Gabrielle continued pacing the tavern, looking at every detail. Something about this attack did not make sense. What on earth would a Phoenician God be doing attacking in Amphipolis? And why would he think Xena was here? News of Xena's death spread like wildfire through every realm; mortal and immortal - it made no sense. If this was, in fact, the work of Baal - what was he after? Was it Eve? The Amazon Queen felt a shiver remembering the lengths they had gone to in order to protect Eve from the Olympians so many years ago.
"Gabrielle?" A voice called from the stairs. It was Lila with Meg at her side. "Are you all right?"
As Gabrielle started to answer, Virgil returned and she turned her focus to him momentarily.
"All set for now," he said.
"Good," she picked the bench up and set it straight then turned toward Lila and Meg. "We're fine. I think it's safe for tonight," she continued. "APHRODITE!" She called.
In an instant the Goddess appeared.
"I think it's safe for now to bring Eve and the children back," Gabrielle began, "BUT, I think that you should all stay at the house," she gestured to her sister.
Aphrodite nodded - popped away and was back with the entourage in tow in moments.
It was Gabriel who noticed the small trail of blood on his auntie's arm. He ran to her, eyes wide, "Auntie…"
Virgil looked and then noticed it too, "Gabrielle, you're bleeding."
The Amazon Queen looked at her arm, "so it would seem," she said calmly.
"It's all right, Gabriel. I'm all right, see?' she reassured him, "it's just a cut."
Eve looked at her with concern.
"Lila," Gabrielle started, "Go and get Sarah and then you should all head down to the house. There's enough room… just have the children 'camp' on the floor." Lila nodded. Gabriel ran to his father to check him for any 'cuts'.
"I'm fine, Gabriel," Virgil smiled reassuring the boy, "Just a little excitement."
Gabrielle took hold of Aphrodite and pulled her aside. "What do you know about Baal?" she asked.
"Lightning God… powerful… Zeus would have known better… or Athena. Not my cup of tea, why?" Aphrodite answered.
"Apparently he thinks Xena is here."
"What? What's in the Phoenician tea?" the goddess quipped.
Gabrielle shook her head with worry. "I don't know... see if you can find ANYTHING out. Anything at all."
Aphrodite squinted with doubt, "I'll try sweetie, but you know… things aren't…"
"Like they used to be…" the bard finished her thought, "I know. Just try, please."
Aphrodite nodded again and she was gone. Sarah, Meg and Lila had finally made it to the door with the children. Eve crouched down to Gabriel, "I have to stay here with your father and Auntie Gabrielle for a few minutes, okay?" He looked worried but nodded his understanding.
Gabrielle smiled. "We'll see you for a BIG breakfast in the morning." She faked a big smile - and they were gone.
As soon as the door shut Eve spoke, "Baal?"
"So it seems," Virgil said as he put his arm around her.
Eve watched Gabrielle, trying to gauge her perception of the event. Gabrielle was calm, but she continued scanning the room as if she expected something to jump out at her suddenly. Eve knew that the bard felt they were safe; if not she would have left them with Aphrodite. It was something else. Something was bothering Gabrielle.
"It's not Baal," Gabrielle said, "or at least it's not JUST Baal. It's something else."
Virgil looked at Eve and released her from his grip. She slowly made her way to the bard. "What? What is it?"
Gabrielle seemed to be having a difficult time mustering the words. "They were looking for your mother. Looking for Xena," She said biting her lip.
Eve could not speak. Gabrielle continued, "Something else is going on. Baal wouldn't come to that conclusion on his own."
Eve sat down on a chair. "Who?"
"I was hoping you might have an idea," Gabrielle urged. Eve shook her head. "No. None of the mini Gods have much power anymore."
Virgil interjected, "Maybe that's it… they're trying to…"
"Consolidate power…." Eve finished his thought and he nodded.
"No." Gabrielle was deliberate. "Aphrodite might be a bit flaky, but she keeps her ear to the Godly ground. I wish it was that. Whatever or whoever... it is powerful. I feel it," She took a deep breath trying to focus her thoughts. "Powerful and fears Xena…." She shook her head again.
Suddenly there was an enormous burst of light and sound that seemed to pierce through it, "Yes, POWERFUL," the voice was deep and commanding. "Who would hate Xena and FEAR Xena… in this place?" the voice continued.
Eve nearly fell off her chair, "Messenger..." it greeted her.
"…Michael…" Eve whispered.
Gabrielle stood impossibly still. She could feel her blood churning. "Yes…. Michael. To what do we owe this honor?" she asked.
"Gabrielle," he said calmly, "Good to see you too."
"Please," the bard answered. "What is this all about? You know who was behind this? They want Eve?"
He stared at her as if pinning her to the wall. "No. And, Yes. Who would come here? Who would think Xena might be HERE? Who would have enough hatred and yet enough desire to see her?" he asked, his expression never changing.
She kept her stare equally locked on his. Suddenly her eyes dropped. She stayed in a brief moment of thought before raising her head and speaking, "Lucifer…" she said slowly. The angel nodded.
"Why? Why now?" she asked. "He knows Xena is dead." There was anger in her voice.
"Because," the angel began, "It is his opportunity. People have moved away from their gods, even from heaven itself. He's tasted earth, you know that. Tasted its pleasures. Xena showed him all that before she cast him into hell." He looked at the bard with no expression, just cold fact.
It was true. When they first returned together to Amphipolis after saving Eve from the grips of Rome and the influence of Ares; they found the tavern, the town, possessed by hell itself. Xena had summoned Metastopheles, the king of hell and fought him right here. The warrior had a choice then, take the demon's place in hell or find a replacement. Lucifer was her offering. He may have been an angel but his vanity, his ambition and his lust for all things earthly were evident from the moment he arrived. She HAD tempted him - with food, drink, jealousy, power and with herself. That was many years ago and both the warrior and bard had always believed that even Michael saw Lucifer's flawed being.
"That was nearly twelve years ago…………. Xena is dead," the bard said.
Michael remained silent.
"I don't understand," Eve looked at Michael with reverence. "What is it he hopes to gain?"
"Heaven and earth," the angel answered.
Gabrielle looked at him with disgust. And shook her head.
"The people need a sign. Something to point them to faith, to heaven. They need hope. They need to believe in redemption," Michael said. Gabrielle's lips were pursed now, tightly, as she attempted to hold her speech. "He is gaining power every day, every day that people move father away from…"
"From their Gods?" Gabrielle asked angrily. "Isn't that what you wanted, Michael?"
"Gabrielle," Eve urged gently. The angel remained silent.
"Well, isn't it? The fall of the Gods for the one all-powerful God. Right?"
Silence.
Gabrielle shook her head with a sarcastic smile.
The angel continued, "Even now he is organizing the legions of hell and he has enlisted the Phoenician Gods as his emissaries here on the earth."
"How are we supposed to fight the King of Hell?" Virgil asked not sure who he was directing his question to. "Love isn't enough for that."
"First," the angel began, "You have to move to your faith," he looked at Gabrielle, "You have to believe what you are fighting for," his eyes remained completely fixed on the bard, "You have to find the purpose…"
"Purpose?" the bard yelled. "Don't you dare talk to me about PURPOSE…..about God…" she exclaimed exasperated.
"Gabrielle, you've been to hell… and to heaven, you know…"
"Don't talk to me about heaven and hell. Gods. Purpose………….. Yes, Michael - I have been to heaven and I have lived in hell - lived in hell for 11 years. Purpose? How dare you! What kind of purpose is it? You tell me… You take our children… Solon. …. Hope? ...... You take our daughter from us for 25 years?"
Eve reached out for Gabrielle, "Gabrie…."
"No. Eve. No. I want to hear about purpose………….. I do. Tell me, Michael. Everything we sacrificed. All we lost…and you make her pay for something that she never even intended?"
"That was Xena's choice."
Her fury was rising, "Oh, I see. It was her CHOICE to die? And, of course you could have done nothing to prevent THAT, right? Only when its serves YOUR purpose. You are UNBELIEVABLE."
He took a deep breath, his eyebrows coming to a point. "You need to let go of this anger. Would you have Eve? Would you have Gabriel?"
"I can't do this."
"What would Xena say?" he asked. "If she saw you right now."
She let out a bursting laugh of sarcasm. "I don't know………….. I'd ask her, but she's DEAD. Is that enough PURPOSE for you?" She moved close to him and placed her hands on the armor of his chest as her voice become quiet with an anger she had never felt. Her voice was almost a whisper. "You. This 'purpose'… she was my purpose. You took her. You took EVERYTHING… I gave you everything - and you took it all…." She threw her hands up in disgust, bit her upper lip, looked him in the eye and she was gone….
Chapter Eight - When Paths Diverge
Eve was still reeling from the entire experience. Her head was placed against Vigil's chest. They had been lying together in silence for what seemed like hours.
"Do you think that we should go look for her?" Virgil whispered.
Eve hesitated in answering. She had never seen Gabrielle so angry and she was still trying to process the amount of pain she saw in the bard's eyes. It reminded her of when they had traveled to save Sarah from Gurkhan. Xena had been there to pull Gabrielle from that dark place. Eve knew what that emptiness felt like. She remembered it well. It had permeated her life before her parents returned and helped her to find her own path, replacing that emptiness with love.
Eve had accepted her role, accepted her path and she understood, even if it hurt her, the purpose in all that had happened in her family. Watching this woman she loved so dearly, she realized the depth of suffering that Gabrielle had been through. Eve loved Virgil, but she also knew he was part of her path; HER path was Eli's message. Gabrielle's path had always been Xena. In her silent thoughts the messenger suddenly felt a greater understanding of all that had unfolded. She could not imagine what her life would be without her 'path' to act as her compass. The truth was that she wanted to go find Gabrielle and tell her that she loved her. She understood the anger. She understood the pain and it was breaking her heart.
"She needs some time," Eve said allowing her fingers to trace the skin on her husband's chest.
"I can't…" he began and stopped himself.
"I know," Eve said as she sat up in the bed. "It's pain." Eve looked to the ceiling. Both she and Virgil believed that Gabrielle was the most compassionate person they had ever known. She was the balance in Xena's life. They sometimes forgot that Xena had been the balance in the bard's. Even after all this time; for the bard something was missing that no one could replace. Gabrielle was careful to mask her anger and pain in front of them. She gave them all the love she always had but she avoided conversations about the Elijans or the Gods. They knew that as well.
"What are we going to do?" Virgil asked gently caressing Eve's back.
Eve sighed. "Give her time."
Now it was Virgil who sighed. "If Michael is right," he began.
"He is……….. We are all in danger," Eve remarked as she rose to her feet. She reached for her wrap. Suddenly she thought better of her actions. She needed to see Gabrielle. A few hours had passed and she was fairly sure that she knew where she could find her now.
"Where are you going?" he asked. Eve turned slowly, bent over him gently allowing her fingers to explore his cheek. She smiled a peaceful smile. The smile that he had fallen in love with. He was lost in her. 'What would I do without you,' he thought to himself as his heart began to swell. He wasn't quite sure if the words had escaped his lips or if he had just thought them. She looked at him knowingly and kissed his forehead. "I love you," he whispered.
Eve just continued to smile warmly as she pulled away from him. "I have to…"
He understood. Enough time had passed. There was only one person who could reach out to Gabrielle now. It had to be Eve. "Go," he said. She nodded and headed for the door. As she began to pass through it, she stopped.
"What is it?" he asked.
She turned to face him. It was as if she had some realization that he was not a part of. He looked at her with questioning and concern.
"I tried to tell her she was my mother," Eve said.
Virgil sat up. "Gabrielle?" he gently inquired.
She looked at the floor. He understood. This was the worst time for this to happen, especially for the bard.
"What stopped you?"
Eve shook her head unknowing. "I did tell her; I just didn't say the words to her."
Virgil took a deep breath and crossed the room to his wife. "Eve," he took her face in his hands, "Just tell her. You're not betraying…"
"I know," she answered him. "Everything is about to change," she said.
Virgil wasn't sure what Eve meant. She was able to sense things that he could not; things about people, things about the future. He knew better than to question and simply attempted to comfort her with a smile.
"Go. Talk to her." He kissed her and she was gone.
Chapter Nine - Crossing Over
The tavern had grown cold in the night. Gabrielle sat in front of the large fireplace. The fire's roar had slowly begun to spiral to a flicker. She threw another log on, watching the flames claim it slowly and begin to rise again. She had walked for what seemed like hours, wanting to be anywhere but here. So many images were flashing through her mind in those hours. So much loss. She had just begun to feel peaceful; maybe even allowed herself to feel hopeful; and yet again her happiness would be taken and challenged. She was calm now contemplating all that had transpired in front of the flames, almost as if allowing them to claim her memories and emotions.
She heard the door open slowly, "Gabrielle?" a voice softly inquired.
Gabrielle shifted her gaze to the door.
"I thought I might find you here." Eve made her way to the fireplace where Gabrielle had again turned her attention. The younger woman sat down on the same large bench as the bard. She watched the woman closely. Usually she could see one of Gabrielle's many personas taking the lead; the Amazon, the bard, the warrior… Now, it seemed as if they were all one, fused into the woman before her as never before. She was struck by the faint glow lighting Gabrielle's face. She seemed softer now than hours before. She was silent and reflective.
"I'm sorry, Eve," she spoke.
Eve wasn't quite sure what to say. No apology was needed. She understood the anger, though she had to admit to herself she would not have expected Gabrielle's earlier reaction.
"I'm not sure what we are going to do," she continued. "I can fight like Xena. I can even think like Xena," she stared endlessly into the flames, "but I am NOT Xena."
Eve felt Gabrielle's apprehension.
"So much of my life," she continued, "My path…..it was supporting Xena; in everything. I learned along the way. Learned that to treasure peace you have to understand war…… But she took the lead. She was the teacher and I was the student."
Eve studied the bard as she let her thoughts flow freely.
"My path was loving her. Always…………….. That was the word, her word" a smile that was both filled with sadness and great reverence crept onto her face, "Always."
Eve looked into the fire now too. "Earlier…" Eve began.
Gabrielle turned to look at the woman beside her.
Eve looked straight into the flames and gathered her thoughts. "I know you aren't mother," she spoke in a hushed tone. Gabrielle closed her eyes, the words seemed to dig into her soul. Eve continued, "but you are still my mother," she said quietly.
Gabrielle was surprised. It was not what she anticipated Eve would say. She placed her hand on the younger woman's back lovingly, "and you are my daughter," she smiled. They sat for a few moments absorbed in their acknowledgment of a bond that neither could truly explain. In many ways it was Gabrielle who had been Eve's teacher. Xena was gone so suddenly. Ripped from them both. Gabrielle had always tabled her grief with Eve, supporting her, encouraging her and loving her. Eve had only had her mother for a short period of time. It was this woman, this slight blonde who never quite fit the warrior's appearance, so gentle and so compassionate, that had filled that role. She had been deliberate in focusing their time on stories about Xena, always searching to bring Eve closer to her mother even after her death. It was when Eve had Gabriel that conversations began to take their own course more frequently. It was Gabrielle who delivered the boy. Gabrielle who comforted her when Virgil had been seriously injured a few years ago. Gabrielle who nurtured her all these years. Eve understood the woman's strength. She also knew that what was about to come was something that both would have turned to her mother to solve.
"Do you have a plan?" Eve asked.
"No." Gabrielle admitted. "It isn't safe here," she continued. "We need to get you and Gabriel out of here tomorrow."
Eve had sensed it too. "And go where?" Eve asked.
"I want you to go stay with the Amazons for a while. You'll be safe there. Baal is all but powerless in Amazon lands and Lucifer….. Well, we know where he will make his appearance."
Both women kept her sights on the fire, deep in thought.
"Where did you go?" Eve asked. "When you left tonight?"
Gabrielle looked toward the ceiling as if it might be transparent. Her eyes seemed to be searching for something. "Nowhere. I just walked. And walked."
Eve looked at her now. "And walked some more," the bard continued. She paused, searching the orange and yellow before her again. "I stopped at a large tree……. I kicked it," she let forth a slight chuckle at the absurdity in her action. Eve smiled a knowing smile; the need to just attack anything. "I don't know. I thought about when Perdicus died."
Eve raised her head to look directly at Gabrielle. This was one topic that the two had never discussed. The younger woman knew the story only through a few comments her mother had made when she was alive and from Gabrielle's scrolls. She also knew that it had been Callisto who took his life. Gabrielle never spoke of her brief marriage to her daughter; not even once.
"When he died," the bard continued, "I was filled with such rage. I wanted to kill Callisto." Eve recalled Gabrielle's anger when she learned that Gurkhan had beheaded her parents. She imagined this had been similar.
"I was so young," Gabrielle continued. "So inexperienced… in everything…. In life. We had been best friends since childhood." She stopped and looked at Eve. Eve looked deeply into Gabrielle's eyes urging her to continue.
The bard took a deep breath. "I begged Xena to teach me to fight. Teach me to use a sword. Anger burned inside me. She found me beating a tree half to death with a sword….. I begged her. I yelled," She paused for a long moment, "Seeing her standing in front of me - telling me 'no'… I wanted to lash out at her. I put the tip of the sword right into her belly. She didn't flinch…. I saw this pain in her eyes….looking at me….."
Eve looked at her, "but she did teach you."
"No. Not then. No. It took years…….Later that evening I found her in a small clearing. I watched from a distance as she prayed. She prayed for me…………. She prayed for me to heal - for my innocence."
"She loved you," Eve said.
Gabrielle smiled, "Yes. She did…………….. I didn't want her to."
Eve looked puzzled. Gabrielle continued, "I knew in that moment that she loved me……………… I felt like I betrayed her. Betrayed him. Betrayed myself. All I could see was vengeance in that moment." Gabrielle smiled. "I hit that tree tonight and I heard her voice as clear as if it were standing over me. Her prayer. I sat there for a long time…………….I think I half expected her to sit beside me," she laughed. "I understood the message."
Eve put her hand in Gabrielle's. "Someday," Gabrielle said, "I will go to her. Not now. There are things I have to do."
Eve struggled to hold back a tear. "I wish…"
Gabrielle knew where her daughter's thought was headed. "Your path is the way of love, Eve. So is mine, but mine is my love for her. My love for you. My love for this family. It always has been. Your path is Eli's…………. I tried that path. It is not what is meant for me. I am part of that journey, but I am not its messenger." Eve knew that, though she had never heard Gabrielle speak it so clearly.
"I need to talk to Michael," Gabrielle continued. "If the legions of hell are truly looking to surface…"
Eve held her breath as Gabrielle continued, "Well, we will need heaven on our side." Eve squeezed Gabrielle's hand.
Gabrielle rose and kissed Eve on the head. "Go and get some rest," she said. "After breakfast I am going to head to meet Aphrodite, see what she found out about Baal." Eve smiled as the bard turned toward the back of the tavern and the stairs that led to Xena's room. Gabrielle stopped at the bottom, paused, and turned back, "I love you, Evey," she smiled. There was a resolve in her voice that Eve immediately recognized. Perhaps Xena was here after all.
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Chapter Ten - Parting Company
Morning came quickly for all of them. As promised, Gabrielle had a large breakfast ready. Her mind was racing and the ability to fill her morning with other things was welcome. She thought about how funny her propensity for early rising was as she waited for all of them to fill the tavern. She always hated mornings. She would stay up late with her scrolls and find that her thoughts would wander through the heavens above when she finally tried to lie down. Having Xena close always helped her settle her thoughts and rest, but she never seemed to acquire Xena's love of rising before the sun was up. Since the warrior had been gone that had changed. In fact, it changed almost immediately. She thought that perhaps it was because every morning, still, she hoped to open her eyes from a bad dream and see Xena packing up Argo. Whatever the reason, it was just another imprint that the warrior had made on her life.
Gabriel ran through the door as bright eyed as ever. He bolted to make sure that his auntie really was okay, immediately looking for the cut on her arm. It was endearing and Gabrielle put her hand on his soft blonde locks with a smile, "My Gabriel…. Are you hungry?" Seeing that the Amazon Queen was herself and was, in fact, safe - he brightened even further and nodded an excited 'yes'.
Virgil and Eve followed with Lila and Meg close behind. Sarah was still at the house trying to get the little ones "motivated" Lila explained. Eve immediately began helping Gabrielle who had sent Adera home with orders to stay there the evening before.
Conversation at the table was a bit strained. Eve hadn't told Gabriel that they would be leaving after breakfast. He seemed ready for another day with his hero chattering about all of her battles. It filled Gabrielle with an amazing sense of love. Gabriel represented everything that she had always wished to share with Eve and Xena. And, she could often see both her lover and her best friend in the boy. He had Joxer's propensity for silliness and incessant chatter, but he had the determination of Xena and he had her eyes - the same blue from Mother to daughter to son. It was tearing at her to know that somehow the chaos of their former lives had now broken through into his.
"Gabriel," Virgil looked at his son. "Your mother is going to take you on a little expedition after breakfast." The boy may have been young, but he knew his family well. This was code for the fact that he had to leave and his face showed his displeasure with the announcement.
Meg put her hand on the boy's head and whispered something in his ear. His muscles only tightened further and his eyes narrowed to a point where they were almost just slits. Gabrielle had to hold her laugh. She had seen THAT look many times over many seasons. Eve thought she might have caught just the hint of a little sparkle in her younger mother's eye.
"Well, Gabriel," the bard said as she began picking up some of the plates on the table, "You well get to see where I became a queen…"
His ears perked and he looked at her quizzically. She continued, "You know, your mother is an Amazon Princess."
His eyes were getting wider by the second. He had heard this, but somehow hearing his auntie say it out loud filled him with pride.
Eve was smiling quietly as she listened to Gabrielle expertly turn the boy's skepticism into enthusiasm for the coming "adventure", that's what she called it. She still had a mastery of words. Eve had often joked to the bard that the boy had her completely wrapped around his finger, but it was a mutual relationship that began from the moment he was born.
Eve had experienced a difficult pregnancy and labor and had been quite sick when Gabriel was first born. Virgil had to leave to deal with another threat to their small group of travelers and Meg still had Virgil's younger sister to look after. Gabrielle had been the one to care for the infant. Eve would watch her sometimes as she sang to the boy when he would fuss, as she would rock him and tell him stories about his grandmother. He would look up into those green eyes and smile and coo - and Eve would wonder if that was how it had been with her. Her heart ached for Gabrielle, knowing she had always wanted a child of her own. Gabrielle never said a word about children to Eve. But, Xena had confided to Eve not long before they had parted company that she knew Gabrielle longed to be a mother. It had weighed on her the warrior for many years. There were times, Xena had told her, when she still felt that she had led Gabrielle away from a better life. Watching the bard with Gabriel, then and now, Eve knew that was not true.
"Are you coming with us?" the boy grabbed his auntie's arm as she walked by.
She smile gently. "Not this time, my love."
His eyes became downcast. Eve pulled him closer to her, "Auntie Gabrielle is going to go see Aphrodite. That's an important adventure too."
He looked up at his mother. He was very sharp and very sensitive for a boy of seven. "Only girls live with Amazons," he said indignantly. At seven, the only girls Gabriel had any interest in were sitting at the table now.
Eve laughed, "MMMmm," she said, "BUT, I'll bet they can tell you a lot about your auntie," she whispered. He attempted to suppress his curious grin.
As Eve rose from the table she instructed her son to say goodbye to his grandmother, Lila and his auntie. Gabriel hugged Lila hard, who gave him a warm smile. He ran to his grandmother full force and kissed her on the cheek - and then he stopped. Gabrielle was standing by the bar watching as he dramatically said his goodbyes. He stood there for a moment almost as if his young mind suddenly understood that this was not just an adventure to meet Amazons. She was protecting him. He stared at her hard and long. She had seen that stare too. Now he walked, very calmly and very deliberately to her.
Gabrielle's smile never faded. She looked down at him and narrowed her gaze. He reached up and pulled her ear to his small mouth, "Auntie, he whispered, "Please be careful." She should have been surprised at his perception, but she wasn't. She crouched down to meet his eyes. "My Gabriel," she said, "No matter what ever happens…I will always be with you. Don't you ever worry about that ….. Do you understand?"
The boy tried to act strong but there were tears in his eyes as he glanced again at the long cut on her arm and then looked to the floor. Gabrielle had no intention of assuring the boy of any happy outcomes; only that she would always be part of his life - somehow. She had seen too much and lost too many, Xena included, to build up certainties for Gabriel when she knew that life could be so unpredictable.
"You are strong like your mother," she said, "and you are clever like your father….. You must take care of them as they take care of you."
"And I am brave - like you," he said firmly.
"Yes, you are. If you need me - I will always be with you… always," she took his face in her hands and looked into those steel blue eyes and saw the tiny little speckle of green that sometimes seemed to show through, and she saw his resolve.
The boy nodded, stood straight and began to walk to his mother. He was determined to be strong, but after a few paces he stopped and turned and ran full force back into her, tears streaming. "I love you," he said.
The bard smiled to reassure him. "Take care of your mother. You will learn so much where you are going…………even if they are girls," she whispered, "I love you too…. Always…"
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Chapter Eleven - Facing Gods
Gabrielle saddled her mare. "Sappho," she stroked her gray mane. "Ready, girl?"
She heaved herself onto the mare. Her bond with the horse had become strong. It was not nearly that of Xena's with Argo, but she felt she understood that connection better now. Virgil rode up behind her. "Ready?" he asked her just as she had asked her mare.
Gabrielle looked at his clear and focused eyes. "As I will ever be."
They rode for a few hours with very little conversation towards Athens. There was a small temple honoring Aphrodite on the way. Gabrielle was anxious to see what, if anything, her friend had been able to find out about Baal. She had no intention of confronting Michael again until she had some more information. Lucifer would need to make his appearance in Amphipolis. That was all she knew. How the Phoenician Gods fit into his plans she couldn't be sure. She couldn't imagine what he was promising them. And, she had to admit she was surprised at Ares silence. Ares loved epic battles. She had heard very little from the God of War since Xena's passing. And, she wasn't sure where he would side in all of this should she need to call on him. They had come to a silent understanding. She knew that he loved Xena and he knew that Xena loved her. His ambition, particularly to conquest Xena, was something that always frustrated Gabrielle. But, she knew that even now, despite all of his professions about power and how he cared nothing for anything BUT Xena, he would be hard pressed to actually let anything happen to the people Xena loved. The warrior was always his one soft spot. And, regardless of anything he claimed, Gabrielle knew that what truly made him LOVE the warrior, was her softness, not her fighting skills.
"Is that it?" Virgil asked.
"Yes."
"Not much to look at," Virgil offered.
"No. Things have certainly changed." The temple was overgrown with vines; not the type of greenery that was meant to be lush and decorative; the type that took hold when few were left to care for a building. Gabrielle and Virgil dismounted and made their way through some overgrown brush to the entrance of the temple. It was dim inside, hardly what the Goddess of Love would expect to command. There were a few offerings on the altar. Some flowers, a few animal skins, some perfumes and of course, Aphrodite's favorite thing: fish. Gabrielle laughed, "Fish," she muttered.
"Aphrodite!" The bard called. In an instant the beautiful, blonde goddess appeared.
"I heard that," she scowled, turning her nose up in the direction of the fish.
Gabrielle attempted to be regretful, but even in the tension of the current situation, Aphrodite made her laugh. "Nice," the goddess chimed sarcastically. "Look at this place," she said with disgust, "I can't even complain about the fish anymore."
Gabrielle raised her eyebrow. For a few seconds she had felt as though she had been transported to a time past; a time of much greater happiness, when they had all been together as friends. Xena pretending to be annoyed by Aphrodite's flakiness and Aphrodite not paying attention to anything that Xena said. She shook off the memory with a smirk.
"Did you find anything out?" She asked the goddess.
Aphrodite was thumbing through the small number of offerings and had picked up a fish, looking at it as though it were horse dung on the side of the rode. She threw it aside with a shiver as she answered, "Not much. It seems like he's been promised dominion here."
"In Greece?"
Aphrodite looked at her friend, "On Earth…."
Gabrielle seemed to be searching for some reason as her eyes lifted. "It doesn't make sense. What's in it for Lucifer?"
Aphrodite shrugged as she sprayed some perfume on herself and snorted at the fragrance.
"Heaven," Virgil chimed in.
Gabrielle held her breath. "Any thoughts on what Baal might be planning?"
Aphrodite paused. She sat down on a small step that led to the altar. "He is to remove the threats."
"You mean, Eve…." Gabrielle commented.
Aphrodite nodded in agreement. "Not just Eve," she cautioned.
"All the Elijans," Virgil interjected.
Again the goddess nodded. "And, "she said, "all the other Gods….and..." she looked at Gabrielle.
"Me?" Gabrielle inquired.
"I'm sure," the Goddess said playing with her wrap, "but you are not as much of a threat as…."
Gabrielle's breath left her body, "Gabriel…" she said. Virgil's hand tightened on the handle to his sword.
Aphrodite looked at the floor for a moment and stood. "I don't know much else," she looked at her friend noting the resolve and the fear in her eyes. "I do know that he will move soon."
Gabrielle sighed. "He won't move on the Amazons," she looked at Virgil who seemed a bit skeptical. "Maybe I should call Ares," Gabrielle muttered to herself.
Aphrodite took her friend's hand. "He is a shadow of himself," the goddess said. "And, he knows little about Baal. Athena would have been a great asset to you," the bard noted the slight sadness in the goddess's voice.
"I'm sorry about Athena," the bard offered momentarily leaving her own worries to the side.
Aphrodite gave her friend a half smile. "Baal may not attack the Amazons, but Anath will."
Gabrielle felt her entire body shudder. She and Xena had never had to deal with Baal or Anath, but she knew of Anath. And she knew that the virgin goddess of war was powerful; and she was a woman with legions of female warriors. She would be a formidable opponent. If she was involved they needed to leave right away. The Amazons were smart and they were strong but they had diminished greatly in numbers over the years as old ways died. Slowly villages and cities grew, creeping into the outlands and forests where the Amazon tribes had always found shelter and seclusion. Their steadfast female hierarchy also made it more difficult to increase their numbers.
Virgil looked at Gabrielle. There was urgency in his voice. "We have to go."
Gabrielle looked at him with silent agreement. She felt sick. She had sent them there for safety. How she wished that Xena was here. She could use her counsel now. Fighting Gods was the warrior princess's terrain, not the Amazon Queen's. Gabrielle looked at Aphrodite. The goddess was truly the goddess of love. She radiated it, and her love for Gabrielle was like that of a sister. Gabrielle could see the wariness in her friend's eye. "I have to go," the bard said as Aphrodite grabbed her hand.
The goddess acknowledged the statement only with her eyes. As the bard turned to leave she felt the goddess's hand tug her backward.
"Listen," Aphrodite said, "I don't know her, but seek Eshmun," she said.
Gabrielle was puzzled this was not a name she knew.
"Phoenician Goddess - a healer… wise, much like Athena. All I know is she has little use for her siblings."
Gabrielle clutched Aphrodite's hand and gave a slight nod, "thank you," she said softly.
Chapter Twelve - Return
They rode hard and fast toward the Amazon lands. Gabrielle had not been there in quite some time. She had hoped that Varia would be able to keep Anath at a distance until she and Virgil could arrive. Even at that she wasn't sure what they would do. She did not know all that much about the goddess, but she certainly knew how gods reacted when threatened with mortality and how they responded to conquest; particularly war gods.
It was beginning to grow dark and their pace began to slow a bit. Virgil looked across to his friend, "Gabrielle," he called, "Do we stop?" He was anxious to get there, but he was not as familiar with this territory, nor did he have any first-hand knowledge of the village. He knew that Gabrielle would do everything she could to protect Eve and Gabriel and he trusted her judgment.
Gabrielle slowed Sappho to a slow trot. "No. There's a stream a few paces ahead. We should stop and rest the horses for an hour or so, catch our breath. If we keep going we should be there by morning light."
Virgil seemed pleased with the answer. He was worried about his family. He expected Eve to be a target. It was not really something he could grow used to, but it was a reality that he accepted and that he understood from the very beginning. He was more concerned about the focus on Gabriel. Was he a target because Baal wanted Eve out of the way or was it something else? He was just a boy.
The stream came upon them quickly and both were relieved to get some fresh water and to sit for a short while. Gabrielle had become secure on Sappho, more secure than she had ever been on Argo; but riding was still not her favorite thing. It was a necessity of life. She filled her wineskin with some water and sat down on a flat rock.
Virgil followed suit and sat nearby sharpening the blade of his sword. The scraping of stone on metal was comforting to Gabrielle. She often fell asleep to it on nights when she and Xena were traveling. It was an odd sound to find soothing, but that is what it was for her; soothing. It actually helped her to think more clearly.
"Virgil," her voice was quiet, "I've been thinking that once we have Eve and Gabriel safe - maybe you should take them north for a while." He looked at her bewildered. "Eve has been there. She will understand. Xena has powerful allies in the north and I have good friends."
"You're talking about the Valkyrie, aren't you?"
Gabrielle tried to gather her thoughts. "Yes."
Virgil stood up agitated. "That's so far."
Gabrielle looked up at him. She understood his reluctance. "Look, Virgil…. I don't like it either, but Odin still has control in the Norselands. He still has some power. It's complicated, but you would all be safe there; at least until I get this figured out."
"What if you can't?"
Gabrielle looked at him astonished at the question.
He continued, "We hide forever?...... I can't do that……….. How are you going to defeat Lucifer?"
Gabrielle looked at the stream listening to it ripple across the rocks. "I don't know, Virgil. The truth is I don't know………. BUT, Lucifer is NOT the immediate problem for us. He is Michael's problem for right now. I'm hoping that if we can neutralize Baal and Anath; then maybe Lucifer will have to regroup."
Virgil understood her plan, he just couldn't help but worry. The last time hell's portal opened in Amphipolis things got crazy. There was no leader in hell then - now the King of Hell wanted more. Lucifer had been dangerous as an archangel; now he had all of hell to command. Virgil feared that his influence might go much deeper than a few Phoenician Gods.
The truth was that Gabrielle held all the same fears. However, she had learned to trust her instincts and everything within her told her that right now they needed to get to the Amazon village and get Eve and Gabriel out. Something was gnawing at her. She was unsettled and all she could fully understand was that they needed to reach Amazon Lands as fast as humanly possible.
She also felt a surge of reality crashing down on her. This had been what her life with Xena had always been like. There were moments, brief moments, when they were able to find some peace and tranquility, but those moments were inevitably uprooted by some crisis. Someone needed their help or someone had some grudge against the warrior; someone was trying to seduce Xena or to persecute them. Peace was something they had learned to find in each other, in the moments alone, in each other's eyes, each other's arms. And, they found strength in their bond, in the knowledge that even in death they would somehow be connected until the next lifetime; and again and again.
Gabrielle looked at the soft reflection of the moonlight on the creases in the water as they washed over the rocks. For a moment she thought she might have seen Eli's face and she sighed. It was time. Time for her to face the reality that she could not bring herself to stare down all of these years. It was time for her to let go. That piece of her the warrior had fallen so deeply in love with; her resilience - her ability to see light and love in the deepest and darkest places in life. It still existed within her. She felt it when she looked at Eve, when Gabriel sat in her lap and as she looked at Virgil now; she was sure that it was Joxer who spoke to her; at least in her heart.
The bard rose to her feet and looked at her friend. Virgil noted that there seemed to be something different in her expression. He wasn't quite sure what it was. It seemed like she was almost looking through him, to some place else. She smiled.
"I need to do something," she said softly.
Virgil was confused, "Do you want me to make camp?"
She shook her head very slightly, "No. I won't be gone long," she put her hand on his shoulder and gave it a firm but gentle squeeze, "Rest for a bit," and she slowly began to walk away along the stream's edge.
He looked at the horses and spoke, "Well, this feels familiar," he smiled. He felt the old Gabrielle in that moment. The Gabrielle that traveled with Xena always at her side. This is what they would do - there one moment and off somewhere the next - he chuckled. He had been feeling sick inside with worry and seeing the expression in his friend's eyes suddenly gave him a renewed confidence. "It was just a matter of time," he said quietly to himself. It had taken so much longer than anyone could have imagined, but it was inevitable; her return to herself. Virgil too, thought he might feel his father in that moment. He missed his father every day. Joxer was more than his father, he was his best friend, his hero. Virgil loved his mother and loved his brother and sister but the truth was that he felt closest to his father when he had been with Xena and Gabrielle.
Joxer's friendship with the pair was something far deeper and more important to all of them than most could understand. He filled the void of a brother lost for the warrior, a loving and compassionate friend for the bard, and for Joxer; he had a place that he knew he would always belong. People who accepted him as he was. People who loved him and always would. That is how Virgil felt with the pair. He was more like a son to them in the end than a friend. Gabrielle was particularly protective of him. He suspected it was because it had always torn her apart that she could not return his father's affections. She loved him deeply and hurting him broke her heart. She had once told Virgil that she would pray at night for Joxer to find love and when she saw Virgil she knew he had. Virgil was the light now in Joxer's eyes. It filled the bard with hope and it filled her with sadness for all that she and Xena had missed; but she always suspected that their absence allowed Joxer to move on - and it helped her find purpose in that lost time.
As Gabrielle walked along the stream's edge she let her thoughts wander. She let her emotions run. She did not try to focus them, control them, justify them… she just let them roam freely. She saw Eli lying in her arms and Xena standing over her, she saw Eve when she was born, she remembered Joxer tripping and falling into a tree, and she saw her father, her mother, heard Cyrene's voice and saw her wide smile as she wrapped the bard in her motherly arms. She saw Perdicus and she heard Xena; heard Xena's voice. She couldn't understand words and she couldn't explain it. She seemed to be whispering some truth in Gabrielle's ear. She paused and drank in all of the feelings that were racing through her when she noticed a small clearing ahead. She sighed heavily and closed her eyes. She needed to gather herself. Slowly she made her way there. Part of her still did not want to let it all go; her past, her anger, her love…
Deliberately she knelt, slowing her breathing she closed her eyes again and tried to picture Eli's face. It was something she had not done in many, many years. She could see him in her mind now, sitting across from her in a Roman prison, she could feel the cold stone beneath her as if she were there. His face was bright, almost glowing. She saw his lips move, but it was not his voice that spoke the words, "perfect love," the voice said. She slowly opened her eyes, releasing her breath at the same time. There he was, standing before her. His armor shimmered in the moonlight, his tight jaw line broke into a faint smile and he stretched out is hand to help her back to her feet.
"Michael," a tear fell as she spoke his name in barely a whisper.
He smiled more widely now. It was a comforting smile. "I wondered," he began, "when I would see you again."
Her slight snicker made him tighten his grip on her hand. She looked at the ground gathering her emotions before meeting his eyes again. When she finally met his stare again she was smiling. She did not speak. There was nothing to say. Everything was known. Her pain, her anger, her resentment, her fear, and her loneliness. For so long she had denied herself peace and now she understood why. It was as if silently the reason had been given to her. She was determined to never betray Xena, their bond, her love. The angel smiled.
And then she spoke. "Michael…." She paused, "Gabriel…"
He interrupted her thought. "He has his own path."
"He's a child."
"But he will not always be," Michael said.
Gabrielle looked at the angel. She had a bond with him, a bond formed in heaven. He saw within her the strength and purity that so few have. She had a capacity for love that only heaven can grant. That is why she and Xena had been led to Eli. There was a strength and a purity in their connection that transcended the human world and there had always been purpose in that. Xena strengthened Gabrielle physically and mentally and Gabrielle balanced Xena emotionally. It was a delicate and intricate dance; one intended by God. One that could defy Gods. She would need to draw on that now.
"Michael," she turned her back to him for a moment as she attempted to find the right words, "Anath…"
"Yes," he acknowledged, "her army is on its way to the Amazon lands now."
"For Gabriel?"
"For them all. They represent strength for you………….. You lost your faith, Gabrielle…"
Gabrielle shook her head and looked at the ground.
"They intend to keep it that way. YOU are the greatest threat to Lucifer. Gabriel has his path, but he and Eve are vulnerable; easy for Lucifer… unless…"
"What?" she asked.
"Unless you return to yourself."
She looked at him, frustrated and confused. Her tone strengthened, "Michael… she is my faith…"
"No."
Gabrielle felt a surge of frustration that normally only Xena could compel within her. "Yes, Michael. I don't know how to defeat Lucifer… I can organize the Amazons to fight Anath, to fight Baal… send Gabriel and Eve to Odin…"
"No. You must not send them away."
"They are in danger! Isn't that what you want me to do; protect them?"
The angel did not speak, he simply looked at her with an expression of strength and determination.
"You already know the answer," he said firmly, "you wouldn't be here if you didn't."
Gabrielle felt her body begin to tremble, partly from a lingering anger and partly from the wave of understanding that was crashing over her.
"And," he continued, "You have already resigned yourself to it."
"It's not enough."
He smiled at her. "Gabrielle, it has always been enough. You have to trust in it again. Trust in love. They are with you, always…"
Her body shivered. It was Michael standing before her, but that word. That word… "Always." That was Xena's word. "Always." She looked at him.
"We can hold Lucifer between heaven and hell for now. He is seeping through here, though. The more temples Baal manages to have erected to himself, the more strength Lucifer gains. He has tied himself to hell - to Lucifer. Guaranteed immortality. You need to go."
Gabrielle's stare told the angel all he needed to know but she spoke to him anyway, "What if…"
Michael smiled, "You are already there. Go. Just love her… in your heart…that is your strength," he gave a smiling nod of respect and stood erect - allowing himself to be taken back to his own realm.
Gabrielle stood completely still. Her eyes closed. She tried to picture Xena in her mind. She tried to imagine her there. She would have to fight now… and there would be no running, no hiding. Even Odin could not hide them from hell itself. She shook her head. She had thought that this part of her life was over, or did she? This was her life; at least in this lifetime.
"Xena…" she whispered, "if you can hear me…" she stopped, "I need you." With that she released a single tear and began her journey back to Virgil. It was time.
*************************************************************************************
Chapter Thirteen: Lessons
When Gabrielle returned to Virgil, she found him napping. She sat down beside him and decided to give him a bit longer. She studied him. It was funny. He looked like both his mother and father and she fought a hearty laugh. Meg was truly Xena's double. It was an amusing thought… a child of Xena and Joxer. A laugh broke forth and Virgil opened his eyes.
"Sorry," she was still laughing.
"Did I snore or something?"
She was still laughing a bit, "No…"
He looked at her for a moment as if he thought she might have hit her head. There was a lightness about her that he could barely recall. If he hadn't known better he would have expected to see Xena standing behind her. In eleven years the only time he ever heard her laugh like this was with Gabriel. He looked at her with some concern for her state of mind. Gabrielle could read his thoughts and she smiled widely.
"I'm fine." She said. "We need to go, though. Michael confirmed that Anath is on her way to the village."
His mouth opened, "You talked to Michael?" Suddenly her behavior made a little more sense. She would not have been able to call him to her if something hadn't been resolved - he knew that.
"Yes. - and we won't be sending anyone to Odin."
He thought about questioning this sudden change in her tactics, but there was a presence about her that told him he should just follow along.
"If we ride hard," she continued, "We should make it there in a few hours." He nodded his understanding and they were off.
Gabrielle pushed Sappho hard, harder than she ever had. She felt a confidence she had not in a very long time, but she was still worried. If she and Varia could hold off Anath, she would still have to come up with another plan. The North was out. Whatever the reason, Eve and Gabriel were meant to stay here. That made her slightly angry. She never wanted the boy to experience what Eve had. To be thrust into the violence in the world. He had seen his share, but nothing like what Eve had to experience. In her mind she kept talking to Xena. It was different somehow. She wasn't asking questions, wasn't longing for her in the same way. She sought her counsel, her strength. Gabrielle had become a great tactician, but Xena could always anticipate the actions of the Gods and warriors far better than the bard. The bard knew how to navigate a situation, how to leverage it. Xena knew how to plan for it - it was just another compliment in their relationship. It had saved them many times. Now, Gabrielle would have to be both, the planner and the navigator.
Virgil's horse hesitated, grunting. "Someone is here," he looked at Gabrielle.
Gabrielle looked into the trees and a faint grin appeared on her face. In an instant and with just the hint of a swishing sound through the leaves, they were surrounded. Gabrielle raised her right hand slowly.
"Queen Gabrielle" a voice broke through the heavily armed squad of Amazons. The woman was tall and muscular. Her long brown hair adorned with small, tight braids. She stood with confidence and slowly approached them.
"Lysandra." Gabrielle said.
"Your daughter is here. She is with Queen Varia," the Amazon looked at Virgil. "You must be covered."
Virgil looked at Gabrielle with a tinge of fear and an overwhelming confusion. Gabrielle laughed. "It's all right. You cannot see the pathway to the village; it is forbidden….You are no Amazon," she winked.
As Lysandra approached him with a hood Virgil looked again to his friend, "You have to be kidding…" Gabrielle just shrugged in amused satisfaction. The village was a short distance now.
Now in the dark, Virgil attempted to speak, his voice muffled, "How I am supposed to stay on this horse?" His weight was shifting and tilting from side to side as he held onto the reins and attempted to keep himself centered. He looked like a sack of apples that was about to spill all over the ground.
"Oh…you've fought cannibals and Persians," Gabrielle snickered, "A little blind horseback riding should be easy." The bard was thoroughly amused. In this moment Virgil truly reminded her of his father. There was something endearing about his awkwardness and it helped to lighten the mood.
"Any movement at the borders?" Gabrielle asked Lysandra as she dismounted Sappho and handed her to one of the younger Amazons to lead.
"No. Not at the borders. The queen sent out some scouts - it seems there is some movement in from the North."
"Any idea how many?"
"No. They could not see the ranks only track some traces. I would believe that is a good sign." Gabrielle's eyes had a severe look in them. "What is it?" Lysandra asked the queen.
"I suspect it is anything but good news," Gabrielle answered. "Baal is more that the God of lightning - he also is the God of Earth. If Anath is working at his behest..," she paused and studied their surroundings for a moment. "If Baal is helping Anath….the ranks will be disguised."
Lysandra was confused. She looked at Gabrielle puzzled, but Gabrielle was completely engaged in studying the trees and bushes. "You mean disguised like Amazons," Lysandra inquired.
"Yes. He would use the surroundings as a natural protection; just as Amazons…. "
Lysandra was an intelligent, cunning and strong warrior. Gabrielle suspected that at some point she may be an Amazon Queen herself. She was still young, about 19 seasons, but she had been learning and fighting for many years. She had a presence and a posture that far surpassed her years of living. Gabrielle was glad that she had Lysandra's ear now. The Amazons had great respect for the young woman and Lysandra had great respect for Gabrielle. The Amazon queen knew that Lysandra would be a major asset in the hours to follow.
As the village came into view, Gabrielle grabbed Lysandra's arm and stopped their forward pace, "Listen, Lysandra," she began, "Whatever happens - to me, to Varia… even to Eve… I need you to keep the boy safe…"
Lysandra was stoic but she felt a twinge in her stomach. Gabrielle clearly was concerned about this attack. "You mean Gabriel."
"Yes. I need you to promise me that you will keep him safe, If they get past me, past Varia.. they will head straight for Eve, and then for Gabriel."
"What about your daughter?"
Gabrielle allowed a deep breath to fill her lungs and looked directly at Lysandra, "Eve does not want to fight. She will fight if she has to - to protect him."
"But, she is the messenger…" Lysandra was young; very young. She had only been a small child when Xena and Gabrielle brought Eve here the first time and Varia recognized her as Livia. To Lysandra, Eve was the picture of peace and calm. Even if the Amazon had heard stories about Livia; she would not be able to comprehend them. "Are you sure?"
"I am." Gabrielle said firmly.
Lysandra was concerned. Eve was not only the messenger of Eli; she was an Amazon Princess by right - she was to be protected. "Queen Gabrielle…. Even if the messenger knows how… she is peaceful…this, this will require…."
Gabrielle gave the young woman a motherly glance. "Lysandra….many years ago someone told me a story. She looked around and to her left was a large basin of water - she pointed to it. "See that water?"
Lysandra nodded.
"What does it look like?"
The young Amazon was confused. "Describe how the water looks - how it moves," Gabrielle encouraged.
Lysandra thought for a moment, "It is still…..calm."
Gabrielle smiled, reached down and picked up a small stone from the ground. She cast it into the water with some force causing the water to move and churn. The Amazon warrior looked at the queen inquisitively.
"What does it look like now?"
"Violent."
Gabrielle did not expect that description but it worked. "Watch the water. What happens?"
Lysandra was not following the point of this story but she went along. "It becomes still."
"Yes…..but as my friend told me many years ago it is forever changed. It looks as it once did, but it is not, that stone, that violence; it lies underneath. If we were to bring it to the surface the water would ripple again. Understand?"
Lysandra nodded. "She is peaceful, but she cannot forget the violence."
"Something like that, yes…. Eve will be able to handle the situation. She is as good a fighter as any I have ever met. She is…. Well, she is Xena's daughter."
Lysandra nodded again. Gabrielle resumed their pace. "Just concentrate on Gabriel. Stay close to him."
"I understand," the Amazon answered.
Gabrielle felt a hand on her shoulder; Virgil was free from his hooded prison. She smiled and led him into the queen's hut. Varia was quick to rise and greet the queen with a warm embrace, "Gabrielle…"
"Varia," Gabrielle said. "Where are …"
"I gave them Myrrine's Yurt."
"Lysandra," Gabrielle turned, "Can you please take Virgil to Eve?"
Lysandra smiled and looked to Varia for confirmation before leading Virgil away to find his family.
"So…," Varia began, "Gods and Goddesses."
"MMHMMM"
"Thoughts?"
"They will use nature as we do. They also don't think we know that."
"Use it to our advantage."
"Yes…. God or not Baal does not know Amazon lands… he can certainly help keep their march hidden, but they will expect us to be ready to wage a ground war. We need to disarm as many as possible before they reach the ground," Gabrielle explained her plan.
"The trees…."
"Yes, but Varia …. We will need a presence on the ground at the same time. They have to think that we are unaware."
"Make then think they have the advantage," Varia concluded.
"That's the idea," Gabrielle said.
Varia smiled, "Xena would be proud."
Gabrielle smiled. Varia had matured into a wise and extremely adept queen. Xena had taught Varia a great deal. She had shown Varia that strength comes in overcoming not overpowering. The two amazon queens were a formidable opponent for any attacker, God or otherwise.
Varia looked at Gabrielle, "I can have Lysandra lead the contingent into the forest."
Gabrielle sat in a large chair. "Varia," she began, "I do not wish to overstep you…"
"What is it?' the younger queen asked.
"I asked Lysandra to stay close to Gabriel."
Varia walked toward her friend. "That is why you had her head to the yurt."
"Yes."
"You are worried - about the boy…"
"Yes."
"Eve?"
Gabrielle's expression tensed, "Eve will fight if it is needed."
Varia felt her body shiver. The thought of Eve in battle conjured an image of the Roman Livia in her mind. "Are you sure that's a good idea."
Gabrielle was silent for a long moment. "She will only fight is she has to, Varia…. She doesn't even know that…"
"But you do? How can you be sure?"
"He is her son. There is nothing, Varia… no force in heaven or Hell, not any God or demon that can stop a mother from protecting her child."
"Speaking from experience?" she smiled.
Gabrielle gave just the hint of a smile.
Varia continued, "She was worried for you," she said. "I could tell."
Gabrielle looked about the hut, gathering her thoughts. "I know."
"Perhaps you should go to her?"
Gabrielle understood Varia's concern and she appreciated her friendship. "Varia," she began, "Eve and Gabriel are the most important things in my life now," she paused, "Eve knows that… I need to be here now… to be ready."
The truth was that Gabrielle did not want the distraction of the emotions she knew she would feel if she went to Eve now. She also expected questions - about her meeting with Michael… about Lucifer… about the change in her plans. If there was one thing she had learned it was that Eve and Gabriel could cloud her focus. And now, more than ever - her focus was an imperative.
Varia looked at her friend, the Amazon Queen, who was so deep in thought. "I will take care of the ground…"
Gabrielle stood and headed for the door. "I will take care of the assault," she said.
As the bard turned to leave the hut she stopped and turned back to take it all in. She thought of Ephiny. She wished that Ephiny were here now. Wished that she could confide in her. Wished that she could seek her advice. Wished that she could have her to organize this battle. She respected Varia, but Ephiny was special to the Amazon Queen - another friend lost far too soon to the brutality of this world; a loss that had wrenched her soul. Looking over the hut - the Queen's quarters, she thought that she might have caught sight of her friend sitting there. She closed her eyes for a moment and let the vision fill her.
"Gabrielle," a gentle voice called, "Do you remember that day? That first day with Terreis?" Gabrielle could see Ephiny before her and she was sure that the touch she felt on her shoulder was that of her friend, "You didn't think. You didn't plan. You didn't run," Ephiny's voice was clear, "You FELT. You loved. You became an Amazon."
Gabrielle heard the words and she recalled the moment. She wasn't sure what Ephiny was trying to tell her now, "I don't understand…"
"You love Xena, Gabrielle. You are not Xena. You cannot replace her. Just love… love her.. love them…that has always been your strength....Gabrielle,"
Gabrielle answered, "Yes?"
"Are you all right?" Eve had a firm grip on the Amazon Queen.
"Eve…. I ….I'm fine."
"Varia needs you."
Gabrielle turned to face her daughter. She looked at the woman with an expression that Eve could not quite fully understand.
"Are you sure your all right… Virgil said…"
"I'm fine, Eve," the bard had transformed fully into the queen now. "Just needed a reminder. I've been so busy giving lessons….I guess I needed one myself."
Eve rubbed the woman's shoulder, looked at her and somehow understood. Whatever had transpired between Aphrodite's temple and here; it was between Gabrielle and God. But as the messenger looked into the eyes of the queen; she felt a renewed confidence that somehow everything would be as it should.
"I have to go," Gabrielle looked at her daughter with reassurance.
"I know," Eve smiled as Gabrielle let go of her hand and began to head to leave. As the queen turned to leave, Eve gently grabbed her arm.
Gabrielle turned to face Eve who had the slightest hint of a tear in her eye.
"Thank you."
Gabrielle smiled and squeezed her daughter's hand. "Always…."
Chapter 14 - Rescue
Morning came quickly. Gabrielle carefully planned the attack from above. It seemed to make sense that they would want the ground defense as far away from the major tree coverage as possible. The idea was to go on the offense above and be prepared to take a defensive position below. If all went as planned they should be able to reduce the number of Anath's forces. The lingering question in Gabrielle's mind was whether or not the goddess herself would make an appearance. The best scenario was that this was simply in support of her brother and not an attack the goddess herself was vested in. Over all the years, however, Gabrielle knew to expect the unexpected.
The power of all of the gods had been decreasing rapidly. People were tired of the gods. They had even begun to stray from Eli's teachings. Seasons had been difficult, there had been several long droughts and a number of volcanic eruptions that had decimated once fertile farmlands over that past few seasons. Nature's wrath coupled with the continued power of Rome and Persia had taken its toll in the majority of small villages and people had begun to put their faith in what they could touch. Gabrielle understood that. She also understood that a god's power is truly derived from the faith of mortals; without that any god was at risk. Lucifer was not a god, everyone had a dark side and tapping into the current insecurities made sense. He offered continued immortality to Baal and whatever gods chose to take up his cause. Immortality itself is power. This was a dangerous time and once again the bard found herself and those she loved at the center of it.
"I think they are ready," Varia said. Gabrielle took one last long look around and nodded her agreement.
"Where is Eve?" she asked the younger Amazon Queen.
Varia pointed to the Queen's hut, "It may be the best place, easier to defend."
"Let's hope we don't have to."
"Gabrielle," Varia paused, "it's a good plan… but I think I should take over the assault now. They need to see you on the ground. It will help to distract them."
"I agree," the bard answered. "Give the order."
With that Varia let out a cry that sounded a great deal like a large bird. In an instant Amazons pulled themselves into the green coverage above. Varia and Gabrielle stood face to face now looking intensely at one another. "Good luck, my sister," Varia said as she crossed her chest in an Amazon sign of respect and sisterhood.
Gabrielle returned the sign and bowed her head slightly to her sister queen. With that Varia disappeared into the trees above. Gabrielle organized the remaining members of the tribe into lines within the training courtyard and began having them go through basic exercises. She had a staff in her hands. It had always been her weapon of choice and it would now be her signal to the Amazon defense to fight. Virgil had finished constructing several traps on the perimeter. If Anath should try to invade two ways they would be able to slow both assaults. Gabrielle also wanted to capture at least a few of the incoming warriors. There was no way to know if any would give up information, but the majority of these fighters were mortal and they were women; warriors. Gabrielle was counting on the fact that even some within the goddess's ranks had begun to become disillusioned with service to any god. If Anath did not appear she was hopeful that they could at least get information on future plans.
"Where do you want me?" Virgil asked.
Gabrielle smiled. "With Eve."
"What?" he was angry now. He wanted to fight in order to protect his family, "Why? She's in the Queen's hut? Lysandra is there with the best fighters in the village. No one is getting through to them unless we completely fail out here."
Gabrielle's expression changed abruptly. It was time for the bard to embrace her Amazon rank. "Virgil." She said firmly, "Lysandra is a gifted warrior but Eve and Gabriel are not her family. If Anath is here," she paused at moved closer to him, "If she is here they will get through our ranks, at least some of them."
Virgil was still angry but he found himself frozen. Gabrielle was stoic and focused now. And, he could tell she was not convinced that the plan would work as well as she hoped. The queen's sight began to search the trees above.
"Gabrielle," he began.
"Be quiet," she warned quietly.
"What is it?" he held his breath to try and hear whatever it was that she clearly sensed, "Gabrielle…"
"GO!" her eyes remained focused, "NOW!"
The urgency in her voice told him everything he needed to know and he immediately ran toward Varia's hut. Gabrielle faced the Amazons in the training yard and raised her staff to the height of her chest and as she did each assumed a defensive stance, weapons ready. It was a sight to behold - the sound of swords being drawn simultaneously was chilling. The queen turned and faced the forest… ready and waiting. She kept her breath deep and quiet listening to every rustle of the wind, every branch crack and every leaf fall; just as Xena taught her. "Almost here," she whispered to herself.
Above them the sounds of battle were growing.
Varia was high in one of the trees, looking down on some of her most beloved sisters. Lysandra's sister Charmion was directly below her. Suddenly the faint sound of leaves blowing became heavier. Gabrielle had been right. Baal could hide the warriors, but he could not make them masters of nature. Their clumsiness gave them away within 100 paces of the Amazons. Varia gave her call and the assault began.
Amazons learned from their youth how to be one with the nature that surrounded them. They swooped gracefully through leaves and intuitively knew how to find braches that could support them. It was almost as if they were part of the trees; braches themselves. The oncoming forces were many in number. Varia knew immediately that her Amazons were grossly outnumbered. She swung from a vine directly at one of the warriors she had quickly identified as a leader. She and Gabrielle had discussed that disabling as many of the strategos, or generals, as possible was crucial. These would be the most loyal and presented a greater threat. The less organization and less leadership for the legion - the weaker it became.
Varia made contact with the Phoenician in what seemed like a split second. The woman was strong, but not large in stature. As Varia's body moved within inches she was able to see the woman's dress. It was similar to Roman armor, but instead of the signature Roman red - this warrior was draped in purple with a golden emblem that ran through the intricate fabric beneath the golden armor, "no doubt for that bitch goddess," Varia thought as her legs wrapped around the neck of the foreign warrior. The Phoenician reached for Varia in an attempt to defend the attack, but her balance was lost and she could not breathe. Varia squeezed the warrior's neck with the full force of her body and snapped it sending her into a freefall to the ground below.
Similar scenes repeated above. The Phoenicians had no time to reach for their weapons and they were no match for the Amazons in hand to hand combat in this arena. The Amazon offensive was effective. Varia landed on one large branch and looked below. She saw Gabrielle ready to raise her staff over her head as the bodies continued to fall. "She was right, Xena," Varia whispered on the wind itself. As the words escaped her lips the inevitable began, as Phoenician warriors managed to break through the offensive above. "It's up to you now, my queen," Varia said as she resumed her assault.
Below Gabrielle had taken note of Varia's successes. Things were going as expected so far, but she wondered when the wild card would be played. "It's too simple," she thought to herself as she raised her staff over her head. With that motion the Amazon defense began. The sound of metal on metal was deafening and Gabrielle could smell the blood as it began to spill. They were sounds and smells that she never got used to and she prayed she never would. She abandoned her staff and took hold of the sai. Her sights were set of finding Anath is she was here. She had no idea how she would disarm a goddess, but she knew that she was the best hope. She had hoped Xena's chakram might be the answer and she had it at the ready.
She felt a blade graze her shoulder and immediately spun and kicked a large woman attacking from behind. The woman stumbled but retaliated quickly with a kick of her own, and what seemed to be a sly smile. The Phoenician did not draw her sword. She opted instead for hand to hand combat and she seemed to be enjoying it. Gabrielle aggressively pursued the woman but she just smiled wider with each kick and punch. And then she spoke, "So, I have the pleasure of the queen… or is it the bard?'
Gabrielle felt her anger rising. This smug Phoenician would feel her wrath. She spun and kicked the women squarely in the jaw. The warrior woman lifted her hand to her jaw - straightening it with a grin, "No… I must have the mourning lover," she quipped. If Gabrielle hadn't known better she would have sworn it was Alti. But, she now understood the tactic. She was stalling Gabrielle from SOMETHING. The realization came with a renewed power. Gabrielle swerved to her left ducking a kick and thrust the sai simultaneously into both shoulders of the warrior eliciting a grimace and cry of pain. As the warrior slumped to her knees, Gabrielle withdrew her weapons and moved her body in close. "You win the bonus… you get all three," she whispered threateningly in the warrior's ear. "Now, where is your washed up goddess?"
The warrior could not control her grimace as she let forth a sarcastic chuckle.
"MMMM." The queen nodded, "Such devotion…" With that she swiftly utilized the tool Xena had been so reluctant to teach her all those year. The warrior gasped. "You know so much," Gabrielle whispered, "You know what's happening. You love that goddess so much to die? ….About 20 seconds left…"
The voice croaked and it now croaked with more than an element of fear; but also with a tinge of respect for the strength and resolve of the Amazon queen, "She is an Amazon… to the boy…"
Gabrielle felt her entire body go numb and then immediately shake violently inside. She knew. The goddess had been here among them. The attack was her diversion, her warriors were expendable. She was probably in the hut now. The Amazon queen leaned in and softly whispered, "You forgot….bard, queen, lover all beatable…" she moved to breathe directly in the warrior's ear, "it's the mother you need to worry about.." and she released the pinch swiftly heading for the hut.
The run could not have taken more than a minute but it felt like a lifetime. It felt to Gabrielle as though she had become totally alone. She heard the sounds around her but she had absolutely no recognition of what they meant. The only goal was to reach Varia's hut and to reach it quickly. She did not see Lysandra outside but she heard loud and disturbing bangs inside as soon as she reached the door. There was no time to think as she entered.
Anath had Lysandra by the throat… Virgil was on the ground and Eve was crouched behind Varia's platform, shielding Gabriel. Gabrielle couldn't tell immediately how badly hurt Virgil or the five Amazons lying scattered about were. Anath's stare met the queen's and she tossed Lysandra across the room with such force that she hit the far wall and caused the plank in the window to fall out. "Well, you do not disappoint, Queen Gabrielle."
"Anath, I presume," the queen answered.
"Ahhh… Smart… I heard that. Very smart," the goddess nearly cooed.
"What do you want?" The queen asked firmly maintaining her stoicism.
"I think you know, my queen," the goddess smirked. Of course, the queen was completely aware of the goddess's agenda. She also needed time to assess the situation and the options, and if there was one thing Gabrielle knew how to do from the day she was born - it was stall.
Anath was dressed as an amazon. She was tall like most of the Amazons but she had no dirt about her. Her hair was dark, almost as dark as Xena's, but through the middle ran a soft steak of auburn. Her eyes seemed to Gabrielle to be like pools of dark brown glass - they reflected the room within them. Gabrielle had not seen her in the village and she suspected Varia had not either. Both queens would have known that this woman was no Amazon on sight. At her side was a sheath. Gabrielle could not see what it held. It was an odd shape; something she had seen before in the land of the pharaohs. Out of the corner of her eye, the queen noticed that Virgil had begun to stir and she could hear the shuffling of Eve's feet as she attempted to position herself to see what was transpiring now. Somehow she had to neutralize this and get Eve and Gabriel to safety.
"My brother," the goddess began, "He needs some assurances. It seems you have those." She walked toward Eve. "What's a messenger?" the goddess quipped dismissively. "Messengers… all these are messengers… everywhere…" As Gabrielle saw Anath closing in on Eve she reached for her sai, but with the slightest flick of the goddess's wrist she found herself disarmed. Gabriel saw the burst of blue light heading for Gabrielle, "Auntie!" he screamed ready to run for her position before Eve stopped him.
"Gabriel - stay there…. Just stay where you are," Gabrielle instructed calmly.
"How endearing," the goddess commented. "You have family… I have family…we are not so different."
Gabrielle searched her surroundings.
Virgil was attempting to crawl to his knees and saw Gabrielle's eyes motion toward the platform. It was a sign to cautiously look for the opportunity to grab Gabriel.
"Tell yourself that…."Gabrielle said with disgust as Anath inched toward Eve. When she reached the platform Eve raised her hand to strike but Anath just scoffed at her attempt and grabbed her under the chin, lifting her to the platform itself.
"I am sorry my queen," the goddess said to Gabrielle. She then turned to Eve and gently touched her cheek, hovering her face above the messenger's, "I have a message for you…"
For some reason all Gabrielle could think of were Ephiny's words. She needed strength now. Ephiny was right. "Xena," she thought to herself, "help me…"
Eve was as obstinate as ever, "Really?" she asked with dripping sarcasm, "What message might that be?
"Time's up," Anath whispered.
Gabrielle watched as the goddess moved to her sheath. The queen's reaction was immediate. She took hold of the chakram and fired it at Anath's rising weapon. As expected it made full contact but it did no damage, instead the goddess's scimitar deflected the chakram. Worse it did not return to the Amazon Queen leaving Eve staring into the crooked weapon.
"Now that's just not nice," a voice from behind called, "Picking on a defenseless woman. The Gods have only gotten more pathetic."
It was a familiar voice. It wasn't possible. Before Gabrielle could turn the chakram was in flight again - this time swiftly knocking the scimitar from the goddess's hand and sending the goddess backward about 10 paces. Eve dropped to the ground. Stunned, the goddess looked up and took in the sight before her.
"Been a long time since I killed a God… feels like it might be a GOOD day to change that," the voice said. Virgil had reached Eve and pulled her behind the platform with Gabriel. They were both looking past Gabrielle in astonishment. Gabrielle closed her eyes. This had happened earlier when she was here - she had seen and heard Ephiny. She dared not turn as the voice continued to move closer. She knew this voice….
"Now, I suggest," the voice continued, "That you run along home to whatever pathetic cloud or mountain or… well… cave you are living in these days and tell your brother that I have a message for him."
The voice was now even with Gabrielle and passing her. Slowly and deliberately this figure - clad in black leather, shining metal armor that fitted perfectly - moved toward the goddess. As the figure reached Anath the answer came…
"The message?" it said. "Don't mess with my family - you'll get hurt." The confidence in the voice was enough in that moment - Anath was gone in an instant.
Gabrielle had closed her eyes. She was certain that when she opened them Varia would be standing in front of her just as Eve had been earlier that morning.
The voice was moving closer again, "Gabrielle…" it said softly. "Gabrielle…" it edged closer. "Open your eyes…"