses that had been perched on his nose, and rushed to her.

"Alex?.it's astonishing?..I can't wait to show you?..you won't believe it..."

Alex took hold of the man, who barely reached her shoulder, and made him make eye contact with her.

"Alan." she said quietly, as if talking to a child." Calm down?Take a deep breath and sit down."

The little man did as he was told and seemed to wake up as he saw Ellie.

"Oh, I am so sorry, you must think me so rude?.I'm Alan Stimpson and you must be Ellie?.I'm pleased to meet you." And he offered his hand, which Ellie took and smiled at him.

"Your fame has spread." He added

"Fame?" questioned the small blonde.

Yes, you are the American who has settled our Alex down?.Quite an achievement!"

Alex grimaced.

"You make me sound like The Wild Woman of the Highlands."

"?.and your point would be?" teased Alan, but the tone of his voice betrayed his affection for the tall, dark Celt.

"OK, Alan....spill...what has got you so excited?"

The elderly professor picked up what looked like an X ray film and held it up to the light. Alex grabbed it from him and examined it with barely concealed delight.

"By all the gods and goddesses?.I can't believe it?there's a scroll in there!!"

"Yep!!... There is certainly one and possibly two! They seem intact and may have been protected from decay by the seal. We'll know more when we get to the deeper scans. This is your field Alex, That's why I needed you here...your knowledge of Ancient Greek script and scrolls will be vital."

It was always a pleasure to Ellie that her girl was so highly regarded and she sank into a seat, a little away from the desk, to allow the Archaeologists to work. She watched mesmerised, as they pored over great sheaves of computer printouts and columns of figures.
She sensed the excitement in both of them and although she couldn't understand the technical stuff, she knew that whatever they had discovered was big. After an hour or so, Alex noticed that her girl had drifted off to sleep and stopped Alan in mid flow. She went to a cupboard in the corner of the room and took out a tartan blanket; she placed it over Ellie and brushing a stray lock of hair back from her face, tucked her in. A tiny murmur escaped from the wee girl, but she returned to her doze.

When Ellie woke up, she was stiff from the long drive and sleeping in the chair, so she stood up and stretched her sore muscles. She looked around but seemed to be alone?.then she noticed movement from the part of the lab behind a thick glass screen. As she approached it, she saw the tall dark figure of Alex and the smaller figure of Alan. They were both wearing white coveralls, which left only their faces exposed and each wore a face mask. Alex's blue eyes now shone through her mask as she looked at Ellie, in response to her tap on the glass. Alex left the screen that she and Alan had been looking at and came to the door. It was in two parts and was a kind of isolating airlock. The inner door opened and Alex walked into the chamber, the inner door closed behind her automatically. She removed the coveralls and the mask and placed them in a bin, then she pressed a button and the outer door opened.

Ellie watched this as if it was a film and she began to realise how little she knew of her girls work. Alex came to her and took her into her arms and hugged her.

"I'm sorry darlin'?got carried away?.you must be shattered?.I'll just finish up here and we'll go to the hotel and get some food."

Ellie took Alex's face in her hands and claimed eye contact.

"Now you listen to me, my big Scot?.you do whatever you need to do?.this is your work and it is obviously something very important to you. I can find my own way to the hotel and I'll see you later."

Alex shook her head.
"No way?what we may, or may not have discovered has been hidden for 2000 years?..another few days won't matter....and I didn't marry you to leave you in some hotel all alone?.no question Ellie!!....I will be with you in a second." Alex cut off her girls protest with a kiss and, smiling into her green eyes, she went to the intercom on the wall.

"Alan?.Ellie and I need some food and rest....we'll head off to the hotel?.Why don't you join us for breakfast?.about 8.30 tomorrow??"

Inside the sealed room, Alan turned, gave Alex a thumbs up and waved goodbye before returning to his work.
The two lovers walked hand in hand to the truck and made their way to their usual hotel. Once in their room, Alex drew Ellie a bath and ordered a room service supper. By the time the small blonde was relaxing in the steamy atmosphere, Alex had checked how things were at the Applecross Hotel. She had spoken to J and he had assured her that all was well, Jeannie was behaving herself and, J thought, getting altogether too used to being a lady of leisure. This image made Alex laugh and after saying goodbye to Uncle J she went into the bathroom to share this gem with her partner. Ellie was bright pink and covered in bubbles, and as Alex sat on the side of the bath; she picked up a handful of bubbles and blew them over her girl. Ellie giggled and pulled the dark head down for a kiss. Alex decided on a quick shower as the meal would arrive soon and a few moments later, the two damp heads were sitting close together, dressed in bathrobes, enjoying a glass of wine with their steak and salad.

Between mouthfuls, Alex explained that ten years previously, on her first real dig as a graduate student, she had been working on the tomb of a mysterious Female Warrior Princess in Greece. This much Ellie knew from the many photographs dotted around her girls study. They showed a much younger Alex up to her knees in dusty holes, holding up shards of pottery with ecstatic expressions on her face. Ellie never tired of hearing her girl's deep sexy voice and she just let the sounds wash over her. Alex's excitement was clear to see and her eyes flashed as she spoke?She told Ellie of how she had, first of all, found what looked like a pot shard in the tomb?.but that as she carefully brushed away the sand, it became clear that they may have found an entire pot.. It had taken Alex most of a day to uncover the whole artefact and with painstaking care, she had removed the layers of the sand around It and extracted it, whole and intact. It had also been found that the pot was sealed with a multi layered wax and parchment seal.
The pot was so precious that it had been wrapped in layer after layer of bubble wrap, and carried back to the University by one of the diggers himself, causing no end of problems for the airline security staff?.but the wheels had been oiled by Dimitri Theodorakis, the Professor of the Faculty of Archaeology at the University of Athens. It had been he who had first asked for Alan Stimpson's help in the excavation. The University of Edinburgh was a leader in this field and although the Greek Government kept all rights to the artefact, Dimitri and Alan, who had been friends since their University days, trusted each other and knew that there would be no repeat of the Elgin Marbles fiasco that still caused controversy in the world of Ancient Studies!!

Ellie asked questions and Alex was pleased to fill in the details in between sips of wine and mouthfuls of food?She explained?

The tomb was a simple cave carved from a rock face and sealed with a huge stone 'cemented' in place... The sarcophagus was made of stone and the lid had been broken in several pieces suggesting that the tomb had, at some stage, been robbed. Apart from the buried pot, there were no other major artefacts except a model of a war horse. The real evidence for their suppositions had come from the carvings on the sarcophagus and in places around the walls of the cave. It had been here that Alex had first found and copied the complex knot design. It had been a recurring theme in the tomb, most evident on the pictograms of the woman with flowing black hair wearing metal armour which Alex suggested, would have been made from bronze. She was seen standing taller than the soldiers surrounding her and she was clearly their leader, as it appeared that their swords and spears were raised, as if in salute to her. There had been no indication of her name anywhere they could find, and so she had just been called WP for short.

Alex explained that despite the lack of major artefacts, there was enough data to ensure that her PhD was secure, but the earthenware pot was deemed too fragile to open until new technology emerged to assist them. It had been locked safely in a sealed vault in the University archives for over ten years until the new scanner had been acquired, which Alan was convinced could reveal some of the secrets hidden on whatever was within the sealed earthenware container.

Ellie had finished her meal and listened intently to her lover, absorbing the information and building mental pictures of the dig. Her writer's brain began to weave stories of, and around the dig and of the Warrior Princess and her tomb. Possible scenarios began to swim into focus and she started to get excited at the possibility of her and Alex working together. Finally, Alex began to eat her, now cold steak and warm salad with relish and Ellie's thoughts drifted back to that hotel room in California, not even a year ago yet. She had felt inexplicably drawn to the tall dark handsome stranger she had bumped into, and they had realised very quickly that they had been lovers in many past lives. Ellie had assured Alex that she could be of great help to her; she had talked with politicians and travelled the world as a journalist?.and now, she thought, maybe that time had come...

Chapter 3

At 8.30 the next morning, Alex and Ellie were seated at table for four in the dining room awaiting their guests. The waitress had brought them tea and as they poured the strong brew, Alan and another figure came into the dining room. Alex appeared to be somewhat taken aback by the other person's presence but rose to shake Alan's hand, Ellie was more than a little surprised when the second person threw herself at Alex and planted a very intimate kiss on her lips. Alex immediately withdrew from the contact, took the girl's hands from around her neck and put some distance between them. Ellie smiled fondly at her very discomfited partner, who had blushed bright red, and she stood, offered her hand to the woman and introduced herself.

"Hi, nice to meet you, I'm Ellie?Ellie Wallace. And she fixed the woman with a relaxed but steely look.
There was a momentary pause before the woman took the offered hand. Her voice had a foreign inflection; she was a little taller than the blonde Texan and had a mop of curly black hair that seemed to defy the ministrations of a comb; her eyes so dark as to be almost black. Ellie would have put her at about 30 years of age.

"Hello, I'm George?.hmmm Ellie and Alex Wallace? I'm going to take a wild guess that you two are not related by blood?..so I guess it must be true."

Alex, who had by now regained some composure, responded.

"Yes George, Ellie and I were married in January"

George seemed to consider her options before turning to Ellie and with a smile murmured.

"Well, you are the lucky one Ellie?.I'm afraid you will have broken hearts all over Europe for catching this one?.Congratulations ?Sorry about the OTT greeting? I was staking my claim just in case she was still on the open market..!!"

The two women laughed together and Alex interjected.

"When you two have finished bonding over my availability?.or lack of it?.can we have breakfast?""

The conversation ranged from 'What have you done since we last saw each other'?to the cost of the new scanner ?and back to memories of the Greek Dig. Alex was careful to include Ellie in the discussion and clarified issues that she may have found confusing. When they had finished their meal, they agreed to meet back at the lab to begin the scan of the pot.

Back in their room, Ellie looked at Alex and began to tease her girl.

"So lover girl?.how many women am I going to have to fight for my rights to you??"

Alex looked very uncomfortable and so Ellie wrapped her arms around her and hugged her.

"Hon?.I'm kidding?.stop looking like a spectre from your past has just sprung up. I wasn't celibate before we met and I don't expect you were either...so chill?my big girl..."

The tall Celt looked into her girls face and was relieved to see no doubts or concerns. Alex knew how fragile Ellie had been when they had first found each other again and she was pleased that their time together had enabled her to be so relaxed when another woman had laid hands on her partner. Alex was not so sure she would be able to stop herself decking anyone?who so much as looked at Ellie!

"George is actually Klaitemnestra Georgiadou!!....Quite a mouthful so we all called her George. She works for the University of Athens with Dimitri Theodorakis...when he found out that we were going to start working on the pot, he must have sent her over. "

"So what's the story with you and her?..my handsome 'breaker of female hearts all over Europe'!!"

"Not a lot if truth be told, love?she was always a bit too pushy for me?never truly trusted her professionally or personally?..she's ambitious and isn't too worried about who she steps on to get what she wants."

"?.and it looks like she wants you!!"

Alex kissed Ellie for a deep and probing moment, and then looking into her lovely face, shook her head.

"She can want all she likes?" and she indicated her left breast. "This is spoken for."

The new scanner was developed by the American Space programme to scan for minute flaws in metal or other materials used on the Space Shuttle. It was a real coup for Edinburgh University to be able to acquire one, and Alex knew that the time they had to investigate the pot was limited. When the two women arrived at the lab, Alan and George had already retrieved the pot from the secure vault and were fastening it in a small cradle, to keep it still during the scan. Alex dropped a quick kiss on her girl's cheek before entering the airlock and donning the protective clothing. She opened the inner door and joined her two colleagues at the computer screen. Ellie was fascinated to see the unassuming earthenware pot that was causing the three archaeologists to fuss around, it as if it was the most precious thing in the world.
Eventually, the cradle was placed inside the scanner and, as the machine was activated, a gentle vibration reached Ellie in the outer lab.

About an hour later, all four of them were seated around the large table in the outer lab scrutinizing the scanner films. It seemed to Ellie that each film had taken a slice through the pot either laterally or longitudinally, the three Scientists were detailing which shot would provide the best information to feed into the computer in order to rebuild the scrolls digitally.

Eventually, they seemed to agree and they returned to the inner lab to enter the data in the mainframe computer. This time, Ellie entered too, Alex thought she looked so cute in the white coveralls and smiled at how her girl was taking to the work like a duck to water!

The big computer chugged away, analysing the data and after about 20 minutes began to build a digital image of the scrolls on the screen. Alan activated a big LCD repeater screen which was on the wall next to the airlock and they all stood watching as the image appeared.

Alex was the first to speak?her voice low and rumbling.

Sweet Aphrodite's Shell?and by Ares sword?this is un....bloody?.believable.!!!!

Even Ellie could see the vague shapes of letters appearing on the screen, there were some cracks in the parchment and gaps in the script, but line after line of closely written script was appearing with every second that passed. She felt Alex's arm come around her waist and pull her close to her side, and she could feel the excitement emanating form her tall, dark girl.
The screen now showed the complete image of the two scrolls and Alan was preparing to enhance the scans and print them.

They returned to the outer lab and George went to the small kitchenette to make some tea. Alan exited the inner lab and gave each of them a sheaf of paper, Ellie was touched that she was being included and leafed through them. Although she didn't speak or read Greek, she felt a strange connection with the symbols.... the hairs on the back of her neck stood up and she rubbed at them. Alex recognised this little habit and put her hands on her shoulders.

"You OK, darlin'?it's been a long day?.you tired?"

Ellie had hardly realised that the hours had sped by and it was now late afternoon.

Alex turned to Alan and George,

"We have all the data now, what say we call it a day? I know you want to know what the scrolls say, but I don't want to rush this?.we've waited 10 years?.another few days won't hurt. Ellie and I will go home. We need to be around Uncle J and Jeannie for a few days. When I have made any progress with the translation, I'll call you and we can see where we go next."

Alan groaned but grinned,"Oh Alex, marriage has made you soft?.in days gone past you'd have pulled all nighters, to get this done..."

"True, Alan...but that was when I had nothing better to do!"

Laughter rang around the lab, but only Ellie noticed the dark look on George's face

Chapter 4.


On the journey back to Applecross the next day, Alex filled in some of the gaps in the story of the WP, for Ellie.

"We are talking about a time in Greek History when the country was divided and fought over by Warlords and Kings. Towns and villages were forced to pay dues to whatever warlord happened by, or face the consequences. The ones with the biggest armies, or the really big swords, won out and everyone else suffered. The Arts were still an important part of everyday life and history was recorded by travelling Bards who would earn their living taking the news to towns and villages all over Greece. It was the time of the Olympian Gods so they had to get their share of dues too. Temples to various gods and goddesses were everywhere, and the people believed that these Olympians controlled their destinies. I kinda formed the impression that our WP was a good lass and maybe fought to help the weak."

"What gave you that idea?"

"Don't know darlin'...instinct?...Vibes through time?...I just ...knew it ...when I stood in the tomb for the first time. It was a resting place that had been prepared with care and love. There must have been artefacts at one time?..maybe weapons and offerings for a safe journey to the underworld, but even robbed of them?it just felt like ?" Alex struggle to find a word?.and then her girl spoke softly.
"?there was love in every corner??

Alex glanced over to see gentle tears flowing down Ellie face and she put out her hand, to wipe them away.

"Yes, my sweet girl?.exactly that."

They arrived back at the hotel in Applecross in time to share supper with the two elders of their family. Both J and Jeannie remembered the dig well and were keen to know what they had found out.

"So, the full story is in the scrolls, you think?" asked J. He had watched as Alex had put together the clues after the original dig and he remembered with great pride when the research paper had led to the thesis and finally to Alex's PhD.

"That was the way they recorded their history and art in those days?it will take some time to interpret and translate the symbols and there are lots of gaps ...but I'm confident we will find out a great deal more about our WP, than we know now. You never know, there may be another book in it for me!!"

The conversation then turned to the topic of the wedding, and Jeannie announced that it would be a quiet affair at the hotel. They had decided to have the ceremony on New Years Eve, and Alex laughed.

"That, you two devious folk, will be a Hogmanay to remember!!"

The next morning, Ellie woke and rolled over to cuddle her lover but found only an empty space. She looked through the window at the promontory but Alex was not there. She slipped from the bed, put on her robe and went to the hall.

"I'm in the study darlin'?but watch your step. " Alex's muffled voice reached her and she gently pushed open the door. Her lanky partner was curled up under the desk surrounded by wires and cables and Ellie bent down to eye level with her.

"What the heck are you doin' Hon?"

"Moving the desktop into the sitting room?.there's more room and we'll need space to spread out the papers?there's no room for you in here?.it was only ever s'posed to be a one woman workspace."

The impact of what Alex had said hit the small blonde Texan and she felt the sting of tears at the back of her eyes. She sat on the chair, reached down to pull Alex up to her and deposited a sweet, chaste kiss on the dusty forehead.

"In the history of sweet things you have said to me Hon....that is the sweetest ever."

Alex looked confused, "Why?...what'd I say?"

"Alex, I was awake quite a few times last night? I know how much this work means to you, and felt like I should give you some space because?I don't know what help I can offer you. This is your work, my love."

Alex grinned and took Ellie's small hand in hers.

"You're wrong, my wee girl. Archaeology is part of my life?.I don't go to an office 9 to 5 and then come home. I live and breath Archaeology....it's my passion and a driving force in my life?..You are the centre of my life?..so how could you not be part of it all? Besides which, when we decided to come to Scotland to live, you promised me that you would be very valuable to me because you had studied the stars and had the gift of prophecy?.so time to pay up....cowgirl!!

Ellie absorbed the words and the love that flowed between them, she just knew that Alex meant every word she had said so, she shrugged her shoulders, smiled and whispered.

"Then let's get to it, shall we?"

Whilst Alex was setting up the desktop, the phone rang and Ellie answered. It was Gordon Lachlan, their Accountant. Ellie had a conversation and made some notes before thanking him and ringing off.

Alex's head was, once again, under the table and Ellie took a few moments to admire that part of her girls anatomy presented to her.

"Hmmm" she thought "Nice buns!!"

Alex's voice, muffled by the cables she had in her mouth reached her

"And keep your eyes off my butt?.I'm trying to work here!"

The blonde Texan grinned and asked

"How do you know I am looking at your butt, oh love of all my lives?"

"Because the Pope's a Catholic?. I'm a Scot ?.and you, my love, are a lecherous Cowgirl!!"

They both giggled and Ellie sat on the floor next her girl.

"Gordon says the Hotel is in better shape than we hoped...he sees no reason that we can't hire some new staff. In fact, .he says it makes good business sense, so I guess we should go talk to J at some stage?"

"Yep...good idea?pass me the Philips, babe?please"

Ellie looked blankly at Alex's hand, extended expectantly from under the desk

"The what?" she queried...

Alex extricated her lanky frame from under the desk.

"The cross head screwdriver...my sweet girl?.come on you promised you could be valuable to me!!"

About half an hour later, the computer was set up and Alex had established a satellite hookup to Edinburgh. Alan was on line, and so was George?hers was the first voice they heard and it came over the link, husky and sexy.

"Hello my darling Alex and how are you today?"

"We are fine thanks George" .Alex's voice brooked no silly games and they began to work on the scrolls. It was not a simple translation, that Alex could have done blindfolded; the rolled layers of the scrolls had to be isolated and then separated from each other. Finally, they were all able to agree that the first section of symbols were ready to be worked on. Alan and George took one section and Alex and Ellie, the other. They agreed to check in the following day to report progress.

Ellie made some tea whilst Alex began to identify those symbols least obscured by damage.

??a?ß?d?p?????µ?????? ?e???????f

Alex seemed pleased that the symbols seemed to correlate closely with the ancient Greek scripts with which she was familiar. There were many gaps but she began to think that there were identifiable words in the mix.

??? Both of these symbols, Alex explained, could mean an 'sd' sound as in wisdom.
a This was 'a' as in alpha.
ß This was b as in battle.

The afternoon progressed and as Ellie became more proficient with the symbols, she was able to start forming words. Alex isolated four symbols for her and when she found the right order her mouth fell open with shock.

Alex noticed and was immediately concerned.
"What is it, my lovely?"

Ellie turned her clipboard over and showed her girl what she had found and it was Alex's turn to be dumbfounded.

??e???a

"But Ellie?that's the name you called me when we first kissed that night in America ....XENA"

Ellie nodded ."?and there's more." she whispered.

G..a..ß..ß..?..?..e..?..?..e

"Gabrielle?" Alex's voice was barely a breath as she said the name.

The two women sat in stunned silence for several minutes and it was Ellie who spoke first.

"By the Fates, Hon?.This story of the 'Warrior princess'?It's US? in a previous life."

Alex took hold of her girls hand to find it was trembling, as was her own. They looked at each other and sought the comfort of each others arms for a few moments.

"Well, we had pretty much accepted that we have been together many times before?hadn't we Hon?" asked Ellie." So this is our chance to find out more. Sounds like a challenge to me?"

Alex gazed at her beautiful green eyes, so full of trust and she nodded.
"Just one thing, though darlin'. I think we should keep this to ourselves for now. Archaeology is a science and we need to keep it to empirical evidence for the time being. "

Ellie nodded and agreed.

They decided to have a break for a cup of tea when there was a knock on the door and they heard the booming voice of Uncle J announcing himself. He came in and dropped a kiss on each upturned cheek before seating himself on one of the leather couches and letting out a long sigh. His two nieces came to sit next to him.

"How's tricks J?" asked Alex.

"Wondered if you'd heard anything from Gordon? I think I've had the honeymoon period of Jeannie liking being a lady of leisure. I found her in the kitchen this morning giving wee Johnny a row cos he's moved her herbs. Then she was in the restaurant checking on Margaret.

"Uh Ho, that's not good." agreed Ellie. She looked over at her partner and they nodded to each other. "Plan B, Uncle J?we need to mobilise the troops!"

The work on the Scrolls was put to the back of their minds where the needs of their family Matriarch were concerned. They told J that Gordon was happy that the hotel could support more staff. They discussed Ellie's plans to promote Tilly to Hotel manager, John Taggart to first Chef and Margaret to Restaurant manager. Although Fergus saw his job as temporary, they hoped that the incentive of a promotion might focus his mind. Ellie's plan was to offer him a temporary promotion to Bar Manager, pending him making a commitment to the Hotel. They would hire two more waitresses come chamber maids and another part time barperson.

James Wallace just sat and looked at his girls fondly.

"So you two lovelies have it all worked out, don't you? I suspect the Boys have had a hand in it too."

Ellie kissed his grizzled cheek and tickled his beard.

"Just one major prob, Uncle J." mooted Alex?

They all said in unison. "Jeannie!!"

Alex smiled at her lover and sighed.
"Sorry Babe! Time for one of your sensitive chats I think."

It was agreed that Ellie would return to the Hotel with J and talk to Jeannie. Alex wanted to brief Alan about the words and names they had translated from the scrolls.

She brought up the satellite link and she could see both Alan and George in the lab in Edinburgh. George looked hard at the screen.

"Where's the 'little woman' then Alex?" She smirked, her voice heavy with sarcasm.

Alex snapped, "Enough George, if you are trying to put a spanner in the works with Ellie and me, then forget it. This is different. Ellie and I are the real thing and if you can't handle that, then I'll get Dimitri to take you off the dig."

It wasn't often that Alex flexed her muscles but the mere possibility that her girl could be upset by the silly games of someone as twisted as George, she would not tolerate.
Alan sat looking more and more uncomfortable as the battle of wills was going on. Eventually, George sat back and appeared to concede.

"Just a bit of fun Alex, don't get so het up!!"

Alex now ignored her and concentrated her questions at Alan.

"We have two names from our section. XENA? and GABRIELLE...and half of what appears to be a name of a Town. We have AMF or possibly AMPH ?.then there are gaps and what looks like OLIS on the end. Any joy from you?"

Alan, obviously relieved to be able to get back to the archaeology, showed Alex his findings.
He had a part of another town name, PO***D**A, and a clear word. BARD

They were encouraged by their findings and agreed to talk again tomorrow.

Chapter 5.

To everyone's utter delight, Jeannie agreed without demur to the new staffing. She told Ellie that it was a real weight off her mind. She was pleased that the staffing changes had been made from within and agreed with all suggestions. Ellie assured her that she was still a consultant, and that she was to sit and hold court?but not lift a finger!!

The newly promoted staff were delighted and set to their new jobs with great enthusiasm. Over the next few days, Alex and Ellie were able to apply themselves to the scrolls and J and Jeannie even left the Applecross Hotel to have lunch with Jock at the Tigh-na-Eilean hotel up the coast in Shieldaig? Alex informed Ellie that to have them leave the Applecross Hotel during business hours was a miracle of the first order.

The symbols and characters from the scrolls were beginning to form a clearer picture of life for the WP. They knew that the Warrior Princess was Xena of Amphipolis and that her companion was Gabrielle from Poteidaia. It had been Gabrielle the Bard who had chronicled the tales of the activities of the armoured female warrior in Ancient Greece around the 1st century CE. Sadly, no trace of the many Scrolls that she must have created had ever been found.

Alex was poring over one section of the scroll whilst Ellie made some lunch, when she suddenly rushed into the kitchen.

"By all the gods, Ellie?.check this for me?.I can't believe it?Am I right?"

A fresh pair of eyes came up with the same conclusion and they set up a conference call to Alan. He was as excited as they were and almost shouted.

"Another chamber!!! Are you serious!! How could we have missed it?"

Barely able to contain her own excitement, Alex replied.

"We just thought it had been robbed out, we didn't consider the possibility of a trick outer tomb hiding an inner one."

Alan thought for a moment.

"We have to go back Alex?.this is potentially the biggest find in Greek antiquity for decades. I'll get hold of Dimitri and see what we can set up. Are you available?"

"Nothing will keep us away Alan, whatever it takes! We have to do this."

When the call ended, Alex sat back and the weariness of hours of concentration hit her. Ellie poured them a glass of wine and they sat together on the leather couch by the fire.

"What do you think, my love?are we ready to face our past life?"

The answer came a few days later. The Greek Government had agreed to allow the University of Athens to re-open the tomb of the Warrior Princess and to supply diggers for the job. Alan and Alex would bring out some of the more sophisticated equipment not available to the Greeks, and they would share all data and artefacts. With the Hotel staffing settled and the two family Elders rested and happy, the two lovers felt that they could leave them and go to Greece without fears for their welfare. The 'Boys' of course would be on hand to help day to day so the coast was clear for a trip to Greece.

The time was short to arrange the dig, it was now late September and, although Greek winter weather wasn't a real problem, the shorter days restricted the time for excavation each day unless lights were used, and artificial light was not kind to the keen eye of the trained archaeologist.

The day came for the couple to leave for Greece. Their equipment was being flown out by courtesy of an RAF Hercules Aircraft taking personnel on exercise in the Greek Mountains. Alan had contacts in the Ministry of Defence and there was space for all of them to travel, not in style, but quickly. They were to fly from RAF Kinross, at 1600 hours and as the journey to the airbase would take 5 hours so, it was at 0600 hours that a very grumpy Ellie had risen, but refused to shine and been settled in the back seat of the truck to continue to sleep as Alex drove out of Applecross. The previous evening they had said their farewells to the family over supper at the hotel. They could all sense that Alex was excited to be back doing what she loved the best, digging in dusty holes and unravelling the past with her time detective skills. What they had not been told was that Alex and Ellie Wallace were about to unravel a part of their own past life.

Chapter 6.

By about 0900 hours, a tousled blonde head appeared from the back set and demanded coffee!. Alex pulled into a roadside café and the two had a breakfast of bacon, eggs and Scots potato cakes. Ellie downed at least a pint of strong coffee and eventually declared herself human and fit to be spoken to.
Alex looked fondly at her love and took the hand which was seemingly welded to the mug of coffee and kissed the knuckles gently. "Good morning, darlin'!"

Ellie, whilst still trying hard to be grumpy, couldn't help but smile and retorted.

"You smooth talker Dr Alex Wallace, 'Peee haitch godsbedamned ...dee'!!!. If I had known that marrying you would mean getting out of bed at Sparrow fart....I might have reconsidered my answer!!"

They both laughed and Ellie ran her hands through her hair and wrinkled her nose at her gorgeous girl, secretly deciding that she would probably have said yes, any way!"

They continued on their way and entered RAF Kinross at about mid day. After passing through security, they were guided to a hanger on the western side of the base. Alex's truck was parked inside and the equipment she had brought from the Croft was loaded into special cases and secured inside the enormous aircraft on the tarmac outside. They were given tea and awaited in relative comfort for Alan....and George to arrive. At about 1300 hours, the University transport arrived and RAF ground crew swarmed all over it, removing and storing valuable equipment in the Hercules. Alan was running around like a chicken with its head cut off, desperately worrying that his precious machines might be damaged. Eventually, after a heartfelt plea by the Ground crew 'Boss', an experienced Flight Sergeant, Alex gently drew him away.

"Alan, these guys are used to transporting all kinds of technological equipment?.they know what they are doing....just relax a minute."

Whilst Alex was on her mission to save the sanity of RAF personnel, George had not lost the opportunity to talk to Ellie.

"So you're along for the ride are you? Be nice for you to have a bit of a holiday whilst Alex and I are busy working at the dig. There are some lovely tourist things you could do in the area."

Her tone was sweet and gentle but Ellie was no fool. She put down the book she was reading?on Ancient Greek script? and fixed this odious woman with a steely eye.

"Right?.Sweetheart, " she hissed, "Let's get one thing straight?.I am from Texas and we don't take this kind of crap from anyone?..if you want to waste your time trying to get Alex away from me?.You go ahead ..Honey....give it your best shot? But I'm telling you, you aren't woman enough?.Trust me!!...Other than that, quit the wind ups and innuendos?.we have cattle in Texas more subtle than you and they produce really big quantities of bullshit too?.so I'm used to it. Are we clear here, George....DO WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER??"

George kept eye contact with Ellie, then ran her eyes slowly and lasciviously up and down Ellie's slim body, assumed a provocative posture and was about to speak, when Ellie interjected.

"Oh pulleeeze?.Don't go there, lady?you have a snowballs chance in Tartarus with me?.and NO?.I am not in denial?.just spare me your childish games. Get a life George, because Alex and I already have one of our own."

Ellie picked up her book again and waited for George to slink away, she was shaking with anger and worked to calm herself down as Alex and Alan approached.

Although she didn't know what it was about, Alex had witnessed the conversation, and sensed Ellie's tension.

"Everything OK?Hon?"

Ellie grinned at her girl.

"Never better, my love, never better!"

As one would expect of the RAF, the flight left on time and the journey was uneventful. Alex was amused to see that George kept as far away from them as she could, and suspected that Ellie had put her firmly in her place. George had been foolish if she had underestimated the feisty Texan and Alex almost wished she had been a fly on the wall during their 'conversation'!
They landed at a Greek Air force base near Athens at 2200hours where they were assigned quarters and treated as honoured guests in the Officer's mess.

The next day, after breakfast, they packed all of their equipment onto trucks from the University of Athens Archaeology Department, and set off for the site which was about 60 miles north of Athens, in the hills near the town of Khalkis. The final few miles were through mountain passes on rough dirt tracks and they were all pleased to reach the site, and offload their gear. Very quickly a small tented village appeared; the archaeologists and student diggers from the University of Athens were well practised in setting up these camps and before long, a meal had been prepared in the mess tent.

Alex and Ellie's tent was large enough to take their double air mattress and quilts.

Ellie smiled when she saw that she was not to be denied her comforts. When Alex entered the tent, she was met with a big hug and a long lingering kiss.

"Hmm, not complaining Babe....but what's that for?" Alex pondered.
"Just cos you? are you, and I love you and ?oh yes?you've brought my favourite pillow!!"

The tall Celt laughed and hugged her girl.

"Archaeology doesn't have to be uncomfortable, my love!"

Alan, and a very subdued George, had set up their equipment and screens in a larger tent near the cave tomb, where they were calibrating them and checking settings. The electricity was being produced by a generator which hummed softly outside. The power supply to the scanners was crucial and had to be constant to allow their readings to be accurate. Alex checked it personally, it seemed a little battered and not particularly young, but her ear told her it was up to the job.

Alex took Ellie up the hill to the metal door which protected the tomb. She unlocked the huge padlock which secured it and put her shoulder to the door. It resisted but finally began to open. The smell of stone and stale air emanated from the tomb and when the gap was wide enough, Alex flicked on a large torch and went in. Ellie followed and she found herself in a chamber about 15 feet by 15 feet. The roof was high enough to allow Alex to stand up straight and, as she stood there, she appeared to be reconnecting with her memories of the first dig. Ellie looked around, Alex had put the powerful torch on the floor facing up to the ceiling, and it filled the chamber with light. Ellie looked at the friezes carved along the side of the stone sarcophagus, which was positioned in the centre of the cavern. The lid was broken in two and had fallen, part in and part out of the coffin. Ellie looked inside but there were no bones, just dust.
There were faint remnants of drawings on the walls of the tomb and Ellie strained her eyes to see chariots and soldiers as well as what appeared to be crowds of peasants waving and cheering a tall armoured female warrior.

Ellie looked to Alex and asked. "Can I touch these, Hon?"

Alex appeared to be far away and it was several seconds before she answered, she came to where Ellie was standing and put her arm around her waist.

"These have all been recorded and photographed, so any dust on them is post original dig and OK for you to touch, darling?.and thanks for asking." She smiled fondly at her beautiful girl.

Ellie gently began to wipe away the covering of dust and she pointed to a figure next to the tall Warrior. It was a small slight figure holding a short fighting staff; her face was not clear but her physical closeness to the tall woman next to her was unmistakable. The two lovers looked into each others eyes and met for a long slow kiss.
There was aloud cough from the doorway and they turned to see the discomfited face of Alan standing there.

"Sorry to interrupt, but we are ready for the geo-phys to begin."

Alex and Ellie smiled at him and left the tomb, as they did; three diggers entered carrying a machine that looked like a small lawn mower. It was capable of sending waves down into the earth and receiving echoes from any structure that might be below the surface if the earth. It allowed them to build a picture without digging. The long wires linking this machine to the computers snaked out through the door. The techies were well used to this and began to divide the tomb up into strips of about one and a half feet wide, the width of the machine. As Alex and Ellie came out of the cave, they saw that George was seated in front of the screen and she was relaying instructions to the techies inside. She cast a sideways glance at the two women as they walked away hand in hand, and allowed herself a wry shrug of the shoulders.

There was little that Alex could do until the data was available so she and her girl went to the mess tent for some tea. Several of the diggers from the University of Athens had been on the first dig and before long; the two women were engaged on a lively debate with them, on the relative merits of Soccer versus Rugby!!

Later, they were returning to their tent when a large, flashy 4X4 pulled up. A tall dark man with extraordinarily sculpted facial hair alighted. The passenger door opened and a long shapely stocking clad leg emerged, which was followed by a vision in pink?the tall slim woman was dressed in a skimpy pink outfit with a flowing pink overcoat topped by a head of blonde curls and the largest pair of sunglasses Alex and Ellie had ever seen. The man removed his sunglasses and looked around until he saw Alex and he walked towards her. He stopped in front of her and extended his hand, she took it and he bowed over it and kissed it. Alex was about to withdraw her hand from this slimy presumptuous git, when he spoke, his voice was deep and rich.

"My name is Telemon, Rase Telemon and this is my sister Affie. I am very pleased to meet you Dr Wallace."

Alex dropped his hand and looked him in the eye.

"What can I do for you, Mr Telemon??and how do you know who I am?"

"You underestimate the interest in this dig, Dr Wallace, it is all over the Greek News and your picture was featured this morning. I wonder if you could spare us a few minutes. We may have information that will be of use to you."

He looked over at the small figure of Ellie and smiled. She reached out her hand.
"Ellie Wallace, I am Alex's partner."

He raised his eyebrows just a fraction but recovered and shook her proffered hand.
The vision in pink moved to stand next to her brother; she removed her sunglasses to reveal a pair of almost transparent blue eyes. She looked into the green eyes for what seemed a long time before she spoke.

"Hello, Ellie....it's good to see you?." then she stopped and laughed, " I am sooo excited to be on a real dig?.it is sooo like, totally cool!"

Ellie pigeon holed her as 'Bimbo' and yet she felt as if she had a vague memory of her. The woman had an American accent and she thought that they might have met at one of the San Francisco conventions, but she dismissed the thought.

The tall dark man followed Alex as she walked back towards the mess tent and, although she felt an instinctive dislike for him, her curiosity got the better of her and she offered him a seat at a table. Ellie and Affie followed and sat down at the same table; the vision in pink had, by this time, replaced the sunglasses, she crossed her leg elegantly and arranged the folds of her dress.

"What could you have that I might be interested in?" Alex asked?. the irony clear.

Rase Telemon's eyes narrowed as he picked up the thinly veiled hostility in Alex's words.

"Sponsorship, Dr Wallace?.vast wads of cash. I am a wealthy collector of ancient artefacts and I think there might be something on this dig that I need, in order to complete a collection ?something I've been waiting to find...for a very long time, and I want to put my cards on the table from the beginning."

Alex looked at him and his gaze did not waver, her voice low and growly as she replied.
"All artefacts from these digs belong to Greece?not me. You are talking to the wrong person."

Telemon leant forward and whispered.
"Not according to Dimitri Theodorakis?You are exactly who I should be talking to."

He took out his cell phone and speed dialled a number. When it was answered he handed it to Alex. She listened for a few moments and then stood up and took the phone out of earshot.

"Dimitri, what the hell are you saying?"

"Alex?. Telemon is going to fund the building of a new faculty building; he is going to give us what we need to get the University of Athens on the Archaeologists map of the world. He wants just two things in return. It's my call Alex. This has gone to the highest authority."

"So, what you are saying is that you have sold out to the highest bidder...that all of the principles of conserving the past go out of the window when it suits you."

"Its politics Alex?.it's what I do?I'm not asking you to like it?..just do as I ask, please."

"Or what, Dimitri?"

"The dig is cancelled until the dust settles and then we go in anyway and get what he wants....at least this way; you get to record and archive the site."

Alex was trembling with anger and felt her girl's arms come around her waist as she gathered herself. She squeezed Ellie and spoke just one word, heavy with sarcasm.

"Fine"?.and she hung up.

It was a few moments before she nodded at Ellie and mouthed?."I'm OK" and they returned to the table.

"OK Telemon?.what is it you expect me to find?"

The mysterious man, who knew that he held all of the cards, outlined his belief that there were two sets of artefacts to be found. The first was a pair of Sais? weapons, he said, that were to be found predominantly in Japan and India. He told them that they were believed to have originated as an agricultural tool used to measure stalks, plough fields, and plant rice...He described its basic form as that of an unsharpened dagger, with two long, unsharpened projections attached to the handle called tsuba's. He suggested that the closest description of it was like a small trident that, with skill, could be used effectively against a long sword by trapping the sword's blade in the Sais tsuba. He said that there were several different ways of wielding the Sais in the hands, which gave it the versatility to be used for both attack and defence.

The second artefact, he described, was called a Chakram. He explained that it was a throwing weapon that was used in the ancient east; it was a flat metal ring with a sharp outer edge about 30cm in diameter. It was historically said to have an effective range of 40 to 50 metres and because of its aerodynamic shape, would not have been easily deflected by wind, and would have returned to the throwers hand, much as an Australian Boomerang would do.

Despite her irritation, Alex felt herself drawn into this man's obvious passion for the past.
"?.and why do you think they are here?" she asked

"Let's say...intuition and leave it at that, Dr Wallace. So, do we have a deal?"

"Your deal is with Dimitri, not me, and let's has that clear from the get go, Telemon...I don't sell ancient history?.however you want to dress it up."

Telemon shrugged and stood up.

"Time to go Sis?.Nice to have met you, Dr ?and Mrs Wallace".

Before Alex could react to his comment, Ellie grabbed her arm and shook her head.
"Let them go, Hon?they are not worth your angst."

As the two visitors reached their car, Affie turned and gave them a little limp wristed wave, and the car roared away in a cloud of dust.

Alex felt powerless to stop what she considered to be a dereliction of all the principles and ethics she had believed in, all of her career. She left Ellie in the mess tent and went to find Alan. As she approached, she could tell from his body language that he was expecting a row from her.
She stopped and looked at him and he dropped his eyes from her piecing blues and muttered.

"Sorry Alex, I was trying to find the right time. Telemon wasn't due here until tomorrow."

The tall Celt just shook her head and walked away from her mentor and friend, deeply disappointed.

Chapter 7.

Alex and Ellie spent the rest of the day exploring the hills around the dig. The countryside was arid, with little vegetation but the geology was fascinating. About a mile from the dig site, they discovered a rocky outcrop, heavily salted with quartz which made it seem to sparkle in the sun.
The surroundings could have been from millennia earlier, there were no buildings or ruins to show where any might have been. There was a sense of timelessness about the area and they sat quietly in the late summer sun.

They returned to the mess tent for supper and retired to their tent where they read by lantern light before getting ready for bed. They settled on the air mattress under the warmth of the duvet, and Ellie took her place on Alex's shoulder.

"I'm so sorry Hon?.today has been spoiled hasn't it?"

Alex kissed her gently and answered.
"If this was any other dig, you wouldn't see me for dust, Ellie?.but there is more to this than meets the eye and we are going to get to the bottom of it."


Alex woke with a strange feeling?..she thought she could see a vague sparkling effect just disappear as she opened her eyes..?.she immediately reached for her girl and was relieved to find her in her usual place, by her side. Daylight showed through the fabric of the tent and Alex glanced at her watch, she shook it on her wrist, .but it had stopped.
"Damn battery again." She muttered to herself.
Alex scrubbed her hands through her auburn hair and wiped her hand over her face. She could hear sounds outside the tent and could not place them. Ellie stirred beside her and her green eyes opened and began to focus.

"What's all the noise, Hon??.sounds like we are in the middle of Athens"

Alex nodded, slipped from their camp bed and got dressed. Ellie did the same and the tall Scot opened the flap of their tent. She could not believe her eyes. They appeared to be just outside a small town, which consisted of a single main street with ramshackle houses on either side. There were what seemed to be Militia, stationed at the gates of the town, armed with spears and short swords. They wore a uniform of sorts and a strange round symbol adorned their tabards. The town was a hive of activity and people dressed in simple peasant garb passed by, leading horses and herding sheep. Ellie joined her girl and they both looked out in utter amazement.

"This is a dream?..right Babe? ...croaked Ellie, and Alex, also lost for words, shrugged.

Nobody seemed to be paying them any attention and walked by them as if they were invisible. The two women, hand in hand and with not a cigarette paper space between them, walked through the town. It was a scene from ancient times with simple houses thatched with straw and pens with sheep and goats in them. The sounds and smells seemed as real as those of the modern day dig, but they were in some kind of ancient scene. Women wore long skirts of coarse woven material and the men carried swords at their belts. Although at a loss to know what the heck was going on, the two 21st century women carried on until they heard the sounds of merriment coming from a tavern. Alex pushed open the door and found a celebration in progress.

At the table next to the fire, Alex and Ellie saw two women. It was like looking at themselves. A tall strong woman whose black hair was streaked with silver sat next to a smaller woman with sparkling green eyes. Her once golden hair was also dimmed by grey but as the sun shone through the window behind them, the gold still sparkled. The two women sat close together, the tall woman's arm around the smaller ones shoulders and their hands clasped together.

A tall slim woman in her mid fifties stood up and claimed silence?Four other adults came to stand by her; two men and two women. Each shared a common family line that showed clearly from the black hair and piercing blue eyes, she raised a mug of ale and spoke.

"Today is the 30th anniversary of the day when my mothers defeated the evil demon Yodoshi in the land of Japp and freed the souls trapped within him. Each year we come together, friends and family to celebrate their life together and their love for each other. Today, my children, Elias, Virgil, Xenia and Bria are here with their children. Join us friends and neighbours, please, join us in sending our love and respect to them?.Xena and Gabrielle!!.

Their names reverberated around the tavern and Alex and Ellie looked at each other is silent amazement.

As the sounds of the toast died down, Xena nudged Gabrielle and they heard her say?.

"Go on ?you're the Bard?..go be Bardly?!!"

Gabrielle stood a little stiffly and spoke.

"Eve. Thank you daughter, for your kind words. Xena and I give thanks that we are able to celebrate this day with our daughter, our grandchildren and our great grandchildren."

At this two little blonde children ran, one to Xena and the other to Gabrielle. Each child was gathered up into their arms and hugged. The twins, Toris and Lyceus put their arms around the elderly women and hugged them?then they shouted together in a well rehearsed ritual.

"We love you Giagia Xena and Giagia Gabby!"

The whole room endorsed the words of the two boys. Alex and Ellie felt the depth of love and respect for their two past personae fill the tavern as the gathered folks applauded their Guests of Honour.

Time seemed to stand still for Alex and Ellie as they heard the stories of these two remarkable women. Many scrolls were spread around the room and one after another people rose to read of their exploits. They told of the time that Xena stopped the Persian invaders single handed when Gabrielle had been poisoned by an arrow?.How Gabrielle fought by Xena's side when the Olympian Gods wanted to kill their daughter Eve?.Their battles against Rome and how they had been part of the defeat of Caesar?Each story brought great roars of approval from the gathered company and through it all, Xena and Gabrielle smiled at each other and at their family and friends.

As the last story ended, Little Lyceus, who was sitting on his grandmother Xena's lap, asked "Throw the Chakram for us?please?It's good fun?..pleeese?"

Xena looked at Gabrielle who smiled and shrugged, so the tall warrior stood and to the small boy's delight, reached up and took down the weapon from the mantel where it rested between two dagger like weapons. Xena took Lyceus' hand, and Gabrielle took the hand of Toris and together they walked out into the road outside the tavern. Alex, Ellie and the other guests followed, Xena left Lyceus with his father Virgil, and walked to the middle of the road. She looked around and gestured some of the townspeople to move back a little and then she let out her war cry and launched the Chakram. As it left her hand it divided onto two parts, each sped off in different direction. The two parts ricocheted from rock to tree and rock again, sending off showers of sparks and shards of wood until the two pieces rejoined as it returned.. The party trick was well received with Oooh's and Aaah's and then applause as Xena caught it with a flourish.

"Show Off!" Gabrielle whispered quietly and received a hug from Xena in return.
Ellie looked at her girl and saw her own amazement at what they had just seen, mirrored in her face.

The road swirled and Alex and Ellie began to see another scene appear. It seemed to be some years later; Xena lay on the bed and Gabrielle knelt beside her. Their hair was now silver and their faces showed the lines of age. Eve stood behind the small blonde figure, her hands on her shoulders. Silent tears flowed from both and the door gently closed as the healer made her final exit.

Gabrielle moved to lie next to her soulmate and at the touch; Xena's blue eyes opened and fixed on the beautiful face of her love. She managed a small smile.

"My love, you are the beat of my heart, my beautiful Bard."

Gabrielle whispered." You are the breath of life to me my love?.even in death I will never leave you."

Xena's last breath sighed from her and Gabrielle held her dear face in her hands and kissed her lips one last time. Both Gabrielle and Eve began to sob and the Bard arranged the coverings over her love and went to comfort their daughter. Both Alex and Ellie felt their cheeks wet with tears as they witnessed this sad event.

For the two time travellers, the room swirled again and next they saw Gabrielle alone in the room with Xena. The small blonde held Xena's razor sharp Chakram to her own throat and her pain was palpable, even through millennia. Then a sparkling shape appeared in the room and a slim blonde materialised, her face a mask of concern.

Gabrielle spoke, her voice quavering with disbelief.

Aphrodite? She gasped.

"Yes little one....I'm still around."?and she took the grieving woman into her arms.

"What's the plan, girlfriend," she drawled, but her voice betrayed her fears.

"I can't go on without her Dite....I don't want to?the pain is too great. All the other times I knew I had a chance to get her back?.not this time. My heart is breaking. No more, no more, Dite?.no more...it's too hard." she sobbed.

"Gabrielle" said Aphrodite, "do you think I would let you be parted after all you've been through?. Your hourglass is running out too. Just trust your love, my old friend."

In a twinkling, she disappeared and Gabrielle stood for a few moments, then turned and went to lie next to her love, she put a last kiss on her forehead and adjusted a stray lock of hair.
Alex' n' Ellie watched as the two women lay together for the last time in this life and waited as Gabrielle's breathing slowed and then stopped. A shimmering figure reappeared at the end of the bed and blew them a kiss of farewell.

Once again the room swirled and the two modern day women saw a procession through the town. A chariot led by a golden horse pulled its precious cargo for the last time, two still forms lay in the chariot, covered by soft linen blanket. They followed the procession to the familiar cave outside the town on the hillside. Music played softly on lutes and lyres to accompany the last journey of these revered soulmates and both Alex and Ellie knew they were to be buried together, wrapped in each other arms.

The procession travelled to a familiar hillside outside the town and stopped.

Eve spoke to the assembled mourners.
"My friends, my family and I would like to say our final farewells in private. We thank you for the respect you have shown our special women and we ask to be left alone now."

The crowd dispersed, several laid flowers on the covered forms on the chariot and soon Eve and her children were alone. Inside the cave a stone sarcophagus had been carved and decorated, the top of the sarcophagus showed the complex knot pattern that had become so important to Alex. Eve took an earthenware pot from the Chariot and she entered the cave.
In the corner a small hole had been dug, she rested the pot in it and carefully buried it.
From the Chariot, the others brought in pots of wine and oil, they laid linen fabrics in the sarcophagus and flowers on top of the lid, and finally Eve rested a Warrior shield up against the stone and sprinkled some gold coins on the lid. Virgil and Elias completed the tribute by bringing in a small carved statue of a Warrior's Battle Horse.

The family left the cave, Eve nodded to her sons and they rolled a large rock over the entrance. Even in this strange dreamscape, Alex and Ellie were confused and waited to see what would happen next. The five people began to lead the golden horse away from the cave. They travelled about a mile away from the cave to a mountain side where a swathe of quartz twinkled in the sunshine. There, in a small hidden valley, was another cave. They carried the bodies of Xena and Gabrielle carefully inside. Alex and Ellie followed and witnessed them laying the soulmates together in a deep hole dug in the floor of the cave. Xena and Gabrielle were laid gently and reverently on their sides, facing each other. Their arms were placed around each other, flowers placed over them and then they were covered in layers of soft linens. Each member of the family, tears streaming down their faces helped to cover them in the earth and they did not rest until the floor of the cave was level and flat and showed no signs of disturbance.
Eve nodded her approval,

"Now let us see if those who would wish to desecrate the graves of Xena, Warrior Princess and Gabrielle, the Battling Bard, can find them here. Here they rest for all eternity."

Finally, the family laid into a second hole one half of the chakram and one of the daggers Alex and Ellie had seen in the tavern dagger. Ellie shook herself from the emotion of this scene and whispered in Alex's ear.

"Hon?.I've just realised that they must the things that Telemon wants....the Chakram and the Sais?.but they've only buried half the Chakram and one of the Sais.!"

Alex nodded and they left the cave. The family also left the cave, and then Elias and Virgil climbed up the rock face above the cave. A large pile of rocks had been placed at the top of the cliff. Whilst Eve and her daughters moved away from the cave, the two men started a rockslide and a shower of boulders fell and covered the opening of the cave. When the dust had settled, there was no sign of the cave.

The family made their way slowly and sadly back to the first cave. The two men began to dig a small hole in direct line from the sealed tomb to a rocky outcrop some thirty feel away. The hole was small; maybe a foot square and a foot deep and when Eve nodded her approval, her daughter Bria reached into the chariot and carefully carried another earthenware pot to her mother. She placed it in the hole, slowly and almost reverently, and then she backfilled the hole. When she had finished her sons ran the wheels of the chariot and the hooves of the golden mare over the hole, again and again, each time an indentation appeared as the ground settled, it was filled again until only the tracks of the wheels and hooves remained.

Eve whispered?
"Their final wishes have been honoured and we are all bound by our oaths to them, to keep their secrets."

She gathered her children around her and they stood for a moment in final farewell, before turning and making their way back to the town.

The scene swirled again and the next thing the travellers knew, they were waking up in their tent. They shook their heads to clear the fuzziness they both felt and neither saw the sparkling shape disappear. They turned to each other and neither seemed to want to speak.

"Did you have dream, Hon?" ventured Ellie.

"Yep?.and a dilly it was too, darlin'?..I'll tell mine if you tell yours." but the tremor in her voice belied the weak attempt at humour.

When the two soulmates had discovered that they had been together before, it had not seemed strange at all, and even the enormity of their shared 'dream' did not truly frighten them. If anything, it seemed to awaken more memories, and so they talked of what they remembered and Ellie got out a notebook to write it all down before it faded from their minds. She sketched the shape and decoration of the Chakram and the very strange shape of the dagger like Sais. When they were happy that they recorded all they had seen and heard, they began to hear sounds of the camp waking up.

"Why did Eve bury the pot in the fake tomb?" mused Ellie.

"To lay a false trail, I suggest?The tomb was obviously robbed out by someone?..we only found a few coins, some pottery shards and the horse. Most of our information came from the carvings and the friezes on the cave walls." Alex suggested.

".and what about the second pot???"

"Beats me, darlin'?..they really didn't want the second one found?.but why bury it? Why not destroy what was in it??"

"Maybe it was too precious to destroy?.but too dangerous to allow it to be found?"

Alex looked fondly over at her girl.

"You've spent too much time talking to us Archaeologists, Ell?.you're starting to think like one?..and sound like one!"

"Why, Dr Wallace?.I'll take that as a compliment!! So what do we do now, Hon?"

"I have a mind to get that second pot?.What do you think?

Ellie thought carefully, "What we found in the first pot has only reinforced the story of our Warrior and her girl?.if we could be sure the second would do the same, I'd be all for it?but the only way to find that out ?.is to dig it up and then, it'll be too late?."

"Not if Alan and I get sole rights to it?the Greeks don't have the scanner and we do?after Alan's little scam with Mr Telemon, I'll have the whip hand and I can keep anything under wraps we think is too private?or too personal to our past?.to be revealed"

"OK?.but how do we get the search area extended?"

"I can easily get the geo-phys to check the area in front of the tomb to get the second pot?.no problem..?..Another thing?.It will look suspicious if I don't join in with the hunt for the second chamber?so I will....but in a few days, it will become apparent that there isn't one, and we can all go home."

Ellie suddenly leapt on her partners lap and hugged her with all of her might. Alex managed to balance the change in weight before they both crashed to the ground, and hugged her back.
"Whoah?.Cowgirl?.what's all this for.?"

Alex felt tear on her cheek and pulled back to see that her girl was crying.
"What's wrong ..?" she asked.

"I am so proud of you?.and there is nothing wrong with me!! .I'm feeling great?because that means we are going to leave them in peace, doesn't it?"

Alex was thoughtful and answered.
"Do you know how many digs I have been on where I have disturbed the bones of ancient skeletons? I had never realised what I was doing?..it was always about the science and the clues for me?.I had never thought that these were real people ,with families that loved them and laid them to rest with such love, only to have someone like me come, millennia later, to disturb that peace. Never again Ellie?..from now on?...no burial mounds or tombs for me."

The two lovers sat together and absorbed this for some time, until a voice disturbed them. It was Stavros, the dig leader, an old friend of Alex's.

"Any chance you two love birds are going to do some work today?"

Alex gave Ellie one last kiss and answered

"Och...awa with ya, Stavros? ya heathen bastard make yourself useful and get us some tea!"

They heard him roar with laughter and walk back in the direction of the mess tent.

Chapter 8.

For the next few days, Alex worked with Alan and George on the geo-phys results. They found a few anomalies in the floor of the cave and to help in their efforts, the sarcophagus was moved. It took ten diggers the best part of a day to jack it up and get it onto rollers. They were careful and much to Alex's relief ?did no damage. The carvings on the stone were still clear and beautiful even after two millennia, and Alex wanted them to stay that way.

After her initial reaction to the news about Rase Telemon, she and Alan slipped back into a reasonably comfortable working relationship, but Alex felt no remorse in keeping what she knew to herself. The work was hard and one morning, Alex decided that she and Ellie deserved some down time together. She cleared it with Alan and borrowed one of the camp vehicles. They drove to the coast to a little Taverna, enjoyed an excellent meal and watched the waves lap at the shore. They were about finished when a car drew up and out stepped Affie Telemon. She was alone, still a vision in pink and when she saw the two women, she waved and came to join them.

Both Alex and Ellie raised their eyes to heaven but by the time she had reached their table, they had assumed the welcoming faces of the diplomat.

"Hi Girls...this is soooo not what I expected?can I?..like?..join you? Waiter, can we get some more wine please."

The blonde Bimbo continued to prattle on about the weather and her visit to the beauty parlour that morning until the waiter had brought, and poured, the wine. Then she became quiet and sipped from her glass. She slipped her sunglasses down her nose and regarded the two lovers over the top of them.

"Well, girls?I hope you got my message?"

Alex and Ellie looked at her, her tone had changed and the valley girl was gone....in her place sat a confident assured woman, looking at them with a knowing smile.

"What message?" asked Ellie?.genuinely confused

Had any good dreams lately?" Affie asked and now it was her turn to be the subject of probing looks from the Scot and the Texan, both of whom would have sworn that the woman before them was giving off a shimmering sparkle.

It was Ellie who dragged the words out through dry lips.

"Aphrodite?"

"As you live and breath, little one?.It's me!"

There was a stunned silence and Affie spoke again.

"If you think I was gonna let my Bro get his hands on my chosen ones again Huh!....No way girlfriends?!! The Chakram and the Sais stay where they belong ?..Am I right?.or am I right?"

Alex and Ellie looked at each other and smiled as they glanced over at the blonde vision in pink.

"You're right!"?.they said in unison and watched in amazement as she got up, walked back to her car and drove away, with a lazy wave of her hand and a kiss blown in their direction.

The two lovers looked at each other, they were becoming immune to the many surprises that this dig was throwing up, and even the presence of an Olympian Goddess left them only faintly bemused.

Back at the dig, they discovered an irate Rase Telemon berating Alan Stimpson.

"I know they are in there somewhere, you are trying to stonewall me, Professor?.and you will find out that is not a wise course of action?"

The dark man bristled with rage and in the sunshine, he seemed to shimmer. He saw Alex approach and turned on her.

"What are you hiding from me, Wallace??How long will you be a thorn in my side? I want the Chakram and the Sais....and I will do whatever it takes to get them."

He turned on his heel and stormed back to his vehicle; a young digger got in his way and was thrust away with enough force to send him several feet through the air. Ellie rushed to him and helped him up and as she checked he was alright, she caught the look on her partners face and just for a second, a dark shadow passed over the beautiful blue eyes and Ellie felt a shiver go down her spine.

The dig had come to a standstill while this scene unfolded, but gradually people began to return to their jobs. Alan brought Alex up to speed with developments. The cave tomb had been searched from top to bottom, the walls were all solid rock proven by geo-phys, the floor was just a floor, proven by several test pits and Alan had run out of ideas.

Later that evening, most people had retired to their tents and the camp became quiet. Alex and Ellie were reading in their tent. Ellie was still working on her account of their strange dream when they both felt a strange sensation. It was as if someone was breathing next to them, and yet they were the only occupants. They looked at each other and instinctively moved to touch the other. Then they heard a faint sound, almost a memory of a sound, Alex grabbed a torch and taking her girl's hand, led her out of the tent. The camp was lit by the full moon in the night sky, but their attention was drawn to faint sounds coming from the tomb and together they began to move towards it.

As they approached, they heard voices that were raised but muted by the thick stone walls of the cave.

"Come on Bro?.there is nothing here?lets go before they find us."

"Give me a break, Sis and stop your whining?I know they are here?.I was here when the procession left Amphipolis??I saw them stop here. Then I had to go get involved in the war in Thrace?.but I know they were buried here. When I got back, I hung around the town and everyone was talking about what a great funeral it was. Damnit, I could take this tomb apart with one thunderbolt?"

"Don't even go there, Rase?.I am not gonna let that happen?and you know you need my power to make thunderbolts?.we found that out after Xena gave us back our powers in the north country. We are ying and yang, Bro....get used to it?.you've had 2000 years."

A roar sounded from the tomb and Alex and Ellie stepped back and turned off the torch as the two intruders left the tomb. When they were both in clear ground Alex turned on the powerful light and stood in front of them.

Rase Telemon hissed when he saw her.

"You...again! Will you haunt me for all eternity?"

Alex moved closer to him and Ellie felt the reverberations of many such encounters flow around them. Her girl's voice sounded out with no trace of a Scots accent?.it's tone was low and menacing.

"You couldn't beat me then Ares....and you won't beat me now?the graves and weapons are lost forever?..only Gabrielle and I know where?.and we aren't gonna tell you anytime soon?.So just go away and leave us alone."

"Telemon paused and Ellie could see him weighing up the situation?he sniggered and in a flash of light, two swords materialised in his hands?..he threw one to Alex who caught it with practised ease and they began to circle each other. Ellie was rooted to the spot until Affie came and drew her some distance away. Every instinct in Ellie body willed her to go to her lover's side?.but she couldn't move of her own free will?..it was as if she was held in invisible bonds. She watched as the tableau unfolded.

The two participants circled each other and then in a flurry of movement, they slashed and parried?stroke after stroke?the blades crashing against each other with great force. The two protagonists whirled and tested each other, until the dark man committed himself to a roundhouse stroke which Alex met with a twisting parry and his sword flew from his hand and landed feet away. In an instant Alex's sword was at his throat, and she growled.

"I know I can't kill you any more....but if you have any self respect as a man?.you will yield.."

His chest heaved as he fought to calm his breathing and, for Ellie, the moment seemed to last forever, but then he spoke.

"OK?.you win..."

Alex dropped the sword and offered him her hand, which he took, and she pulled him to his feet.

Affie's hands left Ellie's arms and released from her strange handcuffs, she ran to her lover and was quickly taken into her arms.

Ellie looked at the man standing before her and spoke, her voice trembling with suppressed rage...

"You ever do that again?.and I will find a way to kick your butt so far up itself, that you will be hard pressed to know what day it is?."

Telemon looked at her long and hard and shook his head

"Still the feisty, irritating little blonde aren't we?" he said mockingly and as Alex made as if to move towards him, he held up his hands, palms towards her, and backed off a few steps.

There was a shimmering light and he disappeared, Affie remained long enough to smile at them and gently stroke Ellie's face before, she too, disappeared.


Stavros banged together two metal cups outside the tent in the traditional wake up call of a dig, and he called to them.

"Breakfast ladies?..Rise and shine."

For the second morning running, the two women shook their heads as if to clear them....and this time?.without a word, Ellie reached for her notebook.

The work of the dig continued. Alex had suggested that the geo-phys survey should be extended outside the cave to a radius of about 30 feet and several test pits were dug but, initially, turned up no new evidence. Then George came out from the tent where the computers were set up and her excitement was very clear.

"Alan, Alex?.look at this.."

She showed the printout of the last survey and there, clear to be seen, was an anomaly that just begged to be investigated. Alex couldn't help exchanging a look of triumph with Ellie, who was sitting nearby under an umbrella, making notes. The geo phys results were used to mark out the dimensions of the test pit and, after careful measurements, a specific area was identified with spray paint. Two of the students began the hole by shaving off a bare inch of soil at a time. They knew from the results that whatever it was, would be found about a foot below the surface. When they were about eight inches down, Alex signalled them to step back and she lay down full length on the ground and began, painstakingly, to remove the soil, teaspoon by teaspoon, until she saw the faintest glimpse of earthenware. She signalled for an umbrella to shield the pit so that no shadow fell across it and used a fine brush to sweep away the grains of soil adhering to the surface of the find. She lay there for two hours, ignoring the stiffness that was creeping into her body, and concentrated only on the tiny movements of her hands. Once the news that Alex was onto something had spread, the dig had come to a standstill. The diggers and techies were all seated around the dig area; there were faint murmurs of voices but most were quiet. Ellie marvelled at the power of the moment and, although she and her girl knew what they were about to uncover, the tension was no less tangible for them.

Eventually, Alex had revealed almost all of the pot except a small area that still anchored it in the ground and kept it still. She beckoned to the two diggers who had begun the pit, and they too lay down full stretch on the ground. George came with a camera and began to take photographs of the pot from every angle. When she was satisfied that she had sufficient photographic evidence of the pot in situ, she nodded to Alex who in turn nodded to the diggers and carefully, they lifted the pot from the earth after 2000 years and placed it in the waiting padded box. Alex settled it in safely, making sure that it would not move, and only then did she slowly stand up to ease her sore muscles. She smiled as Ellie moved into the circle of her arms and the whole dig erupted in applause.

That evening, as tradition demands on a dig, there was a celebration of their find.

"These people live and breathe for such a day." Elli thought and their delight was apparent ?as was their seemingly infinite capacity for the strong drink of the area!!!


The next day, they completed all of the surveys and nothing more was revealed. Alan and Alex agreed that it was time to pack up and although disappointed, Dimitri concurred by phone from Athens. The dig was disbanded and on the last day, Alex and Ellie walked to the valley where they had seen the seam of quartz. It was a quiet, peaceful spot and the two lovers sat together, their fingers entwined, and soaked up the atmosphere. Ellie picked a few of the wild flowers that grew on the hillside and they made a small cairn of rocks and placed the flowers in it. Then they kissed, a long and passionate kiss?as if to show how glad they were to be together in this special place

Two days later, after the debrief at the University of Athens they travelled home, as they had arrived, in the belly of a C130 Hercules Aircraft. Alex held in her arms the case, within which was the second precious pot. At RAF Kinross, Alex placed the find in the University truck and charged one of the students to guard it with her life. The girl, whose name was Fiona, just gazed up at Alex and nodded. Alex saw her own girl stifle a giggle and turned to her?

"What?....Did I say something funny?"

"No Hon....it's just that poor girl?.she is sooo in the clutches of' 'I'd do anything for you Alex' mode!" she was delighted to see a blush spread up her tall dark partner's face and she hugged her fondly.

Alan and his team unloaded their gear. He came to say goodbye to the two women, waiting by their truck.

"Well Alex?no second chamber....we must have mis-read the scroll?or maybe the reference was to the second pot? " he hesitated and dropped his gaze, he shuffled his feet in embarrassment and spoke, his voice low and full of emotion...."I'm sorry if I disappointed you?I had no real choice?.It could have been the find of the decade and we need that kind of publicity if the faculty is going to continue to grow and evolve. Are we still friends?"

Alex just came and hugged him; he hugged her back and nodded to Ellie. She smiled and he walked to the University truck and drove away. Alex and Ellie thanked the Hercules crew and began their drive back home.

"What do we tell the family Hon?" asked Ellie.

I'm not sure that they are going to be ready for the story of how we saved our two millennia old tomb from raiders, darlin! Perhaps just the facts, that there was no second chamber in the known tomb of Xena, Warrior Princess."

Chapter 9.

Their explanation was accepted by J, Jeannie and the Boys who were pleased that their girls were back. The changes at the hotel had worked well and all was running smoothly. Ellie was pulled in to help with training the staff for conferences and the hotel already had bookings for two prior to Christmas and three in the New Year.

Alan Stimpson and Alex were writing a joint paper on the finding of the scrolls inside the pot and the way in which they had extracted the hidden data. The discovery was, in itself, big news in the world of Archaeology despite their failure to locate a second chamber at the tomb. The finding of the second pot had gone a long way to offsetting the disappointment, but Alex had been adamant with Alan, that no investigation of the find would happen until the New Year and that she should be present and lead the investigation. Alan was pleased to demur to Alex and agreed to her terms, without discussion. The pot was locked in the secure vault of the university, sitting safely next door to the original one.

Twice, during the weeks since their return from Greece, Alex had driven to Edinburgh to compare data, leaving Ellie to organise the conferences, but as Christmas approached, they began to spend more time together at their Croft.

J had asked Alex and Hamish to stand as his Sidesmen at the wedding, Donald was to give the blushing bride away and Ellie was to be Jeannie's maid of honour, so there were invitations to sort, flowers to arrange and the honeymoon to arrange. Alex and Ellie had taken on this role, J and Jeannie had been adamant that they were too old for all this fuss, but the two women were determined that their two family elders would have a holiday that they would remember. There had been many discussions over a beer at the hotel and each idea had been discounted, until finally an agreement was reached.

Christmas was fast approaching and the hotel began to fill up with guests. Alex had heard from Alan that they had been asked to present their paper on the use of the new scanner, at the prestigious New Year lecture to be held on the 29th December at the University. Although this pleased Alex, her thoughts kept returning to the valley in Greece with the quartz sparkling in the sun. She would often catch her lovely girl in quiet contemplation and mused that although they had only been together in this life for less than a year; they had centuries of shared memories waiting to be explored.

They had set up their little Christmas tree in the croft and gradually little packages began to appear around it. Alex caught Ellie shaking one of them

"Oh no you don't, my nosy little cowgirl?.you'll have to wait" and she took the gift and held it over her head so that Ellie couldn't reach it.

"Hey, unfair use of height advantage, Babe, "Ellie shouted as she jumped up to try to get it. She realised it was futile so she decided to use underhand tactics and began to tickle her tall lover until she dropped the parcel and fell to the floor, helpless with laughter.

Ellie sat astride her and continued to tickle her until Alex yelled
"Give?OK I give?you can open one....but only one?.OK"

"What and spoil the surprise on Christmas morning??....No way, big girl?.half the fun is in the shaking and sniffing before the day."

Alex pulled her girl into her arms and they lay together in a happy heap and enjoyed the closeness.

Christmas day dawned and found the two lovers all cuddled up together, dozing contentedly.
They were due at the hotel for a traditional family meal at midday so they had plenty of time to spend, just being together. Alex, eventually, got up to make tea and rekindle the fire in the sitting room, a tousled blonde followed shortly after. They sat on the couch watching the snow swirling outside the croft and sipping their tea. Alex rose and went to the tree; she brought back some gifts and gave then to her girl. Ellie went to the tree and brought some gifts back for her girl. Each opened one and laughed as they discovered silly little tokens, some jelly babies and sugar mice for Ellie and new tea bucket for Alex with the legend' World's Best Teamaker' on it and to her delight, a new Scottish Rugby shirt.

This is great darlin', perfect."

"There is one condition to this gift, my big girl?the old one goes in the bin....it has been beyond redemption since we met?.Agreed?"

"Aww, Ellie?it's an old friend and it so comfy?..can't I keep it for mucky jobs?..pleeeese?.??"

"OK Hon....but I warn you?.the first time you put it on to go to the Hotel?."Ellie mimed a big pair of scissors cutting it up, with a gleeful expression on her face.

A few moments later, they had showered and were back in their bedroom getting dressed?...well?.Alex was wearing her traditional Highland dress?.but Ellie was pulling things out of the wardrobe and then discarding them. Alex sat on the bed and smiled at her indecisive love. She went to the large cupboard by the door and pulled out a brightly wrapped gift, she walked over to Ellie and handed it to her. Ellie's nose wrinkled into her cute little grin as she received it; she looked sideways at her girl and then sat on the bed to unwrap the gift. The parcel contained a Kilt, made in the Wallace tartan, a long narrow piece made from the same tartan and a white ruffled shirt. Ellie held them up in amazement and looked over at her grinning girl. Her green eyes were glistening as she began to put on the new clothes. Alex helped her to arrange the plaid over her shoulder and fix it in place with her final gift, a silver Wallace Clan pin. When Ellie was dressed, Alex turned her so that she could see herself in the mirror on the wall. She drew in a breath of delight as she saw the two of them standing together in the timeless dress of the Scots, so full of tradition and history. Alex's hand was on her shoulder and the small blonde Texan Scot turned and hugged her love, she whispered.

"Is this all real, my love, or am I dreaming again?"

Alex's answer was a long gentle kiss and as they broke apart. Ellie whispered.

"Nope?definitely not a dream....but maybe you'd better do that again. Just in case?!".

As they prepared to leave for the hotel, they wrapped up in long flowing capes for the short journey to the Hotel. The wind was swirling the snow around outside and the temperature was below zero. They ran from the car park into the Hotel reception area; Alex took their capes and shook the snow from them before hanging them by the door. As she turned around, she saw Uncle J. in his full Scots dress standing as if transfixed, as he looked at the tiny blonde figure. A huge smile grew on his face and with a roar; he shambled over, picked Ellie up and swung her around.

"Well Lassie, you look the part and no mistake?.my wee Scots girl. I claim the right as head of this family, to escort the prettiest Flower of Scotland I have seen in many a long year. You're to come away in on my arm, and no man will be prouder than I am this day". And he whisked Ellie away into the dining room already full of people gathered for the feast, leaving Alex smiling fondly at the retreating backs of her love and her uncle.

The usual Christmas day festivities at the Applecross Hotel consisted of an humungous meal, this year prepared and cooked, in it entirety, by John the Chef. He had finally exerted his rights and banned Jeannie from his kitchen. Although she had, at first, made lots of noise about her position and the respect due her?eventually and, Alex thought, a little too easily, she accepted and sat quietly at the head of the long table laid out with decorations of holly and candles.
As tradition demanded, J brought in the turkey accompanied by Donald playing the bagpipes and it was placed on the table already groaning with steaming bowls of vegetables.

The waiting and kitchen staff came and took their seats around the table as J called for silence and the room became still. Guests and family alike joined hands around the table and the deep voice of Uncle J intoned the traditional Scottish Grace, handed down through centuries from the quill of the Scottish Bard, Rabbie Burns.

Some hae meat and cannot eat
Some can not eat that want it
But we hae meat and we can eat
Sae let the lord be thankit.

A loud AMEN sounded and, with a flourish, J began to carve the bird and the meal began.
By the time the flaming Christmas pudding and a huge Cloutie Dumpling had made their entrance, Ellie was so full of food she thought she would burst and leant against her girl with her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk, this comical sight almost made Alex choke on the last sprout she was forcing into her mouth. When those that could?. had finished the rich desserts, J rose again and with a glass of wine in his hand, called for silence.

O Lord, since we have feasted thus
Which we so little merit
Let Meg now take away the flesh
And Jock bring in the spirit!!

The room erupted at the traditional meal end grace and as the applause died away, the musicians left the table and began to tune their instruments. The table was cleared and to the family's delight, Jeannie allowed herself to be led to the couch by the window by her gallant Fiancé J, whose face glowed both with wine and love, as he did so.

Alex, Ellie and the Boys played their part and cleared the table so that the staff could join in the after dinner festivities. The hotel was a family run affair and the staff were part of that family, they all donned silly hats and glasses were filled and refilled as the dancing began.
Apart from the occasion of their wedding, when she had performed a line dance with her buddies Dany and Ann, Alex had never been able to get her girl to dance. Ellie's excuse was always that she had two left feet. So the tall auburn haired Celt was astonished when her girl rose, and with a small bow extended her hand and asked.

"May I have the pleasure of this dance, lovely lady?"

Bemused but delighted, Alex accepted the hand and they joined the couples ready for The Eightsome Reel on the dance floor. The chord sounded and the couples began to twirl in and out of the circles, handing from one dancer to another and Ellie twirled with the best of them, her kilt swirling in time to the music. When the Reel finished and the couples had bowed to each other, Alex was amused to see Hamish come towards Ellie and exchange a high five with her, and then they both let out an ear splitting Scottish Battle Cry, which had all the assembled guests laughing.

"Well done, wee girl?you did me proud!" Hamish turned to Alex and laid a light punch on his 'sister's arm. "What do you think, big girl?.quite a dancer, our Ellie?. Huh?"

Alex smiled at the two of them and muttered gruffly.

"My spouse and my brother?Hmmm!" and then roared with delight and hugged both of the conspirators. What Alex didn't know was that when Ellie was supposed to be arranging conferences, Hamish had been teaching her Highland dances ready for just this day. Alex was touched by what they had done for her, and tears filled the blue eyes.

They were sent home by Jeannie later that evening, with enough leftover turkey and salads to sink a battleship, and although Ellie protested that's she may never eat again?.her girl knew that the little Texan's capacity for food would soon reappear. The next day, they spent quietly, reading and playing games. There was along transatlantic conversation between them and Dany, who was with her parents in Dallas and, as they were speaking, Ann arrived to visit Dany and the conversation continued for even longer.

It was about 4pm when the door to the Croft opened and the familiar voices of Hamish and Donald rang out.

"Room for two wee bored boys?? Have pity on us good ladies..!!"

The two big men were greeted, and seated with a sandwich and a beer before the snow had melted on their boots. However, when he saw the sandwich, Donald groaned..

"Och, Ellie...for pities sake not turkey ?again....do you have any cheese?" and he went into the kitchen with her to help make the replacement snack. Alex grinned as she saw their heads close together over the cutting board and continued her conversation with Hamish. The Boys had brought the girls their gift and they were delighted to find that it was a wrought iron candle sconce. Donald had a workshop at the back of their cottage and he was skilled in making most anything in metal; they sat it in the table and as Ellie fitted some candles and lit them, the gentle light made the room even cosier. They decided on a game of Monopoly but as they began to set up the board, Alex asked Donald if he could take a look at one of the windows in the bedroom which she though might need to be replaced. Ellie was a little bemused by this as Alex hadn't mentioned it before, but she forgot about it as she and Hamish readied the board.

Chapter 10.

The time between Christmas and New Year was always a strange time, but this year Alex and Ellie were busy completing the PowerPoint presentation that Alex was to give to the faculty of Archaeology on the 29th. They had done more work on the translations of the scroll from the pot and Ellie, who had used such presentations endless times in her Conference and Convention business, delighted her tall Scot with the skill and professionalism she brought to the task. Although Alex was a 21st century woman and her grasp of technology was good, Ellie's help took the presentation to a different level and Ellie had agreed to be at the sharp end of the projector that Alex and Alan would use to display their findings.

At one point, Ellie went to the hotel in response to a call for help from Tilly. In her new role as Hotel manager, Tilly was well aware of when her skills were not sufficiently developed and when she needed some assistance. This gave the family the reassurance, if any were needed, that they had made a good choice when they had promoted her... Ellie was always pleased to support the young executive so grabbed her cape and, dropping a quick kiss on her lover's cheek, she braved the wind and snow of the promontory. Alex, meanwhile, was working on a very obscure piece of the scroll. There were many gaps but after identifying one symbol, the meaning suddenly became clear. Her first reaction was to tell her partner, but then she hesitated. Her face was covered by a momentary shadow as she decided to keep the secret for the time being. She did, however phone Alan to tell him and he greeted the news with stunned silence. It was amazing to both of these scientists how unwilling the past was to give up its secrets. Alan in his turn had a revelation for Alex. This lecture was shaping up to be a blockbuster for the world of the Archaeology of Ancient Greece, and for the Wallace women.

As the two women completed their preparations, prior to their departure to Edinburgh they were pleased to find that business at the Hotel was brisk and the preparations for the impending Nuptials were all in place. They would, as normal stay overnight and their usual hotel room had been booked well in advance; Hotel rooms in Edinburgh, at Hogmanay, were as rare as hen's teeth!

They arrived at the Faculty building and went to find Alan. He was his usual self, he wore a rather crumpled shirt, his tie was crooked, and he was leafing through sheaves of papers.

"Oh Hi you two!?.good journey?"

He and Alex spent some time checking that each presentation would dovetail into the other, whilst Ellie sat and watched. Eventually the time came to leave the safety of the lab and
Ellie, who had grown quite fond of the absent minded professor, straightened Alan's tie and the collar of his shirt,

"Thanks Ellie...."he muttered

The lecture theatre was packed to capacity as Alan and Alex mounted the stage to expectant applause. Ellie was up in the sound box at the back, controlling the high tech LCD projector screen behind the two performers.

"Even from this distance, she looks good enough to eat" thought Ellie but then decided that she should concentrate on the job in hand.

The presentation was flawless and the audience sat in rapt attention as slide after slide revealed their journey in the discovery of the earthenware pot, in the original dig. Despite Alex's objection's Ellie had insisted that some pictures of a much younger Alex and Alan leant both credibility and a human face to the dry and dusty process!! Alex had objected to the description and had chased her girl around the Croft until the remark was withdrawn!
The slow and teasing reveal of the layers of the scrolls had the audience holding their breath and Ellie had to remind herself that to these gathered academics, students and luminaries of the archaeological world, this kind of new technology was their Holy Grail.
The final few slides showed the digital reconstruction of the scrolls and then Ellie faded the translation over the top of the Greek symbols to read?..

I, Xena of Amphipolis, formerly Warlord and Destroyer of Nations, swear on my sword to put behind me the ways of War. I will use my skills to protect those who cannot protect themselves from evil and exploitation, and to spend the rest of my life in atonement for the lives I have taken.
I cast from my soul the bloodlust and fury of Ares, God of War, who led me for so long down the dark path to the damnation of Tartarus and pledge my sword, from now on, to the Greater Good. I attribute this to my friend and soulmate, Gabrielle of Poteidaia, whose gentle spirit and pure heart have been my guiding light in my search for redemption. She is the breath of life to me, without her I am an empty shell. I pledge my love to her for all time and will protect her, with my very soul, from any harm.

The audience was silent as Alex's deep tones resonated around the hall.
Ellie faded out the first scroll and then faded in the second, in its digital form. With a great sense of timing and drama, she transposed the Greek version for the English translation.

I, Gabrielle of Poteidaia, Bard and Warrior, pledge my life and my weapons to Xena, Warrior Princess that I may help her in her quest for good. Her road has been hard from the time when the death of her brother Lyceus started her on her path of death and vengeance, but now she travels the path of peace. I will chronicle her journey, and mine, in our search for those in need of our help. I vow to be her support and her succour in times of need. I pledge my heart to her for all time and will protect her from harm with all that I have and all that I am. As Queen of the last Tribe of the Amazons, I name Xena of Amphipolis as my Consort with all of the rights and responsibilities of the office from henceforth until we are parted by death..

Ellie felt her throat begin to tighten when she heard a tremor in her lover's voice as she read the words, and then she realised that these scrolls were a declaration of marriage between the two women from the past. Then the final sentence that Alex had spoken finally penetrated her consciousness?she replayed it in her mind?Queen of the last Tribe of the Amazons?!!

She was vaguely aware that the lecture hall had erupted into rapturous applause and as she looked down at the stage, all she could see was the tall figure of her soulmate gazing up at her with brimming eyes.

For a moment Ellie felt herself suspended in time as the revelations of the last few minutes became familiar and real to her. She thought she heard the faint sound of tinkling laughter?then she might have felt a light brush of a kiss on her cheek as she sensed a few vestiges of a sparkling light in her peripheral vision?..then the world came back into focus?and she was overwhelmed by the deafening applause reverberating around the hall.

It was another hour before she managed to extricate Alex from the hordes of press and television crews, all clamouring for interviews and later, at the hotel, the two lovers sat quietly.

"Penny for 'em darlin'? Alex enquired softly

Ellie's head swung to meet the blue eyes, and she smiled.

"I was just wondering, my big Scot?..whether a Warrior Princess beats an Amazon Queen?!!"

Alex dissolved in peals of laughter, she reached for her girl and they collapsed on to the bed.

"I'll show you....shall I?your majesty??!!"

Chapter 11.

The 31st December dawned with clear blue skies and sub zero temperatures, the two lovers snuggled in their big bed and just enjoyed the feel of their bodies close together. Neither wanted to break the spell that they seemed to be able to weave around each other, but eventually the need for coffee spurred Ellie into action. She kissed Alex's nose and threw back the covers, revealing the tall Scot in all her glory, the little blonde looked her up and down?.and whispered in an exaggeratedly sexy voice?

"Hmmm.. not bad for 2000 years old, Warrior Babe....you'll do?...I guess I'll keep you for a while longer!!"

Alex slid from the bed and knelt before her girl with equally exaggeratedly deference.
"At your command..?Oh Queen of the Amazons and of my heart?!!"

She got a swat across the butt for her trouble and Ellie was gone in a flash of white bathrobe before Alex could get her hands on her!

They breakfasted and made last minute preparations for their duties at the Hotel, when the door opened and they heard Donald calling for Alex?.who became almost furtive and said rather quickly.

"Put the kettle on babe, I'll sort Don"

Ellie shrugged her shoulders and went to the kitchen, after a few minutes, Don came in ?.she whispered to him

"Well?..have you got it?"

"Aye I have ?.I left it in the woodpile under the tarpaulin."
Ellie dropped a kiss on his cheek and grinned.

"You are the best, Bro?.Where's Alex?" Donald raised his eyes to the ceiling and sighed?

"Oh I don't know, Ellie?in fact I don't know anything any more?..I need a cup of tea?!!"

The Applecross Hotel was decked with streamers and balloons in readiness for the double celebration of the Wedding of Uncle J and Jeannie and Hogmanay.

The two women arrived in good time; Alex wore full Highland dress and Ellie looked beautiful in a full length cream dress with the Wallace tartan plaid across her chest, secured at her shoulder with the Clan pin. They hugged briefly in the Hotel reception before parting to attend to their duties; Ellie to go to Jeannie and Alex to find Hamish and J.

"Och...wee girl," Complained Jeannie.." If I had known what a faff it would be?.I'd never have said Yes?I canna get my hair right, I cannot remember the last time I put on daft makeup?..and this dress has shrunk since I bought it?...I'll have to call it all off?" and she dissolved in tears.

Ellie took her in her arms and rocked her. "Jeannie....does this remind you of something??"

The elderly Scotswoman blew her nose and looked at her niece quizzically?..then she snorted with laughter and they both dissolved in giggles.

"Of course I do ?it's what you said just before you married Alex!!!?.Pre wedding nerves isn't it?

"Reckon so, Jeannie" Ellie whispered gently?."Come on...go splash some water on your face and I'll sort your makeup."

Meanwhile, Hamish was struggling to get the Groom's bow tie done up. J had tried and it looked a mess, it had not looked a great deal better after Hamish's ministrations. So as Alex entered the room, J roared at her?

"Alex?will you please tie this godforsaken? devil made? bloody implement of torture."

The plea was so heartfelt that Hamish and Alex hooted with laughter, leaving their poor Uncle J with a tortured look on his face...but eventually, his niece took pity on him and came to stand behind him?.she led him to a seat in front of the mirror where she quickly and efficiently tied an even knot for him. She gazed at his grizzled face in the mirror and he caught her eye. They shared a moment and then she picked up a comb and began to attempt to get his unruly mass of hair under some kind of control.

"Right then big man?..let's have a look at you." She whispered and he turned to stand before his two Sidesmen, who stood together and appraised his appearance.
They nodded and smiled at the dear old fella?.

"Ye''ll do ....Uncle J?!!"

The guests were assembled, gentle music played in the background and the room was filled with the scent of roses and carnations. J, Alex and Hamish sat waiting at the front and when the piper began to play, The Pibroch of Donal Dhu, they stood up. The doors were flung open to reveal Fergus in his full Highland regalia, playing the pipes and leading a very proud looking Donald in his tartan, with Jeannie on his arm and Ellie walking behind.. Alex felt J give gasp as he saw his girl; she wore the same cream dress that Ellie wore but she wore two tartans crossed over her chest. Her own Stewart and his Wallace plaids, the assembled gathering recognised the tradition of the Old Scots Wedding and smiled. As Jeannie and Donald reached James Wallace, he put out his hand and Donald placed Jeannie's hand in his. The ceremony was a simple one with just the declarations and vows and as this ended, J and Jeannie turned to face each other. Ellie reached up to release the plaids crossed over the bride's shoulders, Jeannie tied them together in a large knot and handed them to J. .The room was silent until he accepted them from her and leant forward to kiss his wife gently on both cheeks, then the room was filled with the stamping of feet and the sound of whoops and yells that threatened to lift the rafters.
Arm in arm, the newlyweds were led from the room by Fergus, to the sound of Morag's Wedding. Alex took Ellie's hand and they followed, with Hamish and Donald bringing up the rear. The guests clapped in time to the pipes and smiled at the wonderful sight.

The party that followed was the best of a long line of 'best' parties ever held at the Applecross Hotel. There was a never ending procession of music, dancing and singing?.and of course the wine and whisky flowed in vast quantities!!!

J and Jeannie led the dancing, until J made her sit and rest.
At 11.45, as the clock ticked away the last hours of 2006, J stood. He called for silence and everyone settled in chairs, benches and windowsills to hear him.

"Today has been a wonderful day?.I want to thank all of you for sharing it with us? Alex and Hamish for standing up for me?.Donald for giving my girl to me?.and of course our wee Ellie. Without the gentle support and encouragement of our friends and family, we might never have seen what has been staring us in the face for so may years....and finally....and most importantly?.I want to thank my darlin' girl, Jeannie, for consenting to be my wife...."

As J took Jeannie's hand and raise it to his lips, there were few dry eyes in the room. The applause died as down the grandfather clock began to sound the hour and Alex picked up the timeless task of raising the toast to the old year, and raised a glass.

"To family and friends, may the New Year bring you all health, wealth and happiness?.SLAINGE!!"

??and the room replied with one voice.
"SLAINGE VAR!!!"

Tradition demanded 'Auld Lang Syne' and they all linked hands to sing?so the year ended and as Alex held Ellie tightly, she whispered in her ear?

"Here's to us and ours wee one."

Epilogue

There were many sore heads the next day, but most of the wedding guests were in the car park to wave goodbye to Mr and Mrs James Wallace as they left for their honeymoon. Hamish was to drive them, in Alex's truck, to Edinburgh where they would spend their holiday in Scotland's capital city. The Girls and the Boys had tried to persuade them to take a cruise or fly off to the sun, but the family elders would have none of it. Scotland was fine for them and they were happy to be going to a posh hotel. As the truck pulled away from the hotel, J satisfied another old Scots tradition by throwing handfuls of coins to the waiting children who scurried around to pick them up.

The morning of the 3rd of January dawned and the tall Scot and the wee Texan celebrated the first anniversary of their marriage with a leisurely morning in bed.! When they finally got up, they each had a steaming hot drink and settled in their favourite place on the couch, by the roaring fire.

Ellie left the room and returned with a gift which she gave to Alex with a kiss; Alex smiled and reached down by the pile of cushions to bring out her gift. They smiled and opened them at the same time. Each gasped as the gifts were revealed. For Ellie, there was pair of Sais, made from steel, intricately tooled and twisted, with quartz stones embedded in the hilts and for Alex, a Chakram inlaid with the brass design from the tomb. They looked at each other and a realisation hit them as they both spoke at the same time.

"Donald!!"

They laughed as they twigged why the poor lad had been so edgy around them for the last few weeks; each had asked him to make their gifts for the other! They looked at these gifts and in their 21st century hands, the feel of them resonated through the centuries. Alex stood and placed her Chakram on the mantle above the fireplace?as she turned back to Ellie, the small blonde reached up to arrange her Sais on either side of the Chakram. They fell into a big hug followed by a long deep kiss; the connection with their past never more evident.


The End.


?hmmmm?.now the Girls have another earthenware pot mystery to unravel?.