Body Heart and Soul

Part 19

Xena got the army in place and ready in a rush of thundering hooves and soldiers yells,  putting the wagons up front and getting every archer behind them. 

The dark army was about on top of them when they heard, behind them, a thundering boom and as Xena turned, she saw the walls of the city shatter into chunks, the burning fluid rapidly making mush of them as it poured out towards them.

Biting off a curse she sent whistles up, changing her plan as she ordered the center of the army to split and turn back on either side, rapidly opening up the center. ÒMove move!Ó She let out two shrill blasts and bolted for the far side of the lines, where Gabrielle was herding the Amazons.

Men were running now, hauling on reins as they got out of the way, order turning to chaos as arrows started to fly,  coming in waves from the onrushing shades, all dark gray shafts, with glittering arrowheads and black feathers starting to land on the ground, in wagon sides, and sometimes in bodies.

The dark army came thundering through the hole in the center of the lines, bowling over the few stragglers and started to turn and engage them, not realizing the dark ooze was anything to worry about until they hit it.

The screams of the horses lanced through Xena as she watched them stumble and go down as the substance ate their hooves out from under them.

It was painful to watch, and so she turned and directed the troops instead, making sure her own men and horses were well clear of it. 

ÒXena!Ó

She whirled Argo in place, the mare rising up on her hind legs and turning in her own length.   The enemy army was flailing and stumbling in place and the creature reared up and threw itself forward, landing on two score of them amidst screams of terror from men and beasts.

ÒKeep moving!Ó  She stood up in her stirrups and bellowed. ÒMove! Move! Bennu! Take the right half and move north! Get behind them! IÕll take this half!Ó

Bennu signaled with his fist then their army bolted, streaming away from the city on either side, XenaÕs half of the troops moving headlong back towards the river they knew was somewhere out there in the snowy dark.

But then the creature retreated, and the dark shades got themselves under control and split apart, leaving behind the port city and going after Xena and her troops. 

Behind them, they left a plateau of horror,  and broken stone as the creature slithered back up the slope in an anxious hurry,  and as Xena turned her troops to meet the attack, keeping control of men and beasts by sheer will the clouds broke apart.

Through the hills due east a layer of pearly fog was suddenly visible as behind the cloud cover there was a glimpse of light, and the air went from black to gray as dawn came abruptly to the scene.

The dark forces dissipated just as abruptly, fading into the mist as the snow lessened, and with a thunk of hooves against cold, hard ground, XenaÕs troops came to a standstill, there on the plateau now looking desolate and horror struck.

The city walls were silent.  They were crumbled and broken, the buildings inside were likewise.  No living thing was seen anywhere, save themselves.

The wind was blowing at their backs and Xena was glad. She could see the lumps of fading flesh that once were horses, their riders escaping back into HadesÕ realm untouched but leaving them behind. 

The black goo settled, seeping into the rock and staining the ground before the walls, the last flapping of the creatureÕs limbs echoing back softly as it went back to where it had come from.

From across the ground, Xena saw Bennu starting to lead his portion of the troops back towards them, carefully skirting the stained ground as the sun rose from behind the far hills, revealing a dull gray sky, and shell shocked faces.

**

The army was scared, and Xena knew it.  SheÕd kept everyone moving towards the river, but between the storm overhead and the long night without sleep the edges were starting to show.  The one bright spot was that the horses were rested, having just been hobbled after they got into the city earlier the preceeding night.

Soon sheÕd have to decide if they would stop, or keep them going, marching back along the plateau to the woods and beyond, before the sun fell below the horizon again.

Ugh.

She could see Gabrielle with her hood up and her staff in her grip as she guided Iolaus around the struggling support staff, all of them bundled up and with hands on the wagons, helping to move them.

Then there was Artemis int here, somewhere.

It was one of the few times in her life that Xena felt utterly at a loss, really unsure  of how to direct her army and where she should lead them.

Go home?  The idea was highly appealing.  She could feel the sense of relief in her guts when she thought about it,  imagining them riding through the pass and onto the old east road that would take them first to JessanÕs valleyÉ

And here she stopped.

Now she had to imagine going back there to get her daughter, and having to explain to the tribe, and to Elaini that sheÕd left Jessan behind.

NO matter that she had no piece in his disappearance.  No matter she had no idea where heÕd gone, or where he was now, or even if heÕd been transported somewere else entirely.

Was he even alive, or did they take him someplace else, maybe even up to Mount Olympus as she and Gabrielle had been brought by ZeusÕs whim.

ÒXe.Ó  Gabrielle had ridded over and was now at her side, reaching over to touch her knee through the heavy leggings she was wearing.  ÒHere, you look chilled.  Put your gloves on.Ó

Xena smiled to herself and obeyed, taking her gauntlets out and pulling them on, the warm fur lining easing the chill in her knuckles.  ÒGab.Ó She shifted a little in her saddle, leaning closer to her soulmate. ÒI think we should keep heading home.Ó

ÒNo argument from me, WP.Ó  The bard responded instantly.  ÒBut? WhatÕs the catch?Ó

ÒDoes there have to be a catch?Ó

ÒXena. I have known you all the years of my adulthood and there is no person in the world, not my family, not my daughter, that I love more than I love you.  You know that.Ó

ÒI do.Ó

ÒYou have never in all the time I have know you run from something. YouÕre not going to run from this.Ó

Xena smiled faintly.  ÒNo.Ó She agreed. ÒIf for no other reason than I need to find out what happened to Jess.Ó She said.  ÒSo IÕd like to send Bennu home with the army, and you and me and the Amazons will see if we can figure it all out.Ó

ÒAnd the Amazons?Ó

ÒI want them with us. I think itÕs important.Ó  Xena said, in a quiet voice. ÒAnd Artemis if we can make her stay.Ó

Gabrielle eyed her.  ÒReally.Ó

ÒReally.Ó

ÒWhy?Ó Gabrielle asked, in a mild, straightforward tone of voice. ÒWhatÕs the point of that, Xe?Ó

There had been times in their lives together when the question would have frustrated Xena to the point of stomping off, not ready to allow another person to question her judgement.

Long, long past water gone under the bridge on that these days.  ÒNo reason. No point.Ó Xena answered honestly.  ÒJust what my gutÕs telling me to do.Ó

Gabrielle thought about that as their horses matched paces, the cold air buffeting them.  ÒI think we should all go home.Ó She finally said, after the silence had started to become a little uncomfortable. ÒI know where youÕre coming from, I just donÕt think itÕ the right move this time.Ó

The wind whistled around them as Xena thought that over, her eyes scanning the path they were on, in a random, restless motion.

ÒThatÕs what my guts telling me.Ó  Gabrielle added, after a few minutes.  ÒI will follow you to Tartarus and beyond, Xena.   But I think weÕre on the wrong path here. This isnÕt our fight.Ó She paused a moment more. ÒWe need to get out of it.Ó

She glanced over at her partnerÕs profile as she said it, and watched XenaÕs jaw shift, and the muscles of her face tense, and the posture of her body alter.   It told itÕs own story.   ÒLetÕs go with them.Ó She said. ÒThen at the forest we can stop, and go see if we can find Jess. Ò

Xena turned and regarded her, both hands leaning on the front of her saddle.  ÒAll right.Ó

Gabrielle smiled wryly, understanding everything in the tone of that voice. ÒBesides, sweetheart, do you really think that armyÕs going to march off and leave you behind?Ó

Xena sighed. ÒNot really no.Ó She admitted ÒYou know what the problem is, Gabrielle? IÕm starting to want to act they way you write me in your scrolls.Ó

Gabrielle rolled her eyes. ÒOh please.  You were acting like that when we met.  I didnÕt make you out to be anything you really arenÕt so give it a rest.Ó

Xena drew breath to protest, then just grunted.  She really didnÕt think that was true, but she also really didnÕt think having this argument at this moment with this woman was going to be helpful in any way to either of them.

She let out a long, loud whistle, and then waited, as Bennu and Redder and Jax wheeled their horses around and headed in her direction.     The three soldiers were watching all around as they came over, and even when they settled in at her side, their eyes were roving.

ÒXena, dÕya know what that thing was there?Ó Redder asked. ÒNever seen anything like it.Ó

ÒMatter of fact, IÕve seen one before.  When I was out at sea.Ó  Xena told them unexpectedly.  ÒItÕs a creature that lives in the depths.  A giant squid.Ó

Everyone stared at her.  ÒIs that what that was?Ó Gabrielle said, after a moment. ÒI remember someone telling me a story about one.. that it dragged a whole ship down under the water off Crete.Ó

ÒYes.Ó  Xena said. ÒBut thatÕs not what I called you over for.  LetÕs start curving back towards the road. I want good traveling.Ó She told Bennu.  ÒSooner we get out of Thrace, the better.  That squid canÕt come after us, but thereÕs no telling what elseÕs in there, and that thing did what we came to do.Ó

Bennu nodded.  ÒMenÕll be glad to hear it.Ó He said bluntly. ÒJax, get em moving round – wagonÕs will do better up on tÕroad.Ó

ÒAye.Ó Jax looked profoundly relieved.  ÒHeard there was some caves up just over the ridge past the forest like – we make them for night weÕll have shelter and can defend it.Ó

ÒSend the scouts ahead.Ó  Xena nodded. ÒLetÕs get moving.Ó

Jax turned his horse and sent it galloping down the lines and as he passed the word, Xena could almost see the morale perking up in his path.     She eased her boots in her stirrups and turned towards Gabrielle, who was frowning.

ÒWhatÕs up?Ó

Gabrielle took up her reins. ÒWhich wagon did they put Artemis in?Ó  She asked Bennu.  ÒI have to ask her a question.Ó

ÒIÕll take ya, little hawk.Ó  Bennu said. ÒRedder, set them scouts to be ready to split off for  tÕcaves.Ó

They all rode off, leaving Xena to bring up the rear by herself.   She turned in her saddle and looked behind her,  to see the snow falling so hard between them and the city she could no longer make out the outline of it.

Was leaving it behind really right?  Xena thought about the squid, and itÕs beak, and itÕs acid effluent that killed everything it touched.  

She turned back around. ÒWhat in the Hades was I thinking?Ó  She uttered audibly.  ÒGabrielleÕs gonna get more than nutbread for that.Ó

**

The caves were there, on the far side of the forest, tucked back in a outcropping of stone and theyÕd reached them just before sundown much to everyoneÕs relief.   

Now they were tucked inside, away from the screaming wind and the snow, with the wagons blocking the entrance to the caves and the space inside more than big enough to accommodate all of them.

In a corner of one of them a fire was crackling, and two soldiers had hauled in a large stack of dead wood, damp now,  but already drying nearby.  

There was  hum of conversation, as the soldiers dried out their gear and sorted out provisions and the sense of lightening and relief was palpable.  

Cait and Pasi returned casual waves as they moved past the campsite and headed for the watch stations by the wagons outside.  ÒThat was pretty cool.Ó Pasi was saying. ÒThat tunnel and all, those guyÕs faces when Xena hauled out of that door and started whacking on them.Ó

ÒIt was. Ò Cait agreed. ÒUntil that creature started in, and all that.  DidnÕt like that much.Ó

ÒNo me neither.Ó  The young warrior said. ÒYou cant win on something like that – arrows werenÕt doing squat.Ó

ÒNo.Ó  Cait pulled her hood up as they moved across the brief slice of open space and then entered the sheltered area of the wagons. 

They had gotten them lashed up together, and the lower parts solidly blocked with crates, a lashing of hides on the inside edge providing escape from the weather to the watchers.   More crates had been set out to sit and work on, and most of the soldiers there were sharpening weapons and picking locations carefully that they could watch from.

ÒGood thing to be under cover. Ò One man was saying, as he settled his crossbow on a wagon hitch and sighted down it.  ÒMade a good pick, Xena did.  No sense keeping at it.Ó

ÒGot sense she does.Ó  The man next to him agreed. ÒThough it was a good fight before, and them going in to pop those gates. Like that, I did.Ó

The first man chuckled, turning and giving Cait and Pasi a wave as they arrived. ÒHer climbing up that wall and jumping over?  No way they expected it.Ó

ÒWe didnÕt expect it.Ó Cait remarked.  ÒIt was quite lovely though.  Wish IÕd been other side to see their faces.Ó

Both men laughed.  ÒAh, but itÕs good to be heading back.Ó  The first man said. ÒXena proved her point.  DonÕt think the portÕs going to be heading our way any time soon.Ó

ÔStrue.Ó  One of the other of the watch said. ÒJust hope they keep them monsters to themselves.  Horrible thing, that was.Ó

They took up their positions behind the wagons,  putting waterskins on wooden pegs pounded into the side of the wagons, empty now of their cargo of supplies and the women theyÕd rescued from the city now tucked inside one of the caves.

The snow was still coming down, and the tracks theyÕd made coming into the caverns were well and truly covered deep, no sign of their passing on the empty stretch of land now between them and the road.

Cait took a seat on one of the buckboards and laid down her bow, her feet swinging off the ground.   She was glad of the hide shelter and the thick wood blocking the wind and behind them she could hear the stew being dished out and knew sheÕd have some soon.

She nodded a little and braced her elbows on the wagon, pulling her hood more forward to block out the light and let her eyes adjust to the darkness.   It took about a quarter candlemark but then she could see across the plain, and sort out the faint gray shadows.

Only to realize one of them was moving.

Towards them.

Fast.

**

Xena was seated on a rock ledge,  her legs extended out in front of her, and her arms stretched out along the uneven stone wall behind her.  Across from her Gabrielle was talking to Solari, the bard having doffed her cloak since the fire between them had created enough warmth to.

They had, she figured,  a fifty fifty chance of getting some rest.  The other option was being attacked by HadesÕ forces, but so far they hadnÕt seen any sign of them.

She stretched her body out and resettled herself with a sigh, mentally plotting the route back to the pass and wondering if they could make it back by daylight if they went by forced march.

The army would be in favor of that, she knew. 

A scuff of boots against sand made her look up, to find Artemis entering,  One whole side of her face was bruised and she paused to give Gabrielle a dour glare as she moved past.

Gabrielle half turned to face her. ÒGlad youÕre up and about. I have something I need to ask you.Ó She followed Artemis over to where Xena was.  ÒAbout PosiedonÕs daughter.Ó

ÒYes I have recovered myself. No help from you.Ó Artemis said.  ÒSince I am told it was you as put me in such a down state.Ó

ÒI did.Ó The bard agreed. ÒYou were going to stab Xena, you scum sucking little piece of trash.Ó

Behind her XenaÕs eyes widened.

Artemis stopped walking and stared at Gabrielle.  ÒYou forget who I am.Ó

ÒNo. I just donÕt care who you are. IÕm out of omigosh right now.Ó

ÒYouÕre lucky, actuallyÓ Xena let her head rest against the stone.  ÒIf she hadnÕt clocked you, and IÕd caught you coming up behind me IÕd have probably cut your head off.Ó

Artemis sat down on the rock. ÒWould you really have?Ó  She asked. ÒI was only looking to disable you and take over the fight.  Become the cityÕs patron.Ó

Xena rolled her head to the side and regarded her. ÒI would have.  When youÕre in battle and everythings in motion,  you donÕt stop to consider motive when someoneÕs coming at you  with a knife.Ó

ÒI had a pact with Pinu. Now I suppose heÕs dead, and itÕs all for nothing.Ó Artemis said  ÒFools the lot of you.Ó

Gabrielle put her hands on her hips.  ÒSo when exactly were you going to tell us that creature was the chick we were supposed to be rescuing?Ó

XenaÕs eyes popped wide open again. ÒWhat?Ó She said. ÒThat was PoseidonÕs daughter?Ó

ÒIÕm glad one of us reads scrolls.Ó  Gabrielle said. ÒOnce you told me it was a squid I figured it out.  She demands child sacrifice, by the way.Ó She sat down next to Xena and leaned back against her. ÒThose poor women were raped and forced to bear children that they were going to throw into that thingÕs maw.Ó

ÒReally?Ó  Xena whispered in her ear.

ÒReally.Ó  The bard assented.  ÒAsk her.Ó  She looked over at Artemis. ÒThatÕs why they were kidnapping women of bearing age. Not to be slaves.Ó

Artemis shrugged. ÒAnd?Ó She said.  ÒYes, that was PoseidonÕs child, born in the depths of the sea. He loves her greatly.Ó

ÔAnd we were supposed to rescue her?Ó  XenaÕs voice lifted.

ÒNo. I was supposed to rescue her.Ó Artemis chuckled dryly. ÒWasnÕt it your idea that we act godly?  Win back our adherents? I know how to defeat her and send her back into the sea.  They would worship me for that.Ó

ÒAnd we would end upÉ ?Ó GabrielleÕs brows rose.

ÒYou were attacking their city. Not only would I have saved them, I would have defeated you as well, and in agreement with my uncle, the city would be a temple once more.Ó  ArtemisÕ smile held no humor.

ÒFeel free to go back there and give that a go if you want.Ó Xena closed her eyes and folded her hands over her stomach.  ÒIf thereÕs anything left.Ó

ÒNow which one of us is arrogant?Ó

Xena opened one eyeball and regarded her.  ÒNothing arrogant about it. IÕm done here. WeÕre going home. If you want to go back there and salvage the city, have at it.Ó  She crossed her ankles.

ÒDo you not wish to know how she can be defeated?Ó Artemis just seemed amused.  ÒYou who know everything?Ó

ÒNope.Ó  Xena closed her eye and twiddled her thumbs. ÒAll yours.Ó

They were all quiet for a brief time, then Artemis stood up just as a loud whistle pierced the air bringing both Xena and Gabrielle to their feet and heading for the entrance to the cave before the goddess could take a step.

Xena was a step ahead of her partner as they bolted between the cave and the line of wagons, seeing archers pouring out of the cavern behind them heading the same direction.  

They ducked under the hide in a bunch and the archers went to the line while Gabrielle and Xena swerved and went to where Cait was standing, motioning them over. ÒWhatÕs up?Ó Xena hopped up onto the buckboard next to her.

ÒThere.Ó Cait didnÕt waste time, she just pointed.

Xena leaned past her a little, scanning the open space on the other side of the caverns. ÒOh.Ó  She exhaled in relief.   ÒWhy didnÕt you just say it was Jess?

Cait peered into the shadows, then back at Xena.  ÒIs that who it is?Ó She asked in surprise. ÒAll I can see is a dark blob moving. My gosh youÕve got eyes.Ó

ÒItÕs Jess?Ó Gabrielle grabbed onto XenaÕs armor and hauled herself up.  ÒReally?!Ó

Xena could clearly see the outline of their friend in the dark gray shadows and silver highlights, his size and ErisÕs shagginess very evident.  She felt a sense of relief flood through her, and it felt like the weight of the world lifted off her shoulders.  ÒJess!Ó She let out a yell, then followed that with a whistle.

Immediately, a whistle came back, and then a flurry of motion started around Xena as the soldiers started to pivot one of the wagons around to let Jessan through. 

Xena felt Gabrielle throw her arms around her and hug her, making a little, happy grunting noise as she squeezed.

Best moment sheÕd had for sevendays.   Xena hopped down and stepped back, as the wagon moved and Eris came barreling through, slowing up as soon as he came inside the lines. 

The soldiers quickly shoved the wagon back in place and the guard got back to guarding as Cait scrambled back and took hold of ErisÕ bridle as his rider dismounted.

ÒJess!Ó  Gabrielle bounded over to him.  ÒAre we ever glad to see you!Ó

The forest dweller pushed his hood back and exhaled.  ÒRight back at you guys, but hold up a sec because you might end up changing your mind.Ó He glanced behind them. ÒCan we talk somewhere quieter?Ó

ÒUh oh.Ó

Xena took him by the arm and pointed at the rear cavern.  ÒWant a drink?Ó

Jessan made a groaning noise.

ÒWineÕs mulling.Ó  Gabrielle caught him up on the other side and they crossed from the front lines and into the shelter of solid stone.

**

Gabrielle poured Jessan a mug of mulled wine and handed it over as he took a breath from his storytelling and accepted it with a wry grin.  ÒHey.Ó She grinned back. ÒIÕve been there. IÕm glad you didnÕt have to deal with that for long.Ó

Xena was standing a few steps away, arms folded, staring at the cloth wrapped bundle leaning against the rock.  ÒWhat am I supposed to do with this?Ó  She finally asked, half turning and eying Jessan. ÒWhat did he say?Ó

ÒNot so much.Ó Jessan took a mouthful of his wine and savored the heat and the spice of it as he swallowed.  It was one of the mountain reds, brought by the last wagon train with some of the harvest herbs steeped in it.  ÒWe were running through .. uhÉ  down there.Ó He said. ÒNext thing I know Ares went to go fight with something making a lot of noise and he handed it to me and said to get it to you.Ó

ÒTo me.Ó

Jessan nodded. ÒI didnÕt argue.Ó He said.  ÒI was so scared I was shedding. He pointed me to the way out and I went.Ó He looked around.  ÒI missed a lot, huh? Ò

ÒWhy didnÕt he just come with you?Ó Gabrielle asked. ÒThen he could wield his own sword.  Not have Xe do it for him? I donÕt get it.Ó

ÒMe either.Ó  Xena said. ÒI donÕt want this thing.  WeÕre heading home.  The port cityÕs infested with É Ò She looked at Gabrielle. ÒYou wanna tell him?Ó

Gabrielle sat down, picking up a bowl of soup and handing it over. ÒWhere do I start.Ó She muttered. ÒI guess IÕll start when you disappeared.Ó

ÒI thought you disappeared.Ó Jessan said, mournfully. ÒThen I realized where I ended up.Ó He paused, staring into the fire. ÒNot a really cool moment.Ó

Gabrielle reached over and put her hand on his arm, her expression altering to one of compassion. ÒNo, I know.Ó She said. ÒItÕs so hard, when you think youÕve crossed that line.  IÕve just been lucky enough to have gotten past that a few times.Ó

ÒYeah. Really just sucks you know?Ó

ÒI do.Ó  The bard answered, quietly.  ÒWe both do.Ó She reached out and felt Xena clasp her hand.

Jessan regarded her somberly. ÒGabrielle, I donÕt want to live your life, yÕknow?  I figured that out in there.Ó He took another sip of the wine.  ÒAnyway, Ares didnÕt come back with me because some things came after us, and instead of running with me he gave me that thing and went to fight them without it.Ó

Both Xena and Gabrielle were silent.

ÒI heard him screaming.Ó  Jessan added, after a moment. ÒKind of made me glad IÕm one of his believers.Ó He said. ÒI wasnÕt so sure up to them. He was doing some kindaÉ um..Ó

ÒJerky things?Ó

Jessan made a face. ÒYeah. But this wasnÕt, you know? He was all right.Ó

Gabrielle patted his arm ÒHeÕs got his moments.Ó  She admitted. ÒBut you know, he is a god.Ó She said. ÒSo IÕm sure he ended up okay.Ó She passed over one of the bowls of soup to Xena.   ÒAfter you left, we went up to the top of the ridge there, and we found an opening to Hades.Ó

Jessan nodded. ÒPretty sure thatÕs where I came out. Eris was right down that path, pretty much.Ó He explained. ÒNo sign of AresÕ horse though.Ó

ÒHorse probably went back to Hades realm where he came from.Ó Xena commented. ÒAres said he stole him from there.Ó

Jessan nodded. ÒHe was sorta creepy.Ó

ÒXe and I kinda meandered around, and decided we really didnÕt want to go in there.Ó  The bard went on.  ÒSo we were going to leave, and then Hades showed up .Ó

ÒShowed up after you said you wanted to talk to him.Ó Xena was slurping her soup, trying hard to ignore the tall, doublehanded broadsword leaning on the wall next to her.  ÒWe were going to leave, but no. Ò

ÒHush.Ó Gabrielle poked her. ÒSo we talked to him. It was weird. He told us that one of PoseidonÕs daughters was being held hostage in the city, and we should rescue them.  He said he was on ZeusÕs side and all that stuff.Ó

ÒSo where were you then?Ó Jessan asked. ÒStill up on the mountain?Ó

Xena nodded.  ÒJust Hades was there, and Cereberus.Ó

The forest dweller grunted.

ÒSo after that, he just left, said he had to go back to his wife inside.Ó  Gabrielle said.  ÒDid you see him in there?Ó

ÒAh, yeah.Ó  Jessan exhaled. ÒHe came in and yelled at us.Ó  He said. ÒThere were snakes.Ó He paused. ÒI killed one when it was attacking Ares.Ó

ÒIÕm sure he appreciated that.Ó  Xena said,  in a dry tone.

ÒHe did.Ó He agreed.  ÒHe was stuck in a wall.  He was pissed.  I helped chop him out of the rock after the snakes left and he told me I wasnÕt really dead after that.Ó He paused, then glanced at Xena.. ÒKind of made my day.Ó

Gabrielle patted his arm again.  ÒSorry, Jess.Ó

He took a sip of his wine. ÒThat part was kinda okay.Ó  He admitted. ÒI mean, you donÕt get to fight at the side of the god of War all the time, you know?Ó

ÒMm.Ó

ÒSo what happened in the city? Ò The forest dweller changed the subject.  ÒYouÕre heading back home now? For real? It sure sounded to me like Ares thought youÕd need that. Ò He studied Xena. ÒArenÕt you going to rescue that princess?Ó

ÒYeah well, we found PosiedonÕs daughter.Ó  Gabrielle said.  ÒNot.. quite the princess.Ó

ÒOh?Ó

ÒTurned out to be a giant squid who killed everything around her with caustic goo.Ó 

ÒWhat?Ó

ÒYeah, and took infants in sacrifice.Ó  Xena chimed in.  ÒWe found them breeding women so they could pitch them at the thing.  Not a good scene all around.Ó

ÒUhÉWhat??Ó

ÒWe were all invested in rescuing the princess. We were going to liberate the captive, with an all woman force to prove a point.Ó  Gabrielle sighed.  ÒThe only point was the one on the top of our heads. Scam all the way. Took us like newborns.Ó

Jessan looked from one of them to the other. 

Xena had her chin resting on her fist.  ÒYeah. So if anyone expects me to take this thing and go liberate that freak show sorry, ainÕt happening.Ó  She said. ÒWeÕre done. WeÕre going home.  IÕll keep this and hand it back to him soon as he shows up again. Ò

JessanÕs brows creased. ÒThis is really screwed up.Ó

ÔThis is really screwed up.Ó Gabrielle confirmed. ÒThis is about as screwed up a situation that weÕve ever been in, I think.Ó

ÒNo think. Is.Ó  Her partner mournfully agreed. ÒThere is no win. I donÕt think thereÕs even a draw.  I donÕt even know what losing would look like at this point.  So weÕre going back. Take you home. Pick up our kid.Ó

ÒGo get some of momÕs beer.Ó   Gabrielle concluded. ÒWeÕll just deal with whatever the fallout is. ItÕs less dangerous than mixing it up with pissed off gods and that squid.Ó

ÒRight.Ó Xena drained her soup bowl and put it down. ÒMy one hang up was trying to find you, so thanks for making it easy.Ó

She stood up and went to the Sword of War, clasping it below the hilts on the sheath and lifting it.  It came away from the stone easily and felt to her lighter than it should. 

This was the Sword of War, after all.   A weapon that was more than a weapon,  being the focus of Ares godhood and something that had rippled around her mortal life on more than one occasion.  The last time sheÕd touched it was on the rim of the valley of her nightmares, and it had left a mark on her palm that been a very long time fading.

She uncovered the hilt and examined it, aware of the other two in the room watching her.

It was a beautiful thing.  There was a deeply colored stone in the hilt that she could faintly see her own reflection in, and as she looked into it, she thought she saw a sapphire light ignite in the center. 

It called to her, but that was natural.  This was the very symbol of war, and she was, without a doubt, a person who understood what that was at a very deep, very gut level.

Called to her yes, but Xena found she had no real urge to draw it.

After a moment she covered the hilt up again and turned, pausing when footsteps sounded and Artemis came in, halting in shock as she saw what Xena was holding.

ÒWhere did you get that!Ó  The goddess barked.  ÒGive it to me.Ó She held out her hand imperiously, and advanced on Xena.

Gabrielle reached for her staff but Xena made a hand signal to her, and then easily extended her arm cradling the sword, offering it hilt first. ÒTake it.Ó

**

Jessan was caught in mid motion, inhaling in shock as he could only watch as Artemis strode forward and reached out, grabbing the hilt and drawing the Sword of War from the sheath tucked along XenaÕs forearm and braced against her ribs.

He could feel the ripple of power, and the excruciating, reverberating emotional scream he wasnÕt sure of the source of as the weapon flashed into brilliant light, and then dropped to the ground as Artemis uttered a verbal scream to go with it.

She thumped to the rocky surface, unable to keep hold of the hilt as it smashed violently against the bones of her hand, crushing them with an audible crunch.

Xena knelt and slid the sheath back over the blade and lifted it up, standing and letting the sword slide the last bit into itÕs holder.  ÒI donÕt think itÕs likes you.Ó

Slowly Jessan removed his hands from his ears, where theyÕd flown in unconscious reaction as the audible and inaudible screams faded, and his Sight flared instead, washing out the cavern in tints of silver and gold.

He took a stuttering breath, almost a hiccup in his chest. 

Gabrielle moved, and the buttery gold energy he always associated with her moved as well, meshing with the shadowed silver of XenaÕs, rippling together and matching the brilliance surrounding the longsword now once again cradled against the warriorÕs body.

Artemis was still on the ground, but he could see nothing around her. No energy. No aura he could detect and as he watched the woman writhing in pain he suddenly wondered what that really meant.

Then he closed his eyes and consciously suppressed his Sight, as the light faded and XenaÕs voice replaced it, itÕs resonant undertones making the bones of his ears itch.

He was afraid, suddenly.   Afraid of being so long past his ability and involved in so much more than he knew what to do with that it made him just as suddenly ashamed. 

ÒAres sent this to Xena.Ó  GabrielleÕs lighter voice cut through the wash of emotion.  ÒAnd that must have been for a reason because he wouldnÕt have let it leave his hands otherwise.Ó

ÒYou know nothing.Ó  Artemis gasped, cradling her broken hand in her other one. ÒThat is not for her. Not for you.  You are no Olympian.Ó She glared at Xena.  ÒI am a daughter of Zeus – that should be mine. He should have sent it to me!Ó

Xena regarded the sword.  ÒI was kinda hoping he had.Ó She sighed. ÒJess, did he say anything else about it?Ó She turned to look at Jessan.

The forest dweller hesitated, then shook his head. ÒHe just said.. Ò He cleared his throat.  ÒGet it to her. SheÕs going to need it.Ó

Gabrielle turned and studied him intently. ÒHe didnÕt say XeÕs name?Ó

ÒNo.. but he didnÕt need to.Ó Jessan replied. ÒI knew who he meant. IÉ Ò He looked quickly at Artemis, and then away. ÒI felt what he meant.Ó He looked over at Xena, licking his lips suddenly dry.  ÒThereÕs a.. uh.. Ò

ÒConnection between them?Ó Gabrielle offered, gently.

He exhaled a little. ÒYes.Ó

ÒYou are no blood of ours.Ó Artemis said, in a bitter tone. ÒHeÕs said it himself. He swore it, to Zeus.Ó

Xena went over and put the sword down on the rock ledge, then she sat down next to it and rested her elbows on her knees, exhaling in wry resignation.  ÒYeah.  I was hoping you grabbing that thing would pop you back upstairs and get you all out of our lives.Ó

Artemis went quiet, studying XenaÕs angular profile.

ÒAnyway.  Let me get my kit and put a bandage on that hand.Ó  Xena started to get back up again, then stopped when the alarm whistles sounded once more. ÒAh crap.Ó  She picked up the Sword of War and tucked it under her arm. ÒLetÕs go see whatÕs going on now.Ó

Ares the wolf came bounding in, screeching to a halt when he almost crashed into Xena,  frisking around her boots as she stepped over him and continued out into the night. 

Gabrielle sighed, then picked up her staff and started after her, shaking her head with an insistent, frustrated motion.

Jessan and Artemis were left there, unexpectedly and awkwardly alone together.  ÒSorry about your hand.Ó He said, after a long pause.  ÒI should go help them.Ó He got up and gingerly skirted around the seated goddess, who was looking down at her crushed fingers. 

Surprisingly, Artemis was crying, though she didnÕt seem to realize it.  Tears were dripping down off her expressionless face, splashing her skin with erratic droplets.   As he was moving past she looked up at him.  ÒHe truly gave it up to her?Ó

After a moment of hesitation, Jessan nodded. Then he hurried past her and chased out into the dark and storming night, moving into a nervous crush of human bodies all clustering behind the wagons and trying ot look past him.   ÒWhat is it?Ó He asked.

ÒWater.Ó One of the soldiers told him. ÒItÕs rising.Ó He added. ÒFrom the city.Ó

ÒPosidenÕs rising.Ó  Artemis had followed him out into the crowd and was standing next to him, cradling her arm under her cloak.  ÒHe breaks the rule. HeÕs challenging Zeus.Ó

Jessan looked at her. ÒWhy doesnÕt he come and stop it?Ó

ÒHe canÕt.  ItÕs told. We were supposed to champion him in this, the battle renewed.Ó Artemis said, after a sigh.  ÒWe cannot. He is hoisted on his own standard.  He made my sister and I mortal.  Hercules is turned from him.  Ares is held by Hades. Ò She paused. ÒAprhodite is of no use in this. Apollo has turned.  We are lost.Ó

A motion ahead drew JessanÕs eyes and he saw Xena vault to the top of the wagons, a brief flash of torchlight showing the double profile of two swords slung at her back, one much longer and wider than the other.

With a curse, he started to push his way through the troops, understanding a little too late a little too much.

**

She could hear the roar on the horizon, like a thousand surfs crashing against a lonely shore.  Stepping ahead of the torches she put her hand up over her eyes and focused her ears, trying to reconcile the noise and the shadows into reality.

She could see motion out there, and sucking in breath she caught the strong smell of salt and iron, seeing the white plains darkening as the sound and the rush headed their way.  The hills were on a rise, but with the speed the water was coming that was no protection.

Not good. 

Xena started to take a step back, then paused as she heard motion behind her, and looked around to find Gabrielle scrambling up onto the top of the wagon, with Jessan a moment behind her.  The bard turned as she stood up and held her hand out, and someone below threw her staff up for her to catch it.

ÒWhatÕs going on?Ó Gabrielle asked, as she came up next to Xena and looked out.  ÒWhatÕs out there? Sounds like water.Ó

ÒIt is.Ó  Xena agreed, leaning her elbow on the bardÕs shoulder. ÒItÕs the ocean rising and coming after us.Ó

Gabrielle was silent for a moment. ÒOh crap. Like those waves?Ó

ÒSorta.Ó

ÒXena.Ó Jessan had gotten to the top and joined them. ÒArtemis was saying it was Poseidon.Ó He said, glancing past her. ÒIs itÉ. Oh.Ó He could hear the rush, and smell the salt.   ÒWhat is that out there?

ÒItÕs bad news.Ó  Xena said. ÒLooks like heÕs flooding the plains.Ó

ÒWhy?Ó

They stared out into the shadows as several more troops and some of the Amazons climbed up with them, and the wind started rising, pushing against their bodies.

Xena focused her vision into the distance and sorted through the shifting motion to something on the horizon that was erratic, blocking other barely seen shapes.  ÒSquids need water.Ó  She finally remarked.

Oh crap.  ÒShould we get moving?Ó Gabrielle asked.

ÒWe canÕt outrun the water.Ó  Xena pointed.  ÒLook.Ó 

They all looked at her in question. ÒAt what?Ó Paladia asked. ÒThe big black blob or the little black blobs?Ó

Xena exhaled.  ÒThereÕs water rising across the plains and the edge is past us already. Only reason it hasnÕt caught up to us is weÕre on a rise.Ó She said. ÒWe need to start seeing if thereÕs   a way out in those caverns.Ó She raised her voice on that last sentence.  ÒScouts!Ó

ÒHeading that way.Ó Cait went to the edge of the wagon and simply leaped out into space.

ÒOh crap.Ó Paladia rambled after her. ÒHey nutcase!  YouÕre not Xena!Ó

ÒGet ready to move.Ó Xena ordered.  ÒGet as far back and far up as you can!Ó

The army burst into motion and Xena watched for a moment, then she turned back and looked back into the darkness. 

Gabrielle came up next to her.  She could now see the leading edge of the water and understood what Xena had long before.  ÒWe canÕt outrun this Xe.Ó

ÒI know.Ó

ÒDo we have a plan?Ó

Did she have a plan?  Xena was aware of the crossroads she was in the middle of.  The water would be here soon, and on itÕs heels that damn creature who would spit up caustic gunk on everything around her unless something stopped it.

Unless someone stopped it. 

ÒXe.Ó

She could hear the knowledge in GabrielleÕs voice, a husky rasp on the fringes of it she knew down to the last note.  ÒI think I have to use this thing to stop it.Ó She finally said.  ÒI canÕt let everyone here die the way those horses did.Ó

ÒWhat does that mean, if you use it?Ó Gabrielle took hold of her arm.  ÒWhat will that do to you? Artemis couldnÕt even lift it.Ó

ÒIÕve picked it up before.Ó

They were both silent for a long moment.  

ÒI donÕt know whatÕs going to happenÓ Xena finally said. ÒBut he sent me this thing and told Jess he knew IÕd need it.Ó

ÒHe does things for his own reasons, Xena You know that as well as I do.Ó  Gabrielle said, forcefully.  ÒAnd he has never, ever denied those reasons included getting you away from me and to his side.Ó

Xena turned and put her hands on her partnerÕs shoulders. ÒThat is true, my love.Ó She said. ÒBut this thingÕs coming after us, and I can choose to do nothing, or choose to use my own weapons, or use the Sword of War.  You tell me whatÕs likely to make a difference to all of us?Ó

They stared at each other in tense silence, all the activity going on behind them and all the noise and shouting whipped away by the wind. 

ÒWhat should I do, Gab? Ò Xena asked, gently.  ÒThey put me in a place where only I can do something. I know itÕs a trap, you know itÕs a trap but they havenÕt left me a way out.Ó

ÒDamn all of them.Ó  Gabrielle uttered bitterly.  ÒXena this could take you somewhere I canÕt go.Ó

Xena sighed, leaning forward and touching her head to GabrielleÕs.  ÒShould we just stand here and let it take us together?Ó  She asked, finally.  ÒTell me, hon.  IÕll do it if you want me to.  Just let this be the end for all of us.Ó

ÒOh Xe.Ó Gabrielle answered softly, on a shaky, indrawn breath. ÒWe canÕt do that.Ó

Xena exhaled.

ÒPlease donÕt leave me.Ó

Xena put her arms around her partner and hugged her close. ÒNever.Ó  She enunciated the word carefully.  ÒLet me just go do the best I can, sweetheart. Trust me. WeÕll get through this.Ó   

ÒBe careful.Ó  Gabrielle returned the hug and they parted slightly, then kissed.  ÒBe good.Ó

Xena kissed her again, blocking out the howling wind, and the roar of the oncoming surf and the knowledge of what was coming behind it.  She ignored the weight of the sword of war on her back and the sound of the army in motion.

All that mattered to her in that moment was the two of them, and the connection they had to each other, and the understanding that this was the most important thing in her life.

She would take that knowledge and use it.  Believe it. Cloak herself in it. 

They reluctantly separated, and walked to the edge of the wagon together, standing there hand in hand, facing the wind as a blast of lightning shot through the clouds and they could briefly see to the horizon clearly.

Black waters and whitecaps were rushing toward them, and there in the back, arms stretching up, was the creature. 

ÒHere we go.Ó  Xena released her and took a step to one side to clear some space.  The creature let out a scream as it spotted them, and in a flash the water surged their way and hurled itself at the wagons.  ÒGet everyone back.Ó She yelled.

Gabrielle looked behind her and found the army filing into the caverns, and climbing the walls and then she turned back around and braced herself, jamming her staff into a block behind the traces and tightening her hands around it. 

Xena focused on the water and reached over her head to take hold of one of the two hilts behind her head.  She knew by touch which one her fingers curled around, and she felt the powerful jolt as she drew it out of the sheath.

Lightning flashed again as she lifted the Sword of War easily over her head, and sucked in a breath, about to release a battle yell when something, somewhere, inside her spoke quietly and clearly and she knew.

ÒXena!Ó  Jessan had scrambled back up oto the wagon and he dove across the top of it just as the waters reached them.  He grabbed XenaÕs leg and rolled over as she looked down at him, a glimmer of light from the hilt of the sword reflecting in her face.  ÒYouÕre his Chosen.Ó He said.

ÒAnd now his Champion.Ó  Xena answered, with a wry smile.  ÒLet me go an get down, Jess.  ItÕll be what it is.Ó

Jessan released her and rolled away, ducking past Gabrielle and letting himself drop off the wagon to help carry the wounded up past the edge of the cavern where froth was already lapping.   He splashed through it and into the cave, putting his burden down as he turned then to help Benny push crates in the entrance. ÒWonÕt stop it.Ó

ÒNah.Ó Bennu said. ÒShe will.Ó  He said, confidently.   ÒTis no doubt, now.Ó

He turned and picked up a sack of supplies and started up the path into the cavernÕs interior.  Jessan paused to watch the wagons, which started to shift and move as the water roiled past them, and then he heard XenaÕs voice in a clear bellow of challenge.

With a momentÕs more pause only, he put his hands on the top of the crates and vaulted over them, racing back through the foam towards the oncoming force.

**

Xena could feel the power of the sword, it made her palms tingle and there was an itchy sensation reaching down her forearms to her shoulders.   ÒFor Olympus!Ó  She yelled, as the creature neared her. ÒFor Ares!Ó

The water rumbled and rushed at her, and as it did, she took a deep breath, then swept the sword down and pointed it at the waves, willing them to stop.

It was the most frightening, most exhilarating thing sheÕd ever felt, the sudden explosion of sensation and sound as her will focused the power and directed it with only bare instinct to lead her.

A flare of light emitted from the sword and arched towards the surf, striking it and freezing it into immobility as she swept from one side to the other, turning the green to white and the roar to a high, musical tinkling.

The creature screamed.  

Xena hopped from the wagon to the ice,  holding the sword before her as she advanced towards the squid, itÕs long, barbed arms extending several times her height into the sky.    It saw her coming and lashed itÕs arms forward, whipping towards her as she leaped up into the air and swung the sword across her body.

Had the sword laughed?  Xena thought it had, as she sliced through the limb trying to impale her and felt it part before the weapon as though it was nothing but air.

It struck at her, screaming in outrage, and she ducked and slashed again, feeling an overwhelming backwash of energy as the sword caught her ferocious spirit and reflected it.

Behind the creature, she could see suddenly ships of war, with men on the rails coming towards them but all she could feel was exultation as the sword carved through the creature, the water freezing around them as she willed it so and reflecting back at her the unlimited power of the passion of war.

She let out a wordless battle yell, and the creature screamed back at her, and from behind her she heard suddenly the raised voice of her own army responding to her call.

The great single eye of the creature curved and craned down at her, itÕs beak opening up to spill death over her.

This time, she did hear the sword laugh.

**

Gabrielle felt like she was being set on fire.  She had both hands wrapped around her staff and was barely standing upright, overwhelmed by the sheer force of what she was sharing through her connection to Xena.

She could feel the chill of the ice shoved up against the wagons,  and it was almost even hard to breathe as she blinked hard to keep XenaÕs figure in focus, the normal fighting passion amped up almost past bearing as she fought to understand what her partner was doing.

Xena had always done things just that much out of the ordinary, but this was different. This was her wielding power in the way a god would, and yet, with the cool mental focus that was very much her own.

She could feel the connection between them, very solid.  It was Xena out there, not some crazed being under the spell of that sword and she spared a moment to be proud of her soulmate.  Proud of her strength and the intent will that would hopefully win the day.

And then?

Gabrielle refused to think about then.   She pulled herself upright and moved stiffly to the front of the wagon, then she went to step onto the ice, as she saw the creature rise up over XenaÕs body and behind her, heard the roar of the army swarming back over the wagons in response to the warriorÕs yell.

She jumped onto the ice and followed, helpless to resist the call as they ran over the shifting, restless ice crackling and popping under their boots.

Archers and spearmen skidded to a halt and launched their weapons, striking the squid as it started forward to attack the woman standing in front of it.  ItÕs beak opened and the black liquid gushed out, but Xena lifted the Sword of War over her head and pointed it at the flood,  a blast of energy coming out of the tip.

It hit the liquid and exploded it back into the creatureÕs face, and it screamed, lashing out at Xena with four of the six legs that held it up.

Xena kept the defense up but released one hand off the sword, and drew her own as the legs came flying at her, using itÕs sharp edge to repel the creatureÕs flailing.   Chunks of squid flesh went flying and then the army was there, thrusting swords and spears into the creatureÕs side.

She sheathed her own sword and leaned forward, then unclipped her chakram and let it fly right at the eye of the creature.  It hit square on, and without warning, the eye exploded, sending a wash of gore to rain down on all of them.

Xena turned the Sword of War sideways and swept it over her head, projecting in her mind the idea of a shield above them just barely in time to have it become real, sizzling the gore into mist, feeling the ice shift under her as creature flailed and fell over, collapsing onto the ice edge in a watery lump of bleeding flesh.

The water surged up and came at Xena in a wall, and she clasped the sword and pointed it, willing it to part as it came at her. She closed her eyes and held her breath, sensing the approach of it and reconciling herself to feel the chill and the wet.

Posdeidon, she was sure, wanting to take revenge. 

She remembered what Hades had said, about power.  And how neither he nor Posdeidon held sway on mortal Earth because it wasnÕt their place.

WasnÕt ZeusÕs place.

But it was XenaÕs place.  She let out a wordless yell and thought hard about how the water didnÕt belong.  How PosiedonÕs place was the sea, and how his power should remain there, not here.  She bore down as she felt the cold rush coming over her, the roar of the water blocking out all else.

Then she was falling as the ice vanished, and the ground was coming up fast.  She bent her knees and caught her balance, as the water rolled itself back and away, taking the ships and the men and the creatureÕs carcass with it.

Xena sucked in a breath and looked around, the light still shining from the sword lighting the faces of men and women picking themselves up off the ground and turning to face her,  letting out a yell of triumph that made her skin prickle.

Slowly she lowered the sword as she spotted Gabrielle dodging through the soldiers.  She put the Sword back into its sheath as her partner arrived next to her and grabbed her. 

ÒYou okay?Ó

Xena felt her knees start to shake. ÒNo.Ó

ÒOh sheeps, Xe.Ó

ÒI feel like I could eat a sheep right now.Ó  Xena wanly admitted, as the army surged around her, getting up from the ground and chanting her name.  ÒGimme that damn staff.Ó

Gabrielle got her arm around her partnerÕs waist, feeling the faint vibration as she pressed her skin against the sheathed Sword of War.  She pulled XenaÕs arm over her shoulders and felt the exhale as she leaned against her.

ÒXena! That was totally amazing!Ó  Cait came running up, with the rest of the Amazons at her heels.  ÒMy goodness!  That ice! And the black stuff exploding!Ó

Xena literally felt like she was going to just fall down.  However, with the army chanting her name around her she really felt that would not be good form, and so she stood quietly, lifting a hand in acknowledgement until her body stopped shaking.

ÒNo doubt, genrÕl!Ó  Bennu was soaked, and shivering, but happy.  ÒYÕdone squashed em!Ó  He said. ÒWe got the stock all back in the shelter there, now thatÕs gone.  ItÕll be back?Ó

Xena felt cold and suddenly exhausted.  ÒDunno. LetÕs go back and get some rest if we can.Ó She said. ÒHope Poseidon got the message.Ó 

ÒMe too.Ó  Gabrielle looked past them, out into the darkness.  It was dark and very empty now. She could no longer smell the sea, or hear itÕs sounds and it was hard to believe really that what theyÕd just seen had really happened.

She looked up at Xena, and after a moment, Xena looked back at her, with an expression of overwhelmed wonder.   ÒGood job, hon.Ó

ÒI did that.Ó Xena said, in a low tone.

ÒYou did. I saw you.Ó  Gabrielle responded.  ÒCÕmon.Ó She started forward as the rest of the army did, everyone talking about how amazing Xena had been, and how there was nothing their general couldnÕt do.

And that now was true. Xena did have that power. SheÕd wielded the Sword of War as Ares might have, and spurned Poseidon and his spawn, forcing him to retreat.  What really did that mean?

ÒHereÕs one good thing..Ó  Jax was there, with Redder, holding a crate. ÒGenrÕl, yÕscared the fish out of the water, yah? WeÕll eat good tonight.Ó They displayed the box, which was in fact full of fish. ÒGot a dozen more, to the side there.Ó

The men started whooping in delight. 

Xena finally felt like normal sensation was coming back into her body.  She wasnÕt shaking anymore, and her steps felt steady.   She was, however, starving. ÒDamn good thing.Ó She said. ÒSave some for me.Ó

ÒSome?  GenrÕl, first and biggest plates yours!Ó

**

It was a strange euphoria.   Gabrielle carefully turned the fish sheÕd prepared, and listened to the almost giddy chatter of voices coming from the caverns around theirs. 

It felt like anything could happen.  If she turned her head slightly, she could see the Amazons standing guard in her peripheral vision, bodies stiff with pride.  Even Paladia, who was busy hunched over a parchment, sparing brief glances at the inside of the cavern as she sketched.

ÒHey Gab?Ó

She looked over her other shoulder. ÒYeees?Ó

Xena was watching her intently. ÒThose things have to be cooked all the way thorugh?Ó

ÒHoney.Ó

ÒI already ate two trail bars. IÕm starving.Ó The warrior complained.

ÒJust hang onto your boots a minute. Ò Gabrielle turned and pulled the fish off onto a wooden platter, then she stood up, adding some trail bread and two baked tubers sheÕd grabbed from the central bin and brought it all over to where her soulmate was sitting.

TheyÕd put down a set of furs on the rock and with the large fire it was warm enough for them to take off their cloaks and Xena her armor.  She had a long sleeved woolen shirt on and leggings, and both her sword and the Sword of War were laying on the rock ledge behind her head, polished and sheathed.

ÒDoesnÕt need sharpening.Ó Xena indicated the Sword.  ÒDamned glad with that blade.Ó

Gabrielle put one of the fish and a tuber in front of her. ÒHere, starving thing you.Ó  She picked up the two mugs of tea sheÕd made and set them down on the rock as well, as Ares the wolf came over and sat down expectantly. ÒI donÕt think youÕre getting any of mommy XenaÕs fish today, buddy.Ó

Xena picked up a piece of the trail bread and bisected her fish with her dagger, scooping up some of it and depositing it onto the flat surface.  She then folded it over and took a bite, chewing thoughtfully.  ÒShould I worry about where these fish came from?Ó

ÒA little late for that, hon.Ó  Gabrielle took a cautious bite of her own. ÒTastes fine.Ó

ÒYou cooked it.Ó

Gabrielle smiled, watching from the corner of her eye as her partner wolfed down her food.  ÒFeeling better now?Ó She leaned back against the stone, casually laying her hand on XenaÕs knee.  Where earlier sheÕd felt a rolling tension in her, now she seemed relaxed, and she could feel no agitation under her hand.

ÒYeah.Ó

ÒXena.Ó  Cait had come in a step. ÒExcellent news. The snowÕs stopped.Ó

Xena lifted a hand and gave her a thumbs up, since her mouth was full of fish.  She swallowed and then washed the mouthful down with the tea.  ÒThat is good news.Ó  She said.   ÒHope that holds so we can make good time home tomorrow.Ó

Cait returned the thumbs up and then went back to her guard post.

ÒYou donÕt think theyÕll be back?Ó Gabrielle asked, after a moment. ÒI mean, I think you probably pissed off Poseidon and all that.Ó

Xena leaned back and extended her legs, crossing them at the ankles.  ÒAfter that?Ó She asked giving her partner a wry look  ÒNo clue what happen next. ThatÕs why I want to start heading back at least into ground we know.Ó

ÒCould be a downside to that.Ó  Gabrielle chewed her fish, and swallowed it.  ÒWe bring all this back home with us.Ó

Xena sighed.

ÒYeah, I know.Ó 

ÒI want to get rid of that thing.Ó Xena said, suddenly.  ÒThatÕs not coming home with us.Ó

Gabrielle regarded her in slight surprise. ÒDid it hurt, to do that?Ó She asked. ÒYou seemed okay.Ó

Xena looked at her. ÒDidnÕt hurt at all.  I just donÕt want to get used to it.Ó She said, in a calm tone. ÒThatÕs not where our future is.Ó  She carefully folded more fish into her travel bread and started to chew it, in a somewhat mechanical way.

ÒAh.Ó

Really, there didnÕt seem to be more to add to that.  Gabrielle had felt what that felt like, and she understood what Xena was telling her.  ÒGlad youÕve grown so sensitive and self aware in your old age,  hon.Ó

That brought a smile to XenaÕs face.  She drained her tea and stood up, dusting the crumbs off her tunic before she went over to the fire, and warmed her hands with it.   After a moment she turned them over and inspected the palms, finding pale, unmarked skin. 

Not like the last time.    She clenched her hands lightly then shook herself and walked to the entrance of the cavern and beyond, emerging into the open air that was now quiet, and wind free.   The sky had cleared and overhead she could see stars.

She walked to the wagons and looked past them, aware of the excited pleasure of the guards on either side of her.  ÒFinally got some good weather, huh?Ó

ÒThanks to you, maÕam.Ó The soldier on her right said.  He was a youngster, and didnÕt flinch at XenaÕs sharply raised eyebrow.  ÒNever seen the like of that.  My da told me give up on the gods, yeah? They just didnÕt do nothing. But that was something.Ó

ÒIÕm no god.Ó  Xena said.  ÒI just borrowed that from a real one.Ó

The boy looked at her, with a little smile on his face.  ÒAs you say, genÕrl.Ó He replied mildly, then moved past her,  and hauled himself up on the wagon, walking to the front of it to look out. 

Xena sighed, then felt a presence next to her and turned to find Jessan there. ÒGlad you stuck around.Ó She said. ÒBet youre not.Ó

ÒBet youÕre wrong.Ó  Jessan smiled, showing his fangs.  

Xena sighed again.  She put her hands on the top of the wagon buckboard and pushed herself up onto it, getting to her feet and walking over to the front of the wagon.   She turned her head from side to side as she felt Jessan coming up behind her and listened intently into the darkness.

It was very quiet.  She could almost hear the stars twinkling overhead and just ahead of the torches that outlined their guard post she could see bare ground, scoured by water and as yet untouched by more snow.

She could remember what it felt like to turn all that water into ice.  Remember the flow of power across her skin and that moment of insight into what it was to be a god and wield that force and how she now sort of understood just a little what that Sword meant to Ares.

She turned her head. ÒTell me again what happened before you left Hades?Ó

**

Gabrielle had no real idea if they were going to end up getting to rest, but she got out their hammock and found two cracks in the rock wall to hang it up between, tugging on it to make sure it was secure.  Then she lined it with their set of double furs and patted them with affection, finally letting the exhaustion of a very long day affect her.

Too much exertion. Too much emotion.   She picked up her second cup of tea and went to the hammock, sitting down in it sideways and rocking herself back and forth a little.

Above her, on the ledge, the Sword of War rested quietly and in solitary splendor.  Xena had thrown her sheath belt over her shoulder before sheÕd wandered out, with her own sword snugged against her back. 

Curiously, Gabrielle lifted her free hand up and touched the hilt, running her fingers over it.  The metal felt cool and smooth and she could see no responding light in the big pommel jewel nor did she expect one.

But the sword didnÕt scream either, it passively accepted her touch.  Gabrielle wondered if that was because the weapon knew she had no designs on it or whether it recognized her relationship with itÕs current wielder.

Then she wondered if it wasnÕt a little out there to be ascribing sentient thoughts to a sword.  She gave it a little pat, then withdrew her hand, looking up as she heard toenails and saw Ares the wolf entering the cavern.

The animal trotted over and hopped up into the hammock, turning around twice before he settled down next to Gabrielle, laying his jaw along her thigh.  She stroked his head, then scratched him around his ears, which twitched as his yellow gold eyes angled to watch her.  ÒHey boy.Ó

ÒGrooo.Ó

ÒHey your maj.Ó  Solari entered, carefully carrying a pot swinging from her hands, which were gauntleted.  ÒGot some mulled wine here. Thought youÕd like some.Ó

ÒI would.Ó  Her queen agreed. ÒSome day, huh?Ó

Solari settled the pot on the hook over the brazier, then pulled off her gauntlets and set them aside. ÒWell.  Yeah.Ó  She said.  ÒPlenty of weird.Ó  She removed a ladle from the pot and dipped some wine into one of the two cups nearby. ÒThe whole thing with the water was freaky.Ó

Gabrielle accepted the cup, then waited for Solari to get her own and take a seat on the rock ledge. ÒYeah, it was.Ó  She agreed quietly. 

They both took a sip, then paused, as footsteps from further in the caverns came to their ears, and a moment later two of XenaÕs troops emerged. ÒMaÕam.Ó One greeted Gabrielle. ÒGot some really strange noises coming from inside there.Ó

ÒUh oh.Ó Gabrielle handed Solari her cup, then got out of the hammock and retrieved her staff. ÒLetÕs go check it out.Ó 

Solari put her own cup down and followed at her heels,  motioning Pasi to come with her as the other Amazon rounded the corner.   ÒTrouble.Ó

ÒNothing but on this trip.Ó Pasi checked her dagger and grabbed one of the crossbows on the ledge as they entered the inner cave where most of the army was taking shelter.

It was crowded and dusty, and a little smoky inside, pungent with the scent of roasting fish.   Gabrielle followed the soldiers through the crowd, catching sight of the small area where the injured were and spotting the cloak shrouded form of Artemis on one side, hand cradled in a sling.

The goddess spotted her as well, and for a moment their eyes met.  Then she turned her head deliberately away and didnÕt watch them as they went by.

Hm. ÒWhat kind of sounds?Ó She asked the soldiers.

The closer of them just shook his head. ÒNot like some weÕd heard before, little hawkÓ He admitted. ÒBennu said to see if Xena would come listenÓ

ÒSheÕs out at the outer guard.Ó Gabrielle sighed ÒBut sheÕll come if we need her. LetÕs see what we got first.Ó

ÒHope it ainÕt a bear.Ó Solari muttered. ÒI like that rug you got but not that much.Ó

ÒMm.Ó

**

Continued in Part 20