Summer Wine

Summer Wine
Written by Virginia Leonard
Copyright 2013


Xena wheeled around on Gabrielle and held her hand up to quiet the protestations of the bard.  “No…Gabrielle,” Xena paused having realized that her tone was harsher than she really meant it to be.  “No," she softened, "I need you to stay here.  I can’t go take care of this problem if I’m also having to worry about your safety.  I’ll only be gone a few days.”

“Xena, I am not a child.  I can take care of myself.  Let me come with you.  I can help you.”

“How?  Talking them to death?”  Xena noticed Gabrielle flinch slightly and regretted saying that as soon as it came out of her mouth.  Her frustration with the arguing bard was beginning to wear on her.  She was used to people doing what she told them to do when she told them to do it.  She wasn’t used to constantly debating every decision she made.

“Well, yeah.  You don’t have to settle everything with a fist and a sword.”

Xena sighed and rubbed her eyes.  “I know that Gabrielle but I also know this warlord and talking isn’t high on his list of things to do.  Please, trust me and for once, do what I’m telling you to do.”

                                @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

The rattle of Joxer’s make-shift armor brought Gabrielle out of her reverie.  He had shown up right after Xena left and if Gabrielle hadn’t known better, she would have sworn that this was pre-arranged.  But, Gabrielle realized, Xena couldn’t have known since the runner who came in search of Xena showed up unexpectedly, exhausted and barely able to stand, asking for help.

Joxer set a tankard of summer wine and a bowl of well seasoned lamb stew down in front of the bard then took a seat next to her and began to eat his own meal.  “Stop worrying.  So, she’s a few days overdue.  I’ve seen her do this time and time again.  She’s fine.”

Gabrielle looked up and smiled a tired and worn smile and drained her mug.  “I’m sure you’re right Joxer.  Still, I worry.”  She took the spoon and toyed with her food.  “This is the longest she’s ever been late though.”

“She’s probably holed up in some cave somewhere waiting for this storm to blow over,” Joxer said around a mouth full of stew.  “You know, without me around, she’s not that bright and relies on me to make these decisions but she’s not such a dimwit that she’d try to travel in this.”

Gabrielle couldn’t help but smile.  “You’re probably right.”

“Like this one time, when we were about to attack this ferocious band of…”

Joxer was interrupted by the sound of a horse whinnying in the inn’s courtyard which carried over the noise in the common room.  Gabrielle’s head snapped up in recognition.  “Argo.”  She jumped up and ran towards the door with Joxer close on her heels flinging it open just in time to see Xena slide from Argo’s back and land in the mud.  “Help me Joxer.”

The two of them carried the unconscious warrior up to Gabrielle’s room and began to undress her.  “Um, Joxer, would you go take care of Argo please?  I can handle this part but don’t get along well with her horse and you do.”

“Oh…OH….ohhhhh,” Joxer smiled and nodded.  “Sure, I can do that for you.”

                                @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Gabrielle managed to get the warrior undressed and cleaned all of the cuts and scrapes with the warm water and soap that the innkeeper’s wife brought up.  There were the usual bruises and wounds, one of which appeared pretty deep in her side.  “She needs to rest and let that heal,” the woman said and handed Gabrielle an earthenware pot with a salve in it.  “Keep this on it and keep her from moving around as much as possible.  I’ll come back later and check on you both.”

Gabrielle got very little sleep for the next several days.  She was alert for every little movement, every little sound that her companion made.  She kept cool cloths handy to help manage Xena’s fever and to drip cold water in Xena’s mouth to try and keep her hydrated.

She changed the dressing on Xena’s cut and made sure to keep it clean and covered in the salve.  She carefully checked and double checked for any signs of infection.  Fingers lightly touched the tender, red skin along the edge of the cut and it seemed to Gabrielle that each time she touched Xena, the warrior relaxed just a little more.    When Xena would have a particularly rough spell, tossing and turning and mumbling in her sleep, Gabrielle would sit next to her and lightly stroke her face until Xena calmed and drifted off into a peaceful sleep. 

Joxer checked on Gabrielle and brought her food and drink but was unable to convince the bard to leave her friend.  "You need sleep, Gabrielle.  I can sit with her."

"I'm ok."  Gabrielle raised her head from the edge of the bed and wiped the sleep from her eyes.  "I need to be here."

"For who, you or Xena?"

"Xena.  Me.  Both.  I just need to be here."

One evening, Joxer brought up a tray with warm roles, roasted meat and potatoes with cabbage.  “How is she?”

Gabrielle pulled off a corner of her roll, dipped it in the meat’s juices and popped it into her mouth chewing slowly.  “She’s resting pretty well.  I think we’re past any danger.”

“Good.”

“How long have I known her, Joxer?”

“Wow, Gabrielle.  I’m not sure.  Long enough, I suppose.”

“Yeah, long enough to feel this attachment.  I can't explain it.”

“I…well…I don’t know.  I can't either but I know that she sorta does that to you.  It’s like, you know she can cut a man to shreds but she still needs looking after.  And you need someone to look after.  So, there you are.”  Joxer smiled. 

“I guess.  It’s more than that though.  I’m drawn to her.  I can’t explain why or how, I just know that I am.”

Joxer opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted.

“You two finished talking about me long enough to fix me a plate of that?  I’m starving.”  Xena was trying to push herself up in the bed.

“Here, let me help you.  You’re going to rip that cut open if you aren’t careful.”  Gabrielle moved to Xena’s side and helped ease her up into a comfortable sitting position then carefully checked the bandage to make sure Xena wasn’t bleeding. 

Xena swatted at Gabrielle’s hand.  “I’m fine.”

Gabrielle continued her examination.  “Yeah, well, I’m not sure you’re qualified to make that observation.  Your thought processes are sometimes a little broken.  And you don’t get a plate of that, you get soup for a few days until we’re certain you can keep it down.”

Xena just snorted, “I don’t want soup.  I want something I have to chew and I can take care of myself, you know.”

“Yeah, Joxer and I have seen that first hand.”

Gabrielle took the bowl of soup that Joxer had just returned with and began to serve it to Xena.  While she protested the action vehemently, she never raised a hand to actually stop it.  That did not go unnoticed by Gabrielle or Joxer, who stretched and yawned a jaw-cracking yawn.  “Ok ladies.  It seems you have everything under control here so I'll just leave you two to it.  Never know when I may have to jump to someone’s defense tomorrow.  A warrior’s work is just never done.  Xena, see if you can make her get some sleep.”

Xena’s eyebrows shot up and Gabrielle was grateful that her back was to Joxer so he wouldn’t see her grin.

“Night Joxer,” they said in unison.

Gabrielle continued to feed Xena.  Xena’s protestations became less and less until she finally relaxed against the pillows and let the bard feed her.  Xena watched how Gabrielle’s fingers curled around the spoon, how they rocked and shifted as she dipped the utensil in the warm, savory liquid, how intense Gabrielle’s eyes were while watching to make sure she didn’t spill any, how the bard’s lips pursed ever so slightly every time Xena opened her mouth to take the spoon and offered nourishment, how Gabrielle’s chest rose and fell with each mouthful that Xena swallowed.

Xena never took her eyes off her companion.  Gabrielle never dared look at Xena’s, which gave Xena the freedom and release to actually give in to the feelings that were growing inside her.  This wasn’t about the patient falling for the healer.  This was about a woman loving a woman, soul to soul. 

      @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Gabrielle felt Xena’s eyes on her.  Her skin tingled from it.  Her heart raced.  It was all she could do to keep her hand from shaking and slopping hot soup all over the warrior’s tender belly.  She didn’t dare look.  Xena would know exactly how she felt if she looked and she believed that Xena didn’t need that added pressure.
And then, she felt Xena’s strong hands take the spoon and bowl from her and lift her chin forcing her to look into those deep blue eyes.

“Gabrielle…”

Without hesitation, without thinking about the possible consequences or caring that Xena might not need the added pressure, Gabrielle let go and let her feelings explode inside her.  She suddenly leaned forward and cradled Xena’s face then kissed her.  Hard.  Lips crushed against each other.  Bruising.  Owning.

Xena broke the kiss and grasped Gabrielle's hands in her own.  "No.  I can’t. I…nobody has……….you haven’t……"

Gabrielle pulled back a little looking once again into endless blue eyes.  “Don't stop this.  Please.  Let me give you this.”

"Gabrielle, I am not someone..." 

The bard interrupted Xena when she raised up on one knee on the edge of the bed and took Xena’s hand, guiding it down between her legs.  “This is yours, take it.”  She gasped when Xena’s long fingers disappeared inside her.  This was new.  This, she’d never felt before.  The physical reactions were strong enough but the emotional reactions threaten to overwhelm her.  They consumed her and Gabrielle felt herself open to Xena in every way imaginable.  “Tell me what you want.  It’s all yours, Xena,” she whispered, her head and body bent forward, her hips rocking gently against the insistent movement of the fingers within her.

Something broke inside Xena.  The Gods reached inside her and tore open the barriers to her heart flinging Xena's soul wide open and raw.  Xena closed her fingers in Gabrielle's hair and pulled her over and down on the bed.  Xena’s mouth took the bard's.

Gabrielle wanted it.  Welcomed it.  All of it.  She felt Xena’s body pressed against hers but not the weight.  She floated.  She was lost in the sensations and love that she now knew she felt for this woman.  So lost in the moment that neither woman was aware of the wound opening slightly or of the small drop of blood that dripped on Gabrielle making its way through her soft curly hair and down to mix with Xena's already slick fingers.

Gabrielle's hips rose to meet the fingers that reached deep and stroked her soul.  They left a trail of fire everywhere they touched.  Lips seared hers and Gabrielle’s body tingled every time their tongues touched.  She was cradled in all things Xena and when the orgasm finally took her, it overpowered her, pulling her body off the bed to press even harder against her warrior and pulled tears from the bard’s eyes.

Hours passed and dawn began to break.  Gabrielle had explored Xena’s body bringing the warrior to climax several times before both collapsed in a pile of tangled arms and legs on the bed.  Gabrielle eased out from under Xena and sat, watching her sleep.  She noticed how peaceful Xena looked, how vulnerable and then reason returned.  "What have I done?" she whispered.  "I can't stay.  I'll only weaken her and become a burden."

Quietly, she packed her belongings and disappeared into the morning leaving only a note that said, “Because I love you.”

                          @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Gabrielle heard the sound of hoof beats behind her and before she could react, she felt herself being lifted up and plopped on the lap of the rider.  “Don’t be foolish Gabrielle,” was all Xena said with one arm still wrapped around the bard’s waist.

Gabrielle just smiled and rested her head against her warrior’s shoulder.

Captured Chapter 10

Captured Chapter 10

 Written by Virginia Leonard

 Copyright 1999

 

            Xena pushed past the sentries and with Gabrielle in tow, burst into the

inner chamber of the Queen’s deceptively large hut.  “Innanna...” 

            The flurry of activity came to an immediate halt and it felt as if everyone

in the room took a deep breath and held it.

            “I’m sorry, my Queen.  I tried to stop he.....”

            Innanna raised her hand and with one graceful gesture, silenced the

entire hut.  “It is alright.  Xena does not always obey protocol but

usually has a good reason for why she does what she does.  You are

excused.”

            The sentry nodded once and turned on her heal to retake her place just

outside the Queen’s doorway.

            Innanna waited while her attendant put the final touches on her

ceremonial robes before turning back to face Xena.  “What has you so

distraught?”

            “I have a bad feeling about tonight.  I think you need to postpone

whatever it is you’re planning.”

            The queen stared at the warrior for a moment.  “Impossible.  The timing

of this is absolute.  Even one second one way or the other and all will

fail.  Xmerson has told us everything and we are as prepared as we can

be.  Every amazon that I can spare will be roaming the forest all around

us but you must understand that I need the majority of my amazons here

and close.  I must have their energy.” 

            “Their energy won’t do you any good if something happens and this

ceremony turns into a slaughter.”  Xena began to pace.  Her brief foray

into the forest had revealed nothing, no signs of anything passing, no

signs of anyone concealed out there.  And yet, every instinct she had

screamed a warning to her.  She had felt an energy building since they

arrived but she had attributed that to the activities of the amazons.  This

feeling was new.  It was ominous and it made every tactical nerve in

the warrior’s body burn.

            Innanna paused then looked from the warrior to the bard and back. 

The queen’s voice dropped to a near whisper.  “Xena, we have been planning

for this day for centuries.  We are not going to let anything stop us now.

We are taking every precaution we can.  You and Gabrielle have a place

in this so you must now go get ready.  We are running out of time.”

            “Innanna, let me take some warriors out into the forest and see what we

can find.”

            “No.  What goes on within the village tonight is far more important than

what may go on outside of it.  You, Gabrielle, Rhoane and Brandy must

be in place and ready at the proper time.  Now, before I lose my patience

with you, go get ready.”

            Xena wheeled around mumbling about the thickness of some rulers’

skulls and walked back to the hut she shared with the bard.  She

checked and rechecked her weapons then picked up one of the identical

necklaces that had been left for both her and Gabrielle to wear.  She

carefully slipped it over her head then turned and looked at her partner.

As the medallion begin to warm against her chest, she was struck by the

beauty and the love she felt for this woman.

            The warrior walked over to Gabrielle and touched her face and lips

With light, gentle fingers.  Her blue eyes were drinking in the details of the

bard’s face as if she were seeing her love for the last time then she leaned

over and kissed the soft lips, lingering against them for a moment.  “Be

careful tonight.  Don’t let me lose you,” she whispered.

            Gabrielle smiled, always taken by how soft and tender the warrior was

with her.  “I will.  You be careful yourself.”

            Xena looked down at the matching medallion lying against Gabrielle’s

chest and she felt compelled to touch it.  She also heard the chorus of

voices and looked up into Gabrielle’s face startled.  She had not been

prepared for that.  “Let’s go,” was all she could manage to say.

 

                                    @@@

 

Brandy and Rhoane knelt on a soft rug in front of the altar.  Facing each

other, they soon became aware of only themselves and the priestess

standing between them and the stone chantry.

            The entire village had formed a circle around the two women.  Some

faced inward and some face outward in an alternating pattern.  The

queen, Xmerson and two other high priestesses knelt several paces from

Brandy and Rhoane while Xena knelt behind her longtime friend and

Gabrielle knelt behind their new found one.

            The priestess turned from the altar and raised a bowl, etched with the

same designs at the medallions, above her head and began to invoke a

prayer to their goddess.  At the same time, the amazons began a soft

chant, their words creating a shield, an unseen barrier around them.

            Brandy felt the bowl touch her lips before she was aware of what was

happening and then the words from the priestess rang in her ears.  “Take from

this bowl, a sip of life, a sip of death, a sip of beginning and ending.”

            She saw it placed against her lover’s lips and heard the same words.

Images began to flood her mind once again.  She saw amazons rising

everywhere, coming to her as if called and the image of the one tired

one .  The woman with a longing in her eyes, a longing for final peace,

rest.

            “My time is ended, little one.  Yours is beginning.  These amazons are

yours and you are their mother, their conscience, their guide.”

            Brandy heard and felt the words that her vision was speaking.  She was

compelled and afraid all at once.  “I’m not ready.  I can’t do this, what

you’re asking.  I will fail.  This will fail.”

            “No, you will do fine.  You have the wisdom and the courage.  You are

the one I’ve waited for.  Come to me.”  The woman held open her arms

as a mother would for her child and Brandy tried to move towards her

but felt stuck, as if locked in a block of mud or ice.  And then, the voice

of the priestess filled her mind again and the vision was gone.  Tears

streaked her face.

 

“Love holds us to this earth and love must send us away.  A gift.  Love

must give the mother to the mother, freely, unselfishly,”  the priestess

continued.  She placed the bowl back upon the altar then picked up the

sharp, Amazonian dagger with its handle covered in the same runes as

the medallions.  She also raised this to her goddess.  “What binds us,

also sets us free.  Bless this union, Mother, for from it comes the

strength of all your children.  Take from your children that strength and

give back to these two, a circle, a cycle, never ending, never beginning,

always there.”

            Both Brandy and Rhoane knew instinctively what to do and each

held out their right hands simultaneously.  Their eyes never left each other

and they never felt the sting of the blade as it opened a small slice on their

palms.  Their blood flowed bright red.  They felt the priestess press their

palms together and a length of soft cord wrapped around their wrists.

 

They heard the chorus of women’s voices raised in a triumphant, joyous

sound and only one word could be understood.  “Mother,” was repeated

over and over. 

 

                                    @@@

 

Leahnthea stood in a small opening and watched the proceedings of the

ritual.  She trusted that the witch’s shields would keep her from view

until the right moment.  She waited for the moon to begin its arc over

the amazon village and just at the precise moment, she would reach out

and take a soul, a soul that would bind the amazons to her.  The smile

that touched her lips was cold and fiery at once.  This was her destiny

and nothing would come between her and what was owed her.

            “Is everything in place?”

            The witched nodded and spoke barely above a whisper.  Maintaining

The shields around so many people was exhausting her.  Once the shields

were dropped, she would be helpless to fend off any attacks against

herself let alone her leader Hersius.  “Yes.  I can’t hold this much longer

woman.”

            “Shut up.  You won’t have to.”  Leahnthea looked up into the night sky

and saw the moon moving closer to the necessary position.  “Where’s

Hersius?”

            “Right here,” came the reply as the warrior walked up behind the two

women. 

            Leahnthea turned to give her a glancing look then refocused her

attention on the altar.  “You know what to do.”

            Hersius took a deep breath.  “This is suicide.  There are too many places

where things could go wrong.  When it’s over, it’s quite possible that I

won’t have a warrior left standing Leahnthea.?

            “When this is over, there will be no need for your warriors.  They are

inconsequential to me.  You and I will be rulers of the most powerful

force to eventually walk the face of the earth.  Aren’t a few deaths

worth that prize?”

            Hersius looked away from her lover and let her eyes rest on the tired

and drawn features of the witch.  Her witch.  Her friend and counselor.

She swallowed and looked down into the amazon village.  “I hope so,

for your sake and mine.”

            The moon moved closer and suddenly, the silence of the forest was

shattered by a shrill, almost hysterical, “NOW!”  The witch lowered the

shields and the resulting backflow of power caught her and rendered her

unconscious. 

            Hersius had no time to see to her safety.  She began barking orders to

her warriors and they advanced towards the waiting and unsuspecting

amazons.  They rushed the circle of amazons and were met and repelled

by the shields formed around the circle. 

            Leahnthea cursed silently then closed her eyes and began the chant of

summoning.  The warriors continued to try and force their way past the

shields, suddenly, in their midst, doorways began to open and out of

them would lumber demons, reaching for the closest human flesh,

tearing it apart.  They were indiscriminate in their attack.  They only did

as they were directed and that was to somehow get to the women

kneeling in front of the stone fixture.

            Hersius lost the contents of her stomach.  What was happening to her

warriors was wanton and unconscionable destruction and yet she was

driven towards her final goal just as surely as those demons.  The prize

had somehow become greater than reason and she had to have that

prize.

 

                                    @@@

 

Xmerson felt the portals opening before she heard the onrush of the

warriors.  She looked up and caught the eye of her queen who released

Xmerson to act.  She stood then raced towards the circle of amazons and

began shouting for them to concentrate on the shields.  They had to hold

no matter what.  She watched demons and warriors advance.  There

was no way to know if the shields would hold against a demonic attack

until it happened and she feared that in finding out, it would be too late

to form any other defense against it. 

            She waited and rationalized then took a breath and stepped to the

other side of the shields knowing that she would not be able to return

to their safety.  Her weapon was drawn and whirring in an instant and she

moved towards the nearest demon to begin her work.

            Xena looked up just as Xmerson was moving towards the circle

and she started to rise but was stopped by Innanna.  “Your place is here. 

You and Gabrielle are to protect these two women at all cost.  Their survival

is crucial.”

            The words of her goddess echoed in Xena’s mind.  Would she be

Willing to sacrifice her own life for a greater good?  Who could answer that

question?  Certainly not anyone until met head-on with the moment that

such a decision should be made.  Xena turned her back, not so that she

would not have to face her friend, but so that she could perhaps face the

future.

 

                                    @@@

 

            Hersius hurried her warriors to follow in the path of destruction and

carnage that the demons were leaving behind.  Their task was to take

out as many amazons as they could thereby tipping the balance of

success towards Leahnthea’s direction. 

            All the warlord knew was that her lover’s attention would be focused

on the altar and the women kneeling in front of it.  Beyond that, she had no

idea what Leahnthea’s next move would be. 

            She yelled until she was hoarse and her voice was barely above a

whisper.  She paused in her assault long enough to watch the demons

reach and begin to claw at the invisible shield protecting the amazons.

She also heard the whirring of the ancient weapon and watched as the

minor demons went down and vanished in a cloud of sulfuric smoke as

the blades bit through their hard, scaly hides. 

            Hersius turned from the battle and went in search of her partner to this

madness.  She saw the woman standing at the top of the hill and began

running towards her, oblivious to what was happening around her.

Suddenly, Hersius had a thousand questions.

 

                                    @@@

 

Rhoane and Brandy knelt unaware of the chaos surrounding them.  The

only sounds filling their ears was the calming chorus of voices each had

heard several times before.  They were somehow aware of the

movement of the moon, neither having to look up to see that it marched

steadily towards its destination.

            Rhoane’s heart was in pieces, tears flowed freely from her eyes and she

began to doubt her part in all of this.  It was a dream, she told herself,

one from which she could not awaken.  This was not really happening.

It could not be possible. 

            Brandy looked deeply into Rhoane’s eyes and channeled all the love she

could to her, even pulling from her surroundings trying to keep her thief

strong.  She could tell it was not working and tears welled in her eyes.

            The moon moved the final inch and its light was reflected in the

crystal mounted on the pole behind the altar.  Suddenly, the night was filled

with blinding white light and the air was filled with the howls of the

demons as the light burned their flesh. 

            In their frenzy, they managed to rip a hole in the shield and began to

climb through, enraged by the pain they felt, thrashing at anything

standing near including each other.

            Xena had lost sight of Xmerson and was now trying to focus her

attention on protecting the woman behind her.  She watched the demons

approaching, she watched the amazons going down in numbers to great

to count. 

 

                                    @@@

 

            Leahnthea reached down and grabbed the witch.  “Focus old woman.

Focus on that crystal.”  Leahnthea began to chant just as the light

exploded in the clearing below.  Hers was a chant of binding.  It was a

soul she needed and that soul was about to be released. 

            Her energy was being supplemented by the energy that the witch was

pulling, unknowingly, from the clear stone.  The witch crumpled and in

order not to lose her contact, the sorceress had to kneel next to her. 

            Hersius reached the two women and stood listening.  Finally, she

recognized the words Leahnthea was using and it pushed the warlord

over the edge.  This was enough.  Taking control of a tribe of amazons

was one thing.  Stealing the soul of another human was something all

together different and she would not stand for it.  She raised her sword

and in one stroke, would end some of this madness.

 

                                    @@@

 

The demons advanced as did some of the warriors following in their

path.  They were nearly to the altar and Xena began to fight as best she

could.  Her sword cut at the bodies near her and her chakrum flew

almost constantly but she was being driven back.  She could hear the

priestess behind her trying frantically to finish what had been started.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Gabrielle, a blur of motion trying to

keep the attackers away from the two kneeling women.  Her staff took

one warrior out only to be quickly replace by another.

            They were losing.  Xena knew it.  Gabrielle was beginning to accept it. 

 

                                    @@@

 

            Rhoane’s vision was, once again, filled with the image of the tired and

worn woman.  She smiled but it was a smile filled with pain and anguish. 

Her children were dying.  “Help me dear thief.  Only you can set this

right.  Send her to me for it is time.”

            “I can’t.  I’m not ready.”  Tears flows and stung her cheeks.  She felt

the cold, carved handle pressed in her hand and her fingers closed

around it.

            “Then what you know now will cease.  All that has been will never be.

All that you’ve known will be forgotten.”

            Rhoane looked around and suddenly was aware of what was happening.

She saw Xena fighting and heard the familiar yell then saw her go down

in a tangle of bodies and weapons.  She looked back at Brandy.

            “I love you.”

            Brandy nodded.  “I know that.”  She reached with her free hand and

touched the face of the woman that had captured her heart and whose

heart she had taken in return.  “I will always love you, my thief, but this

must be.  It’s time.”

            Rhoane looked down at the dagger then back up and into the eyes before

her.  She tightened the grip then quickly plunged the blade deep into the

chest of her love and into the heart.  And she whispered, “Go in peace

my love.”  Then she let out an agonized primal scream.

            The crystal flared even brighter then shattered in thousands of tiny

shards and pieces.  The force of the stone’s destruction blew the

combatants from their feet as if to clear the way to the remaining

demons and the clear projectiles embedded in and destroyed the

creatures.

 

                                    @@@

 

            Leahnthea felt the death and subsequent release of Brandy’s soul.  She

released the spell of summoning and was guiding it towards her target

when she heard a cry behind her and turned just in time to see the light

reflected from Hersius sword.

            The sorceress’ death was swift and painless.

            “NOOO!!”  Alann’s voice rang out behind the warlord.

            Hersius spun around and was met with the solid thump of an arrow

being embedded in her chest.  She looked at her lieutenant wanting to

know why but not getting any answers before her world faded and she

slipped towards tartarus.

 

                                    @@@

 

            Rhoane felt the warm blood of her love running down her hand and arm.

She looked down and watched as it marked her skin in the same pattern

as the medallions.  Then she was thrown to the ground by the force of

the explosion and she lost consciousness. 

            In her dreams, she saw the older woman and Brandy standing side by

side.  For a moment, as they stood there, Rhoane felt herself being

infused with an enormous amount of love and strength and then, as the images

faded, her mind was left dark.

 

                                    @@@

 

            Xena woke up the next morning and rolled over to look around the hut

she was sharing with Gabrielle and Rhoane.  After the evening’s

destruction, in tact huts were few and far between.  She saw the empty

cot where her friend had slept and she became worried.  The warrior

kissed her partner on the cheek then went outside.

            Rhoane was standing in the charred area where the altar had stood not too

many hours earlier.  Xena paused for a moment then walked slowly

towards the thief.

            Rhoane heard the snap of a twig and felt Xena?s presence.  There was a

strength radiating out from her friend and she found it comforting.  She

bent down and picked up a small shard of the shattered crystal.  The

sunlight reflected the rainbow of colors in her hand and she found

herself being drawn into the beauty of the utter destruction.  “It

happened didn’t it?”  

            Xena stood beside her and looked out over the clearing and through the

surrounding trees.  For the most part, the tribe had cleared the carnage

and was steadily throwing bodies on the pyres.  “Indeed.”

            “I begged the gods to let it be a dream when I woke up this morning.” 

            She paused then began to sway slightly.  Xena reached out and caught

the woman, holding her tightly as the reality of events finally settled

heavily on Rhoane’s mind.  The warrior held and rocked her until the

storm of emotions passed.

            “I killed her Xena.”

            “You did what you were destined to do child.”  Innanna approached on

quiet, respectful feet.  “All of these actions had been set in motion long

before any of us were born.  There is no way you could have changed

anything you did.  You sent our mother home and now our nation will

grow and become strong.  All ready, amazons from all the lands are

being driven, by some force they do not understand, to come here.

Leahnthea thought to steal Brandy’s soul and in doing so, would

become the spiritual --if you will--leader of the amazons, able to control

their actions.”

            “Is Brandy a goddess?”

            The Queen looked at Rhoane and smiled.  “Come, we have much to

discuss.”

 

                                    @@@

 

 

 

 

Captured Chapter 9

 Captured  Chapter 9

Written Virginia Leonard

Copyright 1998

 

 

            The small group had been pushed at a relentless pace.  As they had

 done so many times in the last few days, they walked while eating their

 midday meal.  Gabrielle, Rhoane and Xena were used to the exertion but it was

 beginning to take its toll on Brandy.  

            She had taken this all in stride, or so her companions thought.  On

 the surface, the former tavern maid looked calm but underneath she was a

 bubbling cauldron of emotions.  After the initial excitement and relief of

 being away from her father had worn off, the gravity of their quest settled

 down upon her shoulders and it was rapidly becoming more than she could

 carry.

            That, coupled with the conversations she had been having with

 Xmerson, was enough to crush her under its weight.  It was only the

 strength she gained from her beloved partner that kept her going and kept

 her holding her head up in determination.

             Rhoane reached out to catch her when Brandy tripped and nearly 

 fell.  “You OK?”

            Brandy nodded then shook her head and whispered, “No.  I can’t

 do this.”

            “It isn’t much far.....”   Rhoane was silenced as Xmerson came to a

 sudden halt. 

            The amazon felt the air around her begin to compress much like

 that of a sealed room being opened.  The pressure changed and a rip

 appeared in the thin veil that separated the two worlds.  Out stepped a

 creature, almost human in appearance but with enough subtle differences

 that Xmerson recognized it immediately.  Of course, the stench of death that

 surrounded it would have told anyone that they were about to tangle with a

 demon.

            It grinned, revealing a row of pure white but pointed teeth, each

 glistening with poison.  ?Ahhhh.....humaaansss.  We are hungry.  We will

 eat.  You will die.?

             Rhoane covered her mouth and nose with her hand and blinked back

 the tears brought up by the putrid smell.  She heard Brandy behind her

 heaving up the contents of her stomach but she did not dare take her eyes off

 the deadly creature.  “What is that thing?”

            It turned its face toward her and Rhoane who was nearly brought to her

 knees with fear.  Dread.

            “We arrrre the Mondhamma.  We are hungry.  You look

 taaaasssty.”

             Rhoane drew her sword.  “But not so easy to take...or chew I’ll

 wager.  Come on Mr. Major Ugly, let’s see what you’ve got.”

            Xmerson stepped between the two, the engravings on the handle of

 her double edged weapon glowing faintly.  “Who brought you here?” 

            The Mondhamma turned its attention towards Xmerson, an action

 for which  Rhoane was immediately grateful.  “We comessss and goesss as we

 pleasssse.”

            Xmerson twirled her weapon in her hand causing a reflection to

 bounce off the demon’s face.  “That’s a lie.  You had to be summoned.  Who

 called you here?”

            It stared at the woman for a moment, a look of amusement passing

 over its face then it shrugged.  “We care not for your human matters.  She

 calls herself the mother of the amazonsssss.”

            Xmerson’s eyes narrowed.

            Xena let the air hiss softly between her teeth.

            “Who?”  Gabrielle whispered.

            “Leahnthea,” Xmerson sneered.

            “Who?”  Gabrielle asked once again not recognizing the name.

            Before Gabrielle’s question could be answered, the Mondhamma

 lunged for Xmerson.  She easily stepped out of its way and brought her

 weapon down across its hamstring in a slice that would have brought a

 human to its knees but barely scratched the surface of the leathery skin.

            The Mondhamma stopped its forward motion and turned to face

 the source of his irritation.  He saw the weapon spinning in Xmerson’s hands

 and began to hear the high pitched whirring sound that the blades made as

 they sliced through the air.  Before long, the weapon was spinning at such a

 pace as to make it invisible.  

            He then recognized the weapon for what it was and decided to

 focus his attack on a less deadly member of the group.  A body lying

 hunched on the ground caught his attention and he took two quick steps

 towards it.  He reached for its arm but was thwarted as Rhoane’s booted foot

 connected with his elbow.  He threw back his head and roared in frustration,

 jerking his arm back, causing one of his claws to rake across Brandy’s cheek. 

            She screamed in pain and quickly covered the cut with her hands

 but not before the blood began to flow freely down her cheek and neck.  It

 felt like it was sizzling, melting the skin away and Brandy began to lose

 consciousness.  

            The images of her companions began to waver, melting and turning

 into hideous creatures which she was certain were about to grab and do

 horrible things to her.  She wanted to run but her legs would not work.  One

 of them, the closest one to her, reached out and touched her arm.  She

 screamed and tried to scoot away but could not make her limbs obey her and

 finally, she fell into darkness.

             Rhoane clenched her jaw and took her sword in both hands.  She

 stood and pressed an attack on the creature without regard to her own

 safety.  Blow after blow rained down on its body causing icor to ooze from

 the cuts and yet it barely stumbled.  The clearing was filled with the sounds

 of primal screams and had she not felt the strain on her throat she would not

 have believed them to be her own voice.

            Her sword bit the skin of the Mondhamma and with each strike, she

 was engulfed by a growing feeling of pleasure bordering on ecstasy.  Her

 eyes were focused only on her prey and though she could hear the voices,

 the berserker haze did not allow her to recognize them.

            Xena heard Xmerson groan.  “What?”

            “She can’t kill it.  He’ll let her go like this until she’s exhausted then

 take and devour her.  I’ll pull his attention then you grab her and get out of

 here.  Brandy has to get attention or the poison will kill her and if that

 happens...well, it just can’t happen.  Get them to the village as fast as you

 can.  Keep heading northeast and don’t worry, when you get close the

 guides will find you and lead you in.  Now go.” 

            Xena paused but only for a moment.  She heard the ancient amazon

 war cry and knew it was time to take Rhoane, to try and bring her out of her

 haze.  It was going to be a tricky move since the blade of her friend was

 flying in every direction at once.  Finally, she found an opening and moved

 up behind the curly haired woman, locking her arm around the sweaty throat

 and began to pull her back.

             Rhoane continued to fight and struggle against her assailant until

 finally, Xena’s voice began to break through the fog in her head and she

 recognized the images of her companions.  

            “We’ve got to get out of here,” Xena said.  

            “Someone has to stay and help Xmerson,”   Rhoane protested,

 watching the battle between the mysterious amazon and the demon.

            “No.  She told me specifically that we...the four of us...have to

 make it to the village by a certain time.”

            Xena and Rhoane stood there for only an instant watching Xmerson

 deal what should have been fatal blows to her opponent.  They were both

 startled into action by the ringing of Xmerson’s voice inside their heads.

            “GET BRANDY TO THE VILLAGE.....GO!!!!”

             

 

             Rhoane had no idea how long she had been running with her love

 thrown over her shoulder.  All she knew was that the life was draining out of

 Brandy and she had to find help or at least hope that help found her small

 group.

            When the masked women dropped from the trees to surround them,

 all she could do was drop to her knees and gently lay the barely breathing

 woman on the ground in front of her before nearly losing consciousness

 herself.  It they wanted to run her through with their swords, that was fine

 with her.  The burning in her legs and lungs was enough to make her want to

 die and the quick death at the hands of the amazons would be welcomed. 

 “Just slit my throat and be done with it.”

            What she felt instead, were the strong hands of several women

 lifting her to a litter then the gentle, rhythmic swaying as they began to run. 

 She managed to lift her head and saw that all four were being carried. 

 Satisfied that all were safe, she dropped her head and lapsed into a deep and

 undisturbed sleep.

 

                                    @@@

 

            Brandy woke to the bitter taste of hyssops being spooned down her

 throat.  She quickly jerked her head to the side and began to heave the

 contents of her stomach into a pot next to the bed.  Soothing hands touched

 her back and began to stroke her hair.

            “That’s it child...rid your system of the poison.”  A soft but aged

 voice sounded in her ears.

            She lay back against her soft pillow and tried to will her stomach to

 calm itself.  

            “Where am I?”  Her voice sounded foreign to her, raspy, no doubt

 from the day of purging her system.

            “In the village of your sisters,” came the reply from the crone as she

 lay a cool cloth across Brandy’s forehead.

            “I have no sisters,” Brandy groaned.

            The old woman chuckled.  “You have many sisters, my child. 

 They’ve been waiting a long time for your return.”

            “Enough, Marne, she needs her rest.”

            Brandy opened her eyes at the sound of a new voice and saw, in the

 doorway, a tall, well formed amazon dressed, obviously, in the

 accoutrements of an amazon queen.  Her long, raven black hair was held

 back by a braid running from her temples to the back of her head.  Woven

 into the braid was a thin metal band with tiny engravings that marked it as

 the queen’s crown.  She was dressed in the traditional garments of an

 amazon warrior with one addition, a soft, tightly woven silk cape that

 fastened at her throat with a gold clasp in the form of eagles claws.  It had

 been dyed a deep, rich forest green which complimented the hazel eyes set in

 the tanned face of a woman who spends a great deal of time in the sun.  

            Marne smiled at her queen and patted Brandy’s hand before

 standing and walking silently from the hut.  The queen watched Marne leave

 then moved to sit next to the cot.  She looked deeply into the young woman’s

eyes for what seemed to Brandy to be an eternity.  Brandy was certain that

something had brushed against her soul.

            “Your journey is just beginning, little one.”  

            Brandy was almost startled by the sound of the queen’s voice. 

 “Gods, I hope not,” Brandy mumbled as she closed her eyes.

            The woman laughed a soft, almost soothing laugh.  “It surely has not been

 easy getting you here.  You have been watched through the ages and have

 given those assigned to you fits.”

            Brandy opened her eyes and looked at the woman, noticing the

 pattern inlaid in her crown for the first time.  She reached for the medallion

 laying between her breasts and saw that the patterns were identical. 

 “How...Who...”

            The queen raised her hand and smiled.  “I am Innanna and queen of

 this tribe of amazons.  There is much yet to be learned but you must rest and

 regain your strength.  Time is crucial now.”

            “I don’t understand.”

            “You will.  When the time is right, everything will be as clear as a

 mountain stream to you.”  Innanna stood up to leave and placed her hand to

 Brandy’s forehead.  “Sleep.”

            Brandy was unconscious almost immediately.

 

                                    @@@

 

            Xena walked in the room and found Rhoane sitting, propped up on

 her cot drinking warm broth from an earthenware bowl.  “You look like

 yesterday’s slop.”

            “Love you too.”  The thief smiled and winked.

            Xena returned that smile with one just as warm and sat on the stool

 next to the cot.  She watched her friend down the last drops of the liquid

 then took the bowl and placed it on the table next to her.  “Looks like we

 made it.”

            “What in the name are tartarus are we doing here Xena?”

            “I don’t know everything but I’ve been wandering the camp and

 listening.  They’re preparing for some sort of huge celebration tomorrow

 night but are tight lipped when I ask about it.”

             Rhoane looked at her friend and raised one eyebrow.  “I thought you

 knew everything there was to know about amazons.”

            Xena leaned forward and rested her forearms on her knees.  “Not

 this bunch.  I don’t recognize any of them but judging from the symbols on

 their amulets, they’ve been around a while.  The symbols are parts of an

 ancient language that I thought had died many years back.  Anyway, they

 aren’t talking much to me.”

             Rhoane nodded.  “Same here.  All they do is smile and pour more

 soup down my throat.”

            Xena laughed.  “One would think you’d be appreciative of the

 attention.”

            The thief grinned.  “Before Brandy...yes but now?”  She shook her

 head.  She’s all I can think about and nobody will tell me where she is or

 how she’s doing.”

            “She’s in the queen’s hut and recovering, just like you are.”

             Rhoane stood up and began pulling her pants on then her boots.  “I

 can’t stay cooped up like this anymore.  I want to go for a walk.”

            As if on cue, an amazon warrior appeared in the doorway. 

 “Excellent idea.  Someone wants to see you.”

             Rhoane whirled around and instantly, a dagger appeared in each of

 her hands.  The amazon stepped back and laughed.  

            “Easy there...didn’t mean to startle you.”

             Rhoane almost growled but held her voice for a moment.  “Just a

 little jumpy.  Dodging demons will do that.”

            “I see.  Come with me and I’ll take you to Brandy.  She’s asking

 for you and the healer says it’s ok now that you see her.”

            Xena stood to follow and the amazon held up her hand.  “Sorry,

 only Rhoane.”  The warrior gave a slight hand signal that Xena instantly

 recognized.  She smiled and nodded.

            “I’ll see you later,” Xena said as she ducked out of the hut.

 

                                    @@@

             

             Rhoane must have lost all track of time.  She was confused when she

 stepped out into the darkening village.  According to her best recollection, it

 should have been early morning.  

            She followed her guide and looked around at the orderly and busy

 surroundings.  Each amazon had a task and each was performing it with a

 great deal of earnest enthusiasm and haste.  Xena was right, they were

 preparing for something big.

            She soon found herself at the entrance to another hut and was

 directed inside.  She stepped through the opening and heard the flap being

 closed over the doorway, giving the two women some privacy.   Rhoane

 walked slowly to the bed and sat down on the low chair next to it.  She

 picked up her sleeping lover’s hand and held it against her lips, her eyes

 taking in the peaceful and almost innocent look on the serving woman’s face.

            Brandy’s eye opened and she smiled up at the woman who held the

 key to her heart.  “Hi.”

            “Hi yourself.  You feel ok?”

            Brandy nodded.  “Just fine.  Apparently they got me in time to

 leech the poison from my body.  I’m going to be just fine.”

             Rhoane could not hold it back any longer.  Her eyes brimmed and the

 tears finally spilled over and down her cheeks.  She lay her head down on

 Brandy’s chest and felt arms go around her shaking shoulders.  

            Brandy held her while the storm of emotions wracking her body

 finally playing themselves out.  She gently stroked the dark curly hair and let

 her fingers brush against the side of Rhoane’s tear streaked face before taking

 that same face in her hands and lifting it to look down into the calming blue

 eyes.  “I’m going to be fine,” she whispered.

            “Don’t you ever do that to me again.  I don’t know what I would

 do if I lost you.”

            “Shh...I’m not about to go anywhere without you, silly thief.”

            Something flashed in Rhoane?s eye and she found her attention drawn

 to the medallion.  Her fingers touched it, lightly tracing the designs etched in

 it and once again, she heard the chorus of voices in her head.  A warmth

 flooded her body and she looked up into the eyes of her love.  She had to

 have this woman.  She needed this woman.  

            She felt herself being pulled up towards soft, waiting lips and she

 eagerly but tenderly pressed her own against them.  Something passed

 between the two women and each felt what the other was feeling.  A loop of

 emotions and sensations feeding each other.  They were pulled towards each

 other, spirits mixing and touching.  Where she touched Brandy, Rhoane felt it

 and vice versa.  She opened herself completely to Brandy and felt those same

 doors opening in the woman beneath her.  

            Brandy cried.  How could she not?  She was raw, vulnerable to this

 woman and the love that was pouring into her from  Rhoane.  She felt herself

 filled with the thief’s nimble fingers and all she could do was lay her head

 back and surrender.  She felt herself being pulled from her corporeal body

 and surrounded by a brilliant white light.  Images flooded her consciousness. 

 Images of her and Rhoane together for the first time.  Images of her mother

 and other women whose recognition teased at the edges of her memory.  She

 saw hundreds of women rising and moving towards her.  She saw and felt an

 energy enveloping her and in the middle of all of this, she saw an image of a

 woman looking back at her.  Tired.  She felt tired.  She saw the life draining

 from this woman and something in the eyes told Brandy that she was needed,

 her life was needed, her essence was needed or all those coming towards her

 would perish.  For a moment, it frightened Brandy and then she felt the

 touch, the strength, the love coming from her partner and she knew what she

 had to do.

            The energy that now filled her fed her passion and she focused back

 on Rhoane, taking her, touching her with a fire that she had never felt before. 

 Suddenly, she couldn’t touch her lover deep enough or strong enough.  Her

 kisses felt inadequate and she felt unable to make Rhoane understand just what

 she felt in her heart for the irascible thief.  Both women released their

 pleasure in voices that rang out through the universe, touching each and

 every soul out there.

            They made love until neither was able to move.  Both lost

 consciousness and were not certain how long they had been laying in each

 other’s arms before waking.  When they did finally look at each other, they

 could see in the other’s eyes that both knew what was about to happen.

            “I can’t,”  Rhoane whispered.

            Brandy said nothing, just continued to look at her beloved,

 memorizing every tiny detail.

            Neither woman flinched when Innanna walked in and announced in

 a soft but firm voice that it was time.

 

                                    @@@

 

 

            Xena and Gabrielle walked out through the village and watched as

 the final preparations were made.  The stone alter had been moved outside

 the temple and a round piece of convex shaped glass mounted on a tall pole

 had been set into the ground at a precise distance behind the altar.  Various

 bowls and ceremonial daggers had been arranged on the top with a mat of

 finely woven forest colored silks laid out on the ground in front of it.

            Xena stopped walking and looked out into the surrounding trees. 

 She reached over and laid her hand on Gabrielle’s shoulder giving it a slight

 reassuring squeeze.  “Something’s not right Gabrielle.”

            Gabrielle looked out into the forest as well then turned her attention

 to the myriad activities still going on around them.  “Seems fine to me.”

            Xena shook her head.  “No, something isn’t right.  I can’t put my

 finger on it.”  She paused, the noise of the village having died down for just

 a moment and then it became obvious.  “Gabrielle, there are no sounds

 coming from the trees around us.  None.”

            Gabrielle listened for a moment but her hearing was not as acute as

 the warrior’s and she still could not hear what her companion heard...or did

 not hear as the case may be.

            Xena took off at a brisk pace.  “Come on, we have to find

 Innanna.”

 

                                    @@@

 

            Leahntha whispered to Hersius and the warlord signaled to her

 soldiers to halt.  An order that was silently but gratefully welcomed.  The

 pace that had been set had already cost the leader fully half her army.  Those

 that had not dropped dead on the march were so exhausted that they would

 be of little use in a battle except as bodies to throw in the way of the

 amazons.  Expendable.  

            “We’re almost too late,” Leahntha hissed.

            “Any faster and we would have NO troops to fight this battle with.”

            Leahntha just looked at her lover before turning her attention back

 to the preparations in the village.  “The witch’s shields won’t hold much

 longer.  We’ll have to be ready to move quickly but at the precise moment. 

 Timing is everything now.”

            Hersius dismounted and her warriors quickly followed her lead. 

 “I’m not certain I fully understand what you have to do.”

            Leahntha’s eyes nearly glowed and a smile flickered at the corners

 of her lips.  “I have to steal a soul.”  She turned and looked for the witch. 

 “Will you be ready?”

            “You call your demons.  I’ll protect you as best I can but be

 warned.  This is foolhardy and I strongly counsel against it.  Those demons

 owe no one their allegiance, especially one who disturbs them for their own

 personal gain.  Listen to me Hersius.  What she intends to do will get you

 killed, surely as I stand here.”

            Leahntha glared at the crone.  “Everything comes with a price.  The

 greater the gain, the higher the risk and this is one I’m willing to take.  So is

 Hersius.”

            The warlord did not answer, instead she just looked from one

 woman to the other and then walked back to check on her troops.

            Leahntha watched her walk away then took the old witch by the

 throat.  “Just make certain everything is ready.  When I give the signal, you

 do what you’ve been told.  Is that clear?”

            The old woman reached up and with a strength that surprised

 Leahntha, she grabbed her wrist and easily took it away from her throat,

 nearly crushing it in her grasp.  “Nothing is EVER as it seems.  Is THAT

 clear?”  Her voice was low and strong, not the crackly voice that Leahntha

 had come to expect.

 

                                    @@@

 

            Alann watched the exchange between the hag and Leahntha.  She

 waited until the witch had disappeared into the darkening trees before

 approaching.  “Hersius is having second thoughts, but you know that.”

            Leahntha was startled by the sound of the lieutenant’s voice, having

 not heard her approach but her discipline kept her from showing it.  “I know

 that.  Doesn’t matter at this point.  What’s been set in motion can’t be

 stopped now.”  She turned and looked at Alann, letting her features soften. 

 She took slow, seductive steps towards her next victim.  “You are key to

 this now.”  Her delicate hands slid up over the soldier’s chest and clasped

 behind her neck pulling her lips closer.  “You know your job.”

            Alann nodded and let her hands slide around her leader’s lover.  “I

 know.  Hersius has no clue what’s about to happen to her.”  

            Their lips found each other and the lieutenant became lost in the

 spell of passion being woven by the ambitious and power drunk Leahntha.

 

 

 

 

 

Captured Chapter 8

Captured, Chapter 8 

Written by Virginia Leonard 

Copyright 1998

 

            Rhoane paced through the middle of the campsite stopping every few steps to

take herself through a series of combat and self-defense moves with various

invisible opponents.  At the end of each encounter, she would throw her

hands up in the air and dance in circles to signal the defeat of each and

every opponent.

            Brandy, Gabrielle and Xena sat at the edge of the firelight and watched

their companion with a touch of amusement on their faces.  Well, Xena’s

expression was not exactly one of amusement; irritation came closer to

describing what she was feeling.  It helped that occasionally Gabrielle

would look her way and send a wink or a barely perceptible air kiss which

served to calm the tense warrior down.

            Rhoane’s agitation was beginning to rub off on the other members of the

encampment.  Xena had opened her mouth to say something when she heard a

footfall behind her.  Without a moments hesitation, she was up and had her

sword drawn at the ready.   It was not long before the source of the noise

stepped from behind a tree.

            That rabbit would never know just how close it had come to ending up in a

stew pot.

            Xena slowly turned on her heel and glared at her long-time friend. “Would

you please sit down?” she said in a controlled voice and through tightly

clenched teeth.

            Gabrielle recognized the tone.

            “I can’t.  I hate this waiting.  Xbreath...”

            “Xmerson,” Brandy corrected.

            “Whatever...goes traipsing off into the woods--who knows where--and leaves

us here to cool our heels KNOWING that we’ve got no telling WHAT hot on our

trail and some bloody deadline to meet and be the gods only know where!”

Rhoane punctuated her statement with a loud snort.

            Brandy leaned over to Gabrielle and whispered in her ear, “Patience isn’t

exactly her best quality.”

            “I heard that.”  Rhoane returned to her pacing only this time she added a

monologue describing the proper, or improper, behavior of amazons, their

questionable parentage and unnatural liaisons with various non-human

creatures.

            It was only after a reference to hard-headed warriors that Xena decided

she had finally had enough.  Gabrielle refilled hers and Brandy’s mug with

the hot kava, then sat back to watch the warrior princess and the thief go

at each other.

            “Need any help?”  Gabrielle asked.

            “No.....I’ve got it,” Xena said as she strained to maintain the hold she

had on her friend.

            When the dust finally cleared, Xena stepped back to admire her handiwork

then brushed her hands off and returned to the fire.  With a satisfied

sigh, she sat down and poured herself something to drink.

            “Nice work.”

            “Thanks Gabrielle,” Xena said as she leaned over and kissed her lover on the cheek.

            Brandy pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on them.  “How

long can you leave her like that?  I mean before ALL the blood rushes to

her head.”

            Xena shrugged her shoulders.  “With her hands tied to her waist....she

could probably stay that way all night.”

            Gabrielle looked over at the thief.  “That rope isn’t too tight around her

ankles is it?”

            “Nah.”  Those thick boots will protect her.”

            ?Oh.  With all that wiggling and squirming, I hope the branch doesn’t

break,” the bard continued.

            “It’s a good thick one.  She’ll be fine.”

 

                        @@@

 

            She had no way of knowing how long she had been asleep before Xena felt

her dreams being touched by the familiar presence of her goddess.  She

slowly crawled from under the blanket, careful not to disturb her sleeping

partner and turned to see Artemis standing next to the bundle hanging from

the tree branch.

            “You always were good with knots.”  Artemis smiled as Xena’s face blazed

crimson.

            “You were always a willing subject.”

            The goddess inclined her head towards Rhoane and raised her eyebrows.

            “Too much chatter,” Xena answered the unasked question. “Got on my nerves.”

            “Think she’s had enough?”  Artemis asked.

            “Probably.”

            “Do you mind?”

            Xena shrugged her shoulders.  “Be my guest.”

            Artemis waved her hand and in the next instant Rhoane was in the bedroll

curled up behind Brandy is if she had been there all night.  Smiling, the

goddess of the hunt and the Amazons took Xena by the hand and led her

further into the forest.  “I don’t want them to hear us talking.”

            “Right.”

            Artemis finally found a spot she was pleased with and sat down, resting

her back against a fallen tree.  “I find great comfort in my wooden

friends,” she said as she patted the trunk.  “Firm and yet still flexible.

Giving.  Home to the tiniest of creatures whose survival is based purely on

instinct.  Unlike that of the other cunning creature that sometimes makes

its home in these branches.  Humans....are the only animals that kill for

any reason other than survival.”

            Xena lowered herself to the ground in front of the goddess and leaned

back, propping herself on her elbows.  It was rare that Artemis let her

personal guards down long enough to display any emotion other than fierce

defiance.  Xena had been privileged enough to be present on several of

those occasions. 

            Most people believed Artemis to be cold and unforgiving, hot tempered and

quick to draw her knife or bow.  Xena found that to be untrue.  The

huntress was fiercely protective of  those creatures, especially her

beloved amazons, fortunate enough to fall under her protection.  She was an

intensely passionate being, no doubt a gift, or curse depending on one’s

viewpoint, that had been given to her by Zeus.

            That intensity carried over into everything Artemis attempted.  Everyone

who had been granted access to this goddess had felt that same intensity.

Xena certainly had.

            The warrior felt the flush creeping up her cheeks as she remembered the

way her body had responded to her goddess’ touch.  There had never been

fingers lighter or lips hotter than those that once skimmed over her taught

skin. 

            Xena could still feel the divine body stretched out over hers.  She

remembered the smooth skin of entangled legs and lips pressed hard against

her own.  Then there were the fingers, deep, searching, in relentless

pursuit of one glorious moment in time when everything stood still except

for the ecstasy that coursed through the molten liquid filled veins of one

woman and one goddess locked in the intimate embrace of lovers.

            “Stop that,” Xena finally whispered in a low raspy voice.

            “Don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

            Xena smiled, not bothering to open her eyes yet.  “Yes you do.  Get outta

my head.”

            “Spoil sport.”  Artemis snorted.

            “You didn’t bring me out here to mess with my hormones.  What’s up?”

            “Always one to cut the fluff, eh?  All right then.  I know you recognize

your guide, at least for who and what she is.”

            Xena nodded.

            “Then you’ll also recognize the importance of what’s to come.”

            “I have no idea what’s to come.  Xmerson is as tight lipped as Rhoane is

loose.”

            Artemis laughed quietly.  “One of the reasons I chose her as my hicantha.”

            “I guess.  If you trust her, then I do.”

            Artemis’ head snapped up.  “Xena, in this you cannot trust anyone.”

            “Why?” Xena raised up and leaned towards Artemis, her face a mix of

seriousness and surprise.  “Tell me what’s going on.”

            “I can’t.  I’m afraid there isn’t much I can tell you at all.  Rules you

know.”  The goddess paused, drawing abstract designs in the earth with her

fingers, drawing from it the strength to continue the conversation.

“Brandy must fulfill her destiny at any cost.  Everything is expendable

in order to make that happen.  Everything.”

            “And everyone,”  Xena finished.

            Artemis raised her hand.  “Xena, you must trust the truth.  The truth.”

Artemis stood and offered her hand to her warrior princess and occasional

lover.  “Not love, Xena, not strength, but the truth.”

            Artemis began to back away and Xena would always remember what she saw

that night.  Tears streamed down her goddess’ face.  And then she was alone.

 

            Xena was just about to begin waking everyone up when Xmerson walked into

the clearing and dropped her pack next to the small fire.  Without a word,

the warrior offered the guide a mug of the warm brew that everyone had

become so fond of.

            “Thank you.” 

            Xmerson looked over the rim while she took a long sip and noticed a change

in the usually calm face of Xena.  She sensed, and could see, an air of

worry.  No, more like deep contemplation.  “Did you rest well?”

            “Marginally well.  Why?”

            Xmerson shrugged her shoulders.  “You look tired.”

            “Oh?” Xena shook her head.  “I had a visitor early this morning.”

            The guide then noticed the faint aura of green and gold that was the

signature of Artemis’ touch.  She lowered her face to her mug to hide the

knowing smile that played at the edges of her lips.  “I see.  The goddess

does have a way of showing up and playing with people doesn’t she?”

            “Mmm.” was all Xena could manage to reply.

            Xmerson weighed, carefully, the words she would use next.  “You can’t

change destiny.  You might be able to postpone it for a short time but in

the end she’s a stern Mistress and always gets what she wants.”

            Xena looked at each sleeping member of the party then brought her eyes

back to rest on Gabrielle’s face.  She felt her breath catch in her throat

and her heart open to allow more of the bard’s love to fill it up.  “I’ll

die before I let anything happen to her.”

            “Put your emotions away, Xena.  They will only serve to get you killed

this time out.”

            “Perhaps.  It’s a chance I’m willing to take.”

            “What about the others?  Will you also die to protect them?” 

 

                        @@@

 

            Leahnthea waited until Hersius was well into her meeting with her warriors

before summoning the witch.  The soul of the amazon nation was stirring and

she had to be there when it was reborn in order to gain control over it.

            “What is it?”  Leahnthea hissed, then reminded herself that as onerous as

it was dealing with the this woman, she had certainly done worse and would

continue to do so until she obtained her goal.  Hersius was the only

pleasurable thing about this entire quest.  She was strong, which Leahnthea

needed, no, craved in order to control her often overwhelming impetuous

tendencies.  She was brilliant, bordering on genius and between the two of

them they had devised an almost foolproof battle plan.  It was also a plus

that Leahnthea found the warlord quite pleasing to look at and that their

sexual appetites matched perfectly.

            “The vision will come but in its own time.  Patience child.”

            “I’m no child, old woman, and I have no time for patience.  I...”

            “Ah...see?”  The witch interrupted.  “I told you it would come.”

            “What?  What do you see?”

            “The children are waking.”

            Leahnthea slammed her hand against the table.  “I know that, fool.  Tell

me something new.”

            “Your group is now about a day away from the sacred temple.  Second

daybreak from this one will find them at the gates.”

            Leahnthea stood and began pacing the room, her movements mimicking those

of a large cat.  She paused in front of the large dressing mirror and

admired the image reflected back at her.  Her figure had never been altered

by the birth of children and she continued to thank the gods for the herbs

that kept that from happening.  Her skin crawled when she thought of

another man, any man, ever touching her again.  She remembered the first

touch from a woman, the only human she would ever call a true love, then

blinked back the tears from the memory of holding her while she died from

the wound of an arrow.  An amazon’s arrow.

            “That’s as expected,” she said softly.  “What else?”

            “There will be a betrayal.”

            “By whom?”  Leahnthea’s voice had taken on its hard edge again and she

walked over to stand next to the table, peering into the black water of the

witch’s scrying bowl. 

            Since she could not see the same visions that the witch could, she had to

trust that she was being told the truth.

            “It’s not clear.”

            “You’re beginning to irritate me.”

            The witch laughed.  “What will you do, kill me?  Go ahead.  I’m 175 and

quite ready to see the fields.  Your threats don’t frighten me, little girl.”

            “Leave me.”  Leahnthea sneered.  “A betrayal,” she continued to herself.

“But no indication from which side.  All right, no need to get jumpy and

begin second guessing ourselves.  My plan is virtually foolproof.  If I

start jumping at shadows now, I’ll only end up making a mistake.”

 

            Hersius looked up and frowned when Leahnthea finally entered the room.

“You’re late.”

            “Unavoidable.  My apologies to you all.  Please, continue.”

            Hersius returned her attention to the maps on the table.  “I’ve decided to

push my people through the Larkus pass.  Doing that would put us at the

gates of the sacred temple four days hence.”

            Leahnthea studied the map.  “We no longer have that much time.  That’s why

I’m late.  I received news that the chosen is only a day away from the

temple and will be prepared for her ascension in only three days.  We must

find a way to be there by then.  Timing is critical to my--our success.

Is there no shorter route to take?”

            “Not without killing some of my soldiers unnecessarily.” 

            Leahnthea leaned over, placing her hands in the middle of the map.  “They

are expendable.  I’ve told you that.  What we are involved in here is much

larger than anyone in this room, even you, dear lover.  You will drive

those people as hard as you need to in order to stop Xena and eliminate the

chosen.”

            Hersius stared at her bedmate then spoke softly.  “I will do what I feel

is necessary in order to accomplish my goal.  I don’t care who falls by the

wayside, but I will not sacrifice my warriors without good cause.”

            “Then make certain you understand this.  There is no room for failure

here.  We’re committed to destroying the amazon nation and if we fail?  We

die.”