Body Heart and Soul

Part 6

Gabrielle was standing near the fireplace, hands on hips when the inner door opened. She looked over to see her partner entering, with Dori scooting ahead of her.  ÒHey you two!Ó

ÒMama!Ó  Dori held up her hands and gave a little leap towards her mother as she was caught and lifted.  ÒMama we should have stikies and happles to eat! No aminals!Ó

Gabrielle studied her, then looked over at her partner with a perplexed expression. ÒWhat?Ó

ÒClass up the hill was in snares.Ó  Xena explained briefly.  ÒI had to tell her what they were for.Ó

ÒOoh.Ó Gabrielle gave Dori a hug.  ÒI see.Ó She patted her daughter on the back. ÒWe can talk about that later, Dor. I think youÕd get bored with just hay and apples after a while.Ó  She told her.

Xena came up next to her and put a hand on GabrielleÕs back. ÒSo weÕve got soldiers headed this way?Ó

ÒNot so much, Xena.Ó Johan was seated at the nearby table. ÒSeems like just a group of travelers, watch said.Ó

ÒCarrying a pennant?Ó The warrior gave him a skeptical look.

ÒDressed like locals.Ó  Johan said. ÒOr anyhow, not like the last lot of them that showed up here.Ó

They all sat down at the scattered tables, and the servers had brought around pitchers of ale when the front door opened and three of XenaÕs men came in with a half dozen strangers who were led immediately over to the back table

ÒGeneral.Ó  The oldest of the soldiers saluted. ÒThese folks asked to see yah.Ó

Xena was seated against the wall, and she remained there, casually regarding the newcomers. ÒWhatÕs on your minds?Ó  She asked.

The group was, as the guard said, dressed for traveling.  They had solid cloaks on over thick tunics and leggings, all well made but without any gilt or markings.  The apparent leader of the group stepped forward and put his hands on the chair opposite the one Xena was sitting in.

ÒYou are Xena?Ó

Xena blinked mildly at him. ÒI am.Ó  She admitted.

ÒMy name is Delphas.  I represent the regional authority on behalf of the Athens council.Ó He said. ÒWe know you are harboring a criminal here.  I am here to offer you a deal for him.Ó

Well, now wasnÕt that refreshing honesty. ÒSit down.Ó Xena said. ÒLetÕs start off by you telling me exactly who youÕre looking for and why.Ó She said, motioning the server over. ÒThere are people IÕd hand over to you free of charge, and people youÕd never have enough coin to offer for.Ó

Delphas sat down, nodding a little and folding his hands in front of him. ÒI understand.Ó He said, in a courteous tone.  ÒMay the rest of us take a seat?Ó

ÒSure.Ó  Xena indicated the next table over, where two of the town elders were sitting. The other travellers went and sat down with muted sighs of relief, holding their hands out to the fire.

ÒItÕs been a cold march.Ó  Delphas said. ÒWe have been out looking for this criminal for two sevendays.  Yesterday, we met a man on the road, and he pointed us here. HeÕd been at a market here and said he saw our mark wandering free.Ó

Xena merely looked back at him, one dark eyebrow lifted. 

Delphas cleared his throat. ÒWe know this man as Stephan.Ó He said. ÒHe is the local leader of a gang of raiders who have been robbing and murdering people all along this side of Therma, and has been charged with robbing the tax rolls that were on their way to Athens.Ó

Xena looked at Gabrielle, who shrugged faintly.  Then she lifted her eyes past their visitor to her soldiers. ÒWe know that name?Ó

ÒNot as such, general.Ó The older one said.

ÒJohan?Ó Xena turned to him next. ÒDid you find anyone called that in the market?Ó

Johan pursed his lips, and looked past them, silent for a long moment. ÒNo, lass.Ó He finally said. ÒNo man by that name came to my notice.Ó He looked at Delphas. ÒCould he have gone by some other?Ó

Delphas looked puzzled. ÒBut we are sure he was here.Ó He said. ÒHe doesnÕt care if people know about him why would he hide behind a false name?Ó

Johan shrugged. ÒDonno, lad.Ó He said. ÒJust saying we didnÕt have cause to notice anyone by that one in the market. WhatÕs he look like?Ó

ÒMiddling height,  pale hair, big, thrusty kind of nose.Ó  Delphas produced promptly.  ÒHad a scar on his arm, below the elbow here.Ó He pointed at his own arm, and drew his finger down to his wrist. ÒTwisted, like a scythe had taken him.Ó

Johan looked at Xena. 

ÒDidnÕt know his name.Ó Xena admitted. ÒBut he was here.Ó

ÒAh.Ó Delphas nodded. ÒAnd now?Ó

ÒNow heÕs dead.Ó  The warrior replied in a mild tone.  ÒFound him stuffed in a provisions barrel. We put him on a pyre.Ó

ÔSo thatÕs who he was.Ó  Gabrielle mused.  ÒHe paid one of the local kids to put caltrops in our stable.Ó She explained to Delphas. ÒSeems like a petty, mean thing to do.Ó

The man looked stunned. ÒYouÕre sure?Ó He asked Xena. 

ÒThat he was dead? Yes.Ó  Xena replied. ÒWe donÕt know how he got that way though. No one came forward to say heÕd been in a fight, or anything.Ó

ÒHuh.Ó  Delphas leaned back in the wooden chair, and let his hands fall to his thighs.  ÒBy the gods, to hunt like that and come to nothing. Ò

Dori appeared, entering the room from the kitchen where sheÕd escaped to find a snack. She came over clutching a cookie in one hand, and latched on to her motherÕs overtunic with the other. ÒMama.Ó

Gabrielle picked her up and sat her on her lap.  ÒIs it just him youÕre looking for? What about the gang he was leading?Ó She bounced Dori up and down a little on her knee. ÒIs this the same gang we heard were going around grabbing people to sell them into slavery?Ó

Delphas shrugged. ÒThat, I cannot tell you. I know his gang were ambushing people in ones and twos on the road, stealing from them, that kind of thing. ThatÕs how they got ahold of the tax rolls.  Two of the towns closer in reported the messengers carrying theirs had come back beaten.Ó

ÒSure thatÕs true?Ó Xena asked, skeptically.  ÒThey could just be saying that.Ó

ÒThey could.Ó The man said. ÒBut we know from others this gang was running loose, and you yourself say he meant mischief here.Ó

ÒWeird mischief.Ó Gabrielle said. ÒI mean, whats the profit to them in potentially crippling our horses?Ó She asked. ÒNot even the cavalryÕs. Our familyÕs. Ò She hugged Dori. ÒMy kidÕs pony, my partnerÕs mare, and a few others.Ó

ÒOnly thing that would have gotten him was my sword in his gut.Ó Xena said.

ÒWould you have ridden out after him?Ó Delphas asked, after a moment.  ÒYourself, I mean?Ó

ÒFor that? Yes.Ó  Xena asserted. ÒI would have cut them all to pieces.Ó

ÒThen perhaps the target was not your animals, but you?Ó  He responded. ÒWe hear his market is off in Thrace, and have expensive tastes.Ó

Xena blinked at him then turned her head and looked at Gabrielle.

Gabrielle frowned. ÒDo you really think theyÕd risk having Xena and a round of cavalry from here go out after them?  SheÕs kinda dangerous yÕknow?Ó

ÒStephan was not from these parts. He was from eastern Thrace, and only recently started inroads here, somewhat after the Spartan invasion.  He might not know of your reputation.Ó  Delphas said. ÒIn any case, I will need some proofs of his demise. The council will demand it.Ó

ÒLittle hard.Ó Xena leaned back. ÒHeÕs ashes.Ó

ÒWell..Ó

Paladia chose that moment to stand up from where sheÕd been sitting next to Aalene and come over, removing a piece of parchment from her sling bag and handing it over to Xena.  ÒThe guy who croaked, right?Ó

Xena examined it, then gave Paladia an appreciative grin. ÒThanks.Ó She handed it over to Delphas. ÒThis your man?Ó

Delphas took the sheet eagerly and peered at it motioning the others whoÕd come with him forward. ÒI think..  Gellen, is this the man?Ó

A tall, blond haired man with a thick beard and moustache put his hand on the table and leaned in to examine the likeness. ÒI believe it is, sir.Ó He said. ÒHard to be completely sure.. Ò He glanced up at Paladia. ÒYou drew this?Ó

Paladia nodded. ÒDidnÕt have a choice on the posing. He was dead.Ó  She said, bluntly. 

ÒGood job.Ó  Gabrielle complimented her.  ÒWe were going to see if anyone in the tribe had seen him around.Ó She explained to Delphas.  ÒWe had a market stall there.Ó

ÒMay we ask them as well? The more information we can collect, the better since it seems I will not be bringing the man himself back.Ó  Delphas sighed.

ÒSure.Ó Gabrielle got up  and set Dori on her feet. ÒLetÕs go on up there now, before the weather starts really getting bad.Ó

Xena caught the eye of two of her men, then shifted quickly to Delphas, then back to them. Both nodded and they followed the group out as Gabrielle led the way, holding Dori by the hand.

ÒBoo!Ó Dori turned at the door, not seeing her buddy joining them.  Ò You come?Ó

ÒBe there in a little while shortie.Ó Xena told her. ÒGÕwan with mama and IÕll meet you up at our house.Ó

Dori scowled, but went with the gentle tug on her hand and followed Gabrielle outside.  The door closed and that left Xena with Cyrene and Johan and a handful of the town elders.   A moment later, the inner door opened and Iolaus entered, coming over to sit down at the table. 

ÒLeast they werenÕt looking for you.Ó Cyrene said, patting his hand. 

ÒYeah, thatÕs a relief.Ó  Iolaus admitted. ÒI thought for sure there for a minute he was going to call me out.Ó  He leaned closer to Xena. ÒHas Gabrielle mentioned anything about what I told her this morning to you?Ó

ÒNo.Ó

ÒIt was kinda weird.Ó

Xena propped her head up on her fist.  ÒWeird?Ó

ÒWeird.Ó 

**

Cait was the first to crest the small rise and see the wagons,  as well as the crowd of mounted men on horses surrounding them with weapons raised.

They were making so much noise and the screams of the wagoneers were so loud they had no sense of the Amphipolis force approaching and so she was able to drive Shadow right up into the fight and jump off without drawing their attention.

Then, of course, she drew it sharply as she pulled her sword from itÕs sheath and dove into a bunch of raiders pulling two women from the second wagon in line.  She ran the blade through the back of one of them, and yanked it right out in time to turn and cut the hand off of the second.

It dropped with his long knife in it to the ground and he spun, flinging his arm back and spattering the snow covered ground in blood.  

Cait didnÕt hesitate, seeing a clear path to his chest and she pulled her own dagger and plunged it into him, driving it through his leather armor.

He fell. She moved on.  

Just past the wagon side she saw Bennu smashing a mace down on the head of another raider, and Jax was watching his back, firing his crossbow into a moving rider heading away.

Nala caught up to her and they were in a bunch of men on foot, the scrape of blade on blade and the grunt of  fighting bodies suddenly loud and immediate.  Cait relied on her speed to keep clear of the weapons and she ducked under a curved sword and got her dagger sheathed, putting both hands on her sword hilt as she stepped in and blocked the return swipe.

Xena made it look so blasted easy.  Cait grunted herself a little, twisting her wrists and shoving hard against the raider she was fighting as he tried to run her over. 

ÒDuck.Ó Nala called out and Cait did, feeling the other AmazonÕs sword whisk over her head and catch the man in the side of his neck as she hopped sideways and got out of the way. 

There were two men throwing a boy on the back of a horse and she headed that way, swinging her blade up and around and slicing through the nearest raiderÕs hamstrings.  He went down with a startled scream and his partner turned, raising his sword as he saw Cait coming at him.

The boy had his hands and feet tied but he managed to look over his shoulder and start to kick out as the raider turned. He thumped his boots into the back of the raiderÕs head just as Cait got to him and knocked him offbalance.

Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Cait chopped quickly at his sword arm and then swung in and drew her dagger, thumping it into his gut as he stumbled to one side. 

He stumbled back against the horse who kicked out in fright, smashing his head with a hoof as he dumped the boy on his back onto the ground, plunging forward when Cait smacked his behind with the flat of her blade. 

She knelt quickly and cut his bonds, rising up and stepping back as he rolled over and got his hands and knees under him. ÒYou okay then?Ó

He looked up at her in startlement. ÒAres balls. YouÕre a woman!Ó

ÒToo right.Ó  Cait turned, her blades moving in a circle as she looked out over the battle.  ÒYou can go back now to the rest of your lot. Looks like these rats are running off.Ó

The boy got up and brushed the icy mud off him.  ÒWho are you?Ó He asked, before he stared out over the wagon train.  ÒAnd they arenÕt my lot.  IÕm just traveling with them.Ó

The Phillipi men were chasing off the last of the raiders, and Bennu and Jax had dismounted and were helping right one of the wagons.  

Cait watched them briefly, then she knelt and wiped her blade off on the cloak of her last adversary.  ÒDid they want something from you all?Ó

ÒWho are you?Ó The boy repeated the question.

Cait stood and sheathed her blades. ÒMy name is Cait.Ó She said. ÒIÕm an Amazon, and I live in Amphipolis. Who are you?Ó She put her hands on her hips and lifted her brows.

He stared at her. ÒAn Amazon?Ó He asked. ÒReally?Ó

ÒYes.Ó Cait looked around again. ÒSorry. Have to go along with the rest of my gang.  Goodbye.Ó She started off towards the gathering force, lifting a hand to wave at Bennu.

ÒWait.Ó He jogged after her. ÒMy nameÕs Jake.  I knew an Amazon once.Ó

ÒIÕm sure you did.Ó Cait kept walking.  ÒThere are quite a lot of them around.Ó She caught up with Nala, who was wiping down her own blade. ÒLovely fight.Ó

ÒYeh, not bad.Ó The taller Amazon agreed, glancing behind them ÒWhoÕs your friend?Ó

ÒThis is Jake.Ó  Cait said. ÒApparently he knew an Amazon once.Ó

ÒNo hey I did.Ó Jake caught up with them. ÒThey tied her up and took her away from my village.  There wasnÕt much left there so we all decided to go somewhere else.Ó He indicated the wagons. ÒBut I guess we just ran into the bad guys again.Ó

ÒI see.Ó Cait said. ÒWell, at least we came along.Ó

ÒThat was cool. The other Amazon wasnÕt really cool. She said she was in charge of things and weÕd all be sorry when she got her stuff back.Ó

Cait and Nala stopped in mid walk and turned  to look at him.  ÒReally?Ó Nala said.  ÒWhat was her name?Ó

ÒWhat did she look like?Ó  Cait said, at the same time.

Jake shrugged.  ÒKinda ugly.  DonÕt know what her name wasÉ some other women with her called her Arty.Ó

The two Amazons exchanged glances.  ÒI see.Ó Cait finally said.  ÒAny idea where they might have taken her?Ó

Jake grinned. ÒLet me come with ya and IÕll see if I can remember where they said they were going.Ó

**

ÒShow me your snare, Dori.Ó  Gabrielle hung up her cloak and made sure the door to her quarters was closed. 

ÒNo mama, donÕt like it.Ó  Dori was sitting near the fire, her small legs pulled up crossed under her. ÒDonÕt want to hurt aminals.Ó

ÒWell.Ó  Her mother pushed a pot of water near the fire to heat. ÒI understand that, honey, but the fact is, your mama and your Boo both catch animals, and then mama makes something nice to eat from them.Ó

Dori poked her lower lip out. ÒMama thatÕs bad!Ó

ÒNo, really it isnÕt.Ó Gabrielle settled on the floor right next to where Dori was sitting, also pulling her legs up under her.  ÒIts how life is.  Those little animals catch things to eat too, either bugs, or grass or chestnuts, and those things, even chestnuts, need something to live on.Ó

ÒMama.Ó

ÒI know, itÕs hard for you to understand, honey.Ó  Gabrielle told her.  ÒBut everything on earth, even trees and bugs, depend on something else to give them nourishment and keep them alive.Ó  She took DoriÕs hand and gently squeezed it. ÒSo your mama and Boo try to make sure that when we do have to catch something that we do it very fast.Ó

Dori pouted again.

ÒYou like what mama cooks, right?Ó

ÒDidnÕt know it was aminals, mama!Ó Tears welled up in DoriÕs eyes. ÒDonÕt want to hurt them!Ó

Gabrielle sighed. ÒHoney, calm down.Ó She said. ÒI understand why youÕre upset. I remember when I was a little girl, and I realized how my mama got our dinner.  It really bothered me, because one of the things I did was take care of the animalsÓ

Dori sniffled.

ÒSome of the animals I took care of were lambs. You know what those are right?Ó

ÒBaby sheeples.Ó  Dori said. ÒLike gramma has.Ó

ÒRight.  My mama and papa had sheep, and those were the baby sheep and I used to take care of them. And one day, papa came to where I was taking care of them, and took one away, and then I saw my mama cooking something nice for dinner and I realized then that the baby sheep IÕd been taking care of was now giving us food.Ó

ÒMama, thatÕs bad.Ó

ÒNo honey.Ó Gabrielle put her arm around her. ÒItÕs life. Just like sometimes mama and Boo have to fight with people? ItÕs just how it is.Ó She said. ÒSo in order for you to grow up big and strong, you need to have good things to eat, and some of those things come from animals.Ó

ÒWusty has happles and stickies.Ó

ÒAnd we eat apples, and sometimes herbs and mushrooms that mama finds.  But we also need to eat other things, like Ares does.Ó

ÒGuff?Ó

ÒRight.Ó

ÒGuff has aminals?Ó

ÒYes.Ó Gabrielle told her. ÒGuff mostly only has animals.Ó

ÒNo cookies?Ó

Gabrielle chuckled softly. ÒSometimes we give him cookies, sure.  But mostly he has animals.  ThatÕs how he grew up, and how the puppies grew up too.Ó

ÒBuppits.Ó

ÒBuppits.Ó  Her mother confirmed. ÒSo donÕt feel bad about that, Dor. IÕll try to make you things that are mostly not animals, okay? Like the soup we had yesterday, and cookies.Ó

Dori looked mollified.  ÒGramma has aminals?Ó She asked, after a pause.

ÒYes, she does.Ó Gabrielle rubbed her back. ÒSorry about that. WeÕre all just horrible.Ó

A soft knock came at the door. ÒCÕmon in.Ó Gabrielle said, automatically.  She remained where she was as the door opened and Ephiny poked her head in. ÒCÕmon.Ó  She waved her over. ÒIÕm just explaining the birds and the rabbits to Dori.Ó

ÒIsnÕt she a little young for that?Ó Ephiny came over and took a seat near the fire. 

ÒBirds and rabbits as in dinner.Ó  Gabrielle clarifled. ÒThey did snares in class to day.Ó

ÒOoooohhh.Ó  Ephiny gave them both a fond look. ÒThis is the kid who rescues lizards. Bet she didnÕt take that well.Ó

ÒNo, I think IÕll be making that lemongrass and vegetable soup for a while.Ó  The bard replied, with a smile. ÒLucky both Xe and I love it.   HowÕd they make out in the gathering hall?Ó

ÒMeh.Ó Ephiny shrugged. ÒNo one really remembers that guy, except that they knew him from being the body in the barrel.   Renas thinks he might have come over and looked the jewelry but sheÕs not really sure.Ó

ÒCan you believe they thought he wanted to draw Xena out after him? On purpose?Ó  Gabrielle said. ÒI mean, how idiotic can you get?Ó

ÔYeah thatÕs a mistake you only make once.Ó  Ephiny agreed. ÒAalene told me that and I laughed my head off.ÓÕ

ÒMm.. but then, if not that why?Ó  The bard mused. ÒMaybe he was just seeing how easily he could buy someone here?Ó

ÒMm.Ó Ephiny grunted in assent. ÒMaybe.Ó

Gabrielle got up off the floor and went over to the folded blanket on the table, unfolding it and shaking it out.   It was mostly blue, with greens and tans woven in a crosshatch pattern.   On one corner, the town sigil was embedded, and she smiled on seeing it. ÒAww.Ó

ÒMama whereÕs Boo?Ó Dori asked, suddenly. 

ÒBooÕs down in the town, talking to her friends.Ó  Gabrielle draped the blanket over the back of the sturdy couch. ÒSheÕll come up here soon.Ó

ÒWant to go get happles.Ó  Dori hopped off the chair and rambled off into the sleeping room.

ÒHo boy.Ó  Gabrielle came around and sat down on the couch, leaning back on the blanket and stretching her arm out along the back. ÒThe stage players asked me if they could come up here and do some skits for the tribe. What do you think?Ó

Ephiny pondered that. ÒWhy not?Ó She said. ÒSounds like fun.  They seemed like a pretty relaxed bunch.Ó

Gabrielle nodded.  ÒBe something different every once in a while.Ó She leaned back and swung her legs up onto the couch, extending her legs and crossing them at the ankles. ÒDid you hear what happened with my little miss thing yesterday?Ó

The regent nodded back, with a faint smile. ÒI heard.Ó She said. ÔBother you?Ó She watched GabrielleÕs face go quiet, and slightly pensive. ÒFreaked out the teachers a little.Ó

ÒI donÕt know.Ó Her friend admitted. ÒI mean, what can I say? Can I tell her not to stand up for her friends?  How hypocritical would that be?Ó

ÒVery.Ó

ÒShe did exactly what I would have.Ó Gabrielle said. ÒWhat I have done, more times than I can talk about.  SomeoneÕs being tormented, being taken advantage of – no problem of mine, donÕt even know the person and there I am with a big stick taking a whack at them. DonÕt even have to think about it anymore.Ó

ÒAny more? I remember you with Terreis.Ó  Ephiny said, in a mild tone.  ÒShe copies what she sees, Gab. Not only with you, but with big X. All sheÕs ever known is that her family steps in front of catapults for people on a regular basis.Ó

ÒMm.Ó

ÒNow, she might end up being the only vegetarian ass kicker who lives with ponies the Nation has ever seen, but yÕknowÓ

Gabrielle started laughing silently.

ÒSheÕll always be unique.Ó

ÒShesÕ got a big heart.Ó DoriÕs mother agreed, with a smile.  ÒI just want her to have both sides of the story, you know?  She should know thereÕs another choice than her fists sometimes.Ó

ÒTalk then fight.Ó

ÒExactly.Ó

**

Xena stood quietly in the barn,  moving the curry brush over ArgoÕs back as she listened to the quiet sounds of the horses around her.  ÒHey girl.  Arencha glad that little tyke found that damn caltrop? IÕd have hated to see that in your foot.Ó

Argo blew out a bit of straw and craned her head around, nibbling a bit of XenaÕs shirt instead.

ÔYeah, I know.  I remember that time too.Ó Xena sighed, switching the brush for a comb and combing out the mareÕs long mane.  ÒThat was a dark road, and you and I should have been long off it and camped.Ó

She moved around to the other side of the horse.  ÒYou picked up one of those damn things and threw me and we both ended up in a bad place.Ó

Argo snorted and shifted her big feet, bumping against her rider.

She had broken her arm, matter of fact. Falling on it just the wrong way on a thick tree root and hearing the snap a moment before the wave of pain had hit her.   So there she was, alone in the woods, broken arm, and a lame horse with a caltrop embedded in her foot.

Lousy day.  Xena could still remember the pain of it, as she delayed taking care of the break and managed to get the iron spike out of ArgoÕs hoof, dressing the wound and then, at the end of it collapsing against a nearby tree.

It had rained and it had been cold, and sheÕd caught a horrible cold on top of it and she remembered huddling there shivering and in pain, on the cusp of giving it up.

Only the need to take care of ArgoÕs foot had stopped her. It had kept her from slipping into that fog, and letting the darkness take her, because she had to keep the fire going, keep the poultices steaming, focusing completely on this creature who was dependent on her.

ÒYeah, those were tough days, huh girl?Ó Xena smiled as she finished up her brushing. ÒNow youÕre treated like a queen in here, right?  You got everything you need.Ó

Argo snorted again then tugged at a bit of hay in the net at the front of her stall.

ÒMe too, matter of fact.Ó Xena stroked the now spotless hide, before she went over and put the brushes up.  ÒWe got lucky, Argo.Ó  She gave the mare a pat on the hip before she moved out of the stall and looked around the barn, moving through the straw and kicking it investigatively.

Rusty was watching her, laying down in his stall with his small hooves tucked under him, his shaggy coat flecked with bits of yellow dust. 

ÒHey there little man.Ó  Xena went over and sat down on a nearby bale of hay.  ÒYou know what? Your little rider wants me to try and get you up the mountain path to the village. What do you think about that?Ó

Rusty looked thoughtfully at her.

ÒMaybe weÕll wait until it isnÕt snowing.Ó  Xena conceded. ÒIf you started sliding down that slope, weÕd both probably end up ass over teakettle with everyone laughing at us.Ó

She fished a carrot out of her belt pouch and offered it to him, watching with a grin as he crunched it happily. 

Behind her, both Argo and Iolaus snorted and the stallion whinnied a little to catch her attention.

ÒAh, they caught me.Ó She got up and retrieved two more of the roots, handing it over to the two golden horses who were watching her alertly.  ÒHere you go kids.Ó She watched them munch.  ÒNow I gotta go up and see what Gabrielle and Dori are up to.Ó

She lifted her head as the door opened, and then shifted the hay net around as Cyrene entered and closed the door behind her. ÒYou have room to put that bunch up tonight?Ó

ÒIf most of them share a room, yes.Ó  Her mother came over and patted Argo on the nose.  ÔYou think theyÕll get any information from those Amazons?Ó

ÒMaybe.  If they poke them enough, one or the other might remember something about that ugly bastard. He was noticeable enough.Ó  Xena said. ÒThe whole deal doesnÕt sound right to me though.  If he was being chased by AthenÕs stooges, why come here and start trouble?Ó

ÒMaybe he didnÕt know.Ó

Xena gave her mother a skeptical look. ÒWhen you do what he does? You know when youÕre being hunted.Ó

ÒMaybe you did.Ó  Cyrene said. ÒBut you, my dear, have more than your share of smarts.Ó She watched the faint blush appear across her daughterÕs planed cheekbones. ÒI just hope that bunch goes back to where they came from and leaves us in peace for the winter.Ó

ÒYou know what was funny?Ó Xena leaned against the stall divider.  ÒThey didnÕt even ask about Iolaus.Ó

Her stallion nickered, nudging her in the back with his nose.

ÒNot you.Ó 

ÒAfter what Johan heard in the market, about that reward – youÕre right.Ó  Cyrene mused. ÒTell you what, when they come back down here, IÕll see if they know about him.Ó

They walked out into the now falling snow, pulling up their cloak hoods as Xena shut the barn door behind her.  ÒIÕm going to go check that Amazon.Ó

ÒAnd beat up some of your faithful men?Ó

Xena chuckled. ÒMaybe.Ó   She parted from Cyrene at the inn path and continued on, taking the downward track to the barracks.   It had grown quiet again, the townsfolk either  in the hall, or in their homes, only a few cloaked figures coming up from the bridge. 

She could hear swords crossing inside the military compound though, and the sound got louder as she walked along the front of the barracks and stepped up onto the porch, moving to the door and pushing it open.

Inside, here in the front, was a set of guards both of whom saluted her as she came inside. ÒAfternoon, boys.Ó

ÒAfternoon, Xena.Ó They replied dutifully.  ÒThat beat up lady in there was looking for you.Ó

ÒThanks.Ó Xena went to the healerÕs hall and stepped inside it, the warmth in the room appreciably greater than it had been by the guard.   She crossed to the private room Alana was in and pushed the door open.

Inside, Alana was sitting up a little in the bed, bruises still very lurid against her skin and a pained expression on her face. ÒXena, I must speak with you.Ó

ÒOkay.Ó  Xena pulled up one of the low stools and settled herself on it. ÒSay your piece, then IÕll check your wounds.Ó

ÒNo need.Ó

The warrior lifted her hands off her knees, and then put them back. ÒHave it your way.Ó  She motioned to the junior healer who was sitting patiently against the wall.  He got up without a word and left the room, and the silence settled back over them.

Alana studied her face, while Xena merely sat there waiting, still and relaxed, looking as though she was ready to wait there all night.

ÒYou know what they did to me.Ó Alana said, finally.

Xena nodded.

ÒI donÕt remember any of it.Ó The Amazon said. ÒHow do I know it wasnÕt someone here that did this?Ó

ÒThey didnÕtÓ

ÒSo you say.Ó

The warrior shook her head briefly. ÒI was there when the watch brought you in.Ó

ÒAnd what if he did it?Ó

ÒHe could have.Ó Xena said. ÒProblem with that is, heÕs one of my men, and he knows what would happen to him if I found out. If heÕd done it, heÕd have kept riding.Ó

Alana turned her head slightly. ÒOh yes. You would protect a sister.Ó She said, in a dry tone. ÒHow could I forget.Ó

ÒNo, not really.Ó Xena decided to take the remark at face value.  ÒI keep discipline in my troops.  Has nothing to do with the Amazons.Ó She extended her legs and crossed them at the ankles. ÒIf itÕs worth anything to you, IÕm damned sorry about what happened.Ó

ÒSure.Ó

Xena studied her briefly. ÒWhat is the last thing you remember?Ó

ÒWhy should you care?Ó

The warrior leaned forward a little ÒTruth interests me.Ó  She said, in quiet tone. ÒYou may not want to know what happened to you, but this is my patch, and I do.Ó

Alana just stared at her.

**

They were packed up again and riding.  The wagon train had been sorted out and put on itÕs wheels, and Bennu had convinced the wagon leader to head to Amphipolis rather than over the pass into Thrace. 

Cait thought the people with the wagon train were quite happy about that When theyÕd listened to the description of the town, most had nodded in relief, and it hadnÕt taken long to convince them not to go forward.

Good thing that, since theyÕd likely either run back into those ruffians, or even more trouble if theyÕd kept on.   She tugged her hood a bit closer and tightened down the ties in the front of her cloak as the snow started to get heavier. 

One of XenaÕs men had remained with them as a guide, and his horse was now taken up by Jake, having wormed his way into the recon party, not without some subtle assistance from Cait herself.

ÒNot sure about that kid.Ó Nala said to Cait, as they resumed their steady pace near the front of the group. ÒSeems like a trickster.Ó

ÒToo right.Ó Cait said. ÒBut he saw that woman he said was an Amazon and I want him about if we see her where weÕre headed.Ó

Nala eyed her. ÒYou donÕt think it was an Amazon?Ó

ÒNo.Ó Cait said, briefly, then fell silent.

Nala waited, then adjusted her reins in her fingers. ÒAll right then.Ó

ÒI donÕt mean to be rude.Ó Cait cleared her throat. ÒItÕs just it reminded me of something that happened when we were in Therma, during the fight and itÕs a bit hard to explain.Ó

ÒAh.Ó Nala grunted. ÒDamned sorry I missed that.Ó

ÒI can certainly imagine you were.Ó  Cait was aware of Jake slowly catching up with them. ÒWe missed having you, and I know it was just ratty back at the camp.Ó

Nala rolled her eyes expressively.  ÒSweetest thing in the world was seeing you and Pony come through that crowd of morons and knowing that for me, it was done and over.Ó

Cait chuckled with little humor.  ÒThe queen certainly showed them what was what.  You know, I think it was then, when she chased them all off, it clicked a bit that she was actually the queen.Ó

Nala nodded emphatically. ÒThe move was then. Yeah.  You could feel it. It got real.  Was like up to then most of those mooks thought, I mean really thought she was a figurehead and were like, yeah whatever.Ó

ÒNot after that night.Ó  Cait smiled briefly.  ÒNot after she knocked off that nasty bit of goods on her own.Ó

ÒBare hands, in the dark? Oh yeah.Ó Nala agreed cheerfully. ÒThat nailed it.  I mean, her telling Xena to kill that moron in the hall – that was all right, and the kids liked it, but the seniors – after that night?  They were like okay. SheÕs an Amazon. We got it.Ó

They rode on a bit further.  Then Nala turned her head slightly towards Cait. ÒYou think sheÕll turn it back over to Ephiny?Ó

ÒNot at all. No.Ó Cait said, then fell silent as Jake caught fully up with them and came alongside her.  ÒHello.Ó

ÒSo hey.Ó Jake spoke up. ÒYou said you guys were from Amphipolis, right?Ó

ÒRight.Ó  Cait agreed. 

ÒI knew people from there.Ó

ÒYou know a lot of people from places.Ó Nala observed. ÒGot around for such a youngster didncha?Ó

Jake thought about that a moment. ÒI guess I did.Ó He said. ÒMy family used to live around these parts, but they got whacked out when I was a kid, and me and my brother were taken.Ó He added. ÒBut before that, some people from Amphipolis came to our town and caused a lot of trouble.Ó

ÒPeople from Amphipolis do tend to do that.Ó Cait said, politely.  ÒBut usually if theyÕre making trouble for someone they deserve it.Ó

Jake shrugged. ÒI donÕt remember much.  But there were Amazons there too.Ó

Cait and Nala exchanged looks.  ÒIf people from Amphipolis were there and Amazons were with them, IÕm fairly sure who it must have been.Ó

ÒHuh.Ó

ÒHowÕd you get out of being caught?Ó Nala asked, to change the subject.  ÒYou run away from them?Ó

ÒThatÕs a long story.Ó Jake said.  ÒAre we going to ride up through the pass to Thrace today you think?  Reason I got in with that bunch is they said they were going there. Ò

ÒOh, I think so yes.Ó  Cait said. ÒWe should be on the other side by sundown.Ó

ÒThatÕs good.Ó The young man said. ÒMaybe we can talk more tonight then.Ó He nudged his horse forward and trotted after Bennu, who had paused to survey the trail. He pulled up next to the man, and started talking to him, and they rode on together.

ÒYou figure he bumped into our royals?Ó Nala asked.

ÒHad to be.Ó Cait said at once.  ÒIÕm quite surprised he didnÕt ask about them by name.  IÕm sure he knows them.Ó

ÒLike I said, weird kid.Ó

Possibly true. Cait thought.  She considered that they might find out more around the campfire, and also, she wanted to know why he was so eager to get to Thrace.   There was, as Nala had said, something not quite right about him.

**

Gabrielle stepped back out of the sparring ring and set her staff end down on the ground, her hand curled around the well worn and familiar surface.  ÒNext!Ó

Pasi walked over and offered her a mug of water, which she gratefully accepted.  ÒThanks.Ó She took a swallow, glad to clear the straw chaff and smoke from her throat after her set of staff bouts. 

Two other Amazons took the place of her and her last opponent in the ring and started up, the softly tentative cracks becoming louder and more confident.

There was an air of comfortable competitiveness in the room,  a good number of women gathered to watch and participate in the sparring, and GabrielleÕs presence and participation were no longer looked at with any sense of it being unusual.

She shared teaching duties in the weapon, in fact, with Eponin and she pretended not to acknowledge the fact that her classes were better attended than her weapons masters.   It was a long gone time since sheÕd done it to prove anything to anyone.

Some of the Amazons were in leathers, since the room was warm enough for it. She was wearing a padded overtunic though, made by Xena to match the one she wore for her sword practice. It was soft, and had protection around her ribs and her hips to soften hits taken there.

It was sleeveless, and she could feel the faint warmth of the fire in the big pit against the bare skin of her shoulders, comfortable now as her body cooled down from the exercise. Her upper arms ached a bit from it,  but in a good way.

It felt very good to be just one of the tribe, in this arena.  Gabrielle smiled and flexed her hands, watching Solari neatly parry a strike, then reverse her motion and take her opponents staff out of her hands, a move the bard remembered teaching not that long ago.

Now that was pretty cool. It was good to know she was contributing to the tribe, being a part of their lives now for far longer than she ever had in the past and not only that, doing so without anyone thinking it was odd anymore.

She was no longer really a stranger. There was, she knew, still that bit of separation due to her rank and history, but she no longer felt like an impostor. 

Most of the time, anyway. 

Paladia was seated at a table near the hearth, busy with parchment and charcoal.  One of the younger women was seated there watching her, apparently absorbing the way she was shaping something.  Gabrielle had to smile indeed in seeing that, acknowledging truly how far theyÕd all come.

On the other side of the big gathering hall the children were seated in a circle, listening to Ephiny tell them a story.    She couldnÕt hear what the regent was telling them, but she could hear the giggling and she turned her head to watch, spotting Dori on one end of the circle.

Everyone seemed happy. That was good.  

ÒHey Gabrielle?Ó

The bard turned back around to find Solari heading her way. ÒWhat? Did I miss something?Ó She looked around quickly.

ÒNah, will you go through that knee sweep?Ó Solari asked. ÒI keep whacking my elbow.Ó

ÒOh sure.Ó  Gabrielle stepped back into the circle with her, as her former opponent backed away to clear space.  She lifted her staff off the floor and brought it up to shoulder level as she waited for Solari to come over to face her.

Then she dropped the staff to her thighs. ÒOkay, so.Ó She said. ÒThe times I usually use this is when some big old dude is swiping at me with a sword, usually around this level.Ó She indicated her collarbone.  ÒSo the drop is to let that go over my head.Ó

Solari obligingly stepped back and then gently swung her staff around, and Gabrielle went to one knee as she did. ÒKeep going around.Ó She said. ÒSee what your knee does there? Goes up?Ó

ÒRight.Ó  Solari nodded.

Gabrielle tucked her staff under one arm and wrapped her hand around it, then swiveled around and used both her momentum, and the weight of her body to lend force as she moved.  When her staff hit SolariÕs knees though she slacked off and just tapped her. ÒYou need the extra motion to get their legs out from under them.Ó

ÒOkay I got it – I wasnÕt putting it under my arm.Ó  Solari said, as she nodded. ÒI was just holding it like this.Ó She held the staff out with itÕs end going past her elbow.

Gabrielle unexpectedly swung her staff up, and with a loud clack sent SolariÕs flying, giving her an impish grin when she yelped and shook her hand rapidly.  ÒDonÕt. ItÕs too easy for someone to disarm you.Ó

ÒOuch.Ó  Solari tucked her hand under her other arm. 

ÒYeah, I learned that the hard way too.Ó Gabrielle got to her feet and twirled her staff a few times. ÒI can remember so many twilights ending with me yelling XenaÕs name in complete and utter frustration when sheÕd just keep doing that to me.Ó

The women around her chuckled, and Solari waved her opponent forward again. ÒLetÕs try that.Ó  She said. ÒIÕll try to keep my elbow out of it this time.Ó

The bard went back to her sideline spot, and perched on one of the benches that surrounded the sparring circle.  Pasi had refilled her mug and was standing by watching. ÒGlad we got this hall done, huh?Ó

The younger Amazon nodded. ÒAbsolutely.  This is awesome. That old one had so many holes in it you could see people walking by outside.Ó  She watched the action for a moment. ÒI heard that lowland Queen really got whacked. Is that true?Ó

ÒShe did.Ó  Gabrielle said.  ÒShe doesnÕt remember how it happened though.Ó

ÒMm.Ó Pasi made a low sound in her throat. ÒWould she tell you if she did? She seemed pretty obnoxious.Ó 

ÒStill is.Ó  Gabrielle folded her arms.  ÒShe doesnÕt much want anything to do with us. Xe was right to leave her in the barracks and I sure donÕt mind having that attitude in close quarters.Ó

ÒNice.Ó

They exchanged wry looks.  Pasi was one of the youngers that had stood by her in the last dust up, and sheÕd become a friend in the subsequent months as had several others most of whom were around GabrielleÕs age.

Squeals made them turn around, to see a rush of small bodies heading for the passage between the gathering and dining halls.   ÒUh oh.. there goes the horde.Ó Gabrielle watched Dori in the middle of them, as two of the child minders jogged behind.

One of the taller girls tripped, and fell near the door.  Most of the kids ran past, but her kid stopped, and held a hand out invitingly to help her up.  The older girl took it, and was hauled to her feet, and they ran out together at the very rear of the group.

Gabrielle chuckled, and got up off the bench as Ephiny strolled over. ÒStory time over?Ó

ÒMmm.Ó The regent murmured. ÒI wanted to see that whole group dynamic after what happened yesterday.Ó She said.  ÒI need to take Marisha aside and have a talk with her.  SheÕs old enough to come out of that gang and start trailing as a junior.Ó

ÒThat the one who was mixing with my kid?Ó  Gabrielle eyed her.  ÒLetÕs go grab a cup. WeÕre about done here.Ó

ÒSure.Ó  Ephiny joined her as they walked towards the passage.  ÒI heard from Soli she was talking smack after that.  Time for her to move on.  SheÕs bullying the other kids.. or trying to.Ó Ephiny smiled at her queen.  ÒActually, thatÕs a good sign sheÕs ready to move up.  Getting near cycling.Ó

ÒIÕm not sure I like kids who beat up the younger ones.Ó Gabrielle stated. ÒEspecially that little cutie Cari.  What did she do to deserve that?Ó

ÒYeah, poor little kid. SheÕs an orphan.Ó  Ephiny told her, as they walked together between the two halls.  ÒHer mother died giving birth to her.  She didnÕt have a partner – she got herself pregnant at the spring festival after you had Dori.Ó

ÒAh.Ó Gabrielle murmured. ÒSo who takes care of her?Ó

ÒEveryone. Anyone.Ó  Ephiny shrugged. ÒHappens sometimes.Ó

Gabrielle looked around as they entered the dining hall and spotted the kids in a cluster around the smaller table they used.  She followed Ephiny across to the service area and the big pot near the fire filled with spiced, hot cider, but kept the children in her peripheral vision.

ÒMama.Ó  Dori saw her, and came running over. ÒMama, they want to stay here sleeping over can I?Ó

ÒAhhh.. now youÕre bringing up memories.Ó Ephiny had seated herself on one of the benches.  ÒI remember my first sleep out. We didnÕt have a nice place like this though, Dori. We had to sleep on pallets in the dirt.Ó

ÒWhat?Ó Gabrielle handed down a small cup of cider to Dori. ÒWhat is all this about?Ó

ÔMama, can I?Ó Dori ignored the cup. ÒWant to stay here with my friends.Ó

Gabrielle sat down and put both cups on the table. ÒOkay, hold on a minute there, miss thing.Ó She picked Dori up and put her on the bench. ÒWerenÕt you telling me just yesterday there were mean kids in that group?Ó

Dori gave her a puzzled look. ÒCan I stay mama?Ó

ÒThat was yesterday, mama.Ó Ephiny poked her in the arm. ÒCÕmon, get with the program.Ó

ÒBoo made everybody good.Ó Dori explained. ÒNow we have fun!  Can I mama?Ó

Gabrielle gave Ephiny a questioning look.  ÒWhat is this?Ó

ÒJust the kids, they keep them together overnight in the gathering hall.  Little beds, baby fire, that sort of thing.Ó Ephiny smiled at her memory of it. ÒSomeone tells stories, they get to paint each otherÕs faces, you know.Ó

Both of the bardÕs eyebrows lifted.

ÒOkay so no you donÕt know, but didnÕt youÉ no.Ó Ephiny waved her hand. ÒNever mind, retract the question. ItÕs fun.  I hope I have a girl this time, so she can join in.Ó

Gabrielle looked down at Dori, who was waiting for her with commendable and unusual patience. ÒYou can stay tonight, Dor, if you promise me youÕll behave and stay here with the others. DonÕt run around outside, or anything.Ó

ÒOkay mama.Ó Dori agreed instantly. ÒI can do? Good!Ó She hopped off the bench and went running back over to the childrenÕs group. 

ÒWhy donÕt I trust that innocent face?Ó  Gabrielle mused.  ÒMaybe IÕll have Ares stay too.Ó

Ephiny chuckled. ÒYou donÕt trust that innocent face because sheÕs your daughter.Ó  The regent gave her another poke in the arm. ÒDonÕt worry about her – after what happened yesterday none of the kids is going to mess with her. Trust me.Ó

ÒWas she that rough?Ó Gabrielle frowned.

ÒWell, sheÕs got XenaÕs right cross.Ó Her friend admitted.  ÒBut no, it wasnÕt that bad according to the minders. As in, she didnÕt hurt anyone, but there was no doubt in anyoneÕs mind she wasnÕt playing around.Ó

Gabrielle watched Dori mix back in with the kids, and she could see it – some of them gathered to her and some put a careful, respectful space between them.  It was crazy. She was five.  ÒAh well.Ó She picked up her cider and took a sip.

ÒSheÕs a good kid, Gab.Ó Ephiny said. ÒItÕs a good thing she stands up for her friends.Ó

ÒOh, I know.Ó The bard said. ÒProblem is, Xena started out standing up for Amphipolis, and that didnÕt end up so good for a while, you know?Ó

ÒHm.Ó

ÒHm.Ó

**

ÒWe stopped for the night.Ó  Alana finally said, after the silence had gone on almost forever.  ÒThere is a copse of wood just off the road.  We hadnÕt gotten much sleep so we decided to stop early.Ó

ÒI know that spot.Ó  Xena said. ÒJust across the ford to Potadeia.Ó

ÒIt was marked as a campsite.Ó  The younger woman agreed. ÒWe had supplies from the market, so we didnÕt hunt.  And as I told you, I was just filling my waterskin and then, nothing.Ó

Xena considered her in silence. ÒSo you didnÕt meet anyone on the road before you stopped?Ó

ÒNo.Ó

ÒAnyone with you at the river?Ó

ÒNo.Ó

Xena shifted a little closer, and then paused, as she saw the other woman flinch back.  ÒNot going to whack you one, if thatÕs what youÕre thinking.Ó

AlanaÕs eyes narrowed. ÒIt wasnÕt my own people who attacked me, if thatÕs what youÕre thinking.Ó

The warrior got up and went to the cabinet near the wall. She opened it and removed a bowl and some cloths, and a pouch with well worn ties. ÒCould have been.Ó She said. ÒThatÕs what they were trying to buy EphinyÕs help with.Ó

ÒNot all of them.Ó

ÒNo.Ó  Xena turned around and came back over with her kit.  ÒWhich is why I donÕt think it was them. You didnÕt have a consensus.Ó She sat back down and opened up the pouch. ÒSo what kind of raider band could bushwhack a party of Amazon warriors without a sound?Ó

AlanaÕs expression shifted a little. ÒYou really donÕt think it was them.Ó

ÒNo.Ó Xena said. ÒYou were hit in the back of the head hard enough to fracture bone.  Amazons are a lot of things, but they arenÕt cowards. If she wanted to challenge you, sheÕd do it to your face.Ó

Alana remained silent as she watched the furs drawn back over her leg, exposing the splint Xena had put on there.  The limb underneath was a mass of bruises, and there was a long line of stitches down the front of the thigh ending just above the knee.

Xena cleaned the stitches and daubed them with cream from a jar she held in her other hand.  Then she examined the splint and adjusted it slightly.

ÒYou really are a healer.Ó Alana said.

Xena didnÕt bother to answer that.  She settled the furs back over the splint and wiped her hands off, putting the cloth down next to her kit. ÒThere are known bands of slavers in the area.  Not that close to Amphipolis, but close to the pass.Ó She rested her elbows on her knees.  ÒMaybe they got the rest of your group.Ó

ÒAnd left me?Ó  Alana said, quietly  ÒOr are you saying, the others went willingly, since it was no secret to us how little you thought of our people.Ó

ÒIf whoever knocked you out represented themselves as being from Athens? Maybe they did go with them.Ó  Xena said, in a mild tone.  ÒThereÕs no reason for me to think well of people who show up here with airless threats from Athens demanding compensation for being jerks.Ó

ÒIs that truly how you see us, Xena?Ó

ÒYep.Ó Xena stood up and picked up the bowl of water.   ÒLegÕll take three or four sevendays to heal up enough for you to walk on it.  You got lucky with the whack on the head. Nothing swelled up in there.Ó She dumped the water and put the pouch back in the cabinet. ÒYour choice if you want to stay here, or go up to the village.Ó

ÒI want no part of your tribe.Ó

Xena nodded and turned, taking her cloak off the wall peg.  ÔThatÕs fine by me.  DonÕt annoy my troops.Ó  She swirled the garment over her shoulders and tied the fasteners. ÒIf you decide to remember anything else, let me know.Ó 

She went to the door and passed out into the corridor. ÒAll yours.Ó She said to the healer apprentice waiting there. ÒSheÕs got a sharp tongue on her.  DonÕt let her get to you.Ó

ÒAye, GenrÕl.Ó The young man nodded. ÒWas speaking ill of the ladies up the hill. Paid no mind to it.Ó He shook his head. ÒDonÕt have much patience for folks like that.Ó

Xena clapped him on the shoulder. ÒYou learned a lesson young it took me a long time to get.Ó She admitted. ÒBut do me a favor and pay attention to what she says .IÕm trying to figure out what happened to her and she wontÕ tell me anything.Ó

The man nodded. ÒWill do.Ó

Xena left the barracks feeling as unsettled as she had when she arrived.  The pieces were just not fitting together, and now she had HerculesÕ message to deal with as well.  Unlike Iolaus, she knew his dream wasnÕt anything of the kind, and now the thought of the mortal goddesses being caught by slavers was making her guts churn.

She knew – in the end – it would mean nothing but trouble for everyone.

She started up along the path to town, responding to the greetings of her soldiers heading in the other direction. The snow was starting to fall hard again, and she pulled her hood up as she walked along the path.

Most of the town was heading home for supper.  The upper lane was almost empty, and Xena was halfway up it when she sensed a presence and halted, swiveling around.

She was alone.  Then she heard a soft ÔpsstÕ and she stared through the trees, spotting a vaguely ghostly figure behind a tree, motioning her to come over.

With a quick look around, she approached the tree and slipped behind it, where the ghostly figure solidified, slightly. ÒAprhrodite?Õ

ÒShh.Ó  The goddess put her finger to her lips. ÒDonÕt like even say my name, okay?Ó

ÒOkay.Ó Xena folded her arms. ÒWhatÕs up?Ó

ÒIf my father hears me down here, IÕll be toast.Ó Aphrodite whispered. ÒI canÕt believe I let my brothers talk me into this.Ó

ÒTalk you into what?Ó  Xena whispered back. ÒHercules got a message to Iolaus.  Is he right?Ó

Aphrodite looked around carefully. ÒWe donÕt know!  We donÕt know where they are.Ó She said. ÒBut if we donÕtÕ find them, and get them back upstairs, if you catch my drift, itÕs gonna suck for everyone.Ó

Xena frowned. ÒWhy doesnÕt he just..Ó She snapped her fingers, then lifted her eyebrows.

ÒShh.Ó The goddess came even closer, the fringes of her fogginess drifting against XenaÕs shoulder.  ÒItÕs gotten out that theyÕre down here and like.. mortal.Ó  She breathed.  ÒAnd we canÕt get a handle on it, because all the little peoples have kinda started to not believe in us so much.Ó

Xena blinked, honestly surprised. ÒWhat?Ó

ÒCÕmon, Xena. You know about this.Ó Aphrodite said, uncommonly serious.  ÒItÕs all about up here.Ó She tapped on her forehead.  ÒYou said it once, I heard you. You do stuff becauseÉÓ She lifted her own eyebrows.

ÒBecause I believe I can.Ó Xena murmured.

ÒAnd?Ó The goddess hissed. ÒWho else does?Ó

ÒGabrielle.Ó

ÒSo itÕs no different for us.Ó  Aphrodite looked quickly around, then back at her. ÒIf they find them before we do, and show them around, itÕs just a matter of time.  The rents tried to get them back and they couldnÕt! itÕs started already!Ó

Xena put her hands on her hips. ÒEver hear of the saying hoisted on your own petard?Ó

Aphrodite stared at her. ÒWhat? Are you not listening to me, Xena?Ó

ÒI am.Ó The warrior sighed.  ÒIÕll do whatever I can do to find them, but they could be anywhere.Ó

The goddess sighed back. ÒNot anywhere.  We think theyÕre somewhere around here.Ó

ÒHere?Ó

ÒWell, you know.Ó Aprhodite waved her hand. ÒIn the sticks somewhere.Ó

Xena studied her thoughtfully.  ÒIÕve got some people checking out some of the lands east of here. We heard of some slavers operating in those parts.  The two Amazons with them know who they are if they see them.Ó

ÒGreat.Ó Aphrodite gave her a pat on the cheek. ÒI knew we could count on you. Get  them out of this one, and I think you can write your own ticket with daddy, if you catch my drift.Ó  She winkled. ÒGotta go!Ó

And then the fog was gone and Xena was left to roll her eyes, groan, and lean her back against the tree.

**

Gabrielle was sitting on the bed, helping Dori pack her things in a little bag.   ÒYou want to take both of those, Dor?Ó

ÒMama ,yes.Ó  Dori presented her with Bittyboo the doll, and a new favorite, Buppit.  ÒGramma got me dis one.Ó She held up the roughly dog shaped toy. ÒHe go have fun too.Ó

ÒOkay.Ó Her mother amiably packed the toys, and her favorite blanket.  ÒSo youÕre going to have a good time tonight huh?Ó

Dori nodded. ÒWe going to play hide and seek, and ball, and hear stories. ItÕÕll be fuuuuuuun.Ó She danced around in a circle. ÒAnd we get cookies!Ó

Gabrielle muffled a laugh. ÒOh my gosh.Ó She closed the bag.  ÒYouÕre such a lucky little girl. I never got to do this when I was little. I just had to chase the sheep!Ó

ÒSheeps!Ó Dori bounced over.  ÒWhat you do with the sheeps mama?Ó

Gabrielle put her arms around her. ÒWhat did mama do? Mama used to watch the sheep, and make sure they were safe, and tell stories to them.Ó

ÒYou tell stories to sheeps?Ó Dori seemed amazed.

ÒI did.Ó  Her mother told her. ÒI used to sit in the grass, on sunny days, and make up stories for them. But they werenÕt good like you, they usually just ate the grass and ignored me.Ó

ÒMama will you come tell us a story?Ó Dori asked suddenly.  ÒEverybody likes when you tell.Ó

ÒSure.Ó The bard stood up and held out her hand. ÒLetÕs go over there, and maybe Boo will meet us.  ThatÕll be fun, right?Ó

ÒBoo!Ó Dori agreed enthusiastically. ÒLetÕs go, mama.Ó

They left their quarters and headed over to the gathering hall, boots crunching in the snow now thick on the ground.   A cold wind was blowing through the village and Gabrielle was glad to get up onto the porch and into the firelit building.

Already there were childish squeals and laughter ringing out and Gabrielle realized in surprise that a few of the town children were also there in the gathering circle.  ÒMy gosh whatÕs going on here?Ó

The kids greeted her with a chorus of hellos, and the minders waved from where they were fixing up small beds near the fire.     Gabrielle left Dori with her friends and walked over to the makeshift sleeping area. ÒThis is cute.Ó

ÒIsnÕt it?Ó Aalene had come over, after dropping off her daughter in the ring.  ÒIts fun for the kids and not so bad for the parents either.Ó She winked at her queen, who managed a slightly abashed look.  ÒIÕm looking forward to some quiet time tonight.Ó

Hm.  Gabrielle grinned briefly to herself.  ÒNot a bad idea.Ó She turned back to the kids. ÒYou guys want to hear a story?Ó

She took the opportunity of the general clamor to move over and sit down in front of the fire, as the children scrambled to get a seat next to her on the big bearskin rug.  Even the older girls, usually a bit standoffish were smiling and pulling up small stools of their own and Gabrielle smiled back at them, noting the crowd gathering behind them of not so small figures.

And then, with a wash of emotion, she felt XenaÕs presence, a moment before the crowd parted and she spotted her partnerÕs tall distinctive form.  Their eyes met and Gabrielle could see the storm clouds there, but she held out her hand in invitation anyway.

Xena wound her way through the crowd and eased past the kids, taking her partners hand and dropping down onto the bench next to her.  She lifted both hands and brushed her lips over GabrielleÕs knuckles, making eye contact with her in eloquent silence.

ÒHey honey.Ó Gabrielle gave her a wry look back. ÒIÕm going to tell this bunch a story. Wanna help?Ó

ÒDepends.Ó  Xena settled herself. ÒAre there cows involved?Ó

ÒWould I do that to you?Ó

ÒYes.Ó

The bard chuckled, folding her fingers around her partners.  ÒSomething happen?Ó She muttered, as the children crowded closer. 

ÒUh huh.Ó

ÒCan it wait for the story?Ó

ÒUh huh.Ó

ÒAm I going to wish I stayed her talking all night?Ó

ÒUh huh.Ó

**

Cait found a comfortable place to stand, half sheltered under a ledge of rock.  It was dark, the snow was still falling, but she had a full belly of stew and cider, and she was content to be there on guard for her part of the watch.

Bennu was on guard on the other end of the cavern entrance, the others from Amphipolis getting some rest before it was their turn.

Cait rather liked the quietness of the watch. She often volunteered for it at the village, when she had no pressing duties in her role as QueenÕs guard on tap.  The long dark hours were great for thinking, and sometimes even talking to the others keeping watch with her.

Solari was quite interesting to talk to, in fact.  Though she seemed lonely sometimes, and Cait half thought she really volunteered for watch just for the company.

Perfectly fine by her.

But here, it was only her and the cold, and the faintly drifting snow.   She had her cloak tucked around her and beneath it a heavy leather sueded shirt and leggings along with thick boots so she was comfortable at the moment but she suspected she would be chilled before her watch was over.

It was very quiet in the forest in front of the caverns.  They were far enough off the road for it to be invisible even if the moon were out to display it,  the trees were thick, but most of them had lost their leaves.

Off to one side, she heard a rustle, and she turned her head in itÕs hood that way, blinking slowly as she scanned the shadowy area. Instinctively her hand went to her belt knife and she drew it, curling her fingers around the carved wooden hilt and moving her arm a little away from her body.

The rustle came again and she went still.   Then from under the almost dead bushes something moved, coming abruptly into the clear space before the cavern and just as abruptly stopping.

It stared at Cait, who stared back.  Then it quickly turned and ran off, itÕs bushy tail catching just a hint of the snow as it disappeared.

Fox.  She put her dagger back in itÕs sheath.  Taking it had been an option, but she really had no urge to spend the night stripping and dressing it, though it  had a lovely pelt.  Cait settled back against the rock, crossing her legs at the ankles.

She heard someone come out of the cavern behind her and she half turned, then went back to her watch as Nala came out and stood next to her. ÒNot good sleeping?Ó

ÒNot sleepy yet.Ó Nala agreed. ÒQuiet out here?Ó

ÒJust saw a fox in the brush. ThatÕs about it.Ó Cait said. ÒI do wish it was a bit thinner  - so I could see the road.Ó

ÒMm.Ó The veteran Amazon grunted. ÒWe figure two more days to Phillipi – I want to ask some questions there before we go skulking.Ó

ÒToo right.Ó

ÒJust seems tooÉ I donÕt know.  Maybe I think those guys caved too easy.Ó

ÒI believe Xena thinks so.Ó Cait responded, glancing around.  ÒYou could just see that look in her eye when she talked about it.Ó

Nala grunted again.

Footsteps approached and they fell silent, standing in the shadows as another figure came over  to them.  

ÒYou restless too, Jax?Ó Nala asked the soldier.

ÔJust twitchy.Ó  Jax said. ÒYou know, I been with Xena too long maybe, to not trust the quiet.  Feels like somethings watching us.Ó

Both Amazons looked at him respectfully.   Jax was roughly the same age as Xena was, and heÕd been through a lot, including  the last big war, and before it.  One of the original militia.  

ÒWant to take a little walk out there?Ó Nala asked. ÒCaitÕll watch our backs.Ó

ÒGood idea.Ó Jax shifted his cloak to free it from his sword hilt. ÒLetÕs see if itÕs just quiet, or wrong quiet.Ó

Cait watched them stroll off into the shadows, drumming her fingers lightly on her leg.  ÒIÕve got a bad feeling about this.Ó She muttered. ÒOr maybe I just should have asked to go first.Ó

**

Continued in Part 7